How to resuce Nigeria by experts

2baba, Adekunle Gold, Bovi, Laolu Gbenjo band thrill Vanguard guests today

By Saheed Abisola

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ll is set for the annual Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards holding today, at

the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

The epoch-making event Continues on Page 10

ENERGY SECTOR LOANS: Heritage Bank boss calls for policy review

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

VOL. 26: NO. 63725

AT VANGUARD ECONOMIC DISCOURSE:

How to rescue Nigeria, by experts

By Our Reporters

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A G O S — Economists and private sector leaders, at the third edition of the Vanguard

National Economic Discourse, V-NED III, yesterday, called for vision-driven policy interventions that will deliver the nation from Continues on Page 5

ASSET DECLARATION CHARGE:

FG snubs 2 suits seeking to stop CJN’s arraignment •Court extends order restraining CCT to January 28

COLUMNISTS C M Y K

57

Vanguard Economic Discourse —From left: Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, General Secretary, NLC; Mr. Ifie Sekibo, MD, Heritage Bank Limited; Mr. Muda Yusuf, DG, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Fola Adeola, Founder/Chairman, FATE Foundation & Keynote Speaker; Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, former Minister, National Planning; Dr. Doyin Salami, Economist, LBS and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor-inChief, Vanguard Newspapers, during the Vanguard Economic Discourse with the topic 'Human Development Index Vs Economic Growth; Nigeria's Policy Options, held in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 12-14.

CONVERSATION WITH AZU

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OWEI LAKEMFA

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2 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 3

4—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

NASS urges FG to immortalise Shagari

By Henry Umoru & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA— The two arms of the National Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to immortalise late former President Shehu Shagari by naming a national monument after him.

President Shagari died at 93 on December 28, 2018, in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness.

This is even as the House of Representatives stepped down debates on the 2019 budget at plenary, yesterday.

The Senate also resolved to send a high powered delegationtocondolewiththe family of the late President as well as the people and government of Sokoto State.

Senators also had a special prayer, which was conducted

by Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC Kano South), and a minute silence was observed in his honour.

Resolutions of the Senate

were sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Danbaba (PDP, Sokoto South), co- sponsored

by Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North), Sen. Adamu Aleiro (Kebbi Central); Sen. Ahmed Yarima (Zamfara West), Sen. Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East; Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North); Sen.BalaIbnNa’allah(Kebbi South); Sen. Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) and Sen. Tijjani Yahaya (Zamfara North).

Senators, who spoke while contributing to the motion on the death of Shagari, lamented that Nigeria would haveimprovedtremendously in all facets of life, if his administration was not overthrown by the military.

In the House of Representatives, lawmakers also eulogized Shagari for his integrity and contributions to the growth and development of the nation, describing him as a selfless leader.

The tributes followed a motion sponsored by the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamilla, and 35 other lawmakers at the plenary.

Atiku to speak at US chamber of commerce

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RESIDENTIAL candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was expected to arrive in Washington, DC, yesterday, TheCable can report.

The former vice-president is reportedly scheduled to speak at the Chamber of Commerce today, from 2:30 pm to 4pm local time, although the event could not be confirmed the event.

The private roundtable, to be hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce and the US Africa Business Centre, is reportedly going to hold at 1615 H street, NW 20062.

Atiku secretly flew out from Lagos on Wednesday

night with most of his aides and associates taken unawares.

He was scheduled to be in Ogun State yesterday morning but the event was cancelled.

TheCable had exclusively reported in December 2018 that Atiku had been issued with a US visa for the first time in 13 years.

His row with the US authorities began after the FBI investigated a bribery scandal involving William Jefferson, former US congressman, in 2004.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has repeatedly said he was running away from investigations by the US authorities.

MEETING : From left, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed; INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors, CVC, of Nigerian Universities, Professor Joseph Ahouneku, during the INEC Chairman's meeting the CVC, in Abuja, yesterday . Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

APC misses out in Rivers, Zamfara as INEC publishes list of candidates Jerry Gana, Donald Duke missing too Don’t give us politically exposed lecturers, INEC charges VCs

By Omeiza Ajayi

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B U J A — INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the final list of Presidential and National Assemblycandidatesfornext month’s general elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress,

U

N C E R TA I N T Y continues to trail the price of crude oil in the international market as it closed, yesterday, at $60.50, $51.39 per barrel for Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate respectively.

This came as Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, puts the 2019 global economic growth at 3.5 per cent as oil price drops to $60 per barrel in the global

market.

The report stated that the price of OPEC basket of 14 crudes stood at $60.50, against $59.52 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $58.24 the previous day.

The price of oil has risen about 20 per cent from the 18-month low registered in late December, but investors appear loath to push crude much higher without evidence that relations between Washington and Beijing are improving, according to analysts.

According to BNP Paribas, Head of Commodities,

presidential candidate of the SDP. Consequently, INEC said it could not publish the particulars of either contenders as the party has not forwarded it any name, following a court order.

The Federal High Court had barred the APC from fielding candidates in Rivers and Zamfara states, following

Why we can’t end farmers/herders clashes —FG Blames farmers, politicians,

By Omeiza Ajayi

A

BUJA— THE Federal Government has explained its seeming inability to end the continued violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the country, saying apart from local causative factors, the crisis was of a regional if not continental dimension.

Accordingly, government said it had engaged Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS,

Oil price hovers around $60 per barrel

By Udeme Akpan & Ediri Ejoh

APC, missing out in Rivers and Zamfara states.

In the list signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Anthony, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prof. Jerry Gana, was also missing.

There had been a legal tussle between Dr Donald Duke and Prof. Jerry Gana with regard to who is the right

Harry Tchilingurian, “Brent needs to move past $62 before we can talk about $65.

“From there, the door will be open to target $70, (if) we do not have negative news emerging around U.S.China trade talks that caused high levels of angst and de-risking last December.”

However, in its oil market report sent to Vanguard yesterday, OPEC stated: “The global economic growth forecast remains unchanged at 3.7 percent for 2018 and 3.5 percent for 2019.

militias, population explosion, climate change (herder) enters into a counCommission as well as Ministers of Agriculture of the affected countries in the region to ensure strict implementation of the 1998 ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Trans-humans.

Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), made the disclosures at a Special Ministerial Press Briefing with the theme “The Journey So Far” to give his stewardship since November 2015 to date, in Abuja, yesterday.

The minister listed several factors responsible for the killings, saying population explosion, climate change, activities of devious politicians, training and arming of militias by some state governors as well as unconscious blocking of cattle routes by some farmers.

He said as part of the meeting with the ECOWAS Commission on the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol, there was supposed to be an international clearance certificate for the herders moving from one country to another.

He said: “When he

try, there must be a check point area where the cattle will be inspected. There must be international clearance certificate, know the number of cows he is moving with, ensure that he does not carry weapon of any kind, show him the route he must follow and so on.

“So, in doing all these, clashes between herders and farmers will be completely reduced if not eliminated because what is happening is that herders along the routes go into farms and somehow destroy the crops.”

While blaming climate change and high population explosion for the problem, the minister also said some failed politicians do take advantage of the clashes to gain political mileage.

He said: “Part of the problem is that there have been cattle routes over the years but because of population growth and climate change, even farmers are moving from their traditional communities elsewhere because of climate change. Now, they are occupying the routes created for cattle.

the inability of the ruling party to resolve its internal challenges and respect its own rules on the conduct of its primaries.

Politically exposed lecturers

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has asked vice chancellors of federal universities not to give the commission politically exposed lecturers.

Yakubu, who spoke at the opening of a meeting with Committee of Vice Chancellors, CVC, in Abuja to intimate them on the commission’s preparations for the general elections, said: “As in previous elections, we have requested from each university a specified number of academic staff as contained in my letter to the vice chancellors. ‘’Staff, who are card carrying members or have participated in partisan politics should not be nominated. Similarly, those who may not be involved in partisan political activities but are known to have obvious political leanings should not be nominated. ‘’The commission will carefully scrutinise the list, which must be submitted confidentially in the manner prescribedbythe commission in my letter to the vice chancellors.’’

According to him, without the involvement of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, especially the universities, the commission will find it extremely difficult to conduct credible elections.

He said: “At the polling unit level, the critical segment of election duty staff is drawn from products of our universities and polytechnics involved in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 5

POCKET CARTOON vanguardnews

@vanguardnews

BUHARI IN DELTA—From left; Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past Governor of Delta State and Delta South Senatorial candidate; Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum; Chief Great Ogboru, APC Delta State Gubernatorial Candidate and President Mohammadu Buhari, during the APC Presidential rally held at the Warri City Stadium, Delta State.

VANGUARD ECONOMIC DISCOURSE:

How to rescue Nigeria, by experts Continues from Page 1 socio-economic stagnation and fast track national development.

Chaired by former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, with eminent banker and founding Managing Director/Chief Executive, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Fola Adeola as keynote speaker, the Discourse also had Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc, Mr Ifie Sekibo, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, General Secretary of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Dr. Peter OzoEson, and Dr. Doyin Salami, Associate

Professor at Lagos Business School as discussants.

In his keynote address, on the theme of the Discourse, “Human Development Index vs Economic Growth: Nigeria’s Policy Options”, Adeola stated that Nigeria needs both economic growth and human development to avert a looming economic disaster resulting from the crushing grip of 12 giant socio-economic evils on her developmental potentials.

He stressed that achieving economic growth and human development requires vision-inspired policy interventions designed to bring down barriers to national development.

Speaking on the necessity of both economic development and human capital growth, Adeola said: “Human development costs money, so there is no denying that economic growth is important.

Without money, you cannot fund healthcare or raise living standards or provide education.

“In fact, looking at our current GDP per capita, it is clear for all of us to see that our GDP has to go up for there to be any meaningful change in the fortunes of the population.

To that extent, it is possible to say that economic growth is necessary for sustained human and social development. Let us be clear, however, that neither triggers it. You can have consistent GDP growth year-on-year for

@vanguardnews five years and you still find poverty among the people and poor education among the people.

Successful economic policies may not trigger or ensure human development.

“Economic growth does not address how the money is spent, what investments are made in people and what disparities exist. If social policy is not targeted and deliberate, human development does not necessarily follow and without human development, sustained economic growth is impossible. How can countries produce in a knowledge economy if the people are uneducated and unhealthy? The answer is simple, they cannot. So, we must produce and we must ensure that our people are taken care of out of this bounty.

Adeola on Policy Interventions

"This is not a start-up sovereign state, and not a nation in any real sense and deeply plagued by fundamental evils which if not addressed will ensure our ruin.

“The role of the government is to respond to and create an enabling environment for the needs, challenges and aspirations of its population to be addressed and that is why, if there are barriers to these, taking them down must be the foundation of policy. That is why they are called policy interventions.

“Their singular purpose is to remove the barriers from national attention.

The choice of the word “evils,” as a matter of fact, ‘giant evils’, in describing

our particular barriers denotes the function of their depth and destructiveness and it is deliberate. To call them challenges will be a lie.

“It will cause us to underestimate their pervasiveness and leave any responses we may craft inadequate to address their ruin. If we are running away from the insufficiency of GDP and HDI as foundations for policy then we must run towards the kind of brutal honesty that will compel us to strive for a different existence.”

Sekibo seeks robust focus on energy

LCCI boss seeks greater investment Corroborating Adeola’s position on the symbiotic relationship between economic development and human capital, Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf said: “If you look at all the leading economies today, there is a correlation between the size of their economy and the welfare of their citizens. The correlation Continues on Page 57

Mr & Mrs

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Heritage Bank Limited, Ifie Sekibo, pointed out that the desired economic growth would require a change in policy for lending to the energy sector to ramp up power supply. This, he believes, would improve the level of economic activities and deliver positive impact on the standard of living for the citizenry. See Page 19 for more on Policy Review for the Energy Sector.

By Bose Adelaja, Ebun Sessou, Yinka Latona, & Tade Oluwapelumi

Trial of Chief Justice of Nigeria (2)

I

f the statement credited to the Chief Justice of Nigeria ,CJN, is anything to go by, he made an error which he corrected in his 2016 declaration. If it, however, turns out that an infraction has been committed, then due process must be followed in seeking redress. We must not succumb to any form of political gangsterism.

Mr.Kolawole Temitope Human rights activist

I

will describe the move against Justice Onnoghen as an assault, intimidation and desecration of the judiciary, which must stop.

This administration should please don’t divide the country by their actions but rather embark on things that will unite us.

-Mrs. Foluke TompsonJones Teacher

T

he CJN should as a matter of urgency vacate the exalted seat to save the institution and have his name written in gold because of his forgetfulness to declare his assets.

He has no moral right to function as the CJN of the nation.

Mr. Saheed Olawest Businessman

I

t is important for the government and members of the public to know that we should refrain from media trials and political players should avoid abusing the judicial process in order to achieve what they could not get through normal political contests.

Every accused person should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Miss Aje Temiloluwa, Make-up Artist

F

irst, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship, Walter Onnoghen declared his assets. His estacode account which came after the declaration, can only be declared at another asset declaration instance.

The Muhammadu Buhari administration is dead wrong on this one.

Mr. Adokiye Oyagiri, Public servant

I wonder why the Federal Government chose to deviate from the laid down provisions of the law as stated in the constitution. And why embark on media trial of the CJN when there are provisions on how to handle such case?

Maybe some people are misadvising Mr. President or is this a naked show of power and force by agencies of the government?

Mrs Agbabiaka Alice Businesswoman

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

8 robbers sentenced to death go haywire in court: Threaten judge, attack journalists, onlookers

By Umar Yusuf

Y

OLA—THERE was drama, yesterday, at the premises of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola State, when eight convicted armed robbers went wild, assaulting warders, journalists and any other person in sight.

The drama began in the courtroom moments after Justice Abdul’aziz Waziri

sentenced the armed robbers to death by hanging after finding them guilty of a nine-count charge bordering on armed robbery and murder.

The convicts started raining abuses on the presiding judge as soon as he pronounced the verdict, threatening to deal with him if they regained their freedom. It took the intervention of prison warders to calm the convicts, even as they continued with their threats.

The convicts, who were paired in handcuffs, equally descended on journalists and cameramen attempting to record them.

Onlookers were also not spared, as the convicts were about to board the Black Maria that took them to the prison. They used their free hands to assault and throw any available object they could lay their hands on at

journalists.

Everyone scampered for safety, until prison officials brought the situation under control.

Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Adamawa State, Mr. Umar Audu, commenting on the incident, said such thing had never happened in the history of the state.

According to him, “my

officers and men were able to handle the situation. I was shocked by the behaviour of the convicts. I thank God that during the fracas, none of my officers sustained any injury.”

He said when the convicts were accosted at the prison yard, they regretted their actions in the court, adding that he had sent some of his officers to apologise to the judge and the journalists affected.

19-yr-old man caught with female underwear He was going to sell it for N80,000 —POLICE

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OLICE in Anambra State, yesterday, said they arrested a teenage boy for allegedly stealing a woman’s underwear for ritual purposes.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Haruna Mohammed, a Superintendent of Police, said in Awka that the suspect, 19, was apprehended on January 11, at Onitsha.

Mohammed said: “On January 11, at about 6.48a.m., Police detectives attached to Central Police Station, Onitsha, arrested the suspect of Ogbaku in Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo State.

“The suspect allegedly stole a female pant washed and spread on a line at 21, Umuna Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha in Anambra.”

He said that the suspect planned to sell the underwear to a yet-to-beidentified person at N80,000 for alleged ritual purposes.

He added that the underwear was recovered from the suspect as exhibit, adding that effort was being intensified to apprehend his fleeing accomplices in the incident.

The Police spokesperson implored the public to be vigilant and report to the nearest police station, any suspicious person or persons in their vicinities for prompt action.

According to him, the advice is important to avert this new trend of crime in the society.

HORSEMEN ON THE BEACH: Horses and their handlers on the beach in Lagos. BBC PHOTO.

Soldier dies of Lassa fever in Jos, after returning from Kwara

A

Nigerian soldier has been confirmed dead from Lassa fever in Jos, Plateau State.

According to the Army, the soldier was attached to 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, Jos. Spokesperson of the division, Ikechukwu Stephen, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said the deceased died at Bingham University Hospital, Jankwano, Jos. According to Mr Stephen, a Major, the senior non-commissioned officer was first admitted at the division’s hospital before he was referred to

Bingham Hospital, where he died.

Mr Stephen did not disclose the name of the affected soldier, but later released a statement explaining his death: “The Headquarters, 3 Division wishes to inform the general public that a male senior noncommissioned officer of the Division was admitted and was being managed for resistant malaria at the 3 Division Hospital after returning from Kogi State, where he went for his father’s burial.

“Consequently, the soldier was managed but there was no significant improvement which resulted in him being referred to Bingham University Teaching Hospital (Jankwano) Jos for further management.

“Unfortunately the soldier died on 15 January 2019, 4 days after his case was reported. Available medical information confirmed that the soldier may have died of Lassa fever.

“While investigation is ongoing to unravel all

NAFDAC destroys N400m substandard drugs in Nasarawa

By David Odama

L

AFIA—NATIONAL Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday, destroyed substandard, falsified and expired drugs and other related products estimated at over N400m in Nasarawa state.

Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who disclosed while carrying out the destruction in Lafia said the products destroyed comprises substandard and falsified medical products.

According to Adeyeye, represented by Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, Director of Special Duties in NAFDAC, the unwholesome processed food products, cosmetics

and other counterfeit unsafe products were seized by the agency from the importers and distributors in the North Central zone of the country Also destroyed were expired drugs voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs), trade unions, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and National Association of Proprietary and Patent Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED).

According to the NAFDAC DG, the estimated value of the products destroyed is N400 million comprising drugs such as antibiotics, antihypertensive, anti-

malarial, herbal remedies, psychoactive and controlled substances.

Others include foods such as spaghetti, vegetable oil, non alcoholic beverages, sachet water, among others.

Cosmetics products include creams, pomade etc. while chemicals include fake insecticides.

“The destruction of these items today is a testimony of our resolve to safeguard the health of our nation. I can assure you that NAFDAC is doing everything to ensure that the right quality medicines and wholesome foods are sold to Nigerians,” she said.

circumstances that led to the soldier’s death, the Division has taken the following measures: “Contact tracing and monitoring for both primary and secondary contacts are ongoing, in collaboration with representatives of World Health Organization, WHO, medical personnel of Bingham University Teaching Hospital and 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

“Sensitisation of residents of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, the host community, and the general public has also commenced,” the statement added.

“General Officer Commanding has further directed that the entire Maxwell Khobe Cantonment be fumigated,” the spokesperson added.

The soldier’s death occurs at a time Nigeria is hosting global health experts on how to tackle Lassa fever.

The weekly epidemiological report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control indicates that seven people have died this year from 25 confirmed cases of the disease in seven states including Abuja.

Lassa fever is a deadly disease caused by a virus carried in the urine or faeces of infected rat. The disease is often transmitted through rodents to human or human to human.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—7

Woman accused of conspiracy to extort husband, docked A

businesswoman, Bukola Jolapamo, who allegedly conspired with a man to extort her husband through cyber stalking, yesterday, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Cyber stalking is the repeated use of electronic communications to harass or frighten someone, including sending threatening emails.

The Police arraigned Jolapamo, 30, along with Adewale Olubodi, 40, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, cyber stalking, extortion and threat to life.

The accused, whose addresses were not provided, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Inspector Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the

accused committed the offences with some other persons still at large between October 4 and December 16, 2018, at Ikoyi, Lagos.

Nwangwu said that the duo colluded with the others and harassed Chief Isaac Jolapamo, demanding property, and had been extorting money from the complainant, Chief Jolapamo.

“On October 10, 2018, at 11.20a.m. at Ikoyi, Bukola sent an SMS to the complainant, threatening that she was in his office with a bottle of poison, threatening to drink it and kill herself,” Nwangwu said.

He added that on December 12, 2018, between 6.45p.m. and 9.24 p.m., the accused were communicating with the

complainant via WhatsApp , in a manner that could cause him unrest and ill-health.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravenes Sections 56, 302 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised) and Section 24 (1), (a) and (b) of the Cybercrime Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015.

Chief Magistrate Y. O. AjeAfunwa granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum.

Aje-Afunwa ordered that the sureties show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government, and adjourned the case till March 7.

... with Emma'nKen (08163121378)

This popsy na old school. Boys can hack any hardware these days

3 soldiers killed, suicide bombers neutralised as troops foil attacks on Gajiram, Rann

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—THREE soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole lost their lives while successfully fighting to repel Boko Haram terrorists, who attacked Rann in eight gun trucks on Tuesday.

Making the disclosure yesterday, the Nigerian Army said troops successfully foiled an attempt on Wednesday by scores of Boko Haram terrorists to infiltrate Gajiram community on Wednesday night.

It said: “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Forward Operational Base in Gajiram, have fiercely countered a group of Boko Haram terrorists who made frantic attempt to infiltrate Gajiram Community on Tuesday 15 January 2019.

“The terrorists, wanting to take advantage of the cover of darkness to attack the town, met with the prompt response of the vigilant troops who fiercely engaged them in combat killing several and re-covering weapons.

“During the encounter, troops recovered one AK- 47 rifle, two AK47 magazines, one rocketpropelled grenade tube, three rocket-propelled grenades, four 4 bomb chargers, and light machinegun belt links.

A statement by Col Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said: “The gallant troops are currently on the trail of some of the terroristsurvivors, who fled the scene of the encounter.”

Meanwhile,”the Theatre Commander, Major General Benson Akinroluyo and the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu on Wednesday 16 January 2019 conducted a long range confidence building patrol, assessment and re-assurance visit along Mafa, Dikwa, Logomani, Gamboru Ngala and Rann to check the operational readiness

and situations within 22 Brigade general area of deployment.

General Bulama met and interacted with community members in Rann internallydisplaced persons, IDPs, camp, which was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists, who came in eight trucks and several motorcycles on January 15.

The terrorist burnt some parts of the village and parts of the NGO

stores and looted some items.

He gave the IDPs his assurance that security within their area will be strengthened and urged them to continue to support the military operation by giving information and identifying strange persons of questionable character.

He enjoined them to go about their normal activities and remain vigilant.

Amazing miracle

10 die, 13 injured in Ondo auto crashes

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—NO fewer than 10 persons reportedly died, while 13 others sustained various degrees of injuries in two separate auto crashes in Akure, Ondo State capital.

Six persons were roasted alive as the vehicle they were travelling in went up in flame after it veered off a bridge and landed in a ditch at Ajowa and Gedegede in Akoko area of the state.

It was gathered that the lone accident involved a Benue Statebound bus coming from Ogbomosho in Oyo State.

An eye witnessed said it was the noise from the impact of the crash that attracted residents of Gedegede, who rushed there and met the vehicle in flames.

Men of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ikare unit, rushed

to the scene to rescue the accident victims, with help from the community's residents.

Ondo State Sector Commander of FRSC, Commander Rotimi Adeleye, attributed the crash to speeding and the recklessness of the driver and night journey, which might have affected visibility.

Also, seven boys reportedly returning from a night club were involved in a crash in the early hours of yesterday at Adegbola Junction, Akure.

Two of the boys died on the spot, while report had it that two others gave up the ghost later yesterday, at the Specialist Hospital, Akure.

One of them was said to have bought the vehicle recently and still had the learner ’s sign on it when they went clubbing.

Wreckage of the car in which four boys, returning from a club in Akure, died.

When even the Church confuses the judge

8—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Ganduje: Buhari is fighting opposition, not corruption were not members of his —Atiku party, the APC.”

P

NEC MEETING: From left, Minister of Education, Mallam Admu Adamu; CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Finance, Hajia Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige and Minister of National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, during the monthly meeting of National Economic Council at State House, Abuja, yesterday . Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Minimum wage: FG to review revenue sharing formula Meets Council of State Jan 22

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government is considering a review of the federation allocation sharing formula as demanded by Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, to accommodate the N30,000 minimum wage for states The NGF recently pushed for a new fiscal restructuring plan due to the present economic realities in their states, which they claimed had made it impossible for them to pay workers’ salaries.

The governors had also given two conditions upon which to pay the proposed N30,000: a review of the sharing formula that will see them get more money or downsizing of workforce, claimingthatacceptingtopay the new wage without fulfillment of the conditions will make the states go bankrupt.

Though the Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, led by the former Head of Service of the Federation, Ms Ama Pepple, had recommended N30,000, the Federal Government agreed to pay N24,000, while state governments insisted on N22,500.

However, with the threat by the organised labour to shutdown the economy if the government refused to forward executive bill to the National Assembly on the N30,000 new minimum wage, the Federal Government summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting on Tuesday but it was resolved at FEC that the mattershouldbetabledbefore the National Economic Council, NEC, for further deliberations.

A source privy to the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting said the

Federal Government has decided to take the governors’ request to the Council of State expected to meet on January 22.

The source said: “We are making progress. We will be meeting with the Council of State on Tuesday, January 22.

The governors are asking for a review of the revenue sharing formula and government is looking at that.

The Minimum Wage Technical Advisory Committee inaugurated recently is looking into the revenue sharing formula.”

Asked to be specific on whether the Federal Government had agreed to allocate more resources to stategovernments,thesource said “everything is in progress.”

Briefing State House

correspondentsaftertheNEC meeting, Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu, affirmed that the issue of minimum wage was discussed but added that he did not have the mandate of the council to brief on that.

But Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who was the conciliator between organised labour and the Federal Government, said the Council of State would take a decision on the matter next week.

Asked what the resolution of the controversial minimum wage was, Ngige said: “Well, there is no outcome as such, it’s a work in progress, the Information minister told you the other day after the Federal Executive Council that we are taking our

deliberations to the National Economic Council and then we close up on January 22 at the National Council of State.

After that, we will be able to say where we are going.

“Figure,frequencyofreview, thosethathaveexemptionand everythingaboutthebillsothat people will know because by then, we will be ready to transmit it to the National Assembly in consonance with ouragreementwithlabourthat we will transmit the new bill on or before January 23.”

Also reminded that governors have been insisting that they cannot pay N30,000, he said: “Well, it is not a questionthatthegovernorsare saying that they cannot pay N30,000. Discussions are still ongoingandwillterminateon January22whenwemeetwith theNationalCouncilofState.”

Nigeria-Brazil agriculture project to gulp $1.1bn loan aimed at boosting agriculBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—MINISTER of Finance,ZainabAhmed, said, yesterday, that $1.1 billionloanwouldberequired for the implementation of Nigeria-Brazil Cooperation Project Agriculture, known as the “Green Imperative.”

The loan, which will be majorly provided by the Brazilian government, is conceived to enhance the agriculturalsectorthroughthe provision of modern machinery/ implements and also create five million jobs.

The minister, who disclosed this at the launching of the project at the old Banquet Hall,PresidentialVilla,Abuja, said the project was part of Buhariadministration’smoves to reposition and diversify the economyinasustainableway.

According to her, the loan will be provided in kind through the supply of

agricultural machinery and implements in the form of Completely Knocked Down, CKD, parts.

She said the project was designed to repay the loan facility through its proceeds, stressing that the repayment willnotbringanyfiscalburden on tax payers.

The minister said: “The project we are launching today will be implemented with a total loan package of US$1.1 billion majorly from the Brazilian government, whichwillbedisbursedinfour tranches over a period of two years.

“It is pertinent to state here that greater percentage of the loan will be provided in kind through the supply of agricultural machinery and implements in form of Completely Knocked Down, CKD, parts."

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who launched the project, explained that it was

tural production in Nigeria.

Osinbajo described the projectas“signaturefocused,” saying: “We cannot bring our nation out of poverty without investment in agriculture.

"Also, the share number of young people coming of age will not only need to be fed but employed. They want dignified jobs with decent pay.”

The vice president further described the ‘Green Imperative’ as a game changer, because with mechanised agriculture everything becomes different.

TheBrazilianAmbassadorto Nigeria, Ricardo Guerra de Araujo, said the $1.1 billion contract includes 10,000 tractors to be assembled here in Nigeria, more than 707 centrestobeestablishedtotrain notlessthan10,000Nigerians.

Healsosaidtheprojectaims to create over five million new jobs, especially among the youths.

RESIDENTIAL candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has flayed President Muhammadu Buhari over his treatment of the corruption allegations against Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

Speaking during a town hall meeting, tagged ‘’The Candidates,’, organised by MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, and DARIA Media in Abuja,Wednesday night, the President had said he decided not to take any action about the issue because the state assembly had the mandate to deal with it.

But in a statement, yesterday, Atiku accused President Buhari of defending his inaction with regard to the alleged bribery case.

He said he found the “excuse” untenable because “the President has not shown this level of restraint when condemning the alleged corruption of others who

“We find this excuse untenable because the President has not shown this level of restraint when condemning the alleged corruption of others who happen not to be members of his party, the APC,” he said in the statement, which Paul Ibe issued on his behalf.

He said: "On many occasions, President Buhari has pre-judicially commented on the cases of non-APC members and even acted as judge and jury by convicting them with his utterances in Nigeria and abroad.

“This partiality of the President is most disturbing, as it is proof positive that he is fighting the opposition and not corruption,’’ Atiku said.

He also tackled the President for “defending” Babachir Lawal, sacked Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF. “Even further damaging was the President’s defence of another of his cronies, Babachir Lawal, whom he said cannot be charged because of a lack of evidence.

We are embarrassed that the President could make such a public faux pas,” he said.

Strike: Release N50bn to demonstrate your commitment, ASUU tells FG

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CADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has asked the Federal Government to release N50 billion to demonstrate its commitment to the revitalisation of public universities, in line with previous agreements with their union.

The striking lecturers gave this as a condition for calling off its strike, which began November 4 last year.

The N50 billion, the union said, will form the first tranche of the N220 billion government agreed for the project this year and add to the N20 billion earlier released for the year.

The President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, who disclosed this in an interview with Premium Times on Wednesday night, said the union was not asking the government to release the whole N220 billion at once.

ASUU called the current strike to press for improved funding of universities and implementation of previous agreements with the government.

The union is also d e m a n d i n g

implementation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreements, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU; 2012 and2013)andMemorandum of Action (MoA, 2017) and the truncation of the renegotiation of the union’s agreements.

The union asked the government to release funds for the revitalisation of public universities, based on the FGN-ASUU MoU of 2012, 2013 and the MoA of 2017.

The teachers are also angry over the failure of the government to release operational licence to the Nigerian University Employees Pension Company, NUPEMCO. However, a major issue dragging the negotiations is the revitalisation of the universities. At present, the government is yet to release the N1.1 trillion it agreed to release as part of the funds for the revitalisation project.

The 2013 MoU stipulated that public universities need N1.3 trillion for a modest revitalisation. The fund was to be released in tranches of N200billion in 2013, N220billion 2014, N220billion 2015, 220billion in 2016, N220billion in 2017 and N220billion in 2018.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 9

BURGLARY: I no longer feel safe in my NASS office office — REMI TINUBU A

BUJA—THE l a w m a k e r representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday, officially reported a case of burglary in her National Assembly office to her colleagues.

The burglary was first reported in a statement by her legislative aide, Nifemi Aje, who said the incident was discovered on Wednesday, January 9, as staff resumed work.

Tinubu, in a motion yesterday, said she no longer felt safe in her office after the experience, urging the Senate to investigate the incident and replace her

lost items.

She said: “I want to report an incident that happened in my office why we were on holiday during the Christmas break. The Senate is aware that we were closed for the break on Thursday the 21st day of December 2018.

However, my office had been closed from 7th December as I had constituency engagements and town hall meetings scheduled for the period.

“On Wednesday, 9th January 2019, my staff upon resumption noticed some anomalies in the

organisation and setup of the office, prompting an inspection.”

Among items she said the burglars carted away are; HP laptop computer, CCTV camera box, one Smile internet device and copies of the laws of the federation. She added that the incident was reported at the police post of the National Assembly.

Senator Tinubu demanded a probe and replacement of all the items, including volumes one to 14 of the laws of the federation.

She also expressed fear

of insecurity in the office given that election is close.

Tinubu said: “This time, the occurrence is something that is worrisome. One this is the time we are all going for election, right now I don’t feel safe in my office, because when things happen and nothing tangible is being taken away, you begin to wonder.”

The Senate referred the issue to the National Assembly management and report through the Committee on Senate Services.

VP'S FAMILY CHATS: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (flanked by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi. and governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola as the Vice President ended his Family Chats in Ife, Osun State.

He visited some families and also to the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Chief Moses Oladejo Oyediran.

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DO-EKITI— DEPUTY Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Segun Adewumi was removed for the second time, yesterday, by the lawmakers for alleged gross misconduct.

Adewumi, who represents Ekiti West constituency I in the assembly, was elected on June 6, 2015 as the number two man in the Assembly but was removed in 2017 by pro-Ayodele Fayose lawmakers for

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K U R E — GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, yesterday, read Riot Act to leaders of the Miyetti Allah on grazing activities of their members and the spate of insecurity across the state.

Akeredolu asked them to regulate activities of their members or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

He spoke at the opening of Security Summit themed: Improving the Security

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DO-EKITI— GOVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, yesterday, reinstated three Permanent Secretaries who were demoted by the immediate past administration in 2014.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the affected Permanent Secretaries are Mrs Grace Iyabo Fadipe, Mr. Emmanuel Olajide Owolabi and Mr. James Babalola Folorunso.

The governor also directed that their entitlements from the period their appointments were reversed be calculated and paid.

Their reinstatement came barely two months after the

I

...As House passes 2019 Budget alleged disloyalty.

With the emergence of Governor Kayode Fayemi on October 16, 2018, Adewunmi was reinstated to his former position following suspension of the then Speaker, Mr. Kola Oluwawole, his deputy, Sina Animasaun and 12 other People’s Democratic Party, PDP, members.

Adewumi was removed again for the second time having been accused of disloyalty and causing of disaffection among

lawmakers.

A source in the Ekiti Assembly said: “He was removed during the plenary for committing some offences.”

Adewumi was impeached for gross legislative misconduct at the House plenary in AdoEkiti.

Mr. Olaposi Omodara representing Irepodun/ Ifelodun constituency 1 was elected as the new Deputy Speaker by members present at the plenary.

Akeredolu reads riot act to Miyetti Allah on grazing activities, spate of criminality “Herds do not know

By Dayo Johnson

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

Governor reinstated six Permanent Secretaries illegally sacked by former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The three officials were appointed Permanent Secretaries in 2014, but the immediate past administration reversed their appointments.

Governor Fayemi, in approving their reinstatement after a review of their cases said: “What happened to them is against the rule of law and natural justice. It is only fair that they be reinstated to their former status. Even if they have retired, their entitlements should be calculated on that status.”

The Governor said efforts at restoring the Ekiti values also include ensuring that justice is served to all.

African countries set for 5th Int’l security, defence expo

Ekiti Assembly removes Deputy Speaker

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

Fayemi reinstates Perm Secs demoted by Fayose

Architecture of Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development organised by the government in Akure.

The governor said: “Henceforth, under age must not be found to lead herds in Ondo State. There should not be night grazing.

“Leaders of Miyetti Allah must give marching order to their members on how they operate. Ondo State would go tough against any infractions resulting from grazing activities after this summit.

maize, herders do. Cows do not know rice, herders know. It is therefore necessary for herders to guide their animals.”

The summit was organised to deliberate on security challenges confronting the Sunshine State and suggest ways to tackle the menace.

Participants from neighboring states, government security agencies, private security agencies, religious bodies, traditional institutions, youth groups and other stakeholders attended the summit.

The Leader of Government Business, Mr. Gboyega Aribisogan, moved the motion for the impeachment of the Deputy Speaker and was seconded by Mr. Akinniyi Sunday, while the motion for the appointment of the new Deputy Speaker, was moved by Mr. Olanrewaju Olayoju and seconded

by Mr. Cecelia Dada.

House passes 2019 Budget Meanwhile, the House has passed the 2019 Appropriation bill of N129.9billion, submitted to the Assembly Governor Fayemi on the 21st of December, 2018.

The passing of the bill followed the presentation of a report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation at plenary in Ado-Ekiti.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee Hon Badejo Anifowose identified several key areas in the budget that included the desire of the Fayemi administration to establish an effective and efficient strategy to revamp the state economy.

Mr. Anifowose said the sum of N72.7 billion of the budget goes to recurrent while N57.2 billion will be expended on capital expenditures.

N face of rising insecurity challenges ravaging the African continent, many African countries have expressed readiness to attend the forthcoming 5th International Security and Defence Exhibition holding in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on January 22, 2019.

The expo, which is the 5th edition and is called Shieldafrica, with theme, ‘Secured and Controlled Land, Sea & Air Borders, Conditions for the Development of Africa’, is organised by COGES Africa, an Ivorien company sponsored by the Ministry of the Interior and Security of Cote d’Ivoire, in promoting international security in Africa.

The event will take place at the Ecole de Police d’Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire.

Organisers of the three-

day event expressed conviction that for Africa to register a strong presence in global security as far as globalisation is concerned, demands borders that are safe, secured, monitored and controlled by state-ofthe-art security technology.

According to the organisers; ‘’The expo will serve as melting point for African leaders and stakeholders in the security industry from all over the world, offering services and innovative solutions tailored to their needs and also to cross-fertilise ideas that would help tackle the menace. ‘’Shieldafrica has been a foremost African security and defence expo that provides solution to landsea-air security challenges in order to protect Africa’s development and strengthen her security.''

Osun deputy governor rescues accident victims

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SOGBO—NO fewer than 20 accident victims were rescued, yesterday, by the Osun State Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi along Osogbo/Gbongan expressway.

The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital at about 6:00pm by vehicles in the Deputy Governor ’s entourage.

The accident occurred when an 18-seater commercial bus with registration number EDE 593 XA, Osun State, swerved off the road and collided with an oncoming Kia Saloon car (KRD 832 EH) Lagos State.

There were 18 people in the commercial bus. The car had two occupants.

The victims with minor

injuries were swiftly taken to a hospital in Gbongan while those seriously injured were rushed to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, L AUTECH, Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

The medical bills were paid by the Deputy Governor who led the state ambulance that conveyed the victims to the hospitals.

Alabi urged motorists and other road users to always obey traffic rules while driving, plying and walking on the roads.

Alabi, who described the incident as ‘unfortunate and avoidable’, said the accident would have been prevented if traffic rules were strictly obeyed.

10 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

GENDER EQUALITY: We ‘ll give SSG, key ministry to women — SANWO-OLU

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said his administration will allocate the office of Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and a key ministry to women if elected as governor of the state in the March gubernatorial poll.

He spoke yesterday, at an interactive session with women, titled: “Enabling, Empowering, Promoting our Women our pact, organised by APC Women Leader in the State, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, held at Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu insisted that his tenure would balance equal participa-

tion of women notwithstanding that his running mate Dr. Femi Hamzat is a man, saying “I feel highly privileged to be among this august gathering of highly intelligent women. I believe in that if you feed a woman who you have fed a nation.

“I have been opportune to work with great women leaders in the state and I know the roles they have played in our lives.

If elected, I will be committed to ensuring that they play active role in our government. The Secretary to the State Government should be a woman, even without asking our political leaders. We would also ensure that one of the critical ministries, such as finance, is also given to a woman. Females will play prominent role in our cabinet by him because they are trustworthy.”

POLLS: Oba Akiolu tasks INEC on violence-free Royal Majesty ,Oba election Rilwani Akiolu said: “

By Olayinka Ajayi

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HE Lagos State council of Tradi tional Rulers has urged the Independent National Electoral Committee, INEC, on the need to conduct a violence free election at the forth coming general elections.

Speaking during an interactive section with traditional rulers organised by INEC in Lagos yesterday, Chairman, Lagos State Council of Traditional Rulers, His CHIMAH I, formerly known as Mrs. Chimah Osaretin Uche, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chukwumah Osaretin Uche.

All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Asaba and general public please take note.

OMOREGIE I, formerly known as Omoregie Omone Blessing, now wish to be known as Iyamah Omone Blessing. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ORIKO I, formerly known as Oriko Helen Ejiro, now wish to be known as Osieme Helen Ejiro. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

UWAMARI I, formerly known as Miss Uwamari Christiana Chinedu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ugbekile Martins Christiana.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

We commend the INEC on its plan to make the forth coming elections most credible but we hope the election will be free of vote buying.

Also, whenever we call as Royal fathers, the government should answer with a sense of urgency because we are more concern about a peaceful election.”

Oba Akinolu who was represented by Oba Muhammed Adio Usuf Onisiwo of Tomoro Ibeju Lekki, stressed the need for INEC in Lagos to provide more speed boats during elections to aid movement of elections materials saying: “We urge the government to provide more speed boats on the day of election on riverine area.”

In his response, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Mr. Sam Olumekun thanked the royal fathers, saying:” The commission promise to put your ideas into due consideration, the polling units will open at 8 am and people living with disabilities would be given due consideration.”

Executive Director, Legal Services of Globacom, Mrs. Gladys Talabi, presenting Globacom's sponsorship cheque to Miss. Teju Ogunlela, an outstanding swimmer and member of Nigeria's contingent to the 2019 Special Olympic World Summer Games holding in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate. With them is Teju's father, Mr. Bode Ogunlela.

DRUG ABUSE: NDLEA raises alarm over discovery of 796 new substances

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA yesterday alerted governments and world leaders on the increasing rate of new substances, revealing that 796 of them had been discovered, apart from the conventional cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

Chairman of the antiNarcotic agency, Col. Mohammad Abdallah (retd) who raised the alarm at the opening ceremony of the national training of trainers course on the Universal Prevention Curriculum, UPC on substance abuse in Nigeria, organized by Global Initiative on

Substance Abuse, GISA , in Lagos, noted that countries were daily confronted with new substances of abuse not under international control but potentially addictive.

Lamenting that incidence of substance abuse was assuming a dangerous epidemic and worrisome dimension in Nigeria, Abdallah, who was represented by the Dr Lawrence Opara, said the menace had created an unacceptable burden on individuals, families, communities and societies.

He said: “Apart from the conventional drugs namely cocaine, heroin, cannabis etc, the growing threats of new psychoactive substances demand urgent attention of governments

and world leaders.

According to the 2017 International Narcotics Control Board’s (INCB) reports launched in March 2018, Member States had reported 796 new substances, a steady increase from the 739 substances reported the previous year. Countries are daily confronted with new substances of abuse that are not under international control but are potentially addictive.

“Also of importance is the emergence of clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories in some countries including Nigeria, where between 2011 and 2018 , NDLEA discovered 15 of such laboratories in three states in Nigeria.

This

2baba, Adekunle Gold, Bovi, Laolu Gbenjo band thrill Vanguard's guests today Idibia, who visited VanBy Saheed Abisola

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AGOS—ALL is set for the annual Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards scheduled for today at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

The epoch-making event organised to honour elites from all sectors, promises to be one night of glitz, glamour and excitement in recognition of excellence service to the people.

Away from the razzmatazz expected on a full scale, there will be mind-blowing musical performances from afropop superstar, Tuface Idibia, Adekunle Gold,

Pleasant Sounds Live Band and comical interlude from one of Nigeria’s finest humour merchants, Bovi.

With the class of entertainers scheduled to thrill guests, this year ’s edition will be like never before.

Kicking off the night with stellar renditions of popular songs is ‘Pleasant Sounds Band’, a seasoned live music band which has been in existence since 2008, with both local and international recognition.

“Priding on our versatility, experience and musical prowess, our music is aimed at putting dancing shoes to every feet, smiles unto every lip and joy to

every heart that perceives and hears the sound of our music. So expect good music”, said Olaolu Gbenjo, leader of the band.

As host for the night, standup comedian/actor, Bovi, would crack up the ribs of guests who may come to the event depressed. With a wealth of experience to his credit, Bovi promises to hold guests to ransom with hilarious jokes to make the ambience thunder with uncontrollable laughter. The crop of guests gracing the occasion is a fertile ground for the humour merchant to display his comic dexterity, giving them value for their time.

Hip-hop superstar, Tuface

Falana faults freezing of Onnoghen's bank accounts

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UMAN rights activist and Lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has faulted the Federal Government directive to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, to freeze the bank accounts of the embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen,

development is worrisome as high risk sexual practices linked with the use of stimulant drugs (e.g. amphetamine-type substances, cocaine and new psychoactive substances) among subgroups of key populations is also indicated in the spread of HIV in addition to injective drug use”.

The nine-day training according to him, was designed to meet the current demand for a comprehensive training package in the field of drug use prevention, based on evidence-based principles, noting that the training could not have come at a better time than now, when there was a dearth of Substance Abuse Professionals in Nigeria.

who has been charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT over allegation of false declaration of assets.

Mr Falana insisted that since the case is pending before the CCT neither the Prosecutor nor the Defence Counsel is permitted by law to resort to self help under

the pretext of preserving the res or the subject matter of the criminal proceedings In a statement, he argued that “even though the Presidential Executive Order No 6 of 2018 has been validated by the Federal High Court it does not authorise the freezing of the bank accounts or

assets of any defendant who has been charged with economic or financial crime or the contravention of the code of conduct for public officers The statement read in part: “Last week, the Code of Conduct Bureau charged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter

guard’s corporate office in Lagos on Tuesday, promised to shut down Eko Convention Centre with a night of crazy fun and good music from his wealthy music repertoire.

After a successful musical outing in 2018, 2Baba, as he is fondly called, is expected to get the audience singing along with him, word for word, his popular hit songs.

Touted as King Sunny Ade’s protégé, Adekunle Gold, who held his annual concert, ‘Adekunle Gold Live’ for three days in 2018, at Terra Kulture, guests are assured to go home musically satisfied as he is ready to make history at the occasion.

Onnoghen with false declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. Convinced that the matter could have been handled without throwing away the baby and the bathwater I was compelled to call on the Federal Government to withdraw the charge as it is inexorably designed to end in a prosecutorial fias-

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—11

Emmanuel, Ekere shun BBC gov debate in A/Ibom BY: Chioma Onuegbu

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YO—GOVERNOR Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State and guber candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for 2019 and his All Progressives Congress, APC, counterpart, Obong Nsima Ekere were both absent at the BBC news pidgin governorship debate held in Uyo, the state capital, yesterday.

The two hours live audience programme tagged “Governorship Debate with BBC News Pidgin," held at the Theatre, University of Uyo, UNIUYO, was however, honoured by four other governorship candidates.

They are Iboro Otu of Abundance Nigeria Renewal Party, ANRP, Nature Udoh of Young Progressives Party, YPP, Ezekiel Nya Etok of Young Democratic Party, YDP and Ekong Eyo of Peoples Progressives Party, PPP. "This is the first governorship debate organised by the BBC News Pidgin. We chose to come to Akwa Ibom

because of the interesting development in politics in the state and similar debate will hold in Port Harcourt on January 21st," said organisers of the debate.

Reacting to the absence of PDP and APC candidates from the programme, the Editor of the BBC Pidgin Service, Adejuwon Soyinka said both of them gave reasons that they were on official assignments outside the state, and therefore could not participate unless on another date convenient for them.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Charles Udoh on the absence of Governor Emmanuel said, “Following an invitation extended to Governor Emmanuel to participate in the BBC pidgin English debate alongside other gubernatorial candidates and a clash of the time for the debate with another official function outside the state that is of grave importance, the governor in a telephone conversation with the BBC team appealed for a shift of time to enable him attend."

Buhari promises to promote national unity Crowd welcomes him in Benin-City ... says EFCC, ICPC to disclose how much recovered, how fund'll be used

By Jimitota Onoyume & Alemma Ozioruva

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A R R I —

PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, has assured Nigerians that he will continue to promote national unity, calling on the people to vote for him and other candidates of the APC in the coming general poll.

President Buhari who spoke yesterday in Warri, Delta State, at the flag off of his presidential campaign in the state, assured that his administration will not renege on its campaign promises to the state, stressing that he will always promote security in the region.

President Buhari was received at the Osubi airport by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who introduced him to chieftains of the APC and others at the airport.

The governor later left the

President and his party men to attend to other state functions.

President Buhari and chieftains of his party visited the Ovie of Uvwie kingdom and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

Meanwhile, in Benin City, Edo State, it was an unprecedented turnout at the Garrick Memorial College playground yesterday, as President Buhari visited the state, where he promised not to relent in his anti-corruption drive, fighting insecurity and repositioning the economy of the country.

We've curbed insecurity in S-East, N-Delta —Buhari

Buhari said, “I want to remind you of what this administration has been doing based on the promises we made when we were looking for your votes in 2015. We will like you to reflect and I want to assure you that we have certainly made progress on security, it was not the same way it used to be in the South East that it is now. It is not the same even in the Niger Delta. We have raised peace. On the economy, we have

encouraged farmers. We told the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, they gave soft loans to the farmers and we succeeded in virtually having food security and we are saving hundreds of millions of dollars not even naira by not importing food products. I congratulate Nigerians for that because they decided to go back to the land.

a comprehensive press conference to tell Nigerians how much we have recovered, and where it is and what we intend to do with it. I am here purposely to thank you and again request you to vote for APC from bottom to top. All APC candidates, please give us the power to control the state assemblies, the National Assembly and the Presidency.”

How we'll manage recovered funds

In Warri, earlier, National Chairman of the APC, Mr Adams Oshiomhole pleaded with President Buhari to revisit the $16 billion he said the administration of the PDP allegedly invested in the power sector, adding that despite the investment, the nation was still in darkness. “$16bn in the name of power supply and Nigeria remains in darkness. The PDP took the money and Nigeria remained in the dark. They signed agreement with the Discos for 20 years. Mr President, you will ask the question when you come back “where is the power after $16bn, this question must be answered,” he said.

“On fighting corruption, we are doing our best, we are still following the slow system where we have to face people with facts and drag them through the courts and then get them successfully prosecuted and what we realise, this time around, we are selling the assets and putting the money through the Treasury Single Account, TSA, so that nobody can take the assets back to them.

“I assure you, sooner than later, I will get the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC to give

Re-visit $16bn power sector fund

I'll not accept your offer of Grand Patron until you unite, Oba of Benin tells HOSTCOM leaders

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By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN CITY—OBA of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare 11, has told members of the Host Communities of Nigeria Oil Producing and Gas, HOSTCOM, that their offer to him to be their National Grand Patron would better be appreciated if there was unity among them and if they can speak with one voice The Benin monarch who

spoke in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday when he received a faction of HOSTCOM leadership in his Palace, therefore, called on them to bury their differences and unite for a common purpose.

He insisted that he would not want to deal with a particular faction of the body, saying that rather, he would do everything possible to bring the two factions together with a view to uniting them for a common purpose.

He said, “You must find ways to achieve unity in order for the body to access the benefit coming to the Host Communities from the Federal Government.”

He however, thanked members of the group for their various contributions to the success of HOSTCOM, and promised to do his best to unite the group into a body that the Federal Government would listen to.

Amaechi behind plot to destroy CJN, says Wike

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By Egufe Yafugborhi

OVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has said that the Minister of Transportation was behind the plot to destroy the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onoghen.

Addressing thousands of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters during the PDP State Campaign Rally at Eleme, yesterday, Governor Wike said that the Minister of Transportation made the confession at a meeting with an All

Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Abuja.

He said: “At that meeting in Abuja last Monday, he confessed that he was the person behind the illegal crisis facing the CJN. He bragged that he will destroy the CJN the way he brought former President Goodluck Jonathan down.

“He wants to destroy the nation’s judiciary. This particular evil will finally consume Amaechi.”

The governor wondered why Amaechi would say that PDP was a party of thieves when he was Speaker for eight years

under the PDP and eight years as governor under the PDP. Reacting to Wike’s accusation, an APC Chieftain, Prince Tonye Princewill, said “People have learnt to disregard what Wike says and this gibberish is no exception.

“Many of us can remember when he called a press conference over missing money in Ikeja, Lagos and his ultimatum to the Federal Government.

The man is not worthy of a considered response. Good luck to anyone who takes him seriously.”

12—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

VANGUARD ECONOMIC DISCOURSE @ CIVIC CENTRE, LAGOS Vanguard Economic Discourse with the theme, 'Human Development Index VS Economic Growth; Nigeria's Policy Options' held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor, Lamidi Bamidele, Oscar Ochiogu, Bunmi Azeez & Kehinde Shonola.

Dr Femi Olopade (left) and Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers.

From left, Wunmi Adeniyi, General Manager, Heritage Bank; Tajudeen Ahmed, General Manager/Group Head, Business Development, BUA Group; Olusegun Akanji, Divisional Head, Strategy and Business Solution, Heritage Bank, and Ike Williams, Director of Services, Heritage Bank.

From left, Mr Sunmi Smar-Cole, veteran photographers, and Chief Paschal Dozie, Chair man, MTN Nigeria . Photo: Sunmi Smart-Cole

From left, Mr. Charles Obi, Mr. Babatunde Palomeras and Mr. Ted Iwere.

From left: Joana Eboka, Mr. Kayode Alabaja, Mr. Eniola Bello, Managing Director, Thisday Newspapers, and Chief Olayinka Ogunmekan.

From left, Dr Nike Akande, former Minister of Industries; Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Holdings, and Dr Ibilola Amao.

Photo: Sunmi Smart-Cole

From left, Mr Kayode Komolafe, Deputy Managing Director, ThisDay Newspapers, and Mr Tunde MacAlabi.

Prince Samuel Ibiyemi, Publisher, Direct News (left), and Dr Henry Boyo, Columnist, Vanguard Newspapers.

From left, Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos; Mr Dan Okehi, Chairman, Briclret and Dr Remi Agboola, Medical Director, LifeFountain Medical Centre, Anthony Village, Lagos.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—13

VANGUARD ECONOMIC DISCOURSE @ CIVIC CENTRE, LAGOS

From left—Mr. Ifie Sekibo, MD. Heritage Bank; Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson; Muda Yusuf, DG Lagos Chamber of Comerce and Industry; Dr. Shamsudden Usman, former Minister of National Plaining; Dr. Doyin Salami, Economist at LBS; and Fola Adeola, Founder/Chairman, Fate Foundation, during the Vanguard Economic Discourse with the topic 'Human Development Index Vs Economic Growth; Nigeria's Policy Options held in Lagos on Thursday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor; Lamidi Bamidele; Oscar Ochiogu; Bunmi Azeez; Kehinde Shonola; and Sunmi Smart-Cole.

Professor Pat Utomi and Nike Osinowo.

Mr. Jide Adeola of First Bank Plc and Mrs. Hajara Adeola, MD, LOTUs Capital.

From left—Mr Sunmi Smart-Cole and Alhaji Isa Ismaila Funtua. Photo: Sunmi Smart-Cole.

From left—Mr. Nasir Ramon, Head, External Relations, UBA Plc, Sulayman Deji-Etiwe and Arc Mr Fola Adeola, Guest Speaker and Nike Oshinowo. Photo: Dhikrullai Yusuph.

Sunmi Smart-Cole.

From left—Chief James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State; Mr Peter Arigbe; and Mr Billy Amuka.

From left—Mrs. Tonia Omorodion and Chief Felix Ogunnubi.

Chief (Mrs) Julie Coker and Baroness Tinuke Kessington-Davie

14 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

VANGUARD ECONOMIC DISCOURSE @ CIVIC CENTRE, LAGOS Vanguard Economic Discourse with the theme, 'Human Development Index VS Economic Growth; Nigeria's Policy Options' held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor, Lamidi Bamidele, Oscar Ochiogu, Bunmi Azeez & Kehinde Shonola.

From left; Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newpapers; Mr Fola Adeola, Founder and Chairman, FATE Foundation and Dr Shamsudeen Usman, former Minister of Finance and chairman of the occasion.

Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua (left) and Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta State.

From left: Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Managing Partner, Aluko & Oyebode, Dr. Jacob Nwachukwu, President, Blood Pressure Control, Mr. Bagvs Wicaksana and Dr. Mohammed Yinusa, NECA President.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.

Chief Julie Coker (left) and Baroness Tinuke Kessington-Davies.

Olugbenga Oke, Media Executive and Blaise Udumze, Media and External Relations, both of Heritage Bank.

(LEFT): From left: Mr. Tunji Olugbodi, Nkiruka Oguadinma and Dipo Adesina.

(RIGHT): From left: Mr. Nasir Ramon, Head, E x t e r n a l Relations, UBA Plc, Sulayman Deji-Etiwe and Arc Dhikrullai Yusuph.

Mr Sunmi Smart Cole (left) and Chief Paschal Dozie, Chairman, MTN Nigeria.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 15

APC PRESIDENTIAL RALLY IN DELTA, EDO STATES

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (left) Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan,, the immediate past Governor of Delta State and President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli Delta South Senatorial candidate, at the Osubi Airport to wel(right) and Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotere of Warri (left) when the president visited the come President Muhammadu Buhari for the APC Presidential rally, Wednesday. monarch on arrival to Warri for the APC Presidential rally, Wednesday.

From right; APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation; and others during the APC Presidential rally held at the Warri City Stadium , Delta State, Wednesday.

EDO STATE PRESIDENTIAL RALLY: From right, President Muhammadu Buhari and National Chairman of the Party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole acknowledging party supporters in Benin City.

Cross Section of party Members at Delta State.

President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledging cheers from APC party faithful on arrival during the APC Presidential rally held at the Warri City Stadium, Delta State, Wednesday.

Edo State Presidential Rally: From right, President Muhammadu Buhari and National Chair man of the Party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole acknowledging party supporters in Edo State during APC presidential rally.

Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Cross Section of party Members at Edo State.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANIUARY 18, 2019 NEWS HOTLINES 018773962, 08052867058

Cyber attack waves wash over West African banks

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BIRTHDAY: The celebrant/former governor, State of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande (2nd right) Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola (right); former Governor Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left) and former deputy governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, during a reception commemoration of Chief Bisi Akande’s 80th birthday, at the Ila City Stadium, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, yesterday.

My return to Govt House's guaranteed —Okowa

By Festus Ahon & Ochuko Akuopha

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S A B A — G O VERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has said that with the overwhelming support of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, he had no rival in the March 2, 2019 governorship election, adding that his return in to Government House was guaranteed.

Speaking when his campaign train visited

Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Aniocha South Local Government Areas of the state, Okowa said: “In my second term, I want to assure you that we will finish work in the state and we want to leave a footprint in the state.”

Advising party faithful, he said: “I want you to engage neighbour-to-neighbour, door-to-door to encourage everyone to collect their permanent voters card and to vote massively for all the candidates of the party.”

Reiterating the determination of his administration to complete all ongoing projects in the area, he said construction work would begin soon at the Benekuku-Kwale Bridge that had been approved, awarded to connect the communities.

Meanwhile, the PDP candidate for Ndokwa East constituency, state House of Assembly, has donated 10 vehicles over 1,500 TShirts and caps and branded posters to the

party’s campaign council.

Presenting the items at Aboh, Osanebi, nine Toyota Sienna, one Tundra Jeep are for the nine coordinators and the chairman of the Delta North PDP campaign team to boost campaign in the area.

Also speaking, Chairman, state PDP Campaign Council, Prof.

Sam Oyovbaire, said Okowa had surpassed the expectations of Deltans in the last three and half years.

CBN anchor borrowers' program: NIRSAL supports throughout the production farming to Agribusiness.

Abia maize farmers Farmers under the phase up till the point of

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By Elizabeth Uwandu

BUJA—THE Nigeria Incentive- Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending, NIRSAL, is concluding harvest and post-harvest activities for maize in Lokpa Nta and Umunneochi Local Government Areas of Abia State under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, ABP. The harvest processes include handling, storage, processing, transportation and off-take.

NIRSAL, a Participating Financial Institution, PFI, in the ABP, is supporting 387 maize farmers belonging to the Kelechik Out-growers scheme. As part of a trial phase, NIRSAL has successfully harvested an initial 21 Hectares of land belonging to 21 smallholder farmers while arrangements have been concluded for the outstanding 366 farmers to participate in the 2019 Wet Season farming.

With the end-to-end use of mechanisation starting from the pre-planting phase, the maize crops were harvested, dehusked, threshed, weighed and transported to a produce drop point for storage and

eventual delivery. The harvest amounted to 1,354 tonnes of maize valued at N162,480,000.00.

Under the NIRSAL model, smallholder farmers are closely supported

off-take. As part of efforts to ensure optimum yield, farmers are trained on Best Agronomic Practices and Farm Management to prepare them for the transition from smallholder

scheme expressed their delight and appreciation to NIRSAL for building their capacity, empowering them and improving their yields, incomes and livelihoods through the project.

Osanebi donates cars, other materials to PDP Campaign Council space buses, each for the 9 LGAs

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SABA—THE Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Friday Osanebi, Wednesday donated 9 Toyota Sienna space buses, a Toyota Thundra Truck, 1500 branded T-shirts, 800 customized fancy campaign wrist watches and others materials including wrappers to the Delta State People's Democratic Party, PDP Campaign Council.

The presentations were made during PDP mega rally at Ndokwa East in continuation of the state wide campaigns for its candidates in the 2019 general election.

Osanebi said the vehicles and other campaign materials which were commissioned by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa during the rally held at Aboh, headquarters of the local government council, were meant to facilitate sound victory for the PDP. He stated, "In my humble

way to support the campaign of His Excellency and the PDP campaign in Delta North and Delta State at large, I donate the followingitems:9ToyotaSienna

inDeltaNorth,1ToyotaThundra Truck, 1500 T-shirts, 800 customizedfancycampaignwrist watches and others including wrappersforcampaign.

Club to hold lecture on breast cancer to guard against and prevent

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S part of activities marking its 30th anniversary, the Ultimate Circle of Nigeria is organizing a public lecture on breast cancer.

According to a release in Lagos by the chairman of the club's 30th anniversary celebration committee, Dr Olawale Oduwole, "the menace of breast cancer has become a major health challenge in Africa and indeed Nigeria that there is no amount of lecture, training, education and awareness that can be deemed to be enough ".

It is therefore imperative that moreorganizationsoflikeminds should endeavor to create more consciousness in the masses of the people in order to know how

the menace he urged.

OlawaleOduwolerevealedthat Ultimate Circle of Nigeria is organizing the free breast cancer lectureinfulfilmentofitscorporate social responsibilities. He noted that the lecture is titled, "Breast Cancer; the scourge of womanhood."

The lecture which has been scheduledtoholdattheWestown Hotel Opebi Ikeja Lagos on Friday18thjabuary2019by3pm. will be delivered by Professor StanleyNCAnyawu,aprofessor of Surgical Oncology from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi under the Chairmanship of Professor Chris Bode the Chief MedicalDirectoratLUTHLagos, while Senator Gbenga Ashafa is expected as the special guest of honour.

ORE trouble continue to loom for the financial institutions as banks and other financial institutions in several West African countries have been targeted by cyber criminals.

According to Symantec, the attacks have been underway since at least mid-2017. To date, organisations in Cameroon, Congo (DR), Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Ivory Coast have been affected.

The attackers used a range of commodity malware and living off the land (LotL) tools. The latter refers to the use of operating system features or network administration tools to compromise victims' networks.

Who is behind these attacks remains unknown.

Symantec says they could be the work of a single group or, more likely, several different groups employing similar tactics.

The firm has observed four distinct attack campaigns.

The first has been underway since at least mid2017 and has targeted organisations in Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea. The attackers infected victims with commodity malware known as NanoCore (Trojan.Nancrat) and were also observed using PsExec, a Microsoft Sysinternals tool used for executing processes on other systems, on infected computers.

US average mortgage rates steady, 30yr stays at 4.45%

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.S. long-term mortgage rates held steady this week, after falling for six straight weeks to reach their lowest levels in nine months.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says the average rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was unchanged from last week at 4.45 percent.

Rates remain far above last year's levels, however. The key 30-year rate averaged 4.04 percent a year ago.

The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate loans edged down to 3.88 percent from 3.89 percent last week.

The decline in home borrowing rates in recent weeks has been a spur to prospective homebuyers.

UK committed to nuclear power after Hitachi decision - PM, May

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RITAIN is committed to the nuclear power sector, Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said on Thursday, after Japan's Hitachi Ltd (6501.T) froze a 3 trillion yen ($28 billion) nuclear power project in Wales.

Hitachi had called on the British government to boost financial support for the project.

"Any deal needs to deliver for UK consumers and taxpayer. Despite extensive negotiation and hard work by all sides, the government and Hitachi have been unable to reach agreement to proceed at this stage. The government is committed to the nuclear sector," the spokesman said.

China's growth set to slow to 6.3 percent in 2019, more stimulus seen - Reuters poll

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HINA'S economy is expected to cool further this year as domestic demand weakens and exports are hit by U.S. tariffs, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday, reinforcing views Beijing will need to roll out more stimulus measures.

The world's second-largest economy got off to a strong start in 2018, but pressure soon built as a crackdown on riskier lending pushed up borrowing costs and made it harder for smaller companies to get funding, spurring record bond defaults.

At the same time, the escalating dispute with the United States saw both sides slap tariffs on each other's goods, disrupting China's trade sector and weighing on Chinese business and consumer confidence. Slowing demand global is heightening those export pressures.

China's economic growth is expected to slow to 6.3 percent this year, which would be the weakest in 29 years, from an expected 6.6 percent in 2018, according to median forecast of 85 economists Reuters polled. The economy expanded 6.9 percent in 2017.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—17

You’ll lose if Buhari wins, PDP tells S-East govs A

By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA—THE Anambra State chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Oseloka Obaze yesterday reminded the South-East governors that they stood the risk of losing their reelection if President Muhammadu Buhari wins on February 16.

Addressing reporters in Awka, Obaze said the governors could therefore not afford to work against the interest of the Igbo in next month’s elections.

The 2017 Anambra State governorship candidate of PDP said it was the resolve

of the majority of the Igbo to vote for the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi in the poll.

According to him, if the governors in the zone decide to work against the presidential candidate of PDP, they would get a backlash from the people of the zone.

He said: “If it becomes clear that the governors work against Atiku-Obi interest in the February 16 polls, it will have a devastating effect on the governors in their March 2nd elections .

“If they don’t work hard and our party loses, there will be a backlash against

them from Ndigbo after the election. If Buhari returns,there is no assurance they will win their own elections “It will therefore be inimical if they work against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ticket.

“It’s not possible for them to do so.They won’t try it because it will be against them.

“As of today, I will tell you that we are all working together to achieve this project. The governors are with us. They don’t have any alternative.”

Obaze announced that the South-East zonal rally of the Peoples Democratic Party would take place in Owerri, Imo State on January 22nd, during which he said the PDP

governors in the area and the hierarchy of the party would come out en masse and make a statement about the presidential project.

He pledged that PDP would concentrate on issue based campaigns, rather than hate speech, fake news, thuggery and name calling as being done by its opponents.

Obaze however expressed fear that about 18 million voters might be disenfranchised during in next month’s elections because of PVC issues.

He said that in Anambra, over 400,000 PVCs had not been collected according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, stressing that was average of the situation in the 36 states of the Federation and Abuja.

Why Buhari’s no longer fit to continue in office — Udeogaranya

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By Ebun Sessou

ORMER chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, who recently decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Charles Udo Udeogaranya yesterday said that President Muhammadu Buhari is no longer fit to continue in office.

Udeogaranya said: “An honest political assessment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s performance at the Meet The Candidates Live TV programme on NTA would clearly underscore President Buhari unfit to preside over the executive arm of government.

“Though there were some flashes of the real Buhari that occurred less than 30 percent of the time, however the inability to understand a

simple question coupled with incoherent responses suggests that the old general has surrendered to nature and medical conditions and can only rely on intuition, relations and very old trusted friends to perform a simple mental task.

“The implication is that unknown people who were not elected by Nigerians are now in charge of Nigeria and criticism against the person of Buhari may now be unfair as nature coupled with medical conditions have set in.

"I plead with Nigerians to be kind to President Buhari and save him from the harsh conditions of those presiding over Nigeria by using the 2019 presidential election to retire the old General to Daura, where he should enjoy his old age with his grandchildren.”

Uncollected PVCs in S-East ploy to disenfranchise Ndigbo, Ohanaeze youths allege

A SERVICE: From left—Deacon Ayodeji Elugbemi; his wife, Ebunoluwa; Mr Olajide Phillips; his wife, Bolaji; Pastor John Ogbuagu; his wife, Favour; Mr Kennedy Iwuala; his wife, Veronica; and Deacon Ezekiel Oluwole, during the 1st Sunday Service of RCCG-Tabernacle of Praise, Abundant Grace Area, Lagos Province 13, in Lagos.

European centre condemns excessive, improper deployment of money in election

By Chinedu Adonu

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N U G U — EUROPEAN Centre for Electoral Support (ECES),yesterday condemned the excessive and improper deployment of money in elections in Nigeria, saying it causes mismanagement of state funds.

“Excessive and improper deployment of money before, during and after elections distort the essence of democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people,” the Project coordinator of ECES, Mr Rudolf Elbling, said.

Elbling said this in Enugu at the training workshop of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Election and Party Monitoring Department (EPM) staff on

campaign finance.

He said that the negative trend compromises the freedom of the people to exercise their choices in elections.

According to him, the manner in which political parties carry out their activities especially in the areas of campaign finance has implications for the transparency and integrity of the electoral system.

“It is my hope that deliberations and knowledge to be gained by participants at the workshop will strengthen INEC’s capacity to effectively monitor the activities of political parties.

“It will also enthrone healthy campaign finance practices and entrench internal democracy among the parties.

“It is also ECES’s expectation that the outcome of the workshop will provide feasible

solutions to the emerging threat of vote-buying and selling which have been observed in the recent offcycle governorship elections,” he said.

In an address, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr Emeka Ononamadu said that it was no longer business as usual as INEC and by extension, the government was serious on monitoring election finances of both candidates and their parties.

“We expect nothing less from you rather than doing a diligent job on monitoring these spendings.

“We all are Nigerians, it is our country and people; so we have a responsibility to get it right and see that the right things are done.

“We should be part and parcel of building a credible and fair elections, which will enshrine peace and

development in the country,” Ononamadu said.

BAKALIKI—THE General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, yesterday alleged that the huge number of uncollected Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, in the South-East and other parts of the country where Igbo people reside was deliberately orchestrated as part of plans and efforts of some mischief makers in collaboration with corrupt Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials to disenfranchise Ndigbo from voting their candidates in the forthcoming general

Osanebi donates cars, materials for PDP campaign in Aboh

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HE People’s Democratic Party, PDP, campaign in Aboh, Ndokwa East yesterday, was a season of celebration and jubilation, as it proves Gov. Okowa’s leadership and dividends of effective representation.

Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi stunned the gathering by donating cars and other campaign materials to the campaign council.

The occasion which was held in Aboh Grammar School Aboh, headquarters of Ndokwa East Local Government Area was a gathering of political gladiators, PDP stalwarts,

supporters and Deltans, especially Ndokwa East citizens who had gathered to celebrate the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and their own son, Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi.

Speaking at the event, Okowa called on stakeholders in Ndokwa East to work together as he affirmed that the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, remains the authentic member representing Ndokwa East and the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming general elections.

Okowa added, that at the end of his tenure, it will be obvious to the world, that a visionary leader came and transformed Delta State.

elections.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the group called on prominent Ndigbo to mobilize in ensuring the massive collection of PVCs belonging to Ndigbo across the country.

According to them: “OYC General Assembly frowns at the numerous uncollected PVCs across the Southeast and other parts of the country where Igbos reside; these uncollected PVCs are the efforts of mischief markers who are collaborating with corrupt INEC officials to deny numerous Igbo their civic right to vote the candidates of their choice in the 2019 general elections".

The statement read further: “We call on our southeast governors, Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim community, religious leaders, Southeast town unions presidents, NANS especially Zone B, traditional rulers, market unions, Biafra agitators who registered, to take it as a point of duty to ensure that all uncollected PVCs in the Southeast are collected without leaving any behind. Ohanaeze youths are watching keenly. We wish to use this medium to tell Ndigbo residing across the 36 states who registered to get their PVCs.”

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

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ITH the conclusion of its public hearings on the reform of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, Nigerians now eagerly wait for the much-desired measures that would transform the oppressive crime-busters to a more citizen-friendly squad.

The FSARS (formerly Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS) which was set up to battle the rising tide of violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, fraud and cultism, had turned against the citizens. Its operatives were implicated in many cases of extortions, tortures, beatings, extrajudicial killings and the commission of the same crimes it was established to fight. Towards the end of 2017, there was a groundswell of complaints, numbering over 30,000 in the social media, which led to street protests in major towns in a campaign to scrap the SARS. Feeling the heat, former IGP Ibrahim Idris, in December 2017, ordered an

Beyond NHRC’s public hearings on FSARS investigation of allegations against SARS. He also undertook some measures which then Police Spokesman, Mr. Moshood Jimoh, said would reposition the Force for “efficiency and effective service delivery”. This did not reduce the notoriety of the Squad. So, in August 2018, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, as Acting President, ordered the IGP to reform the Squad to ensure they operate with respect to human rights and the laws.

The IGP, once again, responded by announcing 12 “new” reform measures, including the change of

name from SARS to FSARS. Critics complained that the IGP, typical of his predecessors, had merely rehashed old gambits that never brought about the desired change.

However, in addition, the Presidency appointed the NCHR led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, to lead the seven-man Special Investigative Panel, SIP, to investigate FSARS through the conduct of public hearings in the six geo-political zones of the country and Abuja. The Panel consisted of six stakeholder groups, including the Police, lawyers, the public service, human rights activists, among

others.

The composition of this reform panel outside the internal dynamics of the Police was a step in the right direction because the change required of FSARS goes beyond mere internal administrative measures. We need a strong strategic template which will be forwarded to the Federal Government.

It might include the need to amend the laws and increase funding for overall police work. These are not issues that an Inspector- General of Police can tackle.

We call on the NCHR’s SIP to also look into other documents created in the past for the reform of the Police, including the job of the Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission, HRVIC or the “Oputa Panel” which submitted its report to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2002.

The comprehensive reform of FSARS and the Police Force as a whole is a task that must be done.

OPINION ‘Egypt’ as metaphor for APC and PDP

By Oludayo Tade

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ROM North to South, East to West of Nigeria, the socio-economic indices of good things of life for Nigerians point to the negative side. Only the political office holders in the ruling parties see and feel the promised ‘CHANGE’. The masses only hear of it. Our global rankings in (anti)corruption, security, education, health, infrastructure, poverty, employment, peace and conflict continue to be dismal. We lost gallant men in their prime in the war front and many educated and skilled Nigerians are leaving the country in droves in a renewed form of brain drain. But the dispatched speakers of the ruling party want us to believe everything is fine. We are winning the war on terrorism yet our fighter jet crashed with five breadwinners. Locations are being taken in Borno by the terrorists; the Borno State Governor is crying and pleading with the Prince of Daura to rescue the hapless while that of Zamfara will not mind a declaration of state of emergency in his state to stop the arson and killings. Turn southward; you are treated to unpleasant cases of kidnapping, rape, suicide, abduction, armed robbery, employment fraud, and the latest ‘pantocrazy’ (the act of stealing undies for ritual purposes).

Certainly, the lived experiences of the majority do not tally with those in public office. I have heard the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bola Tinubu and the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo at different times saying that Nigerians (Nigeria) will not go back to ‘Egypt’. I therefore attempt a deconstruction of what ‘Egypt’ indicates with a view to knowing if Nigerians are enjoying in the Promised Land (Change), why would they contemplate or prefer Egypt?

My analysis will show if we are still in the

wilderness as Israelites enroute the Promised Land.

A characteristic of our politicians is their dexterity in deploying religion to divide and rule. Asiwaju deploys ‘Egypt’ as a metaphor for ‘PDP days’ but nothing has characteristically shown a radical departure from the PDP years. The biblical notion of ‘Egypt’ was a land of enslavement of Israelites whom God delighted in. Moses was saddled with the task of bringing them out of the territory of fascist Pharaoh whose people extorted them for dirty jobs. People would not have yielded to the call but for the Promised Land which was said to be a land that would be flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 13:5). The road to the Promised Land was not smooth but the drivers of the change (Moses and Aaron) did not engage in blame game. Rather, they listened to their people, gave reassurances, provided solutions and absorbed negative comments.

For instance, at the Red Sea, the Israelites queried Moses for taking them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness. When the Red Sea parted ways for them to escape being recaptured, they believed in the God that sent Moses. In the wilderness of Shur, they complained ‘what shall we drink’ because the water in Shur was bitter.

Moses sought God’s intervention again and made the water sweet. Later in the journey, they complained of hunger. Considering their present situation of ‘lack of food, they felt they were better in Egypt where they still had something to eat. They felt it was better to be in Egypt than for them to die of hunger in the wilderness. Again, Moses and Aaron, through God, met the food needs through the provision of Manna which they had for 40 years.

Unlike what Asiwaju Tinubu and VicePresident Yemi Osinbanjo who mostly blame PDP without providing succour to the pains

and agony that Nigerians face, Moses and Aaron never blamed anyone for the condemnation they received from Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. As a matter of fact, they turned to the one who gave them the assignment and provided solution.

Only after meeting the needs of their people did they reel out rules to follow and not the other way round. It follows therefore that anytime Nigerians reconnect to their pre-2015 era, they are symbolically saying the past Tinubu and Osinbajo condemn was better for them. Unlike Moses and Aaron who had listening ears, provided solutions and

We are likely returning to ‘Egypt’ whether APC or PDP emerges winner.This is the dilemma of the 2019 polls reassurances as well as absorbed insults, the duo of Asiwaju and VP Osinbajo would not display such. Even if truly President Muhammadu Buhari represents Moses and VP Osinbajo as contemporary Aaron, their disposition to complaints is sufficient reason to make the Israelites (Nigerians) sceptical of their status as true CHANGE agents.

Coincidentally, while they paint ‘Egypt’ as undesirable destination to us, Nigerian politicians in practice, never foreclose returning to ‘Egypt’ or working with ‘Egyptians’. Those who think they are Israelites, like VP and Asiwaju have embraced ‘Egyptians’ like Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Musiliu Obanikoro, Godswill Akpabio and a host of others. Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other governors who decamped to PDP will now refer to APC as ‘Egypt’ and PDP as the vehicle to the Promised Land. Let us not forget that the PDP candidate oscillates between ‘Israel’ and

‘Egypt’ since 1999 targeting a Promised Land.

We can also see a formerly trashed leader being recycled to lead campaign of NEXT LEVEL. This leader will stand on the same podium with ‘Egyptians’ to preach to people not to return to Egypt. Who is fooling who?

For three and half years, they were distant and disconnected but they now enter huts to take pictures with poor women in Saki, Iseyin and distribute ‘empowerment’ packages in market places. If they had moved around early enough in the administration, they would know how poverty is experienced by the downtrodden which have now unfortunately multiplied. Our present situation tallies with the experiences of the Israelites. But are we being led by destiny manipulators or ‘Moses’ with a true Promised Land of milk and honey agenda? Can we regard our present higgledypiggledy state of affairs as our wilderness? If the present drivers see our complaints as a non-issue, how are we sure they know the road to the Promised Land where milk and honey would flow? The dilemma before the electorate in the February General elections is to choose between half of a dozen and six. Will Nigerians oscillate between Egypt and the Promised Land? Will eight years of PMB remove us from this wilderness? What I know is that neither PMB nor Atiku is the person to take us to the Promised Land if at all such exists. Do we have any of the contenders to Aso Villa who has a listening ear and capable of providing solutions and reassuring his/her people during trouble? Hmm...scarce...very scarce. The outcome is almost certain.

We are likely returning to ‘Egypt’ whether APC or PDP emerges winner.This is the dilemma of the 2019 polls.

•Dr. Tade, a sociologist, wrote from dotad2003@yahoo.com

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

— 19

Forte Oil to sell power unit to Otedola

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

F

From left, Tony Ibeziako, Acting Head, Listing Business Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE and Tinuade Awe, Executive Director, Regulation, NSE during the 2018 Market Recap and Outlook for 2019 where the NSE CEO briefed the stockbroking community, analysts, media and other stakeholders in Lagos.

ENERGY SECTOR LOANS: Heritage Bank boss calls for policy review *Raises new posers on minimum wage

By Rosemary Onuoha

Lagos, Sekibo said that for the energy sector to grow, banking sector regulatory bodies should revisit policies on granting credit to the energy sector.

This, he explained, is because if the banks can’t grant loans to the energy sector, it will remain comatose, unable to grow, empower and impact on the citizens. He was speaking against the backdrop of the theme of the Discourse, “Human Development Index vs Economic Growth: Nigeria’s Policy Options”.

He noted that because the banks are already exposed by over 35 percent to the energy sector, Nigerian banks cannot effectively finance the power sector except new legislations are formulated.

Speaking at the 2019 Vanguard Economic Discourse, themed, “Human $103.10 0.70 Development Index Vs Economic Growth; Niger2,347.00 25.00 ia’s Policy Options”, Sekibo said that except there $12.94 -0.23 are policy shifts, there is no light at the end of the tunnel for power sector growth.

Sekibo stated: “As $60.49 -0.83 banks, we are today roughly exposed to the $51.41 -7.25 energy sector and power sector combined by CURRENCY BUYING SELLING about 35 percent and US DOLLAR 305.85 306.35 306.85 those exposures are 392.9867 393.6291 394.2716 POUNDS ones that we don’t see 348.2408 348.8101 349.3794 EURO any light in the tunnel, 308.9082 309.4132 309.9182 FRANC to the extent that they 2.8103 2.8149 2.8195 YEN are challenging. The 0.5188 0.5288 0.5388 CFA exposures are already 426.881 427.5788 428.2767 WAUA impaired in the banks’ 45.2298 45.3042 45.3786 RENMINBI 81.5339 81.6672 81.8005 RIYAL books. And if they are 426.7525 427.4502 428.1478 SDR impaired in the banks’ 46.6348 46.7111 46.7873 DANISH books the problem .

22.2678 22.3042 22.3406 RAND then becomes how are CBN Exchange rate as at 17/01/2019 we going to ramp up

A

T the backdrop of renewed fears over toxic assets emanating from loans to the energy sector, the Managing Director of Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, has called for review of the credit policy specific to the sector.

Following the persistent crises in the electricity sector as well as the crash in oil price in 2014 to 2015 many banks that advanced credit to sector operators were put under bad loan pressure. Consequently, most banks now shy away from lending to the sector, especially with a renewed instability in the oil price.

Speaking at the third edition of the annual Vanguard Economic Discourse yesterday in

energy requirement without headroom within the banks and this is one problem we need to deal with or one thing we need to talk about; what kind of policies to deal with it?

“No matter the kind of policies we want to formulate for energy solution, if the banks are not able to extend more money to that sector, the possibility of growth in that sector is very slim.

“To add to the problem is an interesting financial reporting concept which we are just about to implement called the International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS, line. Strangely, it practically takes out the appetite to carry on extra weight where a particular sector is not performing well.

“If we cast our minds back, until the banks step in to begin to deliberately advance funds to

certain sectors of the economies, they were in comatose including agriculture.

“So the first point I am trying to push across is for policy revisit on how to deal with certain constraints which sometimes are regulatory, but how do you legislate beyond the regulation to allow for some headroom to enable growth to take place. As usual, bankers will say ‘give us some forbearance; narrow the Non Performing Loans, NPL, down to where they will be reasonable.’

“However, the reality is that regulation has set the NPL not to be more than five percent.

Today, the truth is that on the average the banks in Nigeria are beyond that limit.”

*Read concluding part in Vanguard online

orte Oil Plc plans to en ter into talks to sell its power unit to its major investor, Mr. Femi Otedola, after it failed to secure a deal via a public tender.

Forte Oil said in a statement yesterday that it was seeking shareholders’ approval in a vote on February 7 to start talks with Otedola, adding that Otedola will not take part in the vote.

Forte plans to use proceeds from the sale to expand its fuel retailing unit, its main focus.

Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, Forte’s power subsidiary, paid $132 million to acquire a 414 megawatt power plant six years ago under a government-led privatisation scheme meant to tackle decades of chronic blackouts.

The company said Otedola had shown interest in bidding for the power unit and that his proposal would be reviewed by management and an independent adviser. A public tender to sell the power asset received “unexpectedly low interest”, Forte said, adding that pricing proposals it received did not meet its expectation.

Shares in Forte rose 2.55 percent on Thursday to 30.15 naira, valuing the company at 39.3 billion naira ($128 million).

Recall that Otedola had agreed to sell his 75 percent interest in Forte Oil’s downstream business, with the deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.

POVERTY REDUCTION: Shamsuddeen Usman canvases multi-dimensional poverty index strategy

By Peter Egwuatu

T

he former Minister of Na tional Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, who was the Chairman of Vanguard’s 2019 Economic Discourse, has moved for elaborate planning of the economy aimed at addressing the issue of poverty in the country.

While addressing guests at the Discourse, he recommended the need for government to adopt multi-dimensional poverty index which addresses different causes of poverty in the country, adding that the amount of income is not the best way of measuring poverty.

He stated: “They say any person that is earning not more

than two dollars per day is having the problem of extreme poverty, so the person is extremely poor. But now, from a practical point of view of policy making, addressing the problem of poverty, that measurement is completely inadequate.

“So what did we do when I was in government?

We started working on something that is called multi-dimensional poverty index.

“Now, the multi-dimensional poverty index addresses different causes of poverty and the point is that poverty is more than the lack of income.

Sometimes you can actually be poor if you are living in an area that you have money but there is no power. So you are

actually a poor man as far as power is concerned.

“If you are living somewhere that there is no health facilities; you may be the richest man in that village but you should be counted as poor in terms of health facilities.”

Usman also called for a system of accountability and consistency in delivering demands of public officers, saying: “We started a system where, at every Federal Executive Council, a Minister will come with a report on quarterly basis, of his Ministry, how the activities have been impacting on the citizens and how he is addressing the objectives of the Ministry. But unfortunately, the biggest problem of Nigeria is the lack of continuity”.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 21

The need to reward excellence PROLOGUE I

N the polity, business, religion and sciences, many things happen and steal the limelight.

But those things that happen occur because of some forces of conscience and or nature. It is in relating with such events, particularly the personalities behind them, that determine our collective humanity. Some of those events or pursuits in life may be for good or for bad - good causes or bad causes, sometimes evil.

Therefore, this question becomes very pertinent: What motivates an individual to do good and great things? What’s the level of curiosity and insight available

By Jide Ajani and Clifford Ndujihe

to ensure a determined engagement of a good deed or a good pursuit? A deeper interrogation of the thinking behind and the forces propelling such actions sometimes reveal motives that are at once plebeian and devoid of altruistic intentions.

In nominating individuals with a profundity of immense relevance to the objective of meeting the set criteria for Personality Of The Year, there is, therefore, a need to always ensure you

get the buy-in of colleagues around the table, some, with their interests. Indeed, the interest of some editors was just to shoot down nominees made by others.

Such is the nature of mere mortal man. For a few others, a tunnel vision was all that motivated their support for or antagonism against a nominee. Yet, for some, the mere mention of some names evoked a nostalgic feeling.

As usual - though early this time around because of the plethora of political activities scheduled for the first quarter of 2019 - the process for nominations had to be made earlier. It still spanned six

weeks of rigorous debates from nominations to counternominations, defence, arguments and counter-arguments before a fianl vote on each category of persons, the ultimate objective was an excercise in recognising excellence.

It doesn't come with any financial benefit but the mere action of recognising excellence in a polity that perpetually runs a discount of good deeds emblematises appreciation of good deeds.

Members of the Vanguard Board of Editors are always conscious of the need to elect nominees and vote accordingly with

some things in mind: Would the eventual winners pass the integrity test? Would members of the public, while not in total agreement, be substantially convinced about the choice made in the face of cogent and verifiable reasons?

Can any member of the Board go into the public sphere and be able to convince fellow countrymen about the personality(ies) that have been so chosen to be honoured? Does the name of any of the winners come with the dangerous effluvium of public opprobrium? The sessions of the de-

Continues on page 22

Tony Elumelu: Leveraging resources of Africa for Africa’s development

•Tony Elumelu...actualising the aspirations of visions of early African leaders

By Emeka Anaeto, Business Editor

T

ONY O. Elumelu, CON, the Africapitalist, is the Vanguard Personality of the Year 2018.

He has championed the African emergent entrepreneurship and private sector-led economic development for the continent of Africa. This has given hope to intra-African trade and economic integration which had been lacking before now and which had been the bane of the region’s economy and the clog in its wheel of progress.

Elumelu has built and is still building more institutions that are driving these developments from Nigerian headquarters. The institutions cut across financial sector, healthcare and the real sector as well as infrastructure development. He has also instituted human capital and entrepreneurship development platforms for the continent, pointing the way to go for Africa that would survive globalism.

At Vanguard Newspapers, we see the emergence of a modern corporate Africa, led

by Elumelu and a few other continental business leaders to redefine and give vent to the ideals espoused by pan-Africanist movements of the mid-20th Century.

They are set to actualise the aspirations and visions of the continent’s early leaders sooner than could have been possible with the present political structures and leadership across the 54-nation continent. The nature of the emergent

corporate Africa is already ventilated in the principles of Africapitalism, created by Elumelu.

Africapitalism The future we all want for ourselves is one of our own making – Tony O. Elumelu, CON. Africapitalism is the economic philosophy of Tony Elumelu predicated on the belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role Africapitalism is a in the continent’s development. The call-to-action for foundational p r i n c i p l e s businesses to make include: decisions that will Entrepreneurship: Unlock the power increase economic of individuals to and social wealth, create and grow their business and promote ideas into development in the successful communities and companies L o n g - t e r m nations in which Investments: they operate Deploy patient capital that creates greater and broader economic value as opposed to merely the extraction of resources, which Africa has been known for and which has kept it impoverished amidst abundance.

Strategic Sectors: Invest in sectors delivering a financial return as well as broader economic and social value – agriculture, power, healthcare, and finance.

Development Dividend: Conduct investments and business activity in a manner that delivers financial returns to shareholders as well as economic and social benefit to stakeholders.

Value-Added Growth: Leverage locally available human and financial capital, raw material and other inputs that create longer, more integrated and higher value regional supply chains.

Regional Connectivity: Facilitate intra-regional commerce and trade through the development of national and cross-border physical infrastructure, and the harmonisation of policies and practices Multi-Generational Development: Focus on investments and economic growth strategies that build value for future generations.

Shared Purpose: Foster collaboration between businesses, investors, governments, academia, civil society, philanthropists and development institutions to create conditions that will empower the African private sector to thrive.

Africapitalism is a call-to-action for businesses to make decisions that will increase economic and social wealth, and promote development in the communities and nations in which they operate.

Such a decision will ultimately help businesses become more profitable as the communities they serve become well-off consumers, healthy and better educated employees, and even entrepreneurs who go on to become suppliers and service providers.

Elumelu says: "Africapitalism means we cannot leave the business of development up to our governments, donor countries and philanthropic organisations alone. The private sector must be involved in the business of development." We dare say there is no better way to actualise African Union, AU, than the Elumelu example and there is no structure more effective than the Elumelu corporate structure.

The Elumelu structure: Tony Elumelu had honed his business and entrepreneurial skills in Nigeria over the past three decades rising through the ranks in corporate Nigeria before ascending the global stage to now building Afro-centric entrepreneurial platforms. The corporate Africa landscape is now dotted with the United Bank for Africa Plc, UBA, and the Heirs Holding brands. They are now complemented in the Africapitalism with The Continues on page 22

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Tony Elumelu: Leveraging resources of Africa for Africa’s development Continues from page 21 Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF. These are the Elumelu Africa network with global reach in world’s leading economic centers such as New York, Paris and London, and many others.

United Bank for Africa, UBA: Tony Elumelu is the Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, UBA, which is a leading pan-African financial services group, with presence in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. UBA was incorporated in Nigeria as a limited liability company after taking over the assets of the British and French Bank Limited who had been operating in Nigeria since 1949.

Diverse service channels The United Bank for Africa merged with Standard Trust Bank in 2005 and from a single country operation, UBA has become one of the leading providers of banking and other financial services on the African continent. The bank provides services to over 15 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in subSaharan Africa, with over 1,000 branches and customer touch points and robust online and mobile banking platforms. The assets is in excess of $19billion.

Heirs Holdings, HH: Tony Elumelu is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, HH, an African investment company committed to the economic transformation of Africa through investments that generate both economic prosperity and social wealth. The goal is to catalyse the economic growth of Africa while generating exceptional value for the shareholders and partners. HH invests proprietary capital for the long-term in the most promising sectors of the continent: financial services, health care, infrastructure,

real estate and hospitality, agriculture, oil and gas. Its operations are rooted in the economic philosophy of Africapitalism which proposes private sector-led long-term investment in Africa by Africans.

Transcorp Plc: Transcorp is a diversified strategic investor with core interests in three sectors: agribusiness, hospitality, real estate/ facilities management, and energy. Transcorp is committed to being actively engaged in these sectors of the national economy to stimulate growth and build a viable business enterprise that will be the pride of its shareholders.

Transcorp serves as the vehicle that will mobilise capital on a large scale while When it comes investing locally to investments, on major projects.

The vision is To be entrepreneurs do the most dominant not only need conglomerate in Africa over the money, they need next five to seven networks, years. Transcorp shares are traded mentoring and for on the Nigerian corporations and Stock Exchange.

The Tony government to E l u m e l u buy their services Foundation, TEF: Tony Elumelu is the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF, an Africa-based and funded not-for-profit institution, dedicated to the promotion and celebration of excellence in business leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa. As a 21st Century catalytic philanthropy, the Foundation is committed to driving the continent’s economic growth from within by proving the African private sector can itself be the primary generator of economic development.

The Foundation identifies and addresses systemic challenges that inhibit African entrepreneurs. TEF is also a pioneer in the adoption of impact investing as a means of catalysing economic change. Unlike most

philanthropies, the Foundation sees grants as only one of a set of effective philanthropic tools and believes that for the start-up and small and growing business segments, impact investing can be a more sustainable means of capitalisation because of the entrepreneurial rigor that comes with requiring a financial return.

The Foundation, established in 2010, has received thousands of applications for business proposals across 54 countries in Africa. About 2,000 entrepreneurs have gone through the seven pillars of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. They have all benefitted directly, and those who were not selected continue to benefit indirectly from the wide range of resources that the Foundation places across its online platforms.

Elumelu stated: “My message is clear to the other high net worth individuals in Africa. The measure of your success is not based on how much you have in your account but how much you are investing in developing Africa. We at the Tony Elumelu Foundation have created a programme which is long-term, sustainable, scalable and replicable.

“We invite other high net worth individuals in Africa to join forces with us as we have the format; they can join forces with us to scale this programme or they can adapt our programme and implement it themselves. To develop the format, we have invested millions of dollars in the meet ups, the forums, the technology platforms and building local networks across the 54 African countries. This needs ongoing support.

"Our selected entrepreneurs will require ongoing investments. We are saying look through these businesses, amongst which I can assure that you’ll find investable businesses you can identify with. When it comes to investments, entrepreneurs do not only need money, they need networks, mentoring and for corporations and government to buy their services. They are not looking for handouts but hand ups!”

The need to reward excellence Continues from page 21 bate to choose the primus, the Personality Of The Year, is always enervating and comes with tantalising nominations, just as it also tolerates some names of personalities that cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be considered awe-inspiring. The editors have always been guided by a set of values that signposts predictors that engender success.

Below is a list of the categories and winners: Personality of the year For leading the largest African philanthropic initiative devoted to entrepreneurship, Mr. Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, an economist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, Transcorp, and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, TEF, is Vanguard’s Personality of The Year.

Governors of the year Among the 36 states of the country, six governors stood out in their populist programmes that deepened the delivery of democracy dividends in their states in 2018 hence their nomination as governors of the year. They are Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu; Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto; Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom; and Senator Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo. Businessman of the year In acknowledgement of his immense contribution to oil and gas development in Africa through visionary leadership, service and transformational realignment of a sector dominated by international oil companies, as well as improving on the lives of people and societies across the African continent, Mr. Benedict

Peters, founder of Aiteo Group, emerged as Vanguard’s Businessman of The Year.

Banker of the year For steering Zenith Bank to distinguish itself in the banking industry through superior service quality, and unique customer experience among others, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank PLC, Mr. Peter Amangbo, was nominated as the Banker of The Year.

Humanitarian award At a time of sectarian violence and killings in many parts of the country especially in the North-Central and North-West geo-political zones, the efforts of Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, 83, the Imam of Nghar village, Gashish District, Barkin Ladi Local Council of Plateau State, cannot go unnoticed and unrewarded. For hiding and shielding no fewer than 300 Christians in a mosque and thus saving them from being slaughtered, Vanguard is honouring Alhaji Abubakar with the 2018 Humanitarian Award.

Lifetime achievement awards Eight elder statesmen and women were singled out for lifetime achievement awards on account of their invaluable and unblemished contributions to the wellbeing of the society.

They include: Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, Mrs. Leila Fowler, Rear Adnmiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, General Alani Akinrinade, (retd); and Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Folorunso Abdul-Razaq, SAN. Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, who laid the framework for the development of Lagos, abolished evening primary and secondary education, and

embarked on unassailable mass housing programme that is yet to be matched anywhere in the country almost 40 years after.

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, a detribalised Nigerian, was at the forefront of the struggle to return Nigeria to democratic rule and has remained in the crusade to entrench and deepen democracy in the country.

Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Folorunso Abdul-Razaq, OFR, SAN, nationalist, the first lawyer from Northern Nigeria, former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and former legal adviser of the Northern People's Congress, NPC, was one of those who fought for independence using his vast knowledge of the law as a weapon to end colonialism.

Chief Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, MFR, a lawyer, nurse, and educationist, and the Yeye Mofin of Lagos, has played crucial roles in moulding many Nigerians through her educational institutions.

High Chief Olu Benson Lulu Briggs, community leader, global businessman, philanthropist, humanist, caring and dotting family man and nationalist, who passed on penultimate week, won the editors' recognition on account of his dexterity in taking care of the elderly in the society.

Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, the Igba of Warri, industrialist, who started her career as a broadcast journalist, has helped in engendering better life in the country through her strong advocacies on matters of crucial national importance.

Lt. General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade, CFR, FSS, and former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, was one of those who fought during the civil war and has remained unwavering in his crusade to ensure Nigeria becomes a better country where equity and justice reign supreme.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—23

PETER AMANGBO: Sustaining the Zenith Bank industry leadership

By Emeka Anaeto, Business Editor

M

R. Peter Amangbo is the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, and he is Vanguard Newspaper's Banker Of The Year, 2018.

The Board of Editors of Vanguard Newspapers were faced with the task of picking from topmost impressive five banks in terms of some selected key performance indicators including earnings, profitability and asset quality, as well as the consistency of the performance over the last three years. Zenith Bbank stood out, and the man in the saddle took the lead in our rating scale.

Coupled with his outstanding performance, we reckon with the fact that with a relatively unknown name in the industry, he stepped into the big shoes of the two previous CEOs of the great institution, Godwin Emefiele, who handed over to him to assume the position of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN; and the founding CEO, Jim Ovia, Nigeria's leading light in banking and finance. Amangbo has so far sustained the impressive trend. He has stayed the course, and the figures speak volume of his capability so far.

Today's Zenith Bank Strong earnings capacity and growth, solid and liquid capital base, strengthened enterprise risk management practices, good returns on investment and excellent customer service are some of the hallmarks of today's Zenith Bank under the stewardship of Mr. Amangbo. Zenith Bank remains a dominant player in the Nigerian banking industry, indeed a leader amongst tier-1 category of banks. It remains a net placer of fund in the industry with most banks running on Zenith Bank's liquidity.

In fact, Amangbo told us in a chat that Zenith Bank has never taken fund from any bank in the Nigerian banking environment with prevalence of inter-bank lending. Our check reveals that Zenith Bank still controls a significant share of the high end corporate clients in strategic sectors of the economy. The bank uses its strong balance sheet and liquidity as well as efficient trade finance processes and services, to continuously grow and support businesses.

Risk Management: Under Amangbo, Zenith Bank maintains a strong focus on superior ERM practices. Consequently, despite the tough operating environment, the bank's NonPerforming Loan (NPL) ratio came in at Amangbo and 4.9 per cent with a coverage ratio of 238.4 his team strive per cent. to maintain a Impressive Dividend Payout: The inwell diversified vestors in Zenith loan portfolio Bank have good returns as the bank unacross sectors der Mr. Amangbo to support and continued to upscale sustain the dividend payout year after year despite the impressive recessionary circumasset quality stance under which he assumed leadership of the bank. The bank paid a dividend of N1.75 per share for both FY2013 and FY2014. One year after he took over, the bank paid N1.80 per share for FY2015 and N2.02 per share for FY2016. A final dividend of N2.45 per share was paid for FY2017, which in addition to the N0.25 per share earlier paid as interim dividend amounted to N2.70 per share.

An interim dividend of N9.42 billion, being N0.30 per share from the retained earnings account was paid in H1 2018. Amangbo told us he was optimistic that the shareholders of Zenith Bank would smile further at end of the 2018 financial audit and dividend season.

Consolidating Earnings/ Profitability: In spite of the macroeconomic backdrop, Zenith Bank has delivered an attractive earnings profile, sup-

•Zenith Bank CEO, Peter Amangbo...maintains diversified loan portfolio ported by improving operating efficiency. Profit Before Tax, PBT, increased Year-on-Year (YoY) by 9.7 per cent from N152.5 billion in the third quarter 2017 to N167.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. The 13.4 per cent YoY growth in net interest income and 69.5 per cent reduction in impairment loss accounted for the PBT growth.

Net Interest Margin - NIM (Adjusted) increased YoY by 14.3 per cent (from 8.4 per cent in Q3 2017 to 9.6 per cent in Q3 2018), demonstrating the Group’s ability in delivering optimal pricing for its interest-bearing assets and liabilities even in a declining yield environment.

The bank's Cost of Funds (CoF) decreased from 5.4 per cent recorded in Q3 2017 to 3.3 per cent in Q3 2018 as the bank continues to focus on its drive for low cost deposit mix.

Consequently, the Cost-to-Income Ratio decreased by 1.0 per cent YoY, from 52.9 per cent in Q3 2017 to 52.2 per cent in Q3 2018. Amangbo said he expects a further improved ratio for the full year, as the full year AMCON charge was taken in the first half 2018, accounts. Fees on electronics products grew by over 100 per cent as the bank continues to improve on its electronic platforms and increase its share of the retail business.

Further on efficiency Funding cost optimimisation continues to be central to Zenith Bank's operations. A massive 31 per cent drop in interest expense was achieved in the 9-months to September 2018 accounts as it continues its drive towards cost optimisation.

Despite the significant increase in AMCON charge, the Zenith Bank was able to contain its operating expenses growth at 6 per cent YoY. Mr. Amangbo said he expect a further moderation in operating expenses for the full year end 2018 results as the bank continued to improve on operational efficiency.

Balance Sheet, Assets Quality In addition to the efficiency and risk management for superior performance, one of the fundamentals of Zenith Bank brand is Building A Shock-Proof Balance Sheet. Thus, the bank thrives on strong and liquid balance sheet led by securities portfolio and interbank placements.

Zenith Bank's assets are well funded by a significant deposit base and the balance sheet remains robustly capitalised, providing a buffer for further growth. The bank also leverages a deposit-funded loan portfolio, with largely term

loans to top-rated corporates. Moreover, the deposit base is predominantly current accounts which supports attractive net interest margin extraction with increasing savings account balance.

The Zenith Bank Group adopts a complete and integrated approach to risk management that is driven from the Board level to the operational activities of the bank. Risk management is practised as a collective responsibility coordinated by the risk control units and is properly segregated from the market facing units to assure independence. The process is governed by well defined policies and procedures that are subjected to continuous review and are clearly communicated across the group.

The leadership of the bank ensures a regular scan of the environment for threats and opportunities to improve industry knowledge and information that drives decision-making in Zenith Bank. Group maintains a proactive approach to business and ensures an appropriate balance in its risk and reward objectives. Risk culture is continuously being entrenched through appropriate training and acculturation. Amangbo and his team strive to maintain a well diversified loan portfolio across sectors to support and sustain the impressive asset quality.

About Amangbo Mr. Peter Olisamedua Amangbo holds a B.Eng. Degree (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) from University of Benin and an MBA from the University of Warwick, Coventry in the United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, FCA. He joined Zenith Bank from PriceWaterHouse (now PriceWaterHouseCoopers) as a Senior Consultant in the Financial Services Group.

Prior to this appointment to the position of MD/CEO of Zenith in 2014, Amangbo has been an Executive Director of the bank since 2005 and has over 24 years cognate banking experience all of which has been with Zenith Bank. He was a pioneer Non-Executive Director of Zenith Bank UK. He has attended the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD, France and Wharton Graduate School of Business, USA. He took courses on Strategic IQ Programme, Strategic Thinking and Management for Competitive Advantage, and Execution in Action – The Art of Turning Strategy into Action at the Harvard Business School, Wharton School of Business and HSM – New York respectively.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Okowa, the jinx breaker straddling Delta

By Emma Amaize, South-South Regional Editor

I

F there is a god of politics, then the opinionated divinity has been very generous to Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the current Governor of Delta State, who in 2015, shattered a 25-year jinx to materialise as the fourth civilian governor of the oil-rich state.

Nobody, not even the former Premier of the defunct Midwest Region, the late Chief Dennis Osadebe and other Anioma founding leaders comprehended that the unassuming former Director, Victory Medical who obtained hisinSSCE Centre, Igbanke 1986, at Edo College in 1976 and graduated in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan with an MBBS degree in 1981, would be the much sought battle axe for the political deliverance of Anioma people (Delta North Senatorial District).

Through a combination of hard work, unshakable belief in the powers of the Almighty and prayer, Okowa, born July 8, 1959 at Owa-Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area, who had his first stint in the civil service as a medical officer in the defunct Bendel State Hospitals Management Board, did what no Anioma person before him did.

Today, the story of Delta cannot be written with him as governor or former governor alone, but as the first Anioma son to become the governor of the state. His initial incursion into politics was when he became Secretary to the Ika Local Government and later, Chairman, Ika North-East Local Government Council from 1991–1993.

Rise in politics In a rare interview with Vanguard shortly after he assumed office, Okowa traced his impressive rise in politics to his political mentor and former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, who he met in 1996 in the Grassroots Democratic Movement, GDM. Recalling the encounter, he said: “That was quite a long time, there was GDM, though a small party then during the Abacha time; then UNCP where we had the moneybags and big politicians. But somehow, some of us, the younger ones felt that we needed to create new politics, that was in 1996 and we found ourselves joining GDM.

Special attraction On the special attraction of Ibori towards him, he stated: “I think he found in me, somebody that is ready to work very hard at every point in time. Everything I want to do, without trying to praise myself, I think I am always very committed to it, right from my youth. I know I was very committed in the campaigns through the GDM. When we came to the PDP, I was very committed.

“Therefore, he (Ibori) saw in me someone with a very strong character. So I think that warmed us up because at every point in time, I always offered him the truth and told him what I thought was right and when things went wrong, others may speak politically, but I would speak based on the fact that what is right will always be right and what is wrong will always be wrong. I think that was what endeared me to him,” he said.

Governor Okowa joined the People's

•Governor Ifeanyi Okowa...nicknamed roadmaster by Deltans Democratic Party, PDP in 1998 and was among those that marshaled the campaign and conquest of his mentor in 1988/1999.

He and other youthful politicians regarded as “Apostles of James Ibori”, including his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and Senator James Manager were all appointed into Ibori’s cabinet. He was Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Delta State from July 1999 – April 2001, Water Resources Development from April 2001 – May 2003 and Health from September 2003 – October 2006.

Smashing the jinx Why that is the case is not out-and-out, but since creation, some Urhobo elite hold that since the capital of the state is located in Asaba (Anioma nation), the people of Delta North have no reason to seek governorship of the state. Like other Anioma sons, who confronted the albatross, Okowa resigned to the 2007 PDP If the PDP as contest primaries for a party has a governor and lost to Uduaghan, who national appointed him Secretary to the assignment, Delta State which Government in June uprightness is 2007.

He was elected of the essence, Senator for Delta the first choice North, in the April 2011 national is Governor elections and returned from the Okowa National Assembly to slug it with others for the PDP governorship ticket in 2014. The party nominated him as its standard bearer after overwhelmingly intriguing primaries.

He was inaugurated as Governor on 29 May, 2015 after winning the state elections conducted in April 2015 on PDP platform thereby becoming the earliest person from Anioma to clinch the governorship position of Delta State. Every Anioma son is proud of him for that. If Okowa was not a Godfearing man before 2015, he would have become one since then because the Finger of God wrote his victory, but those familiar with him said it was his trust in God that saw him through.

Detribalised and hard working Born and bred in Anioma, Okowa is a detribalised governor and knows that he cannot be otherwise, having grown through the ranks from council Chairman, to Commissioner, Secretary to State Government and Senator in the complex

state that is mini-Nigeria.

He has brought his doggedness and astuteness to bear in the governance of the state since he took over in May 2015 to the consternation of his critics, and not a few corroborate that he has prudently managed the resources of the state and opened new vista with his SMART programme.

Of all the governors that had ruled the state, including military administrators, only Okowa deemed it obligatory to create special agency for the development of Asaba, the state capital, and is presently executing, for the first time since the state was created, a comprehensive storm programme to check the flooding of the state capital. Despite conventional complaints of communities on lack of basic amenities, Okowa has taken development to the riverine area of the state beyond what previous governments before him did.

Man of integrity There are governors and there are governors, Okowa, also known as Ekwueme (the one who does what he says) is one of the top regarded PDP governors in the country. He is celebrated by his party men for his integrity.

If the PDP as a party has a national assignment, which uprightness is of the essence, the first choice is Governor Okowa.

He has demonstrated it over and over that he values his name more than anything else.

At the party’s last National Convention that produced Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential standard-bearer, he was called and he never disappointed.

Obasanjo, Delta leaders endorse him Since his return from London after an intermission, Chief Ibori, the undisputed godfather of Delta politics, has never ceased to tell Deltans about his approbation and love for Okowa. He had since called on his Urhobo kinsmen and all Deltans to vote the Continues on page 30

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 25

•Map of Akwa Ibom State

•Governor Udom Emmanuel...focusing on industrialisation

UDOM: Governor with passion for job creation

By Udo Ibuot, Awards Editor

C

LOSE associates describe Udom Emmanuel as the man who mounted the saddle of leadership with a mental inclination to do more for the people. They insist that since May 29, 2015 when he took over the reins of administration in Akwa Ibom State, he has dedicated himself to the onerous task of doing more, and that his penchant for working beyond the promise has enabled the state to embark on the journey of industrialisation.

Since the creation of the state about 32 years ago, Akwa Ibom State’s economy has always been directed by civil service endeavours. While many of her governors had touted their desire to diversify the economy away from this structure, not much work appeared to have been delivered in that direction.

However, Udom Emmanuel seems to have moved in the direction of diversification.

After his election and swearing in, he reportedly set out to deliver on his five-point programme of job creation, poverty alleviation, wealth creation, economic and political inclusion, as well as infrastructural consolidation and expansion.

His take-off point was in the attitudinal orientation of the citizens through the Dakkada or “rise up” philosophy. The governor was apparently persuaded that he could replicate the mobilisation experience associated with the defunct Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance and Economic Recovery, MAMSER, undertaken by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration and headed by Prof. Jerry Gana.

Information and Strategy Commissioner, Charles Udoh, believes that the Dakkada mobilisation programme was successful. He notes: “Almost every young graduate

aspiring to work looked only at one government ministry or the other. But the present government is saying Akwa Ibom people can rise above that…If an individual can succeed as an entrepreneur, any other person can also succeed.” He was, however, silent on whether young and fresh graduates in the state have become persuaded to start off as entrepreneurs, 20,000 tonnes of away from jobs in the civil service. tomatoes will be Governor Udom Emmanuel, 52, produced yearly, who was born at and this will not Awa Iman in only create a ONNA LGA, s t u d i e d multiplier effect accountancy at the by generating University of Lagos. He served employment to in Zenith Bank Plc about 1,600 for 17 years to become Executive individuals Director before exiting to become Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, under the erstwhile governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio. He was elected as governor to succeed his mentor.

Udom appears to have skewed his activities to the direction of job creation. This is evidenced from the fact that he reportedly took off with the establishment of a toothpick and pencil factory at Etinan.

The Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme, AKEES, which facilitated this to provide consumables for the state’s education programme, claims the state has become the first toothpicks producer in Nigeria. The agency added that the factory is currently producing 20,000 pencils and 50,000 kilogrammes of toothpicks per week,

with orders already placed for the supply of 144,000 pencils every three months.

The job creation drive was followed by the construction of 60,000 tonnes Kings Flour mill at Okat in ONNA LGA. By the government’s estimates, this is expected to offer employment to 1,500 youths when completed.

Along with this was the establishment of a syringe factory, reputed to be the biggest in Africa at ONNA. The factory has initial installed capacity of 400 million syringes a year. Also in ONNA is the meter manufacturing factory for the production of prepaid electricity meters.

The governor has also reportedly resuscitated the Peacock Paints factory at Etinan as well as the Qua Steel industry at Eket. Both the paints and steel plants were established by the administration of the late Dr. Clement Isong in the old Cross River State in the 1980s and were allowed to crumble by successive governments. The resuscitated steel industry which was facilitated by the state’s investment corporation, AKICORP, has capacity for the production of 300 tonnes of steel per year.

Installation of “dead bus” technology In the agricultural sector, the governor has reportedly cultivated 11,000 hectares of land for the planting of two million coconut seedlings for the coconut refinery.

Mkpatenin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi LGAs donated land for the cultivation of the coconuts, while some 250 products are expected to be harnessed from the coconuts when the project is fully operational. Apart from this, the state intends to achieve selfsufficiency in tomato production. The projection is that 20,000 tonnes of tomatoes will be produced yearly, and this will not only create a multiplier effect by generating employment for about 1,600 individuals but also create some 85 new businesses with potential for taking Akwa Ibom youths off the streets.

In the power sector, the governor has also made some strides. This is borne out of the understanding that no modern society can meaningfully develop or grow without power supply. Noteworthy efforts in this sector are the securing of licence for the generation of additional 685 megawatts of power at the Ibom Power Plant in Ikot Abasi and the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, facilities at Ekim in Mkpatenin LGA and at Ikot Ekpene.

Of equal importance is the reported installation of “dead bus” technology which allows Akwa Ibom State to have access to power during periods of national grid power outages.

These efforts formed part of the yardsticks that informed Vanguard Editors’ nomination of Udom Emmanuel as one of the governors of the year, 2018.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

•Map of Sokoto State

•Governor Aminu Tambuwal...introduced free and compulsory education in Sokoto State

SOKOTO: The Tambuwal template for triumph

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

I

T is one of the great contradictions of present day Nigeria. On the eastern flank of Northern Nigeria, merchants of death fight to enthrone a philosophy to crush education under the aegis of Boko Haram, that is Education is sin.

On the other flank in the North-West, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has heralded a contrary philosophy that compels compulsory education for all children that has been termed Boko Dole, that is Education is by force.

Governor Tambuwal started his crusade against illiteracy with the declaration of a state of emergency on education and the constitution of a technical committee charged with reversing the neglect of education.

In the wake of the emergency, Governor Tambuwal did the unusual by allocating a princely N34.5 billion of the 2016 state budget, the first prepared under his watch, to education. That amount represented 29 per cent of the total budget of the year, 2016.

Free and compulsory education That philosophy was maintained the following year when education again topped the sectoral allocations with N38.4 billion representing 27.3 per cent of the year’s budget.

Governor Tambuwal’s passion for the education of his people was underlined by the enactment of the Right to Education Law spearheaded by him which stipulates free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of six and 18 years.

Even more, the law makes it a criminal offence for parents not to send their wards to school.

Governor Tambuwal’s revolution in the sector was matched with the increase in education infrastructure.

It was in that light that the administration after one year of its lifespan removed the shame on the state when it established a N1.2 billion secondary school in Gudu Local Government Area. Until June 2016, Gudu

Local Government Area had the ill-repute of being the only Local Government Area in the country without a secondary school.

One approach to improving the level of education in the state is the ongoing project to build 40 new model secondary schools across the state. The model schools are to serve as centres of excellence in the senatorial zones of the state.

Besides education infrastructure, the Ta m b u w a l administration Governor has also b o o s t e d Aminu Waziri quality with Tambuwal of the focus on the training of Sokoto State education has heralded a officers and contrary teachers, a philosophy that development that has seen compels hundreds of teachers being compulsory sent on local education for all a n d international children that training has been termed workshops.

The efforts of Boko Dole, that the governor is Education is h a v e understandably by force drawn the attention of international intervention agencies including UNESCO, UNICEF among others. It was no surprise that the governor in May, 2018 received the UNESCO 2018 Education Solutions Stakeholders Award which was in recognition of his contributions to the education sector.

While the strides by the governor in the education sector have been phenomenal, his efforts in other sectors have been no less. In health, agriculture, industrialisation and road constructions, the Tambuwal template has attracted attention from far and near.

Among the initiatives that have won the governor and Sokoto State laurels in the health sector is the effort in strengthening the primary healthcare system in the state.

Given the impetus towards disease prevention under the PHC system, the Tambuwal administration has through a system of networking with federal, state and local governments, strengthened the disease surveillance and emergency response system in the state.

This has led to the noticeable decrease in the spread of common diseases and ailments such as gastro-enteritis, measles, CSM and malaria.

Governor Tambuwal’s focus on the health sector saw to it that Sokoto State under his watch became the best-performing state in the country in the National Logistic Supply Chain Integrated Programme in 2016. One of the innovations the governor introduced was the establishment of a Central Ambulance Service in the state as part of the Emergency Response Team, ERT.

Emergency response system Besides, the Tambuwal administration has made remarkable efforts in boosting health infrastructure with the renovation and construction of PHC Centres across the country, renovation of the Central Medical Stores, sponsorship of the training of hundreds of serving and new health practitioners within and outside the country among many new health programmes.

The administration has also quietly adopted policies to boost rice farming in the state with the distribution of at least 981,000 kg of improved rice seedlings to farmers.

That is besides the distribution of farm inputs such as fertilisers to farmers.

The imprints of the Aminu Waziri Tambuwal administration in Sokoto State have largely changed the psyche of the people and oriented them towards a future that was until not too long ago, seen as an Eldorado.

For his efforts in using projects and programmes of government to enhance the wellbeing of his people, the Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal wins the Governor of the Year Award, 2018.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—27

AJIMOBI: Steady steps of greatness

By Charles Kumolu, Deputy Features Editor

IN a display of his understanding of true greatness, English essayist, and literary critic, William Hazlitt said: “The true test of greatness is the page of history.” Hazlitt, who is adjudged one of the greatest critics in the history of the English language, downplayed the society's recognition of fame, wealth, and power, as elements of greatness.

There is an agreement between his assertion and the trajectory of the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, since his birth on December 16, 1949. Only those, who are uninformed about him, may disagree with history's profiling of his 26 years in the private sector, and footprints so far as a public office holder.

It has been a fulfilling ride for Ajimobi, and as well impactful for the society. From Lagelu Grammar School, Abeokuta where he excelled in academics and sports, to the University of New York in Buffalo, the governor’s state university, Park Forest, oil and gas sector, Senate and Oyo State Government House, Ajimobi has been a man of special abilities.

With a B.Sc. in Business Administration and Finance and Master of Business Administration, MBA, in Operations Research and Marketing, Ajimobi began his private sector career in US on a high note.

Specifically, he was engaged as the first Nigerian state-certified underwriter by Equitable Life Assurance Corporation, which was the second largest Insurance company in America.

Upon his return to Nigeria, he worked with Management and Industrial Consulting firm, Modulor Group, Nestle Foods PLC, National Oil and Chemical Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Shell Petroleum, from where he retired in 2002 as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Special abilities At the various places he worked, Ajimobi was known for his brilliance, which was responsible for his meteoric rise above his peers. His stewardship in the Senate was also eventful, as he emerged the Deputy Minority Leader. In that capacity, he made robust contributions to legislative debates as a member of an opposition party.

It was during that period that he established the first and largest Free Vocational Training Centre in Oyo State, offering training in computer engineering, computer operations, telephone engineering, fashion designing, hair dressing as well as tie and dye. Vanguard learned that the centre has turned out over 15,000 students most of whom have gained employment in banks and many industries in Nigeria. After failing in his first attempt to govern Oyo State in 2007, Ajimobi succeeded in 2011. His re-election in 2015, made him the first governor to win a second term ticket in the history of the state.

Landmark achievements Some of his landmark achievements as Oyo State governor, include but not limited to: •Restoration of the peace which had eluded the state in the last five years owing to frequent bloodletting. Before his advent, Oyo State was constantly in a state of war with some factions of road transport workers who were killing one another without let.

•Rehabilitation/reconstruction of over 200 roads across the state.

•Construction of about 10 major bridges demolished by the flood of August 2011, chief among which is the multi-million naira Bodija/Secretariat bridge christened Restoration Bridge.

•Construction of a fly-over at the Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, the first of such by

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi...restored peace to Oyo State any civilian governor since the creation of the state, in 1976.

•Dualisation of Ibadan Toll Gate Interchange-Challenge-New GarageInterchange Road, Onireke-JerichoAleshinloye-Dugbe-Agbarigo Road, Oyo Township Road, Ogbomoso Township Road and Iseyin Township Road, while the construction of Saki Township Road is ongoing.

•As the Eleyele-Ologuneru-Eruwa road is nearing completion, the dualisation of IdiApe-Basorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks Junction Road; Gate-Old Ife Road-Alakia, as well as the expansion of Oke Adu-Iwo Road are ongoing.

•Aside the construction of Mokola flyover, the first to be done by any civilian administration in the state, as part of the Ajimobi administration’s drive towards making His reIbadan a mega city, his election in government has also revived the Ibadan 2015, Circular Road •Rehabilitation of made him Asejire Waterworks which the first had been abandoned by past administrations for governor 17 years. to win a • O n g o i n g rehabilitation of Eleyele second Dam, which was badly hit term ticket by the 2011 flood disaster. On completion, in the it will permanently end history of the long-standing history of flooding in Ibadan the state metropolis.

•Repositioning of Oyo to become the fifth most investment-friendly state, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, rating, with the attraction of more than $61m (N22.4bn) foreign direct investment to the state.

•Acquisition of large expanse of land on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for the Polaris-Pacesetter Free Trade Zone and an Industrial Park as part of the Ajimobi-led administration’s relentless efforts at industrialising the state.

•Establishment of Bureau of Physical Planning and Development Control with the sole responsibility of checking indiscriminate erection of structures in Ibadan metropolis.

•Payment of arrears of 142 per cent increase to pensioners.

•Provision of 10 56-seater luxury buses for a free transport service for workers and students.

•Map of Oyo State •Aggressive urban renewal exercise in Ibadan and Oyo State in general which has transformed the erstwhile dirtiest city in Nigeria to one of the investor-friendly states in Nigeria.

•Strengthening of agriculture through the employment of agricultural extension officers whose job is to go from farm to farm to educate and assist farmers on the new technology of farming for maximum returns.

•Procurement of 320 tractors for farmers in the state, the largest by any government ever, not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. These initiatives are all aimed at empowering farmers to produce bountiful harvests for the sustenance of the populace.

•Floating of N50bn Health Endowment Fund, Health Insurance Scheme, the first of its kind in Nigeria as well as the launch of the Oyo State five-year cancer control strategic plan to reduce cancer-related incidence and mortality in the state.

•Provision of drugs worth over N200 million to hospitals.

•Commencement of rehabilitation of General Hospitals.

•Employment of 1,000 medical personnel to improve healthcare delivery, 300 of whom were medical doctors.

•Floating of Education Trust Fund to enhance collaboration between government and stakeholders to improve service delivery and boost the standard of education in the state.

•Thegovernor also renovated and constructed hostels and classrooms for the five technical colleges in the state under the auspices of the Oyo State Education Trust Fund programme.. The schools are located at Ibadan, Iseyin, Oyo, Ogbomosho and Shaki. This renovation earned the governor accolades and appreciation of both the students and their parents.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

•That Day in 2016 in Enugu when Rangers won the league 32 years after they did so last

UGWUANYI: Reviving the Igbo identity, making peace with all

By Onochie Anibeze, Saturday Editor

W

HO lifted Ndigbo when they were down?

Yes, the once vibrant tribe of Nigeria was devastated, humiliated and down after the civil war that did not only claim millions of their lives but also appeared to have eroded their destiny.

They lost the war of secession, the war to have their own nation called Biafra, the land of the Rising Sun. And in the wake of the defeat followed a policy that so humiliated and further impoverished the Igbo man that he almost lost his identity. The policy added salt to injury as they say.

Igbos who had hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds in their accounts before the war broke out, lost them. A Federal Government policy announced 20 pounds sterling refund to every Igbo account holder, the amount he had in his account before the war notwithstanding.

Running on opponents The Igbo man lost the war and also, all his money to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He was seemingly down and just hanging on the fringes of life. But gradually, his Nzogbu Nzogbu Enyimba, Enyi philosophy found expression in a football club that arose from the ashes of the war to reign as champions, recording victories that assuaged their battered ego. The football club gave them some identity and became a movement of the people.

That club is Enugu Rangers, also known as Rangers International. Rangers were more than a football club to the Igbo man. From Cyril Okosieme to Emmanuel Okala, if a Rangers keeper had the ball, it seemed he shouted, while kicking the ball, 'on your mark, set, go' and the players would be running on opponents like Cheetah.

Without so much finesse but with dogged determination, they won matches and matches and became the identity of the Igbo people. Till date, they remain a reference point on how leaders can use sports to mobilise and unite their people. Segun Odegbami has not stopped eulogizing the spirit of the Igbo man with reference to Enugu Rangers. He played against them and with many of them in the Eagles, he

should know better.

When the military returned to the barracks to usher in the Second Republic in 1979, all Jim Nwobodo needed to be governor of the old Anambra State (now Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra) was his profile as Chairman of Enugu Rangers. And he was a very popular governor for that matter.

Barely one year after the war, Rangers won the Amachree Cup which took the place of the national league on adhoc basis. It was the first and the last of the Cup. That opened the flood gate. They won the FA Cup in 1974, the double in 1975 and in 1976. Then they won the league and Africa Winners Cup in 1977. They were to win the double again in 1981 and the league in 1982.

Rangers won the Challenge Cup in 1983 and the league in 1984. And after that, they died. Rangers began to womble and fumble (apologies Fanny Amun) and for more than 30 years, never celebrated any silverware.

The once f a m o u s Nigerian side As far as became the whipping Rangers are objects of concerned, Nigerian football.

Ugwuanyi is a Management winner, the man was poor and players were of the people, a not well Daniel Come to remunerated.

Judgment, as Those who governed the Shakespeare state never would put it cared about the movement of the people as once symbolised by the Flying Antelopes called Rangers. Once, this reporter was privy to Rangers players contributing to fuel the bus that took them to a league venue. On another occasion, Rangers played a match with dirty and smelling jerseys as they could not pay for laundry services.

They were so poor and only that spirit of Enyimba Enyi kept them in the premier league. But the dark days of Rangers ended with the coming of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as governor of Enugu State. Today, Enugu is celebrating a man who has tried to identify with the poor; a man who has kept an eye on healthcare, social infrastructure, rural

development, a man of peace whose achievements were considered good enough to earn him Vanguard Governor of the Year Award.

But in all these, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi stands out as the man who revived and lifted that identity that gave the Igbo man a name after the civil war. It's a thing the people are emotional about. If you were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu when in 2016 Rangers beat El-Kanemi 3-0 to lift the League Cup 32 years after they last did so, you would appreciate Ugwuanyi's place in the hearts of Ndigbo. They now call him the Jinx Breaker. It turned into a carnival.

The crowd was unprecedented. The stadium struck you with sparkling white and dazzling red, the colours of the club. When they hit in the first goal, from one corner of the stadium fans started singing: Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Enugu Rangers, Another Champion, Holy Holy … tears rolled down many cheeks. It was emotional. Those who contributed to this victory turned heroes of the people. From the coaches, to the officials and the players, they were all revered.

Ugwuanyi led the team. He carved his place in the hearts of the people. He saw to it that players' welfare was not compromised.

He championed their revival and to a reasonable extent, that never-say-die identity of the Igbo man as symbolised in Rangers.

This achievement was still in the air when last year, Ugwuanyi led Rangers again to win FA Cup in Asaba.

No compromise on players' welfare They were 3-0 down against Kano Pillars but that Enyimba Enyi philosophy, that never-say-die spirit propelled them into unprecedented FA Cup final comeback. They won on penalties. Another diadem within two years, all under Ugwuanyi.

To Enugu people, as far as Rangers are concerned, Ugwuanyi is a winner, the man of the people, a Daniel Come to Judgment, as Shakespeare would put it. Aside his Rangers feat, there were other achievements that Vanguard Editors considered before electing Ugwuanyi as Governor of the Year.

Among them is his passion for peace.

Ugwuanyi is one politician even his opponents find difficult to disparage.

They respect him for his initiatives for Continues on page 29

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 29

UGWUANYI: Reviving the Igbo identity, making peace with all Continues from page 28 peace. His craving for peace informs the peace that reigns today in Enugu. Even when Fulani herdsmen raised their heads in some quarters, Ugwuanyi opted for peaceful resolutions. His liaison with security agencies has helped in policing Enugu hugely.

He has made members of his cabinet one family. His deputy, Lolo Cecelia Ezeilo talks about his tremendous qualities all the time.

He has made the entire state almost a team.

Even those who have grudges are calmed by his good nature.

It is unfortunate that Nigeria has been so misgoverned that when salaries are paid, it is counted as achievement. In the Nigerian context, therefore, Ugwuanyi would be scored well in the area of remuneration for workers. Nigeria Labour Congress adjudged him labour-friendly. He has been winning awards and being endorsed here and there for his achievements which now appear to be some tonic for him.

Highlights of other achievements of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi •Enugu State was rated by the World Bank Group as the second most advanced state in Nigeria in Ease of Doing Business, commending their frontiers of global good practices under Ugwuanyi.

•Enugu State workers have continued to receive their pay on the 23rd of every month, even when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

The state government last year and the previous year paid the 13th month salary to its workers as Christmas bonus and also pays the pensioners on or before the end of the month.

•The state even paid June and July salaries last year without receiving federal allocations thanks to increased His craving for Internally peace informs the Generated Revenue, peace that reigns IGR. today in Enugu; • T h e even when government has spent herdsmen raised close to N50 their heads in billion on r o a d some quarters, constructions Ugwuanyi opted a n d rehabilitation for peaceful covering resolutions about 450 kilometers in the three Senatorial zones •Enugu State under Ugwuanyi has received accolades for so far empowering up to 2,400 traders with N50,000 each to grow their businesses.

•The state government has constructed and renovated 589 primary and secondary schools in the state. They have as well procured learning tools and employed more than 4000 teachers; empowerment of 750 youths under the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, programme.

•Under Housing, Enugu State under Ugwuanyi has provided 100 units of one bedroom apartment for 100 lucky civil servants under grade level 1 to 10.

•There has been rehabilitation of facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water Treatment Schemes which has consequentially improved the supply of water to Enugu metropolis and its environs – 25,000m3 of water is now being supplied daily to Enugu Metropolis from both Ajali and Oji River

•Map of Enugu State

•Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi...revived Rangers International Football Club water schemes.

•Still on facilities and health, the Agbani District Hospital is ongoing; construction and renovation of district hospitals and health centres in the state, especially in the rural areas under the primary healthcare programme, such as the Poly Clinic, Asata, Enugu and Udi District Hospital.

•There's construction of 14 new court buildings and open registries in the judicial divisions and magisterial districts across the state, which the state’s Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ngozi Emehelu, described as “unprecedented infrastructural development that has not been witnessed in the entire South-East” and “the largest single intervention in infrastructural development in the Judiciary of Enugu State for over 20 years.

•The two 9th Mile Bypasses in Udi Local Government Area, which have relieved travellers the stress of traffic gridlock in the area, especially during festivities.

•Since Enugu State was declared open and ready for business, more investors have continued to flood the state for investment opportunities as a result of the existing peace and secure business environment as well as the governor ’s commitment to robust investment drive.

had never experienced any government presence to benefit, accordingly.

•The state government has so far donated 40 brand new patrol vans to the State Police Command to enhance their security operations in the state.

Governor Ugwuanyi - the jinx-breaker, through sheer dexterity and commitment to the success of the Enugu Rangers International Football Club, the Pride of Ndigbo, ensured that the club won the 2015/ 2016 Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL title after 32 years in the wilderness without a trophy. The club also won the 2018 AITEO Federation Cup after staging one of the greatest comebacks in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

All these landmark achievements earned Ugwuanyi chains of endorsements from virtually all spheres of the society, including the religious institutions, the entire PDP family in the state, leaders and members of opposition political parties, traders, civil servants, artisans, transporters, proprietors and teachers of private schools, Local Government workers, and pensioners, among others.

Transformation programmes

Consequently, the following outstanding ratings and commendations have ensued from the Senate on the judicious utilisation of the bailout funds; the BudgIT report, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers; the recent Economic Confidential magazine verdict that listed Enugu among the seven states that are solvent with impressive over 30 per cent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities.

Others include, the fifth most competitive state in Nigeria, according to the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria; the third most debt sustainable state in Nigeria; the first state in Nigeria to publish its Audited State/Final Account for consecutive three years; first in the South-East geo-political zone and ninth in the country based on IGR as against Federal Allocation; one of the 12 states in Nigeria that can survive without federal allocations, among others.

State-owned higher institutions have not been left out. The governor in his concerted efforts to re-position the foremost Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu to transit into a degree-awarding institution, recently approved N810 million in addition to over N200 million expended for upgrade of infrastructure in the institute.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT; the Enugu State College of Education Technical, ESCET; and the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, among others, have also been benefitting from the government’s educational transformation programmes.

The N10 million “one community, one project” scheme of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration has also recorded a huge success in expanding development to the frontiers of the rural areas – an initiative that has made it possible for communities that

Outstanding ratings and commendations

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

•Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed...performed above board

ABDULFATAH Ahmed: Silently transforming Kwara

By Dapo Akinrefon

G

OVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed, Kwara State comes across as one who knows his onions as far as governance is concerned. In the last eight years, Governor Ahmed has proved critics wrong and this endeared him to the people of Kwara State.

Prior to his election as governor of Kwara State in 2011, his critics had felt he would not live up to expectation. In fact, they envisaged him performing abysmally but he proved otherwise. Interestingly, eight years down the line, the governor has shut the mouths of his critics by performing above board. It is not an understatement that under Ahmed’s leadership, Kwara State has experienced growth and development across all sectors.

The Organic Chemistry graduate is not in the business of self-praises especially when it has to do with his administration’s achievements. His mien does not give him away easily but he comes across as one who has the capacity to take up any challenge.

Between 2003 and 2009, he lived up to the expectation of his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki when he was Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development of the state.

In the eight years, the Ahmed-led administration garnered immense acclaim for its strong determination to ensure even development in all sectors. From roads, water, to agriculture, health, housing and education, the present administration has recorded giant strides in Kwara State. Little wonder he is one of the recipients of Vanguard’s Governor of The Year Award.

For first timers in Kwara State, it is obvious that the governor recorded achievements across some key sectors in the state.

The works and transport sector in the state

received priority attention under Governor Ahmed’s administration, especially with regards to completion of inherited and new road projects. For instance, majority of inherited roads from previous administrations have been completed under the state’s Urban and Rural Road Project.

As of 2015, about 28 inherited projects covering a length of 256.127kms were targeted under this scheme. In all, 80 per cent of these roads covering 204.8 kilometres have been completed.

In furtherance of his intention to construct more roads, Governor Ahmed in February 2016, approved the His mien payment of does not give N2.4 billion to contractors in him away charge of over easily but he 35 road projects across comes across the state. It as one who should be noted that the has the A h m e d administration capacity to flagged off the take up any K w a r a Agricultural challenge Modernisation Master Plan, KAMP 20122017, designed in partnership with Cornell University, New York, University of Ilorin and Kwara State University to create agrodriven economic diversification and establish Kwara State as the sub-region’s economic hub.

One of KAMP’s main strategies was the

Okowa, the jinx breaker straddling Delta Continues from page 24 governor for a second term to complete Anioma's eight-year occupancy of Government House, Asaba.

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has also made the same appeal, saying that in the interest of equity, Okowa, who is from Delta North, should be given the opportunity to complete his second term.

He is of the view that Okowa has performed well just like former President Olusegun

Obasanjo, who declared a few months ago, that he would rain curses on anybody that said Okowa has not delivered dividends of democracy to Deltans.

Besides Ibori, Clark and Obasanjo, former Minister of Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has also told his Urhobo kinsmen, the people of Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Delta South Senatorial District to vote for Okowa, insisting that he deserves a second tenure on the basis of his performance.

For his penchant for constructing roads, the people now call him Road Master.

•Map of Kwara State

development of the agriculture value chain in rice, soy, cassava and rice. Under its Offtaker Demand-Driven Agricultural Activities, ODDA, the current administration disbursed N214 million to 172 lead farmers for improved mechanised farming across the state. Another feat recorded by the administration is the significant improvement of water supply in the state.

In the face of the increasing population particularly in Ilorin, the state capital, the government has adopted a phase-by-phase approach to rehabilitate its existing 94 waterworks. Within the space of five years, hundreds of motorised and hand pump boreholes have been drilled and distributed across the three senatorial districts to achieve the equitable spread.

Also, as part of contributions to the development of the education sector, Governor Ahmed constructed and rehabilitated 400 blocks of classrooms at primary and secondary school levels. His administration introduced free tuition and notebooks at senior secondary school level.

To expand access to tertiary education in the state, Dr. Ahmed also approved the reduction in the tuition fees for Kwara State University, KWASU, students by 30 per cent.

Tremendous transformation Not only that, Dr. Ahmed also commenced the construction of an N800m Engineering complex for Kwara State University, which is now nearing completion. The health sector was not left out as a tremendous transformation was recorded in the sector in Kwara State under the able leadership of Governor Ahmed. One of the major thrusts of his administration is the provision of quality and affordable health care for the people within 500m radius, an intention he has pursued with tenacity.

The Community Health Insurance Scheme, CHIS, under which enrolees receive all-year round healthcare for a paltry sum of N500, has been extended to 110, 000 beneficiaries and adjudged as one of the most successful by the United Nations, UN. In the same vein, medical equipment was distributed to all Government hospitals as well as MDG equipment to 13 General Hospitals and 43 primary health care centres across the state.

In 2014, five General Hospitals in Share, Omu-Aran, Offa and Kaiama, were renovated and equipped with state-of-theart facilities.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 31

Oke-Afa in Isolo, reputed to be the largest of such estates.

In all, he built more than 30,000 of such housing units, and almost overnight transformed the outliers of Lagos city into fully-developed urban dwellings. It is on record that many proud home-woners of today were beneficiaries of the Jakande housing “revolution,” a feat that remains unparalled by succeeding administrations in the state.

Jakande also left indelible footprints in the transportation sector of Lagos State, with the establishment of the Lagos State Transport Corporation, LSTC. In particular, he introduced a “SCHOLARS” programme, by which the corporation moved school children from their streets to their schools and back.

Perhaps what would have been his major achievement of all time was the conception and execution of the Lagos Metroline Project, whose foundation was laid in 1983 by then President Shehu Shagari (recently deceased).

Conception and execution of the Lagos Metroline Project

•Alhaji Lateef Jakande...conceived and executed the Lagos Metroline project

JAKANDE: The titan that took Lagos to modernity

By Adekunle Adekoya, Deputy Editor

F

ONDLY called Baba Kekere, he was the governor of Lagos State elected in the “Class of 79” Governors of the Second Republic, under the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, founded by the late sage and nationalist, Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo.

Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, also called LKJ was, as governor, contemporary of the likes of Alhaji Balarabe Musa of Kaduna State, Jim Nwobodo of Anambra State, Sam Mbakwe of Imo State, and back home in the South-West, he had the late Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun State, Ambrose Alli of the defunct Bendel State, Bola Ige of old Oyo State and Adekunle Ajasin of old Ondo State as political actors and state governors.

Apart from Jakande, the other surviving members of that Class 79 of governors are Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Chief Jim Nwobodo.

Transition to civil rule Originally a journalist, LKJ joined the Daily Service in 1949, and later in 1953, moved to the Nigerian Tribune, earlier established in 1949 by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He became the paper’s editorin-chief in 1956, and left its services in 1975, after which he set up his own publishing outfit, John West Publications.

On September 21, 1978, the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo lifted the ban on partisan politics and announced a transition to civil rule, which was to be concluded October 1, 1979 with the inauguration of a civilian president.

Day after, on September 22, 1978, Chief Obafemi Awolowo at a press conference announced the birthing of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, and as politicking unfolded, Alhaji Lateef Jakande emerged

the governorship candidate of the UPN in Lagos State.

Running against Adeniran Ogunsanya of Nigerian People's Party, NPP, and Sultan Ladega Adeniji-Adele of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, he went on to win the election, and was sworn-in on October 1, 1979.

After swearing-in, Jakande literally hit the ground running, and the first areas where he made tremendous impact were in the areas of education, housing, health, and rural development, which were also the cardinal programmes of the the defunct UPN. Before Jakande became governor, classrooms were in such shortage in Lagos schools that children went to school in shifts - morning and afternoon. It was a regular sight before 1980 to see children just resuming school at 2.00 p.m. and closing by 6.00p.m., while their luckier peers had forgotten about the day’s schooling in other states.

To tackle the problem, Jakande, within five months, built 11,729 classrooms and abolished the shift system of school attendance. By the time he left office in 1983, he had built more than 22,000 classrooms and ensured that no more than 40 students were in a class, all the while raising overall enrolment.

Overall enrolment Added to that was the establishment of the Lagos State University, LASU, to address admission denials to indigenes of Lagos State.

Perhaps the area in which Jakande impacted most on the lives of Lagosians was in housing. Jakande developed what he called Low-Cost Housing Estates in various parts of the state like Ikorodu, Badagry, Iba, Surulere, Epe, Abesan in Ipaja, Iponri, Ijaiye, Dolphin, Amuwo-Odofin, including

The project, whose first phase would have been completed in 1984 at a cost of N510 million was truncated on the orders of the military government that aborted the 2nd Republic. The state is still struggling, 35 years after, to develop a metro system.

He also paid attention to water transportation by acquiring two ferries which he christened MV Baba Kekere and MV Ita Faji. Both ferries plied the Mile 2 - CMS route via the lagoon. Jakande was the governor that had canals dug all over Lagos to de-flood the city, which lies below sea level.

That is not all. Jako, as he was also fondly called, was said to have worked from 7.00a.m till midnight everyday, arriving home at 1.00a.m, only to get back to his office again by 7.00a.m. He worked so hard he was able to achieve so much within four What would years and three have been his months, from October 1979 to major December 31, achievement of 1983. He is on record as the all time was the governor that conception and established LTV, execution of the Lagos Television, Lagos Metroline Radio Lagos, and moved the state Project, whose secretariat to its present site at foundation was Alausa from the laid in 1983 by old one at Oba Akinjobi Road in then President the GRA. Shehu Shagari In the health sector, Jako built general hospitals all over the state and provided free health care in line with the programmes of the UPN. Other unknown achievements of Jakande as governor of Lagos State include the construction and expansion of the Adiyan and Iju Water Works to provide potable water to Lagosians, and perhaps very important, the establishment of a scrap yard with the purchase of car crushing equipment which could dispose of 45 derelict vehicles daily then. Today, derelict vehicles litter the entire state.

Even traditional medical practitioners will not forget Jakande as he established the Traditional Medicine Board, while those in the rural areas will remember him for setting up the Rural Electrification Board.

These, and more that cannot be captured here, are the highlights of the achievements of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, which commend him as a Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Awardee.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Chief Mrs Fowler: The silent achiever

By Funmi Ajumobi

F

OR Chief (Mrs) Leila Fowler, it is true that the roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become. Many people may know her as an educationist who owns private educational institutions like many others.

Vanguard, however, looked beyond her establishment of educational institutions to select her for the Personality Of the Year Award. The choice of this silent achiever that can be best described as a virtuous woman, is best explained in the Bible book of Proverbs 31:29, which states that “many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

This indeed is the success story of a humble but noble woman who had trod many paths before becoming an educationist. Chief Leila was first a nurse, then a lawyer, a leader and moved on to become an educationist.

Promotion of womanhood Her many parts are woven around integrity, selflessness, hard work and a desire to leave a legacy behind for the younger generations of women and children in particular and Nigerians in general.

In her vision to integrate and promote womanhood into the topmost heights in all aspects of human endeavour, Leila •Chief popularly called Mama, established Vivian Fowler Memorial College for girls in 1991 with the vision to foster a high standard of education. The school also sought to inculcate in the girls the spirit of excellence and perfection in their academic pursuit, equip the girls for leadership roles, have respect for the dignity of womanhood and labour and to function as unique and respectable wives and mothers in the society.

A woman of Leila Fowler's many parts •Chief Mrs impressive Leila was for many years an output changed e x e c u t i v e J. O. B. member of the Nigerian Bar Omotosho's A s s o c i a t i o n , perception Executive member of about female Nigeria Red lawyers as she Cross. received several • M e m b e r, Board of accolades from Trustees of the her employers National Young W o m e n Christian Association.

•Member of FIFA Organising Committee for Lagos and Ogun states.

•Member of the Social Democratic Party’s Presidential Elections Petition Panel.

•Member of the Eminent Persons Group for the June 12 Presidential Elections and aftermath.

Educational Background Leila, born in Lagos on March 23, 1933

Mrs. Leila Fowler...lover of youth and education started school at CMS Girls School in Lagos, but later completed her education at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha.

Armed with a Senior Cambridge Certificate, she headed for Ibadan where she taught briefly at St Teresa’s College, one of the choice careers of those days.

She was a pioneer student of the School of Nursing under the aegis of St Thomas University Teaching Hospital, London.

Unfortunately, soft-hearted Leila could not handle the emotional pressure of the medical environment.

She quit, got married to her husband, Dr.Wenslay Vidal Fowler who was a medical consultant at the General Hospital, Lagos, in 1953 and had three children in succession.

Impressive output As every door is a door of opportunity for the optimist mind, Leila took advantage of her husband's travel to England to study law at the Middle Temple. She qualified in 1961 and was called to the English Bar in 1962. In the same year, she obtained a Diploma in International Affairs from the University of London and returned to Nigeria in 1963 to enroll at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Work Experience Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler joined the Chambers of the popular socialist lawyer, Messrs J.O.B. Omotosho and Co, who initially did not believe in the ability of women to excel in law.

But her impressive output changed his perception about female lawyers as she

received several accolades from her employers. Leila also worked briefly in the chambers of John Bentley & Co in Lagos before she decided to establish her own chamber at 150, Broad Street, Central Lagos. She engaged in general practice, particularly in insurance claims and was later retained as an executive consultant to the Lion of Africa Insurance.

Educational standard Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler also served as a solicitor to the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation. Between 1978 and 1980, she was a Councillor in the Lagos City Council where she served with such personalities as Alhaji H.A.B. Fasinro and Madam Abibatu Mogaji.

She was conferred with the traditional title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, the late Oba of Lagos.

As a lover of youth and education, Leila was invited to serve in the Corona Schools Trust Council where she put in a total of 25 years. Eight of those years as the Chairman of Education, and seven as the Chairman of the council.

There she raised the school's educational standard and ensured that examination standards in all Corona schools were uniform. Her experiences of the Corona years reinforced her interest in education and encouraged her determination to make her own school a model.

We present to you, Chief Leila Fowler as Vanguard’s Personality of the Year in the Lifetime Achievement Award category.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 33

ABDUL RAZAQ: The statesman as symbol of unity

By Charles Kumolu, Deputy Features Editor

V

IRTUALLY every aspect of his life is phenomenal. Each area presents an interesting symbolism about certain key ingredients that make Nigeria work.

You won't have the knowledge of his origin, school days and professional sojourn, without describing him as a "complete'' Nigerian. Permit the use of such phrase, but Alhaji Folorunso Abdulrazaq qualifies as one.

His birth in Onitsha, South-East; secondary school days in Buguma, SouthSouth; University days in Ibadan, SouthWest; early professional practice in Kaduna, North-West; and residency in Lagos, place him in a distinguished class of Nigerians.

He speaks Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba fluently.

With such a background in a nation divided along ethnic and religious lines, the Illorin-born statesman qualifies as a unifying symbol. But these are not just all about this great man or the only reasons Vanguard found him a worthy recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award.

Specific roles Since being admitted as the first set of students into the then University College, Ibadan, he has remained a numero uno in most of his feats. With his call to the bar in February 1955, Abdul Razaq emerged as the first lawyer in Northern Nigeria.

At independence in 1960, he became the first National Legal Adviser of defunct Northern People’s Congress, NPC. In this capacity, he was among the few First Republic politicians who handed over power to the military after the assassination of Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in the January 1966 coup.

In an interview To most monitored on N i g e r i a people Te l e v i s i o n Authority, conversant NTA, by this with the writer more than a decade history of that ago, the elder era, he was the statesman specified the nerve centre of roles he the Northern played during t h o s e delegations, tumultuous given his days of January 1966 oratorical when there was a vacuum skills and in governance knowledge as following the coup. a lawyer Particularly, he narrated how he recorded the minutes of the meeting of a few cabinet members, who courageously attended a meeting where power was handed over to the late MajorGeneral Aguiyi Ironsi. The jurist is also the first Ilorin indigene to serve as a Federal Minister. He was the first Commissioner of Finance in Kwara State.

Numero uno He was the first person to establish a private secondary school in the state and was also the first Northerner to be given a substantive appointment as a High Court Judge in 1968, but he didn't accept the offer.

•Alhaji Folorunsho Abdul Razaq...proud emblem of the legal profession The elder statesman, who turned 91 last November, is a nationalist, whose belief in Nigeria is evident in the various positions he had taken on key national issues.

As part of Northern Nigeria delegation, he was active in various national and international engagements for Nigeria's independence.

To most people conversant with the history of that era, he was the nerve centre of the Northern delegations, given his oratorical skills and knowledge as a lawyer.

His public service journey which began in 1957, saw him holding important positions that ensured that he contributed to the growth of many spheres of Nigeria's existence.

For many decades, he made inputs into the legal profession in many areas. He is noted to have been the brain behind a treatise in Hausa, entitled Dan Adam Da Sharia, which is adjudged a landmark piece.

Proud emblem of the legal profession Little wonder, a legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, in a tribute during Abdul Razaq's 90th birthday, described the Ilorinborn jurist as "a legal icon, who epitomises simplicity, humility, humanity and integrity."

Afe Babalola further eulogised him thus: "Those of us who have been privileged to observe him at close quarters, can testify to the fact that he would never compromise on the truth in his avowed commitment towards entrenching a just and egalitarian society, no matter whose ox is gored.

"He is a role model par excellence and a proud emblem of the legal profession.

"Abdul Razaq is a quintessential gentleman who believes in Nigeria’s possibilities, a patriot who has invested, and continues to invest his enormous intellect and resources in the quest for a better

Nigeria, and he does this with civility. I have known him to be a distinguished and quiet worker, not given to the loud noise of many of his compatriots. What a thoroughly civilised and complete gentleman."

Nation-building accomplishments In the light of these nation-building accomplishments and others, Vanguard found him suitable of recognition.

A graduate of Trinity College, University of Dublin, he holds a BA Hons, LLB, MA, and H.Dip-Educ.

He attended the Kalabari National College, Buguma, and Africa College, Onitsha, alongside Prof Ben Nwuabueze, SAN.

First private secondary school He has been a Life Bencher since 1971 and was the Chairman of the Body of Benchers in 1984.

He was a member of the House of Representatives, 1964-1966, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, 1962-1964, Federal Minister of State for Railways, 1965-1966, and the first Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, and later, Health and Social Welfare, 1967-72.

He is the proprietor of the first private secondary school in Kwara State, Ilorin College, Ilorin, ICI. Since 1995, he has been a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and was the President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (2000-2003).

He holds the titles, Tafida of Zaria and Mutawali of Ilorin.

In Ivory Coast, the elder statesman was honoured as Grande Officer De La Ordre National De Cote d’Ivoire, while in Nigeria he is an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

•Erelu Abiola Dosumu...woman of fashion and style

ERELU DOSUNMU: A voice for the recognition of indigenous Lagosians

By Yetunde Arebi, Deputy Woman Editor

H

RH Erelu (Dr.) Chevalier Abiola Dosunmu needs very little introduction, especially in Nigeria's social circles.

Her stylish, brilliant white attires and the famous title, Erelu Kuti of Lagos, speaks volumes of her pedigree and status as top notch crème de la crème of the Lagos ruling class and social circles. Many simply describe her as a socialite. But there is quite more to this woman of high breed and integrity personified which has earned her a place in the prestigious roll call of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards 2018 in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Born in Kano on July 29, 1947, into the royal family of Prince Adewunmi and Adejoke Dosunmu of Lagos Island, Abiola Dosunmu is the fourth Erelu Kuti of Lagos. She serves as the ceremonial queen mother, and reigns as regent of Lagos upon the death of an incumbent monarch until a substantive successor is chosen by the college of kingmakers. She has reigned for over 45 years and holds a position that only princesses from the ruling houses can attain.

An astute and accomplished business woman with interests in oil and gas, real estate, and agricultural industries among

others, she studied business administration in London.

In the petroleum industry, Erelu, as one of the few early Nigerians in the business, achieved some significant feats to the benefit of the nation. In the same vein, she revolutionized the traditional aso oke business to become a multi-billion dollar industry it is today.

She was the first to introduce the weaving of the Aso-Oke in brilliant colours which quickly became a trend back in the 60s and 70s, selling as far as the Middle East. With a shop on the famous Bond Street in London, Abiola Dosunmu promoted the culture of the Yoruba race and indeed Nigeria, through the Aso-Oke. Her beautiful designs and exotic taste for perfection earned her the contract of decorating the Nigerian Embassy in London.

The Erelu, a fashion trend comprising a skirt and short agbada worn by women in the 80s and early 90s, is also credited to Abiola Dosunmu.

A strong advocate for the recognition, restoration and reward for the indigenous people of Lagos, young Abiola facilitated the upward review of salaries of white cap chiefs in Lagos and helped raise their bar from N6,000 to N20,000. To further her contribution to the society, Erelu Abiola

Dosunmu set up a foundation, Erele Abiola Foundation, ERAF, which is specially designed for promoting commerce, art, science, sport, culture, education, research, charity, poverty alleviation and other similar goals.

Through ERAF, the queen mother is actively involved in the rehabilitation of street children and school dropouts, a disturbing phenomenon in urban development of Lagos. She also offers free skills training and vocational education projects as well as rehabilitation of drug addicts.

Her emerging project, The Valley of the Kings, is a monumental museum to warehouse the history of Lagos and the kings who have ruled her to date. It is Erelu's belief that this project will further help to preserve the rich culture and history of Lagos and a guide to future generations.

A great visioner, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu authored and proposed to the Federal Government the project 'National Pride Cohesion Commission' which metamorphosed into project 'HEART OF AFRICA' later, 'REBRANDING' which is currently domiciled under National Orientation under the Abiola Ministry of InDosunmu has formation and continued to Culture.

Erelu belongs campaign for to several the socio-economic organisations recognition, which include restoration and African Busin e s s reward for Roundtable, indigenous ABR, where she serves as the Lagosians C u l t u r a l Ambassador for the African Continent. A founding member of NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, NBGN, Erelu was in fact, selected at inauguration in 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

She has equally served as member of various committees both at state and national levels. She is a member and coordinating chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers and Eminent Persons for Good Governance in Nigeria.

For her achievements in the diplomatic arena spanning almost 30 years, she was bestowed with the national honour of the Royal Kingdom of Belgium. She equally received the Apostolic Blessing on the occasion of her 70th birthday in 2017 from The Holy Father, Pope Francis. Vanguard is proud to present to you, HRH Erelu (Dr.) Chevalier Abiola Dosunmu for the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 35

Lt General Alani Akinrinade: In celebration of a soldier-activist

By Mike Ebonugwo, Features Editor

I

F it is possible one could conveniently describe General Julius Alani Ipoola Akinrinade as a soldier by birth and inclination, to borrow the words of Nigeria’s literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka.

But no one is born a soldier; you become a soldier either by voluntary enlistment or conscription. For Akinrinade, the former was the case. But he certainly was no ordinary, run of the mill soldier; he was a soldier who saw a lot of combat action and lived to tell the scary tales of it all.

It was a story that began when he joined the Nigerian Army in 1960. And from the rookie that emerged from cadet school he subsequently passed through several ranks to attain the rank of Lieutenant General. He had as his companions on the day he joined distinguished officers •General Alani Akinrinade...still active in the renewed quest for reform and restructuring we know today as Colonel to lead a third attempt, he refused and of Niger Feeds and Agriculture Sule Apollo, Brigadier General Samuel left in protest.

Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, Major General Operations between1982 and 1985. He His next posting was the Third Marine later served as Minister of Agriculture, Emmanuel Olumuyiwa Abisoye, Brigadier Commando Division under Col. Benjamin Water Resources and Rural Development General Alabi-Isama, Colonel Ben Gbulie, Adekunle and later Col. Olusegun between 1985 and 1986, Minister of General Yakubu Theophilus Danjuma, Obasanjo. From commanding the 15 Industries (1988 - February 1989) and Major General Martins Adamu, Lt-Colonel Brigade in Bonny, Akinrinade became Minister of Transport in 1989.

Ayo Ariyo, Brigadier Pius Eromobor, Commander, Sector Two from where he led Brigadier Ignatius Obeya, Brigadier Though retired from military duties, operations in Aba and Owerri. His exploits events were to later prove that his soldierly General Femi David Bamigboye and and experiences are story materials from instincts were very much in place, waiting Colonel Simon Uwakwe Ihedigbo. which blockbuster war movies are made, to be activated. It took the cancellation, by But it would appear that destiny had his especially given the accounts of his many the General Ibrahim Babangida military career path cut out for him as a man of close shaves with death. But happily he regime, of the June 12, 1993 presidential history. Perhaps to illustrate this is an survived all the near-death encounters, election widely believed to have been won interesting and indeed engaging story told came back stronger and emerged from the by the late Chief MKO Abiola to trigger it by Emeka war as General Staff Officer, GSO, One, of into action. The refusal of that regime and Obasi about the Division with some of the Brigade the one led by the late General Sani Abacha this man who commanders under his control as Majors to re-validate Abiola’s mandate led to the Though an through the George Innih, Philemon Shande and Sam formation of a pro-democracy pressure circumstance elderly Tomoye. group known as the National Democratic and accident of From here he continued his steady rise Coalition, NADECO. his soldierly statesman, he is through the ranks which began with his calling became still very active being promoted Lieutenant on March 29, Re-validation of one of the 1963; then Captain on March 29, 1965; Abiola’s mandate p r i n c i p a l in the renewed Major on June 10, 1967; Lieutenant Colonel actors in the quest reform on May 11, 1968; Colonel on October 1, leadership General Akinrinade did not hesitate in 1972; Brigadier-General on October 1, 1974 identifying with the group and became a s u c c e s s i o n and restructure and Major General on January 1, 1976. struggles that leading light in its struggle against the broke out in Nigeria Abacha regime. Indeed, using NADECO Distinguished the First as a platform, Akinrinade, Asiwaju Bola honour Republic, Ahmed Tinubu, the late Enahoro, Wole culminating in Soyinka, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and several Within these periods, he held various others, mounted and sustained a campaign a civil strife infantry appointments, including serving that forced IBB to step aside and practically that almost put as Commander of the Ibadan Garrison crippled the Abacha junta, leading to its paid to (1970–1971) and GOC of 1 Infantry Division eventual demise.

Nigeria’s emergent, if not fledgling, (1975–1979). And between 1975 and 1979, Though an elderly statesman, he is still nationhood. he was a member of the Supreme Military very active in the renewed quest reform According to the story, Akinrinade who Council during the military regimes of and restructure Nigeria. And by so doing, was a Lieutenant Colonel when the civil Generals Murtala Mohammed and General Akinrinade maintains his status a war broke out soon found himself in the Olusegun Obasanjo. He was promoted to national leader who can be counted upon thick of some of the bloodiest battles fought Lieutenant General on October 2, 1979 and to lend a credible voice to issues that will at different fronts. He was Commanding appointed Chief of Army Staff. The promote peace and development in the Officer, CO, Sixth Brigade of Nigeria promotion did not stop there. In 1980 he country; he remains a prominent Yoruba Army’s Second Division under Colonel had the distinguished honour of being leader who speaks truth to power, especially Murtala Muhammed. His tour of duty appointed the first Chief of Defence Staff when the interest of his people are during the war took him from Ifon, Sobe to during the Second Republic civilian threatened. the Mid West to the Eastern Region. But administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari. But And having served his country with particularly remarkable was the attempt by

by October 2, 1981, he voluntarily retired nationalistic dedication, almost paying the Nigerian troops under different from service. supreme price in the process, Vanguard commanders to cross the Niger Bridge on The period following his retirement recognises Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade as two occasions which ended in disaster. Not opened another important chapter in his a hero worthy to be celebrated, hence his satisfied with the development, especially life. It is a chapter that features his inclusion in the eminent list of Vanguard the high casualty to troops, Lt. Col. engagement in large-scale farming which Personality of the Year Awards 2018 in Akinrinade was said to have challenged paved the way for him to become chairman the Lifetime Achievement category. .

Murtala’s tactics. So when he was asked

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

A

By Morenike Taire

S a well cut blue diamond glitters from many facets, so does the Igba of Warri (Irojowo), Chief Rita LoriOgbebor. Best known as an entrepreneur; founder, owner and CEO of the famous RitaLori Hotels in Lagos, Abuja and Delta, Lori Ogbebor ’s business interests actually span shipping, agriculture and real estate.

Unknown to many, however, the young Rita Lori who is today a household name and an institution, began her phenomenal work life as a Broadcast Journalist, a tag of which she remains immensely proud.

It is to this relatively short stint in journalism, as the first female Director of Programmes at the then Nigerian Television Service, NTS, during the Nigerian Civil War, that she attributes her devotion to social justice, human rights and activism in later life.

An unabashed nationalist, it was at this point also that she formed the patriotic fervour that informed her belief in the indivisibility of the sovereign nation, Nigeria. This has nonetheless not detracted her from her unequivocal devotion to the progress of her native Delta State where she continues to agitate tirelessly for the upliftment of the downtrodden and the disenfranchised.

Infrastructural development It is as a direct result of her agitations that the Delta State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, was established •Chief RitaLori-Ogbebor...stern disciplinarian, warm and caring humanitarian by the James Ibori administration in 2006, by a law that directs that 50 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation funds accruing to the state from the Federal Government as a result of its oil exploration activities in the region, be employed to fast track human and infrastructural development in Chief Rita fought many battles, using the peaceful the region.

Victor Uwaifor, Jimi Solanke and others.

Not resting on Lori-Ogebor means of litigation very often, in spite of Perhaps this exposure encouraged her to being an acclaimed organiser of people her oars, she has form a band in which she was a powerful is a and a prominent grassroots influencer. continued to vocalist.

One of the most influential Nigerians play a regulatory Her entire philosophy of life is hinged visionary, a alive, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor rejects role, albeit upon her being an Itsekiri princess, towing shrewd being tagged a politician but uses her vast informally, in the inspiring path of her great grandmother influence and goodwill to push policies fine-tuning the whose traditional title she was found businessman, that she believes would raise the standard roles and worthy to inherit. of living of her people. activities of the an avowed It is this legacy that she seeks to agency. At the preserve by holding tenaciously on to the nationalist launch of a Philosophy virtues of dignity, uprightness and social concrete jetty and a of life responsibility. construction by Fielding questions from Vanguard devotee to the commission journalists recently, Chief Lori-Ogbebor Lori-Ogbebor's uncanny ability to at her Warri social was tasked on where she gets the courage influence culture is not limited only to her community of to face powerful opponents in government native Delta. One of the first real estate justice Ajigba in Warri and the corporate world, “It’s not that I investors in the Federal Capital Territory, South Local am not afraid,”, she revealed, “but I don’t Abuja, her RitaLori Hotel in Surulere, Government of care.”

Lagos State has for half a century been a the state, she On the other side of the stern social hub where many leaders of today hailed the efforts, advising it to remain a had their leisure in their youth. disciplinarian is a warm and caring people-based interventionist agency with humanitarian, a loving mother and A prominent example is Minister for total commitment to developing the oil Power, Works and Housing; and former grandmother, as well as a hostess par and gas bearing areas of the region. excellence. Chief Rita Lori-Ogebor is a governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji This is but a tip of the iceberg of the Fashola, who said he learned how to swim visionary, a shrewd businesswoman, an myriad of interventions offered by Chief at the hotel's swimming pool. avowed nationalist and a devotee to social Lori-Ogbebor. justice.

Her journalism stint also exposed her For the ordinary and downtrodden to some of Nigeria’s most beloved peoples of her beloved state, she has musicians of the golden era: Victor Olaiya,

Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor: A woman of her people

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—37

•Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd)...made himself relevant to the Lagos landscape

Admiral Ndubisi Kanu: Service with civility

By Ochereome Nnanna

Chairman, Editorial Board

I

N 1998, two young professionals, Ogbonna Oleka and Ndubuisi Ofondu, had just finished the final draft of the authorised biography of retired Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. They took it to him for his endorsement but ran into an argument with their subject.

They had entitled the book: Power with Civility. Kanu objected to the use of the word: “power ” and told the authors he preferred “service”, as he was appointed to serve in all capacities he operated throughout his career. The authors insisted; and typical of Kanu, he let them maintain their “poetic licence” as they called it.

Power with civility Power with civility adroitly reflects the intricacy with which the Creator packaged the character, instincts and personality of Ndubuisi Kanu, allowing opposite attributes to play together to produce a unique individual.

Indeed, Kanu is a retired warrior-at-sea who occupied many command and political offices as part of his military postings but quickly civilianised himself when he retired from service. He became a firebrand, placard-carrying pro-democracy activist within the fold of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, which fought for the revalidation of the late Chief Moshood Abiola’s annulled June 12 1993 presidential mandate.

Kanu was among those who signed an ultimatum for the General Sani Abacha regime to revalidate Abiola’s mandate and hand over power to him, which brought about one of the most vicious crackdowns by a regime in peacetime Nigeria.

Admiral Kanu was NADECO’s Chairman, Action Committee, which organised and participated in protest marches and public sensitisation activities.

Some ex-military officers who were leaders

of NADECO fought shy of sticking out their necks but Kanu not only signed the petition, he participated in the protest marches that followed, even when Abiola had been hauled into detention.

When many of the NADECO leading lights started escaping into exile, Kanu was among those who stayed put and continued the agitation. He is one of those who have kept the NADECO dream alive till date. Thus, Kanu has in the past 40 years, made himself a relevant part of the L a g o s landscape, for Kanu was which he was honoured by among those a who signed an having public open space at the ultimatum for Lagos State the General Secretariat – the Ndubuisi Sani Abacha Kanu Square regime to – named after him. revalidate NADECO Abiola’s also stood (and still mandate and stands) for the hand over t o t a l restructuring power to him of the country for equity, balance and justice for all its citizens. The Admiral is also restlessly, sometimes even sacrificially, involved in the search for solutions for problems confronting individuals and groups, including those of total strangers.

Kanu holds strong opinions, but he never mislays his words or falls below the borderline of decency in canvassing them.

As a young man, he combined great academic capacities (he was the only First Class Midshipman among foreign cadets at the National Defence Academy in India and the best all-round student of the 1962 set) with fearless military action at sea

which distinguished him in India, during the civil war and when he returned to service at the Nigerian Navy.

Kanu thus disproved the fallacy that military career is for school dropouts and ne’er-dowells. He was also among the first Igbo members of the Supreme Military Council in 1976 and later, Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC, barely four years after he was reabsorbed into the Nigerian Navy after the civil war.

When seven new states were created by the late General Murtala Mohammed in 1976, Kanu was posted to the newly-created Imo State as its new Military Governor, but was transferred to Lagos as Military Governor a year later.

Kanu, who has clocked 75, has been a Maritime Consultant and the Executive Chairman of RANGK Ltd and Underwater Engineering Ltd. He is also very active within the leaderships of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ndigbo Lagos Foundation and a strong pillar in the promotion of friendship between Igbo and Yoruba. He has awarded many secondary school and university scholarships to deserving students. He is daily involved in offering and searching for job opportunities for the youth, and has contributed immensely to the development of his native community, Ovim, and his community of residence, Lagos.

Prestigious command positions The Admiral holds many chieftaincy titles, including Omere Oha of Imenyi, Ebube Mba of Isuikuwato, Ekwueme of Umuna, Orlu and Nturukpom of Ibiono Ibom in Akwa Ibom.

Born in 1943 at Enugu to the late Chief and Mrs Solomon Kanu of Ugwunta in Ovim, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia Sate, Kanu was educated at the Methodist Primary School, Enugu.

He later obtained his West African School Certificate with Grade One, joined the Navy in 1962 and achieved his Bachelor of Science, B. Sc, degree at the National Defence Academy, India.

Admiral Kanu held many prestigious command positions in the Navy, including: Flag Officer, Eastern Fleet; Chief of Personnel, Naval Headquarters; Flag Officer, Naval Training Command; Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters and Director of Logistics, Joint Operations.

Apart from actively fighting in the Biafran Navy and heading several top Nigerian naval command posts, Kanu also served in Lebanon under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. A consistent pro-democracy activist, Admiral Kanu is a lover of music and tennis and a promoter of cycling. He is a holder of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of the Abia State University and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu is one of the nation’s frontline statesmen and nationalists.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Abubakar Abdullahi: A selfless heart

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

I

T was a gamble, but one driven by a selfless act of humanity that had at that moment been deprived of essential parts around him. That was what thrust Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi into national renown.

When on the night of June 23, 2018, marauding armed herdsmen on the plateau descended on villages in Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, they were unconsciously determined to set a record in infamy.

By official accounts, about 85 persons were killed by the marauding attackers.

Unofficial accounts, however, put the number of those killed at about 350 persons.

That figure could have doubled but for the heroic action of Abdullahi, 83, the Imam of the local mosque who laid down his life to hide 350 potential victims of the attackers in the mosque and his house.

One of the survivors who hid in the mosque, Choji Davou says he owes his life to God, the Imam and his assistants for being instruments for his escape.

Davou and the others were in the mosque for four days during which the Imam fed them till help came.

Running from all directions “We were running from all directions as the Fulani people chased us; other people were running from neighbouring villages which were also under attack.

The attackers were shooting all over the place. God wanted this to Most of the h a p p e n because the people who came m o s q u e to hide were would have been the last Christians, and the place we attackers came in would have thought of large numbers, running to, shooting but as we indiscriminately; I approached the mosque, gambled with my we were just life because they s e e k i n g where to run could have to, where we attacked me could survive, and to the glory of God, the Imam allowed us to enter the mosque, and he hid us.

For the period we were there, the Muslims held their prayers outside.

“Thank God we are alive to tell the story,

•Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi...hid 350 Christians in mosque and thus saved them from death if not for him, we would have been killed.”

Imam Abdullahi, originally from Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State came to the Yelwa community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area as a young man with his late father for mining and farming activities. He later settled there; married three wives including one from the host Berom-speaking community and sired 20 children.

It was not surprising that his action in saving hundreds, mostly Christians, attracted commendation from near and wide. Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State aptly praised him for saving the country from unnecessary bloodletting.

“What he did not only saved the people of Barkin Ladi, not only Plateau State but I think the whole of this country because 300 lives is not a small number,” Governor Lalong said.

Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge de Affaires, United States Embassy in Nigeria, David Young, extolled his virtues as heroic. “This man is a challenge to all of us; think about what you do every day.

Do you take risks for peace? Would you

•Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong (l), commending Imam Abubakar

•Plateau State put your life on the line to protect people from other communities,” the US diplomat had said.

Explaining his action, Imam Abdullahi had said: “I hid the women in my house, and after that, I took the men into the mosque and hid them there, the assailants caught up with me and demanded that I bring out the Christians among the people, but I told them that everyone with me is a Muslim, so they left and continued the killing elsewhere.

“Most of the people who came to hide were Christians, and the attackers came in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately.

I gambled with my life because they could have attacked me. I fell because of the confusion, but when they saw that I am an old man, they left me and went their way. I have never experienced such a terrible situation.”

Imam Abubakar has been severally lauded for his humanity and the risk he took to safeguard hundreds of lives. His example remains a sterling motivation to the millions of Nigerians who espouse that old rhyme that neither tongue nor tribe shall divide Africa’s largest nation.

For his exemplary demonstration of kindness, Mallam Abubakar Abdullahi gets Vanguard’s Award for Humanitarian Service.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 39

•High Chief Olu Benson Lulu Briggs.....unrelentingly committed to developmental issues in the Niger Delta

CHIEF LULU BRIGGS: Philanthropist with deep passion for development

By Udo Ibuot, Awards Editor

H

IGH Chief Olu Benson Lulu Briggs, OON, grew up in Abonema, in Akoku Toru local government area, where he was born, and Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Years later he became well known as a man who was always at the side of those in need. Obviously in acknowledgement and appreciation of his role in this regard, Opuda, as he is popularly called, was conferred with the traditional title of Iniikeiroari V of Kalabari kingdom.

Born on May 22, 1930 in Abonema, he lost his father at an early age and had to struggle to remain in school because of inadequate resources to continue with his education. This apparently shaped his humanitarian inclinations when he grew up. He was defined more by his philanthropy than by his other contributions to the nation, though he was also a statesman, business mogul and founder of an oil exploration firm, the Moni Pulo Limited.

Forbes Magazine had in 2012 rated the high chief as one of the ten richest Nigerians with an estimated net worth of $500million in cash and total assets of $1.1billion. The high chief established Moni Pulo Limited, as an oil exploration and production company at a time the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida was encouraging indigenous participation in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. The company was awarded its first oil bloc in 1992, with its flagship project, OML 114, producing 10,000 barrels per day. The company has since operated other blocs in Ondo, Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

On his motivation in floating Moni Pulo in 1992, Lulu Briggs stated: “From inception, my focus was to establish and operate a viable

business concern, an organisation that would operate according to the highest and best global standards of operation.” He added, however, that the firm benchmarked its operations with multinational oil exploration companies and did not cut corners right from the beginning. The company first struck oil on March 7, 1999, after years of planning and preparation. Thus growing from OML 114, the company acquired more assets such as OPL 234, OPL 239 and is His endeavours in m a k i n g s i g n i f i c a n t philanthropy and progress in deep passion for OPL 231.

He built his the development of p h i l o s o p h y not only the Niger around the desire to help Delta but equally those who the Nigerian nation w e r e absolutely in marked him out for need because recognition of his belief that the true worth of man was measured not by his wealth but by the way he treated those who were absolutely in need.

It is probable that Lulu Briggs’ humble beginnings influenced his desire to support those in need. His foundation, the O. B. Lulu Briggs Foundation has been used to touch the lives of several needy persons. It started with a Care for Life programme which provides daily attention and care to the aged and sick ones in rural communities of Abonema. The Foundation offers food and medication to these aged ones as long as they lived. It also organises medical outreaches during which more than 4,000 people have been treated.

In 2013, the Foundation built and donated two blocks of sanitary facilities along with

potable water outlets to inmates of the Port Harcourt Maximum Prison. The facility, it said, was provided to assist in rehabilitating those who might have violated the rule of law and thus help to provide the corrective objectives of the government. Last year, the foundation also met the needs of 57 law students of Rivers State origin by providing financial support of N120,000 each and brand new HP laptops to them.

On the political front, the high chief served as vice chairman of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, between 1979 and 1983. He also was unrelentingly committed to the developmental issues of the Niger Delta geopolitical zone. Not only was he focused on doing things right in the region, he continued to seek relevance in the way the political authorities in his home state, Rivers, and the Federal Government evolved policies that lead to the development of the geopolitical region. He was even attacked on his way to Abonema to reconcile his chiefs following chieftaincy crisis in the area.

Before his death in a London hospital on Friday, December 28, 2018, he was admitted to a London hospital for an infection, following his travail with Parkinson disease for some time. This condition, however, did not reduce his penchant for philanthropy as he continued to dole out scholarships to students and provide humanitarian services to people in rural communities. Using his foundation, the O. B. Lulu Briggs Foundation, he also ensured that clean water was provided to rural communities in his home state.

His endeavours in philanthropy and deep passion for the development of not only the Niger Delta but equally the Nigerian nation marked him out for recognition. These were some of the factors that moved Vanguard Editors to nominate him for the Vanguard Personality of the Year award in the Lifetime Achievement category.

40 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 41

Gov Okowa reveals secrets of his success in Delta

programme, the first set of teachers, about 1,400 I am told are being trained for a period of two weeks.

“Why we want to have a fully established centre for that is that we want a situation where we will be able to roll our teachers for training, and after about six months, we return the first set back for another set to go and with time, we will start seeing the positive •Our area of biggest impact is in the riverine change in the •Our plans for Asaba, Warri , other parts of education sector. We are doing this because Delta we are getting worried about the quality of •Herdsmen turning more dangerous, FG education. I think should initiate strategy to stop menace Kaduna State is also thinking in that •Henceforth, no approval for new school direction. For us, we without sports facility think that it is very important because Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, once the teacher gets its whose administration eminent personalities, within wrong, we would have got the whole human and outside the state, have given a pass mark, beings and the direction especially for his road construction efforts and totally wrong.” creation of jobs for youths, has opened up on the Managing the secrets of his success. diversity in Delta The governor, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard He agrees that managing Delta State Editors at the Government House, Asaba, at the is not a tea party presentation of a letter conveying his award as because of its diversity.

Governor of the Year, also said that his biggest impact •Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ...Vanguard is loved because of the quality of news it carries His views, “In the first was taking development to the riverine areas of the instance, the nature of state, saying that meeting the yearnings of the people the state is that we experiences and other things, and Issele-Uku. actually know that Delta State is a gives him immeasurable joy. thereafter; you get your starter “Having turned it around, mini-Nigeria and rather than tearpacks.” providing new equipment, we He noted, “At this stage, the work refurbished those that are still usable. ing ourselves apart, the real thing is them off the streets, how are we going

By Emma Amaize, Southof the chief job creation officer and We are beginning to retrain the that the people must trust themselves.

South Editor and Festus Ahon to proceed to do it, is just throwing his team is not done, but we now teachers and realized that to keep Once they do not trust themselves, out starter packs to them; they will they cannot come together. But KOWA, popularly known as just walk across the road and sell it, follow up with the Directorate of the students, we have to run effective, somehow, a lot of factors have played Monitoring and Mentoring team. focused entrepreneurial “Road Master” attributed the we now realized that it was not the in that have tended to bring the exultant story of his government to a right way to go. So the first thing that These are the ones that interface with programmes and the technical people together. them, they begin to find out what your programmes become an addition. well-articulated policy we needed to do having realized that “In the political aspect, the trust encapsulated in his admired job creation was important, was to problems are and how do we find We have been able to marry some of was not there, but somehow, the the solutions. these things and they are doing very SMART programme with a high- set up a team several months well They also do a critique of the well now. I give you an example, the governorship moved from Delta quality team engineering the course before the elections. processes followed at the time of Sapele Technical College, quoted Central to Delta South and it came of action and his Town Hall meetings “We had a team working and after to Delta North, it was not easy, but with the people, which has opened the primaries, we kicked off the team training these people, so apart from formally for construction of school the hand of God made it happen, so attending to the people themselves, benches and their jobs are better than in that case, you now find that we are his eyes to what the people truly with a lot of people and we decided want, not what government wants to that these were the things to do to get you find out that the team goes round most of these companies. The build- becoming equitable, we are visiting the various centres where ing department of Ofagbe Technido for them. things right. We decided that we are beginning to respect each other.

Smart stands for Strategic wealth going to have a chief job creation these people are trained to discuss, cal College did bid for building of asking questions to be sure that houses and had constructed houses creation project and provision of jobs officer and we went out to bring a Political for all Deltans; Meaningful peace professor from University of Nigeria, everyone that passes through the on their own. programme actually has a plan.

“We are also making our technical aspect building platform aimed at political/ Nsukka to run the programme. And colleges and polytechnics drive social stability; Agricultural reform when we started, we needed even if it “But I also came in at a point in along entrepreneurial skills. If you and accelerated industrialization; is a short programme on mindset Vocational training go to Ozoro Polytechnic, they built a time where I did realize that the Relevant health and education beautiful 14,000-seater stadium people across the three senatorial policies; and Transformed “So, the programme is well solely by direct labour, it is one of the districts with the different ethnic environment though urban renewal. structured and monitored. best medium-size stadiums that we groups actually trusted you and What propels my SMART Everybody checks each other and we have in this country. They built it by voted for you. That in itself is respect programme We are find that it is succeeding for us. We themselves at low cost; it cost them from the people and I knew that I As you would expect, he was at thank God for that and that is just an about N790 million. If that thing was need to work with all being very home when one of the editors started making our aspect of it. The other aspect is done by contract, it will not be less truthful. with what drives his SMART “So from the time we started, I technical vocational training. We have than N3 billion or over N3 billion. agenda. He replied, “Actually, the first knew that the people were watching revamped about eight vocational Even the Delta State University, thing is that I have been lucky having colleges and centres, moving to about 12 and we Abraka has taken its entrepreneurial even from the first appointments we been there from the time I was local made to know whether we are created a board for it, the Board for skills a notch higher.” government council chairman to polytechnics inclusive. That was important to us, Technical and Vocational Education Secretary to State Government, the other thing is that they were also drive along run fully on its own. That board runs Why we’re retraining SSG. There are lots of policies and watching to see what happens when all the vocational centres along with teachers there are weaknesses and there are entrepreneurial the projects come and we know we the Technical Colleges. strengths and somebody has to have to reach out to everybody.

Turned around six technical understand this. skills Governor Okowa added, “The “You see, we tried to reach out to colleges “Mine has been to study the other thing that actually attracts us “In Nigeria, unfortunately, we a lot is the gap we have to fill in the everybody, but I try to let them also various policies and finding out how thought it was no longer necessary education sector. Our teachers are understand that there are certain to make things better, what actually and then everybody forgot about it, not trained, we have also asked places like Asaba, the capital for the initial intention was because if instance that has to have an edge. the intention was right and we change, preparing their minds on the but here in Delta we know it is questions, we had an Education Besides what we are trying to do, you continued to end up in a wrong way, need to depart from the past. Then necessary. By the time I came in, the Summit, very knowledgeable people must be open to the people. We had then determining what actually thereafter, you go to the theoretical six technical colleges in the state coming to talk to us and we decided to create a law for establishing the happened, is the main driver of my training, which takes you into your were in a very sorry state with low to have a Teachers Development student population. We went into Professional Centre. We hope that in Delta State Capital Development SMART programme. training in entrepreneurial skills, Agency and by creating a law, we “Yes, we know that we have to take after which we return you back to those schools and turned them another six months, we should be are not hiding anything, it was open the youths off the streets and that has Songhai Delta. It is an exclusive around, the six of them at Agbor, ready with that, but before that we for debate on the reasons why we had to be done gradually. But in taking centre where we look at your Sapele, Utagba Ogbe, Ogor, Ofagbe were able to start a retraining Continues on page 42

O

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Gov Okowa reveals secrets of his success in Delta Continues from page 41 to do it and find money to do it.

“People actually were being reached with our empowerment programmes and others, we also had to engage the traditional rulers, get everybody united and they are fully on board. We also have an advisory body, we created an advisory team made up of very eminent Deltans, who not just offer advice and when the need arises, you send them to critical places.

With all these happening with time, people began to realize that we are building a state that is one.

People’s confidence steadily returning “The language of ethnicity and diversity was no longer there, so everybody was beginning to think alright and think alike and together and I think that that confidence just gradually grows, but whatever you do as a human being, God helps you. And God has been very helpful to us. Yes, politics will still come, but essentially, we have the confidence of a lot of people that we mean well. But very important, we have got to a stage where we found that we have to go beyond us and government because the House of Assembly has the opportunity of looking at the budget, but we realized that just those in the Executive and House of Assembly were not just enough though they represent their people.

Valuable lessons from Town Hall meetings “We thought it was necessary to go on a Town Hall meeting across the state and when we visit a local government, all manner of opinions you bring them in, the labour leaders, market women, mechanic, traditional rulers, just all shades of opinion in the local government, we bring them up into the town hall and we spend the whole day talking what they feel, what they need vis a vis what we are doing and what could be done better.

“In some places, they actually offered us advice on what they feel we needed to do and where they thought we are doing enough, they told us. People took time to come and express themselves and what they want, even in the difficult times when local government workers were being owned salaries, they spoke their minds. But it is the local governments that actually owed their workers and teachers, but everything came on the state. That gave us the opportunity to explain to them the state does not pay salaries for l o c a l I think the new government councils, but secretariat is one when funds come, we were key project that we going to assist needed because and that tended to assure them. we have our “When we were going out ministries and then, I was already telling agencies in over my people that 100 different we were doing a lot on road homes construction, but we found out the demand for road construction was actually even more. And the people were able to tell us the critical roads we need to do. Some made us to understand that though the House of Assembly member for his constituency represents the people, he is subjective, that gave us a lot of ideas about how to actually take charge of next set of budgets and it impacted strongly on part of our budgeting in 2017.

“The advice that we got from the town hall meeting actually determined what we did in 2018 budget and a major part of the 2019 budget, which was recently passed. Most of what is in our 2019 budget actually came from the requests of the people. Some persons would say this is what we want, other persons would say this would be better and all that. So, it was good thing.

Getting budgets quickly passed “But how we are able to manage our funds in such circumstances, I tell people it is because we have a good team and one sits down and listen to them properly. In the State Executive Council, we discuss as colleagues, there is no question of a master-servant relationship. But what we found out is that in superior planning, you need to find out the time of the year you need to get a budget passed, the time of the year you need to start work because that is where we have had challenges generally. I do not want to criticize what the Federal Government is doing, but here in Delta, we try to get our budget passed latest December.

“In fact, it was only our first year, the 2016 budget that was passed in January, 2017, the House of Assembly passed others latest December preceding

•Governor Ifeanyi Okowa inspecting a road construction project at Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika South LGA the new budget year and like I said, we were able to do this because we started early. If you start the budgetary process early enough from August, you will be able to get to the House of Assembly by the end of October, but most times we get to the House by middle of October and during the time we are doing our preparations for the budget, the various House Committees are brought in, so the Commissioners liaise with the House Committees so that by the time the budget is actually laid, there has been an interaction over time.

“And then, it quickens the process of defence, that defence is something that has actually started earlier. Secondly, all the House members were with us through the process of the town hall meetings that we did, so they also understand that their people have made specific requests. It is not a question of what I need; it is a question of what the people of the local government have decided.”

Reason we’re doing well in road construction “Having found out what the people wanted, we are able to start construction projects, be it roads or buildings in the dry season early enough and get some milestone. Then we have also identified some big contractors, who are able to work on major roads and they know that they are not going to get their payments at once, but we will pay them and the confidence level is there. Some people know that if we say we are going to pay them in February, we will pay them, but you will not get the bulk at once.

“We have built that confidence and they know we will pay as at when we say we will pay. So, you find that as they begin to work, we go into the rainy season when they are not doing much work, we pay the backlog of what is left during the dry season, and by time you are getting to November, you prepare their mind to work because they now have sufficient fund to work and that is why we have done pretty very well in road construction and even the secretariat we are building in the state.

New secretariat to accommodate 28 ministries, depts “Yes, I think that is one key project that we needed because we have our ministries and agencies in over 100 different homes. I called them homes because they were not built like offices and we believe that we need that secretariat and it is sitting on about 50,000 square metres, it is actually going to accommodate about 28 ministries and departments. It is expected to accommodate all the ministries and departments and what will help us to coordinate governance seamlessly, so that planning has helped us and we have also monitored our projects and ensured that we have value for money.

“Contractors also are doing well because you can do your planning, if the contractors are not doing well, they mess up your planning. The Commissioner for Finance has also done so well because of the progress we have been able to make.

The contractors have such confidence that they can do a job up to 40 per cent on their own knowing that we will pay, that is good arrangement and good over watch,” he said.

Let Nigerians decide Governor Okowa is cocksure that his party has reformed well enough for Nigerians to trust it, saying, “In the first instance, I believe that where we

are today, the Peoples Democratic Party can be trusted because there have been a lot of reforms in the party. I also do know that when you are going through a journey and you get truncated, you begin to have a rethink on what to do and with the activities up to when we brought in the national executive of our party at the convention, I believe Nigerians would have seen that there is a turnaround. “ So much to be done in Asaba Speaking on the current development in Asaba, the state capital, he said, “The truth is that there is a lot to be done in Asaba, but I believe that we have started. Asaba is growing a lot, no doubt about it and the first thing we did was to direct the Asaba Capital Development Agency to provide road infrastructure, yes, some structures have been put in place, especially in the Government Reservation Area, GRA part of Asaba. There was a lot of neglect of the actual town and when I came in, we concentrated efforts in that area to feel the effect of a state capital.

“Most of the roads we constructed actually are in the traditional part of Asaba, I remembered that the first road that we actually got to do was the Cable Point Road, that was actually where they felt that oh, the road is for the poor people, some people actually asked me, why Cable Point, were you born there? But I think that the narrative has changed, the Cable Point area is now a completely changed and we have done a lot of road in core area of Asaba. We cannot really cover everywhere because we have to work within the limit of our resources.

Our plan for Asaba Airport “We had to re-award the contract for certain areas of the Asaba Airport and we have already started the process of commercializing it. We have a big runway now, the airport is put into shape, the airfield lighting system is being done, and there are still a lot of plans for development. So our intention is to get it as standard as it ought to be,” he asserted.

What we’re doing to tame Asaba flood Regarding the flooding of capital city, he stated, “From day one, however, we realized that Asaba was usually heavily flooded during the rains; I had never really observed that until I witnessed it the first year and by the second year, 2016, we started conducting test, we just did not want to start building small gutters here and there. It took nine months to do that survey and we threw it up before the Nigeria Society of Engineers and they came up with a project that can actually do water draining out of the entire town.”

“The water flows in from Okpanam, you just do not know, but Okpanam is more that a 100 metres higher than Asaba, but because you are going on a gradual plain, you do not know. And when the water comes, in fact, in 2016, the fence of Government House was brought down twice, it was then I began to know how serious it is.”

We can’t close the eyes to Warri Okowa knew we would ask him questions about the oil city of Warri and was prepared. His words, “There are still a lot of things to be done and we will continue to do the best that we can, but the issue of Warri, we are not going to ignore Warri at all. In the town hall meeting, I had the opportunity to re-assure them that we need to start things gradually, Warri is Continues on page 43

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—43

•Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (l) with former Governor James Ibori (m) and the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike at the commissioning of the storm water project in Asaba

Gov Okowa reveals secrets of his success in Delta Continues from page 42 an economic nerve centre and we cannot wish any of the two away.

“So what we are doing in Warri now, in this dry season, between now and April, a lot is going to be done on the Warri - Sapele Road. Not only that, we are already working on Ubeji Road, they are doing very well on it. The one that impacts on Itsekiri people, that is the trans-Warri road leading to OdeItsekiri, we met a huge debt profile on it, but this year, we have been able to find N3.5 billion and Setraco is moving back to site and we have to pay them gradually.

Tackling Warri flood “We also made a promise to them in the town hall meeting that we are going to deal with the issue of flooding that you also have in Asaba because there is a lot of flood in Warri. But first, we needed to undertake a study, not like things were done in the past, just doing things anyhow. That study is being done at the moment, we appointed a consultant, Itsekiri and Urhobo gave us their own nominees because these people, who are elderly have knowledge of the natural water channel and we brought them in.

Approval and award of contracts “Otherwise, without their help, it may take the consultant about two to three years to do a study because he would have to watch each rainy season to know the channel. But with what we have done now, we just need one reason to determine the course of water flow. The preliminary report is going to be submitted to me next week (second week of December). I have already been told by the consultant that we are going to have about eight different projects that will drain the whole of Warri, but there are two major ones that we must undertake first.

“That was actually the same thing in Asaba here, it was eight really, but he told us that three critical ones must be taken first. So, we will quickly get the first two storm projects in Warri as we get the report, which we have already set aside N3 billion in the 2019 budget. So, we are planning for Warri just as we plan for Asaba and the rest part of the state. I am hoping that if the report actually comes in as planned,,by January, we should be able to have the approval and contracts will be awarded so that they will have from end of January to May to work because after May, you will not be able to work.

These are projects that will span about two years for us to complete.”

FG should strategically handle herdsmen menace Concerning rampaging herdsmen in the state, the governor disclosed, “We have been trying to manage the herdsmen challenge in Delta, but it is still there. However, you do not have them as we you have in Benue state and other places because of the way we have tended to manage it working with the police. We also have two special assistants that have helped, one of them is a northerner, and

one is Delta North though from Asaba here, but brought up in the north and speaks Hausa very well. What we have tried to do is to engage these people wherever they are because the law of the land does not allow you to go into the bush and ask people to go.

“Unfortunately also, they just move into people’s farm, sometimes they engage the locals and they allow them come in, some other times, they just come in, destroy their farms and it appears to us that it is deliberate. What we intend to do is engage the leadership of Hausa community here in Delta; they are in different places and see how we can communicate because many of them stay in the bush, but they have contact with their kinsmen, who are in urban areas.

“That kind of engagement has kept us and actually one of the special assistants moved in through the engagements he had with the Hausa community here, so he relates with them to be able to relate the level of clash that we have. I just pray and hope that we are able to approach the matter from the national level, do we need to continue to allow them to roam around the way they are doing now, is that the right thing to do, many countries have built reserves for them.

“The Minister of Agriculture has constantly said that Vanguard is a there are ways and means these things paper that is can be done. We have a fast growing grass loved in Delta that can be used, so State, it has a lot why is it not possible that we are able to of readership provide funding for that purpose as the and actually we Minister has requested. These are are happy with grasses that will the quality of the regenerate themselves in a space news and of just 10 days and if we have such and we information it have water pond, carries they must not roam around and it is better for us. I think that we have to have a deliberate policy in that direction, we have to listen to the advice of the Minister of Agriculture and I think he means well, we can actually get something out of what he is saying.”

Road to becoming governor Governor Okowa sighed when he was asked to shed light on the travails he passed before his emergence, saying, “Actually, there is no doubt that I went through a very difficult election, but it is all politics. In 2015, a lot of us were in the race and it was at a time that we felt generally that to God’s glory, Delta Central has produced governor, Delta South has also produced and it should go to Delta North, but in Delta North, we were about 15 in the race in PDP. We went out there campaigning, a very tough and difficult election and God made it and I won the primaries.

“Having won the primaries, I did not think it was going to be a difficult election because the primaries were actually free and fair. When I came into government, I felt the best thing to do was to as much as possible bring all or nearly all who were involved in that primaries into government for everybody to contribute his quota and that we did very effectively. It has helped to build peace and reassurance among everybody. Initially, people came in with the question of can we trust each other but after three, six months, we saw it worked.”

No sports facility, no approval for new school On sports, he said, “Sports is very important in the development of our society, it brings peace, yes, there is entertainment, but more importantly health need, it helps the people to exercise their energy in the right direction.

Also, we are able to find talents and develop them.

As for stadium, apart from Asaba, we have not done in any other one. Ours is to find a way to put into use what is on ground. As at today, we have a lot of sporting activities taking place beyond participating in various games. “ “We have started what we call intra-school sports because we believe in catching them young, the Principal Cup is actually a football competition among secondary schools and we have 465 secondary schools in the state. We have done the first and second edition, the third edition has started and after the first edition, we now started the Headmaster Cup involving all primary schools, both public and private.

The first edition we had, over 600 primary schools participated and we hope that this time, it will cross the 1,000 mark. These are activities that we hope we grow the young ones. At times, it is from the primary schools that we identify the talents that we have, we have participated in several competitions, you are aware that the National Youths Sports Festival, we wont.”

Vanguard is a paper loved in Delta state He spoke on his nomination as Governor of the Year by Vanguard. His words, “Vanguard is a paper that is loved in Delta State, it has a lot of readership and actually we are happy with the quality of the news and information it carries. There is no doubt that a lot of people want to read your newspaper because of its quality. We are proud that you people are doing well.

“I want to appreciate Board of Editors for finding me worthy to be awarded such an honour as Governor of the Year. Yes, we set out to do what we were voted to do; obviously we had huge challenges at the beginning. I am one person that runs government in partnership with the people and the first two years was very tough, we made it known to the public and thereafter when things started improving, we also brought it to the attention of the people.

‘We did not just fold our hands, we had to go into serious planning and thank God, with the good team we have, we were still able to get things done even those a different mindset about us, I think by the third year, they realized that we have a focus and we thank God for the vision that we have.

Actually, the amount of work we have done in the state is not just what one can come and factor in everything because Delta State is diverse in nature.

Our greatest impact is in the riverine “We have been able to bring about changes here in Asaba, but for me, the greatest impact in what we are doing is the fact that we are able to take development to the riverine areas, which was something that most people did not think that we needed to do because of the difficult terrain and high cost. And we thank God for that too, because we can sit down now and boast that we have been able to construct, or reconstruct fully a 19.7 kilometre road in the riverine areas. It actually cuts across five villages from Obotobo 1, Obotobo II, Sekebolor to Yokri.

When they first told me about it, I never agreed that there was a road network in the riverine that could go 19.7 kilometers until I sent my people. In fact they told me about 15 kilometers, but when I sent my people, they actually measured it and it was 19.7 kilometers.

“The contractor has just finished the project and is waiting for commissioning. That is just one of the things we have done. You go to Burutu town in Burutu local government area, which I visited myself and I saw the excitement in the people. It may not have cost us so much, but every single road in Burutu we had to actually pave using concrete.

So when you go Burutu now, it is a place totally changed and the people are excited. We have that across in many places, Okerenkoko and Oporoza, we are doing the Ogidigben township roads and people are actually excited.”

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

We do business to prosper stakeholders — Tony Elumelu Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa, UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, emerged Vanguard Newspaper’s Personality of the Year. As a leading philanthropist in the area of entrepreneurship through the Tony Elumelu Foundation and an accomplished banker and businessman of good repute, with interests across key sectors of not just Nigerian but African economies, it became necessary to get his perspectives on the many issues that have challenged the Nigerian and African economies, as well as his perspectives on development strategies of the nations in the continent. He spoke to the team of Vanguard Business Desk including EMEKA ANAETO, the Business Editor, BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE, the Deputy Business Editor, and NKIRUKA NNOROM.

V

ANGUARD Newspaper just announced you as the Personality of the Year primarily due to your successful foray into Africa with the UBA brand as Africa’s global bank with about 17country locations in Africa and some outside Africa, how would you receive this recognition and how would you explain your motive towards the continental perspective to business?

Let me thank the publisher and the full editorial board, the management and entire staff of Vanguard Newspaper for first finding me and my team worthy of this recognition. I say, team because I am just one of many people within the Group who make my choice as an awardee possible. They should consider this not just as recognition for me as a person but for all of us and everything we do and the reason why we wake up every day to do what we are doing in the continent of Africa. So, we are indeed grateful to your organisation for appreciating our little efforts in moving the people in our continent towards the development and transformation of Africa in a manner that will bring prosperity to everyone and help alleviate poverty and uplift the overall standard of Africa. As entrepreneurs, we must believe both in the private sector and in the philanthropy spirit, the belief that entrepreneurship is one way, if not the way to help to develop our continent.

I see this award and recognition as a vote of confidence in young Africans, including young Nigerian men and women, who toil day and night to not only improve their lives but to make sure that through their efforts, people within t h e i r The most visible communities and their part of our respective geographies business is a r e banking, UBA, but empowered.

T h e we do more than philosophy t h a t banking in our encapsulates Group; we have all of this is what we call interests in the Africapitalism which is an power sector intersection between business and doing good. It is the belief that we, as the private sector, must play our own role to develop our continent through our business, through our philanthropy, through advocacy, through everything that we do.

You talked about UBA which is one of our businesses. Everything UBA does is driven by this same philosophy. We do business to prosper the shareholders, but more importantly, the overall stakeholders, the people we work with, the vendors and staff, the local communities, government and so on. We have seen that businesses built on such platforms succeed and grow. If you look at our trajectory from where we started, we started small from a distressed institution that we took over to where we are today. You talked about 17 countries, but actually, we operate in 20 African countries with about 1,000 branches across Africa. We also operate in London as a bank, we have a representative office in Paris, and we are the only African bank that is licensed and regulated in America to do banking business. We attribute all of this to Africapitalism, which is the philosophy that underpins our business and recognises the role of corporate institutions in developing the entire spectrum of our communities, from shareholders to the staff. We continue to export this philosophy to other areas of our business engagement.

Beyond banking and UBA you are doing so many other things in the Group through Heirs Holdings.

Tell us about them briefly.

Yes, the most visible part of our business is banking; UBA, but we do more than banking in our Group. We have interests in the power sector.

Through our investment in Transcorp Power, we are

•Mr. Tony Elumelu... investing to prosper stakeholders the number one producer of power in Nigeria today.

When we took over the power asset that we bought in 2013, power generation by the plant was less than 150MW per day. Today, we have the capacity to generate over 750MW on a daily basis, depending on gas supply and the transmission’s ability to pick up our generation, we do between 550MW and 680MW. This, to us, is Africapitalism in orientation and Africapitalism in action because we are making profit for our shareholders, but more importantly, we are contributing to the development of our country. We realise the importance of power to the economic development of Nigeria and the entire continent. This is one of the reasons why we decided to invest in this sector.

Investors in real estate We are also investors in real estate and hospitality.

Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the flagship hotel of Nigeria, sits within our Group’s portfolio. If you have been there in recent times, you will see our impact, we turn around assets and build them up to be viable investments.

We also operate in the area of health care because we realise that providing the best healthcare is a priority for nation-building. So, health care delivery for us is one of the ways of practising what we preach about the private sector playing its own role in the development of the continent. As private sector players, we would try in our little way to contribute and to support, both sides of the value chain. From the supply side, we are making sure that good hospitals exist and on the demand side, we are

making sure that people have access to affordable health care through our Health Insurance Business, Avon HMO, a leading health management organisation in Nigeria.

Finally, we have our philanthropic arm which is the Tony Elumelu Foundation. What we do in the Foundation is to make sure that we democratise luck, that we democratise prosperity, that we help our fellow Africans, realising that no one but us will develop Africa but us. When an African improves his life, he also improves the life of the community. We do this not because we are the most endowed; far from it. We do struggle to do what we do. We do it because we realise it is not about what you have, it is about what you are able to do with what you have, the impact you create and the legacy you leave behind.

How about the impact of UBA? Talking specifically about UBA, the bank today operates in 20 African countries, London, New York and Paris. UBA serves over 17.6 million customers, and it is still growing. The bank creates huge employment, both secondary and primary; direct and indirect employment for people. UBA has over 20,000 to 25,000 people that work directly with us across Africa, including vendors, who feed off so many things we do within our ecosystem. UBA is not just a Nigerian bank operating in this country but a pan-African bank operating in many African countries, localizing our operations in every country we operate. We are happy with what we are doing in Africa, and as I said, for UBA, it is not just about making profit, the bank identifies with all the countries and communities it operates in. It identifies with the aspirations of the people, it Continues on page 45

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—45

•UBA Group... supports small and medium scale enterprises

We do business to prosper stakeholders — Tony Elumelu Continues from page 44 identifies with the needs of the people, especially their infrastructure development needs and some other areas of their socio-development needs.

We are Africans doing business in Africa. Our drive is beyond making money, it is about helping to develop the countries. In a country like Senegal, the President will tell you that but for UBA, electricity provision in the country would have been a challenge. You go to Ghana, and UBA is actively involved in road construction.

Even in countries like Cameroon, UBA is involved in certain infrastructure and socio-development projects.

In almost every country you visit in Africa, you hear about UBA prepaid cards. Today, it •Elumelu...drive beyond making money has caught on like fire; it brings about ease in banking. For us at UBA, it is always profit, then this spreading across Africa might not about how we can improve the standard of living be the solution in the short to medium term. In the in Africa. This mantra and this mission drive long term, yes it will, but in the short to medium, no. everything we do. In the next five years, we want to We want to continue to support small businesses continue to see UBA deepen payment systems across realising that as they grow and prosper, we would Africa. We have already done quite well and will also benefit from it. continue to do more.

UBA Nigeria is still dominating the Group profit We want to continue to support the development and this leads to the question of whether the aspirations of our host countries. We want to continental strategy is really yielding profit, continue to assist with the realisation of the needs though you just said that profit is not the motive of the countries and communities that we do but profit is very important. business in across Africa. Our presence in New York, I have already mentioned that profit is not the has helped with supporting sovereign states in their sole motive. It is not the primary motive, but of national treasury to meet their financial obligations. course, we preach sustainability. You cannot do Speaking about our people, I have said this business if you are gratuitous and you don’t make before, when I was in Standard Trust Bank, one of profit from it, but it is not the principal aim. For our objectives was to develop human capital instance, let me tell you what happened when we because we realised that we were and still are in started the spread across Africa. The first country dire need of quality human capital or manpower we branched into was Ghana. When we went to in Nigeria and Africa. What I used to say back then Ghana (that was in 2005 or 2006), I said to the was that I would like to see a situation where our CEO, Ghana is our first operation outside Nigeria; institutions is able to produce leaders who become I want you to note the following points. One, as the Presidents and Governors with a private sector first Nigerian bank to go to Ghana, and given the mentality. negative perception of Nigeria at that time in In the next five years, I want to see UBA developing Ghana, (that was the peak of 419) I said, I don’t such leaders. We set up the UBA Academy for want any infraction; not one. training and development of our people. I want to So, go there and operate in a manner that will encourage some of them who are interested in public even help other Nigerian banks that may want to service to go into public service because the more set up shop in Ghana eventually, help change the professionals and private sector led and minded perception of Nigeria to a positive one. If you recall, leaders we have in policy making, the better for a bank in Nigeria had gotten approval in principle everyone in business. We want to see all of this; we to operate in Ghana, but this was later withdrawn want to continue to operate as good corporate before we went in and got an approval. At the time, citizens. it was important that we change that perception We have always operated in countries and about Nigeria, and we did. jurisdictions by abiding by the laws of the land. So, The fact that after our bank, Ghana allowed other with that, profit will come ultimately as we do all of banks to come in, (Intercontinental Bank, Zenith these things, but it is not the sole motive. We believe Bank, GTBank, FirstBank and Access Bank), attests strongly that if we do these things in this manner. It to the fact that we were good ambassadors of will lead to huge profit that will make our Nigeria in that country. Did we make money later? shareholders happy but that is not the sole and Yes, we made good money. primary motive. In fact, if we want to make more My second point was to democratise banking,

democracy is government of the people by the people and for the people. So, let’s make banking or do banking that way. It was also important to create opportunities for Ghanaians, because of the banking density, the people that had bank accounts back then were very few. I wanted us to democratise banking in Ghana. One was to spread and have branches across Ghana, which would create access. We pursued an aggressive branch strategy that gave us about 30 branches in Ghana within a short period of time. If you understand economics and business, if you have more branches, it affects your break-even. We were not able to break even for years because of this aggressive strategy. Again, it is always about our long-term approach to doing business.

The third thing I said is that, we were the first bank in Ghana, in fact, we were the first bank in the whole of Africa to open bank accounts with zero balances. And the fourth thing I said was to pursue customer service; Cut no corners, just customer service and UBA Ghana on record for the first five years did not make any profit but when profit started coming, we were making about $5 million, $7 million a month but that is long term. So, we pursued customer satisfaction through customer service. We pursued the democratisation of banking services, access to banking services, and we ensured that our corporate reputation and regulatory compliance were not compromised. These are not objectives that give immediate profit but they give you long term profit and sustainability. So, when I say that profit is not our primary motive or main purpose that is not to say that we don’t want to make profit but you put that first and other things will follow.

UBA has about 13 ‘firsts’ attributed to it. For example, UBA was the first bank to have a foundation, first bank to launch a cheque deposit ATM, another first is the Leo chat box. What is behind these feats? How much of such innovations should we expect in the next five years?

First, we believe we have a reputation in the market place as turnaround managers. We believe we have a reputation for growing value to shareholders, and when it is all about growing value for stakeholders, your customers, your shareholders and non-shareholders, you always have to keep thinking of the Our presence in ‘how’. I said to s o m e o n e New York, has yesterday, I have not actually had helped with a Christmas supporting holiday because my people and I sovereign states have been thinking about in their national ‘what’s next’; how treasury to meet can we make our mission come their financial through and obligations deepen it because the marketplace keeps changing; it is dynamic, and the last thing you want to do is to become static.

When you become static, you become like those companies you said you used to hear about, and especially in a marketplace like this. When value creation is at the core of what you do, it leads to a lot of innovations. It moves the mind, the brain will always be thinking. For me, it is not just about UBA, it cuts across all the businesses and sectors we engage in.

Let’s look at Transcorp in 2012. Prior to our investment in Transcorp, it never paid dividend to shareholders. Post investment in Transcorp, this should be the fourth year consecutively we have paid dividend to the shareholders. People who did not know where their certificates were are now writing on social media, how can we get our dividend. When someone who is a very senior corporate citizen of Nigeria said to me, ‘Tony congrats for what you and your team have done with Transcorp; Transcorp, is now one of the things I want to bequeath to my children’. It makes me realise the responsibility that we carry and the amount of confidence people have in our ability to grow and sustain value.

You said that Africapitalism is at the heart of what you do across the Group. Why are you so passionate about Africapitalism and what has been the response from African business leaders and political leaders?

These days, in fact, almost every day, I see different people discuss Africapitalism. It has become like our Group's gift to the world, especially now that Africans realise that in the 21st century, we should do business in a different way and that in the 21st century we should also Continues on page 46

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

We do business to prosper stakeholders — Tony Elumelu Continues from page 45 give in a different way. So, it is always good when people are purpose led when people are driven by a vision. We want to do business in a manner that creates profit for prosperity but equally important, in a manner that creates social well-being or social wealth for others. As I said, if you look at all the businesses we operate in – healthcare, power, financial services and some we are going to go into soon - it is not only about but profit, but about social impact; not just for ourselves but for everyone. So, at the heart of it all is a realisation that sustainable success comes from a point of view of shared success. So, the passion, in my view, is self-enlightened interest. I think it is either ignorance, myopic or too much of self-centeredness that makes people who are in a position to do things differently and empower others not do so.

Every time I want to do certain things that benefit others, it is almost always from a point of view ofprioritisation because the means are totally limited.

I think, gradually, others are jumping on board.

What we did was that we shared the philosophy; we created a white paper and today people have jumped on board and are taking it further. The Nigerian University Commission is thinking of introducing it into the curriculum. Nowadays, if you open the newspaper, almost on a weekly basis, you see people writing about it. So, it is an elevation of consciousness of how we all should do business.

•Transcorp Group... producing highest output of electricity in Nigeria

programme. We are now entering the fifth round and will announce the 1,000 beneficiaries in March.

Again, for me, as I said before, this does not come from a place of abundance, it comes from a place of trying to give a helping hand to others, trying to democratise access to prosperity. That's our mission, it is our purpose. Today, we have other partners who appreciate what we do that are coming on board to partner with us. When we started in 2010, we didn't need anyone's help, but we now want more partners to take on the entrepreneurs who would not be selected outside our 1,000 beneficiaries. We need to keep catalysing this kind of giving, this kind of philanthropy, this kind of mindset realising that ultimately, the more, the Empowering better. the continent Is there a difference between Tony Elumelu of Tony Elumelu Foundation who wants to and is So, it is spreading gradually and also, we laced it always giving seed capital to start-up with this entrepreneurship drive. I recall when we entrepreneurs, and Tony Elumelu of UBA who started the Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2010, we may be thinking like a typical Nigerian banker said we wanted to catalyse philanthropy because who does not we know that our people are competitive; we know trust the young that our people have the mind to give, but we Transcorp Power, entrepreneurs realised that we were not deliberate in our giving. enough to give is owed over N80 So, let some people lead to shine the light for others them loans? to follow and that is also working today. You see Your comment billion by the many people talking about entrepreneurship and on Tony how they are empowering the continent. I say to Elumelu of Tony federal my people: Don't be shy of using that word because E l u m e l u that is what we do. We are catalysing to empower; Foundation and government; it is we want our people to be empowered economically.

Tony Elumelu of just a miracle that When they are empowered economically, they will UBA is quite help to develop everyone and the continent. So, I i n t e r e s t i n g we are in business see that there is consciousness in how we do business because, at today. heart, I and we keep You have been giving seed capital to young understand the African entrepreneurs and you have done it for power of generating power some years starting from 2010 like you just entrepreneurship, for the country mentioned. So, do we have success reports from I understand the beneficiaries of the seed capital provided by h o w Tony Elumelu Foundation? entrepreneurship We have a documentary which speaks to the can lift up a society, community, families and impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation on these individuals and transform their lives. I am a young African entrepreneurs. It tells the story of beneficiary of this and I want to spend a lot of my young Nigerians whose lives have been resources in providing helping hand to others to transformed due to what we do at the Foundation. also succeed. One of our businesses is United Bank We set up the Foundation in 2010 and in 2015 we for Africa, UBA. Where does my money come from? launched the flagship entrepreneurship I am an investor (a shareholder) in UBA. I earn dividends from UBA. So, UBA is one of the ways I make money that the Foundation uses to do what we are doing. To a large extent, if not because of my dividend in the bank, I will not be able to do what I am doing across Africa to empower entrepreneurs. That is why whenever I go to countries across Africa, people say, “God bless UBA for what Tony Elumelu is doing”. This is because they realise that UBA plays a key role in what I am doing. As a business, UBA generates profits, I earn part of the profit as a shareholder and I channel part of the dividend I earned in what I am doing with the Foundation. So, is UBA supportive of entrepreneurship on the continent? The answer is a big yes.

UBA as a bank also supports Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, within the confines of the law. It supports SMEs because it has the heart to support them.

You have bad debt, regulators tell you •Elumelu...FG owes Transcorp more than N80bn your loan portfolio is bad because you

are lending to that sector. Banking is about saving and lending. The source of your money for a commercial bank is short term. Therefore, when a commercial bank wants to lend, it also tries to lend short term so that there is no mismatch. What countries that understand the power of SMEs as catalyst for economic development and job creation do are that they encourage different institutions to support people that have entrepreneurial ideas that don't have collateral.

In fact, in Nigeria, it is against the banking Act to lend without collateral. You can go to jail in Nigeria to lend without collateral but the same people will blame banks for not lending to people without collaterals. So, for me, it is part of the realisation that there are constraints in some of our businesses.

You know what? I don’t want to die a man who came and realise that this is the path to development and did not do anything. It is in this vein that Tony Elumelu Foundation and in fact, UBA Foundation were formed. In fact, the world does not even know a lot about what UBA Foundation is doing.

Development of the power sector UBA Foundation has been supporting people.

Is it Nollywood? UBA Foundation has supported Nigerian Mmovie awards. Through UBA Foundation, we are doing economic empowerment and we will do more. So, through both the Tony Elumelu Foundation and UBA Foundation, we are trying our best to help push and support entrepreneurs and SMEs. Let's talk about the power sector where one member of your Group, Transcorp Power, is holding sway. Most African countries are facing similar power challenges as Nigeria, where we don’t see the power generated. What is the problem and what is the way forward?

As an investor in the power sector and the Chairman of the Group (Transcorp Plc) that generates the highest in terms of output of electricity in Nigeria on a daily basis, I believe we can do better as a country in the power sector.

Every sector has its own challenges, but there are a few things we need to address if we are genuinely committed to improving power availability. One is debt. Government is the sole buyer of power in Nigeria and they owe a lot.

Our Group, Transcorp Power, is owed over N80 billion by the federal government. It is just a miracle that we are in business and we keep generating power for the country. We need this debt settled so that we all can contribute to the development of the power sector. We are not the only company the government is owing, but we need to fix it to drive the sector. Power is the single, most critical development infrastructure that we need. It can change the face of the country.

Number two is the transmission lines. I see some progress in the leadership of Transmission Company of Nigeria, but they need to do more and quickly too because our people need vast improvements in our access to electricity. Number three is gas supply. I think that government should allow power operators, who have the resources and capability to take over abandoned gas fields in the country, develop them and use them as feeders to their plants to increase power generation.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 47

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Africa’s stunning victory against the International Criminal Court

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FRICA this Tuesday, January 15, scored a stunning victory at the Hague against the International Criminal Court, ICC, a contraption of the West to maintain a neo-colonial strangle hold on the continent. On that day, the ICC like hot potatoes, dropped the contrived charges against Lauren Gbagbo, the antiimperialist politician and immediate past President of Cote d’Voire, and ordered his immediate release.

It was a sweet victory against the neo-colonial powers who tried to humiliate the continent by hurling an African President on trumped up charges of murder, rape, inhumane acts, and persecution.

But a painful aspect is that an innocent man was abducted in his country, imprisoned without trial for five years and tried for another three years before being set free.

Seventy three-year old Gbagbo lost eight years of his productive life locked up in Europe and deprived of family life.

Additionally, he had to sit in prison while his supporters and family were persecuted; his wife, Simone who was the country’s First Lady, was publicly humiliated and harassed before being sentenced to 20 years imprisonment while his son, Michael was sentenced to five years. Mrs. Gbagbo spent seven

years in prison before being released.

All these were attempts to pulverise a man who stood up to France and its centuries of exploiting Cote d’Voire. It was also, giving a helping hand to puppets of the West like incumbent President Alhassan Quattara and their errand boys who are tools in the recolonisation of Africa.

When the ICC ‘trial’ of Gbagbo and co-accussed, Blé Goudé began, I wrote in my VANGUARD Newspapers column of February 12, 2016: “The fact is that this is essentially a political case and Gbagbo is a Prisoner of War who was captured on April 11, 2011 by the combined forces of rebels, French and United Nations troops…how will the ICC realise that jailing him will hurt national reconciliation in Cote d’Voire?

What the country needs is national reconciliation, not a show trial.”

Gbagbo, the then Ivorian President had been captured following an avoidable civil war that broke out after the controversial 2010 Presidential elections that pitched him against his former jailor, Quattara. The latter had been Prime Minister in 1992 when the radical Gbagbo was arrested for allegedly supporting a national student protest, and sent to prison.

The elections were designed to unify the country after rebels from the north where Quattara comes from, had seized half of the country. The President of the Electoral Commission had gone to the opposition headquarters to announce the results which gave Quattara 54 per cent of the votes while Gbagbo, who was the incumbent President, approached the Constitutional Court which declared him victorious by 51 per cent. Both were sworn in as President with the United Nations and the West recognising the opposition which was emboldened to take up arms. I thought what was needed was for the African

A painful aspect is that an innocent man was abducted in his country, imprisoned without trial for five years and tried for another three years before being set free Union to take the initiative for a recount of the disputed votes. In my January 7, 2011 column in VANGUARD Newspapers titled: MILITARY OPTION WON’T WORK IN ABIDJAN, I had argued against a resort to armed conflict.

I wrote: “I do not have any doubt that a military intervention will result in a dreadful bloodbath of Africans. Another danger is that the military option is likely to result in the dissolution of the Ivorian Armed Forces and the Police; the security implications for the country will be quite immense. If this happens, the core of the new

Of figures and their application

By Jude Atupulazi

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AKE no mistake about this: the greatest challenge facing the Nigerian nation today is economic. With little else to rely on for foreign exchange save her oil, which in itself is no longer the life saver it used to be, the country is teetering on the precipice of economic collapse amid high inflation rate, high unemployment rate and high cost of living occasioned by poor, visionless and inept leadership. As the country inches closer and closer to the 2019 general elections therefore, it has become imperative that only the right choice of leaders by the electorate can halt the nation’s ominous slide to an ineluctable disaster.

Thankfully though, all hope is not lost for the nation, as a light appears to shine at the end of her tunnel. That shining light is represented by the Atiku/Obi ticket. Indeed, to say that this ticket represents hope for Nigeria is akin to affirming that God is in heaven. The two men have what it takes to effect a real change for Nigeria, being employers of labour and active players in business.

The above is what the current occupiers of AsoRock lack. With due respect, both men (the incumbent president and his vice), may be experts in their field but not in the management of resources. For instance, while it is easy to reel out economic theories as a teacher, it is certainly a different kettle of fish to put it into practice; just as instilling discipline in officers and men is different from manipulating figures in the business world.

Thus, most people who have a faulty car, would rather call a roadside mechanic to fix their cars than seek the opinion of a university don from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This is the

difference experience makes. But still, that doesn’t diminish the Mechanical Engineer in any way. It’s only that it is foolhardy to expect magic from one who neither owned a kiosk nor ran a business centre to excel in the business world, how much more when something as big and as important as reviving the economy of a nation is involved.

Therefore, in Atiku and Obi, Nigeria will have two people who are deeply involved in the business of managing finances and who have succeeded in doing so.

In Peter Obi, the running mate of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the country will certainly not have wished for a better

The greatest challenge facing the Nigerian nation today is economic manager of the economy which the office of the Vice President is saddled with.

Before he became governor, he was a highly successful business guru and was also chairman of banks and other high brow financial companies, despite his young age.

He would go on to bring his experience in the business and financial world to bear as governor of his state, Anambra, where he led by example, transforming the state to one with a solid economic base, through prudent management of resources and a wonderful partnership with international donor agencies who swarmed the state in appreciation of Obi’s economic savvy and money management skills.

While some other governors bequeathed huge financial deficits to their successors upon leaving office, Obi left an astounding N75 billion behind for his successor, helping

armed forces is likely to be made up of the rebel Army . This means that there will be serious ethnic and religious schism in the new military whose officer corps will be northern and Muslim.”

But the UN, France and the rebels preferred the military option and over 3,000 Ivorians were killed. The country’s armed forces was defeated. Gbagbo was captured and paraded shirtless before being flown to the Hague jail. He and his supporters were persecuted while the rebel forces and their political bosses were not just left free, but emboldened to bring the southern part of the country to its knees. But this could not go on for long as national reconciliation and development was impossible without the input of the leaders in the south, and the people who saw Gbagbo as their leader.

The ICC case was built on shaky foundations.

First, its investigations were one-sided; the rebel Quattara forces who massacred people and were reported to have wiped out some 800 Ivorians in two days, were neither investigated nor charged.

Secondly, some of the ‘evidence’ it produced against Gbagbo were exposed as fake or fraudulent. For instance, a video footage allegedly showing pro-Gbagbo supporters committing crimes, turned out to have been shot in Kenya. Thirdly, it was preposterous that the ICC seized Gbagbo and imprisoned him before spending years ‘investigating’ when there should have been investigations before arrest. Fourthly, the political pressures on the ICC by France could not be concealed.

South African columnist on foreign affairs, Shannon Ebrahim in her November 25, 2018 column titled: Time for the ICC to release Laurent Gbagbo, argued that the trial was a political backlash: “Gbagbo (as Ivorian President)

him to take off on a strong footing. He achieved this despite his state receiving what can be termed peanuts from the Federation Account. Even the state’s internally generated revenue was nothing compared to states like Lagos, Rivers and some oilproducing states. But he was smart to win the trust and confidence of donor agencies who helped in the development of the state, thus saving the masses from exploitative taxation.

Obi’s financial wizardry was not lost on Nigerians as he became the first governor not under the ruling party to serve as financial adviser to the president and also as a member the nation’s economic management team. Indeed, the imprints of Obi in governance came at a time it was considered well nigh impossible for any governor to do such. This is perhaps why a lot of Nigerians listen to him whenever he speaks today.

The problems facing Nigeria today are basically caused by square pegs being placed in round holes. The square pegs may be good in themselves but so long as their shapes don’t match the holes, they can never cover them.

Atiku’s assessment of his running mate and himself came soon after Obi wowed the nation with his knowledge of figures at the last debate for Vice Presidential candidates.

While the other candidates struggled to speak without looking at their jotters, Obi comfortably reeled out his points, making comparative analyses of what obtains in Nigeria and other countries and explaining why and how. There was no doubt that he was a man at home with issues, having certainly faced them head on previously in business and leadership.

Perhaps those who do not know him well may just think it was one of those things some people try to put up in order to impress.

Those who think that way may be forgiven for just not knowing him. I recall during the

was determined to relax France’s control over banking, insurance, transport, cocoa trading and energy policy, and had invited companies from other countries to tender for government projects.

Gbagbo was appalled by the gross overspending on French projects, such as the bridge France was to build in the capital, Abidjan for 200 billion CFA francs, a contract he cancelled when the Chinese said they could build the bridge for 60 billion CFA francs in 2002.”

In my February 10, 2017 column titled: Africa’s push back from the ICC, I had pointed out that: “since its inception in 2002, all the 10 cases under investigation/trial and the three under preliminary investigation are on Africa except the preliminary investigation in Georgia.”

That the ICC had made a show of hurling African leaders like Gbagbo, incumbent Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Vice-President William Ruto before it while Western leaders who carried out crimes against humanity in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Yemen, are free to continue perpetrating their crimes. I pointed out that the ICC is an European Court made for Africans. “The Europeans provide the logistics, the prisons and 63 per cent, or about two thirds of the ICC budget.”

My conclusion was that: “the ICC and such Western-influenced tribunals essentially undermine the sovereignty of Africans and are new tools for re-colonisation.” I had also pointed out that Africans are capable of bringing their leaders to book as the African Union did in its investigation, prosecution and conviction in Senegal of former Chadian President, Hissene Habre.

Africans should no longer be treated as colonial subjects.

campaigns for the 2003 governorship election in AnambraState, the people of the state, most of whom saw and met Obi for the first time, heard him reel out figures the same way. He used figures to tell them how he intended to do what he was promising.

They were thrilled, at least many of them. It was the first time anyone would campaign that way.

There were, however, some who doubted his ability to execute his blueprint to the letter as promised. To them, it was too good to be true. For instance, while others were talking about two, three agenda, Obi was talking about not one, or two, but all agenda.

Those doubters wondered how that was possible when those before him who gave a ceiling to theirs failed to achieve them.

But they did not reckon with the man. He came, saw and conquered and made history as the first governor who worked on all sectors and succeeded. Today, it is believed that his vast experience and connections in business helped in no small measure in the achievement of that feat. This is even as it was known by those privileged to do so, that he spent time visiting places, conducted research and asked questions and got answers to critical problems facing his state, such that even before he came aboard, he already had the solutions to most of the problems at his finger tips.

He must have been seen meeting with foreign diplomats, parliamentarians and some world leaders. He is not doing that for the fun of it. The typical Peter has already gone to work, gathering information, building bridges and creating trust. Thus, when he reeled out figures at the last debate, one can now see that he didn’t get his facts by staying at home and reading papers. The Peter I know has already done his home work, or most of it. He’s ready to walk his talk. *Mr. Atupulazi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Awka, AnambraState.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Nigeria needs regulated environment for credit to grow GDP— Idigbe

By Innocent Anaba

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Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi (2nd right), presenting car keys and other Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, campaign materials to Delta State Chairman of the party, Chief Kingsley Esiso (2nd left) flanked by PDP Chairman, Delta North, Chief Moses Iduh and PDP Chairman, Ndokwa East, Chief Ugo Asibelua, during the party's campaign rally at Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state.

Elections: Clerics prophesy peace on Rivers State

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HEAD of the elections, Rivers State leaders have proclaimed peace on the state, saying the plots of evil doers will not materialise.

Preaching on the second day of a prayer programme tagged Rivers State Prays for Peace, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev. Innocent, said when challenges rise up, God expects the right response

from the leadership.

He said when the Church prays, the devil is subdued and his evil agents are disarmed.

Bishop Ordu said the success of the prayer programme was further guaranteed by the right motive of Governor Nyesom Wike, for calling for the prayers.

The cleric said when the Church rises in earnest and

fervent prayers, God will arise in war to check the evil plans of the wicked against Rivers State.

Apostle Sarah Enoch led the prayers for the security agencies to be impartial for the successful conduct of the general election.

On his part, Rev G. C. Osigbo prayed God to ensure that all political parties solicit votes without any security infractions or

loss of lives.

Venerable Sunday Okpara led the prayers for the Rivers State Executive Council, while Bishop Sunday Iboreme prayed for the judiciary and Rev Samuel Richard prayed for the lesgislator.

Wike led top government officials to the second day of the prayer programme organised by the Rivers State Government.

Odogwu gave his all—Zizea, Nwabuzor

By Emma Amaze & Festus Ahon

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S A B A — PROMINENT indigenes of Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, eulogised the late Chief Sunny Odogwu, saying the entrepreneur and philanthropist gave his all for the development of Asaba and contributed immeasurably to its emergence as capital of the state.

Chief Nicholas Zizea and Chief Charles Nwabuzor, who spoke separately to Vanguard, said Chief Odogwu gave his all for Asaba.

Zizea said: “Late Chief Odogwu was a great man and an illustrious son of Asaba. He achieved a lot, but as mortals, we are all bound to die someday.”

Noting that the deceased lived to a ripe old age, Zizea said: “His death is, however, painful. We will miss him for his philanthropic works. He projected the image of Asaba people in a very good light.

“We will remember him for so many good things; he provided so much for Asaba people. He was kind

hearted and good to many people.”

He said the late Odogwu was not a frivolous person, adding that he provided job opportunities to many Deltans.

In addition, Chief Nwabuzor said: “He was a philanthropist and great

son of Asaba. He spent so much on health for his people.”

He disclosed that the late Odogwu started his philanthropy before the Civil War as an insurance broker and sponsored many persons in school.

According to him, he also supported churches, adding, “he made us proud. Chief Odogwu was a silent philanthropist.

“He did his philanthropy works quietly without going to the pages of newspapers to announce what he did.

“He and Ambassador Leo Okogwu contributed to making Asaba the capital of Delta State. You know, he was very close to the then military Head of State, Gen Ibrahim Babangida(retd),” Nwabuzor added.

Atiku can get Nigeria working again—PDP chieftain

By Ochuko Akuopha

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LEH—CHIEFTAIN of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Mr. Okpako Umukoro, has expressed optimism that the party ’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will get Nigeria working again if elected in the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking at a unit meeting of the party in Iyede Ward 2 held at Okpaigie-Iyede, Umukoro, who is the Delta State Director of Atiku/Obi Vanguard Nigeria, described Atiku and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as men of exceptional personalities and character.

He added: “We are lucky to have them on this rescue

mission. Nigeria needs their services now; that is why we must all rise up to vote for them.”

Umukoro who used the occasion to sign 15 youths of the community to learn any vocation of their choice, assured that they will be empowered to establish their own businesses once

they finish learning the trade.

In his remark, Chairman of the unit, Mr. Otebase Oghenerobor, noted that Okowa excelled as governor of Delta State in the last three and half years, noting that Iyede kingdom benefited immensely from his first term.

OR Nigeria to grow its Gross Domestic Product, it would require a wider access to credit and a regulated environment for credit reporting. This was the perspective of Chief Anthony Idigbe(SAN), at the just-concluded conference of Western Attorneys-General and African Alliance Partnership at the Lagos Business School in Lagos.

Also, the Founder of Credit Registry and a pioneer of credit reporting in Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Ayedun, said there was an urgent need for increased access to credit for the economy and GDP to grow.

Comparing Nigeria to other developed countries, he said it was important to have a good credit reporting and scoring behaviour which he said would aid

consumer lending, which mostly concedes GDP and economic growth.

Ayedun said: “Looking at the US GDP, which is about $19 trillion, I found that mortgage and consumer spending included 67percent of the US GDP. And a lot of that consumer and mortgage spending is based on the credit being given by American banks.

“So it makes sense that if Nigeria is going to increase its GDP, it would need to be able to help banks to give more credit to Nigerians.”

“Global Credit coverage around the world shows that North America, Canada, United States Germany UK and Ireland are 100percent covered while Nigeria has only about 7.8perecnt coverage according to this survey which was done in 2017.

However, There is evidence that a society where trust is well established, there is more commerce going on.

OMS can secure Forcados pipeline job—Group

By Onozure Dania

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IGER Delta Peace Awareness Movement and the Supreme Egbesu Freedom Fighters have refuted claims by Erascorp Nigeria Limited that Ocean Marine Solution, OMS, does not have the capacity to provide security and surveillance for the Tr a n s - F o r c a d o s pipeline job, saying it was mere fallacy.

The groups condemned the high level blackmail by their competitors against OMS over the TransForcados Pipeline Surveillance contract, describing it as the dance of a drowning company that has not added value to the Niger Delta region.

Leaders of the Niger Delta Peace Awareness Movement, Alhaji Abdul Harmony and the Supreme Egbesu Freedom Fighters, Opus Kime at an enlarged meeting in Warri, Delta State to appraise some urgent national and Niger Delta issues, said the threat and blackmail against OMS demonstrated the do or die stance of Eraskorp in seeking for contract that they don’t have the capacity to execute.

Burial

Orhuwhorun commends Okowa on road project

By Gab Ejuwa

T

HE people of Orhuwhorun Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for approving the construction of Ekrovie Road and rehabilitation of Orhuwhorun Road.

The people described the

development as the manifestation of Okowa’s kindness, hailing him for his love and magnanimity towards the people, saying the appellation, Road Master, fits no other, but him.

In a statement by Mr. Saturday Mofoye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Mr.

Onovughe Waka, Oghwuvwie General and other Oghwuvwies on behalf of the community, also thanked the governor on the takeover of the DSC Model Primary School 2 by the state government.

The community expressed appreciation to the governor for the speedy approval of the roads and take-over of the school.

LADY Omolara Odunsi (nee Adelaja), 73, of Rosanwo Adelaja in Idomowo-Esude and Odunsi in Ikoto-Ijebu, Ogun State, is dead. She died January 1. Burial is today at the Odunsis’ compound, Oke-Owa Road, Odo Aija, IkotoIjebu, after funeral service at 10a.m. Service of songs held last Wednesday, while Christian wake was yesterday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—49

Na’Abba, Agbakoba, Balewa lead PT’s campaign

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From left— Professor of Legal Studies and Political Environment of Business, Lagos Business School, Professor Olawale Ajai; Attorney, specialist in credit reporting litigation, USA, Mr. Robert Sola; Founder, Credit Registry and veteran credit reporter, Mr. Taiwo Ayedun; Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe(SAN), and Managing Director/CEO, Credit Registry, Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, at the just-concluded workshop on Credit Reporting as the Foundation for Credit Infrastructure, organised by CWAG/AAP in partnership with Lagos Business School and Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria, CBAN, in Lagos.

PDP, APC, 23 other party leaders sign peace accord in Kwara

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN—LEADERS of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC, and 23 other registered political parties in Kwara State, have signed a peace accord with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as part of efforts to ensure hitch-free polls in the state.

Recall that the state recently became prone to political violence ahead of the general election.

Vanguard gathered that the peace accord might not be unconnected with the Sunday violence that erupted in Ilorin, during which one life was lost, with others sustaining various degrees of injuries besides the destruction of property worth several millions.

Among political leaders that attended the peace meeting were the recognised leader of National Working Committee, NWC, of APC, Bashr Bolarinwa, representatives of PDP, Labour Party, Kowa Party, Social Democratic Party, Action Alliance and Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party.

The peace meeting, which was convened by INEC, was held at the state headquarters of INEC at Adewole area of Ilorin and attended by 25 out of the 57 leaders of the registered political parties in the state.

Speaking with journalists after the peace metting, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Alhaji Attahiru Garba, said: “Leaders of the parties should see themselves as

one family and shun all actions that may lead to any crisis before, during and after the polls.”

He said the leaders should respect the rules and regulations guiding the conduct and operations of the polls, urging the leaders to convince their supporters to shun all forms of inflamatory comments that might affect peaceful

campaigns.

The REC said INEC “ will provide a level playing ground for all the parties,“ warning that the commission would deal with any staff that compromises the peaceful conduct of the polls.

Garba, who informed that a total of 1,100,600 permanent voter's cards had so far been

distributed to the people of the state, noted that a total of 1,406,600 voters registered for the polls in the state.

R e s p o n d i n g , Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council, Alhaji AbdulKarim Mumin, who spoke on behalf of the leaders of political parties in the state, assured INEC of the parties cooperation.

We won’t re-open cattle routes—Ortom

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI— GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday, said his government would not reopen cattle routes in the state since no known ones previously existed, saying even if there were such routes which were gazetted, he would have de-gazetted them as the current reality of the state had made such routes untenable.

Governor Ortom, who was reacting to a recent comment by President Muhammadu Buhari on national television urging the state government to reopen cattle routes, spoke while interacting with

officials of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Buruku Local Government Area during his campaign tour.

Ortom said: “At the time such routes were contemplated in the 60s, the entire population of the country was about 40 million while the current population is about 200 million, thereby foreclosing the possibility of such routes.”

Speaking further, the governor stated that he battled hard to overcome financial, as well as security challenges during his first term, which impacted negatively on his performance adding that if given a second mandate the end of his

administration would be better than his rough beginning.

He said the All Progressives Congress, APC-controlled Federal Government failed to forestall attacks on the state, by armed herdsmen, who openly declared their conquest and occupation agenda on the state, and thereafter failed to give the people justice when they demanded it.

According to him, “this development coupled with the deliberate neglect of Benue people by the government when strategic positions are being shared to parts of the country, prompted my decision to seek an alternative platform to pursue my re-election.”

EOPLE’S Trust, PT, has constituted its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 Presidential election.

According to a statement in Abuja by the party ’s National Secretary, Nasiru Kura, the Campaign Council will be led by a Chairman, Mr. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, with former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olisa Abgakoba, as cochairman.

Na’Abba, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently resigned as member of All Progressives Congress, APC, Board of Trustees.

Alhaji Aliyu Fari, a former Minister of State for Transport, will serve as Director General of PT’s Campaign Council to be assisted by three deputy directorsgenerals.

They are Mr. Olawale

Okunniyi, Director General of National Intervention Movement; Dr. Dale Ogunbayo and Engr. Mathias Tsado, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of ADP. The Council has three vice chairmen: Dr. Abduljhalil Balewa, Lady Funke Awolowo and Dr. Ojay Samuel .

Other notable Nigerians in the 90-member council are the party’s National Secretary, Malam Nasiru Kura, Dr. Segun Obe, Mrs Ajoh Torkwase, Mr. Abayomi Mighty, Mr. Anthony Akika and Mrs. Temidola Job. Others are Ibuchukwu Ezike, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Alhaji Shehu Sambo, Mr. Kamal Adebayo, Daniella Suleiman, all state chairpersons of the party, all state campaign coordinators and allied presidential candidates/ aspirants from the six geopolitical zones.

FOBTOB tasks Rewane’s c’ittee on improved workers’ welfare

F

OOD, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, FOBTOB, has pleaded with Mr. Bismarck Rewane-led Technical Advisory Committee on the implementation of a national minimum wage, to focus on how to ensure improved and better pay package for Nigerian workers.

In a congratulatory letter to Mr. Rewane on his appointment as the chairman of the committee, President of FOBTOB, Quadri Olaleye, noted that his appointment was in recognition of his hard work, integrity, capacity, competence, diligence and enviable achievement as an Economist and immense contributions to the improvement of

Nigeria’s ailing economy.

According to Olaleye, “going by your achievements as an Economist, we are optimistic that your assumption of office as the Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee would provide an avenue for all the previous Committee reports to be adopted so as to present positions that will aid the passage of the Minimum Wage Bill.

“You would agree with me that the current minimum wage of N18,000 cannot meet the needs of an average Nigerian worker.

“Some state governments are still owing backlog of salaries and other allowances, which has further pauperised the affected workers.”

Show cause for detaining Melaye, court tells Police

A

BUJA—AN Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama, yesterday, ordered the Police to show cause for its continued detention of Senator Dino Melaye.

Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, who has been in Police custody since January 4, approached the court for

enforcement of his fundamental rights.

Justice Yusuf Halilu gave the order after Melaye’s counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed the court that his client had been in Police custody since January 4 against what the law stipulated.

According to Ozekhome, “ we are

talking about the liberty of a citizen not because he is a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but a citizen, this is contrary to sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution of Nigeria.

“If you keep a man for 13 days you have already presumed him guilty.“ Mr. Simon Lough, the respondent counsel, told

the court that he only got the motion on notice on January 16, and needed five days according to law to reply.

He added that he was not aware of the order to show cause.

He said though Melaye was in Police custody, he does not have the power to effect his investigation which was

ongoing, preparatory to charging him to court.

Lough prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him file and serve his reply before January 18.

The judge explained that the Police was put on notice to show cause why the detained senator should not be granted bail.

He, however, adjourned hearing till January 18.

50—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

APC disciplinary c'ttee recommends Okorocha’s sack

By Chinonso Alozie

O

WERRI—THE Imo State All Progressives Congress, APC, 9-man Disciplinary Committee, yesterday recommended that Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, should be expelled from APC for engaging in anti-party activities.

The letter from the disciplinary committee was made available to Vanguard in Owerri and was signed by the committee chairman, Matthew Omeghara and Secretary, Mr Kevin Ugwu.

According to the committee, Imo state governor could not appear before the committee and did not put in writing any reasons for his absence.

The committee stated: “The committee has patiently and painstakingly listened to the overwhelming evidence of Prince Ikechukwu Unegbu, and examined all electronic and media materials tendered and admitted in evidence against His Excellency, Anayo Rochas Okorocha's anti party activities and finds as follows:

“That there are overwhelming evidence that are unchallengeable of anti party activities by His Excellency, Rochas Okorocha.

“That His Excellency was openly and brazenly, sponsoring, financing, campaigning for his sonin-law Uche Nwosu, who is the gubernatorial candidate of Action Alliance, AA” They cited some of the sections of their party’s constitution that said that the actions of Okorocha contravened article 21 (A) i-vi of APC constitution (October 2014 as amended) punishable under article 21 D (i) (g).

“This is therefore the recommendation of the APC, Disciplinary Committee; that His Excellency, Anayo Rochas Okorocha, be expelled.”

On how they arrived at their decision, the APC, Disciplinary Committee said: “The prosecutor called up his petition against His Excellency, Anayo Rochas Okorocha.

The complainant is present while the respondent, His Excellency, Anayo Rochas Okorocha is absent. There is no letter on or on behalf of his Excellency explaining his absence," it added.

God using me for Imo people—Uzodinma

By Chinonso Alozie

O

WERRI—THE Imo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Hope Uzodimma, yesterday, said God is using him to put smiles in the faces of Imolites.

Uzodinma spoke at his campaign secretariat along Okigwe road in Owerri, through the director general of his campaign organisation, Cosmos Iwu, when the Imo Grassroots Endorsement Movement, IGEM, led by Asiegbu Chidebere visited him.

He told the group that Uzodinma's manifesto was in consonance with the expectations of Imolites.

Iwu said: “On behalf of his Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, I want to welcome all of you to the campaign headquarters.

“I want to tell you that you are at the right place.

Uzodimma is a brand name. The journey so far that led us to stay where we are now is not a small one.

“If God says you will be, you will be. God is using him to liberate Imo people from bondage. Some of you as students of the Bible can see that what is happening now is similar to the Bible".

Nwosu defies party's wish, pulls S-East AA for Buhari

By Chinonso Alozie

O

WERRI—AGAINST the wish of the National Chairman of Action Alliance, AA, Kenneth Udeze to support the Peoples Democratic Party's Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, South-East members of the Action Alliance, AA, yesterday met and supported the son-inlaw to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Uche Nwosu, in pursuit of the agenda for the 2019 re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting which was

reportedly held in Owerri, at Rockview Hotel, with the zonal chairman of the party, Matthew Ozundi, alongside some stakeholders of the party, said they have made up their mind to support Nwosu’s alliance with Buhari.

This is coming at a time the national chairman of AA, Kenneth Udeze had issued what looks like a strong warning against any member of the party disobeying the direction of the National Working Committee, NWC, of AA. Vanguard had reported that Udeze instructed all the party members across

the country to key into the agenda of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his runing mate, a former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi. Udeze also warned that the NWC was ready to sanction as well as deal with any of its members that flouted his orders.

But his orders appeared to have hit the rock, following a counter declaration by the Imo state governorship candidate of AA, Uche Nwosu that he had thrown his weight behind the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

CONDOLENCE: Brother of late former VP, Alex Ekwueme, Igwe Prof Laz Ekwueme (2nd left); Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal (midle); widow of the late VP, Her Excellency, Dame Beatrice Ekwueme (2nd right); and others, when members of the family of the late VP paid a condolence visit to Tambuwal over the demise of former President Shehu Shagari, yesterday in Sokoto.

Abuja court confirms Emenike Abia APC candidate

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—A Federal Capital High, FCT, sitting at Kubwa, Abuja, presided over by Justice K. N. Ogbonnaya has reaffirmed his order that Chief Ikechi Emenike is the authentic Abia State candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Justice Ogbonnaya has on November 29th, 2018 given the order that Emenike is the candidate of the party and directed

INEC to publish his name as the candidate, which the commission failed to obey.

But Mr. Uche Ogar who was picked by the other faction of the party approached the court and filed a motion praying the court for a stay of execution of the order and for the order to be vacated.

However, ruling on the motion, Justice Ogbonnaya refused to grant the stay of execution motion and also refused to vacate the order but rather reaffirmed her order as valid until it is set aside.

The issue of who is the authentic candidate of the party in the State has been lingering for long following an order secured from an Abia State High Court sitting at Okpuala Ngwa which recognized the state’s party exco that produced Emenike.

But the Oshiomhole-led national exco recognised Chief Uche Ogar produced by the faction not favoured by the court order.

In her ruling, Justice Ogbonnaya refused to grant the request of both APC and Ogah’s motion for

Confusion trails court's judgment on Enugu APC leadership tussle

By Dennis Agbo

E

N U G U — CONFUSION has trailed the interpretation of judgment delivered yesterday by Justice A.M Liman of the federal high court sitting in Enugu on the protracted issue of the All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership logjam in Enugu State.

Whereas, the incumbent

leadership of the party in the state led by Dr. Ben Nwoye said it remained chairman, the opposition faction of the party led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo insisted that Nwoye was sacked by the court verdict.

Ogbodo had approached the court seeking for Nwoye’s disqualification as the state chairman of the party but the court granted five out of the ten prayers

Nwosu also said he would not be deterred by any threat from supporting Buhari, adding that he was not only in “a perfect alliance with Buhari but that his support was above religious and party affliations.”

However, the end to the battle may not be in sight, as the Southeast zonal chairman of the party, Uzundi also said the zone has declared its support for Nwosu.

He reportedly said: “The position of the party in Imo and Southeast to support President Buhari stands.

Nothing can change our decision. No amount of threat or blackmail can change our decision."

made by Ogbodo.

Even though the court granted that Nwoye violated sections of the party’s constitution in seeking to become the party chairman, it however refused to grant relief sought by Ogbodo to retrieve the party’s certificate of return from Nwoye which would have rendered him impotent of power.

While ruling on the issue of waiver, the court held that according to Article 31 of the APC constitution, the person seeking waiver would write to his ward, adding that the said power of NEC to grant waiver was not automatic but must be based on fulfillment of certain conditions listed in article 31.

“The constitution of the party makes personal

application a mandatory requirement,” he held, stating further that the first defendant admitted that he did not apply for waiver, but relied on the pronouncement made by the NEC. According to the court, by virtue of Articles 13 and 31 of the APC constitution, Nwoye was required to leave office 30 days to the May 19 congress, otherwise obtain a waiver.

stay of execution of her earlier judgment which was in favour of the Emma Ndukwe led factional exco which produced Emenike as the governorship candidate of APC in Abia State.

Justice Ogbonnaya described the motion filed

by Ogah and APC as “a clear abuse of judicial process, unmeritorious and un-grantable” and reaffirmed her judgment of 29th November 2018 as being valid until set aside.

Justice Ogbonnaya also condemned the action of APC and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for not forwarding Emenike’s name as the authentic governorship candidate of the party in the state.

Justice Ogbonnaya further ruled that the 1st defendant (APC) has no discretion to refuse, reject and/or neglect to act on the list of candidates forwarded to it for onward transmission to the 2nd defendant (INEC).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—51

T

HE first sign of chaos is the number of senior advocates of Nigeria who offered to take up the matter free of charge. Often, when you find that many senior lawyers falling over themselves to represent a client – usually a high-profile client – you can be sure that more than anything else, they’re in it for spite, drama and selfinterest.

Any claim of public interest must be taken with a healthy pinch of salt.

Until over 130 top lawyers and senior advocates offered to represent the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, at his trial for false declaration of assets this week, Senate President Bukola Saraki had the record for the largest contingent of senior lawyers in a court case.

Saraki lined up over 90 lawyers, including senior advocates, for a case that a pair of law interns might have got him off the hook given the theatrics by the bench and the shambolic performance by the prosecution. In the end, the prosecution won the case for Saraki.

This time, the drama exceeds anything we have seen in recent history. The Executive Director of Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative, Mr. Dennis Aghanya, petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau, that the Chief Justice, a public officer, had not fully declared his assets, contrary to the provisions of the law.

Public officers are supposed to declare their assets once every four years. The petitioner alleged that there is material difference between what Onnoghen declared in 2005 when he was sworn in as a justice of the Supreme Court and 2016 when he became Chief Justice.

He alleged that Onnoghen appeared “to have suppressed or otherwise concealed the existence of multiple domiciliary accounts owned by him as well as the substantial cash balances in them”, which in five Standard Chartered Bank accounts totalled $164,804.83; €55,254.56; £108,352.02; and in two Union Bank accounts came to N49.3m. Onnoghen had allegedly declared only two of seven accounts in his first form.

In a response attributed to him, Onnoghen allegedly said it was only in 2016, after he became Chief Justice that he realised that he had not updated his assets declaration form.

Blame game

But Onnoghen’s embarrassing and potentially consequential admission has been swept under the rug; it is no longer his problem. It is the problem of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has come up with this despicable plan to drag the Chief Justice, and indeed the entire judiciary, in the mud.

It doesn’t end there. What better evidence of Buhari’s disdain for the rule of law is required than sidestepping the National Judicial Council, NJC, statutorily charged with dealing with such matters and railroading Onnoghen’s trial, at lightning speed, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT? To put their ducks in a row, those who insist on the persecutory argument say there can be only two motives for it: 1) to crown Buhari’s Arewa-lisation of appointments by paving the way for

INTERVIEW Buhari’s bail-out funds saved lives — Evah

By Elizabeth Uwandu Comrade Joseph Evah is Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, former spokesman on Ijaw National Congress, INC, and member of PANDEF. He spoke with Vanguard on the federal government’s bailout fund to states and other issues.

Onnoghen's misery and the Nigerian dilemma Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, the next-in-line, and 2) to create a favourable judicial climate not just for the 2019 election, but specifically for the ruling party’s grim prospects in Zamfara and Rivers states.

Jurisprudence Nigeriana

If you have to go back to the top of this article to find out how we got to this point, then that’s a measure of how the elite, particularly lawyers and politicians with vested interests, has led us adrift. The matter has been so badly muffled and the moral burden central to it so conveniently and maliciously blurred, twisted and damaged that it has been steered away from the doorstep of Onnoghen, the man at the heart of it all.

It is distressing that Onnoghen, the essential symbol of judicial propriety and the moral conscience of the law, allowed the matter to get to this level. But no one is talking about that. If it is correct that he admitted not fully disclosing his assets as required by law, he should have spared the judiciary this embarrassment. He should have apologised and promptly stepped down.

Whatever the plot of his “enemies”, he should have risen above the fray by taking the moral high ground. That is the right thing – and the surest safeguard of judicial independence and integrity, which ought to matter more to him than his political survival.

There’s of course the new jurisprudence of technicalities

He should have apologised and promptly stepped down; whatever the plot of his “enemies”, he should have risen above the fray by taking the moral high ground and grandstanding – jurisprudence Nigeriana – which is fast gaining ground, and which, to be sure, is not without its basis in law. I get it; how the shadow can sometimes not only be more important than the substance but can, in fact, become the substance. In jurisprudence Nigeriana, it’s politics uber alles; expediency trumps propriety.

It’s been said that the petition should have gone to the NJC and processed

Justice Onnoghen through the backdoor channel of quasi-judicial immunity created by the scandalous judgment of the Court of Appeal in Nganjiwa vs FRN (2017). That’s the law. The process should have been followed, however disagreeable, and perhaps, too, the petition filed at a less combustible time.

What’s the hurry about and who does not know that had the matter been referred to the NJC, the Chief Justice, who is the chairman of the panel, would have happily recused himself?

That sounds sensible. But consider, for example, that less than 24 hours after the matter was referred to the CCT, Onnoghen ordered indefinite postponement of the 88th meeting of the NJC, which was due to commence on Monday? In whose interest was the meeting postponed and why now?

In a judgment which Onnoghen delivered on July 12, 2013, (SC.279/2012) he ruled that the CCT had exclusive jurisdiction to handle all violations of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau, which of course, would cover false declaration of assets – the matter over which he is now being tried. There are not a few legal authorities who argue that the NJC may be considered “an ordinary, regular court” and in the matter at hand, the unilateral decision of the Chief Justice to postpone its meeting exposes the Council’s vulnerability.

New crusaders

Yet, South-South governors have taken sides with Onnoghen as have leading PDP politicians and militants in the Niger Delta, who have threatened to resume blowing up pipelines if the Chief Justice’s trial were to continue.

There are, of course, those that have a genuine concern about possible encroachment on the rule of law and executive highhandedness.

There’s also merit in the criticisms of the government’s embarrassing foot-dragging on corruption allegations, especially those involving a few of its valuable, high profile friends. Abdulrasheed Maina and Babachir Lawal are just two shameful examples.

However, at the height of the travail of the former Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, over

claims that she forged her NYSC discharge certificate some of those egging on the Chief Justice today called for Adeosun’s removal on moral grounds, even though she had not been indicted. The evidence against Adeosun was so overwhelming, they argued, she had to go.

Have the rules changed so fast and so soon?

Whatever the motive or persuasion of Onnoghen’s supporters, I doubt if the honourable Chief Justice would consider this his finest moment. He is neither a politician nor a social mobiliser. He must feel extremely awkward and hard pressed to find himself warmly embraced by politicians of dubious stripes, with not a few offering him advice unbecoming of his office and others vowing to take up arms for his cause.

In August, Kenya was in something of a similar situation. Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu was facing 13 counts of abuse of office, tax evasion and fraudulent recovery of loan securities.

Even though Mwilu argued that her trial was the price she had to pay in a 4-3 ruling by the Supreme Court for the repeat of Kenya’s presidential election, she did not incite public sympathy to prevent the law from taking its course. Nor did she hide from prosecution under the byzantine technicalities of the law.

In an eloquent address last year, in which he reminded judges and Kadis that corruption in the judiciary is not only bribe-taking, Onnoghen also said: “The prestige of the Judiciary is indeed essential in a system of government such as ours in which the judiciary functions independently. The behaviour of judges is, in the circumstance, closely scrutinised to guarantee continued confidence in the integrity of the courts.”

It would be interesting to know, if in the opinion of his Lordship, his own role in the events of the last one week would guarantee continued confidence in the integrity of the courts and the judiciary as a whole.

On Monday, for example, the Chief Justice and moral beacon of the Nigerian judiciary did not appear before the court, presumably on the advice of his formidable legal counsel.

What message did he send to ordinary mortals that he could not appear before an institution which he heads and in which he expects others to have confidence?

He cannot leave the answer to politicians, militants or the mob.

Ishiekwene is the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of The Interview and member of the board of the Global Editors Network.

Is there any way you can score the Buhari-led government as being effective?

Yes. The bailout funds for states when he resumed office were a major stroke for this administration. When this government came on board, there was confusion everywhere because of salary problem in the states. In fact, we were recording suicides everywhere. For instance, some states in Niger Delta were owing five months salaries.

Also, the issue of pensioners dying without 10 months pension was daily news. You see them crying like children in a civil war situation. But the move by the President and the firm decision to release bail-out funds to assist all the states without discriminating against any state deserves commendation. The bailout fund stabilised the nation.

How do you see INEC preparation for the forthcoming election?

INEC is not showing us enough evidence that they are prepared for this election. And the international community is not showing us enough evidence that they are ready for our elections. I expected the current INEC chairman to go back to history on Nigeria’s elections.

Yes, it is true he has conducted some elections in some states, but we are talking about presidential election and nationwide elections in various states the same time. He is only addressing press conferences. For instance, even voters education is lacking. There is no evidence to show how the voters need to go about the elections. So, if the commission is lacking anything a month to the election, he should tell the whole world his problems. We are all expecting peaceful elections.

There appears to be no news from the Ogoni Cleanup?

Our people are not happy with the slow move in this clean-up matter. I have raised the alarm several times on television; radio and even in print media that the oil companies like Shell, Chevron, Agip, etc have continued to play politics with this clean-up. The delay we are experiencing is caused by the oil companies. They manipulate everything to their advantage and the Federal Government cannot punish them for causing confusion with the international partners responsible for the cleanup. The Federal Government has announced the takeoff date for the clean-up. But announcement is not the issue. The politics of the oil companies in frustrating anything Niger Delta is the issue.

Does it mean Ogoni clean-up matter is now dead issue?

No way. We cannot allow it to die. We are still putting up pressure on government. We are holding government to its pronouncement on the matter and our elected representatives. We are not talking about only Ogoni clean-up. We are talking about the whole Niger Delta clean-up. That was the demand of PANDEF. That is the demand of the whole region.

Some lawmakers are proposing a bill to return the country to parliamentary system. What is your opinion?

I totally support them. We are just wasting our resources on this presidential system. We have practiced the two systems of government, and we can now make a choice.

The difference is very clear. All lovers of this country’s future will support the idea. It surprises me because I do not know how God gave them the courage to come out to make this demand, because the same people are the ones benefiting from this waste. I hear some people argue that the system is not the problem but the operators. That is a senseless argument. What empowered the operators to become the problem? The operators become the problem because there are opportunities available in the system for the operators to cause the waste we are experiencing.That is one of the evils of the presidential system of government. Nigeria cannot move forward with this system. We are doomed and we better change the situation. If not, we are bringing the future generation to suffer under this abnormal system we have operated for years. The Presidential system is like a free-for-all fight in mega super market. You have free space like the open air to do as you like lawlessly and you just give any excuse and move on. It is so sad.

Your view on the N134bn Ogoni judgment debt an oil company lost at the Supreme Court.

God is great. It is a victory for environmental justice. It is victory for the Niger Delta. It is victory for all the oppressed people throughout the world. I want to thank the Supreme Court that has re-affirmed that the courts remain the last hope of the common man in Nigeria and beyond. I want all the oil companies to know that the days of using dollar-hired lawyers to oppress the people of Niger Delta are gone. There is celebration across the Niger Delta.

52—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 18,, 2019

BARKA JUMAH

Lend a helping hand

Jumadal Awwal 11, 1440 A.H.

Leadership and its challenges A

lhamdulillah, nahmaduhu wa nasta’inuhu wa nastahdiihi wanastaghfiruhu.

Wa na’uzubillahi min shururi anfusina, wa minsayyi’aati ‘a’maalina. Man yahdihillahi fala mudhillallah, waman yudhlil, fala haadiyalah. Wa nash-hadu alla ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, wa nash-hadu anna Muhmmadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu.

Leadership is “a dynamic relationship based on mutual influence and common purpose between leaders and followers in which both are moved to higher levels of motivation and moral development as they affect real, intended change.” (Rost, 1991).

At the same time, Burns [1978] defines leadership as “leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations — the wants and needs, the aspirations and expectations — of both leaders and followers.”

Both definitions stress the transformational dimension of leadership whereby you, as the leader, and your followers enrich each other.

Transformational leaders recognise the needs of potential followers and seek to fulfill their higher-order needs.

They strive to engage the follower’s full person in order to engender mutual inspiration and elevation.

The transformational dimension is very much a part of the Islamic paradigm of leadership, which stresses the reciprocal enrichment of the leaders and the followers. In fact, Islam demands that you, as a leader, pay attention to your followers’ needs. In a

hadith (no. 2942) reported in Sunah Abu Dawud by Abu Maryam al-Azdi, the Prophet (s) said: If Allah puts anyone in the position of authority over the Muslims’ affairs and he secludes himself (from them), not fulfilling their needs, wants, and economic well-being, Allah will keep Himself away from him, not fulfilling his need, want, and economic well-being.

Although you may act in accordance with Islamic precepts and enjoin the good, do not make yourself inaccessible.

Indeed, leaders of Islamic organisations are sometimes perceived as aloof and/or unapproachable once they attain power. In contrast to those high-profile leaders who thrive on personality cults, Islamic leaders should have a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professionalism. The degree of humility and access shown by a leader are critical to the effective implementation of an Islamic organisation’s strategy. One of the best integrative models of effective

The transformational dimension is very much a part of the Islamic paradigm of leadership, which stresses the reciprocal enrichment of the leaders and the followers. In fact, Islam demands that you, as a leader, pay attention to your followers’ needs

leadership is inextricably connected with transformational leadership, and innovation. There are five basic principles that you, as a leader, can adopt. We will now discuss them in the context of strategy implementation.

1. Challenging the Process Leadership is an active and dynamic process. The leader challenges the system, rethinks and tries to be innovative. He brings new ideas while ineffectual leaders sit around and react to events.

Successful Muslim leaders seek Allah’s help and challenge the status quo. In challenging the process, you have to be innovative. At times, you will need to redefine the process in a way that tears down the physical and mental barriers that others have imposed on the Muslim community. In doing that, you have to be careful not to overstep Islamic boundaries. While challenging the process, search for opportunities both inside and outside your group. Look for ways to change or improve the status quo. These new opportunities may include innovative services or activities or re-organisation.

To achieve this, consult with all manner of people, regardless of whether or not they belong to your group or not. Even if you do not always agree with them, make it a point to listen to your most demanding critics. The most effective Islamic leader is the one who uses shura and Ijtihad as part of his decision-making process. Employing this process enables your followers to provide critical insights since they are often the ones closest Continues on page 27

*A cross section of Imams and leaders of Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, during the commissioning of its National Central Mosque in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently.

The people despised, taunted and nearly destroyed by life's bad luck, will always be beautiful by divine laws of life and chance that capture Allah's benevolence.

The harsh world in which we live still would never condone hatred nor give satisfaction for envy.

Wickedness shall always be the left over of humanity's greatest beauty.

Remember, all evil deeds that is enforced would leave humanity broken.

Therefore, stop now, and never cease to do good; no matter how little.

Doing good expands the vista of human joy and emits life's deathless breath that forever holds us in peace.

Do good. Praise Allah. Lend a helping hand all the time. Happy Jumat. — Dr. Adewale Adeeyo, OON

Gov marries out 42 orphans in Jigawa

By Aliyu Dangida, Dutse

A

BOUT 42 female orphans were married out to different men in Gumel Emirate of Jigawa State last weekend.

Speaking at the occasion held at the Emir of Gumel’s Palace, the Special Assistant to Governor Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, Alhaji M. Saleh Kwalam said the female orphans were married out based on their choices, adding that the gesture would continue in other Emirates in the state one after the other.

He said: “42 orphans are today married out to the husbands of their choice in this emirate as scheduled. The state Governor has provided all furniture to all of the orhpans that include beds, 6×6, mattresses 6×6 from Mouka foam, two pillows, wardrobes, four window blinds each, leather carpet, among other items. A medical test against any illness was also done on them and paid for by the committee.

Also, wife of the state Governor, Hajiya Hasina Badaru called on the husbands to take good care of their wives as stipulated in Islam. She also donated carpet, food flasks and hijabs to each of the orphans, just as the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Sani warned the husbands against any form of maltreatment. “I urge you to take them back to schools to enable them know how to worship and live peacefully with others.”

Moral Lessons in Suratul Hujurat

By Haruna Razaq

S

URATUL Hujuraat (Qur’an 49) is regarded by Islamic scholars as the leading chapter on issues of moral and ethical conduct expected of a Muslim to others. It has a lot of impact on the life of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as stated in the book of Hadith and other relevant historical books. According to books of tafsir such as: Tafsir Qur’anil Aziim by Sheikh Hafiz Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Fa-thu-Qadiir

by Sheikh Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali Ibn Muhammad ash-Shaukani, and Tafsir Tafhimul Qur’an by Sheikh Abul A’la Maududi etc., the central teachings of Suratul Hujurat is guidance on moral and ethical conduct expected of Muslims to others. The first verse of the surah was addressed to the Muslims to teach them how they should relate with Allah and His Prophet (SAW) with reference to exercise patience in their affairs. Verses 2 to 5 of the Surah established ethical conduct with the Prophet (SAW) with regards to lowering voice in his presence. Verses 6 to 8 deal with matters pertaining to investigation of all reports, news, or information before acting on it, to avoid harming people in ignorance, and afterward become regretful of one’s action. The nitty-gritty of verses 9-10 is the establishment of peace between members of the Muslim community on the basis of Islamic ideology of brotherhood. Succinctly, if two parties or groups among the believers are fighting, it is the duty of other Muslims to make peace between them. However, if one of them transgresses the limit, it is compulsory to support the group that did not transgress against the one that transgressed until he returns to the command of Allah. Then if he complies, they should make reconciliation between both parties and groups justly, and equitably. Verse 11 lays down the rule for showing respect to members of the community, and warns against indulging in unseemly acts. As a result, while explaining this verse, Shaukaani submits: “This verse forbids making jest of others. Allah explains the reason for this that the person they are making jest of may do better than those making jest of them in the sight of Allah. Verse 12 forbids Muslims from engaging in any activity or action which could lead to enmity, hatred. Such acts include: suspicions, spying on others, and backbiting one another. Verse 13 establishes the equality of mankind. As a result, all the mufasirun categorically pointed out that the status and honour of a man in the sight of Allah (SWT) depend upon his fear of Allah and certainly not upon any other means. Verse 14 to the end of the surah unveils the difference between a believer and a Muslim.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—53

54 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 a

Investigative journalist murdered in Ghana *IPC condemns incident

A

Ghanaian under cover journalist has been shot dead while driving home, after a politician called for retribution against him.

Unidentified men on motorbikes shot Ahmed Hussein-Suale three times in the capital Accra, local media reports say.

He was a member of Tiger Eye Private Investigations and had investigated corruption in Ghana’s football leagues.

The undercover report on cash gifts led to a lifetime ban for the former head of Ghana’s Football Association.

BBC Africa Eye made a documentary about the scandal last year after gaining access to the investigation led by journalist Anas Aremayaw Anas, who runs Tiger Eye. After the BBC broadcast the football documentary, Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong circulated photos of Mr Hussein-Suale and called for retribution against him.

In turn, the New Yorkbased Committee to Protect Journalists called on Mr Agyapong last summer to stop threatening

journalists.

In a press release, Tiger Eye said they were “terribly devastated by the dastardly act”, but were “unshaken” in their pursuit of “nation-wreckers”.

Mr Hussein-Suale was shot twice in the chest and once in the neck in the suburb of Madina at about 23:00 (23:00 GMT) on Wednesday night, reports say. His body has reportedly been taken to the Police Hospital Morgue and will be buried soon.

The investigative journalist co-operated with the BBC on several stories, in-

cluding an investigation into human body parts sold for ritual magic in Malawi.

Meanwhile, the International Press Centre, IPC, has condemned the incident.

Prior to his death, Husein had previously made a complaint to police after a Ghanaian lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong, showed his photograph on a private television channel. He promised payment for supporters who took retribution against Husein.

However, there were no measures to protect him.

IPC in a statement on Thursday, by its Director, Lanre Arogundade, said the body was aware that the Ghanaian Police is currently at work gathering information on the case, according to a statement from the director of the criminal investigations department, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Dankwa.

However, IPC called on the government and authorities of Ghana to make concerted efforts to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and seek justice for the crime committed.

Hussein-Suale

Cohen says Trump directed him to pay for poll cessfully to manipulate also received a boxing rigging two online polls in Mr. glove “worn by a Brazil-

P

resident Donald Trump’s former “fixer” Michael Cohen said Thursday that he paid the head of a small technology company thousands in 2015 to rig online polls at “the direction of and for the sole benefit of” Trump.

Cohen was responding to a report in The Wall Street Journal that he paid John Gauger, the owner of RedFinch Solutions LLC, between $12,000 and $13,000 for activities related to Trump’s campaign, including “trying unsuc-

Trump’s favor” and creating a Twitter account called “@WomenFor Cohen” that “praised (Cohen’s) looks and character, and promoted his appearances and statements boosting” Trump’s candidacy. In making the claim, Gauger told the paper he wasn’t fully paid for the work, though the Journal said Cohen was reimbursed $50,000 — the amount the two originally agreed on for Gauger’s services by the Trump Organization. Gauger, according to the paper,

ian mixed-martial arts fighter ” along with the cash payment.

The paper said that Cohen denied paying Gauger in cash, instead telling the Journal that “all monies paid to Mr. Gauger were by check” and declining to comment further. The Trump Organization did not comment to the Journal.

Rudy Giuliani, an attorney for Trump, told the paper that the allegation that Cohen received more money than what he paid to Gauger shows he’s a “thief.”

France activates no-deal Brexit plan

F

rench Prime Minis ter Edouard Philippe has said a no-deal Brexit looks “less and less unlikely” and has launched a contingency plan to prepare for it.

After the UK Parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement, Mr Philippe said laws had to be passed and millions invested in French ports and airports.

An EU official will now visit all 27 capitals to coordinate no-deal plans.

EU countries with close UK ties have already begun preparing for its departure on 29 March without a deal.

“We are taking this very seriously now as the possibility of a no-deal Brexit is becoming more possible after Tuesday night,” said European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas. “This is work

which is ongoing and it’s developing fully. We are not taking any chances.”

He also revealed that Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and

UK Prime Minister Theresa May had texted each other since her defeat in Parliament on Tuesday, but said they had not spoken.

Queen Elizabeth’s husband involved in crash while onto the A149 when the driving accident happened.

T

he Duke of Edin burgh has been involved in a car crash while driving near the Queen’s Sandringham estate, Buckingham Palace has said. Prince Philip, 97, was not injured in the accident, which happened shortly before 15:00 GMT. Buckingham Palace said the crash involved another vehicle and police attended the scene.

The duke was driving a Range Rover and was pulling out of a driveway

According to eyewitnesses, the car that the duke was driving overturned. The eyewitnesses said they helped the duke out of the vehicle.

He was conscious but “very, very shocked” and shaken, they added.

The BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell added that two people in the other vehicle - a saloon car - were treated for minor injuries, according to reports from Norfolk Police.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—55

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 ARIES; Both yourself and other important personalities to you are beginning to see things from same point of view making it easy for you to eliminate unnecessary rift.

TAURUS; Venus moves into a positive angle to your Star and encourages peaceful settlement. Exhibition of maturity on your part will favour you better.

GEMINI; Gradually you are dropping aggressive approach you have adopted in the last few days to the betterment of your cause. Remain practical till after 10.15pm.

CANCER. Other people will continue to have their says and if you try to indoctrinate them tensed atmosphere will be aggravated. Be patient.

TAKE HEART — ELLA RANDLE “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness” - William Arthur WardA beautiful heart is about awareness, it allows one to percieve things differently, our perspective changes and from this vantage, we act differently too. What is beautiful? To smile at someone is beautiful. To listen to others is beautiful.To be patient is beautiful. To assist another is beautiful. To embrace harmony and stay from anything that cast shadows on others is beautiful. -Ella Randle-

TERROR MUDA

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

The friends of our friends are our friends. ~ Congolese proverb

in “Never say goodbye”

By Kola Fayemi

LEO; Entrance of romantic Venus into a positive angle will enhance your prospects. Both financial and love related success are possible.

VIRGO; This is not the right time to rely on promises made by others. Continue to take matters-of-the-heart seriously. Reason with your reliable associates.

LIBRA; Better than yesterday; however that is not to say you should throw caution to the wind. Improvement on your love life indicated. Try to comport yourself.

SCORPIO ;After the am period you will become more aggressive. However your best way to success is to seek and reason with opinion of your spouse and/or important partners.

SAGITTARIUS; After a few days of fun you may need to settle down to serious business. Those of you working till very late evening will need to be more careful till after 10.15pm. Reason with your tried and trusted old hands(friends).

DUDU

in

“ROLLING HOT”

By A.O. OLAIDE

CAPRICORN; Venus moves into positive angle and boost your sparkling personality to the betterment of your cause. Could be a nice day for the-young-at-heart.

AQUARIUS; It is important you don’t allow your mind to wander unnecessarily so that minor but costly mistakes would be averted. Avoid late evening confusion.

PISCES; Recent tension generated by controversy over money will start to ease off. Be more vigilant if you are working late in the evening. Yet you will need to watch what you do within your base till after 10.15pm tonight.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send y our dat e and place of bir th t o the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

GOOD FUTURE FOR ME ?

Dear Joshua, I want to know about my future, especially what I should expect from my love life both in the immediate and far future.

However that is not to say I am not interested in good financial standing.

Adegbite, Abuja.

Dear Adegbite, Although there will be a particular time you will need to be more careful so that you will not gamble with love as predicted under your love life.

Major challenges for you here is inability to hold on to your gains (profits) partially by the contact made between your natal Saturn and Venus and some other times by your love of LUXORY (easy life). Although the Saturn influence can be mitigated, the love of luxury comes from your Taurus – Stallion which must not be totally discouraged but should not be allowed to go beyond your control. Yes envy and jealousy can creep in as indicated by the oppositions between your natal Venus/Saturn in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio, but that is not enough excuse for either failure or manipulation of occult powers against you. Whatever anybody says and/or does GREAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS is your portion.

The most influential planet during your birth hour is Venusthe planet of MONEY and LOVE. You are the romantic type whose magnetic personality and open handedness are sources of big trap to his members of opposite sex. As handsome as you are you truly crave stability in your love life, /home and the happiness you desired will be yours. You will need to watch carefully around and during your 44th year on earth as you may be tempted to gamble with matters-of-the-heart.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019—57 vanguardnews

@vanguardnews

@vanguardnews

NEWS HOTLINES 018773962, 08052867058

How to rescue Nigeria, by experts Continues from Page 5 may not be 100 per cent, but clearly, there is a correlation.

When we talk about human development index or the quality of human life, it requires a great deal of investment and you need resources to make that investment.”

Highlighting the inadequacy of resources at government’s disposal for development, and the need to encourage private sector investment in the provision of social services, Yusuf said: “Look at the story of Nigeria today; practically all our social sectors, organizations or segments are collapsing. The public school system has practically collapsed. The public health institutions have also practically collapsed.

“We find a situation today where you have more private schools in many of the states than there are public schools.

We are also faced with a situation where we now have more private hospitals than the public hospitals. That goes to show the role that the private sector is playing even in the social sector space.

“It also underscores the fact that the resources of the state are dwindling by the day and making it difficult for the government to discharge some of its fundamental obligations in the social space namely, issue of education, health and even security.

“It is very important that we also deal with the issue of resources. The government today does not have the resources to take proper care of social investment. We have to deal with this in two ways.

“We need to deal with the issues of tax and import duty to support the private sector ’s contribution to social investment, in order to grow the capacity of this economy.

“This is because this economy needs funds to grow; we need to grow investment because it is from investment that we can grow revenue, it is with revenue that you can develop education, health services, and support security forces.

“Investment is key, so all our policy equipment that can support microenterprises, indigenous investors, FDI, everything should be put on the table because if you do not grow investment space, there is no way you can grow the revenue and there is no way you can increase employment.”

We need to set targets, says Salami Emphasising the need for vision as the foundation for policy intervention, Dr Doyin Salami, former member, Monetary Policy Committee of the (CBN), said: “We need growth in order to achieve development. Let me state a few things; we need to set targets. For example, two per cent of the Chinese population are currently below the poverty line, and the Chinese say in two years even the two percent below poverty line would have been moved above the line of poverty. What is our own target?

“This is important because in the absence of target there is no direction and that was one of the key points our keynote speaker made; about a vision. What is the vision for Nigeria?”

Ozo-Eson policy shift

seeks

Also speaking, General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, called for policy shift from economic growth to human development.

He said: “I think therefore, the challenge for policy and for planning cannot be overemphasised. I think in designing our policies and plans, we should shift away from a fixation on GDP growth to the issues of Human Development index.

“For instance, the education and health sectors, that play key roles in determining your human development index measure, are areas where our planning and policy must return to emphasis and priority. It is only if we do that in a conscious way that we would be able to actually lift Nigeria from where it is in terms of human development index and ranking and move it up in the future.

“The second major point is that in doing this we need to learn from the examples of nations that we may not regard as rich but have consistently maintained very high positions on the human development ranking.”

What we need to do, by Usman Former Minister of National Planning and Chairman at the 2019 Vanguard Economic Discourse, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman highlighted some of the things that need to be done to enhance Human Development Index and economic development.

According to him: “From the practical point of view, let me tell you some of the

intellectual and other resources that we have to use to address some of these issues. Yes, I was Minister of Finance when we were reporting 6 per cent, 8 per cent growth and setting target of double digit GDP growth. One always faced the embarrassment, particularly from the media at that time; that you guys are talking of all these your figures and the average Nigerian is not feeling it.

So when I was moved from Finance to National Planning one of the three targets I set for myself is that I am going to address that issue. So how did we start? We started by working with other people like EMT, colleagues and particularly with the National Bureau of Statistics to say we must generate numbers that will guide policy so that when government is doing something it is very clear and specific. So we started first of all with the measurement of GDP itself in Nigeria. Intellectually from the economic point of view the difference between economic growth and economic development is

CONDOLENCE— Bayelsa State Gover nor, Seriake Dickson (R), commiserates with the children and relatives of the late Mr. Jim Edward Partner-Ogbolo, who until his demise was the State Commissioner for Power, shortly after a Service of Songs in his honour, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday. something that has been dealt with and has been mentioned already.

Even the way we were measuring GDP, there are two fundamental problems: One was that a large sector of our economy is actually excluded in the measurement, that is, the informal economy. What

we call the black economy which is a huge percentage of Nigeria’s population, so we are even undermeasuring the GDP itself.

"The second one was that the data base that was being used was in the 1990s, the time that we didn’t have GSM; look at how GSM has transformed this economy. Now you are

measuring that economy using base data that even did not exist. So we did embark on the issue of rebasing the GDP to bring it to a more recent period where it is more reflective.

If you are measuring and comparing, then you are doing it on a more reasonable basis.”

ASSET DECLARATION CHARGE:

FG snubs 2 suits seeking to stop CJN’s arraignment

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA – THE F e d e r a l Government, yesterday, shunned two separate suits seeking to abort the scheduled arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had last Monday, okayed the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/27/2019 and FHC/ABJ/ CS/28/2019, for hearing.

The suits were lodged by the incorporated Trustees of the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative, CJPI, and the Incorporated Trustees of the International Association of Student Economists and Management, IASEM, respectively.

Listed as defendants in the second suit were the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF; the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT; the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, the Chairman of CCT, and the Inspector-General of Police.

At resumed proceedings on the two cases, yesterday, none of the defendants apart from the NJC was represented in court.

This happened on a day an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court extended to January 28 the order restraining the CCT from arraigning Justice Onnoghen over alleged failure to declare some of his assets.

The CCT had earlier adjourned till next Tuesday

the arraignment of the CJN who it ordered should be personally served with a copy of the charge against him. The CJN has been served the charge.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday, faulted arguments over whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the move to prosecute the CJN, saying the President must not be aware of anyone’s prosecution.

FG shuns suits The CJPI and IASEM had approached the high court to challenge the legal propriety of the six-count criminal charge that the Federal Government entered against Justice Onnoghen before the CCT. On the strength of an exparte motion filed by the groups, the high court ordered the government to suspend every move to dock the CJN over the charge before the tribunal, pending the determination of the suits.

The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha, specifically directed all the parties in the matter to maintain the status quo until all the legal issues raised in the suits were resolved.

Justice Maha equally directed the plaintiffs to serve all the relevant processes, as well as hearing notices, on all the defendants in the matter.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN,

Chairman of the CCT, Danladi Umar, the National Judicial Council, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, were cited as defendants in the first suit.

Listed as defendants in the second suit were the AGF, the CCT, the CCB, the Chairman of CCT, and the Inspector-General of Police.

Following a query from the Judge, counsel to the 1st Plaintiff, Mr. Lawal Rabana, SAN, notified the court that all the defendants, except the Senate President, were duly served with both the processes and the enrolled interim order of the court stopping the planned arraignment.

He, however, applied for a short date to enable his client effect service of the processes on Saraki, “in the interest of justice.”

The NJC which was represented by Dr. Garba Tetengi, SAN, confirmed that it was duly served with all the processes, saying it was not opposed to the Plaintiff ’s request for adjournment.

Before she adjourned the case to January 28, Justice Maha ordered fresh service of the court summons on all the defendants. She also directed the Plaintiffs to include the date of service in the proof of service that will be filed before the court.

Court re-activates restraining order against Onnoghen’s arraignment Besides, the court reactivated the restraining

order it issued against Onnoghen’s trial, warning that none of the parties should take any step in the matter pending the determination of the Originating Summons before it.

Similarly, the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja, equally fixed next Monday to hear another suit that is also challenging the Federal Government’s powers to try Onnoghen before the CCT without recourse to the NJC. Plans to dock the CJN failed last Monday after he refused to appear before the Justice Danladi Umar three-member CCT to enter his plea to the charge levelled against him.

Rather, the embattled CJN, through a consortium of 86 lawyers that appeared in his defence, challenged the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try the CJN. He contended that the federal Government failed to abide by existing judicial precedent as encapsulated in a recent Appeal Court decision in Nganjiwa vs Federal Republic of Nigeria (2017) LPELR43391(CA), to the effect that any misconduct attached to the office and functions of a judicial officer, must first be reported to and handled by the NJC, pursuant to the provisions of the laws.

The CJN further argued that only after the NJC has pronounced against such judicial officer could prosecuting agencies of the Federal Government proceed to initiate a criminal proceeding.

58—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

NWOSU

UDOH

I, formerly known as Nwosu Chizoba Evelyn, now wish to be known as Ozurumba Chizoba Evelyn. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Glory Ubong Udoh, now wish to be known as Glory Ubong Adekanmbi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EBO

OKUNOLA

BONNIE

JOHN

OLORUNFEMI I, formerly known as Olorunfemi Taiwo Ibukunoluwa, now wish to be known as Agbaje Taiwo Damilola.

Former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NKEREUWEM

I, formerly known as Miss Okunola Folasade Florence, now wish to be known as Mrs. Karape Folasade Florence. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Bonnie Rapuluchi Ndukwe, now wish to be known as Boniface Rapuluchi Ndukwe All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Oloruntimilehin John Daramola, now wish to be known as Oloruntimileyin Joshua Daramola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Caroline Effiong and Caroline Effiong Nkereuwem, now wish to be known as Caroline Effiong Udo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

My name was wrongly written as Ebo Osondu Benjamin in my BVN, instead of my correct name, Osondu Chineye Joy. Former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

IYEIKHIAN

AKAH

I, formerly known as Miss Iyeikhian Gloria Eseohe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oboh Gloria Eseohe.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I hereby confirm that the names, Akah Anson Golden Ngozi, Akah Golden and Akah Golden Ngozi refer to one and the same me. Former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AGWAZE I, formerly known as Agwaze Uwaya Felix, now wish to be known as Okwuchukwu Uwaya Felix.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that the names Ahanuwa Maureen or Ahanuwa Maureen Rejoice and Ahanuwa Ehis Kendra refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Ahanuwa Ehis Kendra. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AHANUWA

DANIEL

ONORIODE

ONONUJU

CHIKA

I, formerly known as Festus

I, formerly known as Onome Ewhubareh, now wish to be known as Onome Ewhubareh Onoriode. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Chukwuemeka Chubby Ononuju, now wish to be known as Chukwuemeka Kingsley Ndedigwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that the names, Chika Julie Ehiemere and Julie Chika Anchor, refer to one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Julienee Chika Anchor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Emem Ita Okokon, now wish to be known as Peace Ita Okokon.

All former documents remain valid. Bank and general public please take note.

My name was wrongly written as Kehinde Olamide Ibrahim, instead of my correct name, Olarewaju Ibrahim Kehinde. Former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AJAYI I, formerly known as Mrs Taiwo Temidayo Ajayi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Taiwo Temidayo Adenekan. All former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

FREGENE

EKEH I, formerly known as Ekeh Elizabeth Ndidiamaka, now wish to be known as Mrs. Mbaleto Elizabeth Chiemela. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ATTAH

I, formerly known as Miss Eworiste Lucky Fregene, now wish to be known as Mrs Eworiste Lucky Mayuku-Dore. All former documents remain valid.

General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Attah, now wish to be known as Mrs Mercy Attah Bauka.

All former documents remain valid. General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

Daniel, now wish to be known as Festus Onoriode Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BOLAJI

EMEM

OLAMIDE

REUBEN

IBADAN

I hereby confirm that the name Adu Ifedayo Reuben and Adu Dayo refer to one and the same me. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Orevaoghene Christabel Ibadan, now wish to be known as Mrs. Christabel Orevaoghene David. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Musa Adebayo Bolaji, now wish to be known as Musa Adebayo Idris. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

FREGENE

YAKI I, formerly known as Shaibu Yaki, now wish to be known as Shaibu Yahaya Yaki. All former documents remain valid.

General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

ESEOGHENE

OLUMOBI I, formerly known as Olumobi Bolanle Mercy, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ariyo Bolanle Mercy. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

KPOGBAN

I, formerly known as Miss Shirley Eseoghene Otu, now wish to be known as Mrs Shirley Otu Ngoye. All former documents remain valid. General public banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

I, formerly known as Kpogban Oviedovire Alfred, now wish to be known as Jesudovire Fred .O. Kpogban (Rev). All former documents remain valid.

General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

OKORO I, formerly known as Miss Elohor Okoro, now wish to be known as Mrs Elohor Michelle Siode. All former documents remain valid.

General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note

OTUTURUTU

AKPOWOWO

I, formerly known as Miss Erezi Oghogho Akpoyibo, now wish to be known as Mrs Erezi Oghogho Sogunle.

All former documents remain valid. General public banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

I, formerly known as Fortune Sampson Otuturutu, now wish to be known as Ovuakporaye Fortune Takpomrefe. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

We, formerly known as Mr. Ughoro Alphonsus, Mrs. Ughoro Evelyn Aruere (F), Akpowowo Oronana Donald (M), Akpowowo Onosakponome Morris (M) and Akpowowo Oreva Daniel (M), now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr. Akpoghene Alphonsus (M), Mrs. Akpoghene Evelyn Aruere (F), Akpoghene Oronana Donald (M), Akpoghene Onosakponome Morris (M) and Akpoghene Oreva Daniel (M).

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGIGBA

KABAKWU

ENONUYA I, formerly known as Enonuya Benedicta, now wish to be known as Benedicta Aritetsoma Megbele. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UDOUDO

UNEH I, formerly known as Uneh Ufuoma Edith, now wish to be known as Mrs. Mayor Uneh Ufuoma Edith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PHILIP

I, formerly known as Miss Itulua Omon Violet, now wish to be known as Mrs Ekomhenmhen Omon Violet.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ITANG

ANOTA I, formerly known as Anota Anthony Samuel, now wish to be known as O k o n k w o Samuel_Anthony Anota.

Former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANYADIOHA

I, formerly known as Miss Abasiama Ime Udoudo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Abasiama Kufre Joe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Imaobong Uwem Philip, now wish to be known as Imaobong Uwem Abakasanga. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Rachael Itang Itang, now wish to be known as Rachael Oluwamayowa Arugbajoye.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Anyadioha Chioma Nnediogo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Richards Chioma Nnediogo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ESSIEN

OKEKE

I, formerly known as Eso Essien Essien, now wish to be known as Eso Essien Nya. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Favour Chinonso Okeke, now wish to be known as Chikezie Favour Ukamaka. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NWEMEMBU

NDU

I, formerly known as Nwemembu Theresa Ogugua, now wish to be known as Membu Theresa Ogugua.

Former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Esther Uchenna Ndu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Esther Uchenna Uzoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Fregene Joy, now wish be known as Omamoromo Joy. All former documents remain valid.

General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

AKPOYIBO

I, formerly known as Miss Egigba Betsy Erhomosene, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ifechukwude Betsy Erhomosene. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Kabakwu Samuel Chukwuka, now wish to be known as Ifechukwude Chukwuka Samuel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEREKE Addition of name I, formerly known as Okereke Oluchi, now wish to be known as Edemodu Oluchi Morah. Former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

DUMEBI

AKALAZU I, formerly known as Miss Georgenia Chidinma Akalazu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Georgenia Chidinma Edozie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NEWMAN

IDRIS

I, formerly known as Miss Dumebi Ezar Ononye, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ehigiator Dumebi Ezar Ononye. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Newman Mmerichukwu Joy, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ekesi Mmerichukwu Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Idris Abdulsalam Olaide, now wish to be known as Olayiwola-Balogun Abdulsalam Olawale Olaide.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPAKO

CHUKWUMA

ENYOGHASI

MOSES I, formerly known as German Moses, now wish to be known as German O. Moses. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

IMONIUNU

I, formerly known as Miss Gloria Egwoyenrure Okpako, now wish to be known as Mrs. Gloria Egwoyenrure Igumah. All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Chukwuma Oleka Abosi Jibuike, now wish to be known as Oleka Abosi Jibuike.

All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Enyoghasi Chidinma Wendy, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chidinma Wendy Anagor.

All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Imoniunu Prince Peter Tega, now wish to be known as Sunday Prince Peter Tega. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OFORDIDON

ITULUA

I, formerly known as Ofordidon Joshua Otome, now wish to be known as Omagbemi Joshua Otome. All former documents remain valid. General public, Zenith bank and please take note.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — 59 CHANGE OF NAME IFERE

NWANKWO

I, formerly known as Miss Umukoro Ufuoma, now wish to be known as Mrs Bukotore Ufuoma Joy. All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and general public to take note.

I, formerly known as Mrs Ifere Irene Aghogho, now wish to be known as Mrs Oghale Irene Aghogho. All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and general public to take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Nwankwo Deborah, now wish to be known as Mrs Oviawe Deborah David. All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and general public to take note.

UTI I, formerly known as Miss Isioma Vivian Uti, now wish to be known as Mrs. Isioma Vivian Ottah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IHEOMAMERE

OKONKWOR I, formerly known as Miss Helen Ifeoma Okonkwor, now wish to be known as Mrs. Helen Ifeoma Agusi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ISAAC

I, formerly known as Miss Oraka Anthonia Ovigwe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Momoh Anthonia Ovigwe.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Chioma Ugonnaya Iheomamere, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chioma Ugonnaya Johnson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Chukwuma Isaac, now wish to be known as Momoh Chukwuma Isaac Ifeanyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Joseph Chukwudi Shannan, now wish to be known as Chukwuka Joseph Chukwudi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AUSTINE I, formerly known as Ngare Austine Junior, now wish to be known as Ngare Augustine Okeke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEM

ONYEKA

I, formerly known as Onyem Chukwuemeka Festus, now wish to be known as Okpor Chukwuemeka Festus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Name This is to confirm that Chukwujindu Bobby Onyeka and Chukuji Bobby refer to the same person. I now wish to be known as Chukwujindu Nze Bobby. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMUKORO

RICHARD Reconciliation of Name This is to confirm that Paul Eyomodo Richard, Eyomodo Richard Paul, Richard Eyomodo Paul and Richard Paul refer to the same person.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ORAKA

SHANNAN

NWANKWO

OBODO

This is to confirm that Lawrretta Dumebi Nwankwo, Mrs. Rita Dumebi Osakwe and Mrs. Lawrretta Dumebi Okocha refer to the same person. I now wish to be known as Mrs. Lawrretta Dumebi Okocha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Obodo Constance Maria, now wish to be known as Mrs John Constance Maria.

All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and general public take note.

OKONWKO

AGUMMA

ANUOLUWAPO

I, formerly known as Very Rev. Msgr. Ugwu Patrick Okonkwo, now wish to be known as Very Rev. Msgr.

Ugwu Patrick Okolonkwo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to notify the general public that my name was wrongly written in my BVN as Josemaria Reuben Agumma, instead of Agumma Emenike Josemaria. I wish to be known as Agumma Emenike Josemaria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Adeyemi Victoria Anuoluwapo, now wish to be known as Adeyemi Victoria Mercy. All former documents bearing both names remain valid. General public please take note.

EWA-UDU

ACHILOGU

I, formerly known as Miss Patience Egwuchi Ewa-Udu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Patience Egwuchi Tochukwu- Cyril. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Achilugo Ebelechukwu Blessing, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ibeziako Ebelechukwu Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOYE I, formerly known as Juliet Ngozi Okoye, now wish to be known as Juliet Ngozi Chukwude. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OLUWAKEMI

DURUJI I, formerly known as Miss Duruji Chinemezi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Okoro Chinemezi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODIKWANTA

This is to confirm that the name Mebusaiye Loveth Oluwakemi and Mebusaiye Loveth Kemishola refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known as Mebusaiye Loveth Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

My name was wrongly written as Odikwanta Nkwachi Promise, in my Diamond Bank account, instead of Odikwa Nkwachi Promise. My correct name is Odikwa Nkwachi Promise. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc and general public please take note.

ALOR I, formerly known as Miss Alor Niki, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ifeoma Evans Tochi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKOH I, formerly known as Miss Okoh Isioma Rosemary, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ehapa Rosemary Isioma. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OMOREGIE I, formerly known as Omoregie Isoken, now wish to be known as Mrs. Isoken Amenaghawon Uwuilekhue. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AGBONE

I, formerly known as Miss Sarah Agbone, now wish to be known as Mrs. Sarah Omokhuale. All former documents remain valid.

Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and general public please take note.

EVBUOMWAN I, formerly known as Omorovibiye Evbuomwan, now which to be known as Imhanbor Omorovibiye.

Former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SYLVANUS I, formerly known as Sylvanus Terver Upu, now wish to be known as Silas Terver Upu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

LARE I, formerly known as Miss Aguye Aishat Lare, now wish to be known as Mrs Aishat Aguye Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBEBOR I, formerly known as Miss Ogbebor Blessing Omoye, now wish to be known as Mrs. Asemota Blessing Omoye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJUKONSIN I, formerly known as Miss Ojukonsin Timilayefa, now wish to be known as Mrs. Agbegha Ojukonsin Timilayefa. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

60 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Barca face disqualification from Copa del Rey ccording to Span A ish daily El Mundo, Barcelona played

with an ineligible player against Levante in their first leg Copa del Rey match against Levante last week (Barcelona lost 2-1). The return fixture is this evening, Thursday.

Defender Juan Brandáriz, better known as Chumi, was in Valverde’s starting XI for

APPRECIATION: Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (2nd left) receiving certificate of appreciation from some MarketMoni beneficiaries during the Niger State edition of National Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Clinicn MSME, in Minna. With them is Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani (3rd left).

Barça, however he was at that point suspended from playing due to his disciplinary record with Barcelona B. According to the disci-

Ronaldo: I wanted to start 2019 with my first title for Juve

A

fter firing Juven tus to a Supercoppa Italiana win over Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo

Bayern battle Hoffenheim in his thigh throughon StarTimes lem out the winter break. He

A

fter the winter break, action resumes in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich battling Hoffenheim tonight, with leading pay television network, StarTimes set to show the match live.

Bayern Munich are set to be without veteran winger, Arjen Robben as he is yet to regain full fitness to train with the team.

Robben has been struggling with a prob-

plinary code in Spain, players cannot play for their first team if they are suspended with a lower team until the punishment has finished.

was unable to participate in any team training sessions during Bayern’s winter camp at the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar.

Since Robben is sidelined, it is almost certain that Serge Gnabry will start for Bayern on the right flank at the RheinNeckar-Arena in Sinsheim. Kingsley Coman is also an option for the right flank, if Manager Niko Kovac opts to start Franck Ribery on the left.

hailed it as the perfect start to the new year.

“It was a very difficult game,” he told Rai in Saudi Arabia.

“It was very hot and it is difficult to play in conditions like that. We played well., we are winners and I’m very happy about scoring the winning goal. This was something I wanted.

I was keen to start 2019 well so I’m very happy to win my first title with Juventus.”

Konta crashes out of Australian Open players who entered the

J

TOUR : From left, Action Democratic Party, ADP, candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; Aare of Ago Aare, Dr. Abodunrin Kofoworola (Alawoekun Ilufemiloye Olakanla 11), and Senatorial candidate, Ahmed Salaudeen, during Akala's familiarisation tour to Oke Ogun, Oyo State.

ohanna Konta be came the final Briton to depart the Australian Open but only after an epic three-set defeat to Garbine Murguruza that finished at 3.12am local time.

Having been slated for day four in Melbourne, the action actually got under way on day five, with their 12.30am start local time the latest in Australian Open history - and, as the clock went beyond 3am, it was the Spaniard who finally emerged triumphant.

Konta's defeat now means all eight British

singles events at the year's opening major have crashed out before the third round, but none depart with as much credit as her.

Mourinho: I’m too young to retire

J

*Mourinho

I pick players by size of penis, says German woman coach

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LAUNCH: From left, Senior Marketing Manager, Spectranet 4G LTE,

Jagadish Swain; Chief Executive Officer, Ajay Awasthi; and Head of Marketing, Spectranet 4G LTE, Mike Ogor, during the launch of Spectranet ACE MiFi in Lagos.

UNICAF ESSAY: From

left, Emmanuel Famokun, 2nd runner up; Folashade Shodipo, 1st prize winner, and Chekwube first runner up, all winners of Unicaf essay compeititon with their prizes at Unicaf Office, in Lagos.

he first woman to coach a football club in Germany ’s top five divisions has put a journalist in their place by joking that she selects her line-up based on her players’ manhoods.

Imke Wubbenhorst was appointed as head coach of fifth-tier outfit BV Cloppenburg in December after half a season leading their women’s team.

In an interview with German newspaper

Welt, she was ready with a witty retort to a poorly judged question.

Asked if her players should cover themselves up before she came into the changing room, she replied: “Of course not.

I’m a professional – I pick the team on penis size...”

Ghanaian under cover journalist has been shot dead while driving home, after a politician called for retribution against him.

Unidentified men on motorbikes shot Ahmed Hussein-Suale three times in the capital Accra, local media reports

ose Mourinho says still belongs top football after being sacked by Manchester United and that he is “too young” to retire.

United have gone on to win six straight matches under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since Mourinho left in December “I want to coach,” he said on BeIN SPORTS. “I am too young, I am in football for a long, long time but I will be 56 in a couple of weeks and am really too young.

Where I am going to stay is where I belong, I belong to top football.

I belong to top-level football and (that) is where I am going to be.”

Pogba: Man Utd identity is back

aul Pogba believes P Manchester United have rediscovered their

Football bribes investigator shot dead in Ghana

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*Ronaldo

say. He was a member of Tiger Eye Private Investigations and had investigated corruption in Ghana’s football leagues.

The undercover report on cash gifts led to a lifetime ban for the former head of Ghana’s Football Association.

identity under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“The way we are playing we have more possession of the ball. We know more where to attack and where to go. We have more of a pattern of play and more of a structure,” Pogba told Sky Sports News.

“That makes it easier for everyone. So I would not say it is only myself.

Yes, I have scored a few goals and had a few assists but it is all the team [that deserves credit].”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018 — 61

2019 FIFA WWC countdown: China punish Super Falcons thrice

Gunners legend Ljunberg tips Saka to shine

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RSENAL U-23 coach Freddie Ljungberg has admitted he is amazed by how fast 17-year-old Bukayo Saka is learning.

Saka started his career with Arsenal’s Hale End academy and was promoted to the under-23 side earlier this season.

The winger impressed manager Unai Emery to the extent where he was soon included in squads for senior matches.

He then made his senior competitive debut for Arsenal in the Europa League against Vorskla Poltava in November.

And he revealed to football.london exactly why Saka rose through the Gunners ranks so rapidly.

“He was supposed to play

with the U18s this season and I think, sorry to say, he was better than that,” Ljungberg said.

“But I didn’t want to just throw him in. When you’re at Hale End you don’t train as much as we do.

“We looked at the physical aspect, that we wouldn’t kill him the first two, three months. He didn’t play much but he was on the bench on purpose.

“What is good with him is everybody listens but he takes in information.

“For instance a lot of wingers will run [straight] up when you press instead of going in another direction, killing an angle so you can go again and have a better chance to intercept the ball because you have the full-back where you want him.

“Stuff like that is really difficult but he’s learning really quickly. It amazes me as a coach.”

Saka came off the bench to replace Alex Iwobi to make his Premier League debut in a 4–1 win against Fulham on New Year’s day.

Ogbeide: Mamelodi victory gives Lobi more confidence

•Saka

I knew we ‘ll win at Abia —Coach Smart Ani

o Round chief coach, Smart Ani has disclosed his team’s 2-1win at Abia G Warriors in a match day two fixture on

Wednesday did not cone to him as a surprise.

Ani, a former Rangers player hinted that he already know the way Abia Warriors play and was emphatic that if they, Go Round, stick to their game plan, they would triumph. “ If you had access to our (Go Round) group chat, you will realise that I already knew we would win at Umuahia”, starts Ani. “During our preseason friendly, we defeated them 1-0 and from there I noted how they play. “ In fact, I even predicted we would win by three goals and if not for the fact one of our goals was ruled out, it would have been 3-1”.

Go Round were the only club to win on the road in Wednesday’s five games decided in match day two fixtures.

They will this weekend welcome FC Ifeanyiubah at their KrisDera Stadium, Omoku.

“Its going to be tough. But we will do our best to win. FC Ifeanyiubah we understand have young players so we will be ready for that”, Ani added.

•Ogbeide

L

obi Stars of Makurdi coach, Solomon Ogbeide has declared that his side’s 2-1 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in their first group match of the CAF Champions League has given them a boost in confidence.

Heading into this weekend’s second group match away to ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire, Ogbeide is now optimistic that the Middle Belt squad can pull off a shock against the former

African champions.

The veteran coach admitted his side are still underdogs heading into the game, considering the pedigree of their hosts, but he insists there are no more minnows in African soccer and fancies his team’s chances.

While Lobi Stars won their Group A opener, ASEC fell 5-2 away to Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco and will go all to win on Saturday at Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan to keep alive their hope of qualifying.

However, Ogbeide would be further encouraged with memories of how Enyimba of Aba spanked ASEC 2-0 at same venue on their way to winning the continental trophy in 2003.

Ogbeide stated: “There are no small teams in the group and we are still the underdogs because the other three teams namely ASEC, Wydad and Sundowns are past winners of the CAF Champions League.

“We haven’t won anything yet but we can now build on the victory against Mamelodi Sundowns to focus on the next game against ASEC. “We have a good spirit; and remain positive going for the away game against ASEC and we are going to take the game to them in Abidjan.”

NFF, NIKE meet to strategize for new year

Bamba proud that Rivers Utd earned a point at Tornadoes

R

ivers United goalkeeper, Drissa Bamba says he’s proud of his team’s performance at Niger Tornadoes.

The former FC Ifeanyiubah shot stopper stated that it was important they did not leave Minna empty handed.

“I’m happy we got a point.

It is good for us. We would have won but it is good we didn’t lose”, he said.

The bulky goaltender said Rivers United have all it takes to hold her ground, saying they can only consolidate when they host Katsina United this weekend.

“It was tough at Tornadoes. We fought hard, every player worked hard for each other. We got the goal after they scored."

T

he Nigeria Football Federation and its official kit sponsors, NIKE on Thursday met in Abuja to review activities for year 2018 and plan for the new year.

Top on the agenda was the activation of the new, robust contract signed by the two parties in Asaba, Delta State in November 2018, especially in the distribution of NIKE merchandise to ensure the products are available to consumers through several platforms across the country.

Opening of more NIKE outlets in Nigeria to deepen the market, preparation of new designs scheduled to be launched in the summer of next year and the exploration of severally mutually beneficial strategies to take advantage of the enhanced contract were also discussed.

“We had a very good meeting and we hope to

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frican Women Cup of N a t i o n s champions, Super Falcons were yesterday beaten 3-0 by China in the Four Nations Invitational tournament.

The Super Falcons failed to contain the Chinese women who took the lead after nine minutes.

They dominated the rest of the game and rounded off victory with two second half goals. The Super Falcons must now •Onome redeem themselves on Sunday, when they face Romania.

“We hope to do better in the next match,” said coach Thomas Dennerby.

“The girls are equal to the task ahead.”

U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles team list ready next week

F

lying Eagles coach, Paul Aigbogun will name his final list of Flying Eagles for this year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations early next week, thenff.com has learnt.

The seven –time African champions, who finished as runners-up at the WAFU U20 Cup Championship in Lome, Togo in December, have been in a training camp at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for more than two weeks.

Nigeria square up against hosts Niger Republic, South Africa and Burundi in Group A of the 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place 2nd – 17th February 2019.

Officials have informed thenff.com that the Nigeria squad will arrive in Niamey on 27th January, with the team to stay at the Hotel Royal in the Nigerien capital.

Heartland Turkish coach Tayfun reveals secret of 3-0 win over Plateau Utd ehmet Tayfun, the Turkish technical M adviser of Heartland was not

on the bench when the Maze Millionaires pummelled former champions, Plateau United 3-0 in a match day two fixture of the 2018/2019 abridged NPFL season on Wednesday.

Tayfun is yet to get his work permit and was unable to sit on the club’s bench.

But elated over his players performance in their first match at their new home ground at Okigwe Township Stadium, Tayfun said it was a positive response to their earlier defeat at Kano Pillars, promising that from hence they will win all their

2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:

Fadekemi, Pam set for home runners showdown

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•Shehu Dikko (second right), with Tina Salminen (second left), Alizor Chuks (right) and Heinmets (left) at Thursday’s meeting. learn from the successes of last season to build new strategies to deepen the relationship going forward, for the benefit of the NFF, NIKE, football fans and other stakeholders.

“The NFF is very happy with the relationship with NIKE and we are willing to help in every area that they want to activate the contract,” NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko told thenff.com.

Also at the meeting

were NIKE’s Tina Salminen (Director, Sports Marketing, African Football) and Indrek Heinmets (Commercial Director, Sports Division of Hudson Holdings, NIKE’s official distributors), as well as Mr. Alizor Chuks, NFF’s Head of Marketing.

Mr. Sean Harris (GM, NIKE) and Wouter van Olm (NIKE’s Strategic Account Manager, Africa) were part of the meeting from NIKE’s Netherland’s headquarters via video call.

•Tayfun matches.

“Its an important win.

Very important and I’m happy.

“It gives the players confidence which is the best tactics in a match."

op Nigerian long distance runners Olude Fadekemi and Deborah Pam are set to race themselves to the top prize of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon billed for February 2.

Pam is the woman to beat in the local runners category, but Fadekemi is determined to upstage the Plateau-born Pam who has dominated the local scene for a while.

“I was not too happy that I could not defend my title last year, I only finished in second place but this year I want the first position again.

“The year 2018 was very good for me but of course I want 2019 to be better starting with the Lagos Marathon, I will also be competing at the All African Games and many other competitions this year,” said Fadekemi who won the national sports festival marathon gold.

As a means of encouraging Nigerian runners, organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has always had in place a separate prize category to reward the local runners outside the general prizes for all runners from across the world.

•Olude Fadekemi

62 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY’S PUZZLE

FRIDAY’S ANSWER

How to Play Sudoku

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Civil disorder (4) 3 Irish clover (8) 9 Sweetened (7) 10 Belong (3,2) 11 Many times (5) 12 Puzzle (6) 14 Remained (6) 16 Dried plums (6) 19 Emblem (6)

THURSDAY’S SOLUTION

21 Burn fiercely (5) 24 Muggy (5) 25 Left out (7) 26 Seasickness (3,2,3) 27 Jab, nudge (4) DOWN 1 Answer (8) 2 Should (5) 4 Concealed (6) 5 Civilian dress (5)

6 Low stuffed seat (7) 7 Monarch (4) 8 European country (6) 13 Moved up (8) 15 Very bad (7) 17 Burrowing animal (6) 18 Recess (6) 20 Move (5) 22 Change (5) 23 Pal (4)

Place 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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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — A15

A16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B1

B2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B3

B4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B5

B6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B7

B8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B9

B10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B11

B12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — B13

A14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — A15

B16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C1

C2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C3

C4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C5

C6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C7

C8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C9

C10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C11

C12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C13

C14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — C15

C16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D1

D2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D3

D4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D5

D6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D7

D8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D9

D10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D11

D12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D13

D14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — D15

D16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E1

E2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E3

E4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E5

E6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E7

E8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E9

E10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E11

E12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E13

E14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — E15

E16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F1

F2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F3

F4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F5

F6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F7

F8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F9

F10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F11

F12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F13

F14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019 — F15

F16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019