Saturday 12th March 2016

Adeosun at Customs, Laments Poor State of Equipment N20 billion needed for overhaul, says Comptroller-General

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

The federal government is to embark on total overhaul of equipment being used by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the nation’s airports as part of efforts to enhance

its performance and increase revenue generation.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, made the pledge yesterday during a one-day inspection of Customs facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Adeosun noted that the reduction in revenue generated by the Customs was due to the use of outdated equipment.

She also faulted the absence of modern container scanning equipment at the nation’s airports, seaports and land

borders, pointing out that one of the major means of detecting contraband goods at these borders was through the deployment of container scanners.

The minister, who was accompanied by the Comptroller

General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd), restated federal government’s determination to boost revenue through the provision of enabling tools and equipment that will aid the various revenue agencies in the discharge of their duties.

According to her, the use of obsolete equipment negatively impacts revenue collected by the agencies and promotes inefficiency, and pledged to ensure that all outdated equipment Continued on page 8

Saraki Challenges Powers of Tribunal, Attorney General to Try Him ...Page 8 Saturday 12 March, 2016 Vol 21. No 7626 Price: N150

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Army Kills Another Most Wanted Boko Haram Member Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The military has killed another wanted Boko Haram member on the list of the 100 terrorists’ leaders wanted by the Nigerian army and other security agencies in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency operations in the North-east.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, confirmed the development in a statement yesterday, saying the troops shot the suspect during exchange of gunfire in Baga axis of Borno State.

Usman said: “The troops of 7 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG) stationed in Baga and 118 Task Force

Battalion, sprang an ambush along Daban Masara axis used

by Boko Haram terrorists to convey logistics.

“One of the wanted Boko Haram terrorists’ leaders who is on the first Nigerian Army wanted list of 100 Boko Haram terrorists’ leaders (serial number 95) was fatally wounded in the exchange of fire.

He said that the suspect

later gave up while receiving medical attention at the base, while other members of his team escaped with gunshot wounds.

The troops recovered seven Jerri cans of 30 litres containing 210 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), motorcycles and food stuff in addition to arms and ammunitions.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai,

had two weeks ago in Damboa, Borno State, released another list of 100 suspected members of the terrorist sect, wanted for various act of terrorism in the country.

This was a follow up to the first set of 100 suspected members of the sect, wanted by the Nigerian state, which was published last year.

Buratai had appealed to

the public to come out with information that would assist in the arrest of terrorists, adding that many terrorists in the first list of 100 wanted were identified and arrested.

He also said that the new list of 100 suspected terrorists is for the members of the public to identify and report their whereabouts so that they could be brought to justice.

FG Apologises to Nigerians over Poor Power Supply, Blames Vandals KAVITA CHELLARAMS The Secret of My Ageless Look

Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The federal government has apologised to Nigerians for the hardship, which the poor power situation in the country has imposed on them in the last few months, blaming the prevailing situation on gas failure, sabotage and vandalisation of power infrastructure.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said all efforts were being made to rectify the situation and ensure a gradual improvement in the power situation. ''There will be a decent improvement in the power situation from this weekend, thanks to on-going remedial efforts that will double the current power supply to 4,000WM. Getting back to the 5,074MW all-time high that was reached earlier will take a few more weeks,'' he said.

Mohammed said the routine maintenance by the Nigeria Gas Company had affected the supply of gas to power stations, forcing down power supply Continued on page 8

SuperSaturday pg. 6

FLORENCE ITA-GIWA I'm Still Hoping to Find the Right Man to Spend the Rest of My Life With

Plus pg. 17

YOU HAVE OUR FULL SUPPORT...

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Muhamed Salem Envoy Ould Salek and Ambassador of SADR to Nigeria, Mr. Oubi Bachir during an audience at the State House, Abuja ...yesterday State House

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Kavita Chellarams

The Secret of My Ageless Look Her taste for arts is top-notch – vintage. She thinks global and acts local. Hard-working, passionate and astute, she has turned Nigeria’s modest arts collection into a money-spinning enterprise that raked in at least N1 billion in the last eight years. That is no mean feat. A collector of artworks for almost 40 decades, Kavita Chellarams stuns in beauty, brain and brand. Her personal art items are both exciting and exotic and she brings that exquisite taste to her exhibitions and auctions. Kavita exudes class and a rich sense of simplicity; a graceful grandmother, studious and energetic. With her charms, Mrs. Chellarams has brought global acclaim to Nigeria’s uniquely rich arts. In this interview with Omolola Itayemi, she reveals Nigeria’s robust depth of artistry and the wizardry of Nigerian artists; Kavita also talks about the buzz Nigerian artworks are generating home and abroad and the growing desire of people towards arts. With sparkles in her ageless face, she also speaks on the happiness of being a grandmother for the first time and the delight of being with her grandchildren I Was Very Excited to Become a Grandmother I Started Arts Collection as a Hobby in 1977

A

s the CEO of Arthouse, what is one of your main achievements?

We have brought the world’s attention to the Nigerian art market and as an organisation we have sold more than N1 billion worth of artworks in the last eight years.

It is not an easy task to achieve this figure in a country where more than half of its population lives on less than two dollars a day.

Your journey into art collection, can it be described as a happenstance?

Not exactly; it started as a hobby in 1977 shortly before I got married. I went for an exhibition and was awed by the sheer beauty of the pieces she saw. Thereafter, my taste for art collection grew till I had more than a handful of artworks from different artists. Yes, it has been a journey.

We had built this wall and we have had to fill it up with paintings and that is how the whole thing started. We first started by bringing it here, then when the values went up we started collecting after that.

In those days, we went to shows, artist’s studios; they had exhibitions and we brought works straight from the studios.

At the time, there wasn’t enough showcasing of arts in Nigeria. So, that was how it came about setting up an art house.

So issues you had with different prices of the works you wanted to acquire led you to start a pioneer auction house in Nigeria?

You go to one gallery; there is a different price from the other. They didn’t really know what the value was. What the auction did was to establish a value for each artist. The catalogues that we produce are like a journey which has the estimated price of the artist. The auction determines what the true value is, depending on how many you want to build; what they feel the value is. So, there is a benchmark now.

Now you can confidently tell someone what your price is. It encourages the artist to work harder, to do better works and to achieve better prices.

Kavita

What’s the vision behind the establishment of Arthouse?

Contemporary art is to have a platform where African arts can be seen worldwide.

We have the Internet, the computer, where we can expose African art to the world, which has not been done before. So, it is really the first time that Nigerian art was put on an international platform and

offered to an international audience. Also, a transparency price and getting artists aware that there is a medium they can sell through. We originally started off with a very small secondary market but with the added interest of prices going up.

The secondary market woke up and said I have got some value for my work and there was a platform where you can sell it.

I have discovered over the years that when you have a work and you do not like it anymore (want to dispose it) and want to buy something else you need only to go to the gallery where you can buy modern art and there was no platform where you could sell it. So, this is creating a platform where there is value to a work and you could sell it. What you bought for N500 is now worth a million Naira or more.

Is it safe to describe your interest in African art as modern and contemporary?

Modern, basically, because the art scene has only been in this country for about 100 years; otherwise art was basically tribal, sculptures. Paintings were done on wall dwelling of homes. This was the first time that they used canvas as a medium, which was broadened by the British. Art especially in auctions thrive on authenticity.

Is it practised here?

There is authenticity, in the sense that you always know somebody who knows the artist. We located an old artist, his families, his immediate families; they can say what their father did and what he didn’t do. We can get authentication from the family. You know that you don’t have fake and have a lot of people that can assist you. It is more international for tribal art, am not a professional but I love it and am buying a lot of it now.

Your private collection boasts of more than 400 works; do you have any favourites?

Among the collection, my favourites are many. The modern artists have been doing good jobs. For modern, it is Chris Anyanwu; for contemporary, Professor Kolade Oshinowo. We are having a show in February next year that will include Uche Okeke and Kolade Oshinowo. I have had great times with them. We represent African artists in diaspora at Arthouse.

How easy is it sourcing for art consignments for the auction?

It has not been easy. We like to have a nice mix between modern and contempo-

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

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SUPER SATURDAY My Arthouse Has Brought Global Attention to Nigeria’s Art Market...

Kavita Chellarams with her grand-children

Kavita

rary. We always look at the best work of every artist. A lot come through the selection process. We have a jury who sit down and choose for the next auction. If we don’t have the right mix, we know we have to look for a better one or an old artist. We get few masterpieces: 10, 15 or 20 and get the rest of the works. Now, artists want them resold by collectors. There are a lot of works that are coming to us to be resold. Works of 1950s, 1960s and 1980s are recycled. Some people have not heard of the collection. It could be that the value of the works has gone up and so, people get tempted by the money. The artists also come with their bet works to show. So, we are really getting a lot more.

What are the challenges?

The challenges have been finding the right location, traffic, especially modern and contemporary as you want to start on time and you find it difficult because of traffic.

Otherwise, everyone has been very helpful. Everyone has been very active. They have been able to find us works, show us works. We are really lucky in this. I have had wonderful assistance right from the beginning. We work a lot as a team and we have team efforts. We are all dedicated to the work and it is exciting.

Do you have any expansion for now?

Lagos is a medium. A lot of people are here and more of the collectors are here as well than in Port Harcourt or Abuja. We have been thinking of Abuja. Maybe next year, we can do it. We get across to people interested in the works online. We are on a lot of websites. We send catalogues to our clients. So, it is open. We go to organisations that do advertisements for people. You can do it through telephones. We are thinking of going online.

Next auction we will go online and it will give us a larger audience. So that people can open the computer anywhere and see it. We have a lot of our clients abroad.

So more people are coming into the Nigerian art space, making it possible for more interesting exhibitions to hold?

It is just an idea that we have to showcase artists and there weren’t many spaces. But now, a lot of people have opened up. There were five shows that opened on a single Friday last year. I couldn’t believe Lagos had such incredible, vibrant art spaces. The more people are growing into it, the better. I think this is a way and a means of showcasing one artist. In the auction we have so many that we do. This way we have various works and we are going to be representing them. Our first is George Oshodi, who is a very renowned photographer. Here we show five or six of his works, so that people can get to see and understand the kind of works that he does. This is to show (what) we had done in Lagos, Calabar. We had huge turnout, we had many people at the exhibition. We had three prints and it’s a photograph; an edition of three, five or 10.

One of them, we sold all three and all five. After this, there can’t be another one. If he does, it’s a different angle and a different work. We don’t have a permanent space.

We use a pop-up space, which are large showrooms with a lot of spaces. A lot of people stop to see the works.

People are used to buying painting. There are so many African photographers and Ojekure is one of the old photographers we featured; he died last year and Malik.

It is quite a recognised medium abroad and we are showcasing work of art and make people know this is a medium that is used now and people are valuing it much as the others.

What is the next step for Arthouse?

We did Art 14 this year. Next year we plan to do it (again) but we are not sure where we want to do it. Most probably in the UK. We have got a line-up of shows. A documentary, we have got many artists to do that. It is important to first brand oneself here and have the market here. We need to grow and expand here before going abroad.

Are you looking at increasing the frequency and why is it twice a year?

No. It is six months’ gaps and it takes us that long to find the works. It is a way to prepare for it. We do write-ups and we do the catalogues. All works must have come to us a month before the auction. We have the time to get the catalogues.

How is the local market?

Every month we get a lot. Some old ones cleave and

new ones come. There are a lot of people that now realise that art is an investment. You can buy works and three to five years later and the value can double. It gives you joy as it is increasing in value. So, it is an investment. You can sell it when you want to and get a large price. You can keep it for years. You can see your money growing.

Using the works as collateral to get loans from banks is not something done. So, with your relationship with Standard Chartered Bank, do you intend to educate them?

No, we haven’t looked at that as being collateral. Health insurance scheme is what we are trying to do, which has been on in Nigeria today. We are looking at selling works and putting some of the proceeds into health insurance scheme. We have a couple of meetings and it is in progress. So, next year, we hope this comes to light.

Do you think collectors can use their collections as collateral to get loans?

I think you can do it abroad but here, what you can do is collecting and selling. I am not sure what the banks will feel on that angle. Maybe in the future, it could be done.

What is the secret behind your ageless look?

Being happy; keeping busy; working hard and living healthy. I drink juice every day, which gives me all the vegetables I need.

How are you faring with your grandchildren?

It has been fantastic. I don’t have to wake up in the morning, worrying about school and looking after them.

This is a job that’s pleasurable and seeing them gives me that joy. Also, spending time with them gives me joy and hope that what I give them are words of wisdom, love and confidence.

How did you feel when you heard news of the birth of your first grandchild?

I was in London and I felt very excited. I was there with her. She was about 35 or 34 years old. It is a new dimension but I realise how one’s roles in life change but one remains the same person. First, one is a girl; one grows up to become a woman and then a wife; a mother and then a grandmother, then a great-grandmother. The role changes each time but one remains the same person.

How do you relax?

I read; I go to the beach and I rest my body. I love listening to music, reading and exercising. Being with my family and children are the most pleasurable time I spend.

Eating good food too is very relaxing for me.

Though Now a Grandmother, My Personality Has Not Changed

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016

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Saraki Challenges Powers of Tribunal, Attorney General to Try Him Alex Enumah in Abuja The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, facing trial for alleged false assets declaration while in office as governor of Kwara State has filed a new motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter and the power of the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate the charge.

At the resumed trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja, Saraki’s new counsel, Kanu Agabi

SAN told the tribunal that he had filed a new motion and that the motion should be heard and determined by the tribunal before going to the main business of the day.

He submitted that “a party is entitled to be heard no matter how weak or feeble his argument may be.”

According to him, the defence had earlier served the Ministry of Justice with the notice of the motion and it was pertinent for the motion to be heard first before

anything else.

However, counsel to the federal government, Rotimi Jacobs SAN objected saying he was not aware of the motion, adding that the defence did not serve him. He therefore urged the court to proceed with the day’s business.

While stating that the move was aimed at scuttling the trial so that the matter would not go on as planned, Jacobs told the tribunal that a motion was earlier filed by the defence challenging the

jurisdiction of the tribunal and was resolved at the Supreme Court which upheld the ruling of the tribunal.

He stated that counsel to the defendant was aware that he was the prosecutor in the matter but did not serve him and went ahead to serve the Ministry of Justice.

Jacobs claimed that when the defence counsel sought for an adjournment from 10 to 11 March for the trial of the case, they served him and wondered why they refused

to serve him with the motion.

Jacobs insisted that he would have to make an enquiry from the ministry to authenticate the claims of the defence and urged the tribunal to carry on with the day’s business.

“Until there is a proof of service, the motion is not ripe for hearing. We can continue with the business of the day,” argued Jacobs.

Responding, Agabi apologised to the prosecution for failing to serve him with the notice claiming that the

mistake was due to the fact that he was new to the case.

However, he urged the court to hear the motion claiming that the ministry was not only served but received the notice from the defence, which was a proof of service.

The tribunal however accepted the motion and after due consultation with counsel, the trial judge, Justice Umar Danladi adjourned till March18 to rule on the motion as well as the commencement of the substantive suit.

Nollywood Star, Ibinabo Loses Appeal against 5-Year Jail Sentence for Manslaughter Davidson Iriekpen Nollywood actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima was yesterday arrested following the dismissal of her appeal by the Court of Appeal Lagos Division challenging the judgment of a Lagos High Court which sentenced her to five years imprisonment for the death of one Dr. Giwa Suraj.

The embattled actress and former beauty queen was sentenced to five years imprisonment by Justice Deborah Oluwayemi for reckless driving which caused the death of one Dr. Giwa Suraj in an auto accident along the Lekki-Epe expressway, Lagos.

The deceased was a staff of one of Lagos state’s hospitals.

Dissatisfied, Fiberesima in her amended appellant brief

filed by her lawyer, Nnaemeka Amaechina urged the court to set aside the five year sentence and restore the decision of the Magistrate Court.

But, delivering judgment yesterday, the appellate court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decision of the Lagos High Court.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur, the court held that the trial Magistrate Court lacked the discretion to grant Ibinabo option of fine having been convicted.

The court further held that the appeal lacks merit and thereby dismissed it accordingly.

Other members of the panel are Justice U.I. Ndukwe-Anyanwu (presiding) and Justice Tijani Abubakar respectively.

Immediately, the judgment was delivered, Ibinabo who was visibly apprehensive throughout

the proceeding burst into tears and wept profusely.

The court had earlier ordered that the appellant, Fiberesima, to appear before it when judgment would be delivered.

Speaking on the judgment, her lawyer, Nnaemeka Amaechina, said the judgment would be challenged at the Supreme Court adding that a notice of appeal had been filed already.

Fiberesima had earlier been awarded a N100,000 fine by an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, but the then Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner of justice, Supo Shasore (SAN), felt unsatisfied with the judgment.

This prompted the state government to take its case to the Lagos High Court.

At the Lagos high court, Justice Oluwayemi set aside the option of fine imposed by the Magistrate’s Court

and sentenced Fiberesima to five years imprisonment for dangerous and reckless driving.

In her judgment, Justice Oluwayemi held that the trial Magistrate exercised judicial recklessness when he gave the convict an option of fine.

The court held that the option of N100,000 given to the convict did not serve the purpose of justice in the matter and subsequently ordered that the N100,000 should be returned to Ibinabo Fiberesima.

The court added that Section 28 of the Road Traffic Law clearly provides that where a reckless and dangerous driving has caused the death of a person, the accused person shall be guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment of seven years.

Dissatisfied, Fiberesima in her amended appellant brief filed by her lawyer, Nnaemeka

Amaechina before the Court of Appeal urged the court to set aside the five year sentence and restore the decision of the Magistrate Court.

Amaechina had argued that the Magistrate’s Court exercised its discretion properly and there was no ground to review it by the high court.

He submitted that by virtue of the Notice of Increased in Jurisdiction of Magistrates, No. 7 of 2006, the trial Magistrate could only impose a maximum of seven years imprisonment or N100,000 fine.

He added that N100,000 fine is the maximum limit the trial Magistrate can impose as fine and that was what it imposed on the appellant.

In her response, counsel to Lagos State, Rotimi Odutola (Mrs.) argued that the law creating the offence of dangerous driving causing

death has provided for a term of imprisonment as punishment for anyone convicted under section 28 hence the trial Magistrate ought not to exercise such arbitrary discretion to impose N100,000 as fine.

Odutola further submitted that the children of the deceased have been permanently deprived of the ‘’measureless contributions’’ of their father to their lives as a result of his death caused by the appellant.

She urged the court to uphold the judgment of the Lagos High Court and dismiss the appeal. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command had in 2005 charged the ex-beauty queen (Fiberesima) to the magistrate court on a two-count charge of dangerous and reckless driving along Epe Expressway, Lagos which resulted to the death of Dr. Giwa Suraj.

Agatu: Mark Escapes Death as Fulani Herdsmen Ambush Convoy Death toll exaggerated -IGP

George Okoh in Makurdi and Laleye dipo Minna Former Senate President, David Mark, still smarting from victory at the rerun polls yesterday escaped death during a visit to Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State currently under

siege by Fulani herdsmen where he went to ascertain the level of destruction caused by the recent attack by the herdsmen almost turned sour as his convoy was greeted with a hail of bullets.

Mark who was in company of the former minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, member House of Representatives

Ohimini/Otukpo, Honourable Ezekiel Adaji, security aides, newsmen and party supporters were however unhurt as a rapid response from security men on the convoy warded off the attack in Akwu community.

The incident caused a huge commotion as the herdsmen were seen taking off with their

ALL FOR WOMEN...

L-R: Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Chairperson, Better Life Programme, Hajiya Aisha Babangida; Chief Executive Officer, Internet Solution, Mr. Olusola Teniola; and APC South-west Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson, at the International Women's Day held at Civic Centre, Lagos ...recently

herds while members of the convoy disembarked and headed in the other direction before the intervention.

However, Senator Mark went through the eight communities affected including Aila, Akwu, Okokolo, Adagbo, Akwu, Ogboju and Odugbeho which are completely destroyed by Fulani herdsmen.

Mark who regretted the level of carnage assured the people that he would ensure such situations did not occur again.

He called on the people to go about their businesses peacefully, adding that the perpetrators of the act would be brought to book through legal means One of the youth leaders, Michael who spoke at Aila lamented the porous security in Agatu local government and angrily told the former senate president to tell the president to remove the soldiers as “we are competent now to defend ourselves”.

Also the youths in all the communities accused the Benue

FG APOLOGISES TO NIGERIANS OVER POOR POWER SUPPLY; BLAMES VANDALS from an all-time high of 5,074 MW to about 4,000MW and that a combination of unsavoury incidents further crashed the power supply to about half that figure.

He added: ''The vandalisation of the Forcados export pipelines forced oil companies to shut down, making it impossible for them to produce gas. Then, workers at the Ikeja Discos, who were protesting the disengage-

ment of some of their colleagues after they failed the company's competency test, apparently colluded with the National Transmission Station in Osogbo to shut down transmission. ''Finally, the unfortunate strike by the unions at the NNPC, over the restructuring of the Corporation, shut down the Itarogun Power Station, the biggest in the country. Due to these factors, only 13 out of the

24 power stations in the country are currently functioning. It is this same kind of unsavoury situation that has affected fuel supply and subjected Nigerians to untold hardship,'' he said.

The minister strongly condemned the situation in which some Nigerians, under the guise of the various unions in the oil and gas sector or sheer vandalisation, would continuously sabotage the country's power

infrastructure. ''The bitter truth is that for as long as these groups of Nigerians continue to sabotage the power infrastructure, Nigerians cannot enjoy a decent level of power supply. We therefore admonish all Nigerians who may be agitating for their rights in whatever form to refrain from any action that will further hurt the same people they claim to be protecting,'' he said.

State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom and the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase of not visiting the affected areas to see things for themselves adding that when the deputy governor, Mr. Benson Abounu visited, he only stopped at Apa where the displaced persons were camped.

But Mark appealed to the youths to maintain peace and be law abiding as he promised to convey what he had seen to the government for prompt action Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has said that the number of people said to have been killed during the recent clash between the Agatu’s of Benue State and their Fulani counterparts had been over exaggerated.

In the clash the Agatus had claimed that 300 of their people including children and pregnant women were killed by the Fulani herdsmen. 7,000 others were said to have been displaced.

The battle between the Fulanis and the Agatus was said to have

started after 10,000 heads of cattle belonging to the Fulanis were reportedly killed.

Addressing Stakeholders during a visit to Minna, the Niger state capital, the Mr. Arase said "I was around, I travelled to Makurdi, I did not see where 300 people were buried."

"If you kill, you don't just bury; you must take the corpse to the Police station before you bury, we don't have that number of people". He however did not give the official casualty figure.

Mr. Arase said the Police High command had completed arrangements to check the incidence of cattle rustling around the country, adding that the Police would next week start what he called 'Metro patrol' designed to arrest cattle rustlers.

Under the programme motorized policemen would patrol the nook and crannies of the country purposely to fish out cattle rustlers and apprehend and prosecute them.

ADEOSUN AT CUSTOMS, LAMENTS POOR STATE OF EQUIPMENT currently being used by the Customs were overhauled and modern ones deployed in line with international best practices.

She said the use of modern equipment would promote trade facilitation and increase the revenue generating capacity of Customs.

In his remarks, Ali said the equipment needed for the nation’s international airports would cost N20 billion.

He said the Customs will soon meet with the minister

to discuss the funding requirement of the NCS in details and expressed the hope that with the support of the minister, the problem would be addressed.

The NCS had recorded a revenue shortfall of N44 billion in the first nine months of 2015.

It was revealed that the Customs generated approximately N668.97 billion as revenue between January and September 2015 as against N713 billion generated within the same period 2014.

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MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Playing Politics with Treasury Single Account 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

T

he decision of the Buhari administration to commence the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is commendable. The Jonathan administration that initiated the project could not fully implement it until it left office. The TSA is intended to effectively and efficiently monitor the revenue and expenditures of ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government and reduce corruption. It is also meant to prevent the MDAs from spending money on ludicrous projects. According to the Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, transfers into the TSA, as at last week Thursday had peaked at about N2.9 trillion. She also disclosed that the federal government had only recently opened up the TSA for agencies’ access, and that the universities are yet to have access to their monies in the account. The federal government has been celebrating this. As laudable as the implementation is, it has had its drawback. I have strong reservations about the implementation of the TSA so far. I think Nigerians are being deceived to think that padlocking the money is progress. They tell those who don’t understand the technicalities of the TSA that the nation now has such a huge amount of money in the TSA. Money remitted into the TSA is not operating profits of the MDAs and should not be locked up.

The MDAs are expected to use their money in the TSA to fund their operations. Many even take grants from the government to augment this revenue. Of course, with strict monitoring, some of them will end up with surplus at the end of the financial year.

It is only such surplus that is transferred to the federation account. This is what can be regarded as operating profit, to be shared by all tiers of government.

Ordinarily, the TSA is never steady, as money goes in and out of it for the daily operations of the MDAs. But what this administration did for many months was to completely deny the MDAs access to the TSA. The money in the TSA is rising while the economy suffers. As a result of the restriction on the TSA, activities of most departments and agencies have almost been grounded. For example, because of the restrictions, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria are struggling to maintain their facilities. The federal government-owned

Much as I agree that the TSA will help to curb corruption in the MDAs, it should not be used to strangulate them.

There is an urgent need to judiciously free the trillions in the TSA to reflate our economy Adeosun

higher institutions are also badly affected as the schools struggle to function properly.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is also struggling with the importation of petroleum products because of the TSA restrictions.

The truth that must be told is that over 4000 MDAs are gasping for breath because of the restrictions on their revenue in the TSA. This policy that was adopted ostensibly to ensure transparency and avoid misapplication of public funds, now constitutes a clog in the wheel of progress of these MDAs. With a collapse of many department and agencies imminent, what the government did last week was to allow the MDAs limited access to their money in the TSA. As at the time of going to press, federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education still don’t have access to their funds in the TSA. These institutions are wringing. They are finding it difficult discharging their core responsibilities of teaching and research. Just as the Academic Staff Union of Universities pointed out recently, our higher institutions have no business with TSA. It will only compound the woes of these tattered schools. Dr Nasir Isa, President of ASUU recently stated: “TSA has made it difficult for the universi-

MTNN and the War against Boko Haram I still can’t understand how President Buhari came about his recent conclusion that MTN Nigeria was fueling the Boko Haram sect. He did not back this statement with any empirical evidence other than alleging that the company failed to disconnect unregistered subscribers. On the contrary, this telecoms firm has been an ally in the war against Boko Haram.

The Nigerian military can testify to the co-operation of MTN in this regard. At a point, MTNN had to disable its masts and base stations in many parts of the Northeast in conformity with the directives of the military to curb the terrorists’ activities. MTNN subsequently suffered severe setback on its infrastructure occasioned

by reprisal attacks by the sect. The firm lost huge revenue but still viewed it as a worthy sacrifice required to support a much weightier cause- the sanctity of life and security of the Nigerian people.

A country in search of foreign investors should not go about maligning a key investor that has persistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the Nigerian nation. That was what our president did this week. I hope this dispute with MTNN will be laid to rest in a couple of days. Our economy can’t afford this unnecessary bickering. MTNN has been a very good corporate citizen of Nigeria in terms of payment of taxes, job creation and respect for our laws. The facts are all over Nigeria.

The More Kachikwu Talks, the Less We Understand Our Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu should do less of talking and more of action. The more he talks, the less we understand and the more the negative outcome. Nigerians are going through hell at petrol stations across the country. This crisis is becoming too frequent. Kachikwu should sit down and spend quality time addressing this crisis.

The last two weeks have been horrendous

and we are tired of his stories. The other day, he was all over celebrating the so-called resumption of production by the refineries. Suddenly, everything crashed. The ordinary Nigerians have no business with his so-called restructuring of the NNPC. We are not interested in his trips abroad to lobby Arab countries for production cuts.

We simply want to drive into petrol stations, buy fuel and face our businesses.

ties to discharge their duties, especially in research. TSA is incompatible with the autonomy of universities.”

What has been the impact of the TSA on the economy? What has been the impact of this huge amount of money locked up?

The truth is that it has exacerbated our economic woes. The money that should be used to reflate our battered economy is locked up in the vault of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is one of the many reasons our economy is bleeding. Just imagine the multiplier effect of about N3 trillion on the economy if the MDAS

are operating maximally with their money in the TSA. Our MDAs are failing and all nonsensical restrictions on the TSA must be removed so that they can operate optimally.

This talk about so much money in the TSA is bogus and must stop. It is just like a man whose family is struggling to get a meal a day, but goes about bragging that he has millions of Naira in the bank. Much as I agree that the TSA will help to curb corruption in the MDAs, it should not be used to strangulate them. There is an urgent need to judiciously free the trillions in the TSA to reflate our economy.

That Invasion of Ekiti Assembly There is an urgent need to curb the excesses of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the interest of our democracy. The recent invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and abduction of four lawmakers is a monstrosity that must be condemned by all lovers of democracy. The lawgivers were abducted and ferried to Abuja like criminals. Nine days after the arrest, the DSS is yet to tell the nation the offences committed by the abducted lawmakers. They have also been held beyond the legally allowed 48 hours, without being charged. This gives credence to speculations that the intention of the DSS is to intimidate the abducted legislators into moving against Governor Ayodele Fayose who has been very critical of the Buhari administration. That was how this same DSS forced its way into the Akwa Ibom State Government House last year in search of God knows what. I am worried by the silence of President Muhammadu Buhari on this Ekiti DSS debacle. Is the DSS acting out a script? Tyranny has no place in a democracy. Ours must not be an exception. Lawal Daura and his DSS must not be allowed to make a mess of our democracy. They must learn to operate within the ambit of the rule of law. They must realise that this is a democracy and that some people laid down their lives for the democracy we are enjoying today. Just as Kola Oluwawole pointed out last week, “Nigeria is not a banana republic that can be ruled anyhow by anyone and Daura and his men, who are playing exactly the same role played between 1984 and 1985 by the National Security Organisation (NSO) under Lawal Rafindadi should know that this reign of brute force over

Fayose

constitutional democracy will fail. This is because we have seen them operate before and here they are now, trying to take us back to that inglorious era of dictatorship and barbarism where the then NSO was used to oppress Nigerians, throwing them in jail without trial.”

Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Mike Ozekhome added: “The invasion is more curious and detestable, happening as it did, in Ekiti State where the governor has been a well-known critic of President Buhari, his government and his party. The impression must not be given that the present government, which rode on the crest of popular opposition and critical dissent, is muzzling opposition or browbeating and intimidating those who hold different opinions. Power itself is ephemeral. Its wielders should always act with discretion, respect for the constitution and extant laws.” This is food for thought for all of us today.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 12, 2016

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Collapsed Building: Court Orders Lekki Gardens MD, Contractor Remanded Davidson Iriekpen

An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court yesterday granted the request of the Lagos State Police Command seeking to keep the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong in custody pending the conclusion of on-going investigation into collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road, Ikate Elegushi area of the state which killed no fewer than 35 persons.

The court also ordered one of the contractors handling the project, Odofin Taiwo Henry to be kept in police custody at Panti alongside Nyong for the next 30 days.

Magistrate Folashade Botoku, who granted the remand order, held that same was in the interest of justice and public safety.

34-year-old Nyong was apprehended on Thursday, while Odofin was arrested on Wednesday.

The building had crumbled around 3a.m on Tuesday with several workers trapped in the rubble.

The state government had sealed the building, which was originally designed to be a three-storey structure but in a brazen act of defiance and impunity, the owners of the building, Messrs Lekki Worldwide

Estate Limited, the promoters of Lekki Gardens, were said to have criminally unsealed the property and continued building beyond the approved floors until the unfortunate incident.

Nyong and Odofin were brought to court at about 1pm in a black Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicle with registration number (Abuja) KWL 682 CN. When the case was called, police prosecutor, Godwin Osuji informed Magistrate Botoku of an ex-parte application seeking to remand the defendants beyond the constitutionally prescribed period, saying the application was brought in the interest of justice, public safety, public order and morality.

He said in view of the circumstances of the case, it was impossible for the police to conclude the investigation within two days, hence the need for the application.

According to Osuji, as at Thursday, 24 bodies were recovered from the scene of the incident, while others were still being recovered.

He added that some of the relatives of the victims were still making efforts to identify their dead bodies, while autopsy is yet to be conducted.

He said: "In view of the circumstances of this matter, it will be impracticable for us to conclude investigation in two days as there are so many agencies

A NEWVENTURE...

L-R: Rev Father. Michael Onwughale; Team Leader, Nigeria National Petroleum (NNPC), Mrs. Tessy Oghieakhe; Chairman/CEO, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Peter Mbah; Regional Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Bukola Smith, during the inauguration of Ultra -Modern Pinnacle Mega Service Station, at Lekki, Lagos......recently KOLA OLASUPO

involved and so we have come to court in order not to run foul of the law." He, therefore, urged the court to grant the request to keep the defendants in custody of the Police Criminal Investigation Department pending conclusion

of investigation.

Responding, counsel to the defendants, Bode Olanipekun orally applied for the bail of his clients.

Olanipekun, in the alternative, urged the court to order that the

police should release his clients but that they should make themselves available to police when needed.

However, Osuji, in response, said it was trite law that an application for bail could only be filed after the defendants

must have been arraigned on a criminal charge.

He said at the moment, the police was yet to file any charge against the defendants and as such the application for bail was not yet ripe.

Rivers, Zamfara State Nigeria Stands with Breakaway Western Sahara, Says Buhari Governors Visit Buratai over Cultism, Cattle Rustling Tobi Soniyiin Abuja

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike and his Zamfara State counterpart, Alhaji Abdualaziz Yari Abubakar, who is also the Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum have variously visited the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai in his office at the Army Headquarters (AHQ) to discuss security issues in their respective States this week.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement yesterday, said that the duo of Wike and Yari, were concerned by the deteriorating security situations in their respective states.

According to Usman, the Rivers State Governor stated that he was at the AHQ to discuss security issues in the state that bordered on growing cult related clashes and killings by some individuals in the State which had security implications, while preparations for the election was in progress.

He said Wike "expressed concern over the atmosphere of security in the state".

The COAS, he said, equally expressed concern on the security situation in the state especially on the utterances of some prominent individuals in the state that had serious security implications.

He stated: "The visit of the Rivers State Governor has underscored the need to draw the attention of all political interest groups in Rivers State that the Nigerian Army will remain neutral and apolitical but will not spare anyone in the discharge of its security duty and the maintenance of peace.

"The Army had long been called out to assist the Nigeria Police in internal security duties. We shall continue to perform this constitutional duty professionally without bias in conjunction with other security agencies. " In a similar visit, Usman noted, the Zamfara State Governor, drew the attention of Buratai to the menace of cattle rustlers and armed banditry that was bedeviling some parts of the state and called on the Nigerian Army to assist.

Yari, he remarked, assured that the state would support the Army in clearing the rustlers and other criminals from the state.

In his response, Usman said the Army chief had assured the Governor that the Nigerian Army had been working in conjunction with other security agencies to rout out cattle rustlers and other criminals not only in the Zamfara State, but the entire North West geo-political zone where it was more prevalent.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria would stand with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in line with several resolutions of the African Union (AU) on the right of the Sahrawi people to selfdetermination and independence.

A statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari spoke while receiving Mohammed Salem Ould Salek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of SADR at the State House, Abuja on Friday.

Buhari assured him that outstanding issues on selfdetermination for the country would be scrupulously attended to.

"The issue first came up when I was in office as military head of state. After I left government, Nigeria remained steadfast on it.

"In my maiden outing at the UN General Assembly last September, the issue of Sahrawi was in my speech. You have no cause to doubt our commitment.

We stand with our African Union colleagues on this issue.

"Nigeria will maintain focus till everything is finally resolved

positively,” Buhari told Salek, who visited Abuja as Special Envoy of President Mohammed Abdelaziz of SADR. Salek said his country would never forget the role Nigeria and its then military head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari played in recognising his country in 1984, when it sought self-determination from Morocco.

“It paved the way for the UN to adopt several key resolutions on Western Sahara, elaborating a peace plan. History is now repeating itself, as you are the President of Nigeria at a time the Sahrawi issue is being put

on the front burner again’’, he pointed out.

The Special Envoy told Buhari that his country needed a special push from Nigeria again, as it received in 1984, “to accelerate matters”.

He said that Nigeria helped a lot of African countries achieve independence, noting that SADR was the only pending matter on the continent.

Since its inception, the SADR has been recognised by over 80 countries around the world, and in 1984 it became a full member of the OAU and is a founding member of the AU.

Chatham House Attack: Okorocha Can't Support IPOB, Says Imo Govt Amby Uneze in Owerri Imo State government has declared that there was no way the Governor of the state, Chief Rochas Okorocha who was heckled by an alleged Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the Chatham House in London, Wednesday, could support the agitation of Biafra.

"It was very unreasonable on the part of the IPOB members to think that a man like Governor Okorocha who has built schools across the nation as his own contribution to the Unity of Nigeria and had in the past also sought to be the president of the country would come out to support IPOB or any other pro-Biafra group campaigning for sovereignty", it said.

In reaction to the incident,

the Governor in London by some progressives that claim to believe in justice and good governance, the spokesperson of the governor, Sam Onwuemeodo said that the government noted with disdain the unfortunate and embarrassing action of the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, when they had undertaken to disrupt Governor Rochas Okorocha’s speech at the Chatham House London which he was invited to deliver.

According to him, the IPOB members on that disturbing mission said they acted that way, because Governor Okorocha had not supported their actions or the actions of any other pro-Biafra group.

"As a government, we do not hesitate to commend the high level

of maturity which the governor and few of the senior government functionaries who made the trip with him had exhibited in the face of such unprovoked and ill-advised action of the IPOB members at Chatham House.

"It is even worrisome that members of a group like IPOB that have always given the impression that they are fighting for the course of Igbos would decide to storm the Chatham House to cause trouble at an event one of the best in Igboland was invited to deliver a speech on the way forward for our society.

"Indeed, if IPOB apostles would undertake to embarrass an Igbo leader of Governor Okorocha’s status in London, then, their claim that they are fighting or agitating in the interest of Ndigbo should be taken with a pinch of

salt by those who had hitherto, believed them.

"All over the world, groups fighting for one reason or the other presumably for their people, do not lose sight of what certain leaders in the areas represent and accord them the needed respect no matter what they hold against such leaders", it insisted.

The release further said "we appropriate the liberty to take exception to the action of the IPOB members on Wednesday at Chatham House. Igbos are wise people who do not act anyhow in situations or circumstances. The IPOB action at Chatham House was not only embarrassing to Governor Okorocha as an Igbo leader, but also to Ndigbo in general both at home and in diaspora and indeed to all men and women of goodwill".

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 12, 2016

11

NEWS

In Brief Kidney Transplant Costs Nigerians $500m

TheJulieDonli KidneyFoundation,aNon-GovernmentalOrganisation(NGO), hasbemoanedhugespendingonkidneytransplantanddialysistreatmentby Nigerians in India every year.The foundation therefore advised the federal governmenttoimprovethecapacityofgovernmenthospitalswithregardsto treatmentofkidneyinfections.Founderoftheorganisation,JulieDonligave the remark yesterday in Abuja, during an awareness walk to the National Assembly (NASS) to mark World Kidney Day. She said patients struggling withkidneydiseasespendabout$500millionforkidneytransplantannually inIndia.She notedthattheNGOhadsponsoredabout17peopleondialysis treatmentwhileabout220peoplewillbescreenedatoneoftheIDPcentres inAbuja.Theyhaveconcludedplanstoembarkonfreekidneytestinschools, market places and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. According to her, kidney failure occurs when an individual’s kidneys stop functioning well enough to live without dialysis or a kidney transplant, while dialysis is the artificialprocessofeliminatingwasteandunwantedwaterfromtheblood.

Prisons Officers Redeployed

FOR PEACE AND SAFETY...

State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Anambra State Command, Momodu Sule,; the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, H.H. Karma with other security chiefs in Anambra State during the Security Awareness Workshop for Religious Organisations in Awka recently

UNTH Carries Out 130 Open Heart Surgeries Warns 5 per cent Nigerians have Heart Diseases

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu says it has successfully carried out Open Heart Surgeries (OHS) on at least 130 persons since the recommencement of the programme in the hospital in March 2013.

This is coming as the hospital raised the alarm that over five per cent of the nation's population may be living with Surgically Amenable Conditions and asked governments at all levels to map out resources to arrest the situation before it degenerates to an unmanageable level.

Briefing newsmen at the hospital on the resumption of the 12th session of the programme where 22

patients are expected to benefit from, the UNTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Chris Amah said another vital facility to the open heart surgery, the Cardiac Catheterization laboratory had been acquired and installed in the hospital with about 15 patients already benefitting from it.

Amah noted that the hospital would want to carry out at least 100 open heart surgeries annually if enabled by funding, noting that because of the huge financial involvement in carrying out the exercise coupled with the fact that most people with heart related diseases were poor, most people were yet to take advantage of the exercise in the hospital.

"I can tell, you that if we have improved funding, we can even

handle 200 cases per annum and this will save this country huge sums of money that ordinarily would have left the country through capital flight," he said.

According to him, out of the 22 patients slated to be operated upon, two persons received sponsorship from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), another patient received sponsorship from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, while their partners from the VOOM Foundation led by Dr. Vincent Ohaju are taking care of two indigent persons.

While explaining that the new facility, the Cardiac Catheterization Machine which came through the University of Nigeria Education Trust fund would help to reduce

the number of people that would go through the process of open heart surgery as it helps in accurately detecting the state of hearts of patients, Amah said improved funding had become imperative.

"This machine is very important for the accurate evaluation of patients before surgery. It helps to reduce number of people that would go through open heart surgery. If you have just the blockade of pulmonary artery, the machine will easily detect it and is something that can just be handled.

Like I said earlier already 15 patients with various heart-related ailments have passed through the laboratory and successfully too.

Indeed, the UNTH cardiac centre of excellence has come to stay," he said.

10 Feared Dead As Blast Rocks CBN in Calabar

Women Lawyers Tackle Ndume over Call on Saraki, Men to Marry More Wives

BasseyInyangin Calabar

Tobi Soniyi inAbuja

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, Baba-Adisa Bolanta, has stated that the explosion which , on Friday , rocked, the Calabar branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) located along Calabar Road may have been caused by a gas leakage from the central air-conditioning unit of the bank.

Although the number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, eye witnesses had it that no fewer than 10 people were killed, and about 30 others critically injured by the blast which rocked the main building of the bank at about 12 noon.

The AIG who spoke shortly after inspecting the scene of the explosion said he saw some cylinders at the scene, suggesting that the blast may be linked to possible defect in the central air-conditioning system of the bank.

Responding to questions from journalists after he inspected the scene, Bolanta , however , said the real cause of the blast would be ascertained after the completion of investigations on it.

“This is just an initial assessment,

and it is not confirmed yet. It is when a final result has been given that we will confirm what really happened,” Bolanta said.

It was not clear whether the explosion was triggered by a detonated bomb or not, but sources who pleaded not to be mentioned said smoke was noticed billowing out from a spot within the CBN building, for about 30 minutes, before a loud explosion followed.

Aside from the dead and the injured, parts of the main building of the CBN were also shattered, while surrounding buildings, in the area which host many banks, were shaken as a result of the impact of the explosion.

Some people in Etim Edem Motor Park and Watt Market located about 300 metres from the CBN branch said they heard the loud explosion and were visibly shaken.

The premises of the CBN and the area between Calabar Road by Mary Slessor Road and Calabar Road by Barracks Road, in the heart of the Calabar, the Cross River State capital , had been condoned off by the police and other security personnel.

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is outraged

by Senate Leader, Ali Ndume's call on Senate President, Bukola Saraki and others to marry second wives describing the call as 'disparaging and meant to demean Nigerian women'.

In a statement issued yesterday

by FIDA Country Vice President/ National President, Mrs. Inime Aguma, the lawyers said they were outraged

by Ndume's utterances on the floor of the hallowed chambers of the Senate.

According to them, the remarks portrayed women as 'sex objects', whose clamour for gender equality could be realised by being married off by men.

The statement reads: "May we remind the Senator that Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and his utterances negate the provisions of Article No 16 that 'State parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all matters relating to marriage and family relations' and

the General Recommendation in Article No 21 which states that 'polygamous marriage contravenes a woman’s right to equality with men, and can have such serious emotional and financial consequences for her and her dependents that such marriage ought to be discouraged and prohibited.'"

FIDA also stated the Marriage Act which defines monogamous marriage and Sections 33, 39, 45, 46 and 47 which prescribe punishments for polygamy for persons married under the Act. The women lawyers said: "The Holy Bible which Senator Ndume referred to does not recognise polygamy as the wording of Mathew 19: 4-6 refers to the union of one man and woman to the exclusion of any other being.

"FIDA Nigeria states that on March 8, 2016, men all around the world adopted policies to accelerate gender equality in support of the theme, 'planet 50-50 by 2030:Step it up for Gender Equity.'

"We urge Senator Ndume and other distinguished senators to pledge for gender parity and not trivialise the role of women in the society."

TheControllerGeneralofPrisons,Dr.PeterEkpendu,hasapprovedtheposting ofACGMDNata'Alah,asthenewCommandantofthePrisonsStaffCollege, Barnawa Kaduna. He takes over from ACG NWGwali, who proceeds to the National Headquarters, Abuja to take charge of the Directorate of Finance and Account as Deputy Controller-General covering duties. UA Saraki, who hitherto covered the Directorate as a DCG proceeds on retirement.

The posting instruction, in a release signed by the Prison's Spokesperson, DCP Francis Enobore, also has ACG AA Ashafa, Zone G Coordinator taking over as ACG Welfare at the National Headquarters, Abuja from A A Falke, who proceeds on retirement. CP NC Aham-Neze (Dr.) is to cover duties as ACGMedicalfollowingtheretirementofACGDr.EUdom. OthersincludeCP SanusiKunlefromzoneDMinna toZoneGBeninCityasZonal coordinator; CPJENtia, NationalHeadquarters,AbujatoZonalHeadquartersOwerri;CP Uche Nwobi, Zonal Headquarters Owerri to National Headquarters, Abuja as CP Promotion.

CCT for 45,000 IDPs in Nigeria

The United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP) in collaboration with NationalEmergencyManagementAgency(NEMA),haslaunchedaConditional CashTransfer(CCT)programmefortheInternallyDisplacedPersons(IDPs) in Maiduguri, Borno State, as a result of Boko Haram terrorism. The Zonal InformationOfficer,NEMANorthEast,Mr.AbdulkadirIbrahim,whodisclosed thisinastatementyesterday,saidthattheprogrammeis"targeting45,000 householdsamongthe1.2millionIDPsresidinginhostcommunitiesacross the metropolis". According to Ibrahim, the Executive Director, UNWFP, Mr. ErtharinCousin,NigerianAmbassadortoRome,Amb.YayaOlaiton,andother officials visited Maiduguri during the week to launch the CCT programme.

He noted that the UNWFP has been a major partner of NEMA especially in providing technical support to the Agency in managing Disaster across the country.

Olu of Warri Visits Lagos

TheOluofWarri,OgiameIkenwoli,willtodayarriveinLagosforathank-you visittotheLagosStateGovernor,Mr.AkinwumiAmbode;NationalLeaderof theAllProgressivesCongress(APC),AsiwajuBolaTinubuandObaofLagos, RilwanuAkiolu.TheItsekirimonarch,whowouldbereceivedbyItsekirisons and daughters resident in the state, would be hosted by all Iwere indigenes afterthevisitsatRitaloriHotelsinSurulereonMondayevening.Itwasequally gatheredthatthereveredtraditionalrulerfromDeltaStateisprimarilycoming to appreciate the support rendered by the above-mentioned leaders duringthedemiseofhispredecessorandhisascensiontothethrone.Thevisit, accordingtotheorganisers,wouldfurtherstrengthenthetiesbetweenthe Yoruba and the Itsekiri nations.

Enugu Workers back Ugwuanyi

Workers of Enugu State, under the aegis of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have lent their support to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s economic revolution agenda aimed at job creation and boosting of the state’s revenue.The CongressthroughastatementsignedbyitsstateChairmanand Secretary, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Benneth Asogwa commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for reconstituting the committees on Enugu State Council on Commercialisation and Privatisation and the EnuguStateTechnicalCommitteeonPrivatisationandCommercialisation saddledwiththeresponsibilityofrevitalisingailingstategovernment-owned enterprises, saying that it was a right decision in a right direction. TUC also notedthatthegovernor’sboldinitiativewasademonstrationof“hiszealand commitment towards job creation, industrial development and improved revenue for the state”.

LCCI, PwC to Discuss Economy

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has partnered with PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC)Nigeria,toorganiseastakeholders’forum onthestateoftheNigerianeconomy.Theobjectiveistoproffersolutionsto thelingeringeconomicchallengesinthecountry,byidentifyingandpresenting alternativesourcesofrevenuetogovernment.TheStakeholders’forum,which isbilledtoholdonMarch17,2016by9:30amatFourPointsbySheraton,off Lekki-EpeExpressway,VictoriaIsland,Lagos,isexpectedtobringtogether key government agencies and major players in the various sectors of the economy,especiallythenon-oilsector.Thisistoenablebusinessesalignwiththe economicdiversificationandlongtermsustainabilityoftheNigerianeconomy.

Pa Egbe Dies at 94

The family of Ambassador Preston A. Egbe has announced his transition on the 20th day of March 2016 at the age of 94years. He attended King’s College,Lagos(1936-1941),wherehewasthefirstHouseCaptainofHamman’s House and one time captain of the cricket and hockey teams. He qualified as a medical doctor from the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin in 1958 and laterspecialisedinpediatrics. HewasChiefMedicalOfficerand Secretary totheStateHealthManagementBoardofthedefunctMid-WesternState.

HewasalsoNigeria’sHighCommissionertoUganda(1987-1991). Hewillbe buried inWarri on the 18th day of March 2016.

12

MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

WHEN THE OIL SECTOR OVERHEATS THE POLITY The recent strike by oil workers is misguided, argues Emma Agu

N

igerians woke up few days ago to an escalation of the fuel shortage that had ravaged the country recently even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) rose stoutly to defuse the situation. This new twist to an already abating saga was allegedly caused by an ill-informed directive by the leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) asking their members to down tools in protest against the unbundling of the corporation by the current management led by Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu who also doubles as group managing director of the corporation.

News reports indicate that the grouse of the leadership of the unions is Kachikwu’s alleged failure to follow due process in the unbundling exercise. Given that one is not apprised of the procedure for effecting changes to government corporations, I shall preoccupy myself with how the action exacerbates the hardship Nigerians are passing through and why the protagonists may not win the support of the people.

To put it mildly, the action of both unions is ill-timed. Viewed seriously, it translates to a very unfair blow to commuters, transporters and all those who use fuel for their businesses. Coming in the wake of the concerted efforts by the NNPC and the Muhammadu Buhari administration to ameliorate the biting fuel shortages, one wonders what other clandestine motives could have ignited this unconscionable firestorm by the union executives.

Granted that unionists have historically acted as a watchdog against institutional oppression and corporate injustice, it will appear that in the instant case, the unionists decided to hit the NNPC below the belt at a time that widespread misgivings over the internecine fuel shortages is beginning to paint the Buhari administration in bad light.

Do we therefore conclude that there is more that meets the eyes to this strike than the protection of the rights of workers?

Let us even concede that nothing more than the interest of labour is at the root of this ill-timed strike. Does that mean that the people are not entitled to debating the merits and demerits of both sides to the unbundling argument? To be sure, the dialectics of unbundling in Nigeria call for painstaking introspection and astute gate-keeping. For, as we are all aware, it does not seem that the unbundling of the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has ended satisfactorily or brought about the expected improvement in power supply. But as we are all aware, extraneous issues have often been played destabilising roles in these corporations. Yet, any patriotic Nigerian will vote for complete unbundling or privatisation of most of the government companies if only to minimise graft, reduce inefficiency and eliminate nepotism.

While it is admitted that the unbundling of PHCN may not have been an unqualified success, the same cannot be said of the privatisation of the telecoms sector in spite of the setback suffered in the unbundling of NITEL. Besides, further unbundling exercises are bound to learn from the mistakes of the past. That, to me, is what the leadership of the oil workers’ unions should advocate. But to shut down the ministry, corporation and ancillary agencies and to subject Nigerians to prolonged hardship smacks of excessive selfishness and

FOR LACK OF A BETTER PHRASE, THIS COUNTRY IS STRIKE WEARY. UNFORTUNATELY, WE SEEM TO PAY SCANT ATTENTION TO THE SYSTEMATIC DESPOLIATION OF VIRTUALLY EVERY NATIONAL INSTITUTION: EDUCATION, HEALTH, TRANSPORT AND AVIATION, ENERGY AND POWER, ETC., BY YEARS OF AVOIDABLE INDUSTRIAL ACTIONS AND DISGUISED SABOTAGE

crass immorality.

If we may ask, where were these union leaders when those saddled with the responsibility of steering the affairs of the oil industry engaged in less than honorable conduct thereby imperilling our economy and mortgaging the future of our country? Where were the union leaders, over the years that our refineries have functioned in the breach in spite of huge sums of money voted for periodic turn around maintenance (TAM)? Where were the union leaders when highly respected oil industry technocrats were turned into pawns on the chessboard of political expediency; when, in some cases, dubious experts took over strategic functions and turned our common patrimony into an avenue for political patronage? Where were the union leaders when importation of fuel was accorded priority over establishment of local refineries that would have increased fuel supply, reduced the haemorrhage of our foreign exchange, boosted the downstream sector of our economy, generated huge employment and promoted capacity building? What has been their role in the fuel subsidy jamboree? Where were they?

It is difficult to rationalise the misgivings of the leaderships of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG against the background of the new corporate environment being enthroned by Ibe Kachikwu. Or can it be said that the union leaderships are miffed by the new culture of transparency that has won the NNPC accolades from NEITI and other industry stakeholders? Or is it likely that this inexcusable affront to public welfare, corporate re-engineering and integrity is the handiwork of middlemen and political jobbers who had, hitherto, exploited the badly flawed system to rob the nation of huge revenue?

At the risk of sounding anti-labour, let us not forget that there are moments when national survival overrides even certain liberties and demand that labour rethinks its traditional approach to problem solving. One approach that deserves to be sparingly used at a period like this is the strike weapon. For lack of a better phrase, this country is strike weary. Unfortunately, we seem to pay scant attention to the systematic despoliation of virtually every national institution: education, health, transport and aviation, energy and power, etc., by years of avoidable industrial actions and disguised sabotage.

To some Nigerians, it is still politics as usual. That is tragic indeed.

Those who can’t make a distinction between a real pistol and a toy gun stand the risk of being harmed by the former. Nigeria is passing through an economic emergency, a declared war and a national psyche badly damaged by the economic downturn and impunity. This is not the time for politics as usual, whether it is labour politics or party politics. What labour is doing is akin to riding the back of the tiger; we could all end up inside its stomach.

If oil industry workers are sincere, if they are acting in the greater interest of the people, if they are not being instigated by aggrieved business and political interests, then they should call this strike off immediately and engage the leadership of NNPC in an honest dialogue to accommodate their concerns and pull the country out of this dangerous quagmire. On its part, the leadership of NNPC, no matter its justification, should listen to the workers. That, in my view, is the stakeholder approach which averts overheating the polity by the oil sector.

ROAD CARNAGE AND THE WORTHLESS NIGERIAN LIFE

R

ecently, a truck conveying people from the North to Lagos was reported to have fallen off the “long bridge” on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Dozens of people were killed in that disaster. Months ago, a truck which was reportedly “driving against traffic” on the Benin-Sagamu expressway had run into a bus conveying students of the Onabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, killing them all. A few years ago, as a result of the traffic snarl caused by the barricade which police officers had set up on a highway in order to extort money from drivers, the brakes of an oncoming petrol tanker failed. It rammed into the long queue of vehicles and exploded, setting dozens of cars and their occupants ablaze. Only last weekend, there is a report of the death of a minister in yet another road mishap.

In one picture, you see the gory remains of human beings strewn across the expressway. In another, you see beside the wreckage of vehicles, blood-soaked corpses on the roadside. Sometimes the famed “good Samaritans” cover the faces of such corpses with rags or even leaves.

This is the curious story of Nigeria, where life appears to be worth nothing, judging by the nature and frequency of road traffic accidents and indeed accidents of any nature including those from lowhanging electric cables that fall ever so often and electrocute human beings. But even more curious is the fact that these incidents do not seem to rouse the authorities in any way. If the victims are lucky, a governor or VIP passing by may make a quick stop at the scene, with his publicity team ensuring that good photos of the VIP assisting accident victims are taken. Or as in our present circumstances, sundry eulogies that suggest that the victim was the best thing to have happened to mankind are mouthed

by VIPs. Tragically, that is typically where the story

Calixthus Okoruwa charges the relevant authorities to be alive to their responsibilities

ends, until the next tragedy.

The only real tangible attempt to address the issue of road carnage in Nigeria on a national scale was that of the regime of Ibrahim Babangida who in the late 1980s, set up the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) modelled after a similar programme by the second republic governor of Oyo State, Bola Ige. Bola Ige’s programme had reportedly been very successful at reducing road carnage in Oyo State, largely on account of the zeal and innovativeness of Wole Soyinka who led it.

Not unexpectedly, therefore, in setting up the FRSC, Babangida appointed Wole Soyinka as Chairman.

Under Soyinka’s oversight, the FRSC got to work very quickly and in a short while, began to tangibly entrench road safety awareness and practices in Nigeria. The FRSC officials themselves seemed to be in perpetual patrols and Nigeria’s perpetually over-speeding drivers would instinctively slow down on sighting them. Also remarkable was that Soyinka’s FRSC recruited hundreds of road safety volunteers whom it called “Special Marshalls.”

These Marshalls synergised the efforts of the regular FRSC officials and were to be seen all over the country, flagging down over-speeding vehicles or even controlling traffic at notorious bedlams. All of this was done pro bono by these marshalls, many of whom were professionals ordinarily engaged in different activities in sundry spheres of life.

Even though there is hardly any data to support this, empirical evidence would suggest that the FRSC was very impactful in its early days and very visibly so. The master-stroke of recruiting “Special Marshalls” from the populace enhanced the social appeal and credibility of road safety consciousness and consequently buy-in by the public.

But as with most things Nigerian, the FRSC has

over the years tended to have lost focus. A few years ago, it decreed that all vehicle owners in Nigeria must buy reflective stickers and paste same on the rear of their vehicles. It refused to heed any alternative argument that today, vehicle rear lights come with reflectors anyway, making the reflective stickers superfluous and even grossly unsightly on vehicles. If I recall, it took the intervention of a minister to make the FRSC back down on this ridiculous “decree”. It later turned out that people with connection to the FRSC top echelon had imported container loads of these stickers and the new “all vehicles must use reflective stickers” directive

by FRSC had simply been a ploy by the FRSC to help their friends dispose of these stickers profitably.

Recently, the FRSC again decreed that vehicle number plates needed to be compulsorily changed across the country. Owners of motor vehicles would need to discard their number plates and pay afresh for new number plates, which it claimed would now come with “special security features.” As it turned out, the only difference between the old number plates and FRSC’s new plates was that the “new” ones had a map of Nigeria on them.

Thankfully a court of law has since come to the aid of Nigeria’s hapless motorists by ruling that there is nothing wrong or illegal with using the old number plates. Today, rather than patrol our roads and help ensure that motorists adhere to the tenets of safe motoring including driving only at safe speeds, FRSC officials are more likely to be seen in street corners, obstructing the free flow of traffic under the guise of apprehending defaulting motorists. You are likely to see parked nearby, their weather-beaten pick-up trucks which appear worse than many of the vehicles they apprehend, one of the many tragic ironies of this once laudable institution.

Yes, road carnage in Nigeria is often a fallout of sundry factors including bad and unlit roads as well as the typical lackadaisical attitude by Nigerians to safety and maintenance in general. But it doesn’t take genius to realise that the bulk of road traffic accidents arise from over-speeding. The average Nigerian driver appears to have a tendency to turn any stretch of smooth road, wherever it is located, to a race track. Again, tragically, government convoys are the worst offenders in this regard, driving as if they literally own the roads.

Road carnage is at its peak today and our governments owe us a duty to address it squarely.

It needs to very aggressively redress our attitudes to road safety and inculcate a new mindset that alerts Nigerians to the imperative of safety on our roads.

Doing so will also mean that stiff penalties including jail terms should be paid where people wilfully risk the lives of other road users by driving badly or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, among others. The federal government would also need to integrate road patrolling into its tolling programme for federal roads. Such patrolling should address road safety as well as road security.

There is an imperative to re-awaken and aggressively reorganise the FRSC which seems to have gone the way of the typical rotten Nigerian behemoth. But while we await the effort of the federal government in this regard, nothing stops the various states from implementing something similar in their domains. Apart from saving the dozens of lives that are ordinarily lost daily, such initiatives will also help ensure that scarce resources including manpower in hospitals across the country are deployed to more pressing areas than victims of needless carnage on our roads.

Okoruwa is a business executive in Lagos

13

MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Yet another collapsed building...

FGN and MTN: A Time for Truce

W

hen I read through the Editorial of THISDAY on Monday , March 7, 2016 with the above title, the questions that came to mind were – Who made THISDAY the mouthpiece of MTN? What is THIS DAY’s interest in this matter? The MTN that THISDAY is pleading for, are they repentant?

When the company was fined N1.04 trillion in October and to pay before December they pleaded for reduction in fine. One would think they were ready to play ball if the amount was reduced.

What did they do after the fine was reduced? The company headed for court. Imagine!

According to a Yoruba proverb “you do not stay too long prostrating or kneeling when you know you are guilty of an offence”. The reverse is the case with MTN. In an attempt “to plead innocence, they are almost running out of saliva”. MTN failed to fully accept guilt over the matter and it is rather unfortunate.

Personally, am not surprised and you are free to ask why. The way South African companies have been treating Nigeria and Nigerians is not the best. Sometime last year, Multi Choice (DSTV) decided to increase their subscription rates for the different bouquets without taking their customers into consideration and for no apparent reason. Nigerians kicked against it and somebody even took the matter to court. To everyone’s surprise Multi Choice went ahead to implement the new rates not minding whose ox was gored. To them, the subscribers might as well go to hell and possibly remain there. As we speak the increased rates still stand.

Coming back to the issue at hand, if MTN knew they would go to court why beg for downward review of the fine? They headed for court as soon as the fine was reduced, which to me was mischievous. After dilly-dallying, the company finally paid a paltry N50 billion and decided to withdraw the case from court. What a crafty way of doing things. Maybe they think Nigeria government will pat them on the back and say” go in peace, your sins are forgiven”. If that is their thought, is it reasonable? Probably MTN was thinking delay tactics, foot-dragging and arm-twisting combined will do the trick.

They forgot to realise it is no longer business as usual. This government is a serious government and is for real. PMB is in charge and a no nonsense man for that matter. The time for change is now.

The issue must have long been resolved if MTN had shown some humility, tread softly

Governor Shettima’s Post-war Development Model

and come down their high horse. THISDAY is asking for a “sensible negotiation that should lead to a further downward review of the hefty fine”. To me this should be directed at MTN. If Nigeria is to pick lessons from Google and British government episode then describing Nigeria’s action as “unnecessary drama and muscle flexing” is uncharitable. To me MTN is the one that has been overdramatising and flexing muscle as if we owe them. Another question: “who” dragged the issue on for months”?

This question is begging for answer.

When Obasanjo closed down BP’s investments in Nigeria in the late 70s heavens did not fall. Let’s call a spade a spade. A foreign company should not come to Nigeria and be doing “boju boju” for us – a South African company for that matter. I pray President Jacob Zuma’s visit will present an opportunity to resolve the lingering issue and put an end to the matter. The point I have been trying to make is that foreign companies (especially South African) should stop taking Nigeria and Nigerians for a ride.

Ologun B. Freeman, Utako, Abuja

T

here are enormous challenges for governors in the northeastern states torn

by Boko Haram senseless war. In Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and some parts of Gombe and Bauchi States, there are widespread human movement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), destroyed infrastructure and inaccessible land for subsistent agriculture. In addition, Boko Haram war has led to the painful destruction of schools and worship centres.

Thus the education and agriculture problems in the northeast have become different from that of the rest of the country. Parents in the Northeast are also facing the problem of fear to send their wards to schools.

The Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima has developed excellent and feasible post-war programmes and projects with a comprehensive model that is fast-tracking the healing of scars of the war, restoring basic infrastructure and local economies, including returning communities to their pre-war peaceful and productive status. Governor Kashim is achieving this milestone through the newly

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE 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

created ministry charged with reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency and other pre-war development programmes.

Shettima’s effort in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency is highly commendable because it is a multi-faceted approach which will help with restoration of basic infrastructure, integration of lives and livelihood of thousands of people, the quick rehabilitation of agricultural land; the local economy; places of worship, health-centres, bridges, schools including the creation of productive employment for the teeming unemployed citizens. Kashim’s effort is fast healing the scars of war in all the affected local government areas of Borno State as well as complements the security restoration and peace building by the military. The Borno State government’s 2016 budget is christened ‘Budget of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement’. Education, with the priority to reconstruct schools got the highest allocation of N27billion while the continued reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of destroyed communities got N10 billion.

Women, especially widows, empowerment, the massive construction of new houses, IDPs resettlement, construction of trenches in vulnerable communities and the reopening of public schools are some aspects of Kashim’s pre-war development programmes that touch the lives of the ordinary people.

As the military is winning the war, the governors of the five northeast states should adopt Kashim’s model. Such a model will tackle the original factors that facilitated the growth of Boko Haram and helped the group in its recruitments and indoctrinations - abject poverty, illiteracy and the absence of employment opportunities in these states. Governor Kashim’s model should be adopted by the federal government in its effort to reconstruct, rehabilitate and resettle the communities ravaged by Boko Haram senseless war; it will fast track the healing of the scars of war, restore basic infrastructure and local economies, including returning these communities to their pre-war or even better conditions.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa State

14

MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Endless Politics of Bloodletting in Rivers

I

t may be a familiar incident to them but to the rest of the nation and indeed the world, it is strange and even bizarre that political thugs can attack the home of an opponent, kill him, his wife and son and still go ahead to severe the head of the man and go away with it. It sounds gory and shocking, but that was exactly what happened in Omoku town, the headquarters of ONELGA (Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area) of Rivers State.

That incident took place last Saturday.

The killing interlude experienced in the last seven months is apparently over, just because all the three senatorial districts of the state are getting ready for a re-run election to the senate next Saturday, March 19.

Ten days earlier, the frequency and number of killings in the state got to a height prompting the state governor, Mr Nyesom Wike to personally visit the area and appealed to the youths to sheathe their swords. The validity of the appeal, it appears, lasted for just about a dozen days.

It must be stated that the governor himself may have set the tone for the violence rocking his state when about a month ago, while addressing his party supporters in the wake of the Supreme court verdict that affirmed his victory, had warned those coming to conduct the re-run election to be wary. He had threatened that “anyone coming to rig election, must first write his/her will before embarking on the journey”. This is seen as approving the culture of violence and extermination which is now engulfing the state. Is any mandate worth the blood of the people?

Last Saturday, at about 9.00pm, assailants, nay, political thugs visited the home of the Ward 4

chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Omoku, Franklin Obi, and after shooting him and his wife, Iheoma, dead, they dragged out his son, Bestman, from where he was hiding with his sister and also shot him dead. They then went ahead to cut off the head of Mr Obi and left with it.

Gosh, it reeks with a chilling shock!

It is not certain what Obi’s crime is, but it cannot be far from the fact that he is not only an APC chieftain, he is indeed the ward 4 chairman of the party. That is the same ward where the PDP state chairman, Chief Felix Obuah is from.

About a year ago, in the same Omoku, a former PDP chieftain who decamped from the party and joined the APC, was visited by political thugs same night and got wiped off along with his family. Nobody was arrested.

Not long ago, gunmen went on the rampage in Obrikom in the same ONELGA and killed Chief Adube, a traditional ruler and APC chieftain in the area along with his children and seven others. The hoodlums further moved to Oboh, a neighbouring community and destroyed the house of Vincent Ogbuagu, an APC House of Assembly aspirant.

It is difficult not to connect all the killings to politics seeing that all the victims are members of APC. If APC members are constantly the victims of this onslaught, are the aggressors and perpetrators of the violence not discernable even outside the clinical room of forensic enquiry?

In fact, the APC gubernatorial candidate in the state in the last election, Dr Dakuku Peterside, had lamented the killing spree when, during the week, he chronicled the litany of killings in the state “Four APC persons were killed in Obibi, Etche

properties of political opponents were burnt during the last election.

However, unlike in past murders, the police, this time, announced that they have arrested two persons, one each for the murder of Obi in Omoku and Amachree in Buguma. Good as the news is, Nigerians are waiting to see what happens hereafter.

I dare say it is because the Police and all relevant security agencies have merely stood aside and looked in Rivers while the people are being mowed down in their dozens, that the crime of human killings have become so common-placed that it does not mean much anymore.

But more worrisome is the fact that with the Nwike senatorial re-run election just a week away, more killings will take place. And this is the point some LGA in the last 48 hours. Gabriel Cookey was clubbed to death in Opobo, Opobo/Nkoro LGA of us had made in the past when the Supreme Court ignored the avalanche of killings and by suspected cultists. electoral violence that characterized the Rivers “Only his morning, in Buguma , Ofinjite elections and ruled in favour of the PDP which Amachree, an APC member was set ablaze by is believed to have sponsored all the political thugs who are members of PDP”. violence at the time. I had maintained in previous “In fact, in the last two weeks, over 30 APC write-ups that the verdict of the apex court seems members have been killed in different parts of to encourage electoral violence in a way that Rivers State. We are tired of this bloodbath; this goads desperate politicians to do anything they is why we are calling on the federal government can to wrest victory and then settle down to do a and Nigerians generally to come to our aid”.

On Monday this week, while Nigerians are yet judicial defence of their victory later. The Supreme trying to digest the bestiality of the Omoku killing, Court’s verdict seems to suggest that whether you breach the procedure or not, the outcome yet another such bizarre murder takes place in of the election is what is core; a sort of “the endBuguma in Akoku Toru LGA, where Ofinjite justifies-the-means syndrome. But truth is that Amachree was murdered . when the procedure is breached, the product is Reports say, Ofinjite was first beaten to pulp compromised. by his attackers before he was killed and then set How much blood more will be required to ablaze. Ofinijite was also a member of the APC appease the vampire called Rivers politics?

It was in that same Buguma that houses and

NDDC: Daily Trust Got it Wrong

L

ast Tuesday, March 8, Daily Trust ran an editorial that seemed to x-ray the rot in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Although I agree with some of the points the editorial made, I strongly disagree with its conclusion that if the Niger Delta ministry and the commission cannot justify their continued existence and overcome its propensity for corruption then they should be scrapped.

It is clear the paper, with all due respect, wrote from the prism of ignorance.

I will be deceiving myself and misleading my readers if I write that I am proud of all that has taken place in the commission.

While I do not have statistical facts to counter whatever the Office of the Auditor General of the Fderation has said, I must say that it is not true that the commission has not achieved anything since its creation.

Yes, a lot of financial malfeasance has taken place under various leaderships of the commission, it remains a fact that the NDDC has impacted on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta.

I believe that those who have mismanaged the

resources of the commission can be made to account for them. The laws of the land are sufficient to prosecute them.

With several major and rural roads constructed to interlink various communities; thousands of water projects in several communities; several health programmes carried out to treat the aged and the weak in the region, and several rural electrification projects in all nine states, mass transit programmes, plus an avalanche of educational programmes and projects which has seen many scholarships awarded to deserving sons and daughters of the region, and the over eight big hostels built in various institutions of higher learning in the region which is currently accommodating over 16,000 students etc., it is preposterous to declare that nothing has been achieved.

It must also be clarified that contrary to the misleading opinion of the editorial that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created out of the frustration of the NDDC, let it be said that the late President Yar’Adua created the ministry to complement and accelerate the development needs of the region.

It will also interest the newspaper to know that contrary to the impression that the “Niger Delta leaders” are behind the failure of contracts, that

contractors in the commission are spread across the country, including even the northern regions.

While agreeing that the commission could have achieved more, I will rather see its contributions as being swallowed by the depth of decay and neglect which the region had suffered over the years.

Yet, it is even more damaging and mischievous to suggest that because neither the ministry nor the commission has met the full aspiration of the people, they should be scrapped. If scrapping of institutions is the next logical step when they fail, then there would be no Nigeria itself. Pray, how many communities have access to potable water in Seminitari Nigeria, despite the fact that the Ministry of Water product of commendable mental rigour on crisis Resources has existed for over 40 years in this resolution. country? Has Daily Trust called for the scrapping Yes, the commission needs a re-jig, as is being of that ministry? witnessed now by the Mrs Ibim Seminitari-led I believe that the suggestion of scrapping both administration, but all monies owed the comthe commission and the ministry is likened to administering a drug that will kill both the disease mission by the federal government and the oil companies must be released so the resources to and the patient. radically develop the region are made available, If the newspaper understands the background of the creation of the interventionist agency/minis- knowing that the commission is responsible for the development of nine states across three try, scrapping them can never be a solution. geo-political regions of the country.

Indeed, such totalitarian suggestion is hardly a

Islamic Coalition and the Anti-Terrorism Fight

D

Buhari

uring the week, one of the major issues that trended in the social media is the rumour(?) that Nigeria is now a member of the Organisation of Islamic Community (OIC), a phenomenon that sparked students’ riots in the 90’s.

The issue arose from the interview President Muhammadu Buhari granted Al Jazera TV where he agreed that Nigeria was a member of the Coalition of Islamic Countries against terrorism. It was one of the outcomes of his recent tour of the middle east countries.

Given the pounding Nigeria has received from terror gangs led by the notorious Boko Haram, one will be tempted to say that whatever and however the Islamic terrorists will be exterminated, not just “degraded”, should be supported and encouraged.

This is especially as the Boko Haram has

operated without deference to religious affinity. Both Muslims and Christians have been at the receiving end of their attacks.

However, it is curious that Mr President not only unilaterally took Nigeria into such a coalition without recourse to even the National Assembly, the identity and nomenclature of the coalition is suspect.

Yes, I can reason that the said countries are just concerned on how to deal with the menace of terrorism across the globe, yet I worry that it is only Islamic countries that are in such a coalition. Why are non-Islamic countries who have also been victims of terror attacks not members of the coalition?

The Foreign Affairs minister, Godfrey Onyema had explained that it has nothing to do with religion, stressing that the Islamic countries are worried about their image since terrorism is being perceived as a part of Islam, hence they are determined to fight it and prove that they have nothing to do with

terrorism.

But the mere appendage of the coalition as being that of “Islamic Countries” suggests that Nigeria is an Islamic country, if Nigeria belongs to the coalition. And that is the sore point. Mr Honourable minister, Is Nigeria an Islamic country as to warrant being in a coalition so described for whatever purpose?

Many of those who opposed Buhari’s presidency during the elections had claimed at the time that he would take Nigeria into the OIC. Even though the said coalition is not OIC, many Christian faithfuls see the membership of the coalition as not only a prelude to joining the OIC, but only a breath away. Belonging to such a coalition generates fears and anxiety among non-muslims in the country and Mr President cannot really dismiss the fears as unwarranted.

Religion is such a sensitive issue in Nigeria.

No leader can treat it without requisite circumspect.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

INSIGHT

Brief History of The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

I

Jon West

n the early 1980s, I started work as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at the Falomo, Lagos headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), having been earlier recruited at an interview overseas. Brandishing a freshly minted post graduate degree in engineering, I was quite glad to come home to serve my country which paid for my search for the Golden Fleece.. As I ascended the stairs of the rather shabby headquarters building of the National Oil Company(NOC) of Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer and OPEC kingpin, I knew something was amiss.

How could this shabby building, alive with noisy humanity be the head office of the NNPC? Alas, it was and I instinctively knew that by accepting to work in this place, I may have made a grave career mistake. However, as an altruistic young man, ready to learn and help grow his country, I decided to weather the storm and forge ahead like most of the other engineers I saw milling listlessly in overcrowded offices. It did not take much to realize that this was a dysfunctional organization peopled by the best brains the country had produced. The irony of this situation is that it subsisted for the next several decades and till this day.

Sometime in the next year, having been fully absorbed into the Corporation after completing the mandatory one year NYSC service( I was below 30 and therefore had to do the NYSC before I could be absorbed even though I had a letter of employment), I fortuitously accompanied the top brass of NNPC to a meeting with the PresidentialAdviser on Petroleum Matters,Alhaji Yahaya Dikko at the dingy offices of the Federal Ministry of PetroleumResources , located at the dysfunctional Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi. What transpired at that meeting wounded my young soul and made me take a difficult decision a few years later.

At the meeting with Dikko, the NNPC top brass comprising the then General Managers( equivalent of the current Executive Directors) and theActing Managing Director , informed Dikko that NNPC was returning about $250 million unspent budget for the previous operational year.

Dikko was livid. He asked the delegation why they had to return unspent money, when NNPC had no new development projects - refineries, petrochemical plants, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) etc. He was obviously disappointed with these people who had no idea of what to do with money, no investment culture . I was shocked that these were my mentors and that my future will be determined by these obviously under equipped men, who had been entrusted with the economic backbone of the country. They left Dikko’s office thoroughly perplexed , but I was not, because I was on the same page with Dikko ( May his soul rest in peace). Having interacted with officials ofADNOC(Abu Dhabi), NIOC (Iran), PDVSA (Venezuela), Pertamina(Indonesia) and Petronas (Malaysia) ,I was quite disappointed to see that the leaders of NNPC were not the entrepreneurial type and on further enquiry the reason for this state of affairs dawned on me.

All these Executive Directors of NNPC, including the CEO, were physics graduates of the University of Ibadan. Physics graduate civil servants were hired to set up the NNPC in a country awash with engineers and earth sciences graduates and experts . No wonder Dikko had to teach them business.

In the early 1990s, a short-tenured Petroleum Minister, in order to ingratiate himself with the military dictator of the time, revealed to the dictator, the fact of a horde of cash in excess of 1 billion dollars in the coffers of NNPC. The grateful dictator promptly “borrowed” about $800 million from this stash of cash and that was the beginning of the end of financial independence of NNPC and it’s uncontrolled descent to the current sorry pass. The dictator’s “loan” ended the financial independence of NNPC, but one is constrained to ask why an Organisation with very few assets at the time ,was sitting on a hoard of cash which attracted the interest of the rapacious military regimes like bees to honey. The management of NNPC had always been challenged to emulate theirAsian, SouthAmerican andArab counterparts. Unfortunately, it appears

Kachikwu that they did not have the mettle for this challenge and failed woefully in their role as the guardians of the national hydrocarbon resources.

The disaster that NNPC has become started in 1972, when a physicist was preferred to an engineer, as CEO, at the inception of the Nigerian National Oil Company(NNOC) , the precursor to the NNPC, because of the post civil war politics of war booty and the divine right of the victorious soldiers of the Nigerian army. Engineer Odor, a Kalabari citizen of Rivers State , appointed by General Yakubu Gowon as the first Managing Director of NNOC, was brushed aside by the booty politics of the Supreme Military Council and instead, an Ibadan-trained physicist in the person of Chief. Festus Marinho, a favoured son of the times, was appointed to replace him, a few weeks after he was named the Managing Director. This sad situation of injustice and dysfunction heralded the birth of NNOC/NNPC and the Corporation has not recovered till this day. In 1977, the NNPC was fully incorporated by the merger of the Directorate Division of the Ministry of Mines and Steel and the NNOC. Since the foregoing inauspicious beginning, the NNPC has staggered from one unfortunate scandal to another; from the N2.8 billion scandal ( when the Naira was worth nearly $2) to the Strategic Reserves, Bunkering, Halliburton, Willbross and more recently the serial subsidy and “missing money” scandals. The trouble with NNPC is the trouble with Nigeria, pure and simple. The Corporation has always been run like Nigeria is run and has ended up like Nigeria, a perennially underachieving business.

Whenever I hear people comparing the NNPC with other National Oil Companies, I can’t help but wonder about the naïveté of the Nigerian, either as a commentator or journalist.Apeople get the National Oil Company that they deserve, just as they get the leaders and politicians that they deserve. The trouble with the perennially underachieving NNPC is that the rapacious politicians and their comprador allies in the “private sector”( there is really no such a thing as the private sector in Nigeria, as everybody is feeding off the oil revenue streams using rentier enterprises) cannot let the Corporation be.

The former Minister of Petroleum Resources , OPEC chairman and nowAmayanabo of Twon Brass, Dr Edmund Daukoru, once wondered at a meeting of the Group Executive Committee of NNPC , why Nigerian politicians, unlike their counterparts in other oil producing countries, do not allow their National Oil Company (NOC) operational independence, which will enhance the economic prospects of both the Corporation and the nation at large.According to the bewildered Daukoru, who himself was earlier indicted for corruption with Funso Kupolokun, a former Group Executive Director and later Group Managing Director of NNPC , the politicians in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Venezuela etc., allow their NOC independence unlike the Nigerian situation where NNPC is the President’s and politicians’ source of slush funds.

It is ironic that in spite of the terrible years of the Red Terror in Ethiopia, under the brutal regime of Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam , the national airline, EthiopianAirlines , was given total operational and financial independence by the dictator and even his successors till this day. Is it

then any wonder that EthiopianAirlines isAfrica’s premier airline while NigeriaAirways,Air Nigeria etc have since become historical relics. NNPC is therefore on the road to becoming the petroleum industry equivalent of NigeriaAirways,Air Nigeria,Nigerian National Shipping Lines etc unless a long- delayed rescue mission is devised by the Nigerian people(not the politicians).

NNPC is the only NOC still involved in Joint-Venture contracts production regime with International Oil Companies such as Shell, ChevronTexaco,Total and ExxonMobil.All other major NOCs have since graduated to running their NOCs as pseudo private Corporations, hence the business successes of Petrobras(Brazil), Pertamina(Indonesia), Petronas( Malaysia), PDVSA(Venezuela) and even the newcomer Sonangol ofAngola which was set up a little more than a decade ago, after the devastatingAngolan civil war.

Sonangol has operating concessions in Brazil, Iraqi Kurdistan and even Nigeria, but NNPC does not exist outside of Nigeria after 40 years of existence!! This is a crying shame for a pioneer of the petroleum business on theAfrican continent.

Even little EGPetrol of Equatorial Guinea is rated ahead of NNPC in management and business culture . How low can you get as a Corporation?

An interesting result of this state of affairs, is the fact that while Petronas of Malaysia has a global staff strength of over 150,000 on the basis of the production of 600,000 barrels per day of oil in Malaysia alone and Liquefied Natural Gas and a myriad of global business ventures, NNPC which manages the production of over 2.7 million barrels per day in Nigeria only and also has an LNG business, only has a staff strength of below 10,000 in total.

The inability to progress the Joint VentureAgreements to a more nationalistic and entrepreneurial arrangement is the result of the economic rentseeking mentality of the Nigerian operators of the oil and gas business and the low business intellect of successive NNPC management. The Joint VentureArrangements entered into in the 1970s allows NNPC to operate the Joint Ventures after about 20 years , but till date NNPC has made no effort to operate any of the the Joint Ventures, even though it operates it’s wholly-owned upstream company , the NPDC, however, with very limited efficiency, due again to political interference.

Local Sole Risk producers( most of whom received NPDC assets and reserves as gifts from the military dictator Babangida), wholly owned and managed by Nigerians, have been reasonably successful in the running of the upstream business with examples of Seplat ofAustinAvuru and ABC Orjiako, Consolidated Oil of MikeAdenuga, the marginal fields producers etc., so why is it difficult for the 40 year old NNPC to run the 2.8 million barrels per day Joint ventures operations?

The reason is embedded in a lack of political will, ambition and hedonistic rent- seeking behavior of Government and the intellectually challenged management of NNPC. NNPC’s past and present woes derive from a mixture of continuos and debilitating Government interference and a non entrepreneurial management with a servile political and business culture. There is a saying that nobody gives you power, you grab it if you want it badly. NNPC management has most of the time been filled with political CEOs who are grateful to be appointed to the position and will never rock the boat or have an opinion that will upset the Minister or President.

Unlike his counterparts in other NOCs who have security of tenure, the Group Managing Director of NNPC can be sacked with ignominy and impunity, and in reality owes his position to the whims and caprices of either the Minister of Petroleum or the President. However, no NNPC CEO has dared rock the boat even when it is obvious that compliance and genuflection to the powers -that -be cannot guarantee survival. The bottom line is that NNPC GMDs have almost always been wimps, not deserving of the exalted office of the CEO of the the biggest oil producing company on theAfrican continent. The result of all this is a torpid organization, where form takes precedence over substance and there is an inverse relationship between effort and reward.

This situation has gotten so bad that in recent times, a particularly servile GMD of NNPC has been photographed carrying the hand bag of a female Minister at a foreign airport , helping

to arrange the Minister’s birthday party and genuflecting before a former GMD at a public function. How can such a CEO do anything useful to lift the fortunes of the Corporation? How can he afford to surround himself with the best people who can drive a positive development agenda for the Corporation?

The current subsidy and missing funds public relations disaster has further exposed the near absence of intellectual capital in the Corporation.

It is so easy to explain the subsidy issue and the “missing “ funds , because NNPC here is a victim being painted as the villain. However, the poor quality management of the Corporation have found the simple task to be very daunting and have instead preferred to dabble in the dangerous and banal waters of Nigerian politics.

As a former NNPC insider and veteran of battles with the rent-seeking cabals in the NationalAssembly, I am aware that NNPC is mostly innocent of the accusations against it, as perhaps, the result of the forensic audit has shown , but the Corporation needs an intellectually articulate and confident management to take on the rapacious wolves in the National Assembly and the doubting, perhaps envious public(why is NNPC the preferred choice of almost all job seekers ?). It is really a simple matter, but you can’t give what you don’t have.

That is a basic principle in law and in life also, and unfortunately, the people who ran and are running NNPC did not and still do not have much to give. That is the Nigerian tragedy!!!!

Epilogue In 2015, under theAPC Government, enter Dr Ibe Emmanuel Kachikwu, as the new GMD of NNPC. Suave,well educated and experienced in the legal aspects and murky politics of the Nigerian oil industry, and formerly Executive Vice President of ExxonMobilAfrica, he exudes confidence, panache and intellect. However, like all the past GMDs of NNPC, he was appointed by a political and interfering President, who to make matters worse, also doubles as the Petroleum Minister, on the strength of previous disastrous stints in the petroleum industry. Kachikwu is a good showman, but the petroleum industry is not run successfully by showmen.

There is a long way between Hollywood and the oil patches of Texas and Oklahoma, between the mirage of the opulent NNPC Towers inAbuja and the reality of the dying Oredo and Oziengbe fields in Edo State. One deals in dreams and fantasies, while the other always has to confront reality. Perception is reality, and reality drives perception.

This week, Kachikwu, who doubles as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, a patent illegality under the PetroleumAct, finally announced the long expected(over three decades) and perpetually postponed restructuring of the NNPC behemoth into 5 major businesses and 30 subsidiaries. This is good news for the beleaguered petroleum sector, but since the NNPC is still under the total control of Government, this restructuring will remain cosmetic, even if it is, admittedly, a step forward. The real potential of the petroleum industry will be unleashed when these businesses are partially or totally privatised like the Great Leap Forward in the telecommunications and power sectors. However, looking at the antecedents of the powers- that- be and Nigeria’s sociopolitical and economic realities, this coming restructuring may not be worth the paper on which it is printed. The new President is an unrepentant advocate of the command and control economy and does not hide his aversion to the free market and attendant deregulation and privatisation.

Who will appoint the management and staff of these emerging entities? Obviously the Government; so we can forget efficiency and quality and key in Nepotism, Federal Character(read quota system) and sundry stereotypes . However, this is still a step in the right direction, but show business, petroleum law and IOC experience will not help Kachikwu in his new endeavour and the President, like the proverbial leopard, will never change his political and economic philosophy spots. So, the beat goes on? Perhaps the emerging economic depression will encourage a change of direction? Fingers crossed.

–– Jon West, Benin City.

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INTERIOR AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGOUND FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 21 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 40 pg. 41

Florence Ita-Giwa I’m Still Hoping to Find the Right Man to Spend the Rest of My Life With

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 12, 2016

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My Relationship with Obasanjo Didn’t Start off Well

Powerful, prominent, prosperous and philanthropic, she exudes a larger than life aura. Gracefully rotund, her gait is endearing. The flickering smile on her face is enchanting. Tastefully decked in luxurious ornaments, her superlative sense of dress and grooming is legendary. Nimble-footed, quick-witted and down-to-earth, she is perhaps one of the most powerful women in Nigeria. A onetime medical professional now politician, she is reputed with the struggle of Bakassi people. Yes, she is Mama Bakassi; she is a quintessential Nigerian decorated with the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). An engaging politician – both at the grassroots and the centre stage – wealthy and philanthropic, she wines with the rich and dines with the less privileged. Even at 70, her age-defying beauty and youthfulness are superlative. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa is a robust personality; an Amazon. In this interview with Oge Ezeliora, Ita-Giwa speaks about her desire not to remain single for the rest of her life and why she has not remarried. She also talks about how she has excelled as a woman in politics and the age-old secret to her ageless beauty

H

ow do you feel at 70?

I feel much fulfilled and I give glory to God that I am celebrating 70 and by the grace of God in good health, both physically and mentally; I feel very settled in my mind. The most interesting thing is that I am very certain that I am in the right place that I should be.

I feel much fulfilled with my family, with my work, with my charity and the position I rose to in my career as a politician.

You hardly look 70; any secret?

I think the answer I always give first is that probably because the year runs so fast; the number of the years you are carrying or you have attained doesn’t allow your body to adjust to the time. However, naturally in my family, we age gracefully and from where I come from as an Efik woman – from the time you come into this world as a female you are made to appreciate the fact that it is beautiful to be a female. Whatever your aspirations are, whether you aspire to be the president of a country or a medical doctor, the number one thing is, don’t lose your femininity. As a Calabar woman one is taught how to look after oneself; so we age gracefully. The idea is not to look young. I don’t want to be young – the idea is to age gracefully. So for that reason, knowing that my body is very receptive to food, I have a tendency to be fat, all my life, I have battled with weight gain leading me always to watch what I eat and it has turned out well. I made it a routine at the end of every day to find at least one hour where I relax my mind and my body. At the end of the day I enjoy a good dinner, listen to news, watch TV, listen to music and then before I go to bed, I give myself some 30 minutes of pampering.

What would you say are your achievements so far?

I think it will be very immodest to start outlining my achievements but to be very modest, I think my greatest achievement is bringing up the children of Bakassi and turning them to normal human beings and seeing the children grow; putting them in the best schools and giving them as much exposure as possible, nationally, internationally and seeing them develop confidence in themselves; and seeing them speak well and seeing them excel in school.

That is my number one achievement – the success story of my children of Bakassi.

Besides that, my children have done well and my family is tremendously successful by the grace of God. In politics too, I have been successful, rising to the pinnacle of my career which in a country as big as Nigeria not many women can attain. I was a member of the House of Representatives. I have done two conferences: constitutional and national; I have won election to the senate twice. I have been advisers to two presidents; two very successful presidents.

So I feel that I have done well in my chosen field. Even before I went into politics, I did well in my medical profession.

Why did you venture into politics?

I went into politics because I needed a platform to address the issue of Bakassi people and to also use that same platform to help the underprivileged; to speak for those who have been trampled upon.

I think I did not go into politics for the

Ita-Giwa purpose of contesting and winning elections. I went to use the platform and today I am celebrating my 10 years of service to humanity. I work round the clock which means that is a wonderful platform for me to address issues of the downtrodden and also take part in the development of my country. So it is a fantastic platform.

What do you think about the current state of the PDP? It calls for people to learn a lesson. That, first of all, if you have been in power for so many years you should never take power for granted. For the past 25 years that I won election into the House of Representatives, I have not stopped working. You can never take people for granted. We had a very good man and perhaps, if he had been given a second term, he could have completed all his projects. Nobody ever does well in the first term until the second term for you to learn well on the job as the president. But then the party itself didn’t strategise well. We sat down and watched people leave the party in anger without trying to massage their ego to bring them back. It is democracy. You cannot do politics through dictatorship. Some people including governors became terrorists and bullies. Unfortunately, politics is about who is the crowd puller. If you watch the crowd pullers leave the party, how can you win? We thought we could perform magic; politics is spiritual. We don’t take it for granted; if you play with power, God can take that power away from you. Power is spiritual.

Do you sometimes feel intimidated by men?

I look at myself as a human being and I don’t allow myself to be intimidated and I don’t go out of my way to intimidate people. I just know that all of us are in the business of nation building. It is for you to show your political strength.

Some see you as being tough; are you?

It depends on their definition of ‘tough’.

But if there is anything as reincarnation, I want to come back as a woman because there is nothing as amazing and as sweet as being a woman. Therefore, whether you have to be a tough woman to survive is what I don’t know. I know that I am a good strategist; I strategise a lot on how to survive in a country like Nigeria. If that is called being tough, so be it.

What are your regrets in life?

Absolutely, no regrets. I thank God for every good thing and every bad thing that has happened to me. But I am very grateful because God has compensated me with good things for the bad things that happened to me. If I come back, I will still do it the same way. I have enjoyed everything that came along with what I chose to be in life. From my career as a nurse to venturing into politics, I have enjoyed everything.

I have enjoyed it up to the point of still dancing in the street at age 70. It’s all part of it because politics is liberating and so I can dance in front of a crowd of one million people because it is my work. I am totally liberated.

How was your growing up like?

I was born in Calabar Maternity Hospital. You know Calabar is very civilised and the whole of that area – and from what I was told, my mother was actually in an evening dress at some annual ballroom dance when she went into labour and was taken to a hospital at Ikot- Ekpene and from there to Calabar Maternity Hospital as a result of complications arising from blood loss during delivery where she had me. My arrival into the world was very eventful. When I grew up and started my medical equipment business, the first thing I did was to visit that hospital and donated blood bank. I am from a very

hardworking family. My mother was a journalist; she was a trader; she was also a dressmaker in order to make ends meet.

My father was a civil servant; he used to be a policeman, then a traditional ruler.

My younger brother is Yoruba so even in the family we have Yoruba grandchildren.

The family is very Nigerian. It’s a family where you have Calabar, Rivers, Igbo, and Yoruba: every tribe is in the family. My brother is an extremely quiet person. I am trying my best to see to it that my brother’s children do not grow up to be as quiet as he is. My daughter, Koko, is very hardworking, very aggressive and well-driven though quiet by nature. She is Efik and her husband is Igbo. He too is also a very serious young man; well brought up from a decent family.

Why have you remained single since the demise of your husband?

I remained single because I live by example. I have brought up children that as soon as they graduated from school, they got married and have their own children. If your environment is rough, when you change partners then your children are likely to grow up rough and to change partners and as such I didn’t want to take a risk of changing partners. However, I am a human being, there is need for me to have a relationship but I decided that at one point I have to be sure. I don’t want to say that I didn’t see anybody that was worth it but I am still sifting through so that I don’t ever change partners. At this stage of my life, if ever there will be a partner, that partner would be my partner for life. Secondly, I live a very busy life and for most part of my life in the last 10 years, I have done some very serious things that I didn’t need that distraction. I had to take care of my business and my service to humanity. I did a lot of things that I was not sure that I could have found a man that will buy into that vision and again there

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Plus is issue of men feeling intimidated by successful career women and there is no way I would have negotiated my career because I have children. Though I do not intend to ever change my name which has become a brand I am not guaranteeing that I would remain single.

I have amazing friends; I am socially very busy as well but I have friends that respect me and will not take advantage of that friendship. I have very civilised male friends who do not want to take advantage. So if I want to go for dinner I have friends both Nigerian and non-Nigerians that will take me out. I have friends that will travel with me; we have very excellent and decent relationship. However, I cannot guarantee that I would remain single for the rest of my life.

You had a successful working relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and perhaps, ex-President Umaru Yar’Adua. What did you learn from them?

I think with Obasanjo, initially, we didn’t take off well. While I was at the Senate and he was the President, I think in the course of my struggle for separation of powers I joined the Okadigbo group to fight for separation of powers. To be candid, Obasanjo was a straightforward military man and his desire to get things done at the appropriate time is not negotiable.

Eventually, we became very good friends with due respect; because today he is my friend, my father and my mentor. I like him tremendously. I still do not know any human being who is more committed to the success of this democracy and development of this country than Obasanjo. For the four years I worked with him, he refused to go to sleep and I saw that. It was pleasantly and excitingly tiring, because he worked round the clock, and I got to know my country; so that is what he did to my life. I got to know my country and got to know Nigerians. I could make a good president because of what I learnt from him.

Obasanjo believes in speed, efficiency and superior arguments and I think till today I am very impatient with anybody that does not apply speed to the things they do.

What’s your advice for women in managing life as they age?

One of the great facts of life is that age is inevitable. I don’t see the big thing about aging. That is basically why you have what is called the evolution of life.

The young must grow and the old must continue to grow as well. First of all, try and imbibe the culture of looking after yourself and eating healthy as early as possible in life. One does not have to be very rich to live in a healthy environment and most important, it is necessary to always have a clear mind. Do not keep malice. If anybody offends you, you take the person on. Have your arguments and get things sorted out and maybe at the end of the day, a superior argument will win. Also know that in life as long as one believes in God, there is no problem without a solution. Whatever problems one might face, always know that there is a solution to that problem. Don’t just live your life worrying about what you shouldn’t worry about because I don’t. I try to simplify life. Women must not be scared of age. Whatever you aspire to be, just plan it, put it in prayers and get rid of fear. Go out and get it done.

I always tell people that I am a Calabar woman and we are very civilised people from beginning. There is nothing you can do about age except to manage age and not to allow age control your life. I don’t do young things because I don’t want to be young. I can’t remember the last time I did young things because of my life has been full of very profound responsibilities and I was brought up by my mother to think like an adult, to always take responsibility.

I do not dress young because I have grown up children but I do not negotiate and will never negotiate ageing beautifully and gracefully. I will not negotiate aging with my waistline in place so that I can get into my pants, my jeans and my nice dresses.

That is non-negotiable. I have always looked up to women like Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep and Tina Turner. Those are

the women that inspire me because they have always looked very good despite their age. After looking at them, I don’t want to be young; I just need to appreciate myself.

How can a woman position herself for achievements in Nigeria?

Generally, women always have the ability to manage the home and manage work.

I believe it is a natural thing with being a woman especially being a good woman.

The fact that you are a woman does not mean you shouldn’t have a career and also does not mean that if you have a career that you would not be able to run your home.

My mother was a very busy journalist but she was an incredible mother and a fantastic housewife. As a matter of fact, I used to see her do her report while cooking. I think women naturally have that capacity to manage the stress of running the home, the children and their career.

Why do women find it hard to be successful in politics?

I think it is not only in this part of the world but generally everywhere. The rise of women can be very meteoric because it has been so. You know women were seen as the weaker sex, as people that came into the world to have children but that has changed tremendously and it can change a lot more if women conquer fear and develop more confidence in themselves because it is for you to develop the confidence and say yes I can do it. It is very rough especially in the terrain of politics and as long as a woman is in the terrain of politics, there is a lot of antagonism and so a woman will have to put in a hundred times more than her male counterpart to be able to succeed in politics and so it just for a woman to develop that inner strength.

What has kept you going?

I think my inspiration comes from the environment in which I grew up. I grew up in an environment of very strong women. I grew up amongst my mother and even my father’s mother. Also, my terms of responsibility helped me. I grew up knowing that I don’t have a choice than to do what I have to do just like the Americans would always say. That alone gives me a lot of strength and courage. In addition, looking at a lot of people that look up to me really inspires me. There a lot of people that next to God looks up to me. That again is indeed inspiring; that is very energising.

What are your expectations with younger women’s ability to adapt to a just and moral life?

First of all, they have to appreciate the fact that being a role model they have to live by example. You must understand and have to know that whatever you do in life, people are watching you and they are looking up to you and also they want to be like you; which means that you would not want to let them do what is not right. That takes a lot of sacrifice for you to live up to that expectation.

How much more are you planning to dedicate to God and humanity for charity?

For as long as I am alive and for as long as I can walk which is what I pray to God for. If it gets to a point that I cannot walk from my bed I will be involved in charity even though that will not happen because I believe that by the grace of God I will live a healthy life till the day I will go (die).

When would you call your best moments growing into womanhood?

(Laughs) Do you mean growing into womanhood as a baby? My best moment in life was discovering myself as a woman, discovering those things that make a woman and discovering what aspects of career I wanted to pursue at the beginning of my own independence.

Also, meeting my husband, falling in love and getting married, having children and most recently would be adopting children who today are doing amazingly well and remaining my source of pride. Anytime I look at them, I feel many inches taller than I am. All these are the things that make growing up get really exciting.

I Can Be a Good President for Nigeria

Ita-Giwa

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12, 2016

Loud Whispers with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Agiliti Riots A lot of people do not know Agiliti in Lagos. It is a suburb after Mile 12 market.

During one of my underground moves, I used to pursue a pretty damsel to the place. Those days, you will park your car under the Mile 12 bridge, take a bike up to a point, and jump into a canoe and then another bike before finally getting to Toyin’s house. After all the stress, I will get there and see another man who had left his house at 4am to get there before noon. I will just sit down on the staircase and cry. What kind of suffering be this for a woman, even though she was the prettiest in all Agiliti. Luckily, she relocated to America and my sojourn to Agiliti stopped. But sometime last week, on my way back from Ikorodu, I decided to take a visit there to greet her mum who was still in Agiliti and who used to give me a shoulder to cry on, whenever Toyin decided to deal with me. The road was well built this time, a new bridge had been constructed and I could not believe that this was where I used to hire rain boots and risked drowning to come to see my Toyin ‘tomato.’But as I drove by I noticed a huge concentration of our northern brothers and remembered that it crossed my mind just how easy the evil ones could infiltrate this obviously hardworking people to cause mayhem. Even at that, I still marveled at the seeming co-existence between our brothers from the north who brought in the much needed pepper my Yoruba brothers need for their staple stew. So I was really taken aback when the news of the riots broke. I hear a lot of people lost their lives on both sides and it once again threw the issue of ethnic and religious intolerance to the front burner. I beg our leaders, this time spiritual leaders to jump in and ensure that we all begin to tolerate one another, live peacefully especially at this time when the hardship we face as Nigerians does not respect any ethnic or religious divide. As for Toyin and Agiliti, I say thank you, no more visits from me. I don try.

Folly Coker’s Amala Joint I have eaten so many times at Folly Coker’s lounge in VI aptly named Browns Cafe but never for once believed that I could eat Amala at the place. Last weekend, I got a call from my new friend, an investment banker and serial entrepreneur. He had just finished reading Loud Whispers and thought ever so strongly that he had to reward me with a meal for such beautiful writing. You see why some people will remain great, others read, call me and laugh but never offer me food.

Olisa Metuh, Ita-Giwa, Ben Bruce please take note. Anyways, he said I should meet him at Browns and I wondered if he was going to give me meat pie to eat. Well, I carried myself there and met one of the best prepared Amala in this Lagos. Kai, I counted 13 pieces of meat and the bowl that it was served in was something else.

Jacob screamed immediately his own came and I started salivating immediately I saw his own. Kai, my people as a Calabar man, I drank the food o. Ate all the meat and thanked Jacob profusely for this experience. He just smiled. This Folly Coker, I have tried to befriend him for sometime now and he never even mentioned this Amala, well thanks to him, I have discovered it and will be going there only on salary day or better still I connive with his driver who will hint me anytime his Oga is there so I just use style and branch and get the Amala for free. He you are the man o.

Adams Oshiomhole: ‘Dino Malaye is a Lunatic with No Matrimonial........

Ok here is my take. Baba Oshiomhole went too far with this response. Dino is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as such cannot be a lunatic. I personally know this because I once saw him somewhere in Ikoyi and he greeted me well not like a lunatic would. He was wearing a very fine T-shirt with beautiful loafers though not made in Nigeria sha. He walked spritely and did not show any sign of mental illness. So I do not agree with this remark. But some times people provoke others and bring upon themselves this kind of abuse. Of all the examples to use to illustrate a position, it is that of the very beautiful and I must say exotic First Lady of Edo State. You see beauty transcends boundaries and forex. I would gladly buy all the dollars at whatever rate to have such a damsel in my house, so my brother Dino something’s are exempted from the ban list. Just check the CBN list of embargoed products and you will see the exemption granted by the Government allowing the importation of Ese Oruru - My Position To me this was a love story we just had to spoil. The two young people met and fell in love.

The fact that she was underage did not deter them and they decided to do the next best thing, elope. Young innocent love knowing no ethnic or religious boundaries. To me the only issue here is her age. But for that age, she had no business falling in love, eloping or being abducted.

She should still be within the comfort of her loving environment, being schooled and prepared for an eventful adulthood.

They say she refused to leave her Romeo, they say she was forcefully converted to Islam, they say she was violated and today she is pregnant with a lifetime of experiences. After reading various versions I still don’t know the true position all I am seeing are different stakeholders twisting the story to cover their incompetence.

From the police both Bayelsa and Kano to the Emir to the respective State Governments, to the ‘groom’s’ parents and most of all her own parents. It’s sad, cause the issues of religion and ethnic bigotry have tainted this otherwise sweet story if only she was of age. If only she was 18 and she truly fell in love with her Muslim Romeo

beautiful mermaids not only from Cape Verde but from all over the world. Now this brings me to the issue at hand, should bride price be paid in forex or localised and this is what I think the real issue is and not whether someone is a lunatic or not. I paid my dowry in Naira in Shomolu and I am regretting. I paid N2,000 at the time when the Naira was exchanging for less than N100.

But you see that was not a very good investment because 20 years later the 2,000 is now almost worth less than N50.00k But imagine if I had gone the Oshiomhole way to pay in forex at these exchange rates, I would have begged my wife to agree to a divorce so I can get a refund. She would have accepted because I would have given her a small commission. So my people, an expatriate wife is not only a good thing but also a store of value. At N300 to the dollar, you marry a Rwandan or even an Afgain, after 12 months you divorce her and ask for a refund by that time you will be threatening the Forbes list. I tell you.

and willingly converted to Islam to be with him, defying all resistance from her shallow minded people and both of them standing strong in love resisting all wahala from both sides. It would have been such a sweet sweet story, like my own. You know my people offered to commit mass suicide if I went ahead to marry my Yoruba princess and we both eloped to Shomolu Local Government to have a secret wedding with no Calabar or Yoruba people present.

Today, we have three very lovely ‘half caste’ kids after paving the way for another two inter-tribal marriages in my small family. So let’s go out there and inter-marry as a solution to all this religious and ethnic bigotry that is killing this nation.

Buhari, School Fees, Forex and My Joy My wife has given me an ultimatum.

My first son, Joseph Olusola Edgar, must attend Yale. She gave this pronouncement as soon as she stood up she was delivered of the boy at the Onikan Health Centre. I swallowed spittle and agreed. My people as the guy is progressing, my fear is increasing. Where will I see this school fees. With the kind of salary I am earning, how can I afford the forex laden school fees. To make matters worse, everybody around me have children schooling abroad, even those according to her that are ‘not up to me’. So you see my joy when our great President announced gleefully that the country can no longer afford to fund the demand for international school fees. I used style to drop the paper care-

lessly on the kitchen for her to see. She read it and used the paper to wrap dry fish and continued with her plan for Yale. I am in trouble because now my wahala is almost double as I would be exposed to the parallel market where the rate is as volatile as my father-in-law’s temper. So the solution for this is to push for a total ban on international studies( please don’t show my wife this write up o, otherwise na couch I go dey sleep with other deprivations) Buhari, please let’s ban this thing jo after all we have great schools here na. Schools that produced your Vice President and other prominent Nigerians. Let’s redirect these funds into rebuilding and building great schools locally again and we will be the better for it. My wife must not see this o.

Cowardice wan kill me.

Femi Fani Kayode and the conspiracy theories Let me first congratulate this Egbon for the birth of his son. God will allow him grow in a united and prosperous Nigeria.

I just finished reading your treatise as published on a Linda Ikeji Blog on the Futa Jallon people or something like that.

As usual, the write up was reeking with highly concentrated and accurate historical facts that made me clearly understand the thinking and sociology of the Fulani people especially their herdsmen. But here is the thing , the conclusions as reached in that write up remains in the realm of theory at best conspiracy theory that would in no way assist in resolving the many issues that pervade our corporate existence. My take is that with your growing influence, boldness and unparalleled courage you should lead a pragmatic push at democratically reclaiming power with a view to harnessing the full potentials of this country to the betterment of all Nigerians. These theories only serve to enlighten and educate us if at all while the schisms continue to eat deep into the fabric of our society. Is it the Futa Jallon people who made PDP go choose that kind of baggage as their chairman? Is it the Fulani herdsmen that cause all the distrust amongst even the Yorubas or the Fulani herdsmen that is making Wike and Amaechi to be at each other’s throats like nursery school children? If the Fulani as stated in your well written write up are a cohesive people who think in collectives and the betterment of their people as a whole why won’t they rule and is it their fault that we are saddled with selfish and imbecilic leadership this side of the River Niger? For me, I’d rather be in perpetual servitude of the Fulani herdsman if the chances of my children living a better life is assured than being under a selfish and clueless leadership like the last dispensation simply because they were bowler hat or agbada, my take.

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March 12 , 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERIORS

5

Inexpensive Upgrades That Boost Your Home’s Value

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12 , 2016

InterIors

5 Inexpensive Upgrades I’ve just spent the last week doing up an apartment for a client who is looking to sell and as expected, is trying to get the best value for the property. With property prices on the way down, now is a great time to snap up that new pad you’ve been looking for and to start designing your dream home décor. For existing property owners, however, the value of property right now could be a cause for concern, especially for those looking to get the best possible deal for their bricks and mortar

I

f you’re feeling money minded at the moment, you may be considering how you can maximise the value of your home – whether you simply want to invest in sprucing up the place in a way which makes a positive financial difference, or are looking to sell up and move onto pastures new. Applying a fresh coat of paint and giving the place a very thorough clean throughout are definitely no-brainers. But what else can you do to enhance the value of your home without breaking the bank? To offer a helping hand, we’ve put together a few key interior design upgrades you can make which will help to boost your home’s value, inexpensively and quickly.

1. Choose “the Right Path” First impressions count, and a warm welcome is always well received. That’s why one of the best ways to inexpensively improve the look, feel and value of your home is to update or install your walkway to your front door. A clean, clear and cared for pathway to the entrance to your home instantly makes it feel more inviting, helping to put potential buyers in a positive mindset before they’ve even crossed the threshold. Whether you choose tile, gravel, brick or an alternative surface, choose to decorate with pretty planting or not – expend a little care on creating “the right path” to boost the value of your home.

2. Revamp your Front Door By the same token, a smart front door can work wonders for the perception, desirability, welcome and therefore value of your property. Exposed to the elements

24/7, our home’s exteriors can quickly start to deteriorate and can begin to look less than lovely before we’ve had a chance to notice. From giving your front door a simple fresh lick of a paint in a neutral shade and giving your windows a hearty clean, to replacing doors which have suffered damage over time, investing in your front door can add value to your home quickly and easily.

3. Choose Tile If you find yourself with a little extra cash to spend on a bathroom or kitchen update – choose tiling as your ideal flooring. Beautiful to look at, easy to maintain and incredibly durable, buyers love tiled floors and tiled areas will add instant value to your home.

4. Upgrade Utility Items It can be tempting to overlook the everyday objects in your home and instead focus on creating a more luxurious feel with fixtures and fittings, but upgrading the more practical, less glamorous items in your home is far smarter when you’re keen to boost its value. From toilets to taps, a home which is made up of clean, modern, well-made and long-lasting practical items will always impress potential buyers.

5. Add Some Quick Fixes If you are really strapped for time or funds, or want to make a few finishing touches, updating your fixtures is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make a difference to the appearance and value of your home, boosting its quality.

Focus on light fittings, handles and plumbing fixtures for a cheap, fast upgrade.

OMON ANENIH-MORDI For questions, comments, feedback and help with your design dilemmas send an email to Saturday@BlueMahogany.com We would love to hear from you

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

PEOPLE/INTERVIEW Dozie Nwankwo

A Unique Philanthropist in the House Chike Okeke

S

ome analysis and historians see politics as a dirty game.

This is as a result of the blackmail, kidnapping, and killings of political opponents and other negative activities of politicians. The activities of this category of people therefore make politics a dirty game. In contrast, there are a good number of people, decent people who are in politics to improve the lot of their people. They are not in politics to make money and do not see it as a do or die affair.

One such decent mind in politics is Honourable Dozie Ferdinand Nwankwo who was sworn in a few weeks ago as a Member of the House of Representatives for Njikoka, Anaocha and Dunukofia Federal Constituency.

A native of Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, he bagged his BSc degree in Accounting from the University of Port Harcourt Rivers State and he is currently studying for his MSc in Business Administration (Leadership Option) in the University of the Liverpool UK. His quest for professionalism and specialisation routed him to many trainings, conferences, and exhibitions around the world including value world conference in Amsterdam, value engineering exhibition in China, Buffaloes fire-fighting equipment exhibition in the USA, oil and gas exhibition in Germany, Chemical spill cleanup pump exhibition in Sweden etc. The giant strides towards excellence have earned him series of awards including the Peace Ambassador

Nwankwo Award from Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Award of Excellence from rotary club Port Harcourt Igbo Youth Corpers Awards etc.

It is in the area of Philanthropy and human capital development that Nwankwo has made his mark, leaving indelible footprints. His Dozie Nwankwo Foundation, established just a few years ago with the motto: Service to Humanity is a household name all over Anambra State for the far-reaching medical and educational

touch on the citizens. From the records of the Foundation, over 44,000 people from 22 communities in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone have benefited from the various programmes of the Foundation. A breakdown of the beneficiaries indicates that over 3000 widows have been assisted through the poverty alleviation scheme, 500 people have undergone eye surgery while over 1000 others have been treated for various eye related illness and another 2000 given medicated eye glasses. Over 50,000 exercise books have been given to secondary school students. The Foundation has so far drilled 3 boreholes spread within the 3 local government areas comprising the Federal Constituency. It is said that when the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. So it is with Dozie Nwankwo ala Onyendozi.

Nwankwo has been a man of the people since he joined the murky waters of politics.

In 2011, he contested for the same Federal Constituency seat under the banner of the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and clearly won the election, but the usual abracadabra of politics of Anambra State could not allow the people will to prevail.

He persevered and continued with his programmes of assistance to humanity.

Again, he won convincingly in the 2015 elections, this time under the banner of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The forces of intimidation, power connection at the highest level of government in the country and in the electoral body could not allow his victory to prevail despite winning at all the polling booths. But since the Almighty God is the overall winner in every contest, the denial of his victory could not be pulled through this time around. The

convincing victory was confirmed by the Election Petition Tribunal and affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Enugu.

Nwankwo has the Youth Empowerment and Assistance to small scale enterprises as his main focus. He believes that establishment of ICT centers in the various communities will assists the youths acquire knowledge to be on their own while skill acquisition in soap production and other small scale businesses will keep some youths busy.

He sees the problem of erosion as a major one in his constituency and believes it needs serious federal government attention. He is of the view that APGA is the party to beat in Anambra state since it derives its appeal and mass following from the grass roots. He is very confident that Chief Victor Umeh will emerge victorious in the Anambra Central rerun election when it is held. He is full of praises for the administration of Governor Willie Obiano. Having tackled the serious problem of security and made our people to return home for celebrations without fear of kidnapping, he has indeed revived the former motto of the state Home for All and Investors are now coming into state in their numbers.

On his relationship with Prince Arthur Eze, the scion of the Eze family whose cousin he defeated in the election, he says that the prince has always been his political mentor and one of the giants of industry and commerce in the state.

Nwankwo is a rising star in the firmament of Anambra state and will definitely make an impact in the politics of the state both at present and in the future. A gold fish has no hiding place.

–– Okeke is a political analyst

Kashamu: Government Should Not Fund Political Parties

Senator representing Ogun East District at the National Assembly, Prince Buruji Kashamu believes that President MuhammaduBuharihasallittakestostemtheriseofcorruptioninthecountry.Healsospeaksonthecurrentfuelscarcity aswellastheForexcrisisinNigeriainaninterviewwithjournalistsinLagos.OlaoluwakitanBabatundewasthere. Excerpts:

I

t has been said that the anticorruption war of President Buhari is targeted at members of the PDP. What is your view on this?

I am shocked and embarrassed by comments that the trial of the people who allegedly misappropriated money that was meant to buy weapons in the war against insurgency is a political witch-hunt of members of my party, the PDP. The master minds of that crime wanted the war to escalate and if that had happened unchecked, the insurgency would have spread to other regions of the federation. The insurgents were already violating the peace of Abuja with tragic bombings and it would have been just a matter of time for states like Kogi, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states, that are just a couple of hours away from Abuja, to be affected. The energy dissipated on undue criticisms and media bashing could be channelled into proffering alternative solutions to the issues affecting us as a nation. As at today, our security agencies have succeeded in weakening and pushing back the Boko Haram elements.

President Buhari has his work clearly cut out for him because this ongoing fight against corruption must be valiantly and consistently fought until Nigeria is free from the menace of corruption. This fight must be fought at all cost because it is the fight for the soul and future of our great country. It is a fight for the dignity of the citizen who is vulnerable at the point of rendering his patriotic duty just like some of the people who have been implicated in this unfortunate arms money scandal.

Political parties continually engage in fund raising and it is difficult to know the difference between money that was raised from such an exercise and money that was stolen from the treasury. Only those in government knew the true sources of the funds that they disbursed.

And now, our great party, the PDP, is being stigmatized. The PDP is a good party that, like

any other human organization, got infested with bad people. As a matter of fact, many high net worth individuals in the party and outside donated money for the last elections.

But the money was not managed by the PDP. It was mostly members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) that managed campaign funds in their various states. Thus, any party man sent to pick up campaign funds from them will simply assume that he was going to pick up money the party got from its fund raising and not misappropriated government money.

Are you saying parties should not be funded by government?

The culture that makes it possible for the party in power to be financed with public funds should be completely eradicated. It is high time parties looked for creative ways to fund their activities. Members should make donations and pay dues to their parties. Party administrators should rise above mere sloganeering and find a way to implement this. We should get to the point that parties will stop laying claims to public resources simply because their flag bearers won the elections. In fact, independent candidates should be encouraged to contest elections, and it will be catastrophic if they too decide to treat public resources like their personal estate.

Do you think the political class cares about the people?

The cry of the suffering masses is palpable and nothing should be left undone in the quest to alleviate the level of poverty and despondency in our nation. Whenever I remember how uncomfortable some top public officials were with a few days’ delay in the payment of salaries, I wonder about what it is like for lessprivileged Nigerians across the states whose salaries have not been paid for months.

This is not the time for grandstanding and

Kashamu patronizing before the very same people that the political class is destroying. I have repeatedly said that we are done with the campaign and this is the time to knuckle down in unity and work for the people who voted us in. Let us all save the partisan arguments for the next campaign. Now, we all must team up with the President. We must at this time mobilize support for the Federal Government from the masses in our various constituencies because, God forbids, if anything untoward happens to the Federal Government, it will affect all the other national and state institutions, and more importantly, the masses.

This counsel is the moral obligation I owe to my people and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to switch from my party, the PDP, to the APC. When the elections come again, I will be a war horse for my party. But, right now, I am pitching in to contribute my quota to national reconstruction.

Nigeria is experiencing another round of fuel scarcity. How can we put this behind us?

First, it should be noted that the fall in the price of oil is a global phenomenon. And for a nation that generates over 80 percent of its revenue from oil, the fall in price was bound to affect us, especially when we failed to save for a rainy day. Let us all be realistic instead of playing on the intelligence of the masses.

Nigeria is experiencing the consequences of the destructive tendencies and policies of past administrations that failed to act responsibly by dangerously creating the impression that Nigeria was making progress. The writing was visible on the wall and it would have just been a matter of time before Nigeria fell flat on its face without the current intervention.

The current attempts to revamp the sector are being sabotaged by remnants of that clique at the NNPC and its depots who are determined to continue selling products above approved official rates. While Mr. President and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources are working hard to reposition the oil sector, there is a clique that is hell-bent on frustrating their efforts. They ask the oil marketers to pay the official rate of N75 per litre into the officially-designated accounts and then ask them to pay a difference of between N30 and N35 per litre into a private account or bring it in cash. It is only those who cooperate with them that they allocate products.

When the difference is added to the official rate, it shoots the price up to over N100 per litre.

To solve this problem, I think the allocation of petroleum products should be centralised, and the EFCC should be empowered to investigate transactions between the depots and oil marketers and scrutinize their finances in a bid to fish out unjustifiable funds. Henceforth, there should be a verifiable census of all marketers who are eligible for allocations and such allocations should be made from the office of the Minister in Abuja. This will be a replication of the BVN in the oil sector.

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

24

MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

In A Shambles

T

HISDAY Front Page of February 27 contained two blunders: “…they also have reason to mourn a sad news that filtered in from the Supreme Court.”

‘News’ is uncountable. So, mourn sad news that….

“He also said the first five counts against Ezeugo was (were) for attempted murder which carried a penalty of 20 years (years’) imprisonment….”

“But we must join hands together to fight this corruption in Nigeria because….” Do we join hands separately? ‘Join together’ is Abrahamic English conservatively explicated in the Bible!

“For me, what is happening now in a few years (years’) time every one (everyone) will be thanking God for this President.”

“Life returning back to parts of Borno State as security stabilises” Yank off ‘back’, which is implied in ‘returning’ to avoid padding.

“Air Force bursts job recruitment (jobrecruitment) syndicate” “NDLEA seize (seizes) N5m cannabis in Kogi” Still on THISDAY under reference: “How does he convince Rivers people that the insecurity that stares them on (in) the face daily is a choice they made?”

“The payment process, she said, has (had) been automated for the convenience of pensioners.” “…asks if Emenike can catch (cash) in on his loan spell….”

“After two weeks (weeks’) break due to the English FA Cup….”

“NFF reappoints Siasia as Eagles (Eagles’) coach” “Fire guts late (the late) Audu’s office complex, vehicles destroyed”

From City News of February 29 comes the next goof: “Why I threw seven-year-old boy in (into) septic tank” “We’ll commission (inaugurate) new facility next month” “…was a giant Iroko in the forest of contemporary African and Nigerian art.”

There is no lilliputian Iroko! Therefore, the amplification is unnecessary. The man was an Iroko…conveys the same message.

“It is even more worrisome that while the economy is already in shambles (a shambles) and insecurity pervades the land….”

NATIONAL MIRROR of March 3 offered readers improprieties right from its front page: “National Assembly, NASS, yesterday said it has (had) scheduled March 17 to pass the Appropriation Bill of N6.08 trillion.”

“Bello assures on resolving Kogi, Anambra oil dispute” Who did he assure?

The Guardian on Saturday of March 5 nurtured two infelicities: “Southeast bound (Southeast-bound) passengers stranded at Lagos Airport” “JTF says Kano not under any threat, as it deploys armoured vehicles on (to) major streets” NATIONAL MIRROR of March 7 contributed the next six infelicities: “Facilities at AOCOED excites (why?) NCCE team” “I had it rough at (in) the beginning—Proprietress, Carol School” “CAF mourns late Somalia FA boss” A rewrite: CAF mourns Somali FA boss. Do we mourn someone who is alive?

“CSR: Between philantropy and palliatives” Brands and marketing: philanthropy” “...Toure’s kids’ gloves treatment of the Tuareg rebels (rebels’) insurgence as its main reason to....” All the facts, all the sides: kid

gloves THE NATION ON SUNDAY of March 6 contained a catalogue of solecisms: “Woman arrested for killing mum” It is obvious that the sub-editor who treated this story has never heard of ‘matricide’! So, woman arrested for matricide.

“The elevation of some police officers and retirement of 13 Assistant Inspectors General has (have) led to some bad blood (delete the word preceding bad blood) in the force....” Elevation and retirement are distinct milestones that cannot be collapsed into singularity!

“When Hafeez Ringim, then an Assistant Inspector General (a comma) was elevated to the rank of Inspector General (another comma) all his seniors (DIGs) had to retire.”

No truth: they were retired to pave way for the Ringim ultimate disaster!

“Your ability to work out (answer/do) knotty political puzzles...makes you” “...so he could not have seen fire and tell (told) me to put my hand.” Alternatively, he cannot see fire and tell me to put my hand. “...the APGA governorship candidate in Abia State at (in) the April 2015 elections....”

“Why change your wardrobe every five minutes while all it takes is a different accessories.” All it takes are different accessories.

“Singapore jails senior civil servants over (for) corruption” “ANA postponements (sic) (postpones) February reading” “Peugeot plans to inject $7.26b on (into) research, development” “South African Airways celebrates 80 years (years’ or 80th year) anniversary” “LASU Management re-opens (reopens) the university” “You lived well and you have gone to

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

(preferably for) a well deserved (welldeserved) rest. Rest in perfect peace.”

(Full-page advertorial) Except for graveyard peace, ‘peace’ is an absolute and does not need inflection, intensification or adumbration. So, rest in peace (R.I.P—not R.I.P.P)!

Finally from the Back Page of THE GUARDIAN under review: “One has witnessed at different occasions dissenting opinions of doctors as regards prescriptions for patient’s (a patient’s) ailment.” The Guardian youth speak: on different occasions.

Next is DAILY TRUST of February 2: “Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar spoke at his palace in Sokoto….” Does the Sultan of Sokoto have another palace elsewhere?

Let us think as we report.

“Heritage Bank plans listing in (on) capital market” “Pact with China conducive for peace, says Taiwan (Taiwan’s or Taiwanese) president” “Otherwise, there is no point we engage in importing that much on yearly (a yearly) basis.” “…he said though the institute has (had) developed 62 rice varieties for farmers, five most prominent varieties are (were) in circulation and are (were) doing very good (well).”

“NEMA, stakeholders meets over displaced persons” You can readily identify the boyish slip-up.

“With the LG polls now fixed for next week Tuesday….” Either next Tuesday or Tuesday, next week

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

Rainbow Rises for Nigeria, South Africa

A

two-day state visit to Nigeria this week by Jacob Zuma, President of SouthAfrica marks a watershed in bilateral relations between both countries.

Like the title of this article ambitiously suggests, it symbolizes a romantic rapprochement between two countries that have often seen themselves as continental rivals instead of partners in progress.

But it may yet be a new day forAfrica if the historic visit is seen as a burgeoning partnership between leading lights of a beleagued continent.As Zuma himself put it when he addressed a joint session of the NationalAssembly of Nigeria, the visit “tells a story of the need for our two sister countries to partner together not only to strengthen bilateral relations but also to partner together in pursuit of the continental integration, peace, security and development.”

An important event which headlined the visit is Zuma’s address to the parliament of Nigeria. In diplomatic relations, the gesture of a visiting Head of State/Government to address the legislature of the host country signifies respect and regard if not reverence for the foreign nation.As Zuma acknowledged in his speech, “this gesture indicates the seriousness with which the relations between SouthAfrica and Nigeria are taken by this House.” Because the parliament comprises elected representatives of the people, addressing a session is tantamount to speaking directly to citizens. It is a reserved public diplomacy opportunity to achieve foreign policy objectives.

This was not lost on Zuma and so when he mounted the platform to address Nigeria’s 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives, he took the opportunity to speak to the sentiments and reasoning of most Nigerians. Perhaps for the first time since the Nelson Mandela presidency, a SouthAfrican leader lavishly acknowledged and praised the contributions of Nigeria to the liberation of his country from the stranglehold of apartheid. There had always been attempts by the SouthernAfrican country to downplay the sterling roles Nigeria played in the war against white supremacy. Recall the displeasure and muffled protests in Nigeria when in 2014 at Zuma’s inauguration for second term, the WestAfrican nation was barely acknowledged; ex-president Goodluck Jonathan simply made the numbers as one of the 20 Heads of State who graced the occasion. To make matters worse, the Chibok abduction episode in which over 200 girls were seized in the night by Boko Haram terrorists, overshadowed Jonathan’s presence at the event.

And then Nigeria’s $15million arms cash smuggled into South Africa on a private jet and was seized by the authorities in 2014 further strained relations between both countries. On another level, the frequent ill-treatment of Nigerians living in SouthAfrica, especially the reprehensible 2014 xenophobic attacks badly tainted the rainbow nation. That particular episode touched directly on the nerves of Nigerians many of whom called for stringent action against South Africa and compensation for victims. To underscore the level of public grievance over the issue, Nigeria’s students’ body had warned Zuma to stay away from Buhari’s presidential inauguration in May 2015

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

OKE EPIA Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com.

Twitter: @resourceme

L–R: President Jacob Zuma of South Africa ; President Muhammadu Buhari ; Senate President , Senator Bukola Saraki and the Speaker , Houser of Representative , Yakubu Dagara during the President Zuma’s Address to the joint session of the National Assembly ...recently because of his perceived shoddy handling of the organized attacks on Nigerians. Incidentally, the recent killing of a Nigerian boy- Timothy Chinedu- under extra-judicial circumstances was another sad reminder that citizens ofAfrica’s biggest black nation were not safe in the rainbow nation. Notably, this recent event had attracted the attention of Nigeria’s parliament barely a week before Zuma came calling. On the economic front, bilateral relations also went awry. The $5.2billion penalty imposed on MTN, SouthAfrica’s multi-national telecoms firm, by Nigerian regulators for failure to register SIMs of its subscribers underscored this point.

These sore points formed the context of Zuma’s visit. Fortunately, he was smart to have addressed some of them before the National Assembly. He appealed to emotions and reason alike. “National Legislatures have come to play a pivotal role in the enhancement of bilateral relations between countries, evolving from their traditional roles of oversight of the executive and passage of legislation,” he told the lawmakers, adding: “We are convinced that relations between the NationalAssembly of Nigeria and the Parliament of SouthAfrica will grow into a cooperation that will enhance people-to-people exchanges.” It was as if the visiting leader was re-echoing a position canvassed

by Nigeria’s House of Representatives a week before. Nnena Elendu Ukeje, Chairperson of the House Committee on ForeignAffairs, had stressed the need to strengthen people-to-people ties between Nigeria and SouthAfrica through inter-parliamentary engagements. Speaking on the killing of the Nigerian lad at a hearing with some stakeholders inAbuja, she envisaged a situation “where our parliament engages the parliament of SouthAfrica in a constructive way to show to them what Nigeria has done to promote brotherliness amongAfrican people.”

Such engagement according to the ranking parliamentarian addresses the undesirable situation where “as our governments are getting closer, it will seem that the citizens are getting farther apart.”

Good enough, Zuma sufficiently played on that point in his oratory as the president tried to sell his country’s battered brand to the hearts and minds of Nigerians. He spoke glowingly of Nigeria’s roles in the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles in SouthernAfrica; Nigeria’s smooth and exemplary political transition in May 2015; and the increasing investment/trade relations between the nations; among others. In a clever stunt, he spoke of how “Nigerian civil servants had a “Mandela Tax” deducted directly from their monthly salaries to support our struggle for liberation. This was a real selfless contribution to the cause of freedom and an end to apartheid colonialism in SouthAfrica.” Zuma espoused pan-Africanism and inspired hope in better bilateral relations when he declared that “SouthAfrica and Nigeria are strategic partners in the pursuance of theAfricanAgenda, South-South Cooperation and in the promotion of a rules-based International System. Both countries share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration inAfrica and on the need for a sustainable conflict resolution mechanism inAfrica that is primarily driven byAfricans.”

He went on: “Nigeria and SouthAfrica must forge a strong strategic partnership. We need to strengthen our political, economic social and cultural cooperation. Let the citizens ofAfrica march together to defeat all those forces that bring harm and suffering. Let the citizens of the continent march together towards a brighter future, a future filled with prosperity and happiness. SouthAfrica and Nigeria, acting together in unity, must play a key role towards the achievement of these goals.”

Zuma surely deserved the thunderous applause he received at the end of his address to Nigeria’s lawmakers. But beyond the fine rhetoric, Nigeria and SouthAfrica must put the decades-long rivalry between them behind and embrace collaboration for continental benefits. This is the path Zuma must thread. It is trite to say that better relations must be evident in better treatment for Nigerians living in SouthAfrica; those seeking consular services; and Nigerian businesses in SouthAfrica must be allowed to thrive competitively and fairly. The list can be longer.

As Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Representatives, said in his vote of thanks at the joint session, Nigeria looks “forward to better reciprocal treatment of our citizens in SouthAfrica.” Indeed, now is the time for Zuma to walk the talk and get the rest of his rainbow nation to strut along.

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March 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FAMILY HEALTH

Multiple Births In Assisted Conception

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ssisted conception, is a general term to describe all the methods used to help a woman achieve a pregnancy when she is having difficulty conceiving. The world’s first test-tube baby Louise Brown, was born in the UK in 1978. Her birth offered hope to infertile couples across the world. Since then thousands of couples have made use of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted conception techniques.

The success rates of these treatments continue to improve with advances in technology. IVF treatment is available all over the world, the quality and value you get vary from one centre to another.

Today, assisted conception treatments are tailored to individual patients’ unique conditions. These procedures are usually paired with more conventional therapies such as fertility drugs to increase success rates. On average one in five couples who use assisted conception techniques gives birth to a baby or in some cases twins or even triplets depending on the technique.

The three most common reasons for assisted conception are that: • the woman’s ovaries are not producing eggs, • her fallopian tubes (tubes from the uterus to the ovary) are damaged or, • that the man’s sperm are too few or unhea These reasons lthy. account for about 90 per cent of all cases. Treatments are available for both male and female fertility problems.

Treatment options could vary from simple use of Fertility drugs, then graduating to artificial insemination, and if this fails, there is the more advanced option of assisted conception techniques.

In looking for a baby, there are other numbers to consider in your quest to have a baby. Increased use of assisted reproduction technologies has contributed to an increase in multiple births.

And while many couples may welcome a set of twins, the prospect of triplets, quadruplets or even quintuplets can be daunting to say the least. Some physicians implant three to five embryos to maximise the chance of success. As evidenced by the much-publicised mother that gave birth to eight babies post IVF treatment, Octomom, , some fertility specialists have been known to go to greater lengths. As a result, worldwide, 45% of IVF babies are high-order pregnancies (three or more fetuses). Multiple pregnancies carry with them associated risks including a higher incidence of mortality, birth defects, premature delivery and low birth weight.

The incidence of multiple births come about mainly because of the effect of the fertility drugs used to cause super ovulation of the ovaries.

Ovulation induction is also the first stage of preparation for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), which is the treatment needed by most women whose tubes are damaged.

Three hormones are used: • one to suppress the ovaries.

• one to stimulate several eggs to develop simultaneously and • one to ripen the eggs.

We can see here , that there is the possibility of the numerous eggs produced, by induced effect on the ovaries, can further on lead to the incidence of multiple births.

What then are the possibilities of multiple pregnancy ?

Multiple gestations, especially triplet and higher order pregnancy, is not the desired consequence of assisted conception technologies since it increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby. The goal of any reproductive technology is the birth of a single healthy child and the conception of twins or higher is considered a complication.

Ovulation induction increases the chances of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets etc). The rate of multiple pregnancy is increased compared to spontaneous conception. Unlike

In looking for a baby, there are other numbers to consider in your quest to have a baby. Increased use of assisted reproduction technologies has contributed to an increase in multiple births. And while many couples may welcome a set of twins, the prospect of triplets, quadruplets or even quintuplets can be daunting to say the least.

Some physicians implant three to five embryos to maximise the chance of success. As evidenced by the much-publicised mother that gave birth to eight babies post IVF treatment, Octomom, , some fertility specialists have been known to go to greater lengths

natural conception where the chance of having a multiple birth is relatively low (1 in every 65 pregnancies), assisted conception brings with it a high chance of a multiple birth (roughly one in four IVF deliveries is of twins i.e. the chance of twins is approximately 20 to 25 per cent.). Although most twins are born healthy, the chance of complications during pregnancy and delivery is much greater than with a singleton.

The high incidence of multiple births following IVF is largely due to the super ovulation, and the fact that more than one embryo is usually transferred to the woman’s womb during an IVF cycle. This is done to increase the chances of conception.

Multiple pregnancy is the most common adverse outcome of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) and reflects the standard practice of replacing multiple embryos in the uterus during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

A study carried out in the UK, showed the response to concerns about the high numbers of twin and triplet pregnancies arising from ART. It was proposed that One child at a time identified the significant risks to the health of the offspring that result from twin and triplet gestation compared with singleton pregnancies.

Risks The risks are higher at all stages of pregnancy and include • miscarriage, • gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, • impaired fetal growth and stillbirth, and • problems during labour , • increased need for elective and emergency caesarean section.

Most significantly in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost, twin pregnancy carries a five- to six-fold increase in the risk of preterm birth.

Preterm birth is often followed by a prolonged stay in neonatal ntensive care. This leads in turn to an increased risk of long-term mental and physical handicap Including cerebral palsy, mental disability, long-term learning difficulties and chronic lung disease.

Some clinics in our own locality, in Nigeria, in order to strive to maintain a high position in the success rate , and desperate couples, whose desire to maximise the chance of pregnancy far outweighs the fear of adverse outcomes of a treatment they believe may be an apparently ideal outcome and may allow them to achieve a family more quickly and cheaply if they conceive a twin pregnancy. It remains the case that the pregnancy rate is higher following replacement of two embryos rather than one embryo, and this single fact is a powerful driver.

Couples desperate to have a child may fail,

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

either consciously or unconsciously, to consider fully the devastating consequences of having one or more children affected by cerebral palsy, neuro developmental delay or other serious long-term medical conditions.

Another consideration is the financial status of the patients. Those that are barely able to afford to pay for this expensive procedures, would want as many embryos as possible, put back. Those who have to pay often large sums from their own resources unsurprisingly seek to complete their family as cheaply as possible.

What then can be done ? The patient has the right to discuss with their doctor, the need to work towards the possibility of a singleton pregnancy.

Incidentally, IVF can actually be used to achieve this by looking at the following procedures, all made possible by the selected laboratory technique employed in your treatment procedure. : Employing IVF to REDUCE the chance for a multiple birth Ironically, IVF – the very procedure that has played a part in the rise of multiple births – is playing an important new role in reducing them, thanks to innovative technology and techniques: • Blastocyst Culture and Transfer – Clinicians grow the embryos in a nutrient-rich media for five days instead of the conventional three. This enables them to select the healthiest, promising embryos for implantation. Fewer need to be implanted, and the remainder can be frozen for future use, if needed.

• Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) – Studies show that implanting multiple embryos in women under 35 doesn’t improve the pregnancy rate, it just increases the chance of a multiple birth. With eSET, a single embryo, usually a blastocyst, is transferred. In some countries , they recommend a single embryo in women under 35 – two in those with an unfavorable prognosis.

• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) – Microscopic evaluation of early-stage (3-day) embryos identify those with the best development characteristics.

• Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (CGH) – This new screening technique examines the 5-day blastocyst, allowing analysis of all 23 pairs of chromosomes to identify those with abnormalities thought to be responsible for implantation failure.

There is no limit to how far or well you can go with your treatment procedure. the bottom line is for you to have in mind that the risks far outweighs the desire to have multiple births from your treatment procedure.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

Auto

As FRSC Prepares to Enforce Speed Limiter Policy

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s the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)preparestoimplementthepolicy that compels all commercial vehicle owners to install speed limiting devices in their vehicles, a crucial question being asked is whether some accidents could have been less deadly if a speed limiting device had been installed.

This is same question that is being asked of all the high-profile casualties and of other unmarked deaths that had over-speeding as contributory factor.

In Nigeria, the speed regulation approves limits for specific vehicle types for designated areas: Cars have speed limit of of 50 KmH in built-up areas; Highways, 80 KmH; Express, 100 KmH; Taxi and Buses, 50; 80; and 90 KmH; Tankers/ Trailers, 45; 50; and 60 KmH. Speed thrills but it definitely kills. Regular drivers would say nobody plans to drive over 100kmH but once the road is smooth, windows are up and the vehicle settles into and grips the road and leaps at the touch of the throttle, then the temptation sets in to give it more fuel. It is like feeding an insatiable beast.

The thrill could be cut short either by a corider’s warning, if there is one or by an obstacle ahead or by the driver’s own nagging thoughts that the s/he is going too fast or if something happens that leads to other consequences; one of them death.

Statistics show that speed is a key risk factor in road traffic injuries and it influences both the risk of a road crash as well as the severity of the injuries that result from crashes. Speed increases driver’s response time to objects and increases risk of collision. It reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely and around curves and objects on the roads, as well as extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle. It also increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation.

Drivers always plan to have a smooth journey, even when they take off late and want to arrive at their destinations early. They usually set the speed limit, in their minds, and this hardly goes beyond the recommended 100KmH or 120KmH, maximum.

Regrettably, very few drivers keep this promise, which is why it is important to have a device that can remind them that they are going off limit.

Next month, the Federal Road Safety Commis-

Commercial buses getting ready for long journeys

sion (FRSC) intends to enforce the installation of speed limiting device on commercial vehicles and, then the enforcement would move to private vehicles.

Some people have kicked against the cost of the device and the threshold for installation, but not against its function or its importance to the wellbeing of drivers and their co-travellers.

Ahead of this enforcement date, drivers of diverscommercialtransportcompaniesinJibowu, Yaba, Ojota, Ijora and Oyingbo, all in Lagos, understand the importance of speed limiting devices in their vehicles but want the period of installation extended and the cost reduced.

Interestingly, all of them said they liked it and would like their principals to install them in their vehicles. A driver with Efex said they already had in their vehicles, explaining that it checks

the speed of drivers on the fleet. “Once you hear the bell ring then you know you have to slow down until it stops,” he said.

However, drivers of three transport companies at Oyingbo, Ijora and Ojota, respectively said they wanted it but that it was too expensive, adding that it would increase their operational costs.

According to a driver,Adamu Maina who said he goes to Zaria through Kaduna, “the device is good, but it is expensive. Let them give us and we pay in installments.

He also recommended that the sellers of the device should relate with their union.

Speed Limiting Device…

Speed limiting device also called speed limiter or governor is used to limit the top speed of a vehicle by not allowing the vehicle to accelerate

beyond pre-set speed limit.

Implementing the speed limit device policy will have socio-economic advantages besides saving lives.

It has been known that lower speed results in less fuel consumption by vehicles. Lower speed also cuts down vehicle maintenance cost and slows down depreciation value thus vehicle last longer. It will significantly impact positively in changing the individual driving behaviour, which has been hard to achieve over the years. It will reduce the speed of vehicle to pre-set limit thus reducing overall crash risk and likely to lessen severity of crash. It will equally engender good monitoring mechanism for vehicle owners’/ fleet operators.Also, it will engender compliance with the ECOWAS mandate, fulfillment of the Corps statutory functions through good practice.

Kia to Utilise Over 90% Local Content in Made-in-Nigeria Car Production

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ia Motors Nigeria has said it plans to utilise over 90 per cent of locally sourced content in its production of made-in-Nigeria cars.

The company said in statement that, “The trajectory growth of the locally assembled KIA cars and its top-notch quality built to the exacting standard of the global brand has galvanised the company to explore local content in its assembling chain and influenced its plan to reach a 90% local content utilisation in the production of its cars,” the company said in a statement.

Kia said its ultra-high-tech and state of the art plant in Lagos had produced over 4500 units of cars since its launch in the first half of 2015.

“The plant produces all 9 models in its plant, worthy of note within its foray of the made in Nigeria Kia car is the 2016 Kia Sorento.”

Kia’s gritty and unwavering commitment in the production of made-in-Nigeria cars has continuously been at the fore of the management of Kia Motors Nigeria.

Outside Korea, the birth country of Kia, the automobile company has a long history of building locally to meet the specific needs of local customers with assembly operations, using ‘car kits’ sourced locally and from other parts of the world. “Aligning with this practice and geared towards advancing Nigeria’s economy to compete favourably among comity of Nations, Kia Motors Nigeria plans to have over 90% local content utilisation in Nigeria in its assembling process.”

In a statement by the Chief Commercial officer, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Sandeep Malhotra said, “Nigeria remains an emerging and growing economy in the world with vast potentials for growth, despite its myriad of challenges the country promises a large economy of scale, hence it’s incumbent upon us as a local investor to help her realise its goals.

As a company with an unswerving interest on the advancement of the nation’s economy, we have a plan to utilise 90% local content in our assembly process to help strengthen the economy. Buoyed by our increased acceptability among our valued customers in the last decade, we are now looking at further strengthening our foothold and expanding our reach in the localisation of our assembly plant.”

He said with its built-from-scratch assembly chain firmly in place and over a year of SKD production phase under its belt, Kia Motors Nigeria is now focus on the local content utilisation in its made in Nigeria Kia cars.

The plant in Lagos is progressing on schedule for the utilisation of local contents in its assembling process and currently sourced some of its parts including refrigerant, lubricant, and workshop consumables amongst others locally. The plant has a capacity to build up to 27,000 vehicles annually on flexible assembly lines that can manufacture several different models simultaneously to adapt to changes in buying trends.

Meanwhile, Kia Motors said it posted global

Production of Kia in at a local plant

sales of 214,219 vehicles in February 2016 for export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of 214,219 units sold.

This figure represents 2.6% year-on-year growth compared to the same month of 2015.

In February, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in North America (12.2% growth with 54,118 units sold), Europe (11.0% growth with 43,216 units sold) and the domestic Korean market (10.5% growth with 39,110 units sold).

Cumulatively through the first two months of 2016, Kia’s global sales totaled 418,881 units

for a year-on-year decrease of 0.5%. Korea (77,615 units sold), Europe (81,662 units sold) and North America (96,024 units sold) have seen a 7.7%, 6.7% and 6.4% rise in sales, respectively.

Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets during February 2016 was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 33,552 units sold.

The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 32,052 units sold, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets), Optima D-segment sedan and Soul urban crossover followed with 22,452, 19,548 and 14,761 units sold, respectively.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

27

Auto

SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

Danger in Your Tyres: You May Be Facing Blowout Soon

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2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Nissan Teases X-Trail with New Design Cues, Practicalities Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he Nissan X-Trail has undergone a fundamental makeover, departing from the utilitarian vertical styling and off-road bias of old to Nissan’s contemporary DNA co-developed with Renault to give the more than a decade old SUV a car-like structure with curvy body and accurate cross-over styling.

Redesigned from ground up toaccommodatesevenseats,the new model crossover X-Trail replaces not only its predecessor but also the Qashqai+2, which somewhat describes how important Nissan feels about

its new offering.

The new X-Trail now looks more sophisticated with exceptional high tech-savvy and quality cabin with a large body that delivers decent space too.

While the radical departure from conservative body SUV shape and utilitarian feel may spark contention among a few previous generation fans, this new package would no doubt appeal to a broader spectrum of buyers.

The new X-Trail continues Nissan’s fondness for building family-friendly crossovers and her concerted effort to challenge rivals such as Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Kia Sorento and HyundaiSantaFeamongothers.

The seven-seat option also means the X-Trail is a viable alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe given its incrediblenewcurves,economy and kits.

Nissan says the arrival of this newX-Trailvariantwhichshares common basic architecture with theQashqaiisintendedtofillout Nissan’s crossover range and sit triumphantly at the summit of the Crossover – SUV segment where the Qashqai had until lately stand out.

Compared to the old X-Trail, the new model is much more focused on road performance than off-road prowess and it sharesplatform(Renault-Nissan common module) with the Qa-

shqai though has extra ground clearance to glide over bumps effortlessly.

AlsoaddedisthenewX-Trail’s all-wheel drive set-up which is an adaptive 4X4 system that can switchbetweenfuel-savingfront wheel drive, automatic mode, andsenddrivetotherearwheels under hard acceleration or in slippery road conditions, or in 4X4 lock mode which is ideal for the worst weather and off-road situations.

AndunliketheQashqaiwhich comes with a simple torsion beam rear axle in two wheel drive guise and a multi-link set up on the 4X4, the al new X-Trail modesgetsasophisticatedmultilink rear suspension.

Hyundai Unveils Class-Leading, Tech Savvy Tucson SUV

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yundaiMotorsNigeria, manufacturers and distributors of Hyundai automobiles today joinedworldrenowned Hyundaidealershipsasitunveiled the all new third-generation 2016 Tucson SUV that successfully mixes value and practicality.

The visually striking 4WD Tucson replaces iX35 as Korean automaker’s rival for lackluster best sellers like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Skoda Yeti, Renault Duster, Ford Escape and Mazda CX3.

Redesigned from ground up with a brand new chassis, the Tucson is another step up from its predecessor and it offers distinctive styling and tremendous features that make a distinction from competitors in the mid-size SUV crowd.

Hyundai has styled the Tucson to look like a mini Santa-Fe – striking characteristic competitors would havetocontendwithinsuccessive

Hyundai Tucson

years to oust this nicely styled car that has all the trappings of a luxury.

The Tucson is no doubt an inspiringlybeautifulSUVwithattractive features, fantastic build quality, efficientenginesandastrongsuite of safety kits backed by Hyundai

ambitiousfiveyearsor100,000km warranty.

The squared-off wheel arches for instance and the Z-shaped shoulder crease on the car flanks give impression the Tucson is moving even while it’s stationary. This is in addition to the smart rounded

rear end and the rear light clusters that are similar to some Hyundai’s models.

Coupled with this is the evidently inspiring gasping chrome grille in the front that links up to the headlights and stretched backwards on to the front wings.

Nissan SA Managing Director Mike Whitfield Elected President of NAAMSA

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issan South Africa’s Managing Director Mike Whitfield has been elected President oftheNationalAssociationofAutomobileManufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) for 2016.

A 38 member association,

NAAMSA is the umbrella body of new vehicle manufacturers, importersanddistributorsinSouth Africa. NAAMSA also compiles data on auto industry activity, most importantly monthly new car sales, which are considered a key economic indicator.

Whitfieldbringsawealthofexperi-

ence to his new role.As managing director of Nissan South Africa, he leads Nissan’s Africa South regional business unit, which includes the key South African market, and countries in Sub Saharan Africa. He has gained a deep understanding of the South Africanmotorindustryduringa35-

year career in various positions of increasingresponsibilityatNissan.

“Mr Whitfield has a long association with our organisation and over that time has made great contribution to promote the interests of the auto industry in South Africa,” said NAAMSA director Nico Vermeulen.

f you run a check on you tyre pressures now with a quality tyre pressure gauge (not the abused/ overused road side vulcanizers gauge), you will appreciate why the above alarm is sounded. Such a check may reveal that at least one of your tyres is incorrectly inflated. Very few vehicles, if any, will pass this test. Incorrect tyre pressure is the No. 1 cause of tyre blow-outs, sudden tyre failures and premature tyre wear. Incorrect tyre pressure is an invitation to disaster even if the tyres are brand new! It is a time bomb waiting for the right time to explode. The implication is that each time such a vehicle is driving; the occupants are facing grave danger without being aware of it. Flip through any of our daily newspapers and you will be shocked with news of ghastly motor accidents as a result of tyre blowouts. Top military officers, top government functionaries, top business executives as well as ordinary people have lost their lives. Who would be next? No one knows, but may it never be you.

Types of incorrect tyre inflation There are two types of incorrect tyre pressure. These are over inflation and under inflation. Lets take a look at how they can affect your tyres and cause disaster and what could be done to maintain a proper pressure for your tyres and so prevent or drastically minimize blowout and other forms of tyre failures.

Blowouts; under-inflation is the cause Under-inflation is the major cause of tyre blowouts. When a tyre is underinflated,itincreaseswhatisknownastheROLLINGRESISTANCE (RR) as the vehicles move. RR generates a tremendous amount of heat that could make your tyre explode like a bomb. Such an explosion (blowout) will destabilise the balance leading to a crash and disaster.

Other types of tyre failures; over inflation is the cause When over inflated, a tyre becomes stiff. This can make it puncture easily. The internal materials used in making the tyre are also subjected to undue strain. This would make them snap, leading to bulges or swells. As the tyre hits a pot hole or bumps, it can easily cut and have a sudden deflation that could cause a crash. Over-inflation also leads to partial contact of the tyres with road surface. This reduces traction and can easily lead to loss of control when one is on high speed, wet surface, cornering or breaking. Each of these conditions can easily lead to a crash and disaster.

Prevention There are two very effective options to prevention or drastic reduction of blowouts and other form of tyre failures.

Option 1: own a quality tyre pressure gauge. As already pointed out, incorrect tyre pressure is the major cause of blowouts and sudden tyre failure. So, correct tyre pressure is a must for any safety conscious motorist. But the big question is, how do you ensure that what the vulcaniser pumped into your tyre is the correct pressure? Only a quality tyre pressure gauge will tell you. Aquality gauge will also enable you to gauge your tyres at the right time and to ensure that all the tyres maintain correct pressure before the vehicle is driven out for the day.

This is particularly important if you are in the transport business or if you are travelling. Never rely on the road side vulcanisers’ gauge. Most of their gauges are outright inferior, have been over used or abused over time and may have improper measuring units. In fairness to the vulcanizers, however, they may not be aware of these shortcomings with their gauges.

Option 2: install a high profile automatic tyre monitors. This is a state of the art device that use sensors and a wireless monitor to monitor your tyres on a 24hours basis. It alerts the driver well in advance about an impending tyre blowout or failure. It pinpoints the exact tyre so that the driver will take appropriate measure to deal with the situation. It also effectively takes care of premature tyre wear.

What is your vehicle’s correct tyre pressure?

By the end of the driver’s door of your vehicle, or in the vehicles’ manual, you will see specification that shows size of tyre for your vehicle and the inflation pressure for the tyre in psi (pounds per square inch) religiously stick to that specification. Do not allow anyone (especially the vulcaniser) tell you otherwise unless you want to gamble with your life. It is instructive to note here that it is not the tyre manufacturer that determines the pressure for your tyre, but the vehicle manufacturer.

It is the vehicle manufacturer that specifies the size of tyres and the pressure to be given the tyre. He has taken into consideration the weight, speed, number of passenger, artificial inflation by the heat and other factors to determine what the proper inflation pressure should be. The specification you see on the tyres are to enable you match the specification of the vehicles’ manufacturer. In this light, it is equally dangerous to use tyre sizes different from what the vehicles manufacturer specified for the vehicle.

Gauge and pump tyres at the right time The right time to gauge /pump is when the tyres are cold. Mornings are most ideal. Before you drive out, gauge the tyres and if there is need to pump, slowly drive to the nearest vulcaniser. If you are the type that leaves home very early, weekends maybe the most convenient time for you. When hot, the tyre pressure increases. Any action (gauge, pump) you take when the tyres are hot will be misleading and could be fatal. On fortunately, most people gauge and pump tyres when the tyres are hot. Never do so. If tyres are hot, leave them for about three hours to cool down.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

‘British Airways Has a Distinguished History in Nigeria’ Italian-born Paolo De Renzis is the Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales for British Airways area. Having joined British Airways in 1988, where he entered the sales department after having successfully finished his university studies of law, business and commerce. Over roast lamb and British rice pudding at Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurant, Grill ParkWalk, Chelsea, London, he reveals some details to Omolola Itayemi about BA’s 80 years operation in Nigeria and its new 787 First Class cabin

B

ritish Airways has been in Nigeria for 80 years. Isn’t that a long history?

A very long and rich history indeed. Eighty years ago, a largely unreported event took place which could help pave way for modern air services between Nigeria and the rest of the world.

On 9 Febuary 1936, the Weekly Imperial Airways flight from London to Khartoum connected with another fight to Kano, heralding the start of services to Nigeria.

These pioneering flights carried air mail rather than passengers, but apparently the initiative was successful because by October the same service was extended to Lagos. The limited records available showed that there was great enthusiasm shown everywhere the first service landed. According to Imperial Airways’ staff newsletter from 3 March 1936. “The captain of Daedalus (the name of the aircraft) was entertained by Sultans, Shehus and Emirs enroute.” There were plenty of opportunities to celebrate the new service as De Haviland DH86A biplane took seven days to complete the journey. Today, Imperial Airways’ successor British Airways operates daily, direct Boeing 747 and 777 services to Abuja and Lagos. It’s amazing to think that in just 80 years, we were operating biplanes that could carry seven passengers and it would take a week to complete the journey.

Today’s aircraft can carry between 226 and 299 customers and you can be in London five and half hours after leaving Lagos or Abuja. The onboard experience has also evolved beyond all recognition. We have a distinguished history in Nigeria and eighty years on we are proud to still serve it, connecting Africa’s largest economy to the rest of the world. We have been a pretty successful airline. I cannot tell what will happen in the next eighty years but we are very strong in products and operations and will definite keep on growing and adjusting our capacity to profit the whole demand

Is there anything new, say medium, long term?

We have quite a lot of premium capacity increase. We have new Boeing 747 with additional Club World seats, Business class. We have quite a lot of them to Riyadd, Kuwait, Dubai.y week to Tehran from London.

Is there anything specific on the West African, Nigerian route in terms of new products?

At the moment, we operate a mix of B747 and B777 to Lagos and Abuja. We keep on reviewing our work as network changes.

We operate B777 in Abuja and B747 and B777 in Nigeria.

Tell us about your operations in terms of capacity and market share?

Unfortunately, I cannot share commercial sensitive information when it comes to market share. We have been operating to Nigeria for 80 years. That means that our operation is strong but I cannot be specific when it comes to commercial sensitive figures.

How will the rate your market in West Africa includingNigeria, Middle East, and North Africa?

In Africa, we have a very strong position in particular in Nigeria. As I said, Africa is one of the most important markets; particularly South Africa and Nigeria are some of the biggest markets.

In the course of your explanation, you talked about bringing in B777 to replace the B747 . Will you still have the first class configuration on that airplane? What informed this decision? Could it be as a result of shrinking market?

Absolutely, the B777 operates to Nigeria with First Class both to Lagos and Abuja. The First Class is a very important market for us. We keep on reviewing our capacity and we have been quite flexible with our capacity. We keep on operating B747; now but we will be reviewing this in the week.

Does the economic crisis in Nigeria have any impact on British Airways especially in terms of passenger volume?

We are aware of challenging times in Nigeria. Load factors are very strong but cannot be more the statistics. Our operation is very strong and Nigeria remains our very strong market. We are still very positive about Nigeria.

Nigerian airlines are very weak and fragmented. Is

your operations to other destinations in Nigeria?

At the moment, it is no. But we should ask you that question.

There is a big issue in Nigeria about multiple designation and the local airlines are raising eye brow. We are guided by the agreement between Nigeria and the UK which is the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). No matter how you like, you can’t just say you want Port-Harcourt, if it is not in the agreement, you cannot go there. If it is not in the agreement you cannot do it no matter if we want it until Nigerian and British government come together and we are designated to do that.

So, we may really like Port Harcourt because we have a lot of customers there, but we are guided by the law that exists between the two countries.

British Airways used to have a lot of CSR projects. In 80 years, can you list some of the projects you have done as a gift to the communities?

Paolo

there is anything BA has to assist Nigerian carriers?

This is a question for AIG. I cannot answer this question. This is something I cannot comment on. Strategic decision is taking up with our company because they take strategic decision on airline partnership.

BA will be 80 years very soon. What are you going to give to Nigerians in terms of fare?

I am not going to reveal what we are going to do in Nigeria for our 80 years. When it comes to fares, our fares are very competitive and we keep on reviewing our price.

Just last months, foreign airlines had problem repatriating their huge fund. Has that been resolved? What is the collaboration between your airline and the Nigerian government in view of foreign exchange policy?

As you know, there are some challenges at the moment with the Nigerian government. At the moment we are working on it.

There are ways things are resolved. A partnership of 80 years, if you don’t have the understanding at 80 years of being together, you will never have. We are constantly working with the arms of government, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ministry of Finance, IATA to ensure that we can get support. We are getting support from government. The matter will be resolved in a matter of time.

Operating in an economy for 80 years means something is unique. What is that uniqueness that has kept BA going?

I will say the people. We have a very strong base of loyal customers. Some spanning four/five generations of particular families. In Nigeria, whatever you sell, you are good to go. We have the population. By our sheer population, we are very strong market for any product. When you take our product which is airline, we continue to be the bridge to bring people from Nigeria into the world, connecting investors from the world back into Nigeria. It is the number and loyalty we have enjoyed over these years. We have a strong position of point to point.

How would you describe the Nigerian market to British Airways and how can the government help to grow the sector?

From this point of view, the Nigerian market is not different from many other markets globally. There is a lot of competition, challenges with the economy, but again, this is similar to many of the markets am responsible for in Saudi Arabia Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. But we are very dynamic company; we adjust our products and aircraft among demands. Nigeria is a very strong market and still a strong market and will be strong for another 80 years.

Apart from Lagos to Abuja, are you planning to extend

There are lots of things we are doing in that area. I remember the Kuje school in Abuja. The support is on-going. I was in Kuje late last year to look at the computer class that we started. If you know the history-that was a school in which people study under the tree. BA actually rebuilt the school, provided portable water.

Last year, we were involved in Leaders of Tomorrow project.

Some of you were involved where we identified six promising Nigeria students in aviation and tried to get them ready for the future. That was phase one. It was a fantastic programme.

We brought them to London. They spent a week in a place in Lagos before we brought them to London where they spent one month themselves in different areas of the airline including mentorship from our CEO, Keith Williams to get experience on civil engineering side of the operations. We like to continue that and roll out the second phase. Those students were from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria and Aviation school in Ilorin, Kwara State. I suspect that the second phase will be better and bigger than the phase one. The Britishness stops us from making too much noise. Even the Leaders of Tomorrow, you just want to impact on lives without making too much of publicity stunt. We impact on lives and want them to be the ones talking. We are also in partnership with Comet relief to ensure that people’s lives are impacted.

Is British Airways going to deploy its A380 to Nigeria in spite of Nigeria’s infrastructural challenge at the moment?

We constantly review our aircraft deployment globally. If there will be opportunity, there will be no doubt that we will do it. At the moment, we have one A380 flying into Africa, Johannesburg. We daily deploy A380 to Johannesburg. We will keep on reviewing our A380 operations globally. We deploy them to Singapore, Washington, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco etc.

There are constant changes.

What are BA’s challenges operating in Nigeria and Africa?

Everywhere is challenging. In fact competition is challenging.

The fact that you have competition is challenging. As far as you to deal with some common issues, it is challenging. What we are trying to do is to as a company, what we are trying to do is to rise above the challenges by making our operations safe and successful. If we have been there for 80 years, it means we can master challenges.

BA has been accused of selecting a particular set of aircraft that operate to Nigeria. How true is this?

Do you believe it? The aircraft you flew, do you like it? I know that you like it. The aircraft look the same. Aircraft have registration. If you want to check, you can do that with Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for the registration.

It does not make sense to keep aircraft on ground. They are made to be flying; you don’t even to ask us. We came in London yesterday at 4.30am and there would be 8amflight to New York or 10am to Atlanta. They will roaster that aircraft that came from Lagos to first destination within that period that you operate with B747. They won’t wait for that aircraft to be returned to Lagos. Let me give you a tip. If you go to the toilet, right in front of you right opposite the door, you will see the registration. We have a lot of B747 but the registration will be different. That is why if you look at the seats, the numbers are different. We will not take bad aircraft to one of our biggest markets. As a matter of fact, we do not have bad aircraft.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

FA Cup Takes Centre Stage PAGE. 29

12.03.2016

Olanrewaju Durodola

From Motor Park Tout to World Champion

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12, 2016

GLOBaL SOccEr

Durodola out punches Dmitri

From Motor Park Tout to World Champion

how Olanrewaju Durodola embraced boxing was not only interesting but dramatic. Before becoming a boxer, he was comfortable with life as a mwotor park tout, collecting money from commercial bus drivers for a union in Lagos. he was effectively using his huge body frame to bully bus drivers and conductors. One fateful day, he encountered a stubborn conductor who was not ready to play ball. a fight ensued and before Durodola realised it, the conductor had floored him and went away without paying a dime. Durodola later got to know that the guy in question was a boxer. That was what prompted the current World Boxing council (Silver cruiserweight) champion to take to boxing. Kunle Adewale caught up with him during one of his training sessions at the Lagos Boxing hall of Fame’s gymnasium

S

tanding at six feet, nine inches, Olanrewaju Durodola in his short time as a professional boxer had already caused one of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport after beating Russian knockout terror, Dmitry Kudryashov in the second round to the surprise of the boxing world.

Russians were so devastated after the fight that they accused Durodola of spicing his system with illegal drugs before the fight but he was later given a clean bill of health after an investigation carried out by WBC officials.

“His (Kudryashov) camp was very shocked and embarrassed after I knocked him out in round two and they tried everything to ensure that I did not return to Nigeria with the belt. That was why they came up with the claim that I had enhanced my system with drug, with the hope that I will be barred and he would still hold on to the belt. But after investigation by the WBC, I was cleared. I don’t use drugs; I use the strength God gave me. That’s why I am called God’s Power. I have to admit that I never knew it would be that quick, but I was ready for him. I had studied him. He is a big puncher but so I am,” Durodola said.

His victory against Kudryashov in Kazan, Russia to win the vacant WBC Silver Cruiserweight title did not go unnoticed as he was in January honoured by President

Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari rewarded him with N1.5 million for his success in the ring at a reception held in the State House for distinguished sportsmen and women.

“It came to me as a big surprise when I was told by my coach, Adefemi Babafemi, that I would be honoured by the President in Abuja. My joy knew no bounds that day and it is my proudest moment in life so far, and the honour would motivate me in my future fights,”the Nigerian boxer added.

Though he is based in the United States, the Beijing 2008 Olympian trained for his fight against the Russian at the Lagos Hall of Fame boxing gym, which of course cannot be compared with most boxing gyms abroad in terms of equipment and trainers.

“Since I started my boxing career in Nigeria, I’m used to shabby facilities. The Lagos Hall of Fame boxing gym is good.

The only thing that is lacking in the gym is speed balls and speed bags. But then, what I need mostly are good sparring partners.

Fortunately, some boxers had just returned from the All African Games and I engaged about 10 of them as training partners. With the initial training I had back in America and coupled with the video clips of my opponent that I had watched and studied with my coach, I was in good shape for the fight with the Russian and the outcome was a testimony to it,” he noted.

In spite of being a world champion, he says he is not getting any support from

government or the boxing federation, except from the Nigerian Police.

“The only support I’ve been getting is from the Nigerian Police; most especially the Inspector-General of Police who also ensured I was promoted to the rank of an Assistant Superintendent of Police. He has done virtually everything for me. Aside from this, there is no other support coming from anywhere. I was also not expecting the promotion from the Inspector-General. I will always appreciate the IG and the entire police force. Without the police support I would not have achieved what I have today in boxing.

“After my amateur career was over, the police employed me and it was through their boxing platform that I was able to fight Jamal Woods in Bartle Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, USA for my professional debut in 2011,” the police ASP noted.

The Olympian lamented the state of Nigerian boxing just as he condemned the game’s administrators, saying, “The Olympics qualifier is just around the corner and our boxers are still not yet in camp while boxers from other countries have been in camp long before now. Having the talent is not enough. At the end of the day, the country will go to the Olympics and return empty handed not because we don’t have good athletes but because they are not well prepared for the competition.”

Popularly known as God’s Power by admirers because of the natural strength

he possesses, Durodola who made his professional debut in 2011 also holds the WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight, World Boxing CouncilAfrican Boxing Union (WBC-ABU) cruiserweight title and is currently ranked second by the WBC with a professional record of 22 wins (20 K0s) and two losses.

The 35-year old boxer was discovered by Coach Adefemi Babafemi, who was then the chief coach of Lagos State at a boxing club in Lagos Island.

“I discovered the talent and potential in him and I encouraged him and even devoting extra days with him. From then on, he went to represent Lagos State at the National Sports Festival in Abuja. That was where he got his first recognition after winning gold and he was then invited to the national camp, after which he represented Nigeria at the All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics before turning professional in 2011. And since then, there was no turning back for him,”Babafemi said.

Durodola, who is expecting his first child very soon, said he would encourage his children to take to boxing because he loves the sport so much. “If I had to reincarnate, I would still be a boxer,” he said.

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MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Football Tops as Etisalat’s Cliqfest Berths at UNIUYO

Enugu Rangers player outpaces a Heartland of Owerri player

Amapakabo Wants End to Rangers Title Drought Enugu Rangers head coach, Imama Amapakabo is keen to land the club’s first major silverware in 32 years.

The Flying Antelopes currently occupy the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) standings with 10 points after five games.

Rangers are undefeated in their last four games following their moraleshattering opening day defeat away to four-time NPFL champions Kano Pillars.

“We were not clinical enough and made too many mistakes against Kano Pillars.

“If we had taken our chances in that game, we would have buried them.

“The good thing is that we recovered well enough after that painful defeat and have distinguished ourselves in the next four games we played after that,” Amapakabo told supersport.com. The youthful trainer was also quick to add that despite emerging as the season’s pacesetters, it is still too early to refer to his side as one of the favourites for the title.

“There are still 33 more matches to play and it is still very early days in the season.

“However, the objective is clear to everyone involved with this club that we are gunning for the big prize (title).

“From the players to the coaches to the fans everyone knows that this is one of the few remaining traditional clubs in the country.

“We want to win the title but we know it will require a lot of hard work,” he said.

Rangers next face Abia Warriors in NPFL action on Sunday and Amapakabo expects a stern test.

“They are the only unbeaten side in

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

the league right now and they have a very good coach in Kennedy Boboye.

“We know it will not be easy as they will have massive support from their fans too.

“The good thing is that we will play our way, which is to attack. We create numerous chances in all our games and if our strikers finish those opportunities, I am sure we will not lose,” he submitted.

Meanwhile, Abia Warriors striker, Chisom Chikatara has said he will dutifully campaign against oriental neighbours, Enugu Rangers in Sunday’s clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) sensation, who is among the Super Eagles sweating it out under caretaker coach, Samson Siasia for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations double take against the Pharaohs of Egypt on March 25 in Kaduna and 29 in Alexandria respectively recently completed a switch to the Moroccan side, Wydad Athletic Club (WAC). The lanky goal poacher was handed jersey number 10 at the Brotola Moroccan league leaders.

Chikatara boasted that his side will puncture the Coal City side stellar performance in the five-week old Nigerian top league.

“Of course, I will be heading home to Umuahia right from the Super Eagles camp to play in the oriental derby against Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

“Yes, I have completed my move to the Moroccan side, Wydad Casablanca but will wait to July to commence league action with the North African side.

“Part of the contract deals is that I

will continue to play for Abia Warriors until I finally join Wydad so you will see me in Abia Warriors colours against Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

“Well, Enugu Rangers have done creditably well for themselves in the five-week old league but come on Sunday I think they will be there at Umuahia merely to honour the league clash as we will turn them back empty-handed.

“It’s a local derby largely to be difficult as expected but we will come out top from the derby.

“We must win the three points at stake to chance claiming the top spot so the three points are not negotiable,” said Chikatara to supersport.com.

Abia Warriors have nine points in their kitty one behind opponents and leaders, Enugu Rangers in the five-week old league.

The Abia Warriors versus Enugu Rangers match will kick off at 4:15pm local time.

Week 5 Fixtures Nasarawa Utd Giwa FC Ifeanyiubah MFM Enyimba Lobi Stars Akwa Utd Abia Warriors Wikki Tornadoes Warri Wolves

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Nigeria Premier League Table Rangers Pillars MFM Lobi Rivers Utd Abia Wolves Wikki Ifeanyiubah Plateau 3SC Ikorodu Utd Heartland Akwa Utd Tornadoes Giwa Enyimba El-Kanemi Sunshine Nasarawa

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 4 4 5 3 5 4 3 4 4 3

W 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

D 1 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 1 0 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0

L 1 1 1 2 2 0 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 3 2 3

Pts 7 7 6 6 6 5 3 5 5 6 6 2 2 5 5 4 1 3 4 1

GF 4 5 6 3 4 3 2 3 4 9 5 2 3 5 6 5 3 6 6 5

3SC Sunshine Stars Ikorodu Utd El-Kanemi Heartland Kano Pillars Plateau Utd Rangers Warri Wolves Rivers Utd N. Tornadoes

GA 3 2 0 3 2 2 1 2 1 -3 1 0 -1 0 -1 -1 -2 -3 -2 -4

GD 10 10 10 9 9 9 8 7 7 7 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 2 0

Football took centre stage as Nigeria’s leading innovative and youth centric brand, Etisalat Nigeria stepped up its strategic engagement with Nigerian youth, as it kicked off the 2016 edition of its pan-Nigeria multi-campus youthcentric initiative, Cliqfest which berthed at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The two day event was a mixture of fun and excitement and featured a five a side football tournament, of four teams; Team Black (Midnight callers), Team Blue (Unlimited SMS), Team White(Free midnight calls) and Team Green (Bonus on Incoming calls).

In an exciting contest, Midnight callers edged out Bonus on Incoming calls 3-2 in a pulsating game while Unlimited SMS knocked out Free midnight calls 4-1 in a one sided affair which set them up to meet Midnight callers while Bonus on Incoming calls slugged it out with Free midnight calls for third place. At the end of the contest Team Black (Midnight callers) ran home with the trophy after coming from behind to beat Team Blue (Unlimited SMS) 2-1 while Team White(Free midnight calls) won the third place match. All the teams went home with phones and Etisalat branded gift items.

The high point of the two day activation was the emergence of Daniel Nfon Bassey, a 100 level student of Bio-Chemistry as the winner of the star prize, a brand new Hyundai i10.

The campus activation which focuses on education, sports and entertainment began with a motivational session anchored by Niyi Adesanya who spoke on the theme: “Activate your Dreams” .The students were also treated to a concert featuring the ALAGA IBILE rapper Reminisce, the EGBERI PAPA master Timaya and Nigerian Idol 4 & 5 winners, Evelle and K-Peace who delighted the students with wonderful renditions of their songs.

Speaking on the campus initiative, Michael Nwoseh, Specialist, Youth Segment said “We want our youths to be balanced, connected and in touch with the ever-changing career turns, social trends and lifestyles, and Cliqfest connects with our core values of care and optimism expressed in an innovative, yet simple manner," he said.

UK -Based Nigerian Boxers to Meet House of Reps Leading British Sports agency, World Class Athletes Ltd, are bringing the two best Nigerian boxers in the world back to Nigeria.

The boxers are former Olympian, and World title challenger, Ajose Olusegun, and current undefeated African Champion, Larry Ekundayo. They will be accompanied by Head of World Class Athletes, Ben Gray and the boxers Special Advisor, Bimbo Folayan, Executive Director of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit and former head of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK who has been mobilising the Nigerian Community and Government to get behind the boxers.

The Boxers have got a busy schedule ahead of them which includes a workout session with some of Nigerian boxers and donating some boxing equipment to the Nigerian Olympic Team from their sponsors Bullet Energy Drinks and Arik Air. Next they will be heading to Abuja, where they will be presented to the National Assembly on Tuesday, while also in Abuja they will be appointed as investment representatives for the country and will conduct high level meetings on how they, with the support of the government and leading businesses, can help deliver sporting glory to Nigeria with the specific aim of helping to improve the country’s image overseas through their sporting achievements.

Finally, they will return to their home town Lagos to meet Lagos State officials and discuss how they can support the states aim of becoming a leading destination for sporting events.

In helping deliver sporting glory, via winning World titles, for Nigeria the boxers aim at reigniting the country’s passion for the sport, as boxing is one that they have had a long and proud history in. World class athletes strongly believe that Nigeria can rule the world at this internationally respected sport, in a very short space of time, with the correct support.

The plan is not only to deliver Nigerian world champions but also positive trade ambassadors for the country, to help improve trade between the UK and the USA, this will be achieved through the international media attention a world champion attains. The boxers will also encourage Nigerians to not only support their own athletes but also their own businesses whenever they can. To this end the boxers have been invited to represent the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit in June, in London, where the two boxers will mobilise the Diaspora and other investors to invest in Nigeria.

The boxers’ success in the ring would also provide the opportunity for the some of the country’s major cities to stage big sporting events, as Las Vegas in the US and Macau in China do.

These events will attract visitors from around the world with the staging of a high profile boxing event being used as a back drop to encourage investment into Nigeria. It will also serve to help create jobs in the sports and the hospitality industry and to help inspire the countries youth, whilst also encouraging them with discipline and health through boxing, a sport which Nigeria, with the correct support, can go on to dominate the world at.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12, 2016

GLOBaL SOccEr

Arsenal celebrate winning the 2014 FA Cup

Premiership Big Guns Shift Fans Attention to FA Cup The flow of the English Premier League would be distorted slightly this weekend and fans attention shifted to the Fa cup due to the involvement of Premiership big guns-Manchester United, arsenal and chelsea. This has forced the postponement of most league matches.

Therefore, fans of the most watched league in the world have to make do with games involving potential winners-Tottenham and Leicester on Sunday and Monday respectively

A

fter been ousted from the UEFA Champions League by Paris St Germain on Wednesday, the only realistic chance for a trophy this season left for Guus Hiddink led side is the FA Cup and that why their visit to Goodison Park against Everton in the FA Cup quarterfinals today will be very interesting.

"My opinion is that Chelsea is now in a transitional period. They have to see how to go on and try to regain the lost terrain where Chelsea used to be.

It's difficult to get into fourth position," Hiddink told reporters.

Meanwhile, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard both sustained injuries against Paris Saint-Germain. Costa hobbled off while Hazard left the

fray late on with a hip injury and was booed by a small number of Chelsea fans as he made his way over to the touchline to be replaced by Oscar.

"We'll see if there is big damage tomorrow (Thursday). Diego was desperate to play today, although he's not 100 per cent fit. I don't know if it became worse. I don't hope (think) that it's worse than it was before the Stoke game. Because in two days we have to play another game against Everton in the FA Cup," said Hiddink of Costa.

However, Tom Cleverley has declared himself fit for the clash.The midfielder missed the Toffees' last two Premier League games through illness but has returned to training this week ahead of the visit of Hiddink's side.

Cleverley played in last year's final

at Wembley for Aston Villa, where they were thumped 4-0 by Arsenal, and the former Manchester United man is determined to make amends in an Everton shirt this season.

"It's important we get to Wembley and give the club a lift and give our fans something to shout about," he told evertontv.

"I have been training fully and I'm ready for this weekend. I will do everything I can to help the team get through to Wembley."

On Sunday, two teams from both ends of the table, bottom-dwelling squad Aston Villa and top contender Tottenham Hotspur, are scheduled to face each other at the White Hart Lane .

Aston Villa continued its struggles in the English top flight this season as they remain in the cellar of the overall

standings with its fourth straight loss and fifth one in their last six outings.

Meanwhile, Tottenham settled for a 2-2 draw against third-running team Arsenal FC at the White Hart Lane also last Saturday Interestingly, a hair's breadth separated Leicester City and Newcastle United at the end of the relegation battle last season but a 36-point chasm and a gulf in confidence exists between the sides ahead of Monday's Premier League clash.

With Leicester's title challenge showing no sign of wilting as the inevitable pressure of the run-in continues to mount, Newcastle's season is seemingly skidding towards the abyss.

It is by no means certain that Newcastle manager Steve McClaren will still be in the dugout for the game at

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MARCH 12, 2016 โ ข THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY Barcelona Celta Vigo Atletico Vallecano

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Arsenal Stoke West Ham Aston Villa Bournemouth Sunderland Norwich Leicester

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Liverpool Man Utd

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Leicester Tottenham Arsenal Man City West Ham Man Utd Liverpool Stoke Southampton Chelsea West Brom Everton Watford Bournemouth Crystal Palace Swansea Sunderland Norwich Newcastle Aston Villa

Seria A Juventus Napoli Roma Fiorentina Inter Milan Sassuolo Lazio Bologna Chievo Empoli Torino Sampdoria Genoa Atalanta Udinese Palermo Frosinone Carpi Verona

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21 27 16 21 12 10 6 -3 7 4 -6 12 -1 -10 -7 -9 -19 -23 -25 -33

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Bundesliga Bayern Dortmund Hertha Schalke Mainz M'gladbach Wolfsburg Leverkusen Ingolstadt Hamburger Stuttgart Kรถln Bremen Augsburg Darmstadt Frankfurt Hoffenheim Hannover

"We'll see if there is big damage tomorrow.

Diego was desperate to play today, although he's not 100 per cent fit. I don't know if it became worse. I don't hope (think) that it's worse than it was before the Stoke game.

Because in two days we have to play another game against Everton in the FA Cup" Leicester's King Power Stadium with his immediate future up in the air.

A scheduled meeting with managing director Lee Charnley did not take place on Wednesday, according to media reports, with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez strongly linked to the role should the club decide to end McClaren's stay at St James' Park.

Despite spending heavily in the transfer window, Newcastle are 19th in the table having been in the bottom three for 146 days this season.

On paper they should be little more than cannon fodder for Claudio Ranieri's Leicester, who have won five of the last seven to open a five-point lead at the summit as their more-fancied rivals have all stumbled.

Confounding their doubters on a weekly basis, Leicester, who finished 14th and two points above Newcastle last season, are looking more like champions every match they play.

They came through a testing February when they played Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal

and now need only to keep their heads over the final nine games to claim one of the most remarkable title triumphs in English football history.

They could find their lead cut to two points, however, by the time they take the field against Newcastle as second-placed Tottenham Hotspur visit doomed bottom club Aston Villa on Sunday.

Spurs, who face a testing trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League on Thursday, needed to get back to winning ways swiftly if they are to maintain their pursuit, having taken just one point from their last two games. It is a similar story for Manchester City, whose fading title hopes probably could not survive a defeat at Norwich City today.

City bounced back from a 3-0 defeat

by Liverpool with a thumping 4-0 victory over Villa, but still trail Leicester by 10 points, although they do have a game in hand.

Third-placed Arsenal, whose challenge has fallen away in recent weeks after three games without a victory, are likely to drop further behind as they play Watford in the FA Cup quarterfi-

FA Cup is Chelsea's only realistic chance at winning a trophy this season

28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

56 30 54 14 10 8 -11 0 -2 -10 0 -1 -2 -26 -10 -18 -22 -24 -20 -26

46 34 7 5 4 8 6 3 -7 -4 -9 -7 -13 -8 -13 -12 -16 -24

72 64 60 53 45 44 42 36 35 34 34 33 33 31 30 27 26 26 24 21

63 58 42 41 40 39 37 36 32 31 31 30 27 26 26 24 21 17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12, 2016

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GLOBaL SOccEr\\OThEr SPOrTS

L-R: Public Relations Manager, GOtv, Efe Obiomah; Managing Director, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona; Vice President, South East, Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr. Chike Ilukwe and General Secretary NBB of C, Remi Aboderin at a press conference to announce the sixth edition of GOtv Boxing Night, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

Sharapova's

Nadal Shocked by Sharapova's Failed Drugs Test Rafael Nadal has denied he has ever used a banned substance to gain an edge or to speed up recovery from injury.

Nadal spoke out in the wake of Maria Sharapova's failed drug test which has rocked the world of tennis.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner said former world No 1 Sharapova "should be punished" before using the opportunity to scotch unfounded allegations that he had used performanceenhancing drugs.

"I have never had the temptation of doing some-

thing wrong. I am very far from that, doping," said the Spaniard, who has been hard hit in recent years by injury.

"I am a completely clean guy. I worked so hard during my career that when I get injured I never take nothing to be back quicker."

The 29-year-old left-hander has been periodically dogged by whispers of doping during his trophy-laden career.

"I heard it a few times again about doping," said Nadal. "I am a little bit tired with that.

"I believe in the sport and the values of the sport. The sport is an example for society.

It is an example for the kids and if I am doing something that goes against that, I will be lying to myself, not lying to my opponents."

Nadal said over the course of his career he has taken advantage of some new treatments for his knee problems, like stem-cell therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, often known as blood spinning.

"I have been open all my career. I never tried to hide nothing that I did," Nadal said. "I did PRP and then I did stem cells.

"The first time with PRP

it worked fantastic and the second time it was bad. I had to stop playing tennis for seven months.

"And with stem cells I used it two times on my knees and it worked very well. "I am not doing, never did, and never going to do something wrong."

Nadal added there is a Spanish team doctor who monitors what medication the players are taking to make sure it is safe.

"He has been the doctor for all the Spanish players for a number of years. I would never take nothing that he doesn't know about," he said.

GOtv Boxing Night 6

All Eyes on Fijabi, Afonja Warrior, Joe Boy Fast rising middleweight boxer, Abolaji "Afonja Warrior " Rasheed will have the chance to win the West African middleweight title when he takes Ghana's Adjei Sowah at the sixth edition of GOtv Boxing Night, which is billed to hold on Good Friday, March 25, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

This was disclosed by the organisers at a press conference to announce the fight line-up in Lagos on Tuesday.

Speaking at the occasion, Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Produc-

tions, promoters of the event, said he is delighted at the progress boxing has made in the last one and half years, the evidence of which is visible in improved purse, insurance package, N1 million cash prize for the best boxer and frequency of fights.

Another big fight at the event will see national light welterweight champion, Olaide Fijabi, make a bid for the West African title when he takes on Republic of Benin's Djamiou Ekekpo.

Fijabi, winner of the N1million cash prize at the second edition of the event,

will, as with other boxers, bid to win the cash prize and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer.

In the lightweight division, the explosive Oto Joseph will slug it out with Hogan Jimoh Jnr., first son of boxing legend, Hogan Jimoh.

The three remaining fights on the night will feature five young boxers discovered at the recently concluded GOtv Boxing NextGen Search.

Michael Rolland and Nwoye Prince, both products of the search, will face each other in a national lightweight challenge.

Two other graduates of the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search-Saidi Lawal and Samuel Elegbede-will slug it out in a national super middleweight challenge duel.

Matthew Obinna, yet another graduate, will take on Yusuf Moshood in another super middleweight contest.

The event, which will be broadcast live by SuperSport in 47 African countries, is sponsored by GOtv and supported by MultiChoice, Paragonis Multimedia Limited, KSquare Security, Newsbreak. ng, Bond FM, Complete Sports and Brila FM.

Tough Time Awaits Fijaborn, Warns Beninois Opponent Djamiou Ekekpo, the Beninois boxer, billed to fight Nigeria's Olaide "Fijaborn" Fijabi for the West African light welterweight title, has vowed to reduce his yet unbeaten opponent to pulp when they meet on 25 March at the GOtv Boxing Night, holding at the Indoor Sports of the National Stadium in Lagos.

The event is a six-fight professional boxing tourney

featuring established stars and five graduates of the GOtv Boxing NextGen Search.

Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, Ekekpo, who was accompanied by his manager, said everybody at the venue of will enjoy the fight except Fijabi, who will be beaten like a baby.

"He has not been beaten because he hasn't met me yet.

He will be beaten at the GOtv

Boxing Night on Good Friday and will remember that day as bad Friday because I will walk away with the belt after giving him the beating of his life. I beat people for fun. Tell him I said so," boasted Ekekpo.

Responding , Fijabi, the reigning national light welterweight champion and a former winner of the best boxer prize at the GOtv Boxing Night, described Djamiou's boasts as impotent.

"If he said what has been attributed to him, it means he doesn't understand that people with thick facial marks, like I have, were taught to inflict pain from childhood when we our faces were marked. I will inflict the kind of pain he has never experienced.

"I will give him facial marks with punches and make him return to his country crying," raved Fijabi.

Afonja Warrior’ll See Double, Brags Ghanaian Challenger Adjei Sowah, the Ghanaian opponent of Abolaji "Afonja Warrior" Rasheed in the forthcoming West African middleweight boxing title duel, has vowed to punch the Nigerian until he starts seeing double in the ring.

The encounter, which headlines the sixth edition of GOtv Boxing Night is viewed by Sowah

as an opportunity to avenge the loss of compatriot Alfred "Ahwor" Quaye to Nigeria's Waidi Usman at the third edition of the GOtv Boxing Night.

Sowah, who spoke from his base in Accra, said: "I'm coming to show the guy who calls himself warrior that he is nothing but a pussy cat. I

will avenge the loss of Quaye to Skoro and show the world that Nigeria still trails Ghana in boxing. He calls himself a warrior, but when he sees war in the ring, he will become a pussy cat. I will punch him until he starts seeing double."

The Ghanaian claimed to have been watching the fights of his Nigerian opponent and

concluded that he is still way below the standards of his previous opponents, whom he defeated.

"Ordinarily, he won't go beyond three rounds. But I want the fans to enjoy the bout. I will prolong the punishment and punch him sufficiently to make him see double," he bragged.

ABU Hosts First American Football Game in W’Africa

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has yet again imprinted its name in the history books by being the first to host an American football match in the entire West African sub-region.

The historic match which pitted the Lagos Marines against hosts ABU saw the more experienced home team devour the visitors 26-14 in the highly entertaining encounter last weekend.

Being the first time, oganisers were not anticipating the unprecedented large turn-out of spectators that thronged the ABU Sports Complex to catch a glimpse of the gladiators in the historic game.

Fans of American football who were attracted from all over the country were excited all through the encounter, presenting Nigerians with another pulsating option to the regular football.

Speaking in an interview after the encounter, President of the Nigerian Institute of American Football, Professor Adamu Ahmed said that he was impressed by the impact the first outing had on the spectators.

“We are really thrilled with the huge followership this first game has generated,” he noted with excited.

He explained that the thought of ABU hosting the match was first muted in 2012 during the 50th anniversary celebration of the institution, a decision all stakeholders are today very proud of.

“Through a network of alumni of ABU led by NBA star, Ejike Ugboaja, we were able to bring coaches to Nigeria to lecture in seminars. We then started the national secretariat at the ABU Faculty of Agriculture,” explained Professor Ahmed.

He said that the vice chancellor of the university contributed tremendously in the development of the game so far by providing moral and financial support.

“The vice chancellor was magnanimous in starting a certificate course in American Football which will in no time transform into a diploma course,” he revealed.

The Nigerian Institute of American Football has coaches Oliver B. Johnson, Daryl Hayes, and Ricardo Dickerson as members. ABU alumni, Ejike Ugboaja is also a board member.

‘Every Minute Made of Black’ Promo: Football Enthusiasts Laud Guinness

As more winners continue to emerge in the on-going Guinness ‘Every Minute Made of Black’ Promo, continuous accolade have been trailing the unique football promo from many Nigerians and lovers of football including winners who have emerged and are being rewarded by Guinness.

Dubbed the biggest football promotion so far in recent times, every minute made of black promo has continued to reward and thrill consumers with so much excitement, while also gaining more acceptance and relevance especially amongst football fans nationwide.

Ace Sports Pundit and CEO, Elev8 Sports, Mr. Abiola Kazeem who was present at the Headquarters of Guinness Nigeria Plc. during one of the cheque presentations described the promo as the biggest part of the Barclays Premier League this season as thousands of football fans have been super excited at this first of its kind promo.

“As a sport analyst, I can boldly say that the promo has generated lots of interesting moments and excitement as fans are eager to follow the game through to the end, awaiting the possibility of a win at every minute of the game. The BPL season has been fun with lots of actions on the field of play and EMMOB promo makes it much more engaging with huge participation and winnings.”

Many of the winners who have already received their instant airtime and cash noted that Guinness has fulfilled its promise to provide more exciting football experiences for its consumers at every minute of each BPL game.

One of the lucky ‘one hundred thousand naira winners’, who recently received his cheque, Mr. Onifade Oluwashola shared his experience on how he won saying “I was at a party and was served Guinness big stout, I initially threw the crown cork on the floor but my friend told me about the promo, insisting that it is real. When I got home I opened the crown cork and sent the code with my team name, Arsenal to 1759. I was reimbursed immediately with #250 naira airtime and also got a message that I have entered the weekly draw. After one week, I got a call that I should show up at Guinness office that I’ve won #100,000, I didn’t believe it till I got the winning code to collect the money on my phone.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2016

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JUNETHE 16, 2011 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

FAIRGROUND

Magical Night of AMVCA 2016

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

A

ll over the world, everyone who’s interested in and loves the African movie industry knows that the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) and the AMAAs are the two major award nights that appreciate and celebrate budding and top players of the African movie industry. Actors, producers, directors, fashion lovers and movie buffs are glued to their TV to watch these events- especially if they are not invited.

And of course, the players in the movie industries and invitees are already working with designers, fashion buyers, stylists and clothiers on what outfit to rock on that day– no blasphemy of Jesus Christ intended, but in the calendar of Nigerian showbiz- this is our Christmas.

Well, I for one started planning late this year, but my magic wand didn’t disappoint me; the notice was too short for my designer to fix a dress for me. And the thought of withdrawing any amount of money above N50,000 from my account to buy a new dress scared the living daylight out of me. A truth you may be shocked to hear. And if l wanted any designer friend of mine to give me a dress or lend me a dress to wear, I could call one or two of them. I was not in the mood, and I hate to shine in borrowed garments.

So, I went back to my wardrobe, ransacked it like I was looking for all my life savings, then I saw this polythene bag that had two similar skirts, meant for me and a friend, with a bold face of Marilyn Manroe printed on it. What if I turn this to a dress? I soliloquized. I dashed back to my tailor, I told her I wanted to experiment something. I told her what to do with the two skirts and it came out appealing to me. I don’t know about the next person’s opinion and it is not like I really care anyway.

I decided to rock the two skirts-turned to-adress to the African movie ‘OSCARs’. And that is the enigmatic story behind my outfit this year to the AMVCA. I swirled in my two skirt in one dress, walked majestically on the red carpet before entering the venue, I was not only loving my dress, I was so confident in my skin.

That night, for me, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Funke Akindele, Toyin Aimakhu stood out. These Yoruba actresses are not joking anymore, l liked their presentation and, of course, who rocks the green better than Rita Dominic? Nobody! Only Rita rocks her green loving world. Fairground would be publishing Efemena Tommy Adabamu’s Uberstyle best dressed and worst dressed list for the 2016 AMVCA. Enjoy!

AMVCA TOP WINNERS Recently, the best minds behind African cinematic experience gathered for a night of excitement, entertainment and red carpet glam as the African Magic in association with MultiChoice Africa and, proud sponsor, Amstel Malta, announced the winners of the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

The show, which was broadcast live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, began with exciting displays on the red carpet, culminating in a spectacular night for African cinema replete with exciting musical performances, comedic displays and emotional speeches.

The event, hosted by the brilliant duo of IK Osakioduwa and South African TV host Minnie Dhlamini, featured excellent performances by artistes, Flavour, Yemi Alade and Zonke, as well as brilliant comic displays by Ugandan humourist, Salvador, and Thomas Gumede from South Africa. A highlight of the evening was the receiving of the 2016 Industry Merit Award by Nollywood legends Sadiq Daba and Bukky Ajayi. An emotional Bukky Ajayi received a standing ovation from the audience who acknowledged her contributions to African film and cinema spanning over 50 years. But I wondered why no gift or monetary packaged was attached

Adesua Etomi, Daniel K. Daniel Stephanie Okereke Linus, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Yolisa Phahle(CEO M-NET) & Kemi Lala Akindoju

Bukky Ajayi

John Ugbe (Multichoice MD) and Rita Dominic

Mercy Aigbe Gentry

to the Merit Award, because I feel these veterans are either retired or partially retired and might not be getting juicy roles anymore to sustain their livelihood. The AMVCA should take a peep into that.

Another big winner of the night was Daniel K. Daniel took home the award for the best actor in a drama category for his role in ‘A Soldier’s Story’. Screen starlet, Adesua Etomi took home the prize for best actress in a drama for her role in ‘Falling’.

A visibly excited Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju won the 2016 trailblazer award, and was given a prize of an SUV from JAC Motors.

showed us how it’s really done on the red carpet while some made up for their red carpet mishaps last year and some failed us this year and made a serious transition, which took them from 100 to 0 in a flash.

Without so much long talks, let us take you on a style story from this year’s winners. So, kicking it off with the female, we present you with UBERSTYLE’s best-dressed women at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2016.

Year in, year out, Rita Dominic stays slaying like she dresses for a living. The screen goddess and last night’s presenter turned heads when she arrived oozing so much sexiness as always a green sleeveless dress

by Elvira Jude with an embellished cinched waist. She added minimal jewelry, black purse and metallic strappy heels that not only finish her look but also added so much oomph to her “light up the room” smile.

Once a beauty queen, always a queen!

Osas Ajibade, looked like a real beauty queen in a pink symmetrical cut strapless ball gown by Toju Foyeh. Silver and black earrings, tiny clutch, with her hair swept to the side. She finished the look with her most beautiful accessory, Mr. Gbenro Ajibade.

And she was simply flawless.

She didn’t only do well as a host for the night, but Minnie Dlamini also showed off her smoldering shoulders and shinny skin in this pearl detailed dress by South African designer, Gert Johan Coetzee. This is definitely topping our best-dressed list. The media personality and host for the night did justice to this piece, showing just the right amount of skin, minimal make up by Bimpe

UBERSTYLE Best Dressed List for AMVCA 2016 Every year, the AMVCA is one event that every movie lover and fashion enthusiast looks forward to. For obvious reasons and the fact that it’s one of the biggest red carpets that brings together our favorite A-list celebrities from all over Africa.

The prestigious awards, which held on March 5, 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, witnessed an amazing and glamorous series of red carpet stunners. Some

TOP 5 Mercy Aigbe Gentry brought to the red carpet “old Hollywood glamour”, wearing a silver dress with beaded embellishment from House of Luminee. For her hair, the star had side up hairdo, silver chandelier earrings and a red purse to finish up this look.

This was one look that got everyone talking on social media. She is the best-dressed woman on the carpet without an iota of doubt. From hair, make up with dark lips to dress colour, “hey boy” singer, Toni Tones showed us how it’s done in this amazing pink peplum piece made by Yemi Shoyemi couture.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

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FAIRGROUND Magical Night of AMVCA 2016 added silver chandelier earrings to complete her look.

R&B musician, Mocheddah slayed in this blush pink ensemble, bringing back the 70’s look to the red carpet and she killed it. She finished up her look with silver studded earrings, perfect ponytail, and metallic ball purse.

Other celebrities that rocked the red carpet included; Nancy Isime who was also a stunner on the red carpet, in her nude mono strap rosette detailed dress; thigh-high slit gave it that wow look. She perfected her look with gold earrings, gold embellished purse and strappy sandals.

Rukky Sanda opted for a white lacy dress she designed herself with deep plunging neck line and finished her look with blue purse and silver studded earrings.

Red carpet host for the night, Eku Eduwor, was a stunner in a black off shoulder dress by Tsemaye Binite. She kept it all simple opting for black fringe earrings, and this makes her top our best-dressed list.

Lilian Esoro Franklin surely made heads turn in her canary yellow cape dress, paired with gold cuffs and gold purse. She sure knows how to rock a maternity look, we love her AMVCA style.

Though not our best red carpet look of her, Genevieve Nnaji arrived the red carpet in a simple floor length number by Tope FnR that features a deep cowl back line detail which was the best part of the dress for us. She finished up with silver accessories.

Beverly Naya wore a green dress with pearl details made by sisiano; the train of this dress was everything. She opted for very minimal jewelry and her hairdo was perfect for the entire look, and this made her one of our best dressed.

Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi won the award for “Best Actress” at the AMVCAs and she also wins a spot on our Best Dressed list in this green custom design by April by Kunbi. She truly looked like a star on the red carpet.

Toke Makinwa is pictured gold-perfect in a ballroom gown and we love how she shine through the carpet and owned it.

Celebrity columnist with Thisday Newspapers, Azuka Ogujiuba was printastic in a bottle green double layer floor length gown with bold faces of Marilyn Monroe. She finished her look with short pixie cut which was a bit risky but she made it work.

Though we wished Caroline Danjuma had swapped this dress with the cobalt blue one she wore at her premier, we still liked how this dress accentuated her curves in the right places.

Though Sonia Morales Ogbonna’s dress was an imitation of Beyonce’s 2014 Grammy award stunner, the way she rocked this look made her look so international. She looked so perfect in this figure-hugging lace cutout gown.

There were a whole bunch of winners and losers at the AMVCA’s, and we’re not just talking about those who took home an award and those who didn’t. The red carpet saw its own share of hits and misses.

African television’s biggest stars carefully selected their designer duds and proudly pranced down the red carpet with pundits from television hosts to fashion magazines to style bloggers giving their two cents on the choices the stars made. We do not know what exactly these celebrities were thinking but we suggest, just like Beyoncé, they fire their stylist or basically just try to go with looks that sit well on them.

UBERSTYLE AMVCA Red Carpet Misses While we are not interested in what their fans will say, here’s our list of the red carpet misses at the 2016 AMVCA’s.

Funke Akindele wore a dress by Enthyst collection. There was just something about the color and the details of this dress we just didn’t understand. We have seen better looks on the star; this didn’t do it well for us. The dress looked too busy for the star, which is why we’re surprised she deviated from fitting gowns form to this gown that is a size too snug, spoiling the impact of that funky plush train. Since the debut edition of the AMVCA’s Susan Peters has, year in, year out, topped our worst dressed list. And

Cont’d from Pg. 36

Joro Olumofin

Funke Akindele

Kemi Adetiba

Flavour

this year, she is ringing the bell again in this cheap-looking blue and white ill-fitting ball gown.

Tonye Garrick has been known to have nice red carpet moments but not this time.

Although this dress was far better than the disaster she had on last year but she did not do the red carpet justice this year in this dress from Peridot. The side details on the dress were just not sitting right; the total look from head to toe looked like a mistake.

Fade Ogunro made us sad on the red carpet with this black lacy dress from Weizdhurm Franklyn. We are not sure what the plan was, but it totally failed. As there is nothing sexy showing under boobs on the carpet. The dress is so young, fresh and sexy.

It screams date rape!

Dakore Egbuson, who is usually flawless, picked a very different, April by Kunbi gown for the AMVCA’s. Her outfit this year came as a shocker, her dress looked like it was made in a rush. It did not sit well on her and the colours were not so nice as well. This is just the exact opposite of the yellow and purple dress which she wore last year.

I think I should just leave Kemi Adetiba on the best-dressed men’s list. This is heinous. It somehow manages to be dowdy and tacky at the same time. There is no way Shade Ladipo would have liked this, had it been paraded in front of her glam squad fashion critic show. All we can say is: “fashion critic” as she has called herself, heal thyself.

Last year, Alexx Ekubo brought the rainbow with him to the carpet and it gave us mixed feelings. This year, the actor came looking like one of those church ushers always standing at the back of a Pentecostal

church.

This isn’t Kemi Lala Akindoju’s first rodeo. So, she should know better than to wear something this huge, ill-fitting and potentially wrinkly to the biggest fashion PR opportunity of the year. Somewhere, her stylist is crying, “I told her to live this dress on the hanger two days before the big show!

Why doesn’t anyone listen to me?”

You know you’re ending up on the “Worst Dressed” list when people are already

making memes about your dress before you finish walking the red carpet. Sorry, Ini Edo. The public has spoken. When will these people realise that they’re not walking up the aisle: they’re going to an award ceremony.

Darey is normally so well dressed, but this ensemble plus “that” sneakers is just kinda too “Let me rush quickly to Dbanj’s crib” for such an A-list event like the AMVCA’s.

There was just about the right amount of lighting at the AMVCA’s for anyone to take the perfect selfie. But Chigozie Atuanya clearly didn’t get the memo. Hence he arrived in so much red to bring more light and colour to the already “red carpet.”

Uche Jombo’s flowing black sheer creation missed the mark when it came to red carpet glamour. The floor-length gown was a ‘what do you expect when a comedy role have gone deep into your personal style’.

Mr. Ibu was a huge joke just like he was on stage presenting the award for best actor in comedy.

Beverly Osu manages to have her gorgeous features overshadowed by a slightly confusing dress that has all the excitement of a restaurant napkin.

The boobs aren’t so big, but if there was ever a dress which was going to make people accuse you of having ‘child bearing hips’, Cool Fm’s Lolo 1 is wearing it. She could be forgiven if the dress was well arranged on her but maybe she brought her comedic side to the carpet. But she’s almost forgotten because of the gown’s lack of shape and distracting sleeves. Please hire a stylist!

Femi Jacobs, a.k.a, Mr. “M” from the award winning movie last year, “The Meeting” didn’t impress this year. In fact, Buffalo Bill seems to have been Emma Nyra’s delightful hair, face and flattering top half makes the bottom half of her red dress look like the fun just sort of stopped.

There’s no other way around it: Jesse Jagz’s suit is just ugly. Kudos, for we’re not sure if big brother Africa contestant, Melvin Oduah is on his way to a rave or just parachuted in, but he looks happy, which is really proving that good intentions don’t always yield good results. Kehinde Bankole’s replica of Zuhair Murad couture gown worn by model, chanel Iman somehow feels too busy and a little unfinished. Epic fail!

We applaud Helen Paul’s effort to be fashion-forward with that hair. However, that pink satin get-up has got to go! It’s frumpy, lumpy and it. We hate shapeless, unflattering gowns that make otherwise beautiful women look like sacks of potatoes.

Enough said about Tomi Odunsi.

Ibinabo Fiberesima wore possibly the worst outfit so far! Take it away! How Van Vicker packed his bag, flew from Ghana into Nigeria knowing that this is what he’d be wearing for the AMVCA’s still shocks me.

Colour me purple… That’s all.

Do we really need to write anything about this Bolanle Ninalowo’s look? Nobody needs glasses to see what’s wrong with it; do they? The Kunle Remmy’s Balmain inspired blazer looks like it was sewn together by the killer from “Silence of the Lambs”.

The Full list of Winners CATEGORY WINNER BEST OVERALL MOVIE (AFRICA) DRY STEPHANIE LINUS BEST WRITER OF A MOVIE/TV SERIES Ayanda TRISH MALONE BEST COSTUME DRY UCHE NANCY BEST MAKEUP Ayanda LOUIZA CAROLE BEST LIGHTING COMMON MAN

STANLEY OHIKHUARE BEST DIRECTOR TELL ME SWEET SOMETHING AKIN OMOTOSHO BEST PICTURE EDITOR Rebecca SHIRLEY FRIMPONG - MANSO BEST DOCUMENTARY FAAJI AGBA REMI VAUGHAN - RICHARDS BEST ART DIRECTOR (MOVIE/TV SERIES) THE REFUGEES FRANK RAJA ARASE BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER TELL ME SWEET SOMETHING PAUL MICHAELSON

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12, 2016

March 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FITNESS FILE

Why Interval Training Is a HIIT

W

anna know why your gut still jiggles despite hours of exercise? It’s all that tedious, boring jogging. If you want to go shirtless and cut your workout time in half, say good-bye to five-mile runs and hello to high-intensity interval training or HIIT. The concept behind HIIT is simple: Exercise as hard as you can for a few minutes, recover just long enough to stop sucking wind, and repeat. This spikes your metabolism and builds muscle quickly.

And unlike those leisurely treadmill sessions, it burns calories both during a workout and (here’s the beautiful part) for up to 24 hours afterward.

In order to erase the body’s oxygen debt, fatty acids are released and used as fuel for recovery. This all happens in the time after a workout is complete. You will not receive this great benefit simply doing low intensity exercise. You need to be working out in your anaerobic zone at maximal heart rates to really see that added fat loss effect. The regiment is brutal but quick.

You’ll be done with the whole thing in twenty to thirty sweat-filled (and swearfilled) minutes.

The key is to pick exercises that use the majority of muscle groups. Using HIIT for isolation exercises will be ineffective.

However, using them for full body exercises like sprinting, squats, deadlifts, and plyometrics will really kick your fat loss into high gear. These exercises are all functional moves Functional Training was originally employed by physical therapists and rehabilitation staff in order to restore strength and response to the body after accidents. However functional training has found a new lease of life in assisting with a variety of different day-to-day activities through increasing the range of motion, strength and ability for the individual through a variety of different tasks.

Things such as lifting, bending and back strength benefit enormously from HIIT workouts. Whilst most people with a keen interest in fitness are usually quite flexible and fit, even the healthiest person can discover problems or have difficulty participating in these types of activities, especially later in life. Functional moves prepare the body for these forms of activity common in our daily lives.

The exercises within HIIT have a high focus on the strengthening of abdominal muscles and back muscles. Through strengthening these muscles overall, your strength and balance will create more efficient movement patterns which lead to better core strength and less injuries.

But strength is not the only benefit.

Coordination improves through training or retraining the muscles to work together and the joints are also stabilized and the range of motion is increased.

For example, a squat is a functional exercise because it trains the muscles used when you rise up and down from a chair or pick up low objects. By training your muscles to work the way they do in everyday tasks, you prepare your body to perform well in a variety of common situations.

HIIT tends to consist of multijoint, multimuscle exercises. Instead of only moving the elbows, for example, a functional exercise might involve the elbows, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles.

This type of training, properly applied, can make everyday activities easier, reduce your risk of injury and improve your quality of life. This type of training may be especially beneficial as part of a comprehensive program for older adults to improve balance, agility and muscle

strength, and reduce the risk of falls.

Don’t think of fitness as something that is done only in a gym. By simply taking advantage of your every day movements you can turn your office or home into an effective HIIT area! It’s about conditioning your body to function correctly during day-to-day activities, whether that means lifting your kids or carrying a laundry basket up a long set of stairs. Although it’s been a trendy exercise topic for years, tailoring your workout to include functional fitness exercises is more than just throwing around a buzzword.

The key is to do a full body exercise for a certain period of time, and follow it up with a short rest interval, and then get right back into it. Yes, you are going to be breathing hard and not fully recovered before you start your next working set, but that’s what makes HIIT so effective. Your goal is to be able to work out at a high intensity for a longer period of time with less and less rest between intervals.

To progress with HIIT, you are going to want to vary your interval times. Try lowering the amount of rest time between high intensity intervals, or try jogging instead of walking. Try shaving just 5 seconds off of every rest interval each time you work out. Eventually, you will be sprinting at a higher speed for a longer period of time than when you started.

Fueling Your Workout Fueling your exercise routines requires quality carbohydrates, lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and fluids. Your muscles rely on carbohydrate foods like breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables for a quick energy source. Protein is needed to build and maintain muscles and for healthy blood cells. Blood cells deliver nutrients and ox-

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

ygen to working muscles. Basically, foods provide the petrol to the body’s engine, and fluids provide the water to your body’s radiator. Without these crucial fuels and fluids, your body will have a hard time performing at its best.

The pre-workout meal is not the time to get adventurous and try a new food. A grilled chicken sandwich or a handful of nuts might fit the pre-game meal description, but stay clear of the fried, oily food and soft drinks.

HIIT is intense exercise, it’s therefore not advisable to workout on an empty stomach. Eat some easy-to-digest carbs (a slice of toast,

half a plain bagel, a banana, or cup of fruit cocktail washed down with a glass of water) to help provide fuel. If you’re a morning person, then be aware that after sleeping, the overnight fast can deplete your liver stores of carbohydrate, so a quick boost of carbs before longer exercise is recommended.

Muscles need protein for recovery and growth, and the best time to deliver protein appears to be right after exercise.

Providing high-quality protein after exercise gives your muscles the fuel and the building blocks needed for both repair and for growth. Protein shakes and powders are effective, but your muscles don’t care if the protein comes from a hard-boiled egg, glass of chocolate milk or whey protein shake. Whatever you choose, more isn’t better, only 10 to 20 grams of protein is needed to provide amino acids (the building blocks of protein) to muscles.

It’s also important to stay hydrated. Not only does being well hydrated improve your performance, it can save your life. Water acts as your body’s cooling system; without sufficient water during exercise your body temperature can reach dangerously high levels. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of fluids with meals and drink about two glasses of water two hours before exercise.

From competitive edge through to long lasting health and fitness benefits received, HIIT offers a practical, useful and important type of exercise with a proven track record in improving a person’s quality of life. It literally affects every area of your life.

MARCH 12, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Nkeiruka-Fruche SS16 Collection

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 12, 2016

FASHION FILE

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Nkeiruka-Fruche SS16 Collection

F

or Spring/Summer 2016, Nigerian fashion brand Fruche is inspired by the human pursuit of happiness. The collection is named after the creative director’s mother, Lilian Nkeiruka Aghuno.

In Igbo culture and socialisation, we pray for life, children, good harvest and most important happiness. The name ‘Nkeiruka’ is an Igbo name that means ‘what is to come is greater’ which reminds us of what rainbow signifies. It was important for the brand to incorporate the colours of the rainbow in the colour palette of this collection as they exude happiness.

We all aspire to be happy. According to the great philosopher Aristotle, “Happiness depends on ourselves.” More than anybody else, Aristotle enshrines happiness as a central purpose of human life itself. As a result, he devotes more space to the topic of happiness than any thinker prior to the modern era. For Aristotle, happiness is a final end or goal that encompasses the totality of ones’ life. He was convinced that a genuinely happy life required the fulfillment of a broad range of conditions, including physical as well as mental well-being. it is more like the ultimate value of your life as lived up to this moment, measuring how well you have lived up to your full potential as a human being.

The designer draws inspiration for naming this collection from a line in the 1960 film- psycho. “A boy’s best friend is his mother”, spoken by Anthony Perkins playing the character of a shy but homicidal schizophrenic, Norman Bates. A woman named Marion Crane played by Janet Leigh stops running from the law for a night at a quaint little motel- The Bates Motel. She sits down for a bite to eat with the gentle innkeeper, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).

He’s a good boy, managing the motel of his mother. Sure, Mother seems a bit overbearing (Marion heard her screaming earlier), but Norman Loves her. When Marion asks Norman if he ever goes out with friends, he

says, “A boy’s best friend is his mother”.

“My mother was a fashion designer back in the day and I have watched her all my life. I would sneak pieces of fabric from her work area into my room and create things that nobody could really even wear and put them on my sister, Nkem. After a while, she saw me doing this and randomly started giving me her ankara head-ties to make whatever it was I wanted to create.

My mother is one of my biggest sources of inspiration and happiness. She helped a lot with me juggling, creating this collection for Lagos Fashion and Design Week and my final exams. Lagos fashion and design week has done a lot for the brand and for myself through the fashion focus programme as well as fayrouz and I’m forever grateful.

My journey has just begun, I have a whole lot more to learn, I see growth and that, of course, makes me very happy.” - Frank Our SS16 collection is also 70s inspired, as the early 70s were referred to as the hippie days. A hippie is one who embraces life to the fullest, promotes peace, love and happiness, but as well sticks up for what they believe in. There’s a hippie-chic vibe with flared pants and sleeves, running shorts and tanks, culottes and short skirt. We have incorporated our signature thigh-high slit once again, swarovski crystal applique, stucture, sashes that mimic an ikpele and shapes. There’s also a strong androgynous vibe with the collars and sleek pants for womenswear and organza jacquard shirts and high-waist pants for menswear. We used crepe chiffon, crepe Georgette, duchess, mesh, wool and cotton fabrics in colours of red, orange, blue, green, wine, purple, pink, champagne, grey, and black.

Once again, we collaborated with the creative director’s twin Fred Aghuno on the set design for this lookbook. The background basically mirrors the collection in the sense that it’s about reflection and finding happiness in making old things new again.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •march 12, 2016

MARKET PLACE

L-R: Chief of Staff to Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission,NCC,Usman Malah; Director,Public Affairs, NCC,Tony Ojobo; Executive Vice Chairman, NCC,Prof. Umar G.Danbatta; Acting DG, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),Engr.Ahmed Abdu;Director, Finance and Management Services BPP,Dr.Chris Iwuagwu ; and Director Human Capital and Infrastructure Group, NCC,Mrs Marham Bayi during the courtesy visit to the BPP recently.

L-R: Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Group; Oba Sikiru K Adetona, The Awujale of Ijebuland, and Dr Segun Oshin, Pro Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University during the World Press Conference on the endowment of a professorial chair in governance at the University held at the Oba’s Palace, Ijebu-Ode, recently.

Market Survey Reveals Nigerians Appetite for Foreign Products Despite the move by the government to encourage patronage and consumption of locally made goods and services to save the dwindling Naira and ultimately grow the economy, consumers have not stopped the crave for imported items.

When THISDAY engaged some shop owners and shoppers in a chat, not too many seemed to believe in Nigerian products despite widespread campaign to promote made-in-Nigeria goods According to Lola Agbaje, a boutique owner in Ogba, Lagos, “I have never sold Nigerian products in my store, not because I don’t value them but because my customers won’t even look at them twice; customers are foreign wears crazy and we have no option than to dance to

Subscribers, Group Move against Proposed Phone Call Tax Nigerians have kicked against the Federal Government’s proposed communications service tax which they described as another way of exploiting the struggling consumers.

Angry subscribers who said they were yet to agree with the government on the newly introduced charges on bank transactions in its bid to generate more revenue due to the prevailing economic situations called on the National Assembly quash the proposal.

The new Communication Service Tax Bill seeks to impose, charge and collect Communication Service Tax (CST) and will be levied on service fees payable by users of electronic communication services which will be borne by the customers. The categories of communication services liable to the tax include voice calls, SMS, MMS, Data and Pay TV. Abimbola Akanbi,a subscriber described the development as one which sought to stifle communications and impose further hardship on poor subscribers.

Akanbi who urged the government to seek other alternative ways to generate revenue said such bills if passed into law may bring about double taxation as the phone companies would hike their charges as a result of the cost they would incur in complying with the law and filing returns.

Another subscriber chidi Obinna, said the government had indirectly chosen another way to revive the social media bill.

“The implication of this is that Nigerians will have to pay more for communications services including data bundle to access social media. Should we pay more for these services, then there will be limit to how we visit these platforms because of fear of exorbitant charges.” Also reacting, The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said the bill should not be made to stand considering the inconvenience it would foist on subscribers.

According to Executive Secretary of ATCON, Ajibola Olude “Already, Nigerians are complaining of economy hardship, imposing another tax on them will add to their burden and in effect, reduce communications growth.

“As far as we acknowledge that it is a trying period for the economy, that is not to say that we should transfer the burden on consumers who are also strongly affected by the harsh economy status. Already, subscribers are already paying high for telecommunications services compared to what is obtainable in other countries. Asides this, telecommunicaton business will be largely affected because subscribers will reduce their interaction with telecommunications services and in turn affect the overall profits of service providers.” Olude noted.

their tune. Even now that they are shouting buy Naija here and there, customers attitude have not changed, in fact, the demand for foreign wears increases the more on a daily basis.”

A visit to the children section of Eko Idumota market further justifies Nigerians’ growing love for foreign goods as most consumers would not stop by until they sight a store where imported products are displayed.

A shop owner who did not want to be named told THISDAY that the trend in the market had always been the demand for UK or US products no matter how expensive they are because of the Forex challenge and for them as traders, the only way to remain relevant in the market

was to stock their stores with over 80 per cent of imported items and few Nigerian wares for the purpose of the low income earners.

To Ifedayo Oni, a shopper at one of the chain stores in Ikeja, said she had never tasted a made-in-Nigeria rice and did not see any reason why she should do so.

“I’m a Nigerian, though I’ve lived most of my life outside the country, I’m scared of made in Nigeria products because I don’t trust the source. Besides, that is the culture in my home.

Right from time, it has always been foreign rice or none,” she said.

According to the outcome of a market survey carried out by the National Association of

with

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

Visafone Hosts Subscribers to a Thank You Party

As a way to appreciate loyalty and commitment, Nigeria’s leading Code Division and Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, Visafone Communications Limited has engaged its teeming customers to a courtesy reception in Lagos.

The party which held at the prestigious Red Restaurant, Eko Hotels and Suites saw some of the brand’s selected customers wine and dine with the officials of the company in a relaxed atmosphere .

According to Head, Brands and Corporate Communications, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale, the company acknowledged the importance of subscribers to its relevance, the reason why they had chosen to celebrate and appreciate them for always being there.

He said: “We are Nigeria’s foremost CDMA Company and we realise the role of our subscribers in taking us to the top.

We organised this dinner for our esteemed customers just to say thank you to them for their support to the Visafone brand through the years.”

While stressing that the event would

provide an opportunity for Customers to engage the brand. He added that the company would continue to focus not only on providing top notch CDMA products and services, but also activities that would enhance the lifestyle of its customers.

“Apart from providing our customers with a daily free transaction that uses the network to meet the daily voice and data services needs of our subscribers, we also care about their lifestyles. We understand that they deserve to relax and unwind once in a while and we choose a perfect day to say thank you to them,” Ushigiale said.

An elated customer and one of the beneficiaries of Visafone super treat, Mrs. Adeyemi, expressed her joy for being one of the lucky chosen while she also promised to remain committed to the brand.

“When I got the call inviting me, I initially thought it was a scam. On a second thought I decided to give it a trial.

Now that am here, I am very happy to say that Visafone has given my husband and I the perfect treat, we will forever remain loyal to the company, ” she said.

ICT Growth: Telecoms Operators Express Optimism Over FG Policy The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON),an umbrella Association for all telecommunications companies in Nigeria has expressed confidence in the eight-point agenda of telecom regulatory body, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which is aimed at overall growth and development of the sector.

According to First Vice-President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola, effective implementation of the recently published agenda for the period of 2015-2020 would enhance the realisation of pervasive and ubiquitous broadband which the country had been longing for.

The agenda which was unveiled by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta at an international press conference in Lagos include: facilitating of broadband penetration; improvement in quality of service; optimising usage and benefits of spectrum; promoting ICT innovation and investment opportunities; facilitating strategic collaboration and partnership; protecting

and empowering consumers; promoting fair competition and inclusive growth, and ensuring regulatory excellence and operational efficiency.

Teniola also endorsed National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) commitment at ensuring compliance to local content guidelines by all Information Communication Technology (ICT) companies.

According to him, the creation of office of Nigerian content under NITDA was a right step in the right direction.

The association’s First Vice-President also pleaded with the Ministry of Communications and NCC to go easy on the embattled telecommunication company, MTN over imposed fine, admitting that the association being a forward looking organisation had always been playing supportive roles to policy formulation and implementation which had done no little in shaping the ICT sector and would continue to play a major role in the development of Nigerian ICT sector.

Nigerian Traders, NANT, over 98.7 per cent of goods sold in chain stores across the country are foreign made .This implies that only 1.3 per cent of Nigerian made products are being sold in these stores.

The President of the association, Ken Ukaoha who expressed disappointment over the development noted that government campaign against Nigeria’s excessive flair for foreign products was yet to produce the expected effects.

Ukaoha added that if government actually meant business to change Nigerian’s interest from foreign goods, it needed to review the country trade policy which had since been redundant as a result of negligence.

Enugu Investment Summit to Market State’s Potential The Enugu State Investment Summit scheduled for April 12 – 14, 2016 will highlight the strengths and investment opportunities in the Coal City amidst other events.

The summit themed “Beyond Oil: Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development and christened “Oganiru” will bring together local and international business leaders, investors, bankers, financiers, diplomatic community and academia to discuss way forward on the state’s economy the entire South-East region across various sectors including agriculture, solid minerals, trade and tourism.

The Director-General of Oganiru, Ike Chioke, noted “Now more than ever before, with the decrease in federal allocation to states due to dwindling oil revenue, there is a paramount need for government to look at alternative revenue sources that would ensure sustainable economic growth. Oganiru seeks to highlight Enugu’s prospects as a business destination while exploring the state’s potential in a wide range of industries.”

“Key outcomes of the summit will include opportunities for joint venture or outright acquisition through publicprivate-partnership, privatisation and commercialisation of state-owned enterprises including Hotel Presidential, Nike Lake Resort, Ada Rice, Sunrise Flour Mills, and many more. There will also be opportunities to boost trade and commerce in the region through coinvestment in a Free Trade Zone,” Chioke disclosed.

Set up by the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the investment summit is an initiative of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee which also seek to highlight how the state intends to partner with the private sector to leverage its competitive advantage for inclusive growth and development and proffer hints on the best economic policies that would help to engender sustainable economic growth.

The Ugwuanyi administration has mandated a four-point agenda for development of the state to include employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development and security & justice.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

JOE EL

Back Then, I Hawked Pure Water at the Airport Joel Amadi, popularly known as Joe EL recently released his debut album, after his many years in the music industry. Joe EL, who is seen as a lookalike of Tuface, tells Tosin Clegg about his career, growing up and more…

I

I have always believed in myself…

It got to a point that after God and my mother, I was the only one who believed in me. My father didn’t believe. Those days, I would go to Aminu Kano International Airport to sell ‘pure water’ and see people driving expensive cars. I said to myself then that one day I would be like this.

I have friends that I left in Kano who have fallen from grace to grass, but I didn’t give up on my dreams. I looked at people then and said to myself that they didn’t have two heads; though it is all about destiny. There is just that particular guardian angel that will always stand as an encouragement and positive force to drive one towards success.

My sojourn in showbiz…

If music has not been paying my bills or putting smile on my face, I would probably have been thinking of something else right now. Considering the passion I have for music, I am glad I am getting something from it. I used to tell people that music is a living thing. You have to be very certain of what you want from music before you get something from it.

It has been massive…

The initial plan was to release videos and singles like other artistes to actually create awareness. But I am surprised that after eight months without a video and just a single, people were still anticipating my album.

I even thought someone was somewhere praying for me and God answered.

The love is too much and I appreciate everyone who believes in my talent. It is not easy because I am not doing anything extraordinary to sell my brand. The turnout for the album launch was massive too. I expected to see a place filled with people, but it turned out to be like a carnival.

Why my album was delayed…

It was on purpose, because the era of dropping a single or two before you eventually release an album has passed. Now, it is all about social media and that has affected the commercial value of albums. We all know that people can actually download songs on the Internet now and since they download songs for free, it makes no sense to get an album in the market again.

So, we now decided to say that instead of rushing to release an album, we should take our time and make sure we increase our fan base. I am glad that my manager just called me that the first set of CDs we released sold out and we just requested for the third set.

That is what I want to hear.

About the album’s title–Timeless?

If I tell you my story, then you would agree that I am a conqueror. There’ve been many times people who thought I won’t come out of a situation and I did. The El in my name, Joe EL, stands for “Everlasting.” I gave myself that name because everything about me has been evergreen.

There could be delays, but I smile at the end of the tunnel. When we were looking for names to give the album, Mr. Kenny Ogungbe was just staring at us. He said, “Joe EL, have you forgotten your story? From the whole story you’ve shared with me, I have decided to name the album Timeless.”

Leaving Home…

I left home when I was 17 years old but returned later. I then finally left when I was 22 years old. When I said I left home, it doesn’t mean I did that without my parents’ consent. It is necessary for me to clarify that so as not to mislead the younger ones. I made them to know that I love them, but I was leaving to chase my dream.

The support is now massive…

Though my mother has always been supportive from day one but my father had issues with me playing music and I understood.

Being the only son, they wanted certain things for me. I have two sisters. I give thanks to God that I didn’t bring him shame.

I am glad that he tells people I am his son and he is now proud of what I do.

Why I have 19 tracks on my album…

When I wanted to do 19 tracks, somebody said I should look at P-Square (Paul and Peter), who don’t do more than 10 tracks or so. I asked him if my name was P-Square or Wizkid? I am Joe EL and PSquare are stars today because they do their things in a unique way.

We also know Tuface for his unique legendary movement, so Joe EL is Joe EL. I have decided to come out with 19 tracks for myself and my fans. I thank God today that it has not stopped people from buying the album.

Songs on my album…

I like all, but my best right now is track six, Blown Away, featuring B Howard. It is one of the songs I listen to on the album and I hear a different Joe EL. I listen to that song like a fan, not like an artiste who sang it.

Pressures to deliver music…

There are times one goes to the studio and the inspiration refuses to come because of one or two things you are going through in the family circle or elsewhere. A record label cannot understand that you are battling such situations. I might be unhappy today and Baba Keke is in a cheerful mood; so we are having different experiences. I try to put myself in the right mood so I can work.

What’s next…?

We are not too much in a hurry to forget the album because it is doing well in the market. I have not even started my own strategies on how and where I want the album to be distributed in Nigeria and worldwide. I am still working on that and I will be shooting more videos on the album.

I told my manager that artistes these days believe that you don’t release an album for

Amadi

commercial gains, but I am trying to change that mind-set.

Kennis Music used to be everywhere…

You are right to say activities have reduced in the label, but that is not it actually. Tuface and P-Square used to be everywhere if that is the case. You can only make a hit once, then you sustain it and that is what artistes like Tuface, P-Square and others are doing.

You have to pave the way for others.

No matter how sweet a particular food is, it is only fresh when it is newly prepared.

Kennis Music has promoted superstars, so they are sustaining it. The label won’t be producing someone like me if you think they are not relevant anymore.

It is a blessing in disguise…

I don’t blame people who confront me and say I am trying to imitate Tuface because it

is obviously the truth. Whether people like it or not, it is a selling point for me. When you see me, you see someone who looks like Tuface and when you hear my songs it reminds you of Tuface. So, there is nothing they see other than I am behaving like Tuface.

I just hope God blesses me because He has created me this way and He will bless people who talk good or bad about me.

About my sense of fashion…

My philosophy about style is that I would rather impress with simplicity than disappoint you with glamour.

I would rather go to a professional and say I don’t know how to combine colours than doing it myself. I like black much because I believe you cannot go wrong with black.

I just like to keep it simple and if I want to go higher I talk to professionals to keep me in shape.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY MUSIC PRODUCER, SPELLZ TIES THE KNOT

YINKA RYTHMZ

I am Looking Forward to a Collabo with Olamide

Music producer, Benjamin Obaze, well known as Spellz got married recently, to his beautiful beau, Hadiza. The glamorous and well attended ceremony was held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was a big and colourfully-themed event as both power houses weighed in so much to give it the celebrity wedding it was.

DJ Spinall, Skales, Ice Berg Slim, DJ Xclusive and so many other celebrities attended the most talked about wedding in February.

Adeyinka Adeola Hazzan, popularly known as Yinka Rythmz, Omo Mr. Somebody, Mr. Gbas Gbos is a US-based artiste who has music running in his blood and he is awesomely experienced. He is well equipped and surrounded by the best in the game and he is quite energetic. In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his career and more…

‘CHAP CHAP’ BY ABOUDIA’ AT ART TWENTY ONE Art Twenty One is pleased to present a solo exhibition of Ivorian artist, Aboudia, entitled Chap Chap, in collaboration with Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, Abidjan.

This exhibition follows the artist’s continued interest in exploring the urbanity of Abidjan’s cityscape and the culture of the “Nouchi”, a pidgin language that emerged in the Ivory Coast in the early 1980s.

Aboudia is best known for expressive paintings executed in a spontaneous manner akin to street art and graffiti. As a social commentator, Aboudia’s works explore his experiences as a cosmopolitan artist as he moves between spaces and cultures.

Included in this exhibition are the artist’s iconic large scale canvases, depicting amorphous characters and visages.

Executed in a simplistic yet emotional manner, the figures are created with crude brush strokes, protruded facial features and elemental forms.

The exhibition also includes mixed media works, appropriat-

ing photographic images from magazines and newspapers.

Layered with marks, sketches and texts, these works depict diverse cultural references, spanning the historical archive, the tradition of masks and wood sculpture.

Aboudia compares this crossreference of styles to the organic formation of the“Nouchi”dialect in Ivory Coast, a mix between the French language and several local languages.

The overlapping planes of images, symbols and paint create an ambiguous visual imaginary, highlighting the complex relationship between tradition and modernity that defines the ethos of the “Nouchi” culture.

As a malleable language, one must keep up with the newest expressions and trends of the Nouchis, as the language constantly develops, which spans popular culture and music. The exhibition title, Chap Chap, meaning “fast”or“rapid”in Nouchi, reflects the fast-paced environment and wired connectivity of a globalised culture.

SUPERSTORY, WAPTV, NNENNA & FRIENDS WIN AWARDS Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) has started 2016 on a very good note, as the renowned Entertainment Company dominated the 6th edition of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) by winning three awards at the prestigious event, which took place recently in Abuja.

After several weeks of voting by millions of TV audience across the country via SMS and Social Media, Superstory, WAPTV and Nnenna & Friends were awarded Best TV Series, Best Entertainment Channel and Best Kiddies/Youth Programme of the Year,

respectively, due to their outstanding performances in 2015.

Wale Adenuga Jnr., Managing Director of WAP, said, “We appreciate all our viewers nationwide because it is due to their continued loyalty that WAP has remained the number one name in Family Entertainment in Nigeria over the years. While our other content: Papa Ajasco & Company TV Comedy and THISLIFE TV Drama are also at the top of the ratings. We still have many surprises this year that will even exceed what we accomplished in 2015.”

H

ow long have you been in music and what’s your genre?

I have been in music since I was little. Music is in my gene because it runs in my family but I started singing professionally in 2002. My style of music can be described as classical Afro Hip Fuji dynamic style. I compose and fuse hip-hop, trado fuji, juju, Highlife, naija R&B and jazz into my style and that makes it unique among my peers.

What are your biggest challenges as an artiste?

My biggest challenge is the shoe I am trying to fill, which is my dad’s footsteps. And I am trying to blend my daily life activities with the hectic schedule in the entertainment industry.

Who have you worked with so far and who are the acts you intend to work with?

In the past, I have worked with the who is who in the industry like late Dr. Sikiru, Ayinde Barrister, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla, Alhaji K1 de Ultimate, Abass Akande Obesere, Saheed Osupa, Sir Shina Peters, Rasheed Ayinde, Mike Okri, Dele Taiwo and many other US-based live band artistes. But I am looking forward to a collabo with Olamide, Iyanya, Niniola, Reekado and Wizkid.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Having an empire of my own; being able to make my movement a worldwide household theme- “I Am Somebody” -and most important bringing back the organising of concerts like Jazz festival.

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • MARCH 12, 2016

PERSPECTIVE Enugu CJ and Imperatives of Cleansing the Judiciary

T Nick Ikeme

he last time the Enugu State judiciary was enmeshed in high magnitude controversy was during the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, ostensibly for rearing poultry in the Government House.

A statement by the Enugu Rescue Group, condemned in the strongest terms the composition of the Investigation Panel by the State Chief Judge, CJ, Justice Innocent Umezulike.

It condemned is strong terms what it termed clear partisan attitudes of the panel, especially its insistence, against medical advice, that the deputy governor return to trial immediately, even on a wheel chair, after he fainted before the panel during trial. Why the hurry since the panel constitutionally had three whole months to complete its assignment?

The other anger was over the secret trial of Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi. The press and members of the public were barred from the hearing. This secret trial was one of the major grounds the impeachment was subsequently quashed by the court.

Today, the State judiciary is in the news again for the wrong reasons and Justice Umezulike is at the centre of the storm, but this time, on allegations of misconduct and forgery against him and the Director of Litigation and Court Division.

According to media reports, the National Judicial Council, NJC, in a letter with Ref No. NJC/S.14/HC.EN/1/IV/327, queried Justice Umezulike over an allegation that he accepted N10 million donations from a litigant before his court.

This was sequel to a petition by an Enugubased lawyer, Mr. Peter Eze, who alleged that the CJ invited a litigant who was a plaintiff before him to the launching of a book he wrote, and accepted a donation of N10 million from the litigant.

In the petition with Ref No. MSC/23/2016 dated February 19, 2016, the petitioner also alleged that the CJ “altered a court order, for the purposes of assisting a judgment creditor to gain possession of a parcel of land in dispute.”

Citing many instances of misconduct against the CJ, Eze said he had earlier forwarded two petitions dated October 27, 2014, with reference No. MISC/45/2015, and another one on December 9, 2014, to the NJC, noting that the CJ issued a warrant of arrest against him allegedly not unconnected with his criticism of the N10 million donation and request for

Ugwuanyi the CJ to transfer the case for conflict of interest.

Describing the order for his arrest as a gross abuse of judicial power and his fundamental rights, Mr. Eze told the NJC it was meant to intimidate and cow him for complaining about the earlier misconduct of Justice Umezulike.

In addition, he said has been harassed by the police sent on exile, while his legal practice has virtually ground to a halt all because he pointed out to Justice Umezulike that it was wrong for a judge to invite a litigant who is a plaintiff in his court, to a launching of a book written by him (Umezulike), and accept a donation of N10 million from the litigant.

Noting that his previous petitions against the CJ were not given proper attention, the petitioner added: “It is my fervent prayer that this time, my complaints are seen to be grave enough to warrant a panel of enquiry being set up to investigate Hon. Justice Umezulike”.

Before the latest report, media was also rife with reports of the directive by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice directing the NJC and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate alleged forgery of a Judgment Order by the CJ and the Director of Litigation and High Court Services in Enugu State.

This was consequent upon a petition dated 25th November 2015 by Mr. Eze. According to the reports, on 25th June 1985, Justice P. K. Nwokedi, the Chief Judge of Anambra State (who later became a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria) delivered a judgment in Suit No. E/170/76: Nnaji & Ors. V. Nwugwu Ors awarding the Umunneshi Family of Umunaji Ngene, Amechi Uwani (plaintiffs), title to a

parcel of land known as “Agbirigba UmuNeshi.

However, in 2009, Mr. Aneke and the Chief Judge of Enugu State allegedly forged a Judgment Order in the said suit, in which Justice Umezulike claimed that he heard the said suit in 1985 and delivered judgment in the suit without mentioning that the suit was heard by Hon Justice P. K. Nwokedi. The Order was issued under the hand of Hon. Justice Umezulike dated 25th June 1985 and also supposedly signed by Mr. Vin Aneke, Director, Litigation and Courts Division.

Surprisingly, Hon. Justice Umezulike was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980 and was only elevated to the Bench in 1993. In other words, the CJ was neither a judge nor in the High Court in 1985. He was not even a High Court Judge in old Anambra State in the first place.

Mr. Vincent Aneke, on the other hand, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002. He was neither a lawyer in 1985 nor the Director of Litigation and Courts Division, in the High Court of Anambra State in 1985.

To worsen the whole scenario, Mr. Eze has also flaunted purported Deed of Gift showing how Mr. Aneke got gratification in parcels of land from those who took possession of the land in question vide Warrant of Possession (beneficiaries of the alleged forged Judgment Order) as well as a receipt showing how Aneke sold two plots of the land (plots 42 and 44) on 26th November 2010 at the cost of N1 million to one Mr. Ndubuisi Stephen of Umunnukwu, Amechi-Uwani, Awkunanaw, Enugu State.

Meanwhile, the CJ and the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Enugu Branch are having running battle such that the Chairman of the Enugu Bar, Dr. Osita Nnamani Ogbu, was prevented from rendering his address in the tradition of the Bar and Bench during the opening of the 2015-2016 Legal Year in Enugu State. But for protests, a junior lawyer outside Enugu Bar would have spoken for Senior Advocates within the jurisdiction, whereas there were many SANs to do that.

In a recent open letter to the CJ published in national dailies, the Enugu Bar lamented the deterioration of Enugu judiciary, including exorbitant and unreceipted fees, difficulty in securing transfer of cases, retention of a retired officer (Mr. Vin Aneke) as the Director of Litigation and high Court Services, delay in the assignment of cases, delay in disposal of cases, delay in obtaining of court records, lack of guidelines for the appointment of judges of lower courts, paucity of bailiffs, and high

charges by bailiffs, among others.

While I don’t support the singling out of the judiciary for crucifixion as any corruption/misconduct therein is a reflection of the rot within the larger Nigerian society, it needs be stressed that like Caesar’s wife, Nigerians expect members of our judiciary, especially their Lordships, to be above board. In fact, if the judiciary sanitises itself such that there cannot be pervasion of justice no matter the affluence and influence of the persons involved, corruption and abuse of power in the other arms of government and society will drastically reduce.

The Justice Umezulike saga also seems to justify the advocacy that serving judicial officers should not be members of the NJC. Umezulike is a serving member of the NJC, occupying one of the few seats allocated to the states. Could this explain why the previous petitions by the petitioner and others never saw the light of the day? Also, just as it is difficult for a Minister of Justice and Attorney General to charge his fellow cabinet Ministers to court over any crime, how easy is it for the NJC to sanction one of their own?

We must also de-politicise the appointment of judges and magistrates. Experience, competence, and integrity should be the watchword. The appointment of Justice Umezulike as the CJ in 2004 was enmeshed in controversy. Whereas the Hon. Justice Ralph Agbo was the most senior serving judge in Enugu State at the time, former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani was said to be uncomfortable with him. Justice Agbo was, therefore, moved to the Court of Appeal, allegedly to pave way for Umezulike.

In fact, he was allegedly appointed a judge in the first place after a mere 13 years at the Bar. Even at that, allegation making the round is that he didn’t have deep legal practice and had no known personal law office where he practiced law before his appointment into the bench. Citing the many criticisms of his judgment by the Court of Appeal, they insist that but for that fact that he served as the Personal Assistant to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Clement Akpamgbo, he wouldn’t have been considered ahead of other more qualified persons.

While nobody should jump into conclusions yet, let nothing be swept under the carpet also.

Did Umezulike invite a litigant to book presentation and accept N10 donation? Did he forge a Judgment Order? Did Aneke take gratification?

Only a thorough and swift disposal of this matter can give more credibility and momentum to the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration.

Ikeme is a public affairs analyst

INEC Should Deliver Integrity Elections

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Eddie Mbadiwe

hese are integrity times. It is proper therefore to start with a confession. I was one of those that congratulated Professor Jega and the Independent National Electoral Commission at the conclusion of the 2015 polls. That congratulation was however qualified contextually vis-à-vis earlier elections. In our recent history (Pre 2015) it is fact that a few governors were thumb-printed, results written and elections won before the actual voting. Such governors served out their terms in spite of tribunals and courts.

Massive rigging, thuggery and brigandage which unfortunately are integral parts of the Nigeria electoral cycle also played out in 2015. Any movement to transparent elections must have truth as the foundation. Any other premise will be self-denial and chasing shadows. Nigerians must look at ourselves eyeball to eyeball and say it is as it is.

Nigeria must worry about the long-term prospects for democracy in our land. True democracy involves the unfettered freedom by eligible voters to get into polling booths and cast their votes in the firm belief that their votes will decide who rules them. In the same vein, it is worrying that people

can blatantly commit election crimes, then perjury in court and openly boast about it, ‘O’ rule of law why have you abandoned us?

There is trepidation in the land and hence this clarion call to INEC to do all that is humanly possible to stop this electoral rut.

Forces of evil seem to be in the ascendency fighting to eclipse the good people of Nigeria.

When wise people withdraw and fail to speak up, evil blossoms as nature abhors a vacuum.

Mr. President in his recent visit to London in an interactive session appealed to Nigerians resident in the U.K to come home.

This must have pleased David Cameron for there are millions of our countrymen living permanently in Britain. Mr. President, they heard you loud and clear but let me save you the stress. The simple response is that they will not come. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who you recently appointed SSAwith duties including Diaspora will confirm this. Many of these are hard-nosed professionals and business people are among the brightest and best in the world in their chosen professions. Afew who dared to join the political train here were frustrated by the reinforced brick-wall placed as a barrier by their home resident peers.

Penetration was impossible and majority hurried back with red eyes and bloody nose.

They would rather forget the expense and have their peace of mind.

The other reason is that a number of Nigerian elite do not have the liver to fight and effect meaningful change. Every change comes with sacrifice and a price and many are not prepared to pay the price. Their comfort zone is much more enjoyable and it is easier to be arm-chair critics and all-knowing pundits.

To ensure that politics does not get entrenched as it is at the moment, we have to do serious re-thinking and do a re-jig of the salaries, perks and allowances of political office holders. Politics must be and also be seen as an avenue for service to humanity. It does not have to be the only business in town as people are now saying.

As long as these fundamental issues are not addressed and sorted, elections will continue to be fights to the finish in which the winner takes all. The whole election cycle has become a circus and one huge joke as an American visitor recently put it. Even in this change agenda with a 2016 padded yet to be passed budget, there are loud rumblings about staccato distribution of major projects. Is it all doom and gloom? Far from it: Nigerians are ranked among the happiest people in the world who will never accept a state of anomie. Most of us are incurable optimists and Fela captured the mood of the nation graphically when he composed “Suffering and Smiling” na so e be my compatriots.

An attitudinal change similar to what

obtains in the North with comparatively few election petitions because everything is interpreted as ‘the will of God’ will help keep hope alive.

The National Assembly owes Nigerians an urgent duty to dissect, revamp and put together a new Electoral Act. The current one has so many lacunae which trigger the numerous and unnecessary election petitions and court cases. INEC spends billions unnecessarily in legal fees.

The Judiciary will also have to brush up its act for different judgements for similar cases cannot build confidence. An example is Senator Uche Ekwunife in Anambra State and Governor Ishaku in Taraba State and Uche seems to have gotten the rough end of the stick. The more important function of the Judiciary which is concerned with creation and maintenance of a just Society is being neglected and pushed to the back burner.

The recent vituperations against the Judiciary must be condemned for the day we destroy the judiciary, it is nunc dimitis and to thy tents ‘O’ Nigerians.

Until these issues are addressed and rectified and INEC produces results that have the public trust, politicians will stupidly continue to create many SAN lawyer billionaires with the plethora of court cases.

Mbadiwe was the Deputy Chairman, National Security (7th Assembly)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

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PERSPECTIVE

The President’s Message to all Nigerians Collins Obibi

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t is the month of March and some cities and states have recorded the first heavy rain. With this drop of rain, the very strategic Igbe road in Igbogbo area of Ikorodu in Lagos is as usual condemned till sometime in November or December when the dry season will set in again.

Governor Akinwumi Ambode who has given signs that he can be trusted to govern Lagos perhaps needs to be reminded that Ikorodu with its landmass and phenomenal population growth in the recent past can no longer be treated as just any local government area. Did Lagos State officials see the state of the roads leading to the Babington Seminary School where three schoolgirls were kidnapped a few days ago? Ambode was in Agric area of the town last month and must have seen how vast this part of Lagos is. Truth is that Lagos with all the aura has many rural communities begging for infrastructural attention.

This piece is rather devoted to farming, indeed to President Mohammadu Buhari’s statement that agricultural revolution is a considered option out of the economic difficulties of the present.

That statement requires a breakdown, just as is done after his budget presentation, without padding, to enable a layman’s understanding. The layman must understand and key into it if we must begin to scratch the challenges Nigeria faces today, because things are really bad.

Prices of goods have in the past three months risen so swiftly, frighteningly and unabatedly, engendering fear of the worst. In many cases they have jerked as high as 50 per cent while some have even doubled. The Naira continues the dangerous slide in the exchange market due to low foreign currency inflow.

Gradually, the high hope of better days following the swearing in of the new administration is giving way to despair.

What is agricultural revolution? If it will hinge on government action or inaction then it has already failed. In fact, government does not lead a revolution, the people do. The touted national economic summit will also end up a jamboree, a gathering of the elite for a harvest of big grammar, fat allowances and production of bound documents that we will be paying constantly to warehouse and clean of dust.

A quick response to the hunger in the land today is for every Nigerian who has a parcel of land or small space even in his yard, front or back, to clear

Buhari it and as the rains drop plant any crop of their choice. This should cut across - public servants, businessmen, private sector employers and employees, professional farm-

InAbujaandhighbrowareas ofLagosinparticularand someGRAsinsomeother cities,theelitecompeteto showoffintheircompounds shrubsandtreeswithonly aestheticvalue.Yetthese stilllitterthecompounds withdryleavesjustasother economicallyviableyet aestheticallypricedtreeslike mango,orange,guava,pear, paw-paw,andotherswhich theyshouldhaveplanted.

Thearchitectsofthemake Abujagreenprogramme willfullyignoredtheeconomic benefitsandemphasisedthe environmentalbeautification aspects

ers, youth, job applicants and students.

Everyone should maintain a farm no matter how small. Anyone that needs fertilizer should but it in the open market. Any policy that will return the country to fertilizer allocation by the government must be resisted at all cost.

This should appeal more to public servants who in many states are being owed arrears of salaries even when their governors who now behave as sole administrators are property developers and merchants, indeed living in unimaginable affluence. To federal civil servants, this may serve as an immediate bail out from blocked avenues for extra income occasioned by the introduction of the Single Treasury Account (TSA) while they perfect strategies to circumvent it.

How do I mean? How, for instance, did over 23,000 ghost workers who received salaries worth billions of naira find their way into the payroll of the federal government after the biometric capturing exercise which cost a fortune and which we were assured would nip such cases in the bud?

The maize you drop in the ground today will in three months become a cob of thousands that provide variety of nourishing meals, just as melon and okro. Yam can be harvested from the sixth month and cassava in nine months; rice and wheat from the fourth month. The plantain sucker you detach from the mother and plant in another location this month will fruit around December. The head part of the yam that house wives usually throw into the dustbin can turn to a big yam tuber some months later if buried in the soil at the backyard.

Take maize and plantain. If you consider what it takes to produce these two and the rich harvest from them you weep for the country. Corn of all varieties is among the healthiest foods in the world. It can be boiled or roasted for meal, indeed be used to produce a variety of nourishing dishes.

It is used by industries to produce flour, malt drink, cornflakes, syrup, animal feeds, beer, starch and others.

With all the arable corn friendly land in every state, good weather and high population, Nigeria is not mentioned among the top ten maize producers. The United States remains the unbeaten largest maize producer with over 40 per cent of the world’s output.

Even the backyard neighbor, South Africa is ahead of Nigeria in maize production. Yet, what it takes is to drop maize in a shallow ground, cover it with sand, weed at least once if you

care, and in three months go for the rich harvest. Plantain does not even require fertilizer for good harvest, just warm temperature, bright soil and good moisture.

This modest, simplistic proposition can in the next three months and beyond help to address food shortages in the country, while we wait for the ‘revolution’. And when you remove hunger as the adage goes, you have broken poverty’s backbone. This will also reduce the pressure on the foreign exchange market.

In Abuja and high brow areas of Lagos in particular and some GRAs in some other cities, the elite compete to show off in their compounds shrubs and trees with only aesthetic value. Yet these still litter the compounds with dry leaves just as other economically viable yet aesthetically priced trees like mango, orange, guava, pear, paw-paw, and others which they should have planted. The architects of the make Abuja green programme willfully ignored the economic benefits and emphasised the environmental beautification aspects.

The so called experts disparagingly call this subsistent or local farming. But it fed our fathers and mothers and paid their children’s school fees. The commercial, mechanised, inorganic driven method they have been propagating for many decades now is still test-running in the face of ravaging hunger because it is one of the prototype universal models that do not have a blend of indigenisation.

Nigeria’s hope for food security and national development still depends on mechanised farming and industrialisation. We can begin to pursue and achieve this if we adopt right policies and attitudes.

In fact, government stranglehold on virtually all sectors of the economy including land ownership must abate for private businesses to step in and make the desired impact.

This is still in the realm of aspiration.

The reality is that there is an emergency and some contingent measures must be adopted. The slight increases in crude oil prices do not still translate to anything yet since the amount of imports (toothpick and others) is unbearable.

All should wake up to this reality.

This is the President’s message to all Nigerians.

––– Obibi is a Lagos-based media practitioner

POLITY

NILS Clocks 5, Unveils New Strategies

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he National Institute for Legislative Studies, NILS is poised to take development of capacity building and legislative effectiveness to a new level. The Director-General of the institute, Dr. Ladi Hamalai made this declaration during the recent celebration of NILS’ fifth anniversary in Abuja.

In her words, “NILS is determined to take the legislature by storm through innovative ideas, fresh thinking and dynamic strategies in the areas of training, development and legislative support services.”

The DG, who disclosed that the institute has been charged by its Governing Council to provide services that are consumable and reflect the daily needs and activities of the legislators in the chambers, noted that, NILS consequently

restructured its work process by reorganising research activities and focusing on producing resources that will be very handy and user friendly in the day to day business of the legislature.

“The institute has reviewed its work strategies to ensure that the staff remained focused on achieving target deadlines within timeframes”. She assured that, “every challenge is surmountable through staff re-orientation, determination and discipline”.

While announcing the commencement of the institute’s On-line PostGraduate Diploma (PGD) programme in Legislative Drafting, Dr. Ladi Hamalai affirmed that when the permanent site is completed, the institute would be able to conveniently, host some Foreign

University programmes.

The occasion which was attended by some founding fathers of the institute including former deputy senate president, Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Umaru Dahiru, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang and Prof. Chudi Uwazuruike, provided an opportunity for useful exchange of ideas on how the Institute can enhance the legislative dexterity of National Assembly members and achieve greater goals.

Earlier, while congratulating the Institute for outstanding contributions towards legislative efficiency, guests took turns to commend the Director General for purposeful and value-added leadership in the past five years.

Hamalai

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 12, 2016

MediA & MARketing with

Peak Moments’ Celebration of Motherhood

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others play unique roles in the family.

They are the burden bearers. From conception through all of life’s journeys mothers have been there. They love, care, protect and clear the mess. For these reasons and many more, the global community sets aside two days in the year - third Sunday of lent which comes up every March (UK and Anglicans) and second Sunday of May (US and Catholics) - to honour and celebrate mothers as well as thank them for the enormous sacrifices they make raising their children.

The day is used to shower love, gratitude and appreciation to mothers for their love and sacrifice in building their homes. The day is marked by special church services, such acts of kindness as giving of gifts to mothers and general merry making. Evang.

Ken Nwodika says that Mother’s Day is a date one has to look into one’s life, adding, ‘see what your mother has done in your life and show her love.’

While the Anglican Communion, Church of England and some others join the age old tradition of UK and Ireland since the 16th century of celebrating Mothering Sunday every fourth Sunday in Lent, many other countries including the Catholic Church follow the US and celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. Mothering Sunday was originally a day set aside to honour Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. During such celebrations, children who work far away from their homes are required to visit their ‘mother’ or local churches to reunite with their families and share happy moments with their mothers. With the spread of Christianity throughout Europe in the 16th century, the scope of celebrations to an occasion of appreciating mothers and thereby firmly putting Mothering Sunday on the global calendar.

In Nigeria, Mother’s Day has become a very important day in our annual events calendar making it one of the most celebrated after Christmas and Easter.

The day has also become a day to

celebrate some outstanding mothers who have distinguished themselves in the service of God and humanity.

One of such outstanding women honoured by her church, St. James Anglican Church,Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Mothers’ Day was 79 year old Madam Comfort Ify Okonkwo. The vicar’s wife, who is also the women leader of the church, Mrs. Obioma Ezedinobi explained that Madam Okonkwo was overwhelmingly endorsed by the church because of her selfless service to the community.

She said that even in retirement, Madam Okonkwo who is a midwife and Senior Health Extension Worker still attends to women and children most of the time free of all charges. In addition, she has shown uncommon commitment to the things of God irrespective of her age.

The occasion also served the dual purpose of raising fund for the church’s building and growth. Activities on the day included drama, bible quiz, carol, fund raising, dancing and singing completion among many other activities.

Across Nigeria, children used the occasion to shower their mothers with gifts in demonstration of how much they are valued. Husbands also gave their wives treats in different kinds of ways in the spirit of the day.

Women and children-centric brand owners also engaged in different activities to bond with Nigerian mothers on their day.

One of such brands that has bonded with mothers from generation to generation is Peak milk. To make the day particularly special, Peak milk launched a television commercial tagged “Mmama Oyoyo.

The commercial starred artistes like Yemi Alade, Inyanya, Selebobo, Olamide and Tekno. According to Senior Brand Manager, Peak Milk, Miss Oluwaseyi Ayesa, the commercial was informed by the need to celebrate mothers who are central to the family.

She said: “We came up with this new song for our brand’s television campaign as a way of making the society appreciate mothers and what mothers do in the lives individuals and nations.”

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only)

Madam Comfort Okonkwo

The brand took a step further in celebrating mothers by introducing into the market a special limited edition packs for its products emblazoned with affectionate and emotive words like “Love You”, “Thank You” and “Sweet Mother”. With the innovative packages Peak Milk is set to delight mothers with special milk treat that offers them nutritious alternative gift offering even as they continue to take care of their families.

Like mothers, Peak milk has been there for generations to generation caring for the nutritional needs of Nigerian families.

From 1954, when the first consignment of Peak full cream evaporated

milk arrived in Nigeria from Holland, by itinerant traders, Peak has always catered for the nutritional needs from one generation of Nigerian families to another generation.

Two elements in Peak’s pack, the twin palm trees and the mountain attest to Peak are clear symbolism of Peak milk’s positing as the brand for the family.

Positioned as the brand that provides nutritional needs for family growth, energy and strength, like mothers from generation to generation, Peak milk has always been there even as it has advanced its formulation advanced to cater for various categories of Nigerian consumers.

Entry Still Open for Promasidor Quill Awards

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ntry for 2016 edition of Promasidor Quill Awards is still open. The Quill Awards is a platform through which professionalism and excellence are rewarded in journalism profession in Nigeria. Prospective applicants have up to April 14, 2016 to submit their entries, according to the organisers.

Seven categories will be contested for. They include Brand Advocate of the Year, Best CSR and Industry Report of the Year, Best Photo Story of the Year, Best Report on Children and Nutrition, Education Reporter of the Year, Future Writer of the Year, and Best Online Reporter of the Year.

Published works between May 1, 2015 and April 14, 2016 are eligible to be submitted. More details can be obtained from the following website: http://quillawards.promasidor-ng.com.

R-L: So Klin Brand Manager, Tony Obaro; Euro Mega Atlantic General Manager, Manny Uy; Euro Mega Managing Director, Ben Pattinuel and Eko Supreme Resources Marketing Manager, Mrs. Abimbola Alabi at a media parley on 20 years of So Klin in Nigeria held in Lagos… recently

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 12, 20 16

ENGINEERING DISASTER

Lekki Gardens’ Building Collapse

The Pain, the Controversy and the Remand Occupants of the sprawling Lekki Gardens have been urged not to panic, following the collapse of a 5 storey building under construction that killed 34 persons, report Bennett Oghifo and Chiemelie Ezeobi

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ekki Worldwide Estate Limited, the owners of Lekki Gardens, the high-profile estate where an ongoing construction project failed, have resolved to perform integrity test on all their buildings to ensure they are fit for habitation, once the dust clears.

The company is also seeking the public’s assistance in its bid to identify the victims of the collapsed building, whom they claim were not their staff.

They are also alarmed and embarrassed by the reaction of the police that promptly put their Chief Executive Officer in handcuffs like a common criminal, regardless of the fact that he voluntarily went to the station.

The company, as is done in the construction industry, hired a contractor that set up his team of engineers and other building sector professionals. So, in situations like this, it is the contractor that should bear the brunt and not the owner of the project who hired the contractor.

People are wondering why the police acted so fast to put handcuffs on the CEO when they did not do the same to Pastor TB Joshua when the guest house building at the Church of All Nations collapsed last year. Also, nobody was put in cuffs when a block of flats in Jakande estate collapsed last year.

Why, for instance, did the government not hold a Coroner’s inquest like that of the Synagogue disaster, which claimed over 100 lives? Why the rush to remand the owner of the project, who is not a contractor, for 30 days.

Besides, competent sources revealed that the victims were squatters who left their shanties during the heavy down pour that morning to take shelter in the uncompleted building where work had been suspended for a while now. According to available information, the police are having a difficulty identifying the victims of the collapsed building, who are believed to be mainly illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries.

Unfortunately for the owners of the property, the information being released appear to be deliberately skewed against them to give an impression that workers were on site when the building collapsed.

Company’s reaction…

Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited/ Lekki Gardens Estate, in a statement last night, signed by Steve Agbiboa, commiserated “with the families of all who lost their lives on Tuesday March 8, 2016 as a result of the unfortunate incident that took place at one of our residential estate projects in Lekki, which is still under construction. The building collapsed at about 4am in the morning.

“We regret the loss of lives as a result of this incident and are making every effort to provide adequate medical care and attention to the survivors. We are also contacting the next of kin of the bereaved.

“Lekki Gardens Estate is working in collaboration with all the appropriate authorities and will not leave any stone unturned, to find out the exact cause of this incident. We would like to seize this opportunity to earnestly commend the timely intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Authority (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Red Cross, National Emergency Agency (NEMA), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA).”

The statement described Lekki Gardens Estate as “a reputable organisation that is very conscious and mindful of safety. To date, we have constructed over 6000 housing units across the country.

“As is our current practice, we will ensure full compliance with all applicable safety standards and procedures. We are fully committed to putting in place all necessary measures and procedures to forestall a repeat of this unfortunate incident. Every life is important to us.”

The collapse and rescue operation…

The time was 5.56pm on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. At that time, the sun was about to set in the South.

The rescue workers at the site of the collapsed five-storey building belonging to Lekki Garden, at Chisco Bus stop, opposite Oando Filling Station, at the Ikate area of Lekki, Lagos, were all tired and hungry after 14 hours of laborious work trying to excavate and rescue construction workers and their families who were buried under the rubble of

the collapsed structure. As at 5pm, they had already rescued 12 people and recovered 18 bodies.

Suddenly, the excavating machines stopped and in the silence that ensued, a voice was heard calling for help. It was the voice of 27-year-old Tunde Busari calling for help.

It was a miracle. He was buried under the rubble for over 14 hours and, as fate would have it, he was the last person to be brought out alive.

He was quickly rushed to the standby ambulance belonging to the Lagos State Government where he was given initial firstaid treatment whilst they ran a quick check on him. After he was sedated, the 27-year-old welder from Ibadan, was diagnosed with spinal cord injuries.

Still lucid, albeit weak, he gave THISDAY an insight into what happened. According to him, they were all sleeping when the building collapsed on them. He said, “I was buried under the collapsed building. I almost gave up hope but I kept hearing the sound of the machine and I knew they have not forgotten me. I don’t know what else to say. It’s God that saved my life because I was on the ground floor.”

According to him, when they noticed that the building was faulty three months ago, they drew the attention of the engineer, simply identified as Taiwo, to the bent beams.

He said the engineer had fixed the bent beams by double piling it and they had gone back to work without further hassles until the building collapsed.

Like Busari, scores of other survivors of the collapse, were brought out from the rubble, some with minor bruises and others with major ones, necessitating their movement to the hospital. One of those rescued was Hassan, an indigene of Kaduna State, who was heard shouting ‘God is Great’ when he was finally dug out.

One of the survivors, Frank Ogoli, an iron bender, said, “We usually sleep outside but that day, we all went inside because it rained heavily. We sleep in the building because they hardly pay us.”

One of the survivors, who was simply identified as Femi said, “They are still owing me for the job I did for them. When I came to

the site on Monday, it was with the hope of getting my money. Initially when we started the work, we were paid N3,000 daily but later it was changed to N3,500 weekly. Now, I didn’t just get my money, I also have a wound on the head to show for it.”

The construction of the five-storey building, which is one of the two buildings undergoing construction in the same compound, started about four months ago and each of these structures had 30 flats. THISDAY gathered that the building collapsed at about 4.30am, following a heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by a heavy downpour.

Aftermath of the Collapse…

Similar to the collapse of the guest house of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, the five-storey building belonging to Lekki Gardens fell like a pile of badly stacked cards and, on the first day being Tuesday, no fewer than 15 persons, including a woman, her baby and 13 adults were killed.

At the same time, 12 persons were rescued but with varying degree of injuries, even as scores were still feared trapped under the debris. That same Tuesday afternoon, the casualty rate was 15, which was the total figure of deceased persons brought out from the debris of the collapsed building as at 4.41pm.

Immediately news of the incident filtered out, emergency responders drawn from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal and State Fire Service, the Police stormed the area. The emergency workers with the help of local rescue team, were at first able to recover one body and rescued four survivors from the debris at 7.30 am.

At 7.49 am, two more bodies were brought out, even as the figure of survivors remained at four. At 8.08 am, another dead body was brought out, and another rescued, increasing the casualty and survivors rate to four and five respectively. Another person was rescued at about 8.48am, and at about 1.11am, the total figure of casualties and survivors remained at seven each.

The figure later stood at eight survivors and seven dead as at 1.20pm and later rose to nine

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • march 12, 2014

ENGINEERING DISASTER How Lekki Gardens’ Building Collapse Killed 34 Persons

Scene of the disaster

survivors and seven dead at 2.27pm before it again rose to 10 casualties at 3.11pm. At about 3.40pm, the death toll had risen to 11 persons and at 4pm, the body of a middle-aged woman, clutching her infant son was brought out amidst tears by onlookers. At exactly 4.30pm, two other persons were brought out alive but before they could be taken to the standby ambulance, they breathed their last.

In an interview with THISDAY, NEMA South-west spokesperson, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye said rescue operations would continue the next day until they get to the ground floor.

He said, “Those rescued alive were first treated by medical personnel attached to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before they were moved to Lagos General Hospital. The bodies of the dead ones have since been deposited at the mortuary.”

On those still trapped underneath the building, the leader of the Hausa community in the area, Babangida Bello, said they have been able to identify those that were still trapped. He said, “I was informed that the building my brother works in collapsed and so I rushed to the scene. We have been able to identify the names and number of those that were trapped under the rubbles. They are Umar, Ado, Alu, Muhammed, Jemilu, Sabiu and Saminu.”

While the injured persons were taken to the Lagos State General Hospital, where they are currently being treated, policemen from Ajah were deployed to secure lives and properties at the site. Also at the scene was the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Tunde Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who alongside his men provided security.

They were assisted by other security personnel drawn from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority ( LASTMA) and the neighbourhood watch.

On Wednesday, the death toll had risen to 34, owing to the recovery of 17 more bodies that day. As at Tuesday night, the total official figure of casualties and survivors stood at 18 and 13, respectively but the casualty rate steadily climbed to 31 as at 4.56pm. At the site, emergency responders on ground were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), their state counterpart at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), as well as fire service officials from both the federal state services.

Speaking to THISDAY, the South-west Zonal Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the additional 17 corpses were recovered between 7am and 5pm.

He said, “It has been a team effort down there. We have all been working since Tuesday morning to get all those trapped out.

It was a feeling of elation when some of them were brought out alive from under the debris yesterday. We have not given up hope and we will not stop until we reach ground zero to make sure everyone under the rubble is brought out.”

Also, LASEMA’s General Manager,

work at the site and ordered the Lagos State Police Command to cordon it off as it is now a crime scene.

“The state government directed integrity tests to be carried out on every other construction project which has or is currently being handled by Messrs Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited in the interest of public safety.”

Meanwhile, the Eti-Osa Local Government Area Executive Secretary, Hon. Alaba Ajayi and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Transportation, Prince Olarenwaju Elegushi said all machinery of government were deployed to fast-track the rescue work.

One of the rescued victims

Michael Akindele said the deceased persons were taken away by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) to the mortuary. He said rescue operation would continue with the three excavators deployed, as well as other search and rescue equipment.

This is just as health workers from the Lagos State Ministry of Health carried away the bodies of the deceased to the morgue, where they will kept until they are identified by relations.

That same Wednesday, rescue operations ended at 7:20pm with a joint press conference from LASEMA, NEMA, Police and NSCDC. LASEMA’s boss, Michael Akindele said that 95 per cent of the victims are foreigners, adding that their greatest challenge was in calming their relatives down on Tuesday.

He said: “As we speak now, the time is 7:20pm. Search and rescue exercise on the collapsed five-storey building of 12 blocks of flats is hereby concluded and the physical record we have is 13 lives rescued and 34 dead bodies. We had full complement of all responders on board to ensure smooth response and recovery. It is a sad story, but notwithstanding, our job as responders is to ensure that we mitigate such that all necessary actions and sanctions shall be taking by the state government.

“The greatest challenge we had was on Tuesday and it was because the families of the deceased and those rescued, 95 percent of them are aliens. We have people from the north and east, but majorly, those that we saw in this complex were not Nigerians. Some are Togolese and others Beninnois. Hence, the understanding and the emotions carried over, as if they can do better, which they will

not do. The state government will address the public on the situation of the foreign victims.

Today (Wednesday), we had a very smooth operation. I must commend the Nigeria Police, RRS, Civil Defence, Red Cross, NEMA, LASAMBUS and all others for a diligent job.”

In his remark, NEMA’s boss, Yakubu Sulaimon said rescuers were initially denied access on Tuesday morning but security operatives brought the situation under control. We do not have a list of occupants in the building.

The state government will take appropriate action on the other buildings marked.”

Lagos State Government Reacts In a preliminary report, the Lagos State Government said it had duly served the owners of the building a contravention notice for exceeding the approved floors. Thus, the state government asked the owner of the building, Messrs. Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited, to suspend the construction of Lekki Gardens and report to the State Police Command within 24 hours.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who disclosed this in a statement said, “It has been discovered that in a brazen act of defiance and impunity the owner of the building criminally unsealed the property and continued building beyond the approved floors until the unfortunate incident of Tuesday which has led to loss of lives.”

He said the state government would no longer tolerate the action of unscrupulous owners and builders who challenge its supervisory control thereby endangering the lives of Lagosian, adding that the state government “has consequently directed the suspension of

Police Arrest Contractor, MD Also, the Lagos State Police had on Wednesday arrested the major contractor in charge of the said structure. The contractor who was identified as Taiwo Odofin was arrested based on the confessions and statement of the construction workers, who testified that they alerted him about the structural defects but he chose to simply double pile the beams.

When contacted, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, a Superintendent of Police confirmed the arrest. She said, “Yes we have arrested the major contractor. He was arrested and taken into custody.

The owner of the building ran away but we are also on his trail.”

The MD reported to the police, following the directive by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Although details of his arrest were still sketchy, THISDAY gathered that he was arrested on Thursday evening.

SON, LASBCA, Safety Commission Acts Meanwhile, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) stormed the site to collect material samples for testing. THISDAY gathered that the Director, Inspection and Compliance, Mr. Bebe Obayi, who led a team from the organisation ordered that some of the building materials be collected for inspection. He said, “They will be subjected to material testing.

This is to ascertain if the engineers adhered to the proper building standards.”

Also speaking on the cause of the collapse, the General Manager Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr. Shola Adeigbe blamed it on structural defect. He said, “I learned that there was an approval for the building from the district officer. The materials used for the construction was poor materials. It was a foundation failure because it sank before collapsing. We will subject the entire building to structural stability test.

The only thing for us is to ensure that they construct with quality materials.”

After LASBCA’s Adeigbe left, the agency and the Lagos State Safety Commission marked all other uncompleted buildings round the collapsed structure. The agency did not just mark the building, they pasted a ‘stop work’ notice, as well as demolition notice on two other five-storey uncompleted buildings. The notice by the safety commission read, “Sealed. This premises has been sealed following the breach of safety law. This seal must not be broken.”

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SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2016 T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 12, 2016

POLITY/IMAGES

ChimonsBossChallengesFGonDiversification

T

he Federal Government has been advised to take advantage of the crash in oil price to begin an aggressive diversification of the economy.

Mr. Chibuike Achigbu, an engineer and chief executive of Chimons Ltd, a top oil and gas player, who gave the advise at a breakfast meeting with select entrepreneurs in Lagos, said successive governments refused to do the needful because of the oil windfall noting that the country is paying dearly for those economic management lapses due to the crash in crude oil prices.

The failure to leverage the gains of the oil windfall in the past to build a virile manufacturing based economy, he said, had made the Nigerian economy less resilient to the shocks of a unpredictable oil market.

He said the situation was likely to get worse as most developed economies of

the world are fast developing alternative energy sources.

Instead of engaging in endless blame game, the government, he said, should of necessity and priority, think out of the box and creatively engage the economic challenges by deploying the expertise of the best brains in economic re-engineering that are in abundance in Nigeria.

Achigbu said that even with the fall in oil price, the sector was not a closed shop “but unfortunately, the investment choices in that sector has not allowed the potential to be fully developed and tapped in order to shore up the earnings from the oil and gas sector of the economy.”

He said that the emphasis on oil exploration and crude marketing narrowed down the value chain of that sector. “A country like Russia makes a fortune gas which is endlessly flared to waste in Nigeria with the environmental impact challenges.

What level of attention has this received,”

he queried.

According to him, “Nigeria has what it takes to be a major international player in tourism and Agriculture. What practical steps beyond talk shops have been taken to drive agriculture as a business and what have we done to develop and explore the huge opportunities in the tourism and entertainment sector. The questions are endless but this is time to walk the talk and do less of procrastination.

“It’s unfortunate and obviously a lazy man’s approach when governments feel that improved internally generated revenue (IGR) approximates to heavy taxes on citizens and businesses. A lot needs to be done to shore up the productive sector and heavy taxes without corresponding activities in the economy may force investors to look elsewhere within the sub-region.

“Government must cultivate and secure the buy in of local investors most of who enjoy the confidence of these foreign

investors we waste time and resources to woo from abroad. Charity begins at home, the local investors should be turned into viable development partners because they understand the operating environment better, they are most likely to appreciate the challenges, imperatives and how best to walk around them to develop the country.”

Achigbu argued that though the investment climate is gloomy and the conditions tough, it is the business of a thinking government to institutionalize the enablement’s that would strengthen investor confidence.

According to him, the key to diversification of the economy does not lie in the number of workshops, or economic diplomatic shuttles held abroad but in having a robust interface with local or indigenous investors if any meaningful head way can be made in this direction. “The solution to the current economic challenges can easily be found here if the right policies and programmes are in place and the right steps taken, “he said.

Adeleke Thanks Aregbesola for Creating New LG

S

enator Isiaka Adeleke has described the creation of an additional Local Government for Edeland from the existing Ede-South Local Government Area as a welcome development, coming has it were, as an avenue for accelerated development of the units comprising the new Ede-East Local Government Area.

This was contained in a press release issued by his Media Adviser, Alhaj Olumide Lawal.

Adeleke, while thanking Aregbesola for this magnanimous show of love for Ede people, called the attention of the government to the need to give the present Ede-North Local Government Area, an additional full-fledged local government area, instead of an administrative area office, created for it presently. Ede-North Local Government Area, Adeleke stated, has more than 125 polling units, “a situation that

qualifies it to be so split into two Adeleke also thanked the speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam for doing the needful, by immediately rectifying the anomalies that arose from the erroneous “ceeding” of some parts of Ede-North Local Government Area to Osogbo-South Local Government. The action of the speaker, was seen by Adeleke, as “that of a leader with listening ears, when Ede people robustly complained to him over the anomalies.”

The Senator said: “The issuance of a white paper by the government, within 24 hours to correct the stated anomalies has gone a long way to assuage the pains of Ede people over the matter.” Senator Adeleke also thanked His Royal Majesty, The Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa I, the Timi-in-council and indeed, the entire indigenes of Ede at home and in diaspora, for maintaining absolute peace,

L-R: Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Civil Service, Muritala Suleiman; Founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Junior; and the Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Iyadunni Olubode, at the LEAP Africa E-Integrity launch at Ford Foundation, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday

L-R: Chairman, CIG Motors Limited, Ms. Diana Chen; winner Trail, Blazer Award, Kemi Lala Akindoju; Head, PR and Talent Mnet, Africa Magic, Mr. Efosa Aiyevbomwan; and Executive Director, CIG motors Limited, Mrs. Khadijah Junaid, during the presentation of cars to the winners of African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award (AMVCA), in Lagos...yesterday Photo:Kola Olasupo

calm and restraint, at the face of extreme provocation, associated with the exercise as it concerned the alleged but already rectified issue of part of Ede-North Local Government Area being ceded to Osogbo-South Local Government Area.

He enjoined the good people of Edeland, to continue to be pace setters, as far as civility and absolute decorum are concerned in addressing issues that might agitate their minds from time to time.

The Asiwaju of Edeland, also thanked Aregbesola, for naming of Ejigbo Campus of Bola Ige University after him. This he said, is a great honour that he would cherish for the rest of his life.

He promised, to continue to do all within his power to give full support to the upliftment of Osun State and her people, by joining hands with all stakeholders to foster peace, love and unity amongst the various groups of people that constitute the state.

L-R: Chairman, We are The Future of Our Nation (WATFON), 2016, Sir Newton Jibunoh; Wife of Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; and the Convener, We are The Future of Our Nation, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, during the WATFON 2016 in Lagos Photo:Sunday Adigun

Miss Oluwamayowa Famuyiwa (middle) flanked by her parents, Alhaji Kunle Lasisi - Famuyiwa and Mrs Folashade Famuyiwa, after she was inducted by the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, along with other newly graduated pharmacists, yesterday

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 12, 2016

newsXTRA

Human Rights Group Calls for Commutal of Rev King's Sentence Chiemelie Ezeobi

REWARDING EXCELLENCE...

L-R: Senior Brand Manager-Lager, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sina Ajiboye; presenting Birthday Card and Gifts to Dubic Beer Ambassador, Chief Pete Edochie; Celebrants family member, Esther Okoro, and Divisional Sales Manager, East Division, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Dennis Ebeye; looks on during the 69th birthday of the brand ambassador at his Hillview street home in Enugu ... recently

NNPC Continues Restructuring Exercise with New Postings, Engagements Chineme Okaforin Abuja The on-going restructuring of state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Friday continued with the approval of appointment of new persons and redeployment of some of the corporation’s top level management staff to new posts.

The new development followed last Tuesday’s appointments of heads of the corporation’s restructured divisions made up five core businessfocused divisions and two service oriented divisions.

In the new posting, the corporation’s former spokesman and Group General Manager (GGM), Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe

was redeployed to now head the Corporate Social Responsibility Division as its Group General Manager.

Alegbe was replaced with Mohammed Deen Garba, who is the current President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Other appointments are GGMs Strategy and Execution who an official circular from the corporation said would be supporting the GEDs/ COOs of the newly reviewed divisions.

They include: Downstream, Surajdeen Afolabi; Refineries, Ugochukwu Afamefuna Vitalis; Gas and Power, Yusuf Matashi; Ventures, Ladipo Fagbola; Finance and Accounts, Ahmadu Sambo; Corporate Services, Modupe Bammake.

27 Shipping Bodies Get FG’s Nod to Operate in Nigeria John Iwori

No fewer than 27 shipping associations have gotten the Federal Government approval to operate in the country, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello has said.

Expressing delight at the development, Bello stated that the establishment of these associations had become formidable bodies for cargo protection across the country.

NSC helmsman who disclosed this at a two day national shippers day celebration in Lagos stressed the need for shippers to join forces to protect cargoes whether they were exports or imports.

His words: "Shippers should endeavor to channel efforts into exportation of value adding non-oil exports to generate revenue. The Council is still committed to protecting the cargo interest of Nigeria and also enjoined you to remain compliant to both national and international rules guiding global trade practices. The SALS have been very active, I must commend them for their doggedness and laudable ideas and I hope they continue”.

Bello, represented by Deputy Director, NSC Consumer Affairs Department, Mrs. Okam Ada, said that shippers in the country needed to sustain the momentum.

President of SALS, Reverend Jonathan Nicole said the theme of this year's celebration “Approaching a New Dawn in the Maritime Sector.” was the beginning of the process to get rid of poverty from Nigeria's port system.

Nicole said this event marked the beginning of the amalgamation of a very viral maritime institution that would eventually metamorphose into the Federation of Shippers’ Association in Nigeria (FONSA).

Nicole said that Shippers across Nigeria must come together and fight the economic challenges of the country.

“With a powerful institution such as FONSA, Nigeria will dominate the Maritime Industry and even surprise our Trade partners. The period of isolation is gone. Now cooperative and coordination will save us with the massive changes ahead of us.

Our Government will be happy to have such well co-ordinated institutions behind it”, he said Nicole called on the Federal Government to extend some leverage to the operators in the maritime industry to improve on existing facilities, remove the dead infrastructures and give the well tested individuals in the Sector the opportunities to help in nation building.

There are also Strategic Business Unit Heads and they include for: Upstream, MD IDSL, Roland Ewubare; Downstream, MD Retail, Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue; MD Nigeria Petroleum Marketing, Ahmed Farouk, and GGM Marine Logistics, Dalhatu Makama; For Refineries, it is: MD Port Harcourt Refineries Company (PHRC), Bafred Enjugu; MD Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Adewale Ladenegan; and MD Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Idi Mukhtar.

In Gas and Power, it is: MD Gas and Power Investments, Samuel Ndukwe; MD NGMC, Mazadu Bako; MD NGPTC, Babatunde Bakare.

Ventures has: MD Properties, Danny Sokari George; MD Shipping, Saidu Abdulkadir; MD NETCO, Aliyu Sikiru; MD NOFS, Lawrencia Ndupu; GGM RED/ Frontier Exploration Services, Rabiu Suleiman; GGM Medicals, Oyetunde Olubunmi Oyekan.

In the GMD’s Office, there is: MD Trading, Inuwa Waya; GGM Crude Oil Marketing Department (COMD), Mele Kyari; Corporate Services Unit Heads, Finance and Accounts, Financial Controller, Mike Balami; GGM Treasury, Dapo Segun; GGM Liabilities Management, Godwin Okonkwo; NNPC Capital, Aliyu Zubair Sambo; MD Pensions, Danbello Naadiyalle; GM Insurance, Mrs. Izilen Okosun.

Following the death penalty judgement to be executed on the General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo a.k.a Rev. King, a human rights group, Integrated Coalition for Human Rights, weekend called for commuting of the sentence.

The group, while reacting to the death sentence, said it was a travesty of justice and not in tune with modern day trials.

The Coalition in a statement signed by Dr. Raphel Umoren said the trial, prosecution and the eventual conviction by the Supreme Court of Nigerian fell short of all known legal procedure which warrant death sentence and called on the powers that be to commute the sentence without delay.

They noted that from the first day, the arrest of King after the ugly incident in 2006, was fraught with excessive power and indiscretion by the police.

Umoren said, "We will lose sense of history if we fail to record the misdemeanor and abuse of power by the police from day one "It is on record that the SARS team that invaded his house after the allegation made away with over N5.5m church harvest without warrant.

"Even after he was arraigned at the magistrate court on a 2-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder of seven members of his church, one of the female prosecution witnesses conspired with police and slammed an assault suit against him inside the court room.

"While another witness said on oath that Rev. King never poured fuel on anybody and that was why she was not used at the trial in the high court.

“It is also on record that some of the witnesses told the medical doctor at the clinic where they were rushed to after the incident that the deceased sustained the injury through generator accident.

"However, this was ignored by the trial judge who hinged his judgment on fabricated fallacies even when the deceased maintained in her statement that Dr. King was not at the scene of the incident.

"One of the interested parties in the case who earlier claimed that Kings abducted his wife is on record as the first person that visited the deceased in the hospital begging her to implicate Dr. King promising to fly her overseas for medical treatment yet she declined.

"However, after her death, her two statements in police letter-headed papers disappeared mysteriously and in its place, a foolscap sheet was used to fabricate what was said to be her statement.

This is in spite of the fact that no police station recorded any case of murder against Dr. King.

“One of the witnesses was coerced to testify against Dr. King for her freedom but after that, she came to Ikoyi prison where Dr. Kings was being detained to beg for forgiveness.

"All these salient but weighty points were tabled before those that adjudicated in the case yet they ignored them and sentenced the Rev to death at various stages of his trial.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AMUSAN ADEKUNLE OLUWASEGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI THANKGOD OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I Formerly Known And Addressed As AMUSAN DANIEL FEMI. Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As OGUNNIYI OLUWAFEMI GABRIEL. All former Document Remain Valid First Bank Plc and The General Public Should Please Take Note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAOSEBIKAN GRACE OLAMIDE (OGO), now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWE OLAMIDE GRACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ROSEMARY ENOH RUFOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ROSEMARY OMOTAYO OLORUNNAIKE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR OMOTAYO SUNDAY OGUNNAIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MR OMOTAYO SUNDAY OLORUNNAIKE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONYINYECHI GIFT AMADI, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYINYECHI GIFT OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ISA ILIYA MAJALISA, now wish to be known and addressed as ISA ILIYA GAGA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 12, 2016

newsXTRA

35 Suspects Nabbed by Joint Security Operation in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A combined team of the Nigeria security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, the Nigeria Police and Department of States Security personnel, have nabbed a total of 35 suspected criminals in Ekpan and neighbouring communities in Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State This is sequel to the worrisome rate of criminal activities and proliferation of illegal arms in the locality in recent time, a situation that prompted a joint security operation leading to the arrest of suspects believed to be kingpins behind the series of crisis that have

rocked the area.

The joint operation, code-named “Operation Yankari” also recovered a 63 loaded rifles and live ammunition from the house of a prominent chief alleged to sponsor recent sporadic shooting in the local government area.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the raid, Commander, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Benin, Edo State, Brigadier-General Faroque Yahaya, Commander, 61 NAF, Delta, Air Commodore Sani Zakari and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Alkali Baba Usman, described the exercise as successful.

Parading the suspects, on Friday at the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Brig-Gen Farouk Yahaya,

Commander 4th Brigade said the security agencies were determined to rid Delta of illicit arms.

Uvwie Local Government Area in recent times had recorded alarming crime rate with youths of the area known to be parading sophisticated illegal weapons, which they used in terrorising and molesting residents.

Brigadier-General Yahaya disclosed that the exercise would be a continuous one until criminal elements especially in Ekpan and Effurun communities were flushed out, noting that security agencies in the state would not fold their hands and allow hoodlums make the area unhabitable.

He said, "In the early hours of this morning. A joint operation

codenamed “operation Yankari” was conducted by the military comprising elements from the Nigerian army, Nigerian navy, Nigerian Airforce, police and elements from state security service. It was a successful operation to check the spread of small arms in our means. Ammunitions were recovered and suspects were arrested.

"I just want reiterate that the security in Delta State are determined to rid our communities of illicit arms that are being used to terrorise law abiding citizens in the state. Those arrested will be investigated. The operation would be continuous as we continue to gather information.

We advise those trafficking illicit arms to peacefully surround them

Danfoss to Fight Fakes, Invests in Nigeria Rebecca Ejifoma A Swedish firm, Danfoss, has decided to invest in Nigeria through manufacturing indoor and outdoor equipment as well as help combat the scourge of fakes as part of efforts to boosts Nigeria's economy. According to Business Development Manager, Danfoss TMA, Mr. Omoleye Kolawole, the firm had decided to do business in Nigeria because it believed in the economy of the country. "Nigeria is a home to some of the continent’s biggest and busiest markets as well as the most important emerging and developed market. We are focusing on Nigeria. We have a clear agenda and strategy for investing and increasing our presence and footprints in order to explore the untapped potentials in this country." Meanwhile, Danfoss, which affirmed its quest recently in Lagos, noted that it was bringing stateof-the-art products, solutions and latest technology of Cold Chain, HVAC sector, food & beverage industries, oil & gas and as well invest in Nigerians to meet the growing commercial and residential demands for a secured and sustainable tomorrow for the country.

But having observed the presence

of counterfeit products of this division in Nigeria, he affirmed, "We believe a lot of installers are being cheated by the looks which can be deceptive, low quality and sometimes refurbished products." Hence, Kolawole emphasised Danfoss' commitment to combat fake products to a standstill using two-fold methods: training installers and legal approach.

“We believe a lot of installers are being cheated by the looks which can be deceptive, low quality and sometimes refurbished products. In this case, we are providing to the market the right tools to identify fake products and educate the installers on the consequences of using such products.”

Meanwhile, the out-going President, Turkey, Middle-East and Africa, Mr. Leif Floigaard, explained that Danfoss had a strong intellectual property rights team, which takes such cases to the judiciary and relevant authorities much more now that the Nigeria government is presently fighting against such fake products. Through its project, 'Engineering Nigeria for a better tomorrow' the firm disclosed that it was committed to supporting Nigeria's current growth trajectory and the vision of the government.

Abia Seeks N1bn Agric Loan from CBN, hosts EDC for S’East Emmanuel Ugwu inUmuahia

SEE WHAT WE HAVE HERE...

L-R: Rev. Ogunyemi, a religious leader, Mr. Sean Fang, general manager of CWAY Group, Dr. Musa Lance Elakamah, chairman of OAK Group, makers of Lasena artesian water, and Dr. John Nana, an alternative medicine practitioner, during the facility tour of the OAK Group premises in Isheri, Ogun State...during the week.

EU Ambassador Hails Nigeria’s Growing Democracy Impressed with the conduct of the 2015 general elections, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Michel Arrion has commended the growing democratic culture in Nigeria noting that unlike several African countries, Nigeria did not have the problem of political leaders always wanting to over-stay their mandates.

He gave his approval rating during an interview with the Executive Producer of Urban and marketing Trends in Africa, ( a TV documentary), Mr. Robert Opara, in Abuja.

Ambassador Arrion who complimented the overall democratic quest in most African countries

noted that the 2015 elections in Nigeria placed the country in good stead as the conduct passed for a well-organised poll.

He however expressed concern over the number of voters who participated in the exercise, noting that the process still lacked inclusivity.

According to him, “One has to understand that formal or institutional democracy is not enough and that credible elections means also that there are credible number of voters. This is also an issue for me, because in Nigeria for instance, what is missing is probably more inclusiveness in the number of voters.

At the end of this relatively good process that took place last year,

only about 20 million people voted” He further canvassed for greater voters’ education in subsequent elections stressing that it was the awareness of voters that enable them to make informed choices at the polls.

“If you look at your methods, it may be an issue, but I want to insist on one thing – there is no democracy without education! It’s absolutely clear; if everybody can vote and if one man or one woman equals one vote, then those people must be in a position to decide, on the basis of a minimum criteria that they do understand.

“To proffer the answer, you must understand the question, so

to understand the question, you have to be educated. So if 90% of the population is illiterate, how can you have genuine democracy?

How can they really choose on relatively rational basis, on using their minds, their intelligence to vote?”, he queried.

Ambassador Arrien who explained that his mandate in Nigeria was to facilitate the works and functions of the various EU ambassadors in the country, stressed that unlike in the past, the EU had gone beyond a mere development agency to becoming a diplomatic mission determined to foster diplomatic co-operation between the EU and host countries.

other relevant organisations.

Shortly after arrival the refugees, who were eager not to be identified, left the Lagos airport to their homes or other destinations.

Immigration source said the deportees were returned to the country for overstaying their visas in Libya in addition to committing other immigration offences in the North African country.

The source said, “What I can tell you is that some Nigerians were deported today (yesterday) for immigration offences. Most of those brought overstayed Libya.

One of the deportees, who simply identified himself as Chris claimed that he travelled out of Nigeria about two years ago in search of greener pastures. He however insisted that he didn’t commit any crime in Libya that would warrant his deportation back to Nigeriam Since the political crisis in Libya, THISDAY learnt life has been difficult for most residents in Libya.

Deportation of Nigerians has been an ongoing thing as about 76 Nigerians were deported from three European countries including United Kingdom last November.

Libya Deports 172 Nigerians Chinedu Eze The Libyan government yesterday deported 172 Nigerians over several immigration irregularities.

The deportees arrived the hajj camp area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 7:00 am comprising 166 males and six females. They wore dreadful faces, frustrated and despondent and we're hostile to anyone that made enquiries about them.

Head of Public Relations, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mr. Ekpedeme King confirmed the deportation

with on telephone.

The registration number of the aircraft that brought them into the country was not known but Libya might have hired a private aircraft as it national carrier, Afrikiya had remained grounded.

This was confirmed by aviation workers who were on hand when the flight landed.

The returnees were received by various agencies such as Immigration that checked their identities to ascertain their nationalities, Police, National Agency for Protection and Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and

Abia State government has taken steps to secure a N1 billion loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost agricultural production.

State commissioner for information and strategy, Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha made this known yesterday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly meeting of the state executive council, saying that the loan would be strictly applied for the development of agriculture.

“It is going to be purely for genuine farmers; it is not going to be used for political patronage.

It is not going to be used to settle kiths and kin of political office holders,” he said.

Iwuoha said that the need to secure the agricultural loan had become necessary because of the new thinking by the present government to engender agriculture

revolution in the state, adding that the ministry of agriculture had been directed to come up with a blue print for the programme.

He explained that the plan to revolutionalise agriculture in Abia state was to ensure food security for all citizens, engender youth employment in the agricultural sector and the attendant economic empowerment.

The information commissioner assured that two moribund industries - Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia and International Glass Industry, Aba – were set to bounce back to life.

Meanwhile Abia State government has entered into a tripartite agreement with the CBN and the international Centre for Development Affairs (ICDA) for the establishment of Entrepreneurial Development Centre (EDC) for the South East zone with Abia as the host.

Multiple Auto Crash Claims 13 Lives on Asaba-OgwashiUku Road Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba No fewer than 13 persons including an Anglican Priest, lost their lives in a fatal accident which occurred on Thursday at Ibusa on the Asaba-Ibusa-Ogwashi Uku Road in Delta State. on Thursday has left 13 persons including an .

The dead priest was identified as Rev. Stanley Ejiniwe, said to be a popular figure in the Asaba Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which has been thrown into mourning.

However, four survivors of the crash are receiving treatment at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital and St. Rebecca Hospital both in Asaba, the state capital, while the dead made up of 11 males and two females were deposited at the General Hospital morgue, Ibusa.

The accident occurred on the deplorable sloppy portion of the road leading into Ibusa

area about 200 meters from the military checkpoint from Asaba the Asaba end.

The vehicles involved include a black Ford Bus, marked GWK 684 XA belonging to Christ Anglican Church, Ibusa, a Mitsubishi L300 with a Lagos registration number BJ 831 AKD, a commercial bus painted in Delta State colours as well as a Honda car numbered BEN 413 CF. Eyewitness accounts said that the driver of the commercial bus and his wife reportedly died in the crash, adding that the cleric who was recently transferred to Christ Anglican Church, Ibusa, was alone in the Ford bus belonging to his parish.

The eye witness further said the priest was descending the

hills from Ibusa end while the fully loaded commercial bus was ascending before a head on collision.

Saturday, March 12, 2016

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MISSILE Civil Societies’ Coalition to Aregbesola

“Why should a state like Osun that is not viable financially create more area councils? This is a misplacement of priority when the current constitutionally-recognised local government areas of the state could not function and compete very well with her counterpart in other states of the federation – The Civil Societies’ Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEOS) chastising Governor Rauf Aregbesola over his newly created Local Council Development Areas (LCDA),

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

President Buhari, Don’t Offend Those Kids “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven…”

Matthew 19:14 “Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas God, with Him is a great reward (Paradise).”

Quran 64: 15

F

ellow Nigerians, the holy books are replete with anecdotes of the importance of little ones. The Prophets actually frown at anyone trampling on the rights of children. They are considered innocent as they did not come to the world of their free volition. This is why children are treated as delicately as eggs. They can do no wrong and cannot be punished like we do to adults. Even in war situations, everything is usually done to protect them. Every May 27 is dedicated by nations the world over as a public holiday to celebrate children.

Nigerian children are exceptionally brilliant and gifted. They are also very ambitious and adventurous. They excel in every field of human endeavour. Anywhere you go, you must find one or more Nigerians at the top. The secret is simple and straightforward. Our craving for knowledge is unassailable. Education is thus the master-key that unlocks the door of prosperity.

That is why our parents say the best inheritance that a child can be given is education. I certainly grew up with that aphorism and I also saw the practical side with my mother sacrificing all pleasures to pay for my education at one of the best secondary and tertiary institutions of the time.

Nigerians have been travelling abroad for studies as far back as the 19th century. An Egba man from Abeokuta was recorded to have travelled to England where he graduated and qualified as a Medical Doctor in London. On November 17, 1879, Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams was called to the English Bar. Same with Herbert Macaulay. They both returned home to become influential in Nigerian politics.

Since then too many Nigerians have travelled by sea and air in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece. Even long after the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier institution of higher learning, was established in 1948, it was still the dream of many young Nigerians to travel abroad. And the various Governments of the day supported their ambitions by granting many scholarships to allow them to fulfil their dreams and return to contribute their quota to national development.

The reason and purpose of my sermon today is predicated on one major controversy, the debate over whether to cancel the concessionary allocation of foreign exchange at official rates to Nigerian students abroad. As a matter of fact the speech and body language of President Muhammadu Buhari has shown unequivocally that he does not consider those schooling outside Nigeria the priority of his government. I beg to disagree Sir. We should stretch the argument and logic by all means. When asked why he sent his own kids abroad, our people’s General retorted that he could afford it. But I wish to

and better than encouraging our children to rule their world by exposing them to global experience. Those encouraging the President to take anti-people decisions are doing him no good. This government can step on powerful toes but it should not invite the wrath of the younger generation who are not the cause of our backwardness.

Are we saying students who are already in schools all over the world should return home because they campaigned and supported APC in their collective wisdom or stupidity? When some of them went out of their ways to vote for change I’m sure it was not to make their situation worse but they would have expected some marked improvements in their lives. It is not their fault that our economy has taken a cataclysmic fall. We should not punish them for the recklessness and rascality of the elders.

No matter how bad the condition of our nation is today, the kids should remain under our firm protection. They should not be made to regret their support for the change movement.

Some may argue that Nigeria cannot afford this and that harsh decisions have to be taken in the face of our really despondent situation.

However, education should not be on the blacklist of banned items because brains are not commensurate to goods. Nigeria alone has not been able to provide jobs for our army Buhari of unemployed. Most of them are naturally unemployable within and outside for various say categorically that education should never reasons. Nigerian universities are not highly be the exclusive preserve of those who can rated and the certificates are not well regarded. afford it. Poor people have sacrificed to send The few jobs available at home are thus reserved their children to the best schools and being for those who have been to good schools while assisted by Government to do so is not a bad many of those who studied abroad often get idea. Why does this administration not want employed in a jiffy by blue chip companies. to be different by demonstrating its vision of Why do we want to deprive our kids such transforming Nigeria through quality education? opportunities when we have nothing good to Indeed, the debate negates President Buhari’s offer them right away? much-appreciated and advertised credentials Our foreign exchange basket is leaking not as a friend of the poor. because of school fees but largely because of the Education is the ultimate leveller. The best profligacy of various governments of the past, schools in the world are not likely to admit including the present, and the terrible lack of anyone based on your bank statement. The fiscal discipline. For many decades, a country that students still have to undergo very intensive is supposed to be secular has spent its resources and rigorous examination, interview and general on sending pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem. screening exercise. I cannot over-emphasise that There is no doubt that religious obligations it is the dream of every reasonable and loving are important but education cannot be treated parent to send their children to the best schools less so. Indeed, if there is a choice between all over the world whether they can afford government support of religious pilgrimages it or not. It ought to be the dream of every and education, I am sure even the sensible responsible government to help its youths attend pilgrims will choose education.

Ivy League schools and donate them to the It is important to guide our kids and encourage academic world. Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, them to work and study hard if they wish to enjoy Buchi Emecheta, Ben Okri, Chimamanda Adichie government loans, subventions and scholarships. and others would probably have remained local This can be activated simultaneously with the champions if their talents had been limited and rehabilitation of our campus infrastructure restricted to Nigeria. I’m not sure they were and the reactivation of our school curricula to all born with silver-spoon. meet international standards. We cannot cancel It is wrong to say those who cannot afford something for nothing but should replace nothing school fees should return home. What it means with something. That should be our goal. Nigeria is that the children of the rich and those of desperately needs its best brains to germinate privileged government operatives would and blossom all over the world. Nothing should be the only ones remaining to attend great be done to discourage and frustrate them. We institutions. No government should encourage should make the necessary sacrifices for them such disparity. I quite understand the frustrations and not the other way round. Nigeria would of this government and sincerely sympathise be greater and thankful for it sooner rather with our President but no investment is bigger than later.

Even when we have something in the form of good educational institutions, we must not be parochial, insular or myopic especially when the world has become a global village. It will take a long time before we can come anywhere near our desired destination of good schools for our children. If we eventually breed a decent crop of teachers, where are the physical and material resources that will complement them and provide sound thorough education the kind of which we received many years ago?

In those halcyon times, no Government ever toyed with the idea of effectively outlawing foreign education for the middle and lower class or even the wealthy upper class! Every Nigerian, rich or poor, has a right to education wherever they choose, based on the suffering they are prepared to endure and Government must assist and not scupper this choice.

As if to buttress my views, I met a young Nigerian two days ago who rekindled my hope in the unlimited possibilities available to some of our youths. The story of Ayodele Daniel Dada of the University of Lagos has been a celebrated one in the media both traditional and social. We were requested and challenged by many youths to find and promote the academic exploits of this prodigiously gifted genius who had a 5.0 grade point average in Psychology. The Ovation Media Group took up the challenge and we assigned The Boss newspaper, our online publication, to locate and invite Ayodele over. It was a most difficult task which yielded fruits after a few days of camping around University of Lagos, Akoka.

I was surprised when Ayodele walked into our offices. The first thing that struck us was his mild manner. He was simple, modest and humble. We asked him a couple of questions and he came across as someone who truly knows his onions. We asked about his future plans and he revealed his dream of travelling out to the United States of America to study at Yale and hopefully meet his academic idol, Professor Robert Sternberg. I asked if he has any scholarship yet and he said No. Life is indeed very strange just as God is very merciful. Ayodele arrived at a time a good friend of ours, who wishes to remain anonymous, was also visiting. Our friend listened to Ayodele’s trajectory with rapt attention and immediately got hooked. The good news is that our wonderful friend has offered to help Ayodele realise his dream of attending Yale.

The offer came when I asked how he would feel if the foreign exchange debacle renders his plans useless and he said he would be totally disappointed and heartbroken. I’m sure there are many Ayodeles carrying their dreams around the way Jesus carried His cross in Calvary.

No one should be subjected to such pain and anguish at this time and age for God’s sake.

According to a Yoruba adage: “if the Gods cannot make our lives better, then they should please leave us the way they met us.“ True, President Buhari should do nothing to aggravate the agony of his core supporters, the Nigerian youths. They are already suffering enough under the weight of the economic crunch. This is my kobo advice Sir.

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