Friday 23rd December 2016

Buhari Asks States to Clear Workers’ Outstanding Salaries with Paris Club Debt Refund Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has called on state governors to use at least 25 per cent of the refunds made to them from excess deductions for external debt service of Nigeria’s Paris Club debt to clear outstanding

workers’ entitlements.

A statement by his media aide, Mr. Garba Shehu revealed that the president approved N552.74bn to be paid in batches to all the states, which were entitled to the refund.

They are, however, expected to get 25 per cent of their

approved sums in the first instance before this week ends.

About 33 states are affected.

Shehu said that the refunds arose from claims by the states that they had been overcharged in deductions for external debt service between 1995 and 2002.

He said, in a directive through the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the president said the issue of workers’ benefits, particularly salaries and pensions, must not be allowed to continue and should be handled with urgency.

The statement read: “When he assumed office last year, the president declared an emergency on unpaid salaries, following the discovery that 27 out of the 36 states had fallen behind in payments to their workers, in some cases for up to a year.

“Following this, a bailout loan was issued to the states twice, with a first batch of about N300 billion given to them in 2015 in the form of soft loans.

“The administration also got

FG, World Bank to Launch Power Sector Recovery Plan...

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DSS Accuses Wike of Sponsoring Protests in Abuja State govt describes allegation as irresponsible scaremongering Saraki says he won’t condone aide breaking the law Ernest Chinwo in Port and Harcourt Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

USHERING IN THE YULETIDE SEASON...

L-R Wife of the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mrs. Folu Adeboye; General Overseer, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Foluso Amosun; Ogun State Governor, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun; and wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola, at the Ogun State 2016 carol night, held in Abeokuta...yesterday

The Department of State Services (DSS) said yesterday that it had uncovered a sinister plot by the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Continued on page 8

Ibori, UK Prosecutors Heading for Stalemate

Ex-gov wants appeal quashing conviction determined before asset confiscation case Aide: Ibori not under surveillance, does not have to report to police Delta Govt expresses joy over his release Agha Ibiam in London with agency report Should the legal team of former Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, choose to toe the same path as Ibori’s associate, Mr. Bhandresh Gohil, by appealing the former governor’s conviction for money laundering, his team and that of the British

prosecution that successfully jailed him from more than five years, could hit a stalemate.

Ever since Ibori’s conviction in April 2012 for laundering an estimated £50 million that earned him a prison sentence of 13 years in the United Kingdom, the former governor’s case has been immersed in a vortex of criminal investigations that

found that the London police which investigated him took bribes and the prosecutors covered it up.

Ibori, who was released from a British prison on Wednesday, is nonetheless still facing two obstacles before he can return to Nigeria.

According to AFP, he must face a deportation hearing and then also pay £18 million to

the UK government as the “proceeds of crime”.

The unresolved issues almost elongated Ibori’s incarceration, until a British high court judge gave an order that he should be released and that attempts to detain him were “quite extraordinary.”

Ordering Ibori to be immediately freed from prison, Mrs. Justice May said: “You

don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.”

A Home Office application that Ibori be electronically tagged and subjected to strict curfew conditions was also rejected.

The judge accepted arguments that the home secretary was attempting to

misuse her immigration and deportation powers.

Ibori, a former London store cashier, was jailed for fraud totalling nearly £50 million in April 2012.

He evaded capture in Nigeria after a mob of supporters attacked the police in his hometown Oghara, but Continued on page 8

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Tighten the Noose on Credit Risk, CBN Tells Banks Naira continues slide, slumps to N495/$ on parallel market Obinna Chima Ahead of the May 2017 implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it expects banks to put in place policies and systems, as well as governance arrangements and controls to identify where their exposure to debtors have suffered a significant increase in credit risk.

The central bank stated this in its “Guidance Note to Banks and Discount Houses on the Implementation of IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) in Nigeria”, signed by its Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, a copy of which was posted on its website yesterday.

The guidance note communicates supervisory expectations for the implementation of the new standards, especially in areas where banks are expected to exercise considerable judgment and/or elect to use simplifications and other practical expedients permitted under the standards.

It also specifies information to be submitted to CBN not later than April 30, 2017 on IFRS 9 Furthermore, it requires

banks to submit monthly status updates on the implementation projects starting May 2017.

The IFRS was adopted in the Nigerian banking sector on January 1, 2012 as part of measures to improve reporting practices, transparency and disclosures in the sector.

IFRS 9 prescribes new guidelines for the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, making fundamental changes to the methodology for measuring impairment losses, by replacing the “incurred loss” methodology with a forward-looking “expected loss” model.

The implementation of IFRS 9, especially the expected loss impairment methodology would entail the exercise of considerable judgment by banks.

To this end, the CBN stressed that in assessing significant increases in credit risk, banks are to consider quantitative, qualitative and ‘backstop’ (30 days past due presumption) indicators.

Also, in using quantitative elements, banks are expected to consider the change in lifetime Probability of Default (PD) by comparing the lifetime PD at the reporting date with the lifetime PD at initial recognition.

The criteria for relative quantitative increases in PD indicative of a significant increase in credit risk should be defined and documented by banks.

It stated that the assessment by banks should among others consider changes in credit risk at counterparty and individual credit level.

“Generally, most qualitative factors indicative of a significant increase in credit risk are reflected in PD models and therefore, are included in the quantitative assessment.

“However, where it is not possible to include all current information about qualitative factors in the quantitative assessment, banks should recalibrate PDs or adjust estimates when assessing significant increases in credit risk or calculating Expected Credit Losses (ECLs).

“The CBN expects that financial assets which are more than 30 days past due or have been granted forbearance should be considered to have significantly increased in credit risk.

“However, the CBN expects banks not to rely solely on the 30 days past due presumption, but to incorporate reasonable and supportable forwardlooking information.

“The 30 days past due

presumption can only be applied if the forward looking information is not available without undue cost or effort.

“Where the 30 days past due presumption is rebutted on the basis that there has not been a significant increase in credit risk, the bank shall accompany the assertion by documented, reasonable and supportable information that a more lagging criterion is appropriate.

“The CBN, however, expects that this would only be used in limited circumstances.

“Where a bank sets its transfer threshold for groups of financial assets, it is important that all financial instruments in that portfolio must have similar credit risk characteristics at initial recognition such as a credit rating within a relatively narrow band.

“In assessing whether there is an increase in credit risk or not, banks are required to consider macroeconomic indices and sector/industry/ geographical idiosyncrasies and ensure that economic assumptions are consistent across all risk management and capital planning documents,” it added.

Furthermore, under the IFRS 9 reporting, the central bank said banks should consider both counterparty and

individual exposures of the obligor and connected obligors, in determining significant increase in credit risk.

This would ensure that the impact of multiple exposures to the same obligor originated at different periods with different initial PDs have been taken cognisance of in compliance with IFRS 9.

Where there is evidence that there is a significant reduction in credit risk, banks would continue to monitor such financial instruments for a probationary period of 90 days to confirm if the risk of default has decreased sufficiently before upgrading such exposure from Lifetime ECL (Stage 2) to 12-months ECL (Stage 1), the banking sector regulator stated.

Banks are also required to put in place appropriate policies to ensure sound credit risk assessment and measurement processes. as well as systems, tools and data that appropriately aid the assessment of credit risk and computation of ECLs. “Banks are required to compute ECLs on significant exposures and credit-impaired loans individually while ECLs for retail exposures and exposures to small and medium-sized enterprises that have less borrower-specific

have acted against the law, then the law should take its natural course.”

The DSS, through a statement issued by one its officials, Mr. Tony Opuiyo, said the aim of the protest was to cause mayhem, “a complete breakdown of law and order and cast the security agencies and the federal government in a bad light”.

“It is also intended to divert

public and international attention from the ongoing police investigation into the unwholesome role played by the governor and some of his cronies in the violence that trailed the rerun elections in Rivers State which resulted in the gruesome murder of civilians including the

heavily in favour of his (Ibori’s) immediate release. I am not prepared to impose conditions involving tagging or curfews’.”

Eluemunor added that Ibori has given every thanks and glory to the Almighty God for making his release from jail possible, despite the last-minute obstacle the British Secretary of State placed in his way.

“He is grateful to his team of lawyers who fought gallantly for his release. He sends his heartfelt gratitude to the dozens of mainstream news organisations, especially in Britain and Nigeria, that trained attention on the relentless persecution, instead of prosecution, he was receiving and which also led to the investigation of those who had earlier investigated and prosecuted him; the result was far-reaching corruption indictments within such agencies.

“Beyond all else, Ibori thanks his teeming supporters across the country for standing behind him all through his travails.

Specially, he thanks Niger Deltans for standing solidly behind him and assured them that the justice and equity they seek both for themselves and others in a peaceful, united, prosperous and just Nigeria will one day be achieved,” the former governor’s spokesman

stated.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has said it has no case with its former governor, adding that it was very happy he had been released from a London prison.

The state Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, stated this in Asaba yesterday while responding to questions after briefing journalists on the outcome of the last State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to Ukah, the close associates of the former governor and all those who know him and love him had expressed joy at his release.

“We are all very happy that our son, our brother, former governor has been released.

So, it is a thing of joy and the only expression as a state is that we are happy.

“I think everybody who has a personal relationship with him, will be very happy and I think that as a state we don’t have issues with our former governor and he is somebody that everybody loves,” he said.

He said at the last meeting, the state government had approved the award of more road contracts and assured that ongoing roads construction would get a boost in April next year.

DSS ACCUSES WIKE OF SPONSORING PROTESTS IN ABUJA Wike to disrupt governance in strategic federal government agencies by provoking a violent breach of peace in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, yesterday and beyond, especially during the yuletide season.

To achieve this, the DSS alleged that the Rivers governor secured the services of one Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a personal aide to the Senate

President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to mobilise some hoodlums to execute their plan.

But in a swift reaction, the River State Government described the allegation by the DSS as “irresponsible scaremongering” by an agency that seems bent on a mission to blackmail Wike and bring the state government to disrepute.

Also, Saraki, in a statement last night said though the DSS

had not officially informed him of the allegations against Ikenga, he made it clear that he will never condone any action by any of his aides, which threatens the peace of the country or is against the provisions of the law.

The statement said: “Dr. Saraki hereby calls on the DSS to properly investigate the allegations against Mr. Ikenga and if he is found to

Continued on page 9

IBORI, UK PROSECUTORS HEADING FOR STALEMATE was arrested in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the UK, where he was prosecuted based on evidence from the Metropolitan Police.

On Wednesday, the Home Office’s barrister said the government was concerned that Ibori might “frustrate confiscation proceedings” and wanted him kept in jail or subjected to strict controls on his movement.

But it emerged in court that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which is pursuing the confiscation proceedings, was “neutral” about Ibori’s release and possible deportation.

However, a statement by Ibori’s media aide yesterday, Mr. Tony Eluemunor pointed out that his principal had been persecuted, instead of prosecuted, “which also led to the investigation of those who had earlier investigated and prosecuted him; the result was a far-reaching corruption indictment within such agencies”.

He recalled that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, heeding the call of British journalists, subsequently demanded a review of the evidence following allegations that police took bribes and prosecutors tried to cover it up.

“The review team found material to support the

assertion that a police officer received payment in return for information,” the CPS admitted in September 2016.

Eluemunor added that many Nigerians might not appreciate the depth of the legal victory Ibori achieved on Wednesday.

“A different verdict would have sent him into indefinite detention, because the confiscation hearing the British Home Secretary wanted to detain Ibori form until it is concluded, is a second one.

“The first one ended September 2013, with no proof of theft of any money from Delta State. Just when judgment was to be given, the prosecution asked for a retrial just because they had no evidence of any theft. Surprisingly, the court granted them their wish.”

He said now that Ibori’s associates in the case, especially Mr. Bhadresh Gohil, has appealed his conviction, and Ibori’s lawyers are considering going on appeal too, the appeals will have to end before the confiscation hearing may ever begin.

“Also, nobody knows how long they may last; so Ibori would have remained indefinitely in detention. His freedom from this indefinite detention is the essence of Wednesday’s victory. And if the appeals are sustained, there

will be no confiscation hearing at all,” Eluemonor explained.

Ibori’s media aide also debunked news reports yesterday that the former governor was placed under police restriction or surveillance in the UK, adding that he also does not have to report to the police at all.

Eluemunor said the need to issue the clarification had arisen from the conflicting reports by several media organisations over the terms guiding Ibori’s release.

He said: “A mischievous online publication misled many Nigerians into believing that Ibori would wear an ankle tag that would beam his whereabouts to the police and also report weekly to the police.

“But from the quoted BBC report, no such order ever came from the court but from some corrupt and corrupting minds.

“In fact, the BBC, quoting the judge, Her Honour, Mrs. Justice Juliet May, Queen’s Counsel, said: ‘The position of the Secretary of State, as very candidly set out by Mr. Birdling (representing the home secretary), is that she accepts that there is an argument that she has no power to detain him.

‘I have decided that the balance of convenience falls

information may be measured on a collective basis.

“To measure ECLs on a collective basis, banks should have credit risk rating processes in place to appropriately group exposures on the basis of shared credit risk characteristics,” it said.

In another development, the naira slumped further against the US dollar on the parallel market yesterday, closing at N495, from N492 to the dollar at which it closed the previous day.

The drop was again attributed to the scarcity of the greenback. On the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment, however, the naira went for N400, while on the interbank FX market, the naira sold for N305 to the dollar.

The CBN on Monday had asked banks to submit bids for a special FX auction to clear the backlog of matured outstanding dollar obligations for select sectors comprising fuel importers, airlines, raw materials and machinery for manufacturing firms, and agricultural chemicals.

The central bank is expected to close all FX transactions today before the Yuletide celebrations.

BUHARI ASKS STATES TO CLEAR WORKERS’ OUTSTANDING SALARIES WITH PARIS CLUB DEBT REFUND the Debt Management Office to restructure their commercial loans of over N660 billion and extended the life span of the loans.

“Because this did not succeed in pulling many of the states out of distress, the federal government this year gave out a further N90 billion to 22 states as yet another bailout under very stringent conditions.

“President Buhari is of the opinion that the payment of salaries and pensions must be given priority to save both serving and retired workers and their families from distress.”

A recent report by BudgIT showed that of the 36 states in the country, only Lagos, Rivers and Enugu, were capable of meeting their obligation to their workers.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016

NEWS

Nigerian Broadcaster, Ore Oduba, Sparks £500,000 Bidding War between BBC and ITV after Strictly Come Dancing Victory Television bosses in the UK are reportedly locked in a £500,000 bidding war over British-Nigerian Strictly Come Dancing champion, Ore Oduba .

BBC chiefs are worried that the Breakfast sports reporter could defect to ITV following his victory on Saturday night, according to London-based Sun newspaper.

The newspaper said that broadcasting bosses fear Ore may defect to ITV similarly to Susanna Reid, who joined Good Morning Britain after finishing as runner-up in the contest in 2013.

They say that Ore, 30, could be in the running for the Friday presenting slot on BBC’s The One Show if he stays, and that BBC controller Charlotte Moore

was spotted chatting to him immediately after his victory.

Apparently, bosses are panicking about losing the reporter after he stood in for Phillip Schofield on ITV’s This Morning last month.

A source told the newspaper: “It’s clear Ore’s a rising star and he’s now a household name because of Strictly.

“He was given his One Show presenting debut during Strictly in a really tricky episode where he had to interview Sir Cliff Richard, but passed the test with flying colours.

“There’s a sense of urgency to get him presenting some other programmes and have him based in London now after his sport on This Morning.”

Ore… after he won the popular TV show, Strictly Come Dancing last Saturday in London The source also suggested that the BBC was keen to keep him “because he’s a black presenter” and will

bring more diversity to the channel.

Ore has spoken of how the shock moment he won

Strictly Come Dancing felt as good as his wedding – and now the gruelling show is over his next ambition is to become a dad.

He also dedicated the victory to his wife Portia, admitting: “It’s not easy being a Strictly partner.”

In his only newspaper interview, the presenter – who had no previous dance training – told the Mirror they may now try to start a family.

And he laughed: “I have to be careful because my wife is here but winning was right up there with our wedding.”

Ore, who was paired with professional dancer Joanne Clifton, said claiming the Glitterball trophy in front of more than 13 million viewers was even more

special because of how hard it was being away from Portia so soon after tying the knot.

She endured five-hour round trips every weekend from their Manchester home to London, where Ore was training and living.

“It’s been incredibly difficult not being together day to day,” Ore said.

“With her living up North, we’ve had to spend a lot of time apart. It’s been stressful and strenuous for her.

“I’d imagine it’s not easy to be a Strictly partner. She had her own work, family and friends in Manchester but then you’ve got the 24/7 support role that is being my wife. She had it full-on but she loved it. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Snow Falls in Sahara Desert for First Time in 37 Years

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure are better musicians than they are meteorologists.

Their 1984 Band Aid prediction that “there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas” has once again been proven wrong -- and this time in

spectacular fashion.

According to CNN, the Algerian town of Ain Sefra, deep in the dry, hot Sahara desert was hit by a freak snowfall on December 19. It was the first time snow had fallen in the region in 37 years.

These incredible pictures by amateur photographer Karim Bouchetata showed the town’s red dunes dramatically capped with white snow.

The last time flakes were reported to have fallen here was when a brief blizzard hit

town in February 1979.

One of several towns to claim the moniker “Gateway to the Desert”, Ain Sefra is 1,078 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.

The Sahara is the world’s

largest hot desert and its more than 9 million square kilometers cover most of North Africa.

As well as being one of the driest places in the planet, it is one of the hottest -- temperatures here can reach

more than 50 C (122 F).

Oh, and for the record, Bob and Midge, other places to catch some snow in Africa include the Algerian ski resorts of Chrea and Tikjda and the world-famous slopes of Kilimanjaro.

“Why has the DSS not yet provided evidence of the so-called billions of cash they alleged was taken away

by Governor Wike from the home of the high court judge the agency invaded in Port Harcourt some months ago?

In its blind partisanship, the DSS has lost all credibility.

“The Rivers State Government challenges the DSS to leave Governor Wike alone and instead focus its operational attention on the Boko Haram insurgency that has killed over 70,000 people and displaced 6 million Nigerians in the past six years.

“The government and people of Rivers State will never succumb to cheap blackmail by neither by the DSS, nor any federal agency by whatever name,” the state government said.

Wike earlier yesterday had vowed to ensure that people of the state were not forced to become second class citizens in Nigeria.

This came as the governor also inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the killings and violence in the last rerun elections in the state, stressing that those involved would be made to face the full weight of the law.

Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt after receiving a letter of nomination as “Governor of the Year” of Authority Newspaper, Wike described as contradictory whereby politicians from states that depend on Rivers oil resources for survival insist that its people should be second class citizens in Nigeria.

The governor maintained that Nigeria belongs to everyone, noting that on no account should any section of the country be made to feel inferior.

He said: “I believe that this country belongs to all of us. I believe that nobody should be

made a second class citizen of this country.

“I come from a state that by the special grace of God produces the wealth of the nation. So, even those who depend on the oil money to survive are allowed to speak.

Why would somebody that produces that wealth, not speak?”

The governor maintained that all the people of Rivers State had demanded was for democracy to triumph.

He wondered why the leadership of the APC refused to accept that they cannot not win in all states, when former President Goodluck Jonathan willingly conceded defeat.

He said: “This is a government that came to power on the platform of change. We have offered ourselves to help them achieve change, instead of them to commend us, they want to eliminate us.

“I have told people who care to know, you rig elections where you are popular. When you rig elections where you are not popular, it leads to violence.”

He stated that the police are investigating the “concocted audio as a means of justifying their failure to deliver to their paymasters, despite the funds allocated to them to subvert the will of the Rivers people”.

“They are justifying the money they spent simply to retire the money. They couldn’t deliver, so they are looking for ways to justify the money given to them,” he alleged.

He said if the police authorities were serious about investigations, they would have been investigating the APC governors who threatened violence in Hausa and Yoruba languages at the Yakubu Gowon stadium during the party’s rally before the rerun polls.

He added that the rally, which was televised, live also had the APC National

Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, threatening violence on Rivers people.

Commenting on the award of Governor of the Year by the management of Authority Newspaper, Wike said it would spur him to work harder.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Authority Newspaper, Mr. Madu Onuorah, said the governor was nominated because of his exploits in politics and infrastructure development.

Wike also vowed that those involved in the killings and violence that characterised the December 10 rerun legislative elections in the state would face the full weight of the law.

Speaking yesterday while inaugurating the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the killings and violence that rocked the elections, Wike charged the commission to find out the number of those killed and those responsible for their deaths.

He also charged the commission to ascertain the names of persons killed.

The governor stated that it was not within the purview of the commission to investigate how the elections were conducted.

He said: “This Judicial Commission of Inquiry is not to investigate how they conducted their elections. You are to investigate the murders that attended the elections.

“Those involved in the killings will face the full weight of the law. This government has the capacity to follow through.”

He called on members of the commission to stand by the truth and be courageous in the discharge of their assignment.

Responding, the chairman of the commission, Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, said the commission would discharge its assignment within the confines of the law.

DSS ACCUSES WIKE OF SPONSORING PROTESTS IN ABUJA beheading of DSP Mohammed Alkali and some of his colleagues as well as the brutalisation of INEC staff who failed to do the bidding of the governor.

“In furtherance of this plot, protesters are to besiege the National Human Rights Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, National Assembly, the Nigerian Army and Police Headquarters as well as British High Commission, US Embassy and the UN Secretariat, Abuja; all in an effort to raise a false alarm that Rivers State was under the siege of security agencies during the elections.

“While the obvious aim is to draw public sympathy and international attention to the spurious allegations of the involvement of federal agencies in violence during the last elections in Rivers State, the actual objective is really to trigger a round of violent action against the government and create opportunity for idlers to join the deceitful protest.

“Part of the orchestration is to provoke the security agencies and prompt them to take action against the protesters that could result in bloodletting.

“It is in this line that Ikenga had gone to the outskirts of Abuja to mobilise unemployed youths to carry out his bidding.

All this was to be done for a fee and resources to be provided from the treasury of the Rivers State Government,” DSS alleged.

It expressed concern that Saraki’s aide would engage in this nefarious plot when, “after his last arrest earlier this year by the DSS, he had pledged to be law abiding and not to cause a breach of the peace”.

It revealed that though Ikenga was at large, the trio of Emeka Idibia, Ugo Apuamagha and Ejike Nwachukwu had been arrested and were helping with

further investigations.

“These men were picked up at the mobilisation venue trying to perfect the logistics for this unholy enterprise.

The young men were hired

by Ikenga to take custody of items and materials for the planned violent protest.

“The recovered items included banners, placards and posters with denigrating, inciting and hate inscriptions meant to impinge the authority of the federal government and further subvert the entire machinery of governance in the country.

“In order to make this look credible, Ikenga and his cohorts had adopted such groups as Lawyers in Defence of Democracy (LDD) and Citizens for Good Governance (CGG) as cover to supposedly make them look like serious minded civil rights groups and thus bring them into collision course with security agencies.

“Investigations have so far revealed that while Ikenga is the field organiser and coordinator of the planned protest, with Governor Wike as his sole financial sponsor,” the DSS said.

The security agency added that it was disturbed that the Rivers governor who is the chief security officer of his state would stoop so low to hire thugs and hoodlums to attack the FCT and create an atmosphere of chaos and disorder during the yuletide season.

It stated that the DSS and other security agencies will neither be cowed, nor by any means allow any person or group of persons, no matter how highly placed, to subvert Nigeria’s statutory institutions meant to protect critical installations and law-abiding citizens.

“In this regard, the DSS also states in unequivocal terms that no amount of

intimidation, grandstanding or outright manipulation of facts will be allowed to stop it and other agencies from conducting their duties as constitutionally mandated or concluding investigations into the Rivers State electoral violence.

“Finally, the Service wishes to restate its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the FCT in particular and Nigeria in general.

Consequently, it advises youths to resist the temptation of being lured by desperate politicians to undermine the government or engage in acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order,” it stated The DSS called on all Abuja residents to go about their normal duties, adding that it was committed to ensuring that the full wrath of the law is brought against persons or group of persons who may threaten the peace and stability of the country.

However, the Rivers State Government described the allegation by the DSS as “irresponsible scaremongering” by an agency that seems bent on a mission to blackmail the governor and bring the state government to disrepute.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, said: “Governor Wike is a man of peace and would never orchestrate disturbances in any part of the country.

“A few days ago, the Minister for Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) sponsored street protests against Governor Wike in Abuja, without any alarm raised by the DSS. “Why is the DSS ringing its hypocritical alarm bells against Governor Wike only now?

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Nigeria’s Megacity, Lagos, Faces ‘Unacceptable’ Water and Sanitation Crisis, UN Expert Warns A United Nations human rights expert yesterday called on the Nigerian Government to increase

funding for water and sanitation in next year’s budget to address the needs of 21 million residents of

No New Chibok Girls Have Been Released, Says Shehu The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicty, Garba Shehu, has debunked media reports that another 21 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram from their school in 2014 have been released.

He made this disclosure via his Twitter handle, @GarShehu.

Shehu said what was thought to be a fresh release of some of the girls yesterday was the Department of State Services (DSS) taking the 21 girls already secured to Yola, Adamawa State on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their families.

The tweets read: Today (yesterday), the DSS took the 21 girls already secured to Yola, Adamawa State on their way home to celebrate the Christmas with their families.”

He said the negotiations for the release of the other girls still in Boko Haram’s captivity are ongoing.

The presidential spokesman said the DSS was full of optimism that the release of the girls would be successful.

“To my friends spreading the news of a further release of Chibok Girls, we are not there yet,” he said.

Lagos, the country’s largest city, which continues to grow while access to basic services dwindles.

Léo Heller, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation, commented on the budget, shortly after it was presented by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to the House of Assembly, stating that the government’s reports show high deficits in the sector, “representing clearly unacceptable conditions for millions of the megacity’s residents.”

According to Heller, the annual budget discussion is

a chance for the city to take action in providing water and sanitation to the people.

He also expressed concerns over the high numbers of vulnerable people.

“There is no question that the city’s water and sanitation sector has deteriorated to this point because of the way it has been managed for many years.”

The Special Rapporteur also presented a few alternative solutions to the problem for the government to consider, such as increasing the effectiveness of the public service provider, adopting

necessary financing schemes, and reducing water losses.

“For more than a decade, the Government has adopted a hard-line policy according to which the solution would seem to only attract private capital, notably via publicprivate partnerships (PPPs).

Numerous civil society groups have urged the Government to guarantee their right to participate in these processes,” said Heller, adding that the key to an adequate solution is a participatory process.

In addition, the situation continues to worsen as

the population of Lagos increases, and the resources become scarce, with an estimated 10 per cent of the population having access to water supplied by the state utility.

Residents have also been reported drilling their own boreholes, in hopes to get some water, causing various environmental and health issues, particularly contaminated water consumption.

The special rapporteur has reached out to the Nigerian government earlier this year, and is still waiting for it to provide an update on the water and sanitation issue.

Army Issues Alert on Boko Haram Suspects Fleeing Sambisa Forest The Nigerian Army has said due to its ongoing final clearance and occupation of Boko Haram terrorists hideouts in Sambisa forest, a number of the terrorists are escaping the theatre of operation in the North-east to other parts of the country.

It therefore warned members of the public, especially residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, to be extra vigilant and security-conscious of strange movements or persons in their areas.

A statement by the acting Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, said: “The public is also please requested to

report any suspicious person or group of persons to the security agencies for prompt action.”

While thanking Nigerians for their cooperation so far in the war against the terriorists, Usman also reiterated the commitment of the military to clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in all their suspected hideouts by the end of this year.

“We wish to reiterate our commitment of clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in all their suspected hideouts by the end of this year.

We therefore solicit for more public support and cooperation to achieve that.”

DIGITAL BROADCASTING IN FOCUS

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Health, Prof. Issac Adewole; and Director General , National Broadcating Commission (NBC), Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, during the launch of the Abuja Digital Switch Over at Pinnacle Broadcast Centre , Mpape, Abuja....yesterday

Strive Masiyiwa Launches Buhari Gives Approval Impose of Curfew in Parts of Kaduna Kwese Free Sports in as the state security council heard which resulted in to move on and we are Tobi Soniyi in Abuja endorsed ban on the killing of one person quiet confident that things Nigeria to Challenge DSTV The Kaduna State also processions and unlawful while many other were will return to normal very African Media Network, Econet media, has bought all the Ghana and Nigeria assets of the Modern Times Group (MTG), a leading Swedish digital entertainment group in a deal that that will create thousands of new jobs for the countries in the region while retaining existing staff.

MTG has been a traditional broadcaster, but is expected that the deal which value is undisclosed, would transform it from a traditional broadcaster to a digital video entertainment company, and possibly end an over a decade long monopoly of digital live sports broadcasting

by MultiChoice owned DSTV. The Econet group has committed up to $500 million in various acquisition and expansion deals in Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda,

and South Africa, and owns the Kwese free sports channel that is currently available in 19 countries.

“We are currently testing the broadcasting equipment in Nigeria. I understand we are days away from going live in Abuja and Lagos, initially. We are starting with our premium sports channel called Kwese Free Sports. It is completely free like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Channels TV. It focuses only on live sports events from across Africa, and the world.

You can watch English Premier League, NBA, Cricket, boxing,” disclosed Strive Masiwiya, Executive Chairman of Econet, in a Facebook post monitored

by Business Day, South Africa.

Masiwiya said Nigeria and Botswana could be up in time for Christmas.

Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday in Abuja said President Muhammadu Buhari had given his support for the 24-hour curfew imposed on three local government areas in the state as well as other measures put in place by the state government to protect lives and property of the people.

Speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja yesterday after a closed-doors meeting with the president which lasted for over an hour, el-Rufai said all hands were on deck to restore peace in the state.

The curfew was imposed on Zangon-Kataf, Kaura and Jema’a local government areas even

assembly in any part of the state as parts of measures to forestall crisis.

El-Rufa had last Tuesday met hundreds of women and youths protesting against the killings in the southern part of the state allegedly by Fulani herdsmen.

The women, mostly half cladded, and the youths stormed the local government secretariat where the governor was holding a security meeting with the local government officials and traditional chiefs.

The women in their different submissions, had alleged that soldiers followed some of the youths in Garajere where sporadic gunfire were

injured His convoy was said to have been pelted by the protesters.

The governor, who was hurrying out after the meeting, said: “I came to brief the president about the situation in Southern Kaduna, what happened in the last few days and outlined to him the measures we have been taking as state government with the support of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The president has given us unqualified support to stabilise the state and bring all those responsible for the violation of our laws to justice. So, we have the full support of the president

soon.”

On criticism trailing the state’s decision to extend the curfew to Christmas day, the governor said:, “Well, we have curfew even on Christmas day but it is for 12 hours. People will be able to get out in the morning at 6a.m. and be back at 6p.m., it is because of the security situation.

“I don’t think the state government should be blamed, those responsible for the violence that broke out in those parts of the state should be held responsible for that. We have not imposed curfew in other parts of the state, we had to impose curfew here because of the situation that was caused by irresponsible behaviour by certain people.”

T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Obasanjo Advises Ndigbo to Take Their Destiny in Their Hands Anyaoku, Ekweremadu canvas restructuring Buhari, ministers shun South-east summit

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday in Enugu challenged the people of the South-east zone of the country to desist from further complaints of marginalisation and take their destiny in their own hands.

He insisted that the zone was blessed with enough human and natural resources to pull the people of the area out of the woods.

The former president who spoke at the maiden South -east Economic and Security Summit held at the Government House, Enugu, with the theme: ‘Repositioning the South-east for National Rebirth’, identified individualism as one major problem facing the people of the area, noting that for the Igbo people to effectively achieve their set goals, they must come together and leverage on their unique potentials.

President Muhammadu Buhari and federal ministers from the South-east zone as well as the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who were earlier projected as guests to the event were conspicuously absent and no excuses were made on their behalf fueling insinuations that their keeping away from the all-important summit may not be unconnected with the alleged threat by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to attack the president if he stepped his foot in the region without first releasing their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

This came as the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, declared that the country could only achieve stability and national development if the federation

is restructured to have fewer economically-viable federating units.

Anyaoku said by the time the polity is restructured, there would be no need for the federal government to periodically bailout some of the non-viable states from dire financial conditions.

Also, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, dispelled insinuations in some quarters that he was at war with President Buhari, and therefore frowned at the noninclusion of his picture in the brochure for the programme by the organisers, apparently in deference to the president’s “body language”.

He however canvassed for the restructuring of the nation’s security and political architecture, noting that the time had come for the country to embrace state and community policing.

The senator also challenged the federal government to show regards for the rule of law by obeying court rulings.

He condemned the continued detention of the leader of the IPOB, Kanu, despite court order, urging his release, saying it was totally unacceptable.

Ekweremadu said no matter Kanu’s offence, he should be allowed to have his day in open court, stressing that “if the court says he should be released, it has to be done immediately.”

Obasanjo who was the special guest of honour at the event which attracted notable Igbo leaders, including former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme; Governors of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; Ebonyi, Dave Umahi; Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Anambra, Willie Obiano, who was represented by his Deputy, Nkem Okeke; former

PDP Sweeps All Seats in Abia LG Polls Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was yesterday declared the winner of the chairmanship seats in all the 17 local government areas of Abia State election conducted last Wednesday.

The Chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), Justice Igbozuruike Akomas (rtd), announced the results at about 3a.m. yesterday, saying the results of the 292 councillorship positions would be announced later.

The electoral body, as at press time, could not make available a copy of the poll result to journalists as officials claimed that none was available.

With this result, the ruling party has made good its promise to make a clean sweep of all the contested seats in the council poll in what it termed “operation

no mercy” during its campaign.

The council poll, which came nine years after the last one, was marred by late arrival of electoral materials thereby making it impossible for election to hold in several parts of the state.

Expectedly, the opposition parties that participated in the election had kicked against the results announced by ABSIEC, vowing that they would not accept it as it did not reflect what transpired on the election day.

The state Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sunday Onukwubiri, decried the outcome of the election, saying it was “a predetermined result.”

He told journalists that his party would not accept the result as announced by ABSIEC, adding that they would contest the outcome of the poll to any level.

Uche Ekwunife, Sam Egwu, Nkechi Nwaogu, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, Chief Mbazulike

Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji; President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Gary Igariwey; Senators

Amaechi, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) and Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo

among others, said Ndigbo must come together if they

Cont’d on Pg 60

PERFECT HOSTS

R-L: Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji; his wife, Agatha; and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the South-east Economic and Security Summit, held in Enugu... yesterday

Lagos Residents Flood Sales Centres to Buy Lake Rice Gboyega Akinsanmi Twenty-four hours after the governments of Lagos and Kebbi States officially unveiled Lake Rice at the State House, Alausa, Lagos residents yesterday trooped to different sale centres to purchase the rice.

The state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, rolled out Lake Rice nine months after his administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kebbi State aimed at producing 70 per cent of Nigeria’s rice requirement.

Contrary to the current market value for a 50-kg bag of rice ranging from N20,000 to N25,000, Ambode directed that a 50-kg bag of Lake Rice “should sell for N12, 000; 25kg bag for N6,000 and 10-kg for N2,500 and no individual should purchase more than one bag for now.”

But across most sale centres in the metropolis, it was observed that there was huge crowd due to what some residents ascribed to late arrival of the product and what they attributed to the first-day fever.

At Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre in Yaba, for instance, a huge number of residents converged very early, even before the government officials arrived and queued without any rancor.

Mr. Kehinde Ibirola, a resident in the area, acknowledged that he purchased a 50-kg bag of Lake Rice at N12,000, the same price

the state government directed that it should be sold.

He said: “I bought a bag of rice. The initiative is indeed good. However, the crowd is huge. Controlling the crowd is equally tasking. This is not really ideal. I think the state government should work out practical approach to distribute the rice.”

He, therefore, suggested that the best approach “is to create a particular account into which payment will be made. The authorities will thereafter send SMS to those who have paid to pick their bags rice at specific sale centres close to them with evidence of payment.

He urged the state government to put in place feedback mechanism, explaining that he heard people say the rice “is delicious and of high quality. But I believe the state government should get feedback from the people, who have bought the rice and eaten it to confirm the veracity of that claim.”

At the Oshodi centre, residents flooded the sale point located the Ikeja Grammar School, Bolade as early as 7a.m. to purchase Lake Rice, though the selling did not start as early as expected.

Even though the crowd was huge at the Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi, Mr. Kehinde Alanran said he was able to purchase a 50-kg bag of rice, which he said, had saved him about N8,000.

Alaran, therefore, urged Lagos residents to purchase Lake Rice in order “to save cost and avoid buying adulterated rice, which

have dominated our markets astronomic rise in the price of rice.”

He commended the state government for injecting Lake Rice into Lagos market, acknowledging that the cost of rice outside the state “is really high. We thank the state government for this initiative.

“We hope more will be made available and the process of purchasing easier. With the issue of plastic rice flooding the market, this is a safer option because we can trust the source,” Alaran said.

Also at Agege centre, Mrs. Funmi Alebiousu, said the cost of the Lake Rice was pocket friendly, noting that it helped the masses “to save about N10,000 at this time of national crisis.

“I will like to tell Lagos residents. I did not believe when I heard about this initiative. After I made payment, I came here and pick a bag of rice I paid for. The crowd is much, but the initiative is real.

“Really, the queue is long, not only in Agege, but in other centres across the state.

But within days, it will reduce drastically. People should queue orderly and they will get their rice,” she said.

At the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mrs. Mrs. Aminatu Alabi acknowledged that people complained the state officials brought in the rice a little late and that they did not start selling until midday.

Alabi, however, described the development as a source of solace for the masses, noting that the product was sold

“to every customer without discrimination on any ground or any condition.

“I got here this morning. I was told I could pay through the POS. I did immediately.

The process was free and fair.

And the state officials are not particular about whether you work with Lagos State Government or you belong to any tribe. As long as you live, you are entitled to buy a bag.

“I was allowed to buy only one bag. I purchased a 50-kg bag of rice at the N12,000. And there is no additional charge.

The government officials only told us to queue. When it is your turn, you will be asked to pay and take away your rice. It is as simple process,” Alabi said.

A government official, who spoked anonymously at Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba, assured the people that the state government “has enough rice to sell for the residents of the state.”

The official explained that the state government “is doing everything to make Lake Rice to go round. We will be here today, tomorrow and from next week to sell the rice to the public. But we will not be here only on Christmas Day. Those who cannot buy today should come tomorrow.

“I assure you that they will get. We will be here as early as 8a.m. to commence sale. The rice will go round. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode really wants the rice to go round. Our objective is to get to every Lagos home to cushion the effects of economic recession.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

FG, W’Bank to Launch Power Sector Recovery Plan e Abuja Disco begins $150m consumer metering schem

Chineme Okafor in Abuja To respond adequately to the current challenges threatening Nigeria’s electricity sector, the federal government would in consultation with the World Bank, launch a power sector recovery plan soon, THISDAY has learnt.

Though no precise date or financial size of the recovery plan has been disclosed, THISDAY however gathered yesterday in Abuja that the decision to launch an electricity sector recovery plan was shared with stakeholders during a recent exclusive meeting the government organised.

Parts of the far-reaching decisions at the meeting were shared with THISDAY by sources who were in attendance.

The meeting was in collaboration with the World Bank to discuss the challenges of the country’s electricity sector.

Its recovery plan would among other objectives, seek to improve the technical and commercial performance of the privatised power industry, and restore its business viability based on the recommendations of a diagnostic exercise.

Reportedly performing poorly, Nigeria’s electricity market is currently going through tough financial challenges which analysts said could result in a total market failure if not addressed.

Based on this, the sources told THISDAY that the recovery plan was originated to turnaround the sector by helping improve its governance, reduce electricity

losses both technical and commercial, and guarantee efficient sector investments.

According to the sources, the government and World Bank agreed at the meeting that there were causes and dimensions to the challenges of the sector, and that it needed to urgently restore its financial tolerance to attract significant private investments.

The World Bank, it was learnt, would in this regard, galvanise private and public investments through its various groups.

“The government and World Bank agreed on the need to prioritise actions that will strengthen the sector’s governance including the appointment of Commissioners in the NERC, restore investors’ confidence, attract public and private investment in generation,

transmission, and distribution for enhanced service quality, protect sector revenues with improved metering and collection.

“The government will in consultation with the World Bank further develop its power sector recovery plan, and as a committed partner, the World Bank, including the IFC (International Finance Corporation), and MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency), will bring their expertise in developing financing solution,” one of the sources said.

Meanwhile, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (Abuja Disco) has launched an ambitious plan to provide prepaid electricity meters to 500,000 consumers currently without meters in its network.

Speaking at the launch of the mass metering scheme which was inaugurated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, at the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) Estate Apo, the Managing Director of Abuja Disco, Mr. Ernest Mupwaya, explained that the scheme would cost the company $150 million to execute within three years.

Mupwaya noted that the Disco was currently undertaking a customers’ enumeration exercise, and that the meter deployment would be done simultaneously, including in other parts of its network areas. He said a pilot scheme of 5000 was successfully done in Niger State.

“We are doing our customer

enumeration now and estimate that once we are done, we will install meters in the region of 500,000 and they are of various sizes. The whole metering project and other ancillary services will cost us about $150 million,” said Mupwaya.

He further explained: “It will take us about three years because it is a huge exercise and there is no cost implications because the meters are being given free of charge to consumers.”

Similarly, the board chair of the Disco, Shehu Malami, stated that with the meter installations, the Disco’s Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses would reduce by about 17 per cent, while energy audit and accountability would be fostered.

CAN Kicks against Nigeria’s Headship of Islamic Organisation, IILM Insists Nigeria remains a secular state The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has kicked against the membership of Nigeria in the General Assembly of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM), contending that it is a violation of the 1999 Constitution.

CAN, in a statement signed and issued by Pastor Bayo Oladeji, the Media Assistant to the CAN President, Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, said Nigeria’s membership of the IILM without the backing of the country’s law should be withdrawn with immediate effect.

There have been reports that the IILM recently appointed the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as its chairman during its 17th governing board meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia.

IILM is an international institution established by central banks’ monetary authorities and multilateral organisations to create and issue short-term Sharia-compliant financial instruments to facilitate effective cross-border Islamic liquidity management.

“By creating more liquid Sharia-compliant financial markets for institutions offering Islamic financial services (IIFS), the IILM aims to enhance cross-border investment flows, international linkages and financial stability,” the corporation discloses on its website.

The leadership of CAN, however, wondered when Nigeria became a member of this Islamic body, stressing that the government’s action was a violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria especially Section 10.

Section 10 states that “the Government of the Federation or a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”

According to CAN, the action by the government of

Nigeria on accepting to head IILM amounted to denouncing Nigeria as secular, insisting that Nigeria therefore cannot join any organisation that has a religious connotation.

Against this background, CAN said Nigerians should focus on some pertinent questions with intent to make the government offer right answers. The questions are as follow: “What is Nigeria doing in Islamic and Sharia-compliant organisation?

“Who authorised the governor of the (CBN) to join this organisation?

“What provision of our constitution supports our membership of a religious association as a secular state?

“If the argument is that we are a multi-religious state, does having many religions in a state define that state as multi-religious state? Will that not contradict section 10 of the 1999 constitution at the same time?

“When did the National Assembly pass the law to do away with our secular status?

“When did our constitution change to allow this alliance that seems to portray Nigeria as Islamic? Is the National Assembly aware of all the treaties regarding these Islamic organisations to which Nigeria is now a member?”

CAN statement stated: “We also recalled how President Muhammadu Buhari not only smuggled Nigeria into the “34-state Islamic military alliance against terrorism” but he and his government poured invectives and venoms on those who spoke against his unconstitutional action.

“Do we need to repeat our concern that almost all the heads of security and paramilitary agencies in Nigeria today are

Cont’d on Pg 60

GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (right), receiving the nomination letter as Governor of the Year from the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Authority Newspaper, Mr. Madu Onuorah, at the Government House, Port Harcourt....yesterday

10,000 Newly Recruited Police Officers to Commence Training Dec 31 IG inaugurates 15-member c’ttee to probe Rivers rerun polls Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday said the 10,000 successful applicants of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would resume training on December 31, 2016, at the various police colleges and training schools spread across the country.

In a statement made available to the media by the commission, it said the decision to commence training for the officers was part of the fallout of the 18th plenary meeting of the commission held in Abuja.

The statement read: “The 500 recruited Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police will be trained for 12 months at the Police Staff College, Jos, while the 500 Cadet Inspectors will be at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

“The 7,500 Constables will be holding their trainings in

Police Colleges located in their geo-political zones. The training will last for nine months.

“South west states of Lagos, Ondo and Osun, with a total of 652 recruited constables will be trained at the Police College in Ikeja while 477 others from Oyo and Ekiti States will be trained at the Police Training School, Ibadan. 193 recruited constables from Ogun State will use the Police Training School, Iperu.”

The 923 recruited constables from the South-east states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, according to the statement, would be trained at the Police College, Oji River in Enugu State.

It stressed further that 735 recruits from four North-east states of Adamawa, Bornu, Yobe and Gombe will use the Police College for their training, while 481 recruits from the other two North-eastern states of Bauchi and Taraba would be trained

at the Police College, Bauchi.

It added that the Police College in Kaduna would host 1,137 recruits from three North-eest states of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina.

A total of 823 recruits from Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa States would go to the Police Training School, Sokoto.

Also, the Police Training School, Ilorin, would host 218 recruits from Kwara State and FCT Abuja with Police Training School, Minna, hosting 444 recruits from Niger and Kogi States.

Another 222 intakes from Benue State would go to the Police Training School, Makurdi, adding that intakes from Plateau State would be trained at the Police School, Jos, while that of Nasarawa State would go to Police Training School, Bauchi and that of Makurdi.

Further break down showed that 303 recruits from the

South-south states of Rivers and Bayelsa would be trained at the Police Training School, NonwaTai, while 417 from Edo and Delta States would go to Police Training School, Benin-city. 473 recruits from Cross River and Akwa Ibom States would be trained at the Police Training College in Calabar.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday inaugurated a 15-member to probe the infractions and violence that characterised the Rivers State rerun polls, which claimed two of its officers.

He said: “The panel consists of police officers and officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) with vast knowledge in investigation, forensic analysis and technical expertise.”

The panel, according to him, would be headed by DCP Damian Okoro, and has 30 days to submit its report.

14

T H I S D AY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016

COMMENT

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

PATRIOTISM AND THE 2017 BUDGET

T

President Buhari should lead by example by using made in Nigeria goods, writes Ikeogu Oke

he speech with which President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2017 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 14, 2016, should be of interest to Nigerians beyond the fiscal details of the presentation.

This additional interest, which I consider as important as those fiscal details, arises from his hint at patriotism as a critical factor in reversing the country’s current economic woes in addition to the implementation of the budget, which he enthusiastically described as the “Budget of Recovery and Growth … designed to bring the economy out of recession and to a path of steady growth and prosperity.”

He makes a direct reference to patriotism in his remark about “those courageous and patriotic men and women who believed in Nigeria” and who “are now seeing the benefits gradually come to fruition,” having seized the opportunity provided by the current economic challenges and turned them to account with their “creativity, talents and resilience.”

But his indirect hints at patriotism as a critical factor in pulling the country out of recession and putting it on the path of sustainable economic growth afterwards are even more significant.

They remind us that “we wasted our large foreign exchange reserves to import nearly everything we consume. Our food, our clothing, our manufacturing inputs, our fuel and much more.” And that “by importing nearly everything, we provide jobs for young men and women in the countries that produce what we import, while our own young people wander around jobless.” And that “by preferring imported goods, we ensure steady jobs for the nationals of other countries, while our own farmers, manufacturers, engineers, and marketers, remain jobless.”

Then, he enthuses about the slow but sure disappearance of “that old Nigeria” and the rise of “a new era…in which we grow what we eat and consume what we make.”

In this new era, he continues, “we will increasingly grow and process our own food, we will manufacture what we can and refine our own petroleum products. We will buy ‘Made in Nigeria’ goods. We will encourage garment manufacturing and Nigerian designers, tailors and fashion retailers. We will patronise local entrepreneurs. We will promote the manufacturing powerhouses in Aba, Calabar, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nnewi, Onitsha, and Ota. From light manufacturing to cement production and petrochemicals, our objective is to make Nigeria a new manufacturing hub.”

Yes. President Buhari has his critics some of whom he can be said to have cultivated through his actions. But I doubt that any of them can contest the sincerity of these words and the relevance of the associated propositions to solving the country’s lingering economic problems if they are implemented.

He can be summed up as saying that, regardless of our financial situation as a nation, our attitude as a people is critical to our economic survival during this period of recession, and our prosperity afterwards.

We cannot be patronising imported goods at the expense of our own, consequently starving our manufacturers of funds and denying our citizens of jobs, and expect to become a self-reliant, let alone prosperous, nation.

And when I read his exhortation to buy “Made in Nigeria” goods, I recalled when the United States, during the Clinton presidency, was facing severe economic challenges with the concomitant rise of the Japanese economy in the early 1990s, with Japanese goods, especially

WE CANNOT BE PATRONISING IMPORTED GOODS AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR OWN, CONSEQUENTLY STARVING OUR MANUFACTURERS OF FUNDS AND DENYING OUR CITIZENS OF JOBS, AND EXPECT TO BECOME A SELF-RELIANT, LET ALONE PROSPEROUS, NATION

the technological ones, seeming generally preferable to their American equivalents even to Americans.

Even the United States government countered the trend by sponsoring the “Buy American” campaign through radio jingles and whatnot. So President Buhari’s call to buy “Made in Nigeria” goods has an American precedent. And it is simply about patriotism, about putting the survival of one’s country first, like the Americans who responded positively to the “Buy American” campaign and returned to patronising American goods in preference to foreign ones.

Incidentally, this is one aspect of the budget presentation speech that can resonate with economic experts and laymen alike. Even our recent profligate past, in which we earned so much from oil without saving for the future, showing lack of patriotism on the part of those responsible, is a clear indication that financial buoyancy alone does not guarantee economic security, especially in the light of what we now face partly as a result of that profligacy, suddenly confronted with lean times and the sudden drop in the price of oil, our major revenue earner.

Without the right attitude on our as Nigerians and our government officials who would be directing spending in implementation of the budget, without a deliberate choice to put our money where our mouth is – in our country – the N7.298 trillion 2017 budget may turn out a budget of capital flight rather than recovery and growth as the president has pronounced it.

Unfortunately, even under Buhari’s watch, the government has been negligent in following his patriotic blueprint for economic revival. Otherwise the Senate’s purchase of “108 Toyota Land Cruisers” in April this year at the cost of “N3.8 billion” should have been patronage directed at the local auto industry, which evidently needs the money for its survival and growth more than the Japanese owner of the Toyota brand. What is worse? The Senate allegedly spent twice the normal price on the vehicles!

Lack of political will has been blamed for the country’s inability to save in a time of plenty under the immediate past government. But I think that dereliction also reflects lack of moral will and patriotism on the part of those who should have ensured the savings, seeing that the supposed lack of political will did not prevent them from taking good care of themselves in their private capacities.

The same situation can recur, and prevent the implementation of Buhari’s redemptive pan-Nigerian economic blueprint as articulated in the budget speech, unless he has the political and moral will to compel government to buy “Made in Nigeria,” thereby leading by example and giving governmental justification for his administration’s mantra: Change begins with me.

Imagine the impact of Nigerians knowing that their president uses products from what he acknowledged as “the manufacturing powerhouses in Aba, Calabar, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nnewi, Onitsha, and Ota.” Imagine the effect of their seeing him drive or be driven around in a “Made in Nigeria” car. Imagine the result of their hearing him persuade government agencies, especially those in the executive arm directly under his control, to patronise Nigerian goods as a priority, having been known to do so himself. How inspiring that would be to the cause of ensuring the country’s economic revival and subsequent growth under his watch and in accordance with his blueprint of economic patriotism!

Oke, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja

TRAVAILS IN TEMPLE OF JUSTICE (2)

I

Chuks Chidiebere argues for a review of the Federal Constituency elections in Arochukwu Council, Abia State

ndeed, in response to the widespread alterations, the INEC resident commissioner in Abia State, Prof. Selina Oko on March 30, 2015 set up a committee to review the complaints from the aggrieved candidates, Nnamdi Iro Oji and Chief David Ogba Bourdex.

The committee’s results verification exercise, which took place in the presence of the respective candidates and their agents and also in the presence of the returning officers for the Abia North Senatorial District and Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency as well as the two LGA’s collation officers, found that the results of the elections in Arochukwu LGA for both the Senate and Federal Constituency Election were heavily mutilated, doctored and or inflated in nine RAs out of the 11 RAs while the result for the Ohafia LGA had little or no problem.”

INEC equally tendered this report to the courts on subpoena.

The crux of the INEC report and testimony was that one, through the alterations and mutilations the PDP was allocated an illegal 6,510 votes over and above their authentic score of 5,359 votes at the poll in Arochukwu LGA; and two, when you add the verified and authenticated votes of the leading two candidates in that Federal Constituency election, the APGA candidate, Nnamdi Iro Oji, polled 19,080 votes to beat

the PDP candidate, Nkole Uko Ndukwe who had 17,537 votes. Therefore, the APGA candidate ought to have been declared the winner having satisfied all the constitutional requirements to be so declared.

An INEC source confirmed that the INEC report was tendered to the courts on subpoena. He claimed that INEC was dismayed that its bundle of evidence that should have guided the courts in reaching the correct decision on the matter was suppressed.

Is it not curious if not suggestive of the product of a jaundiced mindset and prejudicial adjudication, possibly precipitated by the perceived non-cooperation of Mr. Oji that the Court of Appeal made up of the same justices rather shifted the burden of proof in respect of the agents’ copies of election results on the appellant, Nnamdi Iro Oji, in a volte-face to the decision of the same panel of the Court of Appeal in the case of the petition on the senatorial election that took place in the same local government of Arochukwu on the same date and time?

This is even more telling when the chairman of the appellate panel, Justice Hussein Mukhtar, who had both in the judgment and his written deposition to the NJC disciplinary committee maintained the fiction that there was no mutilation/alteration of the House of Representatives election in Arochukwu LGA but had to recant and

admit the fact of widespread doctoring of the result under cross examination during the NJC inquest. In this circumstance, should such a mortally damaged judgment be allowed to stand?

Now Nnamdi Oji’s lawyers and varied people’s rights groups within and outside the country are demanding a review of the case. They are hoping that the resolve of the United States of America and the European Union (EU) to put pressure on the federal government to order the review of some judgments of election petition tribunals, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court will ginger the government to act. As a statement of their resolve in the fight against corruption our authorities need not wait for external pressure to right some of the most glaring judicial travesty.

If that is the case, then no judgment is more deserving of an immediate review than that of Mr. Nnamdi Iro Oji in which the allegation of corruption has already been proven against a sitting presiding justice of a division of the Court of Appeal.

The template for the most equitable remedy to the injustice which Nnamdi Oji suffered and continues to suffer on account of the Owerri appellate panel’s nonfeasance has already been provided by the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on December 1, 2016 on the election petition

appeal filed by Mr. Diri Adonye, PDP candidate for the Opobo/Nkoro Constituency. In a unanimous decision read by Justice George Mbaba, the panel of the Abuja Division led

by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa issued consequential orders to INEC to issue a certificate of return to the petitioner after noting that the election was massively rigged in favour of Mr. Andrew Miller of the APC through alteration and mutilation of result sheets to confer electoral advantage on the later.

Therefore, in Mr. Oji’s instant case, a review by a fresh panel to look into the mutilations and alterations culminating in the inflation of the results of the PDP candidate and the deflation of the rival, Nnamdi Iro Oji in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State should be ordered immediately, so that a citizen is not left to continue to suffer for his principled refusal to give a bribe.

The envisaged panel should be required to follow the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division template in the matter of Diri Adonye Vs Andrew Miller and determine who has the greater valid votes and pronounce accordingly. In addition, the security agents should also fish out and prosecute and mete out adequate punishment of long jail terms to the ring leaders of that criminal act in line with the applicable laws so as to serve as deterrent to other potential criminals in future elections.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016

EDITORIAL BEYOND THE 2016 WAEC RESULTS Our post primary institutions need an overhaul

T

he West African Examinations Council (WAEC) last week released the results of the May/June 2016 examinations after cancelling those involved in proven cases of malpractices. Unfortunately, it is yet another dismal performance, even though it should not surprise anyone given the state of education in Nigeria today. Only a return to those neglected details that make for a credible educational system can rescue the nation from the current sorry pass In seeking solutions, pre-primary school education, for instance, should be made to function within a well -articulated and enforceable policy framework. The entry and exit into education management at this level should be regulated and standardised. A modern testing instrument should be developed and administered to potential/existing proprietors and staff of early childhood educational facilities to audit the system.

Currently, the quality of teachers and other academic infrastructure at the level of basic education is a major challenge. Despite the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme, many states maintain a truly pathetic profile in the form and content of their curTHE REWARD SYSTEM AND ricula. This is hardly THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA surprising, as many of FOR LEADERSHIP OF THE them have consistently TRADE AND ACADEMIC failed to access the UNIONS SHOULD BE federal government REVIEWED TO FAVOUR counterpart funding arrangement that SERIOUS ACADEMICS offers a clear rescue path. They are unwilling to provide the matching funds for the UBE intervention and are therefore on the run from the generosity of the federal government.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has repeatedly lamented the failure of state governments to access and use the funds. This is in addition to states which collect it and divert same to political patronage, or which put their counterpart funds as bait to draw federal government support and quickly pocket theirs. But there are other challenges.

Letters to the Editor

The much-vaunted professionalism of teaching should be pursued with new timelines while the Teachers’ Registration Council (TRC) and the Nigerian Teachers’ Institute (NTI) may well be merged, to have all matters relating to teachers domiciled in one address. There should be a yearly presidential award for the best three teachers at this level of the educational system, following the 2007 National Teachers Award during which the best three teachers in the country each received a car at Eagle Square.

O 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

ur post primary institutions need a complete overhaul. This should begin with a comprehensive capacity audit of the academic staff. Research capacity should also be strengthened and the criteria for academic promotion made more rigorous. Above all, the reward system and the eligibility criteria for leadership of the trade and academic unions should be reviewed to favour serious academics. Those who want trade union platforms as springboard to political visibility should be subtly distanced from such platforms. The government should also always honour its agreements with the teachers, so that attention can move from trade disputes to exchange of ideas for the development of the system.

The governing boards of our universities and polytechnics should be populated with people whose relevant exposure will add value to post-secondary education. Besides, the Federal Ministry of Education should reduce the excess luggage it now carries by merging some of its agencies. For instance, the continued retention of the staff of the Unity Colleges as staff of the Ministry promotes inefficiency and nurtures abuse in the system.

All said, the federal government can begin dealing with the emergency in education by not convening another national summit on education. Not only have there been many of such, there is already a road map adopted by the last Federal Executive Council. The many insightful suggestions can be structured with timelines and an implementation template so that specific action points are isolated and treated.

For as long as education is in the doldrums, for so long shall the future of the country be there with it.

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.

YAHYA JAMMEH AND LESSONS OF HISTORY “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” —George Santayana

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f the concession speech of Yahya Jammeh in The Gambian presidential poll of December1, 2016 surprised many, his dramatic about-face made a travesty of that feat. It was like reswallowing a spewed spit.

“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election. I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process... I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a God-fearing and independent electoral commission. “ That was Alhagie Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh — who had earlier congratulated president-elect Adama Barrow on his victory — addressing his people on the state television few days after the historic election. This rejection was done despite the fact that the country’s electoral umpire led by Alieu Momarr Njai has clarified that the later narrowing of the winner’s lead from 35,000 to 19,000 votes (which is the President Jammeh’s only reason for rejecting the results and his castigation of the commission as incompetent ) cannot vitiate the entire results of election.

Jammeh’s rejection of the vox populi is a relapse to African strongmanism— a spirit that deserted him the day he conceded defeat.

African strongmanism is a cancer that has eaten deep the political fabrics of the African states. Who is an African strongman? He is no respecter of law or convention. He is law himself and dictates who gets what, when and how. Louis Xiv will tell you “L’état, C’est Moi.” From Niger to Chad through Cameroon, Sudan, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe and Eritrea, the cancer called African strongmanism has metastasized the continent’s body politic. Didn’t Barack Obama educate us on the need of having strong institutions rather than strong men in African politics?

Yayah Jammeh is still hanging on because he is Gambia and Gambia his. His 22 years strides in the country’s political landscape were mostly used to build a cult of personality around himself and tie many institutions to the apron’s strings of the presidency.

This is unprecedented in one case and precedented in another. No leader has ever conceded defeat and turn about to contest it. In the second sense, it’s been a culture in Africa for incumbents to reject defeat. But since the post-Arab spring, the system changed —it is either you concede defeat or you will be forced to do so.

Jammeh being a typical African strongman has turned down many efforts toward mediating the crisis. The West African leaders led by the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari left the country unhappy at the futile exercise they’ve embarked

on. And this made one to wonder : Will Yayah Jammeh toe the path of Ghadafi or Gbabo?

History, Will and Ariel Durants wrote in their masterpiece “The Lessons of History,” smile at all attempts to force it flow in theoretical patterns or grooves. With what is happening in Gambia today, history is about to repeat itself.

As I write, Jammeh still insists on contesting the results of the election in the country’s highest court which many believe to be an apendanage of his government.

What this means is that Jammeh will stay in power beyond January 18, 2017, the date in which his 22-year grip on power supposed to come to a halt and Barrow sworn in as the new president of The Gambia.

With Barrow announcement that he will declare himself president on that date, one possible outcome here will be a crisis of two presidents in one state as the Supreme Court of The Gambia will definitely annul the election and call for a fresh one.

These events remind me of the 1993 presidential election in Nigeria. The election, just like this one, was till date praised as the most free, fair and credible election ever conducted in Nigeria. But it was annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida- led military junta just as Jammeh has rejected the results of the election that made a mince-meat of him.

Asikason Jonathan, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2015 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Berlin Suspect’s Fingerprints in Truck Suggest He Drove It

Tunisian suspect Anis Amri’s fingerprints have been found in the cab of the truck that plowed into a Christmas market in Berlin, indicating that he was driving the vehicle, German officials said Thursday.

Authorities across Europe were scrambling to find the 24-year-old suspect, a day after Germany issued a wanted notice for him and warned that he may be “violent and armed.”

In Berlin, the Christmas market that was ripped apart by the truck attack reopened, with increased security measures, in a signal of the city’s resilience.

German authorities have offered a reward of up to 100,000 euros ($104,000) for information leading to Amri’s arrest. Twelve people were killed and 56 wounded in Monday evening’s rampage, which was claimed by the Islamic State group.

“We can tell you today that there are additional indications that this suspect is with high probability really the perpetrator,”Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said after visiting the Federal Criminal Police Office along with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“Fingerprints were found in the cab, and there are other, additional indications that suggest this,” he told reporters. “It is all the more important that the search is successful as soon as possible.”

Frauke Koehler, a spokeswoman for federal prosecutors, specified that Amri’s fingerprints were found on the driver’s door and the side of the vehicle.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as IWU UCHECHI IMMACULATA, now wish to be known and addressed as IWU UCHECHUKWU . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARY AMARK, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MARY ISHAYA FUS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINWE ORI IHEJIRIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINWE ORI OTIGBA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AHMODU ONALO, now wish to be known and addressed as AHMODU ONALO HASSAN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BLESSING GODOTO FIDELE, now wish to be known and addressed as GODOTO FIDELE..

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

“I Oluseun Babafemi Obasanjo whose name has been variously spelt as ‘Oluwashehun Babafemi Obasanjo’ and ‘Oluwaseun Babafemi Obasanjo’ now wish to be henceforth known only as ‘Oluseun Babafemi Obasanjo’. All former documents remain valid.

“We believe that Anis Amri was steering the truck,”she said.

Investigators searched properties in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin where Amri is believed to have spent time, and also checked a bus in the southwestern city of Heilbronn after receiving a tip, she added. They didn’t make any arrests.

In Tunisia, one of Amri’s brothers spoke to The Associated Press to urge him to surrender to authorities.

“I ask him to turn himself in to the police. If it is proved that he is involved, we dissociate ourselves from it,”brother Walid Amri told the AP. He said Amri may have been radicalized in prison in Italy, where he went after leaving Tunisia in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings.

Italy’s justice ministry confirmed media reports that Amri was repeatedly transferred among Sicilian prisons for bad conduct, with prison records saying he bullied inmates and

CHANGE OF NAME

tried to spark insurrections. He served 3 ½ years for setting a fire at a refugee center and making threats, among other things — but Italy apparently detected no signs that he was becoming radicalized.

Amri’s mother insisted that he had shown no signs of radicalization and questioned whether he was really the market attacker.

Speaking Thursday in the central Tunisian town of Oueslatia, Nour El Houda Hassani said poverty drove Amri to steal and to travel illegally to Europe.

“I want the truth to be revealed about my son,”she said.“If he is the perpetrator of the attack, let him assume his responsibilities and I’ll renounce him before God. If he didn’t do anything, I want my son’s rights to be restored.”

Tunisian police who interrogated the family on Wednesday took away her telephone and were studying her communications with her son, she said.

German officials put out an arrest warrant for Amri after finding a document belonging

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as RASHIDAT ADEOLA SANNI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RASHIDAT ADEOLA SANNIMUSA . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYENEKWE OZIOMA FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UNONU OZIOMA FAITH . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JANE ESE EWURUJE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JANE ADEJUMO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OJENIYI SEKINAT ODUNAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OPAKUNLE SEKINAT ODUNAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OPATUNDE OLUWANIFEMI ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODEYINDE OLUWANIFEMI ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWULIRI GLORY OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MADU OGECHI GLORY. All former documents remain valid.

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I formerly known and addressed as MRS ARINOLA OLUFUNKE IBRAHIM-ADESHINA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ARINOLA OLUFUNKE OGUNRINDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS BABATUNDE MOFOLUWASO TEMITOPE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALONGE MOFOLUWASO TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIDINMA CHIDUBEM AZUBUIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIDINMA CHIDUBEM AZUBUIKE OBA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as

AMITOH SEGUN MONDAY

now wish to be known and addressed

AMITOH SEGUN SUNDAY. All former documents

as

remain valid. The general public should please take note.

to him in the cab of the truck.

They say he has used at least six different names and three nationalities in his travels around Europe.

German authorities had deemed Amri, who arrived in the country last year, a potential threat long before the attack this week — and even kept him under covert surveillance for six months this year before halting the operation.

They had been trying to deport him after his asylum application was rejected in July but were unable to do so because he lacked valid identity papers and Tunisia initially denied that he was a citizen.

At the market outside Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, police placed concrete blocks at the roadside Thursday to provide extra security as it reopened. In tribute to the victims, organizers

decided to do without party music and bright lights and Berliners and visitors laid candles and flowers at the site.

Stall owner Axel Kaiser recalled hearing a“dull bang”and seeing a nearby wooden Christmas market stand smashed to pieces by the truck. He and a friend pulled a woman from the rubble and then he helped tend to dozens of shocked visitors.

“I don’t know how she made it out of there. The whole truck must have driven through the stand,”he said.“She herself can’t remember a thing. She stood up and said she needed a Schnapps.”

Still, he said Berliners know there is no such thing as complete security and won’t surrender their freedoms.

“Berlin will not change.

Berliners won’t allow it,”Kaiser said.“There’s a short pause for reflection, then the Berliner wipes

his hands, and life carries on.”

“We can’t allow these idiots to determine when, where or how we celebrate,” he added.

Dalia Elyakim of Israel and 31-year-old Fabrizia Di Lorenzo of Italy were among the 12 killed in the market attack, their countries said, and two Americans were among the wounded.

Berlin’s state health ministry raised the number of injured in the attack to 56, saying some victims had reached hospitals on their own.

The agency said 12 people were still being treated for severe injuries, with some still in critical condition.

Another 14 people with less serious injuries remained hospitalized and 30 others had been discharged.

Russia Bids Farewell to Slain Turkey Envoy President Vladimir Putin bade farewell to Andrey Karlov at a packed memorial ceremony in Moscow for the diplomat who was assassinated in Turkey by an off-duty policeman.

Dozens of colleagues and relatives attended the ceremony on Thursday for Karlov, the ambassador to Turkey whose death was labelled by Moscow as an “act of terror”, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the perpetrator was a member of Fethullah Gulen’s group behind the aborted July coup.

Putin laid red roses at the foot of Karlov’s coffin and spoke with his relatives, but left the ceremony without making a statement.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the deceased envoy, who was 62, and paid his respects to his mother Maria, widow Marina and son Gennady, also a diplomat, as the ambassador’s body lay in state in a flowerdecked coffin.

“We are saying goodbye to our friend Andrey Karlov who became a victim of a malicious, vile terrorist attack while in the line of duty,” Lavrov said at the ceremony held in the foreign

ministry headquarters.

“We will never forget Andrey.”

A religious service was later held at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour led by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill before the ambassador was laid to rest at a cemetery.

In terrifying scenes captured on photo and video, 22-year-old policeman Mevlut Mert Altintas shot the ambassador nine times in the back on Monday while he was delivering a speech at an exhibition of photographs of Russia in Ankara.

The ambassador fell to the ground and later died in hospital.

The assailant, who was off-duty and managed to circumvent the metal detectors by flashing his police credentials, shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and “Don’t forget Aleppo” after targeting Karlov and was himself killed in a subsequent shootout with Turkish guards.

Killer’s relatives released Altintas had no prior criminal record but Turkish authorities have moved to link the murder with Gulen, a former Erdogan ally now living in self-imposed

exile in the United States, whom Ankara previously blamed for orchestrating the July coup.

Pro-government press had reported that police discovered pro-Gulen literature belonging to Altintas.

Erdogan went as far as to say the killer “was a member of the FETO [Fethullah Terror Organisation]”.

Gulen has denied involvement in both the coup and the envoy’s assassination, and Moscow has also refrained from assigning blame. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned against “rushing to conclusions” before the investigation is complete.

A group of Russian investigators has been working on the probe in Turkey since Tuesday.

Turkish prosecutors on Thursday said they have released six relatives of Altintas who were detained for questioning in the wake of the attack.

Thirteen people were arrested in the murder probe and police were looking for 120 people, authorities said.

Russia has bestowed a prestigious Hero of Russia honour on Karlov posthumously.

Trump: US Should Veto UN Israel Settlement Resolution Hours before the United Nations Security Council was to vote on a draft resolution demanding Israel halts settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territories, president-elect Donald Trump urged the US to veto the measure.

Egypt on Wednesday circulated the draft calling on Israel to“immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem”.

The vote was scheduled for 3pm (20:00 GMT) on Thursday.

“The resolution being considered at the United Nations Security Council regarding Israel should be vetoed,”Trump said in a statement

on Thursday.

“As the United States has long maintained, peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will only come through direct negotiations between the parties, and not through the imposition of terms by the United Nations,”he said.

“This puts Israel in a very poor negotiating position and is extremely unfair to all Israelis,” Trump added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier tweeted a similar message.“The US should veto the anti-Israel resolution at the UN Security Council on Thursday,” he wrote.

A similar resolution was vetoed

by the United States in 2011, and it remained uncertain if the measure would be adopted this time.

Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and seen as major stumbling block to peace efforts as they are built on Palestinian land occupied by Israel.

The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, areas Israel captured in a 1967 war.

Israel disputes that settlements are illegal and says their final status should be determined in any future talks on Palestinian statehood.

17

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Lawal’s Failed Integrity Test As many Nigerians continue to mount pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal, over his indictment by the Senate for corruption, Iyobosa Uwugiaren takes a critical look at the many sins of the embattled SGF and how he might have failed the simple integrity test

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari had steadily challenged members of the public, who are quick to accusing some members of his cabinet of corruption, to come up with strong evidence to justify their claims, and see if he would hesitate in dealing with them if found wanting.

Perceived as a no-nonsense and straightforward man by many of his followers and admirers, Buhari had said time without number that there would be no sacred cows in his on-going war against corruption in all departments of the nation’s institutions.

Yet, not many observers, including opposition parties, doubt that the President has always appeared as if living in refutation, which has become the trademark of his administration, when it comes to dealing with serious national issues, especially when it comes to alleged corrupt practices against his appointees.

But, events in the last few days have suggested that Buhari is now willing to clear his name – the wrong perception about him protecting his appointees and members of his party from being investigated over corruption.

To be sure, amidst escalating corruption allegations against some top officials of his government, President Buhari recently directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), to investigate the involvement of any of the officials. However, not many people doubt that the decision was provoked by the contract scandal enveloping the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal.

In a two-paragraph statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu, the President was said to have instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate the involvement of any top government official accused of any wrong-doing, saying if any of them is liable he/she would not escape prosecution.

The Senate recently urged Buhari to suspend the SGF, Mr. David Lawal, and ensure his prosecution over alleged breach of the Nigerian laws in the handling of contracts awarded by the Presidential Initiative for the North East, (PINE). The presidential directive followed a report by an ad-hoc committee of the Senate, led by Senator Shehu Sani, on the swelling humanitarian crisis in the North-east.

The committee, in its interim report submitted recently, indicted the SGF for allegedly receiving a N233 million contract to clear invasive plant species (removal of weeds) in Yobe State through his company, Rholavision Nigeria Limited. The Senate said he had remained a director of the company till September 2016, over a year after his appointment, in breach of Nigeria’s code of conduct for public officials as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

However, in response to the indictment, the SGF admitted setting up Rholavision in 1990 to carry out information and communications technology services, but the Senate has discovered that the SGF handled the N233 million bush clearing contracts in the North-east in 2016, just as the Yobe State Government said the contract was never executed.

The SGF has since denied any wrongdoing, telling journalists in Abuja that the Senate was only victimising him and trying to rubbish his personality.

Lawal...entangled in a web of greed

“The senate is talking balderdash; it has developed the habit of the bring-him-down syndrome”, the SGF was quoted as telling the National Assembly correspondents recently.

He added: “I have the report of the Senate committee in which it was said that I didn’t resign from Rholavision Nigeria Limited. Let me tell you, Rholavision was formed by me in December 1990, and it has been a company that was run very successfully.

“Now, when I was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I resigned from that company on 18th August 2015. I can see that in their report, they are talking about 2016. I don’t know where they got their facts.

“By the way, it is very instructive that

For those very mistrustful of the Buhari anticorruption crusade, the SGF indictment is a test case for the President, chiefly bearing in mind that the money being talked about is for the well-being of the most exposed people in the country today. And there is a near agreement that the alleged contract scandal involving the SGF is an issue of serious public interest – touching at the very root of President Buhari’s anti-corruption bravado

when the committee was sitting, no effort was ever made to invite me to come and make a submission. It is, therefore, surprising that they devoted a whole session of today (Wednesday) to maligning me, claiming what is not true without even giving me the chance to come and put my own case before them.”

The Senate’s findings came at a time the United Nations was launching a $1 billion humanitarian appeal to combat poverty in the north-eastern part of the country that has been ravaged by the deadly terrorist Boko Haram group, and the response from the Buhari-led administration was to condemn the “blatant attempts to whip up a non-existent fear of mass starvation by some aid agencies.”

Aside the fact that the challenge of livelihood in the affected zones, where many are dying daily of hunger and want is real, it requires a hands-on approach.

Indeed, there are reports that even the little resources and assistances being provided by well-meaning Nigerians, the international community, corporate organisations and nongovernmental organisations are being looted by some unconscionable officials of this administration.

Also, the substantial allegations against the SGF, a close political associate of Buhari, came at a time members of the opposition parties and some critical minds are saying the president’s anti-corruption drive is tainted by its extremely skewed focus on key operatives of the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) officials.

For those very mistrustful of the Buhari anti-corruption crusade, the SGF indictment is a test case for the President, chiefly bearing in mind that the money being talked about is for the well-being of the most exposed people in the country today. And there is a near agreement that the alleged contract scandal involving the SGF is an issue of serious public interest – touching at the very root of President Buhari’s anti-corruption bravado.

True, many political and anti-corruption monitors have said it is not just enough for the Buhari-led administration to continue brandishing his self-acclaimed uprightness as the sole substratum of his anti-corruption stance, arguing that for the drive against corruption in all public institutions to preserve any facade of honesty, all public officers must be seen to be above board.

However, either by inadvertence or commission, Buhari’s body language has suggested that his seemingly anti-corruption war is targeted at key aides of former President Jonathan and members of his party, PDP. Already, there are fears in some quarters that the presidential directive to the AGF to probe the allegations against some of his appointees, including Lawal, is part of the secret moves to clear the SGF and others of any wrongdoing. The sound argument is that given the monstrous nature of the allegations and the type of evidence so far produced by the Senate as well as the strategic position of the SGF, Buhari by now, ought to have suspended Lawal from office, while the investigation is on-going.

For those familiar with the many dirty secret dealings of the SGF since appointed by the President, they have wondered why he is still in the office, insisting his character is questionable.

Their assertions include that in the early days of his office, the SGF was accused of solely directing the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to raise N3 billion to fund APC governorship election in Bayelsa State, and that the President did not get to know about the secret deal until after the election.

And some APC members who participated in the controversial election claimed the SGF “cornered 40 per cent” of the N3 billion released by the NDDC. The revelation of the secret deal was said to have consequently pitched the SGF against the former management of the NDDC, which later led to the sack of the entire management staff.

Seen as the head of Buhari’s political gang by many in government, the embattled SGF was also said to have put suffocating pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the recent Edo State governorship election, to manipulate the election in favour of the APC candidate for obvious political interest.

A source at INEC who spoke with THISDAY in confidence during the election, had fingered some senior security officers and Lawal, for the manipulation of the election.

In particular, the SGF was said to have bragged to some key officials at INEC that the President Buhari-led APC could not afford to lose Edo State, which is the only APC governed state in the South-south geo-political zone.

He was quoted as telling INEC officials that the loss of Edo State would further dim the record of Buhari and endorse the seemingly rebuff of the President in the South-south geo-political zone.

“And we have the SGF on tape. He talked big that as political head in the President Muhammadu Buhari-government, APC could not afford to lose Edo governorship election. But top management staffers of INEC are also mindful not to destroy the credibility and independence CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

18

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Is Nigeria Really One Nation?

I

The ‘One Nigeria’ slogan is no more than a façade, writes Femi Fani-Kayode

love this country with every fiber of my being. For three generations before me – my forefathers, including my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father – have made solid and notable contributions to the development of this country in both the private and the public sectors.

My great grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Adebiyi Kayode, studied theology at the great Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone and Durham University in the United Kingdom after which he returned to Nigeria.

He was ordained an Anglican priest – the first Nigerian to take Christianity to our hometown, Ile-Ife and was the first to build and pastor the first Anglican Church in that ancient town.

Throughout his life and ministry, he fought for the rights of the poor and oppressed in Ile-Ife, including the people of Modakeke, who at that time were treated as slaves and serfs. He did the same in Ondo province and Ijebu, where he was later posted by the Church.

My grandfather, Chief Victor Adedapo Kayode, studied law at Cambridge University and was called to the English bar after which he returned to Nigeria.

He played a key role in the development of education in the country, was deeply involved in the fight against the excesses of our British colonial masters, fought for the rights of the so-called “African natives” and “indigenous population” in the old Lagos Colony and was the third Nigerian to be appointed to the Judiciary after a brilliant and rewarding career as a criminal lawyer.

My father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode Q.C. SAN, CON was born in the United Kingdom, studied law at Cambridge University and was called to the English bar after which he returned to Nigeria. Like his father, he also excelled as a lawyer and he set up the first and most successful indigenous Nigerian law firm of that time with Chief Rotimi Williams Q.C. SAN, CON and Chief Bode Thomas.

He went into politics and was deeply involved in the struggle for our independence from colonial rule. He successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in Parliament and went on to become a Minister and Deputy Premier of the old Western region of Nigeria.

I have fought military rule, been involved in the struggle for democracy and I have participated heavily in partisan politics, political commentary and political discourse in our country for the last 26 years. I have had the rare honor and distinct privilege of serving her at the highest level of governance first as a presidential spokesman and then as a Federal Minister in two separate Ministries as far back as 10 years ago.

I have suffered persecution, self-imposed exile, illegal and unlawful incarceration and the most vicious forms of insults and misrepresentation for Nigeria over the years and I have also invested my time, resources and energy heavily into the political terrain and development in our country.

Yet, despite all these wonderful opportunities, the monumental sacrifices that my illustrious forefathers and I have made and our love for and commitment to Nigeria, it is time to ask some hard questions.

Those questions are as follow. Is Nigeria really one nation or is she many nations forced to remain within an artificial, unworkable and unsustainable entity? Are our people really “bound in freedom, peace

Buhari...is hope forlorn?

and unity” as our national anthem proudly proclaims or is that just a deceitful mirage and never-ending illusion? Is our marriage and amalgamation borne out of consensus and a genuine desire to remain together or borne out of compulsion?

Can a nation prosper, excel or achieve its full potential when its people are perpetually squabbling and struggling over the distribution of its meagre resources and when they have two distinct and irreconcilable world views? Can it thrive when one group wishes to live and compete in the new, enlightened and modern free world whilst the other wishes to go back to the bondage of the dark ages?

It appears that more people are asking these questions today than ever before. Is it not time for us to answer them? Must we wait for an ethnic or religious conflagration to occur or another civil war to take place before we accept the fact that there is something very wrong somewhere and that we may well be a nation of ethnic incompatibles?

Is Nigeria really one nation or is she many nations forced to remain within an artificial, unworkable and unsustainable entity?

Are our people really “bound in freedom, peace and unity”as our national anthem proudly proclaims or is that just a deceitful mirage and never-ending illusion? Is our marriage and amalgamation borne out of consensus and a genuine desire to remain together or borne out of compulsion?

Why is it a crime for anyone to take as much pride in their ethnic nationality and cultural heritage as they do in being a Nigerian?

Why is it wrong for anyone to say that ‘I am as proud of being an Igbo or a Yoruba or an Ijaw or a Fulani or any other ethnic nationality as I am of being a Nigerian?’

What is the ethos, essence, utility, sustainability and legitimacy of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious plural superstate in which the various ethnic nationalities are expected to subsume their primary identities, de-emphasise the very source and root of their being and literally sacrifice their ancient bloodlines, noble history and rich heritage on the altar of a hybrid and artificial man-made entity called Nigeria?

Is it really wrong for any of the numerous ethnic nationalities that make up our country to insist on their freedom and demand to be allowed to develop separately and at their own pace? This is especially so where and when they feel as if they have been turned into slaves and second class citizens by others in their own country?

Is Nigeria a nation or is she a mere geographical expression? Is it true to say that there is as much of a difference between a Fulani and an Igbo as there is between a Turk and a German? Is Nigeria anything more than a British fraud set up to serve the economic interests of our former colonial masters? Given the circumstances, is it unreasonable of us to ask for our very own Brexit?

Some of these fundamental questions were first raised by the first Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo SAN, in 1947 in his book titled ‘Paths to Nigerian Freedom’ but sadly few listened.

Consequently, 20 years later, Awolowo’s greatest fears and concerns were confirmed and our three year civil war in which over three million people perished, including women and children, took place.

This was the only war in world history in which the premeditated starvation of young children and babies, in what was essentially mass murder and genocide, was described as a “legitimate weapon of war” by those who perpetrated such horrendous crimes against humanity.

Since the end of the civil war, neither Nigeria nor any of its ageing leaders,

many of whom were military veterans and commanders in that civil war, has expressed any regrets, shown any remorse or brought anyone to justice for what was undoubtedly the greatest mass murder of infants and butchery of the innocents in African history.

Yet nothing seems to have changed except for the fact that the ethnic identity and religious persuasion of the latest set of victims have become far more widespread and varied.

In today’s Nigeria, unlike in 1966 and unlike during the civil war, it is not just the proud Igbos and ever-defiant Biafrans that are being slaughtered like flies on a regular basis but also the northern Christians, the Shiite Muslims, the people of the Middle Belt and the Niger Delta and the evercompromising Yoruba.

Consequently, the same questions are being asked today about the continued feasiblity of our national unity and cohesion but this time with far more urgency and anger and by far many more people. Yet those that believe that they own Nigeria still refuse to listen and view those that ask such questions with suspicion, derision, contempt and even rage.

They label them as being unpatriotic and ignorant and they threaten and attempt to intimidate and bully them into silence simply because they do not share their views.

In Nigeria, it is indeed a dangerous thing to be a freedom-yearning and independencecraving dissident or non-conformist and, like in the old Soviet Union before its eventual disintegration, you could end up paying for such views with your liberty or your life.

Yet one wonders how much longer this can go on before the oppressed and the voiceless get fed up with merely asking questions and instead choose to actually insist on their rights, take their destiny into their own hands, rise up to the occasion and fight for their liberty?

The quest for self-determination, freedom and liberation is a noble and legitimate cause which has never been successfully resisted or defeated anywhere in the history of the world. Every well-educated and widely-read individual can attest to the veracity of that undeniable and incontrovertible fact.

The truth is that you cannot compel people to remain together in one nation by the force of arms forever. It may work for some time but it cannot last in perpetuity because sooner or later the chickens will come home to roost. The best you can do is to reach out to the disillusioned and marginalised in love and give them a reason to want to stay.

Yet, few in our nation can appreciate the wisdom in adopting such a course or treading such a path. The only language that is clearly understood here is the logic of compulsion and the language of force.

Consequently, Nigeria is unravelling at the very seams. I can literally smell blood on the mountain and I perceive and sense the secret massing of the bloodthirsty demon Magog, the god of war.

The quest for the peaceful division of our nation is stronger today than ever before and as each day passes, it gets stronger and stronger. It is far more compelling and stronger than it was before our civil war broke out in 1967 simply because far many more people are angry and fed up with what they are being subjected to by the powers that be and our forced union.

-Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Aviation

L A W A L’ S F A I L E D I N T E G R I T Y T E S T of the commission. We neither report to political parties nor government officials. And we should be allowed to do our job”, the INEC senior official had told THISDAY. A similar experience was also said to have played out during the recent Ondo State governorship election, in which he was alleged to have teamed up with opponents of his principal

to frustrate the candidate of the APC, Rotimi Akeredolu, believed to have the president’s blessing. In addition, he was also said to have planned to use a phony N1.3billion ecological fund to prosecute the election before the plan was leaked and subsequently foiled.

A native of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, the SGF is also said to be

using his office to regularly corner huge fund from heads of federal government’s agencies by recurrently summoning them to his office, forcing them to fund some projects, citing the President’s interests.

A graduate of Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University in 1979, Lawal, who was appointed the SFG on August 27, 2015, had

some experience in engineering by working with the Delta Steel Company, Aladja, the Nigerian External Telecommunications Limited and Data Sciences Limited, before his current job, is likely to kiss goodbye to his plum position if the Senate report that indicted him is to be taken seriously by President Buhari. But can the President refuse or fail to do otherwise?

19

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 2016

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

A S

A T

NIBOR 18.5083% 16.6507%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

17.7268% 20.3556%

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

D E C E M B E R ,

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

15.4261% 15.7513% 16.1576%

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

1 6 , 19.2703% 20.6120% 22.3006%

2 0 1 6 EXCHANGE RATE N314.77//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Former NPA ED Dies at 72

INAUGURAL FLIGHT

L-R: Executive Director, Business Development, Med-View Airline, Alhaji Ishaq Na’Allah; President, Federations of African Journalists, Mr. Abdul Waheed Odusile; Managing Director, Liberia Airport Authority, Mr. Bako Freeman; Special Representative of The President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, Ambassador Tunde Ajisomo; Managing Director, Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, and National President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr Bankole Bernard during the inaugural flight of MedView Airline to Monrovia and Freetown ... recently

Nigeria Lost N48bn to Operational Hiccups in Aviation Sector in 2016 Chinedu Eze It has been projected that airlines, air travellers and aviation agencies lost about N48 billion in 2016 to operational hiccups, inadequate supply of aviation fuel and the attendant high prices.

These losses were said to have been incurred by passengers who lost businesses due to flight delays and cancellations; airlines that cancelled flights after expending money on logistics and equipment and aviation agencies that lost accruals on charges because of limited flight traffic due to paucity of the product.

Industry operators who spoke to THISDAY on the condition of anonymity, said that the losses were really difficult to quantify

AVIATION because they made travellers to lose confidence in the airlines, which the travellers had to pay almost double what they used to pay because the airlines have to pass exorbitant prices of aviation fuel to the passengers.

A chief executive officer of one of the airlines, explained: “Honestly we are trying our best to pass the cost of aviation fuel to the passengers; otherwise, we will not be able to operate. We cancelled flight last Sunday. We waited for two hours for aviation fuel, by the time the product came it was late to travel to our destination because that airport does not have airfield lighting so we cannot land there after 6:00 pm. We rescheduled

the flight the following day at extra cost to the airline and the passengers,” he said.

The official noted that flight delays and cancellation make people lose their business appointments, scheduled business meeting and disorganize many other things lined up to be accomplished.

“It has a debilitating effect on the economy. We see huge increases in the cost of aviation fuel and we pass that cost to the customers or we will be out of business. Now passengers are rushing to the airports because of the season, but what happens in January after the Yuletide season?” the official asked.

The Director of Consumer Directorate of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Adamu Abdullahi said pas-

sengers are bearing the brunt of aviation fuel scarcity and high prices.

“The traveller cannot meet up with his appointment.

On international flights their bags are left behind because the aircraft will have to take more fuel and they cannot leave their bags so they wait for them to arrive. The airlines cannot even be held responsible because we have what we call force majure. The aviation fuel scarcity issue is even beyond the aviation industry,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that the essence of travelling by air is the gain the advantage of speed but this is defeated when the passengers spend hours to even board a Continued on page 20

Traders Fault FG on Ban of Vehicles Importation through Land Borders Eromosele Abiodun The Maritime Traders’ Association (MARTA), an amalgamation of importers plying their trade in the port industry in Nigeria, has condemned the federal government’s recent ban of vehicle importation through the land borders.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of MARTA, Roy Chudi Philipson in a chat with THISDSAY described the policy, which comes into effect in January, 2017, as ill-conceived and ill-advised, saying it will fail.

Philipson, who conveyed the feelings of other importers, stated that the policy is tanta-

MARITIME mount to stopping importers from bringing in their vehicles through legitimate borders, saying the importers will then find an alternative of importation through illegitimate borders. ‘’The policy is ill-advised and will be ineffective. It will only result to violent smuggling activities because people will seek an alternative means of bringing in their vehicles through illegitimate borders as government has banned them from taking legitimate borders,” he said.

According to him, our

borders are porous, stressing that we don’t have enough man power in Customs to man the porous borders.

“Even if you deploy all the Customs officers to the land borders, they will still be grossly inadequate to check the menace of smuggling. They will continue to come in and government will continue to lose revenue. The policy will lead to an increase in smuggling and smugglers will become more violent and daring thus putting the lives of Customs at the borders at risks,” he said.

Philipson noted that rather than ban importation of vehicles through the land

borders, government should be more curious to know why importers prefer Cotonou ports to Nigeria’s RORO ports. ‘’Why should people still prefer to use land borders, especially through the unapproved routes, despite all its associated hassles and risks, that means something is wrong with our port system. If government could boost trade, revenue will be boosted, there will be no longer complaint about revenue loss. When there are anti-trade policies, people will run and revenue will go no matter how you try to compel them. What Continued on page 20

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has lost one of its elite port administrators, Major Abiodun Doherty (rtd) who died in Lagos recently after a brief illness. Doherty, who passed on at the age of 72 years, joined the NPA after voluntarily retiring from Nigerian Army. He joined NPA as a Port Manager, Calabar Port where he served from September 1985 to March 1986. He was transferred to the Tin Can Island port in 1986 also as a Port Manager.

He also served at the Container Terminal in that capacity until 1988, when he was posted to the headquarters of the Authority as the Assistant General Manager, Operations and later made the Director of Operations. In 1992, Major Doherty was promoted to the rank of General Manager/ Executive Director, Eastern Zone of the Authority. He was moved to the Western Zone in 1993 in the same capacity. He was there until Dec 14, 1995 when left the services of the NPA. After his retirement, Major Doherty sent into Private business of consultancy and General Merchandise which he did until his demise on October 31, 2016 at private hospital in Lagos.

Left to mourn him, include his wife, Mrs) Obigali and five children, four boys and a girl. Burial arrangements would be announced later by the family. Speaking on the attributes of late Major Doherty, Mr Dele Alabi, who, for more than 20 years, worked closely with him, described major Doherty as a man with a big heart.” Late Doherty hailed from Ehindi Quarters in Iremo Ward in Ile Ife, Osun state.

NIMASA to Partner NIMET

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is set to constitute its partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on meteorological data with a view to ensuring safety of lives and sea. The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside made this disclosure when the Director General of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom and his Management team paid a working visit to the Head Quarters of NIMASA in Lagos. Peterside further disclosed that the Agency is interested in studying meteorological data for ships by way of giving them information, analysing data for ships, dissemination of information and in any other way that meteorological data can aid navigation for safety of lives and vessels on sea. “In pursuit of that mandate, we are ever ready to collaborate with anybody who can be of assistance to us. Without a doubt, by reason of the technical capacity you have in the study of weather analysis of meteorological data, you are definitely useful to us. It is in realisation of that piece of fact that a relationship was initiated sometimes in 2008. “It is in the same realisation that we set out to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between our Agencies in pursuit of common objectives of securing lives and assets at sea, in line with the provisions of SOLAS, particularly Chapter 5, which is an instrument of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)”, the DG said.

Medview Extends Operations

Medview Airline on Tuesday expanded its service to more destinations in theWest African sub region with the commencement of flight operations to Monrovia, Liberia and Freetown, Sierra Leone via Accra Ghana. This was in fulfillment of the airline’s promise to use its ever Accra operations as sub-hub to other countries in the West Coast. The inaugural flight of Medview Airline to the two countries took off from Lagos via Kotoka International Airport, Ghana to Roberts International Airport, Liberia and Freetown International Airport, Sierra Leone. The outbound flights left Lagos to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana to the other two destinations and then back to Lagos via Accra on the inbound flight. Liberia and Sierra Leone welcomed the airline and wished for long-term services, which the Nigerian carrier assured, as the two countries describing the operations as a giant step by Medview towards strengthening regional integration among ECOWAS countries.

At the Roberts International Airport, Liberia where the flight was also warmly received, the Special Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, Ambassador Tunde Ajisomo, described the new operation as a courageous move by Med-View to fill the vacuum created by absence of African airlines plying the West African routes.

“It is important for us, especially those who are sabotaging this economy, breaking pipelines that this is time to stop” Minister of Power,Works and Housing

Mr. Babatunde Fashola

20

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 2016

BUSINESSWORLD NIGERIA LOST N48BN TO OPERATIONAL HICCUPS IN AVIATION SECTOR IN 2016 flight and sometimes the flight is cancelled.

“The airlines don’t make money when aircraft are on the ground. So the airlines are losing and NCAA is also losing because the five percent charge is deducted from the ticket that has already been used,” he said.

A major operator said that although airlines pass the high aviation fuel price to the passengers but they don’t pass everything to the travellers; because if they do the price of air ticket would go beyond the reach of many of the citizens that are currently travelling by air.

“It will be very difficult to put figures on the losses because it is enormous. Every airline that cancels flight has lost the confidence of his passenger.

A passenger who experiences flight cancellation or delay will share his experience with others.

TRADERS FAULT FG ON BAN OF VEHICLES IMPORTATION THROUGH LAND BORDERS you will only succeed in doing is compelling people to go into smuggling and what you get is brutal smuggling,” he stated.

He identified the astronomical increase in terminal charges as one of the major reasons why importers are fleeing the Nigerian ports, especially the auto importers.

He said: “Government must address the issue of high terminal charges. From 2006 when the port concession programme began till now, there has been over 2000 per cent increase in terminal charges and there is no end in sight. Our ports are not competitive. Check the terminal charges in Nigerian ports and that of the neigbouring ports and you will see the difference. It is the terminal operators who make our ports unfriendly and the costliest in the sub –region.”

He noted that it was not Customs duties importers are running away from at the ports but the high terminal charges, saying they still pay Customs duties at the land borders.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

NEWS

NIWA MD: N10bn Inland Ports Costing to be Completed Soon Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Boss Mustaph has said that the three river ports, with contract estimate of over N10 billion naira are nearing completion.

Addressing journalist in Lokoja, he said the Lokoja River port at Akpanya, Jamata, Kogi State, awarded at the cost of N4, 112,346,572, being handled by Inter-Bau Construction Ltd, has reached 58 percent completion, adding that the project has recorded substantial progress with reclamation/sand filing of the port area, installation of steel sheet and piles for the port quay wall and access road completed.

Other river port projects at different completion stages include: Baro, in Niger StateN3, 563,449,248 (98 percent); Oguta- N2,743,625,787.15 and the Onitsha River port project.

He however noted that the Oguta River port project which stands at 70 percent completion, was being delayed “because there no appropriation for it in the last two years”.

Boss also noted that NIWA was set to harness the over 10,000 kilometres waterways in Nigeria, with over 1,000 kilometres of coastal water, pointing out that 28 out of the 36 states can be accessed by water, while a lot of communi-

ties have their entire activities revolve around waterways.

He disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has assured of his interest in the waterways and was determined to support it (NIWA) to realize its full potential for the nation.

His words: “I am saying this so that we realise the strategic position in which we find

ourselves at this very point in time. It is strategic because I can say without fear or doubt in my heart that if President Buhari does not change the fortunes of inland waterways in Nigeria, I don’t see any other leader that can come and carry the same burden andpassion to do that”.

On the Legal framework of

NIWA, Boss said the NIWA Act which has in the past gone through several attempt at amendment but with little or no success has finally gone through the 1st and 2nd reading and a Public Hearing.

According to him, the bill has been laid before the Senate for the 3rd and final reading saying the new NIWA bill was

to address three fundamental issues namely to enhance the enforcement capacity of the Authority, to make the Authority financially buoyant and independent and to finally address the operational/ jurisdictional conflict with sister Parastatals, Agencies and State Governments on one hand and NIWA on the other hand.

LUCKY WINNER

L-R. Head, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Zone, Joshua Ngada; General Manager, Mass Market Segment, Dipo Jolaosho; N10million cash prize winner, Oluwasegun Adesanya; Regional Operations Director, Lagos Region, Airtel Nigeria, Oladokun Oye and Zonal Cordinator, Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission, Fidelis Ajibogun, at the Airtel Red Hot promo prize presentation held in Lagos ... recently

Edo to Commence Contributory Pension Scheme in 2017 Adibe Emenyonu in Benin city Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said the state government, effective from January 1, 2017, will commence the contributory pensions scheme for state workers to mitigate the challenges being faced by pensioners.

Governor Obaseki made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday in Government house.

He assured the union leaders that by the end of his tenure, the State Government would have resolved all the teething problems about payment of pensions and gratuities of workers in the state.

According to him, “The issue of pension is one that we will deal with. So, in this year’s budget, what I have said is,

effective January 1, all of us will now move into the contributory pension arrangement. ``So that by the grace of God, the next generation of teachers will not go through what you are going through now. `That is, the pension money is already there. it’s automatic.

You know the money that is to be converted to annuities and there are liabilities while the bulk sum is paid to them.

“I was part of that arrangement when Obasanjo set up the pension committee to review the pension system. So, by the grace of God, effective January 1, we are cutting everybody over. `And we have made a provision in the budget for that monthly contribution. I think the contribution monthly is 15%; 10% on behalf of government and 5% on behalf of you. ``So, of everything you earn, we put 15% aside every month

until you retire. And that money is being managed.”

Obaseki said government had already earmarked the sum of N6 billion for the pension scheme.

“But for the legacy issues, for people who were not qualified to cut over, because this is not going to affect people who are five years and above in service. ``We also have provided money because this is a problem which has accumulated over a period of time. It is not a problem you can resolve over-night. ``But because of our commitment, we said, let’s put some money aside. And in this year’s budget, we are putting about N6 billion. ``We will not solve all of it, but it’s a good start. If we are able to put this kind of amount every year for the next five years, we will clean

out all arrears, both gratuities and pensions,’’ he said. For the governor, ``it is a plan we have and by the grace of God, by the end of my tenure, we would have addressed if not resolved the pension problems totally.”

The Governor also noted that human element was being given attention by his administration.

“If you listened to my budget yesterday, I did emphasise that we want to pay more attention to the human element, the social issues in our society because in a recession like this, it’s the human beings that are mostly affected. ``So, we cannot ignore their plight. We want to build infrastructure, we want to do many things, but people must live first before they can use infrastructure. ``So, that is one area we are concerned about. And thanks to

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also concerned about this . ``And one of his strategies is how to swim our way out of recession in a very sensible and logical manner.”

Obaseki appreciated the massive support from teachers during the last election, saying “I am truly grateful to you and your members for the unprecedented support that all of you gave to me during the electioneering. ``That I am Governor today, that was largely determined by you. So, if I succeed, it is your success. So, I am not surprised that you came to pledge your loyalty because you elected me to be your Governor. ``And I know that you will do everything to make sure that I succeed as Governor. For that I want to thank you.”

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

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

Candel Rewards Farmers with Cash, Consolation Prizes Ugo Aliogo As part of efforts to improve the welfare of farmers in the country and promote cleanliness in the environment, Candel Company Limited has rewarded farmers who have been loyal to its brand with cash and consolation prizes.

Speaking at the Candel Clean Farms Project, ‘Be a

Millionaire Promo’ in Lagos, the Managing Director of the company, Emmanuel Kattie, said in line with global best practices, the company earlier this year launched the project as part of its drive to rid the farms of herbicides, bottles and remnants of agrochemicals, which pose significant health hazards to the ecosystem.

He noted that the clean farms project encourages farmers to

return empty bottles of used candel products such as Delsate, Tackle, Phyto-General, OrizoPlus and Paraq and get financially rewarded, adding that through the process the company is not only committed to keeping the environment clean, but also enhancing the welfare of farmers across the country.

Kattie added: “On November 30, we were witnessed the grand finale draw of the

Candel Cleanfarms Project Be a Millionaire Promotion, during which the star Prize winner of the sum of 1,000,000 (One million naira) emerged together with two tricycles and 8 generators to the delight of everyone present.

“The grand finale draw which was the sixth of the monthly draws concluded the first season of the Candel Cleanfarms Be a Millionaire

Promotion with a total of 61 winners, which included, 1 Star Prize winner of the sum of N1,000,000 as earlier stated, 12 winners of brand new tricycles and 48 winners of brand new generators sets, all drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country. The essence of the award is to ensure that farmers behave responsibly, while ensuring their actions are environment friendly.”

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Amadeus Introduces Credit Card Payments System Via GDS Chinedu Eze Amadeus, the leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry has collaborated and partnered with industry players to make the use of credit card payments through the Global Distribution System (GDS) possible. The company obtained the necessary billing and settlement plan (BSP) certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on the usage of credit cards for payment of travel services through the Amadeus system in Nigeria and Ghana, making it the first GDS to accept credit card payments.

“Our goal is to offer our travel agencies solutions that will make their business operations more efficient. We are the first GDS to enable credit card payments, which bring numerous cash flow

benefits to our travel agency customers. Sales no longer have to be reported as cash and travel agents will benefit from a reduction in their BSP remittance which translates into a lower bank guarantee requested by IATA,” the General Manager of Amadeus, Nigeria and Ghana, Yann Gilbert explained.

He projected that by 2018 the total number of payment cards in Nigeria would hit anywhere above 81.4 million, and Nigerian travellers are increasingly demanding to use credit cards when paying for services from their travel agents. According to the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, “Travel agencies need a partner they can trust and that can support them in critical areas of their business and the implementation of

credit cards through Amadeus as a form of payment is a significant milestone for Nigerian travel agents and travellers alike.”

Amadeus entered Africa in 1992 when it signed a distribution agreement with Air Mauritius and today is present in 100 percent of the territory across 48 countries.

Since 2009, it has become the leading Global Distribution System and have six regional hubs based in Johannesburg, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

The Amadeus group employs about 14,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations), as well as over 70 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations globally and has a presence in more than 190 countries.

Arik Gets European Aviation Safety Agency’s Authorisation Major Nigerian carrier, Arik Air, has received the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Third Country Operators (TCO) Authorisation to fly into any European Union (EU) country.

Arik Air is among the 590 global airline operators that successfully completed the stringent certification process before the November 26, 2016 deadline, given by EASA. TCO authorisation is a requirement for all non-European Union registered commercial operators that fly to EU countries under the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and an airline is given the authorisation after meeting a stringent safety and security standards. The TCO is obtained from EASA after the agency has scrutinised the airline’s manuals and after the airline has scaled its regulations, which may include an interview.

Only very few airlines have the authorisation in Africa and Arik Air is the only airline that has TCO in West Africa, which enables it to operate to any part of Europe, according to the Bilateral Air Service Agreement

(BASA) the airline has with individual countries.

In the past, airline operators were required to apply for operating permits from each European country. EASA came up with new requirements in 2014 which stipulated that any airline operator from outside the EU flying into the EU must fulfill stringent safety, security, quality and operational requirements and comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standards by the 26th of November, 2016 which was set as the deadline to complete this audit for Authorisation.

Under the new rule, the “EASA TCO” approval is a single Safety Authorisation valid in all EASA member states and outlying territories and after this deadline, airlines from non-EU countries would not be permitted to operate into the EU without this authorisation.

This stringent and rigorous audit involves EASA scrutinising the operational procedures and documentation of the airline to assess its operational capabilities.

Over 700 Non-EU airline operators applied for this certification when the new requirement was introduced in 2014. After the stringent audit, EASA has approved only 590 operators including Arik Air as the only airline from Nigeria and no other major scheduled airline operator has this certification in the West and Central African region. Commenting on this achievement, Arik Air’s Executive Vice President, Mr. Chris Ndulue said the certification is a further testament to the airline’s high maintenance, security, safety and operational standards.

“This certification is a testimony of our commitment as a quality airline, consistently adhering and operating to international safety and operational standards”, Ndulue stated.

Arik Air is also the only Nigerian airline to have received the Part 129 approval from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which enables the airline to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft to the USA.

FAAN Embarks on Rehabilitation, Repositioning of Nation’s Airports The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has embarked on the rehabilitation of airports facilities and repositioning the major terminals to provide better service and improve the comfort of the passengers and other airports users.

The agency made it a policy that all the major airports in the country must switch over to generators during aircraft landing to avoid power outage at critical moments when aircraft lands or taxies to the terminal.

To ensure effective implementation, FAAN has fortified electricity supply to the major airports by acquiring power

generators at the Lagos and Abuja airports and has put to an end incessant power disruption caused by reliance on public power supply.

The agency is also reviewing the cleaning contracts to ensure more efficient service delivery by firms contracted to keep the toilets at the terminals clean, as the cleaners are directed to clean the toilets after every use.

In terms of security, the agency has also fortified security at all the airports in the country with military personnel and armored personnel carriers (APC), which are stationed at strategic

places to observe activities at the airport.

FAAN has eliminated touts at the Lagos and Abuja airports and to sustain this effort, it has detailed security personnel to ensure that individuals who do not have anything to do at the airport should not be allowed to go there. This has improved passenger facilitation, making the airport terminals more secure.

The acting General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu confirmed that most of the touts who mill around the Lagos and Abuja airports have been driven out of the terminals.

AIR WATCH Perennial Aviation Fuel Scarcity

Fuel Bowser

N

igerian airlines faced two major problems in 2016. The first was lack of forex and the second, inadequate supply of aviation fuel. Technically, lack of forex has also contributed to the paucity of the product, also known as Jet A1, as oil marketers who import the fuel said they were unable to secure enough dollars to bring the product in large quantities to meet airlines’ demand.

Recently, the marketers said they requested for more forex from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to give them more dollars but their request was not met by the apex bank, a situation which made it impossible for them to import enough aviation fuel to meet airlines’ demand. Meanwhile, there is enough kerosene and petrol, which explains why there has not been any report of scarcity of the products, except aviation fuel.

But many industry observers had countered the argument, noting that even before recession, when there was enough foreign exchange in the years past, oil marketers never imported aviation fuel to meet airlines demand at a good price, insisting that the marketers always make the supply inadequate in order to keep the price higher than what obtains in other countries in West and Central Africa, which are also importing the product.

Presently, acute scarcity of the product has eroded airline operation. The product is presently sold in Lagos at minimum of N240 per litre and as high as N310 per litre in order parts of the country.

The paucity of the product has led to flight cancellation and delays. Sometimes angry passengers become violent because they could not understand why airlines should schedule a flight and later cancel it, often times, without notifying passengers.

THISDAY investigations revealed that those behind the public address system at the airports do not tell passengers that airline cancelled flight because it could not get aviation fuel. The management the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has it as policy that passengers should not be told that an airline cancelled flight because it could not source aviation fuel to operate its equipment. According to the agency, saying that would amount to criticising government, which put a faulty system that made it inevitable that aviation fuel and other petroleum products are imported.

Investigations also revealed that smaller airlines easily buy fuel to operate their flights because their requirement is limited. For example, 100,000 litres of aviation fuel can serve Dana Air for days to provide efficient flight services to its passengers. That volume of the product can also ensure that Air Peace operates all its flights a day. But Medview airline, which also operates international destinations needs over 300, 000 litres of aviation fuel to operate its flights.

Arik Air, which operates 70 percent of all the domestic flights, faces a bigger challenge.

Its flight to New York takes 98, 000 litres of Jet A1, which means that volume, can only serve one international flight. To operate its flight to London, Arik Air needs 60, 000 litres of aviation fuel and flights to Accra, Ghana and Abidjan in Ivory Coats

would cost the airline, additional 40,000 litres.

“So what we need this Yuletide season is about 800,000 or more litres of Jet A1 for us to operate 140 flights daily. On normal days we operate 100 to 120 flights a day but during Christmas we operate over 140 flights a day. But because of inadequate supply of aviation fuel we operate between 70 to 80 flights daily so we are forced to cancel and delay flights. And because we are European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) certified airline, we don’t just buy fuel from any marketer. We patronise internationally recognised marketers like Total, MRS and Sahara. We have our insurance, which stipulates our quality,” said a source from the airline.

So for most of the airlines to be delaying flights or even cancelling flights means that the scarcity has become so acute that it could paralyse domestic air travel and international airlines would have to source Jet A1 from neighbouring African countries as they have been doing for months now.

The impact of the scarcity has forced airfares up to over 200 percent increase and still rising.

The scarcity has also caused uncertainty because a traveller who is rushing to the airport to meet the schedule of his flight may on arrival spend two or more hours before he could board his flight.

He may even wait that long and the flight would be cancelled. But the public announcer may not tell him that the flight was cancelled because the airline could not source fuel; rather she would say “due to operational reasons”. Imagine how angry that passenger would feel? That is what has given rise to the current air rage experienced recently at the airports.

So what the airlines do is to send messages to passengers, depending on the promise of supply.

When they are sure that certain volume of fuel would be supplied they earmark the number of flights they would operate. But unfortunately, sometimes the marketers do not fulfill their promise and even the scheduled flight would be cancelled.

THISDAY also learnt that the marketers prefer to sell to foreign airlines that pay in dollars, which is a very scarce commodity in Nigeria right now.

However, there is hope. THISDAY learnt that last Thursday the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which could not withstand the shenanigans of oil marketers any more, decided to import 125 tons of aviation fuel from Ivory Coast (Cote d ’Ivoire) and it is expected that by this weekend, the product would start arriving Nigeria. But there are key issues that might cause further delay. One, instead of getting a vessel that would bring in the whole consignment once, NNPC chose small vessel that could take 8000 tons at a time, so the vessel would bring the product in three consignments.

One of the reasons why aviation fuel has not been available, THISDAY learnt, was the there is priority that petrol and kerosene should be discharged first before aviation fuel, which is considered as product of the elites.

Industry operators agree that permanent solution to aviation fuel scarcity is local refining of the product; that the present epileptic supply would continue until when Nigeria would begin to refine the product locally.

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Impact of Weather Conditions on Air Safety Dry dust and haze usually welcome the dry season in Nigeria with its attendant adverse effect on flights. Chinedu Eze x-rays weather conditions in the country and how they affect air transportation safety According to Livescience, the disappearance of an Air France jet that hit a patch of thunderstorms and lightning over the Atlantic Ocean in 2009 raised questions about the aviation threats that natural hazards pose and how dangerous they are.

Air France Flight 447 left Rio de Janeiro heading for Paris May 31, 2009 carrying 228 people, according to news reports. The last contact with the plane came just after it hit a rough patch of weather and signaled a possible electrical malfunction.

Some officials then said a lightning strike could have disabled the plane and described it as a rare incident, though there are several other weather phenomena that pilots must be wary of. In Nigeria there was the well-known Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145, which crashed on December 10, 2005 at the Port Harcourt International Airport and the cause was attributed to missed approach due to pilot error aggravated by low level wind shear. It killed 108 passengers and crew, including a lot of children.

In 1973 there was the most tragic disaster in Nigeria air transport history, known as the Kano Air disaster involving Boeing 707 on January 22, 1973, which crashed while attempting to land at Kano International Airport, killing over 176 passengers and the crew. The crash was attributed to bad weather.

Also, there was the ADC Flight 53 on October 29, 2006, which crashed shortly after takeoff from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, killing 105 passengers and five-crew. It was also attributed to low-level wind shear.

In fact, many industry experts said that weather was responsible or contributed significantly to many of the air accidents that happened in Nigeria. These accidents prompted the federal government to prioritise the development of weather infrastructure at the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

In a paper he presented recently to mark the convocation ceremony at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the Director-General of NiMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom gave an insight into weather changes in Nigeria and why Nigeria is highly vulnerable to Climate Change based on the Maplesoft Climate Change Vulnerability Index, which places the country as the 3rd most vulnerable country in the world. He said “this is an issue of serious concern that requires decisive and coordinated action.”

Reduction of Greenhouse Emissions Anuforom served as a member of the Presidential Committee that finalised Nigeria’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to Reduction in Green Gas Emission (INDC) before its submission in 2015. His major contribution was to highlight the need to include Adaptation component in Nigeria’s INDC. According to him, this position was based on the fact that Nigeria had been identified to be among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to Climate Change. (By 2015 Assessment Nigeria ranked as the 3rd most vulnerable country to Climate Change).

“Furthermore, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari had, at various fora stated the commitment of his administration to combating Climate Change. In his address at the 70th General Assembly of the UN in September 2015, he made the following pronouncement, among others while contributing to the discussion on combating climate change: “To address these negative effects, we have developed a national policy to guide Nigeria’s response to climate change. Our response is broadly based on the twin strategy of mitigation and adaptation.”

Mr. President further stated that: “The Paris agreement should be rules-based, predictable, and robust to adequately address climate change vulnerabilities. It is essential that the least developing countries and small island developing states receive the institutional capacity support for mitigation, adaptation, gender and climate change linkages towards building a sustainable

Anuforom

environment.”

Anuforom said In the light of the above, the Committee included Adaptation in addition to Mitigation to the Nigeria’s INDC. Mitigation Strategies and Adaptation The Director General said that the adaptation component of Nigeria’s INDC is derived largely from the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action for Climate Change Nigeria (NASPA-CCN) and that the goal of the adaptation component spells out actions to be taken to reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts, minimise risks, increasing resilience, improving adaptive capacity, leveraging on new opportunities and facilitating collaboration within the country as well as the global community.

“The INDC outlines adaptation strategies for 13 sectors, namely: agriculture (Crop and Livestock), water Resources (Fresh and Coastal), forestry, biodiversity, health and sanitation, energy, human settlement and housing. There are also transportation and communication, industry and commerce; disaster management, migration and security, livelihoods, vulnerable groups and education “Weather observation and forecasting, as well as other climate services provided by NiMet are required for implementing the strategies set out for most of the sectors,” Anuforom said.

Accurate Weather Report According to pilots and air traffic controllers, Nigeria has improved significantly in providing accurate weather reports. After the tragic crashes of 2005 and 2006 the federal government started investing money in the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and started the acquisition of modern weather equipment like the Doppler Weather radar and other weather infrastructure that international carriers no more depended on satellite to get weather reports related to Nigeria.

They now rely on NiMET. In accurate weather report, Dr Anuforom said although the development is still ongoing, the level so far attained in weather forecasting by NiMet enables it to extend its services beyond Nigeria to other countries in the ECOWAS subregion. Presently the Agency produces daily TV

weather forecasts for Sierra Leon and Liberia.

This is in addition to the training of weather observers and forecasters for these and other English-speaking African countries.

He said that /the meteorological services that started with weather observation at Akassa and Lagos in the late 19th century has grown into what is now NiMet with a network of fifty-four synoptic stations operating at international standards. He said that the purpose of observing weather and collecting data is to, among other things; predict what the conditions will be at a future time, explaining that weather forecasting is the process of predicting the changes that may occur in the state of atmosphere over a certain period and the likely conditions at a future time ranging from hours to days.

“The weather forecast information an airline pilot needs to fly an aircraft safely from one airport to another is different from that needed by a merchant ship captain or the forecast information needed by a farmer to decide the most appropriate time to apply fertilizer in the farm. This is because a given weather parameter may be more relevant to some aspects of weather sensitive activities than others.

“For instance, while pressure, visibility, wind speed and direction are necessary forecast information for the takeoff and landing of an aircraft, they are not directly relevant to farming. Rather the rainfall and sunshine are more important for farming. In keeping with the Agency’s mandate, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) produces weather forecasts to meet the specific needs and demands of all sectors.”

Adherence to Weather Reports Industry observers said there was a time Nigeria pilots and others who operate into Nigerian airspace were not depending on local weather reports because of the question on their reliability. But that time had long gone. Now, all the international carriers and over fliers who pass Nigerian airspace to other destinations rely on NiMET weather reports.

Anuforom said that with advancements in computing and ICT infrastructure, the weather forecasting procedure in NiMet has become highly modernized in the past few years. He

said modern technology has eliminated the stress of manual data collection and analysis before a forecast is generated. He noted that the contemporary practice involves the use of supercomputers to produce Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Models.

“These models provide surface and upper air simulated data at various significant levels in time steps of three hours. Depending on the time of the forecast, the forecaster is at liberty to download these NWP products which provide a variety of information on the state of the atmosphere, e.g.: upper level winds, temperature, humidity, divergence, pressure, vorticity, vertical velocity, geopotential heights, CAPE, etc.

“All these variables are available from different NWP Model Centres, such as European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF), U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Meteo France, UK Met, Duetscher Wetterdienst (DWD) (German Weather Service), etc,’’ Anuforom said.

The Director General stated that NiMet presently uses the Consortium for Smallscale Modeling (COSMO) Model to make forecast with spatial resolution of 7 km and 72-hour lead time, which is also being used by our marine meteorology unit to produce forecasts for the maritime sector, adding that the capacity of COSMO model to generate point forecasts has been put into practical use by NiMet. “In 2015 there were concerns that the type of devastating flood experienced in Nigeria in 2012 could reoccur. In addition to the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction NiMet had issued earlier in the year, the agency commenced the use of NWP using the COSMO model to monitor rainfall and make forecasts with 72-hour lead-time, at locations upstream.

“The 2012 flood was one of the worst weatherrelated disasters in Nigeria. It directly affected 30 States in Nigeria, killed 363, injured 5,851 and displaced 3,871,053 persons. The total value of destroyed physical and durable assets caused by the floods in the most affected states was estimated to have reached N1.48 trillion.

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Bernard: Scarcity of Aviation Fuel is Artificially Created The President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Bankole Bernard said the economic downturn has caused setbacks in air travel, noting however that the country can boost foreign exchange by developing tourism. He spoke to Chinedu Eze. Excerpts: What is your review of travel agencies performance since last year, looking at the impact of recession and the low value of the Naira?

Travel agency business in Nigeria has suffered a lot of setbacks as a result of many things and one of the most critical parts of it is the inability of foreign airlines to remit their funds.

The terrible runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja equally contributed in some airlines taking some safety measures to stop plying that route.

So what happened is that some of the airlines have brought aircraft with smaller capacity compared to the ones they were operating to different destination in Nigeria before. This means that demand still outweighs supply. The truth is, if the capacity that we used to have is still there, it means that things should balance up because the demand will meet the supply, but now demand outweighs supply. This has led to the high cost of tickets.

Everyday passengers are crying that the prices of tickets are too high but they don’t have a choice because there is no alternative for them.

Even as at today you cannot book a seat on Medview Airline that is going to London. It is full. So that is the challenge we have had between last year and this year.

This is why we have been clamouring for government to look into this problem by making sure that certain level of concession is given to the aviation industry when it comes to forex request. That way it will bring some sort of relief to the passengers and enable people like us to still stay in business.

There have been agitation in the industry that government should introduce a policy that will enable foreign carriers to code-share with Nigerian airlines that have met the given international safety standards. Do you agree with that?

The truth is that this is business. Government does not have any business interfering in business. All they need to do is to formulate policies and guidelines that will make it suitable for our local carriers to survive in the international market. For instance in Britain, the British government would always give concession to the British carriers so that they can remain competitive, at least on that route.

It is the same thing in America; the US will give concession to their carriers. This is what is expected from our government. They don’t need to force anybody to code-share or not to code-share. Where the standard is good and the service is great, trust me, they will not have a choice than to code-share.

For instance, let’s look at it this way. If we have a national carrier that can go to Benin, Sokoto, Maiduguri and others; British Airways cannot fly those routes; it is only Nigerian carrier that can operate, for example, LondonSokoto, London Benin etc. in Britain they sell air ticket in conjunction with rail. So you can take British Airways and take a rail that will take you to your final destination. Those are part of the added value that British Airways give to its passengers coming into their country.

So what happened is that some of the airlines have brought aircraft with smaller capacity compared to the ones they were operating to different destination in Nigeria before. This means that demand still outweighs supply

Bernard

This could also be done in Nigeria if we have a national carrier.

Paucity of aviation fuel is threatening to paralyse air operation in Nigerian and it is also affecting international carriers.

What is your suggestion for a permanent solution?

I will be honest with you. It is pure insincerity on the part of the marketers. Those that they engage to make this product available.

If they make it an open market for all, under proper regulations, people can take up that business of supplying enough product to meet the demand so there wont be suffering like this. When you look at the marketers, they are very few so they are holding the entire industry to ransom. What is the big deal? As a matter of fact, I don’t see the reason why aviation fuel should not be available.

Every time they will say it is because they are not getting foreign exchange from the government. Cant the government make an arrangement for them to do a sort of crude swap that will enable them to bring in Jet A1. Let us create bigger, better farm tanks that will be a reservoir that can take supply, which can last for two, three months. But this is not what we are seeing; what we are seeing is everybody holding the country to ransom. When you ask them why aviation fuel is costly they will say bridging has made

the cost of aviation fuel very high. Guess what, they don’t have aviation shortage in Ghana.

Why? Does it mean their demand is less than ours? I think in this country government has to start holding people responsible for their actions. Everybody does what he likes and gets away with it. If you were given a licence to perform and you are not performing you should be withdrawn and let other people take that challenge and see if they will not do it a lot better. The shortage of aviation fuel is artificially created, so that the marketers could make more money and it is unfair on the industry and it is unfair on the masses.

What do you think Nigerian government should do to enhance tourism?

To the best of my knowledge I think government has not shown sincerity in the area of tourism. If you really want tourism to develop, there are certain steps that you will take and the entire world will know truly that you wan to develop this aspect of the economy. For example, a government that wants to develop tourism cannot scrap the Ministry of Tourism.

Now you have left tourism in the hand of a man that has so much to deal with. This is a man that has Information to deal with, a man that has Culture to deal with, the man that has National Orientation to deal with, before he gets to tourism. So tourism has been left at the back burner, so if it is at the back

burner and you desire growth there; I don’t see serious growth coming from that sector.

And we know that the only area that can complement tourism is travel. And when we talk about travel we are referring to air transport, which is the aviation industry. When we put our aviation industry in perfect shape; then we will see the growth that is desired in that tourism industry. I don’t see the reason why Mr. President cannot put tourism in the hands of the man that is managing aviation because he balances up the portfolio.

I sincerely believe that aviation and tourism should be under one portfolio that should be managed by one Minister. Whoever Mr. President will be made the Minister, it will be fine by us.

This necessary so that the person can see the benefits both the sectors can bring onboard.

That way tourism will thrive in our country.

Tell me one country in Africa that has shown seriousness about tourism that does not have a robust aviation industry. South Africa Airways are promoting South Africa tourism, so everything is complementing one another. Every time you see South Airways you see South Africa tourism. Why? Because they believe they have to work hand in hand to grow the sector. Go to Rwanda and you see they have a very good carrier, Rwand Air; go to Dubai, they have Emirates Airlines; they Continued on page 24

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BERNARD: SCARCITY OF AVIATION FUEL IS ARTIFICIALLY CREATED I sincerely believe that aviation and tourism should be under one portfolio that should be managed by one Minister. Whoever Mr. President will be made the Minister, it will be fine by us. This necessary so that the person can see the benefits both the sectors can bring onboard reward of tourism comes in indirectly. You invest in it and you get the result indirectly.

This is because all the people involved have to pay their taxes; their business will grow and government stands to benefit at the end of the day. That is what tourism is all about. So NANTA has the capacity to help government develop this area and that is why NANTA has become so visible in the last two months. And we will continue to make our points known until government comes to terms with it.

Bernard

have Emirates Holiday and they have Dubai Tourism. If you go to Kenya you will see Kenya Airways that is working hand in hand with Kenya Tourism board. So, invariably one Minister can hold both portfolios conveniently.

The aviation industry will ride on the back of tourism and tourism will ride perfectly on aviation. Since we are in recession, we have said it many times that tourism is one of the low hanging fruits that can easily take us out of this recession.

Agriculture is going to take a longer gestation period; manufacturing will take a longer period, but tourism will take a very short period and what do we need to do, put our aviation industry together and marry the two sectors together. We should start developing our local tourist attraction and we are there.

Starting from Lagos, what is the tourism potential we have in Nigeria and what do you think is the projected income we could earn if these potential is harnessed?

Over the years many foreigners come to Lagos, Nigeria to work. Lagos still remains the commercial nerve of the country because we have a seaport and we have a lot of commercial activities going on here, followed by other states round the country. Lagos has a lot of potential for tourism. Why do I say so, because it is by the seashore? What have we done with our Bar Beach and all the seafront that we could turn into money spinning facility? We haven’t really look at it and every time the government wants to look into it nothing much is realised.

Why can’t government allow people to bid for it so that it will be given to the private sector? Whether foreign or local bidder, let them choose and let it be properly managed so that government will take its hands off it.

Government does not have business going into commercial activities. This is what is killing us; government should continue to formulate policies. They are not business people; they are policy markers.

They formulate policies that create enabling environment for business to thrive. Now, when those foreigners come around, they don’t have anywhere to go to? Apart from those who do their business and go, have we created an atmosphere where he can go and spend extra dollars. What it means is that when he comes to Nigeria, whatever hard currency he had he will take it back because there is nothing to spend it on. There is nothing. Who is creating awareness? That is what I would have expected Lagos tourism board to be doing by promoting those potential tourism areas.

When all these are done Lagos will start to benefit from tourism. It is the same thing with

Ogun state; that is, Lagos’ neighbor. It has a lot of potential as well. They should not allow this potential to remain unexplored.

We need to do something about it. What do we need to do about it? Show some seriousness that you are committed to developing these places, not just by word, but by action. Look at Badagry. What have we done with it? Have we created good roads that will make people conveniently go to Badagry or the beach? They have potential but that potential is not being exploited. The moment government shows seriousness about tourism in Lagos it becomes another money-spinner for the state. Recently they created One Lagos platform, after creating it they had a mega show and everything went quiet again. Money has been wasted; it has gone quiet.

There is always this allegation that Nigerian travel agencies only promote outbound travel; that they do not encourage inbound travel?

Yes, I agree with you completely because we are business minded people and we only do business that brings profits to our pockets.

Now, South Africa tourism is here in Nigeria encouraging us to promote South Africa and we see the benefits that come to us. There is tourism here in Nigeria, promote it. Gambia tourism is here promoting Gambia. Please tell me, what is our tourism board promoting?

Are they talking to travel agencies? Do they even know the number of travel agencies?

Do they have our database, do they work closely with us for them to understand what and what they should do. If they have not done all that then they have not shown any seriousness. If they really want to develop domestic tourism then we need seriousness on the part of government. We are crying for it. I will tell you something.

As it stands today, the first television station in Africa is in Ibadan. Who has promoted it?

Do you know why nobody is promoting it?

It is because it is in the hands of government.

But if there is a private, public partnership agreement and if the television house is given to me, I will sell it to the rest of the world and I will tell them, come and see the first television station in Africa and everybody will come and look at it.

We have the first and biggest Cathedral in Nigeria in Abeokuta but who is creating the awareness? Nobody. The US and other developed countries are still promoting their countries till tomorrow. They are asking you to come and see what they have. What are we telling people to come and see in Nigeria?

In the last three years how has NANTA evolved and what do you intend to make of the association?

Well, NANTA has been existing since the last 43 years and it has had its ups and downs and for me being young and vibrant and being able to have done business successfully, I believe that it is time to give to the association that has been responsible for all of us and that is why I took the mantle of leadership of the association. And ever since I took the leadership of NANTA I have been coming up with ideas that will project the image of association. We need to show that this is the body that is responsible for all travel agencies in Nigeria. This body is a pressure group and not a union. It is a pressure group that will be able to speak to the government, advise the government on where the shoe pinches, how it affects our business, how it affects travel and our economy and tell government how travel is done in everywhere around the world we have gone to. And how things should be done in our market and that is what NANTA has been doing.

NANTA has been striving to reposition itself to become extremely relevant when it comes to travel and tourism in Nigeria and ever since I took over I have visited all the zones because as it stands today we have over 6000 members are spread across Nigeria and we have five zones. We have the northern zone, which is in Kano; we have Abuja zone, we have eastern zone that is in Port Harcourt, we have western zone that is in Ibadan then we have Lagos zone. In these five zones we have vice-presidents who work closely with me and we are developing and creating awareness among our members and among our locals; that look, your travel agency has a lot to offer and will make it not only easy for you but we can easily promote domestic tourism.

I can imagine the government working closely with the travel agencies tourism will develop and sell faster than any other thing because our members will all be out promoting Nigeria and promoting what we have in all those states. Why won’t we be able to make money from it? But just like I have said, there is no sincerity on the part of government.

The tourism board is not doing anything.

The commissioner of tourism in each of those states is not taking tourism seriously. The state governors do not understand or see potential in tourism and as long as they don’t see it, there is no how they can harness it. They will look at it and say they have been pumping money into it without seeing a thing. The

Do you think having a national carrier will strengthen domestic air travel and also give Nigeria the opportunity to be a major player in the international market?

National carrier is a laudable idea, but you see, just like the domestic carrier that we have now and the challenges they are going through.

The national carrier will suffer the same if we do not create an enabling environment for it to survive. We have to create an environment that will make the national carrier to survive, that will also make domestic carriers to survive; then we will see a true growth in the aviation industry. The foreign airlines that are coming into Nigeria, mind you, Nigeria is not the only route they fly and you know what they do?

They get a lot of support from their government.

There is what we call comparative advantage.

The comparative advantage that British Airways has is the fact that it originated from UK. The comparative advantage Nigerian carriers should have is the fact that they are originating from Nigeria. So it gives them leverage over others.

It gives them an advantage over others.

In Dubai they carved out a terminal for Emirates and at Heathrow, London they carved out a terminal for British Airways and these terminals are well built to their specification.

So are we going to have a national carrier that will be using the international terminal that is looking like a dead zone and the passengers will go through that? No. Let us have a national carrier. We need to renew our policies in the aviation industry that will help that national carrier to survive in the midst of stiff competition.

What is your reaction to the present campaign for the concession of airports?

I am completely not against airport concession.

It is a laudable move. Do you know that Gatwick Airport London was actually concessioned to a Nigerian? And they did not have reasons to complain and it is a Nigerian that is managing it. Why cant we concession our airports, even if it is a foreigner that is going to manage it. If they are the ones that have the funds, if they are the ones that will put them into good shape, please let us give it to them.

Let us ensure that we are giving it to a competent hand. Let us take politics out of it.

Let us give it to a competent hand that will be able to manage it effectively and take away the shame and reproach our present terminals bring to us. It will take away the embarrassment. If we allow the concession to happen, I will tell you there will be no loss of jobs. It is the quality of the people that will work there that will matter.

If they are qualified and they are skilled they will get the job. I will tell you the airport will even employ more because it means that every apparatus an airport needs will now be there and everybody will be better for it. So I am in full support of the airport concession.

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Of Bala-Usman’s Reforms at NPA Eromosele Abiodun who sampled the opinions of top players in the maritime sector, posits that with the measures put in place by the MD of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, in her first 100 days in office, the future is bright for the Nigerian Ports Authority and the maritime sector as a whole

Bala Usman with officials of NPA on a tour of Lagos Port Complex

On July 12 this year, THISDAY exclusively reported that President Muhammadu Buhari was considering the then Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Ms HAdiza Bala-Usman as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

A day after THISDAY’s exclusive report, Bala-Usman was announced by the presidency as the new head of the NPA. The news of her appointment rattled the maritime sector as many feared the radical change the co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) will bring to the industry.

Some critics had argued that she did not have the experience to run such a huge enterprise having only worked at the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) before being appointed chief of staff to the Kaduna state governor.

Some critics were not convinced that Usman possesses the required skill and experience to pilot the affairs of such extensive and multifaceted organisation.

However, all the doubts may have now been put to rest as the NPA boss has in a short time in office achieved what took her predecessors long time to achieve.

Top industry players believe the maritime sector will never be the same again given the reform embarked upon by the NPA under the leadership of Bala-Usman.

Stakeholders’ View For instance, the Executive Vice Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, operators of Terminals C and D of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa and Chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup told THISDAY that Bala-Usman has turned around the sector for good.

In an interview with THISDAY, Haastrup said: “I not surprised that she has done well in just a few days. I have checked her record and she is an exceptionally intelligent woman right from when she was at the BPE. I have asked people who had working relationship with her and they have all spoken well of her.

“From what she has done within the short time she has spent and from what I have heard her say, I think she will do well. She is a woman of due process, she believes in the rule of law, in doing things well and she is not biased. I want to give her the benefit of doubt. I went somewhere to lobby about the ban on certain items and I was told she has been there to do the same thing.”

She added: “I never met her, we never compared records but she is making the same effort to turn around our sector. What I want her to do is ensure that the NPA fulfil its own part of the concession agreement. Pilottage is key to our operation, enabling environment is key. All the things that the NPA needs to do as our counterpart in the concession; she should see to it that the NPA does them.

“I was told she has informed them in house to seat up and stop blaming the operators for everything, comments like that gladdens my heart. I think she wants to come and make an impact. Men have done it in the past but we have a woman now and I can tell you that she will do well.”

Also, the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero hailed the NPA MD her for entrenching due process in ports operations.

He, however, called on her to pursue the passage of the port and harbour bill currently before the national assembly.

Amiwero also commended her for making effort to address port concession crisis and putting an end to monopoly in the industry.

While it is not possible to highlight all of Bala-Usman’s achievements in her first 100 days in office for want of space, a key transformational efforts highlighted below will suffice.

In a bid to rid the agency of corruption, the NPA, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BudgIT, an information technology network firm, to provide Nigerians with all the necessary information during its budget preparation and implementation

Open Budget System One of the major achievements of the NPA under Bala-Usman was the implementation of open budget system and implementation of a public data dissemination programme.

In a bid to rid the agency of corruption, the NPA, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BudgIT, an information technology network firm, to provide Nigerians with all the necessary information during its budget preparation and implementation.

The MoU, which was signed not too long ago by the management of the NPA and BudgiT, will assist the authority in promoting transparency and accountability in all its operations.

Speaking at the occasion, Balla-Usman said that the partnership became necessary for the development of an open budget system platform and implementation of a public data dissemination programme that will help the agency in blocking revenue leakages.

BudgiT, she said, had achieved feats in the space of socio-technological advocacy towards opening up of public budgets for citizens’ comprehension.

With the MoU, she said, NPA would be able to deliver on its mandate and create more wealth for Nigerians.

The MoU, Usman added, would also assist the NPA as a critical organ in the economic artery of the nation to promote effective and efficient management of all its 24 terminals across the country.

Standard Operating Procedure Another major achievement of the NPA boss in her first 100 days in office was the launch of the harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Port Service Support Portal (PSSP) designed to stem corrupt practices and ensure a user-friendly port.

The SOP is a collation of operational procedures of all maritime government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, associations and other stakeholders.

The PSSP on the other hand, is a complaint management portal for operators to lodge complaints if any agency fails to follow the SOP. This is anchored by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi flagged off the open air launch of the SOP Amaechi noted that this project was a follow-up to the initial launch of the project in Abuja on June 2016.

He said that the SOP and the PSSP are a direct response to a Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) report on Nigerian seaports released in 2013 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) labelling Nigeria the most corrupt port in the world.

The report had alleged that it takes over 79 signatures of government officials to clear a consignment from Nigeria’s seaports.

The report was the outcome of a four-month corruption assessment study carried out by the ICPC in conjunction with the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption (TUGAR) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Corruption Risk Assessment was carried out at the six ports in Nigeria namely: Tin Can, Apapa, Warri, Calabar, Onne and Port Harcourt ports. The report, however, recommended that stakeholders should jointly implement integrity plans to strengthen transparency and accountability towards enhanced service delivery.

The minister urged all agencies and port stakeholders to associate with the project which, according to him, is aimed at providing Iquality service to members of the public and international community that patronises Nigerian ports.

Eradicating Monopoly One of the ports concession crises that bedevilled the industry was the issue of the monopoly in the provision of oil and gas logistics, a feud that delayed multi-billion dollars of investments.

But the appointment of Bala-Usman has, to some extent, put an end to the crisis because of her commitment to ensuring that no organisation operating in the sector enjoys monopoly in the provision of oil and gas logistics.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on the matter, she said the NPA is reviewing existing legislation to determine whether any monopoly currently exist, stressing that she will ensure a level playing field for all operators and promote a healthy competition.

According to her, “We will look to determine the area we will provide support for all. Within the next few months we will look at all the enabling legislation as it were to determine whether any monopoly exist or not. We will ensure that there is effective regulation that is transparent, that we all can understand.

We will ensure that no organisation entrench Continued on page 26

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OF BALA-USMAN’S REFORMS AT NPA Our plan is to ensure a regulatory environment that promotes the industry.

We are looking at ensuring that there is competition, We have visited most of the terminals at the various ports we feel the need for the government to ensure that local content for example is adhered to Eastern Port Locations Facility Tour

monopoly that can affect the development of Nigeria as a whole.

“Our plan is to ensure a regulatory environment that promotes the industry. We are looking at ensuring that there is competition, we have visited most of the terminals at the various ports we feel the need for the government to ensure that local content for example is adhered to. Businesses are coming into the country, we will do our best to encourage them to ensure that the utilisation of their operations are domiciled in Nigeria, we also encourage for operators to ensure that they have Nigerians within their ranks, employment for Nigerians is very important. We also believe that wherever enabling environment is required we will provide. In instances where note lack of competition we will work towards ensuring there is provided because that is where we will get the best for the country and improvement in revenue.”

She promised to bring all operators to the table to fashion out ways to improve the sector and make sure Nigeria gets the maximum benefit that it can attract for itself within this environment She said: “We believe in stakeholders consultation, we are going to bring everyone to the table for us to seat down and ensure that there is a need for us to work together. As an authority we are going to lead and ensure that local content is provided. We will step beyond the things that we historically used to do so that whatever is required for the operators to work together for Nigeria to have the maximum benefit that it can attract for itself within this environment. We will reach out to the respective ministries and work together in ensuring that this is achieved.

“We are looking at making Nigeria the hub for West Africa, working to ensure that there is operational efficiencies and make effort to improve the ease of doing business and the competitiveness of our port operations, we will work with the operators and look at areas where there is overlapping among the operators and agencies within the Ministry of Transportation and ensure that we work together to ensure that there is synergy. There is the need for us to understand the current economic situation and define methods and mechanisms to improve on our revenue drive. We are working to have new trade routes defined; we are also going to look at internal trade whereby we define mechanisms for removing cargo from our ports to the hinterland in a more efficient manner.”

Resolving Apapa/Oshodi Road Palaver To ensure efficient operation at the Apapa ports and increase revenue for the federal government, Bala-Usman convened a stakeholders meeting where she presented a holistic plan to free Apapa-Shodi Express road of the endemic traffic gridlock on the road.

At the meeting, she solicited for greater support and co-operation from stakeholders in the Maritime sub-sector with a view to eradicating the present traffic gridlock at the access roads leading to the Ports in Western Ports and its industrial environment – Apapa and Tin Can Ports and indeed nationwide.

This, she said, would bring about greater efficiency and eventual generation of more revenue from the operation of the organisation.

According to her, if we put the roads in good

order “we would have blocked the revenue leakages arising from these challenges.”

She observed that in as much as the present road congestion is caused partly by the state of the bad roads resulting from pot holes. Other factors she stated include the poor management of trucks as well as the absence of holding bays in the Terminals. This she said would have resulted in lesser trucks menace on the roads to our Ports which would ensure better customer service.

Furthermore, the MD promised that NPA would partner all stakeholders such as the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and all traffic management agencies with a view to fashioning out a general overview to the Port access roads and the lay blue prints in order to answer the question ‘’facing us in terms of these.

Promising that a review of the concession agreement is imminent, occasioned by the need for impartial benefits arising from equity, Bala Usman declared that NPA would prioritize consideration for the export of agricultural produce at the terminals while interfacing with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture with the view to ensuring operations at the Ports stimulate produce from the sector which in turn is good for export trade.

Port Devt Master Plan In a bid to ensure a healthy competition among existing ports and the on-going Lekki Deep Sea Port and Badagry Deep Sea Ports, the NPA is working on a port development master plan to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2017.

Bala-Usman believes a master plan is important because the existing model where port development are not well thought out will see the ports compete each other out of business, a situation she said will bad for the industry.

According to her, “One of the important things that I have felt the need to institute is the port development master plan, a 25 years master plan, which will guide the development of ports I the country. We have commenced that activity at the NPA. I met on ground a development master plan for individual port in the NPA but I felt the need to have a holistic master plan which guides all such port development. That way we will not have over laps and have ports that will be competing with each other and compete each other out of business.

“We need to have a clear plan and structure with which port development plan s are approved. We have the Lekki Deep Sea Port approval currently going on in Lagos state, we have the Badagry Deep Sea Port and we have Tincan and Apapa ports. We need to have the respective scope with which these ports will operate to ensure that capacity utilisation in terms of capacity is addressed as we approve such port development.

So having a master plan, a clear vision of port development is critical and the NPA is leading that. Within the next six months we will come out with a port development master plan which we will unveil to stakeholders before we get the necessary approval.”

On port capacity utilisation and capacity as it currently exist, she said: “I think what we need to understand is that as we approve and as we present respective port development, we need to understand and assess what we have now on capacity utilisation. Has it been utilised fully? We

need to look at clusters of port development to determine the competition as we approve them.

We have to determine if indeed what we have would be able to accommodate the need for expansion and traffic to come into the country.

“We have noted the period were the deployment has been made and we have identified need to build on the existing infrastructure. Right now we have commissioned our staff to go around all of our ports to determine the level of decay of our infrastructure. Primarily, I have given the clear directive that all our budgetary provisions will be tied to infrastructure that will add revenue to the Nigerian Ports Authority. Indeed our focus is to see that our degenerated infrastructure is built upon and expanded to take on need for the Nigerian port to have expansive capacity to take on additional traffic.”

Enhancing Ports Infrastructure For regular visitors to the ports across the country, it is no longer news that decaying ports infrastructure has become worrisome. However, the NPA under Bala-Usman has also embarked on efforts to boost revenue generation through the provision of infrastructure and technologically up-to-date equipment at the ports.

Part of her plan is to reposition the ports industry to play its key role as the gateway to the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the Executive Business Networking Seminar organised by NIMPORT in Lagos, she said the federal government is making efforts to reposition the ports in line with global trends.

Growth in trade volumes, she said, is a strong factor in the need for port investment to boost efficiency, build robust, responsive and competitive port economy in tune with global best practices.

She noted that development and upgrading existing port infrastructure as well as improvement in performance had become imperative.

In countries like North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, she said, growing container market has led to incremental upgrade of the existing port infrastructure with container handling automation already put in place to handle large carriers with up to 18,000 TEU. To achieve this, the NPA has partnered the Port of Miami, United States, to boost export and trade facilitation programme of the federal government.

The United States International Trade Coordinator at the Department of Regulatory and Economy Resources (RER), Desmond Alufohai and the Director, Government and International Relations of the Port of Miami, Debra Owens, said the partnership with the NPA will help to explore opportunities in the mineral resources and agricultural produce of the country.

The duo expressed their readiness to assist in the development and modernisation of infrastructure at the nation’s seaports.

The delegation also expressed their determination to partner the NPA in the area of compliance and efficient port system.

The group said it will also assist the country to boost the economy by harnessing the immense opportunities in the exportation of farm produce and mineral resources to America.

Bala-Usman appreciated their gesture and said the federal government was desirous of also partnering the port of Miami in the area

of tourism.

The NPA boss also sought technological transfer in the area of standardisation of farm produce, its preservation and packaging to meet international standard.

Return of Railway In addition, the NPA has taken steps to ensure that goods are moved in and out of the ports through the railway line that stopped operating several years ago.

To achieve this, the agency has partnered the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to improve rail facilities from the Lagos ports to the hinterlands. During her tour of terminals in the Apapa Port, she told THISDAY that the effort would necessarily improve the trade chain as the railway can be used to move large quantities of consignments real time.

“Regarding infrastructure, we are keen on ensuring that our rail lines from the ports to the hinterlands function. We want to prioritise the evacuation of cargo using rail. We have had discussions with the Nigerian railway corporation. We are going to continue on that, and we believe that a percentage of our cargo should be evacuated using the rail lines,” the NPA MD said.

Bala-Usman also noted the need for improvement in the customs examination process, as a customs officer on duty was seen carrying out 100 per cent physical examination of containers.

She said that it was certain that an automated process would be more beneficial economically with regards to time-frame.

According to her, “We are looking at the time frame with which this form of inspection is being done. We have currently seen a 100 per cent inspection system on examination, but we believe that this process should be automated, using modern scanner. I believe the Nigeria Customs Service is in the process of procuring such scanners because that will provide for efficient turn-around time.”

The NPA boss also expressed a strong desire to step up discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and that of Solid Minerals on the need to improve production for exports.

She decried the fact that out-going vessels go with very little exports, which is not economical.

In her words: “We are working to ensure that our export increases, because we have seen a lot of out-going vessels go with very little or minimal percentage of exports. We will work with the ministry of agriculture and ministry of solid minerals, one of our priority ministries, to ensure that we increase on our exports as a nation.”

Aside the Tin Can and Apapa ports, the NPA boss also visited terminals of the Greenview Development Nigeria Limited Terminal, the APM Terminal, the Eko Support Services Terminal, the ENL Terminal, and the ABTL Terminal. She has also visited all the various ports across the country. The management of the terminals agreed with the NPA that cargo movement by rail would be more efficient and economically benefitting.

The various terminal operators, however, mentioned the challenge of not having enough wagons available for the process.

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AS CALABAR CARNIVAL BECKONS

ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

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As Calabar Carnival Beckons Everything looks good for 2016 Calabar Carnival, writes Bassey Inyang

Carnival train

The 2015 edition of the annual Calabar Christmas Festival was generally acclaimed be to a tremendous success when it climaxed with the Calabar Carnival, which, has been established as one of the foremost attractions in the line-up of events in the Nigeria’s tourism calendar.

Like those of other years, the last edition carnival had as its major feature, the usual 12 kilometres parade by the participating bands, namely, Passion 4 Band, Seagull Band, Master Blaster Band, Freedom Band, and Bayside Band; from the Millennium Park through select major streets in Calabar, to the UJ. Esuene Stadium, in what has assumed the status of ‘Africa Largest Street Party.’

But, the introduction of the governor’s band, comprising beauty queens and Nollywood stars as well as the Bikers Carnival (race), by the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, spiced up the entire carnival content and re-enforced its value, perhaps, as Africa’s most priced tourism event.

Not a few applauded Ayade for the tremendous success recorded due to the innovations he introduced to the carnival, even when he was just six months in office, having been sworn-in on May 29th, last year.

At the close of last year’s Calabar Christmas Festival, most observers and participants agreed that with the success of the event, Ayade had kept the state’s tradition as the tourism destination in Nigeria.

Obviously elated by the success of the 2015 Calabar Carnival, Ayade , early in January 2016, commenced preparation for this year’s carnival by unveiling the 2016 Calabar Carnival Theme ‘Climate Change’ at a dinner staged in honour of sponsors of the 2015 edition.

“The carnival presents our people the opportunity to be happy even in the challenges of the year,” he said the carnival has gone global with millions watching it live via over 30 channels across the world and stressed the need why the business connection to the carnival must not be ignored to ensure the state benefits.

“As you know it is not a Calabar carnival,

Ayade and his wife, Linda, at the Bikers' Dry Run

it is not a Nigerian carnival; it is indeed not an African carnival. It is a world carnival. Let us focus on this to ensure that we broaden the horizon of opportunities that will come and Cross River State will be better off for it,” Ayade said at dinner which held in the state.

Nothing short of last year’s standard of

success is expected this year from the people based on feelers from town.

It appears Ayade has a Midas touch to events of the nature as streets corners and designated places in Calabar and most places the state are already bubbling with celebratory activities, an indication that the 2016 Christmas celebration

is here again, and expected to climax on with the now famous Calabar Carnival billed for Wednesday, December 28 , 2016.

The governor had promised earlier in the year that the 2016 edition of the carnival would be the best and biggest since the event was established.

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Lebo (3rd left) flagging off the 3rd Carnival Dry Run

Onari Duke leads Bayside Band during the second carnival dry run

Apparently buttressing the seriousness he attaches to the state’s reputation as the nation’s tourism destination, Ayade who doubles as Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, has ensured that preparations for this year’s carnival commenced early enough.

For instance, on Sunday, December 11th, a carnival dry run or carnival rehearsal was staged across the carnival route by revelers, who adorned colourful costumes and danced in response to the rhythms sounds that blared from musical instruments as they moved along the routes.

According to the state carnival commission, the dry run, the third of such in the last one month, is the last to be staged before the main carnival.

Earlier, on Sunday, December 3, a Bikers’ Carnival dry run was staged from Mary Slessor Roundabout to Efio-Ette Junction, preparatory to the Bikers carnival or display, slated for Tuesday, December 27.

Also flagging of the Bikers’ dry run, the state governor said it was to enable the riders get familiar with the carnival routes ahead of the main bikers’ carnival.

Flagging off the second dry run on Sunday, November 20th, the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Linda Ayade, said the carnival represents one of the unique platforms that showcase the rich cultural splendor of the peoples of Cross River State.

“Last year, the theme of the carnival focused on Climate Change, and how to make our environment better. This year, we are continuing with the theme and through our tourism efforts, things will get bigger and better.”

At the moment, commercial activities have peaked at the carnival village at municipal council ground, declared open by the governor on December 1, at the end of the Anti-Aids Day Walk.

The village which has about 200 temporary shops is a hub for leisure and other forms of merriment for fun seekers throughout the month of December to January, since it was established over a decade ago.

There are other interesting events lined up on different days to herald the carnival, considered as the climax of the month long celebration.

The events include carnival Christmas Day Music Concert, Sunday December 25; Street Party , Kings & Queens of Bands Competition and Pre Carnival Music Concert, slated for Monday, December 26; Youth Carnival and Cultural Parade, Tuesday, December 27; Bikers Festival Calabar 2016 by Metallic Knights Motorcycle Club, and Governor’s Ball, Tuesday 27; while Carnival Calabar, featuring: Africa’s biggest street party and other fascinating side attractions on the carnival route, and Nigeria’s Most Wanted Music Concert and DJ Grand Slam, Wednesday, December 28.

The Convertible/ Exotic Cars Parade, a fresh innovation introduced by Ayade, will hold on Thursday, December 29, the same day designated for Green Carnival, International Carnival Segment/Competition, International Artist Performance and Music Concert.

Added to entire package are the Tinapa Dark Knight Motor Drift Rally and Stunt Display, Green Ball Sponsors/Stake Holders Dinner and Unveiling of 2017 Christmas Festival/

The Calabar carnival train

Carnival Calabar Theme, and the Calabar Rocks Music Concert and DJ Grand Slam scheduled for Friday, December 30.

After the successful hosting of the carnival, the star event for the Christmas festival, the organisers have slated the Fireworks Night to usher in 2017 for 12 midnight of Saturday, December 31 at the Millennium Park.

Speaking at the Millennium Park, while flagging off Sunday’s carnival dry run, Ayade promised that 2016 Calabar carnival will be bigger and better than the previous years.

He called on the people of the state to open their hearts and doors to receive tourists who will be trooping into the state for the carnival.

“The event which has become part and parcel of our state will be bigger and richer in content this year. So, we must continue to exhibit the hospitality nature we are known for in receiving visitors. “Cross River State will experience massive turnout of visitors to watch and participate in the biggest street party in Africa as it will be free, interesting, bigger and bolder,” Ayade who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. John-Gaul Lebo, said.

The governor praised the various carnival bands for their active and brilliant performances in the dry run.

He appealed to the bands to maintain the trend of their laudable performances during the carnival.

Chairman Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, said the Sunday event was tagged “dry run of celebrities” as some members of the Nollywood were in the state

to participate in the event prior to the 4th edition of the “Cross River Movie Awards” “This is the last dry run after two successful hosts; hence we expect a great show on December 28,” Onah said.

Given the importance of security for such magnitude of events the state police command has assured that it will leave nothing to chance to secure lives and property during the carnival, and indeed the entire period of the month-long Christmas celebration.

The state Commissioner for Police, Mr. Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, who spoke on the preparedness of his officers and men, said: “We have witnessed the first and second dry-run and there were no security hitches.

“The command is ever ready to provide adequate security for thousands of tourists that will be coming in for the festival.

“I want to assure you that we are working in collaboration with other sister agencies to ensure that the carnival period is celebrated peacefully in the state,” the commissioner said.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has also given assurance that it would participate in providing security during the carnival.

Commandant of the NSCDC in the state, Mr. Clement Adesuyi, said: “I want to assure the peaceful people of Cross River and tourists that the state command of NSCDC is on alert to respond to all security challenges within the carnival period and beyond.

“Our men on uniform and those of the Intelligence Department will be deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure a smooth carnival, and Christmas celebration.”

30/ NEWS

23.12.2016

Bricon Foundation: Keeping Hope Alive for Cancer Patients Mary Ekah According to research by the World Health Organsation (WHO), Nigeria has the highest cancer death rate in Africa. It is estimated that there are approximately two million people currently affected by the disease in Nigeria while survivorship is said to be as low as 20 per cent for most cancers and three per cent for blood cancers. Even with the high rate of cancer in Nigeria with diagnosis and cure still very poor due to late detection, there is the belief that positive outlook, lifestyle and dietary change can dramatically improve quality of life and longevity of cancer patients.

To this end, Bricon Foundation, an organisation saddled with the responsibility of keeping hope alive for cancer patients as well raise awareness via education, advocacy and counseling while giving patients the hope that they can actually live normal lives even with care, is putting modalities in place to ensure that it achieves its aims.

It recently held a fund raising event in conjunction with Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, to raise money for patients and also to raise the hope in those suffering from the disease that cancer is not always a death sentence but that it is possible to beat the disease with early detection and treatment. All donations in cash and kind raised at the event are intended to go

L-R: Co-Founder, The Bricon Foundation, Dr. Niyi Adekeye; GM, The Wheatbaker, Simon Grindrod; CoFounder, The Bricon Foundation, Abigail Simon-Hart, CEO, Total Health Trust HMO, Nick Zaranyika and Jean-Claude Hanarimana of Sinet Technologies at the event

directly to patients’ treatment and also to the food bank project.

Co-founder of Bricon, Dr. Niyi Adekeye said that what inspired the establishment of the foundation was the fact that a lot of people suffer from cancer in Nigeria.“We are here not to make them afraid but to make them understand cancer. A lot of people who have cancer are so scared not knowing that they can actually live normal lives even with cancer and that is why we are holding this event tagged, ‘Keeping Hope Alive’, Adekeye said.

His Co-Founder, Abigail Simon-Hart, on her part said, “Cancer is something that touches everybody because almost everyone in the country knows somebody

that has cancer or has lost somebody to cancer.” Relating her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor, Simon-Hart, said, “Cancer has been a very personal experience for me having been diagnosed with cancer of the breast in 2014 and it has been very interesting because there are lots of things that people don’t tell you about cancer until only when you come through then you understand.”

Speaking further, she said, “After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I made the decision of taking off both breasts in order to stop the spread and also to save my life but then there are many practical things that they didn’t tell me about cancer until I discovered them myself.”

A Celebration of Excellence Mary Ekah The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (Oke Iye) recently brought together members and none members to celebrate individuals who have excelled in their fields of endeavours and also organisations that have contributed to humanity and the larger society. The Elder-In-Charge, Oke-Iye House, Senior Apostle Daniel Ekorhi, said the concept for Iye Ball was borne out of the wit to celebrate life. He explained that the name “Iye Ball” is coined from the name “Oke Iye”, adding, “Iye meaning salvation which is life eternal. Therefore we are celebrating life, a life that is rich which can only be found in Christ.” Ekorhi said further that the Iye Ball and Award Night are very important to the church because as a white garment church, people usually see them like different from others or weird and all that. “And because for a long time now, people have had a wrong impression about the white garment church, we want to tell them that we at the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (Oke Eye) are all serving the Almighty God,” he said. He said however that it has been so challenging putting together an event

Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Faloughi during the Iye ball and awards event

of that nature because it has not been easy trying to convince outsiders to come, adding, “like I said earlier, people have spoiled the image of the white garment churches and so it hasn’t been so easy trying to launder our image but with event like this people are now seeing us in a different light.”

Speaking also was a prominent member of the church, Ephraim Faloughi (ONN) who said, “We want to rebrand the face of

the white garment church because there have been a lot of misconception about us. We just want to let everyone know that all roads lead to God from different angles. We want to propagate the gospel and also to incite the present generation who are not members to know that at the white garment church we pray and that we have no other means except prayers.”

Speaking further Faloughi said, “I have been member of a white garment church since my childhood days, precisely from when I was 13 years old. Whatever I am today or tomorrow, it is Cherubim and Seraphim and God that made me. I believe I am successful in business, I am a public figure, a national honouraree of this country (ONN) and I have contributed immensely to the growth of this nation and to be in Cherubim and Seraphim, for me, it’s my salvation and so you don’t condemn any church because all roads lead to that tiny road that leads to Christ so whether you are worshiping God in a white garment church or in suits or so on, does not make any difference, it is what you do that matters.” He said there was a process of selection for those awarded at the event where their contributions to the society are mostly considered.

LG: Trendsetting in a Technological Driven World The world today is being driven by highly intuitive technological deigns to help consumers perform optimally. In Nigeria as well as other leading world countries, consumers are now demanding for products that are capable of delivering on varied levels- beyond the basics. With newer technological designs springing-up consumers now make purchase based on a variety of criteria looking beyond just usability alone. Consumers are now looking for striking designs that are practical and visually appealing to communicate their status.

It is a known fact, that the world is full of cool and innovative products. The battle to differentiate them and gain advantage in the market should be remembered as coming not only from the design features, but also the manufacturing processes that make them possible, differentiated and affordable. Most of the products from LG Electronics are designed with glass coating over black stainless steel; this has clearly given the brand an edge over

competition in terms of its creative design layout.

Far more than simply sculpting a device’s exterior appearance, designers apply expertise from multiple disciplines; choosing the right materials, offering ergonomic insight, boosting efficiency and creating the ideal user experience. In addition to weighing a number of important priorities at every stage of the manufacturing process, designers must also anticipate the future use patterns that consumers will adopt.

For consumers’ who are passionate about exceptional designs, there is no need to

look any further as very LG appliances are crafted from the highest quality, premium materials and meticulously designed to incorporate thoughtful, innovative features your home.

LG Electronics in its quest to satisfy the yearnings and aspiration of consumers, has embraced design as a way to distinguish its products from competing brands. It strives to give all of its products a premium look with a class of its own, clearly setting the pace in the electronics market for other brands to follow. Designed with elegant LG line-up products which includes; 4K HDR enabled OLED TV; Twin Wash; Door-in-Door refrigerator; Hybrid Air Purifier; Turbo Steam dish washer etc are all carefully crafted to meet the needs of consumers all the time. It did not come to many observers as a surprise when LG grabbed the 2016 CES “Best of Innovation” award with its OLED TV that boasts of the ultimate in elegant simplicity by eliminating all unnecessary elements that distracts viewer’s immersive experience.

Chosen to Mark 14th Anniversary in Grand Style The Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries will, beginning from this weekend, celebrate its 14 years of existence in a grand style. The anniversary, which has the theme, ‘Only God Can Do It’, will run from Saturday December 24 to Monday 26 at the Chosen Revival Ground, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway from Founder, The Lord's Chosen, Lazarus 8:00am daily. The Muoka with Minister of Youths and three-day power Sports, Solomon Dalung during a courtesy packed interdenomi- visit to Youth Ministry national programme cum retreat, the church’s Public Relation Officer, Pastor Louis Chidi, said, “is designed to return all glory to God in a special way and also to appreciate God for all He has done all the years, and above all commemorate the 14th year of the ministry as it is only God that can do it.

“As we praise and worship God in a grand style during the programme and He comes to inhabit in the praises of His people, the anointing that accompanies His presence will break all yokes,” he said. The programme, he added would produce a spiritual rebirth and positive transformation that will bring about restoration, salvation and Holy Ghost baptism. All of which, Chidi said, would bring the blessings of God to man. “It shall witness a fulfillment of all God’s good purposes in the life of participants through which they shall experience a total change as evident that God has visited them. We are very sure that God who inspired this programme will bring blessing upon every participant and the nation will resonate again,” he said.

He revealed further that the founder and icon of revival evangelism, Pastor Lazarus Muoka will be ministering during the 3-day event, adding, “There is no doubt that our country is going through harsh political and economic times which has given rise to despondency in the mind of the citizenry.

Mallam Yankee Takes Nite of a Thousand Laughs to The Cities Following his official takeover of the Opa William’s Nite of a Thousand Laughs, showbiz impresario, Kehinde Adegbite, popularly known as Mallam Yankee, has taken his first major shot aimed at taking the show beyond its official limits by announcing its Benin and Port Harcourt’s Mallam Yankee special edition.

The two events that have now been fixed for December 26, 2016 and January 1, 2017 respectively will assemble heavyweights of the entertainment industry to give residents the most desired treatment for the season.

While the Benin edition holds on December 26 at the Hexagon Hotels in the ancient city, Port Harcourt will have a feel of the show on January 1st, 2017 at Aztech Archum, Stadium Road.

Speaking on the Benin edition of the show, Mallam Yankee reeled out names of A-list entertainers who would thrill residents to include; Okey Bakassi, I Go Die, I Go Save, Edo Pikin, MC Casino, Maleke, Osama, Arinze Baba, Youngest Landlord, Wazobia Revolution, Most Wanted and Yellowmouth. He announced further that Okey Bakassi, Helen Paul, I Go Die, Gordons, I Go Save, Accapella, Romeo and Arinze Baba would perform at the Port Harcourt event. According to the Yankee Entertainment boss who doubles as Chairman, The Bank Club, ‘’residents would equally be thrilled by a scintillating vibe from popular musician, YCee, aka, Omo-Alhaji.‘’ It would be recalled that Mallam Yankee recently took over the popular comedy show after its founder, Opa Williams, had run it for 20 years. Opa Williams has stepped aside, so Yankee could use his undoubted ingenuity in entertainment to expand the scope of the show by hosting it in more cities across the country.

It’s believed that with the takeover, show patrons will experience unimaginable innovations.

31/LIVING

23.12.2016

Why Couples with Infertility Challenges Should Talk Sex Mary Ekah For newly married couples, after almost three years of trying to get pregnant, the feelings that go along with that could be very stressful.

Yes, a couple could stop connecting deeply like they used to when both are busy with tests, fertility charting, timed intercourse, and medical procedures, the mood altering, fertility drugs and the financial strains may render the couple both physically and emotionally down while their communication skills may totally seize due to the fear of hurting each other with the reality of talking about their challenges.

Infertility, therefore, may cause stress not only on the couple but also on their relationship, sex life and eventually on their marriage as a whole. But Sex Therapist and Fertility Counselor, Mrs. Tola Ajayi of Nordic Fertility Centre, says this could be avoided if couple would talk, as regular as possible, about sex and their sex life during a period like this so that they can keep sex fun while trying to conceive.

At an open forum organised by Nordica Fertility Centre and with the theme, ‘Sex and Fertility’, where the aim was basically to sensitise couples on how to keep the spark in their sex lives even while they are trying to make babies, Ajayi said, infertility is such a major life stressor that usually wreaks havoc on a couple's sex life. She said therefore that it was pertinent couples talk about sex as regular as they can in their marriage in order to revive their sex life.

Sex Therapist and Fertility Counselor, Tola Ajayi

Taking the audience through the tips for a better sex life when dealing with infertility, Ajayi said: “There are issues with sex that people don’t talk about. There are some problems with sexual activities that need help and for us to be able to have a good relationship and a good marriage, sex is very important and we find that because people are not really talking about it, so many marital relationships are suffering.

So it is important that we talk about sex. We know that in Nigeria, it is almost like a taboo to talk about sex. That is why we feel that it is important for us to start talking about it

at Nordica, more so because in course of our managing fertility challenges, we have come to see a lot of problems associated with sex and yet couples are afraid or ashamed to talk about sex.”

The sex therapist explained further that when there is no communication with each other, one partner may be assuming what the other partner is thinking and feeling instead of actually taking time to communicate what is being experienced and felt and thereby oblivious of what the other is going through.

“When a couple with fertility issue come to us and are asked how many times they have sex in a week and then they are looking at each other, then you know that there is a problem. And sometimes, you hear some say, we don’t even have sex again – young couples no longer having sex? So we want them to realise that with or without children, they still have each other. Even when they have children, these children would grow up and leave the house and just the two of you alone. So what is going to happen to your sex lives if you are not working on it now? So we preach that fertility challenge should not be an issue that will bring about separation in a home. There is no reason couples should not enjoy sex even in their 70s. Sex is not only for young people and menopause is not a reason why a woman should not have sex.

So when issue of sex arise in marriage, couple should talk about it otherwise there would be relationship issues in such marriage,” noted.

Stressing on how good sexual relationships between couples will boost fertility, the relationship counselor said, “Sex is a natural instinct, it is acceptable in the Bible and society accepts it. We are talking about the husband and wife here; if you don’t talk about sex, then you die in problem. Reason being that if you don’t talk about it, you end up having relationship issues because you are not enjoying sex. Sex is supposed to be enjoyed and not to be endured.

So if you don’t talk about your problems you would not be able to identify the solution to them and then you would not be able to solve your problems.”

Ajayi who was completely raw all through her presentations on this very sensitive topic, advised that couples in course of their fertility journey should endeavour not to allow their sex routine to become so technical with all the charting, timing and reporting back to doctors but rather they should endeavour to make sex as passionate as ever by being more creative in love making, like trying other sexual activities with each other that have nothing to do with making a baby.

Ajayi insisted also that, “Even if you need to use sex toys to overcome your problem, you got to use them,” adding, talking freely about sex amongst couple is the taboo that we want to remove. If we can talk about every other thing, so also we can talk about sex so that it will help couples with fertility challenges as well as those without fertility challenges.”

A Unique Christmas for the Elderly Mary Ekah It was stylishly tagged ‘Vintage Party for the Elderly’ and it connoted high quality, lasting value and represented the very best of its kind, particularly at this time of the year.

It was the only gift of love that members of the Viva L’Amour Lions Club, Ikeja, Lagos, could offer to these set of people, who are, especially, vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation which often result in serious effect on their health. The beneficiaries were the elderly from various old people’s home in Lagos while the venue was the Catholic Church of Presentation, Ikeja. So for the Club, it was a great opportunity to take Club President, Mbakwe (1st right) and a couple of club members with the elderly The Elderly cutting the Christmas cake these elderly ones from their very familiar ones who won prizes in one of the competitions and boring terrain to where they would enjoy the ambience of another environment totally different from theirs.

The Club’s Assistant Secretary/Media Coordinator, Amaka Ohia, described it as yearly event where the elderly are brought away from their normal environment to feel what Christmas is all about in an atmosphere that bespoke of love and care like they have not experienced for a very long time. She said that apart from partying, dinning and winning together with these ones who apparently have been abandoned by their relatives, a party like this makes them happy, feel at home and also feel that they have not been abandoned like it appears. Ohia, therefore, advised that Lions Club memebrs and a few of the elderly during the event The Lions Club presentating items to Regina Mundi Old People’s Home during the event the society should endeavour to care for as the Club do usually invite those above or another. Aside that we have geles, Aso event, the Chartered President of the Club, the elderly as everyone will definitely get to that point in their lives when they would 70 years of age to the party every year. “It okes, foodstuff, beverages, provisions, packed Mrs. Tessy Ashiru, said, “Lions Club is a been very interesting being at this Christmas food, drugs, wheel chairs and diapers that charity organisation and our aim is to put also need someone to care for them.

The Club’s Chairman of Activity, Mrs. party. I look forward to it every year because a lot of them would need, all loaded in the smiles on the faces of people. We know that Agnes Duke said it took a conscientious it affords me the opportunity to meet people buckets. We have also had dance competition in the society we have elders, people who are and coordinated consultation within and and also to see the elderly people like myself with them where the winners won prizes.” too old to take care of themselves and some outside the club to put this year’s event and even more elderly than I am, having While trying to make the elderly happy, it of them are living in institutional homes so together. She said also that the cooperation real fun together. The club is indeed working was very obvious the club members were at Christmas we want to put smiles on their from the club members and friends as well really hard to put smiles on people’s faces, also having great fun as they danced to good faces. This is a sort of Christmas party, so as stakeholders made it a huge success. ‘The especially to the elderly who have somehow old tunes in joyful abundance. “We do this we treat them to plenty of dances, games club members were really very supportive lost hope of ever being happy again,” she every year, and when they are happy we and other things so that for few minutes are happy, that is why you can see us with they would forget about the lonely lives. and this is a demonstration of the Lions added.

Speaking during the event, the President our family members dancing so happily. And we do competition so that they interact motto, ‘Together we serve better’, so this year we invited senior citizens from Regina of the Club, Mrs. Helen Mbakwe, said, “We Sometimes you have some personal chal- amongst one another and not only do we Mundi Old People’s Home, Mushin Lagos; call it Vintage Party but it’s like a Charismas lenges but when you see joy in someone give them food and make them dance but St. Leo's Catholic Church, lkeja; St. Agnes party for both the elderly in the society as else’s face, it helps to put joy in yours. So they also go home with prizes. If you look Catholic Church Maryland; Catholic Church well as members of the club. Christmas is coming here this morning, I knew I was around, you would see them all in the same of Presentation GRA, lkeja; and St. Thomas a period for sharing and today members going to see people who would be happy uniform, these ankaras were bought and Catholic Church Ojodu Lagos, amongst others. of the club have put resources together to to see us, so it puts me in a happy mood sewn by Viva L’Amour Club. The Vintage In all, we had close to 100 elderly people ensure that the elderly do not just have a to know that someone would be happy Party, Ashiru said has been on since incepwith Viva L'amour Lions Club members and nice time today but at the end of the day seeing me and it made me eager to see tion of Lionism in Nigeria, adding, “My other Lion members from other Lions Clubs,” they would go home with lots of goodies them, it made we love the world, it makes club adopted it and we have never let any and so we have got here buckets loads with me know that togetherness is the key to life president forget as we get a new president Duke noted.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Grace Oshiyemi from things they would need at the Home. First, and in life love and charity is important,” for the club every year and these elderly people they look forward to it every year Holy Family Catholic Church Festac Town, we gave all of them the Ankara cloths that Mbakwe noted.

Speaking on the significance of the yearly and we have never disappointed them.”

Lagos she was invited as one of the elderly they have all made into one form of dress

32 /PERSPECTIVE

23.12.2016

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun

Effective Leadership Coaching: A Way out of Recession for Corporate Nigeria Israel Diekola As the economic recession bites harder and more corporate concerns desperately seek ways out of the protracted downturn, a corporate coaching expert and former management executive in leading Nigeria’s blue chip companies, Mrs. Joke Coker has proffered effective coaching of corporations top manpower as a major panacea for the tasking economic challenge.

During a recent teleconference with Business journalists, Mrs. Coker who is Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer of Constellation (formerly INL), an international coaching, training and consulting firm with presence in the USA, affirmed that top level manpower must be on top of their game, by accessing world class leadership coaching to help them succeed especially in the current terrain. “Now more than ever, business leaders, require the support of world class coaches to enhance their ability to Clarify, Focus and Execute the corporate vision and successfully navigate the current economic tempest.” As the year draws to a close and many organisations are busy preparing their plans for the new financial year, leaders must provide direction even in the midst of many uncertainties.”

Leadership coaching is a process where we essentially help individuals to clarify, focus and execute their goals. A leadership coach helps senior executives to be the best that they can, be it in the work environment or private life. On the need for leadership Coaching at a time like this, Mrs. Coker explained: ”The simple answer is that every executive needs somebody to talk to. Such Executives need a trustworthy, confidential listening ear that is non – judgmental, attached to the right skills, exposure and experience to help you think through the options in your mind and come up with the best possible choices in order to achieve better results or outcomes.

That person is a coach.”

She went further: “Typically, the outcomes we achieve in work, life or play depends a lot on the choices made.

Wouldn’t you like to learn how to make better choices and get better outcomes out of your interaction with others at yourself? Most of us are accustomed to

the concept of coaching in this application to athletics/sports. If you take a moment to think about it, we are simply referring to superior performance. High performing athletes achieve successful outcomes in their sport and thereby earn money, fame, and the type of positioning they seek in their community. You know, this concept of high performance is now available for all of us not only sportsmen. Leadership Coaching is a powerful tool that applies that concept of consistent high-performance in our Board rooms, our open plan office spaces and even in our personal lives.

“Essentially, what a leadership coach does is help leaders to achieve that high-performance in every aspect of their lives. Remember that we are all leaders in some context of life. For example, a managing director leads the business initiatives of his organisation, a chairman leads the deliberations of a board meeting, a parent leads in the home, while a teacher leads in the class room environment. A president and other political leaders lead a country, making choices that affect people’s lives. The ability to achieve consistent high-performance in any one of these leadership areas is certainly desirable in my view and is in the interest of the greater good.”

Like journalists, all good coaches ask a lot of questions. We help bring up questions that help people unpeel their choices to the point of recognising intentions. Once you get to understand (clarify) the intention of your actions, you will be able to focus on that underlying intention while making other better choices in the future. This invariably leads to better outcomes.”

Harping further on why staff require coaching at a time like this, Mrs. Coker noted: “Workers in organisations need clarity and direction. Leaders face more challenges in the uncharted terrain fraught with uncertainties. As we prepare for the New Year, it’s not just about having the typical annual strategy session with your top management team. Something has to be different.

Each organisation that wants to stand itself out has to draw out the best in their people. Tight headcount budgets require Directors touse fewer hands to achieve greater business results. This requires effectiveness and clarity.

“Everyone that wants to excel in this evolving socio-economic environment and ever shrinking global world needs a coach. Around the world large global companies in industries as diverse as Telecommunications, Technology, Oil and Gas and Banking currently have elaborate Corporate Coaching structures in place. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, UPS and the CEOs thereof have embraced the concept of coaching for quite a while now.

“Individuals, who also wish to up their game, both in their professional and personal lives now need a coach more than ever. With the intensity of competition out there for the available scarce resources, individuals need to be at their best and put their best feet forward to stand out in the crowd.”

The Constellation CEO gave kudos to some companies in Nigeria who are visionary enough to quickly appreciate the fact that they need to consistently sharpen the skills of their manpower, particularly in times of economic downturn such as Nigeria has found itself.

“From our research, many of these companies have availed themselves of the services of world class coaching consultancy such as ours and they are the better for it. The participating top employees on completion of such training are excited about the quantum of knowledge acquired and new business skills impacted.

Knowledge is power. In times of recession, a company’s top manpower requires all the knowledge on global finance, global best practices, HR management, Advanced Negotiations etc.

These and more are needed to steer a corporate entity on to consistent success.

Constellation’s International Nigeria specific offerings include: Executive Coaching, Advanced Negotiation Training, Sales Force NLP Training, NLP Practitioner License, Life Coaching, Employee Motivation, Self-mastery, NLP Masters Practitioner License, NLP Coach Training, Team Coaching and Coaching Foundations.

The coaching firm clientele base cut across Board Executives, Management Teams, Financial Institutions, H.R Practitioners, Companies with women’s Health workers, Sales Team, Experienced Trainers, Professional

Associations, among others.

The Constellation boss posited that an added advantage of bringing Constellation to Nigeria at this critical point is its ability to help conserve scarce foreign exchange.

She noted that a number of corporations, especially the multinational, who are desirous of world class coaching often go offshore to avail themselves of such services with all its implications for the nation’s scarce foreign exchange.

Now that Constellation has brought the same service to our shores, “such services can be paid for locally thereby conserving our hard earned foreign exchange, even while still acquiring the same skills and knowledge.”

To give Constellation Nigeria the stamp of global approval and international recognition, it deserves, the certificates for its NLP Practitioner License Programmes are signed by both the Lead Coach in Nigeria, Mrs. Coker, and by Dr. Richard Bandler, (the cocreator of NPL worldwide).

“This”, Mrs. Coker said “ensures that the qualifications received are international in nature and delivered to the highest global standards.”

For some management experts, Constellation unique selling point is the fact that consulting is driven by a Lead Coach who combines a world class coaching certifications acquired from one of the best coaching gurus in the world with years of successful experience in corporate management at the director level in both local and international organisations. These include companies such as GTB, MTN, MoneyGram International and Constellation Coaching Group LLC USA. Mrs. Coker, Constellation’s Lead Coach is a highly accomplished global Executive with more than 25 years experience in banking, finance, telecommunications and now Coaching. An International executive Coach, Mrs. Coker is also a thought leader in Team Coaching and a Licensed Master Practitioner of NLP and Licensed Trainer of International NLP Coaches.

“With such diverse and rich background,” remarked a management expert, “you can see why corporate Nigeria needs no longer to look beyond Nigeria for world class coaching. We have it here now.”

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

23.12.2016

Ethiopian to Launch Flights to Jakarta

Ethiopian airways

Stories by Peter Uzoho Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, has announced that it will start services to Jakarta, Indonesia, in June 2017 using the ultra-modern Boeing 787-800. Jakarta is Indonesia’s economic, cultural and political center. Indonesia is the 4th most populous country in the world, and with this new service Ethiopian will have service to all five of the most populous countries on earth. The country is made up over more than 13,000 islands.

Commenting on the new service, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said: “As the fastest growing airline in Africa, Ethiopian is pleased to offer the opportunity to business people as well as tourists to explore Jakarta’s potential both for investment and leisure. This move will further increase our presence in Asia, connecting Africa to the

Asia region and in turn strengthening the tourism and trade ties between the peoples of Africa and Asia. Moreover, pilgrims and the West African community residing in Indonesia will be enjoying hassle-free connections to Ethiopian’s vast African network via its hub at Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines is working very hard to connect Africa with the major trading centers of the world and Jakarta, Indonesia is one of them.”

Passengers to and from Jakarta will enjoy the unparalleled comforts of the 787 with less noise, the biggest windows in the sky, a higher ceiling, unique lighting, and higher humidity. Ethiopian is a global carrier that operates the youngest and the most modern fleet on the African continent, with an average aircraft age of less than five years, serving more than 90 international destinations across five continents with over 240 daily departures.

Next Titan Season 3 Winner Unveiled After months of intense battle among thousands of young entrepreneurs jostling to win the Next Titan Season 3 show, creativity and luck jointly worked in favour of enterprising Marvis Marshal – Idio, as she emerged the eventual winner.

At the grand finale held at the Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Marsha-Idio, a contestant from Port-Harcourt zone competed with three other contestants in the final stage of the show, and walked away with a cash of N5 million and a brand new Ford Ecosport, courtesy of Coscharis Motors.

The winner came into the 10 weeks reality show with a unique business idea of turning trashes into beautiful furniture. A graduate of Architecture from the University of Uyo, Marshal-Idio also holds a degree in Interior Designs from the Florence Designs Academy, Italy.

In the last four contest, she battled with Ronald Ajiboye, a first class graduate from a Russian University, Victoria Mamza, founder of Wangarau Foods; and Sunday Ewolabi, founder of Naija Peanuts.

Speaking at the event, Executive Producer of Next Titan, Mr. Mide Kunle-Akinlaja, said over 15,000 entries were received from young aspiring entrepreneurs for the season 3 edition which were later reduced to about 1,000 that were auditioned in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagoszones, leading to the Top 50 that made it to Boot Camp.

“The premiere nightof the show witnessed a crowd not less than 300where the top 16 contestants were unveiled,” Kunle-Akinlaja said.

“After spending 10 weeks, performing tasks that joggled their minds, a journey that began with

Winner of The Next Titan Season 3, Marvis Marshal-Idio

16 contestants was again reduced, as contestants got evicted on weekly basis with 10 weeks of heart racing boardroom sessions that left them at the mercy of the judges who were ever ready to give their verdicts on weekly basis. Within this period, the highly esteemed judges who are top business owners and managers, put in their professional skills and experiences to mentor the top 16 contestants in the weekly boardroom meetings.”

The winner, Marvis Marshal-Idio, said “I now have what I need, and the sky is my limit with new energy, new strength, and new focus, just watch out.”

The Next Titan is an entrepreneurship reality TV show sponsored by Heritage Bank in partnership with Coscharis Motors, and others, organised by Bravopoints International, which has been making successes in creating awareness among Nigerian youth, that they too can become successful entrepreneurs and achieve their dreams of being employers of labour.

NGO Gives Out Cars to Members Apparently not shaken by the economic hardship in the country, Touching Lives International, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has handed five brand new cars to members.

The cars worth N10 million each, was given to the five members as a reward for their hard work and achievement, and also to enable them reach out to the less-privileged members of the society, which is the core philosophy of the organisation.

Apart from the cars which they received at the NGO’s3rdCar Award and End of the Year Party, last weekend, in Lagos, the members also went home with electronic items comprising refrigerators, television sets, washing machines, laptops, tablets and phones.

The car awardees who also received$1000 for car maintenance, and about $2000 each, as facility for their outreach programmes, donated cash money and food items to the less-privileged

Country Manager,Touching Lives International,Nigeria,Mr. Adedipo Solomon Otegbayo (3rd right),flanked by Car Awardees at the event in Lagos

guests at the occasion.

Speaking at the event, President, Touching

Lives International, Ms Junlyn Afalla, expressed her happiness for seeing her “God-given and

most treasured dream of touching livesbecoming a reality that is growing very fast and big.”

“I am happy and I rejoice with us all for being part of this historic day. It is my prayer that we shall all continue to be partners in this noble cause of touching the lives of the less-privileged people amongst us,” Afalla added.

Also speaking, Country Manager, Touching Lives International, Mr. Adedipo Solomon Otegbayo, said “Today we’re honouring and awarding deserving members who have worked and toiled. It’s a double shot thing-as we reward members who have worked and achieved well, we’re also empowering the less-privileged, and that is the focus of the NGO,” he explained.

“The $2000 given to members is used to reach out to widows and orphans by donating food items to them; doing medical outreaches and embarking on other charitable causes,” Otegbayo noted.

Christmas Struggles in Recession Rebecca Ejifoma who visited the ever-busy Balogun Market, Lagos, reports that people were making last minute shopping for Christmas despite the economic downturn in the country Once again, Christmas became like a sweet lasting fragrance you never want to get finished.

Right amid the much proclaimed recession, a stampede number of Nigerians are tearing the famous Balogun Market into many bits for the Christmas shopping.

While many panicked that Christmas may struggle at this time when the economy is cracking increasingly, from afar, the aroma of the glorious season remains inviting. The cocktail of red, green and gold ribbons creatively dangling across storey buildings and poles on the streets complement the blend of carols songs hitting the streets as you walk along.

But really, the entire tide leading to Zenith Bank was blocked. Buyers and sellers took over the streets. Everyone was abuzz with these three things: several were buying, many were sellers and a host of others were simply window shopping and smiling at the beautiful arrivals for the blithesome celebration.

Shoes, clothings of all kinds (both finished and raw) and jewellry were the order of the day. There was buying of Christmas trees and fairy lights, too. There was no dull moment

People making last minute Christmas shopping at Balogun Market

in the market as activities thrived even more, so it seemed.

Hence, I curiously asked a seller, Ayodele Matthew, while I picked some items to buy too. "Sales are still booming as always, even increasing now. We are having more sales now.

You can see it for yourself. I'm not suprised at all; it has always been this way - enormous," According to him, he doesn't think the recession

has affected sales drastically. While in his business of all ladies' jewellery, he enthused that people are still shopping not minding the recession but negotiate well. "During the El-kadir, we don't make sales close to this at all. You can see things for yourself; there is no dulling moment.

So, buy your own now," he said with a smile while trying to beat the noise buzzing the ears of the market.

But then, he noted that as sellers, they unanimously noticed something, "Negotiation (pricing so much). The only thing we have noticed and experiencing now is negotiation. Customers come here and want to bargain goods at very low prices. But that has not stopped the large amount of sales we make."

Now, amid the heavy traffic of buyers and passers-by into the market, there is Ifeanyi Ejimchukwu, who sells ladies shoes of all make and first-class grades, reels the acrid joy in the new prices of things.

"People are buying but not like before. Things are so high now prices are times two of what we were buying before. Like some shoes we sell at rate of 2,800 are now 5,500. In whole sale, ladies heels sold at N5,000 before but they are now between N6,500 and N7,000 now."

According to him, it is not only women's foot wears, the prices of both men and children are affected. "Everything, in fact, is effected."

Giving the reasons, Ifeanyi explained that “dollar is high; it is still 487 naira. With this harsh development, we, the sellers, are complaining bitterly. It is not funny at all." He added.

34/ETIQUETTE

23.12.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA

S

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

Peculiar “Messes” of 2016

ure the year 2016, is one year, we will not forget in a hurry as Nigerians. The naira fell in value faster than an average boxer to a Tyson punch, inflation skyrocketed, the economy nosedived, 21 Chibok girls were released, and Supreme Court judges were exposed in all their corrupt proclivities! It has been one tense year to test our sense of etiquette. However, three people came up deplorably short in this test and I would like to make allusions to them as the peculiar messes of 2016! Beginning with the entertainment savvy couple Tiwa Savage and her ex-manager Tunji Balogun, to Senator Dino Melaye, they all showed a poor sense of communication etiquette and as their taunts gained nationwide attention leaving much to be desired.

TIWA SAVAGE AND TUNJI BALOGUN Shortly after the couple welcomed their son Tunji ‘TeeBillz’ Balogun captured headlines accusing his wife of infidelity, disparaging her mother while claiming that she never performed her culinary duties as a wife.

Tiwa on the other had granted Pulse TV an interview where she accused her husband of infidelity, verbal abuse, financial impropriety while he managed her, a reckless spending and keeping-up-with-the-joneses persona and an alleged cocaine habit. Coming from two adults, you had every right to be shell shocked.

A little communication etiquette poise from just one party would have diffused all the tension one party was trying to generate. I say this with a lot of sobriety particularly because this trend seems to be getting rampant nowadays. One proverb on communications effectiveness says “love covers all sins”. Making public their foibles only did more to strain their relationship than heal it.

AISHA BUHARI Just like the entertainment couple above, the nation’s First Lady refused to let “……love cover all sins……” and took to the media to criticise her husband politicking strategies in a manner that left not only the nation but indeed the international community shocked. But more than Aisha Buhari’s rants, more noteworthy was her husbands’ response to the whole tirade even though some saw his response of “his wife belonging to the kitchen and the other room” as too objectifying of women, I perceive it otherwise.

His response, body language and boyish smile while responding to her claims in Germany permeated a nuance of calm innocence and maturity and the fact that there has not been a soggy aftermath after all goes to show he has been able to lead his home characteristically like a gentle man should.

DINO MELAYE “I will beat you up and impregnate you” was that unpopular threat from the mouth of Kogi West senatorial district Senator Dino Melaye to representative of Lagos Central senatorial district Senator Remi Tinubu, that got everybody from primary school pupils to female rights advocacy groups incensed.

Do we really need to school Senator Melaye on where he went wrong? That you do not verbally threaten a woman? That allusion to physical abuse is unacceptable by any man let alone a leader in the National Assembly. I recommend anger management classes for Senator Melaye and indeed every other person susceptible to the same penchant for which he became so infamous.

For Tiwa Saage and Tunji Balogun, making public their foibles only did more to strain their relationship than heal it

The nation’s First Lady refused to let “……love cover all sins……” and took to the media to criticise her husband politicking strategies in a manner that left not only the nation but indeed the international community shocked

Do we really need to school Senator Melaye that allusion to physical abuse is unacceptable by any man let alone a leader in the National Assembly? I recommend anger management classes for Senator Melaye

35/PERSPECTIVE

23.12.2016

Senate, SERAP, Ibrahim Magu and the Dearth of CSOs in Nigeria

Magu

Jude Ndukwe The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, recently wrote a letter to Mr. Michel Forst, the UN Rapporteur on situation of human rights defenders on Senate’s refusal to confirm Mr. Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, claiming political and other concocted reasons for the said refusal.

It is the purpose of this piece to vehemently urge Mr. Forst to ignore the letter in its entirety as it was written out of mischief and towards actualising narrow and self-serving purposes.

Let it be stated that in rejecting Ibrahim Magu’s nomination, the legislative body acted within the ambits of the law and principles of democracy that permit it to act as a check on the executive.

The description of Magu by SERAP as “a human rights defender within the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of individuals, Groups and organs of society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom of 1998 (UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders),” is nothing but a figment of the imagination of SERAP concocted to impose an anti-corruption chairman whose deliberate, vindictive and gross abuse of the rights of citizens under the guise of fighting corruption is not only well-documented but also legendary.

For example, a well-known critic of the present day government, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, was illegally detained for a total of 91 days, 67 days in the first instance and then 24 days in the second. The arrests and detentions were done by Magu’s EFCC with questionable warrants where there was any at all, and outright disregard to the constitution where there was none at all, making such arrests arbitrary, tortuous and designed to inflict trauma and wear down the victims to the extent of getting them hospitalised in the process.

To lend credence to the above, Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on November 14, 2016, upbraided the EFCC in open court for arresting Fani-Kayode in the court premises without a warrant and for detaining him illegally

for 24 days without detention order from any court despite the court’s earlier advice to the EFCC not to re-arrest the former minister since he was already on a court bail granted as far back as July 4.

Eventually, the EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, had to apologise to the court on behalf of the anti-corruption agency.

Also, Mr. Ibrahim Magu’s gross abuse of citizens’ rights as EFCC chairman extends to innocent spouses and infants of suspects.

On Monday, October 17, 2016, Femi Fani-Kayode’s wife, Precious Chikwendu Fani-Kayode was stopped from withdrawing from an account operated by her, and was subsequently detained by the bank on the orders of EFCC despite carrying her infant with her while awaiting to be taken away by the commission until Peter Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti State, came to their rescue hours later.

These are just very few instances among the many issues of gross violations of rights of citizens by the anticorruption agency under the guise of fighting corruption.

Apart from this, Mr. Magu has mastered the art of deploying compromised media outfits to declare Nigerians under its radar guilty long even before such persons are arrested. This is usually done to create a leeway, harass, intimidate, detain and torture their victims without much resistance from CSOs, the media and members of the public. Such detained citizens become helpless as lies after lies are churned out against them in the media while they remain incarcerated and unable to refute the campaign of falsehood against them. By the time they face prosecution, their images and reputations are mortally battered and nearly irredeemable even if the courts eventually find them innocent.

It is nauseating and an insult to the sensibilities of human rights watchers all over the world, how SERAP has condescended so low to defend the indefensible and make excuses for the inexcusable!

How could SERAP “believe that the action taken by the Senate of Nigeria and other agencies of government apparently working with them undermines and violates Nigeria’s international obligation to respect, protect, promote and

fulfill the human rights of the citizens, which eventually creates a duty for the government to establish efficient and independent anti-corruption mechanisms” when Mr. Magu himself is known to be a gross abuser of people’s rights?

It is unfair of SERAP to accuse the Senate of not offering Magu an opportunity to fair hearing. Even if this is so, SERAP should have availed itself the opportunity of seeking redress in the court rather than run to the UN for a matter that can be handled by our courts.

Rather than attempt to vilify the Senate on this score, they should be commended for saving Nigeria and Nigerians from a man of vindictive tendencies who has no respect for our laws and who acts according to his own whims and caprices just to settle political scores with perceived enemies of government and members of the opposition thereby giving the day’s government continued avoidable bad publicity.

Let SERAP be asked if they are aware that despite petitions with overwhelming copious and cogent evidence against some members of the current administration and ruling party, none of such indicted persons have been invited for questioning by Magu’s EFCC not to talk of prosecuting them.

Example of such people who have petitions against them lodged with Mr. Magu’s EFCC but which Magu has consistently ignored, neglected and or failed to act upon include Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation among others, while the likes of Timipre Sylva and the late Abubakar Audu were cleared to contest elections as governors in their respective states.

It is laughable that while SERAP makes desperate attempts to clear Magu of any association with a corrupt person, it claimed the property Magu is currently occupying was not paid for by one retired Commodore Umar Mohammed who himself is being investigated for corruption by a sister security agency but by the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA). This is not only shameful but also disgraceful!

Mohammed was said to have paid N40m for the property and lavishly

furnished it with another N43m.

Even if we decide to agree with SERAP that the property was paid for by the FCDA and not Mohammed, the question is, when did it become the function of the FCDA to pay for and furnish properties for public officials? That is corruption in itself as it puts Magu in a position of conflicting interest. For Magu to have accepted such ‘gift’ from a government agency or any person or institution at all shows that the man is not fit to head our anti-corruption agency or any other office of responsibility.

Accusing the Senate of being political with the confirmation of Magu despite the preponderant abundance of acts unbecoming of a public official is to unfairly put the Senate in bad light. The Senate has not asked for the EFCC to be scrapped, they have merely asked that another citizen with high moral standards and respect for our laws and rights of citizens without compromising his/her function be appointed. This, to the right thinking Nigerian, is indeed what needs to be done.

So rather than condemn the Senate, they should be commended for a job well done and for saving Nigeria and Nigerians from the continued embarrassing slips and persecutions of citizens and affront to our constitution.

This same Senate also about the same time with Ibrahim Magus’s confirmation, recommended that one of the most powerful forces in the Buhari administration, Mr. Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, be sacked and prosecuted for allegedly diverting huge sums of money meant for internally displaced persons (IDP’s) who are being ravaged by hunger, disease and squalor. One wonders why SERAP has taken up the defence of Magu while ignoring the issue of funds meant for IDP’s but allegedly diverted by Lawal.

The question is, whose interest is SERAP serving?

That SERAP would travel this infamous road to ignominy is a confirmation of what Nigerians have since known: the dearth and death of CSO’s in Nigeria since May 29, 2015!

Email: jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @ stjudendukwe

36/COLLAGE

23.12.2016

L-R: General Oversee, Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka; his Wife Pastor (Mrs) Joy Mouka; Head of Communications and Public Relations Mr. Chidi Lious, at the two day Crusade theme ‘ Hope for the Needy‘ in Lagos...recently

L-R; Administrator, Nigerian Bar Association-Section on Business Law (SBL) Mr. Endurance Uhumuavbi; his Wife, Gladys and CEO, TG Global Resources, Mr, ThankGod Ibhaze, during the funeral of Uhumuavb's late fatherin-law, Mr. Gabriel Imariagbe Ekhator in Edo State... recently.

L-R: Celebrant, Venerable Timothy Falodun Fabiyi, his wife, Cristianah and Dr Boluwaji Adeboye, during the 85th birthday of Venerale Fabiyi at Ile-Ife, Osun State... recenly

Owner of upscale PENTAGON, Mrs Nosen Omoluwa(left) and a friend of the House, Nikky Imana, looking through some of the apparels on offer".at the Grand opening of KIMOLLA BOUTIQUE, in Abuja...recently

L-R:- Lydia Erhirhe, Mr. Brume Mark Muogho and Lady Jacklyn Muogho, when Mr. Muogho bagged Master of Laws from University of Leeds, United Kingdom, recently.

L-R: Ikedi Health Consultant, Davia-Nnanta Grace; Maudlyne Ifeakanda; Chairman, NUJ, Mr. Deji Elumoye; Ikedi Health Consultant, Mrs. Ezekiel Patricia and Victoria Izuwa, during the health talk on the need for Journalists to stay healthy, by the Ikedi Health Car Industry team in Lagos....recently

L-R: Indomie Santa Claus; Departmental Manager, Peadiatic, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital ( LASUTH), Sanginlusi Ajibola; Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju; and a patient, Joshua Fatuyi, during the Christmas visit of Indomie Santa to LASUTH in Lagos... recently : ETOP UKUTT

L-R; Daughter of the late Chief Mrs. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, Mrs. Olujoke Ogunsiakin; eldest son, Olatokunbo Kuforiji; ICAN President, Deacon Titus Soetan; and the deceased son, Olakunle Kuforiji, at the Special Valedictory Session for the late former ICAN President, Chief Mrs. Bola Kuforiji- Olubi by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

37/THISLIFE

23.12.2016

Michael Ibru Laid to Rest Amid Encomiums Sylvester Idowu writes that dignitaries from all walks of life poured encomiums on Late Olorogun Michael Ibru, who was buried recently in his home town of Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Council Area of Delta State For indigenes of the sleepy Agbara-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, they have lost a rare gem and an illustrious son in Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirhevbe Ibru.

So when the remains of the late industrialist and quintessential businessman was brought home for interment, they turned out en mass to give their last respects to a worthy son that brought the community into limelight.

For the love of their patriarch, the people of the area decorated their community with festive buntings awaiting the arrival of Olorogun Ibru whom they saw as the pillar of Agbara-Otor with his several industries located in the community.

As early as 7a.m. on Tuesday, hundreds of indigenes of the community thronged his palatial home to witness his lying-in-state along with dignitaries from within and outside the country. They wore a solemn look as the passed the golden coffin where his remains laid.

The atmosphere was calm and quiet but it was obvious that his kinsmen and women will find it difficult to find a replacement for him. No speech was made during the lying-in-state.

But later in the evening of Tuesday, during the service of songs held at Michael Ibru University, Agbara-Otor, people could no longer keep quiet and allowed his remains to go without appreciating the human and infrastructural development he brought not only to the community but also Delta State.

The officiating minister at the service of songs, Rev. C. O. Odutemu, said Olorogun Michael Ibru's legacies supersedes wealth adding that what most people seek to emulate from him is humility.

He described the deceased as a man with Midas touch noting that every business he touched ultimately flourished.

The priest urged all present at the event which was witnessed by prominent Nigerians including Senators, House of Representative members and top politicians within and outside Delta State to emulate the selfless service of the deceased in the development of his community and welfare of his people.

Governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, said he became what he is today because of the encouragement he got from the deceased.

He said his relationship with people within and outside the state is as a result of what he gained from Olorogun Michael Ibru.

One would have thought the encomiums on the deceased would have ended at the service of songs that Tuesday but the turnout the following day, Wednesday was marvelous as prominent Nigerians including the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, turned up for the final interment of the late business mogul.

Agbara-Otor was turned into a Mecca of sorts as the remains of the renowned industrialist, Olorogun Michael Ibru, were committed to mother earth amidst further encomiums and tributes.

Prominent dignitaries that witnessed the burial included former Vice President, Ekwueme, Governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Godwin Obaseki of Delta and Edo states respectively as well as former Federal Information Commissioner and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, among others.

Speaking at the funeral service of late Olorogun Ibru at the All Saints’ Cathedral Church, Anglican Communion in Ughelli, the Delta State governor, Okowa, charged all Delta people to unite to allow development spread round the state.

While commiserating with the Ibru family, Okowa also appealed to them to stay united and live as one family, noted that their living together will bring honour and respect to the late Michael Ibru.

Okowa described the late Ibru family patriarch as a man who touched the lives

Remains of Late Michael Ibru being laid to rest

Late Michael Ibru

of so many people in the state, country and the world at large, calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the exemplary life of the late business tycoon.

“I want to plead with each and every one of us, no matter what might have gone wrong that it is time for us to unite and truly forget the past because it is only then that can we able to say that we have done that which our father, Olorogun Michael Ibru has asked us to do.

“There is no doubt that he has impacted the lives of people in Delta State and the world, and I am glad that a lot of good things have been said about him. He was a great man and still a great man even in death.

“A lot of people are rich but they are

arrogant with their riches. That is not the life that we expect people to live, and it is my plea to those who live, especially the extended family of Ibru family that the best we can do is to ensure that we stay humble in all that we do. A very humble heart is a loving heart. Every humble heart is for unity and for peace.”

On his part, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, during his sermon, appealed to all Christians to reconcile all their problems with God before “the final day of rest.”

In his sermon taken from the book of Matthew 11:28, Most Revd. Okoh described death as a permanent rest that is free from all of life’s worries and calamities.

He reminded all that gathered to pay their

last respect to the Late Michael Ibru that they should do all they can to make their life straight with God, saying that the time is short and they must therefore act now to save themselves from the clutches of death.

While describing late Michael Ibru as a great man who has lived a fulfilled life and has touched a lot of lives, Most Revd. Okoh appealed to the family to keep the legacy of their father alive, adding that the only way they can do that was for them to live together as one indivisible family.

In his condolence message to the Ibru family, former Vice President, Ekwuwme, said: “The Ibru family should be proud that Olorogun Michael Ibru in his lifetime, set up what was perhaps Nigeria’s largest indigenous conglomerate. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory on the last day.”

On his part, Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Chief David Edevbie, said: “Michael Ibru was an inspirational leader and someone we the young ones looked up to as a leader and to be honest, we have very few of such persons especially in Urhoboland that is very divided.”

On his part, the Isoko South council chairman, Constantine Ikpoko said: “He was a man who lived a fulfilled life at the age of 86. He left a legacy and was a man who was very humble despite his wealth.”

Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, said: “His loss is irreparable to the Urhobo nation. Michael Ibru was one of the few world’s best and greatest ever to live in Urhoboland.”

According to Kenneth Afejuku, “Michael Ibru was a great son of Delta, a brother to everybody and the greatest industrialist Delta State has ever produced.”

Other dignitaries at the event were Chief Frank Kokori, Gen. David Ejoor (rtd), Gen. Obada, Gen. Ovadje, Ambassador Akporode Clark, Anglican bishops from within and outside Delta State and a cross-section of chiefs.

For Olorogun Michael Ibru who was born on December 25, 1930, his journey in life came to an end on September 6, 2016.

38/OPINION

23.12.2016

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

L

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

The Malware in Magu’s Malfeasance

ike a virus, the scandalous story of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, authored by the Department of State Services, crashed conscience across the country

last week.

It was a grievous blow to national and social conscience that the late Chief Gani Fawenhinmi, Nigeria’s voice of conscience must have rolled over in his grave.

From activists, lawyers, journalists to anticorruption crusaders, corruption is being ‘padded’ in style for Magu’s sake.

According to DSS, “Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40m at N20m per annum. This accommodation was not paid (for) from the commission’s finances, but by one Umar Mohammed, air commodore retired, a questionable businessman who has subsequently been arrested by the secret service.

“For the furnishing of the residence, Magu enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43m.”

Amazingly, the left wing journalists (mostly operating online) known for their radical views on anti-corruption and political reform were the first category of people to dismiss DSS report.

The left wing journalists came up with their own report tagging it Fact-Check with misleading impression. They simply turned truth on its head.

Unfortunately, the Fact Check was short of being credible.

They even published what they confessed to being “unverifiable” in the report.

Sadly, the left wing journalists in their bid to set Magu free equally twisted the story in the minds of Nigerians by going after another report authored by the DSS on the same Magu’s

Magu

case that pleaded leniency for Magu during the Senate screening. They called it “contradictory”.

Yes, the DSS may have written two security reports on Magu, but is the content different?

This is what a Yoruba adage described as “Ete and Lapalapa” situation meaning “we are we leaving leprosy aside to go after ringworm or giving the treatment of ringworm for leprosy.”

Sufficiently, the left wing journalists sold Nigerians the dummy that the in-fighting among the president’s men is responsible for the DSS report on Magu.

They want us to see Magu as a sacrificial lamb, but didn’t Magu truly walked in the shadow of corruption based on the DSS report?

They have even gone extra mile to use their publications to stampede President Muhammadu Buhari to rise up for Magu with an innuendo depicting him as a president who has lost legitimacy.

“He (President Buhari) cannot exercise his authority and that is what we are beginning to observe,” a writer for a left wing publication

wrote. Really?

They want Nigeria to ignore the truth, because the lid was blown open by the Senate that is already in Nigerians’ black book.

Clearly, anti-Senate and anti-Saraki’s stories have been making the headlines in the left wing news organisations since Magu’s scandalous story broke, just to keep us all away from discussing the scandal.

We all know that Saraki and his Senate are so unpropitious for the quests of the common man, but shouldn’t we talk about Magu who now has a badge of corruption?

How did Nigeria end up with a man of questionable integrity leading the EFCC? Why did President Buhari not get security report on Magu before handing him the keys of EFCC as acting Chairman?

Lobbyists pretending to be Op-Ed writers have been bending their words as a form of deflection on the real issue.

They are denigrating the DSS to save Magu.

But when DSS went after judges labeled as corrupt the other day, even without making its report public, the left wing journalists were praising them to high heavens.

But can Mr. Magu come forward and answer these questions: Is Magu living in a house furnished with N40 million or not? Who is behind the payment for the apartment? Did Magu travel on first class to perform lesser hajj with N2.9 million or not? Can FCTA pay for Mr. Magu’s house against the current monetisation policy and can a grade-level 14 officer in the police live large on such a rent?

Did Magu take classified document away from EFCC, when he was suspended from service or not?

These are the pertinent questions that Nigerians are interested in, not what is now termed “contradictory” reports of the DSS by

the left wing journalists.

Professor Itsejuwa Esanjumi Sagay popularly called Prof. Itse Sagay who also heads an anti-corruption advisory committee of this government has been speaking from a dead conscience calling DSS report “staged managed” saying “there is no basis for that (SSS) report.

The man has held positions before. The whole thing is bogus.”

Can we continue to trust Sagay with his advice to the government?

In 2005, Sagay acted as a defense attorney for the late Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who after looting Bayelsa dry was in the United Kingdom for free-spending.

The London Metropolitan Police tightened the noose around him and got him arrested for money laundering, but he jumped bail and returned to Nigeria in a well-packaged “women wrapper.” We all know about the crime. Don’t we?

Alamieyeseigha was charged under UK's Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, where the crime of money laundering was well defined.

But Sagay argued for Alamieyeseigha’s immunity in International law, a ploy to get him off the hook at a time the law was crystal clear on Alams’ misdeeds.

Now, with Magu, Sagay is not seeing beyond his own nose, the same way he did for Alamieyeseigha.

For Sagay, the DSS boss, has said the agency is standing by its report. At a security briefing with editors in Aso Villa on Monday, Lawan Daura, offered no comment on the report telling journalists to go and look at the report once more.

And though the president has subtly asked that Magu should be investigated along with others on the watch list, Magu remains the man in charge.

LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

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Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

Tel 07058069255

On el-Rufai and Marine Platforms’ Bond

or so long questions have been raised on why the public that often blames the government appears quite similar with the government they routinely criticise for negligence and lack of passion for progress.

And this thought would find relevance in the apparent over-dependence of the citizens, including the rich, on the government to get everything done while everyone else,lamenting, buries their hands in their pockets.

The fact is any society that depends on government to make everything happen will remain far from development. And this is because all enviable developments as seen in other parts of the world have been brought to being by concerted efforts of visionary governments, responsible corporate sector and vibrant civil society entities.

Each of those strata in those societies understand that they have a role to play in improving their society and sustaining its development. And that is why those societies, especially those in the West, have remained the envy of others around the world.

Going by that, what is wrong with the Nigerian society becomes painfully obvious. The vital components of this society are either suffering from lack of knowledge of or deliberately insensitive to their role in moving Nigeria forward. Little wonder the country's journey to greatness looks so clumsy, long and laborious.

For example, some have come out heavily against governments across the Northern part of Nigeria for allowing the pernicious Boko Haram sect to grow out of control. Their conclusion is concrete given the absence of vision

El-Rufai

and collaborative efforts amongst the critical stakeholders in the region.

Education is one of the widely noted powerful tools for fighting poverty and preventing the terrorist ideologies. Yet the vast population of the North is reported to be living in abject poverty with abysmal records of illiteracy. This has placed greater challenges on the prospects of the advancement of the region which makes it difficult to compete well with other regions of Nigeria.

However, the latest action taken by the government of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State in collaboration with Marine Platforms Limited (MPL), an oil services company, may well be a viable plan that is critically needed to accelerate development in that region of the country.

In what has been described succinctly as a case

of “innovative corporate social responsibility”, the governor, quite recently, received a hundred mobile libraries from MPL. The gesture was in fulfillment of the oil firm’s promise last year at the 2015 Ake Arts and Books Festival. And One hundred primary schools are the beneficiaries.

At the formal handover ceremony at LGEA Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Model Primary School, Polytechnic Road, Tudun Wada, Kaduna, Mr. Baji Nyam of Marine Platforms presented a sample of the mobile library with the books stocked in it, a proof of his company’s intention to boost reading culture among school children in parts of the North, beginning with Kaduna State.

“We all agree that our future depends on our children. The whole idea is not just for the children to have books, but for the books to be able to trigger off inquisitiveness, trigger off the desire to learn, trigger off the desire to explore.

That is the whole benefit of this project. Books are very significant to children; they spark off that desire to learn and make them inquisitive.

Of course, an inquisitive child is one that keeps asking all the questions. Children want to learn about other places; they want to learn about other people and the society around them,” Nyam said.

And the governor's response was quite encouraging.

“Your contribution is significant and creative.

We hope to adopt your model and scale it up. It is sad that young people don’t read any more; they prefer visuals and they love pictures.

We have to find ways to make young people interested in reading and have access to libraries and good books.”

There is no limit to what gain this single

gesture will translate into for the people of the state especially if the government eventually adopts the model as the governor promised.

Interestingly,beyond MPL’s commitment to supporting education up North, as part of its corporate social responsibility, the organisation has rendered and continued to give massive assistance down South particularly to people in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Various communities in the Niger Delta have been beneficiaries, at different times, of CSR initiatives of the organisation, Onne and Ogu rural communities of Rivers State being the latest.

Similarly,MPL, in partnership with a development entity, is currently working on an innovative technological solution that will help create more awareness on the importance of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amongst the members of the private sector, stimulate them to get behind the goals and attract greater interests towards the attainment of the SDGs. It remains a universal truth that much more can be achieved much faster when two or more people work on a particular task. For too long, the task of taking Nigeria to greater heights has been left squarely in the hands of the government. And at the risk of stating the obvious, the government is doing an abysmally poor job of it. You only need to ask one or two people around for evidence.

Nigeria has never needed an army of genuine change agents more than it does these days.

And the efforts of Governor el-Rufai and the brains behind Marine Platforms should be seen as a right step in the right direction towards progress which should be emulated across board.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

Max Air Set to Resume Schedule Flights to Saudi Arabia Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Max Air Ltd said it had concluded arrangement to resume its schedule flights from Kano to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Friday, December 30.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Airline, Alhaji Ibrahim Dahiru and made available to THISDAY in Kano on Sunday.

“Max Air Ltd has completed the necessary arrangements to resume its schedule flights from Kano to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia in the next two weeks,” the statement said. According

to the statement, the Airline would operate two schedule flights on Mondays and Thursdays every week from Kano to Jeddah with effect from Friday, December 30.

The statement said the Airline would deploy 737-800 for the two schedule Flights adding that the aircraft will return to Kano Tuesdays and Fridays respetively with returning passengers.

“The Airline is using new equipment and excellent professionals to meet up the need and expectations of the passengers,” the statement said.

NEWS

Kano Making Head Way on Commercial Agriculture- Expert Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Senior Agricultural economist with the World Bank, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe has said that Kano under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was making an appreciable head way on lending credence to Commercial Agriculture in conjunction with the World Bank. Speaking to reporters on March shortly after attending a stakeholders meeting in Kano, Oredipe stated that Kano was not coming on board in the area of embracing Commercial Agriculture in recent time.

He added that with the Ganduje administration

expressing considerable interest in the field the World Bank was ever ready to assist the government to succeed. According to him, Commercial Agriculture was a lucrative business gaining ground in every part of the globe and that Kano as a sprawling Commercial nerve centre in the West African Sub-region stood to benefit immensely from its collaboration with the World Bank in that regard.

He said with the business of Commercial Agriculture reaching fruition, the issue of creation jobs especially for the Women folk would receive a considerable face lift stressing

that agriculture was almost taking the lead in ensuring food security in many countries of the world.

The World Bank Senior Agricultural Economist maintained that with the notable giant strides effected by the Ganduje administration, the issue of boosting Commercial Agriculture ought to be taken seriously expressing optimism that the state government was much expected to honour its obligation on the issue of counter-funding.

On his part, Kano state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna said the

Ganduje administration had demonstrated its seriousness in according the agricultural sector the priority its deserved adding that with the soft loan given to farmers, the administration can be taken seriously. Gawuna who was represented by the Managing Director, Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Professor M.I. Daneji expressed the commitment of the Ganduje administration on the provision of the necessary logistics needed for the World Bank Assisted Project to forge ahead and expressed hope that the issue of counter funding was about to be solved.

LG Restates Commitment with CSR Initiative Staying true to its corporate social responsibility slogan – Life’s Good with LG – the company says it will continue to streamline its efforts to help ensure life is good for many across the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Speaking on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the President, LG Electronics, Middle East and Africa, Kevin Cha, said the initiative would continue to actively contribute and sustain its integrated CSR initiatives in 2017 by continuing to support and engage with various communities across MEA. Across the MEA region, the company’s CSR activities can be categorised across three main pillars - Environment, education, and empowerment.

“Like many global companies, LG is engaged in a number of prominent CSR activities throughout the year.

In the MEA region, we focus on our global CSR pillars to remain true to our brand, but we also keep in mind what matters most to our local communities and implement programs accordingly, ensuring authenticity remains at the core of what we do,” Cha said.

LG first announced its environmental vision in 1994 and has since been practicing environmental management through researching and introducing environmentally friendly products and by reducing the environmental impact that occurs during business activities. The company actively participates and contributes to global initiatives like World Environment Day. More than 41 business sites in 24 countries across the globe participated in this global initiative in 2016.

Within the realm of education, LG’s efforts include developing products that bridge the digital divide, establish IT training facilities and run vocational training and environmental education programmes. In 2014, LG opened a vocational school in Ethiopia to foster a technical workforce for the country by leveraging its strength in electronics repair.

The school trains 75 students annually through its three-year electronics repair course.

Another notable association under LG’s CSR education pillar includes a UAE initiative, known as AT EDUCOM (Assistive Technology Education & Competition). This is an example of how technology and education work hand in hand. AT EDUCOM is a local competition that has run in two successful editions, and it gives university students across many nationalities in the UAE and Korea a platform to enhance their educational skill set and use technologies to help push boundaries and create a better world for people with disabilities. Whether it is by supporting individuals with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, underprivileged youth, or families with limited access to basic needs or career opportunities, LG – through its empowerment pillar – supports many individuals in making positive change in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones. In 2016, over 10 countries across LG MEA subsidiaries have helped empower individuals and families with unique initiatives with the support of local LG staff. .

One initiative to highlight would be the “LG Hope Series”, which helps the underprivileged in developing countries to achieve selfreliance and work toward eradicating waterborne diseases to further facilitate its efforts. LG Hope Series started in 2009 in Africa where LG supported low-income citizens build their capacity and engaged them in the developing activities.

“In a day and age where we increasingly witness corporate greed on one hand and distressed populations on the other, there is no chance on earth that global organisations like LG cannot but be engrained in the effort of helping make life better for our societies. CSR is not an expense; CSR is an investment in our communities who have every right to live on a clean planet, have the opportunity to learn, and eventually become empowered to foster change in their lives and in the world. At LG, it is our responsibility to try our utmost best to make that change happen,” Cha added.

DISCUSSING THE NATION’S ECONOMY

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Citi Bank Nigeria, Akin Dawodu; President, Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria (ACTN), Ishmael Nwokocha; MD/CEO, Graeme Blaque Advisory, Zeal Akaraiwe; Director, Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Moses Tule; MD/CEO, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Bola Onadele.Koko; Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Barristers & Solicitors, Yinka Edu, and Chief Economist, Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, Ayomide Mejabi at the maiden breakfast meeting of the ACTN in Lagos….recently.

HP Raises Security Bar with World’s Most Secure Printers Hewlett Packard (HP), the global leader in printing, has announced the redesign of its secure managed print services (MPS) offering, to set a new standard in security, protecting the corporate print environment against cyberattacks with the strongest print security protection available in the industry.

The new HP Secure MPS capabilities include advanced security professional services, solutions and expanded core delivery capabilities including new remote fleet security management services. In addition, HP announced the pre-configuring of print devices for security.

Vice President/General Manager, JetAdvantage Solutions at HP, Inc, Ed Wingate, said: “Networked printers can no longer be overlooked in the wake of weakening firewalls to the growing sophistication and volume of cyberattacks.”

According to him, “That’s why HP has established a new benchmark in managed print services, infusing security best practices into everything that we

do to enable our customers to stay on top of growing endpoint security challenges.”

HP has added new groundbreaking implementation and professional services to HP Secure MPS, so that companies can outsource and improve their security profile while saving valuable IT resources. The new services and capabilities include implementation service

by HP’s specialised security support technicians, print security advisory retainer service

by HP’s credentialed security advisors to deliver ongoing security expertise, print security governance and compliance via new remote management, increased industry security training to raise the level of security expertise with MPS employees and HP technical teams, enhanced reporting and reviews of best practice recommendations, and finally, new remote management tools and services such as firmware updates and password management, so companies can outsource tedious IT security actions as part of the MPS

contract.

Research Director with IDC’s Imaging , Printing and Document Solutions team, Robert Palmer, said: “Organisations must take proactive steps to address security concerns in the print and document infrastructure, and the managed print service (MPS) provider, like HP, should be viewed as an important partner in this endeavor.”

He said HP is raising the bar for business printing by announcing that the company has started to ship printers with less-secure interfaces closed, requiring customers to open the ports and protocols if they are needed when deploying new printers on their network.

With its new approach to device settings, HP has started the process of closing older, lessmaintained interfaces including ports, protocols and cipher suites as identified by NIST as less-secure including FTP and Telnet. With HP’s November FurtureSmart firmware update, it has improved admin password and encryption settings

for both new and existing HP Enterprise printers and MFPs. Partnering the software community, HP is actively working with software developers to modify their applications to utilize newer, stronger interfaces in order to close additional interfaces in the near future.

HP’s solutions enhancements focus on data, device and document security. The HP JetAdvantage workflow and printing solutions have been developed to streamline crucial business processes and tasks for enterprise customers – leading to reduced IT workload and costs, improved employee productivity and enabing users to print securely.

The latest security enhancements include HP Access Control which provides authentication, authorisation, and secure pull printing capabilities, now with improved functionality and support for SNMPv3, a new card reader expands card type compatibility, and ability for user to login and logout with a simple swipe of a proximity card or smart card.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

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

Kaduna Residents Cry Out over Bad Roads John Shiklam writes that residents of Kaduna are lamenting over the deplorable condition of most roads in the metropolis

The bridge connecting Anguwa Bulus with Anguwan Barde which the community atempted to build through communal efforts

O

ne of the greatest challenges facing many residents of Kaduna city is the deplorable state of roads and lack of motorable access roads to many sprawling suburbs.

The deplorable state of roads and lack of motorable access roads to the ever increasing settlements that are emerging around the city haveremained a nightmare to residents, especially during the raining season.

The increasing population, also called for more expansion of the roads to ease the congestion that has continued to cause serious traffic gridlock, thereby leading to long hours being wasted in the traffic, especially along the Kaduna Bridge which connects the Southern part of the metropolis with the city centre where the market, offices and businesses are mostly located.

The administration of the late Governor Patrick Yakowa attempted to address the problem by awarding contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of 32 roads across the state, mostly within the metropolis at a total cost of N28 billion.

Yakowa also constructed another road connecting the Southern part of the city from Angwan NNPC Area office in Angwan Rimi area of the metropolis to the KRPC junction as part of efforts to address traffic congestion around the Station Market area.

Unfortunately he died in December 2012 in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State and most of the road projects were abandoned by the lack lustre administration of Ramalan Yero who succeeded him as governor.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai has embarked on massive road construction, expansion and

rehabilitation across the state, thus raising the hope of residents who have been looking up to government to ameliorate their suffering as it concerns provision of good road network and access roads, particularly within the metropolis.

Residents of the areas where the road projects are going on, especially in Barnawa, Rigasa, Anguwan Dosa, Anguwan Rimi, Sabon Birni, Kigo New Extention, among others have been agog with excitement about the construction of the roads, others in places like Anguwan Bulus, Sabon Tasha, Tsaunin Kura GRA, Gonin Gora, Romi, Kabala Constain, have urged the governor not to forget their communities in the road “project bonanza”.

We have had situations where women had miscarriages. In times of emergencies, it is really very difficult to get a bike or a bus to the hospital.

Apart from our bad roads, you will be shocked to know that in this age, we don’t have a single public primary school in this community. The few private primary schools are beyond the reach of my people

“We have no doubt that el-Rufai can perform, we know his achievements as Minister of the FCT and we have been anxious to see him replicate what he did in Abuja in Kaduna, now we are seeing it.

“We are happy, finally this problematic road has been made very standard, we are very impressed with the quality of the work and the drainages constructed. We are beginning to feel the impact of el-Rufai,” said Mr. Donatus Eze a resident of Kigo New Extension.

In Barnawa, Rigasa, Anguwan Dosa and Anguwan Rimi, residents praised the governor for putting their roads to shape. However, in Anguwan Bulus, one of the suburbs in Sabon Tasha Area, their story is such a pathetic story of long neglect and they have been making desperate efforts to get the attention of the governor to the only road leading to their community.

Like several suburbs within the metropolis Angwan Bulus despite its proximity to the seat of power is worse off than a remote village as there is no motorable road.

The situation is even worse during the rains as trekking on the road connecting the area with Sabon Tasha becomes difficult.

Several community efforts have not helped in improving the situation as a result of lack of sufficient funds to improve the condition of the road.

Residents of the area are mainly traders, petty business men, serving and retired civil servants many of whose livelihoods depend on buying and selling hence the need for a motorable road for the transportation of goods.

According to the Village Head of area, Gideon Haruna Gwoni, lack of access road is one of the greatest predicaments of the community.

“Our greatest challenge in this community is that we don’t have a good road” he said in an interview when THISDAY visited the community.

According to him, residents of the area have made every communal effort to make the road motorable, but such efforts didn’t yield any result as the community could not raise the huge sum of money required to make the road motorable.

Gwoni said “whenever somebody is sick and we want to take him to the hospital, you can hardly get a motorbike, not to talk of a car.”

He said “no vehicle or motorcycle plies here, especially during rainy season and if by luck, we get a vehicle, before we could reach a hospital in Sabon Tasha, the person has given up the ghost.”

He added that traders are the worst hit as they find it difficult transporting goods whenever they go to make purchases in the market.

“The few commercial motorcycles that risk coming here charge very high fares as a result of our bad road and you stand the risk of falling down on the slippery road.

“If you want to go to the market you will have to trek for about an hour to the railway crossing before you could get a commercial bike.

“We have had situations where women had miscarriages. In times of emergencies, it is really very difficult to get a bike or a bus to the hospital.

“Apart from our bad roads, you will be shocked to know that in this age, we don’t have a single public primary school in this community. The few private primary schools are beyond the reach of my people,” the village head said.

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CITYSTRINGS

El-Rufai...embarks on massive rehabilitation, expansion and construction of roads in Kaduna metropolis

Dualisation of Aliyu Makama Road in Barnawa

Dualisation of Zaria Road in Rigasa area of Kaduna

According to him, the community has been able to construct some culverts through communal effort as part of efforts to make the road motorable, but to no avail.

He disclosed that the community has spent about N1million to construct some culverts adding that in an attempt to find alternative solution to the problem, the community attempted to construct a bridge across the river to connect with Angwan Barde to ease transportation problems.

“About N6 million was needed to construct the bridge, our community contributed N2. 4 million and started the casting of the bridge but because we were not able to finish it before the rains, everything was destroyed. So what we did was to use some planks and woods across the river to enable us cross,” he said.

According to him, Governor el-Rufai who visited the community in 2015 is aware of the condition of the bridge. “He even came and inspected it in 2015 when he visited our community and have been hopeful that he will do something about it.

Now that he has started constructing roads, I want to use this medium to urge him to remember Anguwan Bulus. Please help us tell him to assist us,” the village head pleaded. He recalled that past administrations came and surveyed the community without anything done, adding the community sent a delegation to the Ministry of Works and the Kaduna State Public Works Agency (KAPWA) pleading with them to come and assist us, but up till now but without avail.

Similarly, in Sabon Tasha, especially Tsaunin Kura GRA, residents have been grappling with the dusty and bad condition of road network in the area, blaming past administrations for neglecting the area.

A community leader in the area who pleaded to remain anonymous lamented that there is no single tarred road in the GRA since it was founded over 20 years ago, blaming past administrations for neglecting the area.

“This is a GRA, but it is like we are living in a remote village. We have no single tarred road anywhere here.

Some years back you cannot drive here without your car getting stuck. Through communal

Expansion of the Kawo dual carriageway in progress

efforts we were able to contribute money to grade the roads. When the late Patrick Yakowa visited here for condolence visit, his Jeep got stuck here, that was how he experienced what we were going through and he ordered for the grading of the roads with a promise to do something about the condition of our roads, unfortunately for us, he died and that was the end of the story,” he said.

He appeal to Governor el-Rufai come to the aid residents of the GRA by extending the road projects to the area.

“We have seen transformation that is going on in Barnawa, Kigo Road, the expansion of the Kawo Dual Carriage Way and other parts of the city.

“We are appealing to the governor to hear our cries. Our trying moments are during the rains when the roads are barely motorable.

When the rains are gone the roads become very dusty and each time you drive to town, people think you’re coming from the village,” he pleaded.

Speaking on the road projects in an interview with journalists in Kaduna, Governor el-Rufai said his administration was determined to improve on infrastructural development in the state, especially the provision of roads, potable water, electricity and hospitals.

Lamenting the bad condition of roads in

This is a GRA, but it is like we are living in a remote village. We have no single tarred road anywhere here. Some years back you cannot drive here without your car getting stuck.

Through communal efforts we were able to contribute money to grade the roads

the metropolis, he noted that “township roads in Kaduna have been allowed to go into disrepair for long” adding that “local government headquarters have all become glorified villages as they have no good roads, nor street lighting,” pointing out that many of the roads have no drainages and therefore, they don’t last.

He said road projects were awarded by his administration under what he called “a retainer scheme.”

“We found that when you advertised and go through tenders, it takes four to five months to award the contracts. So we came up with some very innovative ideas. We got an initial list of 10 contractors that have done roads in Kaduna.

“Every month, we give N100 million to each of them, that is N1 billion. Ministry of Works will ask you to do a particular road, you build the road, at the end of the month, we will reconcile account and balance you.

“We determine the rates which are the same for all the contracts. Of course when we invited Julius Berger, they couldn’t accept our prices, but some others accepted it. So we have 12 contractors on the retainership scheme,” he explained.

He said the state government decided to adopt this method because of the budget support facility by the federal government.

“Every month, the federal government gives each state N1.3 billion to augment the prices in the fall of crude oil. So we felt the money will be better utilised this way. We pay N1.2 billion to the 12 contractors every month that is why they keep on working,” the governor disclosed.

The road projects include the dualisation of four roads namely, Zaria Road in Rigasa, Anguwan Dosa, Aliyu Makama Road in Barnawa and Sabon Birni Road in Kawo.

Contract has also been awarded for the Saminaka - Rahama road in Lere Local Government and the carrier bridge in Ikara.

Others include the Guchimishi - Kuyelo , Randagi - Funtua, Rigachikun - Sabon Birni, Anguwan Katafawa, Anguwan Kaji, Rafin Guza and the construction of another bridge across River Kaduna to open up the eastern sector. The state government has also taken

over Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway from the federal government and the initial plan, according to the governor, was to patch it up, stressing that after assessing it, it realised that the road requires a complete reconstruction.

“So we are in negotiation with major construction companies to completely reconstruct the expressway and expand it if necessary as well as reconstruct the overhead bridge at Kawo. “We think that the junction in Kawo has to be sorted out, it is a bottleneck and something must be done to reduce the congestion and confusion in that area because it is a security nightmare.”

El-Rufai disclosed that about 20 per cent of all the projects are expected to be completed before the end of 2017.

Conducting journalists round some of the road projects within the city, the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport, Alhaji Hassan Usman Mahmud an engineer disclosed that 75 roads were being constructed or rehabilitated in Barnawa area of the metropolis including the dualisation of the 5.7 kilometre Aliyu Makama Road.

Also a 20 kilometre access roads are being constructed in Rigasa area including the dualisation of the eight kilometre Zaria Road there.

In Kabala area, 53 roads are being worked on while 26 others are located in Ungwan Rimi area of the city.

The commissioner said the expansion of the Kawo Dual Carriage Way from the Kawo overhead bridge to the roundabout opposite the State House of Assembly to three lanes is expected to be completed by February next year.

He explained that the expansion of the Kawo dual Carriage Way, inherited from the Yero administration which did very little on the project was reviewed down ward and the state government was able to save about N1.2 billion.

He said one lane of the three lanes of the expanded carriage way would be dedicated to mainly a special bus service called “the Bus Rapid”.

The commissioner said more road contracts would be awarded and assured the government will continue to do its best within available resources to meet the demands for roads and other basic infrastructure by communities.

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NEWSXTRA

Emmanuel, Bello Present 2017 Budget Proposals to Assemblies Okon Bassey in Uyo and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State and Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello, yesterday presented their 2017 budget proposals to their respective state Houses of Assembly.

While that of Akwa Ibom State was N365.251 billion, Kogi State was N174bn The budget christened ‘Budget of Consolidation’ is about N58, 749 billion less than the N423 billion that was budgeted for the year 2016.

Emmanuel explained that the 2017 financial estimate of the state is predicated on an oil benchmark of $35 per barrel at a production rate of 1.0 million barrels per day.

A breakdown of the budget showed that recurrent expenditure has N88.425 billion; capital expenditure got N193.952 billion while consolidated revenue fund charges secured N82.870 billion.

The total projected recurrent revenue for 2017 of N175 billion as against N284.666 for 2016 indicated that internally generated revenue (IGR) has N27.684 billion, statutory allocation –N15 billion, derivation fund-N120 billion, retained revenue from parastatals-N2.316 billion and value added tax (VAT)-N10 billion.

The sum of N171.295 billion is proposed for next year recurrent expenditure made up of personnel costs-N50.489 billion, overhead costs-N37.936 billion and consolidated revenue fund charges-N82.870 billion.

The total capital receipts and expenditure for the year 2017 is estimated at N193.956 billion as against N243 billion for 2016; showing that projected capital

receipt of N3.706 billion will be transferred from the consolidated revenue fund.

However the balance of N190.250 is to be realised from opening balance from 2016 account of N6.250 billion, internal/external loans-N128 billion, grants-N3 billion, ecological funds-N2 billion, re-imbursement from federal government road N50 billion and dividends from government investment –N1billio Sectoral allocation of the total estimated capital expenditure showed that the economy has the largest allocation of N128.021 billion, followed by administration with N42.204 billion, social got N19.953 billion, law and justice received N2.978 billion with regional N0.800 million.

The governor listed 12 underlining principles of the budget’s policy thrust and objectives to include ensuring accountability and transparency in government by fighting and tackling corruption in all facets of state administration.

Meanwhile, Presenting the Kogi budget yesterday before the Kogi State House of Assembly, Bello, who tagged the budget “Budget of New Direction” noted that the total budget was divided into recurrent expenditure of N58,531,404,254 representing 33.47 per cent and capital expenditure of N116,320,140,269 representing 66.53 per cent.

Out of the budget, the economy got the Lion share of N80,424,600,499, Social got N44,098,767,770, administration N43,442,160,340 while Law and Justice got the smallest share of N6,886,015,914.

According to him, his administration has budgeted a total estimated recurrent revenue of N81,666,312,024

consisting of N32,181,492,459 from internal sources, N35,309,699,767 as state’s share from the Federation Account, N8,085,355,569 revenue from Value Added Tax ( VAT), N2,209,764,229 from Exchange Differentials and N3,880,000,000 from Budget Augmentation.

Bello opined that the preparation of the budget was guided by the harmonisation of MDAs’ policy thrusts in line with New Direction Blueprint and actual appropriation to ensure that they have a Budget that meets the aspiration of the majority of the people in 2017.

He added that the fiscal strategy of government was anchored on the on-going Public Financial Management Reform (PFM) stressing that over the period of 2017-2019, the State government fiscal policy will be directed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and others.

“In our resolve to be a part of the global village, we cannot remain isolated from changes that are occurring in the larger system.

“That is why the Kogi State Government is adopting the reform process in line with Medium Term Expenditure Framework/ Multi-Year Budget Framework as well as international best practices in quality information and record-keeping, and the management o f modernised Government Accounts,” he stated.

I n h i s a d d re s s t h e S p e a k e r o f K o g i S t ate House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam said the outgoing fiscal year w a s s h a p e d in challenges; staff verification, arrears of salary payments and infrastructural deficit.

No Quick Fix for Economic Challenges, Says Osinbajo Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday asked artisans to bear with the government, saying there was no quick fix for the economic challenges facing the country The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, in a statement said Osinbajo spoke when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Mpape artisans’ village, Abuja.

He explained that the vice-president told them that things were difficult because not much money was coming from oil.

He said the present administration was doing its best to reduce dependency on oil.

He said: ``Now there are many people with jobs

because we are beginning to produce rice, mill it locally and distribute. ``In the meantime, it will be expensive and when it is expensive, there will be suffering but that is the only way we are going to stop importing rice.’’

Osinbajo encouraged the artisans not to despair as government was focused on addressing key sectors that would improve the economy and create jobs for them and other Nigerians.

According to him, ``we are trying to deal with the problem in the Niger Delta, address farming, industry and the economy so that this problem you are talking about will be fixed permanently.

He however told the artisans to brace up as there was no quick fix to the problems confronting the economy, stressing that

``there is no country that can make progress without some pain’’.

He assured them that the Muhammadu Buhari government was addressing the issues on all fronts with the fight against corruption, stressing that ``If you don’t f i g h t c o r r u p t i o n the money which we a re t r y i n g t o g e t , s o m e persons will pocket it and that is all and there w o n ’ t b e a n y t h i n g . ’’ He solicited the support and cooperation of the artisans and other category of Nigerians to help revamp the economy for the progress of the nation, promising that the hardship currently experienced

by Nigerians would s o o n b e a t hing of the past.

50

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Why Nigeria Cannot Shun Islamic Financing Market’ Obinna Chima A Chartered Accountant and Tax Administrator, Mr. Bicci Alli has said that the federal government as well as states cannot shun Islamic financial instruments whose market is valued at over $2.6 trillion, because it has the capability to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the country.

Alli, said this in a presentation titled: “Islamic Financial Market: A Catalyst for Bridging Infrastructure Deficit,” obtained by THISDAY yesterday.

The federal government is presently looking for financial and legal advisers and trustee firms to organise its first Islamic bond in the domestic market, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said on Monday. Nigeria is working on a debut sovereign sukuk but has yet to determine the size of a potential deal.

Issuance of a sovereign sukuk is part of a plan by Nigeria’s debt office to develop alternative sources of funding and to establish a benchmark curve.

Continuing, Alli highlighted the reasons for the growth of Islamic financial products to include the crash of the financial market and crises that followed it (Subprime Finance in USA); excess liquidity from sale of crude oil (until recently) most especially in the oil producing countries of the Arabian Peninsular; active roles played by some countries in the development of Islamic financial market;

especially Malaysia, Iran and Countries of the Gulf; increase perception that Islamic financial instruments can support effort to promote global financial stability; as well as Increase deployment of Islamic financial instrument as monetary policy tool by some countries, Iran especially.

“The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele was elected as the chairman of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) on ,December 15, 2016 in Jakarta Indonesia.

Emefiele combines the position with headship of the General Assembly of financial body comprising nine countries and Islamic Development Bank.

“In view of the fact that religion has become a volatile issue over the years in Nigeria and IILL has Islamic colouration, naturally the election of Emefiele, is regarded in some quarters as attempt to further Islamise Nigeria. I humbly hold a different opinion.

“Nigeria is at a stage where there is need to broaden the source of funds required to support her huge infrastructure deficit and plug revenue short fall caused by global slump in prices of crude oil and commodities .

We cannot shut ourselves out of a market that according to Nadim Najjar, Managing Director at Thomson Reuters, Middle East and North Africa, is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2021,” Alli said.

The tax expert pointed out that the Islamic financial market is made up of institutions, managers, and instruments that comply with Islamic Religious (Sharia) law with respect to payment of interest and generation of profits from business activities.

The market seeks to reconcile secular financial system with basic tenet of Islamic Faith. Sharia law bans the sale and purchase of debt contracts, profit taking without real economic activity as well as activities that are not considered halal (shariacompliant).

Only interest-free forms of finance associated with investments that do not involve any association with pork, alcohol, fire arms, adult entertainment or gambling are considered permissible in Islamic finance.

The value of Islamic financial assets worldwide increased from USD 150 billion in the mid-1990s to an estimated $2.6 trillion by end-2015.Malaysia, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia feature among the countries that have been at the forefront of growth in the sukuk primary market.

“At present, there are four major sukuk-listing domiciles, namely the London Stock Exchange, the Bursa Malaysia (in Kuala Lumpur), NASDAQ Dubai and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

The London Stock Exchange is the largest exchange for sukuk listings. Osun State Sukuk is listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange,” he added.

LSETF: Selection for Pilot Phase ReachesAdvance Stage The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has now reached an advanced stage in the selection of a minimum of 1,000 beneficiaries in the pilot stage of its loan scheme.

According to a statement, from this week, successful beneficiaries would be contacted to accept loan offer letters indicating the terms and conditions guiding the loan scheme, the final process before loans are disbursed to beneficiaries. Once the applicants accept the terms of the offers made and open their bank accounts, disbursement of the approved amounts will be made to the beneficiaries.

The fund is poised to provide support to at least 100,000 MSMEs; create at least 300,000 direct and up to 600,000 indirect jobs by 2019. The LSETF

is also mandated to provide training and job placements for the unemployed; mentorship for SME owners and improvement of the policy environment to ensure a conducive operational environment for small businesses in the state.

Once the pilot phase is completed, the LSETF would roll out the loan schemes in all 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State in addition to an online platform. This will be complemented with various stakeholder sessions across the 20 LGAs, where LSETF staff will educate applicants on the application process, and the eligibility criteria for our various schemes.

Commenting on the ongoing pilot process, LSETF’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Akin Oyebode stated: “It is critical for us to

test our process ahead of a full roll out. This is to ensure that we have an incident-free go-live and an unwavering confidence in our ability to deliver an unbiased, inclusive and transparent process to determine those deserving of being beneficiaries of the scheme.

These are the values we hold sacred for the benefit of Lagos residents as we strive to provide access to institutional support, leverage and finance for micro, small and medium scale businesses to thrive in Lagos State.

“We are also in the process of setting up liaison offices in 20 LGAs, to bring the Fund’s activities closer to the people, and increase our points of representation to serve Lagos residents.”

GTBank Rewards Customer with Porsche Car Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) has announced its customer, Abdulkareem Buhari, as the winner of the GTBank Porsche 911 car in a draw for its platinum banking customers.

The GTBank Porsche 911 Giveaway was part of the bank’s rewards for its platinum banking customers, a niche segment that enjoys premium products and dedicated services such as access to personal banking lounges, fast track banking services, Platinum MasterCards and

specialised Credit Facilities as well as higher transaction limits on alternative channels.

Abdulkareem, a trader in Kaduna, won the brand new Porsche 911 Carrera after a raffle draw held on Wednesday at the Corporate Head Office of GTBank in Lagos.

“I am incredibly excited and immensely grateful to GTBank for such an amazing gift,” enthused Abdulkareem as he received the keys to his new Porsche.

In his remark, Managing Director of GTBank, Mr Segun

Agbaje said: “The GTBank Porsche 911 Giveaway Draw is our special way of expressing our utmost gratitude to our customers for making our success possible,” said Mr. Agbaje. He further stated that, “As a bank that’s committed to creating memorable experiences, we are excited at how happy we have made one of our most loyal customers and we will continue to ensure that our customers the excellent service and best in-class financial solutions that they deserve.”

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, 21 DEC 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $52.25 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $51.99 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

51

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

22-Dec-16 21-Dec-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

170.04

170.04

0.00%

2,897,567,879,146.20

9.20

18.47

5.10

4.70%

3.87

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

142.00

142.00

0.00%

1,125,932,326,096.00

4.03

35.19

3.73

2.54%

6.87

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

24.66

24.80

-0.56%

725,772,879,663.84

4.90

5.03

1.81

7.18%

1.47

810.00

810.00

0.00%

642,051,564,120.00

8.81

91.92

3.72

3.58%

20.34

14.40

14.40

0.00%

452,109,510,518.40

3.91

3.69

0.95

12.50%

0.65

370.50

370.50

0.00%

205,001,470,966.50 -44.58

-8.31

2.64

4.30%

0.52

07 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

10.88

10.88

0.00%

199,643,117,219.20

0.68

16.08

0.34

5.70%

0.32

08 Lafarge Africa Plc

41.00

40.99

0.02%

186,750,974,210.00

-9.39

-4.37

0.88

7.32%

0.92

09 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.55

4.60

-1.09%

165,071,844,765.10

1.75

2.61

0.49

13.19%

0.38

10 Access Bank Plc

5.70

5.62

1.42%

164,889,438,296.70

2.59

2.20

0.47

9.65%

0.37

11 Presco Plc

40.01

42.00

-4.74%

158,858,786,570.45

0.03

1,368.34

2.23

3.25%

3.80

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

14.21

14.21

0.00%

142,100,000,000.00

2.04

6.98

1.01

0.70%

1.21

13 Unilever Nigeria Plc

35.00

35.00

0.00%

132,415,368,750.00

0.69

50.57

1.99

0.14%

14.11

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc 05 Zenith Bank Plc 06 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

14 Guinness Nig Plc

87.50

87.50

0.00%

131,765,216,450.00

-3.06

-28.61

1.28

3.66%

3.34

15 FBN Holdings Plc

3.50

3.40

2.94%

125,633,524,772.00

0.21

16.87

0.24

4.29%

0.20

94.22

85.47

10.24%

122,719,769,524.66

3.31

28.50

0.80

3.66%

2.84

17 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

280.00

280.00

0.00%

100,966,673,360.00

19.32

14.49

1.11

2.57%

5.45

18 Total Nigeria Plc

277.10

277.10

0.00%

94,081,501,032.70

38.02

7.29

0.35

5.05%

4.13

19 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

129.00

129.00

0.00%

82,636,156,827.00

-0.05 -2,824.30

0.89

1.71%

3.72

20 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.08

6.08

0.00%

72,960,000,000.00

1.03

5.92

0.51

8.22%

1.17

21 International Breweries Plc

17.30

17.96

-3.67%

56,990,512,544.00

0.02

767.80

2.14

1.45%

5.19

4.38

4.20

4.29%

52,711,630,755.72

-3.15

-1.39

0.21

17.12%

0.33

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

38.58

38.58

0.00%

50,925,600,000.00

-2.95

-13.09

0.44

3.89%

2.68

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

18.49

18.50

-0.05%

48,522,145,587.63

-1.19

-15.50

0.12

10.82%

0.49

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

40.00

40.00

0.00%

38,156,400,000.00

4.82

8.29

5.80

0.25%

2.36

0.86

0.88

-2.27%

33,300,057,785.50

-0.47

-1.84

0.64

0.00%

0.45

16.41

16.41

0.00%

31,521,384,590.67

3.37

4.87

0.42

6.09%

0.42

28 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.88

0.88

0.00%

25,487,075,408.96

0.39

2.27

0.17

18.18%

0.14

29 Sterling Bank Plc

0.81

0.78

3.85%

23,320,238,682.06

0.29

2.82

0.22

11.11%

0.28

30 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.93

3.93

0.00%

23,115,726,286.35

0.76

5.15

0.63

3.56%

0.81

31 FCMB Group Plc

1.11

1.08

2.78%

21,981,008,966.91

0.61

1.81

0.13

9.01%

0.12

31.00

31.60

-1.90%

21,700,000,000.00

2.28

13.57

3.25

3.71%

12.68

33 Diamond Bank Plc

0.92

0.90

2.22%

21,307,557,850.56

-0.29

-3.13

0.10

0.00%

0.09

34 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

11.10

11.10

0.00%

20,848,042,644.00

0.50

22.23

0.74

11.71%

2.04

35 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

7.60

7.60

0.00%

20,135,731,672.80

0.85

8.95

1.07

7.24%

2.72

36 Wema Bank Plc

0.52

0.52

0.00%

20,058,722,362.12

0.06

8.73

0.39

0.00%

0.42

15.75

15.75

0.00%

18,835,054,686.00

-2.98

-5.28

0.67

1.90%

2.14

38 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.56

1.56

0.00%

16,380,000,000.00

0.28

5.60

0.82

3.21%

0.78

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

15.00

15.00

0.00%

15,000,000,000.00

5.69

2.64

1.05

0.67%

0.40

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.00

1.00

0.00%

10,372,744,312.00

0.42

2.38

0.47

12.00%

0.55

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.23

1.29

-4.65%

9,754,143,119.34

-0.40

-3.04

0.20

13.01%

0.29

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,940,150,705.00

-2.93

-0.17

0.04

60.00%

0.07

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.58

0.58

0.00%

6,779,816,006.36

-0.10

-5.66

0.10

0.00%

0.08

44 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.52

-3.85%

6,691,369,126.00

0.18

2.78

0.85

6.00%

0.41

45 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

4.63

4.42

4.75%

5,818,418,056.58

0.22

21.15

0.52

2.16%

0.54

46 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

47 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.60

0.61

-1.64%

4,158,122,688.00

0.22

2.69

0.14

8.33%

0.41

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.44

2.33

4.72%

3,963,093,750.00

0.15

16.15

0.49

8.20%

0.66

49 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.28

2.18

4.59%

3,918,749,988.60

0.30

7.62

0.93

30.70%

0.11

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.23

1.24

-0.81%

1,845,000,000.00

0.24

5.23

0.28

4.07%

0.29

16 Forte Oil Plc.

22 Oando Plc

26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 27 U A C N Plc

32 Cap Plc

37 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

TOTAL

8,555,131,366,065.91

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,114,184,778,594.66

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

93.87%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Open 21-Dec-16

Close 22-Dec-16

Change %

26,418.11 9.09

26,464.82 9.11

0.18 0.18

109.82 8.55

109.88 8.56

0.05 0.05

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 21-Dec-16 22-Dec-16 %

Forte Oil Plc. Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc UACN Property Development Co. Limited Oando Plc

85.47 4.42 2.33

94.22 4.63 2.44

10.24 4.75 4.72

2.18

2.28

4.59

4.20

4.38

4.29

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 21-Dec-16 22-Dec-16 %

Presco Plc Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Wapic Insurance Plc International Breweries Plc Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

42.00 1.29 0.52 17.96 0.88

40.01 1.23 0.50 17.30 0.86

-4.74 -4.65 -3.85 -3.67 -2.27

Market gains by 0.18% to halt a 3-day losing streak Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, December 22nd, 2016 ends on a positive note as stock market closed green. This was further highlighted by positive performance from the Oil & Gas subsectors: while other NSE Subsectors’ index closed negative: Banking, consumer Goods and Insurance. Trading activities decreased in volume as 188.68 million shares worth of N1.39 billion in 3,161 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 421.18 million shares worth of N10.08 billion in 3,937 deals which exchanged hands on Wednesday. Topping in volume terms were Diamond Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc, while Unilever Nigeria Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with 0.18% (+46.71) increase to close at 26,464.82 from 26,418.11 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N9.11 trillion from N9.09 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with an increase of 0.05% to close at 109.88 from 109.82 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.56 trillion from N8.55 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 18 stocks gained on the bourse today while 13 stocks declined, leaving 68 stocks unchanged. Forte Oil Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.24% to close at N94.22 per share. It was followed by CCNN Plc with a gain of 4.75% to close at N4.63 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, UACN Property Development Co. Limited and Oando Plc; while on the decliners’ list, Presco Plc emerge with a loss of 4.74% to close at N40.01 per share. It was followed by Honeywell Flour Mill Plc with a loss of 4.65% to close at N1.23 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Wapic Insurance Plc, International Breweries Plc and Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

52

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Stanbic IBTC’s Profit Declines in 2015, Improves in 2016 Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc yesterday announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The financial institution also declared its results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The results were delayed due to a dispute with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

Details of the results show that Stanbic IBTC Holdings ended 2015 financial year with gross earnings of N140.027 billion, up by 7.2 per cent from N130.654 billion in 2014.

Net interest income fell by 6.0 per cent from N46.658 billion to N43.86 billion in 2015, while non-interest income stood at N56.788 billion in 2015, compared with N57.987 billion in 2014.Credit impairment charges soared by 364

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

per cent to N14.931 billion in 2015 from N3.217 billion in 2014. Operating expenses rose by 7.2 per cent to N62 billion to N57.9 billion in 2014.

Consequently, profit before tax (PBT) fell by 45.7 per cent to N23.65 billion, from N43.52 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) declined by 45.2 per cent to N18.891 billion, from N34.46 billion in 2014. Despite the decline in profit, the directors have recommended a dividend

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

of five kobo per share.

Meanwhile, shareholders should expect a better deal at the end of this year as the company has reported improved nine months results.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc reported an increase in top and bottom lines.

The financial institution posted gross earnings of N114.622 billion in 2016, up from N104.418 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

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

Net interest income improved from N32.92 billion in 2015 to N39 billion in 2016. Total interest income grew from N74.2 billion to N91 billion.

Credit impairment charges increased from N12.48 billion to N15.3 billion.

PBT increased by 65 per cent, jumping from N5.567 billion to N25.688 billion, while PAT stood at N20.2 billion in 2016, up from N13.56 billion.

Commenting on the 2015

fourth quarter performance, analysts at FBN Quest said the results were in line with their expectations.

“Although PBT and PAT of N8.3 billion and N4.4 billion were ahead of our forecasts by 54 per cent and 22 per cent respectively, the results were boosted by lower-thanexpected loan loss provisions.

Profit before provisions of N26.4 billion was in line with our forecast,” they said.

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

53

FRIdAY, decembeR 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NSE Commends Nigerian Breweries on Corporate Governance Goddy Eg ene The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its commitment to corporate governance standards. Onyema gave the commendation when the management of Nigerian Breweries Plc visited the exchange for the closing gong ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday.

The NSE boss also congratulated the company on its 70th anniversary and for winning the Most Compliant Listed Company award for the year.

He described the company as a good corporate citizen which has shown good example to other listed companies.

According to Onyema, part of his agenda is to consolidate his relationship with quoted companies on the exchange and to ensure the exchange

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

continues to be a more robust platform that will attract the confidence of local and foreign investors.

He disclosed that Nigerian Breweries was qualified to join the exchange’s Premium Board, the listing segment for the elite group of issuers that meet the exchange’s most stringent corporate governance and listing standards.

In his remark, Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc,

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 21-Dec-2016, unless otherwise stated.

Chief Kola Jamodu, who led the management team of the company, hailed Onyema for his development strides since he assumed office.

He reiterated that corporate governance remains the only tool to increase the credibility of the NSE, urging the exchange to continue with improvements in that regard.

Jamodu explained that Nigerian Breweries has grown from its humble beginnings as a company that started 70

years ago with one brewery to eleven breweries spread across the country. He disclosed that the company has over 4000 workers in its direct employment and is also one of the highest dividend paying entities with 120,000 shareholders.

He noted that the backward integration policy of the company has enabled it to engage over 250,000 farmers in its sorghum and cassava value chains, adding that this has gone a long way to provide

jobs for the people.

Shareholders of Nigerian Breweries Plc received a total dividend of N38 billion for the final year ended December 31, 2015. They received an interim dividend of N9.5 billion and a final dividend of N28 billion.

Nigerian Breweries Plc recorded a revenue of N293 billion in 2015, up by 10.3 per cent compared with N266 billion in 2014. Profit before Tax stood at N54 billion, while profit after tax to N38 billion.

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 125.32 Nigeria International Debt Fund 221.73 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.69 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 126.35 15.05% 223.14 10.80% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.70 12.88% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

17.88%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.36 287.87 22.09

Offer Price 12.73 296.55 22.76

Yield / T-Rtn 1.41% 3.00% 0.19%

1.00

1.00

16.78%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 103.55

Offer Price 104.27

Yield / T-Rtn 3.91%

1.00 1.00 15.19% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.14 9.18 83.34

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.19 5.10% 9.41 -6.86% 85.48 2.75% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,086.61 110.52 100.00 $104.14 $103.48

Offer Price 1,087.81 111.28 100.00 $104.38 $103.71

Yield / T-Rtn 5.95% 4.88% 16.25% 7.70% 7.03%

113.48

12.73%

111.97

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.92 2.56

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.93 1.65% 2.56 10.07% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,183.79

Offer Price 2,208.48

Coral Income Fund 2,097.03 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 0.38%

2,097.03 10.83% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.86%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.67

1.69

2.39%

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 1.00 1.02 12.45% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,004.83 1,004.83 0.48% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.57 9.66 -2.13% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.98% 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 1.05 1.06 6.28% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.34 10.44 3.89% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 15.09% 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 108.68 109.06 6.50% 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 1.24 1.24 9.86% 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 1,821.39 1,831.54 8.45% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 153.24 153.24 4.19% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.76 0.77 2.00% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 186.04 186.04 9.64% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 130.09 131.72 -3.86% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.13% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,520.24 7,618.06 4.62% 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 8.20% United Capital Bond Fund 1.22 1.22 16.92% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.67 -1.23% 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 9.78 9.95 2.46% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.09 11.18 -3.22% Zenith Income Fund 17.09 17.09 6.51%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 123.32

3.99% 6.44%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.77 75.27

8.87 76.70

-8.41% -9.55%

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

2.72 6.98 12.19 15.52 127.80

2.76 7.06 12.29 15.72 129.80

18.88% 9.18% -1.67% -19.11% -

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.

54

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

55

56

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

57

58

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Economy: NACCIMA Raises Alarm over Bleak 2017

Crusoe Osagie

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has raised the alarm over a bleak 2017, noting that except capital expenditures for infrastructural development and the high level of unemployment is addressed, Nigeria might not come out the present downturn in 2017.

The National President, NACCIMA, Dr. Bassey Edem, explained that the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government were yet to generate the economic activities required to bring about the expected turnaround of the country’s economy, urging the federal government to assess the current economic policies so as to aid in the design and formulation of policies in the coming years for the benefit of the citizenry.

Edem, who spoke during a press briefing on the state-of-theeconomy and the association’s perspective on some trending socio-economic issues, pointed out the need to bring down the inflation rate to about 12 per cent, while also calling for a single digit interest rate to stimulate the real sector of the economy.

“I do not see Nigeria coming out of recession completely in 2017. I think by the fourth quarter of next year, if all what we recommend is implemented such as the capital expenditure put forward in the budget and job opportunities are created, we will be on the right path to get out of recession.

“We acknowledge the work of

federal government in ensuring that special intervention funds are available to business operators at single-digit rates.

However, we counsel that the conditions required to access these funds be revised to facilitate increase in the number of business operators that can access them,” he added.

He, however, called for a review of the composition of Nigeria’s economic team to include representatives of the Organised Private Sector (OPS), noting that this is the way to go in order to formulate policies that would take the nation’s economy out of the woods.

Edem said the Nigerian economy must carry along the private sector in policy formulation processes since the OPS has been proven to be an engine of economic growth in most developed economies of the world.

“It is now time for the federal government to reconstitute the economic team. The economic team is made up of only the public sector, but the Nigerian economy is not for the government alone, but for Nigeria as a whole. The private sector must be carried along in policy formulation. Engaging the private sector is different from being involved in the policy formulation process. One or two members of the private sector must be injected in the economic team so whenever economic policies will be set, they will tell the economic team where it pinches them. We believe if this is done, it will help us not to repeat the errors of 2016.”

According to him, the past

six months has remained bleak , but he however stated that there are a few encouraging signs with the foreign reserves increasing steadily since mid-October according to the 30-day moving average report of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He added that year-on-year inflation stands at 18.48 per cent while global price of crude oil increased marginally with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) daily basket price currently at $51.99.

On the macro-economic

indicators of the economy, he said the flexible exchange rate policy introduced by the CBN has provided mixed results whereas the official market rate of the naira to the US dollar stands at N305, while the parallel market rate hovers between N450 and N482.

He commended the present administration’s efforts geared at the revival of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), saying that it is a very vital incentive that will aid the stimulation of export oriented activities leading to significant growth of the non-oil export sector.

He said the level of implementation of the 2016 budget as noted by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, is not satisfactory, but however acknowledged the late passage of the budget as part of the major causes.

He advised that all arms of government must ensure that the process of budget passage are fast-tracked while observing the required due dilligence to ensure a workable 2017 budget.

“It is important that government should consolidate

on its transparency and accountability efforts in order to maintain the zero-based budgeting methodology as noted by the President,” he stated.

He added that in order to achieve the desired recovery and growth as targeted in the 2017 budget, government needs to ensure that there is a lot of manufacturing activity to boost the economy through the provision of infrastructure, access to foreign exchange and improving the ease of doing business within the sector.

INTER FAITH PARLEY

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garba Akinola; and Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Emeka Uche, during an inter faith parley with the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja....Wednesday

Enelamah Joins World Economic Forum Stewardship Taraba: Protesting Workers Seal State Secretariat over Board Unpaid Salaries constituents Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Ishaku presents N110bn budget The role of the Stewardship The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, has been invited to join the Stewardship Board of the World Economic Forum (WEF) System Initiative on Shaping the Future of International Trade and Investment.

He was invited last month to join the board, each comprising 20 to 40 global leaders drawn from the public and private sectors A statement issued by the minister’s Strategic Communications Adviser, Miss Constance Ikokwu, said the board members are expected to provide leadership on selected issues.

According to the WEF, “the Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming the way we live, which necessitates a wider set of actors, experts and resourcefulness to make progress.”

It added that emphasis was being placed on a set of major issues called System Initiative, in which multi-stakeholder collaboration is required By design, each System Initiative focuses on specific issues, while engaging a cross section of WEF’s interested business and no-business

Board is to guide the work of the System Initiative, take stock of the state of public-private cooperation on the issue at hand and explore collectively how cooperation can be strengthened.

WEF added that the Stewardship Board “are the only platforms where such high-level exchange about opportunities to strengthen collaboration between public and private partners on these critical issues occurs on an ongoing basis.”

Accepting the invitation to serve on the WEF Board, Enelamah expressed the opinion that the initiative was timely in a global economy undergoing rapid and dynamic transformation, accentuated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution as earlier noted.

In his word, “The changes underway pose challenges accompanied, nonetheless, with an abundance of opportunities.

“I share your views that progress in this area will benefit, hugely from a range of stakeholder consultations that cut across the public and private sectors. I am pleased to join in the efforts that you are steering,” he added.

The Stewardship Board meets twice a year.

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Point must go’ and ‘pensioners have right to dignified living, The Taraba State secretariat not humiliation from the complex was yesterday shut government they served,’ Gambo decried what he down by civil servants who were protesting against the referred to as government’s non-payment and irregularities continued insensitivity to the in the payment of salaries and plight of workers in the state.

He listed the contentious pensions.

This is coming just as the issues to include illegal state Governor, Darius Ishaku, deductions from salaries, nondisclosed that the government payment of local government was not owing any state or workers and teachers for local government worker in eight months and subjection of workers to meaningless the state salary. and futile The workers, under the screenings aegies of the Joint Public verification exercises.

Gambo equally alleged Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) and from the 16 local that union dues are government areas of the state deducted indiscriminately stormed the secretariat as without remittance to the unions and early as 7a.m, led by the state respective Chairman of the Nigeria Labour without explanations by the Congress (NLC) Peter Gambo. government.

He said: “The government The council had earlier on Wednesday issued a bulletin has shown that the welfare after its meeting held on of workers in the state is not Tuesday notifying the workers its priority. Workers have been subjected to all kinds of the protest.

Addressing the workers at the of belittling treatments in gate of the secretariat, some of the name of screening and whom were carrying placards verifications that have not with varying inscriptions such as yielded any fruits apart from ‘salary is a right, not a privilege’, subjecting workers to extreme ‘one year of impunity and hardship.

“The Starter Point insensitivity must stop’, ‘Starter

Consultant that was engaged to handle payment of salaries has proven to be very incompetent in handling payment of salaries while the UBA has clearly shown that they are confused, all these must stop and stop now,” he stated.

Also addressing the protesters, the Head of Service (HOS) of the state, Mr. Samuel Angyu, said the government was aware of the complaints and is already putting measures in place to address their grievances.

The HOS further called on the workers to call off the protest and make way for “peaceful and civilised discussions on the way forward.

But the governor, while presenting the 2017 budget estimates to the state House of Assembly, said no state or local government worker was being owed salaries.

Ishaku, who thanked the people of the state for the patience and resilience they have shown in the outgoing year, said whoever was yet to receive salary in the state might be having problem with his or her Bank

Verification Number (BVN).

According to him, “I want to inform you that no state or local government worker in the state is being owed salary.

Anyone who tells you he’s yet to receive salary must be having problems with BVN,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Ishaku has presented a budget of N110, 168, 983, 942 to the state House of Assembly as recurrent and capital expenditure for 2017 fiscal year.

According to the governor, the sum of forty nine billion, three hundred and twenty five million, two hundred and eighty two thousand, nine hundred and thirty one naira representing 44.77 per cent was budgeted for recurrent expenditure, while the sum of sixty billion, eight hundred and forty three million, seven hundred and one thousand, eleven naira representing 55.23 per cent was budgeted for capital expenditure.

Ishaku noted that the budget was prepared with the mindset of addressing the factors inhibiting the rapid progress of the state to greatness.

59

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Buhari: Nigeria will Meet June 2017 Digital Switchover Deadline Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the federal government desire to meet

the June 2017 deadline that requires Nigeria, along with all ECOWAS member countries, to transit from analogue to digital broadcasting by 2017.

Buhari’s Congratulates Veteran Journalist, Oyebola at 80 Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated renowned journalist, author and publisher, Chief Areoye Oyebola, as he clocked 80 years today.

The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, joined the entire media industry, publishers, family and friends of Oyebola in celebrating the lofty achievements of the octogenarian, who variously served as Editor of Daily Times, Commissioner in Western State of Nigeria, Oyo State, and served on the board of many public and private institutions.

The president reiterated that the patriotism and commitment displayed by Oyebola in nation building had been clearly

demonstrated in his early participation in politics, and relentless pursuit of justice and fairness in joining NADECO and Afenifere during the troubling times in Nigeria’s democracy.

Buhari commended the untiring efforts of the veteran journalist and publisher in contributing to the development of Nigeria through the writing of many articles and books over many years, and most recently his courage to start an NGO, Movement for Nigeria’s Total Transformation (MNTT).

The president prayed that the almighty God would grant Oyebola longer life, good health and more strength to continue serving the country he loves, and humanity in general.

The president made this commitment yesterday at the formal launch of the Abuja Digital Switch Over (DSO) in broadcasting at the Pinnacle Broadcast Centre in Mpape.

Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said apart from meeting the date, the federal government would also ensure that DSO impact was felt by all states of the federation.

Nigeria and other ECOWAS nations have ratified the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Treaty, and the country risks being cut off from broadcast line if it fails to move to digital by the deadline.

But assuring of Nigeria’s readiness to comply with ITU treaty, Buhari expressed delight that technology was transforming the lives of Nigerians in a new and dynamic way. He said digital revolution and High Definition (HD) have redefined the effect of television on the populace.

The president, who declared the centre open, also lauded the production of the Set-Top Box (decoders) in Nigeria, describing the moment as a very exciting time in job creation, entrepreneurship and IT development in the country.

He said the launch would boost advertising and sales

revenues from broadcasting while the rub on effects on the entertainment industry will stem the menace of piracy.

Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Limited, Lucky Omoluwa, the signal distributor, said transmission of digital contents would lead to transfer and acquisition of skills and creation of jobs for Nigerian youths.

Omoluwa said the groundbreaking launch in Abuja would serve as a platform for digitalising Nigeria by next year.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the digital rollover would help diversify Nigeria’s economy

through proper harnessing of its talent and creative human and natural resources which are second to none in Africa.

The minister listed core consumer benefits from the digital switch over to include access to 30 free digital channels that will provide unbeatable viewing contents on news, sports, entertainment, politics and other activities.

He also said Nigeria would reap from the tens of thousands of jobs from technical, production and manufacturing opportunities of decoders, adding that the country can become the supplier of the equipment to all West African countries.

Conoil Urges Safe Driving at Yuletide As Nigerians journey across the country to celebrate with relatives and friends during the yuletide season, leading oil and gas company in the country, Conoil Plc, has cautiond them to drive safe and carry out thorough checks on their vehicles before embarking on their trips.

The company also enjoined them to reach out to families and friends with deep expressions of love and support for each other in the true spirit of season.

In its goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas, the oil marketing giant implored Nigerians, Christians and non-Christians

alike to imbibe the Christmas message of hope and joy and allow it to touch their everyday life beyond the yuletide season.

While acknowledging the resilience Nigerians have shown in the face of the harsh economic realities, the company urged them to remain focused on achieving growth and development.

It called on Christians to spread the joy of the season and to propagate its core values of peace, love and unity; the ingredients the country needs more than ever before to surmount the current social and economic challenges.

“All over the world, Christmas

FG Debunks Media Reports on Ambassadorial Posting Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government yesterday denied media publication on the purported deployment of 47 career Ambassadors-designate to various countries, stressing that the government was yet to do so.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who debunk that the media publication in a statement, said that posting of the ambassadors can only take place after due consultation with the various countries the ambassadors are to be posted.

“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to a news item circulating amongst certain media outfits on the purported deployment of 47 career Ambassadors-designate to various countries.

“The ministry wishes to disown the list as totally unauthorised as it has not emanated from government.

Indeed, the publication has not been attributed to any source in government,” the statement read.

While stressing that the deployment of Ambassadorsdesignate would be released only when agreements (consent) have been sought and obtained from prospective countries, Enikanolaiye urged members of the diplomatic community and the general public to disregard any news on the purported deployment of the 47 career Ambassadors-designate, who are currently undergoing their induction programme.

Media outfits had yesterday, circulated the deployment of 47 Ambassadorsdesignate to various countries of service.

PUTTING HEADS TOGETHER

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello (left), discussing with the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam, during the 2017 budget presentation by the governor n Lokoja....yesterday i Government House

NJC Clears Lagos Judge of Judicial Misconduct The National Judicial Council (NJC) has cleared a Lagos High Court judge, Justice Iyabo Oladunni Kasali, of judicial misconduct and dismissed a petition written against her for alleged perversion of justice.

A lawyer, Evans Azuike, had in his petition dated May 24, 216 written to the NJC alleging that Justice Kasali struck out suit number LD/1791/2010 without justification and deliberately refused to release exhibits tendered in the suit.

The petitioner further alleged that the alleged refusal to release the exhibits 11 months after the suit was struck out hindered immediate commencement of a fresh suit.

Petitioner also alleged that the delay in releasing the exhibits enabled the defendants to mobilise men and materials to complete the structure which they had erected on the disputed land, prior to the assignment of the suit to Justice Kasali in 2013.

But, after its deliberation, the NJC dismissed he petition for lack of evidence to establish the allegations levelled against Justice Kasali.

The council in a letter with ref. No.NJC/S.24/LAG. HC/12/1/461 held that no act of judicial misconduct was established against the judge.

The letter read: “The NJC set up a three-man committee to investigate the allegations contained in a petition dated May 24, 2016 against Justice Iyabo Oladunni Kasali of High Court of Justice, Lagos State.

“The committee finds that no act of judicial misconduct is established by the petitioner against the judge. At its meeting, which was held on November 3, 2016, the council considered and deliberated on the report of the committee. At the end of deliberation, council decided to dismiss the petition for failing to establish the allegation of judicial misconduct against

Justice Kasali.’’

Both the petitioner and Justice Iyabo Oladunni Kasali led evidence before the threeman investigative committee of the NJC Justice Kasali in her evidence stated that she did not sit on the exhibits as alleged and that she neither delayed nor obstructed justice through alleged sitting on exhibits.

She told the committee that suit No: LD/1791/2010 was a case inherited by her as a trial court when she was newly posted to Lagos Judicial Division of High Court of Lagos State.

Prior to inheriting the case from Justice OyekanAbdullahi (as the trial judge) the petitioners’ counsel sought and obtained an interim and interlocutory injunction from the case management judge.

After trial commenced in the suit, the defendants filed an application challenging

the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit on the grounds, that at the time the suit was commenced, the petitioner’s client’s name had been struck off the register of companies by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Petitioner’s client subsequently had her name restored in the register of companies at the CAC. The said restoration was well after the case was instituted and well after the claimant’s client had obtained interim and interlocutory orders during CMC. In her ruling delivered on February 18, 2015, Justice Kasali held that the suit was incompetent on account of same having been commenced when the name of the claimant had been struck out of the register of companies.

The claimant though dissatisfied with the ruling, elected not to appeal.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

60

NEWSXTRA

Jonathan Disowns Comment on 2019 Elections Ex-president felicitates with Nigerians at Christmas

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked an online report which claimed that he spoke about 2019 elections in a meeting with his kinsmen in his hometown, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

A statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan dismissed the claim as lies, stressing that the he was neither in his home state on the stated date nor met with his “kinsmen who paid him an end of year visit”, as claimed in the false report.

The statement said further:

“Our attention has just been drawn to a fabricated online publication alleging that the former President Jonathan made comments on the 2019 elections, while hosting his kinsmen in Otuoke last Tuesday.

“Those reports are false and bear no truth whatsoever. The former president was not in Otuoke on Tuesday, neither did he make the comments attributed to him. In fact, he has only just returned to his community to spend Christmas having been away for two weeks, so he could not have

been hosting anyone there last Tuesday.

“Of what good is it to our national development efforts if

some people spend so much energy spreading falsehood about fellow citizens and our nation?

“The former president wishes his fellow compatriots a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance, and advises all

to always channel their efforts towards working to attain the nation of our collective dreams.”

Atiku Preaches Love as Gift of Christmas Season Hails new Tor Tiv Ejiofor Alike A former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to use the period of Christmas to pay keen attention to the message of love, peace and sacrifice, which Jesus Christ preached during his time on earth.

In his Christmas message titled: ‘Love is the gift of the season,’’ Atiku noted that over the past months, a number of dark forces have combined to accentuate divisions in the country.

According to him, there seem to have been “constant fractiousness and restiveness” in the areas of politics, religion and tribe, with people of different groups exchanging threats or actual harm.

“That is why we need to remember the love that Jesus taught. We must love our neighbours as ourselves, do good to them and mean them well, whether or not they belong to our group. Nigeria cannot move forward as a country until each and every one of us realise that what is good for one should also be good for the other,” Atiku explained.

“In the same vein, we must seek peace with all mankind, as Jesus taught. We must be our brothers’ keeper. We must realize that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that we can expect to lay the solid foundation for prosperity,” he added. The former vice president stated that millions of Nigerians in the North-east currently face starvation, disease and death in various refugee camps across the region, stressing that some others in Benue and Nasarawa States and several other places are also afflicted with strife.

He added that a few years ago, they were all settled in their own homes in their villages, farming and fending for themselves, saying that the loss of their livelihoods and means of subsistence is the result of the peace that the entire region lost, that has led to devastation.

He charged Nigerians to look at these unfortunate ones to understand the high price to be paid for stoking the flames

of violence, for whatever reason and under any guise.

He argued that in the end, the price paid is always far too high.

“Jesus also taught and exemplified sacrifice, living and giving his life for others. Each and every one of us in Nigeria should, especially at this time of the celebration of Christmas, consider giving of ourselves to others, especially to the less fortunate. Many orphans, victims of Boko Haram who have been made refugees in their own land, widows and others in various unfortunate circumstances, will go hungry and will have nothing to celebrate this Christmas season --unless you and I step in and reach out to them in love,” he said. “The economy may be tough and we may claim not to have enough for ourselves as it is, but that is where Jesus’ message of sacrifice comes in.

Whatever little we can spare, whatever inconvenience we can suffer, can make a huge difference in someone else’s life,” he added.

In another development, Atiku said the new traditional ruler of Tiv land, Professor James Ornguga Ayatse, is one of the most qualified traditional rulers of modern times, a unique quality, he says, will tremendously assist the new Tiv monarch in his duties.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by his media office, the former vice president explained that Ayatse’s appointment as the paramount ruler of Tiv land is well deserved.

According to Atiku, who is also the Zege Mule Tiv, the Benue State Government and the people of the state have made great decision by the choice of a distinguished academic, scholar and an outstanding administrator as the new Tor Tiv. Having been a vice chancellor twice, Atiku notes that Professor Ayatse has more than enough experience and pedigree to steer the affairs of the Tiv people.

The former Vice President prayed to God to grant the new Tor Tiv wisdom and guidance to lead his people to greater heights.

THANK YOU FOR COMING

Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam (left), receiving a letter from the President of the state Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (YOCCIMA), Alhaji Jinjiri Abubakar, when executives of the chamber paid a courtesy visit on him at the Government House, Damaturu....yesterday

CAN KICKS AGAINST NIGERIA’S HEADSHIP OF ISLAMIC ORGANISATION Muslims, as if Christians have become second class citizens or rather lack competent officers?

Has Nigeria become an Islamic state?

“We also recall the controversy surrounding the funding of Jaiz bank, an Islamic institution, with the public money by the immediate past CBN governor with impunity.

“Recently, when the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, overhauled the heads of the 17 parastatals and agencies under his watch, 13 out of 17 of

them were and are Muslims. Is this government saying it is only Muslims that can be trusted?

“A government that is interested in the unity and peace of the country should not be taking actions such as the lopsided appointments at the expense of one religion with impunity.

“We have noted with dismay that this government is not a listening government and this is dangerous for the future wellbeing of our nation. Is it democracy we are practicing

or a rigid dictatorship? *Equally, we are surprised by the argument being canvassed in some quarters that Nigeria is not a secular but a multireligious nation. Assuming, but not conceding that Nigeria is a multi-religious state, should the government policies be pro one of the religions at the expense of the others? *Many of our Christian brothers and sisters are being killed like rams in hundreds by the Fulani herdsmen while

our security agencies look elsewhere all because none of their heads is a Christian. *This is not the Nigeria dreamt of by our founding fathers, and it is high time the government woke up to its constitutional responsibilities. *Christians have equal rights with our Muslim counterparts since the 1999 Constitution recognises the multiplicity of religions, and we will no longer pretend as if all is well with Nigeria.”

OBASANJO ADVISES NDIGBO TO TAKE THEIR DESTINY IN THEIR HANDS must make any headway.

“The people of the South-east are extremely unique, and time has come for you to use your uniqueness to your advantage.

It’s often said that if you want to walk faster, you walk alone but if you want to walk a long distance, walk together. If you have been walking alone, it’s time to stop it if you must go far.

You have virtually everything you need in your area. You have land aside the enormous human resources that are enterprising and entrepreneurial. What you have has become so legendary that people are looking for it,” he said.

On the main focus of the summit which are economy and security, the former president said he did not need to be applauded for encouraging the South-east governors to come up with the summit, explaining that if he could go to Maiduguri in the heat of the Boko Haram onslaught, there was nothing he could not do

for people of other areas.

He said the importance of security in our national live could not be over-emphasised since security itself was not divisible. According to him, if there is no security in any part of the country, it simply meant there is no security in the country.

Obasanjo who spoke on the topic ‘Sustainable DevelopmentZero hunger’, said if the leaders of the Southeast could effectively embrace agriculture, considering their comparative advantage in the sector ahead of other zones, the area could well become the food basket of the nation.

Also speaking, Anyaoku who expressed regrets over the absence of President Buhari at the event, as it would have afforded the people of the area the opportunity of presenting their challenges directly to the president, however said the outcome of the summit would be taken to the president.

He said the SEESS was a non-

partisan and non-governmental initiative with a commitment to the economic and security wellbeing of the people of the South-east zone.

On his part, Ekweremadu said the need to decentralise the police had become imperative as according to him, 350, 000 policemen could no longer effectively police 170 million people, adding also that the nation equally needs to be restructured in order to allow the zones to develop at their own pace.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said its threat to President Muhammadu Buhari not to attend yesterday’s South-east Economic Summit in Enugu State was responsible for his absence.

In a statement made available to THISDAY which was signed by its Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group commended the “people of Biafra over their supports towards stopping the President Buhari from attending the economic summit in Enugu.”

Part of the statement noted that “we thank everybody who participated in making this effort a reality.”

The statement said the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and other leaders had drafted 2,020 men to Enugu who were ready to die with the president in Enugu if he had attended the occasion.

It said: “We thank Chukwu Okike Abiama because the federal government would have seen what they have not seen before, because we are Biafrans not Nigeria, and we know why we choose nonviolent approach towards this noble cause, but it is not out of fear.”

The group warned Nigeria government and President Buhari to release Kanu and other members of the group in detention and also investigate the Amnesty International reports which indicted the security agencies in Nigeria.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 • T H I S D AY

61

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Ambode Goes Tough on Child Abuse To implement protection programme

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode,

has ratified the first-ever Executive Order establishing

Rivers Rerun: Wokocha Denies Involvement in Killing of Policemen Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Former Rivers State Commissioner for Power, Augustine Wokocha, has denied any involvement in the killing of policemen during the rerun elections in the state.

Mohammed Alkali, A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and his orderly were beheaded in the Orashi region of the state during the December 10 rerun elections in the state.

Addressing journalists in the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wokocha said he was being framed by political opponents.

His words: “Since we decided to join APC in 2013, there has been several attacks on my person and my community by those who have other political persuasions.

In their desperation to prove their supremacy they recruited boys who allegedly committed several murders of many APC members.

“Many homes that were burnt are still deserted till date. Many of my kinsmen who fled for fear of these evil men are still living as refugees in other parts of the state or outside. At the last count we had lost more than two hundred party members.

Today the same people who are disturbing the peace in the community and who were alleged

to have masterminded some of the high profile killings are now enjoying amnesty from the PDP led state government. The story I have told is in public domain for anyone to verify.

“It is therefore condemnable that these same characters extended their dastardly acts to the law enforcement agents who came to maintain peace during the December 10th legislative re-run elections. What I find most shocking and amazing! ... However, in this sad, most regrettable and ignoble act and situation, is the determination of the leadership of the mischief makers to ensure that this ‘one killing too many’ on December 10, 2016, of our dear lawmen be credited to my person.”

He said there was no iota of truth in the allegation that he was behind the killing of the policemen and called for thorough investigation.

“Let me say without equivocation that there is no iota of truth in this fabricated allegation. On the said Election Day, I was one person who conducted myself peacefully throughout the exercise against all provocation. I urge the law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate this allegation to ensure that the truth is laid bare,” he said.

Delta Monarch Rescued 24 Hours after Kidnap Sylvester Idowu in Warri A gang of armed herdsmen has been arrested by the police in connection with the kidnap of Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, Orhifi Orovwagbarha Agbarha-Ide Ememoh II, on Wednesday.

The monarch was also rescued barely 24 hours after his abduction along the UghelliAsaba expressway while on his way to attend a security summit.

The suspects were said to be on a robbery operation along the expressway, near Ossissa community in Ndokwa-East council area of Delta State when the monarch ran into them.

Security sources disclosed that the monarch was rescued by a combined team of men from the state command of the Nigerian Police and community vigilante in the early hours of yesterday .

The state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who claimed he personally led the rescue team, said Orhifi had been taken to Asaba after his rescue.

He said the monarch was rescued after he led a team of hundred police operatives and 30 local vigilante groups to comb the Ossissa forest along the area where he was

abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen who had earlier robbed vehicles plying the busy road.

He, however, said no arrest was made during the rescue operation, adding that police operatives had been deployed to the area to smoke the suspects out.

He said: “The Ovie has been rescued by police crack team personally led by me. The monarch’s abductors were fleeing with him to a different location after our men combed the entire bush in search for him.

“The monarch was abducted by herdsmen. They are very conversant with the bush even more than the indigenes. Our men sighted the movement of the hoodlums through a touch light and we shot into the air which they responded.

They engaged us (police) in exchange of gun fire and left behind the monarch.

“There was laxity on the part of the driver who sighted the kidnappers robbing other vehicles but refused to reverse the car for safety. We have learnt our lessons from the kidnap of the monarch. The lesson is that we all need to be alert and vigilant,” he said.

a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy in Nigeria, which is designed as a catalyst for driving awareness and commitment of all stakeholders, including every member of the community towards the protection of children.

According to a statement issued by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, the programme was developed to evolve a management system that will create and maintain a safe environment for children, as well as articulate procedures to be adopted when disclosures of abuse are made.

He said the Executive

Order, signed by the governor on December 16, 2016, underscores the importance which the present administration places on protecting the lives of all children in the state.

The commissioner explained that the policy applies to all state government organisations, public and private schools, child-centred institutions, and orphanages located in the state, while it also provides the steps that must be followed in the case of a disclosure, the role of the Designated Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer, and the process of reporting and dealing with allegations of abuse against members

of staff.

According to him, “The Executive Order now makes it mandatory for child protection policy to be integrated into the induction programme of newly recruited staff into child-centred institutions. As regards employment of staff, it is now mandatory for all child-centred institutions to conduct detailed background checks.”

“Ultimately, the ratification of this Executive Order would reduce and possibly eliminate incidences of child abuse, establish a culture of early identification of trends and effective intervention to limit the occurrence of such cases,” he added.

The attorney-general added that in the next coming months, the state government would strongly drive adoption of the policy to ensure that all childcentred institutions adopt and adhere strictly to the provisions of the order, while electronic copies would be made available on the state’s website and other relevant social media platforms to ensure proper dissemination.

Kazeem, therefore warned all child-centred institutions both public and private, that the state government would no longer tolerate negligence in ensuring the safety of children under their supervision.

PEOPLES’ RICE

Lagos residents quequing up to buy Lake Rice at the Teskim Balogun Stadium, Surulere....yesterday

Gaidam Donates Drugs and Cows to Prison Inmates

Lagos Taskforce Nabs Teenage Togolese, Three Other Land Grabbers

Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, has put smiles on the faces of prisoners in the state when he donated drugs and consumables worth millions of naira as gifts to prison inmates for Christmas and new year celebrations.

In a separate presentation of the items, the Commissioner of Health Dr. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa who handed the drugs to the state Controller of Prisons for onward distribution to the prisons in the state said the governor made the gesture in line with his administration’s policy of free medical care to indigenes of the state. Gaidam said the inmates are also indigenes of Yobe State hence the need for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

On his part, the Director of Protocol, Zannah Ali Ibrahim, who presented three cows to the Controller of Prisons on behalf of the governor also reiterated that the governor

Chiemelie Ezeobi

out of his magnanimity has touched the lives of the less privileged in the state, including the legally interned.

While receiving the drugs and cows on behalf of the inmates in the state, the Controller of Prisons Yobe State Command, Isa Sabo Kashuri expressed his happiness and thanked the governor for supporting prisons in the state.

He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Controller General of Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Zonal Coordinator, the staff and inmates of the prisons in the state for the kind gesture.

He mentioned that the gesture was timely, coming at a period of harsh weather in the state.

Kashuri called on other well meaning individuals and nongovernmental organisations to support the prison management in its effort of reforming and rehabilitation of inmates in order to achieved a crime-free society.

A 16-year-old Togolese, Segun Sunday, and three other alleged notorious land grabbers were yesterday arrested by the Lagos State Government task force and two locally made guns with other dangerous weapons were recovered from them.

The other suspects were identified as 31-year-old Ben Micheal, 58-year-old Segun Muda and 20-year-old Toheeb Oladele.

They were arrested at the Ibeju Lekki area of the state.

THISDAY gathered that the arrest was based on a petition submitted to the Lagos State Committee on Land Grabbing by the people of Oko-Olomi golf course area of Ibeju-lekki, Lagos.

The petition which was copied to the Lagos State Police Command, was detailed to the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, for a raid by the

police.

Egbeyemi who led the operatives of the agency raided Oko-Olomi Golf Course area arrested the alleged land grabbers and recovered two locally made guns.

While their group leader Muda refused to make a statement, he however appealed to the government to get many others in the business.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, after the briefing about the arrest directed that they all be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos for further interrogations.

While urging members of the public to report any activities of land grabbers to the Lagos State Committee on Land Grabbing, the government however reiterated that the war on activities of land grabbers is still ongoing across the state.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

FIFA Rankings: Eagles End 2016 as Africa’s 8th Best Team

Nigeria has dropped one place in the latest December rankings released by the world football governing body, FIFA yesterday.

The Super Eagles are now placed eighth in Africa and 51st in the world after 616 ranking points.

It means that Nigeria will finish 2016 as one of Africa’s top 10 national sides despite its failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations which will take place in Gabon.

Nigeria’s best placing in the month FIFA rankings was fifth, a position attained in 1994 following an impressive display at its debut World Cup appearance that year in the United States.

Meanwhile, Senegal ended the year as the highest ranked African national team, edging Cup of Nations title-holders the Ivory Coast for top spot.

Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco complete the top 10 compiled by FIFA. All the countries except Nigeria will be among the 16 challengers for the Cup of Nations title when Gabon stages the 2017 tournament between January 14 and February 5.

Another four qualified teams – Mali, Cameroon, giant-killers Guinea-Bissau and Uganda – are among the top 20 ranked teams.

Gabon-bound Togo and Zimbabwe and the host

Super Eagles players celebrating after a recent match nation fall outside the elite, but should not be underestimated when the biennial African Cup kicks off in Libreville.

A Senegal side packed with Europe-based professionals,

Tecno Mobile Hosts Nigeria’s Soccer Party in Lagos Having recently signed a global partnership deal with Manchester city, TECNO Mobile has taken steps to promote sports participation and team spirit amongst fans by hosting its first Soccer party at Bheerhugs café in the Ikeja City Mall, Ikeja Lagos on Sunday, December 18, 2016.

The party, which was hosted in typical football settings and ran through the Manchester City vs.

Arsenal match had TECNO Mobile’s senior executives and popular celebrities in attendance. Fans of the brand and football lovers packed at the cozy Bheerhugs Bar to cheer and enjoy the Super Sunday EPL match fixture.

Brila FM’s renowned OAP, Murphy Ojemba and other presenters - Senior Lecturer and Voicemail anchored the exhilarating event while an in-house DJ, which was complemented by a live band, thrilled the crowd with great music.

Arsenal took the lead after only 5minutes with a Theo Walcott goal, while Manchester City had to wait till the 47th minute for Leroy Sané to score the leveler

and then grab the much needed winner through a Raheem Sterling’s solo effort at the 71st minute.

After the incredible win, Manchester City moved two places up the EPL table to finish the night in second position.

Interestingly, SuperSports football analyst and the acclaimed Prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba was at the event to share some fond memories of football and his time with Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger. He thanked TECNO Mobile for hosting such a pleasurable event and promised to attend other events by the brand.

TECNO Mobile’s Deputy Marketing Manager (PR), Mr. Attai Oguche while speaking at the event, appreciated friends of the brand for always deeming it fit to participate in every activity organized by the brand and also promised that, the brand will continue to be a pacesetter in different areas while maintaining its goal of providing highly competitive smartphones to mobile device enthusiasts.

including Sadio Mane of Liverpool and Keita Balde of Lazio, completed their Cup of Nations qualifiers with a perfect six-win record.

But after a routine win over Cape Verde at the

start of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, they fell 2-1 to South Africa, who scored from a penalty that should not have been awarded.

Brazil, Germany, Chile and Belgium make up the top

four in descending order AFRICA’S TOP TEN (World ranking in brackets) 1. Senegal (33) 2. Ivory Coast (34) 3. Tunisia (35)

4. Egypt (36) 5. Algeria (38) 6. DR Congo (48) 7. Burkina Faso (50) 8. Nigeria (51) 9. Ghana (53) 10. Morocco (57)

Dalung Orders Full Audit of NFF Accounts FIFA official clears air on suspension of youth devt fund Duro Ikhazuagbe Even as world football governing body, FIFA, is believed to be working with its member federations to ensure better understanding of it recently introduced new requirements for the management and administration of development funds, Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has insisted on embarking on a full scale investigation of the finances of the federation.

“FIFA’s forensic audit has raised concerns about

documentation of the federation’s accounts. 19 grave issues were identified in FIFA’s audit report which needs to be looked into. The federal government has already set machinery in motion to embark on a full scale investigation of those issues,” observed a statement from the minister’s media aides last night.

Dalung insisted that days after the congress of the NFF passed a vote of confidence on its President, Amaju Pinnick, he was yet to receive a report of an audited account of the

football federation.

The minister also insisted that Nigeria was yet to formally nominate anyone to contest the CAF Executive Committee seat which the NFF president has been duly endorsed for by the congress.

“I received a communique of the Congress which referred to my action as uninformed.

Instead of providing me with the minutes, the Congress went ahead to endorse its president, two weeks after its secretary general had sent a letter of his nomination to CAF. “The Ministry of Youth

and Sports wants to make it clear that Nigeria has not endorsed anybody to contest.

The Ministry will constitute a committee to screen and recommend to government, a suitable candidate who will represent Nigeria,” stressed Dalung.

But an independent source in FIFA insisted yesterday in an email in possession of THISDAY that the issues Dalung referred to as ‘grave’ were things that could be resolved without jeopardizing Nigeria’s youth development in football.

Glo-CAF Awards: Aubameyang, Mahrez, Mane Mke Top Three Top three nominees for the 2016 Glo-CAF African Footballer of the Year and African Player of the Year (based in Africa) awards were released on Wednesday in Cairo by Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The players were shortlisted from a five-man list earlier nominated for the African Player of the Year and five players who

made the list for the Player of the Year (based in Africa) category.

The three players who made the final list for African Player of the Year are reigning African Footballer of the Year and Borussia Dortmund winger, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Gabon, Senegal and Liverpool midfielder, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez

of Leicester City of England and Algeria.

In the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, the three finalists include Rainford Kabala of Zambia and T.P Mazembe F.C and Mamelodi Sundowns F.C of South Africa duo of Dennis Onyango from Uganda and Zimbabwean, Khama Billiat.

The list is prepared through a vigorous selection process

by the Technical, Football and Media Committees of CAF, taking into account the performance of the players for their national teams and clubs from January to November of each year.

The ultimate winner of the award will be decided by votes from the Head Coaches or the Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF.

63

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

RUSSIA 2018

Africa Primed for another Grandstand Finish

A total of 54 countries were in the picture when the road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia opened in Africa in October 2015. By the time the second round of CAF qualifying got underway a month later that number had been cut to 40, of whom half made it through to the third and final round, which kicked off in 2016.

Now the question on everyone’s lips is whether the upshot will be the same coterie of the continent’s finest gracing the global extravaganza for the third consecutive edition, or whether any of the other nations will manage to advance.

South Africa is the only African team besides Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon to have featured at either of the last two World Cups, and even then it was only because they automatically qualified as hosts in 2010. However, of this prestigious quintet, the Algerians and Ghanaians already look to have their work cut out to repeat the feat of qualifying for a third time on the bounce. Both have taken just a solitary point from their respective first two group-stage games and, with only the group winners earning a spot at Russia 2018, their hopes are very much hanging by a thread.

Avram Grant’s Black Stars end a disappointing 2016 languishing second-bottom of Group E, ahead only of Congo, who remains pointless.

Missing the injured Andre Ayew, Black Stars began their group campaign by being held to a 0-0 stalemate by Uganda, prior to falling to defeat at

the hands of Egypt. The latter result made it two wins out of two for the Pharaohs, who therefore appear well placed to secure qualification for the first time since 1990. They topped the standings ahead of the surprise package, a Uganda side who have amassed four points and boast, in four-goal Farouk Miya, one of the jointleading scorers in the African preliminary competition.

Algerians find themselves in an arguably even more difficult situation than the Ghanaians. Les Fennecs are currently propping up Group B and know that they have to turn the tide sooner rather than later if they are to stand any chance of emulating their exploits at Brazil 2014, where they impressed en route to the Round of 16 before being beaten by eventual champions Germany. Yet clawing themselves back into the running will be a tall order given the pedigree of their opponents. Nigeria leads the group with a perfect record so far, while fellow giants Cameroon are four points adrift in second.

Meanwhile, one place ahead of the Algerians, albeit level on points with them, are none other than 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations winners Zambia.

Over in Group A, it risks becoming a two-horse race.

Congo DR and Tunisia have hit the ground running by both overcoming Guinea and Libya, who have each yet to put a point on the board. The free-scoring Leopards – having found the net six times in two matches, they are the most prolific side in the third round of qualifying – are sitting pretty at the top by

A recent World Cup African qualifying match between South Africa and Angola virtue of their superior goal difference. The second-placed Tunisians, for their part, are yet to concede: Gabon, Morocco and Uganda are the only other countries that can make such a claim.

Group C is more evenly poised after two matchdays, with reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire setting the pace with four points. Coping well in the absence of former midfield talisman Yaya Toure, who has retired from international football, and influential

attacker Gervinho, who has been sidelined with injury, Les Elephants have defeated Mali and drawn with Morocco. The Moroccans and Gabon are both within striking distance of Michel Dussuyer’s men: the pair have identical records and are tied on two points apiece. Behind them, Alain Giresse’s Mali picked up their first point through their draw against the Panthers and will be confident that they can still challenge, especially with starlet Adama Traore – the recipient of the adidas Golden

Ball at the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 – on song again.

Group D is more open still.

While Cape Verde Islands are way off the pace having yet to get off the mark, a single point separates the top three.

Burkina Faso top the pile on four points thanks to having let in one goal fewer than South Africa. Senegal are just a point further back and, with Balde Diao Keita continuing to enhance his burgeoning reputation, they remain clear contenders.

African qualifying will resume on August 28, 2017, with the third set of group-stage games. Highlights include the top-of-the-table clash between Tunisia and Congo DR in Group A and Cameroon’s trip to Nigeria in Group B. That same day, Uganda entertains Egypt, whom they will be looking to leapfrog at the summit of Group E. Over in Group C, leaders Côte d’Ivoire will be bidding to cement their position by putting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon to the sword. As for Group D, pacesetters Burkina Faso travel to Senegal intent on opening up some daylight between themselves and the Lions of Teranga.

The reverse fixtures will take place a few days later, meaning that we should have a much better idea of how the battle is shaping up by the end of the summer.

However, we will have to wait until autumn for the final reckoning. The sixth and last match-day is due to be staged on November 6 and will be headlined by mouth-watering affairs like the North African derby between Tunisia and Libya, Algeria-Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire-Morocco.

Another potential curtainclosing thriller is the grudge match between Ghana and Egypt, who will be meeting almost exactly four years after the Black Stars crushed the Pharaohs 7-3 on aggregate in a two-legged play-off for a place at Brazil 2014. That was just one part of a pulsating African finale that time round and the current campaign looks on course to serve up an equally enthralling conclusion.

Niger Tornadoes Set to Kvitova Out for Three Months after Knife Attack Storm the Premier League Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State darling football team, Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna, is almost 85 per cent ready for the new Nigerian Professional Football League season.

The club has also told other teams in the league that its ambition is to finish among the top three on the log.

The Technical Adviser of the club Abubakar Bala, said yesterday in Minna that the club used the last season “to

study life in the elite division now we are ready for any club either big or small” Coach Bala said the performance of the team during the pre-season when the club won four drew four and lost only three matches against established club-sides has reinforced the confidence of management and players that “the new season is for us.”

“We had bitter experience last season but I can assure you that the lapses of the last season will not surface this new season”.

Igali Gets International Wrestling Federation’s Appointment President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali has been appointed as a member of the Technical Commission of the International Wrestling Federation otherwise known as the United World Wrestling (UWW).

The UWW is the international governing body for amateur wrestling and its duties include overseeing wrestling at the Olympics.

An elated Igali said he was informed of the appointment

on Wednesday and he would serve for a period of three years between 2017 and 2020, saying the appointment would be an opportunity to contribute once again to the sport at the highest level.

Igali has paid his dues several times over to wrestling and he captained the Nigerian wrestling team to the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada but became a sensation on the mat after acquiring the Canadian citizenship in 1998.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will not play tennis for at least three months after surgery following a knife attack at her home.

Kvitova, 26, said she was “fortunate to be alive” following a “burglary” incident on Tuesday when she struggled with an intruder.

Surgeons spent almost four hours repairing tendons and nerves on her left hand - her playing hand.

Her spokesman said that considering the damage, “the surgery went well”.

“The injury is serious, but the surgeon says Petra is young and healthy and there is no reason why she can’t resume tennis,” publicist Karel Tejkal told the AFP news agency.

According to her manager Katie Spellman, Kvitova will wear a cast for six to eight weeks and cannot bear weight on the injured hand for at

least three months.

That rules her out of the Australian Open next month, which is the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2017 tennis season.

It is understood she allowed someone posing as a utilities man access to her apartment in Prostejov, Czech Republic, and while defending herself in a struggle, suffered the injuries to her hand. The intruder is believed to have then run away and is being

sought by police.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kvitova said she was “shaken”, adding the injury was “severe” but that she would “fight this”.

Tejkal added: “It was a random crime, nobody was going to attack or rob her as Petra Kvitova.”

Kvitova is ranked 11 in the world and has won a career total of 19 titles, including Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014.

German Player in Hospital after Shooting Dynamo Dresden defender Marc Wachs has received emergency surgery after a shooting that killed a family member.

The 21-year-old German’s injuries are not lifethreatening, according to the Bundesliga 2 club.

A second family member

was also injured and is in hospital after the incident in Wiesbaden, near Frankfurt.

The German club said they was “shocked, stunned and deeply saddened” and would “be wherever our help and support is needed”.

Wachs was yet to play for

second-tier Dynamo, having signed in the summer from Mainz, where he mainly featured in the reserve team.

“Marc, his family, and the process of recovery, both physically and mentally, are now the only priorities,” said Dynamo sport managing director

Ralf Minge.

“Everything else does not matter. I would also like to express our deep compassion to Marc, his family and all his relatives.

“We specifically ask you to respect the privacy of Marc and his family more than ever.”

Akinrimisi Wins Lagos Country Club Ladder Tourney Akin Akinrimisi has emerged champion of the 2016 Final 8 Ladder Championship of the Lagos Country Club Tennis Section. Akinrimisi defeated Kunle Onamusi 6-2, 6-2 to top the chart heading into 2017.

“The ladder board challenge has been competitive throughout the whole year. I have been here for over 25 years and lots of other players are also improving. He (Onamusi)

gave a good account of himself because he caused a couple of upsets before reaching the final but my experience made the difference,” he said.

The three-day tournament

sponsored by Barrister Rasky Gbinigie had Victor Ogbeide, Babs Fashanu, Ayo Olujobi, Femi George, Henry Mbadiwe, and Wale Adeshida, in order, finishing third to eighth positions.

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Friday, December 23, 2016

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

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MISSILE Justice May to Rudd “You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them” – Her Honour, Mrs. Justice Juliet May, Queen’s Counsel, Royal Court of Justice, Queens Court 1, London, ruling against attempts by Home Secretary, Amber Rudd to block the release from jail of former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori after serving his term.

SHAKAMOMODU The Pharisee Called Babachir Lawal THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

M

r Babachir David Lawal, though an engineer, looks every bit a fulfilled man having risen to the exalted position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), but it’s doubtful whether it was on merit.

His cavalier demeanour, careless talk and hypocrisy speak brightly to the underlining attributes that have become second nature to this government.

That cavalier attitude was on full display in his interview sometime in June this year where he contemptuously dismissed the 2014 National Conference report as a product of “job for the boys by the previous government”.

He condescendingly stated further that “the exercise of governance is not about reading reports. The reports are here, so many volumes that for example, it would take me like seven days to go through. I wonder what happens to my work while I am reading it; while the economy needs attention, unemployment is there, insecurity is there, people are blowing up pipelines and so on”. Interestingly, with all the attention Lawal and this government claimed to be paying to the economy, the result is a disastrous recession, record inflation which stands at 18.49%, unprecedented unemployment at 13.9%, waning investor confidence and a never-before-experienced poverty level that has turned many families into beggars across the country.

Again, in the last few months, Lawal has spoken powerfully against corruption, using the now favourite strape-line, “corruption is fighting back” against critics of Buhari’s anti-corruption war methods and tactics. It’s a cudgel that agents of this government have deployed to push back justified criticisms.

In interviews, seminars and workshops, he has been a leading advocate of a new order anchored on “zero tolerance” of corruption.

He mercilessly lampooned the last government for the “rot” it left behind, repeatedly warning that the war on corruption would progress without pause, and that there would be no sacred cow as the law is no respecter of anybody.

Lawal’s interview with the Vanguard newspaper published October 30, just two months ago, is particularly striking. He was in his element, defending this government’s anti-corruption campaign against accusations of being bias and selective. And for the benefit of those who missed it, let me provide a few excerpts from his reactions: “Why are you focusing on negative perceptions of people who are the perpetrators of these crimes?” He queried the reporter who sought to know why the fight against corruption was being selectively prosecuted. “We are talking about chasing thieves. It has nothing to do with equity. We are chasing people who took away government money, our money, people who impoverished us; people who put us in this situation that you are now accusing this government of.

If the previous government had deployed the resources available at that time properly, a time when oil was sold for over $ 100 per barrel, over and above our quota and we didn’t see anything they did with the money,

Malnourished children in IDPs camp so we should keep quiet? No!” On the gestapo manner judges were arrested recently, Lawal had this to say: “There is nobody that is above the law. Don’t use the word like ‘status’ when people are accused of corruption. What status does such a person have? When somebody decides to abuse a position that God has given him, a position that government has graciously allowed him to occupy and serve the people, and he decides to use it to his own advantage, what status should you ascribe to me if I decide to be a thief?”

That was Lawal in his own words. Those haunting words carry the force of irony and the weight of tragedy of the hypocrisy of these anti-corruption crusaders. I tried many times to deny for him that what I read about his involvement in official abuse of office and corruption couldn’t be true. But tried as I did, the reality of his involvement just stared back more forcefully. In the face of overwhelming evidence, his defence increasingly looks like a hollow mockery of the truth. And his denial and bluster stared at me in meaningless arrogance.

Fellow Nigerians, I hardly know what to say about this man called Babachir Lawal and people like him or how to say it. But methinks we need the help of behavioural scientists to understand the factors responsible for this kind of double life. It appears stealing is in the DNA of the average public office holder in Nigeria. He has become a prisoner to his own words, and all who have read about the standard of morality he set for others will laugh at him and this finger-pointing government.

Is it not ironic that at the very time Babachir was uttering every word in that interview, condemning corruption, he was actually not just abusing public office but betraying public trust by lining his pockets with public funds? During the public hearing on PINE activities, its key officers could not convincingly account for the N2.5 billion released to them to tackle the crisis in the camps of the IDPs. The truth here which must NOT be lost is that Lawal awarded a contract to clear grass – just grass in Yobe

Babachir Lawal State at the cost of 272.52 million to Josmon Technologies. Yet no grass was cleared, according to the Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Lamin.

However, after Josmon Technologies was paid the huge sum, and in a classic example of fronting, it began to make instalmental payments into Rholavision’s account, a company in which Lawal was a director until September 2016 when he resigned, obviously because the Senate was breathing down his neck (the contract was awarded in March). But he was still the signatory to the accounts of the company, in order to keep a sharp eye on the steady inflow of ill-gotten gains. The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the Northeast in its interim report noted that PINE which is directly under Lawal’s supervision took undue advantage of the provision of emergency situation contract award in the Public Procurement Act, 2007 to over inflate contracts. Not only that, those contracts were awarded to companies belonging to top government officials’ cronies, family members and close associates.

For example, Lawal’s Rholavision was awarded a consultancy contract for the removal of evasive plant species in Yobe State. The report noted that 95% to 100% payments of all contracts awarded by PINE have been made even as some contracts are yet to be fully executed. The payment of N108 million for the supply of 1,100 units of temporary tarpaulin at N302,000 per unit made to Dantex Nigeria despite the fact that 125 units valued at N37.7 million were yet to be supplied is a case in point. As if all this wasn’t enough, the Yobe State government also disputed the N422 million PINE claimed was spent on the provision of tents for displaced families in the state. Claims of renovation of 18 schools destroyed by the Boko Haram in Yobe also turned out to false. According to the Yobe State government’s records, only three schools were renovated by PINE. In 2015 when Lawal was appointed the SGF, he made an announcement that warmed hearts and minds that government needed to motivate its workers more to make them

more productive. He stated that government workers were the least paid among workers in the country, and that was not good enough.

Lawal then went on to promise that workers’ outstanding salary arrears, unpaid promotion arrears, death benefits and other allowances would be paid. Of course since then nothing has happened. It’s as if he forgot about the circular he issued to convey his message of motivation even before the ink of his signature dried on the paper. Rather than think of how to fulfil the government’s promises to motivate and galvanise the workers into putting in their best efforts, he started to motivate himself, making a lot of money under the table from grass-clearing contracts at the expense of the starving victims of Boko Haram’s madness. Some of us have read heart-wrenching stories about the victims of Boko Haram — women, young girls and children in IDP camps being sexually exploited by security operatives and agents of government; we have read about the pain and suffering in these camps — reports of women begging to be provided with sanitary pads; I have seen pictures of malnourished children as a result of lack of food, water and medicines in these camps. It is frightening that someone as high up in government like Lawal who should ordinarily be moved to tears and who hails from the North-east would sit in his office in Abuja and pocket the money meant to alleviate some of the pain and misery of these people.

Interestingly, there seems to be a correlation between the celebrated $2.1 billion arms funds allegedly misappropriated by the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki and the unfolding IDPs funds’ scandal involving SGF Babachir Lawal. While Dasuki is said to have looted the money meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram, Lawal is said to have looted the money meant to alleviate the suffering of the displaced victims of terrorist attacks.

In another strange twist, while the National Conference was a “job” for Jonathan’s boys, IDPs funds’ scam has become a job for Buhari’s boys. So what has changed?

Who knows, when Lawal was sermonising during that interview, he probably got a credit alert via SMS from his bank notifying him of the inflow of illicit N50 million, N20 million, etc. into his company’s account. I can imagine him checking his phone, reading the message, and smiling quietly to himself about his exploits. And with a brave face, he would continue his sermon against corruption.

He obviously forgot the Biblical injunction to hypocrites: Remove the log in your own eyes to see clearly the speck in other people’s eyes. He cast the first stone even when he was not without sin; the consequences have come back now to haunt him.

Now, my answer to Lawal’s question that what status should be ascribed to him if he decided to be a thief: Let me refer him to the story of King David, Uriah and his wife, Bathsheba and Prophet Nathan in the Bible.

Lawal’s pronouncement on others should be his punishment. Ironically, Lawal’s middle name is David.

Lawal needs to step down immediately.

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