27052019 - NEW MINIMUM WAGE: No governor can say he won't pay —FG

INSIDE

Sluggish economy weighs down coporate performance

Nigerians’re getting poorer, feeling hopeless, helpless — Cardinal Onaiyekan

IPOB, MASSOB, others insist on May 30 Biafra day 15

9

MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

VOL. 26: NO. 63818

NEW MINIMUM WAGE:

Kukah Centre, int’l agency move to boost STORY education ON PAGE 8 in Nor thern •Says N30,000 new minimum wage started April 18 Nigeria 41 •C'ttee working out new template for consequential adjustment

No governor can say he won't pay —FG

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH SERVICE...

Okorocha asks NJC, Abuja CJ to ignore 41 EFCC’s petition against judge Buhari may block NASS’ final push to oust Magu, as Reps pass bill to make AIG 9 head EFCC

From the left, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; his Wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Mother of the Vice President, Mama Olubisi Osinbajo; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; the SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapher,; his wife, Mrs. Funmilayo Mustapher and former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani singing a hymn during the 2019 Presidential Inauguration Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

HERDSMEN:

S'West under siege, Yoruba elders, Agbekoya 17 tell FG COLUMNISTS

Tumour: JUTH undertakes first brain surgery using drilling machine 8

OWEI LAKEMFA

31

SOBOWALE

Boko Haram kill 25 soldiers in Borno ambush; it’s not true —ARMY 29

HENRY BOYO

8 30

Mr & Mrs

2—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—3

4—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—5

POCKET CARTOON

brought a great deal of calm and relief to the forex market.”

Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari (R) with other women during an interactive session as part of activities to mark 2019 Presidential Inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

LCCI tasks FG on huge debts, manufacturing, others Forex

By Udeme Akpan

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has raised an alarm over dwindling investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

In its report, Economic Review of the four years of President Buhari obtained by Vanguard, yesterday, the LCCI stated: “Pace of reforms in the oil and gas sector remained painfully slow over the past four years.

"The Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, was stalled, impeding the

progress of the sector. In the upstream segment, contracting processes under the joint venture partnership took between 12 and 36 months. This was a major problem for investors in the sector.

This is one reason no new investors are coming into the sector.

“The downstream was equally plagued by excessive regulation which made it difficult to unlock the huge potentials of the oil and gas sector. It is desirable to fully liberalize the sector so that investors can inject the needed private capital.”

Blueprint

The report, which beamed its searchlight on major sectors of the nation’s economy, stated: “Absence of an economic blueprint was a major concern in the early days of the administration, creating challenges of uncertainty.

"However, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP, launched in April 2017 by the President, provided clearer economic policy direction of the administration. This enhanced the level of investors’ confidence and d i m i n i s h e d uncertainties.”

It stated: “The forex policy was one of the major challenges faced by investors in the first two years of the administration. There were issues of uncertainty, volatility of exchange rate, round tripping which resulted from the huge differentials in the rates, multiplicity of rates, acute liquidity crises which adversely affected investors’ confidence.

"However, subsequent reforms in the forex market palliated these problems. Subsequent upswing in oil price and increase in oil output

Debt

The report stated: “The National Debt grew from N12.6 trillion or US$65.4 billion in 2015 to N24.3 trillion or $79.4 billion in 2018. This represents an increase of 93%; an estimated 15% of these are owed by the states. In the 2019 budget, debt service provision was N2.14 trillion; capital expenditure provision was N2.9 trillion and estimated revenue for the federal government was N6.97 trillion.”

Manufacturing

It stated: “The manufacturing sector experienced some major challenges during the past four years. The factors were both external and domestic. The main external factor was the collapse of oil price which affected forex availability and triggered sharp exchange rate depreciation in the first half of the administration.

"However, the policy component of the problem resulted largely from foreign exchange policy choices which aggravated the problem of forex liquidity. The restriction of 41 items from access to interbank forex market added to the plight of some manufacturing firms.”

Agriculture

It stated: “The sector gained significant government support, especially in funding, with particular reference to rice farming and processing. However, the pace of mechanization is still low which is why why food prices remain an issue in the country. ‘’It is only mechanized agriculture that can guarantee food security in a country with an estimated population of 200 million.

The protracted challenge of insecurity took its toll on the agricultural production in the country, especially in the last two years of the administration.”

By Bose Adelaja,Yinka Latona, Dickson Omobola, Tolulope Oke, Chiamaka Uba, Erinfolami Abdulkudus& Janet Somoye

What could be responsible for upsurge in suicide cases? (3)

I

V

arious factors could be the reason for this. First is depression.

Thinking too much about something could lead to trauma and depression and ultimately, suicide.

The second one is frustration. When a person sees nothing good in life as a result of having to deal with failure, suicide might become an option.

Miss Jane Matt Writer

I

can’t really place what is responsible for the upsurge but I would say that poverty is one of the main causes Depression is a big killer and people in this part of the world do not give much attention to it but it is real and it is killing people faster than any other thing.

Mr. Stephen Ayobami Student

I

t is mainly because of depression, lack of contentment, selfishness, illiteracy and inferiority complex. My opinion is that suicide is not the solution. Please kindly erase the notion from your memory. You can also share your problems with someone else rather than dying silently or committing suicide.

Miss Okeke Favour Student

n the past two months, we have heard news of teenagers taking sniper after seeing their examination scores. Some committed suicide due to pressure from family. Some might have committed suicide because this isn’t their first time of failing.

Parents and friends should spend more time with loved ones and try to be understanding by not putting too much pressure on them.

Mr. Awwal Damilola, Graphics designer

he problem goes be Tyond lot of factors are re the reasons givA sponsible for the rate en by some of those who committed suicide recently.

I believe economic, social, and spiritual factors are responsible. Nigeria is not doing well in the areas I mentioned. Forget about what All Progressives Congress,APC, and its supporters are saying, there is real poverty in Nigeria. This is the most terrible period since 1999. There is no hope for the majority, who are not members of the ruling clique in Nigeria.

Mr. Emmanuel Otobo, Businessman

of suicide today among young Nigerians. They include economic, psychological and emotional issues, which result in depression.

We live in a country full of uncertainty and anti-people policies. There is little or nothing the citizenry enjoy as welfare from the government. The only way to checkmate this ugly trend is to establish mental health centres at each of the local government areas.

Ifeanyi Okoye, Analyst

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Man kills wife, son, hangs self in Lagos ...as Lagos Poly guard murders colleague

By Evelyn Usman

A

GA Ikorodu community in Lagos was, weekend, thrown into confusion after a man allegedly murdered his wife and their six-year-old son.

Thereafter, the suspect, Enifeh Akupa Omomo, committed suicide by hanging himself in his oneroom apartment on 12 Eruga Street.

Residents revealed that late Omomo had always threatened to kill his wife and

4 cultists nabbed over death at Ogun birthday party

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—MEN of Ogun State Police Command said they have arrested four suspected members of a notorious cult over the death of a young man during a birthday party in Abule Lemode area of Ijoko in Ado-Odo/Ota. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Oyeyemi said the arrest followed a distress call received by the Police in Agbado Divisional Headquarters.

Oyeyemi said the Police was hinted that one Oluwatoye Ogun of 34, Oyedele Close, Abule Lemode, was having a birthday party at her father’s house on May 24 when a group of boys, suspected to be cultists, stormed the venue of the party at about 2a.m. with broken bottles and unleashed terror on the people at the party.

He said: “The hoodlums stabbed the father of the celebrant on the head before they got hold of one Saibu Azeez, 26, and stabbed him in his stomach.

“Having received the distress call, DPO Agbado Division, CSP Aloko Amodu, led his patrol team to the scene where four members of the dreaded group — Olalekan, Ologundudu, Omoboriowo and Anigilaje—were arrested.

“The two injured persons were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment, but Saibu Azeez died while receiving treatment.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased is likely to be a member of a rival cult and his assailants came on a likely reprisal attack.”

son over allegation of infidelity on the part of his wife.

An argument, which reportedly ensued, degenerated into a brawl between the couple in the early hours of Friday, during which the woman was heard shouting for help.

However, when neighbours went to the apartment by 8a.m. to settle scores between the couple, they were thrown off balance at the sight of 38-year-old Faith Omomo and her son, Glorious, in a pool of their blood.

As if that was not enough, residents said the lifeless body of

Omomo was found dangling from the ceiling fan.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Elkana Bala, confirmed the incident.

He said detectives from the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba, who visited the scene, evacuated the corpses to the General Hospital for autopsy.

He added that the investigation had

commenced.

… poly guard

In a related development, a private guard at Lagos State Polytechnic has been arrested for allegedly hacking his colleague to death.

The murder was suspected to have been for ritual purpose, as the suspect, Cletus Williams, committed it while the deceased, Okoro John, was sleeping.

Williams was said to have

slit late Okoro’s throat and chopped off his right wrist. He thereafter raised the alarm that robbers had invaded the school.

Unfortunately for him, the blood-stained knife was found in his bag, consequent upon which policemen at Shagamu Division were invited.

Homicide detectives, according to Bala, were investigating the matter to ascertain the suspect’s motive, adding that he would be charged to the court thereafter.

Police nab 2 cultists at Yaba Tech’s matriculation

By Evelyn Usman

T

WO suspected cultists, alleged to have attempted to disrupt the matriculation ceremony at Yaba College of Technology, have been arrested.

Their arrest, according to Lagos State Police Command spokesman, DSP Elkana Bala, followed a distress call received by policemen at Sabo Division that Armed cultists were sighted in the school’s premises.

This is just as six suspected traffic robbers were arrested, weekend, in different parts of the state, with stolen items, arms and ammunition recovered from them.

Upon receipt of the distress call from the institution, Bala said: “Teams of policemen from Sabo Police Station and Tactical Units of the Command were promptly drafted to the scene to reinforce the campus patrol team.

“Two suspects—Balogun Oluwadamilare, 24 and Badmus Idris, 23— were arrested. One Beretta pistol with four live ammunition and three expended ammunition were recovered from the suspects. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court.”

Meanwhile, one of the arrests of the traffic robbery suspects was made at Kosofe Bus Stop by the Surveillance Patrol Team attached to Ketu Division at about 5.30a.m., Saturday, while members of the gang were operating.

The suspected leader of the gang, popularly known as Gabazine, and two other members were arrested.

One mobile phone, suspected to have been snatched from a victim, was recovered from them.

Same day, two members of another gang were arrested at same bus stop by the team, while attempting to dispossess commuters who were trapped in traffic of their valuables.

Identities of the suspects were given as Ayomide Ayobami and Taye Onofowokan, both residents of Agboyi Ketu. One pistol with three live ammunition and a jack knife were recovered from them, according to Bala.

Elsewhere in Festac, a suspected traffic robber, Bamidele Ogunbanjo, 30, was arrested with a locally-made pistol and one live ammunition.

In another development,

...6 robbers, fake soldier, too

Suspected cultists

Suspected robbers policemen on traffic control from Iponri Division, arrested one Musa Muhammad Agile, who had been masquerading as a soldier, along Eko Bridge.

Fake soldier

Suspected robbers Bala said: “The suspect, users. who was fully dressed in “The suspect confessed that military camouflage, was he is not a soldier. Investigation arrested while obstructing is ongoing. All the suspects will traffic and harassing road be charged to court.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—7

Missing chartered accountant, Adewura, found dead in canal T

HE missing 36-yr-old chartered accountant, Adewura Latifat Bello, has been found dead. According to reports, her body was found in a canal.

Adewura went missing on Wednesday, May 15. She was last spoken to last Wednesday night, when she was on her way back from work. She was said to have called home to inform her sister that she was at Cement Bus Stop, near Iyana Ipaja. But she didn’t get home.

One of her family members said Adewura’s phone last synced to Google at 7:59p.m., inside Gowon Estate where she lives. Eleven days after her disappearance, the body of the lady was found in a canal.

A Twitter user, Benjamin, who is said to be her cousin, announced this on Twitter yesterday.

He twitted: “Thank you all for

the search. Adewura is dead.

Her body was found in a canal. Heaven has gained an angel. We depart to meet again.

Till we meet again Adewura, forever in our heart.

God, I am in pains, but who am I to question You.”

Police story

Contacted, Lagos State Po l i c e Public Late Wura Relations O f f i c e r, D S P Elkana Bala, said a body has been recovered, but that there is no confirmation

yet..According to him, “we have a body that we recovered around Ipaja, but we c a n n o t ascertain whether it i s Adewura at this s t a g e because the body is decomposing and we n e e d medical experts t o really confirm that.

“So we have moved the body to the hospital for examination. We are awaiting the autopsy report.”

... with Emma'nKen (08163121378)

Simi see trouble o! Adekunle is bending. Is that how she likes it?

Gunmen kidnap lecturer’s wife in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha & Gabriel Enogholase

T

HE wife of a staff of Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University, NDU, was in the early hours of yesterday abducted by gunmen in Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

Also yesterday, members of a vigilante group and youths reportedly foiled an attempt to abduct the pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, in charge of Ologbosere parish in Benin City, Edo State.

Though details of the abduction of the NDU staff's wife were sketchy at press time, the gunmen were said to have struck at about 2a.m.

It was gathered that the stillness of the night was shattered by the sporadic shooting of the invaders.

The heavily-armed men reportedly stormed the sleepy settlement through the River Nun in a speedboat and marched to the residence of

their target, simply identified as Dr. Charles.

A community source told Vanguard that the gunmen narrowly missed the lecturer and instead seized his wife and escaped through same river.

According to a source, youths of the community mobilised to the scene of crime a few minutes after the shooting ceased, only to see the lecturer emerging from where he was hiding.

Contacted, spokesman of the state Police Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development.

“Yes, I heard of the incident,” he said, adding that the Police have commenced investigation with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and rescue the victim.

... as pastor escapes kidnappers in Benin

On the kidnap attempt in Benin, Edo State, the vigilante group and youths of the community, with support from worshippers, apprehended three suspects at 8a.m., who

specialise in robbing residents and unsuspecting worshippers.

Luck ran out of the threeman gang who had dispossessed unsuspecting worshippers of their money, phones and other valuables including cars, when they snatched a Toyota Camry car from another Church and were trying to escape.

They were chased by youths and vigilante group members with some worshippers.

It was gathered that the hoodlums abandoned the snatched car CGMi and proceeded to RCCG along Ologbosere Street in the same community, where they abducted one Pastor Ayo, and whisked him away in his SUV with Number plates, LAGOS: EKY353 CA. The vigilante members, youths and worshippers chased the hoodlums until they gave up and abandoned the pastor and his vehicle.

Police nab 5 vandals, impound speedboats, 13,000 litres of locally-refined diesel

P

OLICE operatives attached to Petroleum Products and Marketing Company, PPMC, Warri depot, weekend, reportedly arrested five persons in connection with illicit oil deal.

It was gathered that the invasion of the hideout by vandals at Okpurishigbene community, otherwise known as Crayfish Village in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, by the operatives led to the recovery of about 13,000 litres of locally-refined diesel and four speed boats.

Speaking on the arrest, the

Commander, IGP Task Force on Pipeline Vandalisation, PPMC depot, Warri Refinery, S P Mohammed El-Yakubu, disclosed that based on intelligence report, the Command had kept a close watch on the activities at the vandal’s camp for quite a while.

According to him, “my men and I have been on the trail of this very cartel that specialises in converting stolen crude to cooked diesel for sometimes in this area and we immediately moved in to effect arrest when we were convinced it was appropriate to do so.

“We wish to express our profound

appreciation to our Commander in Abuja, CSP Abiba Adamu, who had shown so much commitment to our resolve to curb pipeline vandalism in our area of coverage by supporting all our operations to remote areas.”

He said the arrested suspects will be charged to court after investigations have been concluded and that the impounded product would be handed over to PPMC for evacuation after it had been authorised by DPR for discounting.

It's guys that feel it most.

Your name self go fear boys.

Are you high? Just when we thought we've escaped WAEC Maths

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 :Vanguard News

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has said no governor in the 36 states of thefederationwillsayhecan’t pay the new minimum wage of N30,000.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who stated this in an interview in Abuja, weekend, maintained that payment of the new wage started on April 18 when President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Minimum Wage Amendment Act Bill into law.

The minister said it had become imperative that all employers of labour in the country complied with what he described as a national law, adding that a committee was working out a new template for upward consequential adjustment for those already earning above N30,000.

Describing the negotiation for a new minimum wage as a tortuous one, he advised employers of labour, especiallythosewhohavenot started implementation of the new law, to do so to avoid accumulating arrears.

Ngige said: “It is a national law and no governor can say he will not pay. Issue of national minimum wage is Item 34 on the exclusive legislative list of the third schedule of Nigerian constitution.

“Issue of labour is also there and not on the concurrent list.

If it is on the concurrent list, then they can make their own state Assembly laws on that.

Every state government is now owing workers if they have not started paying N30,000.

Consequential adjustment

“They (employers) are owing workers effective April 18,. We are now in a committeeworkingoutanew template with which we will adjust upward the consequential adjustment for those already earning above N30,000.

“The minimum wage is for themostvulnerable,downthe ladder and that is the man on grade level one, step one.

So, you must consequentially adjust for the man on grade level two, grade level three, grade level four and five, because that man on GL 1 step 1 has overtaken them with his new payment.

“That is what we refer to as consequential adjustment.

This consequential adjustment touches more people on the lower ladder andweareworkingitout.The negotiationisgoingtobewith theJointNegotiatingCouncil at both federal and state levels.

“What we are trying to do now with the Salaries and WagesCommissionisthatwe have a technical committee working out what the Federal Government will do for its workers and advise the state governments appropriately.

“In 2011, there was a mistake in the consequential

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adjustment in some states when they applied the principle of percentage increase across board and theyranintotroubleandwere unable to pay. What this N30,000 translates into is that there is a 67 percent increase.

“If a state government applies the same 67 percent increase across board, there will be serious trouble, the same with the Federal Government and when there is that trouble, there will be trade dispute because the principle of ability to pay will come in and International Labour Organisation, ILO, encourages us to apply those principles in our discussion."

New minimum wage started April 18

Askedwhenworkerswould begin to enjoy the new minimum wage, Senator Ngige,whoseofficemidwifed the new wage, said: “They will enjoy it. In fact, they have started enjoying it.

Employers in the private sector adjusted immediately because it is easier for them to do. In the government sector, the bureaucracy and bottleneck of government is responsible for the delay.

“You know that you must budget for it. That is what is causing the delay. But whenever the encumbrances are removed, they will pay arears with effect from April 18, 2019.

“So, the sooner an establishment starts paying, the better for you so that you don’t take a huge backlog that you cannot take. If you pay in piecemeal and progressfromthere,thebetter. ‘’So, I advise all employers of labour in Nigeria, including state governments, to immediately set up their joint negotiating councils so that whatever we get from here, we give it to them and they will look at it based on their peculiarities."

NLC president is playing politics —Ngige

On the recent allegation by NLC that he was frustrating theimplementationofthenew minimum wage, Ngige said: “I saw the NLC President on television saying so. But that was when they were trying to picket me and I pitied him because he was trying to blackmail me in the wrong direction.

“I am the prime mover of the new minimum wage. If you ask anybody in the Federal Executive Council, they will tell you so and the president will also tell you so and he has said so many times. So, the President of NLC is playing politics. ‘’But he can’t play politics on workers like that. If he wants to play politics, he shouldleavelabourunionism because labour laws do not allow labour leaders to play partisan politics.”

On ASUU's threat

Reminded that Academic Staff Union of Universities,

CHILDREN'S DAY: Children dressed in Emirates Airline Pilots and Cabin Crew uniforms as part of activities to celebrate Children's Day by the airline in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

New minimum wage: No gov can say he won’t pay —FG Says N30,000 new minimum wage started April 18 C'ttee working out new template for consequential adjustment ASUU, has threatened to resume strike if the Federal Government refused to implement the agreements it entered into with the union, Ngige said he had made it compulsory that every

government establishment kept to any agreement.

Ngige said: “I have forced government establishments to keep to agreements, especially the ones that we entered into now. Where we

have difficulties is the 2009 and2013agreementsthatthe then government made. But nobody wants to know that.

“They will tell you that government is a continuum.

So, as much as possible, we try to renegotiate some of these agreements to make them realistic. The ILO principles permit that agreements that are not feasible can be renegotiated.

That is the luck we have and in this ministry, we have used it to the best of the advantage of the government."

Tumor: JUTH undertakes first brain surgery using drilling machine position of every part of the spend less time on anaesthesia which minimise Noting that the tumor had head; that involved moving the money you pay for that OS—JOS University the X-ray machine up and J TeachingHospital,JUTH, been in the woman for three down to, and from, the particular service.

“We can also ease our job weekend, undertook its first years before the surgery, surgery to remove brain tumor using a machine that drills the skull bone to gain access to the tumor.

Dr Origoya Peter Binitie, lead neurosurgeon in the operation, told News Agency of Nigeria, in Jos: “It is the first trans-labyrinthine approach to a posterior fossa tumor. We used the C-Arm machine to drill the skull bone so as to see what is behind, even while facing the front of the head.

“In the past, we had to open the brain, which was always risky and led to deaths because the brain is delicate.”

Binitie said: “Half of her face was affected and she could not hear with the ear affected,” adding that the operation was a combined effort by neurosurgeons, EarNose-Throats, ENT, surgeons and the Anaesthetists."

Binitie, who described tumor as an abnormal growth of tissue largely outside the brain stem, said the new approach helped the surgeons to navigate around the head to see all sides at the same time.

He said: “In the past, we used X-rays to ascertain the

theatre.

“That process usually takes a longer time and will not give us the position of a bone or the tissue in real time. But with the new machine, it is very quick and saves more than two hours.

“With the new device, we can easily get the picture in motion. While the X-ray is static and one must wait for results, the new device is a kind of video where one can see the picture in motion, instead of static motion.

“The new device is also more accurate, can tell you exactly where you are and saves cost because you

Boko Haram kills 25 soldiers in Borno ambush It’s not true— Army

B

OKO Haram sect has reportedly killed 25 soldiers and scores of civilians in an ambush in Borno State.

The insurgent group reportedly attacked the soldiers on Saturday morning while they were evacuating people from villages in the state.

The fighters were said to have opened fire on the soldiers and the villagers who were reportedly

occupying about 50 vehicles.

But Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sagir Musa, in a reaction yesterday, said: ‘’There is no truth in the report or claims that 25 soldiers were killed by Boko Haram. It is fake. No report of any terrorist attack on troops in Borno State at this moment.’’

However, a Civilain Joint Task Force, JTF, member,

told Reuters: “They ambushed and surrounded the vehicles of both the soldiers and the civilians and opened fire on them.

“They exchanged fire for some minutes before the Boko Haram militants overpowered the soldiers.”

On Wednesday, the sect had released videos of some military men believed to have been captured on the battlefront in the NorthEast.

by taking the picture up, down, front, back or sideways,” he explained.

Binitie, first neurosurgeon in northern Nigeria, who had been in service since 1974, said the cost of such operation was around N300,000 in JUTH. “But it costs several millions of naira in other hospitals and even more when done outside Nigeria,” he said.

The expert said there were a total of 90 neurosurgeons in the country, adding that more were being trained to meet rising demands.

“JUTH is one of the few centres training neurosurgeons in Nigeria.

Six are currently being trained and are at various stages of the programme,” he said.

Binitie commended the management of JUTH for its efforts to improve services through acquiring modern equipment like C-Arm that would ease surgery and enable the hospital break new grounds.

Speaking on the C-Arm device, Prof. Edmund Banwat, Chief Medical Director of JUTH, said it cost N32 million, adding that more equipment were being acquired to improve service delivery and break new grounds.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—9

Buhari may block NASS’ final push to oust Magu New bill stipulates EFCC must be headed by AIG, not ACP

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

A

final push by the Na tional Assembly to oust the acting Chairman ofEconomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has virtually been consummated with a bill to that effect already passed by the House of Representatives, pending concurrence by the Senate this week.

Competent NASS sources said last night that the bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives two weeks ago, deliberately jerks the qualification for the office of the chairman of the anti-crime agency from Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, aims to replace Magu with a superior police officer before the 9th NASS takes off on June 11, 2019.

But Presidency sources hinted last night that the president might not assent to the bill, even if the Senate concurred with the House of Representatives before the end of the current 8th NASS. Magu, who was recently promoted to the rank of a Commissioner of Police, CP,

has had a running battle with NASS, having been rejected twice and re-presented twice by President Muhammadu Buhari for the same position.

Vanguard gathered that the bill was spearheaded by some arrowheads in the House immediately the Senate rejected Magu’s confirmation for the second time and the refusal of the Presidency to replace him as demanded by the lawmakers.

But it was not clear last night how the lawmakers hoped to get the bill passed and assented to by the Presidency before the expiration of the current NASS, which does not have more than a few days to wind up and pave the way for the 9th NASS on June 11.

Incidentally, the Senate has a few days to go as the lawmakers will only sit tomorrow.

The current National Assembly is expected to be dissolved on June 7, while the 9th NASS will be inaugurated on June 11.

Details of the new bill sighted last night by Vanguard, effectively seeks to amend certain sections of the EFCC Establishment Act of 2004 and raises the bar for the appointment of the head of the agency.

HEALTH TIPS

By Sola Ogundipe

Helping a choking person Choking happens when someone’s airway suddenly gets blocked, either fully or partly, so they can’t breathe. Food is among the most common causes of choking accidents, particularly among young children.

Foods, such as whole grapes, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and other similar foods that are less likely to be chewed can easily get lodged in the airway. When that happens, it can be fatal.

To lower the chances of choking in children, it’s a good idea to chop foods into smaller pieces or even mash them.

Ensure your child eats sitting upright at a table and should not move around while eating. If the airway is only partly blocked, the person who is choking is usually able to speak, cry, cough or breathe.

To help with mild choking in an adult or child over one year old,

encourage them to keep coughing to try to clear the blockage. Don’t put your fingers in their mouth to help them as they may bite you accidentally. If choking is severe and coughing doesn’t work, the person won’t be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe. You may try a back blow.

To carry out a back blow, stand behind the person and slightly to one side.

Support the chest with one hand. Lean them forward and give 3-5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Check if the blockage has cleared. If not, get someone who knows how to give abdominal thrusts to give up to five abdominal thrusts. If the airway is still blocked, get help immediately. Don’t give back blows or abdominal thrusts to babies under one year or pregnant women.

BOOK PRESENTATION : F rom left, Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi; Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Alaafin of Oyo/Chairman of the occasion, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; and the governor's daughter, Abimbola, during the public presentation of 'Abiola Ajimobi: Architect and Builder of Modern Oyo State' and 'Abiola Ajimobi: Legacy of a transformer,' written in honour of the governor, in Ibadan, weekend. Photo: Governor's Office.

Nigerians are getting poorer, feeling hopeless, helpless —Onaiyekan Nigerians should pray for Buhari —Gowon

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA —THE Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, yesterday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to change his style of leadership, if Nigeria must recover from its current social-economic crises, saying Nigerians are getting poorer, feeling hopeless and helpless.

The cleric also said there was tension in the land, while poverty rate was increasing on a daily basis.

Onaiyekan, who stood in for the President, Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Augustin Akubeze, stated this while delivering a message at the inter-denominational church service for 2019 presidential inauguration ceremony held at National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Let us chose life, not death,” Onaiyekan said it was expected that the blame game by the administration was over, stressing that dwelling on blame game will not take the country anywhere.

Onaiyekan, who noted with dismay that Nigeria was not in a state where anyone should rejoice, said: "As we embrace a new term of government, it should be for us a new opportunity to change ways and review habits of governance, for a better Nigeria. ‘’We can and we should do this, God has endowed us with resources to achieve this, resources that we, unfortunately, turn into curses.”

He also said his submissions were his personal opinion and not

from Archbishop Akabueze, adding that for a positive change to happen in Nigeria, sincere change of leadership will also need to take place.

He said: “The blame game of pointing accusing fingers at others will not carry us far.

For a positive change to take place, we must all be ready for a sincere change of heart, from the lowest to highest, but especially at the highest levels. Empty boast and barefaced denials of the realities around us cannot build the nation.”

Onaiyekan stressed it was important for Nigerian leaders to tell themselves the truth and accept failure.

“At this moment, we should do well to acknowledge our failure to do things the right way.

Here, the words of the Psalmist should challenge each of us,’’ he added.

Tension in the land, poverty swelling

The Catholic cardinal stated that while the rich were swimming in affluence, the number of poor Nigerians sadly continued to be on the increase.

“The truth is that our nation is not in a state for us to rejoice. The ranks of the poor are swelling by the day, hopeless and helpless, as they watch in frustration the affluence of the very few cruising in a different world.

Such wide social economic disparity has led to anger, tension, violence and outright criminality in the land. All is not well. But all is not lost either.

“Again, here we must tell the truth. For too long, we have been seeing what seems to be a policy of

polarisation of the nation along primordial fault lines of ethnicity and religion.

The result is that we have been indulging in the risky game of ’dancing on the brink of chaos'.

“We do not know for how long we can continue to get away with this. But the handwriting on the wall is quite clear for all who cared to see. It is sad that no condition is permanent: certainly not the present state of our nation.

“Our ethnic diversity is God’s will and gift that we ought to appreciate and celebrate. We should beware of those who seek to manipulate this in a game of divide and rule, for selfish interests.

“In our emerging global world, we should be building on our long experience of living together across ethnic lines, if we are not to allow ourselves to be left behind in our fast developing modern world.

“We are living in a world where many are abandoning faith in God, at great cost to humanity now and in the future. We do well to commend ourselves for our generally high level and of religious fervor. ‘’But if this is to translate into a righteous nation, we must all seek the will of God for good human relations.

This cuts across our religious differences and affiliations. Religion is good, but not enough.

“Religion evokes a strong emotions that ought to be deployed for solving the ills of our nation, not compound them.

Those who manipulate religion for their selfish political interest end up destroying religion and harming the nation. Our constitution is not perfect.

“But its basic provisions about freedom of religion are valid and must be scrupulously respected by all, especially by those who control state instruments of coersion."

Osinbajo advises Christians

In his remarks, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was the special guest of honour, noted that Christians were to take the lead in giving hope to others.

Expressing the confidence that the nation’s future was bright, Osinbajo said: “Our days will be better and better. This is the reason I am so confident, our ministry is that of reconciliation. We must not permit anyone to take advantage of the fault lines.

"Our country stands at the threshold of phenomenal growth, the end of the story of light and joy. We begin with darkness and confusion but the end of our story is bright, the future of our nation is bright.”

Nigerians should pray for Buhari —Gowon

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), in his remarks, urged Nigerians to pray for President Buhari and all the leaders for good governance and look after the interest of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, faith or belief.

He urged Nigerians to “love your country and defend it in whatever way we can; let us have peace in the land and let us ensure that this nation continues to survive to eternity, God being our helper.”

10 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

By Victor AhiumaYoung, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS — DESPITE the expiration of the 72-hour directive for the removal of all trucks and tankers in Apapa and its environs, the heavy duty vehicles still occupied most routes in the area yesterday.

Motorists and residents experienced the usual gridlock as many vehicles were still parked indiscriminately on the roads.

The worst hit areas are Otto-Wharf, Mile -2, Kirikiri junction, Mazamaza/Mile2 Bridge, Old Ojo Road, Sunrise, and Trinity.

Some armed Mobile policemen were seen controlling the traffic to some extent, but they were practically overwhelmed by large number of trucks on the roads.

Vanguard However, noticed that the trucks were no longer at Cele, Ijesha, Sanya, and Second Rainbow by Fatgbems Filling Station.

These came as a female officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, was crushed to death while enforcing the Presidential Order yesterday.

The female officer identified as 33-year-old Folashade Arogundade, was said to have been crushed to death while a truck was reversing.

However, some truck drivers, who were stuck in the gridlock, yesterday, told Vanguard that they were driving to a park that had been earmarked for them.

Upon inquiry as to whether the relocation of the vehicles had commenced, Chief Executive of LASTMA, Chris Olakpe, said the joint taskforce has commenced enforcement gradually.

We’ve commenced enforcement — LASTMA Olapke said: “All I can tell you is that it’s a vacation order by Mr. President and activities and action have commenced. And the trucks are being moved to areas

Apapa gridlock: Truck drivers defy Buhari’s directive used as parking bay. The stakeholders have met and they are cooperative but activity is going on. With the collaboration of the private sector with LASTMA as arrow head in conjunction with men of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, they are working very hard “The challenge is that people really want to see the effect of enforcement immediately but I can assure the populace that by tomorrow (today) and Tuesday, the effect will be visible with astronomical improvement in traffic situation in the area.

“Pragmatic action is ongoing, vehicles are being moved out. The operators of the trucks are also complying voluntarily backed up with serious enforcement, because they were part of the stakeholders’ meeting.

Presently, we are dealing with the Trinity area and I’m sure the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Terminal at Orile-Igamu is almost completed to be used as parking bay very soon.

“The operation being carried out on public private partnership collaboration is very much in place. We have sufficient capacity in terms of human material and equipment to achieve a resounding success for the operation.

“However, the operators should sustain the voluntary compliance or face the wrath of the law. Any operator caught flouting the directive will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. This is a sustainable operation until sanity is restored and there is peace and tranquility, progress that is visible and accessible for all Nigerians.”

On the fear of security operatives not being compromised, Olakpe said: “This will be different because it has the direct backing of President Muhammadu Buhari. It’s not something to joke with.

The directive has both the teeth to bite and make sure

Female LASTMA officer crushed to death

NOT YET UHURU: ...Gridlock persists on Apapa - Oshodi expressway as truck drivers refuse to budge. everything is effective, effectual, dynamic and pragmatic operation.

“The Lagos State Government is fully conscious of its responsibility to protect lives and property, as well as enforce the laws duly made for the safety of all.”

It‘ll ease out today, says transport union official Reacting, an official of one of the transport unions, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, assured that before the end of today, the situation on the Apapa Oshodi Expressway would have eased off, saying there was already over 80 percent compliance on Ikorodu Road and other adjoining areas.

Female LASTMA officer crushed to death Vanguard learned that the LASTMA official, who was crushed to death, was survived by her two-year-old child.

Vanguard gathered that the deceased, who was deployed to LASTMA Zone 36, Apapa, one of the formations vested with the responsibility to assist in clearing the trucks from the axis, celebrated her third year in service last month.

To prepare the ground for the clearance which starts on Monday (today), it was learned that Folashade and her colleagues in Zone 36, were directed by the State Government to commence operation on Saturday.

A LASTMA officer told Vanguard that they were busy with the directives at Area B Police Command, when a truck with Borno State number plate: XB 220 MAG, reversed suddenly and crushed her to death.

LASTMA chief reacts Confirming her death yesterday, the LASTMA General Manager, Wale Musa, has assured the family and relatives that the driver will be arrested and prosecuted.

Musa, in a statement made available to Vanguard by LASTMA Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mahmud Hassan, disclosed that the tragedy occurred at

Late Mrs. Arogundade.

Area B Apapa police station at 4:30 pm on Saturday.

He said: “The deceased was busy with her duty when the truck reversed

suddenly without the driver or his assistant standing behind the vehicle to guide him.

“The vehicle crushed her against the wall. In a bid to rescue Folashade, her colleagues rushed her to Apapa General Hospital where the medical doctor confirmed her as Broughtin-Dead (B.I.D).”

He disclosed that the remains of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Lagos Island morgue.

According to him, the vehicle has been impounded by the Nigerian Police and they have

commenced investigation to arrest the driver who escaped from the scene.

Musa, while commiserating with colleagues, family and relatives of the deceased, described her as one of LASTMA best officers, saying, it is unfortunate that we lost her when we are restoring sanity to Apapa.

While appealing to truck drivers and owners, the general manager stressed that the accident could be avoided “if the truck driver had done the needful, which is fixing a side mirror and someone at the rear, guiding him.”

....Gridlock may lead to closure of firms — OPS

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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AGOS—THE Organised Private Sector, OPS, weekend, lamented that the protracted gridlock on port access roads has forced many companies to either close down permanently or relocate from Apapa completely.

Speaking on behalf of the OPS, Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association,

NECA, Mr. Timothy Olawale, called on the VicePresident, who is the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Apapa gridlock to bring his commitment to bear on Apapa gridlock conundrum.

Olawale said: “The Presidential order, though commendable, is overdue.

Businesses, especially those using the ports for importation of raw materials have had to face untold hardship and loss of money

through the charade and high level bottle-neck that has created a platform for corruption in the ports.

“The adverse effects of the lingering traffic situation and bad road network within Apapa/Tincan port axis and environs on corporate business, commercial activities as well as the social-cultural way of life of individuals either residing or doing business within that environment cannot be over emphasised.”

Fix deplorable roads in Lagos, Razak urges Sanwo-Olu to many Lagosians which portions. The State Public

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AGOS — A former Commissioner for Public Transportation in Lagos State, Chief Lanre Razak, yesterday, urged the governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take urgent steps in repairing most of the bad roads across the state to ameliorate the suffering of motorists and commuters.

In a statement in Epe yesterday, Razak, while congratulating Sanwo-Olu and the deputy governorelect Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the deplorable condition of some of the federal and state roads, as well as heaps of wastes had been a major source of concern

require immediate government attention.

He said: ''Government should quickly address the heavy vehicular traffic experienced daily on most Lagos roads caused by the damaged

Works Corporation should be made more proactive in fixing bad roads while those responsible for management of waste redouble their efforts to ensure a cleaner Lagos and better environment."

CHILDREN'S DAY: GTBank takes education to rural communities

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AGOS—AS the country marks the 2019 Children’s Day, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) has launched a nationwide initiative, tagged #BeatTheDistance, to improve educational outcomes for children in rural communities by easing the difficulties they

face with mobility to school and back.

Through the initiative, the Bank is providing students in remote parts of the country with bicycles to reduce the time and energy they expend in getting to school whilst helping to boost their attendance and focus on academics.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—11

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Okowa, Bayoko, Alubeze extol Clark at 92

By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Festus Ahon

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SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Head of Service of the state, Mr Reginald Bayoko, and Leader, Burutu Council Legislative Arm, Joseph Alubeze, have described Ijaw National Leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, as an outstanding patriot, committed leader and a man of courage, whose wise counsels have contributed immensely to the stability, growth and development of Niger Delta in particular and Nigeria in general.

Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu on the 92nd birthday anniversary of Clark, said: “On the occasion of your 92nd birthday anniversary on May 25, I write to heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of thegovernment and

people of Delta State.

“In the past 92 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfilment, you have not only served our nation at different levels but with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, to the peace and unity of our nation.

“Till date, you have continued to give yourself in the service of our fatherland through your nationalistic ideals."

On his part, Bayoko said Chief Clark is an embodiment of hope and inspiration to the younger generation, adding that his hard-earned success remains impactful on the growth and development of the country.

Also, Leader of Burutu Local Government Area Legislative Arm, Alubeze, described Chief Clark as a true leader and an enigma as he clocks 92 years of age.

DONATION — President of Rotary Club of Warri under District 9141, Happy Apai (4th left) flanked by the District Governor 9141, Adeyemi Oladokun (3rd left) and others, handing over desks to Mr. Onovughe Mcmillan (6th right) representative of Principal of Dore Numa College,Warri, while Chairman of Warri South Chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr Ishmael Ukuejawa (right), Theresa Edirin (5th right), Odibo (2nd left) and others observe.

Boko Haram sent ex-President Jonathan letter to convert to Islam — Clark

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South

A I’itikaf: Protection from have the opportunity of hell fire having no distraction from

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HE remaining days of the month should be spent in prayers, seeking Allah's mercy and asking for His forgiveness, observing I’itikaf, searching for Layalatul-Qadr, doing good deeds, reflecting on your actions, reading, pondering on the Holy Qur’an and supplicating to Allah.

The most important part of Ramadan is said to be the last 10 days. The revelation of the Qur’an, the night of majesty, the blessings, among others, had been perfected in it.

This is a tradition and practice of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and ordained by Allah (SWT) as indicated in the Holy Quran.

“And when we made the House a pilgrimage for mankind and a (place of) security, and said ‘Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim (MaqamaIbrahim).’ And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: ‘Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion, those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves.’ Q 2:125 The act of confining oneself to the mosque for some period for the sake of Allah is meritorious. You will be detached from the worldly affairs and get closer to Allah. You also have the advantage of seeking the Night of Majesty as you will

family members and worldly affairs.

As we know that every act of ibadah attracts multiple reward in Ramadan, however, if the last 10 days are spent in Itikaf, the blessings and rewards increase exponentially. In one of hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was said to have equated the reward of observing Itikaf as equivallent to two Hajj.

Itikaf also offers the chance to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. This is seeking of forgiveness and its consequent provision from Allah. Therefore, it is imperative that Muslims perform those very acts that guarantee them protection from the fire of Hell. Itikaf is one such acts that guarantees protection from the fire of Hell.

Although there are no specific number of days for Itikaf, it can be one, three, five, seven or more according to intention for doing that.

If we don’t have the opportunity of doing Itikaf in Masjid Harram, we can observe it in our local mosque. A number of mosques in various cities have put in places measures and facilities to observe Itikaf.

It is not late, however, to embark on Itikaf. Alausa Central Mosque, Lekki Central Mosque are among other mosques in Lagos still open for any intending Mu’takiff.

SABA—ELDER statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has said Boko Haram sect audaciously sent a message to Dr Goodluck Jonathan when he was President to covert to Islam.

Clark, who declined pressure from admirers and interest groups to celebrate his 92nd birthday, on Saturday, said the mounting insecurity in the country, which President Muhammadu Buhari has been unable to tackle in the last four years, was seriously distressing to him.

He disclosed that there was a top-level conspiracy among top government officials and highly placed politicians in the killings and violence by Boko Haram, adding that service chiefs at the time were present at a meeting during which an abducted hostage, Abba Marama, released by the deadly sect, delivered the letter to Jonathan.

Clark in a message on the “State of the nation,” yesterday, said: “I call on President Buhari to honestly come to terms with the stark truth, that his current efforts with his security apparatus are grossly inadequate for the task.

“I call on Mr. President to urgently convene a sober ‘National Discourse on National Security’ of former Heads of State, Presidents, statesmen and leaders, women and selected youths in Nigeria to work out a consensual and amicable resolution of this long, seemingly intractable, challenge afflicting the country since the entry of Boko Haram menace in the national psyche.

Pleads with Boko Haram, herdsmen, others

“While also pleading with Boko Haramists, herdsmen, bandits, whatever name they choose to call themselves, to please stop this dastardly act, I enjoin all Nigerians to join in praying fervently for our nation for God’s mercy. We do not have any other country to call our own.

“Nigerians should unite, be courageous and sincere to fight Boko Haram to avert the disintegration of the country, now that it is clear that the government cannot do it alone.”

Why I didn't celebrate my 92nd birthday

On plot by Boko Haram to convert Jonathan and other security issues in the country, he said Boko Haram delivered the message to former President Jonathan to covert to Islam through an abducted hostage, Abba Marama, who is now late after his release.

He said: “Fellow Nigerians, you will agree with me that the issues raised in my 87th birthday in 2014 are still plaguing us

and it is even worse. I am pained; my heart bleeds for our dear country, Nigeria.

Moreover, it is the reason I have decided not to celebrate, again, this time. I cannot be celebrating when people are being killed, maimed and rendered homeless.

“I cannot be celebrating when kids who could be my grandchildren and great grandchildren are abducted and held captive. There are many things wrong, ranging from the question of equality and diversity, economy, infrastructural development, unemployment, lack of power and most importantly, security.

On security

“I have decided to dwell my 92nd birthday message again on security, because the security situation all over the country is very troubling and gravely affecting every facet of the country’s activity.

The nation’s constitution is clear when it states that the primary responsibility of government is to secure lives and property.

“The issue of security has

become a bane and national/ international embarrassment for us as a people and a nation.

Killings, kidnappings, rape, burning down of towns and villages, cattle rustling, etc, are now the order of the day perpetrated by a group, which the government has identified as ‘bandits, herdsmen.’ Yet nothing is being done to arrest them, rather it is alleged that government officials collude with the criminals.

“Now the Federal Government is putting much money into agriculture because it wants to diversify the nation’s economy. Is it aware that farmers no longer go to farm due to security reasons?

“In one occasion recently, the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Usman, advised President Buhari to ‘tackle insecurity before agriculture’ when the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, and the Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, paid him a courtesy visit in the course of launching one of the many agricultural schemes of the Federal Government.”

Bayelsa facing environmental genocide —Archbishop of York waterways

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By Samuel Oyadongha

E N A G O A — Chairman of Bayelsa State Environmental D e g r a d a t i o n Commission and Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, yesterday, alerted that the state was facing environmental terrorism and genocide He said it would be an unfair understatement for anybody to describe the magnitude of

violence done to the environment due to spillages and pollution by the oil firms as degradation.

Sentamu, after a Special Sunday Service, yesterday, in Yenagoa, lamented that the environment had been destroyed because of unchecked pollution, which culminated in the destruction of the people’s sources of livelihood.

The cleric said he embarked on a trip for about six hours on the

without seeing any bird flying because of the violence unleashed on the environment.

Blaming the oil companies for not taking into cognizance the negative effects of their activities, he called on the people to speak out and draw international attention to their plight.

He said: “The problem is that when you talk about environmental degradation, it sounds as if it’s acceptable. In other words, it’s bad but not really too bad whereas genocide is a tough word,

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—13

Nigeria's Statistician General gets threats over unfavourable data

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TATISTICIAN GENERAL of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale has alleged receiving threats in the course of his job from highlyplaced public functionaries because the National Bureau of Statistics published figures that would not put them in the good books of development Kale told the presenters of PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, an anti-corruption radio programme that the job of creating and providing data in Nigeria is one that does not permit the currying of favour by putting out inaccurate figures to please any interest or individual.

The Statistician General said that in any such situation, he had always stuck to his guns knowing that being true to his duty was more important for Nigeria than being induced by one highlyplaced man or woman.

Kale who is one of the Idols of integrity singled out for award by the Accountability Lab Nigeria advised Nigerians to hold on to their convictions since the nation

can only grow from resistance to vice or undue influence.

The Statistician General who confessed that he gets scared by pressures he receives from time to time, said any man or woman who is determined to bring integrity into what they do would always hold their own and ignore the stubborn label likely to be foisted on them.

He said he got his current portfolio without lobbying for it about seven years ago when he was an adviser to the minister of budget and planning.

Kale intoned lack of pressure from the presidency in the performance of his duties since he was reappointed by President Mohammadu Buhari at a time the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed that the country had slipped into a recession.

The National Bureau of Statistics among other things, monitors and publishes demographic and economic indicators which are vital for national planning.

Dangote still most admired African brand in fresh survey

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ANGOTE GROUP, for the second year running, has emerged as the most admired African brand, of African continent origin, by consumers ahead of the telecommunication giant, MTN in a survey of 100 Africa best brands announced in Johannesburg at the weekend.

According to the South Africa based Brand Africa in a survey carried out in collaboration with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, JSE, the seventh edition which was released at the weekend, of 15,000 brands mentioned, Dangote ranked first brand when consumers were prompted to recall the most admired African brand.

In the top 100 list, the United State sports and fitness mega brand, Nike, a non-African brand retains the overall number one brand in Africa spontaneously recalled by consumers.

South African telecoms brand MTN is the number one African brand spontaneously recalled brand, while surging Ethiopian brand Anbessa Shoes, at number two, swapped positions with

MEETING:From left—Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rted), Chairman, Board of Directors, Leadway Assurance; Oye Hassan-Odukale, MD/CEO, Leadway Assurance; Eugene Curley, Director, Leadway Assurance and Adetola Adegbayi, Executive Director, General Insurance, Leadway Assurance at the 47th Annual General Meeting of Leadway Assurance Company Limited held in Lagos.

Out of School Children: UNICEF visits Northern states over growing number

Nigerian conglomerate, Dangote, which is the number three most admired brand of African of

By Bashir Bello origin.

However, when consumers were ATSINA—WORRIED by the prompted to recall the most number of Out of School admired African brand, Dangote retained the number one position. Children, OOSC in the country, Just last year Dangote brand was United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF have visited Northern named the most valuable brand among the top 50 brands states with leading number of out in Nigeria for 2018 by Brand of school children to express concerns over the growing Nigeria. despite huge Further analysis of the number investments. ranking indicates that Nigeria’s figure of Out Of Overall, the 2018/19 Brand Africa 100 list, which is School Children, OOSC, stands calculated from15,000 brand at 13.2 million with north having mentions illustrates a very the highest.

Chief Education, UNICEF, diversified range of brands in Africa and shows year on year Nigeria, Wose Euphrates while consistency with 80 per cent on a visit to Governor Aminu Bello of the top 100 brands having Masari of Katsina State and later been in the top 100 Most Admired Brands in previous years.

Overall, African brands faltered to an all-time low 14 percent

By Ben Agande share of the top 100 most admired brands A D U N A — J A M A’ A T U in Africa.

Nasril Islam, JNI, has called on Nigerian Muslims to pray against ‘political irresponsibility ’ and the high rate of corruption in the country The JNI is Nigeria Muslims umbrella body, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

In a message to mark the last ten days of Ramadan which is considered

by Muslims as the holiest, the organisation also urged Muslims to embark on alms giving especially the less privileged in the Society.

The message was contained in a statement by the Secretary General of the JNI, Dr. Abubakar KhalidAliyu.

The statement also enjoined Muslims to pray for the country over the increasing spate of killings, kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry.

It said ‘the last 10 days of Ramadan is the peak of worship and there is the need for secret conversation with Allah for special invocation over the relief of Nigeria’s challenges’.

The period, according to the JNI, "is the search for the most blessed night (LaylatulQadr); the night of decree and honour had begun which is sought in

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to Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, said the North West shared the huge burden of OOSC hence the need for the visit to emphasize the concerns over the growing number.

According to Euphrates, “SDG data on OOSC show Nigeria as worst in indicators, while the North West share the huge burden.The visit was to emphasize concerns on growing number of out-of-school- children despite huge investments.

“Furthermore, with the demographic trends of Nigeria and the numbers of OOSC especially in Kano. Kano has the largest proportion of OOSC. It will be a wasted opportunity if children do not receive quality learning at the right age, time and

environment.”

She affirmed that the Education had already failed a generation of learners while assuring that UNICEF would support the government in advancing the reduction of OOSC. “One of the strategies of reduction of OOSC is by strengthening government systems to deliver quality education with foundational and employability skills for learners.” she said.

Responding, Governor Aminu Bello Masari, observed that figures on OOSC was alarming, with Katsina among leading states, and linked absence of education to the myriads of security challenges especially in the rural communities.

Ramadan: Pray against ‘political irresponsibility, corruption’, JNI urges Muslims

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the odd nights i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th of the Ramadan, in which they(Muslims) are expected to seek the face of Allah.

“Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-

General, JNI, once again felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, for the successful commencement of Ramadan Fast on 6th May, 2019.

“Undeniably, through the past days we have witnessed commitment, patience, servitude and dedication to Allah, the Most High in Ramadan."

New Emir of Rano vows to promote security, socioeconomic development

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By Abdulmumin Murtala

ANO—NEWLY appointed Emir of Rano, Alhaji Tafida Abubakar Il, has promised to improve security, health and economic development in his Emirate and Kano State at large.

The new Emir, popularly known as Autan Bawo, while receiving youths yesterday who paid him a solidarity visit, said he would contribute “100%” to improve security in his Emirate.

According to him, security was the bedrock of development in every society without which no progress would be achieved, noting that the Emirate would

collaborate with the state government and security agencies to secure the area and the state at large.

The Autan Bawo also restated commitment of the Emirate on healthcare development through effective synergy with the state government, calling on people to accept polio immunisation in view of its health benefit.

According to him, “Let me also express my determination in agricultural development. I want us to know that, before; we used to produce food just to feed ourselves. Nowadays, farming has become a business or commercialized. Therefore, I call on our governments at all levels to invest massively on modern agriculture.

14 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

85TH & 70TH BIRTHDAYS OF ENGR & PROF WOLE OLUKOYA Engr. Samuel Adewole Olukoya celebrated his 85th birthday while his wife, Prof Adepeju Olukoya celebrated her 70th with a thanksgiving service at Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Ikeja and reception at 3bee Event Centre, Ketu, Lagos yesterday. PHOTOS: AKEEM SALAU.

Engr. Samuel Adewole Olukoya and wife, Prof Adepeju Olukoya.

From left: Otunba Shade Olukoya; Engr Adewole Olukoya; Prof Adepeju Olukoya and Alhaja Idayat Gamu.

From left: Mrs Ajibike Ogunsanwo; Mrs Olufunke From left: Mrs Ajibike Ogunsanwo; Mrs Olufunke Awofisayo and Chief Bunmi Olaopa.

Prof Oladapo Ashiru and Mrs Idowu Ashiru.

Awofisayo and Chief Bunmi Olaopa.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—15

Abia APGA elects new EXCO

By Anayo Okoli

U

ROBOTICS TRAINING: From left—Student, Edgewood College, Lekki, Josephine Aghedo; Managing Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Wale Odeyemi; Olamipo Aderigbe, Chika Nwokobia, both from Edgewood College; Commercial Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Solomon Ogufere, and another student of Edgewood, Fiyinfoluwa Afolayan, at the Vodacom Inter-School Robotics Training/ Competition, in Lagos.

IPOB, MASSOB, others insist on May 30 Biafra Day

By Dennis Agbo

E

NUGU—THE Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB; Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB; and a coalition of pro-Biafra groups have said they will ignore the military build-up and intimidation of Biafra agitators, insisting that they will mark May 30 as the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of Biafra Republic in 1967.

The groups said it will be celebrated in a unique method with honour to nations and bodies that have always identified with the aspirations of Biafra people.

IPOB said threats, lies, propaganda, misinformation, arrests, torture, illegal detention, will only serve to strengthen their resolve to restore Biafra rather than diminish it.

It regretted that whereas Biafraland is under siege, with hundreds kidnapped on daily basis, the Nigeria Army capitulates in front of Boko Haram while it supports ethnocentric campaign of genocide against non-Northern population.

IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, told Vanguard that “Biafra remembrance day celebration is on Thursday, May 30, and Biafrans must not come out on that day.

“It will serve as a reminder to the overlords in Nigeria that we Biafrans are united in our quest to be free from the iniquitous bondage called Nigeria.

“We owe it to our fallen heroes and heroines to honour them in the finest

traditions of IPOB on May 30. No matter how many troops they deploy on our streets or how many people they kill or arrest, Biafraland will be locked down on that fateful day.

“There is nothing the Federal Government, the Police, Army and other security apparatus can do to stop or jeopardise May 30. It will be observed.

“It is better for the Police and other security agencies to stay indoors and respect that day or the spirit of those that died in the quest for Biafra will destroy them.”

Coalition

Similarly, the coalition of pro-Biafra groups, including MASSOB; Eastern Peoples Congress, EPC; Bilie Human Rights Initiative, BHRI; Movement of Biafrans in Nigeria, MOBIN, among others, have condemned the alleged arrest of over 140 members now remanded inside Enugu Prison and other arrests in Onitsha, with killing of two pro-Biafra activists.

They said the arrests, clampdown and killings were illegal, insensitive and

ethno religiously motivated.

They insisted that Biafrans will never succumb or be intimidated “with Fulanisation of Nigeria, adding that the May 30 Biafra Day anniversary is sacrosanct and settled.

“No amount of security agencies can deter Biafrans from celebrating and honouring our heroes.”

Leader of the coalition and head of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, said: “The pro-Biafran groups have unanimously agreed and resolved to jointly observe and celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Biafra declaration by our foremost leader, Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.

“We will observe the day in a unique form that will attract the presence of notable indigenous leaders of ethnic nationalities in Biafraland. We plan to honour and celebrate the heroic exploits of our gallant Biafra soldiers and other individuals that have contributed immensely towards the progress of Biafra.

“We shall also honour

MUAHIA—THE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State chapter, weekend, re-elected Reverend Augustine Ehiemere as its chairman.

Ehiemere was elected alongside 27 other members to constitute the State Working Committee, SWC, of the party.

The emergence of Ehiemere was as a result of the harmonisation of the two factions which almost put members and supporters of the party in the state into confusion during the last election.

In his remarks at the occasion, the state Congress Committee

No state's as peaceful as Enugu—Archbishop Chukwuma

other individuals, friendly nations and organisations that assisted immensely for the survival of the people of Biafra.

“The May 30 anniversary convention will also attract notable Biafran leaders from Ikot Ekpene, Ijawland, Igbo, Calabar and Bakassi people.

“There shall be special prayers and supplication for the fallen Biafra heroes during the civil war and our comrades that were killed by security agents including the people of Biafra that died in the hands of Boko Haram and herdsmen.

“The people of Biafra all over the world are enjoined to observe this year’s anniversary.

“It will be celebrated as a mark of respect and honour for our fatherland; it is also a reminder of the visions and commandments of our great ancestors and Dim C h u k w u e m e k a Odumegwu Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburugburu).”

The coalition also condemned the gruesome murder of a front line vocal pro-Biafra activist, Prophet Anthony Nwoko.

By Chinedu Adonu

T

HE Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has expressed gratitude to God for the peace, unity and good governance being enjoyed in Enugu State under the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

A r c h b i s h o p Chukwuma, who maintained that “no state in Nigeria is as peaceful as Enugu State,” also thanked God for the peaceful election in the state and successful first term of Governor

O

WERRI—IMO State governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha yesterday, pleaded with the people of the state to wait until May 29 when he will speak to them.

Ihedioha spoke at the Grasshopper International Handball Stadium in

Owerri, during the interdenominational Church service held as part of the activities for the May 29 swearing-in ceremony.

This is just as the Catholic Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Anthony J. V. Obinna, warned the incoming administration to avoid sycophants.

In his short message, Ihedioha said the stadium

in which he will be inaugurated as next governor of the state was in a very bad shape and it was the effort of his transition committee that put it in good use.

According to him, “two weeks ago, if you visited this stadium, you will hardly spend a minute.

Thank God for giving us wisdom and capacity for

U g w u a n y i ’ s administration, declaring that God is in control of his second term.

The Archbishop spoke at Government House, Enugu yesterday, during the inter-denominational Christian service organised by the state government as part of the activities marking the second term inauguration of Governor Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo.

Archbishop Chukwuma stated that the entire Church in the state gathered on the last Sunday of the first term of the present administration to thank God for its successful end and offer prayers over the governor’s second term.

Anambra sets up panel on Onitsha building collapse

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State government said, yesterday, it had set up a panel to probe the collapse of a threestorey building under

I'll say a lot on May 29— Ihedioha

By Chinonso Alozie

chairman Engineer Uchenna Okogbuo, said the party decided to harmonise the two factions to make for a united front.

Okogbuo, the national deputy chairman of APGA, South, supervised the congress together with two other members of the committee set up by the National Working Committee of the party.

Swearing in the new state executives, Okogbuo tasked the new executive council to ensure that they carry everybody along.

He said the national chairman, Victor Oye, was committed to moving the party forward.

In his acceptance speech, Ehiemere thanked members for reposing confidence in him and the other members.

putting it back in use.

“God is with us and God will continue to be with us for putting Imo back to the comity of civilised states again.

“I am not yet governor; the journey has been tasking. We prayed and fasted, and our prayer was answered. By the grace of God, on May 29, I will speak to all of you.”

construction at 9, Ezenwa Street, Onitsha, last week.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba, said the panel is expected to find out the immediate and remote causes of the building collapse, including the calibre of persons and quality of materials used, as well as the granting of approval for the construction by the regulatory body.

Members of the panel have however, not been named. But according to the commissioner, determining the cause(s) of the collapse would go a long way to prevent similar occurrences.

16—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Oil price drops as trade fears linger IL price has dropped to its worst weekly loss of the year as tensions lingered over how the O trade feud between the world’s top economic super

AGM: From left— Chairman, Board of Directors, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Edmund Onuzo; Company Secretary and General Counsel, Mr. Uche Uwechia; Finance Director, Mr. Kareem Hamdy and Independent Non-Executive Director, Plc, Mr. Tunde Lemo, at the 48th Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Edo Central Hospital gets accreditation for post graduate training

By Alemma Aliu

B

ENIN CITY— CONTRARY to media reports that the hospital was not in good shape, the Medical Director, Central Hospital Benin City, Dr Philip Ugbodaga yesterday said the hospital in the last two years under his watch has achieved several milestones including the full accreditation for the first time since its establishment to continue the training of specialist Obstetricians and

Gynecologists by the West African College of Surgeons, WACS. Other areas where accreditation to train specialists was also secured included the departments of Family Dentistry and Family Medicine and that positive accreditation outcome was also gotten from the Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN.

Describing some media reports credited to him that patients sleep on the floor as false, Ugbodaga said part of the structure housing the male ward collapsed some years ago but that management of the hospital created a space for female patients at the Maternity complex and that it was wrong to now interpret that as patients sleeping on the floor.

He said the hospital in furtherance of global best

practices established a health and wellness Centre “where our team of experts provide education on sexual health, smoking cessation, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, fitness and stress management.

We also provide a specialised programme for fitness tests, preemployment medical screening and routine medical examination and investigations.

NIGCOMSAT launches satelite TV with 140 between total investments capital NextTv and will hold a 10% channels partnership NIGCOMSAT and NextTV needed for this venture as equity stake in NextTv well as management, Minimal cost for premium

By Emmanuel Elebeke & Mayoma Baiyegunhi

A

BUJA—THE Federal government has launched a channels satellite TV provider on the Nigerian Communications Satellite, NIGCOMSAT, limited Direct-To-Home, DTH platform called NextTv. The satellite TV service with 140 channels is a

which is poised to be joint venture company.

NextTV is a synergies of 3 media companies built to provide content over a Direct-To-Home platform as well as solutions for Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n companies, OTT providers and PayTV operators and Mobile carriers.

Under the partnership, Nigus will be the lead partner in the joint venture company and brings the

administration, license, marketing and content.

NIGCOMSAT on its part provides the transponders for the use of NextTv with a minimum of 4 transponders available to the JV. NIGCOMSAT will hold a 15% equity stake in NextTv. On the other side, GWIC providestheuplinkequipmentas wellasaccesstoback-upsatellites to provide redundancies to

quality DTH services to serve the continent of Africa.

Unveiling the satellite TV, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajowhowasrepresented by the Minister of Communications, Barr.

Adebayo Shittu said the federal government is interested in the partnership between NIGCOMSAT and Next and is ready to offer all theneededsupporttomakethe partnershipwork.

Okowa's inauguration: Foundation offers free major beneficiaries of medicare, scholarships factorswhyldecidedtosponsor befreethemedical care, pledging to

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By Elizabeth Uwandu

G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN, Williams Foundation Comrade Andrew Evbie, has promised to carry out free medical care and give scholarships to students of Ughelli North Local Government Area, as part of activities to celebrate the swearing-in of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Evbie, a native of Ogbovwan community, Ughelli North council who stated this in a chat with newsmen, said: "Now is the time for private individuals with capacity to join hands with the governor to build the state and l am prepared to lead the charge."

Describing Okowa's

administration as one of the finest the country, he said, "The love and support shown to the youths by Governor Okowa is one of the motivating

the free medical care and also approved for the foundation to give a certain number of scholarship to indigent students.

Evbiesaidruraldwellerswould

mobilise 1000 youths to the venue of the inauguration "To join other Deltans to celebrate the continuation of the Okowa Smart Agenda."

Commissioner tasks workers on loyalty

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SABA—THE outgoing Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Edevbie, has called on the staff of the Ministry to extend their hands of fellowship and give maximum support to the commissionerthatwouldoversee the Ministry in the next political dispensation.

He made the call during a sent forth party organized in his honour by the staff of the ministry in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Edevbie, who said that he was extremely overwhelmed, expressed surprise for the

gesture, saying that he could not thank the staff for the honour done to him.

He attributed his modest achievements to the support and cooperation of the entire staff of the ministry, saying that a tree cannot make a forest.

While saying that he was fulfilled working with the staff of the Ministry, urged them to remain dedicated to their duty to move the Ministry to greater heights, even as he described them as great assets to Delta State and Nigeria in general.

Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary in the

Ministry, Mr. Cornelius Semiteje, eulogized the startling leadership qualities of Mr. Edevbie, saying that he was a mentor, motivator and a great inspiration to the staff.

Also speaking, the Accountant General of Delta State, Mr. Cyril Agbele, the Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DBIR, Sir Monday Onyeme, among others, said that Mr. Edevbie who was also the Finance Commissioner during Chief JamesIbori’sregime,wasaman of integrity and a delight to work with.

powers will hit demand.

According to Bloomberg, futures in New York rebounded somewhat on Friday but still ended the week down 6.6er cent, the biggest decline since late December, after days of escalating rhetoric between China and the U.S. Chinese envoy Cui Tiankai said the Asian nation was committed to striking a deal on Friday but said it’s ready to apply countermeasures to American sanctions.

“These worries over the trade situation with China are becoming more pronounced here,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC. “It really strikes at the heart of the demand side of the equation of crude oil and the fallout is across the Asian region.”

Oil plunged 5.7per cent in New York on Thursday as investors fled riskier assets following the White House’s blacklisting of Huawei Technologies Co. and several Chinese surveillance companies, moves that have been met with defiance by Beijing.

Prices retook some of that ground on Friday, joining a bounce-back rally for equities.

A report showing U.S. crude explorers cut drilling activity last week may have eased concern over growing oil supplies, said Ashley Petersen, an oil analyst at Stratas Advisors LLC in New York.

World Bank scales up emergency support for Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe HE World Bank has mobilized over half a bil T lion dollars in new resources to help people in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe affected by the assessed impact of Cyclone Idai.

In a statement obtained by Vanguard, the bank stated: “World Bank is activating the International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Response Window (CRW) to provide up to $545 million in total for the three affected countries.

“This is in addition to nearly $150 million in resources that have recently been made available from existing projects. Together, total World Bank support to the three countries’ recovery reaches around $700 million.

“The World Bank is also working with Mozambique and Comoros to assess and respond to the newest development—Cyclone Kenneth.

“Cyclone Idai caused catastrophic damage earlier this year that affected millions of people, and this tragedy has been compounded by Cyclone Kenneth,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass, following a tour of Beira’s affected areas.

“The World Bank Group is working closely with our partners to help the population recover from these terrible storms, build back stronger than before, and improve countries’ resilience to natural disasters.”

The bank stated: “Mozambique, the country hardest hit by the cyclone, will receive $350 million in CRW financing to re-establish the water supply, rebuild damaged public infrastructure and crops, and support disease prevention, food security, social protection, and early warning systems in the impacted communities.

WTI dropped 2.5 percent on Wednesday after government data showed that U.S. crude inventories rose last week, hitting their highest levels since July 2017.

Nigerian financial crimes agency investigating MTN Nigeria listing TN Nigeria is under investigation by the Ni M gerian financial crimes agency over its listing earlier this month, the company said on Saturday.

According to Reuters, the firm “has not been accused of any wrongdoing” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

MTN Nigeria is a unit of South African telecoms firm MTN Group.

Some stories credited to Reuters

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 — 17 vanguardnews

@vanguardnews

@vanguardnews

By Dayo Johnson, Dapo Akinrefon & Ola Ajayi

Our roads must be made safe for all — AKEREDOLU

I

BADAN—BARELY a week after former President Olusegun Obasanjo accused the Federal Government of being lackadaisical about invasion and unprovoked attacks by herdsmen across the country, the Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, has advised the Presidency to check the killing spree of the herders, especially in Yorubaland to prevent people from resorting to self-defence and anarchy.

This came as Agbekoya Farmers Society said it will not fold its arms while killings, rape and kidnappings go on unabated by herdsmen.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South West has raised the alarm that the South West was under siege of herdsmen who perpetrate crime on a daily basis in the most unfettered manner.

Check herdsmen to prevent anarchy — YCE The Yoruba elders, who said unequivocally that it appears the herdsmen were untouchable, listed many instances when they kidnapped and killed innocent people without any justifiable reason.

In a statement by its President, Col. S. Ade Agbede (retd), the elders’ council alluded to the abduction of a professor and lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife recently on Ibadan-Ife road as well as several killings of Yoruba sons and daughters on their farmlands by herdsmen to justify its worries, insisting that the trend be stopped.

Making reference to a report that there were 1,123 cells built by herdsmen within the South West, YCE called on its people to be “on guard” and hold the issue of security so dearly to prevent further loss of lives and property.

The statement read: “As Yoruba elders and leaders in our own rights, we owe it a duty to speak up. There are said to be 1,123 cells belonging to armed herdsmen located across Yoruba nation.

The cells are said to be well organized and they are said to appear to network with each other as the cells may not be known except that there has been increase in their organisational skills.

“Perhaps, the most challenging issue confronting the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is that of insecurity and it is not hidden, the various efforts being made. But, one is constrained to observe that the situation is degenerating and

NEWS HOTLINES 018773962, 08052867058

By Dayo Johnson

A

AREGBESOLA @ 62: Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State (left); former Governor Osun State, Ogbeni Raul Aregbesola (2nd left), Naibu Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Haroon Samongogo (2nd right), and Grand Imam of State of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Animasahun (right), at a special prayer session organised in honour of the 62nd birthday anniversary of the former Governor Aregbesola, at Government House, Osogbo, yesterday.

HERDSMEN: S’West under siege, Yoruba elders, Agbekoya tell FG Say people may resort to self-defence when such a situation arises, it needs drastic solution.

“We are not oblivious of the great task of the military in nearly all parts of the north and some parts of the south against insurgents and bandits. This has made the military very stretched, thereby, needing the understanding and cooperation of Nigerians to render a helping effort in intelligence gathering to forestall what appears like a planned invasion of Yoruba nation.

“This is part of the reasons we are now calling on our people to be on guard and forge a common front to ensure the security of lives and property in our region. A released victim from herdsmen captivity said unequivocally that Yoruba nation is under siege as he recounted how about 10 armed men dressed in army uniform (camouflage) kidnapped him.

“We all have to wake up from our slumber and flush out all strange and potentially dangerous people hiding in our forests.

“A situation which makes the herdsmen appear untouchable and have laxity to behave as they like is embarrassingly worrisome and poses grave danger to peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in the country.

“The Federal Government should resolve to rein in herdsmen and bandits so as not to pave way for a situation where everybody will resort to self-defence which will ultimately lead to anarchy and descend to Hobbesian state of nature where life is short, brutish and nasty.”

While calling on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts at curbing the menace of kidnappers, YCE advised that security agencies increase their air surveillance activities

across the country.

“The moment the kidnappers know that they have no hiding place anywhere around the country, they would abandon the illicit venture”, YCE stated.

We won’t fold our arms — Agbekoya Also expressing worry over the rate of insecurity, banditry and kidnapping in the South West, the Agbekoya Farmers Society said it will collaborate with the Nigeria Police to curb the kidnapping, rape and killing in South West.

The National Executive of Agbekoya Farmers Society, who met, weekend, to address the menace in the region, warned herdsmen to desist from terrorizing Yorubaland.

Its President General, Aare Okikiola Kamorudeen Aremu said: “The Agbekoya cannot continue to fold its arms while her sons and daughters are killed, raped and kidnapped on a daily basis by the Bororo Fulani. Agbekoya Far mers Society is ready to join hands with Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in order to stop the killings, rape, abduction and kidnappings in the South West of the country.

“While we commend the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, we want all hands to be on deck to fight the kidnappers and the killers that have invaded Yorubaland.”

While Aremu warned the herdsmen to stop terrorising the Yoruba, he asked them to stop invading the South West “for their own good.”

“Agbekoya stands for peace and unity of the Yoruba and Nigeria. We are calling on the Bororo leaders to call their people to order and warn them to desist from killing, abducting, kidnapping and rape in our area.”

We’re under siege of ter rorists, S/W PDP raises alarm On its part, the PDP in the South West, said: “It is absurd and inexcusable for us to be under siege in our own nation.”

In a statement by the party’s Zonal Publicity Secretary in Akure, Mr. Ayo Fadaka lamented that Nigerians now live in “fear and trepidation as insecurity across the length and breadth of the nation continues to grow in alarming proportions.”

Fadaka lamented that the insecurity has continued “ with no sign that Mr. President is in any manner ready, equipped and prepared to bail the nation out of these orgies of violence, war, destruction and needless deaths.”

The statement read: “It is unfortunate to state that the South West is today under the siege of Fulani terrorists or herdsmen, who perpetrate criminal actions daily, in the most unfettered manner.

“In our region, kidnapping, assault and rape by these marauders remains unchecked, this lethargy has even emboldened them to attack a traditional ruler in his palace, without repercussions, thus egregiously making a bold statement that we the Yor uba have become their captives.

“This we condemn out rightly as a direct assault, insult and desecration of our corporate heritage as Yoruba people.

“We demand of President Buhari to immediately order the security agencies to flush these criminals out of the South West. If he does, we, the Yoruba, will heave a sigh of relief and discard our suspicion that ethnic cleansing is about to be prosecuted in our nation."

KURE—GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, weekend, said the era of awarding certificate of road worthiness without the mandatory test has gone for good in the state.

He stated this at the inauguration of the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre in Akure, Ondo State.

Akeredolu said: “The decision to introduce technology to determine the worthiness of all kinds of vehicles plying roads, across the length and breadth of the state, was to ensure their reliability and safety of lives and property.''

The safety of lives and property of all and those using roads in the State according to him is paramount to his administration.

Noting that all vehicles would be subjected to the same tests as required by experts, he said: “Nobody will be allowed to peddle influence. No official will be allowed to compromise the process. Our roads must be made safe for our people.”

On other benefits derivable from the facility, the governor said: “Technology and scientific-based evaluation and analysis of matters are always more accurate and more reliable.

“They produce faultless results based on objective parameters set for the purpose of evaluation.”

Oyetola, Aregbesola urge supporters to remain united

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SOGBO — GOVERNOR Adegboyega Oyetola and his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday, pleaded with their supporters to remain united in the task of developing the state.

They pledged their commitment to taking the state to an enviable height.

They spoke during a special prayer session at the Government House to commemorate Aregbesola’s 62nd birthday.

On his relationship with Aregbesola since taking office six months ago, Oyetola said: “People have said a lot and rumoured unprintable things about us and our relationship, but as true leaders, we don’t allow such to separate us.

“Our relationship is age-long to the extent that we have become a family, we are fond of each other and no one can intrude.

“We have built a relationship in such a way that the interest of the state and the welfare of the people remain our topmost priorities.

“One thing that those peddling rumours do not know is that Governor Aregbesola will share in the praises when we succeed.”

Aregbesola reaffirmed his commitment to ensure the success of Oyetola’s administration.

He said the progress of the state is their concern.

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 The scars left on our collective psyche by our long tenure under authoritarian rules – British colonialism and military rule – continue to haunt people in government even after 20 unbroken years since the return of democracy in 1999.

At every opportunity, elements in the Legislative and Executive arms of government continue to relapse back to the shop-worn authoritarian gambits meant to restrict the democratic space and curb the freedom of our people and the media to access public information.

In June 2018, it took a major uproar and feisty challenge to nix an attempt by the Senate to make a law to “regulate” the Nigerian internet space. This time around, the Management of the National Assembly, preparatory to the inauguration of the Ninth session on June 11, 2019, rolled out 20 new accreditation guidelines for media and journalists which sought to reduce

NASS’s aborted attempt to gag media media access to the two chambers of the National Assembly.

Among requirements for accreditation included code of certification from the National Library, proof of minimum daily circulation of 40,000 copies for newspapers which must be published daily, recertification form to be signed by the CEO and the Abuja Bureau Chief, minimum of two years coverage before permanent accreditation, submission of tax income returns for two years for each media house, among others.

Even though the office of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and some

top officials of the NASS Management, have denied being behind these preposterous recertification requirements, it is obvious that whoever were behind it did not understand the media industry they sought to gag, or the laws guaranteeing freedom of the press in Nigeria.

They do not even understand that the National Assembly is a forum where the Nigerian people are represented, and the media being an estate standing as the eyes and ears of the people in the parliament, have an inalienable right to freedom of access to its activities within the laws

of the country.

It was not surprising that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE and other socially-active groups came out en masse to force its retraction.

Next time the NASS Management seeks to review its accreditation guidelines with a view to weeding out fake journalists and keeping accredited media houses manageable, it should consult and work with the relevant media unions and stakeholders.

The Nigerian media have a long history of zero tolerance to the muzzling of its constitutionally-guaranteed mandate to serve the people and hold government to account. This history dates back to the colonial days and endured through 29 years of abrasive military rule.

Press freedom has come to stay in Nigeria. The Media will continue to be a major promoter of our democratic rights and defender of our freedoms.

OPINION TCN, power grid collapses and the blame game

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By Gabriel Ikesse

ITHIN the first ten days of May, this year, Nigeria, once again suffered a series of nationwide blackouts due to a collapse of the transmission grid. Nigerians are, unfortunately, becoming accustomed to these highly unpalatable occurrences and each time they happen, they plant a thought in the mind of Nigerians - regular power supply is still a long way from here.

This particular incident was caused by a multiple tripping that resulted in the failure of a substation owned by Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, in Onitsha, Anambra State on May 8, at 2:32 p.m.

Seemingly, a growing trend of such failed or burnt transmission sub-station incidents - Lagos, Calabar, Abuja, Enugu and Benin.

Grid collapses occur when there are system disturbances along the transmission grid. Such disturbances could include a massive drop of load from a sub-station that would cause the grid to become unstable.

And this is more so in the absence of the spinning reserve that will ordinarily prevent such an occurrence. In 2019, to date, there has been a total of eight transmission grid collapses - five times in January, once in April and twice in May. Post-privatisation, there have been in excess of 100 system collapses.

What is interesting is that shortly after this latest incidence of grid failure, TCN launched an attack on the Distribution Companies, DISCOs, accusing them of rejecting load which eventually resulted in TCN requesting that the Generating Companies, GENCOs, ramp down their delivery of energy. TCN, in defence of this failure, stated that the DISCOs needed to be recapitalised. It is instructive to note that a host of factors can lead to disturbance in

the system, i.e. drop in power generation due to unavailability of gas, disturbances at different points in the transmission infrastructure such as the recent incident in Onitsha, as well as challenges with TCN/ DISCO interfaces. Of these causes, the least likely to result in a ‘massive’ load drop is the latter.

Of significant note, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed, on Thursday, February 7, 2019, provided a clear pointer to one of the challenges. He stated: “The grid, as it is, is not run with spinning reserves, and this is how it was even before we took over. But for the first time, we have done competitive procurement of spinning reserves and we have forwarded to NERC 260 megawatts spinning reserves.

“We are expecting NERC will approve it any time from now because we have done all the consultations leading to the approval. Once NERC approves this and we deploy the spinning reserves, I am going to assure you that system collapse will be a thing of the past.”

Another important challenge, which the TCN agrees with, is its present inability to monitor the transmission grid. Speaking after the last collapse, the TCN MD/CEO, stated that: “If we have a functional SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data) system, it will show clearly what happened on the grid, and that is why, to us in TCN, deployment of SCADA is not an option, we have to deploy it. Because for us to have modern grid you need to have a functional SCADA for management of the grid.”

SCADA systems are software packages that are used to control and monitor and analyse real-time data. They are mostly used in critical sectors of an economy such as electricity. With a large, centralised grid as

the one we have, it almost begs belief that the entire grid is still managed manually.

Presently, instructions to the DISCOs are manually conveyed through a system of adhoc communications. The same goes for allocation of available load to generation companies. Such manual operations preclude the efficiency associated with transparency, exactness and consistency of the SCADA. The SCADA basically, ensures that there is real time exchange of information between remote stations and the National Control Centre. Without this kind of bird’s eye view of the whole network, it is almost impossible to apportion culpability or address service and infrastructure-specific issues like load rejection, damaged lines, etc. As the TCN MD/CEO, himself, said in

TCN needs to step up its game and come into the reality of playing the critical role that is required

an interview published on August 28, 2018: “Nigeria has failed attempts to have a functional SCADA three times. The last one was between 2006 and 2007, I was in the Project Management Unit, PMU, of TCN when the World Bank financed it and Nigeria spent about $46 million. But the SCADA that was completed had significant deficiencies that it could not see more than 40 per cent of the network.”

Without the benefit of this sight over the network, how was TCN able to arrive at the conclusions of its present blame game?

Most analysts agree that the transmission grid in its present form - riddled with aging and obsolete critical infrastructure - is so massive and too large to manage as a single entity and there have been several recommendations that it should be

decentralised. In fact, TCN, consistent with international best practices and efficacy, has been licensed into Independent System Operator, ISO, and Transmission Services Provider, TSP. Unfortunately, in a bid to continue the “empire” syndrome associated with government agencies, TCN continues its failure to implement this critical separation, a fundamental requirement for promoting efficiency in the transmission of energy.

While searching for possible solutions to our national electricity supply situation, this separation may just be one requirement that should be expeditiously implemented. As it is, all plans of TCN, to date, indicate its interest in becoming bigger. But as we all know, bigger does not necessarily mean better. So, an important question is, “Is TCN, doubling also as System Operator and Market Operator - becoming Federal Government’s biggest enterprise with associated inefficiencies, thereby, constituting the weakest link and holding back the power value chain.”

When you combine the continuous calls by the TCN for DISCOs to “recapitalise”, as well as the recent interest by TCN to venture into power distribution, despite not being an electricity distribution licensee, the cause for concern can only be more urgent.

The distraction associated with TCN clamouring for DISCOs access to additional funding, while germane, ultimately, results in TCN taking its eyes off the critical day-today requirements necessary for the successful operation of the transmission grid. Indeed, for an entity that has wheeled no more than 4,557MW (February 7, 2016), in its history, TCN rather than talking about a wheeling computer simulation of 8,100MW needs to step up its game and come into the reality of playing the critical role that is required of it along the value chain.

•Ikesse, a social analyst, wrote from Lagos

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 —19

Rising optimism drives up Business Confidence Index to 62pts •N200bn inflow to moderate cost of funds

T

By Babajide Komolafe

HE Business Confidence Index increased more than hundredfold to 62.7 points for June, driven by firms increased optimism of more improvement in the macroeconomic environment.

The optimism, however, did not extend to access to credit as firms were pessimistic

about access to credit in June.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, disclosed these in its Business Expectations survey report for May 2019.

Among other things the report showed that firms expect higher economic growth rate, naira appreciation and higher interest rates in the coming months.

Business Confidence

The report stated: “At 29.7 index points, respondents expressed optimism on the overall confidence index, CI, on the macro economy in the month of May 2019. The business outlook for June 2019 showed greater confidence on the macro economy with 62.7 index points.

“The optimism on the macro economy in the current month was driven by the

opinion of respondents from services (15.7 points), industrial (9.7 points), wholesale/ retail trade (2.8 points) and construction (1.4 points) sectors. Whereas the major drivers of the optimism for next month were services (36.6 points), industrial (18.7 points), wholesale/retail trade (4.9 points) and construction (2.5 points) sectors.

“The positive outlook by type of business in May 2019 were driven by businesses that are neither import- nor export-oriented Continues on page 21

MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Sluggish economy weighs down corporate performance •Revenue in marginal growth •Profit down 2.5% •Analysts/stakeholders in divergent projections

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By Peter Egwuatu

HE first quarter 2019, Q1’19, financial results of leading companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has indicated a heavy toll on corporate performance exerted by sustained weak macroeconomic growth in 2018 and Q’ 19.

About 102 quoted firms that have already turned in their results to the NSE this year reported abysmal performance in both earnings and profitability.

Figures obtained by Financial Vanguard from the Exchange showed

CBN, IFC challenge MfBs on self regulation, consolidation C M Y K

their profit declined by 2.5 percent, though revenue for the period grew marginally by 3.4 percent.

Total revenue of the companies was N2.3 trillion in Q1’19. However, at the 3.4 percent growth the corporate revenue outperformed the country’s Q1’19 gross domestic product which stood at 2.1 percent and consistently below 2.0 per cent in 2018.

But the companies recorded a total of N469.3 billion in Profit Before Tax, PBT during the period, representing a decline of 2.5 percent from N481.4billion

22

recorded in the corresponding period Q1’18, a situation attributed to a narrowing margin under a high operating cost environment. The companies were unable to pass the costs to consumers due to overstretched purchasing power.

Meanwhile, analysts and stakeholders’ projections for the second quarter 2019, Q2’19, results differ as some have predicted positive outlook, while others say that the Q2’19 results may follow the same pattern of Q1’19.

Some of the analysts have attributed the poor performance of the companies to the

Equities may revert to negative with profit taking 24 on MTN

sluggish economic growth occasioned by inconsistent government spending, budget delay and election hiccups which undermined impact of high crude oil price, increased foreign exchange inflows and marginal monetary easing during the quarter.

Sectoral performance Analysis of the performance of the companies captured in this study showed that the Banking sector maintained its leading position in earnings in absolute term, recording N1.003 trillion in Q1’19, up marginally by 2. 6 percent from N978.97 billion in Q1’18, while in percentage terms, the Construction sector topped the chart, rising by 74 percent to N64.721 billion from N37.016 billion

Continues on page 20

We suspend raising Tier-1 capital to enhance shareholders value —Access Bank CEO 27

20 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

COVER

FINANCIAL VANGUARD

Sluggish economy weighs down corporate performance

Continued from page 19 Q1’18.

Banking sector Within the Banking sector, Ecobank Group led in earnings in absolute term recording N199.4 billion in Q1’19 as against N198.6 billion in Q1’18, representing 0.4 percent growth, while in percentage term, Wema Bank top the chart rising by 27.2 percent to N16.1 billion from N12.6 billion in Q1’18.

Zenith Bank came second in earnings in absolute term recording N158.1 billion in Q1’19 as against N169.2 billion in Q1’18, but this indicates a 6.5 percent decline, while Unity Bank came second in percentage terms rising by 14.3 percent to N10.05 billion in Q1’19 from N8.794 billion in Q1’18.

First Bank Nigeria came third in absolute terms in the earnings chart posting N112 billion in Q1’19 as against N110.8 billion in Q1’18, while Fidelity Bank occupied third position in earnings growth rate as it rose by 11.8 percent to N48.443billion in Q1’19 from N43.33 billion in Q1’18.

In PBT, Zenith Bank led the chart in absolute term recording N57.3 billion in Q1’19 as against N54.0 billion in Q1’18, while in percentage term, JAIZ Bank occupied top position rising by 223.8 percent to N0.5 billion in Q1’19 from N0.15 billion in Q1’18.

GTBank occupied second position in PBT in absolute term posting N56.98 billion in Q1’19 as against N52.6 billion in Q1’18, while Access Bank came second in absolute term rising by 64.4 percent to N45.1billion from N27.44 billion in Q1’18.

In absolute term PBT, Stanbic IBTC came third position recording N45.1billion as against N27.44 billion Q1’18, while in percentage term, Wema Bank occupied third position in PBT rising 50.6 percent to N1.33billion from N0.88billion in Q1’18.

Oil & Gas sector Trailing behind the Banking sector in absolute term in earnings was Oil and Gas sector recording N398.33 billion in Q1’19, up marginally by 2.0 percent from N390 billion in Q1’18, while in percentage term, the Services sector came second in earnings, rising by 50.1 percent to N10.992 billion in Q1’19 from N7.323 billion in Q1’18.

Within the Oil and Gas sector, Oando led in earnings in absolute term recording

N168.01billion in Q1’19 as against N150.55 billion in Q1’18, while in percentage term, Forte Oil occupied the first position rising by 50.0 percent to N42.6 billion in Q1’19 from N28.4billion in Q1’18.

Total Nigeria followed in earnings occupying second position in absolute term recording N77.422 billion as against N75.65 billion in Q1’18, while Japaul Oil occupied second position in percentage term rising by 30.3 percent to N0.142 billion in Q1’19 from N0.109 billion in Q1’18.

The third position in earnings in absolute term was Seplat Petroleum, recording N48.94billion in Q1’19 as against N55.24 billion in Q1’18, while Oando occupied the third position in percentage term rising 11.6 percent.

In PBT, the Oil & Gas sector performed woefully as only three companies out of eight companies captured in this report recorded profit. Oando topped the chart in both absolute and percentage term recording N17.1billion in Q1’19 as against N14.889 billion in Q1’18, representing 14.8 percent.

Seplat, in absolute term, came second in PBT recording N5.96 billion in Q1’19 as against N17.99 billion in Q1’18, while in percentage term, 11 Plc came second declining by 26 percent to N3.02 billion in Q1’19 from N4.1 billion in Q1’18. Also, 11 Plc came third in absolute term on PBT, while in percentage term RAK Petroleum came third though it recorded a loss of N0.01billion down from -N0.023 billion in Q1’18.

Consumer Goods Sector In absolute term Consumer Goods sector came third in the sectoral performance recording revenue of N300.95 billion in Q1’19 billion down marginally by 1.3 percent from N304.935 billion in Q1’18. But in percentage term, Courier/Freight Forwarding sector occupied the third position rising by 45.8 percent to N8.944 billion from N6.136 billion Q1’18.

Sectoral profit performance The banking sector also maintained leading position in PBT in absolute term recording N263.72billion in Q1’19 from N233.99 billion in Q1’18, indicating a 12.7 percent growth rise, while in percentage term, the Services sector led the chart rising by 149.1 percent to N1.3 billion in Q1’19 from N0.122 billion in Q1’18.

Industrial Goods sector came second in absolute term

recording N85.65 billion PBT in Q1’19 as against N108.31billion in Q1’18, thus showing a decline of 20.9 percent. Conversely, in percentage term , Courier/Freight Forwarding sector occupied the second position as it went up by 97.2 percent to N0.42 billion in Q1’19 from N0.212 billion Q1’18.

Consumer Goods sector occupied third position in absolute term recording N49.72 billion PBT in Q1’19 as against N50.54billion PBT in Q1’18, indicating 11.5 percent drop.

Conversely, in percentage term, Airline sector came third rising by 38.9 percent to N0.32 billion in Q1’19 from N0.23 billion in Q1’18.

Stakeholders’ reaction Commenting on the corporate performance, analysts at United Capital Limited, a Lagos based investment finance company, said: “As we look back at the Q1 2019 earnings season, one

The banking sector enjoy fairly decent yields on their investments, increased income on electronic fees as well as a decent level of decline on impairment charge which reduced pressure on its earnings notable trend that jumps at us is the non-synchronized nature of earnings growth, even within each sector. Generally, most Nigerian companies posted lackluster earnings for the period with the biggest drag to results being uncertainties around the 2019 Presidential elections, which slowed business activities and delayed investments.

“Overall, players in the banking sector were the standout, even though election uncertainties predicated flattish quarter loan b o o k . Performance in the Consumer Goods sector was mixed as brewers continued to face competitive pressure, not to also mention the effects of higher excise taxes.”

However, Fast Moving

Consumer Goods, FMCG’s such as Nestle Nigeria, benefited from volume growth. “For the Industrial Goods sector - even though we are yet to see any filing from WAPCO - pressure on pricing impacted Dangote Cement’s earnings. ‘‘For the oil sector players, performance in the downstream Oil and Gas sector was unimpressive – a reflection of the continued challenging operating environment, while the performance for upstream players was equally underwhelming as declines in oil production predicated relatively lower topline numbers.

“In Q2-19, our outlook remains mixed for corporates, though performance may be more positive relative to Q1-19 since election risk is largely done with.”

Commenting as well, Analyst/ Head Research and Investment, FSL Securities Limited, Victor Chiazor, said: “The pattern observed in Q1’19 was largely expected being an election year.

The banking sector enjoy fairly decent yields on their investments, increased income on electronic fees as well as a decent level of decline on impairment charge which reduced pressure on its earnings.

“The consumer goods sector has remained pressured as a result of the weak demand for goods owing to weak disposable income of consumers and the high level of cheaper substitute products from rival companies. The sector may remain pressured until we see a general economic boom and consumer disposable income improve.

‘The upstream players in the oil sector are exposed to oil price volatility, however the oil and gas sector despite the slight increase in revenue, suffers from high operating cost which continues to pressure earnings and until the players in this sector efficiently manage and reduce its cost to income ratio its profits may remain weak.

“Performance for Q2’19 is projected to remain low similar to what was observed in Q1’19, while we expect a much improved performance from each of the sectors from the third quarter of 2019.”

The National Chairman, New Dimension Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr Patrick Ajudua, said: “The companies’ management should be commended for sustaining this moderate level of profitability.

The economic environment remains unstable, unfavourable

and hostile. It is not peculiar to Nigeria alone as the world economy is still suffering from unstable oil prices and currency fluctuations.

“The dwindling performance of Q1 ’19 versus Q1 ’18 is a reflection of slow pace of economic growth knowing fully well that we are just coming out of recession. The drop in PBT is expected at this stage as its spill over of the previous Q4 results.

“I am optimistic that with the conclusion of the elections , confirmation of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN governor reappointment which shows a measure of continuity, confidence and policy stability, we will be able to turn out a better Q2’ 19 results.”

Managing Director/CEO, APT Securities Limited, Mallam Garba Kurfi said: “As regard Q1 2018 versus Q1 2019 it is very clear that last year, All Share Index, ASI, closed positive while current year is negative. This was due to election and withdrawal of foreign investors from the stock market, and poor performance by some of companies such WAPCO, Nigerian Breweries, PZ Industries, among others.

“As regards the performance of the banks most of them performed better because CBN’s policy favours the sector and that is why most of the banks decided to buy Treasury Bills, TBs instead of lending to the economy.

“The implications of this is massive unemployment, lower GDP in Q1 2019, and probably that is why CBN, in their recent MPC promised to come with the policy that will restrict banks from buying TBS. “The Oil sector’s PBT was lower.

This was as a result of the increase in the price of Crude oil which reduces their margins especially in diesel and other lubricant oil which give a high margin. Thus, the revenue increased but not same with PBT. The increased cost of production affected most of the companies in the Consumer Goods as it was not easy to pass the cost to the consumers as you witness in the price of bread among others. ‘‘The performance of Q2 2019 will look better because of the introduction of MTN into the market which did not only increase our market capitalisation by over N2 trillion but its gain erased ASI cumulative loss of about 10 percent into positive. By the end of Q2 2019 we are looking at about N14trillion as market capitalisation.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 —21

FINANCIAL VANGUARD

Sectoral contributions to the overall business outlook index

Overall Business Outlook on the Macroeconomy

Rising optimism drives up Business Confidence Index to 62pts Continues from page 20

(20.8 points), both importand export-oriented (5.3 points), import-oriented (3.0 points), and those that are export-related On firms’ financial conditions and access to credit, the report stated: “Respondents’ outlook on the volume of total order and business activity in May 2019 remained positive, as both the indices stood at 15.0 points.

Similarly, respondents were optimistic in their outlook on financial conditions (working capital) and average capacity utilization as the indices stood at 12.5 and 16.8 index points, respectively.

Respondents expressed pessimism on access to credit in the review”.

The report also showed while firms expect further appreciation of the naira, they however expect interest rates to rise further.

It stated: “Majority of the respondent firms expect the naira to appreciate in the current month, next month and next twelve months as their confidence indices stood at 28.5, 40.1 and 50.1 index points, respectively.

“Respondent firms expect borrowing rates to rise in the current and next months, as well as in the next twelve months as the confidence indices stood at 3.7, 2.4 and 6.9 points, respectively”.

On the inflation expectation of firms surveyed, the report said: “The respondents’ average expected inflation rate in the next six months and the next twelve months stood at 11.29 and 11.21 percent, respectively.

Respondent firms expressed satisfaction with

the management of inflation by the government with a positive net satisfaction index of 3.9 in May 2019. The net satisfaction index is the proportion of satisfied less the proportion of dissatisfied respondents.

On economic growth expectation of firms, the report said: “Respondents anticipate better economic conditions as their index of economic growth rose in the short run with an index of 36.2, 49.4 and 57.0 points for the current month, next six months and next twelve months, respectively” Cost funds to fall as N200bn hit interbank Cost of funds is expected to moderate this week in response to inflow of N200 billion from maturing treasury bills (TBs).

Last week, cost of funds rose sharply following liquidity mop up by the CBN, in response to inflow of N322 billion from matured TBs and statutory allocation funds. While the market received inflow of N106.92 billion from matured TBs, it also received N215.3 billion from statutory allocation to states and local governments from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

In response the CBN issued and sold N360.7 billion worth of secondary market (Open Market Operations, OMO) TBs. Further details show that the apex bank sold N16.18 billion worth of 91-Days bills, N47.56 billion worth of 182-Days bills and N296.95 billion worth of 357-Days bills. The 91-day, 182-day and 357-day instruments were issued at marginal rates of 11.4 percent, 11.7 percent and

12.5 percent respectively.

As a result of this outflow, average short term cost of funds rose by 660 points with interest rate on Collateralised (Open Buy Back) lending rising by 657 basis points (bpts) to 11.14 percent last week from 4.57 percent the previous week. Similarly, interest rate on Overnight lending rose by 671 bpts to 12 percent last week from 5.29 percent the previous.

Analysts at Afrinvest, a Lagos based investment banking firm, however, projected that this trend will be reversed this week due to inflow of N200 billion from maturing TBs. “Next week Thursday, OMO maturity of N133.6 billion is expected to hit the system while total T-bills maturities worth N67.4 billion are expected. We anticipate OBB and OVN to hover around single digit in the coming week as we expect the roll-over of maturing T-bills as well as possible OMO issuances to have a muted impact on liquidity”, they said.

On their part, analysts at Cowry Asset Management Limited projected further decline in the stop rates of fresh TBs to be issued by the CBN this week.

They said: “In the new week, CBN will auction Tbills worth N67.37 billion, viz: 91-day bills worth N24.37 billion, 182-day bills worth N23.16 billion and 364-day bills worth N19.84 billion. “ We expect their stop rates to decrease marginally, given the increasing preference for fixed income assets by investors. We also expect NIBOR to fall amid maturing N176.56 billion Tbills and increased liquidity from FAAC recent inflows.”

Interbank interest rates

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

FINANCIAL VANGUARD CBN, IFC challenge MfBs on self regulation, consolidation

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the International Finance Corporation, IFC, have charged Microfinance Banks, MfBs to embrace self regulation and consolidation to enhance performance and sustainability of the sector.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Microfinance Banks, NAMB, has called for standardized performance measures and requirements for operators in the subsector.

These were some of the highlights of the fifth annual symposium of the Nigeria Microfinance Platform held in Ibadan, Oyo State, with the theme, “Self Regulation for Sustainability and Development of the Microfinance sector”.

In her keynote address, deputy governor, Financial Sector Surveillance, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, stressed the need for self regulation in the MfB subsector, saying: “A comprehensive oversight mechanism is required for effective supervision of microfinance activities of over 900 licensed MfBs; this is where the relevance of a selfregulatory organization comes into play.”

Stressing the expectation of the CBN from MfB operators in terms of self regulation, Ahmad, who was represented by Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department (OFISDs) said: “We believe that the effectiveness of selfregulation in driving performance of the microfinance sector depends on an effective and efficient mechanism for addressing non-compliance, standardized performance measures driven by the best performing operators in the microfinance sector. It is therefore important that the umbrella associations set the tone right from the onset and clearly communicate their expectations which should be congruent with the regulators’ expectations for the microfinance industry.”

Also speaking, the Country Director of IFC, Mr. Eme Essien, noted while self regulation is important it will not happen immediately but gradually as operators and regulators work together. She, however, stressed that in addition to self regulation, there is need for consolidation in the MfB sector, noting that most of the MfBs in the country are small and their viability is fragile.

She said: “There must be pursuit of consolidation in the sector. We hope that the smaller banks will look for partnership with other larger ones. You can join forces, you can grow your network in that way, you can expand your offerings in that

way, you can grow the credibility of the sector in that way and you can build trust among customers. In fact, overtime we see a very significant benefit in combining businesses. This will also reduce the pressure on the CBN, but broadly it will lead to a high level of sustainability in the sector so that the microfinance sector really has its place in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria.”

NAMB President, Mr. Rogers Nwoke, averred that self regulation has been one of the cardinal objectives of the association since inception, adding that there is huge prospect for self regulation in the sector.

He noted that self regulation among other things will eliminate the regulator-anxiety of the operator and enhances compliance, adding that it will also streamline compliance

indicators according to size, status and risk framework of the microfinance banks. He added that in addition to the above self regulation will grossly reduce cost of statutory regulation and promote consumer protection.

He however averred that for these to happen there is need to develop effective mechanism for addressing noncompliance, standardized performance measures and requirements driven by best performing

operators in sector. He said in addition to these, there must be focus on developing, disseminating and promoting best practice through developing guidelines, ratings and codes of conduct.

He said the CBN will also have to make MFB ratings a condition to receiving intervention funds and other incentives, and allow for peergroup differentiation, use of external validation, production of scores and penalties for noncompliance.”

From left: Adetunji Afolabi, Head of Training, Microfinance Learning and Development Centre (MLDC); Bassey Duke, Deputy Director, Other Financial Institutions Department, OFID, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN; Eme Essien, Country Director, International Finance Corporation, IFC; Joshua Etopidiok, Director, Special Insured Institutions Department, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC; Tokunbo Martins, Director, OFID,CBN; Rogers Nwoke, National President, National Association of Microfinance Banks, NAMB and Hasal MFB MD; Oyerinmade Oladejo, Coordinator, Nigeria Microfinance Platform, NLP in MLDC; Tutu Ogunnaike, Board Chair AFOS Foundation INGO, Nigeria; at the 5thsymposium of the Nigeria Microfinance Platform in Ibadan, Oyo state.

GTBank partners DBN to disburse N25bn to SMEs

G

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc said it is partnering with the Development Bank of Nigeria, DBN, to disburse N25billion funding to entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, sector.

The bank, in a statement, said the funding is the single largest disbursement by the DBN to any financial institution in Nigeria since it commenced operations.

Commenting on the partnership, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said,

“Empowering Small and Medium Scale Enterprises is key to accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth and making the lives of millions of Nigerians better.

This partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria

reflects our commitment to building a strong MSME sector buoyed by easy access to all of its financing needs.”

He further stated: “As a bank that is passionate about promoting enterprise, we will continue to provide innovative

Sterling Bank tasks architects on housing for low-income earners

S

TERLING Bank Plc has urged architects in the country to design buildings that are affordable for lowincome earners so that the bank can collaborate with them.

Mr. Yemi Odubiyi, Executive Director, Corporate and Investment, Sterling Bank, gave the challenge in Lagos recently as a guest speaker at the closing ceremony of the Lagos

FBNQuest achieves GIPS compliance

F

BNQuest Asset Management, a subsidiary of FBNQuest Merchant Bank and part of the FBN Holdings Plc g r o u p , h a s announced compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards, GIPS. Introduced in 1999, the GIPS standards are a rigorous set of investment performance measurement principles, which have been adopted in over 40 countries and recognized around the world for imbuing trust, integrity and uniformity to performance reporting and enabling comparability of a firm’s track record. By voluntarily adopting

solutions and create global platforms that expand opportunities for small businesses to build capacity, grow revenue and connect with consumers and business experts from around the world.”

compliance with GIPS, FBNQuest Asset Management joins a select list of investment firms and asset owners globally, who uphold this set of standards.

It reinforces its position as a thought leader as well as its commitment to promoting transparency and credibility in the investment management industry. Commenting about the achievement, Ike Onyia, Managing Director, FBNQuest Asset Management, said “Our firm’s compliance with GIPS means that our performance reporting framework is now comparable to best practice in mature markets.

The

standardisation of our process and the growth in adoption of these standards by the industry will benefit asset owners, as it will become easier to evaluate and compare the performance of different service providers.

“FBNQuest Asset Management is at the forefront of entrenching transparency, full and fair disclosure as well as best practice standards in our nascent industry. The promotion of these standards is important to the credibility of the investment management industry and our voluntary initiative demonstrates our commitment to adding value to our clients.”

Architects Forum 2019 Lagos 10.0 with the theme: Architectural Regeneration 2, The Lagos Response.

“We are willing to support the housing sector but will only partner with you as long as you continue to create affordable housing designs.

Our immediate focus is housing units that are less than N4 million and can even be lower over time. The challenge we are throwing at you is to design buildings that are affordable which we can finance at scale,” Odubiyi said.

He observed that the bank’s presence at the architects’ forum was not by chance because it has always been keen on finding a solution to the country’s affordable housing problem. He disclosed that Sterling Alternative Finance (SAF) is well positioned to lessen the country’s housing deficit.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—23

24—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

FINANCIAL VANGUARD Consolidated Hallmark shareholders blame NAICOM for bad business

By Peter Egwuatu

Equities may revert to negative with profit taking on MTN

By Nkiruka Nnorom

O

PERATORS in the capital market have hinted the likelihood of the equities market reverting to the negative zone this week on anticipated sell pressure on the shares of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. They also tipped Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, ETI, stock to watch for the week.

Though the market closed 6.97 percent up last week, analysts observed that due to the negative close on Friday, the market may have returned to its pre-MTN listing status and projected that the negative trend would be sustained.

Activity at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, had sustained its upward movement for two consecutive weeks following the listing of MTN on May 16, 2019 and rally on its stock as well as that of Dangote Cement Plc. Their share prices rose by 28.56 percent and 13.63 percent to close at N140.00 and N200.00 respectively.

However, the rally came to a halt on Friday after the All Share Index, ASI, fell by 1.89 percent when the two market heavy weights closed in the red. MTNN lost for the first time since listing on May 16, while Dangote Cement also went down by 2.44 percent as market begins to readjust.

Nonetheless, the overall

market performance measure - ASI - further closed northwards at 30,881.29 points, having risen by 6.96 percent week-on-week (w-ow).

The market capitalisation also rose by the same margin to close at N13.602 trillion.

Reacting, analysts at Vetiva Securities projected another negative week if profit taking persists on the shares of MTN. They said: “With both Dangote Cement and the recent market catalyst (MTNN) closing under Friday, the index returned to it’s trend of red closes, which was the norm pre-MTN listing. Despite closing negative, market indicators such as market breadth and sector

performances point towards mixed trading on the exchange. As such, we expect another mixed session, with a negative tilt, should investors continue to take profit on MTNN to kick off the new week.”

Also, analysts at Cowry Asset Management projected that the equities market would close marginally in red territory as the strong demand for the shares of the telecoms giant has softened.

“Nevetheless, we expect investors to continue to take advantage of the general low share prices in the market, especially in the banking sector, in order to maximize their returns.”

PZ Cussons assures investors of consistent dividend payout

By Nkiruka Nnorom

M

R. Christos Giannopoulos, managing director/ chief executive of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, has reiterated the company ’s readiness to continue to create value for its shareholders through consistent dividend payment.

Giannopoulos, who spoke while sounding the trade’s closing gong at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, in commemoration of the company ’s 120 years anniversary, said that PZ does not have any intention of raising fresh capital as its financials are strong and healthy.

He said the company will continue to invest in the latest and best technology that would guarantee its customers highest quality in order to drive revenue, while reiterating that the company does not have any plan of leaving the country as reported in the media some months back.

“We are here, we are very strong. We are going through what I will call challenging times, but the fundamentals of our company are extremely good; our market shares are

very good. We have about 76,000 shareholders in our company and they get returns in continuous dividend payment over the years that we have been in the stock exchange.

“The future is bright, opportunities that exist in

Nigeria and in the consumer goods sectors are huge. We will continue to take advantage of the opportunities to grow and deliver more returns to our shareholders,” he said.

Sam Ndata, doyen of stockbrokers, speaking on behalf of his colleagues,

commended PZ for the investments it has made in the country in 120 years of its operation and assured that stockbrokers would support the company whenever it’s ready for fresh capital raising.

of SHAREHOLDERS Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, CHI Plc, have blamed the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, for the low business experienced by indigenous insurance firms.

But the shareholders, at the company’s 24 th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, also tasked the Board of Directors to intensify effort towards meeting the N10 billion new capital base required for General insurance services.

They said that though they were not against increase in minimum capital but stressed that the operating environment has not been favourable for the insurance sector to grow and make reasonable profit.

Addressing the shareholders at the AGM, Managing Director of CHI Plc, Mr. Eddie Efekoha said: “We will do our best to meet the new minimum capital base. At present we are a little above N6 billion shareholders’ fund and we will call on you when the need arise to shore up our capital.”

Commenting on the performance of the company for the year ended December 31, 2018, he said: “The company’s total assets increased to N10.8 billion, representing a growth of 14 percent over N9.4 billion in 2017. The company has proposed dividend of N162 million culminating to two kobo per share due to every shareholders for the 2018 financial year. However, due to management’s disciplined approach to cost management, the group still recorded a profit after taxation growth from N406 million in 2017 to N407 million in 2018.”

Berger Paints restructures for global competitiveness, pays 65k dividend

By Peter Egwuatu

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ERGER Paints Nigeria Plc has embarked on transformation initiatives to enhance its market dominance for the next 60 years, even as it declared 60 kobo per share dividend for its shareholders for the financial year ended December 31, 2018.

The transformative initiatives, which cover the company’s structure, people, processes and digital operations, have been endorsed by the company’s Board of Directors.

Besides, the shareholders have approved the sum of N188.385 million to be paid as dividend which translates into 65 kobo per share. By the company ’s financial statement, its revenue grew

by 12 percent to N3.377 billion in 2018 as against N3.013 billion in the previous year while profit before tax stood at N454.

3 million, representing growth of 33.8 percent over N339.5 million recorded in the corresponding year.

Addressing shareholders at the company ’s Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, the chairman, Mr. Abi Ayida, explained that on assumption of office, and after due consultation with the various units of the company and meetings with the relevant stakeholders, it was imperative for the company to re-position for global competitiveness and sustainable increase on return on investment, ROI. “I solicited views on how this required journey could be

made, and attained unvarnished narrative of what we as employees, partners, stakeholders and leaders were doing well and what not so well. The outcome of these valuable sessions, after Board review and consideration, confirmed that there was significant headroom for improvement in our people, processes and organisational structure,” said Ayida.

Ayida stated that to put the company on the path of sustained profitability, the Board had created the office of chief operating officer to drive the operations and technical aspects of the business, while Mr Anjar Sircar has been appointed the new managing director to take charge of strategic business development decisions and marketing function of the

company.

Shareholders commended the company ’s Board and Management for the rapid improvements in all performance indicators within the last one year. A shareholder, Mr Lawrence Oguntoye, who urged the company to sustain its outstanding performance, expressed concern on the effects of taxation on the manufacturers in Nigeria.

Ayida attributed the company’s performance to collective efforts of the board, management and secretariat.

He reiterated the company’s commitment towards value creation and assured shareholders of more opportunities for robust engagement with the stakeholders.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—25

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Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—27

28—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

FINANCIAL VANGUARD

We suspended raising Tier-1 capital to enhance shareholders value —Access Bank CEO Access Bank Plc Group Managing Director, GMD/ CEO, Mr Herbert Wigwe in this interview at the just concluded 30th Annual General Meeting, AGM held in Lagos spoke on the concerns raised by shareholders regarding dividend payout, capital raising, green bond issuance, merger with Diamond Bank Plc, the banks’ financial performance among others.

Excerpts:

By Peter Egwuatu

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HE shareholders have expressed their concern on low dividend payout for 2018 financial year and have requested for a higher dividend come next year, what is your view?

We are assuring our shareholders of enhanced value creation in the years to come; however, the 50k dividend for the financial year 2018 was due to the bank’s decision to suspend raising of Tier 1 capital. The bank’s decision to depend on organic capital contributed to the 50k dividend during the period under review.

The Bank needed to think towards the future and cautiously decided on the dividend based on the just concluded merger. The Bank’s dividend payout in 2017 was 40 kobo, with earnings per share of N2.11. Access Bank would remain committed to the optimisation of shareholders value as better rewards were ahead in terms of dividend to shareholders and stakeholders.

What is your view on the increase in the unclaimed dividend as contained in your financial statement?

The rising unclaimed dividend is worrisome. We will try to map out strategies to reduce the N14.6 billion shareholders’ unclaimed dividend as at the financial year ended December 31, 2018. We are also not happy as the figure keeps increasing, so we want shareholders to come over and pick their dividend.

We will work with our registrar, company secretary to see how to get this figure down.

Your debt recovery drive has been commended, what will

happen to the debt owed to Diamond Bank now that you have merged with the bank?

We recovered N2.2 billion bad debt in the year under review. Access Bank will intensify effort to ensure that it recovers the debt owed to Diamond Bank. We will go out for Diamond Bank’ debtors and if they are not ready to

We recovered N2.2 billion bad debt in the year under review. Access Bank will intensify effort to ensure that it recovers the debt owed to Diamond Bank

redeem their debt we will publish their names in the newspapers.

You have heard the concern by stakeholders on their future, regarding sustenance of dividend payment given the successful merger with Diamond Bank; what is your take?

We have assured shareholders of our determination to enhance their value while thanking them for the support and approval given to them to merge with Diamond Bank Plc. whilst acknowledging the merits of the merger with

respect to revenue and profits.

We will not lose sight of operating efficiency and return ratios. These measures will continue to be our priority, ensuring that shareholder value is maximized. Customer satisfaction will also remain a key focus, ensuring the new entity delivers superior benefits to its newly expanded customer base.

The Bank began its five year strategy in 2018 with focus on retail banking growth. Capital and liquidity levels for the period remained adequate at 19.9 percent and 50.9 percent respectively, providing buffers as we continued to explore market opportunities.

What is your assessment of the financial performance in the year 2018?

The group recorded a profit before tax of N103.2 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2018 as against N78.2 billion achieved in 2017, an increase of 32 per cent. Profit after tax of N95 billion, growing by 58 per cent compared with N60.07 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.

Our gross earnings rose by 15 per cent to N528.7 billion in contrast with N459.1 billion posted in the comparative period of 2017 with interest and non-interest income contributing 72 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. The asset base of the bank remained strong and diversified with a growth of 21 per cent in total assets to N4.95 trillion in December 2018 from N4.10 trillion in December 2017.

Loans and Advances rose to N2.14 trillion during the period under review against N2.06 trillion in 2017. Total assets grew by 21 percent to N4.95 trillion from N4.1 trillion in 2017. Deposit also grew by 14 percent to N2.56 trillion in 2018 from N2.25 trillion in 2017. Our shareholders’ equity, however, fell by four percent to N491 billion in 2018 from N511 billion in 2017.

Customer deposits increased by 14 per cent to 2.57 trillion in December 2018, from 2.25 trillion in December 2017. The Board and Management gratitude goes to our shareholders, customers and all who have stood by us through the years. With their support, we have built a world class sustainable institution underpinned by strong ethical and g o v e r n a n c e standards.

Can your elaborate on some of the expected benefits to the bank following the successful merger with Diamond Bank?

Following the successful completion of the merger w i t h Diamond Bank in March 2019, we have now fully positioned ourselves in the retail market with a view to bringing the power of banking to the doorsteps of millions. We are providing a broader platform to facilitate payments services in Nigeria and across Africa, by harnessing our significantly enhanced digital technology capabilities.

The merger brings together Access Bank’s strong wholesale banking capabilities and Diamond Bank’s unparalleled retail expertise. The bank would create an institution with over 27 million customers, 3,100 ATMs and 33,000 POS as well as over 10 million mobile customers. The bank, with over 600 branches represented in 10 countries and three countries would soon expand footprints to Asia. Access Bank is the only Nigerian bank to record profit in its London subsidiary.

Most respected African Bank We remain committed to the achievement of our strategic imperatives going forward; as we continue to invest in our people, technology and most importantly, our product offerings to customers. Our focus is to become the world’s most respected African Bank by leveraging on the strength of our retail and wholesale business to provide unrivalled value to our customers.

The bank floated and listed a green bond recently, what is your view on it?

Like you witnessed during the meeting, the shareholders did commend on our initiative on the bond issuance. The green bond issuance highlights the bank’s commitment to sustainability and its status as a pioneer in green financing in both the domestic and international capital markets. The bond comes amidst a global drive for responsible and

sustainable green financing and will allow the financing of new loans and refinancing of existing loans in accordance with the Bank’s green Bond Framework. It will support projects directed at flood defense, solar generation facilities and agriculture.

At Access Bank we are a pioneer in both domestic and international capital markets, leading the way with our commitment to sustainable banking. We hope that this bond issuance inspires other African companies to support the long-term development of the green finance market whilst simultaneously realizing the growth potential of the fast-developing low carbon economy.

Your first quarter, Q1 2019 results look good, do you see the Bank sustaining this in the remaining quarters of the year?

The group delivered solid earnings underscoring the value potentials of the newly expanded business model.

Gross earnings showed a 16 percent increase to N160.1billion from the prior year, comprising strong earnings on Interest income and non-interest income of 69 percent and 31 percent respectively, whilst Profit before Tax, PBT, grew by 66 percent to N45.1billion.

Liquidity position Our capital and liquidity position remained above regulatory levels, with CAR at 19.5 percent and liquidity ratio of 47.6 percent further demonstrating the capacity of the enlarged balance sheet to cope with possible negative shocks.

We hope to sustain and surpass this performance in the remaining quarters of 2019. Following the successful completion of the merger with Diamond Bank in March 2019, we have now fully positioned ourselves in the retail market with a view to bringing the power of banking to the doorsteps of millions. We are providing a broader platform to facilitate payments services in Nigeria and across Africa, by harnessing our significantly enhanced digital technology capabilities.

We have made solid progress throughout the first quarter of 2019 in line with our 20182022 five-year strategy, and we remain committed to the achievement of our strategic imperatives going forward; as we continue to invest in our people, technology and most importantly, our product offerings to customers. Our focus is to become the world’s most respected African Bank by leveraging on the strength of our retail and wholesale business to provide unrivalled value to our customers.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 — 29

FINANCIAL VANGUARD Congrats CBN Governor, but there is wahala (2) The "Yes-man" is the enemy. Your true friend will argue with and even fight you — Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, Russian Writer, at Harvard University.

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HE easiest way to be loved, even pampered by those in power in Nigeria, or elsewhere for that matter, is to always shower praises on measures proposed or taken by the leaders.

Request for appointments are quickly granted and other favours follow. That is the subtle form of bribery and corruption which corrodes the basis of society as surely as the barefaced embezzlement of public funds by the custodians of funds and trusts. It is even much easier when one generally agrees with the official to fall into the trap of becoming a cheap praise-singer.

It is tendency that must be fought always.

The first part of this series ended with the statement "Emefiele is about to throw good money out of the CBN window on cotton….". The sentence was deliberately left dangling. Let me complete it now. "The CBN should stop it now, because, I strongly believe that it is the wrong commodity, being promoted for the wrong economic reasons and at the wrong time". Future historians might regard this misadventure as one of the greatest blunders of the first quarter of the new millennium. I am not a gambler; I never bet on anything. But, if it comes to it, I will bet that this a failed project ab initio. It will not solve the problems it is designed for and Nigeria will end up poorer, not stronger for it. Mark my words.

Before you dismiss that statement as the ranting of a media pen-pusher, let me remind the reader that Emefiele is the third governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, with whom I have taken serious issues on very important matters

and I have been proved right the first two times. This controversy is actually the easiest for me and there is little doubt in my mind that it will, unfortunately for Nigeria, end in another true prophecy ignored by the Nigerian leaders.

"When something is too good to be true; it most probably isn't true." That has always been my guiding principle since taking a course in Decision Making Under Conditions of Uncertainty.

In the early 1990s, when gullible Nigerians thought that most Nigerian second generation banks were performing wonders, I wrote a column on these same Vanguard Business pages titled Funny Money. In it, I pronounced that the Annual Reports and Accounts of most of the banks operating then were falsified to deceive the unwary public that they were highly profitable. Two of the "darlings" of the financial markets were Alpha Merchant Bank and Commerce Bank. They announced such "mouthwatering" results every half year and they also declared such unprecedented dividends that anybody with some commonsense would have known they were untrue. But, commonsense is not common; and thousands of businesses fell into their traps.

In that article, Funny Money, that is, I listed nineteen banks which were on the brink of collapse. Alpha and Commerce topped the list. The insults and maledictions which came as rejoinders to that article ranged from "stupid" to "ignorant" to "subversive" to "lunatic". But, when Abacha promulgated the Failed Banks Decree, all the nineteen banks were on the list

of failed banks and hundreds of bankers were arrested, Jimi Lawal, Managing Director of Alpha ran away. The MD and DMD of Commerce joined several other bank managers in detention and jail. Some companies I advised and who took the advice gave me bonuses which lasted me for more than five years. Some others who ignored my warning have either

Throwing billions of naira into large scale farming of any product in Nigeria today amounts to offloading billions of our good money into the sewer

gone out of business or are still feeling the pains till today. The CBN governor, at the time, never once warned Nigerians about the impending collapse of the banks.

When Professor Charles (now Chukumah) Soludo, introduced Bank Consolidation in 2005, my advice and prediction can be summarised as follows. Allow more time for consolidation.

Otherwise, it will fail and bring more anguish than relief. The former CBN governor was adamant. In 2008, when the initiative changed name to "ConSoludo-tion" and many of the celebrated banks began crumbling, I advised shareholders to dump their bank shares. Soludo and Dr. Ndidi Onyiuke, the Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange,

DG-NSE, more or less told bank depositors and shareholders to ignore me.

Today, Transcontinental Bank and Oceanic Banks are no more; the MD of Transcontinental ran away. Bank shares priced at N50 in 2008 now go for under N10 in 2019. "Con-Soludo-tion" has wrecked millions of Nigerian shareholders and the consequences can be seen in what is happening to the AMCON. So, Mr Emefiele will be well advised to take a look at the track record of his advisers and compare to mine. He ignores this controversy at his own and our nation's peril. I am getting sick and tired trashing CBN governors who still go ahead and get Nigeria into trouble on account of fundamentally defective measures. Invariably, the praise singers urge them on; I stand almost alone in saying NO! And, the record is there. I am saying NO! now.

Let me now turn to the technical reasons why the "Cotton Programme" will (notice I did not say might not, it is deliberate) not work. The first and most important reason is the timing.

Throwing billions of naira into large scale farming of any product in Nigeria today amounts to offloading billions of our good money into the sewer.

Nothing but grief will come out of it in the short run; and perhaps in the long-term also - however you define those terms.

Right now, millions of Nigerians are leaving the rural farming communities for the relative security of urban and sub-urban areas and no amount of money will make them to return this year or next or next. For those who might doubt that statement, here is some of the evidence.

MICROFINANCE

FINANCIAL VANGUARD MfBs have not failed in their responsibility - MD Layelu MfB Managing Director, Layelu Microfinance Bank, MfB, Limited, Ondo State, Mr. Akinbinu Charles, in this interview, said that the MfBs have not failed in their responsibility of empowering the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs. He also expressed optimism that the sub-sector would come out of the many challenges it is facing at present.

By Providence Emmanuel

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OW is the MfB business fairing in your state?

The microfinance bank business in Ondo and Nigeria generally, has not really come on stage because of various challenges befalling the sector. With time, I believe we would get out of these challenges and these challenges have to do with policy somersault from the regulators. By and large, there is prospect in microfinance bank activities and business in the country because of what it is meant to achieve, to impact on the lives of the down trodden.

Is it true that the MfBs have

failed in their responsibility to lift people out of poverty?

I don't agree with that statement. Quote me anywhere.

What they want to do and what they want to achieve, let us watch and see what will happen to that scheme they are about to pilot in the next two years. Those that they supposed to empower to do the work, those that are on ground to do the work are not being empowered to do it. We have been clamouring that they should give us funds to use for our businesses.

It would not be easy for you to ask someone that has never been in the terrain to go there. MfB has peculiarity as regards

There'll be no farming in Zamfara unless more soldiers are deployed — Emir of Anka, Sunday Punch, May 19, 2019.

The Emir went on to explain what he meant. He said: "Farming is not going to be possible this year unless there is peace. Almost all my farms are in the rural areas. Many people also have their farms in the rural areas; just like me. So farming activities would grossly be affected this year." What Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad said in that interview had been repeated to me by traditional rulers at Badeggi, Niger State and Yelwa Yauri, Kebbi state.

They were bulk rice suppliers to Haske Rice Mill Sokoto when I was in charge of the plant and we have remained friends ever since. Traditional rulers who hitherto had snapped their fingers and farm workers run to go to work, now snap their fingers and the boys run away never to be seen again in the community. So, who will grow the cotton this year or the next two years given that peace - which is the principal economic resource now - is not guaranteed for the next five years.

It will be interesting to read the feasibility studies conducted by the "experts" to convince Emefiele that the Cotton Programme is possible at this time. I want to know how much weight they gave to peace as an economic variable in a situation in which it is the basic requirement without which all the other resources in the world count for nothing. Who is the Technical Adviser who will risk his life to go and grow cotton at Talata Mafara when the governor of Zamfara State hides in Abuja for dear life? Who? Next: What will cotton replace among the current basket of crops now cultivated?

environment as what happened in Lagos may not happen in Ondo state, it is not possible, I know that is why they want to pilot in about four or five state to see what will happen. I want to tell you that

The microfinance thing is more of practical than the theory that the regulators are bringing in nothing would happen, it would fail.

It is true that the MfBs performance has been poor?

If our performance is as poor as described, by now, most of us would not be in business. What they fail to understand is that the economic activity of the people we

deal with, which is the people at the bottom of pyramid is not in line with what they said we should do. For instance, if I give N50,000 to a petty trader in my village, I can tell you that N20,000 out of that would go into household maintenance because the economy is not good. N30,000 would be spent on the business. We don't have enough funds and cost of funds is high making some MfBs to charge higher interest rate. These are the challenges I mentioned that are affecting the MfB business, we don't have enough funds to do business.

Assuming we have a good and interest free fund from government, we can offer our service at a very low interest rate that would impact meaningfully on the customers.

Does it mean loan default is still high with all the new initiative to mitigate it?

All these initiatives are paper theories but in practice, it is not realistic. Coupled with the economy we are running, things are just too high, so people that are trading are fighting tooth and nail to break-even. A lot of my customers now sell on credit to civil servants because salaries are not paid as at when due. Some have even closed shop because they have sold all their product on credit and there is nothing to replenish the shops. Do you expect such person to meet obligation?

It's not possible. The microfinance thing is more of practical than the theory that the regulators are bringing in. They are talking of Bangladesh, when our government cannot do a lot of the things that their government is doing to alleviate their suffering.

Don't you think NIRSAL MfB is a threat to existing MfBs? I do not see it as a threat, we are in the same market, let us see how it goes.

30 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

(08052201997)

The inevitable choice between N10,000 note and redenomination

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IGERIA's Currency profile has, notably failed to serve the needs of our people and our economy.

Arguably, lower denominations of primary kobo coins and low value notes have been largely rejected because of their extremely negligible purchasing power. Overtime, the Naira Currency has lost significant value, as the highest existing compact denomination of N20 (the popular Muri) in 1977 was equivalent to over $20.

Regrettably, the present highest denomination of N1000 note exchanged for over $8 initially in 2005, but now, disturbingly exchanges around $3. The N1000 note, also compares rather awkwardly, for example, with the new Ghana Cedi which was introduced between 2006-2007 with highest denomination of a 100 Cedi note, but exchanges in 2019 for about $20, after the Cedi steadily depreciated from GH?100=$110.

Thus, in view of the present paltry value of $3 against the highest Naira denomination of N1000, a more robust currency profile that will truly reflect the cherished qualities of money (i.e. portability, stable value, durability, acceptability, etc.) has become necessary. The present choice is therefore between Naira redenomination and the issue of higher value denominations of N5,000 and N10,000 notes.

The above title "The Inevitable Choice Between N10,000 Note And Redenomination" was first published on August 15, 2016.

The issues raised therein, unfortunately, still remain very resonant today. Please read on.

"Households across Nigeria have become severely traumatized by escalating prices of goods and services.

The uneasy feeling that one's pocket, has been picked has

probably become common after every visit to the market, where the smallest available nylon sachet may be all that is needed to pack over N10,000 purchase(s)."

"In retrospect, in 1977, the highest Naira denomination was N20 note, which exchanged for almost $30; regrettably, however, after the serial devaluations which followed the IMF inspired Structural Adjustment Program between 1985-90, the N1,000 note was issued as the Naira's highest denomination and exchanged for just over $8 in 2005. Sadly, however, the same N1000 presently exchanges for about $3 after Naira devaluation in 2016."

"Invariably, coins have been widely rejected because of their worthless present value; consequently, the N5, N10, N20, N50, N100 erstwhile, secondary denomination notes, now perform roles normally reserved for hard wearing, longer lasting, metal currency to facilitate change and transactions."

"Nonetheless, if Naira's freefall remains unchecked, and ultimately $1=N1000, the N1000 note will also assume the role of lower denomination coins, despite its inappropriate fragile paper fabric. In such event, even if N10,000 note is issued as the highest denomination, it will only exchange for $10. Similarly, new issues of N2,000 and N5,000 notes will exchange for $2 and $5 respectively. Clearly, unless the fundamental flaw in the pricing model that always produces a weaker Naira exchange rate is addressed, further Naira depreciation will result and ultimately N20,000 and N50,000 notes may become inevitable, just as Ghana's currency profile in 2006 included ?50,000 notes which exchanged for just $5, before 4-point Cedi redecimalisation!"

"Although, the adoption of N2,000, N3,000, N5,000 and N10,000 notes will facilitate cash transactions, it will also challenge the cashless project, on which government has invested tens of billions to implement. However, the relative success of the cashless project, notwithstanding, some critics may contend that, with respect to monetary policy, the cashless project, may be actually counterproductive, as the increased velocity in money circulation that it induces also worsens an already incendiary inflationary spiral!"

"Invariably, higher denomination of Naira notes will facilitate portability, but the facilitation of large cash

The heavy funding requirement for Redenomination and the complete overhaul of the Naira profile can be reduced, if the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company is appropriately upgraded to produce a substantial part, if not all the new cash requirements

transactions also poses a security threat. Instructively, however, higher denominations will be inevitable, if the continuous slide in Naira exchange rate is not arrested. From a cost perspective, the issuance of higher notes may cost less, since the existing currency profile and design remain the same, while the addition of N2,000, N3,000, N5,000 and

N10,000 notes will be popularly welcomed to replace the increasingly 'worthless' lower denominations below N1,000.

Notably, however, so long as primary kobo coins remain worthless and rejected, retail pricing will again be in huge leaps of N500 and N1,000!"

"Alternatively, the need to restore, value, portability and retail best practice with the embedded usage of primary coins, may advise a 3-point decimalization of the present Naira profile to support these objectives. Under this arrangement, the current N1,000 note will be replaced with a New N1 note, while N100 note will be replaced with a 10Kobo coin, so that the existing N50 note will become a New 5Kobo coin; similarly, the present N10 will become a new 1kobo coin."

"Thus, one US dollar, will exchange for N3.6, in consonance with the subsisting average exchange rate of about N360=$1; however, if the Naira further dips to say N500=$1 before redecimalization, the New N5 will exchange for $1 and so forth."

"Invariably, currency redenomination is a much more expensive undertaking than the alternative of higher Naira note issues, because a redenominated profile will incorporate the whole gamut from kobo coin (old N10) to the highest new N100= $36, with the inclusion of new designs for other standard denominations in between."

"A compact currency profile would notably, provide digital margins for competitive retail pricing as kobo coins and lower denomination secondary coins and notes become readily acceptable; the attrition caused by the shortage of change in transactions between petrol attendants, shop keepers and customers will become minimized. Furthermore, the

ECONOMY

FINANCIAL VANGUARD Winners emerge in FCMB's ‘Millionaire Promo’

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NOTHER set of four customers of First City Monument Bank, FCMB, have emerged winners of N1 million each in the first draws of season six of the bank's reward scheme tagged “Millionaire Promo.”

Moreover, hundreds of other customers smiled home with various exciting prizes, ranging from LED televisions, power generating sets, decoders, tablets and smartphones, among others.

The new millionaires are Olabisi Omotayo (Lagos region), Mustapha Egba

(Abuja & North region), Helen Okon (South-east & Southsouth region) and Sholanke Olalekan (South-west region).

One of the winners of N1million, Mrs. Helen Okon, commended FCMB for its commitment to the success of its customers through the ‘’Millionaire Promo” and other reward as well as empowerment initiatives.

According to her, "I was very surprised to win N1million in the promo; it is unbelievable. I thank FCMB, I am very proud to be a customer of the bank

re-introduction of coins with a greater purchasing value, will similarly facilitate trade with the use of slot machines, which are commonplace 24hour dumb service outlets for a wide range of consumables (See Articles titled "Redenomination: Why & Why Not?" (17/09/07) and "Redenomination of Ghana's Currency" (15/01/07) at www.lesleba.com )."

"The danger however, is that if the current Naira profile is not redenominated while the slide in the Naira exchange rate continues, ultimately, N100,000 and N200,000 notes with minimal value will become inevitable, despite the related drawback of portability and accounting challenges."

"Advisedly, however, the heavy funding requirement for Redenomination and the complete overhaul of the Naira profile can be reduced, if the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company is appropriately upgraded to produce a substantial part, if not all the new cash requirements."

"Unfortunately, nonetheless, the underlying triggers of inflation, and Naira depreciation will not be neutralized by the mere issue of higher Naira denominations or the complete overhaul of the Naira profile with r e d e n o m i n a t i o n .

Consequently, unrestrained double digit inflation rates and a Naira exchange rate perennially beleagued by, persistently surplus Naira liquidity in CBN auctions, will inevitably fuel a new cycle of currency rejection that will, ultimately, demand these same options of higher currency denominations or complete currency overhaul, to recreate a compact currency profile which will facilitate both transactions and the accounting process."

SAVE THE NAIRA! SAVE NIGERIANS!

and very grateful. This prize is very special to me. Surely it is going to change so many things for me. I don't regret being a customer. I appreciate the bank's quality of service."

Speaking on the promo, Mr. Olu Akanmu, Executive Director, Retail Banking, FCMB, said: “We are delighted to produce another set of millionaires and winners of other prizes in the first draws of the promo. Thousands of Nigerians have so far benefited from this life-changing initiative since it commenced in 2013. The season six of the

promo will produce another set of 16 millionaires.

“We will continue to reward and enhance the experience of our customers through this promo and other offerings aimed at further empowering and adding value to them in line with our core values.

“We are also committed to distinguish our offerings in the retail banking space by delivering exceptional products and services that would ultimately ensure the growth and achievement of the personal and business aspirations of our customers.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—31

Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Local governments: Victims of rape who are also rapists

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HERE is pretence of a debate over the practice and funding of local governments in the country.

The Federal Government, putting up a facade of defending local governments, rolled out new guidelines on their expenditure, including a maximum daily N500,000 cash withdrawal.

The Federal Government knows that local governments are serially raped by state governors who do not allow them to run as a different tier of government, but looks the other way. This is partly because all political parties, whether ruling or in opposition, are involved in the racket. Since our return to civil rule - it is indeed a rule, not administration - the only time I recall the Federal Government intervened, was its seizure of the local government funds of Lagos State.

That was under President Olusegun Obasanjo; it was a purely vindictive and punitive move.

The Executive Governors who have practically killed the system are shamelessly quoting the constitutional provisions which in a cavalier manner, they constantly violate. This includes seizing, disbursing and spending the funds accruing to local governments.

Governors rape the local

government system crudely and shamelessly, like the police in Abuja who were accused of raping commercial sex workers openly at the police stations using discarded pure water sachets as condoms. They dissolve local government executives at will, reconstitute them when they feel like, impose ‘Caretaker Committees’; and when they remember they are supposed to be democrats, conduct mainly sham elections that only the ruling party in each state wins. Where in error a candidate from the opposition gets elected as a local government chairman as happened in Oyo State, he may not be sworn in.

Just as they are violated, so do the local governments rape the citizenry.

To most Nigerians, local governments are unaccountable tax collectors who terrorise market people, commercial drivers and street vendors. The local government chairmen, councillors and traditional rulers in their area of jurisdiction, share what is left of the monthly allocation passed down by state governors.

Even when some primary schools bear the name Local Education Authority which presupposes that they are run by local governments, neither the pupils nor their parents

associate that level of education with that tier of government. Even the teachers do not hold allegiance to the local governments which are nominally their employers. Partly to ensure absolute control, and the fact that in the past, local government authorities looted the salaries of teachers, it is the state governments that are seen to pay teachers' salaries at that level.

It is not uncommon to find thugs and street urchins hired by local governments and backed by the police and Civil Defence Corps members on the highway. This ragtag army carry planks with long nails with which they puncture tyres of motorists who fail to stop when flagged down, and sticks with which

The local government system is a fraudulent contraption by military regimes who created them without principles or known criteria they can break windscreens. They claim to be ‘task force’ collecting ‘advertisement fees.’ Sometimes, like I witnessed in Edo State last Tuesday, these thugs who are ready to become violent within seconds, are complemented by ‘mobile courts’ before which helpless and undefended motorists are dragged and sentenced for alleged violation of laws.

The selected targets are usually travellers who need to move on quickly or delivery trucks that cannot afford to be impounded. So nobody sues, and the rape by the local governments simply go on. Involved

in this brazen violation of the citizenry are the combined forces of the local governments desperate to milk the people for money, the states that use the judiciary to establish contraptions called ‘mobile courts’ and who also supply the magistrates, and the Federal Government that provides the enforcers called police and Civil Defence Corps.

The local government system which, with the connivance of the state governments, local politicians and traditional rulers, rape the local people, is also an instrument used monthly to raid the federation accounts in the name of allocation; the loot is then unevenly shared. The sharing formula is such that Bayelsa State that produces the bulk of the resources gets eight portions, and Kano State that contributes very little, gets 44 portions.

There is no doubt that local administration is needed to cater for the needs of local communities; but the local government system is a fraudulent contraption by military regimes who created them without principles or known criteria. The military is hierarchical and if you had power or influence during the military regimes, you could allocate a local government to yourself or get one as your own share. Let us analyse our recent history. In the 1991 and 2006 census exercises, Lagos and Kano states were virtually at par, yet the former has 20 local governments and Kano, 44.

Both census exercises gave Jigawa State a population less than half that of Lagos State, yet it has 27 local governments compared to the 20 in Lagos State. This means that old Kano State (now Jigawa and Kano states) which was created along with Lagos State based on parity of states, now has 71 local governments compared to Lagos with 20. So what equality or fairness can be achieved

Edwin Clark: Portrait of a statesman at 92

By Prince Akpo Abugo

W

E cannot describe Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark in one episode. Like the divided opinion of the blind who touched different parts of the elephant, many similarly describe him in several ways, their divergent views representing the many parts in him.

In the Niger-Delta, every ethnic group regards Clark as a leader, a fearless crusader, educationist, philanthropist, legal luminary, conscience of the South-South, a politician with track records of service and a national colossus whose sense of unity is anchored on true federalism. He is also viewed as an anticorruption crusader who prefers justice to compromise; and that is why he abhors injustice against minorities in Nigeria.

May 25, 2019 was his birthday. He is a cult hero, a reincarnated Chief Bekederemo of blessed memory in his native Delta State.

Bekederemo was his great grandfather, a wealthy merchant who took up battles on behalf of the poor; he reduced prices of commodities and had several conflicts with Chief Dore Numa.

Bekederemo had a steam ship, and according to the National Archives, “built a palace that is as big and comparable to the palace of the Oba of Benin.” That edifice is still standing today. Clark’s grandfather, Fuludu Bekederemo, was also a man of substance, a warrant chief, a politician of note who attended the Western Region Chief’s Conference of 1941 in Ibadan.

Fuludu Bekederemo gave birth to Chief Clark Fuludu, father of Edwin Clark. He became a wealthy merchant who traded in several coastal cities in the tradition of family business, and was involved in community service and politics as councillor.

He rose to be a customary court judge of appeal in Bomadi. Chief Clark Fuludu C M Y K

understood early the importance of educating his children; he saw tomorrow and invested in their education. He instilled in them the tradition of public service he inherited from his forebears. The result is what we see today in the larger family. Edwin Clark was groomed for leadership through education and mastery of Ijaw language and culture, and was sent to Okrika. The name Edwin was given to him by his teacher, Thompson Okitikpi.

Edwin started political activism early; he was a councillor in his community, as was his father, Chief Clark Fuludu. While at home, the bond between father and son was strong but in service, public interest prevailed above family ties. That was why father and son could disagree on matters of policy. Edwin Clark was a teacher and became headmaster before travelling to the United Kingdom to study law. A member of NCNC in the UK, he was elected Secretary of the Zikist Movement. As a lawyer, he offered his services for the emancipation of Ijaw people and succeeded.

He used law as tool for emancipation rather than source of wealth acquisition. The 1966 coup that killed Northern leaders was a turning point for Edwin Clark; the killings and their aftermath were shocking and he condemned the celebration of the death of Sardauna of Sokoto by some Igbos, describing it as unfortunate. He also condemned the pogrom that was the consequence of the coup. As the crisis escalated, Clark was among the few who called for national understanding in averting war. Though Clark admitted the Igbo aggravated the situation, he equally condemned Northern soldiers' killing of Igbos.

Col. Ogbemudia appointed him Commissioner of Education, but when the cabinet was later reshuffled, Clark became

Commissioner for Finance and Establishment. He continued his selfless services, giving scholarships and building new secondary schools to open Ijaw hinterlands. He gave Ijaw girls interested in education scholarship; Ijaw in higher institutions enjoyed same gesture. Clark was among the team that championed creation of the higher institution that metamorphosed into the University of Benin when all efforts to affiliate the new institution to the University of Ibadan, University of Ife and others failed.

He embarked on foreign trips for recognition, visited Stanford University, California, U.S.A. to recruit lecturers and went on students recruitment drive, after which he was eventually appointed prochancellor of the institution.

Edwin Clark used law as tool for emancipation rather than source of wealth acquisition Clark’s performance under Ogbemudia was widely acknowledged; his bonding with people and appreciation expressed by them led General Yakubu Gowon to invite him to join his government. This was while he was still serving as Commissioner of Finance under Ogbemudia. Clark took over from Anthony Enahoro, and held this position until the coup that toppled Gen. Gowon. In the Second Republic, Clark, a member of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, supported Shehu Shagari’s presidential bid and was appointed pro-chancellor and chairman of council, University of Minna.

He was also elected Senator of Bendel South.

Clark speaks truth to power, especially political leaders who pilfer state resources.

He is respected by restive youths because of

in using the number of local governments as a means of sharing the federal revenue?

The local governments from conception to establishment, violate the preamble of the Constitution which states that its principles are built on: “Freedom, Equality and Justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of our people.” Local governments were not created in freedom, are built on inequality and are, therefore, unjust.

Rather than consolidating unity, the local government system as is presently constituted, creates disharmony.

Rather than engage in sterile debates, the solution is to run the country on the basis of Section 2(2) which states unambiguously that: “Nigeria shall be a Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory.” If we accept this basic constitutional provision of what constitutes Nigeria, then it means that the current militaryimposed local governments will go, and each state will be free to create any number of local governments it chooses provided they are purely internal matters and that it funds them.

For instance, Lagos State has cried for over two decades now that the 20 local governments allocated to it are inadequate given the fact that it has a mega city of 18 million people. The same for oil-rich Bayelsa State which is allocated a miserly eight local governments over difficult watery terrain and oil-polluted lands. So in true freedom, the state can decide to double or triple its number of local governments. On the other hand, if Kano State chooses, it can maintain, increase or reduce its local governments to a number it can afford based on its revenue allocation and its Internally Generated Revenue.

his track records. Leadership of ethnic groups in the region defer to him because he bears the burden of the people. In 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo convened a political reform conference with each state producing six delegates. Under the prompting of the late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa, the delegates from the Niger-Delta nominated Edwin Clark as South-South leader. Under his leadership, they rejected the 18 per cent derivation and argued for 25 per cent. But when others refused, Clark led the boycott that was tagged First walk out. In President Goodluck Jonathan’s conference, Clark was made automatic leader of the South-South and he tirelessly worked for the success of that conference.

Clark has fought many battles. When Rivers State was engulfed in cult crisis, he called for a state of emergency, alleging that most political leaders in the state were sponsors.

In Delta, his home state, he single- handedly fought ex-governor James Ibori's adversaries over the ex-convict saga but later fell out with him. He similarly fought other political leaders over corruption allegations because to him, “corruption is an evil that must be crushed.”

Clark also criticised Northern leaders' insensitivity to the plight of their people despite years in power. He frowns at the Almajiri system and the poverty in the north which he attributes to poor leadership.

His struggles reflect the story of the founding fathers of Nigeria who recognised our diversity in cultures and gave a federal constitution that gives each section space to develop at its own pace.

The Edwin Clark University Kiagbodo which he founded is a legacy of service and dedication which define his personality.

Clark’s life is a book, a history of dedication.

He is an enigma still unfolding. We wish him good health on his birthday.

•Abugo, a social analyst, wrote from Uzere, Delta State.

32—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Ihedioha: From the Green Chamber to Douglas House

By Hon. Victor Afam Ogene

W

HEN the Imo state electorate chose the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as their next governor, at the last election, it was a bold statement anchored on an informed judgement. Their action was a clear message that “leadership is a serious business that is sustained by trust and evaluated by its level of responsibility and responsiveness.”

That apparently was the verdict that ensured that the people openly rejected Uche Nwosu, the son in-law of the outgoing governor, Rochas Okorocha, who he had presented as his preferred candidate, on account of the perceived recklessness of the administration and its apparent disconnect from the people.

The election presented the needed platform for self examination in retrospect, for the people of the state, over the mandate they had given to the governor in the past. And in what could be likened to a referendum, they spoke in unison about the path they desire the state to travel, going forward, especially as they were obviously dissatisfied with how the affairs of the state was managed by Governor Okorocha, in the past eight years.

A nod for a new order And their collective resolve was a nod for a new order. New vision. New direction, inspired by the belief that Imo state deserves better. And that with a more responsible leadership that would make the interest and wellbeing of the people the overriding priority of government, Imo would, in no distant time, regain its pride of place in the nation.

Urbane, savvy, articulate and astute, Ihedioha presents a fresh hope for this collective desire for fresh reinvention, reinvigoration and re-engineering of the creative energy of the state that would engender development, prosperity and progress in the state.

The choice of Ihedioha, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), therefore, was a consensus endorsement for quality leadership, doggedness, loyalty, creativity, and perseverance. It was a vote for a man whose aspiration came with years of strategic networking and preparedness for leadership. And given his well-known antecedent as a trust bearer, Ihedioha’s fidelity to genuinely be of service to ndi Imo cannot be of any doubt.

The nod given to Ihedioha to pilot the affairs of the state, however, didn’t come on a platter. He worked hard and triumphed over 60 formidable opponents from other political parties and persuasions, which included a former governor, former ranking senators, boardroom titans, businessmen and even the clergy.

Many commentators have, therefore, posited that all eyes would be on Ihedioha and Imo state, especially as the pre election controversies that engulfed the state and the controversial public image of his predecessor have combined to turn Imo into a state of interest in national political disC M Y K

*Emeka Ihedioha course.

Notedly, Ihedioha is not unaware of this unpleasant narrative. He understands, through his training and practice as a veteran journalist, frontline legislator and former Deputy Speaker, House of the Representatives, that this mandate comes with big responsibilities and very high expectations.

In doing that he assured that his administration would consult widely and work as a team as he disclosed that in the course of the campaign, “we promised good governance while stimulating development in all sectors and across all the zones of our dear state.”

And because of the urgency to turn around the fortunes of the state, the passion, apprehension and interest of many Imo indigenes to see that the pitfalls of the past were avoided, have become very palpable.

I think I am in agreement with one of such Imo sons, Obi Nwakanma, who had proposed in an open letter to Ihedioha thus: “I think that irrespective of what your techni-

Ihedioha presents a fresh hope for this collective desire for fresh reinvention, reinvigoration and reengineering of the creative energy of the state cal committee provides for you, you already have some distinguished templates from which to design your programs. I think you must borrow and hybridize five playbooks – Azikiwe’s “Eastern Nigerian Economic Development and Reconstruction plan, 1954-1964” which was fully implemented by Dr. Okpara, for its visionary impetus, the Ojukwu War Action plan authored by Dr. Pius Okigbo, which turned the East into a vast workshop, the Ukpabi Asika postwar Reconstruction program, with its bold economic and social initiatives, and the Imo state Economic Development plan of the Mbakwe administration. These plans, with a few contemporary tweaks, are still profoundly brilliant, farreaching and relevant.”

It is imperative to note that any meaningful future programmes and projections could benefit from the values and wisdoms of history, as Nwakanma, has suggested.

The late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, for instance, remains a positive reference point in administra-

tive acumen, leadership and development foresight, in the recent history of Imo state.

In fact, it was documented that “At creation in 1976, Imo was completely bare and bereft of infrastructure, on account of the 1967 – 1970 Civil War, which affected most communities in the old Eastern Region. But with Mbakwe’s election in 1979, in a period of four years, the state had outpaced even the older counterparts, including those that did not witness the war in terms of development. That deployment of energy and exhibition of committed leadership in piloting the affairs of the state

by Mbakwe, is still celebrated by the people, years after his demise. That has also formed the benchmark for assessing successive administrations in the state.”

Beyond fashioning a suitable economic template that take Imo state out of the woods, this is the time, Your Excellency, to deploy your leadership skills and talent to unite, mobilize and galvanize the good people of Imo state for the good of the state.

It is already a consensus among the people that Imo needs healing. There is an urgent need to rebuild trust among the people, for them to have faith in your leadership. This trust building must begin with consultations and listening to the people in order to appreciate their unique challenges, wishes and aspirations which will in turn guide the policy thrust of your government.

Sense of belonging and working for their common good By carrying the people along, giving them sense of belonging and working for their common good, you will be strengthening their belief in democracy and its uplifting principles that make the people the bedrock of democratic practice.

Let fairness, justice and equity shape your leadership ethos.

But I don’t have any iota of doubt that you will make your people proud, as your time in the leadership of the House of Representatives have sufficiently prepared you for the task ahead, the same way it prepared your good friend, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House, in taking Sokoto state to a path of sustainable development.

So, my dear brother, boss and former colleague, I urge you to roll up your sleeve, and get to work, because the task ahead, going forward, calls for total commitment, focus, courage and dynamism, that will have no room for distractions that may arise from avoidable bickering, rancour and other inanities of politics.

Widely hailed as Igwe during his time as deputy speaker, Ihedioha is instructively, not associated with the traditional red cap which defines royalty; instead, he adorns the Green cap, which symbolises vegetation and regeneration.

Therefore, as he mounts the saddle on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 as Governor - with his traditional green cap perched on his head - Imolites can be rest assured that the urgent task of Rebuilding Imo has started in earnest!

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—33

Where did the alleged NBC radio licenses “scandal” issue from?

By Abubakar Mahmoud Ahmed

E

ARLY this week, a younger colleague alerted me to a story that was making the rounds on social media. A mushroom “civil society group” called COALITION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND BAD GOVERNANCE, CACOBAG, with address at Abeokuta Expressway, Abule Egba, in Lagos State, issued a screaming press release, alleging “license racketeering rocking the National Broadcasting Commission”. How the mushroom group located in a ghetto of Abule Egba in Lagos State was able to discern “racketeering” allegation, that is “rocking the National Broadcasting Commission”, must be one of the wonders of contemporary life; but it seemed so obvious, that those behind this latest story about the NBC, were merely ratcheting up a figment of their own imagination, but one that was part of an orchestrated campaign, against Malam Modibbo Kawu, the Director General of the NBC. And it didn’t take too long in the press release, to see through the effort by the flotsam and jetsam of the Lagos “civil society” rabble. They gleefully announced their discovery, which must be like Einstein’s discovery of the grand Theory of Relativity. CACOBAG (like truly i r r e s p o n s i b l e windbags),announced that: “Information at our disposal indicate that the embattled (embattled?

Who declared the war?) DIrector General of the NBC, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu recently (RECENTLY? The CACOBAG windbag ruffians couldn’t even get the exact dates?), allocated six slots of Radio license to his private company”.

The disturbing discovery The group went further to allege the “disturbing discovery of how the DG NBC surreptitiously allocated six slots of radio license to his private company, Word, Sound and Vision (WSV) Ltd to himself (SIC) in the recent allocation of Radio and Television broadcast license to private operators in the country”. Not done, CACOBAG, headed by a certain Toyin Raheem, went further to state that “Mallam Modibbo Kawu who is currently being prosecuted along with others in court by the ICPC over a N2.5 billion fraud case gave himself through his private company six prime radio license slots in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and two in Ilorin Kwara State”. Having made the “earth-shattering” discovery, CACOBAG said it was “totally unacceptable”; it was “an abuse of office and a display of cheer (CHEER?) greed and racketeering”. So, “we (THE WINDBAGS) at CACOBAG are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to take immediate action”.

And just in case Nigerians forget what I have stated in two previous articles, concerning Malam Modibbo Kawu, the windbags of “CACOBAG”, revealed again just what their sponsors have desper-

C M Y

ately longed for and which is tearing their hearts: “we wonder why Modibbo Kawu who is facing trial on charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy is still allowed as the DG of NBC”. CACOBAG and the Lagos-based political group that sponsors them, have been terribly sad, that the ICPC trial-by-media and subsequent arraignment in court, have not led to Malam Modibbo Kawu’s removal. They have not been able to put their man, a Lagos-based journalist who was a former Commissioner in Lagos in the position of DG NBC, true to their wish, and as part of the agenda to control as many strategic institutions as possible, by the Lagosbased greedy political machinery.

Not surprisingly, this week, the CACOBAG press statement has been reported in THE NATION and THE PUNCH newspapers and some of the online outlets, that have been at the heart of the campaign of vilification against Malam Modibbo Kawu, the DG of the NBC.

Painstaking investigations at the NBC HQ I wanted to know the truth of the allegations as well as the really true position in respect of the licensing of Radio and television stations by the NBC. So early this week, I made very painstaking investigations at the NBC HQ in Abuja, in respect of these allegations. I swear to Allah, that I made the investigation with an open mind, and with the sole purpose of knowing the truth of the matter. My informants at the NBC gave me an opportunity to ask questions, and they also quoted to me the relevant papers on the same subject. These professionals expressed surprise about the development, saying that my inquiry was the first time they were being made aware of an alleged “license racketeering” issue at the NBC. I was informed that even the DG, Modibbo Kawu, only got to know about the press release by CACOBAG, when he got a call from a reporter from THE SUN newspaper. The reporter had informed him (Malam Modibbo Kawu), that his editor wanted to know Kawu’s view concerning the subject. It was later that day, that someone forwarded to him by WHATSAPP, the press statement by CACOBAG. At the NBC, I was informed, that the last set of 147 radio licenses were approved and issued by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 24th, 2018.

That was eight months ago. How come that CACOBAG is just “discovering” the subject of their press release? So the statement by CACOBAG alleging “licensing racketeering rocking the National Broadcasting Commission”, was therefore a figment of the imaginations of the “CACOBAG busybodies. It was clear, that the story must have come from the desperate desire of those behind the ICPC case, to add fuel to fire, with the new allegation, and who must have been working with insiders in the NBC; those in the Commission, who have regularly, secretly, released documents of the Commission to external clients.

I was further educated, that there

Malam Modibbo Kawu, Director General, NBC. are certain basic facts about licensing procedures that those behind the mischievous story were patently ignorant about. The DG of the NBC cannot and does not have the power to “allocate licenses” to himself or to anyone else. This is because all radio and television licenses are approved by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is the president’s prerogative to approve (or withhold) licenses, to properly registered Nigerian companies, not the NBC Director General. What the NBC does, is to compile the list of applicants; these are then submitted to the Presidency.

From that point, the NBC or its

How the mushroom group located in a ghetto of Abule Egba in Lagos State was able to discern “racketeering” allegation, that is “rocking the National Broadcasting Commission”, must be one of the wonders of contemporary life Director General, has no power to influence which company is then issued the license by the President.

That has always been the case. I was then shown the applications for licenses by the company Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited. The applications dated to September 26, 2008, eleven years ago. Similarly, I discovered that the PDP Presidents of the period, late Umaru Yar ’adua and Goodluck Jonathan refused to give Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited licenses, despite the fact that it met all the NBC’s laid down criteria for licensing. I was later informed at the Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited Office, just how intense was the effort they made to speak to the top people in the administrations concerned, and a former PDP Governor, who became highly influential during the Yar’adua administration spoke forthrightly: “Modibbo we in the PDP will never give you a license; not after all that you’ve written against us in your weekly columns”. I was informed that that Malam Mod-

ibbo Kawu and his team at Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited stopped bothering about trying to get the radio licenses. At least under the PDP administrations. Modibbo Kawu was appointed Director General of the NBC in May, 2016; and one of the first steps he took, was to be completely excluded from the directorship of the company, Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited. At the company’s office, they told me that he has not even visited the offices of the company in the past three years. But the people running the company re-raised the issue of their application, and these were shortlisted and submitted, along with 162 other applications for commercial radio licenses, not to mention the television, campus and community stations.

In the exercise of his powers, President Muhammadu Buhari approved 147 licenses, including those for Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited. There was no way that the NBC DG could have influenced the list that the president approved.

The people at the NBC here in Kaduna, told me further to my inquiry, that getting the approval was one thing, and that is often only the first step. They become effective and can be called licenses in real terms, only when the license fees have been paid and the licensee is issued frequencies to operate as radio stations. I got to know that in the 2015 round of licensing done by President Goodluck Jonathan, there was a company that was issued 14 licenses; another one got six; there was another one that got 4 and yet another, owned by Mr Godfrey Ohuabunwa, that was given seven licenses. It turned out that most of these licenses were not paid for, and so are not on air today. As I stated earlier, I met the lawyer working as General Manager of Word, Sound & Vision Multimedia Limited; at their offices/ studios in Jabi, and he confirmed that they were issued the licenses; but since September 2018, they have not been able to pay, and consequently, they have not been issued frequencies to operate. The lawyer expressed surprise that the CACOBAG people were mischievously linking the licenses to a so-called racketeering issue at the NBC. He said that as a bonafide Nigerian company, Word, Sound

& Vision Multimedia Limited was entitled to seek the licenses, and he added further, that Malam Modibbo Kawu was removed from everything related to the company, from the moment that he was appointed the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission. What I discovered further, was that licenses issued by the President are actually provisional and they translate to nothing, until they have been paid for, and the NBC’s Engineering Directorate issues the frequencies for transmission.

So the question to ask is simple. Why have the windbags of CACOBAG gone to town with their allegation about “license racketeering” at the National Broadcasting Commission? The reason appears very clearly. The sponsors of the ICPC trial-bymedia, against Malam Modibbo Kawu and Pinnacle Communications Limited, as well as the arraignment in court, have seen the way that their case is crumbling under cross examination.

It is looking like the court route is not going to earn them the prize of removal of Malam Modibbo Kawu from his position as Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission.

So they have chosen to go through a different route. There are so many “For Hire”, unemployed scum bags in the urban centers of Nigeria today, who call themselves “civil society activists”.

Lagos political machinery The Lagos political machinery that is desperately seeking the ouster of Malam Modibbo Kawu as DG of the NBC, so that they can implant one of their own, as part of the systematic takeover of all strategic Federal institutions, controls and funds many of these so-called “civil society” groups; the windbags of CACOBAG belong to the Lagos political rabble that believes it must destroy everyone that is in the way of their inordinate ambition to takeover every strategic institution in Nigeria. They work with other blindly ambitious individuals inside the NBC; these are the ones who release NBC documents, for the ridiculous purposes, such as has been done by the windbags of CACOBAG . But in this, their inordinate agenda, they will also fail. The Lagos political group does not own Nigeria. It cannot use blackmail and dirty politics to hound decent, hardworking Nigerians from genuine service to our country. They cannot be allowed to malign the characters of patriots genuinely serving Nigeria. Neither the windbags of CACOBAG nor their sponsors in the Lagos political machinery, will be allowed to destroy the character of Malam Modibbo Kawu, just because they want this former Commissioner to be forcibly implanted as DG of the NBC. There was nothing like a “license racketeering” at the NBC, as alleged by the hired guns of CACOBAG. It is a futile attempt at creating a cheap scandal that has no basis, but which is the manner the Lagos political machinery has always operated. Nigerians have now seen through their evil plans against an innocent patriot, Malam Modibbo Kawu. Their plot will not succeed. The Holy Qur’an in Suratul Al-Anfal (8:30) said: “...they plot and plan, and Allah too plans, and Allah is the Best of planners”.

Abubakar Mahmoud Ahmed, retired Journalist; Public Affairs Consultant and Hadith Scholar, lives in Kurmi Mashi, Kaduna.

34—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—35

36—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Queen Moremi flags off Books & Music Festival Pg 37

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—37 OSA MBONU-AMADI 08070524223 osaamadi@yahoo.com

Story Theatre celebrates children’s Day with Adio the Musical

Queen Moremi flags off Books & Music Festival on Children’s Day

By Chinasa Afigbo

M

iss Toluhi Oreoluwa Adedamola, the reigning Queen Moremi Ajasoro is scheduled to flag off her Books & Music Festival initiative with students of Queen’s Model School, Enugu, on Children’s Day, tomorrow May 27, 2019.

The initiative which will involve special book reading with school children of Queen’s Model School, 50 One Day Road, Awkunanaw, Enugu, has as slogan: Reading Maketh a Woman.

From Enugu, in South-East Nigeria, the queen’s book reading project will move to the northern part of the country.

The reading project is a result of collaboration between Save Our Children’s Tomorrow Foundation and Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative.

Miss Toluhi Oreoluwa Adedamola, former make-up artist, model and a 300-level English language student of

the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, defeated other 21 finalists, at the grand finale of the contest, held last year in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to emerge winner of the 2018 edition of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro, QMA beauty pageant.

The book, Toluhi, Queen Moremi Ajasoro will be reading is titled: The Legendary Moremi Ajasoro.

According to Adedamola: “I am going there to read the book with the children so that they can know how powerful Queen Moremi is in the Yoruba culture. We will move from school to school in the states. For now, we have Enugu. From there, we are moving to Kwara, Osun, Abeokuta, and then Lagos.”

She said the book is majorly on the history of Moremi which depicts leadership. “It will teach children how strong they can be and how vast an opportunity they have to do whatever they want to do. She

B

luwa •Miss Toluhi Oreo

Adedamola, 2018 Qu

said the book is mainly for secondary schools. The reading, she said, is going to

een Moremi

be combined with music and other forms of interactions with the children.

NICO identifies culture as effective tool for foreign relations

By Chinasa Afigbo

A

nation is identified by its culture. Culture, therefore, holds the key to understanding the behavioral pattern of the people that make up a country.

Culture plays a vital role in foreign relations. It also means that culture can be a tool for diplomacy and marketing of a country, rather than through the force of imperialism or colonialism.

Because culture is critical to a country's external relations and works to win the hearts and minds of others by attracting them through cultural activities, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO, hosted its quarterly public lecture titled: Culture as an effective tool for foreign relations. The lecture was held recently at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos.

During the event, former Foreign Affairs Minister, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) conceptualised culture as a critical element in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. He said no nation thrives above its culture. Hence, Nigeria must make effective use of its culture for development.

General Nwachukwu went on to implore the Federal Government to allow the Foreign Affairs Ministry to coordinate the nation's cultural diplomacy policies, not any other ministry. "This would allow for effective harmonisation of cultural elements for the promotion of national development as well as foreign relations," he said.

The acting Executive Secretary, NICO, Louis Eriomala in his welcome address said culture is

•General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), cutting the tape during the event beyond the way we see it. It is our existence and heritage, greater than all the mineral resources of a nation put together. "Culture can be positively deployed on our foreign relations to create understanding, promote our national heritage; and market the Nigerian brand," he said.

The guest lecturer, Dr Sharkdam Wapmuk, Senior Research Fellow, NIIA, explained that foreign relations can be enhanced through various means like sports. "We should not only promote foreign sports such as football, boxing, and others.

Nigeria needs to harness, develop and promote to international levels its local sports and games, Nigerian cuisines, cultural tourism, festivals, Nigerian films, music such as Fuji, Highlife, Goge, Afrobeat and others. Others, such

as dances and literature are cultural agents. The different, but collective Nigerian dress styles can also be used by the Diasporas to promote the rich and diverse Nigerian culture abroad."

The chairman of the occasion, Otunba Olusegun Akinsanya, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia said: "The conduct of foreign relations of any country, big or small, rich or poor, is guided principally by national interest, which is the totality of the political, economic, sociocultural, particularistic or collective group interest formulated into a framework that has guided Nigerian foreign policy since independence."

Generally, the public lecture emphasized culture as promoting Nigerian foreign relations through sports, cultural festivals,

music and dance, films and culinary diplomacy.

The event was wrapped up with an exhibition of the aforementioned cultural tools such as Aso Oke, Adire; cuisines Abacha, Amala and Ewedu, art and crafts, etc.

Among the distinguished personalities who attended the event were acting DirectorGeneral, CBAAC, Mrs. Ndidi Aimienmwawu, representing the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Mrs. Titilayo Solarin, representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos; Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu of Lagos; Prof. Duro Oni; Prof. Akin Oyebode; and Victoria Agodo, pioneer Executive Secretary, NICO.

By Prisca Sam-Duru

eginning from Friday 24th May 2019, StoryTheatre with Grandma Wura, a musical theatrical experience that showcases the rich culture of Nigeria in dance, music, drama and mime, complemented by spectacular lighting and colourful costumes, will be celebrating children with Adio The Musical.

This year’s edition of Story Theatre with Grandma Wura features the story of Adio The Musical, a rich theatrical piece written, directed and produced by Bola Edwards, and songs written by Patrick Edwards. The four-day performances will open on Friday, May 24, and end with a special performance on Monday, May 27, Children’s Day, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“This year, we worked with physically challenged children from Pacelli School for the Blind in Lagos just to emphasise the importance of gifts and talents despite any challenges we face. It is a family show as well as schools, corporate organisations and the entire society,” said Patrick.

“We intend to tour with this story to begin to engage society about leadership issues by starting a conversation that a great leader starts with the heart.”

Mrs. Edward explained that Grandma Wura is a character that Proud African Root created to push the Back2MyRoot project. “Story Theatre with Grandma Wura combines all elements of Grandma Wura’s mission of raising a new generation of leaders through her school tours, contents, events and other activities into a single unforgettable theatrical experience.

“An audience of over 2000 in total is expected to be in attendance which includes schools, families, religious worship groups and government officials as well as celebrities from various walks of life,” she said.

She added that Story Theatre with Grandma Wura brings together seasoned professionals in acting and theatrical production as well as discover and develop child actors.

38 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—39

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 GEMINI; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

CANCER; Serious thought may be given to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble LEO; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?

VIRGO ; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but, you’ll succeed.. Entertain no fear, and take advantage of your sex-appeal for love.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

TAKE HEART — ELLA RANDLE “ Focus on what you want, not what you’re not getting.”-Corinne Valentine Instead of focusing on the problems, give your attention and energy to trust, love, abundance , wisdom , patience and peace.

Every single day, try to give in some way to everyone you meet. Give a smile, a compliment, kind words or kind actions, always give joy! Do your best to make sure that others have a better day because of your act of kindness.

Ella Randle

TERROR MUDA

Milk and honey have different colors, but they share the same house peacefully. ~ African proverb

in “Never say goodbye”

By Kola Fayemi

LIBRA;The Moon’s placement highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed SCORPIO; You are more confident and with new supports from the powers-that-be, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation SAGITTARIUS; Tomorrow is your better day. But you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

CAPRICORN If what you’re doing today’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now. Even things may not go according to your personal plans today. Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now.

AQUARIUS; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilized way ’ll prevent trouble

DUDU

in

“ROLLING HOT”

By A.O. OLAIDE

PISCES; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other ’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today. It’s good to secure support of your spouse ARIES; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

TAURUS;Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image.

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, BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius is a mutable sign by its quality. It ‘s element is fire, symbolised by half horse half man and/or an Archer aiming at the sky. Mutable means changes and experimentation, while fire is all about enthusiasm, taking of the initiative and leadership ability. Thus, you are the type that will exhibit strong interest in an important project that catches your fancy and you will not mind to experiment with ideas just to achieve your objectives and aims. Sagittarius is 9th of the twelve Zodiac signs that rules philosophy, RELIGION, law, foreign land, higher mind/higher institutions, lawyer, long (distance) travelling, in-laws, future, optimism and bluntness.

Major problem or weak points of Sagittarians are excessive openness/bluntness and sometimes fanatical approach to religion.

Being a born adventurer, you are not afraid of exploration and new beginning. Sagittarians are incurable optimists and ever ready to listen to and eager to believe others. Honesty is truly in your inner self You are a tolerant person but you are not ready to compromise your FREEDOM Sagittarius as a fire sign can make you a quick tempered person. Half horse half man as the symbol, of Sagittarius indicates dual (double) personalities known in different circles with different personalities. Yet, you are not a pretender. As the Archer aims arrow into the sky so also Sagittarians have many lofty ideas and ambitions. But sometimes their ideas and/or ideals are not practical enough for realisation. Many times, they start too many things at the same time only to .either forget or lose view of their original target.

Development of practical approach is more important for Sagittarians this is in order to make success of many of their brilliant ideas, otherwise they tend to become dreamers.

In reality, Sagittarians are dreamers (by this 1 mean real dream many use to have at night when sleeping) and many of their dreams usually come to pass. Sometimes their dreams are vividly prophetic.

Sagittarians are born philosophers. That is why they have well developed minds indispensable to rare wisdom, Then, they are humorous, lively, sports loving out going, energetic, good hearted, in love with change/experimentation, ever willing to co-operate, socially inclined, enthusiastic and highly intelligent. Ironically as intelligent as they are, they can surprisingly appear fanatical about their convinction and/or views.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

40 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Why Huawei’s Google woes worry Africa

By Dickens Olewe

Le Pen beats Macron in France as nationalists gain in EU poll M

ARINE Le Pen’s farright party edged just ahead of the centrist alliance of President Emmanuel Macron in exit polls as French voters led what pollsters expected to be a nationalist surge in an EU parliament election on Sunday.

The defeat for the president was narrow amid a sharply increased turnout that was matched across the continent in what Brussels is portraying as a positive sign, in spite of gains for anti-EU groups.

Le Pen’s National Rally would get just one more seat than Macron’s En Marche, with 24 of France’s 74 in the European Parliament, the exit poll showed.

But it was a bitter blow for those who hope the French leader can inspire Europeans to embrace the Union as an answer rather than as part of the problem in the face of social change that has bewildered and frustrated some voters.

Macron’s office immediately put out a statement calling the performance — 22.5% for En Marche against 24.3% for the party of the woman he beat to the presi-

A “yellow vest” looks on as election officials count ballots as vote counting starts in European parliament elections in Cambrai, France, May 26, 2019. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol

dency , disappointing but no disaster. And it noted that pro-EU parties were in the majority.

The French Greens also did well, coming third in a crowded field, to add to the dazzling second place of their German counterparts, lending further credibility to expectations of a “green wave” that will influence policy in the coming years.

The European Parliament has said that this year’s election will be the highest in at least 20 years at 51%, according to preliminary results.

That’s based on 27 EU countries, which excludes the UK. Pending on the UK’s turnout, the turnout could be between 49-52%.

Ireland’s Green Party has also made big gains this

year, according to estimates provided by the EU. They party is set to take the first seats it’s held in the EU parliament in 20 years.

Meanwhile, Taoisearch Leo Varadkar’s Fine Gael Party (FG) is leading estimates with 29% of votes — which is double the amount of support that any other party has received.

US-IRAN TENSION: Iraq vows to stand by Iran *Sentences French ISIS members to death

I

RAQ’s leaders have vowed to stand with Iran after the United States ramped up its rhetoric against what it calls the Iranian threat.

Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali al-Hakim made the pledge following talks with his Iranian counterpart.

Iran and Iraq have close ties through trade, culture and religion. But Iraq relies on US to combat the threat of ISIL. This came as three Frenchmen were sentenced to death by an Iraqi court after being found guilty of joining the Islamic State (ISIS) militant

German Jews warned not to wear kippas after rise in anti-Semitism

T

HE German govern ment’s anti-Semitism commissioner has urged Jews to avoid wearing skullcaps in public.

Felix Klein warned Jews against donning the kippa in parts of the country following a rise in anti-Semitism.

He said his opinion on the matter had “changed compared with what it used to be”.

Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin said the recommendation amounted to “an admittance that, again, Jews are not safe on German soil”.

A sharp increase in the number of anti-Semitic offences was recorded by the German government last year.

Official figures showed 1,646 hate crimes against Jews were committed in 2018 - an increase of 10% on the previous year.

Physical attacks against Jews in Germany also rose

in the same period, with 62 violent incidents recorded, up from 37 in 2017.

Speaking to the Handelsblatt newspaper, Justice Minister Katarina Barley said the increase in antiSemitic crimes was “shameful for our country”.

“I cannot recommend to Jews that they wear the skullcap at all times everywhere in Germany,” he told the Funke newspaper group.

group.

The men - named as Kévin Gonot, Léonard Lopez and Salim Machou by AFP news agency - have 30 days to appeal.

They were among 12 French citizens captured in Syria by US-backed fighters. In February they were transferred to Iraq for trial.

The three are the first IS suspects from France to be sentenced to death.

France has yet to react to Sunday’s court ruling in Baghdad. But when pressed on the issue in February, French President Emmanuel Macron declined to comment, saying it was a sovereign matter for Iraq.

Human rights groups have heavily criticised the trials of suspected IS fighters in Iraq. Activists they say the courts often rely on circumstantial evidence or confessions made under

duress.

Gonot, 32, is from southeastern France. He is believed to have entered Syria through Turkey to join the al-Nusra Front, a branch of al-Qaeda, before pledging allegiance to IS. He was arrested in Syria with his mother, his wife, and his half-brother in December 2017. A French court has also sentenced him in absentia to nine years in prison.

Machou, 41, belonged to an IS cell composed of European fighters that has carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria and planned others in Paris and Brussels, according to the Centre d’Analyse du Terrorisme (CAT), a French think tank.

Lopez, a 32-year-old from Paris, also travelled with his wife and two children to ISheld Mosul in northern Iraq before entering Syria, CAT quotes French investigators as saying.

Forces that unite Africa are intrinsic — NEPAD CEO

D

R. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, has reiterated that the forces that unite Africa are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep the continent apart.

In a message to mark the Africa Day, Mayaki said the commemoration of Africa day allows Africans to celebrate the founding of the

Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. He said “One of the most prominent leaders behind the founding of the OAU, Kwame Nkrumah, was quoted as saying, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart”.

This, he said, still applies now under the Africa Union, where the focus is

on addressing not just political but also the development and economic challenges, as well as creating current and future opportunities for Africa’s young population.

“This year, the AU has decided to strengthen its action towards refugees and displaced persons in order to develop durable solutions for them, focusing on autonomy and resilience.

G

OOGLE’s decision to withhold its Android software from Huawei is being seen as the beginning of a technology cold war that could compel African countries in the future to choose between US and Chinese technology, analysts have told the BBC. Most Africans connecting to the internet today are likely to be using a Chinese smartphone, powered by a Chinese-built network, and at least half of the time, it was built by Chinese tech giant, Huawei.

“Huawei built huge swathes of Africa’s current IT infrastructure and if the US is successful in crippling the company, the aftershocks could be very painful for Africa’s burgeoning tech sector that now relies on a company in Washington’s crosshairs,” Eric Olander, from the South Africa-based China Africa project, says.

US President Donald Trump has been leading a public campaign urging American allies to cut ties with Huawei, saying the company’s technology, among other things, was a security risk because it allowed the Chinese government to spy.

The company has repeatedly denied the claims.

The US campaign could spark what Eric Schmidt, Google’s former CEO, predicted would be the inevitable bifurcation of the internet, between a “Chinese-led internet and a non-Chinese internet led

by America”.

If this happens, Africa should not take sides, Harriet Kariuki, a Sino-African relations specialist, told the BBC. “It’s not our battle, we should instead focus on what works for us,” she said.

African countries should instead come together to educate people about what is at stake, and hopefully agree on an EU-type data protection law to protect African consumers, Ms Kariuki said.

“This is probably the time Africa considers developing its own technologies relevant to its market instead of being passive consumers. I want to see African countries come together and push back against this creeping digital colonisation,” she told the BBC. While the recent concern about Huawei has been focused on communications networks in the West, there are also allegations of a previous security breach in Africa.

Critics of Huawei operations point to a report in January 2018 in French newspaper Le Monde that found that the computer system at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, which was installed by Huawei, had allegedly been compromised.

The discovery found that for five years, between the hours of midnight and 0200, data from the AU’s servers was transferred more than 8,000km away to servers in Shanghai.

The allegations were denied by the African Union and Chinese officials.

African governments, even those with close security relationships with the US, have mostly sat out of the debate about Huawei - and the reasons are obvious.

Huawei runs a vast operation in Africa including being a major seller of smartphones.

It has built most of Africa’s 4G internet network, Cobus van Staden, a Senior China-Africa researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, told the BBC. The CEO of Kenya’s telecom giant Safaricom Bob Collymore said Huawei had been a “great partner for many years”.

“We would like to stick with our partners as much as we can, however there can be some practical difficulties if the embargo is on American companies working with Huawei because it is an interconnected business,” he said in a recent speech.

The company, which opened its first office in Africa in 1998, is also in pole position to win contracts to roll out 5G network on the continent.

The super-fast network is touted as the internet iteration that will power “Internet of Things” technologies, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and more.

“The scaling of Huawei’s presence on the continent has been made possible by being the first company to exploit the potential of the IT economy in Africa, and having the wherewithal to support its projects,” Mr Van Staden said.

“China’s tied-aid conditions that requires African governments to work with Chinese companies, has also helped it,” he added.

“African countries should not choose a side, in fact it would be interesting if during this tech cold war it could form a non-aligned movement that looks after its interests,” Mr Gagliardone said.

His research, despite suspicion, has not found any evidence that China has been actively urging countries in Africa to adopt its censored version of the internet. *Culled from BBC

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 —41

Okorocha asks NJC, Abuja CJ to ignore EFCC’s petition against judge

G

O V E R N O R Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, has urged chairman of the National Judicial Council and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to discountenance the petition by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against Justice Taiwo Taiwo for lack of merit.

In the said petition, EFCC had alleged professional misconduct and abuse of judicial powers against the judge for granting an order enforcing Okorocha’s fundamental human rights.

Okorocha, in the letter to the NJC Chairman and FHC Chief Judge, titled Re: EFCC Reports Justice Taiwo to NJC over Restraining Order on Okorocha, Saraki, stated that “Contrary to the impression being created by the EFCC through its chairman, the order granted by the Honourable Justice Taiwo was made pursuant to two fundamental human rights suits that I filed before the Court.”

He said the move against him by the EFCC smacked of political vendetta and persecution, adding that EFCC operatives ransacked his house in Jos, Plateau State, in May 2017, with the hope of finding something incriminating against him but found nothing.

He said that EFCC had also arrested almost all his principal staff “and in every case insisting that they must make statements to indict me. When they refused, they were kept in custody for two days.”

According to Okorocha, the EFCC was persecuting him to distract, decimate and prevent him from being sworn in as a senator representing the people of Imo West senatorial district on June 9, 2019, when the 9th National Assembly would be inaugurated.

“My political opponents accused me of nursing an ambition to contest for the position of the Deputy Senate President. In their reasoning, they said the position will give me an edge to contest as President in 2023; so, everything must be done to get me out of the way,’’ Okorocha said.

He stated that to shield himself from unwarranted attacks by EFCC, he approached the Federal High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

The governor said: “Instead of the Magu-led EFCC to prove its case before the court, having submitted to its jurisdiction, it has resorted to cheap blackmail, needless name-

calling and unwarranted arm-twisting, all in a bid to achieve their sinister motive of decimating me by all means.

“The position of the law that has been wellespoused in the case of Governor of Lagos State Vs. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt.18) PG 621 S.C., is that it is an affront to the Rule of Law to disobey or render nugatory an order of court whether real or anticipatory, and in particular, the case equally states that parties who are before the Court must act within the dictates of equity or directions of the law and court until the matter is finally disposed.”

He said the order granted

by Justice Taiwo in the fundamental human rights suit he initiated against the EFCC and others was appropriately given, in view of the facts placed before the court.

Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (2nd left) his wife, Monica (3rd left), and the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu (1st left) with heads of Christian denominations in the state, during the intercessory prayers for the governor at the pre-inauguration service, held at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday.

Kukah Centre, int’l agency move to boost education in Northern Nigeria •Target 3m pupils in next five years

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA—Worried by the deplorable state of education in Northern Nigeria, the Kukah Centre, in conjunction with ProFuturo, an international educational foundation, has flagged off a programme geared towards reversing the trend.

Director of the Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, who addressed journalists on the programne at the weekend in Abuja, said it was designed to provide digital classrooms for public primary schools across the region, adding that the tartet was to reach at least three million pupils in five years.

He said it had nothing to do with the Almajiri but was directed at pupils already enrolled in primary schools where the state of teaching and learning facilities do not guarantee quality education.

Barkindo disclosed that the digital classroom programme was meant for disadvantaged children who have not been getting the best quality education from the current system.

He said that while the Kukah Centre was concerned about the growing population of out-of- school children in

the North, the current .effort was not about Almajiri but a way of refocusing attention on education to ensure a better future for Nigeria.

“It is a digital classroom project for children across the 19 northern states and we are very privileged that

we are the ones partnering with others to implement this project,” he said.

Lead Consultant, ProFuturo Project, Mr Michael Magaji, said the programne was meant to complement government’s efforts in education service delivery by using new tools of technology, a curriculum similar to what we have in Nigeria.

Magaji said the Kukah Centre has entered into an agreement with the Northern Governors Forum to ensure a hitchfree implementation of the programme.

He said: “The innovation in the idea is the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Hopefully that will encourage more school enrolment and more importantly

improve the learning and teaching experiences of the pupils and their teachers respectively. ‘’This will ultimately lead to better outcomes in terms of better quality performance by the pupils in examination and movement from the primary to secondary school. This is essentially and primarily what the programne seeks to achieve.

SIP: Aisha Buhari’s N500bn fraud claim vindicates us —PDP •Calls on NASS, anti-graft agencies to commence investigations

By Dirisu Yakubu

A

BUJAThe P e o p l e s Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said revelation of fraud in the N500 billion Social Investment Programme, SIP, by wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and the N16 billion Mosquito net Project of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, has further vindicated its stance that the administration is deceitful and only pretending to be fighting corruption.

The party also noted that Aisha’s revelation has further shown that it (PDP) has not been crying wolf by insisting

that President Muhammadu Buhari must account for the trillions of naira allegedly stolen under his watch in the last four years.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday, the party expressed dismay at the development saying “more disheartening is the fact that the said funds were meant for the welfare of the poor, whom Mr. President had always claimed to represent in government.

“Unfortunately, these poor Nigerians have been waiting endlessly for the failed social investments promised by President Buhari only to have their hopes dashed as revelations by Mrs.

Buhari had shown that the money provided for the programme had been stolen.

“The PDP holds that now that the truth has been revealed by no lesser Nigerian than Mr. President’s wife, the National Assembly and all anti corruption agencies should immediately commence forensic investigation on how these funds were dispensed and utilized.”

It continued: “Nigerians can now see how the same administration presided over by ‘Mr. Integrity’ has been using the names of innocent poor Nigerians to loot our national treasury and fritter away billions of naira to finance their wasteful lifestyle while Nigerians wallow in

abject poverty.

“It is indeed appalling that the Buhari administration would be sitting on such colossal corruption and continues to thrive in evil concealment while diverting public attention from their rot by hounding innocent opposition figures on trump-up corruption charges.

“The PDP had always maintained that no matter how much deceit and falsehood appear to thrive, the truth must prevail at the end of the day.

“Our party therefore charges President Buhari to speak out on the matter and immediately commence the process of recovering the money and channeling it for the benefit of the poor Nigerians.”

Mrs. Buhari at the weekend labelled the implementation of the SIP a failure in the northern part of the country.

42—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019—43

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

SANUSI I, formerly known as Miss Sanusi Aderonke Ayobami, now wish to be known as Mrs. Fehintola Aderonke Ayobami. All former documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

KAYODE

UKHUREBOR

OWODUNNI-BANJO

OLANIYI

I, formerly known as Kayode Maria Omowunmi, now wish to be known as Adegbami Maria Omowunmi. All former documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as Ukhurebor Isaac Abel, now wish to be known as Abel Ekata Isaac. All former documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as Owodunni-Banjo Adenike Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known as Owodunni Elizabeth Adenike Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain vaild. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Olaniyi Younge David, now wish to be known as Younge David.

All former documents remain vaild. General public take note.

OMAMULI

AGUZIE

ABAH

IGHO

documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Akra Omamuli, now wish to be known as Mrs. Aghoro Akra Omamuli henceforth. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public, banks and all relevant authorities should please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Aguzie C. Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Njoku C. Stella. All former documents remains valid, general public please take.

I, formerly known as Miss Cordelia Ndidiamaka Abah, now wish to be known as Mrs Cordelia Ndidiamaka Favour Joshua. All former documents remains valid, general public please take note.

This is to notify the general public that Onogheghe Victor Igho and Ogbemudiare Victor Oghominene refers to one and the same person now wish to be known as Ogbemudiare Victor Oghominene. All former documents remain valid. First bank, Union Bank Plc.General public take note

EMMANUEL

NNAMANI

AJIEH I, formerly known as Ajieh Prince Chika, now wish to be known as Chika Ashiomaneadum. All former

OYIBO

ONWOCHEI

OGHENEJUVWETEE

I, Oyibo Harrison Nyore, wish to notify the general public that in my account with Union Bank Plc my name was wrongly written as Oyibo Harrison Doris, instead of Oyibo Harrison Nyore. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Rebecca Onyinye Onwochei, now wish to be known as Mrs Rebecca Onyinye Etadade.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as Oghenejuvwetee Brume Sam, now wish to be known as Joseph Brume Sam. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Stephen Abobo Emmanuel, now wish to be known as Onovwigho Stephen Abobo. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known as Nnamani Akuabata Rosemary, now wish to be known as Mrs Bilabi Rosemary. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AJONGBADE

OKOLIKE

EDIDEM

UGBOKERE

OJOKO

I, formerly known as Miss Okolike Emilia Chekwube,

I, formerly known as Imaobong King Edidem, now wish to be known as Imaobong Friday Francis. All former documents remain valid. Zenith bank and the general public please take note

I, formerly known as Miss Ufuoma Vera Ugbokere, now wish to be known as Mrs Imonije Ufuoma Vera.

All former documents remain vaild. General public take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Ojoko Nkechi, now wish to be known as Mrs Komone Nkechi Ojoko. All former documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

OKOTETE I, formerly known as Okotete Mirabel, now wish to be known as Okotete Mirabel Avwenaye . All former

BIU

I, formerly known as

Ajongbade Tosin Faith, now wish to be known as

now wish to be known as

Olaitan Oluwatosin Adeyinka . All former

Mrs Madu Emilia Chekwube . All former

documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

UBRURHE

IDUDJE I, formerly known as Idudje Jerry Oghenekevwe, now wish to be known as Odiabo Jerry Oghenekevwe. All

I, formerly known as Miss Ubrurhe Dorcas , now wish to be known as Mrs Dorcas Ejiro Ubrurhe. All former documents remain vaild. General public take note.

former documents remain vaild. General public take note.

OYIBO My name was wrongly written as Oyibo Sylvester, instead of Oyibo Ogheneriobororue Sylvester, which is my correct name, I now wish to be known as Oyibo Ogheneriobororue Sylvester. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Khadijah Biu, now wish to be known as Ahmad, Khadijah Baba. All former

documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

documents remain vaild.

General public take note.

OGBUDHU

DJEBAH

HENRY

TONWE

I, formerly known as Miss Eseoghene-Aghogho Francisca Umolo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Aghogho Francisca Ogbudhu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Onajevwe Maria Djebah, now wish to be known as Mrs Onajevwe Maria Enaregha.

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

I, formerly known as Mr. Nike Ndidi Henry, now wish to be known as Mr. Nwosa Festus Ndidi. All other documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Tonwe Besidone Blessing, now wish to be known as Mrs. Besidone Blessing Menewe. All other documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKWUKO

OPITI I, formerly known as Miss Opiti Angela Afokeoghene, now wish to be known as Mrs. Afokeoghene Angela Umahon. Keystone bank PLC and general public please take note.

EMOJEVWE I, formerly known as Mr Emojevwe Victor, now wish to be known as Mr Emojevwe Oghenekparobo Victor. All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and general public to take note.

NWABUAKU I, formerly known as Miss Elimuyah Princess Nwabuaku, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ossai Princess Nwabuaku. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Ahmad,

OPEYEMI I, formerly known as Miss Emakpoyeri Refo Paulina Opeyemi, now wish to be known as Mrs Obruche Paulina Blessing. All former documents remain valid.

General public, banks and all concerned institutions should please take note.

ISIAKA

ADEGBEMIRO

SOLOMON

I, formerly known as Adegbemiro Tosin Omotola and Adegbenro Oluwatosin, now wish to be known as Mrs Olaire Oluwatosin Omotola.

All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

I, formerly known as Solomon Edafe Etphwo, now wish to be known as Orhue Usedafe Solomon. All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and general public to take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Ladi Aliyu aka Ladi Santheodora Aliyu, now wish to be known as Mrs Ladi Santheodora Aliyu Okojie. All former documents remain valid. BUK Kano and all other institutions, professional bodies, embassies and the general public please take note.

ATANDA I, formerly known as Atanda Mutiat Oladunni, now wish to be known as Fatunbi Dasola Oladunni. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Mrs Madueke Vivian Chidimma, now wish to be known as Mrs. Madueke Vivian Chidimma Jejeniwa. Former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EZECHIEDO

OKORUWA

OBIEFUNA

OKOH

I, formerly known as Miss Paul Linda Adaeze Ezechiedo, now wish to be known as Mrs Aya Linda Paul. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Elizabeth Ehiaghe Okoruwa, now wish to be known as Odeleye Olori Elizabeth Ehiaghe.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Obiefuna Ifunanya Emmanuela, now wish to be known as Ezeibe Ifunanya Emmanuela.

All former documents remain valid.

Godfrey Okoye University, NYSC and general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Okoh Favour, now wish to add Rita, to be known as Okoh Favour Rita. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known as Mrs Mamah Agnes Okwuko, now wish to be known as Mrs Idoko Agnes Ada. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UKUSARE I, formerly known as Josephine Ukusare, now wish to be known as Mrs. Josephine Oghenekevwe Eduvie, former documents remain valid. Delta State Hospitals Management Board and General Public take note.

OMOLADE

LATEEF

I, formerly known as Sanusi Waliyat Omolade, now wish to be known as Mrs Bamigbade Sanusi Waliyat.

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

I, formerly known as Itabor Lateef Ayegbeni, now wish to be known as Itabor God’stime Ayegbeni, All documents bearing my former name still remain Valid. General public, and all relevant authorities please take note.

I, formerly known as Isiaka Iyabo, now wish to be known as Mrs Ageli Iyabo.

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

ALIYU

AJAO I, formerly known as Tajudeen Layi Ajao, now wish to be known as Tajudeen Layi AjaoAlare. All documents bearing my former name still remain Valid. General public, and all relevant authorities please take note.

ENEBI I, hereby confirm that Miss Enebi Ingobikumo, Enebibolokemi Ingobikumo and Enebi Ingobikumo, Ingobikumo Eneibi and Mrs Enebi Solomon, Odotimi Enebibolokemi, Miss Odotimi Enebi Ingobikumo and Enebi Amiekumo refer to the same and one person. Former documents remain valid. General public, and all relevant Authorities should please take note.

MADUEKE

IHABAEME I, formerly known as Miss Ihabaeme Juliet Chika, now wish to be known as Mrs. Juliet Victor Eleonu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

With new e-gov masterplan, 7% GDP growth target achievable —FG

By Emmanuel Elebeke

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has said that with implementation of the new e-Government Masterplan, the 7% GDP growth target by 2020 is achievable.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha stated this at the weekend while unveiling the new eGovernment Masterplan in Abuja.

He said the new plan remains key in delivering on quality, efficient, and transparency in governance.

According to him, a faithful implementation of the plan will result in rise in GDP growth, openness, enhanced service delivery, transparency and accountable governance.

He added that the initiative will also enhance national competitiveness and enormous growth and uplift millions of citizens out of poverty.

For Mustapha, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Timi Lawa, it will not only increase our eGovernment indices but enhance efficiency and transparency in the public sector.

Children’s Day Celebration: VanguardLive hosts school children at its studio

By Funmi Ajumobi

A

S THE world c e l e b r a t e s International Children’s Day, Vanguard will today throw her doors open to host pupils drawn from public schools in 20 local government of Lagos State on our online platform, VanguardLive.

To kick off the activities are Oluwatetisimi Akande and Temisan Taire with Newspaper Review at 8:30am.

This will be followed by an interview with the State Chairman, Standard Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Oluremi Shopeyin, to be anchored by Adediran Farida and Abdulahi Mustapha.

An interview session with the Coordinator Child Protection Network Nigeria, Ngozi Okoro, will be anchored by Opemipo Ajumobi.

Thereafter, the children will air their views in line with Vanguard’s theme, ‘’The Nigeria I Desire.’’

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 — 45

We can surprise the world — Kingsley Michael

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ologna starlet Kingsley Michael was one of the star performers for the Flying Eagles as they began their campaign at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup with a 4-0 thrashing of Qatar.

Tom Dele-Bashiru netted on his international debut after receiving a threaded pass from the 2015 U17 World Cup-winning midfielder in the 68th minute.

The 20-year-old Michael is mentioned in the group of players on whom it is worth paying attention to in this tournament but he is not distracted. ‘’There are so many talents in our team that we can surprise the world,’’ Michael said to laczynaspilka.pl. ‘’I am aware of the responsibility that lies with me. I accept the challenge and am ready to play at any time for the team, it’s pressure for me, but I pray that it will go as well as possible. ‘’The key to a successful tournament in Poland is to listen to our coaches.’’

Prudent Energy Handball League:

Kano Pillars, Safety Babes are phase one champions K

By Solomon Nwoke

ano Pillars and Safety Babes handball teams have won the men and women categories of the first phase of the Prudent Energy

Handball League which ended weekend at the Velodrome of the Abuja National Stadium.

Pillars defeated Plateau Vipers 26 – 22 to earn a total of 20 points while Safety Shooters gathered 18 points after beating De De-

2019 WWC: Amstel Malta drums support for Super Falcons

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he official malt drink of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and supporter of the Nigerian Super Falcons, Amstel Malta, is applauding the feat of the female national team in qualifying for the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in France from June 7 to July 7.

The Super Falcons who continue to show remarkable spirit, hard

work and resolve, have won nine African championships and will be competing in the earth’s greatest sporting spectacle for women.

“The Super Falcons have overtime proven the power of women and we at Amstel Malta are endearing Nigerians to join us to cheer the Falcons on to gold at the World Cup.” Portfolio Manager, Non-Alcoholic Brands, Ngozi

Tuchel can’t guarantee Neymar, Mbappe will stay

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homas Tuchel says he can not guarantee Neymar and Kylian Mbappe will be at Paris Saint-Germain next season, although he wants them to stay with the French champions.

When asked about the speculation surrounding the futures of Neymar and Mbappe, Tuchel in Monaco for Sunday’s Grand Prix - told Sky Sports F1: “I am used to this. Now it is May, the stuff that I say now might not be true next month.

fenders 35 – 29 to occupy the second place on the league table Safety Queens are the top team in the women category as they defeated Imo Grasshoppers 3933. The defeat reduced the points of the Owerri Grasshoppers, who

were hitherto in second, and pushed them to fourth position on the log.

Plateau Peacocks are second on the log with 15 points after a slim 26-25 win over Kada Queens, while Edo Dynamos are third on the log with 14 points as they comfortably defeated Abia Valliants 34-19.

Other games in the men category saw Lagos Seasiders beating Owena Kings 40-30 to finish in fourth place with 16 points, while Niger United showed more superior power over Borno Spiders with a 40-23 victory.

COAS Shooters, meanwhile, ended the first phase of the league with an emphatic 30-24 win over Prison Key Boys, while Sokoto Rima defeated Kada Stars 20-17.

“Things are like they are, there is a lot of speculation which means we have a lot of quality and talent.

“My wish as a manager and as a coach is clear, I want all my players to stay at PSG and stay with our project. The work is not finished, it has just started.

“My wish is clear, but I can’t promise as that would be naïve and I don’t want to be naïve in this business.”

Mbappe revealed last week

that he was considering his future after admitting he was open to a “new project”, although PSG later released a statement insisting the France World Cup winner would be staying.

Neymar has been regularly linked with a switch to Real Madrid since he moved to Paris from Barcelona in the summer of 2017 for a world-record fee of £198m.

Nkwoji, said on Friday.

The Super Falcons continually prove themselves to be unmistakable symbols of heroism thereby Amstel Malta has launched a daring campaign themed “We’ve Got Balls” to celebrate and highlight the strength, fortitude and bravery of the Nigerian woman who against all odds, thrives and wins.

The campaign features a historic all-female cast and crew with Nollywood, music and entertainment stars like Tiwa Savage, Dakore Egbuso– Akande, Tonto Dikeh, Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor– Suleiman and Cynthia Nwadiora (Cee C). The campaign also features Super Falcon players; Asisat Oshoala, Onome Ebi, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Tochukwu Oluehi.

Speaking at the launch of the

campaign celebrating the strides of the Nigerian women, Nkwoji said: “We are proud to be associated with The Super Falcons and the winning spirit that has pushed them into becoming trailblazers for women’s football in Africa and global football. We at Amstel Malta are proud to be associated with the team and will continue to edge them on for more victories.”

Having won the AWCON in Ghana, the Falcons will be one of the teams representing Africa at 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in France along with South Africa and Cameroon who came in second and third respectively.

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2019

Dele-Bashiru: I think we could go far

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Flying Eagles target victory against USA A

nother three points that will take them to the championship’s knockout stages is the objective of Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, as they confront Team USA in their second match of the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup this evening.

Venue is the 15,000– capacity Bielsko-Biala Stadium in the city of the same name, a facility constructed on the site of an old facility and which hosted its last international game in March 2018, when Poland tackled England in an U20 match.

Coach Paul Aigbogun is banking on the flaming form

of his boys, who amassed four goals against Qatar in their first match against Qatar in Tychy on Friday, to consume a desperate Team USA still looking for its first point of the finals. The Americans lost 1-2 to Ukraine also on Friday.

“We had a great game against Qatar and we want to stay in that spirit all through the championship. We will not make the mistake of underrating any team; our approach remains taking it one game at a time. We go in there and fulfill our gameplan of achieving victory.

“It is not going to be an easy match; the Americans

France 2019: Oshoala, Ihezuo storm Falcons’ camp in Austria

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trikers Asisat Oshoala and Chinwendu Ihezuo on Sunday arrived the Super Falcons’ Avita Resort camp in Austria, completing the final squad of 23 players that have been picked by Head Coach Thomas Dennerby for the 8th FIFA World Cup finals.

The nine –time African champions went on an endurance drill in the woods of Bad Tatzmannsdorf on Saturday, as the technical crew swung to stamina building ahead of the World Cup. Twenty-one players, including forward and captain Desire Oparanozie and defenders Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale, took part in the drills.

There will be normal training sessions on Monday and a training match, against an All-Star team, has been scheduled for Tuesday at the team’s Avita Resort camp.

The Falcons will depart from Austria on Tuesday, 4th June for Paris, before proceeding to Reims, the city where they play their first match of the 8th FIFA World Cup finals against Norway on Saturday, 8th June.

Nigeria will then tackle Korea Republic in Grenoble on 12th June before concluding their group phase assignment against host nation France in Rennes on 17th June.

NTA, HotSports ready to bring AFCON 2019 to Nigerian fans

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otSports Media Group, Nigeria’s f o r e m o s t marketing and production company, has formalised its relationship with Africa’s largest television network, the Nigerian Television Network, as the Official Exclusive Marketers of the 32nd African Cup of Nations which kicks off in Cairo on June 21.

NTA will broadcast the matches on terrestrial television channels across Nigeria, while the Super Eagles will be among 24 teams contesting to lift the trophy on July 19 in the showpiece game.

Other tournaments in the bouquet of the NTA/ HotSports marketing partnership include the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (the 2020 Olympics soccer qualifiers that will be hosted

by Egypt in November, this year), Africa Women Cup of Nations (Congo Brazzaville 2020), U20 Africa Cup of

Nations in 2021 in Mauritania, the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco also in 2021 and CAF SuperCup 2020.

At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between NTA and HotSports in Abuja during the week, NTA Director General, Yakubu Ibn Mohammed assured that NTA would deploy its immense experience in the coverage and broadcast of international sports competitions to AFCON 2019 and the other tournaments in view and it is determined to deliver exciting moments for Nigerian sports fans through the partnership with HotSports.

Responding, the President/ CEO of HotSports Media Group, Taye Ige said that the confidence that NTA has it his team would not be taken for granted, assuring that the partnership would deliver results that all the partners and the viewing public would be delighted about.

are hurt after losing their first game. But we are in good form and we need the three points to assure our place in the Round of 16,” Aigbogun said on Sunday.

Both countries first met at this level in the semi finals of the 1989 edition in Saudi Arabia, with a high –spirited Nigeria side just coming from a miraculous triumph over old Soviet Union in the quarter finals. The Flying

Eagles had come from a 0-4 deficit with 15 minutes left on the clock, to tie the encounter with the Soviets in Dammam and went ahead to win on penalties.

On 28th February 1989, goals by Mutiu Adepoju sealed a 2-1 win over USA at the Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Stadium in Jeddah to send Nigeria into her first – ever Final match of the FIFA U20 World Cup.

he last time Nigeria won their opening match at the FIFA U20 World Cup was back in 2011, against Guatemala.

Since then the Flying Eagles, who have never won the tournament and who even managed to miss out on it altogether last time around (in 2017), have suffered more than their fair share of bad luck.

In their opening Group D encounter on Friday, Paul Aigbogun’s charges appeared determined to put their previous failures behind them by scoring four well-worked goals – two in each half – against Qatar, who were outclassed by the dynamic and powerful Africans.

Ayotomiwa Dele-Bashiru, scorer of the third goal, was one of the star Nigerian performers in Tychy.

“We prepared well for the match, and we got our reward,” he said. “We fully deserved the win, and I’m glad that we’ve brought our bad run of luck to an end.”

The Manchester City man put in a tireless shift in

•Bashiru the middle of the park, and he was recompensed for his efforts after an hour of play, when he made a superb run to take Kingsley Michael’s threaded pass in stride and finish adroitly.

“I’m really proud of my goal, because it’s the first I’ve scored for my national team and it comes on my first official appearance for the U-20s. I’ve worked so hard to be here today,” DeleBashiru said with a smile.

This excellent start to the competition, during which the Nigerians more than showed what they are capable of, sent a clear message to their future opponents.

US coach: We need to beat Nigeria Offia: by beating the Flying Eagles. he United States lost 2-1 to Ukraine ‘’We prepared in the Ukraine game to get US 'll be T in their opening game of the 2019 three points, now we go to the Nigeria game U20 World Cup and must avoid defeat to get three points,’’ Ramos told reporters at easier in their next game against Nigeria today a press conference after their loss to Ukraine. to stand a chance of progressing to the ‘’Nigeria’s result, our than Qatar last sixteen of the competition. own result at this point This USA team is regarded don’t really matter, we F as the strongest they’ve taken are going to do the same to an U20 World Cup, with thing. ‘’I think when you go to the third game that’s when you start playing the mathematical games, at this point we just need three points.’’

Nigeria and USA face off at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium, Bielsko-BiaBa this evening.

players on the books of Benfica, Köln, Ajax Amsterdam, Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, PSG and Hannover named to the 21man roster, while there are ten Major League Soccer players in the squad.

USA 1994 World Cup star Tab Ramos, who now coaches the U20 team, is hoping to get their campaign back on track

Onyekuru dances shaku shaku in title celebration party

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enry Onyekuru had a great celebration party with Galatasaray as they paraded the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Lig trophy in the Turk Telekom Stadium on Saturday night.

The atmosphere was electric and each player was called to the stage at different intervals to celebrate the club’s success in any way that is comfortable for them.

When it got to Onyekuru’s turn, the Nigeria international, who scored the winning goal that gave Galatasaray a 2-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir last Sunday, stepped up to the stage with some dance moves, which trended in his home country.

Onyekuru started with the Shaku Shaku dance and then switched to Zanku moves.

The Everton loanee was joined by teammate and Dutch international Ryan Donk in doing the famous legwork, which has taken over Nigeria’s entertainment space.

Onyekuru is part of Gernot Rohr’s 25-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Super Eagles have been paired against Guinea, Madagascar and Guinea in Group B.

lying Eagles attacker, Henry Offia has pointed out that they want to build on their victory against Qatar when they face the United States in their second game in Poland.

Nigeria romped to a 4-0 win over hapless Qatar with Maxwell Effiom, Offia, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Aliu Salawudeen on the scoresheet in a Group D tie played at the Tychy Stadium in Tychy on Friday.

Paul Aigbogun’s men will play the USA in BielskoBiala tonight and another victory could confirm their progress to the next round.

“Thank you to everyone who watched and supported us against Qatar,” Offia said after the victory over Qatar.

“It was really a great one and actually I thank God for the goal and most especially it was really good that we got a win in our first game. It was really important.

“It builds more confidence in us ahead of other games.

The little I watched of the United States and Ukraine I believe we can do better than we did against Qatar when we play against them.

Osimhen breaks record in Belgium

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porting Charleroi striker Victor Osimhen has broken a record held by Imoh Ezekiel after scoring the quickest goal in the history of the Belgian First Division A on Sunday, May 26.

The Wolfsburg loanee took only 8.15 seconds to open the scoring in Sporting Charleroi’s 3-2 loss to Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion (Deurne), surpassing the previous record set by compatriot Ezekiel on August 11, 2013 after 10.8 seconds for Standard against Racing Genk.

Osimhen took advantage of a mix-up in the Antwerp defense, latched onto a loose ball and burst into the penalty area before firing a right footed shot past

goalkeeper Sinan Bolat.

Prior to today’s game, Osimhen had already been crowned the winner of the Nigerian Golden Shoe and his strike against Antwerp took his tally for the season to 19 league goals.

With the striker’s loan spell at Sporting Charleroi coming to an end, his future is expected to dominate the foreign and local press in the summer transfer window, and he could put himself in the shop window if he is included in the Super Eagles 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen made 34 appearances in the Belgian First Division A this term, including 31 starts.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2019 — 47

IT KAN’T KAN’T BE BE IT

Kante set to miss Chelsea’s Europa League final

Westerhof: 25 yrs after, Buhari redeems most were the Nigerian people.

Abacha’s pledge “They are crazy about football, they call you

N

’GOLO KANTE is set to miss Chelsea’s Europa League final against Arsenal after suffering a knock in training.

Despite recovering from a recent hamstring strain, it is believed a blow to his knee during the Cobham session has all but ruled him out of the clash in Baku.

Only six days ago, Chelsea were handed a huge boost when Kante returned to training after hamstring trouble which threatened to wreck his chances of making the final.

He was also pictured moving freely in training just four days ago.

But it is understood Kante suffered the knock during training yesterday and he will be checked over by medical staff today.

And this latest setback could see the tireless holding man miss out which is terrible news for the Blues given their current injury list.

Youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi and defender Antonio Rudiger are out while fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek ruptured his Achilles in a friendly in the US two weeks ago.

That means Ross Barkley, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will be the likely midfield trio on Wednesday.

W

hen the late Pa Chuba Ikpeazu board of the Nigeria Football Association hired Clemens Westerhof as the Super Eagles coach, the Dutch was given a target.

One day Ikpeazu ushered Westerhof into his office and said the following to him: “We have won the Africa Nations Cup. We could win it again but the greatest thing you can do for us is to qualify us for the World Cup. Nigerians will appreciate that. If you do so, you will command an interesting chapter in the history of Nigerian football.

Nigerians will never forget you. Please, take us to the World Cup and you will remain dear to this country.”

Westerhof later said that Ikpeazu appeared very emotional when he spoke with him and that really inspired him and he vowed to work tirelessly for Nigerian football. But what drove him

anchester City are ready to battle Liverpool for the signature of Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir.

Fekir was said to be on the verge of joining Liverpool in last summer's transfer window, only for the France international to fail his medical due to concerns over a long-standing knee problem.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed another productive campaign with Les Gones, scoring 12 times and contributing nine assists in 39 appearances in all

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French Open: Federer zooms into second round

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oger Federer made a winning return to the French Open with a dominant first-round victory over Lorenzo Sonego.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner, playing at Roland Garros for the first time in four years, beat the Italian 6-2 6-4 6-4.

He arrived to a standing ovation on Philippe Chatrier court and left with the crowd on their feet in delight.

The 37-year-old will play German lucky loser Oscar Otte, ranked 145th in the world, in the second round.

“I knew I can play very well on clay and I am very happy I did it in straight sets today,” Federer said.

coachito and they are ready to do anything for you. When I stop on the street they gather and tell me things about football. Here, everybody is a coach. So, I must prove that I’m a better coach. Therefore, I work, I tell you, I work,” Westerhof said at the time. He got down to work, qualified Nigeria for their first ever World Cup finals in USA ’94 and said “I want to arrive USA as African Champions.”

He went to Tunisia ’94 and won the Nations Cup and the Eagles truly arrived USA as African champions. By the time his contracted ended after the World Cup, Nigeria was rated the 5th best football nation in FIFA ranking.

It was the highest ranking by any African country till date.

Today, 25 years after then Head of State, General Sanni Abacha rewarded the Tunisia ’94 team for the Nations Cup victory with a house each, the government of Mohammadu Buhari, through the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Raji Babantunde Fashola will present to Westerhof a letter of allocation and key to a three bed room house to fulfill government’s side of the story. The house is in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

“I look forward to it, I’m very happy about this,” Westerhof said from Holland, adding “I thank the minister and I thank President Buhari for this competitions. honour. My days in Nigeria are Lyon president Jeanunforgettable and I can’t thank them Michel Aulas has confirmed and all Nigerians enough. I’ll sleep in that Fekir can leave Lyon this the house when I come.” summer with his current deal He was expected in Abuja last night. expiring at the end of the He is regarded as the BEST foreign 2019-20 campaign. coach Nigeria ever had.

City to battle Liverpool for Fekir M

Kerber suffers shock d defeat imbledon champion Angelique Kerber said the pain from an ankle injury was “not my excuse” after her shock first-round exit at the French Open.

The German fifth seed lost 6-4 6-2 to world number 81 Anastasia Potapova.

The three-time Grand Slam champion said she “did not have much expectation” after pulling out of the Madrid and Rome clay tournaments this month.

Elsewhere, Spanish 19th seed Garbine Muguruza came from a set down to beat American Taylor Townsend 5-7 6-2 6-2.

Muguruza was broken for a second time late in the first set by the world number 83 but breezed through to win the next two sets in the first main draw match on the new Simonne Mathieu court.

The 2016 French Open champion will play Sweden’s world number 172 Johanna Larsson in the second round, following her victory over Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova

Westerhof

Fashola & Buhari

According to The Sun, Liverpool are ready to revive their interest but the Reds will face strong competition from City, who pipped Jurgen Klopp's side to the Premier League title on the final weekend of the season

NFF to spend over N70m to fly Mikel, others to Asaba

igeria Football Feder ation President, Amaju N Pinnick has revealed that it

will cost N3.5 million (approximately US$9,800.00) to purchase a flight ticket for Mikel Obi’s trip to Asaba for the national team’s pre-Africa Cup of Nations training camp.

The football administrator went on to say that the Nigerian Federation have to spend approximately N70 million as traveling expenses for the foreign-based professionals called up to the training camp which begins on Sunday, June 2 in the Delta State capital. ‘’It is not a hidden document, we have a budget of about N1 billion every year but what is backed by cash is 65 percent which comes to about N650 million,’’ Pinnick said on a television programme monitored in Lagos. ‘’But let me give you an example, when the Super Eagles are playing a game the minimum it costs is N200250 million. ‘’Now this morning, they sent a memo to me for the players that they invited.

Mikel Obi’s ticket alone is N3.5 million, it is normal,

Ighalo’s own is above N4 million. If you put all these together, you are talking about N60-70 million alone for their coming. ‘’Then you talk about daily

allowances, you talk about bonuses, accommodation, match organization, referees indemnity and you are dealing with 13 national teams.’’

Man Utd rule out move for De Ligt Manchester United have ruled out a move for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to Sky sources.

Reports in the national press over

Insurance go down as Lobi, Enyimba join Rangers in Super Six

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obi Stars and Enyimba have qualified for the season-ending

playoffs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) despite failing to get victories in their matchday 22 games on Sunday.

While the People’s Elephant were beaten 2-1 by Katsina United, Lobi Stars could only pull off a draw against Remo Stars, but it was still enough for the duo to pull through to the Super Six, alongside Enugu Rangers, who had already qualified with

two games to spare.

The Pride of Benue finished on 35 points while coach Usman Abd’Allah’s men had 33 points from 22 games MFM, who were hoping to sneak into the post-season competition, were denied the chance as they were beaten 4-2

by Sunshine Stars in a tense Southwest derby.

The loss by the Olukoya Boys saw them finishing just one point outside the playoff positions.

In the lower rank of the table, Kawra United got an away win in Minna against Niger Tornadoes, but it was too little too late as the Harmony Boys still got relegated.

Bendel Insurance were the biggest casualties of the day as they were beaten 1-0 by Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

the weekend had suggested United could move for the £65m-rated Netherlands international this summer.

But Sky Sports News understands United have withdrawn the interest they held in De Ligt, with many among the Old Trafford hierarchy believing the 19year-old is set to join Barcelona.

When asked about his future on Sunday, De Ligt said: “Where do I see myself?

Well, obviously the Premier League is a big competition, Spain also, but you have other competitions, it’s not (just) about those two.

“I still don’t know anything about where my future is, so I see how it goes.

First, we have to play two games (in the Nations League) and then after that, we’ll see what happens next.”

De Ligt has been a regular for Ajax over the past three seasons and captained the club to a league and cup double this campaign.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY’S PUZZLE

FRIDAY’S ANSWER

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

Crossword 1 Hazard (4) 3 Insensibility (8) 9 Not deep (7) 10 Debate (5) 11 Tender (5) 12 Missive (6) 14 Season of growth (6) 16 Wax light (6) 19 Husband or wife (6)

THURSDAY’S SOLUTION

21 Worth (5) 24 Star sign, the Ram (5) 26 Break (8) 27 Outhouse (4) Down 1 Answer (8) 2 Personnel (5) 4 Ailing (6) 5 Explosion (5) 6 Intellectual (7)

7 Observed (4) 8 Old two-shilling coin (6) 13 Beaten (8) 15 Facsimile (7) 17 Period before Christmas (6) 18 Underground room (6) 20 Distressed (5) 22 Blood-sucking worm (5) 23 Young cow (4)

How to Play Sudoku 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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