NASS removes host communities fund from PIB

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62905

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N200

MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Fuel crisis: IOCs agree FG, govs agree to to sell forex to oil establish ranches marketers — NNPC Farmers/herdsmen clashes:

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NASS removes host communities fund from PIB

•Scraps NNPC, replaces it with National Petroleum Company •Changes name of Ministry of Petroleum Resources •Abolishes PPPRA, DPR, Petroleum Inspectorate

TINUBU, AKANDE, S-WEST GOVS MEET AT OSOBA'S HOUSE

By Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—A NEW version of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which removes the strategic Host Community Development Fund as proposed in the botched PIB is set to commence legislative deliberations in the next few days.

The proposed industry wide regulatory framework titled Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB was prepared by the two chambers of the National Continues on Page 5

Northern govs in Owerri, say APC govt's done much 15 Mr & Mrs

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OWEI LAKEMFA

Pure water economy C M Y K

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HENRY BOYO Sensible path to stronger Naira, economic prosperity

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OCHEREOME

NNANNA

Bola Tinubu’s unfinished business

COLUMNISTS:

MEETING: From left: Former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo. (BACK ROW) Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (left], Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi (2nd left) and others, during a meeting to reconcile Osoba, Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

EFCC investigates $40m pipeline 9 security contract

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POCKET CARTOON

FUEL TROUBLE—Cross section of motorcycle (Okada) riders queueing for fuel at an NNPC Filling station in Lagos, as the fuel scarcity got worse, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez. More pix on Page 14.

NASS removes host communities fund from PIB Continues from Page 1 Assembly. The removal of the Host Community Development Fund as envisaged in the original PIB is, however, set to reawaken ethnic and geopolitical fractures in the country given the immense support for the proposal in the country’s oil producing regions in the Niger Delta.

The Senate and the House of Representatives also, in their proposals in the new PIB, scrapped the Nigeria National P e t r o l e u m Corporation,NNPC, and replaced it with a body to be known as the National Petroleum Company, NPC. The two chambers may have also bowed to pressure from the International Oil Companies, IOCs, by scrapping the aspect of the bill that emphasises local content, as the new bill is

silent on the issue.

This is unlike the previous PIB in the 7th Assembly which placed so much emphasis on local content. Under the new bill, the National Petroleum Company is exempted from certain laws of the country, including exemption from provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Public Procurement Act 2007.

In the new bill, rechristened "Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB”, due for laying in both chambers of the National Assembly, upon resumption of lawmakers from the Easter break, the legislature equally proposed the scrapping of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its subsequent replacement with the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated, MOPI. The new bill is an Act to provide governance and

IT'S UP TO YOU

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BY AYO ADIO

OMMITTED people believe they can achieve their goals. They can visualize and are confident of crossing the finish line. It’s up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

As we express our gratitude, we must remember that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them —John F Kennedy

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RATEFUL people have a higher sense of selfworth. I think that’s because when you’re grateful, you have the sense that someone else is looking out for you. Once you start to recognize the contributions that other people have made to your life, once you realize that other people have seen the value in you, you can transform the way you see yourself. Just because gratitude is good doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Practicing gratitude can be at odds with some deeply ingrained psychological tendencies but if we focus on gratitude, we’ll attract our heart desires.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE A decision taken behind the warrior will be retaken; one protects where one lives.

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institutional framework for the petroleum industry and other related matters.

The 53-page bill, exclusively obtained by Vanguard, also seeks the scrapping of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA and the Petroleum Inspectorate.

The three agencies, according to the new bill, are to be replaced with Nigeria Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NPRC. A governing board is expected to be responsible for the policy and general administration of the commission, which shall consist of a non-executive chairman, one nonExecutive Commissioner, three other executive commissioners and representatives of Ministries of Finance and Environment who shall not be below the rank of a director.

The New PIGB

The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, as it would be known, also seeks the creation of National Petroleum Company and the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company not only to manage commercial operations of the petroleum industry but also the assets and liabilities of the nation’s oil and gas sector of the economy.

The document also indicated that while the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company “shall be responsible for the management of the assets detailed in the Fourth Schedule to this Act”, “the National Petroleum Company shall operate the assets transferred to it as fully commercial entity.”

Interestingly, the bill said at the time of incorporation of the National Petroleum

Company, its initial shares shall be held in the ratio of 51% by the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated and 41% by the Bureau for Public Enterprises on behalf of the government.

“The National Petroleum Company shall not be subject to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Public Procurement Act, 2007."

But the bill empowers the Minister of Petroleum Incorporated to, in a ddition to the incorporated entities, incorporate other entities, as may be necessary to assume and manage some of the liabilities of the NNPC. The objectives of the bill being enacted by the National Assembly, according to the document, are to create efficient and effective governing institutions with clear and separate roles for the petroleum industry, establish a framework for the creation of commercially oriented and profitdriven petroleum entities that ensure value addition and internationalization of the petroleum industry.

Others are to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of the petroleum resources of Nigeria and foster a conducive business environment for petroleum industry operations.

One of the highlights of the revised bill, which exPresident Goodluck Jonathan re-submitted on July 17, 2012, to the National Assembly was the inclusion of the establishment of a Petroleum Host Community Fund, PHCF. According to section 116 of the revised PIB of former President Jonathan,”there is established a fund to be known as the Petroleum Host Communities Fund”.

Section 117 states that the “fund shall be utilized for

the development of the economic and social infrastructure of the communities within the petroleum producing area”.

The Petroleum Host Communities Fund, PHCF, contained in the botched bill, prescribed 10 per cent of the net profit of upstream oil companies to be paid into the fund, a development that had drawn the ire of the North, which had noted that the way the PIB was structured won’t benefit them.

The Petroleum Host Communities Fund was contained in section 116 of the old PIB. The bill, in its section 117 states that the fund shall be utilised for the development of the economic and social infrastructure of the communities within the petroleum producing communities.

In section 118(1), it further states that “each upstream petroleum company shall remit, on a monthly basis, 10 per cent of the net profit as follows (a) for profit derived from petroleum operations in onshore areas and in the offshore shallow water areas, all of such remittance directly into the PHC Fund; (b) for profit derived from upstream petroleum operations in deepwater areas, all of the remittance directly into the Fund for the benefit of the petroleum producing littoral states.

Sub-section (2) states that ‘net profit’ means the adjusted profit less royalty, allowable deductions and allowances, less Nigerian Hydrocarbon Tax less Companies Income Tax. Subsection (5) states “ where an act of vandalism, sabotage or other civil unrest occurs that causes damage to any petroleum facility within a host community, the cost of the repair of such facility shall be paid from the PHC fund entitlement, unless it is established that no member of the community is responsible.’’

The IOCs were against the old bill because it emphasized local content, contrary to their preference to export gas, and reluctance to produce it for the Nigerian market.

The old PIB gave the companies great reasons to produce gas for Nigerian consumers, including tax breaks, but the IOCs in protest, made it clear that they still favoured export to America and Europe.

The draft PIB 2012 contained two new taxes at fixed rates – the Nigerian Hydrocarbon Tax and the Companies Income Tax. But though these tax rates are fixed in the PIB, royalty rates – the amount of profit that the IOCs get – were going to be set at a later time, in more detailed regulations.

Contrast this with the 1993 deep water regulations, in which oil companies gained an 80 per cent share of profits, and it’s clearer why the IOCs are dissatisfied with the new PIB model.

For the IOCs, this new deal enforces a standard of fairness that defends the Nigerian taxpayer and the underdeveloped communities of the Delta, asking a little more from the IOCs’ generous profit margins.

Recall that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had two weeks ago, while declaring open the 8th National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable, hinted that the PIB would soon be represented in the National Assembly for consideration.

He added that the Senate and House of Representatives had resolved to do a joint work on the Bill.

The development is coming after many years of non-passage of the bill by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Saraki said: “The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, is working very closely together.

"As part of this commitment, we would all see next week when we lay down the Petroleum Industry Bill; you will see that the bill we are going to lay in each House is the same.

“We are going to lay the same version in the Senate and the House of Representatives because that is going to be the first time we are open to our words."

6 — Vanguard, MONDAY APRIL 4 , 2016

Lagos task force set to enforce traffic laws at filling stations

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Bose Adelaja

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HE Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has expressed readiness to enforce the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 around all filling stations across state.

The Chairman of Lagos Task Force, Supetintendent of Police, SP, Olayinka Egbeyemi, speaking during an operation to clear traffic around filling stations, yesterday, disclosed that there should be vehicular sanity around all filling stations across the state irrespective of the fuel situation.

He warned that government would no longer condon parking at obstruction zones around filling stations, causing traffic grillock on the roads.

Egbeyemi however, disclosed that over 60 motorcycles, popularly called “okada” plying restricted routes were impounded during the operation carried out around Ikeja, local airport road, Oshodi and Mushin.

ILLEGAL ARMS: Lawyer fingers armed escorts, convoys

By Angela Okpe

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Lagos-based lawyer, Gabriel Giwa-Amu, has called on the Police to search vehicles with armed escorts and convoys, in order to curb the movement of illegal arms in the country.

Amu stated this in Lagos, while reacting to the proliferation of illegal arms and killings of innocent Nigerians in some parts of the country. He said that politicians should act responsible as most of these dreaded activities are carried out by some of their agents.

He said “It is indeed pathetic that human life has been reduced to nothing in this country. It is saddening that our borders are so porous, and the Nigerian Customs Service and other security agents are doing their best, yet illegal arms still find their ways into the country.

Now, politicians are using hoodlums against each other.

If this menace is not checked, the effects will not be good for our country.''

He said most politicians use the influence of their convoy to carry illegal arms and considering the fact that the security guards on duty allow them to go without search.

Bakare wants national rebirth, new constitution

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—SENIOR Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly, Tunde Bakare has said that with Nigeria currently in the midst of the predicted socio-economic and political quagmire, a reexamination of the configuration of her nationhood, among others is urgently needed.

He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to institute a Presidential Commission for National Reconciliation, Reintegration and Restructuring that will midwife a process of constitutional rebirth, culminating in a new constitution.

Bakare said this yesterday, in his State of the Nation address to mark the 27th anniversary of establishment of the church, pointing out that the time had come, once again, to ask whether Nigeria was appropriately configured to survive present and coming upheavals, not to talk of fulfilling her great destiny.

Flaws of 1999 constitution

This was just as he contended that the 1999 Constitution was hurriedly put together by the military without the input of Nigerians, recalling that the clean copy of the document was only ready after President Obasanjo and governors, who served under him had long been sworn into office.

Bakare said the presidential commission, which should comprise of highly respected opinion leaders of high moral standing and unquestionable integrity, and having bridgebuilding antecedents, should also be mandated to undertake other critical assignment for the country, while working closely with stakeholders and power blocs, as well as legislative houses.

Presidential commission

According to him, the commission should be mandated to “create a new national identity for the Nigerian people; promote forgiveness and reconciliation among contentious interest groups in Nigeria; foster the integration

PRESENTATION: From left: Prof. Akin Oyebode, Profesor of Law; Dr. Dayo Ayoade, HOD, Jurisprudence and International Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Mrs. Ayo Obe, Human rights lawyer; Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman of the occasion; Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; Professor of Political Science, University of Ibadan and book reviewer, Prof Adigun Agbaje; Representative, Dean of Faculty Law, UNILAG, Prof. Peter Fogam and Dr. Femi Aribisala, during the round-table on winning the war against corruption, and book presentation: Legal Perspectives to Corruption, Money Laundering and Assets Recovery in Nigeria, by Unilag Faculty of Law, at Ayo Ajomo Hall, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos. Photo by Bunmi Azeez. of the diverse sectional groups in channelled in line with the cutting- government closest to the people Nigeria into true nationhood; edge national philosophy from at the grassroots, maintaining that facilitate the creation of an which the new constitutional order was the best way to deliver public goods to the people. acceptable governmental structure will emerge.

“Very importantly, this process “Central to the delivery of public for the country; and midwife a process of constitutional rebirth will also result in the adoption of a goods is the devolution of powers. that will culminate in a long-term constitutionally-backed Political power is the vehicle referendum by which the people national vision that will through which economic value is will adopt a new constitution.” subsequently guarantee accurate allocated. Therefore, power must succession as well as guide policy- be devolved to the levels of making for many generations, government that are closest to the 2014 national conference This was just as the man of God irrespective of the party in power. people and that can best deliver suggested that the report of the Partisan elections and leadership public goods.

2014 National Conference, with its selection will then be based on “Political power must then be Nigerian Charter for National determining which political party used to facilitate the development Reconciliation and Integration, and which candidates have the of clusters. Clusterisation arises will provide a ready-made best strategies to achieve the from the need to factor into the operational springboard for the national vision. That is the pathway value creation process the cultural, to the New Nigeria.” geo-economic and bioteam to work on.

The Pastor, maintained that the geographical peculiarities of the national rebirth process could go various sub-national entities as Power configuration Speaking on the current power well as the need to create on seamlessly alongside socioeconomic development. configuration in the country, competitive economies of scale.

According to him; ‘’The socio- Bakare stated that power must be This necessitates the formation of economic development should be devolved to the levels of zonal or regional structures.'' championed by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led economic team, while the national security and anti-corruption strategy should be headed by the President himself.

“However, within the allowance

By Innocent Anaba provided by the current ground of abuse of Order 4 of constitution until it is replaced, winding up rules.

AGOS—ECOBANK But Ecobank has also urged the socio-economic development and Nigeria Limited has urged Court of Appeal to retrain national security strategies will be the Supreme Court to set aside a Honeywell from taking advantage Court of Appeal verdict on its of the order discharging the winding-up petition against interim/varied order, pending the Honeywell Flour Mills Plc over an determination of the case by the alleged 3.5billion debt.

Supreme Court.

Trial Justice Mohammed Yunusa The bank said the interim order of the Federal High Court sitting was made to preserve Honeywell’s Agriculture, Hon. Toyin Suarau, in Lagos, had last December 4, funds in some banks, namely said the slabs were shut as part of froze Honeywell’s accounts Zenith, Access, Citibank, Stand efforts to curb the menace of following an application by Chartered, Wema, Guarantee unwholesome meat products from Ecobank’s counsel, Mr Kunle Trust, Fidelity and Ecobank until unlicensed and illegal abattoirs as Ogunba, SAN. the case was determined. well as slaughter slabs.

The lower court later varied the According to the bank, “There is Suarau said the plan to rid the order by allowing Honeywell to an urgent need to preserve the res state of such illegal abattoirs and withdraw N15million per week (subject-matter) of the appeal to slaughter slabs was to guarantee pending hearing of the suit, which avoid foisting a situation of wholesomeness in the process of Honeywell appealed against. helplessness on the Supreme selling meat to the residents of The Court of Appeal in its Court, a superior court of record.”

Lagos. judgment, however, ruled in The bank is further urging the “Any butcher caught at any of Honeywell’s favour and Supreme Court to set aside the these illegal and unlicensed discharged the restraining order. entire judgment/decision of the abattoirs and slaughter slabs or The appellate court in the Court of Appeal on the ground that violate this order will be judgment delivered by Justice the appellate court erred in law in prosecuted and have their meat Abimbola Obaseki, set aside setting aside the ex-parte orders confiscated,” Suarau warned.

Justice Yunusa’s order on the made by Justice Yunusa.

UNWHOLESOME MEAT: Lagos shuts Oke Afa, Ejigbo slaughter slabs

By Chioma Obinna

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AGOS—IN line with its commitment to stop all unauthorised slaughtering activities in Lagos State, two illegal slaughter slabs in Oke Afa and Ejigbo areas of the state have been shut by the State Government.

This is coming on the heels of an earlier directive by the state government stopping all slaughtering activities in Idi Araba, Ashimowu and Ilupeju-Oshodi illegal sheep/goats slaughter slabs.

In a statement yesterday, the State Commissioner for

N3.5BN DEBT: S’Court to rule in bank, flour mills' case

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Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 7

Tinubu, Akande, Adebayo, others meet at Osoba's house Resolve differences

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Charles Kumolu

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AGOS—FORMER governor of Ogun State Aremo Olusegun Osoba was yesterday reunited with leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the Southwest at a reconciliation meeting, where they jointly pledged to push progressive ideas to reinvent the country.

The reconciliation meeting at the Lagos residence of Osoba was attended by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC governors from the Southwest with the notable exception of Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, who also did not send a representative.

Tinubu, who spoke to newsmen

at the end of the meeting, however, said Amosun was with other Southwest governors on the reconciliation.

Also present at the meeting were former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo, Senator Gbenga Obadara; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure; immediate past deputy governor of Ogun State, Segun Olusegun, among others.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the nearly four-hour meeting, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said progressive leaders of the zone had resolved to collectively work towards the revival Nigeria’s ailing economy.

“The leadership of progressive

leadership in western Nigeria, leadership of progressive leadership in the western part of the country met today at the residence of Aremo Osoba and have resolved all the differences within the leadership completely.

As such we are happy to tell the world that the leadership of progressive politics is united. And we are ready to jointly prosecute the agenda for growth, purposeful leadership, development, good governance for the western part of Nigeria and we are committed to doing that for the entire nation. ‘’We have resolved to support the effort at the national level to revive the economy and put the people of Nigeria in a better stead than we met it when our party came to power. The Aremo

MEETING: Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (left) and national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during a meeting to reconcile Osoba, Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

himself is back in the progressive leadership of Yoruba race. I have told you that the progressive leadership of Yoruba race is now ready and charged to reposition our land and integrate with others nationwide in its stead. ‘’Progressive leadership is on the platform of All Progressives Congress. All governors of the APC in the Western part of Nigeria are here. With the leadership united, whoever subscribe to the leadership of the leaders must be part of this,’’ he said.

On his part, Tinubu while speaking on the sideline noted that the party leaders of the South west extraction resolved to be more progressive in pushing forward with a common vision.

His words: ‘’What is very crucial is forging one front and for us to remain progressive in our party.

I am an unapologetic progressive and I will remain a progressive.

And that is the only philosophy and principle I believe. Wherever the progressives must unite with their vision, I am for it. Nobody is left out, it is all progressive and no one is left out. The governor of Ogun State is with us. He was elected on the platform of the APC and he is for the APC.’’ The senior special assistant on Media, Adejuwon Soyinka and the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Taiwo Adeoluwa both denied knowledge of the meeting when contacted on the absence of the governor at the meeting.

Tinubu also dismissed news reports that he had endorsed Akande for the chairmanship of Board of Trustees of the party.

“This is not a leaderless revolution, leaders are defined and identified and it is clear that we are all one, including Ogun State governor. We are not in PDP, that is why they think of something they are not,” he said.

I criticise Buhari as most senior governor in Nigeria — FAYOSE

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—DESCRIBING himself as the most senior governor in Nigeria, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State yesterday said his attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari flowed from his sense of responsibility and are not related to any 2019 presidential aspiration as alleged by critics.

Speaking at an interactive forum in Lagos, Fayose said tying him with Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the 2019 presidential ticket was an attempt to discredit him, even as he urged those canvassing for a second term for Buhari to have a rethink.

He said by 2019, the president, who he claimed is presently bogged down by age would have become too old to govern.

The governor at the interactive

session also called on President Buhari to urgently devalue the naira to lessen the pains on Nigerians.

In dismissing assertions of a 2019 presidential aspiration, he said: “Anybody flying the kite of Sheriff and Fayose is the deceit of the highest order. Again, even if it is the Senate, I am not going to contest. Nobody contests the office of the Vice President you can only become the Vice President of Nigeria if God wants you to be.

May I make it expressly clear that if Ali Modu Sheriff wants to contest as president of Nigeria in 2019, I will not support him, I am a man known for my words of honour. We must operate based on principle if our country is to move forward.”

Besides, he faulted the move, saying “This is cheap blackmail orchestrated to give people the impression that I have ambition that is why I am doing all these. I

am the most senior governor in Nigeria and if I were to be in a party like the APC, they will be celebrating me everyday. They (APC) know I am critical of the bad policies of the APC administration.”

Frowning at efforts to push President Buhari for a second

term in 2019, he said: “Those ppromoting Buhari for 2019 should stop. I have told Nigerians that Buhari does not have the capacity now to govern Nigeria.

What capacity will he display in seven years time? Currently as it stands, the President is challenged by age.''

APC berates Fayose over unpaid salaries ...Fayose not borrowing for capital projects – EKSG

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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HE opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State, yesterday, engaged the state government in war of words over the failure of Governor Ayodele Fayose to pay workers salary arrears.

It said the governor ’s preference for building airport, new market and fly-over bridge contradicted his campaign slogan to “tar stomachs” before embarking on physical infrastructure.

Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement that the governor had been playing games with the intelligence of Ekiti people.

Fayose not borrowing for capital projects – EKSG

Reacting to the APC’s allegation, Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said: “Governor Fayose’s government is not profligate like that of Fayemi that took loans to plant flowers that were not seen, construct uncompleted state pavilion and civic centre and build governor’s lodge for the benefit of Fayemi and his wife.”

He said the governor will continue to hold the welfare of workers sacrosanct by taking payment of salaries as his priority, adding that ‘’the challenges being faced by the government in paying workers salary was as a result of the way the APC government of Fayemi mortgaged the state to irrelevant loans. ‘’ “Today, over N900 million is being deducted from Ekiti State allocation monthly and this is because of the loans the APC government took to execute white elephant projects.

Perhaps, because of the way they used irrelevant capital projects to steal Ekiti State blind, they still carry on with the belief that other people must also be like them.”

IFE RIOT: Osun dismisses culprits, reopens schools

By Gbenga Olarinoye & Dayo Johnson

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SOGBO—OSUN State government yesterday announced immediate reopening of four secondary schools in Ile Ife metropolis namely; Oduduwa High School, St. Davids High School, St Johns High School and Seventh Day Adventist High School.

The schools were closed four

months ago following violent demonstration by some students of the institutions leading to destruction of public properties worth millions of naira.

The government also announced dismissal of those students found culpable in the rampage which led to the wanton destruction of government properties in the four schools and the Osun-owned Broadcasting Corporation

(Orisun F.M) Ile Ife. Some public school students had last year protested nonpayment of their WAEC fees by government and attacked the broadcasting station.

Seven of the protesters were later arrested and arraigned before a magistrate court.

While two of them were remanded in prison custody others were taken to a corrective centre in Osogbo.

8 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Fuel crisis: IOCs agree to sell forex to oil marketers — NNPC To resume local refining this month No plan to increase petrol price — PPPRA

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA — THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, disclosed that a number of international oil companies, IOCs, in the upstream oil and gas sector have agreed to provide foreign exchange for oil marketing companies for the importation of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol.

Speaking during a tour of petrol stations in Abuja, Chief Operations Officer, in charge of Downstream at the NNPC, Mr. Henry Ikem-Obih, also stated that before the end of April, all the refineries would resume production and begin to contribute positively to improving the fuel scarcity currently facing the country.

He identified paucity of foreign exchange (forex) as one of the major reasons for the scarcity witnessed across the country, stating that with the decision of upstream oil and gas companies to provide foreign exchange to oil marketers, there would be a significant improvement in the second quarter and beyond.

He said: “As you know, forex was one of the prime reasons we did not do well in the first quarter.

Most marketers, who had allocation, could not import because they do not have forex.

"The minister has worked very closely through his initiative with the upstream oil companies. So, we have a number of them on board to support local entities, that is, downstream companies.

“They will help provide foreign exchange for them to import and meet their Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, allocations. Through the CBN, NNPC would support importation of fuel in the second quarter.

"These oil companies also would work with us, including the CBN. These combined efforts, we hope, would enable us meet a 100 per cent of import requirement for the second quarter."

To resume local refining this month

Speaking on the refineries, Ikem-Obih stated that all the refineries were at various stages of start-up, in terms of moving them closer to their optimal yield, while he expressed optimism that within the month of April, part of the fuel purchased by Nigerians from petrol stations would be produced locally from the refineries.

He said: “Most of the work that is being done at the refineries is on site, just getting them to start up and start cracking, so that they too should start contributing to the C M Y K

amount of fuel we have to distribute across Nigeria.

"It is our goal to ensure that within the month of April, we will have some local refining contributing to the amount of fuel we have to distribute across the country.”

On measures being put in place to end the prolonged fuel crisis, he said the NNPC had stepped up fuel imports, while

also recovering most of the pipelines to ensure a smooth distribution of the product across the country.

No plan to increase petrol price —PPPRA

Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, has said there was no plan to increase the official

price of petrol in the country.

Acting Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Sotonye Iyoyo, who disclosed this in a statement, said the agency would retain the retail prices of N86 for the NNPC, and N86.50 for the other marketing companies.

The agency added that the pump price of Household Kerosene, HHK, would also remain unchanged from what it was in the last quarter.

“Therefore, marketers are advised to ensure that there is no price distortion in their respective retail outlets,” the PPPRA stated.

FUEL SCARCITY: Fuel bought with generator tank being transferred into jerry cans, in Lagos. Photo: BUNMI AZEEZ

...Nigerians paying for sins of PDP — Tinubu, S-East APC

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Charles Kumolu

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BEOKUTA — NIGERIANS are paying part of the sins of the 16-year rule of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, through the lingering fuel crisis in the country, All Progressives Congress, APC, national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said yesterday.

Tinubu’s assertion on the fringes of a reconciliation meeting of APC South-West leaders at the residence of Aremo Segun Osoba, was also echoed by the APC South-East caucus at an interactive meeting at Egede, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Tinubu said: “For 16 good years, PDP destroyed the country.

We should not be lamenting about petroleum queues today if they had seen what is necessary and done what is necessary for this country.

"We can’t be emotional and in self denial. If they had done Awolowo Road, if they had done

Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, if they put priority on our rails, if they put priority on electricity generation and distribution, we will not be in this mess that we are today.

"Nigerians are impatient for what? I research Nigeria,they just want to see the direction of the economic policy and want to be certain of the future that we will not continue in the direction of leaderless, directionless and hopelessness of the past 16 years.”

One year not enough to rectify the rot

Spokesman of the South-East caucus, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, who echoed the point also at an interactive meeting said: “We are paying, unfortunately, for the sins of PDP. I remember vividly in 2010, when Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, then Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economy, announced to the whole world the award of $23 billion Greenfield Refineries, to a Chinese company.

"The refineries were to be located at Bayelsa, Lagos and Kogi states. There was jubilation nationwide. If they had completed the refineries, today we won’t be talking of scarcity or astronomical increase in fuel pump price. They squandered the money and put Nigerians in harm’s way."

While assuring that the problems were being fixed Okechukwu, however, said one year was not enough for the administration to rectify the rot.

Among those present at the interactive session were Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku, Deputy Governorship candidate of APC, Philip Eze, senatorial candidate of the party, local government and Ward chairmen.

Challenged that Nigerians were running out of patience with the new administration, Okechukwu said: “We can’t stop pointing out the unconscionable wreckage the PDP unleashed on our economy in the last 16 years.

The wreckage keeps popping up at each junction, despite the efforts being made to suppress it."

SWF generates N26.3bn income in 2015

By Nkiruka Nnorom

L

AGOS—THE Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), managers of Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Funds, said it generated N26.3 billion income in 2015, a 67 per cent increase over N15.77 billion total comprehensive income declared in the previous year.

The fund’s total assets for the period grew by 20 per cent to N213.66 billion, while its investment income stood at N5.8 billion during the one year period.

According to the agency in a statement, $250 million of additional capital was approved for allocation to it in 2015. It added that the fund would be invested within the new fiscal year using the existing deployment ratio of 40 per cent in infrastructure fund, 40 per cent in future generations fund and 20 per cent in stabilisation fund.

The agency disclosed that it on-boarded five private equity (PE) fund managers during the year, adding that four of the PEs were Nigerian-based, thereby bringing its total commitments to PE fund managers to 24.

Within the year, it also strengthened its infrastructure intervention framework through co-investments collaborations with other institutional investors.

Commenting, Mr. Uche Orji, MD/CEO, NSIA, said despite the harsh and volatile market environment in 2015, which saw many significant endowments and SWFs suffering losses, NSIA maintained a flat absolute performance, thus protecting its capital.

He said: “The NSIA made fewer, but more strategic investments in 2015. More importantly, NSIA has invested in various private equity investment funds to tap into the high-growth sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa.

"These represent NSIA’s commitment to invest in alternative assets that offer superior performance and are less correlated to broader public equity market volatility.

“The 2015 fiscal year was characterized by high volatility and global market uncertainty.

Currency turmoil, dwindling oil prices and decelerating growth across markets created a difficult investment environment for the Authority.

Nonetheless, the overall results were positive.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—9

EFCC probes $40m pipeline security contract

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

A

BUJA— THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, may have started investigating confidants and companies close to some prominent politicians in the last dispensation in its corruption fight.

Already, the commission has detained two confidants allegedly fronting for the politicians and frozen the accounts of their companies on allegation that they laundered money for them.

According to the official, both men were arrested in connection with ongoing investigations into a $40 million oil pipeline security contract, which was awarded by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources but paid for by the office of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

The EFCC official said the commission was working on a lead that One-Plus Nigeria Limited, Kakatar ’s sister company which secured the oil pipeline security contract, might have been fronting for the politicians.

He said: “Even though OnePlus claimed that the pipeline job was successfully executed, we want to know how it was awarded and who got paid for what from the $40 million."

Sources close to the antigraft agency said Mr. Robert Azibaola, Managing Director of Kakatar Civil Engineering Company Limited, had been detained since March 23 and was not likely to be freed soon.

The source said apart from Azibaola, the agency has also detained Mr. Dakoru Atukpa, who is the Executive Director in Kakatar CE Ltd. The operatives had initially arrested and detained Azibaola’s wife but later released her on bail but held on to her husband and Atukpa, a development that has angered his lawyers.

An EFCC official familiar with the arrests, said both men were helping them with vital information.

The official said: “We arrested Mr. Azibaola Robert on March 23, 2016, when he came to honour our invitation.

We also arrested his wife, but she has since been granted bail. ‘’The following day, we arrested Dakoru Atukpa, Executive Director of his company. As we speak, both men are in our custody and are helping with vital information needed to nail the former President.”

It was learned that in a bid to keep the men in detention longer than allowed by law, C M Y K

the EFCC secured a court order to extend their detention.

Release or charge Azibaola, others to court, lawyer tells EFCC

Lawyer to the detained men, Gordy Uche, confirmed their arrests by the EFCC but asked the agency to urgently release or charge them to court if they had any justifiable reason to

do so.

Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said that apart from being detained, the operatives of the commission had also been conducting several searches on the offices of the detained men, carting away several documents.

The lawyers said he was reasonably informed that both men were being made to make statements under duress in a bid to implicate former

President Goodluck Jonathan.

The senior lawyer said: “Yes, EFCC arrested my clients, Messrs Azibaola Robert and Dakoru Atukpa, MD and ED respectively of Kakatar CE and One-Plus, on March 23 and 24 respectively when they went to honour EFCC's invitation.”

The spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comments on the detention of the men.

REBIRTH: From left, Representative of Lagos State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife, Alhaja Abimbola during the re-birth of the Lagos Weekend Television (LWT), at the Combo Hall, Lagos Television, Agindingbi, Ikeja.

Army retires Gen Momoh over role in Ekiti gov election

By Kingsley Omonobi, with agency reports

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HE Nigerian Army has reportedly retired Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh over his role in the last governorship election in Ekiti State in 2014.

Minister of Defence, Dan Ali, disclosed the plan to end General Momoh’s military career in an exclusive interview in Washington, DC. Ali was in the US as part of the Nigerian delegation to a nuclear power summit convened by President Barack Obama of the United States of America.

The Defence Minister revealed that the army decided to initiate the process of rusticating General Momoh, who was indicted last year by a military panel.

General Momoh led a contingent of soldiers and other security agencies, to Ekiti State and reportedly intimidated voters and

inhibited the movement of officials of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a broad strategy reportedly approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan to enable Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to defeat the then incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi.

A former Minister of State for

Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, was allegedly used as a conduit to transfer huge sums of money for the election.

Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, also confirmed to Vanguard last night that Brigadier Momoh had been retired from the Army.

ICPC accuses state govt officials of interference in corruption cases

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA— CHAIRMAN, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, has identified interference by political leaders in states in court cases being prosecuted by the commission as one of the challenges facing antigraft agency.

He spoke, weekend, when he hosted a team of anticorruption commission of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, which paid him a courtesy visit.

According to the ICPC boss, “the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 restricted the commission to charging its cases in state high courts. This is a setback to the anti-corruption fight because it often leads to political interference by sympathizers of the accused persons in their home states."

He also identified inadequate funding as another hindrance to effective anticorruption fight.

While canvassing preventive measures as a more effective way of checking corruption, the ICPC boss stated that if the institutions were working the way they should, “the huge sums we hear that have been stolen from government coffers would not have happened.”

He explained that instead of expending energy, time and other resources on investigative activities and the prosecution of corrupt individuals, it was better to design systems that would prevent corruption.

He noted that most of the issues tagged as corruption were actually system defects, noting that the ICPC had been involved in systems study and review in order to correct anomalies in government institutions.

Baggage delay: FG issues 21-day ultimatum to Turkish Airlines

By Favour Nnabugwu

A

BUJA — THE Federal Government has issued a 21day ultimatum to Turkish Airlines to comply with the order of Consumer Protection Council, CPC, over abuse of rights of passengers on flight TK 623 of December 20, 2015 or face sanctions.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, slammed the ultimatum against the backdrop of shoddy treatment

of Nigerian passengers aboard the airline’s flight, especially with regards to misplaced baggage.

Passengers on the said flight TK 623 to Abuja were allegedly subjected to untold hardships, as they were forced to repeatedly check the airport in Abuja on the fate of their baggage, thereby incurring extra and budgeted expenditure, including hotel accommodation, without any form of support by the airline.

Following a report on the incident, the CPC in a letter to the airline, dated December 29,

2015, signed by its Director General, requested the airline to provide it with a full situation report of the events, including Turkish Airline’s policy on delayed baggage, particularly as regards the compensation of affected passengers, the number of affected passengers, the number of those yet to receive their baggage and when same was expected to arrive.

The airline was also asked to indicate what steps it had taken to provide appropriate redress to the affected passengers.

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

RRS nabs cable vandal in Lagos

By Esther Onyegbula

O

PERATIVES OF the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos have arrested a vandal for stealing a 35 meter - long armoured cable of the ‘Light Up Lagos’ project in Ogudu area of the state.

The cable thief cum vandal, Lucky Udeagwu, 29, from Delta State, along with his two accomplices, now at large, were sighted coming out of the bush towards Ogudu Bus Stop

by RRS operatives on routine surveillance around 3:00a.m. carrying a big sack containing the armoured cable.

According to the operatives, the suspect, Lucky Udeagwu, was found with two other men carrying a big sack coming towards Ogudu Bus Stop, "because it was a straight road, we could see them from afar.

“They dropped the bag at the Bus Stop. On the spot, we searched him, and we found in his small bag, screw driver, 10 spanner and a T - shirt. The 10 spanner is the size of the bolts covering the street lights in the area.”

It was learned that as they sighted RRS vehicle, they took to their heels in different directions, but Lucky was caught while attempting to escape. When the bags were checked, a 35-meter long armoured cable was discovered, and beside the bag was a camouflage cap.

Lucky Udeagwu, after arrest.

Herdsmen kill cleric, others in Rivers —Police

By Davis Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT— FOLLOWING different media reports on the killings that occurred in Ohali-Elu town recently, the Rivers State Police Command has come out to confirm that the community was invaded by suspected herdsmen.

It was reported that alleged unidentified gunmen stormed Ohali-Elu town in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, killing at least 12 people after a burial programme last

Wednesday.

But in a press statement by the Public Relations Officers, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, the police revealed that the invasion was by suspected herdsmen as against the earlier report of a cult war.

Muhammad said the command gathered that there was a case of missing cows which preceded the invasion, stressing that the killings were not unconnected with the missing cows.

The police spokesman said about six people were feared dead in the incident, adding that only the pastor was confirmed dead while the corpses of five were not seen for confirmation.

A

KURE—A former Commissioner for Lands and Housing in Ondo State, Alhaji Abbas Aidi, yesterday, reportedly slumped and died at a cyber cafe in Akure.

He was said to have died after receiving an important letter that he had been expecting for a long time, though it could not be confirmed what the letter C M Y K

belonging to some herdsmen allegedly perpetrated by the youths of the community, but the case was never reported to the police.

“It is reasonably suspected that the attack might have been carried out by the herdsmen as reprisal for stealing their cows.

“Unconfirmed sources indicated six other persons lost their lives after the attack, the death of these six persons still remain unconfirmed for the simple reason that the police neither recovered nor visibly saw the corpses at the time of responding to the incident.”

Navy arrests 2 boats with N20.4m illegally refined diesel in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— NIGERIAN Navy has impounded two boats carrying about 100, 000 litres of illegal refined diesel worth N20.4 million on the waterways in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Base Operations Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Commander Ugochukwu Ajulu, disclosed this to newsmen, yesterday, saying those arrested will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for prosecution.

“In line with strategic directives from Naval authorities, on March

31, our troops on routine patrol impounded two wooden boats carrying suspected illegally refined diesel in quantity of about 100,000 litres.

"The first wooden boat transporting about 60 drums fully loaded with suspected stolen diesel was impounded on Bakana waterways with three suspects onboard.

"The second boat which had over 100 drums laden with illegally refined diesel was seized while it anchored at Aiteo jetty near Abonema," he said.

While adding that about 5,000 litres of diesel was also stored in a compartment on the boat, Ajulu said that Naval operatives were unable to make any arrest from

the second boat as its crew members had fled the scene on sighting advancing Naval patrol gun-boats.

The Commander said that preliminary investigations were ongoing to unravel the source and supply chain of the products.

According to him, the suspects will be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation and possible arraignment in court.

Ajulu called on members of the public to provide the Navy with timely information that would lead to arrest of oil thieves, adding that the identity of such individuals would be protected.

One of the suspects, Timothy

Participants during the walk from Ilupeju to Jibowu along Ikorodu expressway, Lagos, to celebrate World Autisim Awareness Day 2016, sponsored by GTBank.

Ex-commissioner slumps, dies at cyber cafe

By Dayo Johnson

He disclosed that the victims were inflicted with machete cuts and not gun wounds.

Muhammad said: “The Command found it instructive to state that last Thursday, at about 5:30a.m, the police in Egi Division received a report that on Wednesday at about 10:00p.m, unidentified assailants suspected to be herdsmen struck in OhaliElu town leaving one Pastor Geoffrey Ogagaghene with severe cutlass cuts that later led to his death.

“It’s also pertinent to state that in the build-up to the attack, there was a case of stealing an unspecified number of cows

was about from family source, who kept sealed lips over his death.

The late Alhaji Aidi was a Commissioner for Lands under the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati administration in the state.

Family source said that the politician was hale and hearty till yesterday morning as he was said to have driven himself to a cyber cafe in Akure metropolis before he reportedly

slumped and died.

Vanguard gathered that he was waiting to receive some letters sent to him via his mail to be printed when the unexpected occurred.

It was learnt that while the cafe administrator was busy printing the letters the politician reportedly developed some complications.

Vanguard was told that the former Commissioner slumped after collecting the letters from the cafe administrator.

He was said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical experts.

Late Aidi hailed from Ikare area in Akoko South West in the state and had worked as a banker for many years in Kaduna and Kano states before he ventured into politics.

The deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites at his hometown, Ikare-Akoko..

Williamson, 33, confessed to the crime before newsmen and pleaded for leniency from the authorities.

2 robbery suspects lynched in Benue

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—TWO robbery suspects were late Saturday night burnt beyond recognition by irate mob in Ikpa Mbatyerev, in Gboko local government area of Benue State for attempting to rob a businesswoman of her valuables.

Vanguard learned that the duo were part of a five man robbery gang who besieged the home of a business woman in the community, name withheld, and attempted to rob her of her valuables.

According to the source, “the armed men actually stormed the home of the woman around 10pm on Saturday night just minutes after she had returned from her business place.

“After forcing their way into the woman’s house, they threatened to kill her and her children if she did not surrender all the money in her possession to them.

“The woman immediately acted fast and raised an alarm which attracted neighbours and members of the local vigilante group in the area who immediately rushed to the scene.

“Sensing danger, members of the gang fled from the village but two of them were not so lucky, the villagers caught up with them and beat them to death after which their bodies were set ablaze and burnt beyond recognition.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—11

C M Y K

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

PDP flays INEC's alleged role in Rivers re-run polls ...calls for release of withheld results

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—THE leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-South geopolitical zone has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to as a matter of urgency, release the remaining results of the just concluded rerun election in Rivers State in the interest of the political advancement of the nation.

Chairman of the party in the zone, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, in a statement, yesterday, condemned in strong terms, INEC's alleged activities in the Rivers State rerun election, arguing that INEC has no powers to cancel any result once announced at the poling unit.

Maintaining that the Electoral Act was clear on the issue, Ojougboh said the eight local government re-run election results purportedly cancelled by INEC were overwhelmingly won by the PDP. He alleged that the violence and insecurity in Rivers State were caused by the attempt by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State to wrestle parliamentary seats from PDP. He said: “In the state where there is a popular sitting governor that is performing maximally and loved by the good people of Rivers State, the APC wants to destabilize the government and the train of

progress by attempting to infiltrate the House of Assembly through the back door.”

Enjoining Governor Nyesom Wike to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State and not allow himself to be distracted by the antics of the APC, Ojougboh told the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amechi, to concentrate on his

federal appointment and strive to contribute his quota to the well-being of the people of the South-South.

Stressing the need for Mr Amechi to use his position to attract development to the South-South zone and work with other indigenes of the zone to promote their collective interests, the PDP zonal boss told the Federal Government to do

everything to accord the SouthSouth zone the attention it deserves in the scheme of things.

On the inconclusive nature of elections in Kogi State, Ojougboh berated INEC for not being thorough and questioned the rationale behind the alleged award of votes of a dead man to an individual who never participated in the governorship election in Kogi State.

DEDICATION: Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (middle); Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke (2nd left); Mr. Ephraim Inyang, Commissioner for Works (left) and Mr/Mrs. Ime Udofia, during the dedication service of little Master Dominion Ime Udofia, in Uyo.

Edo govt spends N30bn on Iyamho Varsity —Ize-Iyamu

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AHEAD of the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo State, a governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, has alleged that over N30 billion has so far been spent on Edo University, Iyamho, by the state government at the expense of the two other state universities that were denied government attention.

He said that the amount included N12 billion for the building of a teaching hospital in the university and another N1.6 billion spent to build a less than 150-room hostel in the institution.

Ize-Iyamu insisted that this was coming at a time the state was facing a serious economic recession while the College of Education, Ekiadolor, renamed Tayo Akpata University, established at the same time with the Edo University Iyamho, was yet to receive any attention from the state government.

He added that the College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, still uses the Irrua Teaching Hospital, Irrua, owned by the Federal Government, for the clinical studies of its students without the state government considering building a teaching hospital for it.

C M Y K

However, the Edo State Government has denied the claim by the PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Ize-Iyamu, that the sum of N12 billion was budgeted for the new state university to build a teaching hospital.

The government said that the university was not to serve the personal interest of any individual but the generality of Edo people.

A statement by the Executive

Director, Media and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office, Mr. John Mayaki, described the investment as well directed, a progressive initiative, timely, auspicious and peopleoriented.

He said: “This clarification became necessary owing to the political slant that was recently laced with the investment by those I term politicalbureaucrats or red tape, and

their puerile media outing. First, how much was the total budget for this year, if a chunk of N12 billion is earmarked for Edo University alone? That claim simply defies logic and reasoning, just as it does not add up.

“I can understand their blind and bland argument because the decision for the investment either outshined their paymasters or they intentionally join the bandwagons for the sake of chewing their jaws.”

Edo 2016: No anointed candidate in PDP Benin City, Iduoriyekemwen who —Iduoriyekemwen was flanked by the member

By Simon Ebegbulem

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E N I N — T H E governorship aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, Mr Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has said that there was no anointed candidate in the party, noting that his consistency in the party since 1999 rated him higher than any other aspirant of the party.

He assured that he would only accept the result of the primaries that is free and fair, stressing, “When you are sure that you lost an election clearly, even within your conscience, you will not complain. I am a sportsman. I know that sometimes you can win or lose but if I lose without

the umpire being biased, I will congratulate the winner. But if I see that the umpire is partial, well, I don’t know what will happen after that. But I believe the leadership will be fair.”

Addressing journalists in

representing Ikpoba Okhai/Egor federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr E. Agbonayinma and other members of his campaign team, said that contrary to speculations, there was no anointed candidate of the party.

APC chieftain lauds appointment of Ndoma-Egba, Ebri into party's BOT

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By Emma Una

ALABAR—A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State, Mr Godie Akpama, has said that the appointment of former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, and a former governor of Cross River State, Mr Clement Ebri,

into the APC Board of Trustees has significantly strengthened the party to get its rightful position in the state.

Mr Akpama told Vanguard, yesterday, in Calabar that the two political icons have the capacity to change the fortunes of APC in the state as they have large followership.

NISA disowns Labinjo over comments on new NIMASA boss

By Godfrey Bivbere

T

HE Nigeria S h i p o w n e r s Association, NISA, has distanced itself from a recent statement by the President of the association, Capt. Niyi Labinjo, over the appointment of Dr. Dakuku Peterside as the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. A statement by the General Secretary of the association, Tunji Brown, said that Capt Labinjo remains suspended and his statement cannot represent the stance of the association.

He said: “The issue of his (Labinjo) suspension from office is now a matter pending before Justice Dagat of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, following the transfer of Justice Yunusa to the Enugu division of the court.

“However, we like to reiterate that Justice Dagat did not vacate the order of Justice Yunusa, who refused the application for interim injunctive. Therefore, Captain Labinjo remains suspended.

“The comment by Captain Labinjo on the appointment of new Director-General, NIMASA, Dr. Peterside, does not represent the opinion of the Nigeria Shipowners’ Association.”

Delta community wants Ogbe-Ijoh, Aladja clash resolved

By Tare Youdeowei

T

HE people of oil-rich Diebiri Batan community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed to the Federal and Delta State governments to take steps to end the communal crisis between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja in the interest of all.

The people who spoke through the Chairman of the community, Mr. Don Dickson and the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Diebiri Kingdom, Deacon Wellington Igete, said the communal crisis has led to alleged invasion of their community by some persons from Aladja since 1995.

They noted that the alleged invasion had forced many indigenes of Diebiri community to flee their homes to other areas for fear of being attacked. They called on the governments to act fast to avoid a deterioration of the situation.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—13

NNPC to adopt two-way approach for steady fuel supply

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—NIGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Group Executive Director (Commercial and Investments), Dr. Babatunde Adeniran, has said that the corporation would adopt a twoway approach to ensure steady supply of petroleum products in the country.

The two-way approach, he disclosed, includes mass importation of petroleum products as soon as the winter period in Europe was over and strorage of locally refined petroleum products in the strategic storage tanks.

Adeniran, who fielded questions from newsmen in Benin, Edo State, weekend, shortly after visiting some petrol stations in the state to ascertain the fuel shortage in the state, said: “The scarcity we are experiencing is not peculiar to Nigeria. Generally, refineries in Europe and America are changing their configurations and during this period of change, turn out of products will be low.

“As soon as we have the summer configurations which are peculiar to Nigerian needs, you will see that products will start coming in.

That was why the Minister of State for Petroleum said that by the first week of April, things will start normalizing. Bear in mind that it takes about two weeks, 14 or 16 days, to bring in products all the way from Europe to Nigeria.

“So, even if all the configurations take place today and production is more than what we used to see last month or two months ago, when we had winter period, it will still take some days before we can bring in products. But definitely, arrangements have been put in place and products are coming in. By the time we get to the middle of the month, all these problems would have been resolved.

“We are not stopping there.

The refineries are coming on stream. Now, we are able to supply crude oil to Port-Harcourt and Warri refineries and are making efforts to ensure that we start pushing crude to Kaduna refinery. To push crude oil from Warri to Kaduna will take about 10 days, but as soon as the crude gets there, the system there will start producing products.

“Apart from these measures that I have mentioned, plans are also on to ensure that products supplied will not suffer setback because we have good period during the summer and as soon as we enter the winter period again, we will be having some problems.

“We are also planning against the coming winter period and

B

ENIN—EDO Forum of Patriots, a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, has lamented the lingering fuel crisis, high cost of food items and transportation in the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop giving Nigerians excuses but find solutions to the current hardship bedevilling the nation.

In a letter addressed to the President by its convener, Aiyamenkhue

Edokpolo, it said: “From the fight against corruption which is one-sided to the fight against insurgency, the fate of the Chibok girls, the instability in the economic policies of the country, the fall of the naira against the dollar, the high unemployment rate, erratic and a near total absence of the electricity supply and most recently, the worsened fuel crisis that seems to have overwhelmed your government and the worst in our recent history and demand urgent answers.

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—FORMER senior aide to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on Inter-Party Relations, Mr. Ebikibina Miriki, yesterday, said that the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state was selfinflicted.

Miriki, a former National Youth Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, attributed the current crisis in the state chapter of the APC to the unpopular way it was set up in the state.

He said though the party

“Based on the aforementioned realities, Nigerians are expectedly apprehensive if your government is really moving or just standing, within the context of the pyramid of change promised during your campaign and inauguration.

“Though, we also support the Minister for delivering a frank message that lacked the usual political preference, we strongly condemn his unpalatable prank that is being played on Nigerians in the last couple of months."

Rivers Police, cultists in gun battle

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT: THERE was tension, weekend, at Ubete community in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, as suspected cultists engaged security men in fierce gun battle.

Community sources said trouble broke out in the community when suspected cultists went to bury two of their members shot dead by a rival cult group.

The sources said that when members of the deceased's cult went for the funeral the rival cult group entered the arena.

They immediately starting shooting and snatching motor bikes

C M Y K

from people.

The situation attracted the attention of a unit of anti-riot policemen stationed at a point in the community, thus

from these strategic storages.”

He appealed to those vandalizing pipelines to desist from doing so, adding that Nigerians should learn to preserve amenities put in place for their use.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government as everything was done be done to normalize the situation.

Bayelsa APC crisis self-inflicted —Miriki

Edo Forum writes Buhari over economic hardship

By Simon Ebegbulem

what we are planning to do is to have strategic storage tanks offshore and on land. The NNPC tank farms that are not working will be revived, the pipelines to all these places would be revived so that when our refineries start working, if we have supplies from off-shore, we will just put the products into them so that if there is any shortage, we have a buffer

leading to a fierce gun battle.

Vanguard gathered at press time that most residents had fled the community for safety.

lured many of its members with cash and other political promises ahead of the December, 2015 governorship election, the lack of political presence and followership after the governorship election was expected to trigger crisis that would destroy the APC in the state.

Miriki, who also served as a former Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, at an interactive session in Yenagoa, yesterday, said that the failure of the party leadership to sustain equity and transparency could spell doom for the party in the

state.

He said: “The crisis rocking the APC in the state is expected. For a party that had its affair in Abuja and all key officers are not seen but reside in Abuja, the presence of the party in the state is completely alienated from its members.

“The lingering crisis which has now snowballed to counter accusation and denial of corruption, bribery, mismanagement of party funds and suspension, is unfortunate and a clear indication that the party lacks internal party democracy and discipline.”

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

BURIAL AND THANKSGIVING FOR EBONYI GOVERNOR'S LATE MOTHER

From left— Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and his wife, Rachel, at the thanksgiving service in honour of the late mother of the governor in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, yesterday.

Governor Umahi and wife, Rachel (right) and Maj.-Gen. Obi Umahi and wife, Chinyere, at the the burial.

From left— Wife of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Patience; Governor Umahi; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, at the burial of the mother of the governor in Uburu on Friday.

From left— Governor Umahi; his wife, Rachel; Senator Chris Ngige, and SGF, Engr. Babachir Lawal at the burial.

FIGHTING FUEL SCARCITY

Benin.

From an NNPC filling station in Lagos. PHOTOS: Bunmi Azeez.

Lagos.

Lagos.

Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

Lagos.

Lagos (above and below).

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—15

Abia to prosecute parents over child hawking

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—ABIA State Government has vowed to prosecute parents and guardians whose children are caught hawking on the streets of the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji, who made this known while presenting a paper entitled The Nigeria Child on the Street: Its implication for the Future of the Country, at the launch of “Save the Street Child Aba Initiative” by the National Association of Seadogs Pirates Confraternity in Aba, added that a mobile education court, specially designed for educationrelated offences, would be set up.

He insisted that no child in the state has a reason not to use the opportunity offered by the government to access primary and secondary education.

Mgbeoji further stated that the state was also proposing an Education Summit to discuss and propose an Education Bill to be passed into law before year's end, stressing that the bill, when passed into law, will treat street hawking by children as a crime as obtainable in some states of the federation.

Earlier in his address, Capon of the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, Aba chapter, Mr. Christopher Joseph, said that the theme of the event, Open Identity; Every Child Deserves a Secure Future, was aimed at highlighting the pains, sufferings and dangers faced by street children daily in Aba and to seek ways of securing conducive environment where “these children can grow, become happy, useful and productive members of the society.”

VISIT: From left— Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, during their visit to Imo, yesterday.

Herdsmen abduct Catholic priest in Enugu

By Anayo Okoli & Francis Igata

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NUGU—TENSION is brewing in Owa community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State where a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Aniako Celestine, priest in charge of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ukana, Udi Local Government Area was kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen Saturday evening on his way from his home town, Ezeagu.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the herdsmen demanded a ransom of N10 million

through his mobile number.

This is even as activities of herdsmen in Ugwuleshi, Awgu Local Government Area of the state, last week, led to destruction of farmland and livestock worth millions of Naira and the detention of 76 members of the community, who were later granted bail by Umuahia Magistrate’s Court last Friday, following Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s intervention.

The herdsmen had also killed two sisters in Abbi, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area last month leaving 17 houses burnt.

E

NUGU—NO fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead in an auto crash that occurred in the early hours of last Saturday along 9th Mile-

State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the abduction of the priest, saying the command was on their trail.

Meanwhile, following the release from prison custody of the 76 farmers from Ugwuleshi autonomous community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, after they were granted bail by Magistrate Court’s in Umuahia, Abia State capital, the traditional

Northern governors visit Owerri, say APC govt’s done much

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—BORNO State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has said that the fight against Boko Haram will soon come to an end.

Speaking with journalists in Owerri, the governor said: “All Progressives Congress, APC, government has achieved a lot in the fight against the dreaded Boko Haram. They have been degraded and all the roads in Borno State have been opened for business, unlike before when they were occupying some local government areas.”

He also said the scarcity being experienced in the country at the moment will end in a couple of weeks as President Muhammadu Buhari had set genuine machinery in place to put things right.

Alhaji Shettima, who was in Owerri, in the company of the governors of Niger and Jigawa states, Alhaji Abubakar Bello and Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, respectively, stressed that “the hiccups faced by the nation at the moment is expected as All Progressives Congress, APC, government is in the process of rebuilding the nation.”

The governor said it was to the credit of President Buhari

4 die in 9th Mile-Oji River road accident

By Francis Igata

Demand N10m ransom

Udi-Oji River Road in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The auto crash was said to have involved a water tanker truck with number plates ENU 211 XY and a Galaxy Sharon

mini-bus with number plates LFA 375 XA coming from opposite direction.

Vanguard gathered that the tanker lost control, veered off the road and collided head-on with the bus.

that the nation was still moving despite the decline in revenue.

He said: “The integrity of the President has earned Nigeria respect in the global community as corruption has reduced drastically and impunity is a thing of the past. Nigerians should give President Buhari the benefit of doubt because he has shown sincerity in his desire to build the Nigeria of our collective dreams and aspirations.”

For Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, “There was enough evidence that Nigeria was almost going down the drain before the emergence of the APC government.

“God loves this country.

That is why He brought APC to save the nation from imminent collapse. If Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was still in charge and oil falls to this level, the nation would have been in a mess.”

ruler of the community, Igwe Godwin Nwobi, and some other leaders from the area, during the weekend, commended the efforts of Governor Ugwuanyi in securing the release of the farmers.

While noting that the farmers arrived home safely to unite with their loved ones after they were granted bail, the people of the community through their traditional ruler, Igwe Nwobi and other political stakeholders, appealed to the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the challenges being encountered between the nomadic Fulani/Hausa herdsmen and indigenous farmers in their community over the grazing of cattle on farmlands.

MASSOB reacts

In another development, the Uchenna Madu-led Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has warned soldiers to stop molesting and intimidating Ndigbo while protecting Fulani herdsmen who use their cattle to destroy farmlands and crops.

In a statement yesterday, the National Director of Information for the group, Mr. Samuel Edeson, alleged that the activities of the herdsmen were part of the alleged grand design to Islamise Nigeria.

He said: “MASSOB warns Nigerian Army to stop intimidating and killing the people of Biafra in the guise of protecting the Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.

“MASSOB advise South-East governors to encourage community-based vigilante groups for proper and wellcoordinated security of lives, properties and farmlands.”

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 WE join other concerned Nigerians to register our disappointment over the spate of inconclusive elections which have taken place under the watch of the Professor Mahmood Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which some now cynically refer to as the “inconclusive” National Electoral Commission.

Since October 21, 2016 when President Muhammadu Buhari named the new helmsmen for INEC, the electoral body has conducted three state elections – in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states. Each of them was declared inconclusive at the end.

The reasons adduced ranged from violence to the large number of voters who could not vote for one reason or the other.

Professor Yakubu responded to criticisms against his performance so far by pointing out that there were also inconclusive elections under the

By Chukwudi Enekwechi

T

HE recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between Nigeria’s first indigenous auto maker INNOSON and Nigeria Air Force for the fabrication and manufacture of spare parts signposts a new dawn in our quest for technological development.

After several years of depending on wholesale importation of operational equipment, the Nigeria Air Force has now taken the lead among other government institutions to look inwards in solving some of their problems.

With the paucity of foreign exchange and glut in Nigeria’s oil sales, it is indeed commendable that the Nigerian Air Force has decided to close the gap created in the servicing of their fighter jets by patronising INNOSON Vehicles Manufacturing Company at Nnewi, Anambra State.

For a very long time, Nigeria has depended on the importation of virtually all equipment, vehicles, and plants from abroad, until INNOSON broke the jinx by venturing into automobile manufacturing. The result is that they were able to manufacture the first Nigerian vehicles, utilizing local engineers and technicians.

Obviously, the credit goes to Chief Innocent Chukwuma who many consider a genius on account of his ingenuity and creativity in spearheading the manufacturing process.

While he has received eulogies and acclaim nationally and globally, INNOSON has successfully emerged as a Nigerian brand that has made the nation proud.

C M Y K

Ending INEC’s inconclusive elections regime of his predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega in Anambra, Imo and Taraba States, adding that the polls were inconclusive, mainly because of their high level of competitiveness. We hasten to remind Yakubu that three fails out of three tries cannot be anything but disappointing. He and his colleagues at the electoral body must look inwards and improve their act because of the heavy toll that every inconclusive election exacts on all stakeholders.

Each time an election is declared inconclusive, it means the taxpayer has to cough out huge sums of money for a rerun or fresh election. It also

imposes great financial burdens on electoral candidates and their political parties, thus heightening the stakes for corruption when such individuals get into public office. Moreover, each inconclusive election heightens further tension and sends the contenders “back to the trenches” and more lives and property are lost during the reruns. The damage done to the entire system is difficult to quantify.

We acknowledge, however, that the INEC alone cannot guarantee free, fair and conclusive elections. The security agencies, which are usually massively mobilised for polls, must do

more to secure our elections.

The amount of violence and killings which take place in spite heavy security mobilization is difficult to justify. Politicians must play according to the rules. They must do away with their do-or-die mentality and control the excesses of their supporters.

Political parties must also work harder on voter education to enhance voters turnout and orderly conduct.

Importantly, however, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to fully constitute the Board of the INEC to the constitutionally-required 13 National Commissioners, rather than the current seven. He should quickly appoint the remaining 18 State Resident Electoral Commissioners for INEC to have the full compliment that will provide the intellectual capacity needed to deliver better results. We are not impressed with the conduct of our elections in the past six months, and this must change for the better.

OPINION MDAs: Emulating the INNOSON-NAF partnership By venturing into a sector that was hitherto considered the exclusive preserve of the white man (Europeans and Americans) and their Asian counterparts, INNOSON has elevated the position of the average black man among other homo sapiens. It is also gratifying that out of necessity, the Nigerian establishment, and indeed the entire nation are beginning to appreciate this singular, but gigantic effort on the part of INNOSON. Lest we forget, INNOSON led the revolution that is currently unfolding before our very eyes in the automobile sector, with many foreign companies now setting up factories in Nigeria.

The concomitant effect is that jobs will be created; the elusive foreign exchange will be

With NAF having set the pace, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to toe the line

conserved, and the possibility of technology transfer is high.

For clarity, let me cite examples with PAN, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Nissan, Honda and others that have set up their assembly plants in Nigeria, or in the process of doing that. On the whole, INNOSON was the catalyst that showed the way, and practically demonstrated that it is possible.

Therefore to sustain the tempo, there is the need for all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies at both federal and state levels to emulate the good example of the Nigerian Air Force by patronising INNOSON vehicles which range from cars, buses, SUVs, trucks and other high- capacity vehicles. Such patronage will enhance the company’s capacity to create more jobs for Nigerians.

Already there are over 10,000 Nigerians under the employ of INNOSON. As we await the implementation of the 2016 budget, it is necessary that all MDAs adhere to the policy of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in patronising locally made vehicles. The era of waste and total dependence on foreign made vehicles is over. Nigeria as a country can only realise its vision of a great nation and giant of Africa by leading the way in promoting locally made vehicles. The reason is that the benefits accruing from this sector are numerous, and multi-dimensional.

Today, INNOSON vehicles are in high demand across West Africa and Nigeria as country of production must showcase their pride – INNOSON.

Perhaps, government must enunciate a clear policy for MDAs to patronise locally made vehicles like INNOSON, by issuing a directive mandating all MDAs to buy their vehicles locally.

Even in the case of standards, INNOSON vehicles have been proven to be durable, aesthetic and in compliance with the best world standards. Additionally, the vehicles are designed to withstand our tough terrains, whereas most imported vehicles are designed to suit the climatic weather conditions of Europe, Asia and America.

It is regrettable that in our country today, we have thousands of imported vehicles that our technicians are not able to maintain or fix due to lack of requisite knowledge. This has equally led to massive loss of foreign exchange, and value – deficit. The only way to stem the tide is to look inwards, reorder our priorities, and demonstrate patriotism and love of country by patronising INNOSON vehicles.

Once again, the Nigerian Air Force deserves our accolades for taking the bull by the horn, by realising the need to patronize Nigeria’s first indigenous automobile manufacturer – INNOSON. With NAF having set the pace, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to toe the line, as that is the only way to walk the talk in terms of realizing our vision as a great power under the sun.

•Mr. Enekwechi, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

APRIL 4, 2016

LAUNCH - From left: Adeniji Kazeem; Prof Pat Utomi; Prof Ademola Abass and; Mr Tunji Bello at the launching of Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment Lagos Global in Lagos.

3,000 jobs lost to N12bn annual tomato imports Manufacturers kick, call for ban Local tomato industry comatose

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJUJRU

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omato paste manufacturers across the country have decried the $1billion (N12billion) spent annually by Nigerians on tomato paste importation. Financial Vanguard investigation showed that there is enough local production capacity to meet national demand. However despite local capacity to supply the Nigerian market, importation of the product at dumping price is suppressing local production. As a

C M Y K

result of local producers’ inability to cope with the current level of dumping of the commodity via import, over 3,000 jobs have been lost across the industry.

Tomato paste is not a prohibited item, but Nigeria manufacturers said, they have the capacity to meet demand.

Managing Director of Sonia Foods Industries Limited, Nnamdi Nnodebe, who spoke under the aegis of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN Tomato manufacturers, a key operator in the industry said, “Nigeria is the second highest producer of

tomato in Africa and 13th in the world.

Still, it spends N12billion annually, on importation of tomato paste.

“Sadly, about 750,000 tonnes of tomatoes harvested in Nigeria, go waste, with over 3,000 workers disengaged as a result of poor Food Supply Chain, storage management and price instability.

“Under the new foreign exchange policy regime, 41 items including triple concentrate used for producing tomato paste were barred from access to foreign exchange needed as raw

materials for processing and production of finished tomatoes paste. It is paramount on the mind of tomato producers, and it would only be ideal to support us, actualise this ambition for the good of our economy.”

Nnodebebe said: “Once this is actualised, more jobs would be created and more importantly exports would start to happen because Nigeria has the potential to become leading exporter of concentrates, if given the prerequisite support.

“One way, we could make this happen, is partner the northern states, since tomato cultivation thrives in the North where it finds favourable climate, Governors in the North should endeavour to work together with credible manufacturers to speedily achieve backward integration.”

He went further to say, “This development has become a challenge and has left manufacturers groaning under the weight of the current policy which has made it difficult for them to access raw materials. “I am very confident, if given this allowance, it will work together for our good and for the economy, because Sonia Foods can complete a tomato factory farm, requisite for processing tomato concentrate, within two years.”

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN President, Dr. Frank Jacobs, said, “in order to address this challenges government should through its fiscal/monetary policy maintain duty of 20 percent and additional levy of 30 percent on finished tomato in retail packs.”

He went further to say that importation of tomato paste in sachet should be prohibited to encourage local value addition and to protect consumers against the health hazards arising from short shelf life of sachet products.

“There should be strict measures against imported substandard and smuggled products, specific target should be given to appropriate research institutes to develop seedlings and projects that will lead to replacement of imported tomato paste and government should be ready to give necessary financial supports,” he pointed out.

Earlier, Former National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC Director General, Continues on page 18

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Cover

How to get funds for your business Turning great Ideas into great money ave a great business idea is only the first step in the journey to raising your business empire.

Turning your business idea into a money- making venture requires raising the capital necessary to get your blessing running and that represents the next step of thousands of other steps. In starting your own business, the most challenging task you have to face as an entrepreneur is raising money as capital.

The ability to raise money to start a business is one of the tests you must undergo as an entrepreneur. As daunting as it may seem, the challenge of raising money is not as tough as you think. It is no secret that in your quest to raise money to start your business you are bound to face a lot of obstacles.

It would be very unfair of me to promise you otherwise.

However, the good news is that it can be done as there are some people, some institutions and some organisations willing to look at investing in start – up businesses.

There are many tried and tested ways of raising money to start your business which have been used by many famous entrepreneurs whose businesses have become household names, including Bill Gates (Microsoft), Michael Dell (Dell computers) and Richard Branson (Virgin), to name a few.

For maximum success, you would do well to use a combination of different tactics to employ when you want to raise capital for your great business idea.

Using feasibility business Ideas The first and basic key to raising money is to have a business idea that is feasible, that is practicable, and that is workable.

You wonder why? The first question any investor you approach will ask is this: How profitable is your business idea? That is because no investor will want to put his money in a business that is impossible and not viable. They will also want to know the expected return on their investment and the time frame within which to recoup their initial investment. Before you embark on a quest to raise money, carry out a feasibility study to determine the profitability of your business idea.

Using a business plan Another prerequisite in the process of raising money for your business idea is a good business plan. One of your first moves when you want to source for funds to start your business should be to put a comprehensive business plan.

Your business plan will include details of your background, education, training experience and any other personal qualities you possess. Your personal qualities and experience are often regarded as assets to your business. Your business plan should also explain in detail the modalities of how you are going to use the money you need.

It should also explain in detail your proposed business idea, associated expenditure, the market research undertaken, and your financial projection and so on. Above all, your business plan should describe in detail what makes your business differs from that of your competitors. What will interest your investors the most about your business plan should state precisely what any investor should expect as returns on their investments and also, when and how you are going to pay it.

Personality, Appearance and presentation style Next thing to consider is your personality, your appearance and your presentation style. When approaching an investor, remember you have only a chance to create an impression in his or her mind.Therefore,you must be conscious of your appearance, don’t appear rough and unkempt and, please, try to look professional. In the game of raising money for your business, appearance matters a lot.

Now to your presentation style: your manner of presentation will determine the success or failure of your quest to raise money for your business idea to your investors with a high level of confidence, because the better you are at communicating your strengths to them, the better your chances of raising money. If you lack communication skills, read up books on the topic.

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MEETING - From left: Manager, Corporate Marketing Sustainability,Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mrs. Ebele Oluwalana; Trade Marketing andSustainability Manager, Mr. Adedayo Adeniyi; Project From left: Chief Compliance Officer, Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Opeyemi Adojutelegan; Chief Compliance Officer, Access Bank Plc/Chairman, Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria, Mr. Pattison Boleigha; Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank Limited Mr. Philip Ikeazor and Chief Compliance Officer, Keystone Bank Limited, Mrs. Joyce Obi, during the monthly meeting of the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria held in Lagos.

3,000 jobs lost to N12b annual tomato imports Continued from page 17 Paul Orhii, had complained that 90 percent of packaged tomato paste from China are sub-standard and dangerous.

Re-echoing the danger inherent in the consumption of substandard tomato products in Nigeria, Chief Eric Umeofia, Chairman/CEO of Erisco Foods, said: "Most of the imported tomato products are only here to “kill” Nigerian consumers and not to satisfy their domestic needs.

Umeofia said: “To establish a tomato paste manufacturing company in Nigeria is not only a burden, but very traumatic.

I’m the first indigenous producer of tomato paste in all the sizes both in sachet and tins. And for many years, I have been doing that according to the standards as certified by NAFDAC and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). I also have the approval of Nutrition and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN). It is my humble sacrifice to the motherland, at least to help in turning Nigeria from importdependent to export driven nation.”

Unfortunately, this aspiration is collapsing due to lack of stringent measures by relevant regulatory authorities—federal ministries, Nigerian Customs Service as well as other policy makers to checkmate unbridled importation of tomato paste brands into Nigeria.”

He lamented that all his efforts to produce quality tomato brands have been rendered useless by the presence of imported substandard products, blaming the rot on some greedy Nigerian merchants in collaboration with some Chinese

manufacturers. Financial Vanguard investigation to unravel the process and procedure of bringing in products through Seme land border met with brick wall as the the whare house owners spoken to refused answers to questions posed. Investigation revealed that two cartoons of 70gram tin tomato containing 50 pieces without duty, costs N500 to smuggle into Nigeria.

For those who pay duty complain of high tariff and beaucratic bottle neck, but

bribes to over 25 road blocks mounted by Customs, Immigration and the Police.

Along the road.

Most of the tomato brands in the market do not have indication of country of origin, expiring and manufacturing dates, those with expiring dates were reprinted. Insight into Okeari market, Igan Iduganru and Alaba suru revealed most of the items come in the middle of the night when nobody would notice.

Gridlock at Lagos port scaring investors

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

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he Area Comptroller, Kiri-kiri Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Benjamin Aber, has said that the Mile 2 Apapa express way gridlock occasioned by petroleum truck drivers is scaring investors away.

Aber said this at a Stakeholders’ meeting held by the command just as he gave a two weeks ultimatum to petroleum tanker drivers to quit the environment.

According to him, “Foreign Direct Investment can only come when we create an enabling environment that is secured, predictable and transparent. My strategy is to make this people aware that my government cannot accept this nuisance and if we must attract business, we must first clear all the tankers or they do things in a manner that is disciplined and orderly that will not attract insecurity.

“What we are trying to do is create a very good enabling

environment for people who would like to come and do business.”

He explained that there was need to create a corridor along the tank farm and jetty operational area to free the exit and entrance of the environment of the terminal. “It is part of Customs mandate to ensure the security of its environment and not only to generate revenue.

“If the environment is not accessible, investors will not import into the country and there is no way we can generate revenue for government because it takes more than five hours for anybody to come in and do business.

Meanwhile, the comptroller assured that he would be restructuring the command, saying, “I am proposing to remodel the KLT command to have a befitting presence as a command. With the approval and support of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), I am going to deliver a new command at all levels of operation, procedure, environment and security."

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 19

NEC retreat resolutions: Failed change mantra expectation T

he recently held two-day National Economic Council (NEC) Retreat ended with a number of resolutions.

The expectation of most Nigerians is that the meeting will come up with an economic agenda that reflects the change in approach to governance and economic management. The retreat started with a fanfare that looked like some serious economic policy outline was going to come out of it. At the end of the meeting, Nigerians were disappointed with the outcome.

The fact that the retreat was a meeting point for Governors, serving ministers and the VicePresident, to any seriousminded Nigerian who is conversant with the way governance is run in Nigeria, would not expect any serious out-of-the-box thinking to have come from the meeting. In the first instance, a number of those at the meeting do not understand the workings of the various sectors of the Nigerian economy and their linkages to proffer an all-embracing policy direction for the national economy. They are well aware that the various arms of government are financially handicapped and that they cannot on their own, provide the needed funding to revive the ailing economy. Many of the attendees are political office holders who know next to nothing about the principle of a functioning economy.

Given their limitations on sound economic matters, the

expectation was that these public sector officials would have invited key stakeholders, economic experts from within and outside to dialogue on how to chart the way forward.

Politicians that were made ministers would always play politics with the welfare of the people. If the aim of the retreat was to generate medium and long-term policies that will address challenges within discussed areas of the economy at both the federal and state levels, then it was a miscalculation to have excluded the organised private sector from the discussions. It was equally self- seeking on the part of the organisers of the retreat to have left out expert advice on this issue.

There is basically no difference between what the group discussed from what has happened in the past. As a government of change, the expectation is that the approach to governance and economic management will be totally different from that of the past.

Nigerians need a break from the past where government functionaries spend public funds organising talk shops that lead the country nowhere.

Developing the Nigerian economy should be a knit partnership between the private sector and the public sector which duty is mainly to set the rules and provide a levelplaying field for private sector operators. Nigeria’s public sector managers have to change their mentality toward economic

management. In fact, public sector hold on the economy has been the bane of the nation’s progress. Their attitude to the private sector is that of suspicion. They have never seen the private sector as partners and would not like to lose the power they hold on the economy. They are patriotic while others are saboteurs.

Funny enough, the retreat sets up two implementation committees made up of mostly chief executives of states and spending ministries. The implementation committee is headed by the Vice-President and Chairman of NEC, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo.

The question is how are they going to implement the decisions when they are not in

It was a miscalculation to have excluded the organised private sector from the discussions. It was equally selfseeking on the part of the organisers of the retreat to have left out expert advice on this issue

a position to invest either their money or government funds into the sector for productive activities? At best, they are to be seen as facilitating agents.

At the close of the retreat, the members resolved that there was need for concerted and consistent efforts to diversify the nation’s revenue sources and expand compliance on VAT, adopting a gradual plan for rate increase. Who is going to pay the increase in VAT? Is it government or the private sector and the Nigerian public?

If the members of the National Economic Council are not in touch with the public, they should know that there is poverty in the land and most companies are barely surviving the hard time. Increase in VAT without carrying the payees along will meet with resistance and failure.

Besides, the Council has set the target of national selfsufficiency in Tomato paste for 2016, Rice for 2018 and Wheat 2019. How realistic are these targets? What is the current national demand for these products and what is the local production at the moment? It is good to set targets but what are the value chains process to follow the self-sufficiency? It is not just farm produce, but storage, processing, packaging and access to markets. Are all these processes in place for Nigeria to achieve the set goals? What is the standard set by the authority for companies to meet before each of the products can be accepted in the local and international market?

Has the government planned market access for local producers who may want to

export their products?

The demand for tomato for instance is currently estimated at 2.3 million metric tons per annum, while the local output is 1.8 million metric tons but due to lack of good storage facilities and poor developed marketing channels, up to 50 per cent of the tomato produced in Nigeria is lost. Recently, Dr. Richard Munang, the African Regional Coordinator of The United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, lamented that Nigeria spends $1bn to import tomato paste.

Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele said at a stakeholders’ meeting with officials of Paddy Rice Producing states and Rice Value chain investors in Abuja that the Federal Government spent $2.41 billion on rice importation between January 2012 and May 2015. He argued that the bank’s decision to ban foreign exchange for importation of rice; fish and other items would not be reversed.

This scarce foreign exchange would have been saved if Nigeria had achieved selfsufficiency in the chosen products. This is not the first time that the Nigerian government is setting such targets. How much attention is this government paying to the details in the production process of what is being produced in the country? What is the quality assurance for the consumer? Nigerians are obsessed with quality and beauty. The packaging is as important as the content. These are details that NEC should come out with if they are to be taken seriously.

risk, security, capital availability.

Others areas are, regulatory risk competition, supply chain and business continuity and disaster recovery.

The report further stated that survey respondents believed that their organizations have been exposed to increased risks over the last two (2) to three (3) years. Also, more than 50 percent believed that an unstable socio-political environment and increased pressure from regulators have increased their risks.

“Additionally, onerous and often overlapping regulatory compliance requirements have also given rise to increased risks over the years. Moreso, 81 percent are likely to devote more time and resources to risk

management in 2016. Out of this percentage, 53 percent are almost certain that they would.”

On the way forward, the report stated that “Based on the survey results, it is clear that executive management today face an unprecedented number of new and emerging risks that can threaten corporate strategy if they are not proactively identified and properly managed.

“They will need to keep a close watch on these risks this year.

It is imperative for each organisations to carefully evaluate and put an effective enterprise-wide risk management structure and process in place. If you have begun the risk management journey,

Cover Story Business risk in Nigeria up by 50% this year — KPMG

BY EDIRI EJOH & ILOAZE BLESSED-ODIDI

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here are indications that Nigeria may be heading for difficult times ahead as survey carried out by KPMG professional services revealed that business environment across all sectors of the economy are exposed to 50 percent risk from unstable socio-political environment and increased pressure from regulators in the country.

This was revealed at the KPMG Nigeria maiden edition of its Report on the top 10 Business Risks for 2016, held at its tower yesterday.

KPMG officials present at the launch included; Associate Director, Risk Consultant, Tolu

Odukale, Partner and Head, Risk Consulting, Olumide Olayinka, Partner, risk consulting, Tomi Adepoju, Assistant manager, risk consulting, Seun Olaniyan, Partner, Head, Financial risk management, Umerry Mbuni and Head, Sales and Marketing, Nike Oyewolu, Speaking at the press conference and launch of the Risk Report, Partner, Risk Consulting Services, Mrs. Tomi Adepoju, said the need for organizations to strengthen their risk management practices cannot be overemphasized.

Her words: “The risk management survey carried out, show that the business environment in 2016 will be quite challenging for all sectors of the economy. The report

identifies the key risks likely to affect businesses in the manufacturing, energy and telecommunications sectors in 2016, including notable differences in viewpoints and key next steps for businesses in the Nigerian economy.

“However, with the right risk management strategies, organisations stand a chance of transforming potentially crippling risks into a competitive advantage and sustaining their performance in spite of the prevailing changes in the operating environment.”

According to the survey, key findings on the top ten business risks for 2016 are: Macro-economic risk, crude oil price, political risk, energy

20 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Business & Economy

Presidency directs HOS, NAICOM to protect govt’s assets

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he Presidency has directed the Head of Service to work with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to ensure adequate protection of government’s assets.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the directive was made through a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the source, the Head of Service has been directed to coordinate all relevant permanent secretaries and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments to ensure compliance with the NAICOM Act 1997.

NAN reports that the apex insurance regulator, in a notice, requested for details of all insurance policies in respect of all government assets and liabilities as at February.

According to the notice, the act mandates the commission to ensure adequate protection of government assets as well as advise the government on all insurance related matters.

It stated that the commission had put in place necessary machinery to effectively discharge the function, to ensure proper protection of public assets and value added transactions for the government. “ Pursuant to the exercise of the powers conferred on it by extant laws, NAICOM hereby requests all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to furnish it with details of their insurances. “ The required information will enable the commission to keep accurate data for effective tracking of insurances of government property and assets and assist in ensuring their conformity with appropriate insurance principles. “ The information to be provided are as specified in the template enclosed in the letter already circulated to all MDAs by the commission,” it stated.

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Ambode launches one-stop shop for investors L

agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has unveiled the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global. The Lagos Global, an initiative of the Ambode administration, is a one-stop shop designed to enhance ease of doing business in Lagos State and also actualize the state’s vision of becoming Africa’s model megacity and global economic and financial hub.

At the official presentation in Lagos, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the initiative was in line with the commitment of his administration to make Lagos an investment destination of

choice by creating a favourable environment for local and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He said, for instance, that Lagos State remained the desired investment destination, having attracted massive FDI such as the $1.65 billion Lekki Deep Seaport and the $12 billion Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant among other investments coming to the State.

Ambode assured that the seaport would be completed in 2019 and upon completion will be the deepest seaport in SubSaharan Africa. He also said the Badagry Creek Industrial Park, a $1.3billion investment, would be completed in 2018.

His words: “As the world continues to acknowledge Lagos as a regional financial

hub, we as government have demonstrated the commitment to strengthen this position through deliberate policies aimed at improving the business climate in our state.

“In this regard, we have successfully placed Lagos on investors’ radar by putting in place effective legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Land Reform Act, Double Taxation treaties, Limited Liability Reviews and the development of Free Trade Zones. Likewise, the on-going judicial reform is aimed at strengthening our laws for the protection of enterprise.”

Ambode also said his administration’s conscious efforts at public infrastructure development and maintenance as indicated by an efficient Bus

CONFERENCE - rom left: The Head, Brand Management of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Adeyosola Atere; the Divisional Head, Private Banking of the Bank, Mrs. Alero Adollo; Co-Founder of The Life House, Mrs. Ugoma Adegoke and the Divisional Head, Human Resources and Strategy of FCMB, Felicia Obozuwa, during the Woman Rising Conference held recently in Lagos to commemorate this year's International Women's Day.

Indonesia plans exhibition to draw investors to Nigeria

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

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s a response to the growing need for the development of non-oil sectors in the country, over thirty-six Indonesian companies from within and outside Nigeria will feature at the maiden edition of the Indonesia Solo Exhibition billed to take place in Lagos early next month.

The three-day event organized by the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre, ITPC, Lagos, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Abuja, is being supported by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia.

According to the Director, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, ITPC, Nino Wawan Setiawan, the purpose of the exhibition is to draw Indonesian industrialists to Nigeria by reshaping their perception about the nation.

“We are bringing to Nigeria Indonesian leading industrialists in the areas of agricultural equipment, food and beverages, jewelries and

handy crafts, textiles, fashions, drugs and medical equipment, pharmaceutical and cosmetics.

“We want them to come and see for themselves that Nigeria is a very huge market with about 170 million population, a conducive environment, favourable seasons and weather vis-à-vis good government policy which favours investors.

“We also want to correct the wrong impression that Nigeria is a jungle like they read about in magazines and watch in documentaries about Africa,” he said.

Part of the strategies of the exhibition, Setiawan disclosed, will include a special cocktail business meeting with business executives and the trade delegation from Indonesia, where processes on investments in Nigeria would be discussed with subsequent blueprints of business networks and support ideas that would harness untapped business potentials that richly exist in Indonesia.

Rapid Transit (BRT), transporting over 200, 000 passengers daily, functional Integrated Power Projects, enhanced security and access roads to sea and airports, among others, underscored its determination to make Lagos a functional megacity.

Earlier in his welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass, said Lagos Global was created by the current administration to act as onestop shop with the mandate of promoting foreign investment into the state and managing export out of the state.

He also said the office has the mandate of managing foreign investment transaction and ensure that would-be investors enjoy seamless and hurdle-free experience by providing first class service delivery to them right from the point of initial enquiry down to the setting up and running of businesses in the state. This, he said, would eliminate difficulties and bureaucracies often associated with multi-agencies handling of investments. “Never again will an investor give up the hope of setting up business in Lagos State on the obstacles of suffocating an interminable bureaucracy. The job of Lagos Global is principally to enhance the ease of doing business and create an enabling environment for investors,” Prof. Abass said.

In his keynote address, renowned economist and Founder, Centre for Value and Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi said the creation of Lagos Global is a major step towards transforming the state to a modern city-state just like the advanced ones in the world.

“Lagos can play the kind of stimulating role Singapore played in South east Asia,” Utomi said, adding that Lagos economy must therefore, be a 24/7 economy, and that the growth of the state requires significant cooperation from neighbouring states.

Utomi said Lagos offers hope for rapid growth of the country in the sense that it has the capacity to serve as the yardstick to measure and encourage development, but that there has to be a concerted effort to make the state a more attractive idea of a developmental state.

Utomi also said there is need for a change of mindset by those driving the process, and there must be a well drawn out plan to round up everything that Lagos represents in terms of possibilities through a branding process.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 21

Insurance

FG allocates N14.69bn for group life in 2016 budget

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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he Federal Government has voted N14.69 billion for group life for its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the 2016 Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly on March 23, 2016.

The insurance industry on its part would receive N14.69 billion earmarked for Group life for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, including Department of State Security Service (DSS), Insurance of Sensitive Assets and Corpers.

The N14.69 billion for group life Insurance policy was part of the total of N154.3 billion voted for pension payments of Federal Government retirees, including monthly pensions and arrears of gratuities.

Out of the N154.3 billion, the pension industry would receive N139.73 billion on pension payments, including monthly pensions, arrears and gratuities.

A breakdown of the budget showed that the military alone would receive N59.8 billion for payment of pensions and gratuities. It

also showed that N7.41 billion was earmarked for Police Pension, while Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension got N8.42 billion.

Allocation to Department of State Security Service including arrears, got (N7.64 billion), Nigeria Intelligence Agency Pensions and dependants’ benefits received (N3.7 billion).

Meanwhile, N26.75 billion was budgeted for Parastatals Pension and Railway

Pensions, while pre-1996 Nigeria Railway Corporation Pension got N2.25 billion.

The budget showed that N3.52 billion was earmarked for expected retirees in 2016, while N4.3 billion was earmarked for death benefits and N14.34 billion for Universities’ Pensions, including Arrears.

Office of the Head of the Civil Service (Civilian Pension), received N28.39 billion for Pensions and N2.3

billion for Gratuities, while benefits of Retired Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation and Federal Permanent Secretaries stand at N2.59 billion. Under the Service-Wide votes, N3 billion was earmarked for payment of Arrears of PAYG Pension DPR, N27.4 billion for payment of Arrears of 33 per cent increase in Pension Rates and N500 million for payment of outstanding Death Benefit to Civil.

SYMPOSIUM - From Left; Ms Sola Salako,President/CEO,Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria;Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi;APCON Registrar and Mr Wole Ogundare,Client Service Director;Insight Communication Ltd.At the 4th Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria[BJAN]Consumer Right day Symposium 2016;THEME;Banking in Nigeria Developments and Customers Challenges held at White House Hotel GRA Ikeja Lagos.

PHOTO:BY AKEEM SALAU.

Man-made risks now bigger threats than natural disasters —Lloyd boss L

loyd’s Chief Executive, Inga Beale, has warned that man-made risks such as terrorism, cyber attacks and climate change are now bigger threats than natural disasters.

Her comments were made in reference to the Lloyd’s city risk index, which found that nearly half the economic risks faced by 301 cities around the world were linked to manmade threats, including market crashes, cyber-attacks, power outages and nuclear accidents.

According to Beale, Lloyd’s was likely to face some claims in relation to the Brussels attacks and other recent terrorist incidents. But despite the growing demand for terrorism cover from local city governments and businesses, claims are relatively few and unlikely to result in substantial insurance losses.

She also said that climate change is another major threat, which affects some areas of the world that “don’t C M Y K

really know about insurance”.

Eight Lloyd’s syndicates including Amlin, Beazley and Hiscox launched a $400m initiative in November to work with governments to tackle under-insurance in developing economies.

Beale’s comments came as Lloyd’s recently posted a 30% fall in 2015 profits, with pretax profits falling from £3bn in 2014 to £2.1bn in 2015. Hit by

a sharp decline in investment returns in the wake of ultralow interest rates, as well as price declines amid rising competition, major losses included the Tianjin warehouse explosion in China and a fire at a platform run by Mexican oil company Pemex.

“In a market undeniably tougher than seen for many years, we have had to demonstrate our ability to adapt and take action,” Lloyd’s chairman Mr John

Nelson was quoted as saying.

According to Beale, Britain is better off staying in the EU, given that the EU had trade agreements with 50 other markets and was in the process of agreeing a major deal with the US, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

She said that a vote to leave would be a major blow to the insurance industry, which is highly regulated and would need to deal with regulators in individual countries.

CONFERENCE - From left: The Head, Brand Management of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Adeyosola Atere; the Divisional Head, Private Banking of the Bank, Mrs. Alero Adollo; CoFounder of The Life House, Mrs. Ugoma Adegoke and the Divisional Head, Human Resources and Strategy of FCMB, Felicia Obozuwa, during the Woman Rising Conference held recently in Lagos to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Guinea Insurance complies with code of good corporate governance

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uinea Insurance Plc has moved to ensure sound business practices and effective compliance with all statutory requirements and the code of good corporate governance as stipulated in section 5.04 (vii) of the 2009 Corporate Governance Code of NAICOM. To this end, the company has announced the retirement of its Chairman and four Directors; having served over nine years on the board of the company.

Consequently, Sir Emeka Offor (Chairman) and four non-Executive Directors namely, Mr. Fred Udechukwu; HRH Eze Smart Nze; Prof. E.L.C Nnabuife and Engr. Emeka Agusiobo retired from the Board of the company effective March 23, 2016.

In a statement, the company said it has positioned itself to go with the current tide of structural and operational changes in the insurance industry.

The Board also approved the appointments of Mr. Anthony Achebe; Alhaji Hassan Dantata; Simon Bolaji; Chief Osita Chidoka; Mr. Emeka Uzoukwu; as well as Dr. Mohammed Tahir Attahir as non-Executive Directors while Alhaji A.O. Kadiri was returned as the independent Director of the company. Barrister Godson Ugochukwu was also appointed Chairman of the Company to replace Sir Emeka Offor.

In the same vein, the Board also approved the appointment of Isioma Omoshie, the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser as the acting MD/CEO until the appointment of a substantive MD/CEO is ratified.

This is coming on the heels of the recent resignation of the erstwhile MD/CEO, Mr. Polycarp Didam, who has moved on to pursue other interests.

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Banking & Finance

GTBank intensifies mobile banking competition with Bank 737

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n an apparent bid to increase market share of the bourgeoning mobile banking market, Guaranty Trust Bank has introduced Bank 737 mobile banking services.

Bank 737 offers a very simple banking alternative which remarkably does away with virtually all of the limitations of not just conventional banking (going to a bank branch for banking services), but also online banking. While conventional banking requires the physical presence of the customer at a bank branch, and online banking demands Internet access and a mobile application, banking via 737 requires none of the above.

Bank 737 is a true test of simplicity. GTBank customers no longer need to bother about data or internet connection as the service is built on a USSD interface which enables it work on any type of mobile device.

Users are required to simply dial the short USSD *737# from any mobile phone to get started.

GTBank’s Bank 737 offers a wide range of banking services, from money transfer to card less withdrawal, bill payments, airtime recharge and even unique services like token pin generation, checking the status of cheque book request, retrieving internet banking details, amongst others. It is not just about the wide range of services available on the 737, but how the services are delivered; by simply dialing *737# on any mobile phone.

If the simplicity of the Bank 737 is amazing, its speed is even more so. Transactions using the 737 take less than a minute to conclude, meaning it is even quicker than online money transfer. It gets even faster with the availability of short access codes. Among these are *737*0# for account opening, *737*7# to generate token code, *737*37*Amount*Smart Card No# to pay for Star Times Subscription and so much more.

Backing up its simplicity and speed, is its security. The customer is the only one who can access the 737 service for his or her GTBank Account because it only makes use of the mobile number that is linked to the account. Bank 737 also requires customers to personally sign off all their transactions by providing the four last digits of your GTBank Naira MasterCard.

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BRIEFING - From left: Omolara Akinfolarin, Head, MSME Banking, Proposition & Products; Abubakar Suleiman, Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, both of Sterling Bank Plc and Ndifreke Okwuegbunam , Programme Manager, LEAP Africa at the press briefing launching the 2016 edition of the nationwide MSME Academy organised by the bank.

Slowdown in GDP persisted in first quarter — CBN report Stories by BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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here are indications that the slowdown in economic growth recorded last year persisted in the first quarter of this year.

Last year, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which reflects amount of goods and services produced in the economy, grew by 2.79 per cent, less than half of the 6.22 per cent recorded in 2014.

Indication that this trend persisted in the first quarter of 2016 emerged from the CBN’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the month of March, which revealed decline in business activities, productivity level, new order and employment generation in the manufacturing and non manufacturing sectors.

According to the Manufacturing Sector PMI, “Production level, employment and raw material inventories declining at a slower rate; new orders declining at a faster rate; supplier delivery time improving at a slower rate”.

The non manufacturing PMI also reveals, “Business activity and new orders declining at a slower rate; employment level and raw materials Inventories declining at a faster rate.

The PMI is based on the survey of purchasing and supply executives of manufacturing and nonmanufacturing organizations in 13 locations in Nigeria. The survey result is used to compute the monthly Purchasing Managers’ Index

(PMI).

The PMI report for March stated, “The Manufacturing PMI improved marginally to 45.9 per cent in March 2016, compared to 45.5 per cent in the preceding month. This implies that the manufacturing sector declined at a slower rate during the review period. Of the sixteen manufacturing sub-sectors, twelve reported decline in the

review month in the following order: transportation equipment; furniture & related products; plastics & rubber products; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; printing & related support activities; nonmetallic mineral products; paper products; fabricated metal products; primary metal; computer & electronic products; appliances & components and

electrical equipment. The remaining four sub-sectors however reported expansion in the following order: petroleum & coal products; food, beverage & tobacco products; cement and chemical & pharmaceutical products.

“The composite PMI for the non-manufacturing sector declined for the third consecutive month. However, the index improved to 45.4 per cent, compared to the 44.3 points registered in the preceding month. Of the eighteen non-manufacturing sub-sectors, sixteen sub sectors reported declines in the month of March in the following order: management of companies; construction; real estate, rental & leasing; finance & insurance; wholesale trade; utilities; accommodation & food services; professional, scientific, & technical services; public administration; transportation & warehousing; health care & social assistance; electricity, gas, steam & air conditioning supply; arts, entertainment & recreation; water supply, sewage & waste management; information & communication and repair, maintenance/ washing of motor vehicles.

The remaining two subsectors reported growth in the review month in the order: educational services and agriculture.”

Sterling bank to empower MSMEs to boost job creation

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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terling Bank Plc has said it will empower 1,250 Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises, MSMEs in this year’s edition of MSME Academy workshop.

Speaking at a press conference to unveil the initiative in Lagos, Unit Head, MSME Banking, Proposition and Products, Omolara Akinfolarin said the workshop is slated to hold at five different locations across Nigeria.

These include: Port Harcourt, in April, Kaduna in May and Onitsha by July.

Other cities include: Ibadan and Lagos in September and October respectively.

At least 250 participants are expected to be trained at each location.

She disclosed that the capacity building which will feature trainings on taxation, customer service, digital marketing, and other business support services, will also feature a mini trade exhibition at the end of each workshop for participating SMEs to showcase their products and

services.

Also speaking at the conference, Executive Director, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman said the capacity building initiative for MSMEs was inspired by the need to tackle unemployment by supporting SMEs to create more jobs.

He said: “SMEs is a foundation for employment.

We have this impression that government can create employment. Sometimes we also have the wrong impression that the big corporations can also higher more people. But in reality, even the biggest corporations in Nigeria does not hire up to 50,000 people. So it is very difficult for a single organisation, especially large ones, to solve our unemployment problems.

And if you watch carefully, the unemployment problem is getting worse. And the solution is not going to come from government or any large organisation. The only way we can solve this unemployment problem is when millions of individuals who have small businesses across the country who when the environment is positive

will begin to expand their services and hire more people; or those who will start new businesses because they see opportunities and see positive environment.

“Why are SMEs not generating as much employment as we like. The challenge is simply that the task of an entrepreneur when you start up today, in most countries where things are functional, you can focus on your core area. But in a country where a lot of the infrastructure, the regulatory processes and even basic things as administrative processes are very complex, it becomes very difficult for an SME to succeed. Because not only do you have to be good at what you think you are doing but also other things.

For instance, if you are a shoe maker, you have to be excellent at shoe making as well as distribution, procurement, administrative processes, taxation and so many other areas that you suddenly have to be an expert in order to keep that business together.”

He added: “Our ambition is to create SMEs that find a way round these problems.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 23

24 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Corporate Finance

FirstBank accounts for 45% ATMs transactions

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irst Bank of Nigeria Ltd, said it accounted for 45 percent of bills payment services on ATM in the nation’s banking industry as at December 2015.

According to the bank as at December 2015, about 275,000 bill payments were made through the bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) while the value of airtime purchase on all its ATMs was about N3 billion. The bills payment option is one of the features of FirstBank’s ATMs, which also have other unique functional features which include cash transfer, air-time top-up, cash deposit among others.

The bills payment option is the non-cash transaction feature on the ATM that makes it easier for customers to pay for bills such as Cable TV subscription, post-paid phone bills, and pre- booked airline tickets.

These transactions can be executed through the Quickteller option on any of the bank’s ATMs. The Transfer feature enables customers to transfer money from their accounts to both intra (within FirstBank) and interbank (other banks) accounts, thereby reducing the queues in the banking hall, save time as well as provide a more convenient option for customers’ money transfer needs.

To reach out to more customers and in line with its strategy to drive ease of service in banking, FirstBank is presently leading in the industry as the bank with the highest number of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with about 2,700 ATMs deployed across the country, making it the nation’s financial institution with the widest retail footprint.

The bank is also currently responsible for over 40 percent of interbank transactions and 27 percent of airtime vending.

As active mobile network users in Nigeria are over 151 million and the need to recharge is on the increase, the bank’s ATMs also provide the platform for easy top-up.

To further enhance convenience, FirstBank’s ATMs also operate the Cash Deposit function which allows customers to deposit funds without customarily having to enter a banking hall for this transaction.

C M Y K

Shareholders seek better returns from insurance sector ...task NAICOM on policy changes Stories by NKIRUKA NNOROM

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hareholders in the nation’s capital market have decried poor return-on-investment from

insurance companies and called on the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to implement changes that will guaranty them better returns.

They also decried low level insurance penetration in the

country and its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is reflected in the prices of the shares of insurance stocks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The shareholders under the

PRESS CONFERENCE - From left: Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc., Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Segun Awolowo and Representative of the Dean, Lagos Business School, Dr. Frank Ojadi at a joint press conference on Export Management Programme aimed primarily at enhancing export readiness of micro small and medium scale enterprises, MSMEs in Lagos.

Fidelity Bank to pay investors N4.6bn dividends, earns N146.9bn F

idelity Bank Plc has said that its gross earnings for the year ended December 31, 2015 grew by 7.9 per cent to N146.9 billion from N136.1 billion recorded in 2014 financial year (FY).

Following this, the bank has promised shareholders N4.6 billion as dividend payout, amounting to16kobo per share dividend thus maintaining a tradition of consistent dividend pay-out for the past six years.

The audited financial statements made available at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), showed that te bank posted 0.8 per cent increase in profit after tax from N13.8 billion in 2014 to N13.9 billion during the review period despite the nation’s harsh operating environment characterised by regulatory and economic headwinds.

Whereas total equity increased by 6.0 per cent to N183.5 billion from N173.1 billion in 2014, net operating income stood at N83.9 billion, a moderate 12.5 percent rise from N74.6 billion in 2014.

Commenting on the result, Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi

Okonkwo, said the bank’s 2015 full year performance reflects the disciplined execution of the management’s medium term strategy and the resilience of evolving business models despite the extremely challenging business environment in 2015.

He explained that the bank improved the earning capacity

of its balance sheet even in the face of decline in fee income precipitated by a N10.0 billion reduction in its foreign exchange income.

“We continued to increase yields on earning assets faster than the growth in funding costs which improved our Net Interest Margin (NIM) to 6.9 per cent in 2015.”

Access Bank appoints Tor Habib non-executive director Access Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Abba Mamman Tor Habib as non-executive director. Mr. Habib is a thorough bred banking professional with 20 years banking experience, 15 of which were spent with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc where he voluntarily retired in 2008 as an executive director.

His experience in GTB spanned across Corporate Banking and Risk Management. Habib has since 2008 been the Managing Director of Gremcoh Services Limited, his family owned agriculture and real estate enterprise.

He holds a First Class Bachelor of Science degree in

Agric Economics from University of Maiduguri (1986) and Master of Science in Banking and Finance from Bayero University Kano (1997).

He has attended several executive development programmes in leading institutions including African Development Bank, Harvard, IMD, D.C Gardner London and Insead. His appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the bank’s shareholders.

Commenting on the appointment, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, chairman, Access Bank Plc said: “We are very delighted to welcome Abba on the Board of Access Bank.

aegis of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN) called on NAICOM to desist from overregulating the sector, but rather focus on implementing aggressive expansionary policies that would increase the sector’s penetration.

In a document titled: “Shareholders Concerns on Growth and Insurance Penetration and its Regulation

by NAICOM” signed by the association’s president, Mr. Boniface Okezie, they pointed out that the amended company income tax act 2007 is punitive to insurance companies, saying that provision for unexpired risks (Section14(8)(9) ‘and provision for other reserves, claims and outgoings, section 14(8)(b) are restricted.

Okezie said: “While we agree that sanity is required, it shall not be at the expense of growth. The reality is growth comes at a risk. The key objective in regulation is to understand these risks and manage them. It also means developing policies to allow insurers to meet the needs of various customer groups.

“We believe in effective enforcement policies, policies to stop rate-cutting, policies to allow various payment frequencies. For instance, monthly premium payment, stricter enforcement of the law on no premium no cover for brokers. NAICOM should stop the levying long term business and look for other ways to generate healthy income.” Declaring that the shareholders require returnon-investment and performance, Okezie charged the new leadership of NAICOM to change some ridiculous rules that are not friendly to the shareholders in the industry.

Citing examples of some of the rules, he said: “Despite the insignificance of profit before tax (PBT) of insurance companies in comparison to the banks, the minimum tax payable by both is comparable.

In reality, it shows lack of understanding of insurance business.

“The company income tax (CIT) limits unearned premium reserve. Claims paid are management expenses, all of which are reasonably incurred in the insurance ordinary course of business.

Therefore, insurance companies are penalized when paying claims.

Ordinarily, these expenses should be considered as cost of sales and treated as allowable expenses.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 25

Corporate Finance

GTB targets N125bn PBT in 2016, to focus on retail customers Stories by NKIRUKA NNOROM

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uaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc said it is targeting profit before tax of N125 billion for its full year ended December 2016, and will also focus on the retail end of the market to optimize returns.

The bank also said it hopes to be the best-runbank in the banking industry within the year, while maintaining a very high standard of corporate governance and compliance to relevant laws and policies.

Speaking at a forum with business editors in Lagos, the Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said the bank would focus on growing small and medium enterprises (SME) business by lowering cost of funds and maintaining margin.

He stated that GTB will also focus on increasing the contribution of its subsidiaries to Group’s PBT and optimizing revenue as well as minimizing cost of its subsidiaries.

“We will grow risk assets of our institutional banking business and non-performing loans (NPL) below of below five percent,” he said, adding that the bank would leverage technological

advancement to keep cost low.

Reviewing 2015 full year financial result, the GTB boss said the bank achieved best in class shareholders return and asset deployment as post-tax Return on average Equity (ROaE) and Return on average Asset (ROaA) closed at 25.6 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively, adding that subsidiaries’ contribution to the profit before tax (PBT) closed at 6.9 per cent versus 7.2 per cent in FY 2014.

Also, the bank recorded gross earnings of N301.9 billion, representing 8.4 per cent increase from

NAHCo grosses N8.5bn, proposes N324.8m dividends

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igerian Aviation H a n d l i n g Company Plc, (NAHCo Aviance) has increased its revenue by five per cent for the 2015 financial year grossing N8.5 billion as against N8.1 billion declared for the 2014 financial year.

The results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, (NSE), showed that the company weathered the unfavourable operating environment to post a result which analysts described as encouraging. The results showed that profit before

Oando expects lower earnings, profitability for 2015 Oando Plc said it expects a decline in earnings and profitability in its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015.

This is even as the company explained that its failure to file the 2015 audited financial reports and accounts latest by March 31, 2016 as stipulated by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) post listing rules requirement was due to its inability to complete the audit of the accounts on time.

The company said in a statement that the expected decline was as a result of ‘industry;s downturn, prevalent economic headwinds, as well as fiscal and monetary restrictions driven by a challenging macro environment.

N278.5 billion recorded in the previous year.

The bank’s profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) rose by 3.7 per cent and 5.3 per cent respectively. While the PBT rose to N120.7 billion from N116.4 billion, PAT moved from N94.4 billion in full year 2014 to N99.4 billion in the review period.

The balance sheet result showed that GTB grew its total assets by 7.2 per cent from N2.36 trillion to N2.52 trillion. Loans and advances to customers stood at N1.37 trillion as against N1.28 trillion posted in the previous period in 2014.

On delayed release of the financial results.

Oando said: “We have worked diligently with our external auditor, Ernst & Young (“EY”) to ensure a swift conclusion to the audit process. However, after reviewing the financials, EY indicated that the Aacounts may likely need to be referred to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (“FRC”) pursuant to Rule 5 of the recently publicised FRC Rules.

“We expect the process to be concluded on or before 31 May, 2016, however this is dependent on the completion of the external review process as referred to above.”

Oando, however, assured that it is actively restructuring its business to adapt to the difficult period.

tax rose to N796.8 million as opposed to N769.5 million recorded in 2014 period.

The company, on the basis of this result, is proposing a dividend of N324.8million to its shareholders, an increase of N29.5 million over the N295.31million paid in 2014.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Bamidele Adelaja, said the 2015 political transitional programme, the reduction in cargo volumes, the increasing inflationary trend, unfavourable dollar exchange rate for importers, unsteady power supply and security challenges contributed in no small way to the low margin.

He disclosed that the company also invested the sum of N2 billion on re-fleeting of ground support equipment (GSEs) and commissioned its warehouse in Enugu, Enugu State during the period.

“Although the combined effect of these investment activities has impacted on profitability in the short term, forecasts for the future is projected to show a strong positive in earnings and dividend payout,” Adelaja said.

The company continues to nurture its investment in Nahco Free Trade Zone which is showing improved signs of business activities even as it continually scout for more opportunities in a diversifying economy.

C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Homes &Housing Finance •Estate development in Abuja

Eliminating stress when buying property

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n this economy, being stressed out has become a fixture in everyday life and selling or buying a property might add to the list of things that try to break us.

While you have little or no control over how the entire selling or buying process pans out, the good news is that you have the power to control how you react to it.

Be prepared to deal with issues head on when they arise by following a few simple steps: Choose your agent carefully: An experienced professional will be prepared for any sort of outcome in the selling or buying process, putting the interest of the buyer and the seller before personal gain, because they know it’s a winwin situation when their clients are happy with the transaction.

Be prepared: Keep things in perspective and be sure to map out a plan of best and worst case scenarios before starting the buying or selling process. For home buyers, this could mean creating a list of your ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ of property features before scheduling a viewing.

This way, you know when to settle and where to draw the line. For sellers, let your agent know the lowest possible offer you are willing to accept at the start of the process, shield yourself from un-serious buyers from the get-go. Also, let your agent know the ideal value you expect and what would make the rest of the year completely blissful for you.

Be realistic: It is especially important to be realistic about what you hope to achieve from your real estate goals, talk them over with your agent and be sure they are achievable within the parameters of your budget, geographical location etc.

Home buyers, get mortgage preapproval: Having your finances ready eliminates the heartclenching waiting periods or surprises from lenders after you’ve found your dream property.

Source: Lamudi Nigeria

Housing finance: AfDB injects $8.2m into Shelter Afrique STORIES BY KOLAWOLE

YINKA

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helter Afrique has received $8.2 million injection of equity from the African Development Bank (AfDB). Shelter Afrique is a pan-African finance institution which exclusively supports the development of housing and real estate sector in the continent.

In a statement, AfDB said the injection is meant to strengthen its balance sheet and help achieve its objective of providing quality affordable housing in Africa. It further highlighted the confidence the bank has in the future of the continent and the implications for housing development in the continent.

“Africa’s economic landscape remains positive with promising scope for

The continent’s growing population and a growing middle class are some of the factors driving increased demand for affordable houses and housing finance growth; Gross Domestic Product remains robust supported by multiple factors. The continent’s growing population, a growing middle class and the fastest urbanisation rate in the world are some of the factors driving increased demand for affordable houses and housing finance,” AfDB noted.

Managing Director of

Shelter Afrique, Mr. James Mugerwa, noted that the equity increase is a reflection of the confidence reposed by AfDB in his firm. “The African Development Bank has sent strong signals about the seriousness of housing on the continent, and by extension, the seriousness of what we do here at Shelter Afrique. It is a welcome development but we see it as

enge as well. This equity increase means the AfDB wants to see more, they want to see impact and scale and that is what we will be aiming for this year; impact,” he said.

AfDB stated that the investment is well aligned to its ten year strategy for the period 2013-2022, as well as one of the bank’s high strategic priorities of “improving the lives of people in Africa”.

With the increase in equity, AfDB - a Class B shareholder - has become the largest shareholder in the organisation, making the housing financier an unofficial subsidiary of the bank. Shelter Afrique is owned by 44 African Sovereign shareholders categorized as Class A shareholders. The Class B shareholders are the African Development Bank and the Africa RE organisation.

Builders, stakeholders counselled on fire safety confab

BY ETOP EKANEM

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rganisers of the maiden edition of the fire safety conference by the National Fire Protection Association West Africa, NFPAWA, scheduled for April 18 to 21, 2016 in Lagos, have reiterated its importance in view of fire disasters and building collapses currently being experienced across the country.

Roland Ngong, vice president of the organising committee and technical director with Safety Consultants and Solution Providers, told Vanguard that the modules to be treated during the training and conference will greatly benefit safety professionals and building engineers, as well as risk managers and insurers. “Risk insurers are the ones who bear the cost of building collapse and fire incidents. It is important for them to know what and what are needed in a building during construction and after before they can accept to underwrite such building. The reason is that in case of any eventuality, they carry the can,” he said.

Ngong said there were at least five modules to be taught at the conference. These include Life Safety Code and Means of Egress which he said would be taken by Tracey Bellamy, who has more than 25 years experience in the fire protection community, including all areas of the fire sprinkler industry.

According to Ngong, Bellamy also has extensive experience

with fire suppression system design, fire hazard analysis and fire protection system inspection and testing, and he is licensed as a Professional Engineer in 49 states in the US, District of Columbia and Guam, and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).

“This course provides an overview of the latest technologies, design approaches, and challenges as it relates to the means of egress and life safety requirements for facilities in conformity with the NFPA 101(2015 Edition), Life Safety Code. It will provide the tools needed to confidently apply or enforce requirements of the Life Safety Code. Topics that will be covered will include classification of construction and occupancy type, determining occupant load and egress capacity, requirements for protection of vertical openings and hazardous areas, and determining requirements for building services and fire protection features.” Ngong stated. Other modules, according to Ngong, include: National Fire Alarm & Signalling Code, which is based on the fire alarm, detection and emergency notification system requirements contained in NFPA 72, 2016 Edition, National Fire Alarm and Signalling Code and; NFPA 13 which deals with Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, this will be based on the fire sprinkler system requirements contained in NFPA 13 2016 Edition Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 27

Aviation

MMA2 seeking NCAA approval to begin regional operations, says Bi-Courtney

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

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i-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2),weekend said it is still awaiting regulatory approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) before commencing operations, despite obtaining authorisation from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to commence regional operations at MMA2 as set out in the concession agreement between the two.

This is contrary to claims in some quarters that insufficient space for parking aircrafts was delaying the commencement of international operations at its terminal. BASL in a statement said the delay in obtaining NCAA’s approval has nothing to do with the size of its apron or any other operational issue.

It further explained that various teams of inspectors from NCAA and other statutory agencies, including the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Port Health Service supervised its preparation for the international operations to ensure that it complied with all the requirements.

Adding that all these agencies have also deployed their personnel at the terminal in readiness for the commencement of international

operations, while the interior ministry had already accorded MMA2 the status of an entry point into the country.

The statement reads: “We don’t have any issue with parking space for aircrafts. That is a false allegation. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has given us the authorisation to commence regional operations, but we still need other approvals from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). And we have complied with all the requirements set by NCAA.

These areas cover safety, security and operations audit.

We have invested huge sum for the commencement of the regional operations for the past six months. We have signed the agreement with FAAN since last year.”

Also reacting to the reported plans by an airline to move its operations from the terminal to the General Aviation Terminal, which is being run by FAAN, due to purported high charges at MMA2, the company denied that any airline was planning to relocate from its terminal.

The company also explained that its current passenger processing fee was approved by the Federal Government and that it does not have the authority to increase its charges arbitrarily.

It further stated: “It should be noted that we only charge for passengers processing. And there has not been any increment in the charges in the last four years, despite the serious devaluation in the value of the naira and the peculiar nature of our facilities, which requires paying their maintenance cost in foreign currency.”

PRESS CONFERENCE - From left Tolu Odukale, Associate Director, Risk Consulting; Nike Oyewolu, , Head, Sales and Markets; Olumide Olayinka, Partner and Head, Risk Consulting and Tomi Adepoju, Partner, Risk Consulting, all of KPMG during the press conference and launch of KPMG survey report on “The Top Ten Business Risks for 2016” held in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele

ICAO President charges aviation agencies on capacity building

By LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

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president of International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Dr Bernard Aliu has stressed the need for aviation agencies in the country to imbibe the culture of development of human capacity building.

Speaking while addressing union members from Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE and heads of aviation parastatals in Abuja, Dr Aliu said there was need for constant training of personel as technology was evolving.

According to Dr Aliu, with all the facilities and navigational aids in place without a trained workforce, there will be no development C M Y K

he

stressing that human capacity development must be the key word. “Training, training, training is the word in aviation and new technology must be handled by trained personnel in order to remain in business”.

The ICAO President explained that with double traffic projection in Passenger and aircraft movements in 2030 globally, there was need to strengthen security and safety across the globe adding that the industry must be ready for the growth.

Dr Aliu warned that “doubling of traffic and passengers movement should not be doubling of accidents.”

The ICAO President assured Nigerians that the country’s aviation will not be left behind adding that every open item will be closed for better results.

He commended the unions for the industrial harmony

existing between them and management of parastatals saying it will foster development of the industry.

Earlier, the president of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu said it was pride and

honour to have a Nigerian as the president of ICAO. He explained that with Dr Aliu’s position, Nigeria has been rightly placed in the World map adding that he has been collaborating with them at the International Transport Federation ITF.

FAAN seeks partnership with investors

By LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETGHE

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he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, weekend said it is willing to partner with genuine private investors towards a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Managing Director of the Authority, Engr Saleh Dunoma made the disclosure at the ongoing Airport Business Summit in Abuja, where he made a presentation on the topic “Terminal Expansion: key to maintaining high standards of operational efficiency and improved airport users experience”.

Engr Dunoma, who was represented by the Authority’s Acting Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mr Toyin Okpaise said the sector is therefore strategic in the Federal Government’s quest to diversify the economy and create wealth and prosperity for the teeming populace.

SAHCOL promises to support Medview Airlines with ground handling equipment

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cting Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Mr. Rizwan Kadri has said that the company will continue to support Medview Airlines with the best ground handling services to support the Airline’s unique selling point of on-time departures.

Disclosing this development while congratulating Medview Airlines for its new routes and expansions Mr. Kadri affirmed that there has been a long lasting relationship between both companies as SAHCOL is more of a business partner to Medview Airlines.

He stressed that SAHCOL is a major provider of Aviation Ground Handling Services in Nigeria adding that offering services in Passenger Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Aviation security, Baggage Reconciliation, Crew Bus, Executive Lounge, and other related Ground Handling services.

The Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole while welcoming the Ag. Managing Director and his team, reminded them that the Medview Airlines’ unique selling point is ‘on-time departures’, which he believes SAHCOL is key in making possible.

Alh. Bankole recalled that the relationship between SAHCOL and Medview Airlines started in November, 2012. SAHCOL, according to him has come a long way in the making of the success story of Medview, such that they no longer see SAHCOL as part of its service providers but as partners.

The visit which gave the Acting Managing Director of SAHCOL an opportunity to meet with the Managing Director of Medview Airlines for the first time in an official capacity, also brought Management teams from both sides together in a relaxed atmosphere, while issues of mutual interest were progressively discussed.

28 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 “Buhari says power crisis no laughing matter, targets 10,000MW.” PUNCH, March 22, 2016, p 2. n the report by Olalekan Adedayo, President Buhari said, “Nigerians favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the power situation in our country. But, ladies and gentlemen, it is no (longer) laughing matter. We must, and by the grace of God, we will put things right.

In the three tears left to this administration, we have given ourselves the target of

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10,000MW distributable power. In 2016 alone, we intend to add 2,000MW to the national grid.”

Thus on Monday, March 21, 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari opened the much awaited economic retreat which was widely believed to be be convened to chart a new economic course for the country. In many respects, it was a disappointment. For an administration which was elected on the CHANGE mantra, very little has changed. In many respects, what the retreat finally decided could be described as “the same stale stew, warmed up, and served in new plates.” (apologies to Babangida). The place to start is Buhari’s statement at the opening of the retreat.

On the whole, what the retreat announced as decisions, were at the same time original and good but of little practical value. What was original was not good; what was good was not original. So let us examine them one by one.

Perhaps because the All Progressives Congress, APC, was not sure of winning the 2015 elections, the party never had a blue print for economic development. Even the village idiot now knows that. They are now just floundering around trying to cobble together a set of

Economic Summit: Elephant goes into labour, delivers a mouse (1) economic policies; but, without mutually agreed ideological basis.

When Buhari announced the 10,000MW target for 2019, he probably did not realize that he would be the third President since 1999 to make the promise. That makes the statement good, but not original.

Furthermore, the 10,000MW target had been used twice before to defraud Nigeria by his predecessors in office.

Below is a brief summary of our recent history with presidential promise of 10,000MW which was never delivered.

In 2003, President Obasanjo, who does not know his left from right, appointed Engineer Lyel Imoke as Minister for Power, who promised to deliver 10,000MW by 2007. It was on the basis of that fraudulent claim that $13-16 billion, according to late President Yar ’Adua, was raided from several accounts, invariably without the approval of the National Assembly, NASS, for Obasanjo’s phantom power project. History had already recorded that Obasanjo and Imoke squandered our resources and left the nation

with less than 3,000MW. In 2008, late President Yar ’Adua announced that he was going to declare a POWER EMERGENCY. Nothing happened more than three months after – prompting me to publish an article on these pages titled POWER EMERGENCY ALREADT DECLARED in July 2008. Shortly after that, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, then Minister of Transport, under Yar ’Adua announced that the government had concluded plans to increase power supply to, you guessed it, 10,000MW soon. Yar ’Adua passed on leaving us with about 3,800MW – which was not even consistent.

For sheer authority lying, it would be difficult to beat the Jonathan administration which followed. In addition to the President himself, he had several high-powered professional dissemblers to assist in making promises about power supply which were never delivered. Among the eminent people were: President Jonathan, the Vice President (Sambo), two Ministers of Power (Professors Nnaji and Nebo), Minister of State for Finance (Yerima

Lawal Ngama), Minister of Information (Maku) and the media owns Senior Adviser (Abati). The lies they told Nigerians about power supply can fill a book. But, just for the record, let us recall a few.

President Jonathan launched a ROAD MAP TO POWER project in 2012 promising to increase power supply to 14,300MW by December 2013. Today we are still battling with under3000MW power supply. VicePresident Sambo weighed in the following year announcing 20,000MW to be made available soon.

Professors Nnaji and Nebo promised twice each to take us to the 10,000MW level between 2011 and 2015.

Nothing of sort happened.

Then it was the turn of the spin doctors to assure us that all was well. Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku once told an international audience that Nigerians enjoyed 18 hours power supply. Jonathan made the same claim in an interview with Christianah Annanpour of CNN who looked at our former president with disdain as he spoke. Finally, our own dear

Reuben Abati, in his rejoinder to the query by Dr Ezekwezili about the $43 billion left in Excess Crude which had vanished, started with a gem.

According to Reuben, Jonathan met the power supply at 2000MW (it was untrue) and brought it to 4,500MW (only for one day) and he thought Nigerians should be grateful for that achievement. In reality, Jonathan added less than 1000MW to the regular power supply in his five years in office. But, Abati was not about to allow facts to get in the way of propaganda.

We have dwelt at length over power because Buhari has bottomed the Economic agenda on power supply and to remind the President and Fellow Nigerians that we have heard those promises before. And, as if to demonstrate that nothing has changed, the Minister of State for Power, under Buhari, Mustapha Shehuri announced that the Federal government had set a new target of 20,000MW by the year 2020. Here we go again.

The President said 10,000MW by 2019 and his Minister announced 20,000MW a year after. In any case 2019 is only three years away and 2020 a mere four years. Do they actually expect us to believe this? And, if not what becomes of the rest of the economic programme?

Microfinance

Empowerment: Rotary donates to needy, commissions classroom Stories By PROVIDENCE OBUH

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he Rotary Club of Isolo has empowered about 20 persons with tools and equipment to further enhance local output and encourage entrepreneurship among people living within Isolo community, commissioning a one block of two classrooms at the Isolo Comprehensive Senior High School, Alabe.

The empowerment project is part of the club’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to give back to its resident community. Some of the items given includes: Sewing Machine; Grinding Machine; Hair Dressing Equipments, Gas Cooker, Baking instruments; Carpentry tools, among others.

Speaking at the Commissioning ceremony in Lagos, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, said that individuals and corporate Nigerians can take cue from rotary, saying, “In fulfillment of service and economic development

programme which is the vision in rotary, rotary club is donating a block of two classrooms to the school and also empowering the indigenous Isolo community all in the name of giving selfless service to the people,

but there are various service areas, this is just one of them, community and economic development.

“Government cannot do it alone, it is important to invite well meaning Nigerians to participate, whether corporate

Nigerians or individual to assist, take a cue from rotary, anybody can do it, this is why we commend Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for their effort in assisting the children.

There is no country that is self sufficient that can do

Djibouti plans to foster stronger trade ties with Nigeria

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jibouti’s has announced plans to foster stronger trade ties with partners across the continent, including Nigeria with a view to encouraging economic integration and enhanced connectivity between Eastern and Western Africa.

This is contained in a report produced by the global publishing, research and consultancy firm, Oxford Business Group (OBG). The Report: “Djibouti 2016” looks at the country’s strategy for growth, such as carving a niche as a regional logistical platform, port expansion and developing an air cargo business that could serve Nigeria and other African countries are among the projects considered.

The publication also explores Djibouti’s drive to leverage its strategically advantageous position on one of the world’ busiest shipping lanes by boosting trading activity with both landlocked East-African countries and other international players farther afield.

The Report charts the country’s impressive growth story, which has been fuelled by rising FDI on the back of an improved investment climate, in particular, the young nation’s major infrastructure drive, which includes $14 billion worth of construction and development across the transport sector.

CEO/Editor-in-Chief, OBG, Mr. Andrew Jeffreys, said that a research undertaken by the group’s team showed that rising levels of foreign investment were producing a positive impact across the economy.

“Djibouti’s macroeconomic stability and enhanced business environment have helped to make it an attractive destination for investors, with positive ripple effects evident in key sectors, such as construction. Our first-time report on Djibouti indicates an economy in the midst of countrywide infrastructural activity which is also making strides in developing ties with neighbours and global economic powers for future prosperity,” he said.

everything all alone.

In the same vein, President Rotary Club of Isolo, Mrs. Lolade Ogungbe, added that the government should be more focused on schools in Nigeria by building model schools that looks like private schools with a view to discouraging the influx of mushroom schools.

According to Ogungbe, “In rotary we believe in service to our community and one of the avenues of service to the community is basic education and literacy and in line with that basic education and literacy and community development project, we got a letter from this school about a year ago, asking us to provide them two additional blocks of classroom.

“This will enable the school to qualify for West African Examination Council (WAEC) centre, they don’t have a hall so their school do not host WAEC, so it will be of immense benefit to the school,” she said.

Deputy Executive Secretary of Isolo LCDA, Elder Samuel Ogunlolu, commended the gesture describing it as loudable. “When you provide infrastructure you are providing and adding value because you are bringing up the leaders of tomorrow, Ogunlolu said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 29

e-Commerce

8 MEA countries top MasterCard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index

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ight countries from the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region have ranked among the top ten destinations in the global Muslim travel market, according to the most comprehensive research focusing on this fast-growing sector.

The MasterCard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2016, which covers 130 destinations, saw the UAE moving up one spot to second place on the list of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations, with five out of the other six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, also being placed among the top ten destinations. Malaysia retained its number one position on the list. South Africa has taken the fourth spot while Singapore has retained its pole position for the non-OIC destinations, with Thailand, United Kingdom and Hong Kong making up the top five.

Apathy hits online jobs as patronage suffers 46% decline Stories by JONAH NWOKPOKU

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he latest survey by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics in partnership with Jobberman on employment trends in Nigeria, has shown a sharp fall in the demand for jobs posted online within the last quarter of 2015.

According to the survey, there was a notable decline in the number of applications received on the Jobberman website, from a peak of 318,233 in October, which was slightly higher than

the 313,694 received in September, to 69,886 in November, and then by a further 77,894 in December, when the number of applications was 170,453. This decline in the number of applications represents a 46.44 per cent drop relative to the peak number of applications in October.

The survey found that the fall in the number of applications was broad based affecting more than 70 per cent of the industries covered.

It noted that, “Out of the 27 different industries, 23 received less applications during the

review period. Four industries did not experience any decline in the number of applications.

These industries were Construction, Power/Energy, Food services and others, but together these industries accounted for only 4.66 per cent of applications over the period as a whole. The industry to receive the most applications in each month was Trade/Services, which accounted for 36.02 per cent of applications over the three month period. In October, the industry received 119,900, or 37.68per cent of applications, more than three times as many

Infinix Mobility launches ‘HOT 3’ today

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obile device maker, Infinix Mobility will today unveil its latest smartphone ‘Infinix HOT 3’ with the aim to give Nigerians the best mobile experience.

Infinix mobility is Africa’s trendy smartphone brand with over 5 smartphone series successfully launched in different markets in the continent.

In a statement, the device maker said: “Technology continues to evolve and INFINIX is one of the brands making history with mobile technology change in this part of the world. The brand continues to ensure customers have access to top-notch specifications at affordable prices, adding that, “Infinix HOT 3 is the most anticipated smartphone yet to be released first quarter in Nigeria. The smartphone launches with the latest technology standards for premium smartphones in a sleek & light sized smartphone.” Speaking on the new device, Nigeria Country manager of Infinix Mobility, Bruno Li said: “We are excited to be part of the brands changing the face of mobile usage in Nigeria with our smartphone collections. With Infinix HOT 3, we want consumers to see their phones as more than just a gadget but as an essential part of their everyday life with features that represent this. Our aim is to upgrade our consumer’s lifestyle with technology in the process of makingInfinix a household name in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.”

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PRESS CONFERENCE - From Left: Dr Oluwole Akinyeye,Head of Maritime Unit,Olisa Agbakoba Legal[OAL] Mrs Priscilla Ogwemoh,Managing Partner Arbitration & ADR;Mrs Olabisi Akodu,Head of Corporate/Commercial public sector group at the press conference on Driving the Maritime RoadMap in a Dwindling Economy Organized By Olisa Agbakoba Legal[OAL] in Ikoyi Lagos. PHOTO:AKEEM SALAU.

New survey shows deepening e-commerce penetration in Nigeria

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new public opinion poll by NOIPolls has revealed that e-commerce continues to grow significantly with more Nigerians, about 53 per cent, now aware of online shopping.

The polls revealed a relatively high level of awareness on e-commerce in Nigeria, as about 5 in 10 Nigerians showed awareness of online shopping, and of this proportion, 25 percent further indicated that they shop online or know someone who does. These findings suggest that while online shopping only started gaining popularity in Nigeria in recent years due to the springing up of indigenous online shopping sites, its awareness and usage is relatively encouraging.

More findings from the poll revealed Nigeria’s premiere online retailer, Jumia.com as the top online shopping platform in Nigeria in terms of popularity, about 68 per cent, and usage, 58 per cent; this is followed by ‘Konga’ with 59 per cent popularity and 30 per cent usage. Other marketplace sites with considerable popularity include ‘OLX’, 18 per cent and ‘Kaymu’, 7 per cent, amongst other online retail shopping platforms. It is important to note that the indigenous online shopping sites such as Jumia, Konga etc. which have

sprung up in the last few years seemed to have gained more popularity and usage than foreign online shopping sites such as Amazon, Aliexpress etc. This may be likely due to factors such as proximity, currency of dealing, delivery time and terms of payment of the both categories of sites in view. For instance while the indigenous sites offer services like payment on delivery (heightening the assurance of customers), foreign sites do not offer this service as payments need to be made before delivery.

In addition, Nigerians consider ‘convenience’ (46 percent) ‘quality’ (16 percent), ‘variety of products’ (10 percent) ‘delivery time’ (6 percent) as the most important factors that influence their decision to shop online.

The poll’s assessment of the online shopping experiences of respondents revealed that most Nigerians, 61 per cent, who shop online are satisfied with their online retail shopping experience, although a considerable proportion of respondents in this category responded negatively. This is no surprise given the fact that the satisfaction level of consumers is bound to differ due to the several online shopping platforms available in the country and the varying expectations of individual consumers from these platforms.

as Consulting which received the second largest share.

However by December this figure had fallen to 33.08 per cent, due to a fall of 63,513 in the number of applications. This represents a fall of 52.97per cent, and accounts for 42.98 per cent of the total fall. The Consulting industry saw a comparatively modest drop of 37.11per cent, however, given that this industry accounted for 12.13per cent of the total number of applications over the period, this still accounted for 8.50per cent of the total decline in applications.”

It however added that the third largest industry over the period, ICT/Telecommunications, which received 5.91% per cent of applications over the period saw applications decline by 51.13 per cent between October and November, slightly more than average.

The survey further noted that Power/Energy and Travel/ Tourism were the industries to receive the most applications per each vacancy, receiving 461 and 366 respectively, which makes them the most competitive industries to apply for on the Jobberman website.

It also found that active applicants were predominantly male, 67.77 per cent and well educated, with 77.61 per cent being educated to degree level or higher.

The survey also highlighted trends in remuneration offered by employers where it found that of vacancies by salary advertised over the six months to December, there were only 159 active vacancies for which salary information was available. Of these, the average salary was N 127,264 per month. However given that this figure represents a small number of vacancies, it is heavily influenced by a few outliers.

This is demonstrated by comparing the average to the median, which is only N 60,000, less than half the average. The highest salary advertised was N 2,400,000 for an Insurance job in Lagos, but there were three other jobs also above N 1,000,000. These were for a Consulting and an Oil & Gas/ Mining job in Lagos, each advertising N 1,500,000, and an ICT/Telecommunications job in Abuja advertising N 1,000,000.

Of the 159 vacancies with salary information, 123 were located in Lagos, and only 36 were located outside. Those within Lagos commanded a higher salary on average, N 132,764 compared to N 108,472. In addition, the median was slightly higher within Lagos, indicating that this isn’t necessarily just a result of the outliers mentioned above.

30 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

People in Business

BY EBELE ORAKPO

If all you dedicate your life to is materials that have antisickling properties, it is okay.

It is not difficult to tell the sickling rate or the sickling frequency of the cells and then from in vitro, we can go in vivo. We can start talking about safety trials, efficacy trials and then we take it from there and see if we can have a drug that can be licensed.

So government should be sponsoring research, whether it is health, environment, water, construction or whatever, we need people to understand the value of research and it will create a lot of jobs. If I tell you how much jobs we can create in Nigeria by bridging the gap between academic research and practice, you will not believe.

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r Braimoh Bello is a senior medical scientist/research technical leader at the Johannesburg-based Centre for Statistical Analysis and Research (CESAR). He is also an honorary lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand and President of Beyond Tomorrow. Braimoh who was in Nigeria recently, spoke to Financial Vanguard on various issues and the need to pay more attention to research and innovation. Excerpts: Background: With a background in microbiology, Dr Braimoh Bello has been practising Epidemiology and Public Health in the past 10 years. “I started off with health and medical research but I have been able to apply my skills in other aspects of research, including education and psychology,” he said.

Research can benefit society: Health is wealth says an old adage. Bello believes that a disease-ravaged population cannot grow the economy. He said: "I am involved in a project in Zambia being executed by the Population Council of America (PCA) with funds from the UK Department for Foreign and International Development (DFID) to find out if a particular human development program can help teenage girls in terms of their reproductive and sexual health. PCA provides this intervention with different components. One component is a social skills training. They got mentors for about 10,000 girls over a period of two to four years. The mentors train the girls every Saturday on reproductive/sexual health life skills so the girls get to know what menstruation, sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections are in areas in Zambia where teenage pregnancy rates are very high and there is also high HIV infection rate as well as Herpes Simplex Virus. So the PCA, through this program, is trying to reduce all of these things. Such a program is very expensive so many donors like the World Bank, UN, etc., do not just sponsor the program, they build a research component to it to see if the program works, what we call Impact Evaluation or Value for Money. They measure and estimate the size of that impact on society.

Research component: "They got a team of experts from different parts of the world as external evaluators.

So Mott MacDonald, an international consultancy firm in London, was contracted.

The firm put together four people – two researchers from London, myself and another person from Zambia. We go to Zambia and carry out scientific processes and document with the PCA the impact of the program. If the program is impactful, we then begin to C M Y K

•Dr Braimoh Bello... You will not believe how much jobs we can create in Nigeria by bridging the gap between academic research and practice.

Research funding: There are different aspects of research - food, water, health, social issues, environmental issues etc., and government has to come in. South Africa is a researchintensive country. I was contracted by their Department of Environmental Affairs to provide training on

Knowledge from research can turn businesses around discuss sustainability plan with the PCA, to say this kind of program can solve your HIV problem or your teenage pregnancy problem. It is now time for the government to take over. So the research is done in discussion with government. It is the duty of researchers to carry government along so that government can translate research findings into policy."

Varsity/private sector gap: Lecturers should collaborate with the private sector to bring money to their universities and close the gap so that the private organisations can also learn from them.

It is hard to be a fee-paying PhD student in South Africa.

Your supervisor will almost always have sponsorships for you to pay the fees and even pay you monthly stipend because they write proposals to private organisations to get funding.

Example, researchers could check if a particular microorganism can provide a particular antibiotic or check the antimicrobial properties of bitter leaf in partnership with a private pharmaceutical company who will take up the results of the research.

As you translate research to practice, you are closing the

gap as whatever you find goes straight to the industry.

The government should be sponsoring research. We blacks can be very emotional and illogical sometimes.

When they tell you there is a white man who has Ebola and he is being given Ebola drug, you say it is racism. The Ebola medication was tested overseas, the antiserum was extracted overseas, the money was American money. These organisations are willing to pay to train their people. They invest millions and billions of dollars into research but Nigeria has not been able to tell us what is happening with sickle cell anaemia. A long time ago, we heard about different medicinal plants that have anti-sickling properties.

It is the duty of researchers to carry government along in the work that they do so that government can translate research findings into policy

statistics to the staff. I asked them what they do, one of them said as environmentalists, they are responsible for removing alien plants. It was a new body of knowledge for me.

They said the amount of water available to the country depends on the amount of water in the aquifers which can be depleted by alien plants that do not contribute anything to the vegetative quality of the country. They map out areas with alien plants and measure the volume and quality of water in that area before and after.

So they are able to say this is the amount of water we need for the whole country, this is the amount of water we have, this is the amount of water we can add if we remove our alien plants. These people are not in private organisations, they are in a government ministry!

Government ministries in Nigeria should be doing this type of research, using science to better their work. They paid a lot for us to provide the three-day training. We have had discussions with a government ministry in Nigeria to provide exactly the same training and they said they could not afford it.

Invest in capacity-building:

To build capacity, you have to invest. We need people who have insight, who can think and make technical decisions on behalf of their departments, ministry and country. We need financial resources, we need to be willing to spend if we want to capacitate the employed and those we are still going to employ because training is an ongoing process and any government department that wants st to be relevant in the 21 Century has to make training a top priority.

Ministries should be opened up to private organisations, consultants and universities. Corruption is a big problem. If I say it will cost $10,000 to train your staff and you inflate the budget by 30 per cent, then the number of people you can train in a year is significantly reduced.

So management of the small resources we have is one of the biggest issues in the country.

It doesn’t matter how much you have in revenue, if corruption is the order of the day, you will not achieve anything. Even if you budget to have a training course monthly, but at the end of the day, you may only have one in a year and all that money goes into somebody’s pocket.

Rullion graduates students

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t is common saying that “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” In this light, Rullion Capacity Builders, Vocational Skills Trainers, has held her 10th Send-Forth Ceremony for participants of its skills acquisition programme.

The three-week intensive programme, included cake baking & decoration, events planning/management & decoration, Spa training (nails, facials, body massage etc), slippers, sandals & bag making (with Ankara and other materials), Accessories making, as well as Photography. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Egedi, Coordinator, Rullion Capacity Builders, praised the participants for taking a bold step in guaranteeing their future. She encouraged them to take whatever they had learned further by enrolling for certificate and diploma programmes or even by doing more research & study online.

She spoke on the need for empowerment of the Nigerian youths and women, emphasising the need to acquire skills and create jobs for oneself rather than waiting for the elusive white collar jobs as entrepreneurship is the future of any developing economy such as ours.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 31

Economy

Manufacturing Index may show negative trend reversal Stories By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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he latest report for manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, PMI, compiled by FBNQuest Research, an arm of FBN Merchant Bank Limited, has indicated a recovery from 50.6 in February to 54.4 for the month of March 2016.

Manufacturing PMI tracks operating environment of factories within a given period, usually one month, with information based on the responses of manufacturers to set questions on core variables in their businesses.

The five variables measured include output, employment, new orders, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases According to the research report only employment, one of the five sub-indices, was negative in March. The strongest reading was 61 for output, up from 53 recorded in February.

“We link the marked recovery in the output sub-index from 53 in February in part to a smaller improvement for stocks of purchases”.

Even at that it appeared that large sized manufacturers are still in difficulties as the favourable index was recorded among small and medium scale organisations.

“It was limited to small and medium-sized companies. For the large and more import dependent firms, there was actually a decrease in March”, the report stated.

Moreover, the analysts at FBNQuest said that access to foreign exchange did not improve in the month under survey, a situation which had been prevalent in the past six PMI reports.

“In these circumstances, we would expect companies to turn to local inputs, where available. Small firms would normally take the lead in this process, given their greater flexibility in production”, the report stated.

According to FBNQuest analysts “the fact that the employment sub-index was below water for the fourth successive month tells us that respondents do not see a bright near term.

“They have pushed up production because other

Union Bank unveils branches with improved technology

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factors allowed it but are not rushing to increase their payrolls”.

National accounts for fourth quarter 2015 showed that manufacturing expanded marginally by 0.4 per cent year-on-year, compared with the contraction of -1.8 per cent year-on-year in third quarter.

“We caution that the first quarter tends to be the weakest for growth in the year, not least because of delays in the release of funds from the budget for capital spending.

“The agenda of the current administration is driven by its expansionary budget for 2016, which the Senate last week approved”.

FBNQuest PMI is the first of such index in Nigeria, but the National Bureau of

Statistics, NBS, has also taken up research on manufacturers PMI. The index is a familiar data

The first quarter tends to be the weakest for growth in the year, not least because of delays in the release of funds from the budget for capital spending

release at the start of the calendar month in developed markets such as the United States of America with the Institute of Supply Management, ISM, issuing its lead PMI, world’s oldest and most popular PMI. FBNQuest PMI is modelled after the ISM. The respondents are asked whether output, employment, new orders, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases have improved on the previous month, are unchanged or have declined.

They are asked to make allowances for seasonal factors. A reading of 50 is considered neutral.

Since it was launched in April 2013, FBNQuest PMI have posted just three negative readings, specifically in July 2013, May 2015 and January 2016).

Mixed developments in price movements

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f price movements in the international commodities market is anything to go by inflation rate may have remained up-tick in the month of March.

More often price directions in the international markets influences Nigeria’s Composite Consumer Price Index, CCPI, the headliner of the inflation rate.

Cocoa prices went up 0.13 per cent to USD2,974 per metric tonne on concerns that dry weather will threaten to shrink crop yield in top growing countries.

Sugar futures was also up 0.06 per cent at USD0.1587/pound, because major Asian crop growers expect production to falter this year on El-Nino induced droughts.

Brent crude was up 0.31 per cent at market’s month average of USD39.26 per barrel, West Texas Intermediary, WTI, futures went down significantly by 2.44 per cent to month’s market average price of USD38.32 per barrel.

The price dynamics was influenced by the lower than anticipated increase in U.S crude inventories.

On the heels of the mixed crude price movements LNG price went up by 4.74 per cent due to colder weather in the North East and Midwest of the United States.

But the U.S Dollar weakened on the dovish stance of the Federal Reserve Bank and the inverse relationship between the dollar and commodity prices will continue.

However, there were also significant price declines in some of the key commodities, signalling a moderating impact.

Wheat futures went down 2.67 per cent to USD4.64/bushel as a robust world inventories weigh on wheat prices, despite weather concerns.

Similarly corn prices went down by 1.61 per cent to USD3.67/bushel as China set to end huge corn stockpiling scheme, a decision slowed imports.

On the outlook of international commodity prices a negative sentiment for oil is anticipated until April 17 meeting of members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC. In the summer, lower demand for heating oil but higher demand for gasoline are expected while Middle East tension is low and prices expected to stay tepid.

Grain futures will be mainly US dollar dependent in the next few days as traders will focus attention to US data release of spring planting for next cues.

n line with its resolve to ensure and exceed customer satisfaction, Union Bank Nigeria Plc has unveiled two more improved branches in Lagos with new technology and superior product offerings.

The new branches, Itire Road, Lawanson branch and Western Avenue branch, both located in Surulere, Lagos, showcased improved technology and superior product offerings aimed at making banking more accessible, simpler and smarter to customers and prospects of the bank.

Speaking at the event, the Transformation Director, Union Bank, Mr Joe Mbulu, said the essence of the transformation was to show how far the bank cares for its customers, adding that the transformation of the bank began two years ago.

“For us in Union Bank, our transformation is different, in that, it has more depth and more substance. What we’re doing today is just a celebration of what we commenced two years ago. “ “Basically, we have looked at the technology; we have a new core banking application, our data centre is new, we have a back-up that is live, and there are not many banks that can tell you that, when they have failure, their current data can switch over.

We can do that seamlessly.

“And we have transformed the way our people engage the customers. Our customer service is different and testimonials today attest to that point. So, we have looked at the culture of the bank also; we used to be known as an old people’s bank, but I can challenge any customer out there today to come to Union Bank, they will be awed by the service,” the bank Director assured.

According to Mbulu, Union Bank now has products that address customers ‘needs.

Furthermore, he said the bank’s governance structure has improved significantly, saying that presently at Union Bank things are done faster and more efficiently.

“So, there is a new culture, a new bank, a new way of doing banking which is simple and smarter,” he added.

32 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

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relatively more dollar supply chasing EXISTING NAIRA BALANCES. A stronger Naira will reduce production cost and also bring down fuel prices and make subsidy totally unnecessary; furthermore, a 10% sales tax on cheaper petrol and kerosene could also consolidate over N1000bn annually into the national Treasury.

APM:-6 CBN’s erstwhile monopoly of dollar supply and the usual regular dollar auctions will cease, as the constitutional beneficiaries directly trade their dollar certificates for existing naira balances with banks before spending, (as the dollar is not legal tender in Nigeria).

Nonetheless, the dollars, will however remain domiciled with CBN, irrespective of the ultimate buyer, until the apex bank receives appropriate instruction from respective banks to directly pay the overseas suppliers of goods/services to their customers, from the dollar balances the banks earlier purchased from MDAs. APM:-7 With the relative continuous dollar surplus and absence of excess Naira liquidity; the naira would consequently gradually become perceived as a safer store of value. Furthermore, the black market for the dollar will rapidly contract with little motivation for round tripping, capital flight and speculative dollar purchases.

APM:-8 Optimal Naira liquidity will invariably precipitate lower CBN MPR, and therefore promote lower single digit interest rate as well as inflation below 3%, with positive knock-on impact on consumer demand, industrial consolidation as well as increasing job opportunities, with bourgeoning economic prosperity. A stronger naira will similarly drive down fuel prices and ultimately eliminate oppressive subsidies of about N2tn in favour of a petrol sale tax revenue in excess of N1Tn annually.

Clearly our fate as a nation is not in our stars, but obviously in the choices we make!

Sensible path to stronger Naira, economic prosperity T

his column has consistently maintained that the root cause of our economic paradox of increasing income, with unbridled rate of unemployment, and deepening poverty will be found in the conscious but incorrect adoption of a faulty and distortional process for the infusion of our crude export dollar revenue into the economy.

Hereafter, we will discuss the related ADVERSE consequences of the Current Payments Model (CPM) against the positive attributes of the Advocated Payments Model (APM) for the allocation, for example, of $1bn export revenue in the following explanatory steps.

Thus, in CPM: -1 The CBN unilaterally determines the naira exchange rate and thereafter unconstitutionally captures the distributable $1bn revenue and prints/creates in as replacement ( read monetizes) N200bn as statutory allocations, which are then domiciled in the bank accounts of beneficiaries.

CPM:-2 If CBN’s mandatory cash reserve ratio for banks is, for example 10%, the N200bn inflow can be leveraged tenfold,to create additional credit and expand consumer spending power which will invariably fuel inflation!

The recent establishment of the Treasury Single Account will, regrettably, only temporarily absorb any cash injection, as the N200bn allocation, for example, will ultimately migrate into private sector bank accounts to invariably expand Naira liquidity, credit availability and consumer demand once MDAs pay salaries and settle outstanding contractors’ bills.

CPM:-3 In response to evolving inflationary threats, the

same CBN, ironically, ‘altruistically’ sells treasury bills and borrows money it does not need, often, at over 10 percent, just to reduce the challenges of systemic excess Naira and excessive consumer demand!

Inexplicably, however, despite the crying need of the real sector for cheap funds, thsese CBN borrowings are simply kept as sterile funds.

CPM:-4 Since such liberal access to subsisting excess cheap funds, fuel inflation with adverse economic and social consequences, the CBN would respond by raising its Monetary Policy (Control) Rate (MPR) to force banks to also significantly increase their own lending rates, so that higher cost of funds would discourage borrowers, and inadvertently also reduce any prospect of industrial growth or the creation of increasing job opportunities.

Thus, CBN is actually vicariously liable for the very high cost of funds that cripple the real sector.

CPM:-5 Meanwhile, Ministries and State Governments, who require imports to improve their infrastructure, become constrained to buy back their dollars from banks, who have become the prime beneficiaries of CBN’s auctions at a higher regulated rate. Ultimately, naira exchange rate would come under threat as increasingly surplus naira is unleashed by CBN to chase the dollar rations it regularly auctions.

Consequently, the market dynamics of demand and supply become unfavourably skewed against the naira.

CPM:-6 The less dollars sold

by CBN, the larger would be CBN’s purported reserves, but the weaker also will inexplicably be the naira, as less and less

dollars compete against the excess naira earlier unleashed

by CBN. Ultimately, the gap between official and black market naira rates will increasingly widen.

CPM:-7 To reduce the gap between the parallel market and official exchange rates, the CBN commits the unforced error of allocating dollars to Bureau de change who in turn fund the requirements of treasury looters and smugglers of contrabands, not minding the adverse impact of such misguided dollar allocation on the economy (thankfully the CBN terminated this obnoxious strategy of official dollar sales to BDCs in January 2016).

CPM:-8 The CBN, ironically continues to maintain its monopoly of the forex market and sits on bountiful naira and dollar reserves, while debt accumulation persists and the banks celebrate another bumper harvest.

Conversely the Advocated Payments Model would operate as follows.

APM:-1 $1bn distributable government revenue is not

With strictly dollar allocations, the $1bn income does not translate to additional naira injection into the system

substituted with N200bn allocation; instead, constitutional beneficiaries receive dollar certificates equal to their respective allocations, while the actual $1bn remains domiciled with CBN, and the naira exchange rate is conversely determined by competitive free market forces of demand and supply.

APM:-2 With strictly dollar allocations, the $1bn income does not translate to additional naira injection into the system; consequently, naira supply remains the same, and cannot therefore further instigate the usual disenabling systemic spectre of surplus cash to fuel inflation.

APM:-3 Without systemic naira surplus, CBN has no need to mop up liquidity by borrowing money it does not need, often with interest rates above 10%; consequently, our N12tn ($60bn) oppresive debt and service charges would become reduced; additionally, reduced government borrowing, would also force commercial banks to chase the real sector for business!

APM:-4 Futhermore, In the absence of the usual excess naira supply, CBN would reduce its Monetary Policy (control) Rate to international best practice below 3%; commercial banks will also correspondingly drop lending rates to single digit to attract borrowers.

APM:-5 The MDA dollar beneficiaries can exchange for naira, all or portions of their dollar allocations from time to time, directly through COMMERCIAL banks. Thus, in the absence of the usual naira surge when CBN substitutes fresh naira supply for dollar revenue, the market dynamics will consequently change in favour of the naira, with

Business & Economy Blocking illicit financial outflow, surest way to financing SDGs

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he African Union Commission said that blocking illicit financial outflow from Africa and repatriating the funds were important in financing the Sustainable Development Goals on the continent.

The AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Dr Anthony Maruping, said this at a news conference at the ninth joint Annual Meeting of the AU Specialised Technical Committee for Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning.

The conference was organised by the AU in collaboration with C M Y K

the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

The theme of the conference is: “Towards an integrated and coherent approach to implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 20163 and the SDGs.” NAN also recalls that Agenda 2063 is a 20-goal Action Plan for all segments of African society to work together to build a prosperous and united Africa based on shared values and destiny. The SDGs have 17 goals that follow and expand on the achievements of the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

It is expected to be achieved by 2030.

Maruping said that the commision had estimated that about 246 billion dollars was required to half poverty and inequality in Africa, yet the continent loses an estimated 50 billion dollars annually to illicit financial flows. He stressed the commission’s stand to block this and use it to finance critical development projects that furthered the eradication of poverty and inequality in Africa.

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Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—33 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Pure water economy

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NE of the first lessons I was taught in primary school was ‘the ingredients of good water’. We were taught that good water must be clean, colourless, odourless and tasteless. The best example of good water, was the public tap water. We were told that our parents pay tax in order for government to supply the citizens basic needs like water, education and good roads.

It was therefore illogical to me when later I read that President Gnasingbe Eyadama of Togo was importing cartons of bottled water from France. What water can be better than tap water? As I grew, the phenomenon of bottled water in our country developed. But it was for the ruling class. Later, sections of the middle class became prosperous enough to indulge in drinking bottled water.

The lower classes, especially the poor, found an answer to bottled water with the rise of ‘pure water’ that is sachet water which could be anything but pure. In the 1990s, it was usual for particles to be found in sealed sachet water. The regulatory agencies moved in to introduce some sanity.

While as a child, I was confident that tap water was safe, today, despite buying bottled water, I am not sure what I am consuming.

Here, and when I travel abroad, I want to find out whether the bottled water I am taking is not expired and is safe. I have not made good progress in it as the labels read like a doctor ’s prescription; they contain magnesium sulfate/ chloride, potassium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, salt etc. I have read in some journals that these are naturally in tap water.

Worse is ‘pure water’ which is unlikely to be pure or healthy; with the sachet littering our roads, blocking drainages, and worst of all, is not biodegradable. As part of the signs of the times, ‘pure water’ is now slipping out of the hands of the poor. Earlier in the year, it was N60-N70 per bag in Abuja, now it is N120-N130. A sachet which was N5 is now N10 in most parts of the city.

The consumer mindset and policies that transformed our country from the safe, inexpensive tap water, to the costly, importdependent, unhygienic and environmentally unfriendly ‘pure

water ’ also transformed our economy from a promising one, to a basket case. No better example typifies this than the perennial fuel shortages in a country so blessed with vast oil and gas reserves. We started commercial oil production in 1957, sixty years down the line, we have ‘developed’ from a country that refined its petroleum products to one that imports them hundred percent.

Apart from the economic costs, is the human. A few weeks ago, a friend traveling through Owo to Abuja experienced a nightmare.

Two vehicles were involved in an accident and other road users could only watch helplessly as some twenty human beings were roasted by the jerry cans of fuel the

The consumer mindset and policies that transformed our country from the safe, inexpensive tap water, to the costly, import-dependent, unhygienic and environmentally unfriendly ‘pure water’ also transformed our economy from a promising one, to a basket case

Nigeria on the famished road

By Paul Odili

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POLOGIES to Dr. Ben Okri for stealing the title of his 1991 explosive book, the Famished Road his Booker prize winning literary work. Dr. Okri’s lush style and distinctive narration of spirit world and realism is imitable. A major sub-theme of the Famished Road is the struggle in politics between the “party of the rich and the party of the poor” in post-colonial Nigeria with its corruption, poverty and squalor. In mirroring Nigeria’s reality, the part(ies) of the rich prospers at the expense of the party of the poor.

This article is not about expounding on the Famished Road. Rather this article is derived from a one page excerpt; sadly, of what must have been a much longer article written by Dr. Chinweizu. Which I think has a curious connection to Okri’s sub-theme of elitism, corruption and poverty. I stumbled upon Dr. Chinweizu’s article purely by chance. I regret I am unable to find the full copy of the work and having no contact with Dr. Chinweizu, I just could not wave it aside, finding the thoughts he has penned down here so engaging I felt compelled to reproduce his points copiously.

Chinweizu author and public intellectual was theorising on Nigeria elite in a deep and insightful way, and because of its aptness deserves a generous treatment (incomplete as it is). He says: “Development and prosperity are byproducts of the project to build national power prestige, either out of fear of bigger powers or out of competition with rival powers. The quest for national power and prestige is the ultimate source of political will to do whatever economic development call for. It is the project of national power, not abstract moral precepts, not C M Y K

consumerist appetite, that best imposes on a people the discipline, accountability, probity, and appropriate systems of sanctions and rewards that form the core values of a viable society.”

Dr. Chinweizu further states, “ If Nigeria were frightened or humiliated, or otherwise stimulated, into a quest for national power and prestige, then Nigeria would find the political will to implement those excellent policies which the experts have devised, not only for health, but also for education, economic development, etc. If you doubt this statement, just reflect on what has happened to Nigerian football since we began to consciously seek prestige on the football field.” This submission is useful, the bit on football as vehicle to project national pride, however Nigeria has long declined in football, such that today Nigerians scarcely rate Nigeria as a footballing powerhouse it once aspired to be. Reason: Like many other things in Nigeria, football as a source of national pride and global recognition has been badly mismanaged.

Today, because of the terrible decline of Nigeria, it is unimaginable to expect the country to win the world cup in the nearest

How come Nigerians change regime, nothing happens. You replace the party in power with another one, nothing happens. Rather the strange thing that shouldn’t happen happens

vehicles were carrying due to fuel shortage. The maximum work hours in the world is eight, some Nigerians spend twice that just trying to fill their tanks.

The shortages reinforce my belief that Nigerians are an eternally hopeful people. This is the only way I can explain a man joining a 3-4 kilometre fuel queue in a station without fuel. It is only hope that will push a human being to spend the night at a fuel station exposed to mosquitoes and possible robbery without a guarantee that he would get fuel.

What else but hope, or is it faith, that will make a Nigerian park his car in a fuel station for days without any certainty that the station will be supplied? The lengthy fuel queues and the inexplicable hope of Nigerians waiting at stations without fuel to sell, reminds me of John Peper Clarke’s poem, Fulani Cattle: “Contrition twines me like a snake Each time I come upon the wake Of your clan, Undulating along in agony, Your face of stool for mystery: What secret hope or knowledge, Locked in your hump away from man. Imbues you with courage…”

The situation is not helped by the near collapse of the electricity system over two and half centuries after humanity discovered and began to use electricity. Humanity began flying over a century ago, but Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has not a single commercial aircraft in its name.

We are a country of over 176 million people and on the average, need a pair of footwear each. I know some of us have so many pairs that we do not know the number. With such a huge market, why did out footwear, leather and

future. Yet there was a time, it was thought highly probably, by no less a personality than Pele.

As Chinweizu further outlines, he says: “But what can possibly be done to refit Nigeria with the paramount values and aspirations it so desperately needs? In my view, subject to correction from experts in the administration of therapy to social and cultural organisms, the principal obstacle here is the mental state of the Nigerian elite itself. And what exactly is the mental state of the Nigerian elite today, after four decades of accelerating degeneration and disorientation?”

“Here are some clues: elite that promotes systemic social disorder is anarchist elite; an elite that robs its own nation and hoards the loot abroad in the vaults of its historic enemies is a stupid elite.” My comments on this one is that Nigerian elite typically without sense of history and pride would rather be on its knees with a begging bowl and serve global masters than aspire to be one itself.

Again back to Chinweizu, “ an elite which invites or welcomes foreign sanctions against its own country is a treasonous elite; an elite whose policies promote brain drain, brawn drain and resource drain from its country is an elite that is bleeding its arteries dry. It is suicidal elite. An elite whose members take responsibility only for their own homes and, and show no collective responsibility for the compound or street or village in which they live, is an idiotic elite, regardless of the brilliance and sanity of its individual members.”

Chinweizu went further in his analysis but I stop here.

The key take away in Chinweizu’s articulation in which he paid no distinction to tribe or religious affiliation, but the ruling class is that most times the ordinary Nigerian does not seem to grasp the elite game. More often than not the debate in contemporary Nigeria is riven

rubber sector collapse decades ago and remains on life support?

With this huge populace needing clothes on their backs, why did our huge textile industry collapse decades ago and is not being resuscitated? Why are we so blessed with resources including some of the best brains in the world, yet are so wretched?

Our underdeveloped and poverty-stricken state, my fellow citizens, is not in our stars. We need no stargazers or fortune tellers; the fault lies in us, as does the antidote.

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers Union has been at the fore front of the struggle to get us back on the road to economic sanity and recovery.

Led by Issa Aremu, it has over the years called attention to our poor state and the need to get out of it. Apart from organising annual conferences and debates, it also holds marches to call us to economic repentance.

The union’s latest effort was its international conference in Kano on March 18, 2016 with the theme: Labour and Industry: Back to Basics in which like a prophet crying in the wilderness, it repeated its basic message to us and our leaders: “Industrialisation is the key to economic recovery. The advantages of industrialisation include lessening of dependency on imports, thus saving scarce foreign exchange.

Where the economy is diversified, industrialisation serves as a source of foreign exchange. It also serves as a source of employment for greater number of the population and invariably reduces income poverty.” But who is listening?

by partisanship, religious and ethnic divisions, superficial differentiation that suits the elite game.

If people pay enough attention they would realize who the real enemies of the people are. Every Nigerian wants a good life and the protection of her country. But the contrary happens with such regulatory that it seems we are doomed. Otherwise, how come Nigerians change regime, nothing happens. You replace the party in power with another one, nothing happens. Rather the strange thing that shouldn’t happen happens. Nigerians become nostalgic of a previous government, whose record in office cannot seriously standup to scrutiny. In this context, Nigerians are perpetually romanticising an ugly past in their conversation. The elite know this and are comfortable to continue with their selfserving and manipulative games. They switch parties at the drop of the hat. No ideologies. No differentiation in opinion and method of operation. It is always déjà vu in Nigeria. The good life for the mass of the people never, ever happens.

Never! Yet the elite in their part(ies) of the rich continues to prosper. Their children get the best opportunities.

They have the best houses in Nigeria and abroad, foreign bank accounts, travel for summer holidays to metropolitan capitals abroad. The business arm of the elite front for the political, religious, traditional and bureaucratic elite, gets all sorts of exemption, loopholes and patronage, to support their businesses, which is why anyone in business in Nigeria enjoying stupendous wealth are in many respects mainly cronies of the power elite.

The lot of the party of the poor is dashed dream and expectations. No matter the condition of things they are the ones truly on the famished road. This is Nigeria. A witch’s brew! *Mr. Odili, a public affairs commmentator, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

34 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

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HIEF Ahmed Bola Tinubu th celebrated his official 64 birthday, symbolically, in the Presidential Palace (Aso Rock) Abuja, hosted by the President, th Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, 29 March, 2016. This was the very first time a private citizen’s birthday (Tinubu is not an elected or appointed officer of the Federal Government) was held in the nation’s seat of power, and it may not happen again any time soon.

Buhari decided to throw open the doors of Nigeria’s own equivalent of the White House to demonstrate the fact that Tinubu is a prime stakeholder in the current regime.

Indeed, Tinubu played the leading role in ensuring that Buhari, whose narrow regional appeal had led him to lose three presidential elections, succeeded, not only in becoming President in his fourth try but also achieved this by sweeping away an incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Buhari-Tinubu tag-team became the historic game-changer that burst myths and conventional wisdom, broke old records and set new ones about the nature of contemporary democracy in Nigeria.

Of course, there were other very crucial bit players such as Chibuike Amaechi, who provided the largest chunk of financing for the Buhari presidential project; the rebellious five former PDP governors who broke their party and brought five states under the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC); former House of Reps Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who destabilised the House to unsettle the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to aggrandise the upstart APC and others. These political forces then set off a hoopla that swept aside the incumbency powers of the Jonathan and PDP regime, and the rest is history.

Tinubu is not a newcomer when it comes to bringing things about in astonishing ways.

There is even a myth about his true origins and identity. There is an entry in the Internet that claims his real name is Yekini Amoda Ogunlere from Iragbiji in Osun State. Even if this were once so, it is not even an important aside attached to his person anymore. We all now know him as Bola Tinubu, a scion of the Tinubu family of Lagos Island which we all read about in primary and secondary school before History (that noble subject) was stupidly removed from today ’s educational curriculum.

The first real saga of the Tinubu political progression was his ability to outsmart the late Engineer Funsho Williams soon after his return from exile as a National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) activist in 1998. Williams, who served as

Bola Tinubu’s unfinished business Commissioner for Works under Lagos State Military Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, had spent time to prepare the ground to take over when the military handed over. When Tinubu won the governorship election in 1999 on the platform of the defunct Advance for Democracy (AD), with the Chief Abraham Adesanya-led Afenifere (the Yoruba socio -cultural and political umbrella) as the group’s “guardian angel”, Williams decamped to the PDP and ran against Tinubu in 2003.

Another event which has mystified people till date, but which most people prefer to discuss in low tones, was that the unofficial result of the Lagos State governorship election initially posted on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website had indicated a Funsho Williams victory. But by the time the result was officially announced, it was Tinubu that was th returned re-elected. On 27 July 2006,

The question is: when will Tinubu begin to demand from President Buhari to start implementing the “true federation” agenda contained in the APC’s charter of promises, which were used to sell Buhari and the APC to the South Western voters?

Williams was mysteriously strangled in his private library. Tinubu quickly named the former Western Avenue after him and erected a statue of him at the Iganmu junction.

One of Tinubu’s rare acts of political vision was his refusal to join the other five AD Governors of the South West under the directive of Afenifere, to support former President Olusegun Obasanjo for a second term in office. Incidentally, all the governors who took Obasanjo’s poisoned bait – Lam Adesina of Oyo, Bisi Akande of Osun, Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti, Adebayo Adefarati of Ondo State and Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State – lost their states to Obasanjo’s PDP, with Tinubu (who had formed his own political party, the Action Congress) the last man standing. Not only did the Afeniferepropelled AD governors lose, the Afenifere itself, which Tinubu had distanced himself from because of their hobnobs with Obasanjo – collapsed as a political force.

An enraged Obasanjo launched an economic strangulation attack on Tinubu’s Lagos, and illegally froze the federal allocations to the Lagos State local governments, but Tinubu rode this storm through his ambitious internal revenue drive that has currently dimmed the impact of federal allocation to the state.

The bottom line of this analysis is to depict the fact that this man’s political achievements were not by trial and error or mere blind grabs. He is easily the most effective political builder since 1999.

When he set out to court Buhari for an alliance or merger that could upstage the PDP, most people (including yours sincerely) did not give the enterprise much chance. I did not see where the quasi-Awoist posture of the Tinubu political movement and the openly statist, imperial Fulani tendencies of Buhari meet. I used the term: “quasiAwoist posture” decidedly, bearing in mind that Tinubu never really had any direct or deep links with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, though, as a Yoruba person, he

OPINION Obaseki and the undertaker's halleluya

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By Osazuwa Imariagbe

ATHER than cast this discourse in the mould of a “rejoinder” to Godwin Obaseki’s interactive session with the Vanguard newspaper edition of Sunday, March 13, 2016 (Pages 38 and 39), this piece should be read from the perspective of a “reminder” that an inveterate undertaker cannot metamorphose into a giver of life or a harbinger of good tidings especially considered in the fact that Godwin Obaseki has been at the epicenter and vortex of the retrograde economic measures and woes of Edo State.

It is not hard to decipher where Obaseki is coming from given his prominence as a veritable major domo in the Oshiomhole administration cacophony of bilious propaganda machine that virtually ran an omnibus campaign that dwelt more on a diet of theoretical postulations than those that will physically uplift the average Edo person from the doldrums of despondency, not unworkable Keynesian economic theories that Obaseki tried to domesticate in Edo State.

Obaseki’s reactions give the impression that there, literarily, exists a “Tabula Rasa” (or virgin land) in Edo State that is traceable to the abject lack of initiative by previous administration which has resulted in a state of arrested development in many areas of governance which only a reinvented Obaseki can set right. This messianic illusion has driven himself (and by extension his major cheerleader) and the unwary and brain-washed horde of party faithful that have been fed on a sour staple of the “super human and divine mission “of a “Saint Godwin”, to a state where the resolution of Edo State’s economic malaise is tied to the emergence of Obaseki C M Y K

as a “natural successor” to Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. Weighed against the prevailing engagement of the “economic guru”, Obaseki, as the all-powerful and omniscient Chairman of Edo State Economic and Strategy Team, one is surprised that he is just waking up to the reality of resuscitating a “comatose” state economy when he and his team were only interested in churning out anti-people economic theories that divested Edo State of worthy investors and entrepreneurs since 2008.

Obaseki struggles through a litany of half-truths and blatant lies to position himself as a “worthy successor” to Oshiomhole and a strong purveyor of good economic governance and resurgence among those clamouring to be governor of Edo State from November 12, 2016. His avuncular statement that “The economy of Edo has improved significantly since we took over in terms of GDP ranking, we have moved to be among the top ten states in Nigeria, in terms of IGR, we are among the top five. In terms of attractiveness to business our ranking is quite high; you can see Obaseki’s business trying to locate Edo because of the quality and grandiose nature of infrastructure emotional which we have created”, dissolves in the mix of the attachment to realities on the ground, with many A-list companies and series of organisations either unworkable ideals divesting or relocating their capital base. and ideas,is the Any serious-minded economic analyst or the crux of the matter

naturally grew up under the influence. He knows the potency of the selling of Awoism to the Yoruba political world. But does he have enough ideological nexus and commitment to it to make it count now a political structure he helped build, like the APC, has assumed power?

Since Buhari became President ten months ago, he has not been seen to carry along enough of the Tinubu flavour. If anything, he appears content to treat the rebels of the Tinubu camp, such as Babatunde Fashola and Kayode Fayemi as “other tendencies” distinct from Tinubu in the South West. He has continued to pursue his well-known statist ideologies typical of Fulani rulers, who, in any case, were the brains behind the centralised Federal system we have practised since 1979.

Buhari has crowded the inner recesses of the Federal Government under his watch with Northerners and Muslims while keeping out the mainly Christian Igbo, who were never within his radar since he ventured into politics in 2003. He hosts Islamic conferences, moves closer to Middle East powers and drags Nigeria into the Saudiled coalition of Sunni Muslim countries (ISMAT) “to fight terrorism”. He feels uncomfortable with the privatisation of state-owned businesses and he deploys state agencies of security and coercion, sometimes against court orders and the demands of the constitution, to maximise his executive authority.

So far, however, nothing has been noticed of a pandering Tinubu’ s “Awoist” predilections, which he boldly peddled to gather support for himself in the South West.

The question is: when will Tinubu begin to demand from President Buhari to start implementing the “true federation” agenda contained in the APC’s charter of promises, which were used to sell Buhari and the APC to the South Western voters? When will he insist on the establishment of state or regional police, which he agitated for during Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan regimes of the PDP? This, to me, is Tinubu’s unfinished business which we expect him to finish up if his alliance with Buhari is indeed an alliance and not a master/servant deal or sell-out affair in exchange for the crumbs of power.

It is left to be seen if Tinubu will be satisfied to be given unlimited access to Aso Rock, have his nominees given government positions and make money from being associated with power, while Buhari continues to expand his totalitarian Muslim/Fulani power base throughout the land as he had pledged during the Sharia mania in the North in 2001.

average Edo person who is currently buffeted by the Obasekiinspired economic voodooism, like a Battering Ram, peruses the so-called panaceas that has been unleashed on Edo State since November 12, 2008, he or she will wonder why Obaseki, actually, wants to be the Governor of the state on November 12, 2016. His economic prescriptions and timelines has over the years defoliated the emerging green flowers and fauna gradually blossoming on the state’s economic realm to the extent that commerce and industry indices of Edo State has assumed as all-time nose-dive, in spite of the much-self-hype “correctness and soundness” of Obaseki and his team of dreamers. In deed, many legal action have trailed the actions of the Economic and Strategy Team which are designed to stifle and asphyxiate business enterprises and industries in the state, in the first place.

Obaseki’s grandiose emotional attachment to series of unworkable ideals and ideas that have ended up reducing Edo State to a shell of its former self, than a strict adherence to the seamless functionality of good governance and accountability, is the crux of the matter, economy-wise. Oshiomhole/Obaseki’s adoption of the “Ten percent Carrot, Ninety percent stick” module as a disciplinary tool on a largely-harried Civil Service, has left many either dismissed or retired prematurely to pave way for codified Man Fridays in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Edo State.

The present Governor Oshiomhole’s administration and the economic ideologue and prime enforcer, Godwin Obaseki, have continued to garner negative reactions to their unpopular and anti-people economic measures and actions.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 Mr. Adiga, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 35

Running Downstream N

IGERIAN billionaire, DR. Ifeanyi Ubah, has come a long way from earning his first significant dollars at age 20. Over the ensuing decades, he has followed his muse across a boggling array of activities. One of his more astute choices is the establishment of Capital Oil and Gas in 2007: “Our vision at the outset was to be a one-stop energy company in the downstream sector. And I think that we are the only downstream sector that has come up with strategic approaches. We are the only company that has a massive park capacity that can accommodate over a thousand trucks”.

Ifeanyi Ubahalso takes pride in being the first to “build inland strategic reserves with a capacity of 18 million liters in each of our tank farms. Our farm in Suleja contains strategic reserves for the north central area consisting of Abuja, Niger and Kaduna. We also have other farms in Enugu which could cater to the entire South East”.

Large fleet of oil tankers Since its formation, Capital Oil and Gas has established itself as one of Nigeria’s leading and largest distributors of petroleum products, providing nearly 40 percent of Nigeria’s daily petroleum needs while expansion elsewhere has seen the company acquire Nigeria’s largest fleet of marine vessels, barges, tug boats and a large fleet of oil tankers.

Always challenged himself with many record breaking adventures, Ubah Started off from age 18 when he was an apprentice to running trade across the African continent to making his “first million at 19” and then emerging as a major player in tyre export trade.

Recalling some of the highpoints he says: I was amongst the first Nigerians to brace into South Africa at a time Nigerians were not allowed into that country. And it was a good experience working with major South African companies including Payen,

Ifeanyi Ubah CEO, Capital Oil & Gas Kolben and the Anglo American Industrial Corporation. I’ve also attended many high level international trade expos such as the Automotive Industrial Week in Las Vegas and Automechanika in Messe, Frankfurt. Given the level of my involvement in business, I doubt if anybody could outdo me in a debate in terms of experience and participation in business because my reach across the African continent and strategies are unbeatable”.

Ubah says that during his formative years: “I was spiritually inspired because growing up; I had nobody to guide me. And I was pushed into early marriage in order for me to be responsible because I made so much money very early in life. Marrying at that tender age was also very inspirational for me because I married the woman of my dreams and whose maiden name was same as my last name so, spiritually, many things played out well in terms of my marital life.

But, it wasn’t very easy to have to wait for 6 years before meeting the

People are always fascinated by the things I do and I try not to copy others because originality is what drives me

BIO BRIEFS Date/Place of birth: 1971, Nnewi, Anambra State Education: Honorary Doctorate of Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Honorary Doctorate of Critical and Creative Thinking, Montclair University, New Jersey Owner Management Programme, Harvard University, Boston.

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woman I’ve dated for many years.

This particular decision gave me discipline. At 20, I had everything going for me and I didn’t have the chance of engaging with my peers while I was growing up. As such, my position in life today isn’t new to me because I’ve always been on top in any game I play.

And I believe in possibilities because I drew a lot of strength from criticism and backstabbing.

People are always fascinated by the things I do and I try not to copy others because originality is what drives me. And I always see life from a negative perspective.

And then, I try to get the best out of such situations. And of course, I try to stay out of trouble”.

Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Industry aptly describes the current situation of transiting to the next chapter on the journey to maximizing our resources for the development of our Nation.

The oil & gas sector undoubtedly plays a critical role towards Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

Ifeanyi Ubah, in his capacity as a major stakeholder, thinks Nigeria is lagging behind: “By now, Nigeria ought to have set the pace in the area of

development and evolution especially as it concerns refineries and green oil, but the policies of government have been so bad because they seem not to understand the rudiments of business and so everybody plays according to their knowledge. And some even tend to claim to be masters of the game. This has been a major problem for the oil sector especially downstream, which is largely seen as an untouchable sector with the great capacity to collapse an existing government.

And people are now scared of investing in a long term structure.

Even in the area of power, we ought not to haveany interruptionsbecause with such enormous gas reserves we should be at the forefront of the gas to power initiative.

Power initiative I think that the reason why we are not there yet is because in the last 20 years no government has invested in the future of Nigeria.They’ve been busy grabbing at the collective expense of Nigerians. All the initiatives they claim to champion have always been on the ground from the railway which has been moribund but which is now being revitalized.

We’ve never had a situation where government invests in the future”.

Ubah’s submission is that Nigeria should take a cue from countries like America who in spite of having huge reserves of oil, still buy from abroad because they don’t want to deplete theirs.

“That is one way of investing in the future. We need to think about the future and make use of our advantage and influence over smaller African countries and pick certain things from them that can be used to better our lot. The government must try to eradicate corruption and create policies to enable adequate punishment for violators”.

Dr Ubah also thinks the crash in

oil prices, which has been persistent since the 2009 global recession, provides an opportunity to engage in locally established structures in the downstream sector: “We can’t be losing money in terms of revenue andat the same time using 80% of generated funds to import the same product we have here. There’s a two gap between these two lines: exporting at a lower price, bringing in the dollars at that same price and then using 80% of internally generated funds to import. So, it is really a mix of issues between both lines. As it is, we are losing both ways. I would rather that we lose one and gain one. Gaining one is by putting enduring capacity in terms of downstream because actually downstream takes 70% of our forex demand. That’s why when I said I have the solution to the forex issue I knew what I was talking about”.

Sometime in February, Dr Ubah offered to implement a four-point strategy that could firm the Naira to an exchange rate of N200—$1 within a 30-day period. To achieve his purpose, he says all he wanted was to be appointed honorary consultant on Financial Stability: “If the president has good intentions and he doesn’t have the right people to implement them, then his good intentions can never see the light of day.

Forex situation

I really wanted that consultancy to prove a point but, unfortunately, I didn’t get it. And if the government really cared about the forex situation, they should have gotten in touch with me”.

In spite of not getting the consultancy, he says he’s “not disappointed with the president and nobody should link me with issues but the point is that a tree cannot make a forest”.

He also narrated a very bitter experience he had with the government in the course of the recently proposed deregulation of the downstream sector: “When they planned to deregulate, and because we had a major stake in terms of water gateway we went in and acquired ships so that those that passed through our facility would use our ships in line with government.

The same government came up with a reversal of the plan overnight and said they weren’t going to deregulate the downstream sector anymore. Yet they could not even compensate us for the heavy investments we made in view of the planned deregulation”.

As a remarkably successful entrepreneur, Ifeanyi Ubah still finds himself seeking mentorship from others. He is particularly piqued by Bill Gates who he describes as an inspiring Humanitarian: “ I have tremendous respect for him because he doesn’t get involved in monopolistic business even though he has the power and influence to do so.

Most importantly, he created a platform for competition and that’s something we Ifeanyi Ubah all should emulate”.

36—Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Power generation drops to 2,841MW James Emmanuel LAME Jonathan, PDP, Nigerians, Father Christmas, moving targets, etc. Wait for Lai Mohammed to give his ‘world’ press conference to say that Buhari has done more in 10 months than the previous administration did in ten years. It is well that Nigerians are gnashing their teeth and dying in agony. This will teach all those who claim that ‘change’ is the new way. Hate PDP, annoyed with Jonathan, but definitely enjoying the confusion that the comedians called APC administration is foisting on the weak and fractured Nigeria.

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Onuoha Chukwudi I expect to see the allies of Buhari comment on this. They only speak whenever they have a a glimpse of Jonathan’s statement or picture.

One year already wasted, Nigeria for all I know is into a pitiable situation.

Uche Asede Nobody should play with the South south because we are the power of this country. We have the gas to power the electricity and oil money to make the country great, but the uncircumcised Philistines’ will not agree that the Niger Delta is engine room of this country. Parasites who contribute nothing to Nigeria economically are bent on taking over Nigeria states and their oil!! Lazy parasites they are!! Their only interest in Nigeria is in power and o i l / e c o n o m i c resources!!

Austin Emy Every policy of Buhari and the APC government always ends up on “PROMISES” and inconclusive. Nothing is ever on the table. Almost a year, no single thing Nigerians can hold this government to.

President Jonathan handed over over 5000 Megawatts. What do we have today, less than 2000 megawatts. They can’t even sustain it or to improve on it. What a negative Change! What a shame!!

King of Africa Bros am not in support of anybody, but I just want to correct your statement. As at May 29, 2015, our megawatt was 1300... Am not saying this government is better C M Y K

or not. Even this one will be worse than Jonathan.

behave uncivilised.

Bobby Brown Lets profess positive and give this government some time.

Yeah nice to criticise but let it be issue based not sentiment. Gold standard is that one does not criticise what he /she has no solution for. Nigeria is not owned by APC, Buhari or any minister.

They are part of this great country like anyone else.

Am very worried at some comments in this comment forum. Indeed in most of the dailies in the country people still

Danny Bliss Fashola assumes to manage our power sector is like managing Lagos state. He vomited hellions before the general election that Nigeria has what it takes to generate 15000MGW, that to manage our power sector affectively does not need rocketing sceince. Today, Mr. Fashola is the minister of power, instead of power to increase from 5800 MGW it has diminished and dropped to 2841. Shame on so called change.

Rivers, Nigeria’s most deadly state – Buhari Nyezinuchi J. Humphrey THINK Rivers people should demand an apology for this blackmail.

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Philips Santos I think you misundestand the statement. He means the governor of the State is very deadly. Just wonder if Rives is more deadly than the North east where Boko Haram is roasting people like goats.

Barysy Syga APC AND PDP are both devilish. No true Nigerian and right thinking Nigerian will follow them.

Obiebi Alex This is the worst evaluation of a crisis state in Nigeria. Mr presido be honest. Amaechi and Dakuku watchout for them.

Stephens Benjamin What is it so big that a Nigerian political aspirant cannot step down or resign in the case of a political office holder when a citizen die during elections?

Osuagwu Obinna The military force was used to subdue and secure votes against the wishes of the people.

Best Man If Rivers is a deadly state what about Bornu, Adamawa, Yobe and other northern states. We know what Buhari is planing but it will not work.

Fineface Nwaobia How about Bornu and Admawa? They are melting point?

Effiong Martin I suspect the lies of APC led to the crucifixion of Christ more than anything else.

Nkem John Agomoh What can you now call northern Nigeria?

Robert Chukwuma The most deadly state in Nigeria is the state that has the most deadly tribe -Fulani.

Eric Otuya Rivers state became deadliest because the APC lead government believes it can muzzle the opposition party to silence and take over an Oil rich state like Rivers. They tried it in Bayelsa and they failed. Now they want an Oil producing state(Rivers State) by all means. This is the cause of the Blood Bath. When you have a president that is clueless and archaic, anything can happen in the country.

He keeps casting aspersion on Jonathan as the reason for not delivery his campaign promises. You Buhari’s supporters should tell him that Leadership is not a Blame game, but effective implementation of positive ideology for the Betterment of the citizenry.

Proposed reduction in petrol price to N86:50

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T is assumed the fallen oil price globally does not reflect on the prices of fuel in Nigeria. The federal government is not performing to the expectation of Nigerians. Despite the fall in the price of crude oil and the current prices of the finished products globally Nigerians still pay more and worse of it there is scarcity of fuel in the filling stations! The Department of Petroleum Products Price Regulatory, DPPR and the federal government should step in and stop this exploitation and artificial scarcity of fuel products.

Anonymous +2348137518785

High price of kerosene and fuel

The question on the lips of the average Nigerians begging for answer is: has the issue of reduction in the price of kerosene been forgotten? It is baffling to note that kerosene is sold for N120- N150 pump price as against the N50 approval officially since 2011. Petrol is sold for N110- N130 instead of the official price of N86:50.

The amazing aspect is that the dispenser has been manipulated in the favour of the filling stations’ management. However, one may still wonder as to what led to the 100 percent increase in kerosene and petroleum products in a country that produce crude oil!

The Senate and labour force should look into it.

Dedemo2348033783758

Traffic robbery in Lagos state The boldness and impunity of these traffic robbers and other criminals is worrisome, such that not a day goes by without one episode or the other recorded.

The Lagos state Police Command seemed handicapped in the face of these crimes which is alarmingly becoming a norm. The state command should urgently carry out raids to mop up the large number of small arms in the hands of these miscreants that embolden them to take to crime.

Alh Shehu Usman. +2348131822223

NIMASA refund: EFCC vs Tompolo With the way President Buhari and the APC is harassing the people of the Niger Delta, they might be forced to declare their own independent country. The insult is becoming

increasingly unbearable and the people are more determined to resist the North and South west abuse of power.

Solo Aloba +2347052624455

Biafra and release of Kanu

President Buhari and the All Progressive Congress, APC, government should release Kanu and reap the political benefit that will accrue to the party by his release.

Kanu can make the party to have a strong foothold in South East.

The defunct NPN released Ojukwu and gained more popularity, and Gowon did same to Chief Awolowo.

APC can also do it to its own benefit.

Ikeh+2349050254291

Anambra Central senatorial rerun election A Daniel has come to Judgment.

INEC erred in trying to exclude PDP as a party and Hon. Ekwunife as a person and a candidate.

Thanks to the Judiciary,the last hope of the common man to pronounce at such times when approached. Thanks to INEC for the wisdom to countermand the election scheduled for 5th March, 2016 to avert fundamental mistake..

A.O. OBI Esq (Onitsha) +2348056009586

APC accusation against the PDP Do I hear the intolerable APC accusing PDP of not respecting President Buhari. Have they forgotten that Bisi Akande once referred to former President Jonathan as kindergaten president. Jonathan remains the most abused and insulted President in the history of Nigeria and APC is a party of corrupt former cavernous.

Patrick +2348032674545

No to security agents excesses As the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria, President Buhari should please checkmate the excesses of any security apparatus in the country. He should bear in mind that any misdeed by security agents would be blamed on the President whether he knows of the operation or not.

Nigeria must be sanitised against its ugly past. We don’t want new ills to develop. If the invasion of the government house by the DSS agents in Calabar is true as alleged, the culprits should be punished.

Anonymous’, Abuja, FCT

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot - Hausa proverb

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable.

Address your sayings to: editor@vanguardngr.com

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—37

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38—Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

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Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—39

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40—VANGUARD, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Why some people want Buhari to be a talkative — ADESINA •Why he has not moved against Fayose •Adesina: There is an economic team in place

Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity commenced his journalism career in Vanguard and progressed through a couple of other media houses and was Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Sun Publishing Limited before his appointment as the president’s spokesman.

In this interview with Vanguard he speaks on several issues of national importance. Excerpts:

By Bashir Adefaka

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OW would you assess the state of the economy?

The state of the economy is that the President received an economy that was comatose, completely collapsed. By the time he came, 27 states out of 36 could not pay salaries. So, that already tells you the state in which he met the economy. Oil that sold at up to $140 per barrel in the preceding years had dropped to half that price. There was a time it dropped to as low as $27 per barrel. So, you don’t expect a mono-product economy centred round oil to then be healthy if price has dropped to that level.

And if anybody is making noise that the economy is this way or that way, they are not being realistic.

Budget bench mark There was a party in government for 16 years and almost all through that period oil prices were up. What happened to the excess crude? There was a year that the budget bench mark was about $70 or $80 per barrel and oil price went to as far as $140 per barrel. What happened to the excess?

I read so well that Russia has reserve to last it for about three years so that if there is recession, that reserve would see that country through it. What happened to our own? What happened to what should have been our reserve? Oil sold at $140 per barrel when budget bench mark was $70 or $80, what happened to the difference, what happened to the excess?

What do you think happened?

It was because they were

improvident. They were profligate. You didn’t plan for your rainy day and that rainy day is here now and that is what President Buhari is grappling with.

Don’t you think he would have been helped if he has constituted his economic team as being clamoured for by critics?

When I hear people talk about an economic team not being set up, I laugh. A government in which you have a finance minister, you have a minister for trade and investment, you have a minister for budget and national planning, you have a Central Bank governor, you have a chief economic adviser, who was appointed recently, and they are asking for economic team. What team again do they want? What team do they want?

I think Nigerians are trying to pigeon hole every government.

If one government formed a team saying, “This is our economic team,” and drew people from the sector, what makes it compelling

They want a talkative President but in President Buhari you don’t have one, they want a talkative President but they won’t get one in this President

for the next government to follow that template? There is nothing that says that template must be followed.

Are you trying to say that there is already an economy team in place?

There is an economic team in place. Let them just be patient and see what will happen to this country with the scrupulous spending that the President has introduced to the system.

Some people are criticising the government because they do not have explanations?

Those who say they want information, do you know what they want? They want a talkative President (laughs). But in President Buhari you don’t have one. They want a talkative President but they won’t get one in this President.

He is a reticent, methodical and systematic person. That is the way he is. If they want to turn him to a talkative they won’t get it. He is a reticent man and will rather prefer that actions speak for him just as it is said that actions speak louder than words.

Some supporters of the president cite Governor Fayose and others like him as examples of his assertion that he can work with anybody. How far can he go in that direction?

The President is giving the opposition too much of freedom because he believes in the rule of law. The same people who are complaining that he is letting them run loose, so to say, will be the first to call him a tyrant.

Powers to ride on governors In true federalism, the Constitution does not give the President the powers to ride on governors. Our President realises that and he just follows the Constitution.

Do you think that under some other kind of government, some judgements we have seen even from our courts would happen?

No. Do you think under some kind of government, even the

results of the elections that we have seen would go that way?

No. It is just because President Buhari believes in playing according to the rule and that is what some people are taking advantage of. But I pity those people...because there is always a place to draw the line. And that is what you need to know about President Muhammadu Buhari.

If anybody crosses the line, that is when he knows that there is a Sheriff in town (laughs).

But the PDP insists that the anticorruption drive is selective?

The government does not prosecute. It is agencies that prosecute. The government is not the one that would arrest and arraign. It is agencies that have that responsibility that do that.

And you know President Buhari, he will not tamper with the process.

Subverting the rules He will not give directives to any of those security agencies.

He allows them to do their jobs.

But are you aware PDP chieftains don’t believe what you on that?

Because under them, they knew what they did. They knew how they treated the judiciary, they knew how they intimidated, they knew how they subverted the rules. So, this government would not subvert the rules.

Out there people are saying that you stop blaming President Jonathan and that you go on with your plans Oh, is anybody still blaming Jonathan? I have not heard that in recent time. This is nine months, nobody is blaming Jonathan but, like the President said in a broadcast, nobody needs to be afraid of him but people should be afraid of the consequences of their actions.

So, if President Jonathan ruled for six years, there were actions and if those actions were not up to par, they would have consequences. That is what is happening and so it is not about

blaming Jonathan. It is just consequences of actions and inactions, that is all.

It is also said that President Buhari is shielding Dr. Jonathan, from prosecution. Is it true?

People who say that don’t know this President. He shields nobody. Anybody that needs to be asked question can be asked question. I had said this to one media house and the next it published that I said Buhari will prosecute Jonathan. That is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that, if it comes to anybody to be asked question, that person will have to be asked.

But you also know that a former President must be given some dignity. Every dignity that he requires must be given to him.

Your boss, the President, is the Minister of Petroleum. What exactly is happening that Nigerians are complaining of fuel scarcity?

The truth of it is that things are not the way they should be. If the country depends on imported fuel, wholesale, there would be some hitches in the process once in a while that would cause the things we currently have. For instance, you know that until last week, there was fuel nationwide, you just drove in and bought your own fuel.

Calculating shipping properly But then a combination of factors came; one, when you depend on sole importation, NNPC imports 70 percent of the fuel we consume, independent marketers import 30 percent. You know the issues with dollars now and the independent marketers have not been able to get dollars as they desire. Naturally it would affect importation.

Then two, this is winter and in winter you cannot calculate shipping properly because in some countries ships can’t sail because the waters are even frozen. So, if the ships should have discharged in 30 days, you find them coming after 45 days or 50 days because it is winter.

In summer you can always calculate that this ship would arrive at certain time and it will arrive. It is not the same thing in winter.

Then again, ships coming from abroad are always insured. The insurers have refused to insure ships going to Port Harcourt and Warri because of what has been happening in that region of the country. Remember that in Bayelsa some installations were blown, in Delta some installations were blown, these send signals to the international community.

So, insurers are refusing to insure ships bearing petrol cargo to that part of Nigeria. Now what happens is that all of them come to discharge in Apapa, Lagos, and from there you now transport by road again. So, you see what we do to ourselves as a country?

VANGUARD, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 — 41

Syrian forces seize IS town near Palmyra

S

YRIAN and allied forces backed by Russian air strikes drove Islamic State militants out of the town of al-Qaryatain yesterday after encircling it over the past few days, Syria’s military command said.

Surrounded by hills, alQaryatain is 100 km (60 miles) west of the ancient city of Palmyra, which government forces recaptured from Islamic State last Sunday.

Al-Qaryatain had been held by the militant group since late August. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been trying to retake alQaryatain and other pockets of Islamic State control to reduce the jihadist group’s ability to project military power into the heavily populated western region of Syria, where Damascus and other main cities are located.

Syrian state television said the army and its allies “fully

Forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad take positions on a look-out point overlooking the historic city of Palmyra in Homs Governorate

restored security and stability to al-Qaryatain after killing the last remaining groups of Daesh terrorists” in the town, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

In a statement read out on Syrian television, the military command said this was a strategic victory which secures oil and gas routes between the Damascus area and oilfields in eastern Syria. It also disrupts Islamic State supply routes within Syria.

Government forces entered the town from a number of directions, Syrian media said. A Syrian military source told SANA state news agency the army had cleared areas northwest of the town of explosives planted by Islamic State.

Islamic State militants retreating from Palmyra laid thousands of mines which the Syrian army is now clearing before civilians can return.

••• as IS executes 15 members near Raqqa, Syria

I

SLAMIC State has killed 15 of its members in the largest execution of the militant group’s security services so far in Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said yesterday.

The killings followed

the arrest of 35 members on Saturday in Raqqa, according to Britainbased Observatory, which monitors the five-year-old Syrian conflict through a network of sources on the ground.

The members were

killed in connection with the assassination of senior Islamic State figure Abu Hija al-Tunisi, who died on Wednesday in an air strike, the Observatory said.

Reuters could not independently verify this information.

Azerbaijan declares unilateral ceasefire

A

long-simmering, violent feud in Eurasia is now on pause, at least according to one of the dueling countries.

Azerbaijan announced a unilateral ceasefire in its conflict with Armenia, a territorial riff that has been brewing for years but recently turned deadly.

The announcement Sunday came a day after dozens of soldiers from both countries were killed, Azerbaijani state media reported.

But moments later, the Armenian News Agency said Azerbaijan was still attacking with missile artillery systems.

“As a result of the rival’s bombardment, houses, trees, as well as gas pipelines feeding the city (of Martakert) have been damaged, Armenpress reported.

Martakert is in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region at the center of C M Y K

the Azerbaijan-Armenian dispute. The region is occupied by Armenian forces but surrounded and claimed by Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan said it reached a unilateral ceasefire decision “to stop counter-attacks and retaliatory action against the enemy in the occupied territories of the Republic of

Azerbaijan” after international calls and the country’s efforts to pursue a “peaceful policy,” the Azerbaijan state news agency Azertac reported.

But Azerbaijan said it will respond to any continued “provocations” with “offensive operations in order to destroy the enemy.”

Amtrak train derailment near Philadelphia kills two, injures 35

A

N Amtrak train loco motive partly derailed when it hit a backhoe south of Philadelphia yesterday, killing two people and injuring 35 in what passengers described as a jolt followed by a fireball.

The accident in Chester, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Philadelphia, was the latest in a series involving the U.S. passenger rail carrier and occurred a few miles (km) south of the site of a 2015

derailment that claimed eight lives.

Amtrak Train 89 bound for Savannah, Georgia, from New York with 341 passengers and seven crew aboard struck a vehicle on the tracks, Chester Fire Commissioner Travis Thomas said. Amtrak said the vehicle was a backhoe.

“We had two deceased, but they were not passengers on the train,” he told a news conference.

Uncertainty as Greece begins repatriation of migrants * 6,000 migrants, refugees registered on Greek islands

T

HERE was little sign of preparation on either side of the Aegean less than 24 hours before Greece was due to begin returning migrants to Turkey, and Greek and Turkish officials gave conflicting information on the logistics of the plan.

The returns are a key part of an agreement between the European Union and Turkey aimed at ending the uncontrollable influx into Europe of refugees and migrants fleeing war and misery in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Under the deal, those who cross into Greece illegally will be held and sent back once their asylum applications are processed. For every Syrian returned, one Syrian will be resettled to Europe directly from Turkey.

Uncertainty as Greece begins returns of migrants So far, more than 6,000 migrants and refugees have been registered on Greek islands since March 20, the date on which the agreement came into force. Where they will depart from, to where they will be sent, and even how many people will be taken back to Turkey under this deal on Monday, remains un-

clear.

Just yesterday, there were few signs that Lesbos, the island hundreds of thousands of people passed through on their way to northern Europe, was getting ready to send back migrants. A police spokesman said the force was still awaiting instructions.

S/African parliament to debate Zuma impeachment motion tomorrow

S

OUTH Africa’s parlia ment will tomorrow debate a motion to impeach President Jacob Zuma, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete said, after a top court ruled the president had violated the constitution.

South Africa’s constitutional court ruled on Thursday that Zuma had failed to uphold the constitution by ignoring orders from the public protector that he repay some of the $16 million in state funds spent to renovate his private residence at Nkandla.

Since Thursday’s ruling,

Zuma opposition party leaders, ordinary South Africans and even an anti-apartheid activist jailed alongside Nelson Mandela have

called on Zuma to step down.

Mmusi Maimane, leader of the opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA), tabled the motion to have Zuma impeached, and Mbete told reporters on Sunday “the debate on that motion has been scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.”

The Africa National Congress majority in parliament will almost certainly give Zuma political cover against the attempt to impeach him. But the judicial rebuke may embolden antiZuma factions within the ruling party to mount a challenge.

Liberia confirms 2nd new Ebola case, possibly from Guinea

A

second case of Ebola has been confirmed in Liberia months after the country had been declared free from transmissions, health officials said yesterday.

The 5-year-old son of the 30-year-old woman who died Thursday from Ebola has been taken to a treatment center in Monrovia, said Deputy Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah.

Authorities are now checking everyone the woman was in contact with and 10 health care

workers from the hospital where the woman died are under observation.

There are strong indications the woman came from Guinea when the border was closed, Nyenswah said. The woman, who died on arrival at a hospital Thursday, travelled with three of her children.

“We are investigating in both Guinea and Liberia how she entered,” he said. “But knowing the porous border we are not surprised;

she entered Liberia before getting sick or manifesting signs and symptoms.”

The new cases are a setback for Liberia, which had been declared free from transmissions for a third time on Jan. 14.

Liberia was first declared free of the disease in May, but new cases emerged twice, forcing officials to reset the clock in a nation where more than 4,800 people have died from the deadly virus.

42 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Education Minister tasks polytechnics on economic devt

By Wole Mosadomi

M

INNA — MINISTER of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has challenged polytechnics in the country to be agents of change in the area of economy and particularly in agriculture.

The minister, who spoke at the 14th combined convocation of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State noted that polytechnics had the capacity to provide solutions to the challenge of food shortage and its attendant crisis in Nigeria and the world at large.

Adamu, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, said: “Today, the country needs graduates of polytechnics more than ever before, giving the emerging world food crisis. I am aware that the polytechnics have the capacity to provide solutions to the ongoing challenges of food shortage and its attendant crisis in Nigeria in particular and the world in general.

"The role of science and technology in the development of any nation cannot be over-emphasized as no nation can afford to depend on borrowed or imported technology for its industrialization. Polytechnics are, therefore, expected to play a crucial role in this regard.”

Hussain appointed Acting Conservator General

A

N Assistant Conservator General, Finance, Mr. Abdullahi Hussain, is now the Acting Conservator General (CG) of the Federation.

He took over from Alhaji Tanko Abubakar, who retired from service last month after the mandatory two tenures.

Hussain, a graduate of accountancy from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), was born in 1958 and hails from Babanloma, Kwara State. He is married with children and a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) Mr. Abdullahi Hussain is the most senior officer in the organization overseeing all protected conservation areas in Nigeria hence his appointment until a new conservator General is announced by the federal government.

C M Y

Farmers/herdsmen clashes: FG, govs agree to establish ranches J

OS— PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and the state governors have agreed that ranches should be established to address incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes instead of grazing reserves, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, has disclosed.

Lalong, who made the disclosure, yesterday, in Jos at the dedication of the new headquarters of Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, said grazing reserves would not address the clashes and the killings.

“The President and governors agreed that there would be no grazing areas; ranches would be established by government where the cattle would be kept in one place and fed.

Government will provide

facilities like medical, schools and other needs in the ranches,” he said.

Lalong said the ranches would not be for Fulani herdsmen alone but for whoever reared cattle. He said the Buhari’s administration inherited myriads of problems, saying herdsmen/farmers saga was just one of such problems and urged the people to be patient.

The governor urged Plateau citizens to pray for the state and the Federal Government as all the problems could not be solved in one year.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Plateau South, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retd), said delegates at the 2014 National Conference agreed that grazing reserves should be a state affair, not federal.

He said it would be difficult for farmers to support the establishment of grazing areas as they would not donate their farms for grazing purposes.

In his sermon, Rev. Anthony Farinto, former ECWA President, called on leaders at all levels to urgently address the difficulties Nigerians were going through.

The cleric, who condemned the recent killing of a military officer, urged the Federal Government to do all within its power to address the security challenges facing the country.

“If a serving Colonel could be kidnapped and killed, it portends serious danger for the country,” he said.

The Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Bala Bantex, attended the service.

LAUNCHING: From left, Mr. Paul Lee, Managing Director; Mr. Olumide Ojo, Head, Business Development; Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu, Head, Product Marketing, Information Technology and Mobile; Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, Information Technology and Mobile and Mr. Hungbae Kim, Business Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, all of Samsung Electronics West Africa, during the launch of the Sleek Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones, in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola.

Generate more electricity for domestic use, Labour tells FG The communiqué noted that the

By Victor AhiumaYoung

K

ANO— NATIONAL Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has called on the Federal Government to concentrate on generating more electricity for domestic and industrial needs instead of increasing electricity tariff.

The union in a communiqué at the end of its 11th National Delegates Conference in Kano, Kano State, noted that energy was critical to industrial development of the country.

The communiqué signed by John Adaji and Issa Aremu, President and General Secretary of the union respectively, acknowledged that there was a great challenge of power in

Nigeria with less than 5,000 megawatts to a population of 170 million people, contending that the current energy output of about 1,500 was a reflection of the perennial energy crisis that was yet to be addressed.

According to the statement, “experiences across countries have shown that Nigeria cannot end power poverty with privatization of power generation and distribution. It is critical that the Federal Government invests massively in power generation and distribution infrastructure as part of the efforts to create enabling environment for reindustrialisation. We call on the Ministry of Power to concentrate on generating more electricity for domestic and industrial needs instead of increasing electricity tariff.”

union witnessed tougher times with continued closure of textile factories, redundancies and attendant loss of members, stressing that in spite of these intimidating conditions, the union remained focused and committed to the aspiration of pioneer textile workers who desired strong but democratic organization of workers in the Nigerian textile industry capable of defending the rights and interests of workers at work and in the society.

The communiqué said “the union has remained steadfast and proud of steady progress in core areas of union activities; collective bargaining and improvement in working conditions, defence of workers’ rights, health and safety and general working conditions and unionizing the unorganized amongst others."

North-East lawyers adopt Gadzama for NBA President

By Innocent Anaba

B

AUCHI— AHEAD of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, election in July, branches of the Arewa Lawyers Forum, ALF, in the North-East, weekend, in Bauchi, Bauchi State, adopted Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, as their candidate for Presidency in the election.

A resolution by the group after their retreat in Bauchi reads: “At the meeting of the chairmen and secretaries of the branches of ALF of the NBA in the North-East held in Bauchi, the issue of the forth coming national election of the NBA was fully exhaustively deliberated upon and having considered the candidates from the ALF vying for the position of the Presidency of NBA, having considered and appraised the candidates and based on seniority at the Inner Bar, contribution towards the progress of the Bar, the legal profession, ALF, welfare and interest of lawyers of Arewa extraction, we the undersigned hereby unanimously adopt Chief J. K. Gadzama, SAN, as the candidate for the Presidency of the NBA in the forthcoming NBA election who the entire lawyers from the North East will support and vote for in the election.”

The resolution was signed by Chairman, NBA Bauchi, Mr. Naseer Junba; Assistant Secretary, Bauchi Branch, Mr. S. Abubakar; Chairman, Gombe Branch, Mr. Haruna Saleh; Secretary, Gombe Branch, Mr. Haruna Yelwa; Chairman, Jalingo Branch, Mr. Idris Abdullahi Jalo; Secretary, Jalingo Branch, Mr. Sunday Stephen; Chairman, Mubi Branch, Dr. Magai Vimtim Magi; Chairman, Yola Branch, Mr. Anas Naandeti and Chairman, Damaturu Branch, Mr. Bashi Salihu.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 —43 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA: Pressure that came your way suddenly will give way unexpectedly, today, to the betterment of your course. The more financially ambitious you are today, the better for you. Be steadfast.

SCORPIO: You sincerely believe in intelligent argument or discussion. And if you allow your ability to be diplomatic come to play today, you’ll be better for it.

Enjoy your love life.

SAGITTARIUS: You’ll tend to become both creative and persuasive to the administration of others. Then those who’ve been resisting secret love may slip suddenly and become excited.

CAPRICORN: Even if opposition persists, supports you are getting from the influential people will be enough to see you through. Yet, the more cooperative you are the better.

AQUARIUS: Your creativity quotient within your working arena will today be enhanced. You’ll be blamed if you keep official issues secrets from your challenges at work.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

A

lady recently said to me - This weather is just not friendly. The sun is too much. Let the sun subside before I do it. And I looked at her and said, ‘Supposing it starts raining

The Weather now, what will you do?’ The truth is that the weather has never been friendly.

Of course, it is not the business of the weather to be friendly to you. But

TERROR MUDA

your duty is to do everything within your power to be able to use the weather as it is. Tell me, have you ever seen a perfect weather? Whether rain or sun, people

in “Never say goodbye”

have always complained. Yet, some people are making fortune from it, rain or sunshine. You too must do the same. For he that must succeed does not need to look at the weather.

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES: After a few tension soaked days, you’ll have the needed opportunity to look through windows of the world and have your way as well. Magnetic and/or magic days is predicted for lovers today.

ARIES: Even if you continue to work under pressure via increased workload, you will have good results to show for your efforts today. Be steadfast.

TAURUS: Promise made to genuine personalities should be kept if not because of today but for better tomorrow. Be reasonable and clean.

GEMINI: Those of you willing to let go hard feelings at work are for a progressive day to the betterment of your finances. Let go yesterday, move ahead.

CANCER: Once again, you’ll have the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the administration of others. Both love and financial success can be yours with efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO: You can make it a successful day with positive approach on your part. You will be in a better position to defuse tension within your working arena. Try to be more ambitious.

VIRGO; Yes! You’re not scared a bit even, when opposition and/or competition come your way but, if you give in to diplomatic approach, you’ll fare better today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s My Horoscope?

Dear Joshua, Kindly tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and the day of the week I was born but don’t publish my date of birth.. Please tell me my full horoscope Anonymous. Nigeria.

Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Sunday.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Day of Birth = Sunday Sun Sign = Scorpio. Sun in Zero Degree of Scorpio Moon Sign = Libra: Moon in 5th Degree of Libra Mercury in 12th Degree of Scorpio Venus in Zero Degree of Sagittarius Mars in 1st Degree of Aquarius Jupiter in 29th Degree of Cancer Saturn in 10th Degree of Scorpio Uranus in 27th Degree of Cancer Neptune in 25th Degree of Libra Pluto in 26th Degree of Leo North Node in 8th Degree of Capricorn South Node in 8th Degree of Cancer No planet in earth spar sign, one in available, two in fire, three in air, four in cardinal, fixed and water star signs hosted five planets each.

PHYSICAL INFLUENCE = 50% NON-PHYSICAL INFLUENCE =50% PLANET AT HOME = NONE ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA You are both an intelligent and emotional person. And as there was planet at home when you were born, too many ideas will always struggle for prominent place in your mind, thus decision making is difficult but most times, your intelligence comes to the rescue.

Certainly, you appear to other as a gentle person who can be mistaken for soft fellow but your inner-self is the personality with a steel like will power.

You are the consistent type who may find it difficult to change once you have made up your mind as indicated by distribution of the planets as written out in paragraph two of this exercise.

One major challenge you have been battling for a very long time is constant worries, some times, necessarily and the other time, uncalled for, as indicated by conjunction Mercury and Saturn formed when you were born.

Placement of your natal Sun (basic self head) and Moon (your sub-conscious self) in Scorpio and Libra respectively are indications of your being mainly Scorpio born person and partly in Libran. And that is to say basic characteristics of both Scorpio and Libra are highly pronounced in you.

Then, you are spiritually gifted; if you don’t develop it is another thing.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Vanguard CLASSIFIED EMEKEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Emekeme Ngozi Florida, now wish to be known and addressed as Okereke Ngozi Florida. All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

ANTHONY—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Otubo Eze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Anthony Eze Otubo.

All documents bearing former names remain valid. United Bank for Africa, UBA, Eco Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

M A N YA KA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Kgagelo Manyaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kgagelo Ilo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name The name Theophilus Samuel Oje and Theophilus Olayinka Aderemi belong to one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Theophilus Olayinka Aderemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name The names Ogun Nimota Bolaji or Oyolola Maryam Iyabo and Maryam Iyabo Aremu is one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogun Nimota Bolaji.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JIMMY—I, formerly known and addressed as Jimmy Elegbede, now wish to be known and addressed as Olujimi Elegbede. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMAMODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Omowhovivie Jonah, now wish to be known and addressed as Omowhovivie Jonah Omamode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E B H O DAG H E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebhodaghe Aimiende Loveth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Loveth Aimiende Inegbedion.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOHEFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Oyiboruno Sunday Omohefe, now wish to be known and addressed as Efe Sunday Oyiboruno. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGBOKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbokwe Sopuruchi Ihuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obuseri Sopuruchi Ihuoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OCHIOTU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ochiotu Ogochukwu Clarice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ben-Izegaegbe Ogochukwu Clarice.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BRUEGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Queen Ogaga Bruegbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Queen Ogaga Djevwedje. All former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board, Asaba. SUBEB and general public please take note.

OGHENESADO—I, formerly known and addressed as Oghenesado Eviano Ukpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Oghenesado Asiafa Berkley. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKPENI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alice Ese Ikpeni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alice Ese Adjarho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DUBEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Nwokedi Dubem, now wish to be known and addressed as N w o k e d i Chukwudubem Francis. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GOODLUCK— I, formerly known, called and addressed as Okperiogho Goodluck, now wish to be known, called and addressed as O k p e r i o g h o Erhieyovwe.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Name The names Nwaba Kelechi Ojon and Kelechi Nathaniel Nwaba refer to one and the same person.

I now wish to be known and addressed as Nwaba Kelechi Ojon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKAFOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Isioma Faith Okafor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Isioma Faith Mafiana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKUNONKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alexandra Okunonke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alexandra Eburajolo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JOHNSON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edith Johnson now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edith Toka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLISEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oliseh Nkem Doris now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ede Nkem Doris. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Olympic fund Contd from B/P Dalung was reacting to questions on why Nigerian athletes are finding it difficult to travel to compete for the Olympics qualification meets despite the well reported release of the said fund by the federal government.

“It is true that the President released the sum of N2.9 billion last year to the defunct National Sports Commission but as I sit today as a minister, I have not gotten enough information as to how that money was spent. I have not and the story of the N2.9 billion is of a serious concern to me just like it is a concern to you.

“Since the former DG told you that they gave him the money, I am asking the same question which you asked, because I have seen the memo. Since he never briefed me on the issue of the N2.9 billion and today

Contd from B/P

Eagles

in June being arranged for the Super Eagles.

NFF president, Amaju Pinnick disclosed recently that the federation would utilize the two FIFA windows in June to bring the Super Eagles players together ahead of the qualifying matches for the World Cup. The NFF has opened discussions with its Londonbasedagent,whoisexpected to confirm the two top European countries for the friendly matches in the coming weeks. It was gathered that Pinnick is regularly in contact with the agent who has given him hopes of securing two top grade A countries for the friendly matches.

Contd from B/P

he is not here, he has left, I demanded for the memo of approval from Mr. President and I have seen it.

“The memo is very clear.

Mr. President wrote on that memo that; ‘this money I am givingtoyoumustbeaccounted for’ Now as far as I am concerned, it is one of the challengesthenewleadership is facing. Those funds are supposedtoaddressissuesbut those issues are yet to be addressed up till now. I had to go out of my way to source funds to go and pay for the balanceofouraccommodation in Rio and the N2.9 billion is supposed to be part of that money meant for the accommodation.”

TheMinisteralsochallenged anybodyincludingtheformer DGtocontroverthimifhewas notstatingtheobvious.Healso added that his ministry is concerned about that money andwouldliketofindoutwhat reallyhappenedtoit.

An NFF source told our correspondent that the agent is expected to conclude discussions with the countries in two weeks time, adding that the federation will make public the countries as soon as the deal was concluded.

“One obvious thing is that thetwofriendlymatchesare slated for London in June.

We have opened discussions with some top European countries for the twoFIFAwindowdatesand Iamconvincedthattheyare responding positively.

“The choice of London for the friendly matches is because it is centrally located and the federation will not find it difficult to assemble the players.

Iwobi

Wenger ’s side and he continues to flourish while the likes of Walcott and Joel Campbell remain on the bench. The Nigerian-born forward played for England at junior level and it was thought he might commit to the senior side, but the possibility was ended when he played in an African Nations Cup

qualifier for Nigeria against Egypt last week.

“Is he a loss for England? Yes,” Wenger said. “We have values in our club that are maybe not rated always, but one of them is to give a chance to young people and educate them.

“Every year we bring players out and not many can say that. I’m happy Alex is one of them.''

Leicester Contd from B/P single-goal victory in their last six top-flight matches, capitalising on secondplaced Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday to extend their advantage at the top.

The afternoon started jovially as, on the eve of his birthday, Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha laid on free doughnuts and beer for the home faithful.

But after a positive start,

Leicester were soon put on the back foot and were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Danny Simpson appeared to block Sadio Mane’s shot with his arm inside the box, with referee Michael Oliver unmoved.

Claudio Ranieri’s side made the most of the reprieve as Morgan’s first Premier League goal of the season ensured they took a lead into half-time.

46 — Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

L

AST Monday I wrote wishing the Eagles all the best in Alexandria.

I believed the unfortunate draw in Kaduna not withstanding, we had a team that was capable of turning the tide in Alexandria.

It was not to be.

In Alexandria we put up a credible display. We were not cowed nor intimidated. But football is about goals and it came to the Egyptians on the night. We lost with our heads held high.

Since then, I have read of how Victor Moses cried uncontrollably in the dressing room after the match.

Strange. Very strange. Most footballers don’t have time for those sentiments. Do they ever bother? I have seen players who treat losses as norm, they file out of the dressing room singing and joking, and at the slightest opportunity sneak out of the camp for drinks “ with the boys” and other vices.

Before Alexandria, they had their Pharaohs, we had our Moses. It did not end Biblically. Alas.

I have had a lot to say about this team and I will continue to say this team came pretty late. Siasia and his colleagues came late. The damage had been done. The rescue mission was ill timed. The only way forward is to build on the foundation that has been laid by Siasia.

Foreign coach? Never bothered me where a coach came from as long as he was good, better than his Nigerian counterparts and worth the millions that we will expend on him and his assistants. Did England of all countries not contract a foreign coach in Erickson?

In going for a foreign coach we must ensure that he is not only top drawer but very familiar with the intricacies and politics of African football. Coaching in this continent is a different kettle of fish entirely, so much that even a Bertie Vogts could not succeed here.

Resignation of President Pinnick? Nigerians have a right to be angry. How can we miss two consecutive Nations Cups? That it happened to Egypt does not mean it should happen to us. In doing so however we should be careful not to cut our nose to spite our face.

We lost the Nations Cup qualification the day we drew with Tanzania in a group where we had no business dropping points to the minnows of the group.

The tears of Moses We lost the Nations Cup qualification the day we drew with Tanzania in a group where we had no business dropping points to the minnows of the group The Pinnick regime has been a very successful one and counting. The loss to Egypt is not a reflection of the quality of leadership and the structural development that this board has brought to bear on the quality of our football in so short a time.

I remember telling a friend just last week that my appointment as Akwa United Chairman was basically to restructure the team and get it running as a professional football club on and off the field, but that my success, unfortunately is tied to the on field performance of the team ( League table), a phenomenom that most times I have no control over.

That is what the NFF must realize from now on.

The NFF Board has apologized to Nigerians, they have made a case for continued stay and I dare say they have done well. They should however be very careful in making future promises in a sport where the better side, often times, does not win.

The NFF should open up. Allow committees more involvement in the day to day running of the sport.

The leaders should not arrogate to themselves monopoly of knowledge, should talk less and consult more.

This country boasts technocrats, men and women with deep rooted football savvy who by current and strange legislation may never be members of the NFF Board but are definitely better blessed and endowed.

We should fish them out and engage them.

The cut is deep, the wound is bleeding yet it will heal. With time it will. All the NFF and all its affiliates have to do is to start churning out those results and programmes that will help compensate Nigerians for this great loss. In football, you win some, lose some.

Back to Akwa United The last time I wrote this column, I was in Bauchi and I remember saying though the draw in Kaduna was not acceptable to Nigerians, I will be too pleased to get one against Wikki Tourists and that is exactly what happened.

I was not very happy with the LMC for denying me the celebration of Easter Holidays with members of my family as decreed by the Federal Government.

On Easter Sunday we were in Bauchi. Easter Monday we hit the road for Katsina for a match against El Kanemi Warriors. Of course after that match which we won convincingly 3-1 we were again on the road to Abuja to catch a flight back to Uyo. Am I still complaining? No way. That was a great Easter gift like no other. Four points from two consecutive away games? God is on the throne.

I owe this feat primarily to God, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel, the players and their coaches, of course my sports commissioner and all those who have decided to intercede heavenly favours on our behalf.

Will take time off to talk about that expedition around the North in 7 days from Abuja to Kaduna to Jos to Bauchi to Kano to Jigawa to Katsina to Zaria to Kaduna back to Abuja. The break down thirty minutes to Zaria and how retired FIFA referee Bola Abidoye was our saving grace as we made the flight that brought us back.

In Uyo, there was no respite as the State FA made us to play three Federation Cup matches in three days culminating in yesterday’s final against Starlets.

As you are reading this I must have won my first silverware as Chairman of Akwa United. That will be a story for another day.

See you next week.

Wrestling: Nigeria picks six more Rio 2016 Olympics slots

By Solomon Nwoke

N

IGERIA has qualified six more wrestlers for the Rio 2016 Olympics holding later this year in Brazil at the just concluded African/ Oceania Olympic qualifiers in Algeria.

Six out of 10 wrestlers presented by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) have booked slots to participate at the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled for 5th to 21st August 2016.

Four female wrestlers and two male freestyle wrestlers joined Odunayo Adekuoroye who had earlier qualified by winning a bronze medal in the 53kg weight class at the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas on the road to Rio. This brings to a total of seven wrestlers made up of five females and two males, the highest C M Y K

number to ever qualify for the Games in the history of wrestling in Nigeria.

Amas Daniel in the 65kg weight class and Soso Tamara in the 97kg were the latest qualifiers in the freestyle wrestling concluded yesterday

while earlier in the same tournament, four female wrestlers booked their passage at the weekend which include Mercy Genesis (48kg),Aminat Adeniyi (58kg), Blessing Oborududu (63kg) and Hannah Reuben (69Kg).

Inyama backs Pinnick

F

ORMER board mem ber of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Emeka Inyama has declared that those calling for the resignation of the president of the nation’s soccer federation, Amaju Pinnick, following the failure of Nigeria to qualify for AFCON 2017 are not being fair to the youthful NFF leader.

Inyama stated yesterday that as a person who only left the NFF board some few months back, he knows how passionate the NFF president is about Nigeria football and his desire to take the game to the next

level in the country.

The Abia Warriors boss said the fact that Nigeria did not qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup does not mean we should rock the boat, especially for a board that has recorded several successes before now.

“We all know that Nigeria has before now qualified for virtually every international tournament under this same board. Beyond qualifying for major tournaments, we have won in places like Chile (FIFA U-17), in Senegal at the U -23 Nations Cup and African Women Championship.

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE . . . Watford FC striker, Odion Ighalo receives the King of the Pitch Award statuette from Ayiri Emami

Zamalek players mock Yusuf after AFCON ouster

E

GYPTIAN players are now having the last laugh on Zamalek’s Nigeria-born midfielder Moruf Yusuf after their country sent the Super Eagles packing from AFCON 2017.

The Zamalek players who featured against Nigeria in the two AFCON qualifiers in

Kaduna and Alexandria were left back Hamada Tolba, right back Omar Gaber and the goalkeeper Ahmed Shennawi.

“My team mates at Zamalek who played for Egypt against Nigeria have been teasing me that they beat my country. It has not been funny,” Yusuf revealed to AfricanFootball.com

The Nigerian midfielder had warned the Eagles of the danger posed by the home-based players in the Pharaohs ahead of the two qualifiers which ended 11 and 1-0 in favour of Egypt.

He said the Eagles disappointed him as he was confident Nigeria will fly past them to feature at Gabon 2017.

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016—47

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016

Iwobi: A big loss to England, says Wenger

A

RSENE Wenger says Alex Iwobi’s decision to play for Nigeria is a loss for England after he inspired Arsenal to a 4-0 win over Watford.

Iwobi scored one and made another at Emirates Stadium, with the other goals coming from Alexis Sanchez, Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott to help keep the Gunners’ faint

title hopes alive. The 19year-old, who came through the club’s academy, has now scored two in as many games for

Continues on pg 45

I don’t know how Yakmut spent N2.9b Olympic fund – Dalung

BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

C

ERTAINLY the last is yet to be heard about the N2.9 billion which President Muhammadu Buhari last year released to the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC) for some sporting activities.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung told journalists in Abuja last Friday that he does not

know how the staggering sum was expended. The money was meant for the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo, the 2015 Youth Games as well as the preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

According to him, the former director general of the NSC, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut did not even brief him concerning the money before his redeployment.

Continues on pg 45

WHEN THE GOING WAS GOOD...Dalung, Yakmut

Leicester go 7 points clear

City Eagles to play 2 friendly L EICESTER opened up a sevenpoint lead at the Premier matches in June League summit by over-

Wrestling: Nigeria picks 6 more Olympic slots •Iwobi

Pg 46

A

HEAD of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying matches, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has picked London to host two grade A friendly matches Continues on pg 45

PREMIER LEAGUE (TOP 5) Team: P Pts Leicester City 32 69 Tottenham 32 62 Arsenal 31 58 Man. City 31 54 Man. United 31 53

coming Southampton 1-0 at the King Power Stadium yesterday.

Wes Morgan’s first-half header was enough for Leicester to secure a fifth Continues on pg 45

Results Leicester Southampton Man United Everton

1 0 1 0

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

FRIDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Endeavour, try (7) 7 Sellers of nautical supplies (9) 8 Give a title to (4) 10 Inscribe using acid (4) 12 Any pouched mammal (9) 14 Sponsorship (7)

DOWN 2 Darjeeling or Earl Grey, eg (3) 3 Brings to a close (4) 4 Fold in a skirt (5) 5 Thriftiness (7) 6 Roofing material (7) 9 Heroine of The Sound of Music (5) 11 Greater part (4) 13 Tavern (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Ripe 3, Club 7, Loo 8, Expel 9, Fan 10, Sea 12, Tee 14, Anarchy 15, Due 16, Red 18, Boo 19, Metro 21, Won 22, Yard 23, Only.

DOWN: 1, Rules 2, Profane 4, Lop 5, Bulge 6, Sentrybox 11, Eau 12, Throwin 13, Eye 15, Dimly 17, Dinky 20, Tar.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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