Friday 25th November 2016

House: Obasanjo is Grandfather of Corruption in Nigeria A few bad eggs should not lead to blanket condemnation of lawyers, NBA replies ex-president

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna The House of Representatives has responded to accusations of corruption levelled against the National Assembly by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing him as

the grandfather of corruption who introduced corruption into Nigeria in the Fourth Republic.

The House said the former president introduced

corruption into the National Assembly after the return of democracy in 1999, by bribing the legislators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)

and Alliance for Democracy (AD) to vote against the majority candidate of the PDP, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, and electing Senator Evan Enwerem as the Senate

President.

The spokesman of the House, Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak, briefing newsmen yesterday, also accused Obasanjo of attacking

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President Muhammadu Buhari because his cronies were not appointed into government by the president.

Obasanjo at a lecture on Wednesday had accused the legislature of corruption, Continued on page 9

Friday 25 November, 2016 Vol 21. No 7890. Price: N250

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In Tight Race, Ondo Residents Elect New Governor Tomorrow S’Court slams the door against Ibrahim, Jegede intensifies campaign

Bolaji Adebiyi, Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and James Sowole in Akure Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has put 28 political parties on the ballot for tomorrow’s governorship election in Ondo State, three dominant parties appear to have forced themselves into the people’s consciousness, making the contest a threehorse race.

As the front runners – the

ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Progressives Congress (APC) – round off their campaigns today, pundits would have

C A N D I D AT E S ’ S T R E N G T H S A N D W E A K N E S S E S

N E W S A N A LY S I S began an uneasy permutation about the possible outcome of tomorrow’s contest with no one ready to place a bet on any Continued on page 8

EFCC: Corrupt Judges Not Business of DSS or Internal Security ·

Olusola Oke (AD) STRENGTHS Has experience contesting in the past May benefit from the internal conflicts in the PDP and APC Is unencumbered by internal party rancour Has strong grassroots support in Ondo South Senatorial Zone Has large shadowy backing by political leaders

House C’ttee threatens to order arrest of AGF · a threat to national security. · Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The commission said · The rivalry between law the allegations against the enforcement agencies in judges amounted to financial · the country reared its crimes, which are under the head yesterday, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the Department of State Services (DSS) had no business raiding and arresting judges, as corruption does not constitute

purview of anti-graft agency as stipulated in the EFCC Act. This was the position of the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Continued on page 8

WEAKNESSES

· His party structure is relatively weak · Is perceived to be politically unstable having changed parties thrice · May be hamstrung by poor funding

Rotimi Akeredolu (APC) STRENGTHS Has the backing of the federal government and ruling party Has a large war chest Has previous experience contesting for the governorship post

· · ·

WEAKNESSES Unresolved anger arising from the primary of his party His opponents and Bola Tinubu are already rooting for the AD candidate Anger over the non-performance of the APCled federal government might be transferred to him Weak grassroots support

· · · ·

Eyitayo Jegede (PDP) STRENGTHS Has strong political structures and the backing of the state government Has a strong financial base Could benefit from the disenchantment of the people with the federal government for non-performance The sympathy vote

· · ·

· WEAKNESSES · Not an experienced politician · May suffer from the adverse effects of the legal tussle for his ticket · May lose some support from core PDP members who see him as an imposition by Governor Mimiko for third term

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT IN TIGHT RACE, ONDO RESIDENTS ELECT NEW GOVERNOR TOMORROW of the three leading candidates: Prof. Eyitayo Jegede (PDP), Chief Olusola Oke (AD) and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (APC).

INEC, nonetheless, said yesterday that it was set to conduct the election in which 1,280,580 citizens with permanent voters’ cards (PVC), out of 1,660,055 registered voters, are expected to cast their votes in the 3,010 polling units across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Earlier in the week, the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, said the security services were prepared to secure the election. He said 26,000 police personnel, sniffer dogs, horses, three helicopters and 300 vehicles, including 12 armoured personnel carriers and armoured Hilux vans, were ready for deployment in the state for the exercise.

Without a doubt, the tension in the state before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court resolved the quarrel in the PDP for its ticket between Jegede and Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, must have necessitated this elaborate security arrangement.

Even with the clarity over the candidate of the ruling PDP in the state, the raised stakes in the contest by power blocs both in Akure and Abuja, and perhaps Lagos, must have left the police boss with no other option than to raise a war-like operation to provide tight security. The political tension in the state was heated up by discontent arising from the primaries of the PDP and the APC. It began with the APC, where Mr. Olusegun Abraham, the preferred candidate of Senator Bola Tinubu, its National Leader, was defeated by Akeredolu with the backing of some powerful political forces said to be working for the presidency in Abuja. Alleging unfair dealings, Tinubu complained loudly, calling for the resignation of the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. In the meantime, his candidate’s supporters took to the streets of Akure to ventilate their grievances. When he got no redress, his candidate went to court, even as Oke, who came third behind Abraham left the party, first to the Action Alliance, then to AD. Actually, the APC in the

South-west has its roots in the AD, from where the Action Congress of Nigeria, one of the legacy parties of the former, arose. Although Tinubu made no public announcement about a shift in loyalty from the APC, all his foot soldiers, including Mr. Bola Ilori, the Director-General, Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation, and the party’s failed deputy governorship candidate in the 2015 Kogi State governorship election, Hon. James Faleke, have since turned his huge political machinery over to AD’s Oke. Tinubu’s political structures and substantial funding were all the AD and its candidate, Oke, needed to rise from obscurity to prominence, challenging the dominance of the APC and the ruling PDP, which was embroiled in a dispute over the nomination of its candidate for the election.

Ordinarily, had the contest remained a two-horse race between the PDP and the APC, the former would probably have prevailed given its incumbency advantage and the awesome political machinery of Governor Olusegun Mimiko put together more than a decade ago. But the factional fight at the national level that reverberated in the state weakened the chances of the PDP, as its attention was diverted from the intense electioneering required for electoral success, to the judicial battle for survival. Valuable time was lost between the substitution of Jegede with Ibrahim by INEC and the eventual reinstatement of the latter, creating uncertainty among PDP members and canvassers even as Mimiko shuttled between Abuja and Akure, weighing his options had the courts failed to restore his candidate.

Indeed, a combination of factors have colluded to balance the influence of the three leading parties in the state, making tomorrow’s election an open race that is too close to call. But the demography of voters across the three senatorial districts of the state with respect to the dialectical balance of the parties’ ticket might tilt the contest in favour of PDP’s Jegede.

Coming from the high voter Ondo Central Senatorial District that accounts for 39.78 per cent of the PVCs, Jegede whose running mate, Mr. Ola Mafo,

comes from the equally populous Ondo South with 33.12 per cent, might have a demographic advantage if his people decide to vote en bloc for him. This is more so because whereas Oke, also from Ondo South, and Akeredolu, from Ondo North with 27.1 per cent, have opposing party running mates (PDP’s Mafo and AD’s Alhaji Ganiyu Dauda, respectively) who are expected to split the votes in their districts, Jegede has no opposition running mate to reduce his anticipated haul.

Two other factors are likely to weigh in the favour of Jegede: money and a possible collaboration with Oke against Akeredolu. If the contest becomes transactional like it was in the recent governorship election in Edo State, then Jegede may well be on his way to the Alagbaka Government House in Akure. Besides, initial restraint exercised by the oilrich and wealthy Niger Delta governments in the hands of the PDP because of the substitution of Jegede might now be relaxed with the prospect of huge funds coming the way of the Jegede campaign machine.

Although the APC with its federal might muster much more funds in aid of Akeredolu, indications, however, are that President Muhammadu Buhari, in spite of his open support for his party’s candidate, is not inclined to deploying state funds to such a venture.

Meanwhile, a split in the ranks of APC governors owing to the disenchantment of their national leader threatens to weaken Akeredolu’s capacity to raise substantial funds from neigbouring states.

Finally, with Akeredolu being viewed as the common enemy by both Tinubu and Mimiko — Oke and Jegede’s principals — a last minute collusion between the two could edge him out of contention. But who would the conspirators chose? Is it Jegede or Oke? This, perhaps, is the reason the race remains open.

S’Court Shows Ibrahim the Door But as residents go to the polls to decide who their next governor would be, the Supreme Court yesterday struck out the appeal that sought to nullify the leave granted to Jegede to challenge the judgment of the Federal High

Court, Abuja, which barred him from participating in the Ondo governorship election.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment by a five-man panel of justices led by the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, also threw out 14 separate motions filed by chieftains of the PDP from the six South-west states who are loyal to the Ali Modu Sherrif faction of the party.

Justice Onnoghen, who delivered the ruling, held that the interlocutory appeals had become “academic”, considering the fact that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had already delivered judgment on the substantive matter.

However, the Supreme Court declined to award costs against the appellants.

Those behind the appeal were the Chairman of the PDP in Ondo State, Prince Biyi Poroye and Ademola Genty (for themselves and the Ondo State Executive Committee of the PDP), Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo, Bola Ajao Lateef (Osun State PDP Excos), Hon. Taiwo Akeem, Hon. Alaba Adelabu (Oyo State), as well as Hon. Bowale Solaja, Adewale Segun and Ogunbiyi Adeleke Olasukanmi.

While striking out the interlocutory motions, the Supreme Court said Poroye and his group were at liberty to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Onnoghen said it was better and safer for the appellants to add all the issues they raised in the 14 motions in any appeal they might wish to lodge against the decision of the Court of Appeal.

The acting CJN said there was no point hearing the motions piecemeal when final judgment had been delivered.

Reacting to the ruling, Jegede’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said his client was not afraid of whatever appeal Poroye’s group would file against the appellate court’s judgment.

Olanipekun also commended the Supreme Court for paving the way for the speedy resolution of the Ondo PDP crisis.

However, the counsel to the appellants, Chief Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), said his clients would abide by the Supreme Court ruling.

He was however not satisfied

that issues of law raised in the motions were not determined on their merit.

of the House, who embarked on massive propaganda and lies just because he was removed from office,” he said.

The spokesman further accused the ex-president of always working to bring down governments, particularly when presidents refuse to listen to him.

“It is unfortunate that he has started his very familiar method of bringing down governments. He did it to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, he did it to General Buhari, he did same to General Babangida, he

attempted to bring down General Abacha before he imprisoned him for treason; he made frantic efforts to derail the government of President Yar’Adua when he couldn’t use him.

“He supported President Goodluck Jonathan but when he refused to take dictation, he turned against him. He supported President Buhari, but since he has sensed that Nigeria is having economic difficulties under him, he has pounced to derail his government,” he said.

Part of the spokesman’s

several judges, and was still investigating some, including a few that were arrested by the DSS. Earlier, the Director General of the DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, had appeared before the committee.

His submission was however taken behind closed doors.

Emerging about one and a half hours later, Daura refused to talk to waiting journalists.

Pestered while his men cleared the path blocked by journalists, he simply said: “The meeting went well.”

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, was absent at the

hearing, and did not send a representative.

The chairman of the committee, Hon. Mohammed Garba Datti (Kaduna APC), said Malami did not submit any memoranda as requested or sent an apology for his absence.

“We summoned him to appear today (yesterday) because we are aware that the Federal Executive Council meeting holds on Wednesdays. We are giving him up to Tuesday to appear, failing which we will make the committee to invoke its power of arrest,” he said.

The hearing adjourned till next Tuesday.

Jegede Intensifies Campaign With his reinstatement as the candidate of the PDP, Jegede yesterday intensified his electioneering across several towns in Ondo to beat tonight’s deadline.

In addition, Jegede’s campaign jingles and promos rented radio and television airwaves immediately after the judgment of the Appeal Court ruling on Wednesday, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Around Okitipupa yesterday, it was observed that Jegede’s campaign train was in the town and its environs. Jegede’s campaign team sang his praise and distributed fliers on his election bid.

His supporters were also jubilant, dancing and singing different campaign songs. Also, some supporters of the candidate called for the postponement of the election to give the PDP candidate more time to campaign.

Mr. Ayodele Fasakin, the PDP candidate’s campaign director in Okitipupa, said that the team had a short time to campaign.

“INEC should postpone this election; we don’t have enough time for campaigns because the election is two days away. But I am optimistic that Jegede will win the election; it is glaring, “he said.

One of Jegede’s supporters, Mr. Ayinde Ikudaisi, added that he was satisfied with the judgment, and urged INEC to give Jegede more time to sell himself to the electorate.

Another supporter, Mrs. Yemi Akinwale, also said that she was delighted with Jegede’s reinstatement, adding that more time for his campaign would give him a better chance of winning the election.

Also, Jegede yesterday led protesters to the state headquarters of INEC reiterating the need for the commission to shift the election by four weeks.

Jegede, who was accompanied by a mammoth crowd that welcomed him when he arrived the Akure Airport, drove in a motorcade through some streets in the state capital.

He said his call was to ensure that the election is held in full

compliance with the provisions of Section 34, 45 and 74 of the Electoral Act. According to Jegede, who submitted a letter to the INEC Chairman, Mahood Yakubu, since the Electoral Act stipulates that the names of candidate should be published 30 days before the election, he felt it would be appropriate if the commission started counting his days as a candidate from November 23 when the Court of Appeal gave judgment in his favour.

He said this would also allow the PDP to submit a list of his party’s agents in good time before the election as provided by the Electoral Act, which stipulates that each party should make available a list of their party agents to the commission 14 days before the day of election.

Jegede said the names submitted by the Biyi Poroye faction of the PDP could not be regarded as the list of the party, because the appellate court had ruled against the faction, making its list a nullity.

Reacting to the request, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, said INEC had gone past the issue of postponement, given that it had distributed sensitive materials to all the local governments already for the election.

He insisted that the commission was prepared for the election come tomorrow.

“We can no longer be talking about the postponement of the election right now. The matter is an internal dispute within the PDP and so we cannot be talking about postponement.

“If we postpone the election, we will be losing billions of naira knowing that we have already deployed sensitive and non-sensitive materials to all the local government areas of the state,” he responded.

He said the list of party agents would be received from Jegede and the old ones discarded.

Agbaje said adequate security had been provided to escort the materials to the respective local government areas.

Despite his calls for postponement, Jegede continued his campaign across the state, but party leaders expressed concern that the limited time could hurt his chances in the election.

HOUSE: OBASANJO IS GRANDFATHER OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA budget padding and said it had threatened the life of a “whistle blower”.

Namdas however noted that Obasanjo’s grouse with the National Assembly stemmed from the foiling of his third term bid in 2007, after trying to corrupt the members with bribes of N50 million each.

“Have we forgotten that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo used his position as president to extort money from businessmen and contractors with his government

to build his presidential library?

The list of his corrupt acts while in office is endless.

“Unquestionably, he is the greatest corrupt person ever to hold office in Nigeria. He remains the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria and lacks the moral authority to discuss corruption or indeed abuse of office in Nigeria as he remains the most corrupt Nigerian on record,” Namdas said.

Continuing, the House asked: “Have we forgotten the sacks of money displayed on the floor of

the House of Representatives, being bribe money paid by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to some honourable members to impeach the speaker, Rt. Hon. Ghali N’abba?”

Namdas also addressed the issue of the budget padding allegation, insisting that there was no crime committed in the 2016 budget.

“It is most unfortunate that a former president of Chief Obasanjo’s stature would allow himself to be hoodwinked and procured by a renegade member

EFCC: CORRUPT JUDGES NOT BUSINESS OF DSS OR INTERNAL SECURITY when he appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the invasion of property and arrest of persons for reasons outside the general duties of the DSS.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta, however, said the DSS raid was in order, as the agency can perform the duties of the police.

Magu, who was represented by an Assistant Director (Prosecution), Mr. Ojogbane Johnson, also disclosed that the agency was “not particularly involved” in the operation

against the judges.

“It is a crime motivated by greed, but it’s within the purview of the EFCC. Bribery and corruption are for personal gain, and what it has affected in my view was not security, but development. It is not about the internal security which the DSS deals with, what it does is to rob us of our commonwealth.

“I am not aware of any issue they (DSS) have been involved in that has elicited as much criticism as this one. It is not so much because people are against them fighting corruption but the methodology,” he said.

Magu explained that the DSS

could have executed the same operation by inviting or arresting the judges during the day or arraigning them in court.

“Most of these people are not violent on their own and when we put them before a compromised judge, and are set free, they go back to do the same things, like duping people.

That has nothing to do with internal security,” he added.

Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu (Anambra PDP) asked Magu if the EFCC had received petitions against the judges, or was investigating them.

Magu admitted that the agency had been investigating

address read: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at a lecture he delivered recently, wherein, in his characteristic manner accused everybody but himself Continued on page 9

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

NEWS

FG’s Peace Talks with Oil Rebels Deadlocked JTF carries out aerial, land bombardment of militants’ camps

Sylvester Idowu in Warri with agency report Just weeks ago, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said output was almost back to normal after a year of devastating attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

But now it seems Kachikwu spoke way too soon about the 2.1 million barrel per day figure, reported AFP yesterday.

Hours after President Muhammadu Buhari held talks with representatives from the oil-rich region in the capital Abuja on November 1, the attacks resumed in spectacular fashion.

A blast on the Trans-Forcados pipeline just 48 hours after it reopened was a brazen provocation, casting doubt on the Nigerian government’s ability to secure peace in the region. Forcados produces 215,000 barrels per day.

Then on November 5, the major pipeline was hit again by the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, a group that has stepped up its attacks in recent months.

In the middle of the month, the Niger Delta Avengers, the main group in the restive region, claimed to have bombed three Nembe creek trunk lines.

The Avengers said the ongoing sabotage was in response to the Nigerian Navy's “Operation Sharkbite” in the region aimed at stopping attacks by militants and pirates.

“We are determined to continue this war by all means necessary,” the Avengers said.

The Nigerian army launched “Operation Crocodile Smile” in the oil hub of Warri earlier this year in an attempt to stop the pipeline sabotage hammering the economy.

But regional leaders said that

the presence of the troops was stoking tension in a frustrated region, caught between violent militants and heavy-handed soldiers. Shootouts here have led to high-profile casualties.

In October, a Nigeria Premier League defender Izu Joseph was accidentally shot dead when soldiers raided his hometown of Okaki in southern Bayelsa State.

Last week, online newspaper Premium Times said that soldiers had killed a kidnapped pastor in August mistaking him for a militant. Fed up with the violence, women have started protesting.

“Only some days back, they (soldiers) invaded Oporoza community with two gunboats,” Godspower Gbenekama from Gbaramatu community, near Warri, told AFP. “Angered by the constant invasion, women from the community mobilised in protest, met the soldiers and told them that they were tired of their frequent invasion of their community.”

There is a deep-rooted distrust of President Buhari, a northerner, in an impoverished region where people are cynical about politicians after years of broken promises.

Some feel they are being punished after not voting for Buhari’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party in 2015.

“There is no desire to achieve anything through the deceit called peace talks,” Niger Delta activist Annkio Briggs told AFP. “The Niger Delta not voting for APC in 2015 was unforgivable and the people are being punished today.”

Others feel that Buhari's pledge to create a $10 billion Niger Delta infrastructure fund is nearly impossible to achieve given Nigeria’s economic crisis.

“I don’t think that they really feel a sense of trust in the government,” said Dolapo Oni, energy researcher at Ecobank.

“Unfortunately there’s not much that government can do, I think the disruptions will likely continue,” Oni said.

Charles Swabey, oil and gas analyst for BMI Research, echoed Oni, saying the attacks were pressure tactics that played havoc with production and showed the government the militants “have the capability to carry on”.

The wave of attacks began in early 2016, tipping Nigeria into a recession in August.

Nigeria depends on oil for 70 per cent of its government revenue and the bulk of its export earnings.

The militants want more energy wealth to go back to the communities it is taken

from and are calling for more development and a clean-up of the polluted environment.

Despite the recent uptick in attacks on oil infrastructure, Nigeria’s security forces remained unrelenting in their efforts to stem the sabotage of facilities in the region.

Yesterday, operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) descended heavily on militants in the Delta State axis with heavy aerial and land bombardment on newly set-up militant camps in the state.

THISDAY learnt that the camps were set up by militants at Kosugbene village near Gbekubor in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources disclosed that the intelligence units of the JTF had been keeping surveillance on the new

camps until yesterday when the operations moved in to destroy them.

“Our intelligence units have been following the developments of the camps since they were being put in place by the miscreants.

But we had to move in now to destroy them before they become a major problem for us all,” a senior military officer disclosed to THISDAY. It was gathered that heavily armed soldiers in 10 gunboats bombarded the new camps at Kosugbene village as early as 7 a.m., while the air component fired shots to pave the way for troops in the creeks.

The operation, it was learnt, lasted for several hours, as the soldiers ensured that nothing could be salvaged from the destroyed camps.

THISDAY investigations

revealed that the militants gave feeble resistance as they were caught unawares by the soldiers whose superior firepower and tactics overwhelmed them.

It could not be ascertained if arrests were made at the time of filing this report. THISDAY checks however revealed that several of the militants fled into the bush and nearby villages to escape from the military onslaught.

The military operations, it was learnt, was perfected

by Sector One Commander, Colonel Alhassan Grema and Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Effurun, Major Ahmed Abdulakdir.

The JTF spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Olaolu Marcellinus Daudu, confirmed the onslaught but promised details later.

figures of sums of money that are factually incorrect.

No member of the House of Representatives receives N10 million every month.

The salaries and allowances of members of the House are as determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

“Of course further sums of money are spent such as running costs, that is, the cost of running the office of a member. If a minister, chief executive or director in a ministry travels on official duties, for instance, do you include the cost of his ticket and accommodation as part of his salary or allowances?

“Does the cost of stationery and maintenance of equipment like computers used in their offices form part of their salaries and allowances? These are some of the costs that must be taken care of by the National Assembly and the media calls these costs ‘jumbo pay’.

“For goodness sake, the National Assembly is an arm of government, not just an ordinary agency of government. The budgets of many agencies in the executive branch are indeed higher than the current budget of the National Assembly that is an arm of government.

Examples abound: CBN, NNPC, NCC, etc. Allowances

paid to even junior staff of some of these government agencies cannot be compared to what members of National Assembly enjoy.

“The way Chief Obasanjo talks gives the impression that he is a lifetime opposition leader who has never held any office. What did he do about the issues he raised in his eight years as president?

“This is a man with unlimited access to President Buhari. Or is it because he has not appointed all his cronies as requested? We may never know. His stock in trade is blackmail, subversion and treachery... We wish him well.”

In the same vein, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) yesterday reacted to the former president’s criticism of lawyers and judges in the judiciary for corrupt practices, saying that the presence of a few bad eggs in the legal profession should not lead to a blanket condemnation of the entire members of the profession.

The NBA said it was aware that the profession currently parades some unscrupulous members and that everything was being done to flush them out and bring them to justice.

The NBA’s reaction was made on the sidelines of the National Executive Council meeting of the association in Minna, the Niger State capital.

The President of the NBA, Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmood (SAN), said: “The allegations of corruption against the bar and the bench should not undermine the significant contributions of the judiciary and the legal profession to nation building. A few bad eggs should not lead to the total condemnation of the profession.

“NBA will always co-operate with the federal government to flush out bad eggs but this should be done in accordance with due process and the rule of law.”

While conceding that there are problems in the judiciary and the legal profession that need to be addressed, the NBA president said the association was working round the clock to address these problems.

“NBA is making effort to ensure the integrity of the profession and for the judiciary to be restored and improved upon.

“The allegations against members are under investigation, if the allegations are established, NBA will come out with disciplinary measures against those concerned.”

Mahmood called on the public to continue to respect the legal profession, which he maintained had played a vital role in the nation’s political and economic trajectory.

Niger Delta militants

HOUSE: OBASANJO IS GRANDFATHER OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA of corruption.

“He ventured to accuse the National Assembly of budget padding, accused the House of criminal activities, of threatening the life of a ‘whistleblower’, lampooned constituency projects which he approved as president, and ventured to discuss the budget of the National Assembly which is highly underfunded?

“The House of Representatives would ordinarily not join issues with the former president as he has held an office that deserves respect and reverence.

However, because of the material misstatement of facts, outright lies and falsehood, and mischievous innuendo introduced in his statement, we are left with no option but to correct him.

“We have repeatedly maintained that there was no ‘padding’ of the 2016 Appropriation Act, which is a legitimate document passed by the National Assembly, authenticated by the Clerk of the National Assembly as provided in the Acts Authentication Act and assented to by Mr. President.

“It is most unfortunate that a former president of Chief Obasanjo’s stature would allow himself to be hoodwinked and procured by a renegade member of

the House, who embarked on massive propaganda and lies just because he was removed from office.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no crime that was committed by the National Assembly by exercising its constitutional function of appropriation. If Chief Obasanjo has an issue with the execution of the 2016 budget or indeed other Appropriation Acts, he should direct his anger elsewhere.

“He claimed that the National Assembly budget is very high, when by all standards, the National Assembly is grossly underfunded and is hampered from effectively and legitimately carrying out its constitutionally assigned functions. The National Assembly budget funds a bureaucracy of about 5,000 civil servants. It has some other agencies under its purview such as the National Assembly Service Commission, with its own staff of about 500; even the Public Complaints Commission is now a parastatal of the National Assembly.

“The National Assembly budget also funds the National Institute for Legislative Studies, which is a legislative think-tank and highly rated academic institution that serves both national and state Houses

of Assemblies and even international legislators.

“All these agencies also have their capital budgets including development of their headquarters, procurement of office equipment, procurement of regular items for running their offices “The National Assembly maintain legislative aides of about 3,000 in number that aid the work of the Assembly; it also conducts regular public hearings involving the media and stakeholders and oversight activities, involving huge sums of money.

“The cost implication of running the National Assembly is high because of the nature of our presidential democracy.

Then of course, there are 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives that require proper equipment to function effectively.

“They require adequate travel and transport support to carry out legislative functions.

The National Assembly also has buildings and offices to build and maintain. National Assembly staff and members attend conferences, training and seminars to keep abreast of legislative developments worldwide. The activities are very encompassing and expensive.

“It is also unbecoming of a former president to quote

10

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

224 Firms Submit Bids for 2017 Crude Term Contracts India, Indonesia, Thailand now top destinations for Nigeria’s oil

Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday disclosed that 224 companies have submitted bids to lift its crude oil over the next 12 calendar months, starting from February 2017.

The corporation also stated that contrary to speculations that crude oil of Nigeria’s origin were finding it difficult to get buyers in the international market, the country’s oil grades were still the most sought-after among refiners in Europe and other users in far east Asian countries.

Indicating that the United States, its previous top customer, was beginning to look towards the country again for crude oil supplies, NNPC said Nigeria’s

top customers are now India, Indonesia and Thailand.

Bonny light, Qua Iboe, Brass River, and Forcados crude oil are some of Nigeria’s most sought-after crude oil grades in the market.

Speaking at the opening of the bids at its headquarters in Abuja, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated that the list dropped from 278 that applied for the contract in 2015 because the corporation introduced some new requirements that must be met by bidders.

According to him, refiners and big crude oil lifters will be given priority consideration in the process which he noted wouldbe concluded in February 2017.

He explained that about

Air Force Aircraft in Mild Crash in Makurdi George Okoh In Makurdi An Augusta AW101 helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force crashed landed last Monday during a routine check in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, with a flight engineer on board.

The helicopter, which was released to the air force from the Presidential Air Fleet recently, developed a fault midway before it crashed landed.

The incident was allegedly

concealed by the air force at the Tactical Air Command (TAC) where the accident occurred.

The flight engineer on board did not sustain very serious injuries source said.

All attempts to reach the air force to get an explanation on the accident failed, while its Public Relations Officer, Okon Bassey was away on training The air force base in Makurdi, has been very busy lately with check-ups of its fighter planes.

700,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil which include Joint Venture (JV) and Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) volumes would be put out for lifting within the term.

“It marks the beginning of the 2016 and 2017 term contracts for Nigerian crude oil under the NNPC on behalf of the people and government of Nigeria,” said Baru.

He stated that “when we sell this crude oil, the money goes straight to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account on behalf of the federation. NNPC does not operate any of those accounts.

“The best inputs from the NNPC is confirmation that the money has been paid but we have no signature rights on this account, contrary to the perception that NNPC is hoarding some money on behalf of the Nigerian people, all the crude oil that we sell goes to the Nigerian people. There is nothing that is hidden, it is all open for everybody to see.”

Baru said on the volumes to be sold: “It is the volumes that we get from our JV operations

that is about 600,000 barrels per day. We also have somewhere in the region of 100,000 barrels per day in terms of royalty and tax oils that is from the PSC operations, these are the kinds of volumes we are expecting next year.”

On the number of companies that will emerge from the exercise as well as their expected capacities, he said: “That will be decided on actual production forecast around February next year when the tenders are supposed to come in, however, last year, we had about 27 companies that were selected.

“Essentially, we are targeting refiners and big traders as well as companies that have made substantial investment in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the downstream sector.”

Baru said about reported downturn in demands for Nigeria’s crude oil grade, “There had been speculation that we are struggling for market. That is not quite true. Nigerian crude oil has continued to earn premiums and is hot cakes all over for refiners because of its light nature which

gives very high yields, so our crude oil continues to maintain markets.

“In fact, contrary to speculations that a lot of Nigerian crude goes to China, they don’t, most of them are consumed in India and Europe, particularly this year and last year, most of Nigerian crude oil ended up in Europe.”

Speaking further in this regards, the General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division of NNPC, Melee Kyari said: “Only one confirmed crude oil cargo got to China last year. Most of our production ends up in Europe and far east Asia. India, Indonesia and Thailand are our major buyers and of course, there are changes in the market that is bringing the US back to us.”

Kyari also said the corporation had in planning for the term contract, factored in the plans of its customers to improve the reliability of supplies from it.

He also cautioned potential customers against fraudsters claiming to have oil term contracts with NNPC. According to him. “We don’t

do spot allocation; NNPC stopped selling crude on spot market for over 15 years, so anyone coming to tell you about spot sales is a liar.

“Outside this towers, we have not delegated anyone to discuss crude oil business with the public; other than our Duke Oil which is in London, there is no other office of NNPC that deals with crude oil.”

He also said NNPC will factor into its contract, the global downturn in oil production and price volatility.

Some of the bidders include Northwest Petroleum Limited, Delma Nigeria Limited, Green and Green Petrochemicals, Forte Oil, Nisen Investment Limited, CMCO Nigeria Limited, Duke Oil, Acorn Petroleum, BP Oil International and North Oil and Coral Global.

Others are Calson Bermuda, Glencore Energy Services, Emadeb Energy Services Limited, Tamoil Overseas, Demure Energy Services Limited, Vitol SA, Ankor Oil and Emo oil Petrochemical, among others.

N22.8bn Fraud: Court to Decide EFCC’s Request to Amend Evidence against Amosu, Others Today Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos will today decide the fate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on its attempt to amend evidence against a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), and 10 others.

Amosu and 10 others are currently facing trial over alleged N22.8 billion fraud before the court.

The accused were on June 29 arraigned by the EFCC alongside Air Vice Marshal Jacob Bola Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Owodunni Olugbenga and eight companies.

The companies are: Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon Health Care.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the court before fixing today for ruling on the move by the EFCC to amend its evidence against the accused earlier ruled on the pending of the accused praying the court to disqualify second prosecution witness,

Owobo Tosin, from testifying in the matter.

The accused persons raised their objections to the competence of the witness to testify in the case on the grounds that name of Tosin was not part witnesses in the proof of evidence before the court.

Justice Idris in his ruling, held that the prosecution approach in introducing the second witness to testify in the matter without being part of proof of evidence before court was alien to Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The court totally agreed with all the submission of the accused on whether or not to allow Tosin to testify.

Justice idris held that prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo must do the needful if Tosin must testify.

Immediately after the ruling of court, Oyedepo notified the court of his intention to amend proof of evidence before the court but all the accused opposed the move.

Amosu’s lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), while opposing the move, told the court that the prosecution cannot amend its evidence without seeking the leave of the court.

PRODUCT INGENUITY

L-R: Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Managing Director, Vinval Limited during the inspection of locally made products from Onitsha industrialists as part of the vice president’s visit, to Anambra State...yesterday.

CBN: Manufacturers, Others Got $867m for Raw Materials in October Obinna Chima In continuation of its resolve to ease foreign exchange (FX) pressure on manufacturers and other strategic players in the Nigerian economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it met about 7,792 requests for FX valued at $867,834,186.26, through the inter-bank window to enable them source vital raw materials and spare parts for their respective industries.

A summary of the Forex Utilisation for the month of October 2016, from the central bank indicated that the raw

materials sector received the highest allotment, as it got access to FX valued at $355,744,861.05 or 40.99 per cent of the total value of FX utilisation for the month under review.

Statistics obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Abuja showed that the manufacturing and petroleum industries got access to $91,276,699.30 and $150,815,804.73, respectively.

Companies and other interests in the agricultural sector got access to $13,714,552.83 for the period, while entities in the aviation sector received

$10,313,648.29 for the same period. Finished goods and others got allotments of $43,838,044.04 and $10,795,488.92, respectively.

In addition, invisibles, comprising of school fees, students’ upkeep and medicals, among others, received $191,335,087.10 or 22.05 per cent of the figure.

Confirming the figures, the acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Isaac Okorafor, said the release of the figures underscored the transparency of the bank in Foreign Exchange Management.

According to him, the CBN remained committed to its pledge to ease the foreign exchange pressure on manufacturing and agricultural sectors through forward sales under the new flexible Foreign Exchange regime.

In the month of September 2016, manufacturing industries in Nigeria were given access to foreign exchange valued at over $660 million in the inter-bank market to source raw materials and spare parts for their industries courtesy of the interbank FOREX market.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

11

NEWS

Sheriff: I RemainentChairman of PDP on party’s national convention Appeal Court reserves judgm

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The former acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has said he still remains the substantive leader of the party.

Sheriff said there were moves to reconcile the two factions of the party, insisting that the party is one.

The Abuja division of the court of appeal on Wednesday had nullified the ruling of Okon Abang, a judge of the Federal High Court Abuja, who declared the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party illegal.

The Appeal Court said Senator Ahmed Markafi was not given fair hearing at the trial court because he was not

allowed to join the matter as an interested party.

But speaking with journalists yesterday, Sheriff said he remained chairman of the party until the Port Harcourt division of Appeal Court says otherwise.

“I’m surprised at some of the reporting you media people are carrying, all the reporting yesterday was not correct because the issue in the lower court, is the issue of governorship of Ondo State,” Sheriff said.

“That issue is between the state chairmen and the chairmen of the other group, the Court of Appeal has not touched anything on who is the leader or who is the substantive national chairman of the PDP that is the issue in the court

of appeal. The Supreme Court says the Court of Appeal should hear the matter.

“If the Court of Appeal decides that they should hear that matter – saying Makarfi is the chairman, there is no issue like this, Ali Sheriff remains the substantive chairman of the PDP until the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt gives judgment otherwise.

The Supreme Court also asked the court now to go and hear that matter, so therefore the issue of discussion therefore is between Jegede and Jimoh

Ibrahim. We are not party to it.

We will abide by any decision of court, we are law-abiding citizens.

On the reconciliation plans, he said: “We will reconcile, the thing is that being in court does not stop the parties from talking. PDP is one.”

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by Sheriff against the judgment of Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

Justice Liman had validated the National Convention of the PDP in Port Harcourt which produced the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the PDP and dissolved the National Executive Committee under the leadership of Sheriff.

At the sitting of the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, counsel to the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, Dejo Laminkanra (SAN), urged the court to uphold the validation of the PDP National Convention as

granted by the Federal High Court.

Sheriff was represented by Mr. Akintola.

After listening to the submissions of both parties, the presiding Justice, Justice Ali Gumel, reserved judgment for a later date.

The court ruled that the parties would be notified when the judgment is ready.

The panel that heard the appeal included Justice Gumel (presiding Justice); Justice T.N. Orji-Abadua and Justice B.S. Sanga.

Buhari, Tinubu, APC Welcome Atiku to 70s Club Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, ormer Governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Bola Tinubu, and the party have felicitated with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as he turns 70 on November 25, 2016.

In a letter he personally signed, Buhari said he was delighted to welcome Atiku “to the 70s club,” and prayed that Allah would grant him “many more years of good health and service to Nigeria.”

The president added: “Over the years, I have admired your courage and doggedness in defending your interests and your generosity in promoting education. The American University in Yola is one of your noble legacies, and my hope and wish is that it will endure.”

Buhari said both himself and the former vice president should be grateful to Allah, who has granted them grace to be in the 70s club, and sends “kind personal regards.”

Also, Tinubu described Atiku as a man of faith, saying faith has kept him going and waxing strong.

In a letter he personally signed, Tinubu felicitated with Atiku on attaining the proverbial age of 70 and urged him to accept that “there is a tide in the affairs of men.”

He said in the letter in which he addressed Atiku as his dear brother: “I write to felicitate with you on the attainment of the proverbial age of three scores and ten, 70.

“Your life has been a life of service to your people, your country and the causes you believe in. Nigeria has been well served by your stewardship and leadership.

“Your steadfastness in walking the democratic path sets you apart as a leader with substance.

“Your passion for education has seen you invest your time and resources in education, knowing full well that when you educate people, you educate a nation.

“You are a man of faith. Your faith has kept you going and kept you strong. I urge you to accept that there is a tide in the affairs of men.

You must continue to serve Nigeria well even as a private citizen. And a notable leader.

“Do not relent because Nigeria needs you and others like you to continue to make life more meaningful.

“We must continue to explore common grounds towards promoting the common good. I pray for a long life and continued good health for Turaki Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar.”

On its part, the APC praised the Atiku for his numerous contributions to the development of the country.

The party in its birthday message to Atiku, said the history of Nigeria is incomplete without copious reference to his contributions to the economic development of Nigeria.

In a letter signed by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the former vice president was hailed for his solid contributions to the growth of the party and entrenching democracy in the country.

The letter read: “Our great party, the APC celebrates with your excellency on the occasion of your 70th birthday. The history of Nigeria is incomplete without copious reference to your immense contributions to the social, political and economic development of the country.

“Over the years, you have proven yourself as a democrat, detrabalised leader, elder statesman, successful businessman, political icon and philanthropist.

“The party particularly laud your investment in the country’s education sector and other business ventures. These investments have touched lives positively and generated employment for many Nigerians.

“As a party leader, the APC attest to your solid contributions to the growth of our great party and entrenching democracy in the country. The APC wishes you many more happy, healthy and fulfilled years of service to the party and nation.”

WELL DONE FOR THE GOOD JOB Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (second left); presenting a Parliamentary Media Award for Leadership to

Senate Majority Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume. With them are the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (left), and Chairman, Senate Press Corps, Mr. Cosmos Ekpunobi, during the 2016 awards/dinner for senators and journalists covering the Senate organised by the Senate Press Corps in Abuja ....

Wednesday.

EFCC Fails to Stop Bail for Dasuki’s Aide, Security Consultants Defendants deny N1.5bn fraud charge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed at the Federal High Court in Abuja in its bid to stop the court from granting bails to an aide of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammad Sambo Dasuki (rtd), and security consultants who were accused of corruption by the federal government.

The EFCC lawyer, Mr. Ofem Uket, had made frantic moves to stop Justice Gabriel Kolawole from admitting the defendants on bails on the ground that they would escape justice by refusing to appear for trial in the charges against them.

The main defendants are Colonel Nicholas Ashinze, a former aide in the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA); an Austrian and security consultant, Mr. Wolfgang Reinl; a retired military intelligent officer, Sagir Mohammed, and a legal practitioner, Mr. Edidiong Idiong.

Uket told the court that although the defendants were granted administrative bail, the bail however terminated at the point the anti-graft agency filed charges against them.

“We are aware that the defendants are enjoying administrative bail. Their counsel understand that any administrative bail granted ends

as soon as the matter is brought to court and bail applications are filed.

“Such bail cannot be extended since the charges have now been preferred to the defendants.

We therefore urge the court to deny the bail application,” he submitted.

He then urged Justice Kolawole not to admit them on bail on the ground that they may escape.

But Ashinze’s counsel, Ernest Nwoye, told the court that he had a pending application for the bail of his client.

He urged the court to grant the defendant bail on self recognisance having earlier been admitted to bail by an FCT High Court.

Afam Osigwe, counsel representing the second and fifth defendants, also prayed the court to admit Reinl to bail.

He stated that he has been enjoying administrative bail from the EFCC since February.

Osigwe said his travel documents are in the possession of the commission and that the defendant had lived in Nigeria for over 23 years and is married to a Nigerian.

In his argument, counsel to the third defendant, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN), said his client, Idiong, being a legal practitioner, knows what it means to jump

bail.

He stated that aside the fact that he had earlier been granted bail by an FCT High Court, he had always made himself available to the EFCC. In a similar vein, counsel representing the fourth defendant, Nureni Jimoh, while praying the court to grant his client bail presented six exhibits marked exhibits A-F respectively, to the effect that the accused had a health challenge which he had been managing for close to forty years.

However in his ruling, Justice Kolawole said the claim by the EFCC lawyer that the defendants will escape justice was speculative because there was no evidence to that effect.

The judge said it is established beyond reasonable doubt that the EFCC granted the defendants administrative bail and that there was no evidence that any of them jumped bail or tampered with witnesses or evidence.

In the circumstances, Justice Kolawole adopted the EFCC administrative bail and admitted all the defendants bail with the conditions.

Justice Kolawole held that the charges are all bailable adding that, “since each of the defendants has been on one administrative bail or the other, my sixth judicial sense informs me that I adopt

the terms and conditions of the bail granted to the defendants by the EFCC and my learned brothers in the FCT High Courts.

The judge added that the case would be granted accelerated hearing and urged the prosecution to pick five days in the new year for trial.

Consequently, the case was adjourned to January 23, February 1 and14; and March 7 and 21, 2017.

The EFCC, had arraigned the quartet of Colonel Nicholas Ashinze, a former Special Assistant to the former National Security Adviser, an Austrian, Wolfgang Reinl; Edidiong Idiong and Sagir D. Mohammed before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a 13-count charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N1.5billion.

The defendants however denied the charges preferred against them.

Ashinze and other defendants were arraigned alongside five companies accused of allegedly diverting huge sums from the office of the former NSA. The companies are: Geonel Integrated Services Limited, Unity Continental Nigeria Limited, Helpline Organisation, Vibrant Resource Limited and Sologic Integrated Services Limited.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Observers Want Ondo Election Shifted IPAC warns electorate against selling votes

James Sowole in Akure As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) begins distribution of materials to various local governments, the Coalition of INEC Accredited Domestic Observer Groups for Ondo gubernatorial election, said buying of voter cards by politicians had commenced in different parts of the state.

The Coordinator of the team, Mr. Igwe Kalu, stated this in a pre-election statement issued yesterday in Akure, saying the act was being perpetrated especially in Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Owo local governments.

Kalu said it had been reported that thumb-printing of ballot papers was ongoing at Kiribo in Ese-Odo Local Government, where the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Agboola Ajayi hailed from.

“INEC, security agencies, political parties, media and other stakeholders have not really harmonised to prevent the various infractions that marred previous election in the state.

“The court rulings on the authentic candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also a serious concern to the voters especially supporters of the party and the candidate.

“Some security personnel are overzealous and have turned to

be instrument of intimidation and harassment of citizens in the State against their constitutional mandate of protecting life and property/ ensuring peaceful and mutual habitation,” Kalu stated.

The team leader said in his report that there are enough reasons for the postponement of the election.

“Following the dying minute court judgment that affirmed the authentic candidate of the PDP to be Eyitayo Jegede, for fairness, moral considerations and level playground, INEC should consider postponing the election to enable the candidate of the PDP that was just cleared by the court to minimally prepare for the election.

“The postponement of the election will also douse political and security tension created by Justice Okon Abang judgment against Eyitayo Jegede’s candidature for the election “While we have confidence on the commitment on our dear President Muhammadu Buhari in strengthening our democratic values, we urge him to see reasons with the good people of the State who are threatening to boycott the election should INEC go ahead with the election on Saturday and call the commission to order by postponing the election in consideration to the demands of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) Muhammad Lawal Nalado, yesterday called on political parties, contestants and the electorate to maintain high sense of civility and decorum in the course of their last minutes campaigns.

Addressing journalists in Akure, Nalado advised against selling their votes, noting that doing so would amount to “mortgaging the future of your unborn generation and denying you the moral right to hold the winner accountable.”

He pleaded with INEC and security agencies to conduct

Women lawyers operating under the aegis of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) yesterday in Abuja said it would investigate alleged rape cases of women in internally displaced persons (IDPs) Camps by security operatives assigned to protect them.

The National President, African Regional Vice President of FIDA, Mrs. Laraba Shuaibu, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the heels of the African Regional Congress of the federation scheduled to hold in Abuja between November 26 to 29.

Human Rights Watch had in a report provided details of rape cases perpetuated by security men against women in IDP camps in the North-east.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, in his reaction to the report, directed the Inspector General of Police (IG) to investigate the allegation vowing that the federal government under his watch would not tolerate such crimes against innocent victims.

The women lawyers said they were willing to provide free legal services to victims of rapes in IDP camps.

In this wise, Shuaibu said FIDA would visit the IDP camp in Gishiri near Abuja and would work with members of the group in the North-east to provide help to the vulnerable women in the camps.

She condemned the action of the suspected rapists adding that it was unfair and unfortunate for the criminally minded people to take advantage of the vulnerable women at the camps.

She said: “It is disheartening that women and children are being raped in IDP camps. We are visiting IDP camps in Abuja to see the level of this serious crime. We are championing the campaign against rape. The victims are vulnerable and to be so abused is so unfortunate.

“What we are going on is a fact finding mission in the IDP camps. When we get the fact in the Abuja IDP camps, we will be able to work in collaboration with our members in the northeast and that will guide us in the next step to take.”

She said FIDA would work with relevant government

The state government has declared today as public holiday to enable workers prepare for tomorrow’s governorship election.

The state Head of Service, Toyin Akinkuotu, directed all heads of MDAs to inform workers in their offices.

Omisore Advises Engineers to Expand Scope of Knowledge Registered members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have been advised to see beyond the thresholds of professional limitations and expand their scope of operations in order to be more successful.

This advice was given in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital by a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and one time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Iyiola Alani Omisore.

Omisore was a guest speaker at the 2016 African Engineering Conference, organised by the NSE. The occasion also served as the NSE’s annual general meeting and the UNESCO African engineering week.

Omisore who recently completed his doctor of philosophy degree in infrastructure finance with specialisation in Public Private Partnership (PPP) from the prestigious International School of Management, Paris, stated that engineers in Nigeria do not have any reason being poor if they could apply their creative minds in the field of engineering.

“Almost all sectors of the economy needs engineers, and as long as there is a huge deficit in the Nigeria’s infrastructural needs, the onus lie on professional engineers to partner with respective governments through the global model of public private sector

FIDA to Probe Rape Cases in IDP Camps Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

a credible and acceptable election and to perform their constitutional duties without bias.

The chairman called on the electorate to vote for candidate that have articulated the numerous economic, social and political problems. And proffer solutions.

agencies in order to bring identified culprits to book to serve as deterrent to other criminally minded people.

On the Regional Congress scheduled to begins this weekend, Shuaibu said women lawyers in the African continent were expected in Abuja to participate.

She further said eminent Nigerians including the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Miriam Aloma Mukthar would also attend.

She appealed to security agents to give adequate security for delegates that will attend the congress.

Partnership service procurement approach.

In his presentation, titled: ‘Nigeria’s Infrastructure Deficit: Beyond The Limitation of Finance in Public Private Partnership and Project Procurement

Options,’ Omisore explained that global perspectives to PPP as best approach to infrastructural development, and the parochial factors militating against its successful implementation in Nigeria.

IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA IN THE PORT HARCOURT JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT PORT HARCOURT SUIT NO: FHC/PH/CS/07/2016

IN THE MATTER OF PLUS ENGINEERING AND SUPPORT SERVICES LTD AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT. BETWEEN: 1.

2.

MR. CHUKWUNONSO EZEUKWU MRS. CATHERINE NKEIRU EMEKA (Suing by her lawful Attorney ENGR. EMEKA OKOYE)

PETITIONERS

AND 1.

2.

PLUS ENGINEERING AND SUPPORT SERVICES LTD MR. VICTOR CHIKAODILI UFONDU

RESPONDENTS

ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Notice is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the above named company by the court holden at Port Harcourt, was, on the 12th day of May 2016; presented to the said court

by Mr. Chukwunonso Ezeukwu and Mrs. Catherine Nkeiru Emeka (suing by her lawful attorney Engr. Emeka Okoye) of No1 Isiokpo Street, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt. And that the said petition is directed to be advertised and sat down for mention before the court nd sitting at Federal High Court No 2 Port Harcourt on the 22 day of December, 2016; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desirous to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing in person or by his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished by the undersigned to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring such copy on payment of the regulated charge for the same.

NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any), and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than 48 working hours before the date the petition is for mention in Court.

C. E. EZE (Mrs.) Granville Abibo (SAN) & CO; Petitioners' Counsel, 1, Odual Road, Off Habour Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

08171671690

13

T H I S D AY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 2016

COMMENT

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

JEWEL OF INESTIMABLE VALUE

M

Folu Olamiti pays tribute to HID Awolowo, Yeye Oodua, who loved speaking with codes

ama HID Awolowo would have clocked 101 years

by November 25, 2016. Regrettably, she passed on to glory few days to her centenary birthday celebration.

Much had been written and said about Mama, yet her witty ways of saying things are timeless lessons for many of us, and indeed so good for the books.

I was deeply endeared to Mama who took and treated me like a son the reason why a year ago I found it difficult to participate fully in many of the arrangements that gave her unprecedented Celebration Of Life.

I refused to believe she was gone forever. Proudly, I could say I knew her fairly well. Like every covenant mother, Mama loved to speak with codes, deploying body language in most cases. Endowed with all right manners, the Yeye Oodua would never mix the white with anything black. She radiated purity both physically and spiritually. That reason predisposed her to be in love with people who she adjudged as neat and well kept.

One day, she put me to a shock on how not to appear in public. I was on call to pay her a visit. A quick glance at me made her to blurt almost to the point of scolding; “Eekanna re yi ti gun ju. Awon Obirin to’n paint lo nda eekana si kee... (meaning, must you keep long nails when you are not a woman who loves to paint nails?). Since that day, I always kept well-trimmed nails, making it a necessity to dress neatly with nice shoes each time I was on appointment to visit her.

When Mama was happy, she often demonstrated that with a hand shake. In other words, she put the handshake in reserve for those she felt did some wrongs. I knew her as a mother who did not love to hold a grudge at heart. For that reason, you must admit your guilt and apologise for any wrong done and she would cap it with the usual handshake.

Mama was a stickler for time and to keeping appointments. She never liked visitors to bump on her. Interestingly, she meticulously kept a diary of every visitor without proper briefing of either coming alone or with company. My last meeting with Mama was instructive. I had pegged my visiting time at 2. 00 pm. Mama was seated at 2.00 pm prompt, whereas, I sauntered in 10 minutes behind schedule. Mama did not spare me. She enthused with a mild complaint, disclosing that she had been seated on dot of time. As she sighted two other persons who accompanied me she queried: “Folu, you are the only one I was expecting”, and that pinned a huge guilt on me. It was not until I excused my guests that Mama calmed down to hold talks with me for over an hour.

While I was Editor of Nigerian Tribune, not many knew that Mama played the role of a mother caring so emotionally as to the growth of her child. Often times, she woke up about 4.30am and must put a call through by 6.00am. From then on, we would both review the headlines of stories being published while she ended up giving kudos, when necessary. During review process, she would ask questions on how the newspaper had been fairing in the market. On a particular day, Mama was listening to newspapers review on the radio just as the Nigerian Tribune was not mentioned. I got an unusual call from her at 8.00 am.

She demanded: “She ko si wahala oo. She paper jade “ meaning: “Hope there is no problem. Is Tribune on the newsstands? I answered in the affirmative that we printed late because of minor faults on the printing machine. That kind of passion she had for the Tribune titles kept the tabloids going for years and till date.

At a point in time, internal wrangling made the fortune of the paper to nose-dive. The problem had defied solution. It got to a stage when some

WHEN MAMA WAS HAPPY, SHE OFTEN DEMONSTRATED THAT WITH A HAND SHAKE. IN OTHER WORDS, SHE PUT THE HANDSHAKE IN RESERVE FOR THOSE SHE FELT DID SOME WRONGS.

key officers had to be axed. After the re-organisation, the newspaper picked up again. I was in Ikenne to brief Mama that the circulation had improved. A visitor came to congratulate Mama about the turn around.

Surprisingly, mama did not acknowledge his adulations. She took on the tale bearer on why he failed to alert her when he noted the paper was in trouble and why he must come around to sing praises when the paper resurrected. Mama was always blunt. She hated hypocrisy.

She loved the company of anyone who would tell her the truth.

The children, especially the grand children documented their impressions about Mama in a bumper tribute package for Mama’s exit titled: “JEWEL OF INESTIMABLE VALUE”. In the special edition, Mrs Ayotola Ayoyinka Ayodeji said; “Mama had a clever habit of speaking in codes. For instance, if she wanted to see me, she would sometimes call and ask me to buy her one thing or the other, and then insist that I delivered it in person! Sometimes, if someone walked in whilst we were conversing by telephone, she would quickly say; line yi o ma de clear mo, mi o gbo nkan ti o nso.( literal meaning am experiencing network problem am finding it difficult to hear properly) Indeed, she was a master at changing the subject, verbally, or by simply dozing off until we were alone again. Mama was very hospitable.

“She always remarked that I talked too much, too fast. Once she asked me to do something, but I argued convincingly against it. She found my logical response frustrating, and called my sister, Yemisi, lamenting, ‘Ayotola ti le soro ju, ti mo ba sokan , a so mewa, shawa bi o se ma ri pe o she kan ti mo so.( Ayotola talks too fast. If I speak a word she counters it with multiples. Just get her to do what I want). I promptly granted her wish.

Ayotola wrote on how Mama wanted her to be a Judge. She recalled how Mama started the conversation by saying one of her “daughters” had become a Chief Judge of a state and she had bought her some nice fabrics. She said Mama kept repeating how she loved to see judges dressed in full regalia. “I took the hint, but pretended to be oblivious to it.” She said Mama bursted out: “ iwo o le she judge ni”( Can’t you aspire to become a judge?). Ayotola replied Mama that judges had to sit all days of the week so if she became one mama won’t be seeing her regularly. “So she dropped the matter instantly.”

In her own tribute: Mrs Yewande Subair talked about Mama’s seven rules that made the first six grandchildren to see Mama in their formative years not as a friend, but a disciplinarian. She said Mama “had her rules which at the time we found weird and unreasonable, but as I’ve grown older I have them down in gold in my unwritten book of conventional wisdom”.

Rule 1: Thou shall not put your hand in your pocket. For those doing so have tendency to be proud. Rule 2: Thou shall not chew gum.

For young girls, it is a mark of waywardness. Rule 3: Thou shall wake up at 5am and be part of her long prayer sessions. Rule 4: Thou shall not wear make up until you marry. The only make up she approved was white powder. Rule 5: If something won’t wait for you then you should wait for it. This rule applies to catching your flight and church services. Rule 6: Thou shall not address an elder in English because the English language unlike Yoruba and French does not have adverbs that allow you to show respect when addressing elders. Rule 7: Thou shall not train other people children at the expense of your own. As a result, once we arrived, her house helps were relieved of most of their duties, we took over.

A GOOD MAN PER EXCELLENCE

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Kunle Uthman pays tribute to Rasheed Gbadamosi, a former minister and a fan of the arts

When beggars die, there are no comets heard, the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes”. This quote from William Shakespeare aptly captures the reaction of many of those who knew Rasheed Gbadamosi in his lifetime. He was a great man, an achiever per excellence, humble in character, very unassuming and welcomed both the rich, mighty and the poor to his abode. Still in the words of Shakespeare, “some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”. Gbadamosi, in rare human attribute combined these three attributes, as the son of a great merchant and businessman, an achiever in his own right and always called upon by governments at the state and federal levels to serve, even when it was physically traumatic for him to do so.

The qualities that defined Alhaji Gbadamosi are captured and encapsulated in the motto of his secondary school, “Non Sibi Sed Alis” (Not For Us But For Others). Selfless Service. He attended the prestigious Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos, which was one of the oldest secondary schools established by the Christian missionaries in Nigeria. This school is famous for producing bureaucrats, professionals and gentlemen. The Hon. Sir. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Owelle of Onitsha and the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria attended this famous school; Brig. General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd.) the first Governor of Lagos State

was a student of this school. The roll call include: Chief Jimi Oduba QC, SAN; His Royal Majesty, late Oba Sonariwo, Erinjugbo 1, the Akarigbo of Remo Kingdom; Olusegun Osoba, famous journalist and later Executive Governor of Ogun State; Apini Gbolahan Odeinde, a business magnate and many others. These persons set the bar and Rasheed knew that in following the steps of some of these achievers he must work hard to make his own mark.

It would be repetitive to delve extensively into the various offices in the public service and private sector held by Chief Gbadamosi. He towered above his peers. The youngest commissioner ever in the history of Lagos State, a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, chairman of several multi- national companies, founder of Ragolis Waters (The first water bottling company in Nigeria) and Co-Chair of Lagos @ 50, an appointment by the present Lagos State Government made to give credibility to that celebration.

Despite these several hectic and time consuming responsibilities, he created time to make his mark in the arts, music, culture and socials. He was a regular patron of the Shrine of the Abami Eda, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and initiated the immortalisation of the music of that music icon and the great son of Africa. He was visionary in the establishment of the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and he wrote several plays that earned him respect, recognition in the global world of arts. His collection of the

paintings of famous Nigerian artists, sculptures and arts literature in celluloid is second to none in Africa.

He owns the Grillo Gallery of Arts, established at his residence in Ikorodu, where famous artists from all over the world flock regularly to interface with his collection and do research work.

As a socialite, Alhaji Rasheed thoroughly enjoyed himself. He was the cynosure of all at artistic events, public and social functions and he made his mark therein. He once told me (in confidence) that his strength was derived from the peace and tranquility of his home and the love showered on him by his wife (Mummy) and the children. He met the then Ms. Tinu Adedoyin when she was a student of the Methodist Girls’ High School, Lagos then located in the same vicinity and compound of the boys school, and it was love at first sight. Any effort that he married a local girl from Ikorodu, Lagos State or Ijebuland was resisted. Love truly has no bounds. Mummy is from Offa in Kwara State but being transfixed by “cupid’s arrow” and he, the Shakespeare “Romeo” saw his “Juliet”. A tribal war (if at all between the Ijebu’s and the Offa’s) would not have dissuaded him. He married his heartthrob and was a doting father and great husband till the very last.

When he was appointed the Co-Chairman of Lagos @ 50, several prominent Lagos State indigenes and organisations felt that he ought to have been the substantive chairman in his own right and

ought to refuse that appointment. But for him, what is important is service to his people in whatever capacity. At this point he was frail and he needed to rest properly, (a fact attested to in the tribute by the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka). He served creditably to the very end. This attitudinal conduct was resplendent of the protagonist in William Hendley’s famous poem, “Invictus”, which stated thus: “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll, I am the Master of my faith, I am the Captain of my soul.” Rasheed Gbadamosi loved the indigenous people of Lagos State and for all intent and purposes was an “Omo Eko Pataki”, who served his people till he breathed his last.

He was a mentor to many of us and he served as an inspiration, because he raised the bar set by our seniors in secondary school and his own father. His diminutive stature belied his cerebral endowment from his creator and humanity has been further enriched by his 72 years sojourn on earth. He was a great man and a Quintessential Lagosian. He believed that inherent in every human person is goodness and talent and abhorred tribalism or religious bigotry. He actively participated in religious ceremonies in churches or mosques. A traditionalist who also supported the cause of the black race and could properly be described as “a good man per excellence”.

Chief Uthman is Jagunmolu of Ibesheland

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

EDITORIAL STILL ON THE SHIITES CONUNDRUM Violent suppression of the Shiites could provoke a backlash

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he latest clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shiites, and the police in Kano has once again brought to the fore our inability to manage conflicts without inflicting deep and emotional wounds on those involved. “They cannot keep breaking the law and tampering with the rights of other citizens,” said Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano State governor. “As far as they continue breaking the law, the police have to come in. They cannot use their freedom to do whatever they want because they are violating other people’s human rights.”

While we agree with Ganduje that no group is above the law, we are nonetheless worried that the authorities do not seem to know what to do beyond the use of excessive force to resolve the Shiites conundrum.

About nine people, including a police officer, died in the violence that broke out on the outskirts of Kano city, after the police tried to stop the Shiite members who were on their annual Arbaeen trek from Kano to Zaria. The Kano IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO State Police ComDEAL WITH THE ‘ENEMIES’ mand said security YOU CAN SEE AND operatives including MONITOR THAN THOSE anti-robbery squad FORCED UNDERGROUND units intervened AS THE AUTHORITIES ARE only when the Shiite members became INADVERTENTLY DOING unruly, attacking motorists and passersby and inducing gridlock in the process.

Last December, some 348 members of the religious sect were mowed down in apparent disproportionate use of force by security agencies in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Furthermore, the leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibrahim Elzakzaky and his wife have been detained since then, without being charged to court. Their offence bore similarities to what happened in Kano – reported blocking of roads during their annual procession while the security forces quelled the clashes with the usual

Letters to the Editor

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heavy-handedness.

The latest violence has fuelled local and international accusations that the Shiites have been marked down for a raw deal. “Members of the Shia community, like other religious communities, have the right to assemble, peacefully express their religious beliefs, and mark their celebrations” said the United States Government in a statement. “We call on the Nigerian government to protect and defend these rights. It is also incumbent on members of the IMN and all Nigerian citizens to respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police as they attempt to maintain public order.”

I 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

t is noteworthy that the Kano State Police Command had banned IMN from conducting street processions ahead of the annual Ashura celebration.

The government of Kaduna State under the pretext of implementing the recommendations of the judicial commission of inquiry into the Zaria violence went further by proscribing the IMN. Yet the federal government has not taken action on the report, especially since the report blamed the army for using excessive force and for not complying with the rules of engagement during the clash.

In a previous editorial, we had warned that the authorities should not create more problems by using force instead of reason to diffuse tension, and to prevent the opening of more dangerous flanks. The lessons of the brutal insurgent group, Boko Haram, are too dangerous to ignore.

We believe that the Shiites deserve fairness and justice, both of which have been denied them since the beginning of the crisis. And it is always better to deal with the “enemies” you can see and monitor than those forced underground as the authorities are inadvertently doing with the IMN. It is even all the more unfortunate that their members and leaders are being denied all their rights under the law while hoodlums, taking advantage of the position of some powerful people in government, practically now target IMN members for vicious treatment. This, we dare warn, is not in the interest our country and could engender severe consequences.

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.

AGENDA FOR GODWIN OBASEKI

he discourse of development as a concept comes with some complexities, as no singular perspective holds a perfect answer to what development means. While this argument will continue for ages in and out of academic circles, there is a consensus that development is about improving the standard of living of the people.

Improving the standard of living of the masses is not an achievement that is attained at the speed of light. It requires being deliberate in crafting strategies that range from short to medium and long term, in implementation. The careful execution of these strategies through policy formulations and effective management of processes and people in methodic ways will in the long run yield the result of improving the standard of living of the masses.

The new governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has come on a better platform than his immediate predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole. This is clearly the case as the latter met the state in a near state of collapse – from education to health, roads, workers welfare, and unemployment, to mention but a few. Coming from this background it was quite easy for the Oshiomhole-led government to embark on provision of basic amenities and celebrate them as landslide achievements.

The beauty of that administration as observed was the attempt to set the state on the part of industrialisation which was manifested in the attraction of private sectors to invest in the state. This easily brings to mind the proposed first Integrated Produce City (IPC) in Nigeria. The direct and indirect employment opportunities it holds for the state are enormous. Still on this trend of industrialising the state the immediate past governor also got Dangote to open one of its cement plants in the state. Again, this is another good step in the right direction of moving the state away from the civil service state it is at the moment.

For Godwin Obaseki, he has his work clearly cut out for him. Top of this is consolidating on what the past governor started, both on the side of improving basic things in the areas of roads construction, education, health, workers welfare

and more. What is more important that will be called the achievement of this new government is not necessarily in how many roads are constructed, schools built and hospitals built. Yes, these are important but they are given and should not be celebrated as achievements in this time and age.

What we should see and call achievements in this new government will be the ability of the state to embark on more strategic initiatives that will move the state away from its present civil service positioning to a state of diverse sectorial development. Opportunities abound in sectors like agriculture which the past government has started a good work on through the Integrated Produce City (IPC) project. Opportunities abound in the solid minerals sector. Opportunities abound in the tourism potential of the state. This is inherent in the rich cultural heritage of the state that traverses the Benis to the Esans, Akoko –Edos and other tribes in the state.

The job for Godwin Obaseki is clear. Therefore, let no one call the president or the media to come and celebrate the government’s achievements in 100 days or one year in office and what they have to show are the things we are used to. There is something bigger about the state called Edo. That thing lies in exploring its potential that will open it for private sectors.

We should not forget that Edo state, like other states in the country, has a vibrant teeming population of youths. This government needs to harness the potential of these youths in the areas of agriculture, sports, ICT, entertainment and through capacity building schemes that will re-direct and re-focus their vibrancy into social economic productivity.

Till date no one remembers how many roads Donald Duke of Cross Rivers State constructed, but the world remembers him for making the state the biggest tourism detestation in Nigeria through the Calabar Carnival, Obudu mountain race and more. We must come to the realisation that in governance, a leader is accountable to the people and posterity stand to judge his achievements.

Godfrey Adejumoh, Egbeda, Lagos

GIVE US POWER

I

write to call the attention of government to the very sorry state of power supply in the GRA in Benin City. In the past six months, GRA residents have been having power so erratic that we are almost always left in the dark.

The best we ever had is one hour and usually in the middle of the night.

Please give us power. We pay our taxes.

Ovie Assurance, ANEEJ, Benin City

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Who’ll Emerge Ondo’s New Governor?

Except anything changes, which is most plausible, Ondo State’s governorship election may go on as scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission for tomorrow and one of the three main gladiators in the state from the APC, PDP and AD will emerge its new governor. But who is the question whose answer lies in the belly of time, writes James Sowole

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he day is tomorrow. The battle field is set. The players are ready. The referee, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fired up. The name of the game is politics and the coveted trophy is the Ondo State governorship.

In the last three months, Ondo State has become a beehive of political activities to elect a successor to the incumbent governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who will complete the constitutionally allowed two terms tenure of eight years on February 24, 2016.

The state, therefore, had been in the news and wherever the pendulum swings among the three major contenders would be a reference point in the history of elections, not only in the state but in the entire country due to the many controversies that had strewn the nomination of each of the main candidates for the election.

Though 28 political parties had nominated candidates and their running mates for tomorrow’s election (although the date could change now given the present circumstance), three major parties stand out. They are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Interestingly, the three candidates are familiar to one another and they belong to the same profession, Law. While two of them, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC and Mr. Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP are of the silk category, Chief Olusola Oke of the AD is yet to be conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), even after being nominated at three different times. He, however, knows the game of politics than the two others.

An important feature of the contest is that the nomination of the three candidates was characterised by controversies, which will no doubt have effect on the outcome of the election. Also, going by the immediate personality of the real contenders and major interests in the contest, it would be safe to conclude that the election is a rerun of the 2012 governorship election, with only Mimiko running through proxy.

Akeredolu was the candidate of the Action Congress (ACN) in 2012 while Oke was the PDP candidate at that time just as Mimiko who is sponsoring Jegede, the current PDP candidate contested under the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

Another characteristic of the Saturday election is the fact that each of the candidates is representing a senatorial district of the state. While Akeredolu is from Owo in the Northern Senatorial District, Jegede is from Akure in the Central Senatorial District and Oke is an indigene of Ilaje Local Government in the Southern Senatorial District.

With the standing of the these three candidates, who had been moving from one part of the state to another to canvass for votes from the electorate, it is a free for all exercise – any of the three can win the election with very little margin because each of them holds sway in their own area.

What therefore would be needed to win the election would depend on how much each can penetrate the areas that biologically belongs to his rivals.

Jegede

Akeredolu

Oke

Initially, political calculations were said to have tilted in favour of the PDP candidate, Jegede, having come from the local government and senatorial district that has the highest number of registered voters and because the primary election that produced him had less controversies.

Also, Jegede’s unblemished record as the former Attorney General of the state is an added advantage for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who hails from the state capital that had not produced an executive governor since the creation of the Sunshine State in 1976.

However, the four-week legal tussle between the two factions of the party, one led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi and the other by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over who should fly the party’s flag at the poll, may have serious effect on the hitherto bright chances of the ruling party.

Until Wednesday, the business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim, was recognised as the candidate of the party following the October 14 judgment of the Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, who ordered that Ibrahim was the party’s candidate.

With the judgment of Justice Ibrahim Salauwa of the Court of Appeal, the contest has opened up again to be won by any of the three candidates contrary to the situation when Oke and Akeredolu were the two major contenders as Ibrahim was written off from the race by many observers.

It was also believed in some circles that Jegede’s travails may be a blessing in disguise as it had elicited sympathy from many people, which if translated into vote would be good for him.

Though Jegede had lost some grounds due to the disruption of a well- planned campaign strategy, the legal clearance had once again raised the hope of his supporters and in addition to some stakeholders, who clamoured for the postponement of the election by at least two weeks.

For the AD candidate, Olusola Oke, the

support of four out of the six local government areas that make up the Ondo South Senatorial District was super. The local governments are Ilaje, Irele, Ese Odo and Okitipupa. The people of these council areas had always voted for the PDP since 1999. Oke is a former chieftain of the PDP before his defection to the APC and lately the AD. Some of his supporters in the PDP reportedly followed him to the AD while other members of the party, who are either for Jegede or Ibrahim, were earlier expected to vote for the former PDP National Legal Adviser in protest if Jegede had failed to be on the ballot.

Oke may also get substantial votes from the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state because his running mate, Mr. Gani Dauda, is from the council. He is believed to be enjoying the support of Tinubu and the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and some aggrieved APC leaders in the country for the election.

Analysts noted that Oke, a candidate of the PDP in 2012 governorship election had gained greatly from the legal tussle between Jegede and Ibrahim. Aside from all these, Oke, among the three candidates, is the most experienced politician with solid structure that cuts across the three senatorial districts.

With the structure of the old which many people would be for him, Oke would get considerable votes from all parts of the state.

However, there are complaints and insinuations that Oke defected to the AD after losing the party’s primary to Akeredolu out of his desperation to contest the governorship of the state. It was being alleged that the national leadership of the APC, and some people in the presidency would do everything to stop Oke because they expected him to join the winner of the APC primary. This, put together, could count against him greatly especially that he might be running against the machine of the federal government.

Akeredolu, who was also the candidate of

the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in the 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, has been making efforts to make peace with the aggrieved members of the APC in a bid to emerge victorious in the Saturday poll.

Akeredolu, a no-nonsense character, bold and courageous, would no doubt secure support from his own Ondo North Senatorial District. It is also expected that he would also make an appreciable impact in some local governments in the South as his running mate is from the Ese-Odo Local Government while Odigbo Local Government is traditionally an APC council.

Owo is one of the local government areas with large voter population in the state while Odigbo is dominated by APC members.

Also, the mother of the APC candidate is said to be an indigene of Ese Odo. However, the people of Akoko area of the state in the Northern senatorial district are said not to be happy that Dr. Olusegun Abraham lost the party’s primary to him in a controversial circumstance. Prior to the primary of the party, the people of Akoko had declared that they would vote for any party that fielded an indigene of the area.

Should the people made good their promise, it means Dr. Olu Agunloye would have the votes from the four local governments in this area and which would be a minus for the APC candidate. Though Senator Ajayi Borrofice has not left the APC, his closeness to the family of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu may not make him work as expected for Akeredolu.

Generally, the contest is still open and should INEC yield to the call for a postponement of the poll, it is expected that Jegede would cover the lost grounds and this might naturally heighten the edge he already has, coupled with the weight of incumbency that tilts in his favour in the state. But that still does not guarantee his victory but how much more work he is able to do between now and the time of the election and the same scenario applies to the two main other contenders.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Trump’s Election and the Morning After Political Notes Thunderous Applause for Justice Ultimately, the election of Mr. Donald Trump as President Barack AOnnoghen The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, discharged his first main assignment Obama’s successor is America’s loss, writes Goke Omisore since assuming office as the CJN and it was

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y pen is frozen stiff. I am dried out, dazed and my faculty’s conniving insolence and reluctance pales significantly into Trumpism fever. My urge to watch TV, especially news channels dampened into frightening expectations.

The world would never be the same again.

The uncensored true colour of America and Americans revealed in a subtle but huge bang that resonated world-wide in this last election results has cracked the tectonic template of the earth constitutions as populated.

Humanity may truly never recover from the effects of DT-Disease. America, built on slavery, nurtured on racism, triumphed on liberty, equality and freedom to assuage her dirty past now wanes significantly on her promisory notes to the world in screaming headlines in the late sixties up to early seventies “Discover A New World, America, God’s Own Country.

An unprecedented wave of immigrants and emigrants responded to the hope of liberty, freedom and greener pastures.

America, how dare you reverse thyself?

America, are you back to square one? This time is pregnant with uncertainties. I hate to think I am winning when I am losing in a game of survival.

America, God’s own country – white man’s paradise on planet earth. The whole world stood in almost unprecedented solidarity, reminiscence of Barack Hussein Obama’s historical feat on the vacancy of the most exalted position in the world – America’s presidency, less than a decade ago.

Yesterday, we all stood and spoke up, mocking their anointed Prince Donald J. Trump in unison. We were all wishing, dreaming and reasoning in a latent coloured emotions, defying fate-hidden arbitration, dream speed, negating one sacred fact: America is a nation of approximately three hundred and twenty million citizens – a pot-pouri of all races, colours and gender: gay, straight, saintly and crooks, mostly stupid, daft and some of the most ingenious of the human species – a vast assemblage of humanity’s brightest; an unquantifiable assets from their harvests and explorations and exploitation on global Brain-drain worldwide they christened Global village.

I am suspect of their best of intentions and virtues on such missions, but, the truth be told, they kept the world alive with their unparalleled monopoly on best of inventions and robust economy for decades. America is the capital of the Global village. But undeniably, one of her salient flaws is the crux of the matter in this presidential election – a very deep wound that might take generations to heal.

However, I will not rule out the possibility of this great nation that morally self-imploded, abilities to re-invent herself – that’s the ingenious of the American spirit. That is, the fact that America is the land of liberty and freedom but prized-tagged-equality reigns unspoken is at the same time, a nation of approximately two-hundred-and-eighty million citizens, who are Whites, plus 40 million colours of various hues but whose franchise is dilutable in democracy, when the chips are down.

Democracy is a game of numbers, permutations and calculations and miscalculation.

In fact, indoctrination is often most relevant as in this particular presidential election: Orò tì Ològbòn ba sò, ènù asière l’ati ngbo. The whispering of legion wise men is often best articulated by the maddening crowd of dank or dark minds of white men’s immorality.

Those who chose to fiddle with that piper, Donald J. Trump were very busy firming up and insanely attuned to the lethargy of his dirge, on his dictations and dancing to his tunes of profanity and obscenity.

Though very recklessly nasty, Americandream-wealthy and daring as his own man,

Trump...the man who stunned the world

Donald J Trump is a man on a mission.

“Donald Drunk’s” ambition and strength of character was perfectly tailored, securely woven to the dream of his ilk in legions.

Their time has come. Democracy has prevailed; democracy has spoken firmly in spite of our wishes even though tomorrow is pregnant on this election.

We haven’t heard the last word on it yet but the system abhors a vacuum. The unspoken bitter truth is that our own preferred candidate in Hilary Clinton though hardly trusted by a good numbers of her nationals, though one of their own smartest and brightest smacks of and reeks of a social suicidal note. Renegade they chorus in their still silence! Seen and perceived through the misty lens of mistrust or an arrogance too ambitious, too adventurous a woman that is over qualified for their mission’s conflict of comfort and trust but distasteful to their secret vows of supremacist, unabashed, shameless intentions and mission.

They pretentiously clothed one of their fifth-elevens to do their dirty fight on a revenge mission, indicting Washington’s Lord of status quo and all politicians. In Donald J. Trump, they located credible succour. A hunk of masculinity, a profusely, almost unstable, somewhat mentally corroded fellow – poisoned to the hilt – a great material was found in a fellow they wanted and found most appropriately very well suited for the job is Donald J. Trump.

As they were beating the unspoken drum of hatred and orchestrating bigotry, he stood on their ground. He was craftly consumed in playing the maestros script of racial-divides on their cards. Who needs teleprompter, when you can literally broke all rules, pull all stops to feed a hungry hate-filled appetite of a roaring, applauding audience that can’t seem to have enough of this mega-star in their idol folk hero of the season.

Knowing full well he has the number of a huge disenfranchisement of white voters from the disenfranchised behind his narcissistic, egotistic, misogyny and racist adventures to top his own lone-ranger fraudulent carrier above national interest.

Hilary in this wise is on a parallel lane of morality and just not White enough on this occasion, on this premeditated missions.

Because of her proximity and associations with progressive coloured victories of late in American snaps of history, her struggles in the emancipation of the American blacks, a creditable position was turned into a liability against her. Interloping in white men’s hegemony didn’t score high enough. No king worth his throne gladly gives his Princess charming’s flirtatious hand in marriage to the lesser gods in their supremacist thinking, they reasoned.

I had cautioned in my earlier article: “America’s Donald Drunk”. I posited the white Americans are unforgiving yet; that they are still poisoned – hurting and wound-gathering on Obama’s victories and marked achievements in the pantheon of great leaderships. Posterity will reward him

kindly. Hilary Clinton didn’t lose the race.

WE did. The black race in the world lost but particularly America’s blacks had just been snookered into the blind abyss of second class league position and status majorities of such. Whites preferred them to roast and sweat in hell; unapologetically.

That is where the white men’s latent racist tendencies feel most comfortable in their experiments, adventures, aggressions, internal and external missions in situating the blacks’ social strata. Effrontery! They groan and moan at the dawn of reality that befell them in almost all of the last decade, feigning a trance because Barack Hussein Obama raised his race’s bar on black hope, against a potent salient war of racism.

They are unforgiving. Believe me, they will roll back and make all attempts to rewrite history and possibly turn back the hands of time. Time will tell.

Now, the white supremacists are on full alert, awaken with their full eye wide opened. They won’t blink again. That’s the lesson of 2016 presidential election. Barak Hussein Obama, quite a gladiator, a dogged fighter in very ample short supply amongst of our race, a disciplined man of immense intellectual arsenal and prowess that was well fortified. He took the white nation by storm on a victory they unconsciously, subliminally cheerfully participated in.

He was in a sense, a Saint that sailed in through the mid-night of hope undetected.

He appeared least harmful to white supremacist et all. In fact, his victory was that of his nation’s atonement – a sort of reparation of a kind gesture to assuage a systematically damaged mind of a belaboured, enslaved race for centuries – a half-caste black man of African descent on a mission, to up the ante of his black race, an audacious disciple of Change and Hope.

The one man that represented all men in nuances and ounces of race, religion, ingenuity and such incredible rare combinations, that all virtuous men hold dear and treasured. All men’s dream first son! He, in fact, topped himself by unstained and steadied character plus a rare degree of integrity. His better half, Mitchell Obama equally measured up by miles with a grim smiles with deep kind heart, cushioned by an ivy-league credentials, steadied on Caesar’s wife virtuosity and she is not from any White-stock which should have been preferred in a Whiteman’s world.

A very rare couple – a deadly fairy tale combination of panache and simmering elegance, and the poise of the best of a lady in good hands of the best of gentlemen – that was just a pill too bitter for the lilylivered small minds to swallow. Common fellows! It just won’t digest in a hurry unless watered down and water down they just did by electing Donald J Trump on their revenge mission to cleanse and return the “Black House” to White House? I pray you catch my drift. I am afraid. Obama’s legacy on the lane of black emancipation of the black race can’t be sustained neither maintained.

My apprehensions, I am pained – the white supremacist’s advantage in regrets, heightened by his brilliant performances, almost turning the Whites into spectators at their own patented games of a superior race.

It was quite offensive to their faculties and the sensitivity of most white supremacists, conservatives, and even liberals. They mourned in regrets! They must have been very busy cooking critical thinking on what befell them. They were caught napping in the preparatory years to Obama’s victory.

You didn’t think they were that generous?

While we too, I mean all of us too, took liberty given by fate on loan for granted, despite the prize paid for our liberty and freedom, we all were equally busy snoring in the luxury of fate’s interventions on our gains and crowning glory that made Barack Hussein Obama’s victory possible – The first American president of black extraction.

-Omisore wrote from Lagos

the Ondo State governorship crisis in the PDP. Onnoghen came out clean and proved to all that indeed, in the judiciary, a new Sheriff had come to town.

It may not be the desire of many a people that Mr. Eyitayo Jegede actually wins the Ondo State governorship, especially since his main backer, Governor Olusegun Mimiko is believed to have been losing face with the people, but the brazen manner through which the cause of the law had been subverted to get him off the ballot had raised concern in the polity and this, naturally elicited sympathy for him.

The judiciary, in the days preceding thus jungle era, had sunk…sunk so badly into the abyss. Thus, the turn of events over the Ondo governorship didn’t quite surprise many especially when the name of the controversial judge in the heart of the case is mentioned. It was thought that the case would end up the way of the others and hope had really withered.

But Justice Onnoghen enlivened this hope and reassured the Nigerian people that the judiciary, regardless of the bad eggs amongst them, would remain the bastion of hope for the hopeless. His handling of the Ondo case was stellar. It showed competence, capacity and a very good understanding of the law and its politics – its politics especially.

Unknown to him, he saved the nation a lot of hassles on the Ondo governorship and has shown that in the days ahead, Nigerians can always rest assured that there is a judiciary that cares for them. Thumbs up to this Justice of note, with a thunderous applause for living up to billings as well as speaking truth to unprofessionalism in this all-important calling...He has rekindled hope and reassured all of justice, no matter the maneuvering and desperate abuse of legal technicalities.

Good job, Justice Onnoghen!

Ondo 2016 and the Fear Factors

Barely 48 hours to the governorship election in Ondo State, after feeling the pulse of the major actors in the race, it has become obvious that even as they all express considerable optimism that they would win, practically all interested parties nurse one fear or the other ahead of the election.

For the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), his concern is basically that one of his main contenders – the Alliance for Democracy (AD) candidate – Mr. Olusola Oke has stupendous money at his disposal.

He expressed confidence that despite the fact that the people are poor, they are not suffering from poverty of the mind. So, he hoped that money politics would not swing the election against him.

Akeredolu is equally very worried that while Oke felt aggrieved and opted to pursue his ambition on the AD platform, some APC members are only pretending to be party loyalists whereas they are working against the party from within.

For the Oke camp, while they boast of strong connection with the grassroots, the fear is simply that some forces within the presidency are showing too much desperation to take Ondo State at all cost in lieu of the 2019 presidential election.

Their premonition is premised on the alleged irregularities that characterised the APC primaries, hence, the fear that peoples’ vote may not actually determine who eventually wins the election.

In the case of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the initial fear was informed by the attempt to alienate Jegede from the race. But that fear has now been allayed with the Appeal Court ruling of Wednesday which affirmed Jegede as the authentic candidate of the party.

However, if the call for a postponement yields no positive result, Jegede may have a tough time making significant impact in the election as he would have originally because of the time wasted on the legal fireworks.

But the truth about the race is that it is a free-for-all with no one of the candidates having a significant edge over the others. This, technically, is the mother of all fears. Until then, fingers crossed!

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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3-MONTH 6-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08057161321, 08033294157

N O V E M B E R

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EXCHANGE RATE N304.50//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Reliance Partners Microsoft on Cloud

CHANGE OF BATON

L-R: Welfare Officer, lndependent Shareholders Association of Niggeria (lSAN), Alhaja Ayodele Kudaisi; in-coming National Coordinator, Adeniyi Araunsi; Chairman, Akwa lbom State Foreign Direct lnvestment Committee, Gabriel Ukpeh and Out-going National Coordinator lSAN , Sir Sunny Nwosu, during the 2016 lSAN Executive Retreat in Uyo, Akwa lbom State... recently

Expert Calls for Increased Monetary, Fiscal Policies Convergence Obinna Chima A Strategist & International Consultant, who is also the CEO, Espera Global Corporation, Dr. Glenn S. Prince-Abbi, has stressed the need for improved monetary policy and fiscal policy convergence and coordination, saying that policy actors must act with more decisiveness with an eye on the ball to quickly put the economy in growth mode.

He pointed out that at a time when economic slowdown continues to affect the condition of living in the country, the federal government as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must pursue policies that would ameliorate the pains of Nigerians.

Prince-Abbi who said this in a speech made available to

ECONOMY THISDAY, insisted that policy makers must act with all sense of urgency, “to calibrate the fundamentals the best we can.”

According to him, the action of the Monetary Policy Committee on Tuesday to retain all the key monetary policy indicators was worrisome.

He said he was particularly concerned that the high interest rate regime (deriving from MPR at 14 per cent) was retained without a concretely convincing premise.

Prince-Abbi noted that achieving stable macroeconomic fundamentals was inexorably integral to Nigeria’s economic growth which currently is in limbo and both monetary policy and fiscal policy actions must

coalesce to lift the economy.

“I am however worried to observe that this coalescence is at least in one way impeded by the decision to retain in particular the high interest rate regime which in any situation tends to stifle production and by extension economic growth.

“Yes, monetary policy instruments alone cannot engender or trigger economic growth but they can contribute to stifling growth and worsening unemployment if they are wrongly structured as they deny producers of goods and services, i.e. the key economic players, the latitude they need when they are already hedged in by a chain of other factors such as, as well noted by the MPC, high cost of power and energy, transport, production

factors, as well as rising prices of imports all of which are visited on consumer prices.

“It goes without saying that the high interest rate regime which is retained has not allowed any form of reduction in the costs that producers are already contending with.

A reduction of the interest rate would improve their cost structure as it makes the cost of capital cheaper. They use capital for everything from equipment procurements, to operational costs and working capital expenses. The likely impact of this is that headline inflation which is already at a ceiling breaking 18.33% will remain so if not worsen. I strongly disagree with the CBN on this score,” Continued on page 20

Unlicensed Helicopter Companies Jostle for NNPC Contracts Chinedu Eze There are indications that briefcase helicopter companies without operational base and Air Operator’s Certificate (AON) are primed to win oil service contracts from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a development that is giving concern to aviation expert over possible exposure to another spate of accidents in the industry.

THISDAY learnt that reports may be filed with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to critically monitor the activities

MARITIME of oil and gas service helicopter companies to ensure that any company that is bidding for contract with the Exploration and Production companies met all the international requirements as stipulated by the NCAA. Aviation industry sources disclosed that due to scarcity of jobs occasioned by the current economic recession ravaging the country, there is desperation by organisations and individuals trying to latch at jobs and dropping names of highly placed

individuals to gain advantage to win contracts “even when they are not technically qualified for such jobs.”

“We learnt that cronies are using names of who they know to push for joint venture with E and P companies. We have verified from NCAA that some of these companies have no AOCs, no commercial aircraft operation experience in Nigeria, no maintenance hangar and no single commercially certified aircraft in operation and no technical partners.

“We have also learnt that some of these briefcase operators

have been pushed through the technical tender and are now awaiting commercial tender even without the stated tangible operational requirements. This is a tragedy waiting to happen.

We cannot continue to refuse to learn from the past. We cannot continue to move in circles.

NCAA is the last bastion of hope for safe air operation in Nigeria and we hope it will not compromise. We have confident in the regulatory authority,” a source told THISDAY. In Nigeria, it takes at least Continued on page 20

Reliance Infosystems Limited in partnership with Microsoft Nigeria, will today, hold the 2016 edition of Christmas-in-the-Cloud event in Lagos. Christmas-in-the-Cloud is an annual year-end event that brings together C-Level executives across mid-size and enterprise organisations to share ideas on how to enhance technology input in businesses. With the theme digital transformation, this year’s event is anchoredaroundamessagethatencouragesstakeholderstoembrace digital transformation being the route to positioning their businesses for profitable disruption and attainment of business excellence. MD/ CEO, Reliance Infosystems, Olayemi Popoola, explained that this year’s conference will come in different tailor-made sessions that target participants’ roles in their organisations. According to him, “For the deep dive sessions, we have identified customers whose businesses can be massively transformed on adoption of Microsoft Cloud technology.”These sessions are most suitable for attendance by the C-Level executives and head of units from organization as implementations are typically that of top-down approach. There will also be tremendous networking opportunities, Popoola added.

Facilitators for this year’s conference include the Vice Chairman of FedEx, Mr. Isaac Orolugbagbe; Executive Director, Lagos Business School,YinkaDavid-Westand Head,LegalServices,MicrosoftNigeria, JohnEdokpolo.FacilitatorsincludeOlawunmiOfiya,IjeomaMbaneme, Olawale Olajide, Dayo Adekanmbi, Franklin Nsude, Ifeoma Enumah, Mark Esiovwa, Victor Bayedo and Bright Ubamadu, Jumoke Aliu, all of Reliance Infosystems Limited.

NiMet DG Bags Award

In recognition of his contributions to the growth and advancement of science and technology in Nigeria, the Director-General/CEO NiMet, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, has been conferred with the Award of Fellow of the Astronomical Society of Nigeria. .

The induction took place during the 2016 Annual Conference of the society, which was held at National Space Research and Development Agency in Abuja recently. Responding, Anuforom expressed his profound gratitude to the President and members of the society for the award and promised not to relent in the discharge of his duties.

Henotedthattheuseofscientificmethodsforthegeneralwellbeingof Nigerians is a never-ending task scientists must apply themselves to.

He therefore called for increased collaboration between the agencies especially in the area of research, stressing that the synergy would impact positively on the nation’s space programme as well as the power sector. Earlier in his speech, the President of the Society, Prof.

Chidi Akujor, disclosed that the Governing Council of the Society considered Anuforom, a worthy recipient of the award given the giant strides recorded since he assumed the mantle of leadership at NiMet as well as his other significant contributions to the propagation and growth of space science. The ceremony, which was attended by eminent personalities in Physics and Astronomy, had four other Scientists inducted into the Society.

Delta Ranked No. 1 US Airline

Delta Air Lines earned the top overall score for the 6th consecutive year on the Business Travel News (BTN) Airline survey, sweeping all ten categories and, bettering 2015 scores in each category.

The airline said this win celebrates the outstanding performance and industry-leading customer service Delta people provide every day.

“Each year, we set ‘Win BTN’ as a company-wide goal and all 80,000 Delta people set out to deliver by providing an industry-leading customer experience around the globe,” said Steve Sear, President – International & E.V.P. – Global Sales. “This win marks six years in a row of Delta outperforming our competitors in the eyes of the business travel community and the fourth year that we’ve ranked highest in every category. This achievement, and being named No. 1 again this year by BTN readers, further validates our ongoing commitment to creating a seamless travel experience for our customers.”

BTNvoters,whomanagetensofbillionsofdollarsinannual,corporate travel spend, select the top U.S. carrier in the survey based on their perceptions of airline performance in negotiating and maintaining preferred programs, delivering service and providing value.

As government, we will continue to explore ways to create an enabling environment to make your businesses thrive

Lagos State Governor

Akinwunmi Ambode

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD EXPERT CALLS FOR INCREASED MONETARY, FISCAL POLICIES CONVERGENCE he added.

However, stated that that government actions at both national and subnational levels in fulfilling payment obligations on salaries, contracts, and release of money for infrastructure will surely help in this regard. But he insisted that monetary policy adjustments in a situation as desperate as Nigeria’s case do not seem to rise up to converge with these expected governmental actions.

“Usually, high interest rate regimes as part of monetary policy engineering are adopted by national economies partly to check over-supply when such arises. There is a complete absence of such a situation right now in Nigeria. This stringent policy of high interest rate is a cautionary measure taken by the CBN without examining the easing a lower interest rate would tend to allow for producers and all the actors within real sector of the economy.

UNLICENSED HELICOPTER COMPANIES JOSTLE FOR NNPC CONTRACTS 24 months to secure AOC. So some industry insiders are wondering if these briefcase companies win the contract bids how they would secure AOC to operate the contract, meanwhile, having AOC should be the major criteria for winning the bid to ensure that the company would carry out safe operation.

“Aviation in every part of the world maintains very high standard because lives are involved so there is priority to ensure safe operation. I know some helicopter oil and gas service providers that are not bidding for these contracts despite the years of experience they have but they know that at this moment they do not have the technical profile that should qualify them to win the contracts. Some of the major criteria for oil and gas air services are experience, technical personnel and knowledge of the industry. All these upstarts have none of these,” the source added.

NEWS

Enugu FTZ Attracts $500m FDI, Targets 30,000 Jobs Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu At least 5, 000 Global Manufacturing Companies have indicated interest to invest a whooping $500 Million (N240 billion) worth of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the proposed Empower Enugu Free Trade Zone.

The investment groups who are due in Enugu for the ground-breaking ceremony of the FTZ on Thursday are responding to the federal government’s economic diversification programme and the conducive environment provided by the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in Enugu state.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Enugu, the CEO of Empower Free Trade Zone Management Company, Mr. Emeka Eneh and the Enugu State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo said activities of the industrial clusters hosted in the free trade zone are expected to create over 30, 000 jobs.

According to them, the Empower FTZ is a publicprivate initiative with Enugu state government which was licenced by the federal government to operate as a free trade zone in December 2015, offering international and domestic investors the benefits of connecting to business

opportunities from the southeastern cluster, expected to the second largest economic cluster in the country outside Lagos.

They disclosed that the zone was designed to accommodate at least 500 companies located in two free zone areas at the 9th Mile industrial area and the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, adding that the state government was positioning the zone project as the biggest

private sector investment support to the government’s economic recovery efforts.

The specialised industrial clusters to be developed within the area, according to them include the Manufacturing Centre and Wholesale market, the Aviation and Aeto-Space Cluster, the Power, Utilities and Light Manufacturing Cluster, the Health Care Park, the Business and Hospitality

Park, Technology and Digital Media Park and the Chemical and Agro-Business Cluster.

“We intend to provide uninterrupted power supply via an embedded power arrangements, certify the free zone’s infrastructure and operations to globally accepted standards, operate the zone as a one-stop investment destination by integrating all free zone operations with

the documentation and cargo handling, customs, immigration administration processes to achieve ease of doing business rating equivalent to that of Dubai.

“Besides, the Empower FTZ is to host Africa’s first ever Nigeria-Vhina “Dragon Market”, the second manufacturing and wholesale centre after the famous Dubai Dragon Market,” they noted.

SHOWCASING NIGERIA’S ICT POTENTIAL

L-R: Chainman, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Prof. Bawuro Barkindo; Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Communication, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo, at ITU Telecom World 2016 conference in Bangkok, Thailand...recently

Ambode Pledges Commitment to Growth of Insurance Sector Ebere Nwoji Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday, Commissioned the Corporate Head Office of Wapic Insurance plc in Lagos, with a pledge that his administration is committed to ensuring the growth of the insurance sector in Nigeria.

To achieve this, Ambode urged insurance sector operators to come up with a draft bill that will accelerate the growth of insurance business in Lagos.

The governor, stated this

during the commissioning of the corporate head office of Wapic Insurance Plc, situated at 119 Awolowo Road Ikoyi,Lagos.

He said that insurance business has come to stay as one of the sectors that will transform the economy and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the GDP of Nigeria especially now that government is earnestly searching g for alternative means of foreign exchange earning.

To this effect, he said Lagos state, will early next year start implementing Health Insurance

Scheme for its citizens and will partner with insurance industry operators in this regard.

Ambode noted that Wapic Insurance has been one insurance firm that has proactively partnered with his administration with insightful recommendations on key issues of governance and welfare of the citizenry, particularly in the areas of safety and security of lives and properties through insurance such as relating to building collapse, fire, accidents amongst others.

He commended the Wapic

Insurance building architecture adding that the architectural psychology of the new Wapic Insurance head office was aimed at achieving optimal efficiency from staff with curtain glass walls, natural cross ventilation and greenery which are components that drive work space productivity all taken into account during the design phase.

“The Wapic Insurance Plc head office is presently one of the most efficient and green buildings within and around the Awolowo axis of Ikoyi, Lagos with a total land size

of 13,85Square Meter, total build up area 3,639Square meter including usable roof area showcasing 100 percent hard and soft landscaping area on the ground floor,” he observed. He said in developing the facility as a green building, the company has not only affirmed the forward looking orientation and values that have became its hallmark but has shown that the company is an environmentally responsible creating sustainable work spaces without compromising the health and safety of the people.

Nigeria to Spend $144bn on ICT Products, Services by 2019 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 (Maritime)

Osinbajo: Digital economy, diversification will make oil less relevant to Nigeria Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami has said, studies have shown that Nigeria will be spending $143.8 billion on Information Communications Technology (ICT), products and services by 2019.

According to him, Nigeria loses about $2.8billion annually from the importation of ICT goods and services, including $1billion spent annually on software imports.

The DG made the disclosure at the 2016 e-Nigeria conference, in Abuja, adding locally

manufactured or assembled computers represent less than 8 percent of all the computers used in the country.

Pantami, while calling for private sector investment in the sector added: “We strongly plead with our international manufacturers to domesticate their products in order to achieve a win-win relationship.

“The diversification of our economy has become imperative in the face of dwindling revenue from the oil sector.

“ICT provides a veritable option for diversifying our economy because it has the added advantage of being able to improve efficiency and enhance productivity in all the

other sectors of the economy.”

He however said that Nigeria was fortunate to have a large percentage of young Nigerians that have a high level of interest in ICTs, stressing that NITDA is creating an environment that supports high level ICT-based capacity building for them.

He said: “This will create the critical mass required to drive the Local Content programme of the federal government, championed by NITDA. “We will collaborate with industry leaders and put policies in place to support young Nigerians to develop world-class ICT products. This plan informed our decision to invite several start-ups to

eNigeria.”

Within the limits of the mandate set up for the agency, he said NITDA is being repositioned to filter the IT gadgets being imported to the country in the overall interest of the nation.

According to him, there is tremendous gain to be made from a local content policy that encourages the development of local ICT products and services, adding that this will significantly reduce capital flight.

The DG said: “NITDA will lay on regulation, local content development and capacity building, we are making concerted efforts to create, as well as review, existing standards and

guidelines.

“This will enable us to regulate the sector in line with the highest global standards.

We are committed to ensuring that the proliferation of fake and sub-standard ICT products and services in the country is eliminated or at least significantly curtailed.

“Security in the 21st century is highly reliant on ICTs and we want to encourage the development of ICT-enabled security services across all sectors of the economy. In addition to our support for the use of ICT for physical security, we are also committed to ensuring the cybersecurity of our nation.” he said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

AIR WATCH

Poor Communication, Obsolete Navigational Aids Threaten Air Safety Chinedu Eze The Senate Committee on Aviation has said that Nigeria’s airspace is endangered by poor communication between the pilot and the air traffic control (ATC) and non-functional and obsolete navigational aids.

Vice chairman of the Senate committee on aviation, Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah who is also a pilot spoke about the hard decisions pilots have to take every day in order to fly safely through the airspace with inadequate navigational equipment, noting that ineffective communication in the airspace has become inimical to air safety. N’Allah recalled that these problems have been there over the years despite huge amount of money spent on projects to improve safety in the airspace. The Committee berated the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), saying that the later has failed in its oversight functions to regulate the airspace management agency, It decried the billions of Naira

spent on equipment procurement and execution without any discernible improvement in airspace safety.

Na’Allah observed that in the aviation industry, contracts are inflated and when compared to other countries, a 10th of what is budgeted to execute a project in Nigeria is used to provide the best of similar project overseas, adding “The navigational aids we have in Ghana, Togo, Dakar, Senegal, we have spent five times of the money they spent, yet we are yet to have the kind of equipment they have. So when we talk about funds the problem is much more than that. Collectively we have failed, so individually let us correct those mistakes that we made in the past. We do not have the funds now. We will never have the kind of funds that we had in the past in the foreseeable future. So we need to change our attitude now.”

The Committee promised to into the activities of the industry, the money the Senate appropriated to the different agencies and review the execution of the projects in line with the

funds allocated to them.

However, the acting Managing Director of NAMA, Emma Anasi explained that paucity of funds have been the major factor for failure to implement projects in the agency and traced the history of communication and navigational aids in Nigeria airspace. He noted that expansion and multiplication of airports and air routes hampered the effectiveness of these equipment, which was initially made for relatively limited part of the airspace.

He said a major part of this problem would be solved if NAMA completes the on-going Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) automation, which is meant to improve communication in the airspace.

“When the project, which we call Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) automation was started it was designed to do two principal things. Create a V-SAT network in double redundant mode to enable us establish more extended VHF coverage sites and those sites are Benin, Calabar, Yola, Kaduna and many more.

Delta Air Lines Pledges Commitment to Nigerian Market Chinedu Eze

the country.

The commercial director East and West Africa of Delta Air Lines, Bobby Bryan has restated the airline’s commitment to the Nigerian market, describing international air travel in Nigeria as resilient.

Speaking during a media launch in Lagos on Wednesday, Bryan said that despite the recession, foreign exchange problem, Delta Air Lines is in Nigeria to stay and has adapted to the transient but prevailing economic situation.

He noted that the African continent and Nigerian market remain a continued area of focus for Delta as the airline will continue to adapt, fly and grow in Nigeria.

He disclosed further that the airline has almost carried one million passengers between Nigeria and United States since 2007 it started operating into

He said the attainment of one million passengers on the Nigerian US route is a milestone the airlines will soon celebrate.

Bryan said the airline feel important flying to the country because Nigeria is strong market for Delta Air Lines.

“This is an important year as we celebrate our 10th anniversary of service to the African continent. Back in December 2006, Delta launched services to Johannesburg, Dakar and Accra, becoming the only U.S. airline to operate scheduled flights between Africa and the United States since the 1980s”.

He said Delta is focused on deploying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which is a baggage tracking technology.

This will allow passengers track the movement of their bags on the aircraft, he said.

The commercial director East

and West Africa of Delta Air Lines added that the airline will be rolling Delta Premium in 2017.

He said though the airline still has trapped funds in Nigeria, it is coping with the situation in the country.

Bryan while thanking the Nigerian government for her efforts in getting some of the airlines trapped funds in the country out, he urged the government to continue helping so that the airline will continue operating in the country.

He attributed the sustainability of their operations in Nigeria to strong market, incredible Nigerian staff, commitment to the market.

The commercial director East and West Africa of Delta Air Lines said the demand for travellers has not dropped, as the number of people desiring to travel has not dropped but has rather increased.

Overland Airways Begins Asaba-Abuja Flights Overland Airways, Nigeria’s frontline carrier has announced the commencement of its flight services from Abuja to Asaba, Delta State.

The flight services will be operated with Overland Airways globally renowned ATR turboprop aircraft with superior technological design for unmatched performance on short-distance flights in terms of economic reliability, safety and comfort.

It said the airline is Nigeria’s longest-serving most consistent scheduled commercial airline providing uninterrupted flight services in Nigeria over the past 14 years.

With expanding routes including Lagos, Asaba, Abuja, Dutse, Minna, Bauchi, Jalingo, Akure, Overland Airways

looks to begin regional flights in West African in the first quarter of 2017.

According to Capt. Edward Boyo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Overland Airways, the accelerated development of the economy of Delta State is strategic to the development of the economies of various regions in the country especially the South-East and South-South regions, which makes air transport an important element in the efforts to develop Delta State.

“Delta State is endowed with great human and sundry resources which should be carefully harnessed by relentless efforts of both the government and the private sector. Overland Airways is dedicated to creating new

high-value for the indigenes and visitors to Delta State by providing our trademark excellent, reliable, safe and comfortable air services to Asaba.

“We understand the value of investments and easy access into hinterland economies like Delta State.

And we are confident of driving sustainable social and economic development in Delta State as Overland Airways supports the easy movement of investors, tourists, traders and business people to and from Delta State and the adjoining regions such as Onitsha across the Niger. We are in partnership with the people of Delta State. And this is a partnership that works” Boyo said.

The MMA2 Imbroglio Lagos Airport domestic terminal, MMA2

MMA2

W

hat transpired during the recent public hearing organised by the National Assembly and the lawmakers’ disposition on the problems hindering development in the aviation sector were clear indications that the legislators are actually interested in the development of the aviation sector to ensure its contributes more to Nigeria’s economic growth.

This was confirmed on Monday when the Senate Committee on Aviation visited the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to review the projects executed in tandem with the appropriations approved

by NASS for the aviation agencies.

The Vice-chairman of the Committee, Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah said that collectively and individually many people have contributed to the poor growth of the industry but there should be a new commitment and resolve to do things better in order to grow and develop the industry.

He lamented the huge resources wasted in lame projects that were largely not completely executed and the inflated costs that allegedly were diverted to private pockets.

Industry observers have noted that a key way to resolve one of the major problems that have dogged the industry is to settle the issues concerning the concession of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, known as MMA2, which was given to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) when Royal Sanderton, which won the concession bid was unable to execute the project within a given period. BASL came second to Royal Sanderton in the bid round. What stoked controversy recently on the concession was a remark credited to the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika during his presentation at the public hearing organised by the House Committee on Aviation. He spoke extensively on why the major airports must be concessioned and insisted that without bringing in the private sector to develop the airport facilities, Nigeria cannot overcome the decay of airport infrastructure, travellers may not be able to enjoy first class airport services as obtained in other parts of the world and that the present eyesore, which the airports constitute may not go away. Sirika also spoke about the concession of the first airport terminal in the country – the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), owned

by Wale Babalakin.

In his presentation, Sirika compared his planned concession of the airports to the concession of MMA2, which he alleged was not transparently done.

“The proposed concession would be transparent, unlike the Bi-Courtney concession that was not transparent,” Sirika said, thus re-awakening the old controversy over government’s concession of the airport through FAAN. Also reacting to the alleged lack of transparency in the concession of MMA2 to Bi-Courtney, some industry stakeholders said the Minister must have voiced his personal opinion on a state matter, arguing that his statement was not in tandem with the views of his predecessors, one of whom, Chief Osita Chidoka, who declared openly last year declared that of all the airport terminals in the country, MMA2 was the best.

The conflicting positions of government senior officials on the concession of MMA2 are one of the reasons why many investors are apprehensive about investing in airport concession. There are companies that may indicate interest in the concession of the airports in Enugu, Calabar, Owerri and Port Harcourt, but they are waiting to see how government is able to manage the first concession under the present

administration and how it settles the controversy over MMA2.

A former Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, recently expressed worry about the proposed concession. Speaking on ‘The Gains of Airport Privatisation and Concessions in a Dwindling Economy, Such as Nigerian, at an aviation stakeholders’ conference, organised by Check In Nigeria Limited in Lagos, Demuren who said he supported concession wholeheartedly, however, advised government to “review all existing issues and litigations which arose from previous concessions before getting into another concession agreement with new investors”.

He observed that the failure to resolve all the issues concerning the federal government and BASL has led to unending litigations. In one of the court cases, THISDAY gathered, the federal government was ordered to pay BASL N132 billion for breaching parts of the agreement.

Demuren advised that this must be resolved first before government can contemplate another concession.

“I’m a bit confused about what government wants to concession. There are already existing issues and litigations in court with some of the airports, which should first be resolved if we want to get the best out of this”, Demuren said and advocated for good corporate governance, transparency and reduction of government interference in the activities of the aviation agencies.”

Going by all the documents Babalakin presented at the public hearing to support his claims that FAAN obeyed the letters of the agreement between his firm and government in the breach, Sirika’s claim may not be convincing. Babalakin told the lawmakers that it was incontestable that FAAN was, indeed, the party that blighted the concession by breaching major parts of the agreement and disobeying the orders of various courts and the arbitration committee with reckless abandon.

According to Babalakin, the uncooperative attitude of FAAN had stifled the development of more facilities in MMA2, including the hotel and conference centre, mono rail, fuel hydrant and a power plant, adding that only 30 per cent of the terminal was being put to use as FAAN and other regulatory agencies have refused to permit the operation of regional flights from the facility as approved. He pointed out that the Federal High Court had awarded damages against the federal government to the tune of N132 billion, with interest accruing in favour of Bi-Courtney till date.

Reacting to Babalakin’s allegations, FAAN, represented by its General Manager, Legal Services, Mrs. M. Alphonse, said at the public hearing that GAT was not covered under the concession agreement, even when the agreement says domestic flight operations from Lagos must emanate exclusively from MMA2.

She also said the exclusivity under the concession agreement is “patently unreasonable” as it inhibits the development of other airport terminals in Lagos and is also anti-competition. Mrs. Alphonse further argued that FAAN was not a party to the suit instituted by Bi-Courtney and only became aware after judgment had been entered in favour of the company.

On exclusivity, Babalakin countered FAAN and observed that the exclusivity in the concession agreement envisaged an increase in passenger traffic and therefore included a clause that in the event of a need to expand or develop additional terminals, Bi-Courtney would be given a right of first refusal, which FAAN never respected. Pitfalls in the concession of MMA2 to BASL should be a guide to the present planned concession of airports. Care should be taken to ensure that no other interests over rides that of FAAN in giving out the airports in concession because it is the agency that would bear the brunt of whatever infractions that may accrue over the transaction in future.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Ending Tariff War at the Ports Eromosele Abiodun takes a look at the prolonged dispute between the Shippers Council, terminal operators and ship owners over port tariffs and efforts to settle the matter out of court Irked by a report that put Nigeria’s loss through illegal shipping charges imposed on Nigerian importers by providers of shipping services at N64 billion, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) on October 29, 2014, published a public notice to terminal operators and shipping companies, directing a downward review of their charges.

The Council, acting as the port commercial regulator, stated that some of the charges had been a subject of controversy and persistent complaints by importers and customs agents.

The charges, which reversal was to take effect from November 3, 2014, include: the progressive storage charge; free storage period; shipping line agency charge; container cleaning and maintenance fee and container demurrage.

The Council had ordered an increase in the container storage period at the ports from three days to seven days and also directed shipping companies to reduce their charges from N26,500 to N23,850 for a 20ft container and from N48,000 to N40,000 for a 40ft container.

It further directed shipping agencies to refund container deposits to importers and agents within 10 days after the return of the empty containers.

The Council had increased the container Free Storage Period to seven days instead of three days. The Council also increased container demurrage-free days to 10 days and directed that henceforth, container deposits must be refunded within 10 days after the empties had been returned to the shipping companies.

The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, while confirming the review said the decision was arrived at after several meetings and consultations with the terminal operators and shipping companies.

According to him, “We were all in agreement with this decision. The cost of doing business at our ports is very high compared to our competitors. Once we remove these charges, we would attract more cargo to our ports.

Terminal operators are to revert the storage charge to that which was approved as far back as May 1, 2009. That was when the last approval was given. But they unilaterally increased the charge; now, they have to revert.”

He added: “The free storage period, that is, the period before you are charged for storage or demurrage has been increased from three days to seven days. We have also told the terminal operators that the seven days free period will take effect from the time when the container is discharged from the ship. The free period formerly took effect even when the ship had not discharged the container. This is in line with what is happening in the region and in the world all over.”

Bello explained that shipping companies were required to reduce the shipping line agency charge. For a 20 feet container, the shipping line agency charge was reduced from N26,500 to N23,850. For a 40-feet container, it was reduced from N48,000 to N40,000. Shipping agencies were also directed to refund container deposits to importers and agents within 10 working days after the return of the empty containers.

“There is a container cleaning and maintenance fee, which shipping companies charge about N2,500; it has been reduced to N1,500. The free period before which container demurrage is charged has been increased from five days to 10 days. This is just the beginning of the revolution; we want to drive down cost and have efficient ports. We equally want to stop arbitrariness in tariff increase, and to eliminate unnecessary charges,” he added.

Authority (NPA) since 2006.

The findings of the team grieved the council, prompting it to reduce some of the shipping charges.

The ports regulator had viewed the illegal charges as ‘imported inflation’ into the nation’s economy by the shipping companies and terminal operators.

A breakdown of the figure, which was collected illegally in 2013 by both terminal operators and shipping companies showed that the sum of N32.04 billion was collected by the affected providers of shipping services on Shipping Line Agency Charge (SLAC); Progressive Storage Charge – N28.8 billion

The NSC’s research team had carried out an investigation into what Nigeria loses annually to illegal shipping charges imposed on importers by multinational shipping companies and terminal operators, who took over cargo handling operations from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) since 2006. The findings of Report Outcome The NSC’s research team had carried out the team grieved the investigation on what Nigeria loses annu- council, Prompting it ally to illegal shipping charges imposed on importers by multinational shipping companies to reduce some of the and terminal operators who took over cargo shipping charges handling operations from the Nigerian Ports

while the sum of N2.5 billion was collected on container cleaning charge.

The research team had also compared shipping charges in Nigeria with those of Cotonou Port, in Benin Republic which has been the haven for diversion of Nigerian cargoes which are later smuggled into the country.

The report revealed that while an importer in Nigeria pays N62,682 and N87,695 as Terminal Handling Charge, customs examination and delivery charge for 20ft and 40ft container, it costs N24,000 and N48,000 respectively for 20ft and 40 ft container in Cotonou port.

On Free Storage Period, the NSC discovered that while it is three days in Nigeria, it is seven days in Cotonou and Ghana and 11 days in Cameroun.

It was also found that unclaimed container deposit being held by shipping companies runs into several billions.

The team also disclosed in their report that the container throughput (laden) for 2013 was 1,010,836 TEU, a figure that was used to calculate what the country lost to the service providers.

All these prompted the commercial regulator to reduce the charges to the pre-May 2009 rates as a way of reducing the cost of doing business at the ports.

War of Attrition However, despite claim by the shippers’ council boss that there was consultation with the stakeholders before the charges reversal, the affected companies under their umbrella bodies rushed to the courts and obtained an interim injunction stopping the reviews from taking effect.

First to obtain the injunction were the terminal operators under the aegis of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN).

The next day, shipping companies operating under the umbrella of Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) approached the same court, Federal High Court, Ikoyi, and secured another injunction.

Members of the ASLA include Alraine Shipping Agencies, Cross Marine Services, CMA CGM Delmas, Comet Shipping Services,

Grimaldi Agency and Gulf Agency.

The others are Hull Blyth Nigeria Limited, Lagos and Niger Shipping Agencies, Maersk Nigeria Limited, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Mitsui OSK Lines, PIL Nigeria Limited and Sharaf Shipping Agency.

The suit number FHC/L/CS/1646/2014 was filed on behalf of ALSA and its members by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Chidi Ilogu.

However, a week later, the injunction earlier granted STOAN was reversed. The Presiding Judge, Ibrahim Buba, said that the parties which came by way of originating summons did not tell the court the issues for determination and struck out the suit by the terminal operators. He said the counsels to the plaintiffs failed to raise questions which they wanted determined in the originating summons.

“Since the court cannot proceed without knowing the right and interest of the parties which are inextricably tied to the question of determination, the court cannot proceed on that,” Buba said.

But counsel to STOAN, Mrs. Funke Agbor described the development as a temporary setback. She said the issues raised by the Judge would be addressed while the case would be re-listed. Consequently, the STOAN lawyers went to work and before close of business on that day got the case re-listed.

Joining the Fray Meanwhile, in a bid not to be left out, the Shipping Association of Lagos State (SALS) joined the fray. Lead counsel to the plaintiff, Ilogu had earlier objected to SALS joining the suit as second defendant on the ground that the case at hand had nothing to do with it. He said the matter at hand was for the court to determine whether the NSC had the powers to unilaterally determine shipping line agency charges.

But ruling on the argument in favour of SALS, Justice Buba said the association could join in the suit as second defendant provided it undertakes not to slow down

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Bello

the determination of the case. He also said that SALS would not be allowed to file any amendment to the plaintiff’s position.

SALS lawyer, Mr. Osuala Nwagbara, who explained his client’s interest in the matter agreed to the conditions set by the Judge.

Justice Buba consequently adjourned the matter to 1st December 2014 for definite hearing.

Stopping Terminal Operators While the matter was yet to be determined by the court, the operators and shipping companies continued collecting the tariff. In a bid to put an end to this, human rights activist and maritime lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) filed a suit before Justice I.N Buba of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, against the terminal operators over alleged continued collection of some shipping charges in disobedience to the court’s judgment granted in favour of the NSC as the Ports Economic Regulator.

Agbakoba, who is counsel to the NSC, sought an order of the court to compel the service providers to refund the sum of N150 billion as the money they have collected since the ports regulator issued a notice barring them from collecting such charges.

He maintained that the continued collection of the charges was in disobedience to the judgment of the court on the matter, explaining that the essence of the judgment obtained by the NSC was for the overall general good of the Nigerian economy.

Agbakoba in a statement said: “We refer to the newspaper publication by Messrs Femi Atoyebi SAN/Ayo Olorunfemi, advising the general public that they are not bound to follow the judgment of Mr. Justice I.N Buba of the Federal High Court declaring arbitrary port charges imposed by Terminal Operators illegal and ordering refunds of illegal charges estimated at N1 trillion.

“Messrs. Femi Atoyebi SAN/Ayo Olorunfemi claimed that the Terminal Operators have the licence to continue the collection of the illegal charges because there is a pending application for stay of execution of the judgment and an appeal. In essence, Messrs. Femi Atoyebi SAN/ Ayo Olorunfemi are saying that the pending application stays execution and the appeal have arrested the effect of the judgment. We disagree with this position. The mere fact that there is a pending application for stay and an appeal does not remove the effect of the judgment.

“Our position is supported by Supreme Court decision in Okafor v. Nnaife[1987] 4 NWLR (P. 64) 126 at 138, where the Court held that it will be unfair to allow a losing Defendant “to continue cutting down and selling economic trees on the land” adjudged by the trial court not to belong to them simply because of a pending application for stay of execution and an appeal.”

Haastrup

In his concurring judgment, Aniagolu, JSC, refused the application for stay in the following words: “what the appellants who have been found not to be the owners of the land in dispute want of this court, in effect, is for the court to lend its authority to the Appellants, for them to continue devastating the land in dispute by being allowed to continue cutting down and selling the economic trees on the land while the owners of the land – the Respondent – sit back and watches, helplessly, the fruits of his judgment being denied and deprived him. That will be justice inverted.

I will not be a party to such an inversion.”

He added: “This Supreme Court decision is apt to our case. Applying the decision, it is clear that the Terminal Operators cannot continue to impose and collect illegal charges on the pretext that they have filed a pending application for stay or appeal. The statement attributed to Messrs. Femi Atoyebi, SAN and Ayo Olorunfemi advising the general public to ignore the judgment of a court is wrong.

We advise the general public to disregard the publication.

“In any event, we have now filed an application before Mr. Justice I.N Buba to compel the Terminal Operators to comply with the judgment pending the determination of the Application for stay of execution and to immediately refund the sum of N150 billion illegally collected in disobedience of the judgment.”

Agbakoba explained that, “the essence of the judgment obtained by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is for the overall general good of the Nigerian Economy. It is to stabilise prices and ensure more cargo throughput to Nigerian Ports and stem the yearly loss of over N2 trillion potential revenue to the Nigerian government caused by excessive and illegal port charges by Terminal Operators.”

He noted: “Nigerian Ports are now characterised by poor service delivery, cumbersome cargo clearance procedures, non-compliance with regulations, arbitrariness and indiscriminate billing systems, proliferation and duplication of charges and numerous tariff heads by these Operators.

“As a result, this has led to diversion of cargo to neighboring ports in the region thus depriving the Nigerian government and economy about N2 trillion potential revenue from port use every year. The Nigerian Shippers Council as economic regulator will continue to perform its statutory functions by ensuring that ports regulations are enforced.”

Settling Out of Court Meanwhile, there are strong indications that the NSC and the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria(STOAN), the umbrella body for all concessionaires in all the seaports, may opt for out of court settlement.

In what appeared a new turn of events, Bello, while speaking at a one-day seminar on 10 years of port concession in Nigeria, hinted that the parties may likely opt for out of court settlement.

He noted that as a regulator, the council is not supposed to be a ‘head master’ rather than an unbiased umpire, who only seeks to protect the interest of both service providers and users with a view to maintaining equilibrium.

According to him, globally, tariffs whether at the seaports or elsewhere, should not be frozen but reviewed from time to time in line with economic trends and realities, arguing that in doing that due process must be followed and all relevant parties must be carried.

He also hinted that withdrawing the cases from court would pave the way for an amicable settlement of all conflicting issues.

According to him, this is in response to interventions by several well-meaning stakeholders on the need to seek a more amicable resolution of the issues that gave rise to the court case.

The NSC boss also observed that the council is aware and conscious of the fact that most of the port stakeholders including terminal operators and shipping companies are operating under very harsh socio-economic conditions.

However, the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of ENL Consortium Limited, operators of Terminals C and D of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa and Chairman of STOAN, Vicky Haastrup told THISDAY in an interview recently that terminal operators were not opposed to settling the matter out of court.

She, however, stated that the NSC is not ready for settlement, adding that there are trust issues yet to be ironed out for out of court settlement to take place.

According to her, “Well, the terminal operators are not opposed to peaceful resolution of conflict with anybody, as it is now the court process still continues. I will be lying if I say we are settling out of court. Efforts were made to settle out of court, which I was not opposed to but there is issues that bothers on trust.

That is where we are, nothing has changed.

We are not saying there can’t be a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but we are still in court. I particularly was working towards it. Trust is key to out of court resolution, as it is now, there is no trust. We can’t see it happening now.”

Impact of high Tariff A tariff is a tax imposed on imports, which are goods coming into a country. The tax may range from a few percent of the cost of the good to well over 100 per cent of the cost of the good! This tax is ultimately passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices.

Experts believe the bid to drive down cost

of doing business at the port was a good plan handled in the wrong was.

“Every time you go shopping, you likely pay higher prices because of tariffs and quotas. It is hard to believe that some of the goods you may be purchasing cost you more than twice as much as they could because of these economic measures! Dairy products, vegetables, tobacco, wool clothes, auto parts, brooms, Chinese tires, leather shoes, peanuts, and chocolate are just some of the common items we pay more for because of tariffs or quotas.

“A quota sets a numerical limit on how much of a product can be imported into a country.

This helps to protect producers of domestic products from facing too much competition and ultimately going out of business. Ultimately, quotas benefit and protect the producers of a good in a domestic economy, though the consumers end up paying more if the domestically produced goods are priced higher than imports, “said a player in the industry who do not want his name in print.

He stated that there are many reasons that tariffs and quotas may be used adding that the most common reasons are often geared towards protecting newer or inefficient domestic industries that are seen as important to the economy and the production of jobs.

He added: “The government view is that by protecting these domestic industries, we can maintain jobs through increased sales of domestic goods. This ultimately can lead to higher tax revenue collected. The additional tax, or tariff, on imported goods can discourage foreign countries or businesses from trying to sell products in a foreign country.

“The additional taxes make the foreign import either too expensive or not nearly as competitive as it would be if the tariff didn’t exist. This can lead to fewer choices of goods and a lower quality for consumers. The amount of chocolate, fruits and vegetables, and automotive parts you have to choose from are all subject to the effects of tariffs.”

Domestic producers, he stated, benefit by ultimately facing reduced competition in their home market, which leads to lower supply levels and higher prices for consumers.

He said, “When a consumer does purchase a higher-priced imported good with a tariff imposed on it, the consumer now has less money to spend on other things. This forces consumers to either buy less of the imported good or less of some other good, ultimately lowering the purchasing power of consumers.

It is important to remember that although consumers may pay higher prices because of tariffs and have limited options, the potential benefit is that domestic sales of goods can increase, ultimately leading to higher domestic sales and more jobs for companies inside the country.”

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Rip-off by the Customs Service

In order to encourage local manufacture of vehicles to enhance job creation and save foreign exchange, the federal government introduced the automotive policy with the attendant high duties and levies for imported vehicles, but the high charges have created a loophole for the Nigeria Customs Service to take advantage of, writes Chinedu Eze

Car dealers and Nigerians whose newly bought cars were seized by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are groaning and complaining to anyone who could possibly and urgently solve their problems, hoping for succour from the government of the day.

Sporadic but consistent incidents that have taken place, especially since last year is the seizure, harassment and sometimes shooting of people who bought new cars by customs officials who mount blockade at various major roads in the country.

THISDAY investigations reveal that most often customs seized cars, even the ones with necessary documentations, which duties have been paid on, the owner is forced out of the vehicle and may be allowed to take his personal belongings and the car taken away; unless he pays whatever duty they want him to pay at that moment. Sometimes, when customs officials take such cars away the owner may not get them again.

Informed source told THISDAY that since the introduction of automotive policy, which was aimed at encouraging local vehicle manufacturing there has been increase in tariff by government to discourage importation of fully manufactured vehicles, so customs levied 35 per cent duty and 35 per cent levy on imported vehicles.

What this means is that if you import a car at whatever price, you will pay a 70 per cent of the cost as tariff.

Customs deducts these charges not from the actual price of the particular car but from a given $56, 658, which is the organisation’s baseline that determines its charges. So no matter how much the car dealer bought the car, the charges are based on the customs $56, 658.

An informed source familiar with the import business and customs activities told THISDAY that the automotive policy is not working but some individuals and organisations are using it as conduit to bring completely manufactured vehicles, pretending they are bringing in completely knocked down parts (CKD) to assemble or manufacture cars locally, they are actually importing vehicles at five per cent duties charged for CKD, so they cheat government by paying five per cent duties, then they frustrate the plan by government to ensure that in the foreseeable future about 70 per cent of vehicles used in Nigeria would be manufactured locally.

“They import what they call semi-knocked down and pay five per cent duties and we pay 90 at our own price. We buy Toyota Prado

SUV from Dubai and pay the cost of freight but customs doubles the charges for us and we pay as high as N18 to N19 million duties on one Prado. They said this is to discourage assembled cars in Nigeria, but how many people are manufacturing vehicles in Nigeria? It is only Innoson; others are pretending they are manufacturing or assembling vehicles but bring in fully manufactured vehicles and per only five per cent duties.

“You cannot buy any vehicle from Lagos and leave the state. Customs will seize it on the road. Customs has 16 check points from Lagos to Benin; from Benin by-pass to Asaba they have eight, there are three check points between Owerri and Port Harcourt, between Benin to Warri there are four check points and between Warri to Port Harcourt there are six check points,” the source told THISDAY. The source also said that between Ibadan to Ife there are four check points and between Ife and Akure there are three.

“But do you know the irony? There are extremely very few checkpoints in northern part of the country. In fact, you cannot get up to eight checkpoints in the whole north. You can cross check this I am telling you. There is one checkpoint from Enugu to Onitsha, four from Enugu to Port Harcourt, two from Umuahia to Uyo; all these are waiting for those that bought new vehicles.

They clamp down on vehicles manufactured from 2014 till date. They know how to find the actual price of these vehicles and other necessary information. Just take in the chasis and identity number and put them on the internet and all the information you need will be there. But customs will not do that; rather they will ask you to get the information, to bring all the documents to trace the profile and provenance of the vehicle. So all the companies that claim to produce vehicles locally are just deceiving government; it is only Innoson that is producing vehicles here,” the source said.

The source stressed that by not abiding to international rules Nigeria Customs Service is frustrating easy way of doing business in Nigeria.

“Recently an expatriate bought a new Prado SUV and as he was driving the car to the site where he was working, customs stopped him and seized the vehicle. You cannot imagine how frustrated and disappointed he felt. Also a clergy who was going for a burial ceremony was stopped that way and the car

taken away from him.

“We used to pay N9, 223, 500.00 as vehicle duties, now that amount has doubled because of the low value of the Naira. For example, early last year the duty we paid for a Prado is this: import duty, N390, 6018; comprehensive inspection supervision scheme, N111, 601; National Automotive Council fee, N3906018; surcharge, N273, 422; Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), N55, 801, VAT, N970, 646; total: N9, 223, 506. But this was in 2015. What is unfortunate about all these is that it is customs that determine the price of the vehicles from their books, but while they placed their price at $56, 658 for Toyota Prado, we bought that vehicle at $34, 000, but customs will use their own amount to calculate the duties. The duties above were paid when exchange rate was N194 per dollar, but now the exchange rate is double that of last year.

So there is no way business can grow,” the source said.

Another informed source who spoke to THISDAY observed that Nigeria is fond of introducing laws that are difficult to implement and people by-pass such laws by bribing their way out, thus making money for those who implement those laws at the expense of government.

“When customs officials stop you at a check point and ask you to pay N18 million as duties, you will be very happy to give them N5 million, so they, as individuals, are making huge money from Nigerians and it is even worse now despite the campaign against corruption. The major problem with them is that they are contributing in slowing the nation’s economy. They are contributing in the current unemployment. They are contributing in the closing down of businesses. Many of us have hope that things will be positively different under this administration, but I can tell you, what customs is doing is severely hurting businesses,” another source told THISDAY. The source noted that the immediate past Comptroller General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko had warned customs officials not to mount roadblocks on the highways but that warning seemed to be ineffectual. The source also observed that customs officials know everything about where both the new vehicles and second hand vehicles, popularly known as tokunbos come from. Dikko was said to have threatened to punish those officials who stay on the highway to collect monies and seize people’s cars.

In March last year, shortly before the new administration took over, Dikko had warned that customs should stay away from roads in the hinterland. He reminded them then that the ban on roadblocks and checkpoints by customs personnel in the hinterland within the country was still in force, adding, “It is not dignified and it is not in our character to mount road blocks in the hinterland.”

It is the view of many observers that the most effective way Nigeria Customs Service can carry its job is to go to the sources from where such vehicles come and insist that all duties are paid before the vehicles move to the shops. It is the same way customs go to the open market to seize wares, which obviously came through the borders where they are stationed all the time.

The source advised customs to sensitise the public so that they would know what every citizen in the country should expect about vehicle purchase. This will enable them to know what is expected of them in terms of vehicle documentation, adding that this would not only stop the embarrassment when they are suddenly stopped on the way but they would be able to know what to expect when they are buying a new car.

THISDAY spoke to the Head of Public Relations of Customs, Mr. Wale Adeniyi who said that despite the automotive policy there are no separate charges for new and old vehicles and noted that those who import cars do not complete the payment of duties, adding that customs cannot impound any vehicle which correct duties have been paid.

Adeniyi also said the law empowers customs to stop vehicles on the road anywhere, noting that some of the vehicles are smuggled.

On the proliferation of checkpoints in most part of the southern part of the country, he said that such are also there in the north, adding, “There are warehouses in Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna and if you go there you will see vehicles stopped during patrol movement. Smuggled vehicles are kept in those warehouses.”

Like all paramilitary government agencies, the law may have given customs the elbow-room to abuse their rules and take it a notch higher to exploit innocent Nigerians; but when challenged they tweak the rules to cover their malfeasance.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARItIME

NPA Boss Vows to Make Nigerian Ports Attractive to Business Eromosele Abiodun Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Bala Usman has promised to work with professionals in the maritime sector to make the ports attractive to business and boost the Nigerian economy.

Bala Usman stated this when members of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (PCC) visited her office in Lagos. The NPA boss said she was more determined to close the gaps between the agency and the professionals by engaging them in most of authority’s activities to promote port business.

The NPA boss told the

group that she would need their input and those of other professionals to move the industry forward.

She said, the NPA will find solution to the issue of gridlock in Apapa and fix the access road to boost port operations She expressed concern over other challenges facing the ports and assured the group of her determination to find a lasting solution to the problems.

NPA, she added, would look critically at all the recommendations made by the group and promised to implement the good ones to boost the economy.

She pointed out that the maritime industry needs the

experience which many members of the PCC are bringing forward to NPA in charting a new course for the sector.

She also expressed the readiness of her management team to pursue the issue of making the ports competitive in the sub-region to a logical conclusion to improve the performance of the ports by developing port infrastructure, regulating charges and making the ports more cost effective.

Usman said she had embarked on the journey to achieve efficiency at the seaports.

The new management of NPA, Usman said would deliver on its new mandate

by meeting the expectations of Nigerians in port operations, efficiency and charges.

While calling on members of the council to support the NPA in its drive to make the port a hub in the sub-region, she also assured them that all irregularities and arbitrariness in the ports system would be addressed by her team.

In his address, the Chairman of PCC, Kunle Folarin said the Council is the only body that harbours diverse professionals and stakeholders under one roof and urged the management of NPA to always reach out to all stakeholders.

PCC, Folarin said, had

produced many reports that were found relevant in tackling some of the problems facing the ports and the sector and promised to always support the NPA in its drive to succeed.

The PCC boss also solicited for the support of the management of the NPA so that the group can attain its goal.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the NPA, Emmanuel Adesoye had stated recently that the current economic challenges facing Nigeria can fully be addressed if the economic and human potential deposited within the labour force particularly in the Maritime sub-sector are swiftly harnessed.

According to him, doing

so in a holistic manner along government’s diversification efforts towards the utilisation of other revenue generation initiatives will help to stimulate the economy to growth.

The NPA board chairman made this know when he and his fellow board members paid a visit to locations in Eastern Ports in the country.

Adesoye reaffirmed that NPA had been strategically positioned to most meaningfully contribute towards the nation’s recovery from economic down turn by prioritising the potentials of the exportation of agricultural and mineral resources through the nation’s Seaports.

Shipper Council, Borno Govt to Fast-track Dry Port in Maiduguri Eromosdele Abiodun The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima has announced plans to work with the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to fasttrack the establishment of the Maiduguri Dry Port project, which was approved by the federal government in 2006.

When completed, the port will have all the features of an international port with all agencies similar to those at the Ports in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country for import and distribution of goods from Nigeria to countries like Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Sudan and Central Africa.

The governor announced this when a delegation from the NSC led by the Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello paid a courtesy visit to the governor.

The visitors included some shippers and the management of the company granted consent to operate the Maiduguri Port.

Shettima said he was committed to fast-tracking the establishment of the Port in Maiduguri given the economic benefits that would help in the fighting poverty that contributes to insecurity. “If we are serious about addressing the Boko Haram insurgency, we have to fix Borno and rest of the northeast. Some may see the Boko Haram crisis as Borno’s problem but then, there is always a ripple effect when a population center within a region is either hot or cold. Borno is to the northeast, what Kano is to the northwest, Borno is to the northeast, what Lagos is to the southwest and what Port Harcourt is to the south-south. “It is expectant that if the economy of Lagos boils, the southwest would catch cold.

Borno is gateway to export of goods to Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Sudan and Central Africa. Borno has the chunk of the northeast population. I am quite glad that the Nigerian Shippers Council is committed to this dry port in Borno because that project is capable of making huge impact in the economy of Borno with

multiplier effects on the rest of the northeast. We will give the NSC all the support to ensure the success of this project,” Shettima said.

The governor paid glowing tribute to the NSC boss for what he described as his “competent handling of the shippers council through skills, humility and politeness.”

“It is really a great feat to efficiently manage the complex nature of the maritime industry which has very wealthy shippers, the controversial Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), customs, terminal operators and different actors.

But I think I can understand why the executive secretary is succeeding. I strongly think beside his evident competence, his major strength is his humility and politeness and these are attributes that help in team building and collectivism in approach to attaining goals.

I am hopeful that Borno State will soon benefit from the competence and commitment of the E.S through the inland terminal otherwise referred to as dry port” Shettima added.

Speaking at the occasion, Bello acknowledged that the Borno State government has already allocated a good site for the port, stressing that the council is ready to work with the state to have a Project Implementation Committee that will comprise officials at the federal and state level to begin work.

The NSC boss said the site allocated by Borno government will require roads, electricity, water and security posts, all of which Governor Shettima promised to provide.

“The Maiduguri Port will be just like the Apapa Port and will have all the departments and all stakeholders in the maritime industry. The only thing that will differ froAm Maiduguri Dry Port and Apapa will be water. However, containers are going to be shipped by railway soon as they arrive Lagos or any port.

UNVEILING YUDALA BRAND AMBASSADOR

L-R: Founder/Vice President, Yudala, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh; Head, Corporate Communications, Gideon Ayogu: Chief Executive Officer, Dave Ibelegbu; Multiple award-winning gospel artiste, Frank Edwards and Vice President, Yudala Offline Retail, Ronke Atoyebi, during the contract signing ceremony and unveiling of Edwards as Yudala brand ambassador in Lagos...recently

Group Launches App to Improve Transport System in Lagos Ugo Aliogo and Azeezat AbdulKareem As part of efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in Lagos State, IWorld Transit Solution Limited, a sister company of IWorld Financial Services Limited has launch a mobile application known as Soole, which would help in funding of infrastructure services and improve transportation through use of technology.

Addressing journalists over the weekend in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Charles Ojo, said the development of transport infrastructure in Nigerian is

vital, noting that there has been a great decay in transport infrastructure over the years, adding that the company is focused on development of infrastructure.

Speaking on the initiative, Ojo explained that the Soole has taxi service and right sharing service, adding that the taxi services has two categories yellow and private cabs, while the yellow cabs are divided into standard and deluxe, and the private cabs are standard deluxe and executive. Ojo said the payment option is electronic for now, stressing that they want to discourage the challenges faced with cash payment which

can occur between the driver and passenger, but they are planning to modify it in the future, “the payment system is 24hours and the passenger safety is assured. It is meter driven payment, therefore you can pick that suits you.”

He noted that they are partnering with experienced drivers, adding that working with them for the past six months, they have identified their plate numbers and other basic information, and they also visited four hundred and thirty seven parks in total.

“The drivers are trained on the use of application and also the customers’ service.

The training will continue for these drivers. The drivers in Surulere are the toughest to convince because the drivers there are old. What we have done with our product is that you know how much it will cost before embarking on your destinations. We are concerned with discouraging with decongestion in Lagos roads. The application has a GPRS which tells the passenger the time and distance. From records, it has been proved that the yellow cabs are the most organized. We alos have the ladies only where ladies can have a ride with fellow ladies.

We also have charter services.

Lagos to Extend BRT Service to Oshodi-Abule-Egba Route Gboyega Akinsanmi Three weeks after restricting LAGBUS Asset Management Limited from operating on Ikorodu-CMS bus rapid transit (BRT), the Lagos State Government has said it will extend its BRT service to the Oshodi-Abule-Egba corridor.

The state government has also sought the permission of the federal government to construct

BRT corridor from Oshodi to Abule-Egba, saying it is part of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to decongest gridlocks in the state.

The Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr. Abiodun Dabiri disclosed the plan at the first anniversary of Primero Transport Service Limited in Lagos. After the construction of the six-lane

Ikorodu-Mile 12 road that cost about N35 billion include maintenance cost, Primero Transport Service Limited won franchise to operate the BRT corridor.

Consequently, the state government directed LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, currently 18 bus operators (red buses) on different routes to stop using the dedicated Ikorodu-CMS BRT corridor, a decision that ignited public protest.

But Dabiri, who was represented by LAMATA’s External Relations Specialist, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi at the anniversary of Primero, said the state government would introduce the BRT services on Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor.

He said the state government had already approached the federal government on the plan to extend the BRT service “to Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

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GTB Keeps Its Eye on SMESs With the clamour for banks to redirect their lending towards the retail segments of the market, Guaranty Trust Bank appears to have taken the lead with the successful hosting of the glamorous and impactful Fashion Weekend, which was aimed at propelling small and medium businesses in the fashion and creatives sector. Raheem Akingbolu reports

A pragmatic step was recently taken by Guaranty Trust Bank, to rescue the economy and reawaken the Nigerian youth populace. Though, it was designed to boost the Small Medium Enterprises sector of the Fashion industry, the two day event achieved more than that for both the brand and participants, who were mostly youths.

For the brand, it was another opportunity to create a robust affinity with its patrons. And for participants, the event remained an eye opener that would redefine their entrepreneurial spirit.

Above all, by Sunday when curtail was drawn on the event, it was obvious that the economy was the biggest beneficiary from the initiative.

Aside creating an opportunity for participants to learn how to make profitable businesses out of fashion from local and international fashion industry leaders, there was also a showcasing of a diverse range of affordable and luxury apparels, footwear, accessories, beauty items and much more from bidding.

Before now, GTBank footprint in the area of SME was believed to be bold, as the lender has supported and nurtured arguably the highest number of SMEs in all sectors of the economy, and in all the socio-economic zones. The bank has supported many one-man-businesses to large industry players and national corporate and even supported many of them to become publicly quoted at the national Bourse, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). It is believed that the bank’s commitment to mass market has tremendously helped many Nigerians to get their brands fully entrenched in the market.

On why the bank focuses on commercial and retail segments of the market, its Managing Director, Mr. Segun Agbaje said the decision to identify with the segment was informed by the need to develop the small businesses and grow the economy. He however pointed out that the bank still satisfies the need of its corporate customers and others in the market.

Commitment to SMEs For a Bank that has shown commitment to supporting small and medium scale businesses in Nigeria, the Fashion weekend should come

as no surprise. The event brought together some of the most promising, talented and recognised fashion designers, brands and retail enterprises from across Nigeria and abroad to showcase latest fashion trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, fashion lovers and industry professionals According to Agbaje, “The fashion weekend is our way of growing SMEs in a sustainable manner that is not driven by profits but focused on empowering the bank’s customers and growing the Nigerian economy collectively. In a way to further enhance SMEs, we set up the fashion master class sessions as highlights for the weekend. It would offer entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to learn from global fashion industry leaders.

On the other hand the retail exhibitions would showcase the wares of dozens of SMEs within the fashion industry for patronage from guest.”

He explained that the event was organised to promote enterprise in the SME sector of the Fashion industry, adding that the not-so-short answer would begin with the fact that GTBank actually has an extensive footprint in fashion that goes back several years.

“The bank has sponsored two of the country’s leading fashion events, The Arise Fashion Week and The Lagos Fashion and Design Week, for a combined period of five years. The bank has also contributed significantly to raising the international profile of African fashion through collaborations including the Ndani Installation at Selfridges and the “Double Club” Collaboration with PRADA,” The GTBank Fashion Weekend was thus an extension of the bank’s long tradition of supporting the local fashion industry and African fashion in general. However, the weekend extravaganza was much bigger than whatever the bank has done in the past to support fashion because it not only aims to celebrate African fashion but to directly boost both the expertise and exposure of small businesses and create a platform that will truly serve the stakeholders in the fashion industry According to one of the participants, who simply identified herself as Chioma, the fashion weekend Master Classes had renowned and

successful fashion entrepreneurs who shared their stories of building viable businesses with budding entrepreneurs. “It created an opportunity for participants to learn how to make profitable businesses out of fashion from local and international fashion industry leaders,” she said.

From any angle one chooses to look at the event, the organisers sure planned to organise an international forum to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youths. Entering the venue, one is heralded by the walk-in stall where artisans are working on ‘Adire’ designs, - (tie and dye) indigo-dyed cloth made in southwestern Nigeria by the Yorubas, using a variety of resist-dyeing techniques to create beautiful patterns- already infused into the works of Maki Oh, Orange Culture, Tiffany Amber and more.

Just beside the hall is the lush open lounge for guests to refresh and snack on finger foods and ice cream set at a corner by popular Lagos vendors. Outside felt like an open market for everything good; the modern African-ness of the venue comes appealing.

A venture into the main hall housing a parade of items from different brands lights up the venue which gives every brand a chance to show off offerings on sale; Ituen Basi’s lush intricate detailed floor length dress on a mannequin immediately reminds you the hall is a mix of fashion and beauty display, all the way to the end of the hall where Hans & Rene nests just before the hall (another inside the other) where the masterclass sessions are held.

Lagos as a fashion capital Paris, Milan, London and New York are the “Big Four” of global fashion. Everything that happens in the world of fashion, from the disruption of old fashion styles to the setting of new trends, often begins or at least take shape in these cities. Of course, there are other major players, of which Berlin, Barcelona, Tokyo, São Paulo and Los Angeles quickly come to mind.

However, one thing that is glaring within the global fashion space is the total absence of any African city in the top echelon of fashion destinations.

With the fashion weekend, Gtbank seems to

be saying that Lagos can change this narrative.

Lagos has just as much characteristics to be a global fashion city as any in Europe or the Americas. There is hardly any nationality or culture across the world that does not have some form of representation in the city of over 20 million residents. Richly diverse in culture and taste, Lagos also has the economic wherewithal to drive the emergence of a global fashion power. The city accounts for over 60% of the industrial and commercial activity in Africa’s largest economy.

With a GDP of over $90 billion, its economy is actually the 7th largest in Africa, bigger than that of Ghana and Kenya combined.

In spite of the enthralling prospects highlighted above, Lagos has thus far been unable to fulfill its potential to become a global fashion city. To understand the reason for this, one only needs to look at what the established fashion cities have done that the former is yet to do.

Globally, the estimated net worth of the fashion industry is $1.2 trillion; more than a quarter of that sum is contributed by New York, Paris, Milan and London. Apart from having very strong economies and large cosmopolitan populations, these cities also share the common trait of having strong corporate involvement which has powered their fashion industries.

Mercedes, Audi and Cadillac are some of the global brands that have deeply invested in making the big four of fashion what they are today. For eight years, New York Fashion Week was known officially as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; the luxury car maker remains the title sponsor of fashion weeks in Moscow, Berlin, Sydney and Istanbul, as well as one of the leading sponsors of London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. Mercedes-Benz and Lexus are not the only brands involved: Cadillac threw its weight behind the menswear scene in New York while Singapore’s biannual fashion week was known officially as Audi Fashion Festival.

Although Lagos has come a long way in improving its fashion standing, it is obviously CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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

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HOW I FOUND MYSELF SINGING GOSPEL MUSIC ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

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25.11.2016

How I Found Myself Singing Gospel Music The journey into the gospel music scene for Adeola Adebisis Oyinbo, could be described as very dramatic and sacrificial. But today she has an album to show for her effort. Recently, she launched an initiative tagged, 'Album Spreading Campaign'. In this interview with Mary Ekah, she talks about how it all started, her album, the essence of the campaign, the concept behind the title of the album and more How did your journey into music start?

I’m from a Muslim family but I eventually gave my life to Christ and then joined the choir. From there inspiration started. The Holy Spirit was giving me different songs at different times. Sometimes I will just be washing clothes and a song will come to me and I will quickly write it down. And I felt that for these songs to keep coming, there was something God wanted me to do about them. I felt I needed to tell the world what God was saying through these songs. I took them very seriously and started working and that has been the journey. Every song that comes, I like to give attention and before you know it everybody is listening to them.

My songs are directly from God, so I don’t joke with my songs. So the journey for me has been backward and forward. If I say that this song is good, tomorrow, He will give me one that is better and on and on it went.

So it has been a glorious journey for me.

So how long did it take to make this album?

I started gradually in the choir when I joined the choir as far back 2005. But the very first time I ever went to the studio to record a song was 2010 and the song was titled, ‘Something About the Name of Jesus’.

And that was my very first recorded song.

How many songs do you have in your debut album?

My debut album is titled;‘Spreading Jesus’ and I have 14 songs in it. And there is also a song I did for MTN caller tune this year titled, ‘Morning of Your Life’ and that is to tell you that people that you never imagine will listen to my songs are attracted to them.

And I tell you that my songs are inspiring people around the world. These songs come as inspiration from the Holy Spirit telling me to do a song about a situation or just to talk about how big God is.

Tell us a bit about your background as Muslim and how you turned a Christian?

I was born into the family of five children.

I am the first child of my parents. My father was a staunch Muslim but today I have led him to Christ. I grew up as a quiet child and I will say I am still a quiet person today and let me add that I used to be a very shy person but when I gave my life to Christ everything changed because I needed to face people and do what I need to do. I just give God all the glory for bringing me into the light because if there is anywhere you should be, it should be in Christ. So growing up I was very shy, I was an introvert, I could hardly relate with people and would just keep to myself.

That is why some of my friends who see what I have become today, find it hard to believe I am the one. Then being a Muslim and who I am now wasn’t funny at all. It was a tough with dad because he stopped paying my school fees, he stopped doing everything he was doing for me and for two years, we did get to see each other face to face. In fact, he disowned me because of the faith that I took but thank God that today we are best of friends.

At what point did you give your life to Christ and what was the thing that brought about that turning point in your life?

When I got admitted into the higher institution, like I said earlier, I just would not talk nor make friends but there were this set of ladies that kept inviting me to church. They wanted me to come to their church and each time they invited me, I will tell them, ‘don’t worry I will come’. But knowing deep in my heart that I wasn’t going to go and it continued like that. And I kept wondering what I would

Oyinbo feel they are not making enough money. And this is what I have always said and I will say it over and over again, what I do with my music is not for money. I only do music to spread the gospel of Christ. I have videos online, good videos that we have used millions of naira to put together because there are sets of people whose attention are caught by visuals and for these ones, I have videos for them and for those who just want to hear, we have enough audio for them that will keep spreading the name of Jesus.

tell my father if I should follow them to church. But one Sunday, I just dressed up and said let me just go there and see what is so special about this church that these ladies won’t let me be. So when I got there, Pastor Christ Oyakhilome was preaching, they were actually watching him on the screen and he was talking about Jesus and the thing got all over me and right there and then I knew I just had to take a decision. It was like I was the only person he was talking to. It was so strong that I started crying asking God where have I been all the while. And that was the encounter for me.

How about your mom?

Amazingly, my mom has always been a Christian right from time. Even though she had always had issues of going to church with my father because he will tell her, you dare not move and all that. And it got to a point where my mother said, I won’t go to that Mosque but I will pray in my house and there was always one issue or the other between her and my dad. And we all always supported my dad then and it was really

tough for her but she had always said then that one day our family would turn to Jesus.

She always said that then and we have seen it come to pass. That is the power of the prayer of a mother.

What church does she attend?

She has been a member of Foursquare Gospel Church all along.

Music, according to you, is like a passion and not really to make money, so what then do you do for a living?

I manage an oil and gas company. It is actually a family thing and it is called Global Services, we are into training, manpower supply, we also do software on designs, engineering designs and all that.

What would be your advice to young people, especially those who have passion for music?

It is good to listen and follow instructions.

A lot of young artistes we have out there today doing gospel music don’t know the reason they are doing it. Some just jump from gospel to secular music because they

So how would you sustain this passion of yours considering the huge amount you have spent and would still spend in a bid to spread the gospel?

That is why I work. That is why I have a business that I am doing. And I am putting my resources into music to make sure that the gospel of the Lord Jesus gets everywhere.

That is why I have decided not to just sit down. And when you see me dress to work, you wonder if it is the same person. I take my work very seriously. And I know that no one will work for Jesus and lose. I am not losing anything because I know many have come to the Kingdom through some of these songs. So there is a reward for me and my reward is in Heaven not on earth.

So that is why I do all that I do.

You described yourself as someone who is very shy but from what I have observed, it’s like you are a very strict person?

It is not as if I am strict but I just like things to be done rightly, so when there is a task ahead of us and we need to get it done within a particular time frame, then I put everyone to work. I am always like, we have to get this done, and there is no time. So that is what they are now taking me to be being strict. It is just about being disciplined. We have something we need to achieve and we have to do this, to get it done. In the ministry that we belong, Christ Embassy, we are people with excellence. So we have the same mindset as our pastor. The way Pastor Chris will do it, that’s the way we always want to do our things. So when I want to do anything I put excellence. If it is not okay, we must do it again. It must be excellent.

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25.11.2016

Obiano Plans to Float Igbo Radio to Save Language David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on Tuesday said he would float a radio station that would transmit only in Igbo.

Obiano stated this at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, during a function of an Igbo society, Otu Suwakwa Igbo, headed by a former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Pita Ejiofor.

He said this would be his contribution to prevent the Igbo language from going into extinction.

The governor berated parents for abdicating their duty in teaching their children the Igbo language and culture.

He ordered that henceforth school pupils in the state, from primary to secondary schools would wear Igbo traditional dresses to school every Wednesday.

He added that folklore would be taught to primary school children every Wednesday evening.

The governor noted that the Igbo folklore he learnt while growing up helped in guiding his behaviour and relationship with people till date.

“Igbo folklore is powerful in building morals and values. I can’t forget my late primary school teacher and the way he used Igbofolklore to bring us up morally.

Even as a governor, those stories about the tortoise and other animals still guide my life,” Obiano stated.

While assuring that the state would

Sunday Okobi

Obiano

reinvigorate the law compelling everybody in the state to communicate in Igbo language on Wednesdays, the governor said he would liaise with the state House of Assembly with a view to enacting a law that would compel every resident of the state to wear Igbo traditional attire on Wednesdays.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, a former national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, described language and religion as the identity of a

people.

He thanked the colonial masters for not destroying native languages during the era.

“We should not allow Igbo language to die as predicted. For me, I have Igbo odour and I smell Igbo where I see myself. My red cap is my joy as an Igbo man, “ Umeh stated.

The commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Stella Onuorah, enjoined Igbo in the Diaspora to teach their children Igbo language and culture.

Langbasa Gets New Traditional Ruler Chukwuemeka Okezie A retired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Prince Saheed Adeniyi Sanni has been installed as the new traditional ruler of Langbasa, a sprawling town in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State.

Adeniyi-Sanni, who served in different capacities in the Nigeria Police for almost three decades, said his recent ascension to the throne of his father was no doubt an act of God Almighty or not by any man.

He expressed gratitude to God for successful installation, thereby promising that his reign “will bring good tidings, peace, wealth and transformation to Langbasa and its suburbs.”

As the newly traditional ruler of Langbasa, according to him, “I will work by the day for peace and progress of Langbasa and Lagos State. Nothing will stop me from using my office to support the state government to ensure public order and safety.”

He acknowledged what the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his team had been doing “to make Lagos Africa’s model megacity. “I am ready to work with the Ambode administration to make Lagos comfortable, habitable and livable for all residents.”

He promised that all his activities and plans as the head of Langbasa “will complement and supplement the vision of Ambode “to Lagos a better place for all indigenes and residents irrespective of where they come from.”

He reeled out strategic plans for Langbasa

QMB Builders Mart Unveils New Outlet on Lagos Mainland

Adeniyi-Sanni being installed the new traditional ruler of Langbasa... recently

under his watch, noting that Langbasa “will henceforth will witness sustainable development, peace and security. All changes and aspirations the people of Langbasa have been longing for will be achieved.”

Adeniyi-Sanni expressed profound gratitude to all friends and families for

their support during his installation. He commended Odofin of Langbasa, Chief Ligali Balogun; Olisa of Langbasa, Chief Lateff Isikalu; Balogun of Orugbo-Ido, Chief Saheed Adesina Asani and Oluwo of Langbasa, Chief Sakari Akanni Asani among others for their support.

One of Nigeria`s leading building materials’ vendors, QMB Builders’ Mart, has unveiled its new outlet on the Lagos Mainland at Gbagada to showcase its quality products to its numerous customers in the zone.

According to the firm, the facility was designed as a premium outlet for the urban, medium and high-end customers on the Mainland.

The company, which recently concluded its annual continuous professional development seminar with its technical partners and manufacturers from across Europe and Asia to highlight trending cost-effective innovations in the building industry, also stated that the Gbagada outlet would reduce the stress of importation of materials for residential and industrial building projects.

At the launch ceremony recently, the President of QMB Builders Mart, Ayo Biobaku, who disclosed that the company was founded about nine years ago at their flagship office in Lekki, said the seminar was graced by exceptional Nigerian professionals from past and current heads of all the major associations namely NIA, ACEN, ACAN, NAQS, NIB, business moguls, bankers, friends and family among numerous customers.

According to the president, “QMB have survived several stormy waters to celebrate the opening of this new showroom. My expectations are that you shall take ownership of all business platforms including online viewing recommendations and purchases of our products to compliments your designs,” adding that the company is known for quality products, competitive pricing (affordability) and reliable consumer service.

He also said: “Gbagada outlet was set up as a result of the increasing yearnings by customers on the Mainland for quality and affordable materials, and today, it is a reality, and we are happy that we have brought the quality building wares to our esteemed customers.

“The Gbagada outlet is a one-stop shop and purpose –built facility on three floors.

It is the suitable market where customers can source every item required to make a building functional and efficient. Our products include granite, doors, light fittings, ceiling, paints, marble, Jacuzzi, and spar.”

Biobaku, who expressed satisfaction that the project had become a reality, said the outlet was opened for customers on the Lagos Mainland and its environ, adding that the Mart was premised on the core values of integrity, discipline, team work and prosperity with competitive prices and excellent customer services.

At the event, many professional bodiesCOREN, ACEN, NIQS and other customers testified of the significance of QBM impact in the industry. The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, unveiled the new QMB Logo tagged: ‘Quality Makes Life Better’.

In his remark, representative of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering In Nigeria (COREN), Kunle Ogunbayo, commended the promoters for bringing quality and value to the building industry, while representative of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Mrs. Ben. Eboh, praised the company for its contribution to the building industry.

Africa Meets Ragae Concert is Back Adedayo Adejobi The third edition of the annual Africa Meets Reggae and world music international festival is here. This is the latest disclosure from the organisers of the show, Mystic Records.

Last edition was reportedly well-organised, with good security in place and level-headed music fans.

The veteran reggae artiste, Victor Essiet of The Mandators’ fame received a large

group of journalists in Lagos recently as he declared that this edition will be several notches bigger than the previous editions.

“This year’s edition promises to parade an array of stars across Africa such as Nkulee Dube, the daughter of the late great South African Reggae legend, Lucky Dube, along with a list of others such as Big Bob from Sierra Leone, Redfyah from Ghana and Illest Nana from Ghana,he” said.

The festival which is arguably the biggest

music concert on Lagos Mainland will be held at its usual venue, Hockey Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere on November 26.

Top-shots in reggae and world music will hit the stage with Nigeria’s best. Headliners from Nigeria include Malaika, Oritsefemi, Seyi Shay, Presh from KC-Presh, Captain Blazee, Saint Peters, Isaac Billyman, Jethro Lion, Emperor Zig Zag, Sweet reggae band and Faith Okosun, who is the daughter of the late revolutionary artiste, Sunny

Okosun.

Interestingly, the root reggae culture is expanding this year to accommodate new generation of artistes such as Patoranking . Tu Baba, King Wadada, Pasuma Wonder, Small Doctor and Eljai would also rule the stage on the last Saturday of this month.

Africa Meets Reggae and World Music International Festival franchise was obtained

by Victor Essiet in 2013 to celebrate reggae and world music.

30/ NEWS

25.11.2016

LG Electronics Products, Gifts to Consider as Yuletide Approaches Mary Ekah As festive season is quickly approaching many people will be burdened with the thought of the best gifts to give their loved ones, which would really have enduring impacts. The evolution of technology has reached a point where anything is available at the touch of a button, shopping, learning, working and entertainment can all be accessed from the comfort of our homes with great connectivity. But it comes at a cost; and a relatively crucial one, at this time of season of festivity when consumers all over the world are scrambling to replace their worn out electrical appliances with latest technology that is reasonably affordable for the comfort of their homes.

LG Electronics has focused more attention in designing products that will help consumers solve their basic needs as well as boost their productivity thereby leading to longevity. There is no doubt this products help to improve the quality of life making home comfortable especially during seasonal changes making consumers to always want to settle for LG Products.

The ability of latest innovative electronics technology to meet the needs of consumers has proven that meaningful time could be saved and channeled to something more productive. This is where LG’s

LG Gas Cooker

unique portfolio of convenience enhancing electronics leaves the company well poised for success as holiday shoppers seek out the perfect gifts for their loved ones. As the shopping season begins in earnest the importance of online retail outlets continue to grow. Products are deliberately designed for this season to cater for the needs of consumers who are ever willing to take advantage of the various discounting offers that surrounds deals during the holiday season.

During this season TVs plays a unifying role by creating the atmosphere for people

to share meaningful experience and the technology’s ability to reach people all over the world is on the increase. It is expected that consumers would go for large UHD TVs to upgrade the visual capabilities of their respective homes, it is important to note that immersive high quality audio systems play a key role in achieving the perfect viewing experience. There is no doubt TVs are always in high demand during the holiday season with consumers trying to get the best deals up for grabs.

Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Rajesh Agnihotri said, “We value our consumers all over the world and that is why we are offering them unique innovative products that will change their shopping experiences for a long time to come during this season of festivity.”

LG has a line-up of home appliances designed to bring out the very best at home irrespective of low-income budget.

The Light wave convection oven and gas cookers allow users to prepare delicious, healthy meals within a twinkle of an eye.

The unique feature of LG Gas cooker makes the food embellishment remain the same during and after cooking. It comes with a dual heater that allows the grill and oven to work simultaneously and offers user more flexibility when cooking.

Victorious Army International 4th Convention Promises Better Days Ahead Mary Ekah As the Victorious Army Ministries International holds the 4th edition of its annual Bethel Victory Convention this year, it is expected that things will be turned around for better in Nigeria, especially at this point in time where everyone is lamenting about the untold hardship being experienced in the country.

At the press conference jointly addressed by both the Senior Pastor of the church, Apostle Joseph Agboli and his wife, Blessing Agboli, to announce the forthcoming convention tagged, ‘My Season of Favour’ it was disclosed that the convention is meant to liberate members and the generality of Nigerians from the affliction of poverty, hardship, barrenness, sorrow, pains and afflictions in all ramifications.

Apostle Joseph Agboli who said the convention would hold at the Victorious Army Ministries International Headquarters, Ogba, Lagos, from November 29 to December

Senior Pastor, Victorious Army Ministries, Apostle Agboli

4, revealed that the theme for this year was taken from the book of Psalms 102:13 where God promised to liberate the Israelites from the bondage of 430 years in the land of Egypt.

Agboli, who said the convention was a yearly event of the people unto the Lord, described it as a Holy convocation where God destroys bondages and afflictions in

the people’s lives. And then unleashes total victory and breakthrough to his people.

And that include deliverance, healing, fruitfulness, restoration, virtue, and many more.“It is called a Holy Convention of Victory, and it is convocation for total victory in all ramifications.”

He therefore likened the present condition of things in the nation today, where the people are suffering in diverse ways, and everyone is lamenting, to the Israelites who had suffered afflictions and untold hardship in Egypt for 430 years but when God set in to change the situation, God came in with favour and with force. And through the power of favour, the people were liberated from affliction.“Everyone in Nigeria today is lamenting and we need God. And God in the life of a man brings a total turn around,’ he said.So as the programmes starts next Tuesday, November 29 and runs till Sunday, December 4, Agboli is calling on Nigerians to come and be liberated at this year’s Bethel Victory Convention.

Nigerians Warned against Extinction of Native Languages Mary Ekah Although language is regarded as an important item of a people’s identity, it is feared that about 50 per cent of over the 6000 languages that exist today are losing speakers due to military, religious, economic, cultural and educational subjugation, while a great number are under the threat of extinction.

The Annang dialect, language of a cultural and ethnic group that lives in Southeastern Nigeria, veteran journalist and one of the founding members of Newswatch publication title, Ray Ekpu, said is one of the Nigerian languages in danger of extinction.

Speaking at the Annang Heritage Lecture Series organised by AtiAnnang Foundation, Lagos Chapter, tagged, ‘Annang Nation: Evolution, People, Culture and Trade’, Ekpu said that while people generally abandon or fail to speak their languages to overcome discrimination or to secure livelihood or to enhance social mobility or to assimilate to the global market, Annang language is endangered for a number of reasons.

These he said included lack of books or other documents written in Annang

L-R: Arnold Udoka (guest speaker); Prof. Vincent Nyoyoko, Dr. Gertrude Bassey, Mr. Otu Solomon (Chapter chairman), Mr. Ray Ekpu (OON), (Chairman of the occasion) and Dr. Joseph Udondata at the event

and people moving away from their rural areas where the language is spoken to cosmopolitan centres where English or pidgin English is largely spoken. Some, he said merely feel it is uncivilised or even primitive to speak in vernacular and the only way to show that they are well educated is to speak English only.

Ekpu lamented that even parents and worse still schools, discourage kids and wards from speaking their languages because they think they will not fit into the global marketplace.

This Ekpu said was worse in cross cultural marriages or where the mothers who are often close to the kids are career women and have very little time for bonding vernacular language-wise with their kids.

He therefore commended AtiAnnang group for the initiative, noting, “By education, exposure and experience you are our cognoscenti, our battle axe, our thought leaders, our pathfinders, our thunder and lightening, our forensic warriors, our animal with horns given to you so that you can pave the path for those animals without horns.”

Health Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Saving Mother, Child Mary Ekah To prove to Nigerians and indeed the world, that the administration of President MuhammaduBuhari is determined to improve the nation’s health sector, all levels of the society and most especially at the grassroots, the Federal Ministry of Health has again affirmed its commitment towards the operationalisation of Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOML PforR) in Nigeria.

SOML PforR is a new strategy that is employed to saves lives of mothers and children and this is in line with the change mantra of the present administration, which is transparency accountability, focusing on result, outcomes and impacts rather than simply paying for processes of reimbursing activity costs.

Speaking during the South West Zone Operational meeting of Lives Programme for SOML PforR in Lagos, which is to ensure that all funds are adequately put to use for maximum benefit of the people, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, HajiyaBintaAdamu Bello, said the programmes have collateral benefit with multiplier effects thereby increasing access to and utilisation of a set of high impact essential commodities and services thus decreasing maternal and child morbidities and mortality in Nigeria.

Bello who said for the SOML PforR, states were the greatest beneficiaries of the fund having a total of 82% of the credit sum, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, she recalled disbursed $1.5 million to each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory recently.

The meeting, Bello reiterated was specifically organised to serve as a trigger for actual implementation of the Performance for Result (PforR), adding that no result, no further payment.

She therefore encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to institutionalise the culture of performance based financing cum programme for results to better the lives of mothers and children.

The objective of the SOML PforR project for Nigeria is to increase the utilisation and quality of high impact reproductive, child health, and nutrition interventions.

The first indicator will be tracked by income quintiles to determine whether the poorest 40 per cent of the population have experienced significant progress.The programme, according to Bello, is not a typical World Bank supported project which focuses on inputs and activities for procurements using World Bank rules and procedures rather it uses country system and process giving health manager substantial autonomy in managing and producing health result.

Chosen Brings Hope for the Needy Raheem Akingbolu The Lord Chosen Charismatic Church, Ijesha, Lagos, has concluded plan to hold its annual two-day power packed international programme titled, ‘Hope For The Needy’, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday November 27, 2016 at the Chosen Revival Ground, Along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, by Ijesha, Bus Stop, Lagos from 8am daily.A press release, signed by the church’s Head of Media, Pastor Chidi Louis, noted that the programme which is interdenominational is expected not only to address the various needs of the people but more importantly will pull participants from recession and depression into restoration and redemption.“It is a common knowledge that the spiritual and physical recession prevailing in the country today has given rise to multiplicity of needs. Consequently the future has become so bleak as human efforts could no longer guarantee hope for the needy. Seeing the situation of man, God has decided through this programme to give hope to the needy.

The release which stated that the programme will be presided over by the icon of revival evangelism, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, noted further, “God Almighty will on that day in a dimension never witnessed before demonstrates His power to deliver people in all aspect of life,” adding that the crusade is designed to be a spiritual measure to checkmate the spiritual recession that gave birth to the physical recession. It is going to be a refreshing spiritual solution to the economic and political uncertainty bedeviling this country and by extension our generation. At the end of the crusade, it is certain that all pressures causing acute need shall be no more.”Free transport arrangement has been made by the ministry to convey participants to the venue from any location within the Lagos metropolitan city. And above all provision has been made for a digitalised security measure that will address any breach of order.

31/LIVING

25.11.2016

Encomiums as Late Pa Iri Ayo is Finally Laid to Rest Mary Ekah Fondly called Iri Ayo by his children and family members, late Pa Isaac FolorunshoOgunniyi was known for his stylish and humorous lifestyle, which brought sunshine to a lot of lives. And so this earned him the name, “Iri Ayo”, which in the Yoruba language literally means, ‘A man whose sight/presence brings joy/happiness.”

Iri Ayo’s slept in the Lord since last year, precisely on November 21, 2015 but activities to mark an elaborate final burial ceremony for him will kick start today Friday November 25, with an Evangelical Film Show by 7:00pm at the Christ Apostolic Church, OkeIsegunOkenisaIlahun, Ijesha, Osun State. A Thanksgiving Service will follow this tomorrow, Saturday, November 26 at same church at 10:00am while a reception will hold after the outing service at the deceased residence in OkenisaIlahun, Ijesha, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.

As the children of the late Oguniyi finally bid goodbye to their father, what they would miss most about him is his gentility, the welcoming ambience he was known to provide and most especially his attitude of not sparring the rod and spoiling the child as he believed during his life time that a child needs to have grounded rules so that he/ she can comply with them throughout his/ her life according to the Bible injunction in Proverbs 22:6, which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

So as preparations are on high gear for late Iri Ayo’s final burial, his children could not but pour encomiums on him. For his daughter AkinladeMorolake his father Iri Ayo was so kind and friendly. “No sad moment when you are with him, he is a bold man who is never scared to tell the truth no matter how hurtful it were.” Akinlade who recalled that her father taught her to appreciate every little favour, added, “My last visit to him in the village still lingers in my mind because he prayed for me continuously till I boarded a vehicle. I never knew that was the last time I would see him.”

Another daughter of late Ogunniyi, AfolabiOlayinka, described the father as a great disciplinary. “I knew my father to be a very strict man. He was a no nonsense man. And that was how I grew to know him and he

Late Pa Ayo

has remained so till death came calling. He was so disciplined that no one tells me to behave myself whenever he was around at home. He taught me to always appreciate every little favour that was being done to me. There was never a dull moment with him each time he came to visit my children when I got married. So it was a rude shock when he passed on because he was not really sick,” she said.

“I called him Iri Ayo because that was his alias, said another of his son, Oluwaniyi Banjo.

Banjo who described his late father as a very strict man, noted, “I got uncountable strokes of canes from my dad when I was growing up because I was very stubborn.” My dad was bold and never afraid of saying the truth,” he said, adding that, one thing he will miss most about his dad is his proverbs. “There was no time my father spoke without using

a proverb to back up his words. I learnt most of the proverbs that I know today from him,” he recalled.

For DemolaOluwaniyi, late Oguniyi’s pastor son, “Iri -Ayo is man of high integrity. He was straightforward and sincere. He would always say the truth not minding whose ox is gored.”

Speaking further, Oluwaniyi a high rank pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), noted, “Although, he was not opportune to acquire formal education, his demonstration of native intelligence and philosophical saying is no doubt acknowledged by all, that perhaps he could have been in class of the likes of Noble Laurel, Wole Soyinka.

It’s so painful to lose you at this point in time Iri Ayo, we love you but your maker loves you most.”

Oluwaniyi who explained how his father

got the nickname, Iri Ayo, said “He was highly humorous. There was never a dull moment with him. He was a socialite, who was always noticed at any social gathering.

And because he always brought laughter and joy to as many that came across him, he was nicknamed, “Iri Ayo, because anywhere he was, was never short of joy at all and so every one called him, “Iri Ayo”.

His late father, Oluwaniyi said was a stylish man who was known for his good sense of dressing. “Whenever he dressed to go out in agbada and a walking stick, you would see him walk with this special kind of steps and while people call him by his nickname, Iri Ayo, he would respond simply, ‘May it come upon you’. My father was a very handsome man, even in his old age,” he added.

For OlajiireOgunniyi, his late father was simply a strict disciplinarian. “He instilled in us the spirit of appreciating every little help, support or favour done to one by others, I love his hunting escapade as we don’t need to go to zoo to see animals like, squirrel, antelope, giant snakes and many more. Although my father didn’t go to school, his wisdom on any subject baffled me.”

Late Isaac FolorunsoOgunniyi was born at Ilahun-Ijesa about 80 years ago to the family of late Alahun of Ilahun-Ijesa, Oba John OgunniyiOdejobi and his mother was late Olori Felicia TinuadeOgunniyi. Late Ogunniy did not have the opportunity of attending elementary school, but by his self effort, he learnt how to read and write through the adult educational scheme of late ObafemiAwolowo of Old Western region, He learnt Carpentry work at Ilesa in 1956 and practiced his carpentry work in many places like Ilesa, Osogbo, Ijebu-Ijesa and at his home town IlahunIjesa where he combined his carpentry with farming. He also took hunting as a hubby; He was the Chairman of Carpenters Association of Ilahun-Ijesa till his death.

Late Ogunniyi was a devoted Christian and was baptised at the Apostolic Church but later joined Christ Apostolic Church. He contributed his quota towards the development of Ilahun and was so prominent in the social activities in Ilahun, which earned him the appellation, Iri-Ayo. He was happily married to Deaconess Eunice BamideleOgunniyi (Nee Obembe) and AdukeOgunniyi. They were blessed with prominent sons and daughters.

Standing Before Kings Opens Tomorrow Mary Ekah An exhibition of pastel portrait paintings of prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria”,

by TayoAyelowo will hold at Mercedes Even Centre, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, from tomorrow, November 26 and then consequently exclusive of weekends from 10am-6pm. The exhibition is all about paintings that celebrate the lives of the current traditional rulers that we have in Nigeria. “My medium is pastel on board and hope people will be enlightened and get educated through the works. This is my very first solo exhibition and it is my own way of communicating to the people, both Nigerians and foreigners as well”, the artist said.

Tayo Ayelowo

Ayelowo, a lawyer by profession and a

freelance artist, has over the years developed a growing passion for capturing people’s facial expression and this has resulted in a huge collection, which she would be showcasing from tomorrow, November 26.

The forty-four pastel paintings of works, that make up the exhibition, “Standing Before Kings’, capture easily the likeness of the royal personages.

Speaking on why the artist has chosen to focus on monarch, she said, “Their regalia, attires and the power that they control have always fascinated me. So it came easily to me to want to play round with colours, paint their cloths because it is always rich in colour and as kings they have the best of everything that the land have produced.”

Ayelowo grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State

where she had her primary and secondary education. She graduated with B.Sc. in Sociology from University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 2001. She had a second degree in Law (with Honours) from University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom in 2005. She then proceeded and qualified as a Solicitor from London Metropolitan University in 2007 after which she was employed as a Solicitor in Grazing Hill Law Partners, London. She later returned to Nigeria to follow her passion both in Law and Art, She was called to the Nigerian Bar on her return to Nigeria and has since remained in legal practice in Nigeria till date. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom.

LauraStephens School Commissions Centre The pupils of LauraStephens School came out in style with a display of ballet dance and Yoruba cultural dance heralding the arrival of special guest, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, a senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District.The events, which took, place at the school premises in Lekki, Lagos, brought parents, students and friends together.

Speaking at the event, the Director of LauraStephens School Mrs. Josephine Ndubuisi Kanu, said the LauraStephens Centre is in line with the vision of the school, which is to provide a world-class education in a world class-learning environment."Our promises have remained to encourage each child to experience the excitement, the wonders and the joys of growing up and learning.We hope

that the LauraStephens Centre which contains a swimming pool, will further add value to the lives of our children as well as benefit the wider community that we seek to serve."

In his speech, Senator Ashafa, while inaugurating the LauraStephens Centre, expressed delight with the efforts made by the school to provide an edifice where students will showcase their talents in debates, dancing, quiz competitions and other school activities which will help broaden their horizons.

While commending the pupils who displayed Yoruba cultural dance, Senator Ashafa used the medium to encourage schools to make Nigerian local language a priority. He said that it would help the children understand Nigerian cultural heritage.

Senator Ashafa addressing a couple of students while the Director of the School Mrs. Kanu, looks on

32 /XTRA

25.11.2016

For Madam Mary Dickson Bob, It Was a Life Well Spent Funke Olaode One thing Nigerians and most especially, indigenes of Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State, will not forget in a hurry about the late former Inspector General of Police, Sir Etim Okon Inyang, is his selfless and dedicated service to his immediate community and the nation at large, which resulted in his many accomplishments for his local community and for the generality of Nigerians.

Late Etim Okon lnyang, (December 25, 1930– September 26, 2016) a Nigerian Policeman and former Inspector General of Police, was a devout Christian and a believer in the leadership by example and equal opportunity for all. The late retired Inspector General of Police (Ikpoto Oro), was the coordinating and moving spirit of his community, a pillar of strength and inspiration to diverse persons.

Inyang was a man of peace. He abhorred conflict and discord and would leave no stone unturned to ensure harmony and peaceful relationships among people. In this regard, he has left an enduring and lingering legacy for the people of Mbo Local Government Area.

His Odyssey as a peacemaker had been extraordinary, particularly in Mbo Local Government Area. He was acknowledged as an individual who worked genuinely and selflessly with a curious mix of commitment and sacrifice to make his community, Mbo, enjoy monumental peaceful relationship.

No wonder Sir Edet Amana wrote in his tribute to EtimInyang that: “The stage for EtimInyang’s life opened on Christmas Day 1930 at the little-known village of UkoAkpan, Enwang in present Mbo Local Government Area (LGA) of AkwaIbom State. At that time, Enwang, now the headquarters of Mbo LGA, was completely cut off and without vehicular access to the rest of Oron, AkwaIbom State.”

“To get to Enwang one had to walk through a very tidal swamp ad undertake perilous canoe journey through many of the creeks of Mbo River.

But our God whose ways are beyond human comprehension made this man, who was to be the beacon of light for his people to be born a few kilometers from James Town where Rev. C.P Groves of the primitive Methodist Church Foundation of Greta Britain established the seed of Christianity ad Methodism to spread to other parts of Eastern Nigeria,” Amana noted.

For a long time, only Orotown was served with public electricity and even at that time, it

was only within a small radius of the town. Late Inyang took up the issue to the seat of power and was able to single-handedly influence the award of a contract from the Ministry of Mines and Power for extension of the National grid from Eket to Oro and Mbo local government areas.

Regrettably, not all parts of Oro and Mbo were lucky enough to get electricity at that time and probably till now. Nevertheless, Inyanng’s little effort in extending this line to those areas has brought his people happiness and it is now the line to be used for network grid spanning of these areas. EtimInyang brought light to people who were long accustomed to blanket darkness.

The expertise the late former Police Chief cultivated and acquired in the course of his profession earned him many international honours, which were not just honours for self-estimation but also served as signpost of recognition for the greatness and relevance of his country. He was honoured by the United Nations as an eminent expert in Narcotics Law-Enforcement and Control.

He earned an international honour as a member of International Association of Chiefs of Police with membership number 401996.

Late Inyang was the creator and motivator of Enwang Development Union, the engine room for communal development and hope for the people. Through his influence, Enwang Community benefited from laudable initiatives like construction of Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Enwang; establishment of Allied Bank Plc. in Enwang and Comprehensive Police Complex for urban and semi-urban areas.

Interestingly, a lot of credits must go to late Inyang for the creation of AkwaIbom in 1987.

Very few highly placed indigenes of the state knew the behind the scene strings pulling he got involved in to bring about the state. As usual he shunned publici ty but the good work he did has never been hidden.

Therefore, for the cause, among the circles of those who determined the fate of Nigeria at that time, they would always refer to AkwaIbom as a gift to EtimInyang. Similarly, the people of Efiat-Mbo will ever be grateful to him for his gift to them of Mbo Local Government Area.

Born in UkoAkpan, Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State on December 25, 1930 to a wealthy merchant father and warrant Chief of UkoAkpan, Chief OkoInyang and mother, Mrs. MmaIkwo Amah Inyang, both of royal lineage, young Inyang started school at the Roman Catholic Primary School, Ujo-Apkan, Enwang a lot earlier than his age, from 1936-1937.

Young Inyang was born virtually with a silver spoon in his mouth. However, at the tender age of nine, a capricious turn of event started with the loss of his father. This sad event bereft him of the needed financial support for his education. Despite the precipitate challenges, Inyang was able to pass through Akani-Obio Group School, Oron in 1938; Methodist School, Oron (1939-1940); Oyubia Central School, Oron, now UruaOfong, Oruko LGA (1941-1945). In spite of his brilliance and promise, fate and circumstances again contrived to deny him the opportunities for further education. Nevertheless, providence anchored him on the shores of the Nigerian Police Force.

He was appointed in 1983 to succeed Sunday Adewusi and was succeeded by MuhammaduGamboJimeta in 1986. Having joined the Nigerian Police Force on October 1st, 1949, Sir EtimOkonInyang, who died at the age of 85 in Lagos, rose through the ranks, becoming Commissioner of Police in Kano and old Bendel States.

In 1984, he was appointed Inspector General of Police and served meritoriously until his voluntarily retirement in October 1986. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in 1987 and also conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

It is also of importance to note that within his local community, Inyang was involved in virtually every activity or initiative that promoted the wellbeing of his people. He overtly supported the positive aspirations of the people for socio-economic development. He was an ardent builder who erected platforms to serve as veritable organ in consensus building for group interest. He wholeheartedly worked in support and strengthening of Oron Development Union and for over a decade served as its capable president in Lagos.

Surprisingly, many people in AkwaIbom State may not have known how the federal university, University of Uyo came into being. It was late Inyang’s involvement and contributions that were significant in transforming an underfunded institution of the State Government into a federal university. At the time the Federal Government decided to take over the University of Cross River, Uyo, the institution was to become a Federal University of Technology. A group of concerned indigenes of the AkwaIbom State in Lagos led by late EtimInyang readily discerns the disadvantages, which could be the lot of AkwaIbom State with this move. So they painfully and meticulously articulated the State’s objective and their desires

for a conventional university to enable the state derive maximum benefit like similar institutions that were cited in other states.

It was late Inyang who carried the fight to the apex of authority where he met stiff resistance as a definite policy directive had already been issued to the Federal Ministry of Education.

Nonetheless, Inyang fought hard and eventually won over the then Military Vice President, Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu to his side. The duo then persuaded the Military President who favoured their plea with an assent and granted late Inyang’s request, which reflected the wishes and aspirations of the people of AkwaIbom State on the matter. So with his triumph achievement, the University of Cross River became a Federal institution, a conventional university known as the University of Uyo, AkwaIbom State.

In recognition of his services and noble contributions to his Enwang community, Calabar, Oron people and indeed AkwaIbom State, Sir EtimOkonInyang was honoured with many high traditional chieftaincy titles. These include: Ada Idaha K’ Ebrutu, Anwabo-Enwang; Ikpoto Oro; Out EkongUyenge, ObongIberedemUkam and Out Ekong of AkwaIbom State amongst others.

EtimInyang, who is survived by a wife, Mary and five children, was indeed the people’s hero.

He has carved out a memorable niche for himself for all the good works he did amongst the people of AkwaIbom State. The warmth and selflessness of his personality drew people to him as he always sought to be of service to them. As a hero and role model, he radiated calm and soothing reassurance and was totally devoid of that callous insensitivity to the plight of others, which robs the soul of the joy and peace. The accolades given to him by his grateful people are the affection and sincere respect, which are indelibly etched, in golden letters in the depth of their hearts.

Activities leading to the final internment of the late Police IG started last Friday with a Commendation Service at the Trinity Methodist Church, Tinubu, Lagos, followed by a Night of Tributes on Monday at same venue. Lying-in-state will hold at the Civic Centre Oron, AkwaIbom, State on Tuesday, November 22 while another Night of Tributes will hold again at the deceased hometown on Friday, November 25 at the St. Peter’s Primary School, Enwang, Mbo Local Government Area. Funeral would hold on Saturday November 26 at Enwang Stadium at 11:OOam and finally a Outing Service at the Methodist Church Enwang by 10;00am on Sunday November 27 will round off the burial ceremony of the legendary policeman.

Senator Effiong Bob and wife, Comfort, at the burial ceremony of his mother, late Madam Mary Dickson Bob

L-R: Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Effiong Bob

L-R: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel

Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Offiok Luke, First Lady, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel and Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

25.11.2016

‘We are Using Akwaaba to Bring the World to Africa’ The organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, in this interview with Peter Uzoho, describes the just concluded 2016 travel exhibition in Lagos, as a huge success Do you think you have met your expectations at this year’s Akwaaba?

In fact, the expectations were met right from day one. This is first Akwaaba that we didn’t have issues. After the Ebola of 2014 where we had more than 80 per cent cancellation, we really had quite a lot of problems trying to get back last year. But this year, finally, we’re back. We have 16 countries that participated and the dinner we organised for our guests was awesome. We expected 300 people but we had 600 people and the Calabar carnival, the fashion show, and the mass party were fantastic. At the aviation session, the highest collection of aviation experts in Nigeria were here. It’s something that has never happened before.

These are people who don’t normally talk anywhere, but they’re willing to come out to speak at our event. I think our expectations have been met. But unfortunately, we’ve not had quite a lot of support from the Nigerian environment.

tors told me ‘Ikechi we’re overwhelmed. Could you believe that, we wanted a break but we couldn’t’. So when an exhibitor is telling on day one that he or she is overwhelmed, what else could you be asking for? So it’s been fantastic and very exciting.

You raised the same issue last year, what is really the problem?

I still don’t understand how people want to market tourism in Nigeria. The best destinations in the world- Dubai, South Africa, Kenya, are all here. So there must be something they know that we don’t know. So we need to be able to learn from them and ask ourselves what they are all doing here, because there must be a reason why they are here. Until we have answers to that we still keep struggling.

You have been so passionate about tourism, Africa and Nigeria, what really drives you?

I like creating value and there is joy in seeing some of skills work, and as at now I have so many success stories, I can actually feel fulfilled.

When one is embarking on a project people think he’s foolish. I ignore them because I have testimonies of what I have done and what can work.

What are we expected to take away from this event at the end of the day?

The experience, the network, the amount of knowledge that was shared here will transform quite a lot of businesses and minds. We talked

What is Akwaaba trying to achieve in Africa?

We’re trying to get Africans to know more of each other and travel within Africa, and bring the world to meet Africa. We normally go to London, to Berlin to meet people. Why don’t they come to meet Africa? So you could see it here already happening. We have Bahrain and Dubai-two non-African countries here, and more are coming.

Could it be right to say that this is an avenue for African countries to meet together and know each other better?

Yes, to know each other, share ideas, cultures, and you know friendship with 16 countries is very massive.

Uko

about why airlines fail, the speaker told us about the internal and the external factors, and the question is if you’re able to solve one part of it, airlines will succeed. Because this the study of so many airlines and the experts who were part of the failed airlines in Nigeria can now say this is right, this is wrong. So there’s quite a lot to take home. And the networking opportunities are incredible. And the fact that people were able to make friends, new contacts, know about new places, and the presentation by Uganda.

Most Catholics don’t know that St. Mulumba is in Uganda. So these are different things that have been learnt, and most of us became experts by attending events like this. So this is a big opportunity for growth.

In terms of figure, what was the level of participation this year?

People who registered online were like 3000.

So that is better than what I’ve ever had. The interest was shown and last year some of exhibi-

Are you really getting the kind of support that you need to achieve your goal?

Every country supports its own, so I’m expecting that I should get that kind of support. I’m a Nigerian. I have the skill, I have the network, and I have the product. But I’m not getting the support yet.

Ethiopian Graduates 322 Aviation Experts Ethiopian Aviation Academy, the largest aviation academy in Africa, a full ICAO Trainer Plus Member and IATA Authorised Global Training Centre, has graduated 47 pilots, 92 aviation maintenance technicians, 50 cabin crew and 133 marketing professionals in a graduation ceremony held at Ethiopian Headquarters on November 17, 2016. Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, congratulated and welcomed the new graduates to the airline’s dedicated workforce, gave out diplomas to all the graduates, flight wings to graduating pilots and cabin crew and achievement award to graduates with outstanding academic performance.

“We believe education is the greatest equaliser in the 21st century and Ethiopian Aviation Academy has strategically positioned itself to train the African youth in the latest Aviation technology and skills to own, manage and oper-

ate their own indigenous home grown African Airlines to lead safe, economical and reliable aviation industry with global standards. We shall continue to scale up our capacity and continue nurturing the youth and prepare them for the 21st century African Aviation development,” GebreMariam said.

Operating successfully for the past six decades since its establishment in 1956, Ethiopian Aviation Academy has significantly contributed towards alleviating the critical shortage of skilled aviation professionals. Currently, the academy trains 1500 youths per annum and it envisages to enhance its intake capacity to 4000 by 2025.

Ethiopian Aviation Academy is certified by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, the U.S Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and IATA Safety Audit (IOSA).

A staff of Ethiopian Airlines receiving award

Lufthansa and Miles & More – New Ways to Use Award Miles for all Lufthansa Group Flights With Cash & Miles, Lufthansa and the Frequent Flyer and Award program, Miles & More will be offering an additional service, allowing passengers to cash in award miles on flights or even to pay for flights. On the Lufthansa website LH.com, Miles & More members can use their award miles in the future to pay, either in part or in full, for any regular Lufthansa flight as well as those with Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Germanwings and Eurowings. The rolling launch started on 17 November - with the launch for Germany as well as in Switzerland, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Italy planned for the beginning of 2017.

Members will have the chance to use up a flexible amount of award miles against the cost of their flight for the first time, thus

reducing the amount of money they need to put towards it. Using Cash & Miles is simple – the member, who needs to have a minimum of 7,000 award miles, logs into the website LH.com with his/her Miles & More service card number and password.

The process of booking involves entering the amount of miles you want to use into the appropriate field or selecting the amount by means of a sliding scale option on the screen.

The service can be used in all service classes as well as for all flight connections available on the Lufthansa website. As with a regular ticket, members will also collect award and status miles with these bookings too.

On top of the classical flight award miles, Lufthansa und Miles & More have now created a further way of cashing in miles as well as a new flight payment option by introducing Cash & Miles.

New ways to use award miles for all Lufthansa Group flights

34/ETIQUETTE

25.11.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

Why People Get Hired (1) For the next few weeks, I would be doing a series on why people do not get hired.

In close to a decade of training and speaking on etiquette, I have heard so many unfortunate stories of people who do not get hired at interviews because of their lack of etiquette. In this first part I would share a couple of those.

I will also be introducing Lola Oyebadejo in subsequent parts of this series, a wellgrounded resource and recruitment executive who I consider a total delight to speak with on matters involving interview comportment. I am very well convinced that as one who conducts interviews on a regular basis, her real life experiences sitting with job applicants at interviews would in no doubt prove advantageous to many.

THE GENTLEMAN WHO COULD NOT KNOT A TIE This was one of the first stories I heard of

after I started out as anetiquette consultant.

A man appeared at an interview and was asked to knot a tie and he could not and that was the end of the interview.

THE OVER RELIGIOUS JOB SEEKER AT A TELECOMS COMPANY The telecoms executive who conducted this interview relayed this experience he had with attendees at a leadership summit.

He asked this job seeker “What can you do for a living?” and he replied “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” (A verse from the Bible) and the telecoms executive unimpressed by his reply explained to him that he was at an interview for a telecoms company and that he had to be more professional. So he asked a follow up question which was “I mean what are your strengths” and he replied the joy of the Lord is my strength” and that was the end of the interview. Needless to say, he

did not get the job.

THE OVER EMOTIVE VISA APPLICANT AT THE CONSULAR OFFICE In another instance a man went to a consular office for an interview to get a visa and immediately his passport was stamped with a visa he shouted “Thank God” and surprised by his response, he asked why did you shout and the visa applicant replied “I was happy” and the consular officer said 'I am embarrassed by your response. I feel that you have ulterior motives for travelling. Therefore, I would have to rescind my decision to grant you a visa'. That was how he lost the visa.

THE DISHEVELLED INTERVIEWEE WHO APPEARED BEFORE THE CHAIRMAN. Shortly after one of the major telecom companies in the country started opera-

tions, the Chairman of the company was to conduct an interview for some of his executive positions. One of the intervieweesappeared before him looking disheveled.

Exacerbated by what he saw, he asked his HR team “How could you allow this person to appear before me looking this disheveled?” You don’t want to know what he did afterwards but I’ll tell you all the same he sacked his HR team on the spot and told those who had been interviewed and those waiting to be interviewed to go back home.

MY COMMENT: Looking poorly dressed for an interview is a total let down. I encourage as many people who are not too sound on the art of looking impeccable to brush up their knowledge on looking sharp. Books, websites on dress etiquette and other social media channels should prove useful.

A man appeared at an interview and was asked to knot a tie and he could not and that was the end of the interview

Looking poorly dressed for an interview is a total let down. I encourage as many people who are not too sound on the art of looking impeccable to brush up their knowledge on looking sharp. Books, websites on dress etiquette and other social media channels should prove useful

At interviews be careful how you express your emotions. A man went to a consular office for an interview to get a visa and immediately his passport was stamped with a visa he shouted “Thank God” and the consular officer was embarrassed by his response and rescinded his decision to grant him a visa

At a telecoms interview, a man was asked, “What can you do for a living?” and he replied “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” (A verse from the Bible) Needless to say, he did not get the job. Do not try to be too religious at an interview. Do not turn an interview into a religious session

35/XTRA

25.11.2016

Etim Inyang: A Man of the People, Peacemaker Goes Home

Late Inyang

Mary Ekah One thing Nigerians and most especially, indigenes of Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State, will not forget in a hurry about the late former Inspector General of Police, Sir Etim Okon Inyang, is his selfless and dedicated service to his immediate community and the nation at large, which resulted in his many accomplishments for his local community and for the generality of Nigerians.

Late Etim Okon lnyang, (December 25, 1930–September 26, 2016) a Nigerian Policeman and former Inspector General of Police, was a devout Christian and a believer in the leadership by example and equal opportunity for all. The late retired Inspector General of Police (Ikpoto Oro), was the coordinating and moving spirit of his community, a pillar of strength and inspiration to diverse persons.

Inyang was a man of peace. He abhorred conflict and discord and would leave no stone unturned to ensure harmony and peaceful relationships among people. In this regard, he has left an enduring and lingering legacy for the people of Mbo Local Government Area.

His Odyssey as a peacemaker had been extra-ordinary, particularly in Mbo Local Government Area. He was acknowledged as an individual who worked genuinely and selflessly with a curious mix of commitment and sacrifice to make his community, Mbo, enjoy monumental peaceful relationship.

No wonder Sir Edet Amana wrote in his tribute to EtimInyang that: “The stage for EtimInyang’s life opened on Christmas Day 1930 at the little-known village of UkoAkpan, Enwang in present Mbo Local Government Area (LGA) of AkwaIbom State. At that time, Enwang, now the headquarters of Mbo LGA, was completely cut off and without vehicular access to the rest of Oron, AkwaIbom State.”

“To get to Enwang one had to walk through a very tidal swamp ad undertake perilous canoe journey through many of the creeks of Mbo River. But our God whose ways are beyond human comprehension made this man, who was to be the beacon of light for his people to be born a few kilometers from James Town where Rev. C.P Groves of the primitive Methodist Church Foundation of Greta Britain established the seed of Christianity ad Methodism to spread to other parts of Eastern Nigeria,” Amana noted.

For a long time, only Orotown was served with public electricity and even at that time, it was only within a small radius of the town.

Late Inyang took up the issue to the seat of power and was able to single-handedly

influence the award of a contract from the Ministry of Mines and Power for extension of the National grid from Eket to Oro and Mbo local government areas.

Regrettably, not all parts of Oro and Mbo were lucky enough to get electricity at that time and probably till now. Nevertheless, Inyanng’s little effort in extending this line to those areas has brought his people happiness and it is now the line to be used for network grid spanning of these areas.

EtimInyang brought light to people who were long accustomed to blanket darkness.

The expertise the late former Police Chief cultivated and acquired in the course of his profession earned him many international honours, which were not just honours for self-estimation but also served as signpost of recognition for the greatness and relevance of his country. He was honoured by the United Nations as an eminent expert in Narcotics Law-Enforcement and Control. He earned an international honour as a member of International Association of Chiefs of Police with membership number 401996.

Late Inyang was the creator and motivator of Enwang Development Union, the engine room for communal development and hope for the people. Through his influence, Enwang Community benefited from laudable initiatives like construction of Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Enwang; establishment of Allied Bank Plc. in Enwang and Comprehensive Police Complex for urban and semi-urban areas.

Interestingly, a lot of credits must go to late Inyang for the creation of AkwaIbom in 1987. Very few highly placed indigenes of the state knew the behind the scene strings pulling he got involved in to bring about the state. As usual he shunned publicity but the good work he did has never been hidden.

Therefore, for the cause, among the circles of those who determined the fate of Nigeria at that time, they would always refer to AkwaIbom as a gift to EtimInyang. Similarly, the people of Efiat-Mbo will ever be grateful to him for his gift to them of Mbo Local Government Area.

Born in UkoAkpan, Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State on December 25, 1930 to a wealthy merchant father and warrant Chief of UkoAkpan, Chief OkoInyang and mother, Mrs. MmaIkwo Amah Inyang, both of royal lineage, young Inyang started school at the Roman Catholic Primary School, Ujo-Apkan, Enwang a lot earlier than his age, from 1936-1937.

Young Inyang was born virtually with a silver spoon in his mouth. However, at

the tender age of nine, a capricious turn of event started with the loss of his father.

This sad event bereft him of the needed financial support for his education. Despite the precipitate challenges, Inyang was able to pass through Akani-Obio Group School, Oron in 1938; Methodist School, Oron (1939-1940); Oyubia Central School, Oron, now UruaOfong, Oruko LGA (1941-1945).

In spite of his brilliance and promise, fate and circumstances again contrived to deny him the opportunities for further education.

Nevertheless, providence anchored him on the shores of the Nigerian Police Force.

He was appointed in 1983 to succeed Sunday Adewusi and was succeeded by MuhammaduGamboJimeta in 1986. Having joined the Nigerian Police Force on October 1st, 1949, Sir EtimOkonInyang, who died at the age of 85 in Lagos, rose through the ranks, becoming Commissioner of Police in Kano and old Bendel States. In 1984, he was appointed Inspector General of Police and served meritoriously until his voluntarily retirement in October 1986. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in 1987 and also conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

It is also of importance to note that within his local community, Inyang was involved in virtually every activity or initiative that promoted the wellbeing of his people. He overtly supported the positive aspirations of the people for socio-economic development. He was an ardent builder who erected platforms to serve as veritable organ in consensus building for group interest. He wholeheartedly worked in support and strengthening of Oron Development Union and for over a decade served as its capable president in Lagos.

Surprisingly, many people in AkwaIbom State may not have known how the federal university, University of Uyo came into being. It was late Inyang’s involvement and contributions that were significant in transforming an underfunded institution of the State Government into a federal university. At the time the Federal Government decided to take over the University of Cross River, Uyo, the institution was to become a Federal University of Technology. A group of concerned indigenes of the AkwaIbom State in Lagos led by late EtimInyang readily discerns the disadvantages, which could be the lot of AkwaIbom State with this move.

So they painfully and meticulously articulated the State’s objective and their desires for a conventional university to enable the

state derive maximum benefit like similar institutions that were cited in other states.

It was late Inyang who carried the fight to the apex of authority where he met stiff resistance as a definite policy directive had already been issued to the Federal Ministry of Education. Nonetheless, Inyang fought hard and eventually won over the then Military Vice President, Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu to his side. The duo then persuaded the Military President who favoured their plea with an assent and granted late Inyang’s request, which reflected the wishes and aspirations of the people of AkwaIbom State on the matter. So with his triumph achievement, the University of Cross River became a Federal institution, a conventional university known as the University of Uyo, AkwaIbom State.

In recognition of his services and noble contributions to his Enwang community, Calabar, Oron people and indeed AkwaIbom State, Sir EtimOkonInyang was honoured with many high traditional chieftaincy titles.

These include: Ada Idaha K’ Ebrutu, AnwaboEnwang; Ikpoto Oro; Out EkongUyenge, ObongIberedemUkam and Out Ekong of AkwaIbom State amongst others.

EtimInyang, who is survived by a wife, Mary and five children, was indeed the people’s hero. He has carved out a memorable niche for himself for all the good works he did amongst the people of AkwaIbom State. The warmth and selflessness of his personality drew people to him as he always sought to be of service to them. As a hero and role model, he radiated calm and soothing reassurance and was totally devoid of that callous insensitivity to the plight of others, which robs the soul of the joy and peace.

The accolades given to him by his grateful people are the affection and sincere respect, which are indelibly etched, in golden letters in the depth of their hearts.

Activities leading to the final internment of the late Police IG started last Friday with a Commendation Service at the Trinity Methodist Church, Tinubu, Lagos, followed by a Night of Tributes on Monday at same venue. Lyingin-state will hold at the Civic Centre Oron, AkwaIbom, State on Tuesday, November 22 while another Night of Tributes will hold again at the deceased hometown on Friday, November 25 at the St. Peter’s Primary School, Enwang, Mbo Local Government Area. Funeral would hold on Saturday November 26 at Enwang Stadium at 11:OOam and finally a Outing Service at the Methodist Church Enwang by 10;00am on Sunday November 27 will round off the burial ceremony of the legendary policeman.

36/COLLAGE

L-R: The General Manager, Marketing, The La Casera Company Plc, Dave van Rensburg presenting Apple iPhone to a winner of La Casera Birthday Wheel, Adepoju Timilehin at the prize presentation to La Casera birthday wheel winners In Lagos... recently

25.11.2016

L-R: Very Rev Fr. Anthony Fadairo; Managing Director, Pointek, Mr. Emeka Oguchi; Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Sim Ozo Okeke and his wife, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke at 2016 Harvest of Saint Agness Catholic Church, Maryland,Lagos.... recently.

KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: Chairman, Diocese of Aguata (Lagos Branch), Evan. Rufus Nnadozie; Igwe Oko, HRH, Prof. Laz Ekwueme; Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Aguata, Most Rev Christian Efobi; and wife, Dame Jane Efobi, during the Aguata Diocese, Lagos Branch's 2016 Harvest and Thanksgiving Service in Lagos.. recently

lmmediate Past President of Lagos Apex Lions Club, Princess. Victoria Bello, (Right) decorating Lion Marie Ige Owoniyi, as the new President of the Club in Lagos...rcently DAN UKANA.

New couple, Dr Oyeniyi Omotope Diya, and his wife, Oluwafunke at their engagement ceremony in Ikeja, Lagos.... recently

R-L: Senator Musa Adede, Chairman, Kings Airlines, Haruna Adede, SA to Governor, Cross River State, Lady Elizabeth Adede, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Cross River State, Monica Adede, Federal Civil Servant and Sam Adede, Information and Communications Technology Mogul, Abuja at the 60th birthday anniversary of Lady Adede in Calabar ... recently

L-R: Founder, Harriet Newlife Foundation/Women of Valour Global Ministry, Lady Lovett Obiakalusi; Mrs. Faith Debekeme, her husband, Pa. Nebechukwu Debekeme and Mr. Benjamin Obiakalusi at the annual valiant women awards ceremony in Lagos...recently DAN UKANA

37/THISLIFE

25.11.2016

Late Inyang

Etim Okon Inyang: Odyssey of a Colossus Godwin Etakibuebu I heard about Etim Okon Inyang from a very elderly retired police Sergeant; Pa Alfred Amiomvanyomwan Amu, alias Okokobioko, first in 1979 but did not meet him until 1982.

He was then an Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration (AIG “A”). The structure of the Nigeria Police Force then had an Inspector General (IG), one Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and five Assistant Inspectors General (AIG). The five AIGs were charged with administration, finance, works, investigations, research and intelligence gathering, listed as A, B, C, D, E and F respectively.

Okokobioko, who joined the Nigeria Police Force on 1st of November, 1932, and retired on 31st of December, 1957, was no doubt the first most acclaimed and respected detective policeman of his generation. He was decorated with three medals – CPM (1942), KPM (1947) and MON (1982). Queen Elizabeth of England even recognised and rewarded Okokobioko for his uncommon successes in the Police Force, during her visit to Nigeria in 1956. Those who knew Pa Okokobioko respected him. It was he who told me about “one Commissioner of Police by name Etim Inyang who should have died long time ago because of a curse placed on him for defecating Bini culture and tradition”.

The story was about the long culture and tradition of the Bini people in shaving their heads as mark of respect whenever their King died. Oba Akenzua 11 died in 1978 and the compulsory tradition of shaving heads by the indigenes was over-prosecuted by some Bini chiefs and people, as they stopped commercial vehicles passing through Benin City to other parts of the country and forced passengers (non-indigenes) in those vehicles to shave their heads before they were allowed to continue their journeys. Of course there were protests by the non-indigene travellers and Etim Inyang, being the Commissioner of Police of Bendel State then, did not support such barbaric act and he stopped it. The Bini traditional authority was irked by Etim Inyang’s action and summoned him to the Palace where a curse was placed on him “to die within seven days”.

Etim Inyang confirmed the story to me later when l met him in 1982, but the most interesting part of the whole episode was that Etim Inyang was transferred from Benin to

Lagos immediately after the “death sentence of seven days” and instead of dying, the man was promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police three months after the curse, and eventually retired from the Force as Inspector General of Police in October 1986.

A highly disciplined officer; Etim Inyang was an introvert, a man of few words who could listen for hours without uttering a word.

He could read peoples’ minds sometimes because he had common sense. Like most officers of his time, he was very suspicious of journalists, even as of the time I met him.

The suspicion was so high that he never allowed me to sit down in his office the few times he let me inside until the intervention of another officer; the late David Isang – then a Commissioner of Police.

Once he accepted me, he took me more as a son and in that capacity; I became so close to him both in the office and at home, where he introduced me to the wife – Auntie Mary as l called her. From then till the time he retired from the Police Force as IGP, he so trusted me that he invited me to all official functions of the Police Force, both inside and outside Lagos. In the Police Game held in Bauchi in 1986, l was not only flown from Lagos to Bauchi in a Police plane but my seat at the Bauchi Stadium was labelled “IG’s friend” and when the Military Governor of Bauchi State then, Major General Chris Garuba, was to present gifts to dignitaries at a State dinner he hosted us to, at the Government House, on the closing night of the Police Game, he singled me out as “the only friend of the Inspector General of Police ever-known to us”.

“Ete Kamba”.

“Ete” means father while “Kamba” means big in the Efik language of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria and I called him “Ete Kamba” (meaning big father) throughout our relationship. My tribute here therefore remains a testament of a son close to his father. It is with this sense of responsibility that l stand bold to say that Etim Inyang was a man of high principle and integrity, stood by the truth all through his life, his tenure as IGP inclusive.

He was a dedicated professional. He was not a sycophant. He never bootlicked, not even for elongation of his career in the police force. He never believed in lobbying to be promoted to the next rank throughout his career because, as he told me, his mother (he is the only child of the mother) prayed

for him, immediately he joined the Police Force, saying “you will not leave that work you are doing until you get to the head of it and it shall all be while l am alive”. He believed in the mother and everything the mother pronounced on his life came to pass.

It is in this capacity that l can reveal with firm authority how the man became IGP against the run of play without lobbying.

At the wake of the massive protest that mounted against the electoral victory of Shehu Shagari (NPN) in the 1983 general election in the South/West, Sunday Adewusi; then IGP, gave the “shoot at site” order against protesters (starting from Osogbo). Etim Inyang; being AIG in charge of Administration, authorised the press release of the “shoot at site order” to an other junior officer; Salami Alabi [then Assistant Commissioner of Police] and the later released it to the Press. The furore from both the local and international Press was too much for Shehu Shagari, who queried IGP Adewusi why he issued such order. The later denied ever giving such order, called AIG Etim Inyang to his office and told him to deny authorising AC Alabi about it.

Etim Inyang refused to deny passing the order to the AC. He told his boss that “Sir, you gave the order but should you want to deny it, I will take responsibility instead of destroying the career of a junior officer who carried out a legitimate order.” He instead took responsibility for the whole action and Sunday Adewusi (the IGP), trying to save his career, put Etim Inyang on trial and found him guilty of “issuing an operational order without clearing with the IGP”. He was demoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector General to a Commissioner of Police and directed to proceed on terminal leave from 1st of January 1984, in a letter that he was yet to pick. This happened about 28th of December, 1983.

By midnight of Saturday, 31st December, 1983, there was a military coup which toppled the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari. On Sunday morning, Etim Inyang, knowing the risk of travelling out of Lagos without informing the newly installed Military Junta (more so when the office of IGP had become vacant) went to Dodan Barrack to report himself and events of retirement so that the Military would not declare him “awo o”. He met General Buhari, who doubted his claim of being a Police officer of such rank until he showed his identity card. General Buhari took him

by hand to General Tunde Idiagbon and asked “Tunde, do you know this man or ever heard his name before?” General Idiagbon said no and Buhari then told his second-incommand that he was a top Police officer of the rank of AIG (he just did not talk of the fend and demotion) and concluded by saying “Tunde, we cannot afford appointing another controversial name like Adewusi as IGP”, adding “I think we should appoint this one that nobody knows his name”. This was how Etim Inyang became the Inspector General of Police.

Etim Inyang reformed the Nigeria Police Force as best as he could. One of such reforms was raising the entry point into the Police Force from Primary Six Leaving Certificate to West Africa Examination Council Certificate.

It was a move that was highly commended by the International Police Community. It became sad when his immediate successor in office revised this gain. Another thing of note was his refusal in succumbing to selfish demand of a few influential Nigerians who wanted him to change the police uniform. He reasoned that changing the uniform from the colour it was to another would not enhance police efficiency. Such venture could only “enrich the pockets of these influential people and a few of my officers”, was his conclusion and he stood by his decision. Changing of police uniform became an urgent assignment of his successor so much so that three different colours of police uniforms were being worn by the men and officers of the same Police Force in Nigeria at one time.

In retirement, the old man maintained his dignity and honour. He refused to be drag into the controversial formation of the Association of Retired Inspector General of Police; a formation that was to back the candidature of Michael Okiro emerging as IGP because of some alleged dirty financial manipulations which cannot be issue of discuss in this exercise. I hope that somewhere in the nearest future, l shall have the privilege and opportunity of discussing the man; Etim Okon Inyang, more elaborately for prosperity’s documentation.

It is with sad heart that l had to say goodbye and goodnight to my own “Ete Kamba” who died on 26th of September, 2016.

Adieu Sir and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Etakibuebu, a veteran journalist wrote from Lagos

38/OPINION

25.11.2016

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

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Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Like Economy, Internal Security Slips out of Buhari’s Hands Too

I

was numbed by the numbers by the time I finished my extrapolation of the statistics.

The criminal ugliness that happened in our country in recent months is something that should make this government nervous about its future with the people.

Clearly, President Muhammadu Buhari’s inability to keep a simple promise of internal security could make him fall out of favour completely.

Buhari’s inaugural speech speaks directly to the issue: “Boko Haram is not only the security issue bedeviling our country. The spate of kidnappings, armed robberies, herdsmen/ farmers clashes, cattle rustlings all help to add to the general air of insecurity in our land,” he said in May last year.

But with two and half years down the line, Buhari’s change plan for security and economy appears to give no serious solution.

My focus here is not on the war against Boko Haram, but everyday crime in our cities and suburbs.

From a Methodist priest kidnapped on his farm in Ibadan, Oyo State, by some young people between the ages of 18 and 24 to the former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bagudu Hirse, who had his day with Kaduna kidnappers, it is every minute a crime in rural and urban areas across the country.

It’s not clear what the total figure on the surge in criminal activities will look like, but from their own testimony that the police lost 128 officers to ambush and face-to-face fight with “bigots” and “militants” in just three months, we can imagine how horrible the situation is for our internal security.

The argument is straightforward: with a disastrous economy and ineffective policing there must be uptick in crime wave.

Buhari

Yes, we don’t have to believe every motivational theory that formed whenever a criminal makes confession using such phrase as “lack pushed me into it,” but associations between crime and economic factors are best examined at the level of the smallest possible geographic unit.

One examination is to look at the spate of kidnapping in our neighbourhoods from city to city and from community to community.

It is high-rise.

Sadly when you combine economic and security failure together, then it is time to sing the nursery rhythm, “there’s fire on the mountain…”

Well, the government apologists will deny there’s problem with our internal security, though they are hurting in silence.

As expected criminologists, sociologists and other researchers may lock themselves in an epic battle over whether recession breeds crime or not To find out, I turned to United Nations on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Based on a UNODC report that used policerecorded crime data for the crimes of intentional homicide, robbery and motor vehicle theft, from

fifteen countries or city contexts across the world with analysis that examined in particular the period of global financial crisis in 2008/2009, there’s a window into why crime is persistent in our country in recent time.

“Where the financial crisis is manifested through decreased or negative economic growth and widespread unemployment, large numbers of individuals may suffer severe, and perhaps sudden, reductions in income. This, in turn, has the potential to cause an increase in the proportion of the population with an (arguably) higher motivation to identify illicit solutions to their immediate problems. Whilst this may appear as a simple explanation for property crime, stress situations are also the cause of many violent crimes. Unemployed persons may become increasingly intolerant and aggressive, especially in their families. Violence among strangers may also increase in situations in which people do not have clear prospects for their future. Whilst unemployment figures are often used as a key indicator for analysis of the effect of economic conditions on crime, official unemployment figures alone cannot provide a complete indicator of either the financial crisis itself or levels of population financial stress.

They do not always take account, for example, of those employed in the informal sector, those supporting large or extended families through low-paid formal employment, or those who survive on remittances from workers abroad.

Moreover, in addition to loss of employment, the financial crisis may also manifest itself through reduced government social expenditure, increased cost of basic consumer goods, and restrictions on local credit availability. Any or all of these may result in financial stress for individuals and communities, with no change in official unemployment figures,” a part of the UNODC report said.

I really don’t want to exacerbate an already

bad situation with this justification. At the same time, I’m careful not to be caught in the web of figures that will not make sense in the end, but I want this government to get the picture that Nigerians may be heading for another ‘enough-is-enough’ protests that will be birthed not by a particular organisation but by individuals who are truly tired.

Anger and despair are two important ingredients for uprising. I know that the theory of grievance, greed and opportunity structure exist, but that is applicable to Niger Delta and Boko Haram insurgency, where militants take the opportunity of the swamp in the Delta area and the hills and caves in the North-east to fight the government. So the government may decide to ignore the warning.

But without swamp and hills, we can’t forget too quickly that mutiny against President Goodluck Jonathan started with street protests over an “offence” as simple as subsidy removal, though his approval rating was still somewhere in the middle at the time.

In 2011, Tunisia witnessed the revolt of the hungry that started with a single man called Mohammed Bouazzi. Without job as a graduate Bouazzi was doing all he could to fend for himself by selling fruits and vegetables in a cart. That cart was taken away by police and Bouazzi set himself ablaze in protest. That was the spark. Lack of basic necessity such as food pushed people to the street to chorus: “we want bread and water, no Ben Ali.” After a few days of the protests, Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, who had spent 23 years as the country leader was gone.

It may be hard to accept for this government, but if by the first quarter of 2017, there’s no real change in terms of the way people live (economically and security wise), there may be furious protests that will change the government itself.

LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

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t is no news that many states in Nigeria are still unable to pay workers who are being owed salaries of a minimum of six months. And this is despite that the federal government had last year granted the distressed states bailout package of N713.7 billion and an additional N90 billion loan with some financial discipline conditionalities.

Certainly the difference between the failing states and the very few dependable ones has never been the paucity of funds, but that of sound financial management and probity.

In fact most of the states are like spoilt brats who are eternally tied to the federal government’s apron strings with their monthly visit to Abuja to get their share of the oil money for upkeep.

So when the petro-dollar was swelling in the Federation Account and regularly shared by the federal and state governments, instead of the state governments to embrace creative ideas and embark on sustainable projects that will attract investments, they went on shameful spending sprees. Most of the state governors are known to have dipped their hands into the states’ treasury with reckless abandon.

Thankfully though, the few reliable ones amongst the states are showing that either in scarcity or plenty the fixation on financial prudence and responsible spending engenders an atmosphere of shared prosperity. And that is the enviable spot Lagos State has held since the period of Governor Bola Tinubu when finance was a neck-breaking burden for the state government because of the animosity between Tinubu and the President Obasanjo-led federal government which withheld supply of financial oxygen from the state.

Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

Tel 07058069255

Strides that Strike a Difference

Tunde Folawiyo

Following the footsteps and template of his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola who was evidently relatively financially okay due to the impressive growth in the internally generated revenue of the state during his term made Lagos a shinning example of good governance.

Even though Fashola’s successor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode took over the leadership of the state when the country's economy had nosedived and the federal government, the supplier of the monthly petrodollar, was also crying for assistance as a result of the plunging global oil prices, Ambode has kept the ship of state afloat. Instructively, this is not done by magic. It is a business of logic and good planning. And that is what really makes the difference in any human endeavour.

Expectedly the prevalent economic hardship and the shame that it has brought on many careless states has compelled some states to change their attitude towards spending. While some states have cut down their capital expenditure, others are embracing austerity measures and cutting down on overhead costs to avoid total collapse.

But the truth is Lagos State cannot be classed in the club of these perpetually unweaned ones.

The state is on a class of its own.

Lagos remains the commercial nerve centre of the country which is already generating massive revenue within its borders. And there are still so many yet-to-be harnessed income-generating avenues for the state government to explore.

I bet that’s the reason why the governor is so confident of implementing the programmes of the 2016 budget worth a total of N662.588 billion.

People in the know have also hinted that even though the governor acknowledges the hardship the falling crude oil prices has brought on the economic life of many Nigerians, the state’s budget was prepared to be driven by Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). And that the governor is keeping a card up his sleeves.

Previously I have stated that a game plan that is designed to massively jack up the revenue base of the state and which the government is relying on was the gaming industry. Lagos State, being the pioneer government to tap into the revenue benefits of that sector, recently revealed that the Lagos State Lotteriesboard generated about N1 billion in 2013 from about 11 sport-betting companies in the state.

But who would have ever thought that Lagos State would become a bonafide beneficiary of the

13% derivation fund accruable to oil producing states of the federation?

This is obviously another good game plan and a fantastic game changer for the state in its efforts towards attaining greater developmental heights.

And this potentially huge revenue generator is made possible through the tenacity and exploratory fortitude of a Nigerian company, Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum (YFP), headed by a dogged oil and gas entrepreneur, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo.

YFP announced in May that it had started crude oil production from an offshore field in Lagos.

“Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Co. Ltd (YFP) is pleased to announce that it has commenced production of crude oil from its Aje field located in block OML 113 offshore Lagos.

“The attainment of this milestone is indeed a laudable achievement not just for the YFP, but for the Nigerian oil and gas industry as a whole and indeed Lagos State, which can now be addressed as an oil-producing state,” said Tunde Folawiyo in a statement.

Upon this important declaration, Ambode commended Tunde Folawiyo and his team.

The governor also reiterated his commitment to creating a better environment for innovation and more viable businesses to thrive in the state.

Evidently, Governor Ambode continues to stun many with his alluring approach to governance which is making people wonder if he has been in the seat of power for more than the 18 months since his assumption of office. And the successes of businesses like YFP can be partly attributed to the enabling infrastructure created by the state government under his watch.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

39

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

GTB KEEPS ITS EYE ON SMESS

in great need of the kind of corporate touch that made the big four flourish. This is why the just concluded fashion extravaganza was seen by observers as a welcome development for Lagos. This is so because the event brought the most promising, talented and recognised fashion designers, brands and retail enterprises from across Nigeria and abroad to showcase latest fashion trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, fashion aficionados and industry professionals.

Redefining CSR The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) developed alongside the emergence of corporations more than a century ago and is now practiced by most companies and institutions around world. While corporations may vary in their level of commitment to CSR, their practice is largely focused on corporate philanthropy such as donating to charities, supporting causes or sponsoring individuals, groups and programmes.

However, some companies, intent on making their CSR impact more effective, are rethinking this approach. Among these companies is Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) plc.

GTBank has always been heavy on CSR. The bank maintains a clearly defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy with targeted focus on Education, Community Development, the Environment and Arts. Among its landmark CSR programmes are the GTBank Adopt-a-School programme through which the Bank has taken over the provision of facilities to some public schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The Bank also sponsors three annual secondary school football tournaments—The Lagos State Principals Cup, the Ogun State Principals Cup and the Masters Cup—all of which have become major grass-roots football competitions in the country. The bank’s backed Orange Ribbon Initiative is the foremost Autism-focused initiative in the country providing support and raising awareness for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Not resting on its CSR feats, the fashion weekend was another way of telling its patrons that it cared by going beyond traditional corporate philanthropies to intervene in key economic sectors to strengthen small businesses through non-profit consumer focused fairs and capacity building initiatives that serve to boost their expertise, exposure and business growth.

The first big example of this new approach was the Food and Drink Fair which the bank organised in May. Although the event had all the flavoursof Food festivals, with world-class chefs such as Marcus Samuelson and Raphael Duntoye serenading cooking masterclasses, its raison d’étre was to boost the enterprise of indigenous SMEs in the food sector. In that front it succeeded quite remarkably with over 25,000 guests attending the fair and the over 100 SMEs seeing record sales of their products.

GTBank has now repeated what it achieved with the Food and Drink Fair in the Fashion sector. “We are thrilled to be the first in the Nigerian financial sector to pioneer an initiative that will assist in unlocking growth opportunities for businesses in the fashion industry,” Agbaje, said, adding the bank was committed to growing SMEs in a sustainable

Kano Disco Wins Safety Performance Award Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc (KEDCO) has emerged the best Disco in the last month’s safety performance rating of all power utilities in Nigeria, conducted by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

In a statement issued by the firm’s spokesperson, Mohammed Kandi and made available to THISDAY in Kano on Tuesday, it said KEDCO scored a total of 100per cent in the October ranking to beat 10 other Discos, as well as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to clinch the first position, having emerged the second best in the September rating.

KEDCO, which came on

top following its renewed commitment in complying with all the rating criteria including speedy and timely resolution of network defects and problems associated to curtailing accidents leading to fatalities and major injuries, network improvement such as fencing of transformer substations, upgrade of feeder pillars and replacement of bad poles, some of which have led the firm to success.

But, KEDCO’s chief Technical Officer (CTO), David Omoloye, said the company’s success in the latest NEMSA/ NERC October ranking could be linked to its determination and continuous effort in improving the aging network inherited from the PHCN. He said: “The Network inherited from the defunct PHCN has been charac-

terised with defects that pose high risk to lives and property due to uncontrolled network expansion that were politically motivated.

Our modest achievement is a result of an ongoing systematic upgrade of the network for optimum performance that guarantees safety and loss reduction.”

The CTO, who also attributed the firm’s award to the customers’ responsiveness in paying up their electricity bills promptly, disclosed that more revenue collection would lead to more network improvement and more power supply for the customers.

The minister of Power, Works and Housing, BabatundeFashola had directed the performance rating of Discos and the TCN following the raising spate of electrocution cases.

manner that is not driven by profits but focused on empowering its customers and growing the economy collectively.

The weekend, it was understood, had all the glitz and glamour of fashion events but at its core was the theme of promoting enterprise, which was achieved through the Fashion MasterClasses for entrepreneurs and designers as well as retail exhibitions to boost the sales of local SMEs. Given the depressed economic situation in Nigeria, and indeed across sub-Saharan Africa, GTBank’s new approach to CSR is an apt response from a company keen on boosting the general economic fortunes of its community. Small businesses, on which the economic growth and development of most African states depend, need not just financial empowerment but also capacity building and access to market, aspects that GTBank’s CSR-tweak does address. The company’s new approach to CSR also shows that far from just innovating for business growth, companies and organisations must always evolve how they give back to their communities to ensure that their CSR programmes continually make its desired impact.

Consumer focused initiative Beyond its Corporate Social Responsibility function, the fashion weekend appeared to be a consumer focused and capacity building initiative to boost the expertise, exposure and business growth of small businesses in the Nigerian Fashion industry through Retail Exhibitions by small businesses and Fashion MasterClasses facilitated by industry leaders. Themed ‘Promoting Enterprise’, there were eight MasterClasses, each facilitated by one

of the headliners, which covered relevant topics and addressed challenges and opportunities across the entire industry value chain.

During the various MasterClasses, Bethlehem Alemu and Okey Maduewesi, both of whom have created thriving fashion brands in very challenging environments, shared lessons and experiences from their remarkable entrepreneurial journeys. Dylan Jones, who has been involved with lifestyle journalism for three decades, and Claire Sulmers, whose fashion blog, Fashion Bomb Daily, is an authority in the industry, led discussions on the global trends shaping fashion and style.

Caroline Rush, who is responsible for organising the globally renowned London Fashion Week, offered insights on how to successfully position a fashion brand, while Bijou Abiola offered retailing tips from her experience as a fashion buyer for top brands. Tracy Reese and Sam Fine brought their amasing blend of talent, entrepreneurship and innovation to bear in sessions on how to create sustainable businesses in the fashion industry.

At the end, the bank thus reaffirmed its leading role in Africa’s banking industry. In the last few years, the GTBank brand has been regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.

With the successful hosting of the fashion show and the MasterClasses, it is obvious that the brand is not living anything to chance in its determination to become the market leader.

NAHCO Maintains Operational Standards Amidst Economic Challenges ChineduEze The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahcoaviance) has said despite the present economic downturn it is carrying out its handing services in line with international standard.

The handling company said itspends over N120million annually to ensure that all its operations nationwide meet global standards by investing in state-of-the-art equipment and staff. The Managing Director of the company, NobertBielderman, who stated this at a press conference in Lagos at the weekend, also debunked the insinuations that he had been forced to resign from the company, saying, he is still in charge as the Managing

Director of the company.

Bielderman explained that the company ensures that cargo export and warehousing meet operational standards, adding that NAHCO has maintained its integrity for over 35 years.

“I am here in full force and with great support of my company, I have neither resigned nor been sacked, I do my job to make money for my shareholders and the management, I am 100 percent concerned about my integrity.

“For over 30 years, NAHCO has maintained its integrity, we are here to prevent all unlawful acts as regards cargo export, the United States Federal Aviation Administration certified our warehouse as safe and secure, it was even based on NAHCO

warehouse and the equipment deployed that gave Nigeria a clean bill of health on dangerous goods”, he said. Speaking on the arrest of some NAHCO staff by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on drug related issues, Bielderman said NAHCO is cooperating fully with the NDLEA, adding that the company has a zero tolerance for all vices and criminal tendencies and would not spare anyone found wanting in that regard.

He added that NAHCO constantly reviews its recruitment process and background checks on new employees.

He regretted however, that singling out NAHCO staff on the alleged drug trafficking was tantamount to looking for a soft target’.

40

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

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

Opening Doors to the Children of Our Future The chief executive of Blaubrana Sport International, Mr. Leslie Oghomienor, has provided new opportunities to 1,000 indigent students across Nigeria through his FCB Escola Academy. Rebecca Ejifoma reports

Z

ig Ziglar once said, you can have everything in life if you will just help other people get what they want. This was what crossed the bridge of Mr. Leslie Oghomienor’s mind when he steered into raising the stake for Nigerians especially those in the grassroots.

It was a Friday evening. Seated unruffled right beside the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, I watched meticulously how these young talents trickled in with their parents and guardians. And just at the far entrance, came Oghomienor. He was sprucely dressed in varying shades of blue. Every piece on him made a statement; from the cufflinks to the brooch. “Oh, thank you. We are trying our best,” he responded to my compliments with a mannered smile.

Now, when asked what motivated him into such drastic philanthropic drive especially in this ‘economic recession,’ Oghomienor simply chuckled and explained, “The motivation is more of a passion - bigger than ordinary motivation. I was opportune to have a very successful work life. I started with working for an oil and gas firm. Later, I delved into oil service firm. God also helped me and couple of my friends to set up oil service firm which is doing well till date.”

No doubt, having been generously endowed, he brooded on how to throw back down the ladder and breathe life into dreams. “What we mean is that moving from the realm of doing business for business sake. What we are doing now is passion to develop and transform people and also to give back to the society in such a way that it will trickle down to the common man on the street.

We look at a situation where children are empowered to become bread winners and start to solve problems.”

Interestingly, this patriotic detribalised Nigerian, who schooled in different parts of Nigeria like Lagos, Enugu and Plateau States, has sure grabbed more experience.

He said living across Nigeria has equally put him above thinking on tribal or ethnic levels. Hence, his choice to reach all tribes and tongues. “People from all parts of the country are invited. We should quit looking at ourselves from state of origin perspective but as an entity that is called Nigeria.”

According to him, besides helping them in various aspects to achieve their goals, “We focus majorly on football, money and value. Value is the biggest of them all. It has to do with what you are transforming these children into, what they will become tomorrow, the value and the attitude they will carry towards life.”

Swiftly on the heels of this, the Delta State indigene of Jesse Town and business mogul in the oil and gas lane for over 20 years reiterated that they are trying to inject respect, humility, value and hard work in these young talents both on the pitch and in the real world.

But sadly, he lamented the obstacles, listing the gap in the country as lack of opportunities.

“There is talent across Nigeria. It might be innate or acquired. Hence, we are going to hunt for those kids and give them the right certificates so that they can go and look for their football career.”

But this rare fortune will smile on children within the age brackets from next year.

“Hopefully, we shall kickoff the academic session with about 1,000 participants between ages five and 18 comprising both male and female.”

Actor Joseph Benjamin (right), congratulating the Chief Executive Officer, Blaubrana Sport International, Mr. Lealie Oghomienor. Flanked by young football players during their screening at the Teslim Balogun Stadium

Participants at the FCB Escola Academy during the screening at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Oghomienor...giving back to the society

On why the choice of football to reach out to his target, he noted that “We see football

said that the Lagos State Government has been supportive and thrilled about it as well as the Chairman of the Lagos State Sport Commission.

Interestingly, members of the club will be empowered economically, because the project will give them global ticket to reach the world. “Some people just want to survive that is why they involve in criminal activities,” he added.

Indeed, with such a glorious gesture and a sliming penchant for national development at this time of much needs there is no gainsaying then that Oghomienor’s passion is worthy of emulation.

What we are doing now is passion to develop and transform people and also to give back to the society in such a way that it will trickle down to the common man on the street

as the quickest way to reach the grassroots.

If you think about it, sport is one of the unifying factors. In football, we become friends when watching football, especially if we support the same team.

“FCB Escola Academy is programmed to have local effect where these players and coaches contribute positively to local leagues.

The Spanish coaches will reside here and train the students with a penchant to imbibe in them the culture of value. “This is to ensure they are good people and they can manage their business. It is not my dream. It is theirs.

Mine is simply to help them achieve it.”

As a result of his laudable gesture, he

41

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Climate Change: Threatening the Health of Nigerians In this report, Odimegwu Onwumere writes that climate change is impacting on the health of Nigerians, suggesting that the authorities have to put the right measures in place to handle its effects through research and enlightenment

N

gozi is a lady in her middle 20s and was a pump attendant at a newly built filling station along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway by Imo River Bridge, Uzuaku, Abia State.

She was curious to earn a living, but could not bear with the effects of brunt of weather conditions as a result of climate change at her once job place. She was falling ill at every given point in time while her job lasted.

“When it rained, the downpour was usually heavy, making the expressway not to be pliable. Likewise, when it was dry, dust that vehicles raised was unbearable,” Ngozi lamented.

She told this writer that she was always sick when she was working at the filling station, perhaps, due to petrol emission or something, unlike now she is at home. Ngozi was afraid that something was wrong with the ozone layer. “I was always falling sick while at my duty post. I’m not yet okay. The weather is not favourable to me because of the openness of the filling station,” she said.

Many Nigerians are suffering the existing health threats and the emerging ones as a result of climate change. Climate change is intensifying with dimensions in age, economic resources, and location.

As a panelist on a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme, the Minister of State for Environment, Usman Jubril, said recently, “The effects of climate change are felt at every sight of the country. Rising global temperatures would have a catastrophic effect on human health and patterns of infection would change, with insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever spreading more easily.”

Dr. Oyinlola Oduyebo, a medical microbiologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, said: “There are some infections that occur in season, so naturally if there is a change in season or climate there will have to be changes in the type of infections and in the manner that there were originally known to occur.”

Mr. Kolawole Ajanaku, Head of Department of Environmental Services, Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State, was afraid in a public presentation, saying: “Change in temperature could bring a lot of environmental problems.

When sunlight reaches earth’s surface, it can either be reflected back into space or absorbed by earth. Once absorbed, the planet releases some of the energy back into the atmosphere as heat (also called infrared radiation).

“Greenhouse gases like water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) absorb energy, slowing or preventing the loss of heat to space.

In this way, GHGs act like a blanket, making earth warmer than it would otherwise be.

“But the climate we have come to expect is not what it used to be, because the past is no longer a reliable predictor of the future. Our climate is rapidly changing with disruptive impacts, and that change is progressing faster than any seen in the last 2,000 year.”

Ngozi is one among many Nigerians who are sick as a result of the impact of climate change. The impacts of climate change cannot be overemphasised as they are affecting people physically and mentally, with scientists at the United

Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed

States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), saying that the earth’s middling temperature has risen to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius) over the past century.

“All pathogens, viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites are temperature-sensitive.

Furthermore, they have differences in how they reproduce and they infect people and other animals based on the temperature they are living at,” said an Associate Director of the Centre for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard University, Dr. Aaron Bernstein.

The Director, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Joseph Alozie, who was also a panelist on the NTA programme, bared his fears, “From 2015-2016 research shows a reduction in rainfall, which will bring about shorter length of season thereby affecting farmers making them choose which seed variety to plant.”

Alozie added, “There will be further dry spells especially in the northern part

The effects of climate change are felt at every sight of the country. Rising global temperatures would have a catastrophic effect on human health and patterns of infection would change, with insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever spreading more easily

of Nigeria. Since November 2015 Nigerians have witnessed drier conditions, stronger Harmattan even in Abuja a lot of dust is in suspension and flights have been cancelled, suspended and even delayed.”

The causative factors of illnesses are related to flooding, weakened infrastructure like the over flooded Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, depleted agricultural production, destroyed livelihoods, pollution, and forced migration.

“The negative impacts of climate change such as temperature rise, erratic rainfall, sand storms, desertification, low agricultural yield, drying up of water bodies and flooding are real in the desert prone 11 front states of Nigeria. This leads to increasing population pressure, intensive agricultural land use, overgrazing, bush burning, extraction of fuel wood and other biotic resources.”

Prof. Fuwape Agboola of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, made the above disclosure early this year during the opening ceremony of the fourth biennial international conference and exhibition on environmental matters (ICEI4) organised by Environmental Research Group of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, in juxtaposition with the Centre for Atmospheric Research of the National Space Research and Development Agency (CAR-NARSDA), Anyigba, Abuja.

“Temperatures are projected to rise from 2 to 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.13 to 6.42 degrees Celsius) over the next 100 years,” Agboola added.

There is apprehension that women and children are chiefly the most vulnerable to the forces of climate change. Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated the costs to health from climate change to be linking US$ 2-4 billion per year by 2030, across the world. When this is the case, Nigerians like Ngozi

who do not make up to $1 a day, would be tremendously dealt with by climate change due to their exposure to chronic poverty.

Climate change is affecting agricultural produce seriously. Agricultural economist like Dr. Temidayo Apata at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, was among those in this line of thought.

Against this backdrop, Nkechi Isaac, a public affairs commentator cried out, “Nigeria is vulnerable to the impact of global warming on many fronts of her geography, climate, vegetation, soils, economic structure, population, energy demands and agricultural activities.

“The country’s large rural population depends on agriculture, fisheries and natural resources such as water, biodiversity and grassland. The adaptive capacity of the rural majority to climate change is very low. The operation of the nation’s oil and gas sector makes Nigeria a major emitter of greenhouse gases in Africa.”

Apata remarked recently that Nigeria is experiencing higher temperatures and when there is poor turnout of agricultural produce, there is bound to be malnutrition. The agricultural economist brought into line, fears to the flooding that ravaged the Niger Delta region in 2012, where households and millions of property were destroyed to the flooding, as one of the climate change impacts threatening the country.

With this, Apata predicted that 30 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may be lost by 2050, if severe moves are not taken to put modalities in place in order to dwarf the bad effects of climate change. In the same line, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, feared that there are natural disasters in the country resulting from weather change.

Onwumere writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY

PTAD NATIONWIDE VERIFICATION OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONERS

T

he Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), an agency created by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Pension Reform Act 2004 and the new PRA 2014, to manage and administer pensions under the Dened Benet Scheme (DBS), invites all Civil Service Pensioners and the general public to note as follows; Ø PTAD will commence the next phase of the verication of Civil Service Pensioners in four (4) States in the North East Geo-political Zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from th th 28 November 2016 to 6 December 2016, Ø The verication exercise will take place in four (4) centres in Yola, Jalingo, Bauchi and Gombe. Ø Civil Service Pensioners are to come along with both originals and photocopies of their employment records.

The following documents and information are mandatory for all pensioners: 1. Letter/Gazette of First Appointment 2. Letter/Gazette of Conrmation of Appointment.

3. Letter/Gazette of Last Promotion.

4. Letter/Notice of Retirement Approved by a Competent Authority 5. Evidence of Change of Name (Where Applicable).

6. Approval Letter for Condonation/Merger of Services from the Head of Service of the Federation (where Applicable) 7. Bank Verication Number (BVN) 8. Duly stamped and signed NUBAN Bank Statement of Account with the Bank Logo showing the last 12 months of activity.

9. 1 Colored Passport Photograph

The under-listed additional documents and information are required for the following categories of pensioners: n Due Pensioners ü Birth Certicate/Sworn Afdavit of Age n Disengaged Retirees ü Evidence of Payment of Gratuity ü Severance Pay Slip n State Pensioners with Federal Share ü Computation Sheet duly stamped and signed by the State Auditor General

Duly stamped and signed NUBAN Bank Statement of Account with the Bank Logo showing the last 12 months' payments of state share of monthly pension n Steel Rolling Mills Pensioners ü Computation Sheet n Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Service of the Federation ü Letter of Appointment as a Head of Service of the Federation or Federal Permanent Secretary either from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, or the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation All Pensioners with complaints of non-enrollment, nonpayment or short payment must provide a duly stamped and signed NUBAN Bank Statement of account with the Bank Logo showing activity from date of retirement or 6 months before the complaint, till date. Ø For the Next of Kin (NOK) of Deceased Pensioners, the following documents are essential: a. Death Certicate of the Deceased from a Government recognized hospital. b. Letter of Administration c. Joint Application Letter by the NOK(s); as listed on the Record of Service. d. Marriage Certicate (for Spouses) e. Duly signed and stamped NUBAN Joint Bank Account Statement of the NOK(s), with Bank Logo f. 1 Colored Passport Photograph for each NOK g. NOKs to deceased State Pensioners with Federal Share must provide the deceased's Record of Service Ø Sick and inrm Civil Service Pensioners should contact PTAD through the toll-free 0800-CALL-PTAD (08002255-7823) for special arrangement. Ø Please note that EFCC and other law enforcement agencies will be present at the verication centres. ü

Field Verication will commence on the following dates at the following locations:

State

Centre Date

Adamawa

Yola

Taraba

Jalingo 28 November – 2 December, 2016

Bauchi

Bauchi

Gombe

Gombe 28 November – 2 December, 2016

Ø

Location

th

th

Mahmud Ribadu Square, Jimeta - Yola

th

nd

Jolly Nyame Stadium (Indoor hall), Jalingo

th

rd

th

nd

28 November – 6 December, 2016

28 November – 3 December, 2016

Police Ofcers’ Mess (Next to Zaranda Hotel) along Jos Road, Bauchi Ministry of Women Affairs (Hall), opposite Orji Housing Estate, along Bauchi Road, Gombe

Pensioners in Yobe and Borno States will be notied of the dates and locations of their own verication in due course

Signed: Management

T H I S D AY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY

1

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE DR. ABDULLAHI UMAR GANDUJE (OFR) ON THE OCCASION OF PRESENTATION OF THE YEAR 2017 BUDGET TO KANO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON 23RD, NOVEMBER 2016 COURTESIES ASSALAMU ALAIKUM. In the name of Allah, the Benecent, the Most Merciful.

May the Peace and Blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), His Noble Family and His Upright Companions.

I consider it paramount to start this 2017 Budget presentation by submitting our gratitude to Allah (SWT), the Best Planner with Whose grace, we are gathered here today to mark another annual tradition of Budget presentation. We, therefore, thank Him very profoundly and pray for His continuous Guidance and Grace upon all our actions.

Mr. Speaker, the year 2016 has been economically challenging, primarily due to the fall in oil price which had been the major earner of our National income thereby affecting adversely trade and investment in the country, and also equally affected the states monthly receipt allocation from the Federation Account. However, this has awakened our drive in diversifying our sources of revenue Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we shall not forget the devastating market infernos that befell our market places at several parts of this country, in this year. In Kano, we had such infernos that gutted Kurmi, Singer, Abubakar Rimi, GSM Market Farm Center and Na'ibawa 'Yankatako Markets. You could recall that prominent among the infernos was that in the month of March, which gutted Abubakar Rimi Market, Kano, razing over 4000 shops, representing almost 75% of the market and left property worth billions of naira burnt to ashes. As faithfuls guided by divine doctrine, we considered and embraced these as tests from God. I would also like to register my gratitude to the good people of Kano State for the understanding and cooperation they always accord this Government at this trying period of economic recession facing the entire country. I am condent, with the dogged commitment of our beloved President Muhammadu Buhari at the helm of affairs of the nation and ours at State level, the challenges are surmountable.

Distinguished Members, I am delighted to be with you for the second time as Governor of Kano State to account for our stewardship of the State over the last one year and to present before you, the 2017 Proposed Appropriation Bill.

The Proposal is a product of experience and wide-ranging consultations we had with relevant stakeholders that would translate our development plans into concrete actions.

It could be recalled that the fundamental direction of this Administration would be predicated on Continuation, Consolidation and Fine Tuning of projects inherited from previous administrations irrespective of the time they were started as well as the initiation and execution of additional people oriented policies and programmes. In this respect I dare say that we are on course, if one could look and assess the activities of this government from the time we assumed ofce to date.

Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, permit me to review our modest accomplishments in the past year.

THE YEAR 2016 APPROVED BUDGET PERFORMANCE Mr. Speaker, the 2016 Budget, which was tagged “Budget of Self Reliance,” afforded us opportunity to diversify the State sources of revenue in order to effectively achieve socio-economic development initiatives to raise the state economy. As a government, we realized that without aggressive reforms to lift our internal revenue inows, all our programmes and projects would remain sheer dreams.

It is for this, and, the need to ease our dependency on the federation account that we adopted a revenue-driven budgetary frame where all MDAs were directed to review their revenue collection mechanisms to make them effective towards achieving sustainable internally generated revenue. In addition, we have restructured the operations of the State Internal Revenue Service through the engagement of experienced Technical Advisers, versed in revenue matters. With this effort, our revenue base rose from N500 million in 2015 to more than N3 billion as at September, 2016.

With a budget size of N274,824,600,378 (Two Hundred and Seventy-Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Four Million, Six Hundred Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira only), the 2016 budget sought to boost

LGA Construction of roads in some of the urban centres covering: a) Batayya – Faragai, b) Katsako – Illa – Halimbe (Bauchi State Boarder), c) Provision of Hydraulic Structures along Magami Dagora Road d) Construction of PRP Bus stop – Airport road by (Kabo Air), e) Construction of Gidan Sarki, Dorayi – Tunga – Gwazaye Byepass road, f) Construction of Culvert bridge along Kano Free Trade Zone, g) Construction of Dorayi – Unguwar Bello – Amare Road, h) Construction Zawaciki Housing Estate Inland Dry Port Road, i) Construction of Janguza – Lengel – Dansudu road j) Construction of Sabuwar Gandu – Dan Maliki – Kumbotso road k) Construction of Box culvert along Tamburawa, Hausawa road on Tatsawarki river crossing, l) Expansion of Shimar Bridge at Danhassan Kura LGA, m) Construction of Magami – Kwajale road, n) Construction of access road in Tarauni LGA, o) Construction of Kwanar Kanye – Kano Road, Kabo – Dubagau Road, p) Construction of Minjibir – Layin Dan Dake – Sarbi Road, q) Construction of Minjibir – Tsakuwa – Laraba Road, r) Construction of Gwarmai – Kofa – Babeji Road, s) Construction of8-Cell Box culvert along UngogoMinjibir Road,

ü

His Excellency, Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje OFR Executive Governor, Kano State agriculture/food security, healthcare services, and other sectors of the economy, which had direct bearing on infrastructural growth and job creation in the State. Also, the 2016 budget focused on completing major on-going capital projects and sustaining the existing ones.

Let me give the highlights of the capital projects and programmes executed in the year 2016 according to sectors: Infrastructure In our bid to lay infrastructure as a vital base for the socioeconomic transformation of the state economy, Government allocated the sum of N64.39 billion to this sector. Out of this allocation, N40.9 billion was for the construction and rehabilitation of various roads and bridges across the State, minor and major works, Constituency Projects, renovation of Audu Bako Secretariat, establishment of ultra-modern integrated Skills Acquisition Center in the State, etc.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, government has in the last one year embarked on the construction of: ü a yover at Bukavu Barracks Junction, Katsina Road/Kofar Ruwa – Kabuga Road; ü underpass at Bukavu Barrack Junction, Aminu Kano Way – Katsina Road Junction ü Sheik Jafar Road – Panshekara by Madobi Junction underpass with clovers ü urban roads and those that link local government headquarters that would open up agriculturally important areas and provide access to educational institutions, health and recreational facilities. ü ofce Complex at Government House to accommodate Research and Documentation Directorate, Policy Coordination Department and Press Directorate. The project is expected to be completed in six months; ü Road network at Deputy Governor's Ofce; ü Gwarmai – Kofa - Babeji Road ü Maiduguri road – CBN Quarters road – Zaria road ü Madobi Junction – Panshekara road ü Gidan Boss – Katsina road ü Madobi Bridge – Kiru – KanMaiyaki ü Janguza Barrack – TasharBala – Pantasha – Gangare road ü Dungurawa – D/Tofa ü Flood and Erosion control at Gaida, Kumbotso

ü Others are:a) Construction of Zaria road – Kano line terminal, b) Rehabilitation of Abdullahi Bayero road, c) Rehabilitation of Farm Centre/Marhaba Road, d) Construction of Gidan Zakka Aminu Kano way – Kofar Waika – Tudun Rubudi – Gadan – Dango – GarinIya – Danguguwa – Karas - Haga road, e) Construction of Panda – Hamdullahi – Duje – Albasu road, f) Construction of KwanarTattarawa-zauraBarguma-Zango Mata-DanfamiTofa- GandujeDan Itace-Jemomi-KwanarZira road, In order to further boost the transport sector of the State, this administration has awarded a contract for the construction of Modern Light Rail Transit project along four major routes in Kano Metropolis to a Chinese Company.

Further negotiations to actualize this project are currently in progress as it affects funding, with Chinese Development Bank while other requirements such as Environmental Impact Assessment are been undertaken.

Similarly, Technical and Financial Consultants have since been engaged and they are Dar-al-Handasah and Buraq Consultants respectively.

In the power/energy sub-sector, the construction of the hydroelectricity power stations in Tiga and Challawa is in advanced stage. The present administration is committed to seeing the project to its logical conclusion.

Furthermore, the Street lightning project is extended to cover about 85% of the Metropolitan roads, which has not only enhanced the security situation in the metropolis, but also beauties the environment.

URBAN AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, this administration placed this sector amongst its priority areas and this explained why in this outgoing year, government allocated the sum N44.41 billion for the projects and programmes under this sector. Some of these projects include: ü Continuation of Murtala Muhammed road Flyover, ü Construction of road network at Kantin Kwari Market,

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT Construction of Hotoron Arewa road and drainage network; ü Dualization of Dakata – Bela Phase II (K/Inusawa – Bela); ü Rehabilitation of Babban Kwari – Badawa(A); ü Rehabilitation of Lamido Road; ü Construction/dualization of Kings Garden – Tudun Murtala road; ü Construction/dualization of Dan Dinshe – Kwanar Madugu Road; ü Construction/Dualization of Court Road (now Rochas Okorocha) Sabon Gari; ü Construction of Rumfar Shehu road network.

Mr. Speaker, our efforts in this regard extended to some limited repairs of some selected roads within the metropolitan area. Alhamdulillahi, a lot has been achieved in this sector over the last one year. ü

Education A total sum of N23.65 billion was allocated for the programmes and projects in the education sub-sector during the period under review. The achievements in this sub-sector are highlighted below: ü Completion of outstanding works at Saleh Muhd Mai Lemo, GGSS Rijiyar Lemo; ü Repairs/renovation of re damaged hostel block and supply of 400 sets of double decker beds at GSS Kwankwaso; ü Conversion of GSS Gaya into Tahz Boarding Secondary School (Second Phase); ü Installation/Equipping of 9No. Science Labs in 3No. Schools at GSS Ganduje, GSS Gaya and Salamatu Garba GSS Aisami i.e one from each Senatorial District; ü Construction of 348No. new Classrooms including provision of 6,960 sets of equipment across the State; ü Conversion of SIS Rogo into GGASS Boarding school; ü Repairs and renovation works and provision of 1,800 sets of equipment at 45 Schools; ü Repairs and renovation of dilapidated Classrooms at GGASS Albasu; ü Repairs and renovation of re damaged structures in 8 affected Schools, such as Jogana GGSS, D/Tofa Science, Kwankwaso Senior Secondary School, GSS Gwarzo, etc; ü Mass literacy campaign programmes in order to widen access to all segments of the society; ü Approval of N22,500,000=00 for accreditation of degree courses at Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education in afliation with Bayero University, Kano; ü Accreditation of all courses run by the Northwest University; ü Accreditation and re-accreditation of courses at Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST ), Wudil and the Kano Polytechnic respectively. ü Payment of N440,000,000.00 to Education Promotion Committees.

HEALTH Kano State is committed to providing access to healthcare services from the primary to the tertiary level for all citizens.

The budgetary allocation for this sector in this outgoing year was N13.7 billion. May I inform the Honorable Members that in the last one year, we were able to record the following successes: ü Continuation of construction works at abandoned Paediatric Hospital Zoo Road ü Continuation of construction works at abandoned Giginyu General Hospital ü Completion and commissioning of Renovated Dambatta General Hospital, ü Upgrading D/Tofa cottage Hospital to General Hospital; ü Upgrading S/Gari middle road primary health centre (PHC) to Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC); ü Upgrading Rimin Gado Comprehensive Health Centre to Cottage hospital; ü Renovation of Yadakunya Leprosy Hospital; ü Completion of Goron Dutse Community Hospital.

This hospital was started by the Community but abandoned due to lack of funds but is now being completed by the government, ü Renovation/Upgrading Chidari Basic Health Centre (BHC) to comprehensive health centre (CHC); ü Upgrading Getso Comprehensive Health Centre to Cottage Hospital; ü Renovation of existing structures and construction of additional structures at Filin Mushe Maternal Child Health Clinic, Gwale LGA, ü Upgrading Makoda Model PHC to Cottage Hospital; ü Renovation and construction works at School of Health Technology, Kano; ü Renovation and construction at School of Health Technology, Bebeji: ü Renovation of School of Nursing temporary hostel; ü Revalidation and continuation HSDP II project at

2 School of Technology, and Ministry of Health headquarters, Kano. ü Renovation of 105 PHCs in collaboration with MNCH2, a DFID ü Procurement of specialized equipment for Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital (MAWSH) and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) including CT – Scan, Mammography machine, anesthetic machine etc. ü Procurement of equipment for 11 PHCs built by Dangote Foundation at Sabon Sara and Imam Halliru PHCs ü Government conducted Free Eye Care Programme in which 44,000 patients benetted, 51,200 collected drugs, 10,000 received eye medicated glasses, 541 underwent Trachoma surgery and 2,504 had cataract surgery. ü Distribution of equipment to 137 Health facilities in the State in collaboration with MNCH2 ü Procurement of 20no. SSDs for 20 selected PHCs in 20 selected wards in Kano ü Procurement of equipment in collaboration with VSF (Oxygen concentrator, multi parameter cardiac monitor, suction machine, ambu bags, operating table, artery forceps, gallipots, kidney dishes etc.

Just of recent Mr. Speaker, you have cleared the names and members of the Board of the newly established Contributory Healthcare Management Agency whose primary role is to cater for the health care needs of public servants. I t i s a l s o pertinent to state that we have employed over 400 critical staff, over 70 medical Doctors, over 120 nurses and a considerable number of Pharmacists and Laboratory Scientists. This is in addition to continuation of sponsorship of training of healthcare workers for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, within and outside the country.

COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, COOPERATIVES AND TOURISM Mr. Speaker could recall that the budgetary allocation for this sector in the outgoing year was in the sum of N647million.

Some of the achievements recorded in the sector include: ü Facilitating the conversion of Tiga IDC into a World Class Leather Processing cluster in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry under 60-40 arrangement. The Cluster is expected to provide more than 5000 direct and indirect jobs to indigenes of Kano, ü Facilitating the establishment of Tie and Dye Cluster at Kwachiri, ü Sponsorship of 1,250 youth for entrepreneurship training under a special arrangement of Entrepreneurship Development Centre Northwest funded by Central Bank of Nigeria, ü Conducted promotion campaign in respect of made in Kano products and services, ü Conducted sensitization workshop for 900 cooperative leaders in the State; ü Inauguration of Kano State Tourism Master Plan (2014-2020) AGRICULTURE Mr. Speaker, the performance of the agricultural sector during the period under focus was satisfactory owing to our effort to enhance food sufciency cum farmers' commitment. I am pleased to inform this august House that this year, Kano State alone is expected to produce 1.2 million tons of rice, which represents one sixth of our country's rice demand. This is an indication that our resolve to allocate the sum of N7.5 billionto the sector has yielded the desired result.

It is also imperative to further state some other commitments in this vital sector over the last one year. Some of these include: ü ü ü ü

ü

ü ü ü ü

ü

The establishment of 2 permanent Articial Insemination Centers at Kadawa and Dambatta, Procurement of 2No Combine Harvesters Sponsorship of 60 No. children of Fulani Herdsmen to undergo articial insemination training at Turkey; Provided the sum of N100 million soft loan to rice/wheat farmers to acquire seeds for improved production; Resuscitation of KASCO to sufciently meet farmers' fertilizer demand. KASCO has started producing fertilizer for internal consumption of our farmers and other states. A total 600 trucks of fertilizer were produced for Kebbi State and other customers, while an extra line of production is the process of been installed.

Employed 729 women and youth as Agricultural Extension Workers, Distribution of 5000 water pumps for irrigation farmers, Construction of 1000No tube wells across Fadama sites in the State, Support to the Food Security Situation Analysis Project(CADRE HARMONIZE) through provision of ofce/project vehicle; Kano State Participated in the 2016 National Agricultural Show and won the rst position in

Nassarawa State WOMEN DEVELOPMENT Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, may recall that our budgetary allocation to this sector was in the sum of N937 million. This was meant for Women Empowerment Programmes, Upgrade and Expansion of Kiru Reformatory School, agged off of KAL-KAL refuse disposal vehicles where 500 women were engaged for the disposal of refuse through the (Scheme) scheme, provision of loans to women through the Micro Credit Scheme disbursed by our Micro Finance Banks; improvement of women in our Commercial Agriculture Scheme etc; I am also glad to state that all of these projects and programmes were carried out as planned.

INFORMATION, SPORTS AND CULTURE Mr. Speaker, within the period under review, the Ministry of Information sustained the publication of the weekly State Executive Council Resolutions in national dailies in line with the government cherished principle of ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Other achievements in the sector include: ü Publication of the 2016 calendar and Diaries; ü Establishment of Sports Commission in the State ü Rehabilitation of Data Bank to facilitate storage and retrieval of information/data about all MDAs and LGAs in the state ü Payment of up to 95 percent contract sum for the supply and installation of Digital Broadcast Equipment at Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV) where the project has reached 95 percent completion stage and will soon be ready for commissioning, ü Rehabilitation of buildings and ofces at Kano State Radio Corporation, Gidan Bello Dandago; ü Contract has been awarded for the digitization of Radio Kano AM/FM; ü Preparations have reached advanced stage for the reintroduction of the online edition Triumph newspaper and hard editions of Albishir and Aljir Hausa and Ajami newspapers, respectively ü Continuation of the production of the ministry's monthly magazines (Kano State Today and Jihar Kano AYau) aimed at fully sensitizing the public on government programmes, policies and activities as well as generate feedback from the public on same.

To further enhance the activities of the Kano State Censorship Board, particularly regarding regulation of production and marketing of the thriving Hausa Films industry, popularly known as Kannywood, the State Government has approved the construction of Film Market and Cottage Cinema in the State.

WATER SUPPLY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Mr. Speaker, in 2016, our administration has recorded a signicant headway in this sector. Some of these include: ü Approved the sum of N45,548,662.50 for utilizing abundant ground water in the State ü Awarded contract for the procurement and installation of Raw Water and High lift Pumps at various water works; ü Supply and installation of lter media at Challawa and Tamburawa; ü Procurement of Water Chemical, ü Laying of 1000mm diameter D.I. Pipes from Tamburawa to Hadejia Road (23.1km) ü Rehabilitation and Construction of 3no. each Tube Wells at Wudil Water Treatment Plant; ü Completion of Lagoon at Challawa Water Intake; ü On-going construction of New Minor Water works (Tube Wells at Ganduje) ü On-going construction of New 7no. Borehole Based Water Supply at Albasu, Minjibir, Bunkure, Tofa, Falgore, Makoda and Gadanya; ü On-going construction of 88no. Solar Powered Boreholes, 2no. each within 44 Local Government Areas. ü On-going rehabilitation of Bagauda Dam; ü On-going completion of development of 100Ha at Magaga Irrigation Project; ENVIRONMENT Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, our administration accords this sector a high consideration and this explained why in the 2016 budget, a total sum of N2.18 billion was allocated to the sector with a view to constructing drainages and controlling erosion across the state. Accordingly, Government has in the outgoing year embarked on various activities geared towards safeguarding/protecting the environment. Some of these efforts include: ü Construction of drainages at Giginyu quarters ü Construction of drainages at Tudun Wazirchi, Kabara and Chiranchi quarters ü Gully erosion control at Cutar Buki Village, Tasharna Lumi in Bebeji LGA ü Gully erosion control at Tsamiya Brigade, Nassarawa LGA ü Construction of drainage at Ja'en Kumbotso LGA

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT Construction of drainage at link 67 Albarka, Dorayi Babba, behind Forestry in Gwale LGA ü Construction of drainage with cover slabs and interlock at Sharadar Malam B Municipal LGA ü Construction of drainage at Makoda Cikin Gari in Makoda LGA ü Construction of Multi-Cell Box culvert at Yakiji village in Makoda LGA ü Construction of drainage at Wailare town at Makoda LGA ü Construction of drainage at Tsamiya village in Makoda LGA ü Construction of drainage at Barebari town in Mokoda LGA ü Gully erosion control at Tudun Murtala Graveyard in Nassarawa LGA ü Construction of Filling Station and Ofce at REMASAB Ofce ü Gully erosion control at Gayawa graveyard in Ungogo LGA ü Measured to avert imminent collapse of Zungero road ü Provision of sanitation equipment to 8 Metropolitan LGAs ü Sensitization workshop for Community Base Organization ü Procurement of additional 4No. waste disposal dump Trucks ü Procurement of 4No. brands of new loader ü Procurement 10No. Trucks ü Procurement of 20 NTM Trucks ü Contractual engagement on waste collection and disposal ü Procurement of 18No. new brand Truck (Tipper) ü Procurement of 2No. pay loaders Moreover, ecological and Forestry programme, urban landscaping, pollution control, NEWMAP Project (A World Bank Assisted Project), Kano Afforestation Programme (KNAP), Kano State Sustainable Project and other various activities that will safeguard our environment have all been aggressively pursued.

JUDICIARY Mr. Speaker, this administration has in the outgoing year allocated the sum of N1.25 billion for building new 4nos Divisional High Courts, 12nos Magistrate courts, general renovation of High court of Justice building, construction of more court rooms and ofce complex for Sharia court department and general renovation of old court room building.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION The Government recognizes the strategic role the General Administration plays in the socio-economic development of the State. In this regard, the workers' salaries were promptly paid despite the current nancial predicament in the country. The State Government is also committed to human development and as such several workshops, seminars and induction courses to train and re-train the civil servants during the year under review were organized.

Furthermore, the State Government made sure that all ofce materials/equipment and infrastructure are available for efcient discharge of work. In addition, the sum of N1.5 billion and N19.4 million were spent on purchase of motor vehicles and specialized security equipment respectively.

It is also worth noting that Government has paid the sum of N3.4 billion to cover gratuities, death benets and pension arrears for both State and Local Government employees. Similarly, the voluntary retirees had their gratuities paid i.e. those who responded to Government Circular offering maximum retirement benets for all employees who exited service on clocking 30years. ü

2017 BUDGET PROFILE: Mr. Speaker, I now present the budget for 2017 which is tagged as “Sustainable Self Reliance”. The 2017 proposed Budget has a total size of N209, 857,330,488. Out of this amount, the sum of N 130,486,682,677 is dedicated for Capital Expenditure while another sum of N79, 370,647,811 is for Recurrent Expenditure.

Mr. Speaker, Hon Members, let me highlight on the policies and detail budget allocations: RECURRENT REVENUE Mr. Speaker, the total projected Recurrent Revenue for the year is estimated at the sum of N143,700,520,027 which consist of N46,010,415,132 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N97,690,104,895 Revenue from the Federation Account (FAAC).

The total recurrent revenue is higher than that of year 2016 by N774, 385,794 representing 0.79%. It is important to note that the projected Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is lower than that of year 2016 by N13, 215,199,074 representing 8.4% increase and the reason for the decrease is based on the current economic realities.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE Mr. Speaker, the proposed capital expenditure for the 2017 scal year is N130,486,682,677 which is less than that of 2016 by N59,861,393,873 and it is to be nanced by N64,329,872,216 expected Recurrent revenue surplus and total capital receipts of N66,156,810,461. The Capital Receipt is made up of N7,190,528,060 expected Internal and External loans drawdown, N26,202,301,276 estimated Grants, N32,563,981,125 Miscellaneous receipts and Treasury

3 opening balance of N200 million Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, having highlighted on the resource prole for the implementation of policies and programmes of our Administration for the 2017 scal year, the funds allocation to MDAs across the sectors are as follows: EDUCATION SECTOR Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in our determination to sustain the successes achieved in the education sector, this administration has remained steadfast in funding the activities of this vital sector. In furtherance with these efforts, we planned to spend the sum of N17.5 billion in the 2017 scal year. Out of this amount, the sum of N500 million is allocated for the construction of 720 classrooms including the provision of desks and chairs across the State. Also, another sum of N640 million is allocated for the completion of 1,000 classrooms, construction of 120 Pit toilets in Senior Secondary Schools, rehabilitation and furnishing of staff houses and completion of the general rehabilitation of 8No. selected schools. This is intended to provide additional accommodation for conducive learning atmosphere in our primary and secondary schools.

Similarly, another sum of N1 billion is slated for the completion of some of abandoned technical Colleges and schools for Islamic studies in various LGAs across the State. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, as part of our commitment to promote Science and Technical Education in the State, another sum of N265 million is being allocated for the furnishing and supply of Science equipment to 50 laboratories in our existing science secondary schools.

Furthermore, in our bid to elevate the standard of our higher institutions, we are proposing to expend the sum of N8 billion for capital projects in these institutions. Out of this provision, the sum of N3.9 billion is set aside for the renovation/ rehabilitation of libraries and laboratories, completion of faculty of engineering complex, construction and procurement of Sport facilities and provision of other critical infrastructural requirements at the Kano State University of Science and Technology Wudil.

Similarly, the sum of N2.4 billion is set aside for the development of Northwest University, which will be utilized for the completion of faculty complex site A & B, payment of retention for main entrance gate and senate building, completion of library complex and other vital structures in the University. In addition, the sum of N750 million is earmarked for the procurement of laboratories equipment, Accreditation Programmes, furnishing and equipping departmental libraries in the University.

Similarly, another sum of N195 million is allocated for the construction of 4 blocks of Hostel, Sick Bay, road network and drainages at Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso College of Basic and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, another sum of N298 million is earmarked for the construction of 1No. Students Centre, access road, Standard School clinic and accreditation of courses at Aminu Kano School of Islamic and Legal Studies.

WATER SECTOR Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, improving water supply sector has remained one of the cardinal principles of our Administration since we assumed ofce in 2015.

In view of this therefore, the sum of N13.5 billion is proposed in the 2017 scal year. Out of this amount, the sum of N6.5 billion is set aside for the procurement of 500 metric tones of Alum and polymer for Challawa, Watari, Tamburawa and other Regional schemes, reinforcement of existing networks and expansion of the reticulation system, rehabilitation of Bagauda dam, purchase of Generator sets and other vital equipments.

In furtherance of our commitment to boosting irrigation activities in the State, the sum of N2.3 billion is allocated for the rehabilitation of existing Dams, rehabilitation and development of irrigation schemes, construction of small earth Dams and construction of Hydrological electrical power station. In addition, the sum of N1.58 billion is allocated for the construction of rural access roads to enhance easy communication within rural areas in the State through feeder roads and rural access mobility project.

In line with our policy of providing accessible water in the State, the sum of N1.44 billion is earmarked for the rehabilitation/maintenance of water complex, replacement of equipment as well as purchase of machines and equipment for the improvement of water supply in the nook and crannies of the State.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, RUWASA is one of the formidable Agency under the Ministry of Water Resources, that is saddled with the responsibility of providing small towns and rural villages with portable drinking water. To support this Agency and as well to consolidate on our effort of ensuring rural areas access portable drinking water, the sum of N1.042 billion is allocated for the construction of hand-pump, boreholes, mechanized boreholes and solar powered boreholes across the State.

On the rural electrication, the sum of N420 million is earmarked for the procurement of transformers, repairs of the Agency's operational equipment, rehabilitation of the existing power networks and other materials for community assistance in the state.

RURAL ACCESS AND MOBILITY PROJECT (RAMP) In order to ensure accessibility into our remote rural areas,

Government established a Directorate called Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) under which the following roads will be constructed. They are:ü Kachako – Jirago – Kadage – Wuro – Tsangaya (13km); ü Bebeji – Tariwa (8km); ü Ganduje – Yatsi – Babban Gida – Saye (9km); ü Maitsiday – Zago – Tangaji – Wajila (10); ü Garun Mallam – Kwiwa – Agalawa (12km); ü Jogana – Hayin Jama'a – Yafata – Nahuce road (8).

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, since we came into ofce we have continuously shown utmost concern towards the sustenance of healthy environment. Kano State with a population of over 12 million people and a harsh terrain, environmental protection remains a key challenge for Kano State Government.

Addressing all these challenges, require huge amount of money that the State Government alone cannot afford, nevertheless we are proposing to spend the sum of N1.7 billion on various activities in the sector for the coming scal year. Out of the amount, the sum of N278 million is being allocated to REMASAB for the procurement of specialized sanitation equipment, micro composting plant for leda jari scheme, vector control and other incidental works necessary for promoting a clean and safe environment. Similarly, the sum of N1.1 billion is set aside for the construction/ rehabilitation of drainages and ood control across the State under new map project. In our continuing drive to combat the threats of desertication, the sum of N111 million is allocated to raise nurseries, establish shelter belts and woodlots to maintain the necessary balance between the environment and basic human needs for survivals.

HEALTH Mr. Speaker, in our effort to provide health service delivery to all citizens, we propose to spend the sum of N10.74 billion on the health sector. Out of this, the sum of N2.5 billion is earmarked for general expansion/rehabilitation works at Murtala Muhd Specialist Hospital and procurement of speciliazed medical equipment. Similarly the sum of N1.1 billion is proposed for upgrading of 12 Primary Health Centres to a standard Cottage and General Hospitals at Kiru, Takai, Tsanyawa, Ungogo, Garko, K/Dangora, Madobi, Walawar Sarari, Sharada, Tariwa, Rikadawa and Tofa. In addition, the sum of N350 million is allocated towards completion and equiping of construction works at Giginyu General Hospital, Paediatric Hospital at Zoo road, Gezawa post Midwifery College and College of Nursing Madobi.

In our determination to promote preventive health care side by side with curative intervention in collaboration with our development partners, we propose to spend the sum of N3.4 billion to strengthen the control of HIV/AIDs and Tuberculosis, Polio eradication, Malaria control, cholera, measles control and other child killer diseases.

Furthermore, we intend to expend the sum of N258.6 million for the general development of our various Health Institutions of learning in the State.

JUDICIARY Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in our effort to ensure the security of life and property in the State, the sum of N702 million is set aside for various programmes and projects under this sector. Out of this provision, the sum of N495 million is allocated to the High Court of Justice for the fencing of newly constructed Magistrate Divisional Courts, construction of Special Court (Ceremonial), general renovation and purchase of security gadgets for the entire courts across the State.

Furthermore, to sustain the achievements recorded in this sector, the sum of N177 million has been earmarked to Sharia Court of Appeal for the construction of Sharia court department, ofce complex, procurement of books and periodicals, purchase of electronic equipment as well as general renovation of the Sharia Court of Appeal at Audu Bako Secretariat.

COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURING Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, I'm very delighted to inform this Honourable House that, this administration has maintained a dedicated commitment towards improving commercial activities in the State. In Furtherance towards the uplifting of this vital sector, the sum of N1.7 billion is reserved for the 2017 scal year. Out of this provision, the sum of N500 Million is set aside for the partnership arrangement between Kano State and Bank of Industry towards maintaining the success in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the State.

Similarly, in our effort towards improving commercial activities through the development of Various Infrastructures in Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi Market which experienced an extraordinary re outbreak where wealth worth billions of Naira were lost, the sum of N400 Million is earmarked for the development of road networks and drainage in the Market.

Similarly, the sum of N39 Million is set aside for the general rehabilitation of 1500 capacity theaters and 12No. toilets at Kano State Tourism Board. This is envisioned to uphold our obligation in improving tourism in Kano State. Another N60 Million is set aside for the establishment of Tie and Dye at Kwaciri in Fagge Local Government.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, In our determination to create self-employment and to support informal sector to address crucial capacity gap that exists among the informal

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T H I S D AY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT sector group, the sum of N20 Million is set aside for the supporting Enterprise Development Initiatives and Informal Sector Projects.

WORKS AND HOUSING Mr. Speaker, our commitment towards ensuring Socioeconomic Development of Kano State informed the decision for the huge investment strategy in the provision and improvement of infrastructure in the State.

To accomplish this, the sum of N43.72 billion is allocated, out of which N2.6 billion is for the execution of major and minor works, constituency projects and renovation of Deputy Governor's residence. In addition, another sum of N3.7 billion is earmarked for the construction of modern abattoir, integrated skills acquisition centre and poultry park at Dakatsalle. Furthermore, the sum of N800 million is for the construction of Hisbah Academy and manpower Development Institute.

In a similar vein, the sum of N26.37 billion is set aside for the completion and construction of various roads in the State.

Some of these roads and bridges slated for completion include:Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø

Ø Ø Ø Ø

Construction of Karaye – Rogo Makar road Janguza - Durum-Kabo-Karaye road Dualization of Kano - Sani Abacha youth centreMadobi bridge Kwarin Gogau – Jakara channelization road-Wujuwuju.

Construction of K/Jaba-R/Kebe road.

Dualization of Sharada junction-Panshekara road.

Kar – Bunkure – Rano – Kibiya – Sumaila road; Construction of Rano-Rurum-Tiga road.

Construction of Tukuntawa-S/Gandu-Dan malikiKumbotso ; Dungurawa – Zaura – Barguma – Domfamin Tofa – Ganduje – Dan'itace – Jemomi – Roba – Konar Zira road; Gwarmai – Kofa – Bebeji road; Dandinshe road; Kings Garden road; Triumph – Sabon Gari Fly-over

Furthermore, the allocation is also to cover for the take-off of construction works on the following roads:Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø

Bunkure – Tsanbaki – Gwanneri Barkum road Dawakin Kudu – Ladin Makole road Kwanar Garin Ali – Dareji - Dal road Lambu – D/Tofa road Tsanyawa – Dunbulum road Hawan Ganji – Kadare Road in Gwarzo L.G.A Bataiya – Faragai road Expansion of Shimar Bridge at Dahassan in Kura L.G.A and, Construction of Box culvert along Tamburawa – Hausawa - Tatsawarki road Burum-Burum – Baburi – Rufan – Dariya – Dalawa – Saya Saya – Janguza – Durum – Kabo – Karaye road.

In addition the sum of N3.6 billion is allocated for the completion of construction of Underpass ways and Fly over bridges in the state at the following locations:Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø

K/Mata - K/kwari -Singer Murtala Muhd way Fly over.

Bukavu Barracks junction Aminu Kano way-Katsina road under pass.

Gadon kaya under pass way.

Kabuga under pass way.

Sharada/Panshekara road junction under pass way.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, you are aware that as part of our resolve to provide Kano as a mega city with all the facilities required, we have signed a contract for the construction of Light Rail in Kano Metropolis. The project which is to be co-nanced by China Development Bank Corporation is appropriated the sum of N567,000,000.00 in the 2017 Budget proposal to start the project.

In our resolve to strengthen KAROTA and make it more functional, the sum of N61.8 million is allocated for procurement of additional turning trucks with a view to reducing trafc congestion, supply and installation of road sign and purchase of 10No. Toyota Hilux.

Mr. Speaker, due to our commitment to complete all inherited projects no matter how long they were abandoned, we are determined to continue with the construction of the following road projects. They are:i.

Danja – Zakirai road ii.

Bachirawa – Kwanar Jajira; iii. Doka – Tofa; iv. Kwanar Madugu – Zangon Bare Bari; v. Tofa – Dawakin Tofa; vi. Gayawa – Dankunkuru – Badam road; vii. Dawakin Tofa – Kiyawa; viii. Rano – Barnawa – Garin Babba;

4 ix. Warawa – Gogel; x. Gano – Gogel – Naira xi. Dal – Gani – Sitti xii. Madobi – Tashar Maza; xiii. Kura – Kubarachi – Madobi; xiv. Wudil – Dagumawa – Garko; xv. Ungogo – Minjibir road; xvi. Garin Ali junction – Garin Ali Dundumawa road Mr. Speaker all these roads were abandoned for a period of not less than six years.

Another allocation of N727 million is set aside for KARMA. The amount is for the maintenance of roads and drainage in the state by KARMA. While the sum of N270 million is allocated for establishment of re stations purchase of additional radio communication equipment and procurement of essential re/ghting equipment among others.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in line with our policy of reducing housing decit in the state an allocation of 10.4(Ha) has been made for the construction of different categories of houses under the National Housing Programme,. Equally the sum N1.1 billion is budgeted to Kano State Housing Corporation for the provision of site and services, plots development, renovation/development of dilapidated properties at Warri road, construction of 100No 2 bedroom houses, and construction of 100 low cost Houses of 1 bedroom at various places in the State.

WOMEN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, we will strive to continue to give this important sector the attention it deserves through the creation of more opportunities for women development in the State. In view of this, the sum of N854 million is set aside for various programmes and projects in the Ministry. This includes, Agric loan for women farmers, Women empowerment programmes, completion and renovation of lost and found Hostel at Sabuwar Gandu, Remand Home G/Dutse and reactivation of women vocational centres across the State.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION In our drive to ensure efcient information management and dissemination, the sum of N1.25 billion is earmarked to this sector.

It is the determination of this government to implement policies that will empower our youth and have direct bearing on their lives, hence the sum of N400 million is allocated for youth empowerment programmes, job creation, skills acquisition programmes such as ICT/Telecommunication training.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, our administration will continue to support and encourage Sports to ensure that the State is represented at National and International Sports competitions. In achieving this noble objective, Kano State Sports Commission was created and charged with responsibility of conducting and coordinating all sporting activities in the state. In this regard the sum of N300 million is slated for the development of sporting activities in the State.

Furthermore, the sum of N328.42 million is provided for the Digitalization of the state owned Abubakar Rimi Television and Radio Kano to facilitate timely packaging, dissemination of public information and news in line with the current global trend.

AGRICULTURE Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, in our effort to provide food security, sufciency and employment to our rural populace, the sum of N6.6 billion is earmarked to the various Agricultural programs and projects in the state.

Out of this provision, the sum of N2.2 billion earmarked is for various agricultural development programs including our new initiatives of construction of new Fulani model villages at Gaya, Gwarzo, Kunchi, Kiru and Doguwa as well as implementation of a new programme known as Hanyar Kiwo a Saukake. The provision also includes the establishment of 10No. farm clusters at suitable locations in the State.

Similarly, another sum of N3.6 billion is allocated for the continuation of Commercial Agricultural Development Project, Third National Fadama Development Progam and other Agric extension services implemented by KNARDA. Based on our resolve aimed at ensuring Kano Agric Supply Company Produces at an optimal level of production capacity, the sum of N513 million is appropriated in order to supply fertilizer to our farmers and other customers from different parts of the country.

MINISTRY OF LAND & PHYSICAL PLANNING/KNUPDA Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, provision of Urban and Rural Roads is a major requisite to attaining economic growth and development as provided in our Development Plan. The

on-going program of rehabilitation and renewal of major urban roads and infrastructure, construction of new roads and under pass bridges are a testimony of our commitment in that direction.

To further consolidate our investment in the infrastructure development, we propose to spend the sum of N16.8 billion in the 2017 scal year, out of which, N300 million is earmarked for the review of Kano Master Plan to ensure sustainable and planned development. As part of the efforts towards the construction/rehabilitation of various roads in the Metropolis, the sum of N4 billion is slated for the completion and commissioning of 45 No. roads, namely i.

Provision of infrastructure at Sheikh Khalifa Isyaka rabiu, Sheikh Nasiru Kabara and Sheikh Ja'afar Mahmud Adam Cities; ii. Completion of expansion/street lightening of Zaria road; iii. Completion of dualization of Hadejia road – Dakata Kawaji – Kwanar Inusawa including provision of service lanes; iv. Completion of dualization of new court road Gyadi Gyadi ('Yantsaki roundabout) and v. Re-construction of Yansango – Rijiyar Gwan Gwan – Katsina road just to mention a few. vi. Construction of Freedom Radio road at Sharada phase I. Similarly, we propose to spend another N4 billion for the construction of various roads across the State. Moreover, in our efforts to safe guard the huge investment in the road construction, the sum of N300 million is earmarked for the routine rehabilitation and maintenance of the metropolitan roads as well as the provision of service lane to create more openings in the major urban roads. We also propose to spend N400 million to complete the dualization works at Kabuga Kofar Dawanau-Kofar Ruwa, Dan Agundi-Sharada-Sani Abacha Youth Centre and Independence road.

In the same vein, the sum of N1.5 billion is earmarked for the construction of barricades and interlocking tiles across the State, so as to enhance and upgrade the street planning and urban beautication. To meet the aspirations of metropolitan teeming populace, a new concept of “LUNGU KAL-KAL” was introduced to improve on the sanitation and to add value especially to the dwellers of Kano ancient city and its immediate outskirts. This scheme is also intended to address some health challenges particularly malaria because with the re-construction of the drainages, the breeding ground of mosquitoes will be covered. The project will therefore include construction of drainages with cover slabs and interlocking tiles as well as street lightning in the following locations: · Dala LGA: Bulukiya, Gidan Sunusi Dantata, Gobirawa, Kududdun Dutsen Dala, Sharutu Dala and Tsamiyar Zibau. · Fagge LGA: Kwarin Akuya and Layin Dan rimi. · Gwale LGA: Diso to Aminu Kano Way, Dan Sarari Link Road, Veternary to BUK road, Professor Hafeez Street,Dr. Masa'ud Kazaure Street, Adamu Aliyu Kiyawa Street, Second Gate Bus Stop, Farouk Muhd Yola street and umar Sulaiman street. · Kumbotso LGA: Unguwar Rimi Bye pass, Farawa Babban Layi and Zawaciki Layin Alh. Yau. · Municipal LGA: Ali Yamani Street, Bala Borodo Road, Hon. Mutari Ishaq Yakasai, Layin Makabarta and Sarkin Adamu street to Ali Yamani. · Nassarawa LGA: Layin Gawon Gailo, Layin Gidan Dorawa, Layin Alh. Yahaya Mai Mai and Layin Yan Kwalla. · Tarauni LGA: Balarabe Gaya road, Sheikh Umar Kabo Road, Tarauni Grave Yard Throgh Daurawa Quarters and Yan Tsaki Road. · Ungoggo LGA: Ungogo Town from Police Station to Gandu, Rijiyar Zaki to Dorawar Yan ki and Malam Inusa Danbazau to Masassaka Road.

In line with our commitment to urbanization, the sum of N5billion is being earmarked for the continuation of the construction works of 5KM roads in the LGAs. CONCLUSION Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, our administration remains appreciative of your support, cooperation and good sense of judgment, particularly at this trying moment of our history.

Your usual swift consideration of all our requests is highly acknowledged and pray that this Budget proposal will be accorded the same treatment. I am convinced that you have Kano at heart and you are partners in the progress of our dear state. No doubt, you have today become true defenders of democracy and be rest assured that this generation and indeed future generations will be proud of you.

Let me at this juncture reiterate our administration's commitment to our people and our stand for justice, equity and fair play. We are grateful also to all who made this Budget Presentation possible. Mr. Speaker I am humbled and honoured to present to you the 2017 Budget proposal to you for the consideration of this honourable House and subsequent passage into law.

Mr. Speaker, other Honourable members please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and best wishes. Thank you all and God bless you for listening.

Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Ta'ala Wabarakatuhu!

50

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY ES TH

ENAT

E

THE SENATE

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMMITTEE ON BANKING, INSURANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND CALL FOR MEMORANDA

T

he Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions hereby invites Stakeholders and the General Public to a one-day Public Hearing on the National Development Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2016 (SB 08).

The Bill seeks to repeal the Bank of Industry Act, the Bank for Commerce and Industry Act and the National Economic Reconstruction Fund and establish the National Development Bank of Nigeria, to provide for the development and growth of Nigerian Economy and to take over the duties hitherto performed by the Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry, the Bank of Industry and the National Economic Reconstruction Fund.

The Public Hearing is scheduled as follows: Date: Monday 5th December, 2016 Venue: Senate Conference Hall 022 Time: 10.00am All submissions which would be in twenty-five (25) hard copies and a soft copy should be forwarded to the Clerk of the Committee in Room SB 48, Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja on or before Friday 2nd December, 2016.

The underlined Personalities/Institutions are required to make presentations at the Hearing: 1.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice 2.

Honourable Minister of Finance 3.

Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment 4.

Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development 5.

Honourable Minister of Agricultural and Natural Resources 6.

Honourable Minister of Water Resources 7.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria 8.

MD/CEO Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation 9.

MD/CEOs of FDIs (NEXIM, BOI, BOA, FMBN) 10.

MD/CEOs of Deposit Money Banks 11.

Representative of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) 12.

Representative of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria 13.

Representative of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) 14.

Representative of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria 15.

Representative of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria 16.

Nigeria Labour Congress 17.

Civil Society Organizations 18.

The General Public The Bill could be downloaded at www.nass.gov.ng

For further enquiries and information in respect of the Public Hearing, please contact the Committee Secretariat on 08035937458 or 08025170580 ANNOUNCER: SENATOR RAFIU ADEBAYO IBRAHIM CHAIRMAN

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

51

INTERNATIONAL WORLD OF ISLAM email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

South Africa’s Biggest Union Backs Ramaphosa for President South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa saw his chances of becoming the country’s next leader increase yesterday when a powerful union group backed him to succeed President Jacob Zuma as head of the ruling party.

Zuma is expected to stand down as African National Congress (ANC) president at a party conference in December next year, ahead of national elections in 2019 when his tenure as the country’s president will end.

The debate over who

should follow Zuma has heated up since the ANC suffered its worst local election results in August, exposing party divisions.

The ANC’s dominance of South Africa since apartheid ended in 1994 means it is widely expected to win the 2019 election, making its next leader almost certain to become president.

No one has declared an ambition to run but informal positioning is well under way, with the ANC split between backers of Ramaphosa, a former anti-

apartheid leader popular with investors, and those who feel he would be too pro-business.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), a member of the ruling political alliance that claims to represent 1.8 million workers, told reporters it had “resolved to campaign” for Ramaphosa ahead of the party conference.

An articulate though often programmatic speaker, Ramaphosa is likely to face strong competition if he

In London, IOL Cautions FG on Ondo Election Calls for postponement

Zacheaus Somorin The London chapter of Ipe Oodua Liberation, IOL, has cautioned the Federal Government to employ wisdom in tackling the knotty

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MARIAM ASI USMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MARIAM ASI OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALILU GRACE ENECHOJO, now wish to be known and addressed as GABRIEL-AJODO GRACE ENECHOJO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AWAWUNAT ADESHOLA AKEREDOLU now wish to be known and addressed as AWAWUNAT ADESHOLA AIYEOLA. All former documents remain valid. Stanbic IBTC and General public take note.

issues beclouding the Ondo State gubernatorial election slated for Saturdayor be prepared to face the dire consequences Fagbenle Esan, Chairman of the group, said this after a meeting of some Yoruba socio-cultural groups which held in Lewisham in London. The groups met to discuss the Ondo State election so as to take a common position on it in order to forestall possible break down of law and order in the sunshine state.

Esan, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said the groups resolved that the election should be shifted to allow for a level playing ground among the candidates and to also allow an amicable settlement of the cases that are currently in the court of law. He noted that the groups are of the opinion that there was no reason why the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should rush to conduct the election, in the midst of then various court cases and palpable unpreparedness of the candidates for the polls.

According to him, the action of the Federal Government, for keeping mute over the matter, smirks of conspiracy which would be resisted by the groups. He accused the Federal Government of favoritism, questioning why a government that was disposed to the postponement of a less controversial governorship election in Edo State is playing lips service to the Ondo election. IOL

condemned the recent deployment of security forces to the state, saying that such measure would not assuage the already heightened tension across the state.

The Federal Government had ordered the deployment of 26,000 police personnel, three helicopters, 12 APCs, 20 gunboats, for the Ondo election. Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Ibrahim Idris, said on Tuesday in Akure during a meeting held with INEC officials and representatives of political parties in the state, that his men were battle ready for the Saturday poll to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.

But Esan, reacting to the statement, said no amount of threat and intimidation would stop the people from losing themselves from the grip of any orchestrated clampdown to waste their votes.

“The people of Ondo State are no cowards. We will not surrender to any cheap threat and intimidation. Our votes must count and people must have liberty to choose the leader they want without being hoodwinked. We are determined more than ever ready fight for our right and stop all these undemocratic manifestations

by INEC, here and now. We are not in a hurry. There is still ample time to shift the election forward so that all the electoral issues can be resolved. This is why our minimum demand at this meeting is a three week shift of the poll to allow for fair play,” he stressed.

16 Killed in Central African Republic’s Fighting

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify that MISS OGHENEOCHUCKO MARY IJOMONI and MISS OGHENEOCHUKO OGHENERUEMU IJOMONI is one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS OGHENEOCHUKO MARY IJOMONI. All former documents remaim Valid.

The General Public please take note.

Two days of fighting between armed groups in Central African Republic has left 16 people dead including civilians while 10,000 have fled their homes, the U.N. peacekeeping mission MINUSCA said on Wednesday.

The clashes took place in the town of Bria, about 600 km (375 miles) northeast of the capital Bangui, and pitted the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central African Republic against the Union for Central African People.

Both militia groups were part of the Seleka, a mainly Muslim coalition that toppled the thenpresident in 2013, prompting

reprisals by Christian antiBalaka militias and a cycle of violence in which thousands died.

“The clashes ... kicked off on Monday morning and caused several victims. According to the figures that we have at our disposal there were at least 16 confirmed dead and thousands of displaced people, MINUSCA spokesman Vladimir Monteiro said.

“These acts constitute grave access liable to be pursued judicially by national and international tribunals,”he told a news conference, adding that the death toll could rise.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Life is a Fitnah! (1)

Shaykh Saalih ibn ‘Abdil-’Azeez Aalish-Shaykh (www.bakkah.net)

I

n the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Messenger to all mankind, and upon his companions and family members, and all those who follow his path until the Day of Judgement.

The central theme of Soorah Al’Ankaboot, as some of the scholars have mentioned, is fitnah (trials and tribulations). Fitnah is mentioned right from the very beginning of the soorah where Allaah says [Q29v1-3]: “Alif - Laam - Meem. Do people then think they will be left alone upon saying, “We believe in Allaah,” and they will not be faced with fitnah? And verily we put those who came before them to trials, so that Allaah would make known those who have been truthful, and so that Allaah would make known the liars.”

So fitnah is mentioned specifically in the beginning of the soorah.

So what kind of fitnah are people tried with? A man may be put to trial due to his intellect, or by the dunyaa.

He may be tried by his parents or by his family. He may be put to fitnah by way of a long lifespan. His fitnah may be that he faces no hardships at all in life! So the reality is that a man may be tested by a variety of trials, all of them are mentioned here in this soorah.

So in this soorah, Soorah Al-’Ankaboot, Allaah mentions the varieties of trials and the foundations that they are built upon. He also mentions how a man may be saved from these kinds of trials.

That is because this worldly life, in reality, is merely a test and a trial.

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said, as ‘Iyyaadh ibn Himaar narrated, and it has been collected by Imaam Muslim in his Saheeh: “Allaah, Most High, has said, ‘Yaa Muhammad! Verily I have only sent you to put you to trials and to put others to trial by way of you.’”

[Muslim] So life, in reality, is just a fitnah.

And this fitnah - is it by way of evil things or good things? It is by way of evil and good things alike! Allaah says [Q21v35]: “And We shall test you with trials of evil and good, and to Us you will return” Look to what Allaah mentions in the beginning of this soorah: ( Do people then think…)

Who is included in the word ( people )? It includes both the believer and the disbeliever. It includes both the old and young. It includes all categories of people as they interact with all other categories.

“Do people then think they will be left alone upon saying, “We believe in Allaah,” and they will not be faced with fitnah?”

You say you are a believer, so when can your faith be considered true eemaan?

That is when trials have been placed in front of you, and you have passed them successfully upon Allaah’s Order.

You might even be tried by your own self! There are people who are put to fitnah because of their beauty and good qualities. A woman may be tested by her own possessions, and a man may also be tested by his own wealth.

One may be tested by his parents as well. So you will find in this soorah mention of all these kinds of fitnah, their origins, and solutions to them.

The Fitnah of Disbelieving Parents Take this example: In the first part of the soorah, Allaah says [Q29v7]:

“And we have commanded the people to be good to their parents.

But if they strive to make you join partners with Me, those that you have no knowledge of, then do not obey them! To Me is your return.”

Note here that some parents cause fitnah and strive to make a servant commit shirk. Isn’t this a fitnah? Indeed it is a tremendous fitnah!

The scholars of Tafseer have mentioned that this verse was revealed about the events involving Sa’d ibn Abee Waqqaas, when his mother tried to turn him back to disbelief. Even with this kind of situation, Allaah ordered him to bear the company of his parents with kindness, but no to obey them.

He said [Q29v7]: “But if they strive to make you join partners with Me, those that you have no knowledge of, then do not obey them! To Me is your return and I will inform you of what you used to do.”

And He said in the beginning of the verse: “And we have commanded the people to be good to their parents” This is a tremendous fitnah! So then what is the way out of it? The answer is, with the proper understanding of Allaah’s Legislation, that you do not obey them when they command you with kufr, shirk, or disobedience to Allaah, however you still bear their company with kindness.

There are some people who are tried by this fitnah, and they accompany their parents, not in kindness, but with harshness, and have thus fallen into the prohibition to some degree.

The one who can be patient with such a difficult affair, bearing their companionship with kindness and not obeying them (when they order him with disobedience to Allaah), is the one who is successful in dealing with fitnah in such a case.

The Fitnah of Being in the Minority Another kind of fitnah is when a person sees a great number of people disbelieving in Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. They do not believe, and so along comes a man and feels that he and the people of faith are very few, and that the disbelievers, the hypocrites, criminals, or disobedient ones are the majority. How can he keep straight himself, how? This is a kind of fitnah that attacks the heart.

Very few of the people in this kind of situation stay firm. Most of them look to the people - the majority are into evil, so they fall into it. In this soorah, there is mention of this issue, along with the solution! So read the soorah and contemplate over that.

The Fitnah of Argumentation Then we see in the story of Ibraaheem another kind of fitnah - opponents who argue and fight against the invitation, they do not submit, rather they only plot and plan. Certain things from the dunyaa that they love are made very dear to them, as Allaah says [Q29v25]: “And he (Ibraaheem) said, “You have taken idols as objects of worship instead of Allaah, loving them. But this love is only for the dunyaa, as on the Day of Judgement you shall disown each other…”

So in argumentation there is a kind of fitnah. Few people have patience upon the Truth, remaining upon it, without becoming affected by this kind of fitnah, the doubts that the polytheists and disbelievers may instill in one’s mind. These doubtful thoughts become renewed with the passing of time.

To be continued

52

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Black Market Currency Dealers Go Undergound On the teeming streets of Lagos, the Nigerian mega-city of 15 million people, the once omnipresent money-changers are going underground.

They’ve become the latest target of authorities desperate to bolster the naira and crush a black market for foreign currency that’s boomed since the crash in oil prices strangled the inflow of dollars and battered the economy.

This month, the Central Bank of Nigeria capped prices that Bureau De Change (BDC) can charge their customers for foreign exchange, effectively pegging the black-market rate, with intelligence agents threatening to jail anyone who doesn’t comply.

The activities of the security agents is creating a parallel market within the black market, according to analysts at Lagosbased Afrinvest West Africa Limited stated.

One trader in the Lagos suburb of Surulere, who asked not to be identified as he feared arrest, told Bloomberg that he would continue using the old rate with trusted customers and refuse to sell dollars to others.

Anyone he doesn’t know may be a government spy, he said.

“The black market will go

further underground,” an analyst at Afrinvest, Omotola Abimbola said.

“The fact they went as low as getting security forces on the streets shows a new level of desperation.”

Nigeria’s interbank market sets the naira’s official value and is meant to serve businesses. But the scarcity of foreign-currency has forced many to go to licensed bureaux de change and the unofficial, or black, market of informal street traders, both of which sell dollars at a higher rate.

The central bank has made several attempts to defend the naira after it plunged in late 2014 along with crude prices.

Stock and bond investors are staying away from Nigeria, pointing to the wide gap between the official exchange rate and the black-market one of about N470 to a dollar. Forward prices suggest the naira will depreciate further on the official market, with 12-month contracts trading at 441 against the greenback.

The Department of State Services recently raided bureaux de change and black-market traders and instructed them to cap their rates at N400 per dollar. As a result, people with hard

currency are hoarding it rather than selling at an artificially low rate, according to Haruna Usman, a money-changer in Lagos.

“It’s a struggle even to get someone to sell us $200, whereas before they’d often sell us $1,000 or $5,000,” the kaftan-clad Usman said from the mosque compound where he trades.

“Now, they’re only exchanging when they’re desperate.”

The central bank is in no mood to back down. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele said this week that “the security agencies should sustain their checks on the activities of illegal foreignexchange operators in order to bring sanity to that segment of the market.”

It’s another signal to foreign investors that Nigeria’s currency policy is broken, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. “The Central Bank of Nigeria is clearly not ready to embrace a truly free-floating exchange rate and arguably has further undermined the confidence in the exchange-rate regime,” analysts at the New York-based lender,Yvette Babb and Sonja Keller, said in a note to clients.

“These events are likely to deter inflows.”

‘Reshape Global Cooperation to Tackle Risks to Humanity, Foundation Urges A US$5 million prize competition is seeking to identify new models of global cooperation capable of handling the most serious threats to humanity including climate change, weapons of mass destruction and extreme poverty “The Global Challenges Prize 2017: A New Shape,” was launched by the Stockholmbased Global Challenges Foundation, with the aim of deepening understanding of global risks and galvanising more effective responses to them. The prize competition is based on the premise that the current system of global governance that has evolved since World War II is no longer

equipped to deal with 21st century risks that transcend national borders and can affect populations anywhere in the world. “Today’s risks are so dangerous and so global in their nature they’ve outrun the international system’s ability to deal with them,” said Global Challenges Foundation founder, Laszlo Szombatfalvy, an investor, author and philanthropist who built his career in Sweden through the successful analysis of financial risk.

“We’re trying to solve today’s problems with yesterday’s tools. We believe a new shape of collaboration is needed to address the most critical challenges in our globalised

world.”

According to a statement, the New Shape Prize will ask entrants to design frameworks for international decisionmaking equipped to address today’s global challenges with a focus on climate change, major environmental damage, violent conflict (including nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction) and extreme poverty.

“We believe that the human ingenuity that has allowed us to eradicate diseases, bring down poverty levels and stabilize the hole in the ozone layer, can, if properly channeled, play a role in averting the greatest risks to our survival,” Szombatfalvy said.

IBB, Tinubu, Adenuga , Dangote, Others for Infrastructure Awards The third IIMCD Infrastructure Development Awards and Honours is scheduled to hold on Thursday December 1st, 2016 in Abuja. The infrastructure development focused award is organised biennially by Initiative for Infrastructure and Modern City Development (IIMCD).

The awards honours the long-standing careers and influences of past Nigerian Presidents, Head of States, past and present Governors and Local Government Chairmen and other public servants.

The award also recognises the efforts of private individuals or groups and international organisations supporting infrastructure development in Nigeria. The awards recognises, infrastructure projects underway, ongoing and completed in Oil and Gas, Real Estate/Urban Regeneration, Transportation, Road Construction, Education, Health, Power, Information Communication Technology, Sports and Security.

The maiden edition of the biennial event was first held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on the 17th of October 2010 and the second edition at the Royal Artis Zoo, Amsterdam, Netherlands on the 14th of November, 2012 used as a platform to promote Nigeria’s Infrastructure Master Plan and drive infrastructure investments into Nigeria. For the event not to be seen as a platform for election campaigns, the 2014 edition was put on hold.

The 2016 IIMCD Infrastructure Development Awards and Honours was initially scheduled to hold in Lagos for the first time alongside the InfraNigeria Dialogue on Sports but was moved to Abuja to enable organisers achieve its objective of ensuring maximum representation of the Federal Government as its participation is key and relevant to the theme of the event “The Infrastructure Master Plan Imperatives”.

The award categories include: Highly Commendable Construction Company Award, Corporate Social Responsibility Award, One Act of Random Kindness Philanthropic Gesture Award, Highly Commendable Infrastructure Development Supporting Bank, Highly Commendable Supporting international Institution/Organisation, Best Public Private Partnership Deal, Highly Commendable Infrastructure Developer Young Business Person Award, Infrastructure Developer Young Business Person Award, Highly Commendable Infrastructure Developer Business Person Award, Infrastructure Developer Business Person of the Year Award, Best State Governor initiative in Modern City Development Award, Highly Commendable Infrastructure Developer Person Award (State Governor) Infrastructure Developer Person of the Year Award, Life time achievements Awards.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) MARCH 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

5,004,677.26

---- 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 - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WEDNESDAY, 23 NOV 2016 Vienna, Austria, 24 November 2016--The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $45.35 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $45.25 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. (View Archives) 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

53

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

24-Nov-16

23-Nov-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 23-Nov-16

Close 24-Nov-16

Change %

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

25,517.00 8.78

25,490.70 8.77

-0.10 -0.10

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

105.91 8.25

105.79 8.24

-0.11 -0.11

01 Dangote Cement Plc

161.50

161.50

0.00%

2,752,041,945,907.50

9.20

17.55

4.84

4.95%

3.68

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

141.00

141.32

-0.23%

1,118,003,225,208.00

4.03

35.03

3.71

2.55%

6.84

03 Nestle Nigeria Plc

810.00

810.00

0.00%

642,051,564,120.00

8.81

91.92

3.72

3.58%

20.34

04 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

21.52

21.31

0.99%

633,358,976,900.48

4.90

4.35

1.56

8.31%

1.27

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.00

14.16

-1.13%

439,550,913,004.00

3.91

3.62

0.93

12.71%

0.64

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

44.10

44.10

0.00%

200,871,169,821.00

-9.39

-4.70

0.94

6.80%

0.99

07 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

342.95

342.95

0.00%

189,757,771,843.35 -44.58

-7.69

2.44

4.64%

0.48

08 Unilever Nigeria Plc

48.00

48.00

0.00%

181,598,220,000.00

0.69

69.35

2.74

0.10%

19.36

09 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

9.80

9.80

0.00%

179,825,601,907.00

0.68

14.49

0.31

6.33%

0.29

10 Presco Plc

43.85

43.85

0.00%

174,105,418,423.25

0.03 1,499.67

2.44

2.96%

4.16

11 Access Bank Plc

5.61

5.60

0.18%

162,285,920,849.91

2.59

2.16

0.46

9.82%

0.37

12 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.30

4.30

0.00%

156,001,963,184.60

1.75

2.46

0.47

13.95%

0.36

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

15.20

15.50

-1.94%

152,000,000,000.00

2.04

7.61

1.10

0.65%

1.32

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

14 Guinness Nig Plc

89.00

89.00

0.00%

134,024,048,732.00

-3.06

-29.10

1.30

3.60%

3.40

15 FBN Holdings Plc

3.05

3.00

1.67%

109,480,643,015.60

0.21

14.46

0.20

5.00%

0.17

16 Forte Oil Plc.

69.00

70.00

-1.43%

89,871,196,107.00

3.31

21.17

0.59

4.93%

2.11

17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

129.36

129.36

0.00%

82,866,769,357.68

-0.05

0.89

1.70%

3.73

18 Total Nigeria Plc

223.00

245.00

-8.98%

75,713,369,651.00

38.02

6.44

0.31

5.71%

3.65

6.01

6.00

0.17%

72,120,000,000.00

1.03

5.85

0.50

8.33%

1.16

20 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

199.02

195.03

2.05%

71,765,669,043.24

19.32

10.09

0.77

3.69%

3.80

21 International Breweries Plc

18.70

19.50

-4.10%

61,602,461,536.00

0.02

865.44

2.41

1.28%

5.86

22 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

19.49

18.74

4.00%

51,146,382,774.63

-1.19

-15.71

0.12

10.67%

0.49

23 Oando Plc

4.20

4.20

0.00%

50,545,399,354.80

-3.15

-1.33

0.20

17.86%

0.32

24 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

36.10

36.10

0.00%

47,652,000,000.00

-2.95

-12.25

0.41

4.16%

2.51

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

40.08

42.00

-4.57%

38,232,712,800.00

4.82

8.71

6.09

0.24%

2.48

26 U A C N Plc

17.76

17.76

0.00%

34,114,551,513.12

3.37

5.27

0.45

5.63%

0.45

27 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

0.72

0.69

4.35%

27,879,118,146.00

-0.47

-1.48

0.51

0.00%

0.36

28 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.82

0.81

1.23%

23,749,320,267.44

0.39

2.09

0.16

19.75%

0.13

29 Cap Plc

33.00

33.00

0.00%

23,100,000,000.00

2.28

14.45

3.46

3.48%

13.50

30 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.80

3.80

0.00%

22,351,083,941.00

0.76

4.98

0.61

3.68%

0.78

31 Diamond Bank Plc

0.95

0.95

0.00%

22,002,369,519.60

-0.29

-3.24

0.10

0.00%

0.10

32 Sterling Bank Plc

0.74

0.74

0.00%

21,304,909,413.24

0.29

2.57

0.20

12.16%

0.26

33 FCMB Group Plc

1.05

1.03

1.94%

20,792,846,320.05

0.61

1.68

0.12

9.71%

0.11

34 Wema Bank Plc

0.53

0.51

3.92%

20,444,467,022.93

0.06

8.56

0.38

0.00%

0.42

35 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.89

1.89

0.00%

19,845,000,000.00

0.28

6.78

0.99

2.65%

0.94

36 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

7.19

7.19

0.00%

19,049,461,937.82

0.85

8.47

1.01

7.65%

2.58

37 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

10.05

10.05

0.00%

18,875,930,502.00

0.50

20.13

0.67

12.94%

1.85

38 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

14.00

14.00

0.00%

16,742,270,832.00

-2.98

-4.69

0.60

2.14%

1.90

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

15.20

15.20

0.00%

15,200,000,000.00

5.69

2.67

1.06

0.66%

0.41

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

0.99

0.99

0.00%

10,269,016,868.88

0.42

2.36

0.46

12.12%

0.55

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.09

1.09

0.00%

8,643,915,447.22

-0.40

-2.70

0.18

14.68%

0.26

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.53

0.52

1.92%

7,356,559,747.30

-2.93

-0.18

0.04

57.69%

0.07

43 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.78

0.85

6.00%

0.41

44 Unity Bank Plc

0.57

0.57

0.00%

6,662,922,626.94

-0.10

-5.56

0.10

0.00%

0.08

45 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

0.03

17.71

3.72

0.00%

1.94

46 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

4.48

4.48

0.00%

5,629,916,391.68

0.22

20.46

0.51

2.23%

0.52

47 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.60

2.67

-2.62%

4,468,749,987.00

0.30

8.92

1.09

26.22%

0.13

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.45

2.40

2.08%

3,979,335,937.50

0.15

15.88

0.48

8.33%

0.65

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.57

0.59

-3.39%

3,950,216,553.60

0.22

2.65

0.14

8.47%

0.40

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.36

1.36

0.00%

2,034,000,000.00

0.24

5.76

0.31

3.69%

0.32

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

TOTAL

8,237,275,541,844.36

TOTAL MARKET CAP

8,774,950,087,667.73

% OF MARKET CAP

93.87%

Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 23-Nov-16 24-Nov-16 %

Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc Flour Mills Nig. Plc Wema Bank Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Mobil Oil Nig Plc

0.69

0.72

4.35

18.74 0.51 2.40

19.49 0.53 2.45

4.00 3.92 2.08

195.03

199.02

2.05

Open Close Change 23-Nov-16 24-Nov-16 %

Total Nigeria Plc Okomu Oil Palm Plc International Breweries Plc AIICO Insurance Plc UACN Property Development Co. Limited

245.00 42.00 19.50 0.59 2.67

223.00 40.08 18.70 0.57 2.60

-8.98 -4.57 -4.10 -3.39 -2.62

Sell Pressure resumes as ASI sheds 0.10% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, November 24th, 2016 ends on a bearish note as stock market close red. This was further highlighted by negative performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Banking, Insurance and Consumer Goods (Save Oil & Gas).

Trading activities decreased in volume as 97.14 million shares worth of N1.14 billion in 1,929 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 166.00 million shares worth of N1.13 billion in 2,484 deals which exchanged hands on Tuesday.

Topping in volume terms were International Breweries Plc, Access Bank Plc and GTB Plc, while International Breweries Plc, Access Bank Plc and GTB Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.10% (-26.30) decrease to close at 25,490.70 from 25,517.00 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N8.77 trillion from N8.78 trillion of prior trading day.

Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with a decrease of 0.11% to close at 105.79 from 105.91 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 8.24 trillion from 8.25 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 19 stocks gained on the bourse today while 11 stocks declined, 69 leaving stocks unchanged. Transcorp Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.35% to close at N0.72 per share. It was followed by Flour Mills Nig. Plc with a gain of 4.00% to close at N19.49 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Wema Bank Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc and Mobil Oil Nig Plc; while on the decliners’ list, Total Nigeria Plc emerge with a loss of 8.98% to close at N223.00 per share. It was followed by Okomu Oil Palm Plc with a loss of 4.57% to close at N40.08 per share. Others on the decliners list include: International Breweries Plc, AIICO Insurance Plc and UACN Property Development Co. Limited.

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

54

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Onyema Restates NSE’s Commitment to Promotion of Financial Literacy

Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, yesterday restated the exchange’s commitment to the promotion of financial literacy, saying NSE has implemented and supported a number of programmes in line with the National Financial Literacy Framework (NFLF), which contribute to raising

the level of financial literacy in Nigeria.

Onyema stated this at the 2016 NSE Essay Competition Award ceremony in Lagos, disclosing that “to date, we have executed over 200 free capacity building workshops, aimed at enhancing investor understanding of the basics of investing.”

He said: “The multiplier effect of these workshops is phenomenal as approximately

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

16,000 retail investors from the grassroots can now make better investment decisions.

Improving financial literacy is at the core of what we do at the NSE because we recognise that the ability to make wellinformed financial decisions plays an important part in the capacity of individuals to manage financial matters well, a factor that can have either a negative or positive ripple effect on the economy.

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

I am proud to say that with the NSE Essay Competition, we have established a strong foundation for improving the financial literacy and capability of Nigerians.”

According to him, through this competition, the NSE has been able to promote financial literacy among young Nigerians by encouraging them to learn how good financial decisions can better their lives now and in the future, and

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

ultimately grow the economy.

“We have been able to inspire over 37,000 young people in more than 7,000 schools across Nigeria to learn how good financial decisions can better their lives now and in the future, and ultimately grow the economy,” he said.

At the award ceremony, Miss Ifeoluwa Toluwanimi Abiodun, a 14-year old student of Babington Macauley Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos

State, emerged the winner of the 2016 edition of the NSE Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools students in Nigeria. Ifeoluwa clinched the first position ahead of over 7,400 participants across the country, winning N500,000 in scholarship fund for university education, N250,000 worth of equity investment and a laptop.

Her school was also rewarded with three desktop computers and a printer.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

55

fridAY, NOVEMbEr 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Rewane: Economy Recovery Will Begin in 2017 Goddy Egene An economist and Managing Director/CEO of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane yesterday said the country would begin to recover from the current economy recession late next year.

Rewane, who stated this while launching the of the Nigerian Journal of Securities Market (NJSM) produced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Lagos,

stressed the need for Nigerians to be financially literate so as to understand the workings of the economy.

The FDC boss commended SEC on its efforts at financial literacy and urged the commission to sustain those efforts at educating Nigerians on financial issues.

Meanwhile, the Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo said the launch of the journal was one of the steps being taken by to improve the financial literacy of Nigerians

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

as poor financial literacy has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the low level of financial inclusion in the country.

“As part of the SEC mandate to develop the Nigerian capital market and by implication the economy, the commission is putting all energy, resource and time into implementing the Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan The SEC has focused on several financial literacy initiatives as part of its market

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 23-Nov-2016, unless otherwise stated.

development drive,” he said.

The SEC DG added that efforts are being made to boost financial literacy among young people with school programmes, literacy week and a capital market curriculum.

He said the journal represents another milestone in the endeavour of the SEC to fulfil its capital market literacy master plan which major recommendation is developing a regular and upto-date publication and journal on capital market operations.

Gwarzo said: “The NSMJ is a periodic multi-disciplinary journal that will serve as a platform for disseminating information and research on the Nigerian capital market. The journal will publish original evidence-based papers on capital market activities. It aims to revamp capital market information, serve as evidence point and re-establish SEC as the knowledge bank of the capital market. The journal will provide an avenue to disseminate critical insights

into some of the main problems facing the securities market.”

“It will provide an avenue to present and analyse emerging trends and contemporary issues as they affect the Nigerian Securities market,” he added.

Market experts have said financial illiteracy, amongst other factors, could be said to have contributed to the crash of the Capital market in 2008/2009. The public is largely unfamiliar with the workings and benefits of the capital market.

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 120.49 Nigeria International Debt Fund 219.76 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 121.35 10.56% 220.92 9.79% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.68 8.85% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

16.81%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 11.83 279.01 21.95

Offer Price 12.19 287.42 22.61

Yield / T-Rtn -2.92% -0.17% -0.44%

1.00

1.00

15.99%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 104.01

Offer Price 104.67

Yield / T-Rtn 4.34%

1.00 1.00 13.98% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.13 9.05 83.08

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.18 4.61% 9.28 -8.17% 85.21 2.43% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,074.75 109.57 100.00 $101.37 $101.16

Offer Price 1,075.91 110.13 100.00 $102.11 $101.90

Yield / T-Rtn 4.89% 3.93% 13.93% 5.18% 4.97%

108.37

7.66%

106.94

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.91 2.53

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.93 1.10% 2.53 8.95% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,168.49

Offer Price 2,193.14

Coral Income Fund 2,071.68 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 -0.32%

2,071.68 9.51% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.10%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.64

1.66

0.62%

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 11.58% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 997.60 997.60 -0.24% 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 9.22 9.30 -5.77% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.95% 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 1.06 1.08 7.59% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.36 10.43 3.97% 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 107.24 107.96 5.25% 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 1.23 1.23 9.16% 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 1,792.82 1,802.66 6.74% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 151.65 151.65 3.11% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.75 0.76 0.67% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 183.51 183.51 8.14% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 131.09 132.71 -3.13% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.53% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,339.04 7,434.89 2.10% 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 1.14 1.15 8.29% United Capital Bond Fund 1.25 1.25 15.71% United Capital Equity Fund 0.67 0.68 -0.83% 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 9.34 9.50 -2.00% Zenith Ethical Fund 10.98 11.08 -4.12% Zenith Income Fund 16.86 16.86 5.12%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 122.93

3.99% 6.11%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.54 72.77

8.64 74.15

-10.80% -12.56%

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

2.49 7.10 11.70 15.73 127.44

2.49 7.18 11.80 15.83 129.44

8.15% 11.04% -5.56% -18.28% -

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.

56

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

57

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

58

NEWSXTRA

States Consider Inputs into National Economic Recovery Plan Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The Commissioners for Budget and Economic Development and Permanent Secretaries of

related departments in states of the federation yesterday gathered in Abuja to contribute ideas and consider inputs into the National Economic Recovery and Growth

Anenih Opens up on Annulled June 12 Mandate, Other Issues in New Book Ogheneuvede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

Twenty-three years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, perceived to have been won by the late business mogul and candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the National Chairman of the defunct party, Chief Tony Anenih, has opened up on how the bid by the political class to reclaim the now infamous June 12 mandate was thwarted by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

In his autobiography billed to be presented to the public tomorrow in Abuja entitled: ‘My Life and Nigerian Politics’, Anenih captures the various political events and developments that culminated in how Abiola won the presidential election, how the outcome of the election was annulled midway by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida and how the Interim National Government (ING), set up with Chief Ernest Shonekan as Head ---- to conduct another presidential election, was

overthrown by Abacha.

The book, which chronicles the life and times of the author, most especially the political odysseys that have defined his persona, will, according to the planning committee of the event, be presented to the public by former Minister of Defence and foremost philanthropist, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) on a low-key occasion that would be chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The planning committee stated that the book presentation would be preceded by a thanksgiving service at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral Catholic Church, Garki, Area 3, in Abuja under the superintendence of John Cardinal Onayekan.

The committee added that the book would be on sale after the unveiling by Danjuma and urged members of the public and the political class to grab copies in order to update themselves on the story of political intrigues at the highest level as told by one of the unique players.

Osun PDP Expels Former National Scribe, State Chairman over Ondo Poll Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday expelled former National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, and Hon. Soji Adagunodo, a factional Chairman of the party in the state.

Others expelled are the immediately past state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu OlaOluwa, and the Secretary of the Adagunodo’s faction, Hon. Bola Ajao.

The faction of the party loyal to Senator Iyiola Omisore, at a congress held at its secretariat along Gbongan/Osogbo, under the chairmanship of Dr. Bayo Faforiji, noted that a disciplinary committee was set up to investigate various anti-party activities engaged in by the affected members over a month ago.

Faforiji noted that the gathering of the receipt of a report from the committee and that the committee had recommended sanctions against those affected to enforce discipline in the party.

He said the committee gave

those facing the allegations up to a month to appear before it to defend themselves, and that none of them considered the option.

The state PDP leader stressed that the factional chairman, Adagunodo, and his secretary, Bola Ajao, were party to a suit instituted against the emergence of Eyitayo Jegede as PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State.

According to the report of the committee, Faforiji further indicted OlaOluwa and Oladipo for their alleged complexity in the matters relating to Ondo State PDP governorship tussle.

The congress subsequently pronounced the members expelled and ordered them to return PDP property in their possession to the party secretariat with immediate effect, adding that the public should refrain from transacting business with those affected.

Reacting yesterday, the state Chairman of the party, Hon Soji Adagunodo, described his purported expulsion as a mere jester.

Plan (ERGP).

The gathering was part of the federal government initiative to harvest inputs from all segments of the country to produce an all-inclusive development plan that will pull the economy out of recession and set it on the path to sustainable growth and development.

In the last three weeks, the federal government has had consultations with economic experts, private sector operators, academic and government stakeholders, which generated very insightful perspectives and ideas on issues to consider in the plan.

During the week, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, had an interaction with chief financial officers of top corporate organisations in Lagos as well as a working session on the plan with development partners in Abuja.

The state governors were briefed on the plan Thursday

last week.

Addressing the opening session of the state commissioners roundtable yesterday, the minister said their views and inputs were very necessary because of the critical role states play in the Nigerian economy.

The commissioners were to, among other things, review the context of the ERGP, identify the potential areas for states’ interventions, share the plan structure and discuss potential key initiatives expected to be implemented at the national and state levels, propose the role of states in ensuring effective implementation of the plan and provide inputs on the structure and content of the plan.

The minister said the plan became all the more imperative because of the current state of the economy which relapsed into recession in the second quarter of the year and which posted a GDP growth level of -2.24 per cent in the third quarter.

“The states are also badly hit, with oil prices and production volumes declining to low levels and the inability of most states to pay salaries and also meet up with other key expenditure/ investment needs,” he said.

According to him, the recession reflects inherent structural issues in the nature of the country’s economy, the current manifestation of which began in mid-2014 when the global oil prices crashed.

He said the federal government has taken steps in the 2016 budget to proactively address the challenges in the 2016 Budget, and was designed to reflate the economy.

The Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) set out a number of initiatives which were designed to support the implementation of the budget. Many of the initiatives have started yielding results, he added.

The goal of the ERGP, the minister emphasised, is to have an economy with low inflation,

stable exchange rates, and a diversified and inclusive growth.

“The proposed initiatives prescribed by the plan should address our poor competitiveness, improve the business environment and attract investment in infrastructure, especially power, roads, rail and ports.

“We desire a plan that is realistic and would achieve the desired results. Your views are certainly invaluable in this regard.”

The NRGP is expected to build on the existing SIP which was an interim plan developed in April, 2016.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, in his foreword to the SIP, promised Nigerians that a fuller and more comprehensive medium-term plan will be prepared by the end of 2016.

The NRGP is intended to fulfill the dual goal of identifying short-term recovery initiatives and also presenting a mediumterm plan.

THANK YOU VISIT

Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left), with former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, when the family of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, paid a visit to the state Government House in Sokoto... yesterday

Saraki: Constitutional Amendment Process Ends Early Next Year Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday said the ongoing amendments to the 1999 Constitution in the eight National Assembly would be concluded early next year.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, made the promise when he received the National Executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its President, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud (SAN), at the National Assembly, Abuja.

He said: “On the issue of constitution amendment, we started very early because we know it can be a problem if it comes close to election year. Our view is that we have simplified the process. We are working on the earlier document which was completed in the last Assembly but was not signed into law. We

try to take important issues first and members of the committee are working tirelessly on this.

By the time it will be ready, we will send it to the Speakers of states assembly.

“Working in collaboration with the House of Representatives, we hope that the document will be similar and reduce areas of differences. I am looking at the end of this year or the first couple of weeks in January next year or there about. We should be able to debate and pass the amendments and send it to the states.

“We started this process very early and it has gone through second reading, gone through public hearing. Stakeholders have contributed. Some of the issues like postponement of elections, electoral voting, some of the un-envisaged cases like the case in Kogi State have been taken into consideration and I believe the sooner we can pass

the amendments, the better it is in the interest of Nigerians.”

Saraki advised the NBA to continue to stand with the people and speak with “a big voice and that voice should be loud and clear. As leaders, we have to choose between our comfort and what we believe in. And I think at this point, we all ought to do what is right in the interest of the country.

It might not be popular but I think that is the responsibility we have at this particular time for the interest of the country.”

Earlier in his speech, the President of NBA, Mahmud, said NBA was interested in the amendment of 2010 Electoral Act especially in relation to the postponement of elections on security matters. He also said the association was interested in constitution amendments, justice sector reforms particularly the Independent Corrupt

Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Prisons Reforms and the Legal Aid Council. He said the Legal Aid Council was in dire need of funds to carry out its duties.

On constitution amendments, the NBA President said the timely completion of the exercise would help to stabilise and strengthen the nation’s democracy as he identified other grey areas which he said needed attention such as the recent postponement of elections due to security concerns.

Mahmud said postponement of elections due to contrived security reasons threatened the independence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “Postponing elections will not augur well for the stability and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

IPOB Welcomes AI Report, Says 2,000 Pro-Biafrans Killed, 750 Missing Since 2015 Senate South-south east caucus calls for probe

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday said the report

by Amnesty International (AI) on the extrajudicial killings of Biafra activists has eventually vindicated its earlier claims that the Nigerian security agencies have been killing its members in cold blood.

The global human rights organisation, AI, has in its latest report said no fewer than 150 pro-Biafra activists were killed by security agencies, especially the military between August 2015 and August 2016, adding that its findings were based on video and photographic evidence as well as eye witness accounts.

IPOB has been in the forefront of organising protests across the South-east and parts of South-south zones to drive home its quest for Biafra self determination as well as the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Reacting to the AI report, IPOB in a statement signed by the Head Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, welcomed the report as it has at last shown the world that it was not crying wolf when it announced that hundreds of its members had been killed by security agencies during protests.

However, IPOB said the casualty figure contained in the AI report was a far cry from the number of pro-Biafra protesters either killed or missing following the brutal reaction of the security agencies to the protests in the South-east and parts of the South-south zones of Nigeria.

“But the 150 people killed report which was given by the Amnesty International was not the accurate number of IPOB and Biafrans killed since August 2015 till date.

“More so, in IPOBs records and statistics department gathered from all parts of Biafraland we have over 2,000 members killed, 750 missing since then till date we have not seen their dead bodies and we are still searching for them. We also have 567 members under going medical treatment in different hospitals,” IPOB said.

The Biafra restoration group also claimed that “we have 370 people under going severe torture in different prisons and security cells across the country in the hands of security agents.”

“As we are talking right now, the DSS and other security agencies in Nigeria are still searching for the members of IPOB across the country, some are still in the DSS secret cells since six months now without taking them to court while they were all incommunicado in different places,” IPOB lamented.

While commending AI for “standing bold to condemn the crime against humanity committed by the government of Nigeria and her security agencies,” IPOB urged AI and Human Rights Watch to dig deeper and unravel the “barbaric killings of pro-Biafra activists.

Meanwhile, IPOB has said over 2,000 of its members have been killed since August 2015.

A statement by the group, signed by Powerful, thanked the AI for recently speaking up over the injustice done to the people of Biafra, while also saying that the 150 Biafrans the group recorded as those killed was erroneous.

Powerful said while over 2,000 had so far been killed since August look at year, 750 others had remained missing without trace, while 567 Biafrans are nursing severe injuries sustained from attacks by security agents.

“The Amnesty International report was welcomed by the indigenous people of Biafra,

Dasuki’s Family Pays Thank-you Visits on Tambuwal Family members of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, have commended the Sokoto State Government for taking the lead in ensuring their late patriarch got a befitting burial when he passed away recently.

They equally commended the state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for his solidarity with the family and guidance in their hour of need.

Making the commendation when he led a delegation to Government House Sokoto, Sardauna of Sokoto and former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, said Tambuwal has exhibited statesmanship which they will cherish forever.

He described the late Dasuki as a distinguished Nigerian who was committed to service and unity of the

nation.

In his remarks, Tambuwal urged the family members to unite and continue with the good works started by the late 18th Sultan of Sokoto.

“Sultan Dasuki cared about the unity of Nigeria and the Muslim ummah. You have a huge task ahead of you, but with steadfastness and unity of purpose, you will achieve your aims,” the Governor added.

While urging them to unite at all times, Tambuwal said the state government would continue to cherish the deceased’s contributions to the development of the state.

Others in the delegation were Hon Abdulsamad Dasuki, Alhaji Buhari Dasuki, Abba Dasuki and other leaders from the Buhari ruling House of the Sokoto Caliphate which late Dasuki belonged to.

but the reports of 150 people killed which was given was not the accurate number of IPOB and Biafrans killed since August 2015 till date.

“More so, in IPOB’s records and statistics department gathered from all parts of Biafraland we have over 2,000 members killed, 750 missing since then till date we have not seen their dead bodies and we are still searching for them, we also have 567 members under going medical treatment in different hospitals.”

They added that it has 370 people under going severe torture in different prisons and security cells across the country from hands of security agents.

The group said: “As we are talking right now the DSS and other security agencies in Nigeria are still searching for

the members of IPOB across the country, some are still in the DSS secret cells since six months now without taking them to court while they were all keeping incommunicado in different places.”

The Senate’s South-east caucus yesterday tasked the federal government to immediately constitute a judicial panel of inquiry with the mandate to investigate the alleged killing of about 150 unarmed members of IPOB. A statement by Chairman of the caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in Abuja, said the Amnesty International report, which painted a very chilling picture of alleged brutal killing of peaceful protesters by the Nigerian Army was not only embarrassing to the country, but also cast doubts on the

operational modus of the Nigeria military in handling civil protest in a constitutional democracy Abaribe said the caucus resolved to insist that the reported killings must be investigated and those found culpable made to face the law.

Amnesty International in a report on Wednesday said that an analysis of 87 videos, 122 photographs and 146 eyewitness testimonies relating to demonstrations and other gathering between August 2015 and August 2016 consistently showed that the military fired live ammunition with little or no warning to disperse the crowd of IPOB members.

AI also claimed in the report that it also found evidence of mass extra-judicial executions by security forces, including at least 60 people shot dead in the

space of two days in connection with events to mark Biafra Remembrance Day. Abaribe said: “It is not enough for the Nigeria military to debunk the report, we as a caucus demand an independent inquiry in the mould of a judicial panel and urgently too. It is our candid view that such panel would reassure the Igbo that the federal government is alive to its responsibilities one of which is the protection and respect of the fundamental rights of all people irrespective of tribe or religion. Unraveling the authenticity of the report would help to prevent a reoccurrence just as it will engender unity in our country. But the most important to us now is that the report must be probed and those implicated must be made to face justice.”

FUTURE ASSURED

R-L: Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari; wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; and wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, during the flag off ceremony of empowerment programme by Future Assured Initiative (FAI), a pet project of Mrs. Buhari, in conjunction with National Directorate of Employment (NDE), at the Police College Ikeja, Lagos...... yesterday KOLA OLASUPO

N’Assembly Passes Bill Establishing New Security Outfit Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The National Assembly yesterday passed a bill creating a new security outfit, the Nigeria Peace Corps.

Speaking after the Senate passed the bill into law, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said passing the bill would foster security and peace in the country as he expressed hopes that the forthcoming agency would be efficient in providing peace and security in the face of rising security in the country. He also said it would create employment for Nigerian youths.

Presenting report on the bill, Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Usman Nafada, said after conducting a public hearing on the bill, the

committee resolved that the corps should be domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Interior.

He also recommended that the head of the corps be referred to as Commandant General, with six Deputy Commandant Generals and six Assistant Commandant Generals drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country in reflection of the federal character principle of the country.

Nafada said the organisation would be of great benefit to the Nigerian youths, adding that all the agencies that opposed the establishment of the agency now did same when the National Assembly passed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

“Majority of the stakeholders supported the passage of the

Bills on the notion that the delivery of security services was exclusively the preserve of the military and other conventional security agencies.

“They however observed that in response to increasing complexity of the factors responsible for insecurity and the method by which peace and security is being undermined in Nigeria, there is need to develop comprehensive, multi sectorial, and inclusive approaches in order to stem the threat,” he said.

He added that in the memoranda of understanding and oral submissions by the agencies and stakeholders invited to the public hearing, majority endorsed the establishment of the corps, but the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Service (DSS) rejected the

agency.

The objectives of the corps include redirecting the creative potentials of the youths towards patriotic services and nation building through citizenship and leadership training.

Others are combat all forms of social decadence in educational institutions in order to create a peaceful and conducive environment for learning, as well as creating a reservoir of trained personnel and volunteers of diverse qualifications to serve as spring board for easy accessibility of manpower whenever there is need for this in the country.

The corps also intend to build capacity of the youths in the areas of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

Momoh: Nigeria Spends too Much Money Sustaining Greed of the Elite Calls for decongestion of political space

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, has once again called for the decongestion of the political space, saying the system of government in Nigeria is the most top heavy duty federation in the world He also wondered why the country has continued to spend so much money sustaining greed of the elite to run a country that needs more of performing duties than enjoyment of rights.

The former minister made this known yesterday in Abuja at the official presentation of a book titled: “Hope Rekindled”, a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s nationhood challenges and how to overcome them, written by Sam Afemikhe.

He argued that Nigeria’s problem was not economic but political and noted that Nigeria spends more than 80 per cent of her resources on running government, adding that any country that spends more than 25 per cent on recurrent expenditure must go back to the drawing board.

According to him: “the so called dividends of democracy has nothing to do with hospital, roads, education, it has to do with freedom, how much freedom have you guaranteed to drive development , in Nigeria we have object to

invest in freedom and then when you say duties nobody is interested.”

Momoh stated: “Why do we have full time legislators, the National Assembly members earns more than N400 million a year, when you cannot pay ASUU, when you cannot pay N18,000 minimum wage, when you have a country that spends so much money sustaining elites greed to run a country that needs more of performing duties than enjoyment of rights.”

“You have National Assembly, you have State Assembly, you have the Local government, why not rearrange it, you have National Level, Regional Level and then the States level, then the region can create and fund local government.

“We started with 300 local government, now we have 774, all these are funded, we give them money , everybody is full time, in the first republic law making was part time and those who were coming to work as part time in attending to our laws did more work than our National Assembly now, and no belated allowances, they came, did their work and went back home to do their full time work, now full time law making in the National Assembly, full time law making in the State Assembly, even the local government area full

time law making, the councillor takes home more money than the Judge of the High Court and what qualification do you need, School certificate and we say we are serious,” he said.

Momoh stressed that the system of government in Nigeria is the most top heavy duty federation in the world, adding, “remove the powers at the centre and send then to the region, the law makers at the region should be members of the House of Representatives because it is based on population, everybody should go to their

region and be the law making body there...”

The author, Mr. Sam Afemikhe said his book specifically addressed the challenges that have befallen Nigeria and also proffers solutions to them.

He addressed that, “we are still grappling with structural defects. We have to address that. It is like the foundation of a house that is not strong.

Some people talk about nobody loves Nigeria. But Nigeria is well loved. It is just a few, the elite that do not love Nigeria.

They take out of the system

without putting back. They are the ones that engage in corruption, they are the ones that mislead the people. Most Nigerians are patriotic, focused, determined to make Nigeria work, but if you live in a house which has structural challenges, you have to mend it.”

The book reviewer, Mr. Simon Kolawole, said the 800 pages book, which also contains 13 chapters and four parts dwells on the enormous challenges facing the country and how to solve them.

He noted that while the author believed the current

system of government that the country presently operates is expensive, he acid he refused to give the amount of money the country would save with the parliamentary system of government.

Kolawole posited that “ if we are not prudent in the presidential system of government, we will be reckless in parliamentary system.”

He however said the book is philosophical about the state of the nation, and without doubt, the value of money as highlighted in the book could hardly be faulted.

FG to Award N10m Each to National Merit Awardees DISASTER MANAGERS L-R: Mrs Titi Ajose , Prof. Onatolu Odukoya, and Prof. Chinedu Mmom, at the Emergency, Crisis and Risk Management

President Muhammadu Buhari will in Abuja on December 1 award N10 million each to two recipients of this year’s Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM).

Etim Essien, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), disclosed this at a news conference to mark the nineth Forum of NNOM Laureates in Abuja yesterday.

The theme of the forum is: ‘Mono-Economy, Diversification, Exchange Rate Stability and the Development of the Nigerian Nation.’

The NNOM is the highest national honours given to those who have excelled in the field of Science, Medicine, Engineering/ Technology and Humanities.

The award is distinct from the more popular national honours, often given to politicians.

Essien, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the president would give out a cash prize of N10 million alongside certificates and medals to each recipient.

He listed the two recipients as Sadik Omowunmi and Tanure Ojaide, both professors, for the science and humanities categories respectively.

“As prescribed in the laws governing the NNMA, the investiture will be performed by President Buhari, on December 1 at the Presidential Villa.

“The law stipulates that the

award will be given on the first of December of every year.

“The NNMA, which is the agency responsible to seek out the best intellectual and creative Nigerian minds, was set up to seek accolades at home.

“It is also charged with the responsibility to help in directing their energies to finding solutions to Nigeria’s problems and thus promote national development and enhance good national image internationally,’’ he said.

Essien added that the NNOM award by contrast was restricted mostly to Nigerian academics at home and in the diaspora, who had attained very significant creativities in their fields of human endeavours.

He said the award was also open to Nigerians who had demonstrated exceptional creativities in other specialisations.

He said that a committee of assessors was set up to look at the work of the recipients, make recommendations and forward same to the governing board of the agency.

He said the governing board critically looks at the recommendation and transmits it to the president latest on September 1 of every year.

He commended the president for approving the recommendations of the two recipients.

Institute’s 2016 annual national conference/induction of new members held in Lagos...recently

Shoppers Agog as Shoprite Osinbajo Proclaims Anambra Berths in Umuahia Hot Bed of Industrialisation Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia It was a new experience for residents of Umuahia as Shoprite opened in the newly built Abia Mall located at the northern end of the state capital with thousands of shoppers trooping to the vast departmental store.

The shopping mall which was inaugurated by Governor Okezie ikpeazu was one of the economic projects which he inherited from his predecessor, Senator Theodore Orji. It is a public-private project (PPP) between the government owned Abia Retail Company Limited and a private developer.

Speaking with journalists after the inauguration, Orji said that he was happy that the projects has finally been completed, noting that it would boost the economy of the state and contribute to the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

He allayed the fears of Umuahia traders over the likelihood of bad business due to the presence of Shoprite in the capital city, saying that the shopping mall was meant for a class of people while the shop owners in the city would continue to enjoy the patronage of their customers.

The Abia Central senator recalled that “there were many obstacles (along the way) when we started the project” adding that “today it has come to fruition and it has become one of the legacy project that will stand the test of time.”

The Project Director of the company that designed and built the Abia shopping Mall, Mr. Chuka Okoye, told journalists that they are in the business of designing and developing shopping malls across Nigeria, saying such facilities were already in operation at Enugu, Ilorin, Ibadan, Onitsha and Owerri.

“We believe that every state in Nigeria should have a retail mall as in other nations, he said, adding that Umuahia was well positioned to have a shopping a mall and residents would definitely enjoy the low prices and quality goods.

He noted that the project was commenced before Nigeria’s economy plunged into recession hence the execution of the project was not adversely affected by the harsh economic climate, adding that the Abia Shopping Mall is a long term project.

Says FG set to patronise made-in-Nigeria vehicles

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has hailed Nnewi and Onitsha in Anambra State as the hot beds of industrialisation in Nigeria.

Osinbajo was in the state on a one-day working visit/tour of selected industries where he also inspected some of the products manufactured by industrialists in the state.

The vice president who was at the compound of Pokobros Group in the company of the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, was received by some of the industrialists.

An obviously elated Osinbajo declared that he was overwhelmed at the entrepreneurial spirit of the Anambra people, promising to take back the message to the president and solicit support for them.

“I am very pleased to be here to see the sheer enterprise, business attitude and entrepreneurial spirit exhibited here.

“This is the hot bed of industrialisation in Nigeria. I

will take words back to the president and see whatever way he can assist you.

“We are happy that you create jobs here, and the good thing is that it is our people who get the jobs created by you,” Osinbajo said.

He also visited Nnewi, where he toured a number of factories, describing the Chairman/CEO of Chicason Group, Dr. Chika Okafor, as one of the leading industrialists in Africa.

He assured the people that the federal government would address the issue of power and forex in order to mitigate the hardship the industrialists go through.

The vice president said the federal government was passionate about supporting local manufacturers to succeed, adding that the government had adopted a policy of buying locally manufactured goods as a measure to encourage local manufacturers.

Osinbajo said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the purchase of specialised vehicles for the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) from the Nnewi-based Innoson Motors.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Appeal Court Grants Bail to Detained APC Chieftain, Flag-Amachree Party, Peterside hail decision

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Reprieve came the way of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Ojukaye FlagAmachree, yesterday as the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt granted him bail.

Flag-Amachree has been in prison custody while standing trial before the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, over the murder of one Smart Soberekon during the 2015 general election in the state.

When the matter came up on October 25, 2016, Iyayi-Lamikanra denied the APC chieftain bail and announced her withdrawal from the case, saying she had already reassigned it to another judge.

But in his judgment yesterday, the presiding judge of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, Justice Ali Gumel, said the judge of the lower court failed in her course to examine the evidence on the health condition of the appellant before denying the bail application.

Gumel, who also vacated the order of remand made by Laminkara and

granted the accused person bail with the sum of N10 million, two sureties, a landed property in Port Harcourt with a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO. Reacting to the development, the state chapter of the APC said: “Bail for Ojukaye is triumph of good over evil” and dedicated it to the late Ken Atsuwete, who was representing the former local government chairman before he was murdered by yet-to-be-identified persons.

A statement issued yesterday by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, said: “The granting of bail to the APC chieftain, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree by the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt yesterday signifies the pre-eminence of good over evil; it confirms that the triumph of evil over good is only but temporary.

The governorship candidate of the APC in the 2015 election in the state, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, also described the bail granted to Flag-Amachree by the Court of Appeal on all counts as the “triumph of light over evil and end of wickedness from Rivers State Government House.”

Peterside, who is also

30 Radicalised Suspects in Custody of DSS Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja No fewer than 30 men have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) in the recent past.

The leader of the Fulani community in Kogi State, Alhaji Dauda Abdullahi, made the disclosure yesterday at the inauguration of the “System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism Project in the state, organised by Actionaid, in partnership with Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID).

According to him, the entire group including the herdsmen were in full support of move to rid the state of trouble makers and other undesirable elements.

He mentioned that the Fulani group has adopted a holistic approach to the issue of insecurity in the state, including sensitisation and enlightenment programmes, and through avowal by the Holy

Koran, not to engage in violence.

Assisted by an interpreter, he said their efforts was already yielding fruit, adding that more would be done to discourage the youth from participating in condemnable acts.

He stressed that the leadership o f t h e Fulani’s in the state would continue to give adequate support to the state government so that the issue of kidnapping and other criminal activities were eliminated from the state.

He also disclosed further that any Fulani person found wanting will be handed over to security agents in the state.

Also speaking, the Manager, Human Security an d Emergencies Action Aid, M r.

Gbenro Olajuyigbe, said their activities were geared towards drawing potential violence actors and perpetrators away from possible incentives to radicalisation and violence.

the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety

Agency (NIMASA), in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, stated

that the judiciary has once again risen to its bastion as the last hope of

the oppressed and those unjustly persecuted by power mongers.

GATHERING OF ENGINEERS

L-R: Outgoing President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Otis Anyaeji; Senator Iyiola Omisore; and President Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO), Mustapha B. Shehu, at the 2016 NSE Congress, and African Engineering week organised by NSE in collaboration with FAEO and UNESCO in Uyo...Wednesday

CPC Calls on Nigerians to Support Military Operation in North-east

Court Reserves Ruling on Bail Application by Former FCT Minister

Sunday Okobi

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Concerned Professionals’ Congress (CPC) has expressed support for the new ‘Operation Final Push’ of the Nigerian military against Boko Haram in the Northeast, describing it as a fitting follow-up to the ongoing Operation Crack Down being executed to clear remnant of insurgents to bring the antiterrorism war to a decisive end.

The group therefore asked all Nigerians and well-meaning people to intensify prayers and support at this critical time for the military operations in order to strengthen the troops as well as boost their morale to successfully accomplish the crucial task of rescuing all persons held by the Boko Haram terrorists and restore peace to the region.

According to the Coordinator of the group, Tukur Musa Tilde and the Chief Media Strategist, Emeka Nwapa, in a joint statement yesterday in Abuja, the Sambisa Operation is reminiscent of the 2011 United States final onslaught on Al Queda which led to the eventual capture of Osama Bin Laden, America’s most wanted man, after the September 11, 2001 WTC bombing.

On the recent unveiling by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, in Maiduguri of a fresh list of 55 wanted Boko Haram members, the group described it as an

indication that it was not yet time for Nigerians to drop their guard in the collective move to see the back of the terrorists in the country.

CPC, in the statement, maintained that though the counter-insurgency operations have largely succeeded and globally confirmed, it is not yet time for all Nigerians to drop their guard, pointing out that the current moment called for sustained vigilance until all the wanted terrorists are tracked down for peace, security and stability to return to the troubled places.

The group commended the military leadership for providing a credible and convenient platform such as Operation Safe Corridor for Boko Haram members who wish to repent, surrender and drop their arms to join the rest of the society, saying such a gesture will ultimately fast-track the peace process in the North-east.

The group said the anticipated success of the troops in the Sambisa operation represented the Nigerian military’s definitive move to finally wipe out the horrendous episode of the sect from the nation’s memory, a process which is expected to unlock the developmental potentials of the people of the Northeast towards contributing to national growth and prosperity.

A High Court in Abuja has reserved ruling on an application for bail brought before it by the detained former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Bala Mohammed.

The court had, after hearing arguments, canvassed for and against the motion reserved its ruling to a date to be communicated to the parties in the suit.

Mohammed had in the motion asked the court to release him on bail from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending his arraignment before a competent court of law.

He is equally asking for an order of court directing the EFCC to produce him before the court for his admission to bail.

Aside the bail application, the former minister has also filed a N100 million fundamental human right suit against the EFCC over his continued detention.

In suit marked FCT/ CV/220/2016 filed by his counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), the applicant is praying the court for an order compelling and directing the EFCC to release him on bail forthwith or immediately arraign him before a competent court of law for trial.

The application was brought pursuant to order IV rules 3 and 4 of the fundamental rights (enforcement procedure) rules 2009, sections 159 (1) and (2), 168 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act [ACJA], 2015, and section 35 of the constitution and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

In his 15 Paragraphs Affidavit in support of the originating motion on notice, the applicant stated that he was invited by the EFCC to report to its office on October 24, 2016, in connection with an investigation into alleged ‘cases of conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering’.

The affidavit deposed to by Umar Aliyu Usman stated that the applicant (Bala Mohammed) voluntarily reported to the EFCC on October 24, 2016, and was promptly arrested and detained till date.

He stated that rather than being released on bail, he was merely dumped and abandoned in the respondent’s cell since then, wherein he has suffered substantial deterioration of health and untold psychological trauma and mental torture.

Arguing the motion on notice before Justice Baba Yusuf yesterday, Uche submitted that the arrest and detention of his client more than 30 days without being charged to court amounted to a gross violation of his liberty as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Ekweremadu is Metuh’s Surety in Money Laundering Case Alex Enumah in Abuja Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, is now one of the sureties guaranteeing bail for former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, who is standing trial over allegations of corruption and money laundering charges.

This is sequel to the withdrawal of Dr. Olugbumi Usim-Wilson as his surety.

Usin-Wilson had on October 17 informed the Abuja division of the Federal High Court of her intention to withdraw as surety to Metuh.

Ruling on the motion yesterday, trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, held that the applicant has the right to withdraw as surety, and thus allowed the application.

The applicant was subsequently withdrawn as surety for Metuh.

Justice Abang also stressed the need for both parties, counsel and even the judges to search their conscience in all they do “because there is a great God that we will all give account to.

“If I had taken this application for withdrawal first, it means Metuh would

have gone back to Kuje prisons until he secure another surety.

“That was the reason I took the application for replacement first in which Ekweremadu is now the new surety for Metuh.”

He further held that the applicant’s prayer to hold that Metuh should not harass or intimidate her was irrelevant since it did not form part of the prayers on the motion.

Recall that Usin-Wilson had in an application dated October 4 before Justice Okon Abang prayed the court to remove her name from the list of people standing as sureties for Metuh.

In the application filed and argued by her counsel, Clement Chinaka, she did not however, gave any reason for her withdrawal.

But Metuh, in a swift reaction, filed an application dated October 14, praying the court to allow him replace Usim-Wilson with Ekweremadu.

His counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), had observed that if the application for withdrawal was taken

before that of replacement, his client might risk going back to prisons.

The ex-spokesman therefore urged the court to use its discretion in the matter.

Abang in his short ruling held that the court would take the application of Metuh first since he had been consistent in his trial.

The matter was then adjourned till October 27.

At the next adjourned date,

the application to have the deputy Senate president replace Usin-Wilson was taken.

Relevant documents were presented and the court directed that relevant bodies and the prosecution carry out necessary verification on the documents.

However, at the resumption of the trial yesterday, counsel to the applicant told the court that his client stood as surety voluntarily and the court

should allow her to withdraw since she acted in good faith.

He also prayed the court to hold that Metuh would not in any way harass or intimidate the applicant.

Responding, counsel to Metuh, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), raised a serious objection to the last prayer.

He told the court that the submissions of the applicant counsel was a joke taking too far, and

prayed the court to hold that the application was not part of the prayers.

Similarly, Tochukwu Onwugbufor SAN, who argued the motion on behalf of the 2nd defendant said even though the application was made in bad fate, they are not oppose to it.

The case has been adjourned to November 30, 2016, for continuation of trial.

CPC, Stakeholders to Convoke Annual Insurance Consumers’ Colloquium Worried by the abuse of the rights of consumers of insurance services, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Pastures Consult Limited, and Congress International Limitedpublishers of Dividend-the magazine for local government as well as other stakeholders have concluded arrangements to convoke consumers’ colloquium with a view to proffering solutions to the

consumer issues in the nation’s insurance sector.

According to the Coordinator, Ogah Columba, complaints received by CPC indicate that consumers in the insurance sector are faced with numerous challenges, including sale of fake insurance policies, incessant delays in payment of claims, repudiation of claims on very flimsy grounds, unnecessary rigours in claims documentation and

investigation processes, nondisclosure of vital information to consumers, and fraudulent abscondment of agents with premiums paid by unsuspecting consumers.

The two-day colloquium with the theme: ‘100 Years After: Can Insurance Work in Nigeria?’ scheduled to hold from December 8 to 9, 2016, at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos is being jointly organised by the CPC, Insurance stakeholders

among other NGOs. A statement by the coordinator of the event, Columba, stated that the maiden Annual National Insurance Consumers’ Colloquium, “is a platform for an in-depth discussion and a means of taking practical steps in dealing with and managing the various challenges concerning insurance consumers and the insurance industry.”

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T H I S D AY •FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

U - 2 0 W O R L D C U P FA L LO U T

Falconets Stranded in Abuja Hotel Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Players of the national Under-20 female team, the Falconets were the victim of the cash squeeze plaguing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as they were left stranded yesterday in their Serob Hotel in Abuja following the failure of the federation to cough out transport fares and allowances owed them.

The Falconets returned to Nigeria on Wednesday from Papua New Guinea after their early exit from the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. THISDAY learnt last night that federation officials led by General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, haggled for more time with players to raise the transport fares of N20, 000 per player but the Falconets insisted they would not vacate their hotel rooms unless they were paid all their bonuses and allowances.

Sanusi pleaded with the players to see reasons with the federation which was cash strapped and could not pay the transport fares and allowances.

THISDAY further learnt that the harsh financial times made things difficult for the team as they survived on a zero-budget in Papua New Guinea in the Pacific region.

“NFF secretary pleaded for more time to raise money for the transport fares to enable us return to our clubs. They told us that we will not be evicted from the hotels as they earlier threatened but pleaded for our understanding as there was no money to offset our bonuses and allowances for now,” one of

Ghana ‘s Black Queens’ forward, Elizabeth Addo (left), and Halimat Ayinde battling for ball during their clash in the ongoing 10th African Women’s Cup of Nations in Libe, Cameroon the players who did not want her name in print confided in THISDAY yesterday.

Further checks revealed that NFF travelled to the island country without money while accounting officials meant to

accompany the team on the trip were dropped at the last minute because of lack of cash.

The players complained of poor kitting as they were only provided with two top jerseys, one short and no underwear

tights for the competition.

No top official of the federation was willing to speak on the matter when THISDAY sought their opinion.

“What do you want me to say? Are you a stranger to the

poor funding problem we have been battling for some time now? It is only the intervention of the federal government that can bail us out of the present cash squeeze. I pray it happens before our next game against

Cameroon in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers otherwise, it will not be a funny story,” laments the top federation official who spoke to us on condition of anonymity last night.

Eagles Back in Africa’s Top Ten Zuma to Headline Equatorial Guinea Open as Pros Hold Clinic The Super Eagles returned to African top 10 in the November FIFA Rankings released yesterday.

The three-time African champions are ranked seventh in the continent and 50th in the world thanks to the impressive unbeaten run under new Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr. The coach has chalked up three straight wins over Tanzania, Zambia and Algeria in competitive games played under his watch.

Nigeria’s World Cup rivals

Algeria and Cameroon dropped in the latest ratings.

Algeria are 38th in the world, three places down from their previous ranking, while Cameroon are 65th, six places below the position they enjoyed last month.

Zambia moved to 91st position, three spots up from last month’s ranking.

Bogus online publications had a fortnight ago dismissed Eagles achievements under Rohr with a false ranking that listed Nigeria outside Africa’s top ten.

Etisalat U-15 School Cup Enters S’Final Stage The on-going National Finals of the season three of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup has entered the semi-final stage with the four qualified teams set to battle for the two tickets to the final to be played tomorrow at Campos Square, Lagos.

The four semi-finalists include the school teams representing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Enugu, Kwara and Enugu states.

The Kwara team represented by Socrates Secondary School, Ilorin and FOSLA Academy

representing the FCT capped their impressive run in the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Kwara to top the group with nine points while Kwara takes up the second spot.

In the second group, Oyo leads with nine points followed by Enugu with six points from three matches.

In the first semi-final match to be decided at the Digital Bridge Institute Stadium, Oshodi, FOSLA Academy of the FCT will come up against New Layout Secondary School, Enugu while Oyo takes on Kwara in the second semi-final match.

South African President Jacob Zuma will grace the fourth edition of the 3E Actuaries Equatorial Guinea Open Championship from December 8- 11 in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, THISDAY was informed authoritatively last night.

The Open Championship will feature a field of 48 male and 16 female international golfers from many countries.

Nine of the players are

from Nigeria, including the country’s only recognised female professional, Uloma Mbuko.

It would be Zuma’s second visit to the tiny central African country to share into the vision of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to use golf to boost its tourism industry.

The South African President graced the second edition held in Mongomo in 2013.

Equatorial Guinea is dotted with some outstanding golf courses notable of which include the Sofitel Sipopo in Malabo, the Presidential Golf Course, Mongomo and the newly installed Djibloho Hotel Golf Course in the administrative capital of Oyala.

The male professional golfers will compete for the prize money of $100,000 over 72 holes while female, making

their debut at the tournament will battle for $50,000 on the long but very challenging Mongomo golf course.

Nigeria has been the dominant nation at the tournament, where all three official competitions were scooped by its professional players.

Gift Willy, in 2014, won in between the two titles claimed

by Oche Odoh in Malabo in 2013 and Mongomo last year.

Eto’o Faces 10-Year Jail Sentence over Tax Fraud Samuel Eto’o could face a jail sentence of over 10 years, according to respected Spanish newspaper El Pais, which reports that a Spanish prosecutor is pursuing the striker for alleged tax fraud while at Barcelona.

The former Cameroon international striker, 35, who is currently playing for Antalyaspor in Turkey, has

been accused of fraud that could amount up to €3.46 million.

Eto’o is alleged to have been accused of failing to declare his sponsorship revenues, including those from a major boot manufacturer, to the authorities when filing his tax returns between 2006 and 2009.

If true, this would mean he avoided paying the top tax

rate, which at the time stood at 45 per cent.

There are four charges levelled against him, El Pais claims, which could amount to 10 and a half years behind bars and a fine of €14m.

Additionally, his agent at the time, Josep Maria Mesalles, would also stand trial if the reported prosecution effort is accepted.

Eto’o is not the first star associated with the Camp Nou club to come under scrutiny for his tax returns, with Lionel Messi handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence in July after being found guilty of tax evasion.

The Ballon d’Or winner only avoided time behind bars due to his previously clean criminal record.

56 Players for Ikoyi Club Ecobank Tennis Championship Fifty six players would be competing for honours at the Ekobank Tennis Championship which kicked off at the Ikoyi Club 1998 yesterday.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the championship at

the tennis section of the club, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank, Nigeria, represented by the Zonal Head, Lagos and South West, Chinwe Ekejuba, said its part of the bank’s effort at promoting sports in Nigeria.

“Ecobank is pleased to be in collaboration with the Tennis Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 for the second year running. For us at Ecobank, the visions of our various strategies revolve around being in the forefront of

positive associations with organisations,” Ekejuba said.

The Chairman, Tennis Section, Oloye Esan Ogunleye, hailed Ecobank for its continued support in spite of the economic situation in the country.

Friday, November 25, 2016

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Price: N250

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MISSILE Obasanjo to Buhari

“Businesses are closing, jobs are being lost and people are suffering. I know that President Buhari has always expressed concern for the plight of the common people but that concern must be translated to workable and result-oriented socio-economic policies and programmes that will turn the economy round at the shortest time possible.

We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect things to change” – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo advising President Muhammadu Buhari to stop blaming past administrations for the current economic woes and to focus on implementing result-oriented policies and programmes that will turn the economy around.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Kerry as Departure Point O n the subsisting topic of the last encounter between American Secretary of State John Kerry and President Muhammadu Buhari I can capture the recurrence no better than the Barometer column of the Nation on Sunday with the caption “Corruption fighting back”?

“On the sidelines of the conference on climate change, COP22, in Marrakech, Morocco, President Buhari reportedly told the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that corruption was fighting back in Nigeria. It is not known whether the U.S. diplomat asked for a status report on corruption. But according to the president’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari told the U.S. top diplomat that he was optimistic Nigeria would win the anti-corruption war.

Whether in the Marrakech event or in the flurry of statements by the president and his aides and ministers, no details were ever provided on how corruption was fighting back.

“Were those accused of corruption not expected to press legal options to prove their innocence, a process Mr Kerry is undoubtedly familiar with? Or were there any indications they malevolently and conspiratorially forced the price of oil down and caused the president to adopt policies that constrained the economy? ...But what is even more damning is the constant recourse by Nigerian leaders to report themselves to foreign leaders and powers, complete with status report on their citizens, political parties and even the judiciary.

Is it not time this neo-colonial mind set was obliterated? Is it not time this ‘house Negro’ mentality was demolished?”

This, of course, is not the first time that Secretary Kerry will come to play the conspicuous mentor to President Buhari. It first became manifest with — as it turned out, a superfluous haranguing and hectoring of President Goodluck Jonathan to the effect that the United States will not tolerate a disruption to the announcement of the 2015 presidential election.

In totality, there appears to be a compelling case for change in the government of Nigeria in 2015, not the least for the fact that the incumbent President Jonathan gave the unmistakable impression of being overwhelmed by the power politics complexities of Nigeria. And to be fair to him he is somewhat extenuated by the hindsight that he never aspired and neither was he prepared for the top job. And by comparison, it is a sad commentary on the below par performance of those who assiduously coveted the office over an extended period and stood on the vantage position of being presumably prepared by dint of prior incumbency.

It is also the case that — against the background of a festering regional wide animus over the truncation of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua presidency (accentuated by the radical Islam inspired world class Boko Haram insurgency) the options for Nigeria’s political stability was, perhaps, limited to the exit of Jonathan — regardless of the actual democratic outcome of the election. Instructed

Buhari by the globally escalating radical Islam terrorist phenomenon, the America-led Western world had reduced the utility of their foreign policy to the service of the containment and isolation of the plague to the regional sanctuaries.

Viewed through this prism, America’s foreign policy towards Nigeria is best understood as guided by the most pragmatic strategy of defeating the Boko Haram insurgency hence the utility of Buhari-who had emerged the most credible religious/political leader of the Muslim north. This is a unique credential that confers on him the authority to delegitimise the Islamic fervour posturing of the Boko Haram sect and face down the insurgency.

In the context of this (realpolitik) calculation, the bias was evident in the American military non-cooperation with Jonathan in fighting the insurgency — it would rather, someone with the credentials of Buhari take the glory.

Not only did it refuse to sell the enabling weaponry to Nigeria, the US government successfully pressured other potential country supplier against availing Nigeria the military wherewithal. This was the foundation of the patron/client relationship between Kerry’s America and Buhari’s Nigeria that has waxed strong heedless and insensitive to any other countervailing Nigerian reality.

Kerry was here the other day and curiously limited his itinerary to visits with the Sultan of Sokoto, Buhari and a cast of Northern states’ governors. What manner of balanced and realistic diplomacy is it that purports to engage the problematic of contemporary Nigeria without, at the minimum, overtly engaging the Niger Delta political bloc as a priority? What is wrong with meeting with the region’s political actors and leaders including the militants?

Buhari has been a major beneficiary of the simplification and reduction of Nigeria’s malady to corruption and has revelled in lavishly expending the accruing political capital

derived from his projection as the avenging angel. The abiding lesson of a lavish lifestyle propensity is that those who so indulge themselves sooner than later run out of the currency value. The Buhari presidency has become adept at contriving and attributing all governance problems and challenges as “corruption fighting back”.

By all means, let us accept the priority implied in “Nigeria killing corruption before corruption kills Nigeria” but it is not only corruption that promises the lethal ability to decimate Nigeria and it is of lesser consequence than unbridled promotion of sectional hegemony and nepotism.

The civil war of 1967 to 1970 was not inspired by corruption neither was the near civil war situation of the 1993 presidential election annulment crisis. Anyone who has witnessed the appalling sub human living condition of the inhabitants of the Niger Delta creeks (defecating, bathing and scooping water to cook from the same domesticated puddle of water) would have gone far in identifying the casus belli of the (Nigeria oil economy crippling) guerrilla war rebellion of the Niger Delta.

I do not know how American embassy officials in Nigeria would compose their diplomatic dispatch on the contrived intra and inter party crisis dogging the Ondo State governorship election, what I do know is that it raises fundamental questions on the sincerity of the anti-corruption posturing of this government.

It is very unlikely that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu would feel so strongly wronged in the choice of the APC standard-bearer if there is no veracity to the allegation that the party primaries was manipulated to work to the answer of a predetermined outcome. It does not get worse for the APC than the consequential boycott of the presidential flag off of the APC Ondo governorship election campaign by former party chairman Bisi Akande, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode, Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola of Lagos, Oyo and Osun States in solidarity with Tinubu.

Borrowing a leaf from this page was the apparent subversion of INEC and the Nigerian judiciary in the service of a high wired conspiracy to scheme out a superior PDP competition and render the field supine towards the objective on enthroning Rotimi Akeredolu the governor of Ondo State.

To illustrate — “INEC substituted candidate Eyitayo Jegede who emerged through a proper primary process it duly monitored with Jimoh Ibrahim, who emerged through a process in Ibadan with no legally accredited delegates, no police report and was not even monitored by its official. In a nutshell, INEC is saying it need not monitor the primaries of any party and that any individual dissatisfied with their party’s choice of a candidate can simply organise their own primaries anywhere in the country, and get a Justice Abang to order INEC to recognise such a candidate by judicial fiat. You cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. In Edo, it approbated and in Ondo, it reprobated (under the guise of obeying a court order) on the same issue. In the recent election in

Edo State, it is pertinent to recall that INEC recognised the candidate produced by the Makarfi-led PDP...”

In tandem and against the spirit of fairness which requires the expeditious dispatch of the appeal sought by the authentic candidate of the PDP, Jegede, two appeal panel of judges, one after another, avoided pronouncement on the case-a matter of days to the election.

Inadvertent or not, the behaviour of INEC and the judiciary in this instance was quite suggestive of a mutual conspiracy to stop or irreparably damage Jegede’s candidacy.

President Buhari has adopted the attitude of see no evil and may well not be personally involved in the machinations but there is no power in Nigeria that can compel the orchestration of a conspiracy of this magnitude other than the dominant powers of the ultimate political Nigerian office. One of Buhari’s favourite martyrdom recall is the alleged frustration he encountered in getting justice from the Nigerian judiciary on each of the earlier three occasions he contested the Nigerian presidency. The question is how he has applied the lessons he learnt from this and other related experience.

By the same token, would I be unfair to make the observation that the silence of the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Panel on corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, is rather unbecoming? Neither can he plead the constraint of his new capacity. He was not known to have exercised similar restraint in liberally and proactively pronouncing on contemporary political — legal controversies coincidentally only when the APC is the injured party. Corruption like all potentially polarising agenda will succeed only when the promoters especially the chief promoters can honestly lay claim to prosecuting a pan Nigerian agenda —in letter and spirit.

Why do good things happen to bad people like Donald Trump? Where is the incentive to seek the high moral ground if base personalities like Trump are the ones being elevated by providence? As a believer, I have been wondering on the wisdom God intended to impart to us with the permission of the unthinkable emergence of the ‘grab them by the pussy’ American President-elect. To be succeeded by a bigot who spearheaded a racist and demeaning questioning of the first African-American President citizenship would certainly rank as a worst case scenario for Barack Obama.

The illumination I eventually received was that just like Trump was the worst case scenario, the wish and accomplishment of getting Hilary Clinton to succeed him would have amounted to a perfect case scenario for Obama and would have conferred on him the halo of playing God. Perfection belongs to God only. Ditto for the Clintons — for whom the prospect of Hilary’s presidency would amount to a life of perfection. It is literarily the Devil’s luck that a cruelly flawed character, Trump, has to be the beneficiary of God’s mysterious ways. This is however a beginning. Scores will eventually even out.

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