FRIDAY 31ST MAY 2019

With N47bn Budget for National Carrier, Analysts Demand Roadmap Qatar, Thai Air, Emirates jostle for technical partner AfreximBank earmarks $300m for investment Chinedu Eze Aviation analysts have demanded from the federal government the roadmap for the planned national carrier, Nigeria Air, which

was suspended indefinitely in September last year but has been allocated N47 billion in the 2019 budget. The experts demanded details of the process and plans on how the federal

government wants to succeed with the project after it was suspended last year. THISDAY gathered from industry sources that although the plan to establish the airline was suspended last year, the

government had continued to carry on with the initiative underground. According to investigation, the government is currently negotiating with international carriers to select a technical

partner for the planned national carrier. Also, THISDAY learnt that AfreximBank has held talks with the federal government and expressed willingness to provide $300 million to

support the project. Aviation industry consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Belujane Konsult, Mr. Chris Aligbe, who is privy to the Continued on page 8

FG Reviews National Security Strategy, Ties with Allies... Page 9 Friday 31 May, 2019 Vol 24. No 8817. Price: N250

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Senate: N11tn Spent on Fuel Subsidy in Six Years Approves N129.048bn for payment of 67 oil marketers Holds valedictory session on June 6 Asks FG not to downgrade Enugu Airport Leader accuses wealthy Nigerians of buying court judgments Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday disclosed that the federal government spent not less than N11 trillion on fuel subsidy in the last six years. The Senate also approved the payment of N129,048,358,444.11 as final subsidy arrears payment to

67 oil marketing companies. It also yesterday adjourned sitting till June 6 when the National Assembly is billed to hold its valedictory session. The Senate’s approval of oil subsidy claims was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senator Kabir Marafa-led Continued on page 9

Rescind Revocation of Firearms Licences, House Urges Buhari Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday demanded a reversal of the Executive Order signed by President Muhammadu Buhari revoking firearms or short gun licences in the interest of Nigerians who will be left vulnerable and be at the mercy of criminals, terrorists,

bandits and kidnappers. The demand followed the passage of a motion of urgent national importance on the need for the president to rescind the executive order to remove, revoke and banish all firearms certificates and licences throughout the country Continued on page 8

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FG Reviews National Security Strategy, Ties with Allies Army warns saboteurs, accuses NGOs of aiding Boko Haram Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The federal government has commenced a review of the National Security Strategy (NSS) and the country's relationship with its allies and institutions at regional, continental and global levels as one of the steps to tackle the mounting security challenges confronting Nigeria. In reviewing the NSS document, which was first launched in 2014, the government said yesterday in Abuja that it was seeking a people-centered document. This development is coming as the Nigerian Army yesterday accused unnamed NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the North-east of security breach. It said the NGOs were sabotaging the war against terrorism by supplying food and drugs to terrorists. Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop for the Validation Session of Draft National

Security Strategy 2019, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), said the review was necessitated by the various security challenges confronting the country and the need to put appropriate measures in place. "A National Security Strategy serves as a key framework for a country to meet the basic needs and security concerns of citizens and address external and internal threats to the country,� he said, adding: "Nigeria has contended with various security challenges, which include terrorism, kidnapping, militancy, small arms proliferation, armed banditry, pastoralists-farmers conflicts, among others.� Monguno said the strategy must also address the full range of potential cataclysmic events, including man-made natural disasters, due to their implications for national security.

The NSA, who was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy in his office, Mr. Aminu Lawal, said the NSS, which is due for review after every five years, would focus on the application of instruments of national power and review of relationships with the country's allies. Monguno stated: "In line with the new notion of national security, which has the people, and not the state as the reference object; the strategy will place emphasis on human security in order to enhance the social wellbeing of the citizenry. "Therefore, we need to address socio-economic concerns such as poverty and unemployment as well as corruption, security and the economy, which are key focal points of this administration. "The ultimate aim will be to employ the instruments of national power in most

efficient and effective manner, to promote peace and prosperity in a secure and enabling environment. "An important aspect for consideration is relationships with our allies and institutions at regional, continental and global levels. "This is key as activities in our external environment will continue to directly or indirectly influence our internal environment." According to him, most of the contemporary threats identified in the 2014 document were still present while some had morphed in various dimensions. "This is coupled with the fast-developing cyberspace environment as well as advances in technology. "We must thus continuously assess the current and future threat environment and develop appropriate resilience and capacity to mitigate these challenges," he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has accused NGOs operating in the North-east of security breach. A statement by Army spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, said the organisations were supplying food and drugs to terrorists. It said: "The Nigerian Army (NA), through the Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, has once again received disturbing reports indicating that the war against Boko Haram terrorists is being sabotaged by some stakeholders operating in the North-east. "This unfortunate development came to the fore with the arrest of a highprofile Boko Haram terrorist commander, one Mohammed Modu, - (an Amir in the Abubakar Shekau's faction), by troops of 251Task Force Battalion Operation Lafiya Dole. "Preliminary investigations conducted so far have revealed that the Abubakar Shekau's

faction of Boko Haram has been receiving so called 'humanitarian support' of food and drugs supplies from some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the North-east theatre. "In the light of these disturbing disclosures, especially as it pertains to serious security breaches by NGOs providing logistics support to terrorists, the NA strongly warns the affected agencies to desist from compromising Nigeria's national security and war efforts against terrorism and operate in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding the operations of humanitarian aid workers, and in line with the guidelines and procedures of international humanitarian laws as well as the laws of armed conflict." The Army warned that it would no longer tolerate sabotage inimical to the fight against terrorism by any organisation or agency.

carrier would question the allocation of routes by the federal government and remarked that when Nigeria established a national carrier, some of the international operators might be forced to partner with indigenous carriers. A former Director of Medview Airline and an aircraft engineer, Mr. Lukeman Animaseun, said it was important that government should explain how it would actualise the national carrier project. “Government should be able to tell us what its roadmap is because the money budgeted may not even be enough to start the national carrier. We would want to know what type of aircraft; the number of aircraft, whether it would be purchased or it would be leased.

“If we are able to know this, then we will know how far government can go. I am confident that the private sector will buy into the project if government sets it right. Let’s be optimistic but government should not disappoint us,� he said. The Executive Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mr. Nogie Meggison, told THISDAY that he did not support the plan for Nigeria to establish a national carrier, as it would injure existing operators and would not succeed in the end. “There are a lot of questions bordering on clarity and transparency that government has to answer on the national carrier. Moreover, the model of the national carrier is no longer fashionable worldwide as countries now designate flag carriers,� Meggison added.

WITH N47BN BUDGET FOR NATIONAL CARRIER, ANALYSTS DEMAND ROADMAP ongoing negotiations, told THISDAY that Qatar, Thai Air, the national carrier of Thailand, and the Dubaibased Emirates Airlines, are currently negotiating with the federal government for the position of technical partner of the planned Nigeria Air. Confirming the new N47 billion budget, the former Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, had said: “President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the Viability Gap Funding for the project be provided for in the 2019 Appropriation which the National Assembly had graciously done.� Sirika had also explained that a viability gap funding of $155 million was required for the project in line with the Outline Business Case (OBC) to enable the airline to begin

operations before private equity funds would be introduced. At the official exchange rate of N306/$, the earmarked $155 million translated to N47.43 billion. Aligbe told THISDAY that he supported the planned establishment of Nigeria Air, adding that although the establishment of the airline was suspended, it was never cancelled. He added that the project was pushed to the 2019 by the economic team of the presidency. Aligbe, said although the N47 billion might look like a big sum, but in dollar terms, it is about $111 million, which could not even buy aircraft. “AfreximBank said it is prepared to provide $300 million that might be required for the project but there must be

evidence of government input, which was why government had to earmark the aforesaid sum in the budget,� he added. Aligbe also confirmed that the government had resolved that it would not have more than five per cent stake in the new national airline and expressed optimism that once a major international carrier is appointed as the airline’s technical adviser, the private sector would invest in the project. THISDAY also gathered from another source that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is considering supporting the new airline from the intervention fund, which would be paid back after the national carrier is established. “Immediately the right technical support is secured for the airline, investors will come. Many international

aviation organisations are interested in Nigeria Air project, including aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, which have been competing to see that their aircraft are selected for the airline,� said the source, who demanded to be anonymous. “I wish to dismiss fear being harboured by domestic airline operators that a national carrier will kill their operations. On the contrary, it is international airlines that will kill our airlines. Nigeria needs at least three major operators. The privileges government will give to the national carrier will also be extended to the other operators. That was what happened in the past before Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) went under. The privilege given to NAL was also extended to other operators,� Aligbe said. He added that a national

RESCIND REVOCATION OF FIREARMS LICENCES, HOUSE URGES BUHARI moved by Hon. Nnenna Ukeje representing Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State. The president had on May 22 signed into law the Executive Order revoking all firearm or shotgun certificates or licences in Nigeria. By the provisions of the Executive Order, which becomes effective from June 1, 2019, nobody in the country is allowed or authorised to own or carry prohibited weapons or gun. Contributors to debate on the motion for the revocation of the Executive Order said the president’s order would strip the people of their rights to life and self-defence. The lawmakers also urged Buhari to sign into law, the bill on the establishment of a national commission against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which is not only a domestic law but also a treaty obligation. They added that doing so would help us to curb the

inflow of illegal weapons. Ukeje had expressed concern over the rising spate of insecurity, leading to increased number of deaths resulting from terrorism, kidnapping and banditry and other violent crimes. The lawmaker’s concern was “that this omnibus order targets legal gun owners and their guns while there doesn’t seem to be either institutional actionable policy or plan to mop up small arms and light weapons that are at the centre of these crimes.� She blamed illegal guns at the disposal of criminals for the increase in crime. A lawyer and member of the House, Hon. Simon Arabo, representing Kauru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, who supported the motion, said there is an act that allows Nigerians to own licensed guns and that the executive order cannot override the act. “I think the reason why the president is taking the

action is in the context of the overwhelming security challenges but those with licences do not contravene any law. The president cannot use executive order to override an act,� he said, adding: “It has been shown that most of the weapons used by bandits are illegal weapons. So, security operatives should retrieve them.� He said his people had suffered in the hands of terrorists and advised security operatives to think out of the box to retrieve weapons in the possession of criminals. Also urging the president to rethink his decision, Hon. Uzoma Abonta representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West, Abia State, said rather than suspend legitimate gun licences, efforts should be directed at getting illegal guns out of circulation. “They should recover all illegal guns first. If you withdraw licences, it means encouraging arms struggling. Tell Mr. President

to concentrate on withdrawing illegal guns that are giving us problems,� Abonta said. However, Hon. Alabi Mojeed, representing Ede North, South/Egbedero/ Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Osun State, regretted that the procedure for gun licensing had been shoddy. While he agreed that there is the need to arrest those using guns illegally, he challenged the police to put in foolproof regulations and procedures for gun licensing. The House also called for an investigation into alleged summary execution of two men in Ogoniland by the Nigerian Army. This followed the adoption of a report of the House Committee on Army, chaired by Hon. Rimande Shawulu, on the investigation of the crisis in Ogoniland, Rivers State. The committee said: "The summary execution of two Ibo men, namely, Linus Nwafor and Kelechi Nwafor, who

were not part of the Ogoni factions and were executed far away from the scene of the conflict should be further investigated and the officers and men responsible should be prosecuted. “Adequate compensation should be paid by the federal government to the families of the deceased and to those who lost their properties after a proper assessment of the losses and deaths. “There is an urgent need to start withdrawing soldiers from the streets across the country and to replace them with internal security operators. "The federal government should encourage the Rivers State Government to embark on reconciliation and peace building measures in Ogoniland and that the federal government and the Rivers State Government should grant amnesty to Chief Solomon Nigbara and others, with an undertaken to maintain peace."

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Non-NWC Members Move to Resolve APC Crisis Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A forum of non-National Working Committee (NonNWC) members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded an urgent meeting with the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole and the National Working Committee members to resolve the crisis in the party. According to a leaked letter by the Chairman of the Forum of Non-National Working Committee National Officers of the APC, Alhaji Nasiru Danu and the Secretary, Hon. Omolayo O. Akintola, the forum is seeking to intervene in the crisis. The simmering crisis in the party worsened on Monday as APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, in a letter called on Oshiomhole to resign as national chairman.

He accused him of lack of capacity to build the party. Also yesterday, the immediate past Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, joined the call for the former Edo State governor to quit office. The group, made up of all deputies to the NWC positions and six ex-officio members across the six geopolitical zones, said the meeting was "principally to address critical issues affecting our great party before such issues go out of hands, which could be inimical to the general welfare of the party." In the letter dated May 29, 2019, titled: "Demand for an urgent interface with NWC organ of our party-APC," which was addressed to the national chairman of the party, the group said the meeting would have been held earlier but was postponed because of the general election.

"We considered the concluded 2019 general election as determinant or our party’s survival which had come and gone with successes and losses. "This body rose from her today‘s (29-05-2019) emergency meeting shortly after the presidential inauguration ceremony held at the Eagle Square, Abuja and concluded the following request be made. We hereby request for a meeting to be fixed from you as soon as possible in order to meet with the urgency it demands." The group also copied the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum. Shuaibu had said in the letter addressed to Oshiomhole, and dated May 27, 2019, that: "in an advance democracies, people who failed to add value or build over and above what they met on assumption of duty show some civilised

examples, they honourably resign." Shittu also supported the call for the resignation of Oshiomhole. "I endorse it. The truth is with Oshiomhole, this party would go down by the time President Muhammadu Buhari finishes his second term," the former minister said yesterday. According to him, the national chairman of APC has an ego problem and wants to dominate every environment, adding that “democracy is not like that�. "I know that many of us who are conscionable members of the party who think of the future of this party and the fact that this party should continue to be relevant even after President Muhammad Buhari has left office would stand by this call. We are concerned and everything that we can do to force him out, we will do it,� he added.

Oshiomhole

line; the vulnerable and the disadvantaged can go to courts and get judgments because they deserve to get those judgments regardless of their socio-economic status. "So I want to pray for you and for all of us that this nomination that we are going to confirm by the grace of God will be a blessing and an additional advantage to the judiciary and the people of this great country." Lawan, who is a strong contender for the ninth Senate presidency added that the judicial arm of government is expected by Nigerians "to be firm, fair, committed to those ideals that the founding fathers of this country worked and died for; that is to make life better for every Nigerian." The Senate thereafter suspended its rules and confirmed the appointment of Sadiq as President of the Customary Court of Appeal within 12 minutes of reading President Muhammadu Buhari's letter to the lawmakers. The Senate approved the nomination after it dissolved into Committee of the Whole to screen the nominee. Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, had read a letter from Buhari requesting for the confirmation of Sadiq. Lawan moved the motion for the accelerated screening of the nominee and was seconded by Senator Chukwuka Utazi. According to Lawan, the motion became necessary since the eighth Senate would soon wind down. When the nominee was eventually ushered in by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, the

senators simply asked him to take a bow and leave. Ekweremadu, therefore, put the question to voice vote and it was unanimously adopted by the legislators. The Senate also yesterday implored the federal government not to downgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as earlier threatened by the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika. Rather, it urged the federal government to rehabilitate the runway of the airport for the safety of passengers and aircraft and in conformity with international aviation standards. The Senate further urged the federal government to take steps to complete the new terminal building of the Enugu International Airport and put it to use by foreign and local airlines. It also urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies to develop a water source with the nearby Ekulu River for the use of the airport. The Senate thanked the Enugu State Government for demolishing and ordering the relocation of the Orie Emene Market, shutting down the nearby abattoir and ordering the immediate removal of the broadcasting mast and other illegal structures on the approach of the airport. It urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation to return all the generating sets allegedly removed from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to the airport in Port Harcourt, on the orders of the immediate past Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. The Senate passed these resolutions sequel to a motion, "the threat to downgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport," sponsored by Senator Victor

SENATE: N11TN SPENT ON FUEL SUBSIDY IN SIX YEARS 20-man Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector on Promissory Note Programme and Bond Issuance to settle inherited local debts and contractual obligations to petroleum marketers by the chairman. Marafa, in his 11-page presentation, said Nigeria had since 2013 spent over N11 trillion to settle outstanding fuel subsidy claims. However, he said the approval of the latest payment to 67 oil marketers ended the issue of subsidy arrears claims by oil marketing companies. Marafa observed that there were differences in submissions made by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and oil marketers. He said all the subsidy arrears claims were based on three inter-related elements: subsidy, forex differentials and bank interests on unpaid claims. According to him, "That the recent request computation is based on one of the already identified elements (forex differential). "That due to scarcity of forex within the period, oil marketing companies were allowed to source forex outside CBN rate to enable them to meet the country's petroleum products demand. "That NNPC Retail get their petroleum product allocation directly from PPPMC at already subsidised rate and so does not require forex to transact its business." Some of the benefitting oil marketers and the amount approved for them include: Total Nigeria PLC N13.7 billion, Northwest Petroleum N11.4 billion, Masters Energy N10 billion, MRS Oil PLC N8.8 billion and Sahara Energy N8.4 billion. Others are: MRS Oil &

Gas Limited; N6.3 billion, NIPCo Plc, N4.2 billion; Forte Oil N3.9 billion, DEEJONES Petroleum & Gas, N4.1 billion; Emadeb, N4 billion; Sulphur Streams Ltd N147.52 million; Eterna Plc, N704,89 million; Ceoti Limited, N88.20 million; and ASB Investment Company, N38.85 million; among others. Contributing, some senators said Nigeria was bleeding paying outstanding subsidy claims and that this would hurt the nation's economy. They, therefore, called for the building of new refineries to end fuel subsidy payment. On his part, Chairman of Senate, Public Accounts Committee, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, expressed concern that more subsidy requests would come in the incoming ninth Assembly because "the computations were not properly done." Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the session, lamented that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) now charge subsidy claims on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, a development he described as unconstitutional. He said: "I am also happy to note that we are coming to a closure on the issue of this outstanding payment on subsidy claims. And then begin to think of the best way to deal with the subsidy issues. "And the frightening aspect of it is that the NNPC now charges subsidy on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. What they do is that the issue of subsidy is now in the first-line charge on our oil revenue, which is extremely dangerous because that is completely unknown to our constitution.

"But the implication, therefore, is that those expenditures are never appropriated. So, it is a possible area of conflict between the executive and the parliament. "I do hope that the next assembly will be able to sit down with the executive in order to address this issue without creating unnecessary tension. And NNPC needs to also caution themselves in that respect so that they don't encroach on the appropriation responsibilities of the National Assembly." Meanwhile, the eighth Senate, which was inaugurated on June 9, 2015, will hold its valedictory session on June 6. Ekweremadu made this known while responding to the motion for adjournment of plenary moved by Lawan.

Senate Leader Accuses Wealthy Nigerians of Buying Court Judgments Meanwhile, Senate Leader, Lawan, yesterday accused wealthy Nigerians of influencing court judgments in their favour. He spoke even as the Senate asked the federal government not to downgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. Lawan, who made the allegation during plenary at the screening of Justice Abubakar Musa Sadiq as President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accused the wealthy of using their resources to procure favourable judgments. He said: "Ours is a society where people who have so much money buy judgments. I think that is not the type of society that we want. We want a society where those at the lowest

Umeh (Anambra Central) and co-sponsored by 16 other senators, cutting across party lines from the South-east, South-south and North-central. Leading the debate on the motion, Umeh, said Sirika had threatened to downgrade the airport because of what he considered as imminent dangers posed to air travellers by the presence of a nearby market. He listed the impediments as a state radio mast on the flight path of airlines that threatened the safety of incoming aircraft, an abattoir, which attracted large birds and exposed airplanes to the bird strikes, the location of a free trade zone and the decrepit state of the runway. He, however, appreciated the concerns of the former minister over the safety of passengers and airplanes that were using the airport, noting that the airport currently serves travellers from Enugu, Kogi, Anambra, Ebonyi, Benue, Cross River and other adjoining states. Umeh said rather than downgrading the airport, the federal government should think of upgrading it to meet international standards. He expressed concern that the airport has only one runway, which is currently in bad shape, describing it as falling below international standards. Umeh also expressed worries that the only source of water supply to the airport was from tankers, fire service van and the reservoir, which he said could not stand the test in time of emergency. In his remarks, Ekweremadu stressed the need for relevant authorities in the Aviation ministry to speed up the upgrading of facilities at the airport.

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NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Appeal Court: Adeleke Qualified to Run for Gov Alex Enumah in Abuja The Court of Appeal, Abuja yesterday held that Senator Ademola Adeleke was qualified to contest for the 2018 governorship election in Osun State, having possessed the basic qualification of school certificate. The appellate court consequently set aside the decision of an Abuja High Court in Bwari, which nullified the candidacy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 22, 2018, Osun State governorship election, Senator Adeleke. In the judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the Bwari FCT High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit in the first place, since the suit was filed more than 14 days from the cause of action. The court in its judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, also faulted the judgment of Justice Musa on the grounds that his judgment was delivered

well outside the 180 days provided by the law. “The suit in the lower court was filed out of the 14 days envisaged by the law for a cause of action in a pre-election matter to be filed as they filed theirs 43 days later. The suit was statute-barred and the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the it. “Another reason why it is a nullity is that the judgment was delivered 208 days from the day of filing of the suit before it, instead of the 180 days envisaged by the law,”, Justice Agim held. He added that since judgment was delivered without jurisdiction, the judgment is null and void. On the issue of territorial jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal agreed with lawyers to Adeleke that Justice Oathman lacked the territorial jurisdiction to have heard the suit in the first place, because a High Court in the FCT cannot sit over a pre-election matter that has to do with the governorship election in Osun

Gunmen Kidnap Katsina Polytechnic Lecturer

State. The court also held that it was a gross miscarriage of the appellants right to fair hearing for the lower court not to have considered all the documents and facts placed before it before reaching a decision that the PDP governorship candidate falsified his certificate. According to Justice Agim, it is curious that the lower court abandoned the evidence it asked for from WAEC and not consider the said documents before reaching a decision. “This is a wrong approach; the appeal succeeds and is upheld,” the court added. Justice Agim subsequently set aside the judgment of the lower court delivered by justice Oathman Musa and ordered the first and second respondents, Wahab Raheem and Adam Habeeb, to pay N3 million to Adeleke as cost. Meanwhile, Adeleke has described the Appeal Court Judgment as a vindication of his innocence. An elated Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said that the appellate court has saved his image and credibility from a

calculated smear campaign. “I am happy to read the judgment, which confirmed and established the truth. I forged no certificate or testimonial. I fulfilled constitutional requirements to contest elections. I am a law-abiding, honest politician who is a victim of power mongers who think the way to retain the stolen mandate is to tarnish my image. “I thank the judiciary for rescuing me and the good people of Osun State. The goal of my detractors was to paint me in the worst of image. Today, I am vindicated. I thank the judiciary, the good people of Osun State and God Almighty. I have full confidence that at the Supreme Court justice will be done. Our stolen mandate will be restored,” he added. Adeleke in his appeal had told the Court of Appeal in Abuja that he never forged the West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate he presented to INEC to secure clearance for the gubernatorial election. He had insisted that the certificate attached to his nomination form CF 001 was lawfully issued to him and as confirmed by WAEC in its

affidavit evidence submitted to the Federal Capital (Territory FCT) High Court. He therefore, pleaded with the court to set aside the judgment of Justice Musa which he said erroneous held that his certificate was forged as alleged by two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeleke further told the appellate court that Justice Musa erred in law when it ignored document he ordered to be presented before it in reaching his decision that Adeleke did not possess requisite academic qualification for the office of governor, adding that there was no case of non-qualification or forgery against Adeleke before the lower court. He consequently urged the Appeal Court to set aside the judgment of the lower court and dismiss the suit of the two APC chieftains for being incompetent and lacking in merit. Similarly, the PDP in its own appeal argued by Emmanuel Enoidem, urged the appellate court to dismiss the suit for being incompetent and statute- barred. The PDP legal adviser said the suit was caught by the Fourth Alteration Act to the

1999 Constitution, having not been filed within the 14 days allowed by law. According to Enoidem, the suit was filed after 44 days the cause of action arose while the judgment was delivered outside the 180 days prescribed by law for a pre-election matter. The PDP had conducted its primary on July 21, 2018, while the plaintiffs who are respondents in the appeal had filed their case on September 4, 2018 and judgment delivered on April 2, 2019. In their own argument, the two respondents through their counsel, Joel Akomolafe, however urged the court to uphold the judgment of the lower court, adding that the appellants did not appeal the issue of jurisdiction at the lower court. He said that the judgment of the trial court remains valid in as much as it was not appealled against by the appellants. He informed the court that the trial court had dismissed Adeleke and PDP’s motion challenging jurisdiction on the grounds that it was canvassed belatedly.

Police raid bandits’ camps, kill one Francis Sardauna in Katsina Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a lecturer with the Hassan Usman Polytechnic Katsina, Mr. Bello Abdullahi Birchi. This is coming as the operatives of ‘Operation Puff Adder,’ have killed one of the suspected bandits terrorising residents of Batsari and Safana Local Government Areas of the state and injured one other. Birchi, who was kidnapped at his residence in Birchi, Kurfi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, is a lecturer at the Department of Technical Education of the polytechnic. The gunmen numbering about five invaded the victim’s residence Wednesday night on motorcycles and whisked him away to unknown destination. Confirming the incident to THISDAY in a telephone interview, Katsina State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Dr. Sabi’u Abdullahi Ya’u, said the union has since informed security agencies of the development. Ya’u said: “Bello Abdullahi Birchi was kidnapped at his residence in Birchi, Kurfi LGA yesterday (Wednesday) night. The gunmen went to the village on motorcycles. “Immediately after the incident was reported to me, I called an emergency meeting with my excos and we quickly met the management of the institution and reported the sad development to security agencies. “The kidnappers dropped a phone number but we were advised by security personnel not to call the number immediately. They said we should allow them to carry out the investigation. So, we have not called the number”. The ASUP chairman, who described the security situation in the state as deteriorating, added: “Honestly speaking,

people of Katsina State are no long safe; we need federal government intervention in order to address this menace”. He affirmed that the bandits and kidnappers terrorising the state have informants, whom he said are giving them information on the movement of persons and what they have. Ya’u called on the federal government to deploy the army and other security personnel to Rugu Forest to dislodge the criminals and make sure those kidnapped are not taken to the deadly forest. Meanwhile, operatives of ‘Operation Puff Adder,’ have killed one of the suspected bandits terrorising residents of Batsari and Safana LGAs of Katsina State and injured one other. The team recovered one AK47 rifle, four motorcycles, a bag of rice, one gallon of fuel and one bag of sugar. Briefing journalists on the achievements of the command, the state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba, said the achievement followed a serious exchange of gunfire between the police operatives and the bandits at Illella village in Safana Local Government Area of the state. According to him, “Today (Thursday) at about 13: 00hrs, based on a tip-off, ‘Operation Puff Adder,’ led by the Divisional Police Officer, Batsari division, raided one of the bandits’ camps at Illella village in Safana LGA of Katsina State. “After a fierce gun duel, the operatives succeeded in dislodging the hoodlums from the enclaves, as a result, one of them was killed during the shootout while the rest ran into the forest.” He stated that the injured suspect would be given medical attention by the police in order to avail the command with relevant information.

GOOD BYE, MR PRESIDENT…

President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledging cheers as he departs Abuja for Saudi Arabia ahead of the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Salinas...yesterday

Nigerians Became Poorer in Buhari’s First Term, Says The Economist Ejiofor Alike The Economist has stated that Nigerians became poorer during the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, insisting that while the Nigerian economy was “stuck like a stranded truck,” average incomes fell during the four-year period covering 2015 to 2019. In the report posted yesterday on its website, the magazine said based on the position of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the average income of Nigerians “will not rise for at least another six years.” “The Nigerian economy is stuck like a stranded truck.

Average incomes have been falling for four years; the IMF thinks they will not rise for at least another six (years). “The latest figures put unemployment at 23 per cent, after growing for 15 consecutive quarters. “Some 94 million people live on less than $1.90 a day, more than in any other country, and the number is swelling. By 2030, a quarter of very poor people will be Nigerians, predicts the World Data Lab, which counts such things,” the report explained. The report alleged that the naira was overvalued because the government had spent decades neglecting basic public goods such as roads, schools and electricity.

“Where urgency is needed, Mr Buhari offers only caution. Few are holding their breath for any more drive in his second term, which began on May 29th. “Yet officials are postponing a crisis, not averting one. Consider borrowing. The debt-to-GDP ratio is 28 per cent, but Nigeria collects so little in tax that interest payments swallow about 60 per cent of federal revenues,” the report added. In an apparent support for the removal of petrol subsidy, the Economist said that public finances would be healthier if the government raised the price of fuel, which is imported by the Nigeria National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC) and sold on at a loss. It said last year, subsidy was worth at least 0.5 per cent of the GDP, noting that this was almost what the government spent on health care. “Politicians are scared to end the subsidy. An attempt to do so in 2012 led to massive protests. “Although the government has expanded the schoolfeeding programme and is working on a safety net for the poor, most citizens get few benefits from the state,” it added. For Nigeria to prosper, the report said the government should harness the potential of its 200 million citizens.

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENT

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

THE ELEPHANT IN NIGERIA’S WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT The workplace determines its own culture, argues Tony Monye

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he workplace environment is arguably one of the most intriguing, especially the Nigerian scenario. Obviously, the workplace is chiefly designed to have man at his most productive. In the workplace, many hard and soft phenomena are pooled to drive its pre-conceptual lofty arguments of high productivity whilst ensuring the predominating existence of peace and orderliness. Oftentimes, these consciously arranged essentials include extremely detailed mix of plants, machineries, materials and humans in the form of labour – mental or physical. It doesn’t stop right there. On the other hand, like unwanted wildflowers in a treasured orchard, so many undesirable elements unconsciously develop in the workplace, hurting its laudable intentions. Interestingly, the larger arc of the adverse phenomena belongs with the soft aspects. Machines are machines; programmed, doing their jobs until breakdowns, obsolescence or moved. For the workplace to keep tight its original intents, of the two sets, the former must continuously and sweetly preponderate over the latter, some would argue. To this set, numbers are just numbers and targets are the main object of the production process. Without a puff of doubt, the soft aspects hold ‘brilliant’ accommodation for much of the undesirable elements. Perhaps, as progenitors of the soft elements, humans are, without argument, the bearers of the workplace many objectionable phenomena. Humans aren’t machines; they are humans. They are quite kinetic in all of moods, beliefs, values and temperament, etc., impacting production outcomes, be it negatively or the reverse. Nevertheless, others have, with consistency, voiced the over-arching contributions of the soft phenomena. What soft forces are at play in the workplace? They are many, though countable. They include the conundrum of cultures, moods, attitudes and belief systems, etc., intermingling at the workplace. When the mix is quite concise, for it is rarely the norm, the outcomes give elation. This piece mildly attempts a discussion on the rising tribal variegation, especially in the Nigerian workplace environment. The Nigerian workplace environment stands out. It easily calls the ‘erudite’ sight to itself. Its strengths and its pains are, somewhat in the extent of its tribal variegation, which is of the extreme. Steadily, over the years, the mix keeps growing, as a result of many factors, one of which is internal migration. As more people drift about locally, they carry along their tribal cultures, with fewer embracing tinier space for imbibing or entertaining new ones. The tribes, each with their individual cultures, are quite many. Often bandied, there are presumably 250 tribes in the Nigerian geo-space. This number is no joke. Some have argued Nigeria has the most tribally diversified workforce in the world. Strangely, these tribes and their individual cultures are similar to the extent of their dissimilarities. The differentiation, though exciting, should wake up each and every one of us to its many realities and subtleties. No longer is it the ant in the room; the diverse tribal identities

IN TODAY’S WORKPLACE, VOTES, DECISIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, STRANGELY AND UNFORTUNATELY, ARE GIVEN TRIBAL BENT, CONNOTATIONS AND EVEN INTERPRETATIONS, WITH LESS GIVEN TO PROFIT CONSIDERATIONS

have grown to be the elephant. This diversity implies many things: some of them, good; some, bad. The charge of the diversity largely depends on how it’s deliberately harnessed. Let’s be upfront about this: it’s delusional to think if nothing is purposely done to coupling this unusual but great mix, much good will be exposed. Tribal culture and practices, though as aged as man, still suffer incomplete understanding across the plain. But their grip is quite clamp-like. Culture isn’t just a seven-lettered word. It’s a lot more. Each of the individual tribal cultures is a complete set in terms of worldviews, infusing even segregated definitions to very identical phenomena, including many at the workplace. Culture presents, amongst others, not so easy views to work, shapes attitude and to some extent, can help determine whether work is rejected or embraced. Besides, in today’s workplace, votes, decisions and contributions, strangely and unfortunately, are given tribal bent, connotations and even interpretations, with less given to profit considerations. Even at critical moments, their standalone strengths are sadly ignored. Tribal culture defines relationship between peers, between subordinates and superiors. Without any pretensions, culture therefore, can debatably be said to encapsulate all of a worker’s needs for his everyday survival treks through the work-floor, as in life. Over time, the typical Nigerian workplace, like other aspects of our lives, has morphed. Deepening multiculturalism is the new trend. Unfortunately, culture doesn’t track well with time. The soundlessness of time undoes it. To survive, it must evolve along with this noise-free element. With over 250 tribes in the country’s space, one might argue that condensing all of these highly individuated cultures into its most productive workplace culture challenges many Nigerian organisations today. Yoruba culture, like the Igbo and the Hausa, is not the workplace culture. Workplace culture isn’t the prevalence of a particular tribal culture. The workplace, as a socio-production group, determines its own culture, which is the aggregate of the various individual cultures. Generally, cultures, oftentimes, counterview one another. Close by are countless cases of what one culture abhors another cuddles. Cultures only stretch out in friendship to one another through the route of tolerance. Sending distinct messages on tolerance, therefore, should be the new vogue in the workplace given growth in diversity. Let’s not miss this – diversity, in itself, holds little. It isn’t the same as tolerance. In fact, if effort to promote tolerance is held back in a workplace of many tribes, diversity easily morphs into intolerance, harming the party. With backs at a less tolerant past we set the tone for unfolding and strengthening a more tolerant future. Let’s hug the peaceful elephant in the room. Not its counterparty. Monye is Managing Partner, Rham Durham Consulting Ltd

BUHARI FIRST TERM: VERDICT OF THE EXAMINER Funmilola Adigun argues that President Buhari has done well

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s the navigator-in-chief and veritable personification of the unique creed of governance that he has been advocating and eventually ushered him into office as Nigeria’s most popularly elected president, no one is more qualified to determine the success of the four –year trial period of the Buhari administration. After overwhelmingly earning the confident endorsement of the Nigerian electorate twice, the verdict from the so-called silent majority is sufficiently loud and clear. It is understandable, though not significant, that the clamour of dissenting voices emanates from the vocal minority, as expressions of anguish and anger in reaction to discomforting disruptions of status quo. That the verdict from this segment of the populace, amplified by elite media, makes the loudest noise whilst lacking electoral weight, represents an irritating nuisance that President Buhari’s trademark reticence and aloofness eloquently rebuffs. Instructively, the silent majority’s resolute endorsement of the administration provides additional defense against such ‘urban warfare’ apart from drawing the battle lines! The last session of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja provided a very apt occasion for the president to declare his own verdict and he did not mince words or lose face. He rose in robust defense of his

cabinet ministers by deflecting orchestrated criticism of his decision to retain them till the end of his first term. In the process, President Buhari impressively saluted the courage and conviction of the ministers, noting that in the situation of serious challenges confronting the nation at the inception of the administration, which many commentators described as hopeless, “many would have given up.â€? But they stayed on united in determination to fulfill the campaign promise of rescuing Nigeria from its parlous state. Then the president captured the pure essence of stability of government as the anchor of nationhood when he specifically stated that he retained his cabinet because, “each of you has a unique skill and strength. We are a reflection of the Nigeria we aspire to achieve, a diverse but tolerant nation where no one is silenced and where every opinion should be head and considered.â€? After enumerating some of the major achievements of the administration, such as curbing the Boko Haram insurgency, revamping food security, the diversification agenda, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), rail infrastructure and the social investment programmes, the President remarked: “I want you all to leave this meeting proud to have served your nation to the best of your ability‌your achievements have guaranteed your position in the history books of this country. You have certainly

built the foundations for an improved economy and a more purposeful government.� At this point, discerning readers will realize the salient issues from which the president draws both inspiration and determination to soldier on regardless of the shrill criticism of the vocal minority escalated by media manipulation. It is one thing to be recognized for certain ethical and governance principles and to be propelled into presiding over an elected government by an expectant citizenry. It is quite another to be able to weather the ensuing storm of real and contrived challenges without succumbing or getting distracted. But the ultimate success lies in taking charge with focused commitment and making the positive difference that defines progress in halting decline or deterioration and preparing the grounds for a renewed initiative for reformed implementation. President Buhari’s political mission was defined by the groundswell of popular and widespread frustration with the decadent excesses of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, a state of anomie that was roundly rejected by the masses as well as the vast majority of vocal elite left out of the jamboree of reckless government. Not even the former president could have accurately and comprehensively accounted for the full dimensions of the damage done to the economy and the polity, certainly not in re-election season,

so there couldn’t have been anything like proactive preparation for righting the wrongs by the incoming President Buhari. As a reform-minded non-conformist political leader with a well-informed insight into the evils of bad governance perpetrated by corrupt politicians, the God-given, massmotivated opportunity of getting elected into leadership of the country could only be the first step in a long and laborious march against entrenched enemies of the country. Indeed, the first steps in the long march, equivalent to the first term, were certain to encounter all manner of rough tackles and even shifting of goal posts to frustrate and sabotage such that, as President Buhari observed earlier, “many would have given up.� Giving up was exactly what the opposition-powered, elitist vocal minority intended to impose on the incoming reform-focused anti-corruption Buhari administration as a forced alternative. A return to the bad old days of economy-deflating squandermania must remain an abominable option that requires all patriotic Nigerians to thank God for the successful re-election of President Buhari for a second term and then to rally round for the deep entrenchment of the reformist agenda, especially the anti-corruption and economic infrastructure development components in the last four years of the tenure, appropriately tagged Next Level. Adigun, a lecturer, wrote from Ibadan

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EDITORIAL The Creative Industry Financing Initiative It is a good option to stimulate the economy

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s part of efforts to boost job creation, particularly among the youths, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, has developed a Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI). Under the initiative, beneficiaries could get up to N500 million loan at nine per cent interest rate. The creative industries that could apply include fashion, information technology, movie distribution, music and software engineering. As laudable as this idea may appear, there are challenges that should not be glossed over before it becomes fully operational. In Nigeria today, authors, publishers, producers and artistes spend a lot of time, money and effort to produce intellectual works. Sadly, within a few hours, and with relatively cheap electronic equipment, the pirate, working from the comfort of their homes, can make thousands of copies of such painstaking works. These unscrupulous characters thereafter THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY sell the pirated works HAS THE CAPACITY TO for a fraction of the CREATE HUNDREDS price pegged by the OF THOUSANDS OF authentic producer or author. Apart from the JOBS ACROSS SUCH huge financial losses SKILL AREAS AS SET incurred by the owners DESIGN, MAKE-UP AND MANAGEMENT, DIRECTING of these intellectual properties, nothing AND MUCH MORE kills creativity better than piracy. Without any doubt, Nollywood is today our nation’s most widely acknowledged cultural export and one that has become a marketing point for certain aspects of African fashion and fashion accessories. Nollywood and other creative sectors therefore need all the encouragement and support they can get in order to expand and improve. But as we argued in the past, until we successfully tackle the menace of piracy, we must be circumspect. There is no gainsaying the benefits literary and

Letters to the Editor

artistic works have brought Nigeria. Our country has produced the late Professor Chinua Achebe (the author of the globally acclaimed ‘Things Fall Apart’), Professor Wole Soyinka, (the first African to win a Nobel prize in Literature as far back as 1986), and award winning writers like Ben Okri and Chimamanda Adichie, among others. These literary giants have helped to put Nigeria on the global map. Yet, it is not uncommon to find several celebrated writers and artistes living in penury as pirates ride piggy-back on their intellectual works to fortune.

I T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

n spite of this however, we endorse the intervention by the CBN and Bankers committee. As has been attested to by many experts, the creative industry in Nigeria has the capacity to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across such skill areas as set design, make-up and management, directing and much more. With this financial intervention, more schools and facilities for editing and post-production skills can therefore be established to expand and improve opportunities for development and expansion. There should also be some investment in proper writing and script conference skills, as well as professional self-management training for actors and actresses. Besides, the time has come for Nollywood to have its own movie production village. Given the foregoing, we believe that the CIFI can facilitate the birthing of many brilliant projects and ideas that have been held back for years because of the limited means of their creators. The intervention by the CBN and Bankers Committee also offers the various regulatory agencies in the sector the opportunity to pull itself together for a relaunch. Anti-piracy and content protection measures should now be driven with contemporary tools which can be easily obtained all over the globe. Insurance and artistes’ rights issues, including contract guarantees and the creative independence of directors can now be taken up within a framework of professionalism. This is the time to improve content, re-profile the technical quality of productions and take Nigeria to where the rest of the world is in the creative industry. But we need to strengthen the enabling laws and seek more efficient ways to track and punish the crime of piracy.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

PRESIDENT BUHARI’S NEW CABINET

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uhammadu Buhari has been inaugurated for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What’s next? – a new cabinet. President Buhari has constantly said that he has not discussed with anybody the composition of his cabinet for his second term as president. Nigerians hope that they will not have to wait for six months for the new members of cabinet to be named, like it happened in 2015. After the May 29th 2019 inauguration, the entire Nigerian state is anxiously waiting for one thing- President Buhari’s list of ministers. Most Nigerians expect the president to bring on board, men and women who will enliven his cabinet with new ideas and young minds with passion for development. President Buhari can achieve another first by taking a different direction from the previous style of presenting names of ministerial nominees to the Senate without their portfolios. If Buhari can be bold enough to send the names of ministerial nominees with their respective portfolios, it will make the screening very interesting and more productive for the senators while also giving Nigerians a foreknowledge of how each nominee may fare in his/her post. Though, one must admit that being eloquent on stage does not necessarily translate into performing very well in the field. No doubt, Buhari’s second term cabinet needs some young adventurers, silicon-valley-like-thinkers; men and women who can move the government with the speed of the imagination of most Nigerians. But right-thinking people and admirers of Buhari should not be deceived; Buhari also needs politicians in his cabinet including some of the first term ministers. Sidelining of politicians may be a political suicide for the APC. APC as a political party needs them in some areas - especially to hold the political front for the party when the need arises. Though, during the 2019 presidential elections,

most political appointees in the Buhari government became mere spectators in their states and localities, especially in the north- Buhari personally delivered himself. There are some ministers that did very well in the first term and deserve a return, but many performed below expectations. There are some ministries that President Buhari holds dear- petroleum, finance, solid minerals, rural development, transportation, education, health, and agriculture. These ministries should be manned by professionals. Mr. President should be very strong in this regard. If he finds competent professionals from any village in Nigeria who can effectively steer these ministries, he should be brave enough to appoint them. When professionals are appointed to man very important ministries, they know what is expected of them. They know they are called to rebuild a system that will shift the governance away from the traditional method of concentrating on only ‘off-the-shelves’ way of improving our society. They will not only saddle themselves with the responsibilities within their portfolio but also be team players that will bring new and feasible ideas to trigger development in all spheres of the society. They will help put in place, systems that will bring dynamism into governance. Buhari‘s second term ministers should be individuals whose senses of judgment is centered on the challenges of unlocking the future for ordinary Nigerians. In fact, Nigeria needs to start a yearly continuous assessment of ministers. Each minister should be given realistic and measurable targets to achieve within a year or two. This is will leapfrog development; brings new thinking and fresh approach to governance. This will also make the cabinet an engine-room to provide broad variety of services to Nigerians, ranging from health to industrial development, security, a sound legal system, and an effective infrastructure and education system. Welcome to the next level. Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa State

PROBE SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

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t is time to probe the activities of the Social Investment Programme and allied ‘empowerment’ schemes if there will be any legitimate tinge to President Buhari’s anti-corruption stance. This has become expedient in the light of revelations from Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s president, that the Social Investment Programme (SIP) was twisted in favour of certain sections of the country. In January, CERLSI called on the federal government to review all so-called ‘empowerment’ programmes in Nigeria. We made this call at the onset of the 2019 presidential campaigns when there were speculations that monies budgeted for the SIP and all other ‘empowerment’ programmes were being doled out by Mr Vice President as ‘trader money’ – a euphemism for vote-buying’. Because of suspicions that the SIP programme had a political tone to it, CERLSI therefore called on the federal government to review and de-politicize access to loans by putting the distribution/disbursement of such loans in the hands of institutions with a transparent and accountable profile. With the outcry by such an auspicious personality as Mrs Aisha Buhari that the programme favours only a section of Nigeria, CERLSI stands vindicated that all empowerment schemes in Nigeria have issues with being transparent and fall short of accountable parameters especially in the manner and tenor and undertone guiding the ‘disbursement’ of those monies. CERLSI reiterates that true empowerment does not come with primitive solutions like throwing monies at problems. Such unsustainable programmes and schemes ultimately achieve temporal palliative. True and lasting empowerment comes from providing an enabling environment wherein every Nigerian can benefit. Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, CERLSI deputy executive director

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POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

As Emmanuel Begins The Completion Agenda Amos Etuk

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s Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State begins the second term of his administration, following his successful re-election, he has the set template for his legacy projects under the broad theme, ‘The Completion Agenda’. The governor is apparently already on the path of consolidating the foundation of his five-point agenda, which began in his first term. It is indeed a new season for the people of Akwa Ibom State, a dawn that is sustained on a guaranteed future of economic prosperity and the renewed commitment as the Servant Leader. The renaissance of the leadership of Emmanuel is a renewal of commitment to hold government in trust for the people, as he serves out his Divine Mandate. It is also that glorious season when the promises fulfilled in his first term have become reference points of excellence of global interest that has made the state a continous destination for investors and new possibilities for sustained economic development. In four years, Emmanuel has successfully secured the future of Akwa Ibom State with an industrial policy that has berthed several industries including the Toothpick Factory, Metering Factory at Onna, Syringe Factory at Onna, Ibom Paints at Etinan, Rice Mill at Ini, Fertilizer Blending Plant at Abak and the entrepreneurial success story of agricultural growth through the establishment of the Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme (AKEES) which has revolutionised the sector with new opportunities that has increased the economic indices of the state. In four years, the infrastructural development across the state has been overwhelming and surpassed superior performance with a wider reach of development in areas previously neglected by other administrations and the intervention directive in other key sectors like health which has led to the rehabilitation of the famous St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo, the Etinan General Hospital, the General Hospital, Ituk Mbang and the education sector where the free and compulsory basic education in public schools has been sustained, payment of N600 million WAEC fees for indigenes in public schools annually and the renovation of public schools across the 31 local government areas of the state. In four years of his sterling leadership, Emmaunuel has changed the face of sports development in Nigeria that has today made the state a hub for new talents and home to the best sporting activities in the country. A winner of the prestigious Best Sports Governor in 2017, he made his first strike at sporting success barely few months in office when Akwa United won the Federation Cup in 2015 and that first national sporting laurel has opened more victorious outings for various teams in the state to excel as well as making the state the home to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their qualification series for the 2018 World Cup. The Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival, the very first of its kind in Nigeria has discovered budding talents that has placed the state on the medal podium of national and international meets including the National Youth Games and the last National Sports Festival where the state has been at the summit in all her appearances in the last four years. In four years, the synergy between the judiciary and the state legislature

Emmanuel

(the Sixth Assembly) remains commendable with respect for each arm in the drive towards building the greatness of the development of Akwa Ibom State. In four years so far, Governor Udom Emmanuel has restored the confidence of the people of Akwa Ibom State in the enabling ambience of peace prevalent that has given a renewed commitment for more service delivery as well as investment growth which has enhanced new indices for development. The journey of ‘The Completion Agenda’ of this amiable governor whose visionary strides have been applauded began last Friday where a new dawn beckoned with the rededication service organised by the Fathers of Faith in the State to lay a new foundation for a spiritual template and God’s guidance for the next four years. The re-dedication service with the theme ‘The Earth is the Lord’s’ is the very first of its kind by any administration in Nigeria and clearly shows the heart of love Emmanuel has in serving God and committing the state into His hands with the faith and reassurances of the secured future that has been bestowed on the land. The first steps of the next four years (2019-2023) have been taken with the milestones in the aviation sector with the reality of a state owned airline, Ibom Air changing the narrative of the industry in Nigeria and putting Akwa Ibom State as a destination of greater influx for opportunities as well as new economic frontiers with the scheduled commencement of commercial flights from the Obong Victor Attah International Airport to designated routes across the country. The arrival of three aircrafts, a demonstration flight, the completion of sales outlets and administrative departments at various airports in the country has shown a well laid out plan to ensure the sustainability of the Ibom Air to offer services and reach destinations that will make the people of the state proud. The aviation industry in the state remains strategic in enhancing industrialization and the set targets of the next four years include the building of a main

terminal at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport, construction of a power station to supply electricity to the airport and the establishment of a flight training school. In the next four years, The Completion Agenda offers a holistic approach to the implementation of the industrialisation drive, security, infrastructure, aviation development agriculture, human capacity, small and medium scale development as well as rural development. It will chart the course for enhancing Internally Generated Revenue, the establishment of a petroleum refinery in the state, the actualization of the Ibom Industrial City and the Ibom Deep Sea Port as long term economic strategies that will foist integrated opportunities for national development. It will also provide the template to facilitate the process of completion of the MRO Hanger, the Coconut refinery, the modular refinery, the establishment of a Free Trade Zone as well as the emergence of more industries which will create more job opportunities. The foundation of the economic growth presently being savoured in Akwa Ibom State lies in the strength of the establishment of small and medium scale enterprises and with the signing of the Akwa Ibom Micro Enterprise Development Agency Bill in 2017, Emmanuel has given new opportunities to teeming entrepreneurs to take advantage of easy access to capital to set up businesses that will have long term economic benefits to Nigeria. The set targets in this sector in the next four years will be the establishment of more vocational schools, encouragement of cooperative societies as well as increase the presence of small and medium scale industries in 2023. Rural development has been set as a primary target to connect the infrastructure to national grid. The set target is to enhance the standard of living of the people in the rural areas and the promise to tackle these challenges and deliver also sets a new definition of a fresh breathe of renaissance. The fulfilment of the sustained

peace in the state has been well channelled to be vigorously pursued in The Completion Agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel as templates to work in synergy and provision of all dynamics in making the state secure will be provided, while the agenda to complete all road networks in the state in 2023 remains on course. The Housing Policy for the next four years will ensure the provision of decent housing scheme to the people of the state through Public, Private Partnership (PPP), as well as the completion of the International Worship Centre, completion of the 21-storey office building complex in Uyo and other set targets to enhance the lives of the people, while the power sector which has improved in the last four years will be surpassed with projected 24-hour power supply with the construction of more sub power stations and procurement of transformers and overhauling of facilities were necessary. Sports in the next four of the Emmanuel administration will remain at the pivot of his legacies. Already, Akwa United has qualified for the Super Six competition of the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League abridged season with very bright prospects of winning the league for the first time and qualifying to represent Nigeria at the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Champions League next season. The third Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival is scheduled to hold in June this year and the Eket International Stadium has reached an advanced stage of completion. Women have played an integral role in the success story of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration and the pivotal role and support given by the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel through her pet Project, FEYREP, will continue to enhance the lives of the less privileged in the state, while the agricultural sector will have a new policy framework that will not only provide food to the people but also generate jobs and create wealth for the people. It is expected that when the Seventh Assembly of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly will be proclaimed and inaugurated in the first week of June, the synergy , mutual respect, cordial working relationship and independence in the legislative functions and quality legislation will be enhanced between all arms of the government in surpassing the provision of more democratic dividends. In Akwa Ibom State, the beginning of the second term of Governor Emmanuel is now beyond the endorsement and overwhelming mandate given to him and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the 2019 general election, it is a renewed mandate of the faith of the people in a leader they believe in and his commitment to serve with utmost humility and sincerity in giving a stronger depth and content in service delivery as well as taking bold steps, bold decisions, bold initiatives with strong scriptural values of faith to walk the path of history. History will be kind to Emmanuel and the future will remain prosperous for generations to come. This is the Completion Agenda for the people of Akwa Ibom State and in the words of Johann Von Schiller, a playwright, ‘He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times.’ The future is indeed secure in Akwa Ibom State. -Amos Etuk writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019

19

PERSPECTIVE

Religious Lop-sidedness in APC’s Leadership Selection Odidi Omoaka

I

t is reasonable to conclude that whenever the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds up the mirror to look at itself, the image that comes up is that of a once-in-an-age progressive entity created to remedy our national defects. Hard evidence, however, declines to support this distorted image. By June 11, if the ruling party’s desire comes to fruition, the control of three arms of the country’s government will be in the hands of Muslims, the first time since the return to democratic rule in 1999. President Muhammadu Buhari is already the leader of the executive arm. The judiciary has Justice Tanko Mohammed in place as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), following the chicanery that ousted Justice Walter Onnoghen, a Southern Christian, as CJN. The President of the Federal Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati, like the CJN, are both Muslims. The Senate, should things pan out as the APC has them planned, will have Senator Ahmed Lawan as President, with a strong possibility that his deputy will be Kabiru Gaya, who has been everything but coy about his ambition. The House of Representatives, by APC’s design, is expected to produce Femi Gbajabiamila, a Muslim, as Speaker. The Gbajabiamila camp has already settled for Idris Wase, a Muslim from the North-Central zone, as Deputy Speaker. The design is similar to the one APC adopted in 2015, which had the same candidates for both positions. But it was outwitted by Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Aminu Dogara, who halted the plan for Muslim headship of the two chambers by restoring religious balance. What this indicates, uncomplicatedly, is that the APC views Nigerian Christians, especially those in the South, as children of a lesser god, who deserve no more than political crumbs. Hints that the APC was designed as a special purpose vehicle to foist an Islamic domination agenda on Nigeria were there from when it emerged in 2013 as a fusion of disparate and desperate political interests. It could not have been otherwise. The party’s totem, General Muhammadu Buhari (now President), is a die-hard Sharia advocate who, justifiably, also merits that tag of a sectional champion. Early in 2014, an Islamic cleric, Ambassador Yusuf Garba, likened the APC to Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and accused it of harbouring plans to Islamise Nigeria. Garba, a member of a group named Religious Equity Promotion Council (REPC), arrived at his position just by looking at the APC Interim National Executive Committee, which was

Buhari

chock-full with Muslims. Appointed as National Chairman was Chief Bisi Akande, Aminu Bello Masari as Deputy National Chairman, Tijani Musa Tumsah as National Secretary, Nasir el-Rufai as Deputy National Secretary and Lai Mohammed as National Publicity Secretary. The party also appointed Sadiya Umar Faruq as National Treasurer, Shaibu Musa as National Financial Secretary, Abubakar Lado as National Youth Leader, Muiz Banire as National Legal Adviser, Bala Jubrin as Deputy National Auditor and Sharia Ikeazor (a convert to Islam) as National Woman Leader. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other groups, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), also warned that hints of bias in favour of Islam carry the potential to uncouple the country, as they were bound to reboot sectarian tensions. Their voices were, however, drowned out by the powerful APC propaganda machine, abetted by undiscerning Nigerians and power-seeking desperadoes. Further hints of the APC’s indifference to the country’s religious plurality manifested after Buhari had emerged as presidential candidate and was shopping for a Southern running mate. It emerged that the party was considering Tinubu to run on a MuslimMuslim ticket with Buhari, news of which provoked widespread disapproval, including from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The APC back-tracked, picking Yemi Osinbajo,

a Pentecostal pastor, and momentarily selling itself as a thoughtful entity. But old habits are notoriously tough to shake. Following its victory in the presidential election, the APC rebooted its agenda-with Buhari at the wheel. Among his first appointments, even while it took him six months to constitute a cabinet, were Lawal Daura, a retired officer recalled to head the Department of State Security (DSS); Hammid Ali, a retired Army officer as Comptroller-General of Customs; and Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff. The agenda proceeded with the appointment of Ibrahim K. Idris, an Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police, to replace Solomon Arase as Inspector-General of Police. That particular appointment induced, in one fell swoop, the retirement of 21 Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, who were Idris’ seniors. It equally manifested in the President’s decision to replace Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with Dr. Maikanti Baru, a Northern Muslim; and refusal to appoint, in substantive capacity, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, as DSS Director-General, after serving in acting capacity when Daura was sacked by the Vice President. Instead, Buhari appointed Yusuf Magaji Bichi, a Muslim from Kano State. The same pattern could be seen in the replacement of Kemi Adeosun, a Yoruba Christian, who resigned as Minister of Finance. Her replacement turned out to be Mrs. Zainab Ahmed,

who was said to have been the candidate of Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State. As such, it was not much of surprise when el-Rufai, with breath taking insensitivity to the tinder-box religious situation in Kaduna State, settled for a Muslim running-mate, a decision he said had the approval of President Buhari with whom he consulted. Bad as the situation is, there is a huge chance that it could get worse. Much worse, especially for Southern Christians. The conduct of the APC in the last four years does not inspire hope that the next four will drip with sensitivity to religious or sectional balance. By 2023, Nigerians will have another chance to elect a president. There is very little, if any, chance of Buhari’s successor being a Christian or Southerner. Rumoured to be keen on the job is el-Rufai, whose indifference to the plight of Christians in his state has seen communities explode with violence, one after the other, like firecrackers on a string. Tinubu, the Southerner, who is allegedly being pressured to run, is a Muslim. The APC, it is safe to assume, will not hand its presidential ticket to a Christian, Northern or Southern. It is not wired to be balanced in anything it does. The chances of a Christian emerging Nigeria’s president in the near future, I believe, are wafer-thin. The Northern political/religious establishment is ceaseless in saying politics is a numbers game. A recent study released by the US fact tank, Pew Research Centre, projects that Nigeria will be home to 9.5 per cent of the global Muslim population by 2060. As at 2015, it stood at 5.1 per cent. The projection is that local Muslim population would have grown from a little over 90million (50 per cent) in 2015 to 283.1million (60.5 per cent). Conversely, the Christian population (86.6million in 2015) is projected to climb to 174.2million in 2060. While the 2015 figure (48.1 per cent of local population) gave Nigeria 3.8 per cent of the global Christian population, the projected 2060 figure will have Nigerian Christians making up 37.2 per cent of local population and 5.7 per cent of global Christian population. Islam continues to spread globally. Figures show that 31 per cent of children born worldwide between 2010 and 2015 were Muslim and babies born to Muslims, whose faith allow polygamy, are expected to outnumber those born to Christians by 2035. In Northern Nigeria, non-Muslims have been known to convert or risk being frozen out of socio-political benefits. These conditions are to the advantage of religious supremacists such as the APC and reduce the possibility of a Christian Nigerian president. -Omoaka, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached at deereno75@ gmail.com

Irukera as the Right Fit in Kogi George Oyedepo

K

ogi is on everybody’s mind. Mine own too. Since Presidential elections ended, the news has been awash with the failures and corruption of the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello and the anguish and sufferings of the people of Kogi. There is always news about the pain and poverty inflicted by not paying salaries of most for over three years, and some for between seven and 20 months in a state where nothing but civil service and local government employment are the sole and only industry. In Kogi, everything is now comatose whether it is buka, school, food selling, clothes and every single stream of commerce. Only recharge card for data and reading or posting the pains of the state is a viable business. But GYB affected that one too when draconically he shut down MTN base stations to harass them to pay money. Who does that? In a government where the centre is doing Ease of Doing Business and trying to attract investors, one governor just shuts down base stations of the largest GSM company. What is supposed to be good and joyful news also causes death in Kogi. Anyone looking should see that there is a spiritual dimension to this. There is a governor whose only preoccupation is

running from pillar to post, looking for a second term not minding what people are going through. There is fear of him all over the land. For a nonperforming and dismal failure of a governor the only declared opposition is from a former military man who was Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Jibrin Usman because he believes he can match him gun-for-gun, fire-for-fire. The saddest part is that many Kogites are cheering the candidate because he can match GYB’s violence. That is how bad Kogi has become. How dehumanizing. That qualification for support to run as governor is whether you have capacity and audacity for violence. Never mind that this can mean replacing an acclaimed corrupt governor with a worse person. What is Kogi’s offence? Can Nigeria ever be delivered? A recent viral clip of news showed an Edward Onoja, GYB’s Chief of Staff upbraiding one of the candidates who has shown interest in Kogi governorship, Seidu Ogar, DG NASDRA for corrupt practices and selling employment for One Million Naira each to Kogites, He detailed how Jibrin Usman is currently an accused person in the dock standing criminal charges. He went after Ahmadu Ali for long-standing corruption allegation even though he is an elder states man. He

challenged the Audu sons Mohammed Abubakar Audu and Mona Abubakar Audu for benefitting from the corrupt wealth of their late father who was under EFCC investigation and trial till he sadly passed away on the eve of announcing his victory in the governorship elections. He said they have no single item on their CVs for anything they have ever achieved apart from being Prince Abubakar Audu’s children and lots of sleaze about their morality and how they treat and sexually and physically abuse women. GYB’s own Ganajagate is no more news and what is news now is a hacking of Onoja’s Facebook account and discovery of sexually explicit sleazy conversations, images and videos of several women including young girls of as little as 17 years. In a sane clime, this is called pedophilia and the person will be in jail as a sex offender. There are also chats with his acolytes on how to set people up including taking nude photos or photoshopping other pictures to blackmail and intimidate. This is the story of a governor and his Chief of Staff who are using the enormous powers of their office to victimize, abuse and exploit the citizens whether by stealing, not paying salaries or sexually. What a dirty but vicious circle of unending hopelessness and victimization. Things have fallen apart and the center can no

longer hold. This sad story of Kogi should make us all weep as a country. Kogi is a state of more than five million people and over one million registered voters. Can it be that there are no decent people there? How can it be that the line-up of those warming up and those in incumbency are so morally bankrupt or established as corrupt or at least questionably corrupt? There is a problem. We are not even talking about the competence of any of the people yet, we are still talking about their reputation. For people looking from outside and feeling sorry for Kogi, we should be afraid for ourselves. The problem is next door. Ironically, Kogi uniquely shares borders with 10 other states. Whatever is happening in Kogi can, happen everywhere. Leadership should have standards. The lowest standard anywhere is potentially the acceptable standard everywhere. We should all be very afraid of how low and below sea level Kogi has taken qualification for leadership because as the lawyers say, it will become the generally applicable standard. The weakest link of any chain is the test of the full strength of the chain. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

20

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019 • T H I S D AY

UTILIZATION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE AS AT 24TH OF MAY 2019 S/N

CUSTOMERS

S/N

CUSTOMERS

1

ADEBIYI A. AYOBAMI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

44

CBN

2

AKEREDOLU M. OLANREWAJU

AMOUNT (US$)

4,000.00 PTA

PURPOSE

359.00 20-May-19

RATE DATE

45

NOVA BANK

AMOUNT (US$)

PURPOSE

S/N

CUSTOMERS

357.00 21-May-19

87

DAVID A. DUROWAIYE

360.30 21-May-19

RATE DATE

88

KINGSLEY AMADI

3

AKPAN SAMUEL

280.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

46

ANOZIE V. ARITO

4

AMENECHI A. NWABUEZE

1,500.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

47

UDEOZOR C. EJEOGU

5

AYOTUNDE OGUN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

48

NGOCHINDO FELICIA

1,100.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

89

ADIELA SONNY ORIKE

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

90

ONYEKA B. NNAMDI

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

91

UDE IKEMEFULE

2,775.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

6

CHINELO OJUKWU

835.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

49

AMOJE O. MATHEW

7

EZEANI S. ONYINYECHI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

50

ALIU M. OLUROTIMI

8

EZECHIEFOH HENRIETTA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

51

ODUGBEMI OMOTOMILAYO

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

92

UZZI IWAEYE A

3,937.50 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

4,000.00 PTA 4,000.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

93

MARIAM KADIRI

3,937.50 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

359.00 22-May-19

94

DARAMOLA R. OLONIRUHA

3,780.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

9

GERMAN E. EDIJANA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

52

KUPONIYI ADEMOLA

10

IDA IFEOMA OFFOR

1,500.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

53

OGUNDARE M. ADIO

900.00 PTA

11

IFEKA CHUKWUDI REMIGUS

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

54

UDUGBA A. TIMEYIN

1,400.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

95

KOLAWOLE HEZEKIAH

359.00 22-May-19

96

CBN

86,478.94 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 23-May-19

359.00 22-May-19

97

CBN

19,058.53 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 23-May-19

12

INEOMON AIMAKHU EVANS

500.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

55

EMEZIE N. AMAUCHE

1,402.61 PTA

13

LAWAL G. FOLORUNSO

2,300.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

56

OBABUEKI PRISCILLIA

1,110.00 PTA

14

MATWIMS CONSULT LIMITED

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

57

CHINDAH N. JULIA

3,885.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

98

NIGERIA PIPES LIMITED

359.00 22-May-19

99

EKUNDAYO S. AKINOLA

850.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

359.00 22-May-19

100

ODUGBEMI B. ADENIRAN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

15

NWOSU NGOZI MARIA

3,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

58

OKEANONIFE NNENNA

16

OKAFOR E. OBIOMA

3,500.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

59

ONWUCHEKWE C. ONYEKA

17

SOLOMON VICTORIA SUNDAY

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

60

CHIOMA U AMAECHI

3,875.62 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

101

IGBADUMHE I. EMMANUELI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

630.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

102

AKANJI OLUSOLA M

1,600.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

3,780.00 PTA

359.00 22-May-19

103

EMENI O. ROSELINE

5,000.00 BTA

18

WILLIAMS MARK TUBOTEIN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

61

DUAKA A. HELEN

3,266.78 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

359.00 22-May-19

104

NJOKU A. LEMUEL

4,000.00 PTA

19

EJIOGU P. ADANNA

1,121.81 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

62

OLAWOYIN G. MUKAILA

20

ADIO-OGUNTUASE ELIZABETH

645.35 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

63

AGBAJI E. JOSEPH

359.00 24-May-19

14,480.30 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 22-May-19

105

COOKEY MINA S O

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

15,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 22-May-19

106

OGUNBEKUN O. HAFEEZ

4,000.00 PTA

21

EDOKPAYI STELLA-MARIS

1,280.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

64

ADIGWU J. ONYEABOR

359.00 24-May-19

13,800.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 22-May-19

107

FAKEYE TOLULOPE IBITOMI

1,500.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

22

FAJEYISAN FADEKE

1,670.64 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

65

CBN

23

OJINI I. FRANCIS

1,045.94 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

66

CBN

24

SARDAUNA SALIHU

3,904.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

67

DIZENGOFF

110,209.10 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 22-May-19

108

AKINYEMI A. JANET

57,097.48 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 22-May-19

109

EDIRIN OLUKU K

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

123,074.10 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS

360.80 22-May-19

110

OMOROGBE F. NEKPEN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

25

SHEILA LAR

2,560.00 PTA

359.00 20-May-19

68

JUBAILI BROS ENGINEERING LTD.

154,047.50 PERKINS ENGINE FOR GENERATOR ASSEMBLY

26

OKOH ALFRED ILODUBA

4,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 20-May-19

69

BASCO NIGERIA LIMITED

27

ODETUNDE O. OLADIMEJI

487.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 20-May-19

70

BASCO NIGERIA LIMITED

360.90 22-May-19

28

AKINOLA O. AYODEJI

29

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AGBOR

30

CBN

31

CBN

32

MTN NIGERIA COMMUNICATIONS LTD

33

AFRICAN WIRE & ALLIED IND. (NIG) LTD

34 35

28,291.91 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN 510,640.30 INTERBANK

1,000.00 PTA

AMOUNT (US$)

PURPOSE

RATE DATE

3,000.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

400.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

7,087.70 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 23-May-19

127,880.00 SPARE PARTS FOR UPVC PIPE INDUSTRY

4,000.00 PTA

360.90 23-May-19

359.00 24-May-19

111

FAKEYE T. IBITOMI

1,110.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

360.90 22-May-19

112

WALTER J. NNUFI

2,375.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

4.22 TRICYCLE IN C.K.D COLOURS

360.90 22-May-19

113

OLAMIDE RAJI

2,500.00 PTA

15.65 JINCHENG MOTOCYCLES

359.00 24-May-19

1,907.57 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 20-May-19

71

BASCO NIGERIA LIMITED

34.88 TRICYCLE IN C.K.D COLOURS

360.90 22-May-19

114

IBEME C, DELIBE

3,925.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

11,616.30 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 20-May-19

72

BASCO NIGERIA LIMITED

160.27 TRICYCLE IN C.K.D COLOURS

360.90 22-May-19

115

ANTHONIO K. MARGARET

2,500.00 PTA

359.00 24-May-19

68,726.60 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 20-May-19

73

BASCO NIGERIA LIMITED

360.90 22-May-19

116

OKOYE SYLVESTER

3,336.58 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

29,322.80 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 20-May-19

74

NCR NIG PLC

102,536.80 AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES

360.90 22-May-19

117

IBEH G. EJIROGHENE

3,535.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

360.90 20-May-19

75

ISN PRODUCTS

539,934.92 MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS REAGENTS KITS

360.90 22-May-19

118

NAMARAN INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD

6,075.98 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

5,000.00 INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY

360.50 20-May-19

76

JUST FOOD

73,199.10 COMELLE CM ICE CREAM POWDER

360.90 22-May-19

119

HAMZAT T. ADEBOWALE

7,643.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

CHIDOZIE A. VIVIAN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 21-May-19

77

AIRTEL NETWORSKS LIMITED

50,400.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

360.90 22-May-19

120

BUBA MUSA HAMBAGDA

3,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

KOMOLAFE I. OLADIPUPO

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 21-May-19

78

AIRTEL NETWORSKS LIMITED

18,999.94 LOAN REPAYMENT

360.90 22-May-19

121

BODUNDE J. TOPE

15,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

36

SOLOMON OKORO

1,000.00 BTA

359.00 21-May-19

79

AIRTEL NETWORSKS LIMITED

360.90 22-May-19

122

BANJOKO A. SUNDAY

1,124.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

37

ASUEIMEN G. CHOTARA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 21-May-19

80

NOVA BANK

360.30 22-May-19

123

GOLOSA A. RASHIDAT

14,614.60 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 24-May-19

38

AJAYI O. BABATUN

5,000.00 BTA

359.00 21-May-19

81

OPEYEMI LABADE REBECCA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

124

CBN

70,327.20 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 24-May-19

39

PAMELA ABDULLAHI

3,800.00 PTA

359.00 21-May-19

82

ADEDEJI O. NURENI

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

125

CBN

17,616.58 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

357.00 24-May-19

40

NWOKOLO PAUL

1,233.99 PTA

359.00 21-May-19

83

OLAOYE A. YAKUB

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

126

AIRTEL NETWORSKS LIMITED

36,000.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

360.90 24-May-19

41

OMIOGBEMI KESS

4,320.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 21-May-19

84

AMINAT ABDUL

1,200.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

127

AIRTEL NETWORSKS LIMITED

201,900.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

360.90 24-May-19

42

BIOSE F. OGOR

2,570.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 21-May-19

85

DANIA HELEN

600.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

128

IATA

385,973.13 TICKET REMITTANCE

360.93 24-May-19

43

CBN

357.00 21-May-19

86

OKONKWO U. KOSISOCHUKWU

1,100.00 PTA

359.00 23-May-19

129

IATA

168,753.30 TICKET REMITTANCE

360.93 24-May-19

488,215.54 TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENTS

79,038.32 IMTO TRANSFERRED TO CBN

140.43 JINCHENG MOTOCYCLES

112,299.20 TELECOM EQUIPMENT 27,720.00 INTERBANK

SOURCE OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE AS AT 24TH OF MAY 2019 S/N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

SOURCE AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS IMTO IMTO IMTO IMTO AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS CBN CBN AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS

AMOUNT (US$) 2,509.78 651.75 175.32 44.34 6,278.05 3,297.53 295.96 166.26 25.41 700.00 3,380.00 3,500.00 390.00 60.00 2.81 740.00 200.00 4,530.00 80.00 321.03 2,000.00 15,000.00 98.73 80.00 2,000.00 50.00 90,625.32 1,010.14 38,514.30 582.77 27,448.46 10,000.00 1,113,600.00 400,000.00 3,500,000.00 2,000,000.00 304.81 2,604.77 443.36 1,171.59 2,394.89 332.52 266.02 1,071.83 166.26 443.36 166.26 29.32 277.10 282.41 54.40 126.50 126.50 189.75 569.26 885.51 3,268.51 54.75 32.85 1,934.18 1,607.00 700.00 605.00 205.00 760.00 35.00 200.00 300.00 372.00 400.00 490.00 828.52 3,545.00 3,790.00

www.ubagroup.com

RATE 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 355.00 355.00 355.00 354.98 359.00 359.75 359.75 360.00 357.00 357.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00

DATE 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 20-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19

S/N 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148

SOURCE AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS IMTO IMTO IMTO IMTO AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS

AMOUNT (US$) 100.00 497.55 385.00 485.44 3,035.00 475.00 787.00 905.00 425.00 420.00 1,781.16 27.77 475.00 456.00 2,400.00 70.00 30.00 996.71 973.00 1,329.00 89.00 380.00 1,320.34 143.00 5,000.00 3,850.00 1,000.00 500.00 100.00 100.00 400.00 1,000.00 1,491.29 104,196.53 1,187.90 37,275.34 447.20 37,506.00 50,000.00 613,812.00 2,750.00 46.68 420.85 553.75 182.74 2,098.70 88.60 775.25 61.49 4,514.64 56.29 498.37 221.50 171.66 11.07 2,148.96 126.41 252.82 24.97 214.90 758.46 366.59 1,232.49 613.09 432.08 31.60 680.00 9,974.00 1,760.00 116.17 86.17 170.00 18.83 100.00

RATE 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 357.00 357.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 355.00 355.00 355.00 354.97 359.00 359.00 359.75 359.50 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00

DATE 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 21-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19

S/N 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222

SOURCE AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS IMTO IMTO IMTO IMTO AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS

AMOUNT (US$) 100.00 3,280.00 631.00 250.91 500.00 2,035.00 24.64 1,230.00 241.00 150.00 100.00 5.00 763.82 527.20 802.03 300.00 1,076.86 289.18 1,076.86 249.21 205.00 1,250.71 1,629.43 102.33 5,087.00 221.88 150.00 300.00 3,190.00 397.20 492.00 590.85 800.00 1,235.00 1,450.00 1,500.00 4,000.00 122.84 167.91 221.38 200.00 290.00 93.70 14,987.00 56,975.00 6,362.00 145,449.17 1,496.30 75,184.04 945.93 50.00 50.00 3,000.00 256.33 460.00 200.00 3,000.00 55.37 4,000.00 2,300.00 80,000.00 59,918.50 7,577.86 79.36 830.18 332.07 860.62 132.83 99.62 332.07 332.07 110.69 151.65 298.87

RATE 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 355.00 355.00 355.00 354.93 359.00 359.00 357.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00

DATE 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 22-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19

S/N 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296

SOURCE AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS IMTO IMTO IMTO IMTO AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS

United Bank for Africa Plc. RC No. 2457. UBA House, 57 Marina, Lagos

AMOUNT (US$) 540.23 553.45 121.76 55.35 138.60 214.20 3,150.00 2,205.00 2,835.00 3,215.00 3,560.00 290.00 4,166.00 274.59 132.76 550.00 100.00 1,480.00 190.00 50.00 35.00 104.43 124.37 780.00 400.00 1,201.00 50.00 36.22 50.00 93.56 1,107.00 135.00 280.00 481.00 62.50 85.00 100.00 102.95 122.54 137.38 156.02 191.61 252.71 230.00 263.75 355.60 490.00 545.81 620.00 789.50 2,314.00 2,880.00 475.39 150.00 7,645.37 111.27 165.06 2,000.00 107.09 256.42 272.82 2,593.36 70.00 400.00 2,500.00 4,500.00 200.00 114,115.09 1,190.16 25,044.75 366.62 44.28 166.04 110.69

RATE 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 357.00 359.00 359.00 355.00 355.00 355.00 354.86 359.00 359.00 359.00

DATE 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 23-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19

S/N 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366

SOURCE AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS IMTO IMTO IMTO IMTO AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS

AMOUNT (US$) 166.04 202.56 540.17 2,322.58 126.29 694.01 126.00 372.96 1,042.20 1,248.03 1,242.18 1,242.18 87.79 900.00 480.00 165.03 970.00 140.00 200.00 800.00 100.00 102.31 1,000.00 142.93 168.69 258.60 480.01 1,753.50 103.09 185.58 389.08 116.39 730.00 205.00 41.00 63.84 172.00 282.00 1,470.00 980.00 2,000.00 2,130.00 6,000.00 6,035.00 7,889.00 8,000.00 230.00 732.12 295.31 12,100.00 787.00 1,836.92 3,833.00 1,160.00 200.00 3,500.00 50.00 56.55 2,000.00 5,000.00 7,000.00 200.00 92,796.37 973.23 23,165.04 323.73 30,000.00 230,000.00 5,250.00 280,000.00

RATE 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 359.00 355.00 355.00 355.00 354.95 359.00 359.00 359.50 359.50

DATE 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19 24-May-19

Africa’s Global Bank

21

T H I S D AY ˞ ͹ͯ, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

Í° Ͳ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ ͡ MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 11.14 % 12 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

13.50 % 12.75 % 12.88 %

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

395.20 % 0.37 % 2.20 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 2.23 % YEAR TO DATE 10.71 %

EXCHANGE RATE N306.90/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Onyema Wins Zik Prize for Leadership

BUSINESS FORUM

L-R: Executive Director, Business Council, Russia-Nigeria, Valeriy Vozdvishenskey; President, Allwe Foreign Trade Company, Bogdan Skripnik; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase; Nigeria Ambassador to Russia, Mr. Steve Davies Ugbah and Former Defense Minister, Adetokunbo Kayode, during the Nigerian-Russian Expotech Business Forum organised by the LCCI in Lagos‌ recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Aircraft Acquisition: Finally, Lessors Blacklist Nigeria Chinedu Eze Nigerian airlines will henceforth find it extremely difficult to acquire aircraft through leasing, except by outright purchase as THISDAY learnt that major aircraft leasing companies in the world have blacklisted the country. The blacklisting was as a result of the failure of some indigenous airlines to return aircraft to lessors after they defaulted on the terms of the acquisition of the equipment. THISDAY gathered from reliable industry sources that recent efforts by some domestic carriers to lease aircraft met a dead end as many of the lessors shunned the request while others

AVIATION gave outrageous conditions that could not be met by the operators. The leasing companies may have decided to blacklist Nigeria after Top Brass, a charter service airline allegedly defaulted in leasing agreement with Seagold, Canada based lessor, which leased a Bombardier Q300 aircraft to the Nigerian carrier. THISDAY learnt that efforts to recover the aircraft by Seagold was made difficult by Top Brass, which went to court to frustrate the recovery; until the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) waded in and using the principle of the Cape Town Convention

facilitated the Canadian company to recover the aircraft. In reaction, Top Brass raised an alarm and accused Seagold of stealing the aircraft, which was deregistered by NCAA as a Nigeria aircraft and on arrival in Canada, was registered by the country’s civil aviation authority, Transport Canada. The blacklisting was confirmed by the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, who noted that because of series of default by some Nigerian carriers, the lessors have decided not to lease aircraft to indigenous operators. “Nigeria has reached to that point where there is subtle blacklisting. When a country is blacklisted there is no official letter written to you, telling you

that you have been blacklisted. It is when you now go to the market to get these assets and you are turned down or you are given ridiculous and outrageous prices to discourage you from leasing the aircraft that you will know that your country has been blacklisted,� Sanusi said. The Aero CEO said Nigeria domesticated Cape Town Convention (which enables commercial airlines to lease aircraft and other mobile assets without hindrances), in order to ease aircraft acquisition for Nigerian carriers, but one major condition for leasing aircraft was that in case of default Continued on page 22

Clearing Agents Urge FG to Halt Collection of POF at Port Eromosele Abiodun The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), has called on the federal government to halt the collection of practitioners operating fees (POF) by the dissolved governing board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) through the Ministry of Transport. President of NCMDLCA, Lucky Amiwero, in a letter to President Muhammudu Buhari stated that CRFFN no longer exist. According to Amiwero, “Federal High Court ruling on Suit No FHC/L/CS/5172 /2008 as referred by the Court

MARITIME of Appeal, was delivered on the 24th of March 2015, which upheld that the tenure of the Council/Governing Board Expired on the 25th of November 2012, that the Council has vacated office, as there is no existing Council and no Council to deliver judgment. “The Suit was filed by members of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) won in Federal High Court and the Appeal Court and later referred back to the Federal High Court for the continuation of the suit, on which the above ruling was delivered.

“It forms legal decision on the proper position of the non-existence of the Council/ Governing Board and the function on the Council as contained in section 4 that can only be performed by the Council elected under Section 2 and presided over by the Chairman/Vice chairman under Section 2-(3).� He said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) letter addressed the statutory provision of the expired/dissolved Council, which function cannot be exercised by the Register/ Staff, “who are not elected as members of the Council under section 2-(1) a-g (2) & (3). He added, “The Registrar is an appointee of the Council,

whose function is tied to the directive of the constituted Council by the Act, the appointment is contained in section 11-(1), which states, the council shall, appoint a fit and proper person to be Registrar for the purpose of this Act. The restriction of the performance of the Registrar is contained in various section, which only conferred authority solely to the Constituted Council as contained in provision of section 11-(2) which clearly states, the Registrar shall prepare and maintain, in accordance with rules made by the Council, in effect, there is no Council in place that allows the Registrar to Continued on page 22

Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba has praised Air Peace for fighting its way to the top spot as the biggest airline in West and Central Africa despite the daunting challenges of doing business in the aviation sector. Osoba made the commendation in Lagos during the 2018 Zik Prize in Leadership, where Air Peace Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr.AllenOnyema,washonouredwiththeZikPrizeinEntrepreneurial Leadership. He described Onyema as an exceptional entrepreneur who had transformedtheairlinebusinesswiththeestablishmentofAirPeace, expressingoptimismthatthecarrierwouldmakeNigeriaproudwith its soon-to-start long-haul flights to Sharjah, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Houston, Guangzhou and Mumbai. Osoba, who was the chairman of the 2018 Zik Prize in Leadership ceremony,said:“Thosewhoarebeinghonouredareeminentlyqualified. Theyearnedtheawards.Onyemahasshownhisquality.Inspiteofthe difficultiesofdoingbusinessintheaviationsector,AirPeacehasbecome one of the biggest airlines in Africa. I fly Air Peace most of the time.� Earlier, organisers of the awards, the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), gave insight into why the Air Peace boss was selected for the Zik Prize in Entrepreneurial Leadership. “As a testament to his industry and hard work, Onyema has in record time of four years built Air Peace Limited into the biggest airline fleet inWest and Central Africa. Air Peace has distinguished itself in the aviation industry, providing jobs for thousands of Nigerians and foreigners,�theProf.JubrilAminu-ledAdvisoryBoardofPPRACsaid.

NAHCO,TurkishAirlinesStrengthenPartnership

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. (nahco aviance) and Turkish Airlines have agreed to further strengthen the partnership that exists between both organisations. This is to further ensure seamlessimportationandexportationofcargoes.Thecompanysaid thereinforcedpartnershipwascomingatatimeNAHCOwasdrivinga five-yeartransformationplanwithdeterminedfocusonthecustomer. Speaking at Iftar dinner organised forTurkish Airlines stakeholders in Lagos, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, said the partnership was about ensuring that NAHCO does things in such a way that it is easy forTurkishAirlinestoservetheclientsandtheshippersbetteranditis easy for the shippers to understand the activities ofTurkish Airlines. Fagbemi, explained that with the partnership, imports and exports of cargoes would be seamless with NAHCO being the go-between of the exporters, shippers and freight forwarders. ShesaidNAHCOhadbeeninbusinesswithTurkishAirlinesince2006 andthatthesolidificationoftheenterprisewasbecauseTurkishAirline was getting into some automation in its new terminal and NAHCO also has started a transformation process that would continue for the next five years. She explained that this being the case, there was the need for all stakeholders to key into the transformation agenda with regards cargo to imports and exports. OnwhatNAHCOwasdoingtoensureexportofcargomeetsEuropean Union standards, Fagbemi said since the beginning of the year, the company has consistently engaged all its stakeholders and clients on the processes goods must go through to meet EU’s standard.

LABS Produces IATA Best Student

Landover Aviation Business School (LABS), a division of Landover Company Limited and an aviation training school inWest Africa, has produced yet another Best Performer in Nigeria in the March 2019 dietoftheInternationalAirTransportAssociation(IATA)Foundation inTravel andTourism course. This came barely three months after LABS graduated IATA Best Performer in Nigeria in the December 2018 diet of the same course. Withthisback-to-backfeat,LABShasreasserteditselfasthepremier institutionofaviationbusinesstrainingandhumancapacitydevelopment in Nigeria andWest Africa. Thebestperforminggraduate,MissDeborahOnimadeadistinctionin theMarch2019dietofIATAFoundationinTravelandTourismcourse andbecameIATAOverallBestPerformerinNigeria.LABShadproduced IATABestPerformerinNigeriain2012,2013,2014,2016and2017and most recently in 2018.

“Airlines airlifted over 18 million Nigerian passengers within the last year under review� Former Minister of State, Aviation,

Senator Hadi Sirika

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BUSINESSWORLD AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION: FINALLY, LESSORS BLACKLIST NIGERIA

or disagreement between the lessor and the lessee (the airline operator), the leasing company should be assisted to recover its equipment by the country’s government and civil aviation authority. “The important thing is why did Nigeria domesticate the Cape Town Convention? The reason is so that Nigerian airlines can have easy access to acquisition of aircraft globally and we can pay our lease rentals as at when due. “To give assurance to the owners of these assets, is that when they feel that there is default he can take back his airplane, his engine or whatever he has leased to you out of the country without any hindrance; be it from the regulator, be it from Customs or from the legal system. After that you can now start talking about the terms of the agreement and whether it was infringed upon,� Aero CEO explained. The Director General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, recently raised an alarm and expressed the fear that the misconduct of some of the Nigerian airlines in defaulting leasing agreements with lessors might lead to the blacklisting of Nigeria. CLEARING AGENTS URGE FG TO HALT COLLECTION OF POF AT PORT

perform any function without the constituted Council.� Amiwero, said there was no provision in the Act that authorise the Registrar or any other organ of government to Act on behalf of the Dissolved Council. “The Registrar or any organ of government, cannot perform any function of the Council without the elected and appointed members of the Council under Section 2, which conferred authority on the Chairman and Vice elected to perform the function as contained in Section 2-(3). The absence of a legally constituted body nullifies any activity that is to be initiated by the Registrar/ any Administrative staff or any organ of government as contained in CRFFN Act, “he said.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

NEWS

‘NIMASA, HLSI Partnership Will Address Insecurity in Nigeria’s Waters’ Stories by Eromosele Abiodun The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has emphasised that the motivation behind the partnership between the Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), HLSI, a maritime security company, was primarily to halt the maritime insecurity in Nigerian waters and end revenue leakages caused by security challenges. Amaechi, made this known while speaking at a stakeholders’ interactive session on the in Lagos recently. The meeting also had in attendance the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside among other leading figures in the maritime industry, major international shipping companies and other key figures in the sector. ‘’Criminals must be chased out of Nigerian territorial waters to make it safe and attractive for more foreign investment. The Federal Government is committed to this project hence the need to collaborate with HLSI Systems in this way, “Amaechi said. ‘’All vessels plying Nigerian territorial waters would be identified and monitored from point to point throughout the period of their stay in Nigeria to ascertain all activities conducted’’

he added. Representatives of HLSI Limited proceeded to give a detailed presentation, under the theme, ‘Establishment of an Integrated National Security and Waterway Protection Infrastructure in Nigeria - Deep Blue Project’

in which the company reviewed the progress recorded in both the areas of procurement of maritime security assets as well as the human capacity aspect involving training courses. “To date, C4I Systems Operator, Intelligence Systems Operator and Basic Infantry training

courses have been successfully conducted with well-trained graduates emerging from those programmes while a timetable for the delivery of maritime security assets was laid out in the course of the presentation. “An overview of the Deep Blue Project reveals the system

ENGAGING RETIREES

L-R: Relationship Manager, Sigma Pensions, Mr. Emmanuel Ezeani; Head, Business Development Department, East, Mr. Chukuma Amaonwu; Head Relationship Management, Business Development Division, East, Mrs. Ophelia Alex- Iwuanyanwu and Representative from Pencom, Mr. Chidi Okafor, at a retiree forum organised by Sigma Pensions in Owerri‌ recently

CRFFN Partners UNN on Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain Mgt The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, (CRFFN), Samuel Nwakohu, has demonstrated the commitment of his administration towards making Nigeria a training hub for freight forwarding and supply chain management. He made this assertion while signing Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as an accredited education services provider for professional qualifications in freight forwarding and supply chain management in Abuja.

Nwakohu, stated that the move was in fulfilment of section 15 of the CRFFN Act no. 16 of 2007, which provides that the Council should educate freight forwarders to be at part with their counter parts in other countries. The CRFFN boss expressed gratitude to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Ports, Harbours and Waterways, Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu for sponsoring the project as part of empowerment for his constituency. Speaking at the occasion, Asadu extolled CRFFN leader-

ship for this laudable initiatives, adding that accreditation of the Centre for Logistics and Transport at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, will be of immense benefit to the people of South East geopolitical zone in particular and Nigeria at Large. He re-affirmed his commitment to nurture the Centre to an enviable standard. Responding on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka, the Coordinator of the Centre Prof. Fab Onah expressed appreciation to CRFFN for the initiative and applauded the untiring efforts

of Asadu in ensuring that the Centre received accreditation of the University Senate and described the event as a landmark achievement for the Council and the University. He promised to use the Centre to promote learning in freight forwarding, Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain as well as skill acquisition by Practitioners. On his part, the Chairman of Governing Council Committee on Media and Inter Governmental Agencies, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, commended Asadu for making himself a pillar of

James Emejo in Abuja The Chairman, Coalition of Federated Association and Capital Territory Tricycle and Motorcycle Riders, Dealers and Operators, Mr. Thomas Danjuma, has raised the alarm that producers of commercial tricycles popular known as Keke have flooded the country with substandard tricycles. He said most of the current tricycles have engines that are dead and smokey on arrival. The group noted that the Dubai

Auto Gallery (DAG) are the distributors of tricycles in Nigeria, lamenting that except for the first batch of keke that was brought into the country years back, the distributors and manufacturers have subsequently inundated the country with tricycle, thus making Nigeria a dumping ground for their products. Speaking with journalists, the chairman noted that though DAG and the manufacturers gave assurance of a one year warranty, there had not been

any case where they repaired any tricycle for buyers. He said the situation was further complicated by the fact that the manufacturers don’t even have any service station in Abuja as operators resort to roadside mechanic for services. Danjuma said: “DAG in partnership with Indian manufacturing company are the manufacturers of keke, they have their agents all over Nigeria, the first batch of keke was very good and durable but subsequently they started

refurbishing and repackaging old keke to the Nigerian market. “As I am speaking with you they use first grade and very durable keke in India and other parts of the world but when it comes to shipping them to Nigeria they repackage abandoned keke to Nigeria. Under two months the engine will start smoking seriously.� According to him: “They assured us when they were delivering that they were given 12 months warranty, as soon as the

FoodCo to Enhance Capacity in Consumer Sector

Senior Correspondent

Nume Ekeghe

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT)

support to CRFFN, adding that accreditation of the Centre was an eloquent testimony of the preparedness of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to promote freight forwarding and supply chain business in the country. He described freight forwarding as a very critical segment and economic neck of the Nigeria and thanked all. In his remarks the Chairman, Education and Training Committee of the Governing Council, Dr. Kayode Farmito expressed gratitude to Asadu, who he described as a catalyst for this historic milestone.

Operators Decry Inux of Substandard Tricycles

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

as providing a 360 degree, eagle eye view of Nigeria’s maritime domain thereby equipping NIMASA (as the Designated Authority) with comprehensive and real time information on every activity conducted by Vessels within Nigerian waters,�he added.

As part of efforts to build capacity in the consumer goods sector in Nigeria, FoodCo Nigeria Limited, a diversified consumer goods company with interests in retail, manufacturing and fast food, has instituted a fellowship programme aimed at preparing MBA students for leadership roles. This is against the backdrop of projected growth in the food and consumer goods market

segment, currently the largest in Africa, which was expected to hit $40 billion by 2020. Announcing the Fellowship, an Executive Director at the company, Mr. Ade Sun-Basorun, stated that the initiative was targeted at building capacity for management positions. He added that the FoodCo Fellowship program became imperative in order to train a specialised workforce that would drive the expected growth in the sector and help

it maximise its potential. He said: “As modernsation and a population shift from rural to urban centres continue to stimulate growth in the Nigerian consumer goods retail sector, the FoodCo Fellowship program aims at preparing a complementary workforce with the requisite skills and disposition to harness the vast opportunities within the sector and transform it into a significant economic bloc.� He continued: “Candidates are

selected from MBA or Masters programs and set up in teams where they are expected to solve real world operational issues including team building, leading others, analysing problems, communicating solutions and progress in both related and non-related fields. “Whereas similar programs place trainees in a learning position where they understudy employees in the hopes of gaining work experience or mandatory

keke is delivered they disappear into thin air. They do not have an office in Abuja, not even a service station that we can go to as keke operators. When we have issues with our keke, we call and complain, they are not bothered, and they just keep dribbling us. “Since they do not have an office in Abuja we call their toll numbers which they directed us to in Abuja, when we got tired of calling we make do with roadside mechanics.�

credits for their degrees, the FoodCo Fellowship puts fellows in the centre of everyday business decision-making and practice so they can learn while simultaneously impacting the organisation with their personality and wealth of knowledge gained in the classroom.� Sun-Basorun, also disclosed that successful participants would be offered full time employment at the organisation, on completion of their programs.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Aero Holds Health Walk to Mark 6oth Anniversary Oluchi Chibuzor In a bid to celebrate its 60 years of operations in Nigeria, Aero Contractors recently created awareness on healthy living through its health walk. The health walk commenced from the company’ head office at Ikeja. Speaking during the event, the company CEO, Ado Sanusi, said the event was to mark the company’s 60th anniversary and create the needed awareness on health to its workers and clients. “There are so many things we create awareness on. Apart from healthy living, we also want to tell the public that we are back and 60th years in existence as

the oldest aviation company in Nigeria. Throughout the month, we have been having health talks on various ailments and health. We have invited a lot of medical organisations to give us health talks. We are doing free tests on high blood pressure, sugar and other things. We are making awareness on cancer and the rest. We are giving our staff good awareness on healthy eating and rest because a healthy employer is also an assent to the company,� Sanusi said. On corporate social responsibility, he said it was very important to Aero Contractors. “We love it and we feel that the society has given us so much and it is time

for us to give back to the society.� Speaking during the airline’s 60th anniversary ceremony in Lagos, Cecilia Ibru, a majority shareholder in Aero Contractors, attributed the current success of the airline to the staff that stayed behind during difficult times. She however, promised to take back those who abandoned the airline to its fate. “As we recover, we must forgive those who sent us into the pit in the first place. The story of our recovery process is being told today. The increase in the number of passengers, conduct of C-checks and increase in fleet size show our recovery is steady,� she added.

Corporate Governance and Nigerian Airlines

Kwara Hajj

Emirates Fetes Nigerian Children Emirates has hosted Nigerian children to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration in Lagos. The Dubai based airline entertained the children with exclusive screening of a blockbuster movie, ‘Aladdin.’ The children were treated to a full day of entertainment and inspiration at the spectacular Children’s Day event in Maryland Mall, Lagos. The special Children’s Day package included movie screening, special cake cutting, positive interactions, display of a model aircraft, visualization of the Emirates flying experience and one on one with the Emirates Regional Manager West Africa, Afzal Parambil. Some of the children dressed in specially made Emirates pilot and cabin crew uniforms expressed their aspirations to not only pursue aviation careers but to also fly actual Emirates planes someday. The children felt encouraged to dream and work towards those dreams. The Emirates Regional Manager West Africa, Afzal Parambil, said, “We can think of no better way to

celebrate the special young travellers in our lives than by bringing the joy of movies to life. Whether they are flying with family or alone, we ensure that children always have an unforgettable experience on Emirates. We always want to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.� Afzal pointed out that, “We recognise young travellers as one of our most important customers. We know how challenging it can be for parents to keep their children occupied and happy on flights. “We have ensured that every aspect of the travel experience is catered for, from toys and kids’ entertainment to special meals on board, and even family check-in areas. We are committed to ensuring a smooth travel experience for families,� The Emirates awardwinning ‘ice’ offers a wide variety of children’s programming including the very best movies and television from Disney, Cartoon Network, CBeebies and Nickelodeon channels plus much more. For young music fans, Emirates offers a great selection with hundreds of channels of

music available. Young travellers on Emirates also receive specially designed colorful headphones for a better fit and improved sound quality. To give children feel a sense of wonder and imagination, Emirates has developed its own set of toys for children, which includes, Fly With Me Cuddle Buddy, a soft comfort blanket for infants, Fly With Me Animal Tin Cases with magnets and activity sheets for toddlers, and Fly With Me Lonely Planet Kids case for older children featuring a foldout board game, spinner, ID holder, lanyard, gadget stand and pen. Other attractions for children and infants on Emirates include: priority boardings, special fares for those aged two to eleven years of age, and 10kg free baggage allowance for infants not occupying a seat. Emirates Regional Manager West Africa, Afzal Parambil, concluded that “Emirates celebrates children beyond Children’s Day. On every Emirates flight, we clearly demonstrate the importance of children.�

Airbus Celebrates 50th Anniversary Airbus has launched a global campaign celebrating the company’s 50 years anniversary, by showcasing key moments of pioneering progress throughout the past five decades. The campaign started the celebration on May 29, 2019, to mark 50 years since the French Minister of Transport, Jean Chamant and the German Minister of Economic Affairs, Karl Schiller, signed an agreement at the 1969 Paris Air Show for the jointdevelopment of the A300 aircraft, a first European twin-aisle twin-engine jet for medium-haul air travel. The CEO of Airbus,

Guillaume Faury, said: “Airbus’ story is one of ambition and progress, and has been a showcase of European integration. Over five decades, we have brought together civil and defence aviation businesses from throughout the continent. “For 50 years, we have pioneered many firsts through our passion and innovation, transforming the industry and helping to move society forward. Airbus is a story of incredible men and women, a story of great achievements in the past and, above all, in the future.� Running from 29 May to

17 July, the campaign said it would bring stories to life through new, engaging content published across Airbus channels. With a new story released each day, for 50 consecutive days. The company also said this campaign would highlight the people and ground-breaking innovations that have driven the company. The campaign shines a light on many different aspects of the Airbus business, including commercial aircraft, helicopters, space and defence, in addition to programmes and initiatives.

Chinedu Eze Industry experts under the aegis of Aviation Round Table (ART) have at various occasions said that one major reason why Nigerian airlines fail was because they are run as “one man show�. The think-tank body had excoriated the airline owners, saying they don’t listen to expert advice and run their businesses with personal decision in a terrain that is technical, sensitive and known globally as business that has very little profit margin. Former Managing Director of Virgin Nigeria Airways and currently the CEO of Ropeways, Captain Dapo Olumide, told THISDAY that one of the reasons why airlines in Nigeria fail is lack of corporate governance. He said an airline should have the kind of people in the board that would question decisions taken that are not good for the sustenance of that company. He regretted that many Nigerian airlines do not have corporate governance and that explained why some of them went under. “The only airlines that ever had proper corporate governance, policies and procedures were Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) and Virgin Nigeria Airways. “Every airline in Nigeria is family owned and it is the family members who are on the board; therefore, you don’t even need the requirements of the policies and the corporate governance, which is for an independent non-executive director, for example. Nigeria’s biggest operator, Air Peace last week made bold move to overcome that major ailment of Nigerian operators by appointing eggheads, industry experts and corporate gurus to its board. The board members came with invaluable entrepreneurial acumen and they aim to guide and unravel the vision of the airline to become a major carrier in Africa and in the world. Renowned lawyer, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), former Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, former acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Benedict Adeyileka and other new directors of Air Peace said they were ready to work with the carrier ’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Onyema and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Onyema to deliver on the airline’s vision to transform air travel and project a positive image for Nigeria in the global aviation community. The new directors of the airline, including the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Topnotch Integrated Concepts Limited, Ekaete Bassey

Okoro, Coordinator of the North East Recovery and Stability Programme (NERSP), Mr. Mohammed Danjuma, the carrier ’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide and Chief of Administration and Finance, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha also pledged to contribute significantly in driving the airline to success. The Chairman of Air Peace, Onyema said the airline is in good hands with the pedigree of its Board Members and expressed the hope that the targets mapped out for the airline when it was established is being actualized. Onyema however, urged Nigerians with means to invest in the country to complement the economic development efforts of the government, saying he set up the airline primarily to create jobs for the people and give the country a place of pride in the global aviation community. “The reason I started Air Peace was to create employment opportunities for Nigerians and help in national development, because I know that all the violence and security challenges we are facing will reduce if our youths are positively engaged. I enjoin all Nigerians with means to invest in the country and help to create jobs to complement the efforts of the government,� he urged. The airline, he assured, would make the country proud with its soonto-start flights to Sharjah, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Houston, Guangzhou and Mumbai despite the challenges it was facing from unfair competition and aero politics by some of the countries it planned to operate into with its four Boeing 777 aircraft. He said the airline was acquiring more narrow-body and wide-body aircraft to deepen its no-city-leftbehind project. He said the airline, which recently placed a firm order for 10 brand new Embraer 195-E2 jets and purchase rights for 20 aircraft of the same model, had ordered seven more 50-seater Embraer 145 jets to strengthen its operations under its subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper. The airline had earlier taken delivery of six Embraer 145 jets. Onyema described the new members of Air Peace Board of Directors as Nigerians who were passionate about efforts targeted at developing the country and creating employment opportunities for the people. But it has to be noted that while corporate governance is key to driving a business to success, it is pertinent to also look carefully while engaging those that will pilot the affairs of the company whether as Board Members or senior executive staff. For Air Peace, the round pegs seem to have dovetailed with the round holes.

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Revitalising Benin Airport The Benin airport has become a symbol of synergy between the state government and the federal government as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision to have a viable aerodrome has improved infrastructure in one of the nation’s busiest domestic airports, writes Chinedu Eze

W

hat is ironic about Benin Airport in Edo state is that it is very close to Lagos; yet, the airport receives more flights daily than airports located far away from the nation’s economic hub and the federal capital territory, Abuja. THISDAY gathered that domestic airlines always struggle to add Benin to their destination because they usually record high passenger traffic on the route. Before now, the airlines faced a snag. Hitherto, Benin was a day light airport, which means that flights cannot land there after 6:00 pm. According to airline operators, this was a significant draw back, considering the fact that the airport is located at the centre of the city and therefore secure for passenger movement in the night. Ideally, Benin airport could take in flights till 10:00 pm because there is no security challenge in Edo capital city or around the airport. But today, that challenge at the airport has been resolved by the Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who funded and collaborated with the federal government through aviation agencies to realise his vision for the Benin airport. Today the Benin airport has new and modern Instrument Landing System (ILS). It has airfield lighting and it has Precision Approach Light to enable flights land at the airport in the night, even at low visibility. So the airport remains one of the best-equipped airports in the country in terms of critical infrastructure. Collaboration For the upgrade of the airport to 24 hours service facility by the federal government to be actualised, Governor Obaseki had to collaborate with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure that the airport met his vision as a gateway, which is key to the economic development of the state. Economic Growth The Edo state government explained that the renewal of the Benin airport infrastructure was part of the plan to open the state for greater economic development, noting that the plan was to ensure that the airport becomes more viable and able to handle higher air passenger traffic. This line of thought, it noted, was anchored on the need to upgrade the infrastructure so it could handle more activities, especially night operations, which will create the room for private investors to do business in the state. THISDAY learnt that although Benin airport is a federal government facility, the state government decided to upgrade it. So the state government funded the provision of critical infrastructure, which culminated in expenses running into about N169 million, to revamp of the airport, while relevant federal government agencies provided other needed infrastructure, among which are high-end air navigation equipment. The Airport Upgrade Plan THISDAY gathered that during a visit by aviation agency heads to the state in September 2017, Obaseki was quick to relay his desire to improve infrastructure at the Benin airport and said as much to the delegation from the federal government, which had the mandate for aviation in the country. The delegation included top officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. The now former Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, was with the Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, both of whom the governor convinced on the need to forge a partnership to refurbish the airport after the trio inspected facilities at the Benin Airport. Obaseki, said his administration would work with FAAN and NAMA to develop a plan that ensures the airport space was expanded, especially the runway. He noted that state intends to effectively utilise assets

and resources within the state for the benefit of the people, which necessitated the inspection tour of the Benin airport. According to him, “We have approached the Federal Authority to kindly come to our aid regarding the airport. The plan is to first improve the facilities in this airport and ensure that we have night landing facilities. This will enable the airport embark on 24 hours operation. With more airplanes coming in, we will see a lot more passenger traffic coming into our state.� Dunoma, noted that though the federal government had the responsibility to improve facilities at the Benin Airport and was excited by the commitment coming from the Edo State government to upgrade the airport. He said. “I want to thank the governor for coming to our aid and with his assistance we can do a lot more. We have inspected the facilities here and we will submit a report on what we need to do to improve the safety and facilities at this Airport.� Also Capt. Akinkuotu of NAMA, commended the joint effort made both by the state and federal government on the upgrade, noting that the approach was the way to go to drive meaningful development across the country. He said the agency would collaborate with the Edo State government to ensure passengers do not only feel safe, but also have good reasons to fly to the Benin airport. “We can’t but thank the Governor Obaseki for coming out to show support. The country belongs to all of us. He has demonstrated great leadership, and by working together, we can move the state forward,� Akinkuotu said. After the inspection, work commenced properly and the state government constructed three security watchtowers; supplied and built houses for 2 20KVA generators; provided three Toyota Hilux vans to FAAN; facilitated the installation of Category (CAT) II Instrument Landing System/Distance measuring equipment by NAMA. Also the federal government through Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) provided Thunder and Lighting System; Met Enclosure and Secure Aviation Date Information System while FAAN provided Enhanced Simple Approach Landing System. VP, Osinbajo’s Night Flight One year after the inspection by the top officials of the federal government, some of the equipment for night operations were installed and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo flew from the airport at about 7:00

pm, a development that was unheard of at the airport in the last couple of years. Speaking after the number two citizen’s take off, Governor Obaseki, assured that the Benin airport would commence full night-time flight operations after the installation of necessary facilities, which were being received in batches then. According to the Governor, the landing facilities at the Benin airport were already functioning which enabled the Vice President to depart Benin City through the airport few minutes to 7:00 pm. “We are expecting more night landing equipment to be installed at the Benin airport especially the lights. The contractor has assured us that the lights will arrive before the end of this month, February. We will launch it and have our inaugural night flight to Benin City,� he said. Other Developments Last week, the federal and Edo State governments eventually commissioned night landing equipment at the Benin Airport, officially reviving night operations at the 63-year old airport. Minister of State for Aviation, Sirika, who was elated at the development, commended the doggedness and tenacity of Governor Obaseki in facilitating the commencement of night operations at the airport. “The operational capacity of the Benin City airport has tremendously improved as we can now guarantee safe landing in reduced visibility and in bad weather condition. Aircraft can now land in Benin Airport at night. No more closure of the Airport by 6 pm. “We have both ground and satellite-based equipment at the airport in such a way that if the ground base equipment fails, the satellite base equipment will work to ensure safe landing at the airport either in the day or at night,� the minister said. Speaking on further plans to maximise the use of the airport, Sirika said works have reached an advanced stage in building an Agro-allied Cargo Terminal at the Benin airport, adding that the work on the civil structures has commenced with the support of Governor Obaseki. “We are bringing a cargo terminal to Benin to facilitate exportation of perishable agricultural products and other produce targeted at foreign markets.� Noting that the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had constructed and donated a meteorological station at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), he said, “The opening of

the office is part of the effort of the federal government to boost transportation in Edo State, especially in terms of aviation and weather forecasting. The weather forecasting can also be used by farmers to provide information on when it is a suitable time for planting.â€? On his part, Governor Obaseki said with the installation of the equipment and commencement of night landing facilities, the airport would compete with its peers across the world, commending FAAN and NAMA, for their close working relationship with his administration for over a year and a half in ensuring the upgrade becomes a reality. BeneďŹ ts On the benefits of the upgrade of the airport, the state, Obaseki said, “The reason we insisted on upgrading facilities at the Benin airport is that it is one of the five airports with high passenger traffic in the country. With the facilities in place, we can now convince airlines to make night stop-over in the City to further increase passenger traffic to boost the state’s revenue base.â€? The governor said equipment commissioned at the airport include thunder and lightning system, Secure Aviation Data Information System (SADIS); Enhanced Simple Approach Lightening System, CAT II and Instrument Landing System (ILS)/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). Noting that the state facilitated the construction of two watchtowers to provide military officers with a vantage point for proper surveillance of the equipment and the airport, he said “All this equipment were put together by the officials of NIMET, FAAN, NAMA and Edo State Government. Two 20 KVA generators and plant house were built by the state government as well.â€? The governor said his administration was making efforts to ensure the state grows economically, which would be made possible through infrastructural development. Economic Boom Aviation Security Consultant, Group Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), said night operations provide immense economic opportunities for cities with such operations, as it opens up a new vista of businesses for the airlines operating from such airports and also the state’s local economy. He hinted that Benin Airport was one of the few airports aside Lagos and Abuja airports with night operations, and with the commissioning of the facilities; there are prospects for economic boom in the state.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Scorecard of Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Olu Ayela

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he altitude to which the aviation sector flew in the last four years under the dexterous guidance and piloting of the Nigerian aviation in a period gone wrong. This is a evidently in stark contrast to what those who fly through airspace in Nigeria were used to before the emergence of the minister and an equally resourceful team, chief of whom is Engr.Saleh Dunoma. It may be said that Dunoma was of the time in comparison, seamlessly flowed with Sirika in implementing a phenomenal dream for the aviation sector. Perhaps the most fundamental of the progress achieved in the aviation sector under the Minister of State, Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika were not only transformational they were by all measures transcendental. They were inspirational works radically different from the jumbled mess of the reconstruction and the psychological imperative that success is non-negotiable in order to firmly place Nigeria aviation in the top echelon of the world’s aviation configuration. That philosophy to ride the storm and rough weather to a landing point changed the whole equation of the aviation sector. A supportive value of professionalism that became the hallmark of engagement was introduced. In the place of management by emotions was the advent of management through implanted strategy. Where there was confusion, a sense of clarity became the order of the day. All these were supplemented by the re-invigoration of structures, systems and processes that were hitherto abandoned. Also relevant to the sustenance of the procedures is the investment in the people that coordinated the various sub sectors and strata that made up the aviation hub. It all culminated in a very functional sector that witnessed the scorecard of progress and bounteous harvest in the form of facilities that were spread in the aviation sector across the country. This monumental progress that happened internally also re-echoed across the aviation sector in international circles with huge rippling effects and an attendant infusion of a high degree of confidence in the aviation in Nigeria. What transpired in the past four years has proved not only to be safety-critical, security-critical, passenger-centric, but human capital development focussed. The beauty of the programme is that it touched all areas of the country where an airport is cited, whether South-west, South-east, South-south, North-west, North-central, North-east is immaterial. It is imperative and significant to take a statistical excursion into the not too distant past of the aviation sector as it will put into bold relief the tremendous improvement and achievement of Sirika’s emergence in 2015. From that auspicious moment of taking over, the government embarked on a massive and an ambitious work of 157 projects in the industry and in the four year of organised and smart work 134 of them were fully completed and in use. This represents more than 85 per cent completion rate. For the remaining 23 projects, 14 per cent are already above 50 per cent completion with just 13 per cent only below 50 per cent completion point. This is a scorecard that should inspire testimonies of stride measuredly taken to advance the aviation sector as the work cuts across all components of the sector without discrimination and a feeling of favouritism. With the knowledge that the airport system is only as strong as the weakest part, there was a all-inclusive development of aviation agencies across board. As projects are being provided in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), so also is the enhancement going on at Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), while the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is being enriched as well and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency( NiMET) becoming

Sirika

a beneficiary of the upgrades conceived by a broad minded administration that is after the satisfaction of all airport users and the common good of all Nigerians. International and continental acceptance was just around the corner as Nigeria was investing in both human and infrastructures development. The certification of NIMET for conformity with the requirements of ISO 9001 2015 in the provision of meteorological services to the aviation industry and other user- sectors has positioned the agency as the core service provider in the continent not just for the aviation sector but to all industries whose businesses are weather dependent. The agency competency and capabilities have opened doors of collaboration with national and international organisations to improve weather and climate services delivery. Some of the countries depending on NIMET services include Liberia and Sierra Leone while the Agency is currently training meteorological personnel from the Republic of Gambia in Banjul. International recognition has emerged in form of the partnerships with Met Agencies of Korea, Finland and India. This relationship could not have come at a better time as it will improve the capacity of the agency to ensure that local content becomes central to its work in the future with a view to developing our capacity to design and fabricate automatic weather equipment and meteorological satellite system. At the policy level, this administration was also in compliance, ensuring that a new Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation of 2016 was enacted to give legal strength to the activities of the aviation sector. An outstanding outcome of this wholesome of this administration’s intervention is the sustenance of safety, which has been remarkable and extraordinary. It is on record that since this administration came on-board, there has not been a commercial airlines accident. However, the only accident to have been recorded which is the one that involved Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo turned out to be a feather in the cap of the administration. In a few hours after the dust have settled over the air mishap, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) vowed that it would publish the preliminary report in few days. In honour of their pledge standing true to their word, in less than two weeks, AIB issued the preliminary report on the accident and this singular action received applauds from all stakeholders including Aviation Round Table (ART). It was a commendable achievement that had not gone unnoticed in the aviation sector worldwide. Never

has this level of promptness and sensitivity been demonstrated in working to determine the cause of air accidents in Nigeria. That level of tardiness has gone with the wind of yester years. The bureau is adequately funded to investigate any major incident or accident and to indicate the level of confidence in its operation, it currently has Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sao Tome and Principle. Another remarkable stride for this administration is the record certification of airports that was finally put in the aviation kitty. The aviation sector in Nigeria has never been so applauded as the world did with the certification of two airports with three others on the verge of being certified. This is the first time in the history of the country to attain certification and become International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant standards in terms of security and safety. It was a process which began more than a decade ago and has finally put Nigeria ahead of all other countries in Africa being the only country with two certified airports in the continent. In this context of certification, Nigeria achieved an effective implementation level of 67.36 per cent during the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme carried out in March, 2016. Nigeria showed a rating that is above the global average of 63.54 per cent. The icing on the cake is the 96.5 percent that Nigeria also recorded in ICAO Universal Security Audit. Eminently aware that accidents could happen even if everything has been done to perfection, he paid a huge premium on the Accident Rescue and Resuscitation Centre which is another record breaker, being the first of its kind in the airport. A comprehensive overhaul was achieved in the aviation sector with Nigeria now on a pedestal that can rightly be adjudged as the highest in the continent. Attaining Level 3 out of 4 levels, guarantees Nigeria a place among the elite of aviation savvy countries in the world. It has changed the colour of Nigeria from the indicator of red to green on the ICAO dashboard. In line with ICAO and WMO standards, in July 2017, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency acquired ISO9001 2015 certificate, which qualifies it to offer aeronautical meteorological services. The agency also became the first in Africa to be so certified in that category. The story could not be completely told without the other forms of intervention that relates to human capital development and others that are ancillary to the aviation industry. First is the compassionate move

by the administration to offset a colossal part of severance and retirement benefits to 5,966 staff of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways. It was an event that brought relief to many who had suffered untold hardship and even to the point of death since the liquidation of the airline sixteen years ago. That act of abandonment of those who had laboured for the country by successive ministers and governments was not a very good advertisement for the aviation sector. Mercifully, redemption came from this administration. There is a promise that all outstanding relating to the severance pay shall be settled once and for all. What cannot also be forgotten is the strategic negotiation that this administration sought in shoring up the finances of not just ailing airlines but those in operation. The re-introduction of zero import duties on aircraft, engine and introduction of the same scheme for aircraft spare parts is phenomenal. Unknown to many, airlines like Arik Air and Aero Contractors were given a lifeline and a new lease of life and back in the air because this administration cared. There are numerous workers of these airlines that has been removed from the unemployment market and who knows how many dependents were saved from depression and whose sense of confidence were restored because of that single move? Beyond financial aids, the administration also provided the enabling environment for domestic airlines in the country to attain certification in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). Currently five Nigerian domestic airlines have Certification and others have been designated some of them for international operations. Within the period under review, the framework for a safe and competitive aviation industry provided by this administration resulted in the unprecedented growth of the sector which translated an average growth of 33 per cent on domestic operations and 13.5 per cent on international operations between January 2017 and June, 2018. Like many other records achieved by this administration, it has never happened in Nigeria. In under scoring the crucial role of energy in the Aviation sector and the risk and destruction to lives and properties in an airport that has irregular power supply Capt. Sirika ensured that a 10 Megawatts (MW) Independent Power Plant for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, was built in Abuja to complement the power needs of the airport as well as other vital ventures that are in operation in the airport. According to him there were a lot of planning deficiencies identified with the new terminal because which did not take into consideration the status of power in the aviation value chain. deficiency. The 19 MW plant became the response of a forward-looking administrator who must correct errors that were passed over to him by a regime that is concerned about the holistic development of the aviation sector. This independent power plant is part of the process of correcting among others the deficiencies inherent in the construction of the airport. Rather than just an energy plant, it is peace of mind for pilots, passengers, ground crews, their relatives and the entire aviation industry worldwide. The intensity of the work and the extensive nature it took by Sirika to reposition the nation’s aviation sector is worthy of commendation as he may be taking a bow out of the sector. The aphorism that it is fitting to exit the stage when the ovation is louder may not be part of the operational principles in this side of the world, we hope that if peradventure Sirika wants to leave the scene, he should be recognised by the government as one of the few high performing administrator of this regime. He deserves our appreciation and continued support even if he could be around serving in a consultative capacity in the aviation sector. Like wine Sirika can only get better in the years ahead. -Ayela, a veteran journalist is based in Lagos.

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Excessive Charges by Shipping Companies Eromosele Abiodun writes on claims by the customs agents that shipping companies charges on storage and demurrage contravene Sections 20, 31 and 97 of the Customs and Excise Management Act

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nternational shipping is a complex subject that includes many variables. Proper handling paves the way for a reliable and cost-effective management of ocean freight. That is regardless of whether an importer ships one container now and then, several per month or more than ten per day. Many businesses depend on viable international shipping to ensure the persistence of partnerships and clients and sustain profitability. Avoiding delays is critical to guarantee an uninterrupted operation. However, international shipments could face shipping delay charges resulting from various clearance issues. Sufficient preparation and understanding the different resulting charges in advance is key. When it comes to clearance delays, importers, as well as exporters seem to throw around three terms interchangeably: demurrage, detention, and per diem. From common usage, it may seem like they all mean storage when they, in fact, do not. If your international shipment stays beyond a certain amount of allowed free time at a site, you face storage charges. That includes ports, airline terminals, rail facilities or a bonded warehouse. The storage fee compensates the facility for the use of their space and equipment, i.e. a container taking up space or blocking processing. The amount of free days and the charge for storage will differ from one facility to another. This is often also based on the volume an importer or your freight forwarder is passing through the facility. It is a norm the world over for steamship lines to charge demurrage, a fee to compensate for the use of their shipping containers. Experts believe demurrage fees are in place to discourage using the provided containers for storage and to compensate for container usage. “Before you pick up your international shipment, you must pay all demurrage charges in full. The fee may differ greatly from carrier to carrier and from port to port. You are granted a limited number of free days, depending on the carrier and the location. After your free time runs out, you will be charged demurrage for each additional day. These charges tend to increase per day after exceeding a certain amount of days,� said a top player in the maritime sector The detention charge, he stated, usually applies to domestic trucking adding, “The trucking or drayage company bills you for the so-called detention of their trucker or driver in cases. This happens when the loading or unloading of your shipment or containers takes too long. Detention fees are billed at an hourly rate. You can usually expect a free time or grace period of around one to two hours for loading or unloading a container. But this will depend on whether it is a domestic shipment or destined for import or export.� He added that per day applies when an importer require the use of equipment beyond a set amount of free time. “Steamship lines and airlines charge this fee, and equipment include ocean containers and unit load devices (ULD). You have some free days, depending on the equipment and the carrier, before per diem kicks in. With imports, the charge applies to cargo leaving the arrival terminal. With exports, it applies to shipments leaving the departing terminal. Per diem fees accumulate until you return the equipment to the terminal of the port, rail yard dock or airline, “he stated. Analysts believe terms of shipping delay charges, often used interchangeably, results in confusion when receiving bills for detention, demurrage and per day

charges. Nigeria’s Peculiarity While it is a known fact that international shipping is completion and intricate, the confusion in the Nigerian maritime industry over shipping companies charges has over the years raised dust with stakeholders at daggers drown as to who is right or wrong. Recently customs brokers plying their trade at Lagos ports declared war on terminal operators and shipping companies over the N4billion demurrage accrued from the recently shelved strike by truck drivers. Late last year, truckers shunned lifting of cargoes at the ports in protest over alleged extortion by security agencies. Resulting in over N4 billion accrued as demurrages and storage charges that importers had to clear. THISDAY investigations revealed that N668million demurrage was incurred daily for the duration of the strike which translated to N4billion. The humongous amount resulted in a running battle between clearing agents, importers on one hand and the service providers on the other. While the clearing agents were calling for waivers over the strike period, the terminal operators remained indifferent. According to a manager in one of the container terminals in Lagos, the terminal operators collected demurrage accrued during the period. Customs and Excise Management Act In a petition addressed to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the time, customs agents alleged that the shipping companies and terminal operators’ charges on storage contravene Sections 20, 31 and 97 of the Customs and Excise Management Act that limit the days for rent charges and conferred authority to Nigeria Custom to charge rent after specific days by the board. The agents, in the petition signed by National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero. stated that duplication of

charges such as terminal delivery charges/ terminal handling charges, deposit repayment delays and process procedure that lack regulation of the economic interest in the port. They stressed that there is the need for the federal government to intervene to address the cost of doing business by a total review of the procedure, process and cost in the ease of doing business. The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), they added, should urgently address the following short falls, which is militating against our import and export trade that resulted to massive diversion of goods to neighbouring ports. Also, the agents called on the federal government to use part of the seven per cent port development levy for the development of port access roads, trailer parks. According to Amiwero, “The condition of the Tincan Island Port Axis of Apapa Oshodi express road leading to the ports is a death trap, big potholes and gridlocks resulting in loss of lives and continued destruction of loaded goods that always fall on cars, trailers and sometime persons. He said: “It is a complete setback to trading across borders (TAB) for ease of doing business on trucks that spend weeks to access and exit the ports which result to delay and rejection on most of the fragile export products in international market and high cost in import clearance. “The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) is no more in port operation, the percentage collected from the seven per cent Port Development Levy should be used for the development of the trailer parks and port access roads.� On the increase of revenue collection on the recovery of short levied duties on discrepant cargo as provided under Section 142 of Customs and Excise Management Act, he said: “The discrepant cargo, as covered under Section 142 of the Customs and Excise Management Act and the Import guideline paragraph J are non contraband goods with discrepancy, which is allowable for treatment and issued with demand notice (DN) Section 142-(2).

“Recovery of Duties states: Where any duty has been short levied or erroneously repaid, then the person who should have paid the amount short levied or to whom the repayment, has erroneously been made, shall on demand by the proper officer, pay the amount short levied or repay the amount erroneously repaid as the case may be. Any such amount may be recovered as if it were duty to which the goods in relation to which the amount was so short levied or erroneously repaid were liable.� Amiwero also called on the government to address multiple checks and delays of clearance by NCS. He said: “The process of clearance is associated with multiple interventions of various alerts headquarters Abuja, CIU, Valuation Gate etc that takes days and increase the cost and time in contravention of WCO Kyoto convention on simplification and harmonisation of Customs procedures. “The Customs procedure should comply with WCO Kyoto convention and (FAL) Convention of (IMO) for Minimisation, harmonisation and simplification of Customs procedure with regards to various checks after release from the Port, (FOU), CG Squad in line with international best practice of One-StopShop process.� Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo had in a bid to boost business activities in the country earlier last year signed the ease of doing business executive order. The effort was in the attempt to grow the country out of recession, stimulate economic activities and generally improve the business environment in Nigeria through promotion of transparency and efficiency. Federal Ministries, departments and agencies have since gone into frenzied activities in the bid to carry out the Executive Orders and exhibit compliance with a view to achieving the objectives of the orders. One of the fall outs of the Executive Orders is on port operations and this brought to mind the challenge of ensuring ease of doing business at the entry points vis a vis the subsisting issue of influx of sub-standard and harmful products of very low quality into Nigeria.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Sola Oyebade The Fashion Impresario

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 0701051030

F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

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COVER

SOLA OYEBADE

The Fashion Impresario With over 27 national and international awards to his credit, Nigerian UK-born internationally acclaimed fashion icon, Sola Oyebade, recently brought Fashion Finest Africa from the UK to Nigeria. In this interview with Rebecca Ejifoma, he shares his 37 years wealth of experience in fashion and his aspiration for emerging designers in Africa by giving them a chance to showcase their designs will look at as part of our growth – is to do more education. FFA isn't just about coming and having shows. We have our conference titled, 'How to get your clothes from the catwalk to retail'. What next after the catwalk?,” he added. Thus, he plans to hold workshops and seminars. This year, we have sponsors like Zaron, Mixta Africa, Lasaa. We also have partners like AE Distincts, Fuerte Hands, Yemi Lights, Zubby Definition, Wonder Works, Artisan lounge, Xqiwitz Solutions, KFA and Homdiggy.

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ola Oyebade, popularly known as Mr. Mahogany, is a major player in the global fashion sector. He is the CEO and Executive Director of Fashion Finest Africa (FFA). Although born in London, England, where he began modelling at 16, he studied Sociology at the University of Lagos. Oyebade’s portfolio makes no noise. He is a show producer, choreographer, fashion icon, multiple award-winner and CEO of his modelling agency, Mahogany Model Management, which started in 1996. He remains an eager beaver after numerous awards. Fashion Finest Africa At first, it was a conversation about his life, then he switched to his latest show, Fashion Finest Africa (FFA) produced by Mahogany International. The show held from Friday, May 24 to Saturday, May 25, at the Balmoral Conventional Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. Although the show debuted last May in Lagos, providing a platform for fashion connoisseurs, designers, entrepreneurs and brands all around Africa to ripen, Oyebade said, “What we intend to do here with Fashion Finest Africa is bring what we started in the UK in 2007 with my business partner Ms. Debra St. Luwi”. Owing to the pricey criteria to display in the London Fashion Week, the fashion connoisseur gave an estimate. “To get into the London Fashion Week, as an example, it's going to cost you a minimum of £50,000. You are going to need to be in shoots with top magazines and client based. Most people can't do that and will never be able to fit into these kind of events”. Consequently, trailing the blaze of American Costume Designer, Edith Head, ‘You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it', Mr. Mahogany said, “When I moved back to Nigeria, even though we were still doing Fashion Finest in the UK, I looked round all the shows here and all I saw were events for the big designers. “I saw nothing which literally looked at the thousands of these designers out there. But they are not just new. When we look at some of our budding designers that are taking place in FFA, they have been in business for a decade but nobody knows them." While FFA came to light to cater to that niche, these talented designers stand an enviable chance to be part of a show that is of international standard with a top producer and a top fashion production company, which they might never have had the opportunity of being part of. On how to select the participants, the Nigerian UK-born entrepreneur frowned at discrimination. “We, definitely don't want to discriminate. However, we intend to go through their look book, check out either their websites or Instagram pages, request for some samples and likely send stylists down”. His Journey to Nigerian fashion world This graduate of Sociology could have continued Fashion Finest in the UK but he looked back home. His move was however successful. “I moved back to Nigeria in 2013. I needed to get Mahogany productions up and running for the event management side of our company. “Nigerians are enlightened. If no one knew me and I suddenly came out of nowhere, people would neither come out nor put their money. So, when I set up a show in Nigeria, a lot of people did know me. It was a easy to break into the system,” he said gladly. His Worries

Awards to his Credit “I like to operate under the radar. I keep saying to my team, 'Nobody knows me' he whispered. And they say, ‘Oh Mr. Mahogany, everybody knows you’. I don't see myself as popular as the other people out there even though people say they quietly recognise me.” Having received over 27 national and international awards over the years, he has lost count of his trophies. He was named the Icon of the Decade awards in the UK; CA Award, ICON of the Decade 2017; Mr. Tourism, Fashion Personality of the Year, 2017; Lagos Fashion Awards – Fashion Icon of the Decade 2016. Others are: 2014 – West African Fashion Award - Nominee for Best Modelling Agency (Mahogany Models); 2014 - BEFFTA Awards - Nominee for Best Modelling Agency (Mahogany Models); 2014 - BEFFTA Awards - Nominee for Best Fashion Show Choreographer (Sola Oyebade); 2014 BEFFTA Awards - Nominee for Best Events Promoter (Mahogany Bridal). Mentees Indeed, the fashion boss is generous with knowledge. “I get numerous request to mentor people. It's so difficult. It means my door has to be open 24 hours daily so you can ask questions. Most of the people I mentor are between ages 18 and 28”. Fondly labelled ‘accessible' the CEO said, “One of the things a lot of people do say about me is that I'm very accessible. A lot of people come to me even via WhatsApp asking questions and seeking advice. I answer every message and email, however, it can be time-consuming”. Oyebade

He said: “What worries me in Nigeria is sometimes there is this feeling of ownership that if they have done FFA that means they are FF designers. That's not how the firm works. You just have to start with a step and another until you play in the global arena in Milan, New York and London.” With fashion, being one of the most profitable industries in the world, “we are determined to play a critical and catalytic role in bringing Africa into full participation in the world fashion industry”, he posited. Truly, his primary company, Mahogany International is an event management firm that has done a lot of big shows like the GT Bank Fashion Weekend, Africa Fashion Week London/Nigeria, 93 days Movie, London Fashion Week as well as theatre productions like Saro, Waka The Musical and the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards among others across continents. Boost for Nigerian Fashion Industry According to the soft-spoken fashion boss, South Africa was the leading country in Africa when he first started. Adding, he said SA fashion week had been going on for many years. But the narrative has changed. “However, in the last five years, we have turned that around. I have to give credit to Omoyemi for Lagos Fashion Week and to the Chairman/ Publisher of THISDAY, Nduka Obaigbena for Arise Fashion Week and of course GT

Bank for what they did with their fashion shows. They really brought the Nigerian fashion industry to life”. “With these kind of fashion events, they've enabled the artistes to get exposure. They've created a wellness internationally in the Nigerian fashion space. Now I can confidently say that Nigeria is, if not bigger than SA, or at par with SA.” Mr. Mahogany also reminisced about his first entrance into the industry. “When I started 37 years ago, it's not how it is now. There were neither black people doing any events nor designers. There were two African American models – Naomi Campbell and Iman. Africans frowned upon using Africans.” However, he heaved a deep sigh of relieve. “Things have progressed. People have started to recognise that fashion will become the biggest industry in terms of income generation over the next few years. I mean, it will become bigger than music and movies. After oil and agriculture, fashion will become the next largest sector according to CNN.” From Catwalk to Retail Obviously, the usual norm on the runway are sights of weird sample clothes that usually begin and end on the walkway. But FFA has a better idea. So, it is from catwalk to retail. “Our biggest aim – one of the things we

Plans for Fashion School Accordingly, Oyebade went on, “People do ask me that question. I have to be honest. I think it boils down to my passion, which has always been solely production, doing what they call the Nigerian event. “I'm not an event planner. I'm a show producer. I can work 24 hours a day and seven days a week without getting drained when I'm producing shows and stuffs like that. Schooling is completely different and it can be quite expensive.” Interestingly, one of the things the fashion figure mulls over is how to make such a school affordable. “This is the sort of thing the government needs to come and talk to people like us about and do a partnership deal. I think government role is to provide money and assistance but not to manage it”. Away from Work While it is good to roll up one’s sleeves, it is ideal to roll them down too. This executive director spends his time travelling, listening to music of all genres, reading, watching movies or attending events away from work. Mr. Mahogany is married to the gorgeous Mrs. Aderinola Oyebade. The union is honoured with two children, who are now adults. Today, Oyebade, your favourite fashion artiste, has designed more dreams than clothes. Having carried on with the second edition of the Fashion Finest Africa, the father of two awaits to see these hundreds of rising designers participate in global fashion shows. What a sweet dream to have!

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NEWS

L-R: Parish Priest SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, Lekki, Very Rev. Msgr. Francis Ogunmoded; Chairman, Lumen Christi TV Network, Prince Soji Olagunju, and Co-Adjutor Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. Paul Olawore at the event

L-R: Parish Priest SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, Lekki, Very Rev. Msgr. Francis Ogunmoded; Chairman, Lumen Christi TV Network, Prince Soji Olagunju, and Co-Adjutor Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. Paul Olawore at the event

Africa’s First Satellite Catholic TV Clocks Five Honeywell Restates Commitment to CSR, Donates to Orphanages

Lumen Christi Catholic Television Network (LCTN), Africa’s first Indigenous Catholic TV Network, recently marked five years of existence during which numerous individuals of the Catholic faith, including renowned catholic clerics gathered to witness the landmark event. This particular celebration was of great interest to the Catholic community because one of their own had made them proud. This was coupled with the fact that this particular investment, according to the Founder/CEO of Lumen Christi Catholic TV Network, Prince Robert Joseph Soji Olagunju, is peculiar in the sense that it is solely about drawing people to Christ though mass media using the Catholic tenet. Started five years ago, Olagunju stressed that LCTN is a

product of divine inspiration, personal faith and commitment, adding, “imagine the multiplier effect of a priest going through the rigours of preparing an inspiring homily and same is heard by millions upon millions across the world as against just within the confines of his parish. “The gain of heaven of all potentially lost souls who got to know of Christ through our worldwide broadcast is indeed great and simply immeasurable in monetary terms”. Olagunju while delivering his speech at the event, which also featured the presentation of Maiden Annual Lecture of the TV station added that “LCTN has already been making remarkable contribution to the work of evangelism in the church”. Commending Olagunju’s

efforts so far, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said, “It a great feat for him to have put his personal resources to set up a media outfit for the propagation of the gospel. “Churches do that often using the money collected from church members but for a single person to set up something like this is not very common. And it is not as if he is so rich and does not know what to do with his money. “I realise that it has been a challenging period all through these five years to meet up with this present development but as it happened God comes in because it is His business.” Congratulating Olagunju, the archbishop of the Metropolis of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev.

Alfred Adewale Martins, who made a prayer for the nation and also spoke on salient issues, while raising concern about the security situation in the nation, said, “We are gathered in recognition of the significance of today’s event. “Many significant things happen every day and some of them go unnoticed. To God be the glory that the fifth anniversary of LCTN did not go unnoticed”. He said further that it was the zeal for the proclamation of the good news of Christ that propelled Olagunju and his family to establish a catholic based television five years ago, adding that LCTN has continued to wax stronger despite all odds while propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the reason it was founded.

Children’s Day: Alex Unusual, English Manner Nigeria Train Kids on Etiquette Stories by Mary Nnah In commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, media personality and former Big Brother Nigeria finalist, Alex Asogwa popularly known as Alex Unusual partnered The English Manner Nigeria to host a Children’s Etiquette Training in Lekki, Lagos. Designed as a one day event, the etiquette training held in two batches on May 27 and 29 for children between the ages of 5 and 13-years. Speaking on why she chose to partner The English Manner Nigeria to host a Children’s Etiquette Training, Alex who has always demonstrated her

love for kids, revealed that in the course of her etiquette class with the English Manner Nigeria some time back, she saw a good number of children the organisation had trained and it dawned on her that so many kids needed the class. “I know it’ll be nice to contribute positively to the proper upbringing of these kids and give them an opportunity to learn what I learnt especially at their young age. “Children are adorable angels and the purest of hearts. They deserve all the attention they can get as they grow because they are quick to grasp, they have the sharpest brains and are open to learning” she said.

“Living in a world where first impression, character and charisma almost defines a person, I’m very passionate about instilling the right values in children because it pays and will definitely be of great use to this country and the world at large, now and in the future” Alex noted further. The English Manner Nigeria, operating under the franchise of The English Manner UK, and the umbrella of The Etiquette Connection, is an international training company offering tutoring in interpersonal, social and business skills, international business diplomacy, cross cultural integration and protocol, household management and cultural tours in Europe, UK, and

Asia for a diverse and discerning clientele of high net worth international clients. Children who attended the event learnt about leadership, deportment, problem solving skills, dining etiquette, public speaking and more. According to the planning team, the one-day training at the English Manner Nigeria originally costs N15, 000 but had to be heavily subsidised to N2,500 to give more children the opportunity to attend the event, which turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Aside from being trained by the best of trainers, the kids were treated to a scrumptious three-course meal at the event.

DSTV, Gotv Launch Additional Channels for Children In an effort to reach more children, PBS Distribution has partnered MultiChoice Africa to bring PBS KIDS’ high-quality educational children’s content to the DSTV and GOtv platforms available in all of sub-Saharan Africa. From Wednesday, May 22, all active DStv customers as well as GOtv Max and GOtv Plus customers started enjoying “Pinkalicious and Peterrific”, “Arthur” and other well-known PBS kids series available on DStv channel 313 and GOtv channel 65. “MultiChoice is always open to exploring ways to expand

our customer offering, adding a children’s channel that is not only entertaining but also experiential and educational adds value to our DStv and GOtv packages,” Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said. Co-President of PBS Distribution, Andrea Downing, said: “We are excited to offer this new audience the opportunities that PBS KIDS content offers. PBS KIDS is the number one educational media brand for kids, offering children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds. DStv and GOtv are inviting parents and children to

experience this trusted content that helps children learn and grow.” Among the series included in the channel are “Pinkalicious and Peterrific”, “Arthur” as well as “WordWorld”. Pinkalicious and Peterrific is based on the beloved book series by Victoria Kann. It encourages children to engage in self-expression and to explore the arts, including music, dance, and visual arts. Kids will be inspired to get creative by Pinkalicious, Peter, and their friends through adventures in their neighbourhood of Pinkville. Arthur is based on the best-

selling children's books by Marc Brown and follows the adventures of eight-year-old Arthur Read, while WordWorld, through the lovable WordFriends, take children on adventures in a world of words where they encounter problems that can only be solved by building a word. “It playfully demonstrates the connections between letters, sounds, words and meanings to empower children to advance from learning letters to learning how to read. PBS KIDS will also feature episodes from Postcards from Buster, Peep and The Big Wide World and Time Warp Trio.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, foremost producer of wheat based products, has restated its commitment to positively impact on humanity by giving back to the society through effectual CSR activities. While donating products to orphanage homes as part of its CSR programmes, Honeywell Managing Director, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, noted that Honeywell Flour Mills will continue to support good cause in the society especially those that have direct impact on human development. He said this during a visit to some orphanage homes in Lagos and Ogun States where the company donated its products. Jaiyeola, who was was represented by the Head Innovation and Sustenance, Honeywell Group, Tomi Otudeko, further noted that Honeywell will continue to seize the opportunity to make its impact felt in the society. He listed such opportunities to include support provided for sporting events, entrepreneurship programs, vulnerable groups, etc, adding that, “it is our own way of adding value to the people that we believe should have needs within the society, and our own way to alleviate poverty, suffering in the land”. Among beneficiaries of latest gestures are the SOS Village, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Little Saints Orphanage and Bethesda Home for the Blind, in Lagos. Besides products, the company also gave cash to the respective homes. On CSR, Jaiyeola said “Every good organisation should have a corporate social responsibility on its objectives because we cannot do anything without the people we are serving. Everything is not just about buying our products; we should also be seen to be improving the welfare of the people we are serving. “We should be giving back to the community and there are so many ways we have been doing that. In Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, we believe in giving back to the society we live in to support the less privileged and needy in our society. “So, every year, we visit selected orphanages and homes. We also provide little support in terms of products, donations and cash because we know that people running those homes sometimes are doing quite a lot, they are taking care of abandoned and orphaned children, disabilities of different kinds. They need to be supported”. At the orphanages visited, the founders and administrators were full of praises for Honeywell, commending it for the humanitarian gesture, while also listing their areas of needs that require further attention. Common among their challenges include the need for more funding, renovation and building of new structures as well as more support from the government, individuals and corporate organisations.

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MUSIC SHOWBIZ NOLLYWOOD

…Your weekly entertainment delight

Yemi Alafifuni: My Music Liberates British based Nigerian gospel singer Yemi Alafifuni was recently in the country to promote his debut album 'Father’. Vanessa Obioha had a chat with him where he talked about his mother whom he was separated from at an early age, his music and the challenges for Nigerian gospel singers in the U.K

W

hy have you been so far away from home? I have not really been away. I went to the UK to study at first then I came back to Nigeria to get married. My wife is also UK-based. Contrary to what people believe, they think when you are abroad, things are at a snap which is not really the case because you got to be diligent, do your own bit and quite some time, there are huge bills and stuff and you got to meet those as well; raise a family and stuff like that. But I'm home now. Although to some extent, I'm considered British. This is my base. If you look at the song ‘Padre’ that I did, it actually started here. At the time, I was going through some things. Didn’t have food to eat, trying to get into Lagos State University (LASU) at the time, I couldn't really afford the school fees. In my church then, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Covenant Hall, Iba Estate, I had a drummer friend who was a bit known around in churches. He got a place to be singing around and he was like “hey, you sing very well, I'm sure they would sign you, maybe ask you to come and play in the choir and they will pay you.” And that was the time I really needed that kind of funding. He suggested we go for a rehearsal that he would introduce me to the pastor. We did some songs, and which I sang 'Padre’. He was on the bass. We tried and tried with the resources that we have, there was no way we could perfect the song. Time was short. So we just had to scrap it and choose a kind of Don Moen easy flowing song. That was about 25 years ago. So when I started this project ‘Father’, it came back to mind and it felt right. It was probably one of the things I wrote about 20 times. I chose the name ‘Padre’ because I love the Spanish guitar. Do you play it? No I don’t. To an extent, I'm very sensitive to music. I kind of rewrote Padre. I was going to an event. As I was going to the park, I started hearing some tunes. That very day came the realisation that my roots was important. All what I am today is because of my roots. I couldn't have been far away from home. As a matter of fact, I took home with me. The things I learnt, the people around me. It is those values that people have put into me and it is all at home. There is no way I could have left without taking home with me, if not I would have been somebody else. I would have changed my name to Smith. You seem to have a good relationship with your father, what about your mother? My mum, to an extent is a sad story. In actual facts, I think I was barely one year old when my father took me and my older brother from my mother. Just the two of you? Yes, just the two of us. So whilst I was developing, I was the youngest, he liked me most. So for what happens to be 17 years, my mum was touring Lagos , Abuja, everywhere, looking for us. There was no connection whatsoever. Because I never really knew her, I couldn’t have formed my connection with her. It was just my dad. My brother would have some feelings because he was a bit older. When we gave my dad quite a lot of trouble, he said we should go and see our mother. So we went back. The first time that I saw her, my brother was actually hugging and crying, I was indifferent. For her, the trauma affected her a lot. The story we were told when we were reunited was that all she could think of, talked about, if she ever ate was where are my children. I may not be a woman, for mothers, that would have done so much damage to her. Right now, we are trying to bring back the pieces. How easy was it for you to penetrate into the British music industry? Well, I will take it back to the fact that this is home. I survived Nigeria in the first place by music. So when I got to the UK, naturally I went back to church, was in choir and as things progressed, I began to understand my gifting; that the fact that I do this almost effortlessly must mean something. So in 2015, I did my first EP called ‘Uncensored Worship’. I didn’t

understand then what I now understand. That you don’t just sing, release it and expect everybody to buy it. You have to promote it. That was where it ended. So in essence it didn’t really turn out well? People around me knew I did something. Some of them appreciated it. From then on, a few people started noticing and then I had a producer, did some little works between then and my album. And then again, because the quality of music, it wasn't to my taste, I didn’t want to promote it. I didn’t want people to start saying that I did ‘Uncensored Worship’, how come this one is not on the same par. The British gospel scene is tough. It requires you to be good. But beyond that I think most of us in the gospel scene are just eager to put something out there that will bring recognition. And I also didn’t want to be known as just a gospel singer. I want a situation where I can tell my own story, bring my perspective of how I come this far, how I entered the gospel scene into the British setting, I'm still pushing through barriers. Can you name one or two barriers? Compared to the Americans, there is no appreciation of gospel music in England. Even among the black communities? Well, the black communities are accepting it a little bit. They only recognise you if your song is infused with afro rhythms. For example, I have been to the US to minister and obviously down here. Till date, the amount of invites I get from outside far outweighs the UK ones. Another barrier is platform, everybody is guarding their platform. And these days, people are moving towards Bethel, the Hillsong. Those music are based on guitars, Africans are not guitarists. We are trying to imbibe those culture but not the core of music. I overheard Bebe Winans say that these days almost everybody wants to be singing with a guitar, what about those complex chords on the keyboards? Why are we not going through the rudimental, proper learning of music? So those barriers I am hoping to push down, because music should be a personal thing. Even the promoters are artists. They are thinking of promoting their music first. In what ways have music rewarded you so far? My reward is in heaven(laughs), I had an opportunity to meet with Chevelle Franklin, she is a Jamaican. I backed her up one time she came to our local church and she asked me why I haven't released an album, that I got something. And my response was that my music isn't for sale. Oh she was upset, she was completely livid. She said “hang on, this album I just released, it’s my story, where God has met me in different times and I put it in a package and you are probably buying it for five pounds. Can you really buy my experience, can you pay for it? What you heard now has somehow liberated you because music liberates. All you have experienced from that you can't pay for it. There is no way you can pay for that. You are giving it to someone for five pounds, so what does that do?” That was the change of my perception because all I wanted to was to grow inside church, help everyone out and play music. So the reward for me so far is to see people liberated. Would I want someone to give me some financial gift because this project based on how I received it is a three project God asked me to do-Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. I had only just done one and this project almost cost me 30,000 pounds just to finish. How many tracks are in Father? Eight. It was recorded in the UK, all the back vocalists are from the States. To be candid, I'll give you example of where I am going with my responses. Today I ministered in a church just down the road. A lady came to me after service to say that I touched her. I thought she was one of those fans. But she said I touched her because she appears to be a pastor but her husband left her and she got two kids, and she is thinking who is going to father these boys. How do I go from here and God is my witness, I only could not just hug her tightly. She was in tears. And to me, I don’t know how much what I did for five minutes affected her but there is no better reward than that. You could give me all the money you

can, I was almost in tears myself. I don’t know what she is going through in full context of it but that just gives value and essence and the reward in it is how I will go home and tell my wife that at least I touched one person and she will probably kiss me and say ‘well done my husband’. With the decline in sales of CD, how do you intend to promote this? Yes it is on CD, but I also did one of the best CDs. I did the best thing in the UK when it comes to packaging. My intention is to promote whichever way. I did a thousand for example, each cost 2.50 pounds. In naira, that is about 1,500. Nobody will buy it. My cousin will say that if I go to Alaba Int’l market, they will replicate it and sell it to me on the street. I tend to reach out whichever way. People sometimes listen to CD. In the western world, it is digital, Spotify. Whichever way works. Is it in the digital space? Yes it is. The CD is just for me and whoever wants it. Who is Father meant for? My trip this week has opened my eyes to the fact that there seems to be a landscape within the Nigerian church establishment. Seems there is more politics here. What I believe God is trying to say to me is that I should get on people who really need to know about me as Father. People go to churches because of what God could give them in terms of miracles, they want to be healed, there is nothing wrong with that, but to people who really need this message, specifically young people and where I can find them is in campuses. So I mentioned to one of the guys that are helping me do promotions that can we reach out to campuses directly. I’m tired of going to pastors to let them allow me minister to their people. I feel that if we go into these campuses where it pays them the most, where the pain of fatherhood ood exists the most. Do y you know that 90 per centt of all the shootings g in the US, had issues with their eir dad and I don’t think it is jjust there. It's here too. o. They y don’t have father figures g to look up to. Even ven if he’s there like a figurehead. g So I'm hoping ing when I come back I will have the grace to minister to campuses p in Nigeria. g So I'm working g on University y of Ibadan, Obafemi mi Awolowo University. y I know they gott big g fellowships p and so maybe y I can leverage erage g on that because I think we should hit the p problem from a y young g age g because that's how God helped p me, I don’t know how ow I would have ended up. How would you evaluate the Nigerian gospel scene? I don’t ’t know too much but I think that we are self-sufficient. God has graced ced us and g given us so much. uch. We don’t need too o much of the American an imitations. These are re my y views, I may bee biased. There's nothing g wrong with what they are doing. g It’s just that I think that the g gospel p musicians ns in the UK are doing good. I say y that because ause I was recently ently y invited to a 10-month-old th-old church where I ministered ered in Victoria ria Island. The

Alafifuni

congregation were all youths. The instrumentalists, the guys leading worship that day, for me to do the same kind of music they did that day I will have to do a lot of rehearsal back in London. I don’t know how much rehearsal they did but I don’t think they have enough time to perfect it like that. The quality is second to none based on my understanding. I think the gospel guys here, the exposure is what I got than them, I could send my work to America to do and rework which may be what is not working here. So there are funding issues and the acceptability. We accept our own so they realise the potential that they got. It is the same thing with the UK. They need to realise the potential that we got and place musicians or people who are doing this at the right place. Not to idolise them. If you idolise them, you are kidding yourself. Which of the recording gospel artiste in Nigeria have really impressed you? The guy that does Cold Red, Dunsin Oyekan. His music is really very good. He got focus with his music. If I want a collaboration, he will be my choice. I have listened to Oyekan’s music a few times and he doesn't cut corners. I can imagine him being in the studio trying a note for two hours. I love Nathaniel Bassey. I love what he does. Sinach, Frank Edwards are also doing well. I love Sammie Okposo, he was one of my mentors. Obviously, they do real contemporary. Who have you worked with most on the international scene? Noah Robinson. He is featured on my album. You’ve been compared to Donnie McClurkin and Muyiwa Olanrewaju, how inspiring are they? Very inspiring. Muyiwa actually set up my trip. When he heard the project, he asked me to come to his premier studio. He actually gave me audience which is odd. He asked me what I wanted to do with the project and he didn’tt charge didn g me a penny. p He is really y kind of pushing g me. These guys g y have g gone far and I don’t think I can be compared to them.

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F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

E-TRENDS A COCKTAIL OF BOOKS FOR THE MINISTER Stories by Vanessa Obioha There seems to be an underlying relationship between politicians and books. Be it books written for entertainment or for inspiration, the invaluable experience contained in books cannot be overemphasised and no one understands this better than the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Hence, to mark his birthday, businessman and politician Prince Tonye Princewill hosted a motley audience of professionals at Freedom Park, Lagos to mark the special day of the former governor of Rivers State, who turned 54 on Monday, May 27 with a reading session and poetry performance. The occasion was a one-of-kind for Amaechi who is better known in the political quarters. By jilting the conventional glitz and glam that characterise birthday celebration for a book reading, Princewill, alongside other friends of the minister showcased an Amaechi who is every inch a literature buff. This comes as a surprise to those who are familiar with the man better known as the Lion of Niger Delta but the compere, Jahman Anikulapo, a lover of books himself recounted to the audience that Amaechi was one of the few governors in the country whose love for literature is very admirable. He told the audience how Amaechi supported the Rainbow Book Club which started advocacy programmes in 2005 to draw attention to the importance of reading to personal and national development. His unwavering stance to that cause fetched Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state the distinguished honour of the U.N.E.S.C.O World Book Capital City in 2014 while he was still in office. But the biggest reveal came from Princewill who described the avid reader Amaechi embodies. "Most people don't know about the literary side of Amaechi, they only know about the controversial side of him. But he has a strong literary side to him. Amaechi can read three books at the same time. Usually when he finds a novel he really likes, he buys several copies for his friends. He is a fan of books. Part of the reason he is a fighter is because he is knowledgeable having read so many books about how things are and how they are supposed to be. That has somehow evoked a rebellious spirit in him so when you see him reacting certain ways, it is because of the import of the knowledge gathered in books." For the reading session, Wole Soyinka's 'The Man Died' was chosen for two reasons. First, like so many in the literary world, Soyinka is considered the father of literature and Amaechi is no exception. The other reason being that the novel which was written by the professor during his incarceration at the peak of the Nigerian Civil War is a product of his experience as a fighter of the people, a role which Amaechi played during his governorship days where he curtailed the reign of terror and brigandage in Rivers. The book however was not the only thing the organisers got right. The reading panel comprised individuals from different walks of life who have in one way or the other encountered the visionary politician. They include prolific environmental rights campaigner and art promoter Sir Newton Jibunoh; author and poet Reginald Ofodile; veteran actress, Joke Silva; publisher of men lifestyle magazine Modemen, Abubakar TafawaBalewa; and corporate entrepreneur Rick Nwanso. Amaechi has in one way or the other affected their lives and they didn't hesitate to tell the audience. Newton recalled how Amaechi defied the harmattan weather and drove all the way from Port Harcourt to Asaba in Delta state to attend his summit few years ago. To him, this was an exceptional example of altruism. The occasion was a way of repaying his kindness since they have not seen each other for a long time. TafawaBalewa recalled the many times he has sat with the minister, picked his brain and realised the distinguished intellectual he was. Thus, it wasn't a surprise that he has graced the glossy covers of

Tiwa Savage, Tonto Dikeh Got Balls in New Amstel Malta Campaign

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he official malt drink of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and supporter of the Nigerian Super Falcons, Amstel Malta recently 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. Directed by award-winning female director Kemi Adetiba and leading contemporary Nigerian photographer, Yetunde AyeniBabaeko, the campaign parades a historic allfemale cast and crew with Nollywood, music and entertainment stars like Tiwa Savage, Dakore Egbuson– 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. The campaign was also in commemoration of the feat of the female national team in qualifying for the eighth FIFA Women’s World

Cup taking place in France from June 7 to July 7. The Super Falcons have earned this reward by winning 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 as we cheer them on to gold at the World Cup. 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,” Portfolio Manager, Non-Alcoholic Brands, Ngozi Nkwoji, said at the special event to unveil the campaign. “We believe that it is important to celebrate women in our society who take on outstanding feats and come out on top. By lifting the veil on the power of women It shows the rest of the country, the continent and indeed the world what Nigerian women are capable of and these women who have proved themselves to be the best in Africa, epitomise that,” she concluded.

L-R: Linda Ejiofor, Tonto Dikeh and Cee-C

his magazine more than once. Though the initial plan was to stick with 'The Man Died', Silva however brought a twist to it when she vocally dramatised a section of Wole Soyinka's 'Ake'. Her performance received a loud applause. Being that the minister’s birthday coincided with Children's Day celebration, there were echoes by members of the audience for children to be equipped with books for both personal and national development. While Amaechi was in absentia, his friend and ally, Hon. George Tolofari rained accolades on him, highly impressed by how the former governor has reached the echelons of power. "Amaechi may have not been born great like a child with a silver spoon but he has worked very hard to be who he is today and that is why we are celebrating him. Before he assumed office as governor, shortly after we left the National Assembly, myself and a few friends wanted to throw him a surprise birthday party and we were begging people to join us. But they turned it down, because at the time Amaechi was embattled. Nobody wanted to identify with someone they see as a failure. Only his few friends that believed in him. Today, I'm delighted that it is a national event for this young man." With the generous flow of drinks and other refreshment, it didn't matter that Amaechi was not there in person or is yet to write a book. What was more instructive was that he is a fighter of the people and a staunch supporter of the Nigerian literary world.

expected to open the door to the top-notch parties that Heineken has been known for. The Lagos Heineken House was first opened in 2016 as the first Heineken Champions Planet in Africa and later gave way for smaller pop-up experience centers across the nation in December of that year. As a brand, Heineken has been at the forefront of providing premium entertainment for fans, with football events and other lifestyle themed parties. The Heineken House serves as a melting point for sports lovers and fun seekers, to blend and share the excitement of new friendships. Senior Brand Manager, Mfon Bassey described the reopening as the return of premium entertainment and stated that the brand plans to make it a comfortable spot for everyone looking to feel the Heineken experience. He added that; “as a brand, we are keen on the type of experience we provide our consumers, that’s why we have made this spot better. By next weekend, we will be here again at the football arena to watch the UCL Finals, and that would be an even bigger party.” The first party to be held in the upgraded house is the Champions League Finals match viewing which will be happening on Saturday, June 1.

EXCITEMENTASHEINEKENREOPENS LAGOS HOUSE

A Toronto-based showbiz guru, Prince George recently sang high praises of Nigerian artistes who are dominating international scenes. In a chat, George revealed that the rising influence of Nigeria’s band of Afro pop stars is spreading like wildfire in North America, especially Canada. He however attributed this growing influence to collaborations between Nigerian stars like

Music and football lovers are in for a good treat as premium international beer brand, Heineken has reopened the upgraded Heineken House in Lagos. This reopening of the Heineken house is

SHOWBIZ GURU, PRINCE GEORGE LAUDSWIZKID,TEKNOFORBREAKING BOUNDARIES

Wizkid and Tekno and Grammy Award-winning singer, Drake who hails from Toronto. “In April, we hosted a multi-city tour for Wizkid and it went on to record an audience of over 4,000,” reveals George. He added that the show was hosted in several cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver. "People love him irrespective of his collaborations with Drake, who is a son of the soil. We had a mixed audience of people from Togolese, Kenyans and Canadians”. George who runs an entertainment company named after him is amazed at the high speed of penetration of Nigerian music on mainstream media. “We are having more media platform show support for Afrobeats music in Canada. Some of the radio stations like GBK FM and G98.7FM play rotate our songs. No doubt, the growing influence of Afrobeat in the Diaspora cannot be understated. Some of the most played songs are from Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Wande Coal,” said George. While revealing that there are opportunities for upcoming Nigerian acts in Canada, the showbiz guru cites examples of the success of Torontobased acts like Dice Ailes and Nonso Amadi who both came from Toronto as well as the fast-rising artiste, Bolu Ajibade.

YETUNDE BABAEKO UNRAVELS UNTOLDTALES OF ALBINISM IN NEW EXHIBITION

Ace photographer Yetunde Babaeko explores the world of albinism in an ongoing exhibition by SMO Contemporary Art. Titled 'White Ebony', the exhibition showcases 20 thought-provoking photographs by the social activist photographer which captures the complexity of life that Persons with Albinism (PWAs) face daily. Through her delicate lens, Babaeko challenges preconceived notions on albinism with powerful images which reflect a renaissance beauty through sensitive lighting, composition, and layered stylistic interpretations. It takes the viewer on an emotional journey that is filled with nuance as well as controversial in its stark positioning and challenging suggestions. Each work reflects both internal struggles while working through layers of identity and self-actualisation, and points to the urgent need to stop the stigmatisation of persons with albinism. For this exhibition, the photographer worked closely with members of The Albino Foundation in Lagos, and after in-depth interviews and insightful group discussions, began interpreting their reality through photographs which explore both the alienation and struggles experienced by persons with albinism, as well as celebrates their lives and achievements. “As in her previous exhibitions, which have tackled issues such as the challenges survivors of breast cancer face, or photographing dancers performing within slums to highlight the needs of populations living in shantytowns, Babaeko’s amazing artistry is heightened by her commitment to social change and supporting marginalised communities,” said Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, the exhibition curator and expert in development communications, who has worked on three previous shows with the photographer. “It’s easy to create a striking image of a person with albinism because of how unique they are. But these models were not just put in front of my camera for me to photograph them. I was able to really connect with them through long conversations about their daily struggles, sharing with me what their life is like and all this knowledge translated into this new body of work,” explained Babaeko while presenting White Ebony. “My work is not there to make you feel good, its purpose is to trigger you to think and expand your knowledge”. White Ebony opened on May 25 at Temple Muse till July 19 to support the recognition and protection of persons with albinism in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day, which comes up on June 13 every year. A portion of the income from sales will go towards supporting people with albinism.

EbonyLife Films Tackle Human Trafficking in Òlòtūré

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fter making blockbuster movies such as 'The Wedding Party 1 and 2 that have shattered box-office records, EbonyLife Films latest offering Òlòturé casts the spotlight on human trafficking, a growing menace in the society. This time in partnership with the British Deputy High Commissioner, Laure Beaufils, the production company owned by media entrepreneur Mo' Abudu, held a private screening recently at the IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos. Set in Lagos, Òlòturé is the story of a young, naïve Nigerian journalist who goes undercover to expose the shady underworld of human trafficking. Unused to this brutal environment, crawling with ruthless traders and pimps, Òlòturé finds warmth and

friendship with Blessing, Linda and Beauty, the prostitutes she lives with. However, she gets drawn into their lifestyle and finds it difficult to cope. In her quest to uncover the truth, this rookie reporter pays the ultimate price - one that takes her to the verge of no return. Since she ventured into film production, Abudu's company has often favoured the comedy genre. In tackling a controversial, globally-important topic like human trafficking, Abudu confessed that indeed it was a challenge, but one that needed to be taken on. “Òlòturé explores a world very few people know anything about and had to be dealt with in a particular way,” she said. “It’s not a documentary, but it addresses real issues most of our society doesn’t see, harnessing

the talents of some of the country’s top actors and filmmakers to produce a film that is both intelligent and profound – and breaks bold new genre and stylistic ground for Nollywood. We hope that Òlòturé will lead the charge in a bold new direction for narrative filmmaking in Nollywood, and take more Nigerian stories to the world”. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the movie stars Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Omowunmi Dada, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Wofai Fada, Bukola Oladipupo, Pearl Okorie, Ikechukwu Onanaku, David Jones David, Sambasa Nzeribe and Omawumi Megbele. Òlòturé will commence its festival run this summer, after which it will be released across cinemas in Nigeria and then to streaming platforms.

Mo Abudu and Laure Beaufils

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F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Moremi in the Eyes of Art Masters

Yinka Olatunbosun reports on the debut travelling art exhibition in honour of the legendary Queen Moremi Ajasoro organised by Alexis Galleries in partnership with the House of Oduduwa

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he legend of Moremi had been told in books and theatres. It is time for the visual artists to join in the global cultural renaissance in this unprecedented show which opens on Sunday June 9 to Friday June 14 at Alexis Galleries, Victoria Island, Lagos. Titled, “A View From The Masters’’, the show is the brainchild of the House of Oduduwa and Alexis Galleries which will start in Lagos and later move to London, New York, Dubai and Lebanon. Tapping from the depth of their experience, the show features the leading artists of the century such as Bruce Onabrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Bunmi Babatunde, Abiodun Olaku, Gbenga Offo, Reuben Ugbine, Chinwe Uwatse, Tola Wewe, Sam Ovraiti, Duke Asidere, Dominique Zinkpe, Fidelis Odogwu, Sam Ebohon, Tony Nsofor, Edosa Ogiugo, Alex Nwokolo, Mavua Lessor, Segun Aiyesan, Ato Arinze, Zinno Orara, DiseyeTantua, Joshua Nmesirionye, Gerry Nnumbia, John Oyedemi, Joe Essien, Abraham Uyovbisere, Gab Awusa and Gerald Chukwuma. The Global Ambassador, Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi explained the reason for this art initiative during a press briefing to announce the touring exhibition. “The show is to keep the legacies of Moremi embedded in our memories. It is a story of leadership and how she took a bold step to save her people. Moremi was a sacrificial leader,’’ she said as she eulogised the heroic attributes of Queen Moremi. The Founder and Director, Alexis Galleries, Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis who warmly welcomed the press said that the artists, made up of 27 men and a woman, will each

present a work of art across the different medium to depict Moremi as they see her. In her characteristic sense of humour, she acknowledged the musical effort at revival the ideals of Moremi. “I watched Moremi three times and I think I can act it,’’ she said. While responding to the questions from the press regarding the inclusion of only one female character in the line up of artists for the show, she expressed the desire to have more women on the show. In the visual art scene, there is a dearth of full-time studio artists with long years of experience. But the focus for the gallery is to place Moremi delicately in the hands of masters. “We are making history with artists whose names are already part of history,’’ she added. In his reaction to the number of female artists involved in this show, Sam Ovraiti noted that there was only one kind of Moremi in history. “We need the impact. It is not about the number”, he added. For Azuh Arinze, it is an opportunity to tell the true story of Moremi. “I have heard several versions of the Moremi story. But I hope to tell the authentic story of a mother, a protective caregiver to the society,’’ he said. In his submission, Gerry Nnumbia described Moremi as a custodian of culture, “a very beautiful woman who explored her beauty to save her people”. Some of the works expected at the show include metal sculptures, painting and mixed media. Part of the proceeds will be donated to a nongovernmental organisation in Ile-Ife to be chosen by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and some will be donated to the Fine Art Department, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife.

L-R: Arinze, Uyovbisere, Nnubia, Ovraiti, Ademiluyi, Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, Odogwu and Nwokolo at the press preview session

Goethe-Institut, CCA Train Art, Project Managers Yinka Olatunbosun The German Cultural Centre, Goethe Institut, Nigeria in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) has opened a window of opportunity through a professional development initiative with focus on organisations and projects engaged in culture, arts and civil society. Nigeria is an important cultural hub on the African continent in the fields of literature, visual arts and film. Still, lack of public funding has ebbed the ecosystem. In spite of this challenge, more gallery spaces, film clubs, street festivals have sprung forth. What seems to be a major concern at the moment is long-term sustainability. To this end, a workshop consist-

ing of three training modules in Lagos has been designed to support creative, social and cultural entrepreneurs in Nigeria. With a focus on organisational sustainability, the series will engage participants in a comprehensive program of professional development ranging from concept development, funding issues, sponsoring, legal issues to visibility strategies and co-operation building. The training faculty will be drawn from Nigeria, West Africa and Germany. Participants are expected to have at least two years of professional work experience with project initiatives in the arts, environment and education. The training modules will take place in July, September and October. Today marks the deadline for all applicants.

Echoes of Adio The Musical

Yinka Olatunbosun

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randma Wura! That name rings a bell with many children in private schools today because it is a theatre character, the alter ego of Bola Edwards who has made story theatre tradition popular in contemporary times. Rooted in folkloric tradition, story theatre was one of the gifts for Children’s Day celebration in Lagos. An initiative of the Proud African Roots Limited, the show, “Adio (Omo Iya Alakara) the musical’’ was created to entertain and develop the next generation of leaders who are selfless nation-builders. Directed by Patrick Edwards, Adio the musical is based on the story of young boy whose mother dies during the war and is rescued by a woman known as Iya Alakara (seller of beans cakes). He grew up in her home and is sent to school. Adio is a happy-child, playful, inquisitive and impulsive. He is jovial and made friends with almost everyone including an old man called “The Strange One’’.

His best friend is Korede, a visually challenged boy whose mother abandoned as a little child. He has since been fending for himself. That hard life taught him wisdom early in life and he is one of the most sought after by the villagers because of his incredible insight into difficult situations. Adio spends time with Korede after school. One day, he tells Korede of his plans to sneak after the strange one in order to know where he lives and find out if he has people who care for him. Inspite of Korede’s reservations, Adio insists on following the Strange one to the forest. Korede decides to accompany Adio in order to protect him from the forest spirits and frogs. Upon their return home after several days away from home, the village heads with powers vested in the Olodumare (Patrick Diabuah) appoint Adio as the new king. Adio cuts his people’s victory dance short with his declaration. He wants Korede to be crowned the king himself. The villagers are visibly angry and rejects Korede, on the premise

A scene from Adio the musical

of his visual impairment. After much persuasion, Adio convinces the villagers of Korede’scapability to lead the people aright. As expected of the story theatre, the use of colourful costumes, puppetry and props gave life to the drama which is built on the theme of inclusiveness. The adventure part of the tale rests in the frog scene where Adio and Korede were encircled by the frogs. Two of the cast, David Ahmed and

Michael Bankole who played the role of Korede are multi-talented students of the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children. The school is a non-fee-paying institution under the proprietorship of Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. To put a wrap on the show, a photo session was declared for children who wished to be captured with the singing tree and Grandma Wura, the narrator for the musical, Adio.

MAY 31, 2019 Ëž F R I DAY

33

FERTILITY

with Ë› Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

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ast week we discussed about the danger signs in pregnancy, this week we will be continuing with symptoms you must not ignore in pregnancy.

SWOLLEN HANDS OR FACE: In pregnancy most body part may seem to be getting bigger and a little bit of swelling might be expected, close attention must be paid to the hands and face. Puffiness in the face and anything more than a little swelling of the hands could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or toxemia. Severe, sudden swelling in the ankles and feet must also be noted. Early detection and close monitoring with regular blood pressure check and specialist management is required in Pre-eclampsia. Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia include: Headaches Swelling of your feet, ankles, face, or hands Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă&#x;ÚÚĂ?Ăœ Ă‹ĂŒĂŽĂ™Ă—Ă?Ă˜ Blurred vision Protein in urine diagnosed during routine ANC check by urinalysis test. Preeclampsia not treated will get severe, and can cause brain, liver, kidney, heart, or eye damage and sometimes seizures. Delivery of the baby may be the best treatment for preeclampsia, however if baby has not developed enough, bed rest at home or in the hospital until blood pressure is controlled or the baby is ready for delivery is needed depending on the appropriate option of treatment by the physician that is managing the patient. RAPID WEIGHT GAIN: There should be no stress about gaining weight as that is expected in pregnancy, but if more

BLURRY VISION: Getting up too fast from the bed can result in some normal pregnancy dizziness. Blurry vision that is persistent or comes along with other symptoms, such as headache or rapid weight could be a sign of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, both of which require urgent medical management.

than is added in a week, that could be another sign of preeclampsia, in which case specialist evaluation will be required. ITCHING: The skin could be itchy simply because it is dry and over stretched, or due to the presence of a rash called PUPPP, an itchy rashthat appears in stretch marks of the stomach in late pregnancy, which is aggravating but not harmful at all. But if you have all-over itching, oryour itchiness is more severe than normal, special test need to be done to rule out cholestasis in pregnancy, a liver disorder that can cause serious issues, such as preterm labour and stillbirth. BACK PAIN: Women experiencing back pain areadvised to seek specialist attention. Pain must be checked to make sure it is just normal pregnancy pain and not a sign of bladder infection, cyst, miscarriage or preterm labour.

but sometime genetic factor and infection of the amniotic membranes can be a cause Treatment for PROM varies. Women are often hospitalized and given antibiotics, steroids, and drugs to stop labor (tocolytics). When PROM occurs at 34 weeks or more, some doctors might recommend FEVER: Most pregnant women are delivering the baby. At that time, the vulnerable to cold and flu germs, so risks of prematurity are less than the a fever is likely to happen sometime infection risks. If there are signs of during the nine months period. There infection, labor must be induced to avoid are a number of viruses and conditions serious complications. than can cause fever. A temperature that Occasionally, a woman with PROM exis over 100°F (37.8°C) could be a sign of periences resealing of the membranes. In infection or illness. If itlasts longer than 24 to 36 hours then the need for treatment these rare cases, a woman can continue arises, as a high temperature or infection her pregnancy to near term, although still under close observation. can lead to preterm labor. The infection The risks associated with prematurity may need to be treated with antibiotics or decrease significantly as the fetus nears other medications. term. If PROM occurs in the 32- to 34week range and the remaining amniotic BABY MOVEMENT: Babies start to fluid shows that the fetus’ lungs have move early in pregnancy. Most women matured enough, the doctor may discuss start to feel the movements at about delivering the baby in some cases. 18-20 weeks or halfway through the Availability of improved intensive care pregnancy. Each baby has its own pattern nursery services, many preterm infants of movement. Every woman needs to born in the third trimester (after 28 know the pattern of their baby’s movements, keep track and know when to tell weeks) usually survive. the doctor aboutpossible irregularities ABDOMINAL PAIN: In the third noted. trimester, causes of abdominal discomfort can include gas, constipation, and PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBraxton-Hicks contractions(false labour) BRANES (PROM): and they should not cause excessive Rupture of membranes is a normal part of giving birth. It’s the medical term amounts of pain. It is important to see your physician if you experience severe for saying your “water has broken.� It abdominal pain. means that the amniotic sac(water sac) Knowledge of the danger signs will that surrounds the baby has broken, help women to make the right decisions allowing the fluid to flow out. and take appropriate healthcare seeking While it is normal for the sac to break actions, which means receiving immediduring labor, if it happens too early, it ate and appropriate care, which reduces can cause serious complications. This is maternal mortality (death rate) and called preterm / premature rupture of morbidity (incidence) associated with membranes (PROM). The cause of PROM is not always clear, pregnancy.

X-TRA

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remember that Jide Odeyemi and I once went swimming as little kids one day like that when teachers were on strike. We spent a whole day at the pool (actually, an open river in Isikan that fascinated us at the time). Other kids were there. We were all ecstatic - wading, jumping in and out and probably catching many diseases as well. The interesting part was that none of us could swim. Had the unexpected happened, each would most likely have had fast dialogue with his feet and irresponsibly keep quiet at home for the fear of being discovered to have gone swimming in the first instance! In my adolescent universe, I would most likely have concluded that being found out to have gone swimming in some dingy community brook would attract capital punishment because lesser offenses attracted severe corporal punishment in my home. Yes, my father would flog the devil out of you for lesser domestic infractions! It also reminds me of an incidence I read in the account of the youthful days of Edson Arantes do Nascimento where one of his street football gang members died and they never reported it - until Edson became the globally celebrated soccer legend, Pele, and had it penned down in his biography. Nothing was ever known of what happened to the body of the victim and the agony his parents passed through trying to understand his disappearance or last moments. The eye witnesses simply

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ran away (little Pele was one of them). That said however, these examples do not vitiate nor excuse the glaring evil of envy in this present account of a UNIABUJA student that drowned in a hotel swimming pool. For the victim might never have died if his 'friends' raised im-

mediate alarm. And this does not excuse a hotel that did not put qualified lifeguards on duty at all times as it is done in civilised countries (due apology if this sounds offensive). In fact, if anyone is primarily culpable in this instance, it is the hotel and its management. We cannot continue to be a nation that learns nothing from mishaps. Similar hotel negligence caused the death of my first cousin Sina Olukareh in a hotel swimming pool in Abuja in 2017. I only got to know after his death that this brilliant banker and generous young man whose birthday I attended a year before his death, in the company of Akin Babalola and Gbenro Adeladun, was actually my first cousin! Sina drowned whilst the lifeguard looked on unperturbed - unconcerned. The news of his painful exit was broken to me first by my brother, Dare Daramola, who was planning to introduce us as family, and then by Akin who had earlier introduced Sina and I as friends, at the latter's birthday. Anyone, particularly science and engineering students, that attended or experienced a postgraduate education in a place like the United Kingdom would be familiar with a course or course module known as Disaster or Disaster Studies. That course is designed to appraise cause, effect and useful lessons learnt by policymakers in the process. The goal is to gauge society's reaction through the instrument of law and order to prevent future

re-occurrence of disastrous incidences from relatively isolated event such as a drowning hazard to mega disasters like the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion. The overall objective of Disaster response from authorities is prevention - prevention of future occurrence. Often, new policies emerge. New laws are crafted and enacted in response. Gaps observed in the implementation of policies are plugged with new stringent checks introduced to mitigate old loopholes. Had the unfortunate death in a swimming pool of Sina occurred in a hotel in the UK, the British government would have evolved new 'Hotel Swimming Pool Safety Standards' or some form of amendments. Were the death the result of failure of compliance, they would out the culprits and enact new rules or regulations to inhibit such failures from reoccurring. They may have even named such new policy or amendment after Sina Olukareh. Had we done that after the death of Sina Olukareh in a hotel in Abuja in 2017, this new death of a young student in similar circumstance in 2019 could have been averted. The black race must up its standard of existence. We must be deliberate in aspiring to be at par with civilization. My sympathy and condolence to the parents of this promising youth. May God comfort them. t "SJZPNP JT 4QFDJBM "EWJTFS PO 1VCMJD 6UJMJUJFT UP (PWFSOPS 3PUJNJ "LFSFEPMV PG 0OEP 4UBUF

F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

34

COLLAGE EVENTS

Nigerian-born, New York-based Iké Udé’s Photo Exhibition Opens June 1 Iké Udé, Nigerian-born, New York-based photographer

L-R: Sponsor, Mrs. Benadith Mbagwu; bride's mother, Mrs. Emilia Osuji; the couple, Mr. Ikedomere Charles of THISDAY Newspapers Group, and his wife Cynthia; groom's mother, Lolo Cathrine Ikedomere; and co- sponsor, Mr. Jude Mbagwu, at the wedding ceremony of the couple held at St Michael Catholic Church, Atta Ikeduru LGA in Owerri, Imo State...recently

will break new ground this June when he holds his first photography exhibition in Nigeria. The exhibition will take place at Alliance Française at Mike Adenuga Centre, 9, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos from June 1 to 16, 2019. Titled ‘Nollywood Portraits: A Radical Beauty’, Udé will be offering a substantial presentation of his portraits of members of Nigeria’s vibrant movie scene, Nollywood. In the solo exhibition, Udé will orchestrate a dramatic cinematic atmosphere of light and colour, whereby the industry’s illustrious veterans, in company with the next generation of emerging talent pose in classically staged shots. Pictorial representation will include personalities such as actress Genevieve Nnaji; director Stephanie Okereke Linus and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. In all, 64 Nollywood personalities captured in the elegant style of the artist will feature in the exhibition. The thematic thread that intertwines this body of work, culminates in the centrepiece of the collection titled ‘The School of Nollywood’. The title is both play on, and departure from the artistic opulence of one of Raphael Sanzio Urbino’s notable fresco, The School of Athens (1509). The painting is of a grandiose architectural framework, depicting prominent philosophers of Greek antiquity, posed in a manner whereby they dominate but do not crowd their environment. With these works of portraiture, Udé complements the discourse on the representation of Africans in cinema, from colonial domination and inferior stereotypes to one of intellect and creative agency in telling our own stories. Udé is an aesthete, dandy, writer and founder of the seminal artfashion print magazine aRUDE, 1995-2009. In addition to the accompanying coffee table book, Nollywood Portraits: A Radical Beauty published by Skira in 2016, he is also the author of Style Files: The World’s Most Elegantly Dressed, published by Harper Collins in 2008 and Beyond Decorum published by M.I.T Press in 2000.

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, Mr. Charles Omoera; Country Head, Human Capital, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Olufunke Amobi; Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), Mrs. Simi Nwogugu; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Dr. Demola Sogunle; and Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, during the JAN MoneyBee Competition sponsored by Stanbic IBTC in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Iké Udé L-R: Board Member, Special Olympics Nigeria (SO Nigeria), Mr. Misan Eresanara Esq; Board Member, SO Nigeria, Dr. Dolapo Ogunbawo; Chairman, SO Nigeria, Mr. Victor G. Osibodu MFR; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; and Chief Risk Officer, CSCS Plc, Mr. Ayokunle Adaralegbe, at the cheque presentation ceremony to Special Olympics Nigeria as Champion Partner in Lagos...recently

L-R: Heads Corporate Planning, Research and Strategy Directorate, APCON, Susan Agbo; Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma and Publisher, Brand Communicator, Joshua Ajayi during the pesentation of the Public Relations Manager of the Year Award to Oghuma at the Brandcomawards in Lagos...recently

Foundation Embarks on Fight against Child Sexual Abuse In honour of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, the Cece Yara Foundation is embarking on a grassroot campaign to further promote awareness on Child Advocacy. The CECE YARA Foundation is a leading Nigerian NGO focused on protecting children against sexual abuse. Established in 2016, the foundation seeks to combat the menace of child sexual abuse by providing preventive initiatives, projects and offering immediate, physical, medical, mental, and legal aids to survivors. Since inception, this foundation has continued to record victories in its war against child sexual abuse in Nigeria with the successful apprehending and prosecution of sexual offenders. Cece Yara has continued to expand its charitable activities via key collaborations with government and private agencies in ensuring that the Nigerian Child is safe and justice is served where required. It therefore craves individuals to join in its efforts as it continue to forge ahead in sensitising parents, teachers, and the society in general on being our children's keepers and making our society safe for children, reaching out to the affected (survivors) with the message of medical help, justice and succour.

MAY 31, 2019 ˾ F R I DAY

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POTPOURRI

Outsource Global Extends its BPO Service to Japan Adedayo Adejobi

Outsource Global, one of the leading Africa businesses and knowledge process outsourcing firms based in Nigeria recently extended its reach to Japan. This happened almost immediately after its earlier announcement of its expansion to the UK where it will provide outsourced data training, software development, telesales and marketing, as well as remote professional services to leading organisations across the world. While speaking at the recently concluded Japan IT Week, the Founder and CEO of Outsource Global, Amal Hassan, said, “in line with our strategic growth plan, we are particularly excited about this strategic expansion. It not only allows us to serve the Japanese market, but it is also an entry point for us to provide a full range of outsourced services to the Asian market. “We are also thankful to ITC She-Trades for facilitating our participation at the Japan IT Week, thereby giving us the platform to have these strategic conversations.” Expressing his confidence in the economic growth of Japan, he said, “With Japan being the 23rd wealthiest nation in the world, and home to global automobile giants we are confident of our capability to serve this new market. “Our over 800 agents are spread across three locations in Nigeria and our facilities have the capacity to cater for over 2,000 remote teams who can work with organisations around the world.” The company’s participation at the Japan IT Week is said to be sponsored by She-Trades, an initiative of the International Trade Centre which have a mandate to connect three million women owned businesses to international markets by 2021.

The Outsource Global team

N3m Fidelity Bank Windfall Saves Man from Blindness Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt He screamed, jumped and danced. His excitement knew no bounds, with tears of joy streaming down his face, as he was called out for the presentation of N3 million he won in the Fidelity Bank’s Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season three promo which came to an end in a ceremony in Port Harcourt.

That was the lot of Mr. Kingsley Ibenegbu, a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers state. His jubilation and testimony actually drowned those of the grand prize winner, John Poubo, another Rivers indigene, who won N10 million. Addressing journalists on the reason for his excitement, Ibenegbu said he was almost going blind because he could

not raise the money for a critical eye surgery. “Many will not understand how I am feeling right now. I am due in less than a week for a major eye surgery to correct a blindness-threatening problem with my left eye. Just a few days back, I was asking a friend, you know I will go for a surgery soon and I don’t have the money

Glamcliq Floats Mobile App Ayodeji Ake An international brand, Glamcliq, envisioned to providing solutions to accessing quality beauty services remotely, has unveiled it mobile app ‘Glamcliq’, saying it will serve as a connecting platform between vendors and customers in all locality. The Chairman, Glamcliq, Amb. Elajoe Nwosu, told journalists during a press conference in Lagos recently, that the app has been designed to bridge the gap between vendors of quality services and custom-

ers in all geographical territory, thus providing an avenue for investors and partnerships. “We are officially unveiling our mobile platform to the world. The whole idea is to bridge the gap between service providers especially those into cosmetics, fashion designers, and consumers. “We understand that there are a lot of people with brand visibility but unable to locate their customers out there. With our app, they can easily locate them and the customer can get services from any location, at any time. This app is a revolu-

tionary app and it will change the fashion and beauty industry. “Glamcliq exist in four countries as we speak; Nigeria, Unites State of America, United Kingdom, and South Africa. What we are focusing is product penetration and more people signup on Glamcliq. “We know in the next few years, Glamcliq will be bigger than what we are seeing right now and that’s why we are reaching out for investors and partners who can join us at the early stage. The whole idea is just about solving a problem” Nwosu said.

to pay and don’t know where to find it,” he said. He recounted that he was involved in a road accident in November, 2018 in which his left eye was affected. “The lens of my eye fell off. I picked it and went to the hospital where doctors said it was retinal detachment,” he said. Ibenegbu said he was referred to University of

Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu but could not get treatment because the hospital did not have the equipment to handle his case. He said a private hospital in Enugu agreed to handle his case but insisted on a deposit of N1.5 million which he could not afford. On inquiry, he said he was directed to another hospital

in Ibadan where the doctors said he should pay N350, 000. With tear-filled eyes, he said, “I pleaded with the hospital that I could not afford that amount but that they should commence treatment as my right eye which I have been using to see was being affected. The hospital refused. So, I came back dejected.

Mormons Spread Love, Good Citizenship as New Stake Emerges in Umuahia Emmanuel Ugwu With the inauguration of a new stake in Umuahia the Mormons are poised to further spread love, care and good citizenship not only among its membership but also among the residents of host communities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Abia state. This good news was proclaimed at the inauguration of the Umuahia South Nigeria Stake during the sixth annual stake conference of the Umuahia Nigeria Stake of Zion from which the new stake was carved.

A stake is equivalent of a diocese in the orthodox churches. The Umuahia South Nigeria Stake is the second in the capital city of Abia, and the 53rdstake of the Mormons in Nigeria as a whole. The Mormons, as members of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are known, were full of joy as a member of the Africa area of 70 quorum, Elder Gerald Chukwuemeka Igwe inaugurated the new stake on Sunday May 12, 2019 with Emmanuel Akpan Okon appointed the pioneer president of the new stake. In his sermon, a member of the

first Quorum of 70 based in Utah, U.S.A, Edward Dube charged members of the new stake to make love and unity dwell in their hearts and let it flow into the communities where they live in order to attract people into their fold. Dube urged the new stake president to set good example right from his home, love Jesus Christ and teach according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the doctrines of the church, adding that he should take the gospel according to the injunction in Matthew 28:19, which says, “go and teach the natives”.

Bolanle Ninalowo Becomes Jagamaster Distillers Brand Ambassador Peter Uzoho Amidst funfair, Jagamaster Distillers Limited, a subsidiary of Madonna Liveth Industries Limited, recently signed up Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo (Aka) Nino, as its brand ambassador. With the agreement, the bankerturned movie star will now be the face of the company’s brand, named ‘Jagaban Alcoholic Bitters’. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Jagamaster Distillers, Mr. Ajamma Emeka Gerald, expressed gratitude to the company’s numerous customers for supporting and making the company a frontline distilling company with high quality. He said the company would not relent in its bid to continue

to meet demands and satisfy its numerous customers in terms of quality products. “Our company is known for producing quality beverages and we cannot offer less. Today, we are unveiling a very big brand, Jagaban Alcoholic Bitters, a quality alcoholic bitter with international standard”, Gerald said. He added: “Jagamaster Distiller's products always stand out in the market because of its quality, as the products are for mature minds and market. Our new product which is Jagaban Bitters, an alcoholic bitter, is a blend of herbs and roots. The product is the outcome of our research of many years. Its recipes which are majorly herbs and roots are sourced from within

and outside the country.” Also speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Frank Oji, stated that the product was totally different from the existing bitter products in the market because of its natural extract and the herbs and roots component which are good for well-being. He also said that Ninalowo was chosen as the company’s brand ambassador because of his talent, reputation, career and exposure. Expressing his gratitude, Nino said: “I feel great and honoured. It is an awesome feeling to be able to represent a great and quality brand like Jagaban Bitters. If you are yet to drink Jagaban Bitters, you are yet to drink the real bitter”.

L-R; Bolanle Ninalowo's Manager, Kayode Peter; Bolanle Ninalowo; CEO,Jagamaster Distillers, Ajamma Emeka Gerald; GMD, Jagamaster Distillers, Frank Oji, at the unveiling/agreement signing ceremony in Lagos...recently

F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

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ENTREPRENEUR

Ayo Akinmade: Providing Virtual Office Spaces for Businesses Ayo Akinmade, Vice Chairman of Regus, is one of Nigeria’s leading global workspace provider. At the recent launch of his new office in Lekki, Lagos, he spoke to Mary Nnah on the future of virtual offices in Nigeria as a panacea to improving the nation’s economy. Excerpts:

C

an you tell us what the Regus brand is all about? Regus is the leading global workspace provider. We have built an unparalleled network of offices, co-working and meeting spaces for companies to use in every city in the world. It’s a global infrastructure built for businesses to support every opportunity. Our network of workspaces enables businesses to operate anywhere, without the need for set-up costs or capital investment. It provides our customers with immediate cost benefits and the opportunity to fully outsource their office portfolio. Designed to enhance productivity and connect 2.5 million like-minded professionals, it’s an instant global community and a place to belong. What brought the impetus to establish Regus, a virtual office in Nigeria? Regus is a virtual office brand. So, when we say virtual office we don’t mean that the office is not physically existing; it is actually a physical structure but what we actually mean is that the office is devisable. You can have just as much as space as you need or you can go into its space with as little as you need. Regus has been in Nigeria for about 13 years. We are in Abuja, Port Harcourt and at various places in Lagos. So, Regus is opening the doors to its first offering in Lekki, and it is designed to accommodate the area’s growing business community.

Akinmade

Regus is in 210 locations around the world, that is, 210 countries and in more than 4000 office locations. For a customer that comes into our space, we give them a first class office space already provided with internet, water, electricity, tea and coffee for a fixed fee. So someone can come in and say, I want to use your office for an afternoon, or for three days, or for one year and once we agree, the use is available for you for that period

Why the choice of Lekki? Lekki, of course we know has suddenly gone very commercial from being a residential area. I remember about 10 years ago, Admiralty way in Lekki was only occupied with residential houses but you know what it is now. So, we have been looking for a location out of Ikoyi and Victoria Island and for us the natural place was Lekki Phase 1. This growing technological ecosystem makes Lekki the perfect place for Regus to open its next modern co-working space. The centre is located on Admiralty road with views onto the Lekki/Ikoyi link bridge. We are delighted to be opening this new site in Lekki. The area offers the best of both worlds for those wanting a slight reprieve from the City, whilst being close enough to travel in for a meeting if necessary. Located in Lekki Phase 1, this high-class office building offers a tailormade space for everyone from small businesses to larger, established corporations. Including private offices, shared co-working spaces and meeting rooms, the space is designed to work for every business – facilitating ideas sharing and networking all under one roof. As part of one of Nigeria’s best performing regions, Lekki’s economy is thriving and has become a major commercial hub, residential area and tourist attraction centre in Lagos, making it the hottest location in demand. So, we are here today to launch our office location, so that in a couple of days we can start receiving paying customers. And one thing about our services is that we do not demand one year payment in advance but just one month and then you take the office for one month and then pay another month if you wish to use the office space for that month.

sense that there are many players in Nigeria and as there are many players, there are many kinds of scandals. The most important thing is that there is dynamism in Nigeria that people need office and people cannot afford to go and pay a landlord one year rent and starting doing petitioning, tables, chairs, internet and all that. Before they do all that, money to actually do the business has finished. So, what we give is the amenities for you to just come and do your business within the capacity you can afford.

How is the industry like in Nigeria? The industry is fragmented in this

What stands Regus out from others who provide the same services you

offer? Our launch at Lekki is the first of a new type of approach to our expansion that we are considering. Traditionally before now, we would find a building, go to the landlord, pay rent and then run the building. But what we are trying to do now is to find landlords that have buildings for spaces that they want us to come and manage for them. So, in fact the business is theirs, we are just brining in our band to manage it. In other words, we are managing the buildings we occupy for the owners. And because we have international reach and expertise, when landlords either they purposely build the structure for an office, or whether it is a high-rise building where they have one spare floor or even half of the floor - they can invite us and we would come and give them specifications of how we think the building should look; we would bring our brand and expertise and manage it for the owners and of course we charge a fee to cover expenses. So, this year, we are hoping that this would be the first of many. We are looking to the mainland; we are also looking for places in Calabar and also in Port Harcourt. Surulere would be a very good location to have this as well as Festcac and Ilupeju. We are also looking for landlords to come to us and for me, this is very exciting because we started this process of finding lands that have buildings and then coming to partner them to actually develop these offices. This will bring more and more buildings and offices into the Regus network. More importantly, Regus is in 210 locations around the world, that is, 210 countries and in more than 4000 office locations. For a customer that comes into our space, we give them a first class office space already provided with internet, water, electricity, tea and coffee for a fixed fee. So someone can come in and say, I want to use your office for an afternoon, or for three days, or for one year and once we agree, the use is available for you for that period. Again, what the Regus network does is that once a person signs up to a particular location, we give you a virtual card which is like the size of credit card on your phone, and if you go to Port Harcourt, and show up at our Regus office

in that location, as soon as you enter the reception, your phone would automatically log unto our Wi-Fi and you can sit at the reception and start working. Take it beyond that, if you go to London on holidays and then walk into our office at Park Lane, immediately you enter, you would have access to our Wi-Fi through that same card. So there is a worldwide network that would not cost any additional money. So if you live on the mainland, instead of going to our office in Lekki, you could easily go to our office in Ikeja and do your work. Also if you are in Abuja and you want to travel via the airport, you can go and work at our office at the Church Gate Towers, which is very close to the airport and stay until when it is almost time for your flight. While on the move, you can alternatively, ask your client to meet you at either our Ikeja or Lekki office services or even in our office at Abuja and what that does is to give your business a profile. Regus network is the most important thing that we are trying to promote and trying to build on and of course in trying to do that; we need to find business partners, people that have office space, even standalone buildings in places like Ikeja GRA and so on, that we can convert into offices. Regus network is the best of all. Nobody has the kind of network that we have in Nigeria and even the world. Once you are signed up to us, you get our services anywhere in the world. In fact we have an app, which is like google map. Once you have it, if you put on location services and you touch the app, it would show you where you and also where you can find the nearest Regus location and the direction you are to follow to get there. So everybody that can pay and does a legitimate business is welcome to our network. What are the economic benefits for business persons operating a virtual office? People are recognising that they are far more productive and successful in a dynamic working environment, while businesses are waking up to the financial and strategic benefits. Regus is helping to supply this demand and drive a workspace revolution in Lekki and beyond. Notwithstanding the effect of the nation’s economic downturn on investments in the real estate industry in recent past, the rental market has remained vibrant with the emergence of co-working space stations for businesses and entrepreneurs. Before now, co-working space stations were considered alien to the Nigerian business landscape but experts believe that about 80 per cent of Nigeria entrepreneurs and investors are now adopting the model in their rental needs. Apart from its affordability and low cost, the model comes with payment flexibility and provision of some basic office facilities in a serene environment. Are Nigerians really taking advantage of this service? I would say that Nigerians have taken advantage of the service but we in the industry have not publicised it enough. Before now we have been selective about the people we deal with so we go to only big clients like the embassies and all that but it was only in the last two to three years that we started looking at other businesses. So a lot of people don’t even know that such things exist. So, there is a job that we also have to do to publicise it and make it better known.

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F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

METRO

…Your city life in print

The team

Giving Hope to the Needy A non-profit organisation, Candlelight Foundation, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal two is feeding hundreds of people weekly, with more focus on children and pensioners, Rebecca Ejifoma reports

I

t was, indeed, a happy morning for nine years old Peter Ifeanyi and Precious Ifeanyi, 14, who walked with Candlelight Foundation from the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) secretariat at Aguda to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos just for a plate of meal and clothes to wear. Wearing just a pair of three quarter shorts and unkempt shirts with wornout flip-flops, these children passionately walked all the way, a display of how famished they were. Curiously, I asked who they came with. Peter replied, “I came with my brother. Our mummy told us to follow them.” On why he agreed to follow the long walk, the nine years old revealed, “I want to eat morning food”. Although Peter was eager to have his breakfast at past 9am already, his 14 years old elder brother, Precious, had another target. ”I want to take clothes. I don’t have clothes I wear. And I want to eat morning food too”. Sadly, Peter and Precious are from a home of five children. They revealed that they are the first and second children of the home, adding that their father died some years ago and since then their mother, a petty trader, has been catering for them. Asides the duo, other children hanging along the roadside joined in the walk for a plate of meal. This was all thanks to Candlelight Foundation based in Lagos. These children among other struggling youths and pensioners had something to munch. Undoubtedly, the foundation is keeping up with SDG two – ‘Zero Hunger'. The Executive Director Candlelight Foundation, Amaka Okeke boldly said, “We are walking against hunger”. Candlelight Foundation, is a private nonprofit organisation that caters to the homeless, needy and the “working poor” within Surulere area and with plans to eventually cross the country. With a goal to restore the dignity of the less advantaged by giving them opportunities to fend for themselves. With its annual campaign, which premiered last year, the ED said the walk is on awareness to eradicate or reduce hunger and get people to a position where they are sustainable in life. On what informed the move, Okeke further said it was borne out her experience. “As a result , I realised that there are some people out there who are working hard but for some reasons aren't able to make ends means”. Thus, her foundation was built to stand in the gap for those whose hard work is not

Precious and Peter

The pensioners having their breakfast

enough to meet their needs in life. “A hungry man cannot go for a job interview or even apply for a job. We are here to raise that man who just needs an inch to get to his destination”. Now, Candlelight not only targets the adult, it has the children and most vulnerable in its agenda. “We have illiteracy programme which kicked off this year. We also have for children – The Street Kids to School programme”. According to the ED, the foundation rehabilitates and put children from the street back into the school system. Other activities queued up for them are: motivational, soft skills and civic education classes. “Those who are successful from our class will be placed in gainful employments in security agencies, cleaning agencies and more,” she added. When you come to our foundation on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you will see how people fight and struggle for food. Hunger is a problem in this country. A young or old man that is peckish becomes pretty much

like animal. He kicks into survival mode and does everything to quench the hunger”. Amaka spoke also of the large turnout at the foundation for a plate of meal. “Given the dire economic situation, we serve over 450 meals weekly in the Surulere area of Lagos with many of the patrons in our community depending on our kitchen to survive. “Now, more than ever, we find unskilled members aged 18 and 56 unable to acquire a steady means of income. We are, however, glad that we have sponsors like Providus Bank, FBM Mortgage and Indomie Mobile kitchen. Last year, we had nobody. It's a step up. “ Now, Adigun Sheriff is 65. He is a retired government worker. He was the Personal Assistant to the Head of Department at the National Directorate of Employment Lagos. While thanking Candlelight for this programme, the father of three urged the foundation to hold the programme biennially for their sakes.

Meanwhile, his outspoken friend and pensioner, Fatai Kayode Ajimotokan, 60, lauded the organisation for feeding the number of persons who often turn out. He added: “My friend, Adigun, and I go to the foundation three times weekly to eat. People are hungry in the country. It is when they don’t see what to eat they result to stealing. There are no jobs or means of living.” One of the Sponsors, Corporate Communications of Providus Bank, Femi Ogunde commended the initiative. “When Candlelight Foundation approached the bank for a support, we thought it was our way of giving our widow's mite in CSRs that is reducing hunger to the bearest minimum. "Visually, you see hunger everywhere you turn. I don't know if it's the economic situation. This initiative may be small today but tomorrow more sponsors could come in and more people would be fed."

F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

38

CRIME&SECURITY

Suspected oil thieves arrested by NNS Delta Operatives

Again, EFCC Receives 22 Suspected Oil Bunkerers, Two Vessels from Navy Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Nigerian Navy has once again handed over 22 suspects and two sea-going vessels to the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for urgent prosecution in its renewed efforts to clear the Niger Delta region of illegal bunkering and maritime criminality. Also handed over to the anti-graft agency was a wooden boat, containing approximately 240,000 litres of product, suspected to be illegally refined diesel. The handing over ceremony was held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta at the Naval Base in Warri, Delta State. Addressing journalists before officially releasing the

arrested suspects and other seized items to EFCC officials, the Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, warned those still engaged in the illegal business within the area of operation of his command to desist with immediate effect. Dewu boasted that the NN was poised to get the Nigerian maritime environment effectively covered so that there would be no escape route to criminals and those who are bent of depleting the nation’s oil revenue. He stated that the vessels, wooden boat, the product and the arrested crew members were all nabbed offshore Escravos River, engaged in transfer of the illicitly acquired product on Sunday, May 18,

2019. “In a bid to secure and sanitise the area of operation of NNS Delta, on May 19, 2019, at 0130 hours, NNS Delta patrol team arrested SD Waterman, MV NIPAL and two large wooden boats, offshore Escravos, carrying out illegal transfer of products. At the point of arrest, about 22 crew members were brought in after the arrest. “While bringing in the arrested vessels from Escravos, one of the large wooden boats was seriously taking in water and in the process went aground and sank. Efforts are ongoing to salvage the vessel. Some of the drums and products were recovered and brought back to NNS Delta. “In view of this, we carried

out our preliminary investigations and found the arrested vessels and crew members culpable of committing economic crime. In that regard, we decided to invite in the EFCC to take to take over the case for further investigation and possible prosecution. “The product onboard is suspected to be illegally refined AGO. At the point of arrest, one of the Cotonou boats, which was arrested beside MV NIPAL had about 150,000 litres, the vessel and the boat were arrested in the process of starting the ship-to-ship transfer, while SD Waterman had already taken some of the products from another Cotonou boat, which was secured alongside the vessel.

“There is about 80,000 litres in the boat beside SD Waterman, while about 10,000 litres had already been transferred into the vessel (SD Waterman). “Let me use this opportunity also to warn and advise all individuals or persons involved in this nefarious act to desist from it because the Navy will not stop from doing everything possible to sanitise our maritime domains”, he warned. Speaking on behalf of the EFCC team, a Principal Detective Superintendent of the commission from the Benin Zonal office, Mr. Richard Ogberaga, said investigation had already commenced into the circumstances surrounding the vessels, their crew members and the product found on them.

“We have just taken over the vessels. There are two vessels; MV NIPAL and SD Waterman, with one Cotonou boat. We are also aware that there are 22 suspects, whom we have just taken over. We have already commenced investigation by telling officials of DPR here, they are starting with the sounding of the vessels to determine the quantity of product in them. We are also looking at quality; samples will be taken and quality analysis will be done “We are going to interview the suspects and find out the extent of their involvement and how they came about this product. We will brief you subsequently of developments as the investigation continues”, he said.

Insecurity: Buratai Charges Officers to Ehance Skills DIBAN’s Advocacy Campaigns Rebecca Ejifoma The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai, has urged officers nationwide to grab the opportunity of the ongoing workshop on enhancing their skills to enable them tackle the daily security challenges in the country. The COAS said this at the five-day workshop themed 'Enhanced Leadership: Prerequisite for the Nigerian Army Transformation to Meet Contemporary Challenges’, at the 81 Division Officer’s Mess Victoria Island, Lagos. “This workshop is highly necessary in line with our provisions day in and day out to refresh our minds on

the security challenges and find solutions,” he said. Buratai, who was represented by the Corp Commander Signals, Major-General Mohammed Mohammed said the workshop was apt in this time of security challenges like kidnapping, smuggling and pipeline vandalism amongst others. Therefore, speaking on the theme for the year, the COAS added, “The trace of this theme indicates the importance the NA attaches to leadership. It, therefore, requires a lot of your resort the command is giving to you. Leadership is entrusted indirectly”. He further said the workshop was for army officers to learn how to apply their leadership

skills in their various units. Speaking also, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Sanni Yusuf, said the training was necessary for operational and administrative competence.

He added: “This will help officers effectively tackle dynamic situations and myriad of challenges facing their respective areas of responsibilities.” In line with the COAS’ vision, the GOC said the training is to enhance their professional responsiveness in the discharge of the constitutional roles in consonance with the COAS vision. Other aims of the work-

shop, according to him, was to broaden the horizons of participants, particularly those involved in internal security operations. He further urged the officers to take advantage of the opportunity and gain as much knowledge as possible from this rare opportunity from the resource persons' wealth of knowledge and experience. He however lauded the COAS for his untiring support to the division in general and for choosing Headquarters 81 Division to handle the workshop and approving the necessary logistic support.

Politicians Have Infiltrated Traditionalists, Herbalists’ Group’ Kayode Fasua The Nigerian Herbalists/Traditionalists Group of Nigeria has been accused of allowing some politicians and wealthy Nigerians infiltrate its ranks by allowing them use some of their followers to perpetrate various atrocities. A senior member of the group, Chief Williams Ibeke, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a chat with THISDAY last weekend, lamented that some herbalists had abandoned the ethics of their art by doing the bidding of some unscrupulous politicians and criminals disguising as cult members, across the country.

The group which was founded in 2008 to salvage the declining fortunes of Nigerian traditions is slipping away from the path, he bemoaned. “We have discussed this problem times without number in our various meetings across the country; that herbalists are supposed to be guided by the dictates of the oracle and not that of dubious politicians and criminals wearing the cloak of cult members. “Look at the last election; how so many political thugs who were arrested were found with debilitating charms, which of course must have been prepared for them by some herbalists and charmers.

“The same goes for the various cult groups across the country, who use charms to destabilise their victims or try to escape justice,” Ibeke lamented. He said it was unfortunate that the herbalists’ association had now been hijacked by some politicians and power-seeking, wealthy Nigerians. He said the authentic, incorruptible herbalists in the country had since withdrawn to the drawing board, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problem. Ibeke added that herbalists in the country were willing to give full support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in its quest to fully stamp

out corruption and stabilise the economy in the next four years. On the forced initiation of young educated Nigerians into native cult practices as a way of inheritance, the herbalists’ leader said, “we do the bidding of the oracles handed down to us by our forefathers; it is the oracle that picks those who should succeed their fathers or uncles in native herbal practice, and anybody who defies such a directive does so at his /her own peril. “We serve as guiding lights to our children by making them understand why they must not allow our traditions to die. We have been silent for long and we will not allow further eclipse of our traditions”.

to Curb Underage Drinking

As part of efforts to curb underage and excessive drinking in the country, the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stepped up its advocacy campaigns to promote responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages, while discouraging its sale to users below the age of 18. In a statement by the chairman of DIBAN, Chief (Engr.) Patrick I. Anegbe, the association, representing one of the oldest and thriving indigenous industries in Nigeria, said the body had taken up the advocacy as a Corporate Social Responsibility through outdoors messaging on Billboards, Mass Transit Buses and radio campaigns to sensitise consumers about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and advocating moderation. Some of the campaign themes include: “Drink moderately”, “Health is Wealth”, “Enjoy life to the fullest” and “Don’t mix”. Chief (Engr.) Patrick I. Anegbe said: “As part of DIBAN’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, we will also embark on various advocacy campaigns, which will include massive training of our distributors and retailers on the need to avoid sales of alcoholic beverages to underage. “This will require the development of appropriate training manual, which will be in major

Nigerian languages. To restrict access of the underage to alcohol beverages, the industry will strengthen the supervision of distributors and retailers. “In addition, we will employ advocacy campaign programmes in order to strengthen the efforts towards reducing alcohol consumption, underage drinking and improving responsible drinking in collaboration with civil society groups, under the supervision of National Agency for Food Drug Administration Control, Consumer Protection Agency and Federal Ministry of Health. “On our future plans, we anticipate the third phase of our campaign to commence in March 2020. This phase will engage the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in working out the modality for the enforcement of compulsory possession of the National Identity card, which includes information on age as basis for age verification before sale of alcoholic beverages. “The industry will continue its drive to help regulatory agencies identify the unregulated producers whose products are essentially substandard and can be dangerous to human health. “DIBAN will in addition deploy robust social media platforms to reach out to the target audience while one of our member companies is working on the roll out of the highly impactful, school enlightenment programSMASHED.

MAY 31, 2019 Ëž F R I DAY

39

LIFE

Oluwayemisi Mafe: The Trajectory of a PR Expert Long before she was admitted to the University of Ilorin, where she studied English and Literary studies, Oluwayemisi Mafe, the Head, Brand Communications Department at SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, had always displayed love for writing. To realise her full potentials, her father took her to the Editor of Herald Newspapers in Ilorin where the family lived and that was the first push the young Yemisi got, which prepared her for a chummy career in the marketing communications industry. In this encounter with Raheem Akingbolu, she speaks about her career trajectory, government’s lack of understanding about the workings of public relations and the role digital is playing in today’s market

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sk Oluwayemisi Mafe about the two major factors necessary to build a career and she will not waste time before mentioning mentorship and development of one’s God-given talent. She believes in this because of how the counsel of her immediate elder brother and her flair for writing helped her to quickly adjust to the world of public relations when she left the university over 20 years ago. Besides, Mafe said she didn’t believe in following the crowd and did not get carried away by the way young school leavers fall over one another to pursue careers in Law, Medicine or Accounting during her time. “My immediate elder brother was instrumental to my becoming a marketing communications professional. He encouraged me to follow his path as a way of channeling my creative instinct and I must say it’s been an interesting journey so far. Besides, I discovered my flair for writing while in secondary school and my parents encouraged me to start freelancing for Herald Group of Newspapers in Ilorin where we lived. I kept at it all through my undergraduate days and this paved the way for me to get a role with The Quadrant Company as Media Relations Executive immediately after school. Growing up, all I wanted was to keep writing and I was not in any way drawn towards Medicine,

Accounting and what have you because I never liked mathematics.� Despite the demands of the job and the belief in some quarters that creative industry is a male dominated industry, Mafe said she has never for a day, felt intimidated. She however attributed this to the training she and her siblings got from their parents while growing up. “My parents brought us up to go for whatever we believe in without any fear of intimidation. Growing up among two brothers and three sisters, we were taught to believe the sky is just a stepping stone to heights we desire or dream attainable. I recall my mum was always quick to point out to us that no role is gender specific, so we should never feel threatened or succumb to quit due gender pressure when it takes intellect to thrive. That has always been at the back of my mind and I never feel threatened because the industry is a level playing ground for all to thrive and make it more exciting�. Looking back in retrospect, Yemisi admitted that it’s been a very interesting journey with full of exciting accomplishments and many deep insights that have been gained and applied over the years. As an individual who derives pleasure in learning about the journeys other professionals took to reach where they are, Mafe pointed out that she is a self learner and that she’s glad that the marketing communications industry is accommodative of people who can show results while developing themselves.

Mafe

Tribute to Veteran TV Producer, Tony Ogunlana By Femi Odugbemi

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he late 80s and 90s found me as a TV/Radio Producer at Lintas Lagos (now Lowe Lintas), then at the iconic 202 Awolowo Road Ikoyi offices, working directly under a larger than life character named Tony Ogunlana. And it was an incredibly formative experience. Lintas was the biggest advertising agency of its time at the time. It had the biggest brands in its portfolio and legends of Nigerian advertising like Uche Almona, Felix Ofulue, Ottah Kalu, Yori Folarin, Stevie Laoye, Ngozi Caulcrick, Godson Odita, Ted Mukoro, Ron Mgbatogu, Dele Adetiba, the late Eskor Mfon, Chris Doghudje and many others. It also had a disciplined system that taught me creativity with accountability where I had to understand and process client briefs well before creative execution. It was the ultimate school of advertising but it was beyond that for me about forming character. I saw great men working in a complex pressure-cooker with deadlines constantly looming but all focused and alert to getting done what needed to be done. They were humble and accessible in the work space. They were giving and ready to teach if you were ready to learn. There was a lot of laughter but everybody understood that getting the work done was the holy grail of surviving the tsunami of briefs that flowed in daily. The nearest model of what the Lintas spirit

Ogunlana

exemplified was my boss Tony Ogunlana. We all called him ‘Uncle T.’ He was a laugh a minute when you did your work. He was also the meanest face in the universe if you slacked off or missed your deadlines. He was highly professional as a Producer and had won all kinds of awards as the celebrated Producer of Youth Scene on the NTA Network. I had just returned to Lagos after my early stint at NTA Kaduna and figured I

knew what I was doing. I was so wrong. My first assignment was a TVC for Asepso soap. It didn’t end well. By the time Tony finished analyzing what I came back with, I was humbled. His language was coarse. His demeanor unfriendly. I knew I would be fired. And I was utterly depressed. Same evening, Tony looked at me and asked where I lived. It was with my mom. He squeezed his face and said ‘no wonder.’ By the following Monday, he had found me an apartment within a walking distance of his home in Ketu. And paid. As far as he was concerned, there was zero chance of me taking responsibility for my life if I lived at home with my parents at my age. And that’s how he literally forced me into a mentoring relationship that would shape me forever. He would drive up to my little flat at 6am every morning in his rickety Volkswagen Beetle and give me a ride to Ikoyi. And in that trip was a lot of talking and conversations that gave me insight and courage to aspire to bigger ideas and many life lessons. Tony introduced me to life-long friends like Sharafa Abagun and many other creative giants of the day. He demanded to know who I was dating and would simply insert himself into my plans regardless of if I wanted him to be a part of it or not. His after-work plans became my schedule. His beautiful family became mine. He bought me suits and brought me music from Quintessence simply because he decided I needed them. Of course I responded by working harder than ever and always being careful never to upset or disappoint him. That encounter would shape forever how

I relate to young people. The lesson being if you can build the person and mentor them in the messy details of their lives, you would give them confidence and trust to aspire, to strive harder and to recognize how much bigger and better they could be because your actions told them in no uncertain terms that you believed in their possibilities. It’s been a few decades since those early days and there’s nothing that I am or will become that does not owe much to that early influence. Love does amazing things to the human spirit. And I am so so grateful that God used Tony so powerfully in my life. Tony Ogunlana passed away quietly almost two weeks ago and I have struggled to put into words what a colossus his influence on many young lives were, especially mine. The legacy of a life well-lived is really in what you give to lives that have encountered you. It still feels a bit unreal because somehow ‘Uncle T’ was that brand of humanity you hoped would never die. All I am left with is a deep sense of loss but an overwhelming fullness of gratitude. And a commitment to do for others what Tony Ogunlana did for me - to simply believe in the possibilities of every young spirit and to sow in them a seed of myself in the faith that I would have made the world a better place, one life at a time. Sleep easy Uncle T. I appreciate and love you. Forever. t 'FNJ 0EVHCFNJ JT B QSPMJmD mMNNBLFS BOE QSFTFOUMZ UIF "DBEFNZ %JSFDUPS PG .VMUJ$IPJDF 5BMFOU 'BDUPSZ 8FTU "GSJDB

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F R I DAY ˾ MAY 31, 2019

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com, 0805 306 9356

A Loud Toast to Amaechi @ 54

The Tragedy Called Zamfara

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ast Friday, the Supreme Court dropped a bomb.The bomb that killed no one. But it paralysedmany, at least politically. The bomb that seemingly turned a giant killer. One of the giants so maimed is the outgone governor of Zamfara State, AlhajiAbdul-aziz Yari. He was an APC governor. He was the Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum. He was believed to have governed(?) more from Abujathan from Gusau, the state capital. He once accused his people of being too sinful and that was why God decided to punish them with Type C Cerebrospinal Meningitis. That was in April 2017.A year later, he had announced his resignation as the Chief Security Officer of his state, in the peak of mindless killings of his people by roving bandits. But despite his abdication of his core duty, he yet wanted to be a senator, to represent his people. He had perfected his political plan: after his eight-year rule as governor in the state, he would head to the senate, where he’d do another four, eight or even or more years. But as it turned out, politicians propose, Supreme Court disposes. And like a Shakespearan hero, in his falling, Mr Yari pulled down an entire political generation with him. Now he is on ground zero. Not only did state the lose the prized governorship seat, it indeed became a political orphan in the state, as the Supreme Court ruled that all, yes, all the supposedly elected members of the party into the state’s House of Assembly, Federal House of Representatives, the senate and of course the governorship did not have the requisite basis for being elected. Therefore, their election have been invalidated and the second runners up, being the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have become the elected persons. This is even a worse fate than that of Rivers State. Here, the APC had participated in the election, won, and was already warming up for assumption of office, when, suddenly, a new order was released , five days to the inauguration. And APC reclined to a zero point. It is a political tragedy. The signs had been there. After a similar ruling had knocked off all candidates of the party in Rivers State, it was clear that the same fate would

M Oshiomhole

befall Zamfara State. But the political Machiavellians running theAPC refused to see the signs. They wonkily railed on gra-gra mode, believing that they would “rough it out” eventually. The law was calm. The law waited for them, and last Friday, the long arm of the law caught up with them. And as they say, the rest is now history. But before the history ferments, the lessons must be drawn out. The resounding lessonis that the laws and procedures of an exercise must be followed and respected. They must not be circumvented by those who feel they own the game. The failure to hold proper primary as prescribed by the Electoral Act is the cause of the loss, both in Rivers and Zamafara States. The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubucaptured it succinctly when he said, “It is clear that properly-conducted primaries are cardinal to the proper internal functioning of political parties, the electoral process, and our democratic system at large”. And that is the other lesson: we must allow internal democracy. It will go a long way in deepening and strengthening our democratic values and principles. It is that attitude of undermining a process that has cost the party (APC) the

loss of Rivers and now Zamfara States. It hardly bodes well for the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. It does not portray him as a good and efficient leader. He lacks the tool of rapproachment. He assumes it is always a “fight-tofinish” duel. He must realize this is not labour movement. It is a political party, laced with all kinds of interests. He needs a lesson in persuasion and stooping to conquer. It is his near abrasive style that has cost the loss of Zamfara, Imo and perhaps Rivers States. Someone had said he brought bad luck to the APC, when he was newly elected. His governance mechanism is fraught with errors. His acts are not together. If only Oshiomhole had the tact and charm to rein in the likes of Senators Magnus Abe (Rivers) and Kabir Marafa (Zamfara), the fortunes of APC would not have dipped this sharply. Right now, the Zamfara verdict has altered the numerical calculations and reality in the National Assembly. The APC would be now in a tighter corner, as APC’s losses have become PDP’s gains. Already, those who feel so hurt with this political tragedy have called for Oshiomhole’s resignation. Now the pressure will be on him. Would he buckle? Would he survive? Time will tell.

any think he is quarrelsome and combative. Others think he is even troublesome. But those who really know him understand that he is none of the above. On the contrary, he is a gentle, thoughtful, considerate, kind, highly principled and fiercelycourageous person. A rare public servant. His name is Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the immediate past Minister of Transportation. Last Monday, he turned 54. In his 54 years, he has achieved what many could not have achieved even in three life times. Little wonder many describe him as a child of destiny. Great destiny it must have indeed been for a single young man to attract the grace and grant of Heaven’s favour. Or how else can we explain the steady ascension of a young man from a quiet Ubima community, raised by economically humble parents, attended regular schools to become a Personal Assistant (PA) to a former governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili. He rose through that to become a Speaker for eight years; became chairman of All SpeakersConference in Nigeria, became a governor for eight years (without printing a single campaign poster).He also later became Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum. Until last Wednesday, he was the Minister of Transportation. He was a

star minister. He was, for two times (2015 and 2019), the Director General of President Mohammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation. He delivered him on both instances. He is thus most likely going to be re-appointed by his principal from whom he enjoys great confidence and support. Perhaps two things that offer him for wrong perception in the public space is his boldness and inability to “package” his feelings. He says it as he sees it. He does no diplomacy. And both virtues(?) have clashed him with many. Too often , he is powered by his careful convictions. Soon as he is convinced about a thing or approach, he sticks to it, no matter the storm of opposition. That’s what many see as “stubbornness”. But behind that veil is the touch of humanism and a large heart, often too willing to pursue peace, though never afraid of war. In 54 years, Amaechi has accomplished so much. Yet, like Lord Alfred Tennyson’s Ullyses, I can say“tho much is taken, much abides”. This devout Catholic, has been a Thane of Glamis, has been a Thane of Cawdor, yet he could be also a King. So, to the one they call the Lion of Ubima, I say Happy Birthday in arrears, as I enjoin him to rethink the lyrics of that song, ..”he who fights and run away, lives to fight another day”.

Amaechi

Omo-Agege, Heading High on National Service Ovie Omo-Agege. He represents Delta central senatorial district in the upper chamber. He is a smart and dutiful politician. He had served as Commissioner for Special Duties and later Secretary to State Government in Delta State. Today, he is a senator of the Federal Republic, and has just been re-

Omo-Agege

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elected, despite all odds—internal and external that welled up against him, thus showing the strong bond he has with his constituents. He had served most creditably given his activeness and robust bills and legislative contributions and had dared to differ from the status quo in the upper chamber.

In the emerging leadership structure in the upper chamber, come June 11, Omo-Agege, a lawyer and courageous politician looks set to clinch the position of Deputy Senate President. Many of his colleagues believe he is verily qualified for the office, given his background, public service

and legislative experience and courage. No doubt, with a strong character credential, andeyes fixed on the overall good of the majority, if elected by his colleagues, the Red Chambers is bound to be more productive and less combative with the executive.

20 Years of Democracy: What Has Changed?

wo days ago, President Mohammadu Buhari took his oath of office to officially commence his second term. He did not deliver any speech. Perhaps he will on June 12. It is significant that the event of last Wednesday clearly marks the 20th anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democratic rule. Unbroken and uninterrupted, Nigeria’s democracy, despite all its imperfections, has run now for twenty years, back-to-back, for the first time. While we celebrate this feat in out-growing the tag of a nascent democracy, we must yet ask ourselves what indeed has changed for us as a people. Put simply, has democracy meant better life for Nigerians? Has life become less brutish and longer? I dare say things have changed for

the better, but certainly not in the scale we had envisaged. Many had thought that ten years was enough for us to master the new way of governance. But here we are, 20 years after, still talking about a new dawn. If twenty years after the return of democracy and nearly 59 years of nationhood, we are still ruminating on a ‘New Dawn’, when will it be noon , for us as a country? Twenty years after, the challenges that plagued us in 1999 are yet here. We are still battling with infrastructure development. Our hospitals have not quite outgrown the “mere consulting clinic” status. Our educational sector has merely grown in numerics, not in depth and quality. Politicians and civil servants have long transformed from cautious treasury pinchers to daring rogues. They no longer talk about 10 % kickback, but now wholesome swallow of public funds Even animals like snake has

joined in the swallow of public funds. Little wonder the budget does not mean anything to us anymore. Electricity supply, poor as it had always been, has further worsened, thus raising the cost of doing business. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has been churning out dismal and disenabling figures about our growth index. Factories and companies have now become churches and at best empty warehouses. Unemployment is on a high keel with all its concomitant consequences. Understandably,insecurity has almost squeezed us all into one big hole. We hardly can sleep with both eyes closed now. The fear of danger seems too real and tangible. Our HDI (human development index) has been low. We are supposed to be richer, but yet we are poorer. Our economy has been in tumbles and shambles. Our purchasing power has been anaemic,

growing weaker and weaker. These days we go to market with basketload of cash and come back with pocket-load of goods, unlike those days when we went to market with pocket-load of cash and came back with basket-load of goods. Our entire governance template now appears like magic. The more we look, the less we see. Yet, in all these challenges, we are more than conquerors, for as they say, the worst form of democracy is better than the best form of dictatorship. One thing certain is that there is hope for a better tomorrow. All we need is a firm and straight leader. Nigerians need a tough leader, one who can flog all into line, not minding whose ox is gored. President Mohammdu Buhari has this one last chance to prove his mettle. To leave Nigeria better and happier than he met it. Then and only then shall we heave a deserved sigh of relief.

Buhari

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Olawore: There Must Be Coordination among Govt Agencies The President, Nigerian British Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Akinola Olawore, in this interview speaks on ways to attract more foreign investments into the country. He also says the Chamber’s forthcoming trade mission to the United Kingdom is aimed at promoting business and investment opportunities between Nigeria and the UK, whilst also offering delegates the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the UK market. Hamid Ayodeji presents the excerpts:

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an you tell us what your planned trade mission to the United Kingdom is all about? Our main mandate is to facilitate trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and one of the major strategies to doing that is organising trade missions both in and out of the country. Thus, in June we have another trade mission slated. The importance of trade mission is for people to have an insight into Nigeria’s economy and at the same time for businesses to meet their counterpart abroad. We are now in a global world, thanks to the enhancement of technology and now Africa is the new frontier for investment, and you cannot talk about Africa without talking about Nigeria which is why there has been a lot of noise about the Brexit movement. So, between 10th and 14th of June, we would be in the UK hosting the ‘Opportunity Nigeria’ conference. We would also attend the London Tech Week, and at that conference we would have the Chief Economist for Africa in the Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan and the Chief Economist for PwC Nigeria and others. In the last three to four years, we have had the trade volume between Nigeria and the UK increase between 30 percent year-on-year and we are glad to be part of this success story. What can the government do enhance economic growth in Nigeria? We have had a lot of Executive Orders which tries to tie all the organs of government together to make sure they are working together and speaking the same language. Unfortunately, if one organ is making things easy and the other is making things difficult, it creates problems for everyone. Yes, we need taxes to run a government, we need taxes to generate revenue, but if you telling people to pay tax but the taxing method is not transparent it does not go well with the business owners and this is one of the challenges business owners have been facing. Businesses have been complaining about this and we have had to intervene at a couple of times. In terms of emerging markets, Africa is the frontier for emerging markets because we have a lot of challenges in Africa and where ever there are challenges, that is where you have opportunities for business. Part of what our members would be doing is identifying what sector they are focused on and what they can do to help that sector grow. When people see markets, it helps them identify what they can input into the market. What sectors do you see the most investment opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs? As at now, where I see more focus is in the IT and agricultural sectors from external

organisations and clients? One of our two major pipelines we have for feedback is the High Commission. We let them know as we are leaving the country and also when we are coming back we go there to be de-briefed giving them information about everything that has happened. The second is the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), because they are in charge of investment promotion and we have a working relationship with them. We interact with them and sometime leverage on their resources and influence to intervene for those who need to acquire visa to come to Nigeria. Generally, we have had feedback from some of our clients and members regarding reforms; we have had to make advocacy calls on some of the organisations and this calls have been helpful in terms of achieving our goals mostly. We have an advocacy group that has the main goal of going behind the scenes working with the likes of NAFDAC. How can the ďŹ nancial sector and the government work together to develop the industrial sector of the country? I think the Central Bank of Nigeria has been busy with a lot of things; there has been a lot of intervention in the aviation, power, manufacturing sectors and others. What we also need to look at is how we can create critical groups that help people to access these funds and that is what we have taken on board organising people to take advantage of the intervention funds that are available.

Olawore

investors that are MSMEs and not necessarily those that want to play in the large energy space. How is the Chamber involved in initiatives to attract and promote business investment in the country? Part of the initiatives my office has put in place is to grow investment in Nigeria. Yearly, we have an inward and outward mission. We have realised it is important for businesses to meet one-on-one and transact which is one of the reasons for our mission strategies. Secondly, we also carry the message from here to our other counterparts and that is why the chamber belongs to the British Chambers of Commerce, which is about 54 chambers, has strong network, and from that network their minds are settled from which people are able to reach out to us for enquiries about business opportunities in Nigeria and its economy. So, it is like they know they have a trusted partner that gives trusted and accurate information which gives them the confidence to bring business into the country.

Also we have erected a building which is going to have an incubator centre that helps businesses settle down before finding their feet in the country. Do you foresee the US and China trade war impacting Nigeria? If we look at the trade war between the United States and China, i think it depends on how we play our diplomatic card and also when there are such things, countries like Nigeria should be the one that benefits because everyone would have to look for a new partner to boost your economy and trade with, so we just need to keep our eyes and ears open, ensuring we are not taking the short end of the stake. In terms of the finances, US can decide not to deal with countries that trade with China. So, I also believe we can adopt the methods Europe uses to work around it so as to experience economic growth rather than suffering for it. What channels have your Chamber put in place to get feedback from governments,

What are your expectations for the Nigerian economy in 2019? Nigeria is to experience economic growth because we are making a lot of changes. We have seen the mistakes we have made in our power sector; we know it is not all about throwing money into it. It is a matter of seeing what is wrong and making it right. What are your thoughts on the belief by some people that technology would be a threat to human resources in the nearest future? When we talk about technology, I see it as another avenue to create employment. In the United States, they invested heavily and paid attention to IT sector and now their economy has benefited from it. Evolution is inevitable, change and growth are ever constant, so if you see IT as a threat to the economy based on the fear that it reduces employment of manpower you are wrong. If as a business or nation you are not ready to catch up with technological advancement you would go into extinction. Technological does not drive itself, it still needs manpower to be operated and also to function. Technology drives logistics and gives you faster and reliable access to things and information.

InďŹ nity Mortgage Bank Grows Loan Book to N3.8bn James Emejo in Abuja

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has said its loan portfolio increased by 201 per cent to N3.80 billion in 2018, compared to the N3.10 billion it realised in the preceding year. The bank also recorded a profit before tax (PBT) of N366.7 million, indicating the 13th consistent year of profit reporting. It gross earnings increased by 14 per cent to N1.005 billion, from N833.6 million

in 2017, making it the first time the bank would cross the billion-naira mark. Speaking at the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chairman of the company, Dr. Adeyinka Bibilari, said total operating expenses also increased by 10 per cent to N577 million in the period under review, compared to N523 million in 2017. According to him, the harsh operating environment notwithstanding, strategies in terms of the aggressive

mobilisation of customer deposits paid off with deposits growing by 110 per cent to N2.467 billion from N1.176 billion in 2017. Total assets also grew N10.351 billion from N8.134 billion in 2017, indicating an increase of 27 per cent while shareholders’ funds grew from by 3.75 per cent from N5.753 billion to N5.969 billion in 2018. This is as shareholders of the bank also approved dividend of 3 kobo per share which was

proposed by the company. The company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr. Olabanjo Obaleye, said with the dividend declared, the mortgage institution had paid dividend for the fifth year running as a listed company and for the 13th consecutive time since 2006. “The bank is the only mortgage bank in Nigeria to achieve this feat,� he claimed. He said the bank also published its first sustainability report in compliance with the

recently issued Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) guidelines, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the UN Global Compact standards. He also disclosed that the bank maintained its entity rating of A3 in the short term and Bbb+ (NG) in the long term; with a positive outlook and a service rating of SR3, adding that the routine risk based regulatory examination of the bank also returned moderate risk for the business operations of the bank.

Obaleye added that ITMB had maintained a robust asset base with total asset growing by 27 per cent as a result of the growth in investments, risk assets, deposits, on lending funds and shareholders’ funds. He said: “The bank runs an excellent enterprise risk management strategy. Liquidity and capital adequacy ratios were well above the regulatory thresholds throughout the year. All other regulatory imposed ratios and internally stressed ratios were also met,� he said.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŻËœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

EKEDC, Meter Asset Providers Seal Deal Nume Ekeghe The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Meter Asset Providers (MAP), to reduce the metering gap within its distribution network. The agreement was in compliance with the new MAP regulation. It requires all electricity distribution licensees within the country to engage MAPs, in a move aimed at bridging the metering gap of about 4.7 million electricity customers across the country. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Engr. Adeoye Fadeyibi described the deal as a milestone and a

demonstration of EKEDC’s unyielding commitment to the ongoing reforms in the electricity industry. “As one of the first Discos in the country to key into this initiative, we are excited about the prospect that the initiative holds for the country. “We are in no doubt that this is a significant effort at repositioning the Nigerian power sector which will ultimately bring about sustained Economic growth and enhanced development,� Fadeyibi said. He also observed that the new metering programme would help to reduce obstacles and bottlenecks that have hitherto impaired optimum power distribution within the electricity supply industry. He charged the MAPs to

ensure that all customers within EKEDC’s distribution network are captured under the new metering arrangement, while also urging them to ensure that installations of the meters are carried out in a manner that guard against revenue loss. Also, the Managing Director of Armese Power Solutions, Mr Imran Khokar, applauded EKEDC for demonstrating the highest sense of duty and uncommon professionalism throughout the pre-engagement period. On his part, Mr Durosola Omogbenigun, of Integrated Resources Limited, appreciated the management of EKEDC for a concise and well laid-out proposal agreement, that captures the workflow, terms of reference and performance benchmark.

Access Bank Supports SMEs Access Bank Plc through its business club initiative recently organised a managerial capacity building programme for entrepreneurs. The initiative was to ensure that the businesses grow to the level that they can easily succeed using information technology. The programme which in Port Harcourt, had in attendance a lot of SME operators, according to a statement from the bank. The Head, Retail Banking, Access bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu, reiterated the commitment of the bank to impact small and medium enterprises positively. “It is something we have to do and take as our primary role in the economy, we are providing a lot of benefits targeted at

developing the macroeconomic landscape of the country. The Access Bank business club is designed for SMEs to meet and network with each other in a relaxed atmosphere outside the banking hall which has significantly helped business owners grow their network whilst increasing the bank’s customer base,� he added. In his keynote address, Information Technology investor, Hyacinth Iheanachor, advised Nigerians entrepreneurs to keep up with changing trends in technological innovation to grow their businesses and to avoid being displaced by “disruptive technology.� Iheanachor, who explained disruptive technology as

improved innovation which displaces old ways of doing business said the trend has put many entrepreneurs caught unguarded out of business and misery. He added: “The commonest experience we can share in Nigeria was the introduction of GSM or mobile phones which almost immediately collapsed the dependence on landlines and analogue phones. “We must realise that disruptive technology is not about negativity. It has improved efficiency in banking, education, media, virtually all facets of our lives. “All businesses need to maximise its benefits. In a world ruled by technology, you either shape up or fall out in your business,� Iheanachor noted.

Buhari Commends Ecobank’s Financial Inclusion Drive President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Ecobank for its various initiatives targeted at promoting financial inclusion in the country. Buhari, spoke when he had audience with the Board of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) in his office at the State House, Abuja. According to President Buhari, the pan Africa bank’s support for agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sectors would generate economic activities across the country. He urged the bank to institute a special fund to develop agriculture, which will cement its legacy as a bank that helped to transform and boost regional economic activities. According to a statement, the president stressed that his administration

remained committed to the goals of securing the country, inclusive economic growth, and fighting corruption. According to him, Nigeria was in a unique position as the most populous and resource-rich nation on the African continent, adding that the resources would be harnessed and properly managed, to engender a prosperous and peaceful country. He said: “If assets and resources available to Nigeria were properly managed, she would be prosperous and peaceful. But the poverty and insecurity we are experiencing today are results of decades of neglect and resource mismanagement�. Ikazoboh who had in his delegation, the Group Chief Executive Officer, ETI, Ade Ayeyemi and Managing Director,

Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, stated that the Bank was according high priority to the SME sub-sector, disclosing that “we’ve improved the capital of Ecobank in Nigeria.� He added: “In the last six months, we have brought in about $150 million all to drive borrowings and supporting the small and medium enterprises.� Speaking to State House Correspondents on the challenges they want the President to intervene in, the bank chief said: “Well in our speech, we have told him some of the challenges Nigeria and Africa are facing. Like I said earlier on, if Nigeria is sorted out, Africa is sorted out, and some of these challenges are infrastructure, of which they are working on assiduously.

‘Lottery Supports Socio-economic Development’ In addition to human capital and natural resources, social resources is quietly emerging an important ingredient for socio-economic development. The Managing Director, Ayo Ojuroye, BET9JA, a sport betting operator, who revealed this in a statement, noted that lottery was positively changing the economic fortunes of countries across the world. According to Ojuroye, “In Nigeria, the operation of lottery has precipitated increase in state revenue through payment of taxes and other levies paid to the government.�

He revealed that Bet9ja pays all forms of taxes and levies due to it as an organisation promptly in compliance with every federal, state laws and best corporate governance practice. He posited that for any nation to grow, it must possess the power to generate income internally so that the government can meet its civic obligation of providing infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, water, among others, as well as meeting recurrent expenditure. Lottery also invariably contributestocurbing unemployment as

opportunities exist in gaming, for instance oddsmakers, analysts, security, cashiers, among others, he argued. “Indeed, the job opportunities in lottery and sports betting are limitless and the revenue can help sustain the economy of the country,� he said. The gaming enthusiast noted that the induced impacts on the economy arises as employees/ beneficiaries of the industry spend their wages in the broader economy - payment of rent, school fees, transportation, food, beverage, and entertainment.

L-R: Divisional Head, Retail and Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr Shina Atilola; Commercial Counsellor, US Department of Commerce, Mr Brent Omdahl; National President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Otunba Toyin Akomolafe, and member of the board, Mr Emeka Ugwu-Oju, during the African Food and Products Exhibition sponsored by Sterling Bank in Lagos‌Tuesday

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

NOVEMBER 2018 Money Supply (M3)

31,794,803.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

6,333,064.28

Money Supply (M2)

25,461,739.17

-- Quasi Money

14,773,076.98

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,688,662.18

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,711,763.59

---- Demand Deposits

8,976,898.59

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

18,990,400.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,804,402.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,062,986.22

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,980,229.66

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,093,619.43

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-4,144,571.43

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

23,082,756.56

--Other Assets Net

13,258,583.57

Reserve Money (Base Money

6,811,192.37

--Currency in Circulation

2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves

4,366,259.05

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY, 28 MAY 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $68.84 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $67.42 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

43

T H I S D AY ˾ ͱͯ˜ Ͱͮͯͷ

MARKET NEWS

Dangote Cement Unveils Sustainability Report at NSE Goddy Egene Dangote Cement Plc (DCP), the largest listed company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the leading cement conglomerate in Africa, yesterday released its 2018 Sustainability Report, outlining its sustainability initiatives, activities and achievements during the 2018 financial year. The report was unveiled at the maiden edition of ‘Facts

Behind the Sustainability Report’(FBSR), an interactive forum created by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to further promote Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and reporting among listed companies in Nigeria, in line with its newly introduced NSE Sustainability Disclosures Guidelines. According to the company, it aims to make the culture of sustainability a business

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

imperative through its 7-Pillar approach to sustainability, called “The Dangote Way”. Speaking during the event, Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Engr. Joseph Makoju said: “We have identified and are leveraging sustainability to drive regulatory compliance, proactive risk management and building trust and goodwill in the countries, markets and communities where we operate.” He said with major operations

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

in three locations in Nigeria and across 14 African countries, DCP is enhancing its positive impact on the economy, environment and society through an integrated approach that mainstreams sustainability across the entire business. This process includes publishing its maiden Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-Standards compliant sustainability report. He added that DCP is also committed to aligning its operations with the group-wide

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

sustainability vision, driven by its 7-Sustainability Pillars, through extensive engagements with internal and external stakeholders. “The 2018 DCP sustainability report is structured according to these Pillars and covers the financial and non-financial performance in four countries, namely Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal and South Africa. By aligning with the 7 Pillars(institutional, cultural, operational and environmental, economic, social, financial), the

O F

company ensures that every aspect of its business is run in line with global sustainability principles; thereby embedding sustainability - beyond issues of risk management and compliance – in its day-to-day business operations,” he said. In his comments, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said: “Better ESG reporting is key to strengthening capital markets and achieving a sustainable global economy.

3 0 / 0 5 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

44

Friday, May 31, 2019 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Gains 4.7%

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Yesterday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index fell by 1.2% to ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϯϲϬ͘ϵϴ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-ϯ͘ϬйͿ͕ ZENITH (-ϭ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ DANGCEM (-Ϭ͘ϵйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϰϭ͘ϲй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Local Bourse Posts Bearish Performance͙ ASI down

0.2%

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

ĂŌĞƌ ƚŚĞ ŚŽůŝĚĂLJ ĂƐ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ ŝŶ DANGCEM (-Ϭ͘ϵйͿ͕ GUARANTY (-ϯ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ ETI (-ϳ͘ϵйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞdž ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚƐ ďLJ ϭϳďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϭ͕Ϯϱϰ͘ϭϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ƐĞƩůĞĚ Ăƚ -Ϭ͘ϲй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ EϮϮ͘ϯďŶ ƚŽ Eϭϯ͘ϴƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϵ͘ϰй ƚŽ ϯϳϲ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϭϵ͘Ϭй ƚŽ Eϱ͘ϵďŶ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ UNIONDAC ;ϰϯ͘ϰŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ UBA ;ϰϮ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ ZENITH ;ϯϵ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ MTNN ;EϮ͘ϵďŶͿ͕ ZENITH ;EϴϬϯ͘ϴŵͿ͕ and NESTLE ;EϰϮϬ͘ϱŵͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ

ǀĂůƵĞ͘

Price Change Index to Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

1,360.98

-1.18%

-7.3%

36.1%

16.8%

6.0%

4.8x

0.7x

6.1%

1 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

32.00

-3.0%

19.3%

-7.1%

-7.2%

33.1%

5.3%

4.8x

1.5x

8.6%

20.9%

2 Zenith Bank PLC

20.55

-1.9%

12.0%

-10.8%

-0.9%

24.7%

3.2%

3.5x

0.8x

13.6%

29.0%

3 Dangote Cement PLC

The ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ Ă ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g

4 Nestle Nigeria PLC

199.80

-0.9%

10.3%

5.3%

7.4%

40.1%

21.8%

9.0x

3.3x

8.0%

11.1%

1,454.50

0.3%

8.6%

-2.1%

-1.4%

81.2%

27.4%

24.4x

18.3x

4.0%

4.1%

60.00

0.0%

4.6%

-29.8%

-21.6%

9.5%

4.4%

27.5x

2.7x

4.1%

3.6%

7.15

-3.4%

5.1%

-10.1%

-10.6%

10.0%

1.1%

4.3x

0.5x

3.6%

23.3%

14.00

0.0%

3.5%

-27.8%

-27.8%

4.7%

4.3%

4.1x

0.5x

2.9%

24.6%

6.60

5.6%

4.0%

-14.3%

-15.4%

15.5%

1.7%

2.8x

0.4x

12.8%

35.7%

5.3x

0.5x

3.3%

18.7%

7.7%

5 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 6 FBN Holdings Plc 7 Cement Co Northern Nigeria PLC 8 United Bank for Africa PLC 9 International Brew eries PLC 10 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

15.2%

20.00

0.0%

2.5%

-34.4%

-36.5%

-23.8%

-3.2%

549.90

0.0%

3.3%

-14.1%

-11.4%

10.1%

6.3%

6.25

-1.6%

3.4%

-8.1%

-3.8%

22.2%

2.1%

1.6x

0.4x

11.15

-7.9%

2.5%

-20.4%

-22.0%

15.3%

1.2%

3.1x

0.5x

11 Access Bank PLC 12 Ecobank Transnational Inc

4.9x

-1.8%

62.9% 32.0%

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

43.00

1.8%

2.6%

-10.3%

-7.4%

30.3%

4.6%

6.4x

1.7x

3.5%

14 Unilever Nigeria PLC

31.00

-8.0%

2.2%

-16.2%

-16.2%

12.7%

7.7%

17.3x

2.1x

4.8%

5.8%

15 Lafarge Africa PLC

10.70

2.4%

1.6%

-14.1%

-10.8%

-53.7%

-7.9%

0.7x

14.1%

-58.9%

16 Guinness Nigeria PLC

50.50

0.0%

1.0%

-29.9%

-29.9%

6.8%

3.7%

16.9x

1.3x

3.6%

5.9%

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

74.00

0.0%

1.4%

-2.9%

-2.9%

21.0%

16.0%

11.7x

2.4x

4.1%

8.6%

18 Total Nigeria PLC

162.00

0.0%

1.1%

-20.2%

-20.2%

19.3%

4.5%

9.5x

1.8x

11.0%

10.6%

19 11 PLC

175.00

0.0%

1.3%

-5.7%

-5.7%

38.0%

16.8%

5.8x

2.0x

4.7%

17.1%

13.40

0.4%

0.7%

-42.0%

-39.6%

6.6%

2.0%

6.2x

0.4x

7.5%

4.65

0.0%

1.2%

-7.0%

-3.1%

14.3%

2.5%

2.1x

0.3x

22 Fidelity Bank PLC

1.76

-0.6%

1.0%

-13.3%

-13.3%

12.7%

1.4%

2.1x

0.3x

6.2%

23 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.18

0.9%

1.0%

-10.6%

-6.3%

16.4%

3.6%

4.4x

0.7x

2.5%

22.7%

24 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

13.35

-0.4%

0.9%

-12.5%

-9.8%

22.3%

12.6%

6.7x

1.5x

8.2%

14.9%

26 FCMB Group Plc

1.65

0.0%

0.6%

-12.7%

-8.3%

8.8%

1.2%

2.1x

27 UAC of Nigeria PLC

7.00

0.7%

0.4%

-28.2%

-26.7%

-7.9%

-3.6%

20 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 21 Oando PLC

15.5%

16.1% 47.4% 47.6%

25 Diamond Bank PLC

AFR-ICT Index Emerges Lone Gainer

ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ &Z-ICT index, ǁŚŝĐŚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ Ϯ͘ϲй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ MTNN ;нϮ͘ϲйͿ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŇŝƉƐŝĚĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘ϵй͕ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĮƚ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-ϯ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ ETI (-ϳ͘ϵйͿ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ /ŶĚĞdž ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶŝŶŐ Ϭ͘ϲй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ UNILEVER (-ϴ͘ϬйͿ͕ DANGFLOUR (ϯ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ DANGSUGAR (-Ϭ͘ϰйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ

ϯ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ AIICO (-ϰ͘ϰйͿ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĂůƐŽ ƐŚĞĚ ϰďƉƐ ĂƐ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚ-ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ DANGCEM (Ϭ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ BERGER (-ϵ͘ϱйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ tĞĂŬĞŶƐ

8.7%

0.6%

18.4%

18.4%

9.3%

0.9%

6.9x

0.6x

0.0%

0.4%

-9.4%

-9.4%

37.0%

24.8%

2.3x

0.7x

3.6%

30 NASCON Allied Industries PLC

18.00

0.6%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

32.2%

12.9%

11.8x

3.8x

5.6%

31 Forte Oil PLC

26.90

-3.9%

0.3%

-6.3%

-3.9%

48.9%

7.4%

32 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

6.85

-2.8%

0.4%

22.3%

22.3%

6.6%

1.2%

12.0x

0.9x

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

23.85

1.5%

0.3%

18.7%

7.9%

19.9%

2.3%

4.8x

0.9x

34 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 35 Chemical and Allied Products P 36 Wema Bank PLC

ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϭϵ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ ǁĞƌĞ LIVESTOCK ;нϵ͘ϯйͿ͕ > thE/KE ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ ĂŶĚ STERLING ;нϴ͘ϳйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ JAPAULOIL (-ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ BERGER (-ϵ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ UNILEVER (-ϴ͘ϵйͿ ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͘ tĞ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Ă ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ

ŽƵƚůŽŽŬ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞdžƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƉƌŽĮƚ-ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ŝŶ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ͘

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

2.1x

8.3% 8.4%

0.0%

0.2%

-33.1%

-34.1%

0.8x

1.9%

0.2%

-10.8%

-10.8%

68.7%

31.5%

10.5x

6.6x

9.3%

9.5%

0.66

6.5%

0.2%

4.8%

4.8%

7.3%

0.7%

6.9x

0.5x

4.5%

14.6%

75.00

0.0%

0.2%

9.8%

9.8%

-3.6%

0.4%

133.6%

142.4%

-15.8%

-5.1%

39 Transcorp Hotels Plc

5.40

0.0%

0.1%

-11.5%

-9.2%

6.0%

3.2%

40 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

1.80

0.0%

0.1%

-1.6%

-1.6%

11.0%

3.1%

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

1.2x

1.7%

2.5x

1.2%

12.0x

0.7x

2.8%

7.9x

0.9x

-7.0% 8.3% 12.7%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

LIVEST OC K

0.59

9.3%

UN ION D A C

43.4

0.0%

LA WUN ION

0.48

9.1%

UB A

42.6

5.6%

ST ER LN B A N K

2.25

8.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

39.1

-1.9%

NA HCO

3.40

6.9%

A C C ESS

34.4

-1.6%

WEM A B A N K

0.66

6.5%

LA WUN ION

29.6

9.1%

UB A

6.60

5.6%

ST ER LN B A N K

24.7

8.7%

CHA M S

0.38

5.6%

FB NH

23.4

-3.4%

M B EN EF IT

0.22

4.8%

M TNN

21.3

2.6%

1.14

4.6%

F ID ELIT YB K

15.1

-0.6%

2.57

4.5%

UA C N

14.1

0.7%

T ic k er

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

20.7%

0.0%

16.00

C A VER T ON

8.5% -7.8%

8.10

37 Beta Glass PLC

T ic k er

14.4%

31.10

38 Dangote Flour Mills Plc

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘ϭdž͕ Ă ƐŚĂƌƉ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ϲ͘Ϭdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ ĂƐ ϮϬ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ

43.7%

2.25

H ON YF LOUR

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

48.4% -28.0%

58.00

ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚ Ăƚ -Ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ ŝŶ FORTE (-

8.4% 9.3%

29 Presco PLC

28 Sterling Bank PLC

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ

0.2x 0.3x

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

J A P A ULOIL

0.27

-10.0%

M TNN

2860.2

2.6%

B ER GER

6.65

-9.5%

803.8

-1.9%

UN ILEVER

31.00

-8.0%

N EST LE

420.5

0.3%

SOVR EN IN S

0.23

-8.0%

GUA R A N T Y

289.3

-3.0%

ET I

11.15

-7.9%

UB A

280.2

5.6%

A IIC O

0.65

-4.4%

A C C ESS

220.1

-1.6%

J A IZ B A N K

0.46

-4.2%

FB NH

168.1

-3.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

FO

26.90

-3.9%

ST A N B IC

136.9

1.8%

D A N GF LOUR

16.00

-3.6%

D A N GC EM

105.9

-0.9%

7.15

-3.4%

UA C N

98.1

0.7%

FB NH

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

45

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Vetiva S&P Bond ETF Announces Final Distribution of N13 Dividend Goddy Egene Vetiva Fund Managers Limited has announced a final distribution of N13.00 per unit of the Vetiva S&P Bond ETF for the period ended December 31, 2018. This will be the fifth distribution made by the Vetiva S&P Bond ETF since its listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in October 2016. The

fund manager said payment date for unitholders will be Friday, May 7, 2019. Before now, the Fund paid an interim distribution of N3.00 per unit in 2018, bringing the total distribution to N16.00 per unitholder in 2018 compared to the total distribution of N15.00 per unitholder in 2017. The Vetiva S&P Bond ETF is the first Bond ETF to be listed

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

on the NSE and the FMDQ and is designed to track the performance of the S&P/FMDQ Nigeria Sovereign Bond Index. The Index tracks the performance of local currency denominated sovereign debt publicly issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Speaking on the distribution, the Director, Asset Management

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 28May-2019, unless otherwise stated.

of Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Mrs. Oyelade Eigbe, said: “The Fund is committed to meeting its obligations to its unitholders by ensuring the payment of distributions twice a year.” She explained that “Vetiva S&P Bond ETF continues to represent a convenient investment vehicle for exposure to Nigerian FGN Sovereign Bonds in practical terms

as it gives investors a simpler means of accessing the Bonds for less than N200 per ETF unit (based on current market price). This, with the ability to buy or sell the ETF units on the stock exchange at any time, creates a convenient platform for every Nigerian to save and invest for the future.” Recently Vetiva Fund Managers

Limited announced a final distribution of 27 kobo per unit of the Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) for the full-year period ended 31st December 2018. The Fund had paid an interim distribution of 20 kobo per unit in 2018, bringing the total distribution to 47kobo per unitholder in 2018 compared to the total distribution of 42.5kobo per unitholder in 2017.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.89 4.58% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.59% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.23% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.31 2.33 3.82% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.62% Paramount Equity Fund 11.83 12.13 1.01% Women's Investment Fund 105.58 106.26 1.96% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.18% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 98.91 99.37 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.87 99.18 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.34% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.83 0.84 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.20 1.20 6.80% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.48% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.02% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,190.50 1,191.35 6.64% FBN Heritage Fund 144.92 145.91 1.50% FBN Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 116.31 116.79 5.30% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 116.28 116.77 5.54% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 140.43 142.43 -6.38% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.28% Legacy Debt Fund 3.41 3.41 4.96% Legacy Equity Fund 1.12 1.14 -8.37% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.94% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.09% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 108.23 108.64 -0.56% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.37% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.16 2.19 0.75% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.88% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 131.13 131.22 4.92% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.21 1.23 5.50% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,102.11 1,102.11 5.56% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.03 11.12 -4.14% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.05% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.28 1.30 4.08% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.47 11.54 3.09% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.97% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 120.30 120.67 -0.43% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 5.89% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,358.71 2,372.44 1.93% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 201.66 201.66 6.06% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.93 0.94 -1.58% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 255.18 255.28 5.28% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 159.22 161.14 -2.36% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.71% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,115.62 8,220.27 -4.36% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 2.50% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.19 1.20 -0.15% United Capital Bond Fund 1.69 1.69 6.26% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.69 -3.86% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.10% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.79 110.79 3.29% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.12 2.41% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.82 11.00 0.07% Zenith Ethical Fund Zenith Income Fund Zenith Money Market Fund

11.96 21.85 1.00

12.12 21.85 1.00

-0.60% 13.26% 12.19%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 120.90 52.38

-44.85% 2.69% 1.24%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.15 101.30 84.51

10.25 103.45 86.07

-3.82% -13.64% -4.69%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.73 6.37 13.74 11.20 155.55

3.77 6.45 13.84 11.40 157.55

-6.68% -16.28% -8.06% -9.30% 8.31%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.90

17.40%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

˾ FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Zakah: Connecting Humanity E Ebrahim M.A. El-Khouly/IslamiCity

Zakah (Community Wealth Tax)

The Muslim contribution to life is open, without limits: he gives of his effort, his mind, his knowledge, his status and his money. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, “Every Muslim must perform a charity.” They asked, “Messenger of God, what if a person cannot find anything to give?” He answered, “He should work with his hands to benefit himself and give in charity.” “And what if he could not find that?” they asked again. “He should assist an aggrieved person in need.” “And what if he could not do that?” “Then he should do good and refrain from evil - that would be his charity.” (related by al-Bukhari) Zakah regulates the wealth contribution in its minimum, making it a religious obligation from which the individual cannot free himself or take concessions, since it is the right of society to be devoted to the benefit of the needy and disabled individuals and classes. In its proper sense, zakah is a practical manifestation of the brotherhood between the faithful and establishes mutual solidarity between them by the firm bond it creates between rich and poor, in a way that strengthens the individual’s sense of relation to the community and the community’s awareness of the value of the individual, and that it is strengthened by his strength and weakened by his weakness. An analysis of zakah in the Islamic system reveals its various functions in a Muslim society: (a) A religious function: In this respect zakah is a manifestation of the faith that affirms that God is the sole owner of everything in the universe, and what men hold is a trust in their hand over which God made them trustees to discharge it as He has laid down: “Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend of that over which He made you trustees” (Quran 57:7). It is also an expression of gratitude towards the Bestower Who said: “If you give thanks, I will give you more.” (Quran 14:7) In this respect zakah is an act of devotion which, like prayer, brings the believer nearer to his Lord, and being one of the pillars of religion, avoidance of payment is a manifestation of shirk (serving other gods besides God). (b) An economic function: Its economic function is revealed in many ways: firstly, zakah gives a strong incentive for investing wealth for the benefit of society and makes us refrain from hoarding it. When the amount reaches the taxable minimum and has been possessed for a whole year, zakah falls due on it whether it has been invested or not. Those who do not invest their wealth expose it to continuous reduction of at least 2.5% annually. Gradually it will be removed from their possession to be used for the benefit of society. Apart from this, zakah is a means of compulsory redistribution of wealth in a way that reduces differences between classes and groups, thus preventing the many social disorders from which Communist and Western societies alike suffer, no less than contemporary Muslim societies that have neglected zakah. Moreover, zakah is a means of establishing justice indirectly. It rectifies whatever wrongs, injustices or means of exploitation in trading and industrial relations that have arisen. This may explain the fact that it is called a “right” rather

than “charity”, or an act of beneficence. Zakah also facilitates the proper direction of purchasing power in society. It transfers part of the power of consumption, which may be used extravagantly to fulfill a proper function in the lives of those who need it. (c) A social function: Zakah makes a fair contribution to social stability. By purging the soul of the rich of selfishness and the soul of the poor of envy and resentment against society, it stops up the channels leading to class hatred and makes it possible for the springs of brotherhood and solidarity to gush forth. Such stability is not merely based on the personal feelings of the rich: it stands on a firmly established right, which, if the rich denied it, would be exacted by force if necessary. Zakah is not used merely to meet the present needs of the poor and needy, but serves other functions that deeply affect social life. As the Quran laid down, it solves the following problems: (i) The problem of freedom, by assisting slaves seeking their freedom to attain it (slavery was an established system in the world at the time the Quran was revealed). (ii) The problem of indebtedness which threatens an individual with bankruptcy, hardship, stress, humiliation or loss of good name, whether caused by the necessities of life or fluctuation in the market resulting in hardship to a good producer or an honest merchant. The Quran allots a portion of the zakah fund to solving such problems of indebtedness - a better solution than any contemporary system of insurance, as it is more positive and more in line with true cooperation and social solidarity. (iii) The problem of defense and security of Muslim land against external threat and such matters as may be related to struggle in the cause of God. (iv) The need of those who are away from their home seeking knowledge or a lawful livelihood and have not attained a settled life yet - the Quran devotes a portion of the zakah fund to meeting their need. All this is contained in the Quranic verse that specifies the items upon which zakah should be expended, and recipients of the fund: “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those employed in collecting them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the slaves and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer, a duty enjoined by Allah; Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Quran 9:60) In its lexical definition zakah means “purity” and “growth”, in both of which we can perceive its religious connotations: it purges society of destructive afflictions and causes human and social virtues to grow, leading to sound social relations, peace and stability. In this light we can understand the position taken by Abu Bakr, the first Khalifa (may God be pleased with him) in the face of the first attempt to suspend payment of zakah by those who refused to pay it. He used the Muslim army to uphold this social right and compelled the recalcitrant faction to pay the community wealth tax, asserting a principle in which he was following the Prophet, “I swear by God, if they refuse to pay to me even a small piece of robe which they used to pay to the Messenger of God, I would fight them for it.” (related by al-Bukhari).

What to Do on Eid Day Mufti Taqi Usmani/MuslimMatters/Al Balagh

Before Going to Eid Prayer The following acts are prescribed as Sunnah at the beginning of the day of Eid-ul Fitr before proceeding to the Eid prayer: 1. To wake up early in the morning. 2. To clean one’s teeth with a Miswaak or a brush. 3. To take a bath. 4. To put on one’s best available clothes. 5. To wear perfume. 6. To eat a sweet food, preferably dates, before the Eid prayer. 7. To recite the following Takbir in the low voice while going to the Eid prayer: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Ila Allah Wa Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

Sadaqat-ul-fitr Sadaqat-ul-fitr is an obligation for every Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent, either in the form of money, ornaments, stock-in-trade, or in the form of some goods or commodities beyond one’s normal needs. Every person who owns such an amount has to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr, not only on behalf of himself but also on behalf of his minor children. The prescribed amount of Sadaqat-ul-fitr is 1.75 Kilograms of wheat or its value in money. This amount is prescribed for

paying Sadaqat-ul-fitr for one person only. If a person has some minor children, the same amount has to be paid on behalf of each one of them separately. The following points must be remembered concerning the payment of Sadaqat-ul-fitr. 1. Sadaqat-ul-fitr is obligated on each adult male or female separately, and the relevant adult person himself is responsible to pay it. The husband is not required to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of his wife nor is the wife supposed to pay it on behalf of her husband. Similarly, a father is not bound to pay Sadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of his adult children or vice-versa. However, if the head of the family, by his own free will, wishes to paySadaqat-ul-fitr for each one of the members of his family, he should seek their authorization for that purpose. In this case the Sadaqat-ul-fitr paid by him will be valid on their behalf. If he did not pay theSadaqat-ul-fitr on behalf of any of the members of his family, he will not be responsible for it. Rather, it is the duty of every adult member of the family to discharge his own obligation or to request the head of the family to pay it on his or her behalf. 2. It is a Sunnah that the Sadaqat-ul-fitr is paid before performing the Eid prayer. It can also be paid before the Eid day, but it is not advisable to delay it up to the performance of’ Eid prayer. However, if a person has failed to pay on its proper time, he should pay it as soon as possible, whereby the obligation will stand discharged.

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

47

NEWS EXTRA

Sanwo-Olu Declares State of Emergency on Refuse, Traffic Matters Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babjide Sanwo-Olu, has declared a state of emergency on environmental sanitation and traffic management matters in the state. Sanwo-Olu declared this yesterday while signing the first executive order of refuse management, traffic management and public works at the Lagos House, Alausa. The governor issued the executive order aimed at addressing sanitation issues and traffic congestion in the state. Aside, the governor appointed former Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, who retired on March 3, 2017, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). He signed the executive

order at the State House, Alausa yesterday alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, among others. The executive order, which is titled “Re: Enforcement of Law and Order in respect Traffic and Sanitation Matters,” was issued to restore stability and a culture of accountability. After signing the order, Sanwo-Olu declared a state of emergency on the environment and traffic management in the state in a bid to restore stability and a culture of accountability. Sanwo-Olu said the state of emergency became imperative following incessant traffic and unwholesome sanitation practices that had been major challenges in the state. “These unaddressed traffic

and environmental violations continued to constitute a nuisance that threatened the safety and well-being of all citizens. “There is therefore a need to declare a state of emergency over environmental/sanitation and traffic management matters within the state so as start the process of restoring stability and a culture of to accountability in which all the citizens become active stakeholders in bringing about the necessary changes. “From the date of the executive order, there shall be zero tolerance for environmental abuse, including illegal and indiscriminate refuse dumping and construction of structures on drainage points and setbacks. “The Office of Drainage Services under the Ministry of

the Environment shall be imbued with the power to commence an aggressive cleaning of all secondary and tertiary drainage systems in all local governments and local council development areas within the state in a bid to eliminate refuse, silt and other drainage blockage as well as ensuring easy and free flow of rain water during the raining season. “All LASTMA officials shall effectively carry out their functions by ensuring strict enforcement and compliance with all extant traffic rules and regulation fully prescribed by enabling laws. “LASTMA officials will immediately begin work on a shift basis in which road and traffic management operations

will last till 11pm on daily basis. “Lagos State Public Works Corporation will immediately commence the identification and repairs of all potholes and bad roads within the state. The provisions of this Order shall extend to all law enforcement agencies in the state in maintaining law and order for the collective good of the citizens,” the governor explained. Just before signing the executive order, Sanwo-Olu announced Jaji, former Lagos State Head of Service as the Secretary to the State Government. Also, at a meeting with public servants yesterday, Sanwo-Olu assured them that issues surrounding the minimum wage would be addressed, promising

to ensure that the take-home pay of workers will truly take them home. He urged the workers “to be change agents. Their concerns will be addressed. The workforce must reciprocate his good intention through hard work and innovations to bring about the desired changes and development. “I know that when we take care of you, you will take care of Lagos residents. So, those are the promises I want to draw from all of you. I know all these because I have been here before. “But let us begin to think and innovate on how we are going to bake a bigger cake. Let us begin to think out of the box. When we do that, it becomes available for all.”

Delta North: Appeal Court Returns Nwaoboshi as Senator-elect Alex Enumah in Abuja The Court of Appeal, Abuja yesterday reinstated Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as the Senator-elect for Delta North senatorial district. A three-member panel of the appellate in reinstating Nwaobshi as Senator-elect, set aside the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which had earlier nullified Nwaobshi’s victory at the 2018 Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) primary conducted to select the party’s flag bearer for the senatorial seat. Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja had in a judgment delivered in April this year nullified the nomination of Nwaoboshi as candidate of the PDP in the February 23 National Assembly election on the grounds that Ned Nwoko and not Nwaobshi won the party’s primary election. Justice Mohammed had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return it issued Nwaobshi as winner of the election and issued a fresh certificate to Nwoko, being the lawful candidate of the PDP in the said election. Dissatisfied, Nwaobshi approached the Court of Appeal to upturn the decision of the trial court on the grounds that the lower court erred in law when it held that he was not the lawful candidate of the PDP in the February 23 National Assembly poll. Nwaoboshi representing Delta North senatorial district who also won the February 23, senatorial district election, had asked the appellate court to reverse the decision of the lower court and upheld his emergence as senator-elect . In the judgment delivered yesterday, the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, which had sacked Nwaobshi. The panel in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Abdullahi Idris, held that the Nwoko’s suit against the candidacy of Senator Nwaobshi

was statute-barred and ought not to have been heard in the first instance. The appellate court accordingly struck out the suit for lacking merit. “By the time the matter was instituted at the trial court, the action was statute-barred, having commenced outside the 14 days allowed by the law”. “This appeal is allowed; consequently the order of the lower court is set aside and the suit is struck out”, Justice Idris held. Justice Idris also dismissed the preliminary objection filed by Nwoko. In arguing the appeal, Nwaobshi’s lawyer, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), urged the appellate court to uphold the appeal and reinstate Senator Nwaoboshi as the senator- elect . He said that two issues are involved in the appeal. First, is whether the case as filed by Nwoko at the Federal High Court was a pre- election matter and statute-barred at the time it was filed. The senior lawyer asked the court to consider the reliefs sought by the respondentseeking a declaration that he won the PDP primary election, which was not granted by the lower court. He further urged the appellate court to look at (exhibit 1), the result sheet of the primary election, that was tendered by both the appellant and Nwoko at lower court and find the date the primary took place. He maintained that the suit being a pre- election matter was first filed at Federal Capital Territory High Court after the 14 days allowed by law had elapsed. On his part, Nwoko represented by Ahmed Raji (SAN), urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeal on the grounds that the suit was filed within time allowed by law. He explained that the ‘action’ which ignited the suit was the publication made by the INEC showing the list of party candidates.

SIGNED AND SEALED…

L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and state Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, during the signing of first Executive Order on Zero Tolerance for Dirty Environment and Traffic Offenders, at Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday

Court Orders Reinstatement of Suspended SEC DG, Gwarzo Alex Enumah in Abuja The National Industrial Court, Abuja, yesterday ordered the immediate reinstatement of the suspended DirectorGeneral of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo. Justice Sanusi Kado, in his judgment, held that the Minister of Finance, named as second defendant in the suit, lacked the power to suspend the claimant. Kado, who dismissed three issues raised by the defence counsel through their preliminary objection, ruled that the suit was not status-barred. He held that since there was cause of action in the claimant’s suit, he (claimant) had the right to commence the suit by way of originating summon. Kado further held that the issue in dispute was not about the position of the claimant as the director general of the commission, but that the bone of contention was who had the power to suspend him. The judge held that the second defendant (Minister

of Finance) did not have the power to suspend the claimant since he was not an employee of the commission. He said that the minister, in the absence of the board, only had supervisory power, which does not include disciplinary power to suspend the director general. Kado held that it was only the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, on the directive of the president, who had the power of suspension. For emphasis he said, “the minister’s role was that of recommendation.” Kado in addition said the Administrative Panel of Inquiry that indicted the claimant was not a court of law, neither was it a quasijudicial body, but just a body set up for a fact-finding duty. He therefore declared that the suspension of the claimant was null, void and of no effect. Kado also declared that the recommendation of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up by the second defendant, be set aside. The judge then ordered the reinstatement of the claimant

as the DG of SEC to complete his five-year tenure. He further ordered that the claimant’s salaries, allowances and entitlements accrued be paid to him in full. News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN), reported that Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the former Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, had on November 29, 2017, suspended Gwarzo and set up an administrative panel of inquiry to investigate allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him. NAN also reported that the SEC DG was accused of collecting severance package worth N104.85 million while still in service in violation of the civil service rules. The minister said Gwarzo was suspended from office to allow for an unhindered investigation. Gwarzo, however, in June, 2018 approached the court to challenge his suspension. He sought for various reliefs from the defendant among which was an order of the court reinstating him as the DG of the Commission. He also sought for an order

of the court for the payment of all his entitlements, emoluments, allowances and other perquisites of the office of DG of SEC for the entire period he was under suspension. Gwarzo equally sought for an order of court setting aside the entire proceedings of Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by the minister. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had also charged Gwarzo with an Executive Commissioner in the commission, Zakawanu Garuba. They were arraigned on a five-count charge of alleged misappropriation to the tune of about N115 million and conferment of corrupt advantage on a public officer. Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf of FCT High Court, Maitama however, on April 16 discharged Gwarzo of the alleged charge. Joined in the suit as co-defendants, were SEC, Minister of Finance and Attorney- General of the Federation.

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NEWS EXTRA

Sagay Asks Supreme Court to Review Verdicts on Zamfara, Rivers Elections Davidson Iriekpen A professor of law, Itse Sagay (SAN), has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) legal team to apply to the Supreme Court for a review of its judgments on Zamfara and Rivers states. In Rivers, the APC was excluded from fielding candidates during the general election following a Supreme Court judgment. In the case of Zamfara, the Supreme Court on April 24 nullified APC’s victory in the election and transferred it to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to alleged irregularities in APC’s primaries. Sagay said in a statement that the verdicts were a travesty of justice. “The Zamfara and Rivers State judgments are a national tragedy. We should not allow our legal system to throw up such unimaginable injustice. “This major judicial disenfranchisement of the Zamfara and Rivers electorate should be reversed. I advise the

APC legal team to apply for a review of the two judgments. “Their lordships ought to be given an opportunity to reverse this unprecedented tragedy. “The prefix ‘Justice’ preceding he names of Supreme Court and Court of appeal judges is significant, for it prescribes what they stand for and what they represent: Justice!” Sagay pointed out that in the governorship election in Zamfara, the APC candidate scored well over 500,000 votes while the PDP candidate scored just over 100,000 votes. He noted the APC won all three Senate seats in the state, seven House of Representatives seats and 24 State House of Assembly seats. The statement reads in part: “By this judgment, the landslide APC victories in the governorship, Senate, House of Representative and State House of Assembly are transferred to the PDP. “If the APC primaries were defective, should the electorate be deprived of their democratic and constitutional rights to

vote? Is the electorate to be punished for the transgressions of party officials? “Should the judiciary replace the electorate’s decision and install losers in office? Could the judiciary not have drawn on the deep recesses of its intellectual capacity, authority and its inexorable commitment to justice, to prevent this undemocratic calamity? “Can the APC officials not be punished, for their lapses without denying the electorate their democratic rights? Should the Judiciary take over the electoral rights of the electorate? Is this not a clear case of technical law completely overthrowing

justice? “Have the members of the Supreme Court not achieved a level of creativity and authority to provide a solution without burying democracy and taking over from the registered voters as the judicial electorate? “If this judgment had been an international one, it could have been described as ‘shocking the conscience of humanity’. In this case, it shocks the conscience of Nigerian humanity.” Citing several authorities, Sagay said the Supreme Court is specially endowed with the power and authority to do justice and to ignore law when it is technical and would create

injustice, and to avoid at all cost a mechanical approach to the interpretation of the law. “Now, has justice been served in Rivers and Zamfara States? No! In one case innocent electorate in their hundreds of thousands were prevented from voting for their party by judicial order. “In Zamfara, where voting took place, the verdict of the electorate was taken away from the victorious party and awarded by the Judiciary to the woeful losers. “In the next four years, Zamfara State will be governed by a party and politicians rejected by the electorate. This indeed shocks the conscience

of Nigerian humanity.” He also referred to Section 140(1) – (3) of the Electoral Act, which prohibits any court from declaring a loser of an election elected even if the person with the highest votes was not validly elected. “I am not interested in the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010. I am only deeply concerned and interested in the fundamental and peremptory principle of Justice. “No Judge should announce his judgment until he is satisfied that Justice has been served, no matter how strong the pull of mechanical and technical law,” Sagay added.

Alleged N1.4 bn Fraud: Akwa Ibom Gov Loses Bid to Quash Charge against NBA President Davidson Iriekpen Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed an application filed by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, seeking to quash the entire charge preferred against the President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Usoro was charged alongside Udom and others in a case of money laundering to the tune of N1.4 billion, belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Government. The NBA president was first arraigned before Justice Muslim Hassan of the same court on December 18, 2018. He was later re-arraigned before Justice Aikawa on a 10- count charge. One of the counts reads: “That you, Paul Usoro (SAN), Emmanuel Udom (currently constitutionally immune against criminal prosecution); Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko (still at large); Nsikan Linus Nkan, Commissioner of Finance, Akwa Ibom State (still at large); Mfon Jacobson Udomah, Accountant-General, Akwa Ibom State (still at large); and Margaret Thompson Ukpe (still at large) sometime in 2015 in Nigerian, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: conversion of the sum of N1.410,000,000,000, property of the Government of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: criminal breach of trust and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering

(Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.” At yesterday’s sitting, Justice Aikawa, in his ruling, held that the application filed by Udom lacked merit due to the fact that the charge before the court did not include the governor and his aides as defendants. The judge held that “In a criminal suit, there are two segments: the complainant and the defendant(s). “In this charge before me, the complainant is the EFCC and the defendant is Paul Usoro. “Given the fact that the name of the applicant was mentioned in counts one to four does not make him a defendant in this case. “It is also unconstitutional for the federal government to investigate and prosecute a serving governor. Udom cannot be charged in view of the immunity he enjoys, including his aides, and also due to the fact that the N1.4 billion were funds belonging to Akwa Ibom State and not federal government.” The judge further held that the applicant could not apply to the court to quash the charge or seek fair hearing as prayed in the application because he is not a defendant in the case. Justice Aikawa, therefore, ordered the prosecution to serve the defence team with the “proof of evidence”, prosecution witnesses’ statements and letters from both Access Bank and Diamond Bank. The prosecution was also ordered to furnish the defence team with the documents within seven days. Justice Aikawa adjourned the case to June 3, 2019, for the continuation of trial.

MASS FOR RENEWED MANDATE...

L-R: Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezilo; Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Most. Rev. John Okoye; Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Onah; and Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese, Most. Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji, during the governor’s second term inauguration Thanksgiving Mass at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu…yesterday

Oyo LG Chairmen Vow to Remain in Office Despite Makinde’s Sacking Order A few hours after they were sacked as local government chairmen in Oyo State by Governor Seyi Makinde, the affected council bosses yesterday vowed to remain in office. Led by the chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye , the chairmen in their address titled: “Public statement on the purported dissolution of democratically elected local government in Oyo State by

Governor Seyi Makinde,” through the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), described their sack as undemocratic and illegal. Abass-Alesinloye, who read the statement on behalf of his colleagues at a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) office, Iyaganku Ibadan, said, the military-like statement issued by the governor that all councils and the Local Council Development

Authorities be dissolved with immediate effect amounted to “a familiar jackboot statement of the military era.” Describing the statement as a sad throwback to “that better forgotten years of military dictatorship,” the chairmen added that, “this is unexpected and quite unfortunate in a democracy. The statement came out less than 12 hours after Governor Makinde was sworn-in.” They therefore vowed to

remain in office. The governor had, through his Chief of Staff, Bisi Ilaka, directed that “all local government authorities and local council development authorities be dissolved with immediate effect.” He asked the chairmen to hand over to their heads of local government administration or the most senior directors in their local government areas and councils.

Surrender Yourselves to EFCC as I did, Fayose Tells Amosun, Okorocha A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has asked the immediate past governors of Ogun and Imo states, Ibikunle Amosun and Rochas Okorocha, respectively, to surrender themselves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Fayose gave this advice in

the wake of the fake news of the alleged arrest of Okorocha and his wife, Nkechi, by the anti-graft agency. EFCC has however, denied arresting the former governor Taking to his verified Twitter handle @GovAyoFayose, Fayose noted that regardless of whether the Okorochas’ arrest was true or

not, he knew that the day would come when EFCC would be going after the former governors. He went on to welcome Okorocha to what he termed the “EFCC Alumni Club” and enjoined the government agency not to “look away from Amosun.” “Just reading that Okorocha

was arrested by EFCC - true or not, we knew this day will come. However, I welcome him to the EFCC Alumni & enjoin the commission not to look away from Amosun too. While I encourage them to surrender themselves as I did, I welcome Mr Okorocha to the club,” Fayose Tweeted.

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Ebonyi, Enugu, Awka Residents Ignore IPOB’s Sit-at-home Order Aba, Onitsha, Nnewi residents comply Catholic priest beaten to coma for violating order Christopher Isiguzo , Gideon Arinze in Enugu; David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki Residents of Awka, the Anambra State capital, as well as Enugu and Ebonyi states, yesterday shunned the order by the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) for them to sit at home in honour of fallen Biafran patriots. THISDAY observed that there was movement in Awka, both vehicular and human, just as public places were open for business. However, the story was different in the commercial cities of Onitsha, and Aba, as well as the industrial town of Nnewi, as THISDAY gathered that the towns were totally shut down. This is coming as a Catholic priest and Vicar of St Jude’s Catholic Church in Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Festus Eziamaka, who dared to drive out as early as before 6 a.m. to celebrate mass for his parishioners, was attacked, beaten to unconsciousness and his vehicle damaged by suspected members of IPOB. In Awka, though it was gathered that some schools in the town did not open, most of the schools visited by THISDAY were in full session, with students and teachers engaging in academic activities. Eke Awka market, one of the biggest markets in the town was also in session, even though the number of traders and customers in the market were limited compared to what it usually was. Banks were also open, just as a visit to the state secretariat showed that work was in full session, with workers milling around the complex. In Onitsha, it was gathered

that no markets were open, just as the usually busy streets were a ghost of themselves. The Onitsha Niger Bridge was also said to have been shut, to avoid exit or entry into the town. In Nnewi, almost all the industries were closed from morning hours to noon, just as traffic on the roads remained scanty too. Also in Nnewi, people suspected to be IPOB members attacked a Catholic Priest. THISDAY gathered that the priest was attacked around Ibeto junction, while he was going to celebrate morning mass. Though the Police Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed who spoke to journalists on phone, said there was no incidence of violence anywhere in the state resulting from of the IPOB sit-athome order, but a priest, Rev. Fr. Celestine Okonkwo, confirmed the incident. He said, “Our priest, Fr. Festus Eziamaka, parish vicar of St. Jude’s Parish, Nnewi, presently residing at the Bishop House, from where he shuttles everyday to his duties for his parish, was attacked before 6a.m. today on his way to celebrate the first Mass of Ascension for his parish. “He was attacked and shot by IPOB members who had declared no-movement today. They shot very close to his eyes and beat him up. His vehicle was badly damaged. Thank God, he was rushed to Teaching Hospital. The doctors immediately took him to the theatre.” THISDAY also gathered that amidst heavy security presence, residents of Enugu, Enugu State literally ignored the sit-at-home order as they went about their lawful engagements.

Edinburgh University Appoints ex-PenCom DG, Chinelo AnohuAmazu, as Board Member A former Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Chinelo AnohuAmazu, has been appointed on the board of the University of Edinburgh Business School, Scotland. The British institution said on its website that Anohu-Amazu was appointed alongside Joanne O’Callaghan, vice president of State Street Global Services. “Chinelo Anohu is a lawyer and immediate past Director General and CEO of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Nigeria,” her bio on the website read. “She currently advises multilateral policy institutions as well as the private sector on the strategic deployment of finance for impact, and serves on the London Stock Exchange Africa Advisory Group.

“Chinelo has already worked with the Business School’s Sustainable Business Initative in the embedding of sustainability principles and practice in the investment of pension funds in Africa.” Commenting on the appointment, Wendy Loretto, dean of the Business School, said: “Our International Advisory Board provides independent advice, ensuring we remain outward-looking and innovative. We were delighted to hear from Chinelo and Joanne at their recent first meeting of the board. “Our board now comprises 14 external members, almost half of whom are women. We look forward to benefiting from their deep and international experience at senior level.”

JOBA Celebrates Pentecost The Holy Ghost Juniorate, Ihiala, Anambra State, Old Boys Association (JOBA), Lagos Chapter, will join the Catholic world to celebrate this year’s feast of Pentecost, on Sunday, June 9. 2019, at St. Francis

Catholic Church, Oregun, Ikeja According to a statement by the Chairman of JOBA, Lagos, Mr. Emeka Nsofor, all old boys, their families and well-wishers are expected to grace the occasion.

Major streets, markets, commercial banks and ministries within the metropolis were full of activities as though there was nothing like a sit-at-home order.. The popular Ogbete Market was filled with activities as shops were opened unlike in time past when people obeyed such order and kept away from such places.

At the state Ministry of Transport, it was business- as –usual, as offices were opened with workers seen carrying out their day to day activities and security operatives at their duty posts. There was also zero compliance to the order in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital as economic activities,

movement of vehicles and individuals were hitch-free. Academic, banking and transportation activities were not disrupted in the state. Meanwhile, over 2,000 members of the Akubaraoha Youth Assembly led by the former Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to Governor David Umahi, Mr. Mark Onu,

marched round the Abakaliki to ensure total clampdown on the Biafra agitators. The youths also advised traders not to close their shops. Though the movement created traffic logjams along the ever-busy Afikpo road, the directive of the outlawed secessionists was not noticed in the state.

WORTHY HONOUR…

L-R: Immediate past Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) chapter, Ann Ihuoma Dozie-Enukora; Senator representing Kogi West and PDP governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Dino Melaye; and Chief Executive Officer, Express Concerns Limited/Chairman, Swiss Spirit DANAG, Chief Daniel Chimezie Okeke, during the presentation of Integrity Man of the Year Award to Okeke, by the National Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) in Lagos… recently

Ihedioha Demolishes Monument Built by Okorocha Imo State Government yesterday began the demolition of Akachi monument, which was built by the immediate past governor, Rochas Okorocha. However, while the earthmoving equipment deployed by the state government was

demolishing the monument, soldiers numbering over 25 came and chased the workers away. The soldiers who barricaded the environment as at the time of filing this report, also resisted people who had come to catch a

glimpse of the demolition from gaining access to the place. The development caused a rowdy scene in and around the place. The soldiers also stopped people from taking photographs of the scene.

Okorocha had, during its inauguration, described the Akachi Tower, measuring over 40 feet, as symbolising the hand of God over Imo State. He had also stated that the monument would be tourists’ attraction.

Rivers Remains Safe for Business, Development, Wike Insists Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the state is safe for productive economic activities for the empowerment of the people. He described as unfortunate attempt by a former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, to de-market the state on NTA Tuesday live, where the former Rivers State governor claimed that the Buhari’s administration could not extend railway to Rivers due to alleged insecurity. Wike spoke at a second term inauguration banquet at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday. He said: “Amaechi claimed on NTA Tuesday live that he did not bring the railway to Rivers State because of insecurity; what about Kaduna and Daura with very high level of insecurity, yet they took railway there. “Just this week, the president met with the governors of 19 northern states and they discussed how to stem the tide of insecurity in the region. Yet

they were not denied projects. “For how long will Amaechi continue to demarket Rivers State? Was it insecurity that made him not to give the president 25 per cent during the last elections? You claim Rivers State is insecure, but you came to the state to hold your birthday. Every Rivers indigene owes it a duty to protect the state”. He said contrary to the false propaganda about insecurity, Rivers State has continued to grow her internally generated Revenue since 2015. “When I came on board as governor in 2015, we met an Internally Generated Revenue of N4.5 billion. But now, it has grown to N8 to N9 billion . If the state is not safe, our Internally Generated Revenue will not be on the increase. “Let nobody de-market Rivers State. This ugly politics will not work. We have not benefited anything from the APC-led federal government since 2015. They are refunding money for federal projects, but they delisted Rivers State. But I will not bow to anyone; I

will only continue to respect constituted authority, “ he said. Former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, said Wike had surpassed all former governors in terms of performance in the last four years. He called on the governor to use his second term to promote the unity of Rivers people for the development of the state. “Every inch of the journey from now on must be devoted to thanking God ceaselessly for what he did for our state. You have done so much, but there is still work to be done,” he said Odili urged Wike to devote more resources to empowering the less-privileged during his second term. He said the governor must find a way of reaching the poor without passing through middlemen. He advised Wike not to be distracted by political intrigue, as the race for 2023 has already started. United States Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. John Bray, said he was very proud of Rivers

people because of the role they played during the last elections. He said that during the last elections Rivers people won despite the challenges of the period. He said: “As I come from a democratic country, I am very proud of the Rivers people. During the last difficult elections, the people won. So, I raise my glass to you the people of Rivers”. PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said Amaechi, came with army generals to overrun the state, but was defeated by Rivers people. Senator Dino Melaye commended the people for voting a man of courage who believes in the defence of the Niger Delta. He said that Rivers people voted for a man who has conquered fear. On his part, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, praised Wike for his outstanding performance in his first term. He conferred on the governor the title of “Pride of Nigeria “.

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You Can’t Run Govt on Ad-hoc, Ndume Warns Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, yesterday lamented that the bane of under-development in the country is the running of government on ad-hoc. Ndume, who is one of the contenders for the position of

the Senate President of the yet-to-be inaugurated 9th Assembly; said government should be run on well -articulated plan and not on ad-hoc. He equally urged governments at all levels to ensure security of lives and property. According to him, government could be forgiven

Kogi PDP Accuses State Govt, Police of Shielding Political Thugs Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state government of preventing the arrest of suspects connected with shootings in Yagba West Local Government Area during the governorships/house of assembly elections. The PDP in a statement signed by Bode Ogunmola, alleged that the suspect, Mr. Segun Olu, who was arrested on election day in Egbe with a pistol by the police, confessed to the crime and named 10 other suspects that carried out the shooting and mayhem along with him in his statement. According to him, the suspect confessed that he and others were engaged by Yagba LGA administrator, and that firearms were brought from Lokoja and given out to them by agents of the state government led by the administrator. The PDP alleged that when officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Abuja office were on their way to Yagba West with Olu to identify other culprits, they were prevented from fulfilling their mission, alleging that overtures were made to the

SARs operatives at Isanlu by the administrator to abandon their journey. The PDP lamented that till date, the rest of the culprits are walking about freely, enjoying protection from the state government. The PDP called on the Inspector General of Police to effect the arrest of the culprits, pointing out that failure to do so would cast a negative aspersion on the Nigerian Police and their neutrality in Kogi State. The PDP called on the IGP to be aware of the action aimed at preventing the arrest of suspects who masterminded the shootings during the last elections, insisting that nobody should be above the Law. But in his reaction, the Director General, Media and publicity, to the state government, Kingsley Fanwo, said criminal cases are handled by the Police and other law enforcement agencies. The state government, he added doesn’t interfere in such issues, saying they are serious about the fight against criminality. “This government will never shield any culprit from facing justice,” he added.

DBN to Disburse N100bn to MSMEs Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has revealed that it planned to disburse the sum of N100 billion to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) segment this year. It also added that it disbursed over N30 billion to over 35,000 end-borrowers in the MSME segment in its first full year of operations, while also collaborating with other development finance institutions to remove some of the barriers to access to finance in the segment. The Chief Economist for the bank, Prof. Joseph Nnanna, disclosed this yesterday at the 5th edition of the Refined Economic Development (RED) quarterly lecture held at the University of Abuja and organised by Economic and Business Strategies (EBS) with the theme, “Real Sector Constraints to Economic Growth and Development.” Presenting his paper titled “Contemporary Strategies for Financial Inclusion and Prosperity in Nigeria,” he explained that MSME are the backbone of any economy, considering the fact that the segment makes up over 90 per

cent of all firms and accounts for an average of 60 to 70 per cent of total employment and roughly 50 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. Nnanna explained that a 2018 survey by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) showed that only 31 per cent of MSME in Nigeria have ever obtained a loan from a financial institution, commercial or micro finance bank. He said that the principal reason for the low figure in spite of its undisputable impact on the economy include, high/lack of collateral, problems with credit history, unfavorable worthiness of the prospective borrowers. Nnanna stated: “For Nigeria as a whole, we are trying to achieve more access to finance for the MSME because we believe they are the engine that grows any economy in any part of the world. “This year alone, the DBN plans to disburse N100 billion to MSME and we are quite on track as it is already. We are very confident that we will achieve that this year and beyond.

if all it has to offer is security and perhaps nothing more. He said without security, every other thing is on a standstill as people would even be afraid to leave their home to source for living. On his expectations from the governor of his home state, Prof. Babagana Umara, the lawmaker said: “My first advice to Governor Zulum is that he should have a master-plan that he wants to achieve in the first four years which will serve as his blueprint for action.” He also advised that the

governor should embrace the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, insisting that right now in Borno, what the people need first is security. He asked the new governor to cooperate with the security agencies in order to encourage them in doing more in securing the lives and property of the people. He said doing so will bring in economic fortune with the expansion of territories to which the people can have access to farmlands and other economic activities. Ndume said: “My advice to

him is to run government not on ad-hoc basis. Government should be run with plans. For instance, this year, I am going to achieve A, B and C, and you know where the resources should be coming from. So when you do that, you know that you have finished with A, then B, followed by C. “You know that when government is run on adhoc and somebody comes in the morning and say let’s do this, and you will move to another local government, they will say we don’t have borehole and you go and do that.

When government started operating on adhoc basis without planning, it is not going to work. “The first thing I told him is that he should have a master plan that of what to achieve within these four years and that will serve as his blueprint for action, it is very important. He called on the governor to introduce massive agricultural policies that will make food available to the citizens in addition to provision of farm implements to farmers especially in areas where peace has returned for farming.

STOCKTAKING…

L-R: Vice President, Direct Custody and Clearing, Citi Bank, Solomon Ikeanyi; representative of First Registrars Limited, Amidu Akinyemi; MD/CEO, STL Ťrustees Limited, Funmi Ekundayo; MD/CEO, Vetiva Funds Management Limited, Damilola Ajay; representative of Securities and Exchange Commission, Gilbert Okoye; and Head, Funds Management, Vetiva Funds Management Limited, Oyelade Eigbe, during the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting of DV Balanced Fund in Lagos…recently

CNS: Erection of Places of Worship ‘ll Enhance National Devt Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, yesterday said that the erection of places of worship in the country would enhance national development. The CNS spoke as he bemoaned the present state of insecurity in the country. He said insecurity hampered government’s effort at emplacing enduring peace and development over the years, saying that the actions and inactions of many misguided youths contributed to the state of insecurity in the country. He spoke at the foundationlaying ceremony of places of worship at Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja.

He said the embarrassing situation called to question the moral conscience of the Nigerian society. “The erection of places of worship would therefore help build the moral fibre of the citizenry to provide emotional stability and moral courage needed to contribute positively to national development. “I, therefore, pray that the gracious hands of the Almighty abide with the builders from the beginning to the end of this project,” CNS declared. Ibas said the Nigerian Navy has consciously channelled great attention to requisite infrastructural development to complement her operational, administrative and welfare objectives.

While noting that deliberate efforts were made in constructing barracks’ accommodation and other welfare projects at various locations within the country, the CNS said the erection of appropriate places of worship within the barracks was equally as germane as the provision of living accommodation and other administrative and operational commitments. This, he said, was because a balanced level of spiritual maturity was necessary for the military personnel to maintain the required level of conceptual and moral component of their fighting power. He further stressed that this will enable personnel retain

a rational balance needed for the effective employment of their physical competencies, to achieve victory in battle. While appreciating the clerics that graced the groundbreaking ceremony, CNS said their presence, even at such short notice, bore testimony to their enduring support for the affairs of the Nigerian Navy. In their remarks, the Directors, Religious Affairs, (Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Islamic), Nigerian Navy, thanked the CNS for his vision and commitment, saying that it was the first time in the history of Nigerian military that foundation-laying ceremony for three worship centres were laid in the same plot of land and at the same time.

Dickson’s Aide Joins Bayelsa Guber Race Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Director of Protocol to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Mr. Joseph Akedesuo, has joined the race in the November 16 governorship election in the state. Akedesuoh, who retired from the civil service, has been chief of protocol to nine military administrators and civilian governors and have worked closely with them both in Rivers and Bayelsa States. Speaking to journalists, Akedesuo who is also the Chairman of the Bayelsa Land Use and Allocation Committee, said with his experience in

government and as an activist, he was most qualified to govern the state. A strong ally of governor Dickson, former president of students’ union government and first among the governor’s aides to signify his intention, Akedesuo said if elected, he would fight cultism to a standstill and rework policies in the health and education sectors to give more access to the indigent people. He said: “We need to sort out the indigent members of our society. If you don’t have a job, it goes back to the indigent people I am talking about. We need to do more by ensuring

that we budget for the poor. “On education, the governor has a brilliant educational programme which focuses on primary education and all that, and it is free, but my government will find out why some children are let loose to the street and they become the big gangs, the criminals, the cultists that we dread today and the very ones who will be our nemesis if we don’t solve their problem today. “So, mine is the educational programmes of taking them off the street and back to school. So, the government that I head will take an inventory of all the indigent children on the street

with particular focus of those who do not have the capacity to put their children in school”. According to the aspirant who hails from Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa Central, apart from building big hospitals, their proximity to the remotest parts of the state will be taken into consideration by his government. He added: “We need more cottage hospitals in communities, primary health care is very very important; most of the cases we have today is about people who collapse, and I am told that if a person collapses and they don’t have access to oxygen in seven minutes, they will be dead.”

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EFCC to Arraign JAMB Official over Claim that Snake Swallowed N35m Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it would arraign the controversial official of the Joint

Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Philomina Chieshe, who claimed that the missing N35 million JAMB proceeds in her custody was swallowed by a snake in

Edo APC Disowns Edo Peoples Movement, Others The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied the existence of a phantom group known as Edo Peoples Movement in its ranks, noting that the existence of the alien group is not supported by the party’s constitution. In a statement, Edo APC Publicity Secretary, Chris Azebamwan, distanced the party from the group, stressing that the supposed movement was not only antithetical to the unity and stability of the party, but it was also unknown to the party’s constitution. According to him, “The attention of the State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State has been drawn to a publication at page IV of The Nation newspaper of Tuesday May 28, 2019 published by a group called Edo Peoples Movement purporting same to have been done on behalf of the All Progressives Congress, Edo State. “The aspiration of every responsible political Party such as the APC is to put a government in place that will serve the interests and wellbeing of the citizens of

the State such as we have in Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his team. We, therefore, direct all those behind the movement to desist from associating their nefarious activities with the APC.” He urged members of the party to dissociate themselves from the said movement, noting that the stance is without prejudice to further steps being taken to preserve the integrity and stability of the party. “For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the general public, there is no provision in the constitution of our Party for any group or movement within the Party other than the organs created by the said constitution. The formation of an alien movement within the Party is antithetical to the unity and stability of the Party, and unknown to law.” He continued, “We, therefore, disown the said Edo Peoples Movement. The attitude and language of the publication do not conform with acceptable standards, and neither do they reflect the character of our party.”

3, 480 Patients Benefit from Dogara’s Free Medical Outreach in Bauchi

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

About 3,480 patients have benefitted from a three-day free medical outreach offered by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, for the people of Bauchi State. A statement issued yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Iliya Habila, said of the total number of patient seen for different ailments, 66 cases underwent general surgeries. Similarly, 51 eye operations were conducted, while 969 reading glasses were issued out to patients with eye problems. The records also show that over 158 ultra sound scanning were done and 1, 194 patients were seen for various laboratory investigations. Speaking earlier, Joseph Haruna Kigbu, leader of DoctorsOntheMove-Africa, the organisation which executed the programme, said the exercise was a routine one which Dogara has sustained. “It is a scheme which has benefitted Bauchi State and the northeast, not just the northeast Nigeria, the whole of the country. “He has influenced positively with some of the programmes to benefit the very poor in our local communities. Today, we are in Tafawa Balewa General Hospital conducting one in a series of much coverage that we have implemented in the last four years. “And as you can see, we have many and large crowd

of sick patients that are coming from Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro. Some of them are coming from Bauchi town and also Pankshin in Plateau State, all to benefit from the humanitarian gesture from the Speaker, so you can see we are faced with very difficult task already. “I have seen a 25- year- old young man from Tafawa Balewa that has chronic ulcer of the lower jaw and if it is cancerous, it is not possible to manage it today. They will need to have a biopsy in the teaching hospital that will tell us whether it is chronic inflammation or cancerous. If it is cancer, They will go ahead and to see whether that cancer is chemo sensitive or radio-sensitive. “So we have to write a referral letter for him, of course he complained that he does not have funds and we knew he doesn’t have funds. “On behalf of the Speaker, we are donating the sum of N200,000 to facilitate his treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. “We have seen patients with huge giant goiter these goiters will be best operated at the teaching hospital. It is not enough to remove the goiter and then leave the patients, it will be inappropriate. “So the post operating system for such patients warrants intensive care management and this hospital is a secondary level hospital because it is without proper intensive care unit.

Makurdi, Benue State office of the examination body. EFCC said she would be arraigned with other suspects today. The commission said in a statement that Chieshe would be arraigned alongside five

others - Samuel Umoru, Yakubu Jekada, Daniel Agbo, Priscilla Ogunsola, and Aliyu Yakubu before Justice Peter Afen of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja. Chieshe had claimed that a mysterious snake swallowed

about N35million cash arising from sale of e-JAMB cards in the state. The controversial JAMB official is being prosecuted by the EFCC on an eight-count charge, following her refusal to furnish the management of

JAMB the true information on the financial status of JAMB e-cards supplied to the Benue Zonal office between 2014 and 2016. Chieshe’s action is said to be contrary to Section 139 (a) of the Penal Code Law.

NEWEST COUPLE…

L-R: Business mogul and father of the groom, Chief Philip Onuorah Ugwu; mother of the groom, Mrs. Juliana Nkechinyere Ugwu; Groom and Lagos-based businessman, Kevin Chidiebere; Bride, Fidelia Chinenye; mother of the bride; Mrs. Veronica Aroh; and bride’s brother, Kevin Nnaemeka Aroh, during the wedding ceremony of the new couple, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Obollo Afor, Enugu State…recently

Fayemi Demands 330kv from TCN for Stable Electricity in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti In a bid to shore up electricity supply in Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi has demanded the construction of 330 KV substation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to boost power supply in the state. Fayemi regretted that epileptic power supply in Ekiti was affecting economic growth due to its adverse effect on small and medium scale enterprises. Speaking at a meeting with the management of TCN yesterday, Fayemi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Bamidele Faparusi, said Ekiti now has a friendly government that is willing to collaborate with relevant agencies to bring development to the state .

The governor said: “Power supply in Ekiti is very worrisome and it is bothering every indigene of the state because it seems Ekiti is the least served state in Nigeria, as the transmission infrastructure in the state is unacceptable. “At present, Ekiti, with a population of 3.5 million people, is being served with 26 megawatts from the national grid, which is grossly inadequate. We have just one 132 KV substation in Ekiti while some states can boost of three while some, more than three. Even the 132 KV substation is not operating at full capacity; it is being under-utilised.” Fayemi lamented that Ekiti is being left behind in national developmental projects, while its neighbouring states like Kogi, Osun and Ondo are benefiting. He added: “When we resumed office and looked at the

archives, we noticed that there was a lot of communication between TCN and Ekiti State Government between 2014 to 2015, which was supposed to translate to the construction of the 330KV substation in the state, but that communication stopped in October 2015. “It is unfortunate that the government at that time was very hostile and was not relating well with federal agencies. For that, we will exonerate TCN from the blame. But now that we have a very friendly government in place, it is time for TCN to come back to Ekiti”. “The government is already working on the Certificate of Occupancy and would soon hand it over to the TCN management for immediate action. The government is willing to support TCN to deliver on this project”.

Reacting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Mr. Usman Gur Muhammed, said Ekiti state was very close to his heart as they have already discussed the issue of bringing a 330 KV to the state before the visit. He assured that TCN will expedite action to see that the state has its 330 KV substation. Muhammed explained that the way the agency is working now is not like before where projects were awarded without due process. He, however, directed that a visibility study on the 330kv project for the state should commence immediately while his technical team should commence construction of lines to link Ado Ekiti 132KV substation to the new 330KV substation in Akure as a palliative to improve the power supply in the immediate.

Less than 30% of Lubricant Companies in Nigeria Certified, Says SON Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has lamented that of the 221 lubricant companies in Nigeria, less than 30 per cent of the number is certified by the organisation. This is so as more than 75 per cent of the available Lube Blending Plants are operating in hiding and away from SON, either faking some products or supplying base oils as lubricant. Gabriel J. Abah, Desk Officer, Base Oil and

Lubricants at SON, who raised the alarm during a paper presentation titled “Lubricant and the Regulation of Its quality” at a one day workshop organised by SON in collaboration with Kanrich Dimension Limited yesterday. SON tasked manufacturers on maintaining standards and industrial best practices. Abah also expressed worry that about 64 per cent of lubricants imported into the Nigerian markets are below the approved standards, saying that statistics

showed that 30 per cent of the substandard products found their way into the country’s lubricant market. According to him, “We all owe Nigeria a duty to grow its economy and ensure wastages are plugged. SON is doing everything possible to protect the lubricant sub-sector, therefore concerted efforts and collective resolve from both public, private institutions and sectoral stakeholders in enforcing compliance with codes of practices will constitute formidable arsenal

to fight the menace.” The purpose of this workshop is to reduce the influx of substandard and adulterated lubricants in Nigerian by creating awareness among stakeholders and letting them know the consequences of getting involved in it. In his keynote address, Mr. Osita Aboloma, DirectorGeneral (DG) of SON, said the organisation had been mounting campaign against the influx of substandard products into the country.

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Cross River SUBEB Uncovers N1.3bn Attempted Fraud DBassey Inyang in Calabar The Chairman of the Cross River Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Stephen Odey, has stated that the agency has successfully blocked an attempt to defraud

the board of the sum of N1.3 billion. Odey who made the announcement through a statement alleged that the suspect forged his signature, and attempted to use the old letter head of the board to

withdraw money from one of the bank accounts of SUBEB. Odey said the fraudulent attempt was foiled when the bank alerted him about the transaction. He said following the fraud alert from SUBEB, the bank

reported the incident to the Department of State Services (DSS), and the suspect was tracked down in Edo State. “On April 30, I was contacted by Ecobank to confirm my authorisation for the transfer of the sum

of N1.3 billion to an account number … through a letter purported to have been sent by me to their Lagos branch. “I was further informed that a certain … had made several calls to the bank asking that

Oando JV Champions Drive for Research, Development Martins Ifijeh As part of efforts to drive innovation and improve economic growth in Nigeria, Oando and its Joint Venture (JV) partners, Nigeria AGIP Oil Company (NAOC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have called for improved priority on research and development in the country. Speaking during the second edition of Oando JV’s Research and Development Exhibition, tagged “Research and Development Forum/ Exhibition of Emerging Technologies” held in Abuja recently, the General Manager, Commercial, Oando Energy Resources, Akinbambo

Ibidapo-Obe said advancement in different sectors of life in developed economies were made possible because of innovations, research and development. He said: “At Oando, we believe in the popular saying “Innovate or Die” which can rightly be attributed to our success story to date. In a unique terrain like ours, innovation in financing, geosciences, information technology and all facets of our operations are crucial to business survival. Research and innovation are pertinent to the development of not only your company but the sector, country and the continent at large. “That is why forums and

initiatives like these are laudable. It is our responsibility as sector leaders and good corporate citizen to champion initiatives like this to promote innovation in the sector and country through research by supporting and encouraging the brains behind these innovative technological solutions and ideas.” Addressing the forum as well, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director, NAOC/ NAC/AENR, Mr. Lorenzo Fiorillo, said the aim of the event was to avail the proper set of circumstances for the academia, research institutes and indigenous companies to unveil their newest technological innovations since these can mitigate the

lingering problems faced by the oil and gas sector, which in turn will invariably improve the growth of the economy. Currently Nigeria spends a meagre 0.2 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development activities in spite of the one per cent set by the African Union. Fiorillo mentioned that the priorities, or lack thereof, are obvious when one considers that the average sub Saharan Africa government spends less than 0.5 per cent of GDP on backing research, adding that the OECD country average was more than four times that at 2.3 per cent. “Some countries have recognized the importance of research and development and

MANCAP: SON Charges FMN, Bauchi Gov Appoints SSG,Chief of Staff, Media Aide and Others Others on Standard, Quality The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged companies that recently received its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) Certification, not to relent in continuing their tradition of quality. This was disclosed by the Director General of SON, Osita Aboloma, in Lagos, at the award of MANCAP certificate of high performance to Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN), makers of the popular Golden Penny Foods brand. MANCAP, which was introduced by SON in 2006, is a mandatory product certification scheme designed to ensure that locally manufactured products meet the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). The Regulatory Compliance Manager of FMN, Mrs. Peters Enitan, while commenting on the MANCAP certification, disclosed that “the award was a culmination of a series of regulatory inspections conducted by SON, including a production facility tour, on-line sample collection, on the –spot- analysis of samples collected during inspection to check compliance to SON standards, and finally, an analysis of selected products in SON’s laboratory to ensure the enrichment of required nutrients and compliance with

set standards”. “Other aspects of the monitoring visits include compliance to good manufacturing practices within our production environment, as well as the availability of relevant food safety regulatory documentation of our processes, which are sighted on inspection, and taken with them for their records.” She said. The Managing Director, Foods Division, at FMN, Devlin Hainsworth said “the award is in recognition of companies that have distinguished themselves in their various manufacturing and production categories. FMN’s award is for high performance and continuous improvements to the quality of our products in the Flour milling category.” “As one of the leading foods and agro-allied groups in Nigeria, we are focused on ensuring that the quality of Golden Penny products continually meets consumer and customer expectations. It is what we are truly passionate about and dedicated to. It is consistent with our purpose of feeding the nation every day, and ensuring that the millions of Nigerian families who are nourished by our products are always assured of the very best quality at affordable prices,” he added.

Adamawa Gov Swears in New SSG Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has announced the appointment of Bashir Ahmed as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and also appointed Mr. Solomon Kumangar as

his Chief Press Secretary. The swearing-in took place at about 11.30 a.m. yesterday at the Government House, Yola, the Adamawa State capital. The governor said the appointment was done based on merit and wider consultations.

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Muhammad Baba as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Dr. Abubakar Kari as the Chief of Staff (COS). Spokesperson to the governor, Dr. Ladan Salihu, made the announcement in a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Bauchi. The statement said other appointments include Alhaji Bashir Yau, Deputy Chief of Staff to the deputy governor; Alhaji Muktar Gidado, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media to the governor; and Alhaji Umaruji Hassan, Chief of Protocol, Government House, Bauchi. The appointments take effect from May 30. Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists

(NUJ) has appreciated the governor for appointing their colleague and deputy president of NUJ in the state, Mukhtar Gidado as his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media. The chairman of the state council of the NUJ, Ibrahim Malam Goje, in a statement yesterday said “The council observes that appointing qualified journalists as media officers will avail the new administration professional services in information management, media relation and other public engagements”. The NUJ chairman had earlier congratulated the governor on his inauguration as the executive governor of the state. He said the union observed that Senator Bala Muhammed’s victory at the 2019 governorship election was the wish of the people and therefore, urged him to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Imo Speaker Resigns 48 Hours after Assuming Office The Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Lawman Duruji, has resigned. Duruji resigned yesterday just 48 hours after he assumed office following the resignation of the former Speaker, Acho Ihim. Duruji had, on Tuesday, emerged the new Speaker after garnering 14 votes to beat his only rival, Chinedu Ofor (Onuimo), who got 11 votes. Duruji confirmed the development to journalists

yesterday. “It is true. I have just reigned as the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly. “I have tendered my resignation letter to the Clerk of the House, Chris Duru. “I resigned on Thursday. I did that on personal reason. I was not forced. I have my reason and it is personal,” he explained. Duruji has been re-elected to the Imo State House of Assembly.

committed, a couple of years ago, to increasing investment in science and technology to reach 0.7 per cent of GDP by 2020 and one per cent of GDP by 2025, which is yet to be done by most African countries.”

the said amount of money be transferred to his account as the owner of the company. “This is in spite of the fact that SUBEB does not even have such an amount in its matching grant account. “The ill-fated letter purported to have been signed and written by me was sent to my e-mail by the bank. He said the suspect was unknown to him and had no contractual relationship with his office, adding that the said letter was forged. “I quickly reported the matter to the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Mr. Mark Anyogo. “And I wrote a petition to the DSS to intervene and track down the … with his phone number sent to me from the bank,’’ he explained. Odey said recent move was the third unsuccessful attempt by unscrupulous people to defraud SUBEB.

CHANGE OF NAME Oando CEO, Wale Tinubu

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ZOBEASHIA ESTHER ONYEDIKACHI,, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYEDELE ESTHER ONYEDIKACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. I, (HRH EZE) IBE CYRIL wish to state that my surname is “IBE” and that EZE is my title, not my surname, and that My birthday is 10/06/1936 and not 3/1/1936. CBN/ UBA and the general public should take note. I, PRINCESS NGOZI NZEAKOR, wish to be known and addressed as PRINCESS NGOZI NZEAKOR and not NGOZI NELLY NZEAKOR. Also my date of birth is 24/11/1966 and not 19/11/1966. CBN and the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as PAUL OBASEHULU IDOWU, now wish to be known and addressed MICHEAL PAUL IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RUTH AFFIONG EKPENYONG, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RUTH AFFIONG SIMPA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as HASSAN ATABO, now wish to be known and addressed as ROBSON HASSAN ATABO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known addressed as MISS ELAGBAJE ANITA ONYANTA, now wish to be known and as addressed as MRS ADONDUWA ANITA ONYANTA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADERIBIGBE TESLIM ADETUNJI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADERIBIGBE TESLIM ALABA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as SAMSON OLASUNKANMI JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDANA OLASUNKANMI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AJIBIKE DEBORAH AYANBAJO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJIBIKE DEBORAH SOLAJA. All former documents remain valid. Ikeja Electric (I. E) and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OSIZEMETEH ABU APOLONIA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBOMEAKHE ABU APOLONIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed MISS HAFUAH ESTHER IFEANYI, now wish now wish known and addressed MRS LUCKY ESTHER IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS ONABAJO MOJISOLA ABIGAIL, with immediate effect, I will like be known and addressed as MRS ONABAJO MOJISOLA NURAT. All former documents remains valid. Theeneral public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to confirm that the documents bearing these names NWATE DUMBOR BARINE & NWATE DUMBOR belong to one and the same person. Subsequently, the bearer wishes to be addressed as NWATE DUMBOR BARINE. All documents remain valid. The general public to take note.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of document: Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy: Name Paul Ifeanyichukwu Madukaife of 8 Gobir Road, Sokoto South, Sokoto State with file No. AN 66125-R-of-O Date: 13/08/2009 in respect of Plot NO. 1160 about 852.19m2 in Cadastral Zone B08 of Jahi, Abuja Issue by FCTA is missing. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest Police Station. Authorities concerned please take note.

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FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 08111813083

UNDER-20 WORLD CUP

Flying Eagles Hold Ukraine to Romp into Knock out Stage Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were again uninspiring as they managed to hold Ukraine 1-1 in their last Group D match of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World

Cup Poland 2019 in a chilly Bielsko-Biala Stadium. The draw result earned the Ukrainians top spot in Group D with seven points. USA that defeated Qatar in the group’s other match last

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Lineker’s Plaudits for Iwobi after Historic Goal against Chelsea England legend Gary Lineker had nothing but praise for Alex Iwobi after he netted the pick of the goals in Arsenal’s 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday night. The Nigeria international was one of the few bright sparks as the Gunners threw away another chance to qualify for the Champions League, and several fans questioned the decision to name him on the bench, especially as German playmaker Mesut Ozil struggled during the game. Iwobi’s goal was a real collector’s item, scoring with a right-footed rocket from outside the area after Chelsea failed to clear their lines in the 69th minute. Writing on social media, 1986 World Cup Golden Boot winner, Lineker said: ‘’That is one hell of a goal from Iwobi. We’ve seen some bonkers games in Europe this season. Not again, surely.’’ It was a historic goal as Iwobi became the first Nigerian player to score in the final of a European club competition, a feat the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George, Taribo West, Chidi Odiah, Dickson Etuhu, Jonathan Akpoborie, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Stephen Keshi failed to accomplish. Iwobi is the first substitute to

three central defenders. It frustrated the Flying Eagles attack for much of the first half, although a more enterprising bench would have known what to do to surmount the trick employed by the eastern Europeans. Danylo Sikan headed home from close range in the 30th minute to give Ukraine a 1-0 lead. A penalty awarded in the dying minutes of the first half that would have enabled Nigeria to tie the game oneall before the interval was

fluffed by lanky Muhamed Tijani. He fired a tepid kick into the hands of goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Three minutes into the second half, Nigeria again had another penalty awarded to her. AVR confirmed that Denys Popov handled Tijani’s shot on goal. The Nigerian forward got it right this time, firing past Lunin to ensure the two sides shared the spoils. In the group’s other game, a sublime 76th-minute Timothy Weah goal earned USA a 1-0 win that advanced them to the

knockout phase as runners-up. The 1-0 victory extinguished opponents Qatar’s faint hopes effectively. The Asians surprisingly had the better of the first half. Hashim Ali had their best chance, going clean through, but David Ochoa, making his first start in Poland, made a fine block and Yusuf Abdurisag couldn’t convert the rebound. USA will face the winners of today’s Group E clash between France and Mali - in Bydgoszcz.

score in a Europa League final since Jônatas for Espanyol in 2007. Meanwhile, Iwobi was one of the few players that had a good game in the Gunner’s embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the final of the 2019 UEFA Europa League on Wednesday evening. Allnigeriasoccer.com presents the views of some of the media after the match at the Olympic Stadium, Baku. The Daily Express wrote glowingly on the contributions of the Nigerian despite coming off the bench. “SUB: Alex Iwobi (on for Torreira, 67 mins) – 7.” “Announced d his arrival with a stunning volley to give Arsenal hope and played with good intent.” The London Evening Standard also rated the Nigerian highly despite coming off the bench in the second half and it was a 7/10 albeit there was no text written for all the players in action on Wednesday. “For www.90mins.com rated the Nigerian a 6 out of 10.” There has been widespread rumours that the winger could welcome new additions in his position next season which hampers his chances of regular football.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

African Stars Take Centre Stage The power of African football will be on display on Saturday, when Liverpool take on Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), the world’s most prestigious club competition. The match billed for Atletico Madrid’s 67,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and scheduled for live broadcast on all DStv packages as well as GOtv Max and Plus packages, will see Africa’s biggest soccer exports on both sides. Liverpool boast the trio of Egypt’s Mohamed ‘Mo’ Salah, Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Cameroon’s Joel Matip, who will lead the charge for what will be the Reds’ sixth victory in the competition and the second since being renamed the UEFA Champions League. Mane and Salah, who both got 22 Premier League goals, form two-thirds of Liverpool’s dreaded front three, while Matip is the other half of the much vaunted central defensive partnership with Holland’s Virgil van Dijk. Salah will hope to banish the hurt suffered in last year’s final, when he suffered a shoulder injury early in the game, a development that affected his performance at the 2018 World Cup with Pharaohs in Russia. The

night finished as runners up on six points. A superior goal difference means Nigeria will also continue the campaign at the U-20 World Cup expedition, taking four points from three matches and likely to finish as one of the best third-placed teams. The Ukrainians who were content with a draw result as their previous two wins had landed the team in the knock out stage employing their tried-and-true strategy of congesting the middle with

Egyptian superstar has only four goals in 11 Champions League games this season. Mane, Senegal’s speed and goal demon was impressive in the Premier League. The 27-year old has played 12 Champions League matches, scoring four goals. Matip has risen from a bit-part player to an integral part of the team, which conceded the fewest number of goals in the Premier League, is likely to start the final. On Spurs’ side will be Cote d’Ivoire’s Serge Aurier and Kenya’s Victor Wanyama, who have not been used regularly in the Champions League this season. Aurier, a vastly experienced right-back, has played only five Champions League games, while Wanyama, a defensive midfielder, has been on the pitch for only 292 minutes, but may get a game on Saturday as he will be expected to keep Mane in check.According to a statement from DSTv, the UEFA Champions League final broadcast will include half hour highlights of the four semifinal games; the official UEFA Champions League preview show at 6:00pm; the studio build-up including crossings from Madrid at 6:30pm; and then the live match from 8:00pm.

Flying Eagles’ Aniekeme Okon (right) battling Chekh Maksym of Ukraine for ball possession during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup last Group D match at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium in Poland…yesterday

NPFL PLAYOFF

Mfon Udoh, Anaemena Target League Title Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) all time highest goal scorer with record 23 goals, Mfon Udoh, finished top on the scorers’ chart this season with ten goals but dismissed suggestions that he maybe under increased pressure to score more during the Super Six Playoffs. The playoffs is scheduled to kick off June 4 in Lagos with Udoh’s Akwa United competing with five others to determine the 2019 champions after teams played in two groups of 12 teams each. The top three in each group qualified for the playoff.

The others are FC IfeanyiUbah, Enyimba International, Rangers International, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars. “I think I have the capabilities to score goals, which I am used to,” Udoh told NPFL website yesterday and added, “I will score in the playoff by God grace but it is not like I am under any pressure to do so. “If at all there should be any pressure, it should be to win the playoff and become champions of NPFL with Akwa United, knowing fully well my team is yet to win the league before. So, this is

an opportunity to do that in grand style”, he declared to www.npfl.ng. Interestingly, it is not only Mfon’s Akwa United that is targeting to be champions of the 2018/19 season. Captain of Enyimba FC of Aba, Ifeanyi Anaemena, is also looking forward to winning a second league title with the club after they qualified for the playoff. Anaemena said it had been a fruitful season for him having scored six goals in the league. The centre back expressed delight at being a part of the squad that qualified the

former champions for another opportunity to enrich their trophy cabinet. “We are looking forward to the first match of the Championship Playoff against Rangers International. It is going to be a tough game considering the pedigree of the two teams in the NPFL and an oriental derby is always a match where the two teams want to win for pride,” observed Anaemena. The former Giwa FC of Jos defender concluded by saying that his utmost desire would be to win the league with Enyimba at the end of the Playoff.

…Red Carpet Time for Eunisell Boot Winner Preparations for a unique red carpet celebration of the best scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has reached an advanced stage as leading global chemical and specialty fluid management company, Eunisell, prepares to crown the 2019 Eunisell Boot winner. Eunisell Boot is the biggest

individual award in the NPFL. With a goal valued at N200,000, the winner’s prize is determined by the total number of goals he scores in the season. “Eunisell Boot seeks not only to honour the top performer, but to make players work on their game, be more competitive and

boost the profile and interest in the domestic league,” said Chika Ikenga, Group Managing Director of Eunisell. Nigerian International, Junior Lokosa, now with multiple African and Tunisian champions, Esperance, entered the record books as the first winner of Eunisell Boot, in 2018.

Eunisell Boot has propelled Lokosa, who has not only won the Tunisian Super Cup and League with Esperance, but also set to win the prestigious CAF Champions League. The winner will be crowned at a gala event that will bring together the leading lights in the domestic league.

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FRIDAY MAY 31, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Amuneke: Tanzania Not Going to AFCON 2019 to Make up the Numbers Former Nigeria and FC Barcelona wing player, Emmanuel Amuneke made history with Tanzania late last year. He qualified the Taifa Stars for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to hold next month in Egypt after 39 years wait. The only time Tanzania once played at the African football showpiece was when Nigeria hosted it in 1980 and the East African country crashed out in the group stage. Amuneke was given the mandate to make the near impossibility happen. But as a man who is not strange to making history he went into the Tanzanian job with a clear head. Remember how he came from the bench to score two goals that earned Nigeria the AFCON 1994 in Tunisia? Did you also remember his exploits for Nigeria at USA ‘94 and the Atlanta ‘96 feat in the Olympic final? As coach, after serving as an assistant to Manu Garba to win the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in UAE, he went to Chile with the class of 2015 Golden Eaglets to repeat to feat. And of course, FIFA chiefs in Zurich who have taken notice of this hardworking Nigerian gaffer found him worthy to be listed in its FIFA Technical Study Group to appraise the 2018 World Cup in Russia along with former international Stars like Brazilian Ronaldo de Lima, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Lothar Matthiaus and Alessandro Nesta. The panel also had the likes of Carlos Alberto Parreira, Fabio Capello and others too numerous to list here. Amuneke who was amongst the Nigerian Legends that played an African All Stars Testimonial Match for outgoing Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode last Saturday at the Agege Stadium, took time out of his tight schedule to speak with DURO IKHAZUAGBE. Excerpt.... After qualifying Tanzania for AFCON 2019 scheduled to hold in Egypt next month, what should Tanzanian fans and others who have followed your coaching career be on the look out for? We are prepared. We have qualified for AFCON after 39 years. Now that we have the chance to be amongst the 24 teams to play at the tournament in Egypt, we have to psyche ourselves that we are not going to make up the numbers. No doubting our capacity. We worked hard to earn our ticket to AFCON 2019. We are not telling people that we have the players to do well or not. Wether they are Nigerian players or Tanzanian players, players have same mentality all over. What matters is getting them to work as a unit, with one purpose in mind. You do not necessarily need to have super stars to win a competition. First, we have done the needful, qualifying for the AFCON 2019. What are your memories of even qualifying for the tournament considering the fact that nobody gave Tanzania any hope of making it to the Finals? Our last game against Uganda gave us the ticket to AFCON 2019. The game was an important one for us. That stadium has seating capacity of 60,000. It was filled to the brim yet we had more than 30,000 of our fans outside the arena. Everybody just wanted to see Tanzania qualifying for AFCON again. I am happy we made Tanzanians proud that day. When we lost against Lesotho, nearly everybody said oh that should have been an easy game for Tanzania. They seem not to realize that most countries have developed their teams and anything is now capable of happening in African football. As the players are growing, the teams are also growing. It was a wake up call for us in Tanzania, knowing that we needed to win our next match against Uganda to stand the chance of making it to the tournament in Egypt.

Amuneke

That again, depends on what happens in the other game of the group which is between Cape Verdes and Lesotho. But at the end of the day, here we are going to Egypt as one of the qualified 24 teams. However, I must confess here that Uganda is one of the teams nobody wants to play now in the African continent. They have very good players and very tactically good. They are very strong, aggressive and are fighters. We just have to control our emotions and concentrate on getting the job done. Otherwise, if we had played the same aggressive game with the Ugandans, perhaps the result would have been different. Should Tanzania be given an outsider chance of making it out of the group to the next round at the tournament in Egypt? Why not? We have same chances as the other 23 teams that have qualified for AFCON 2019. We qualified just like every other teams. We don’t need to be afraid simply because Tanzania is returning to the tournament for the first time in 39 years. Of course, we recognize Senegal and Algeria because of their experience in the tournament. They have history of Nations Cup behind them. But don’t forget that Tanzania also passed same route as the other teams to qualify. So we are preparing our team for the competition and be ready to play when the time comes. Realistically, how far do you think the Taifa Stars can go in Egypt? Really, I don’t know how far we can go. Even Nigeria, do you know how far the Super Eagles will go? Nobody knows. This is football. Lets wait for the tournament to begin to know what is in stock. What is your rating of the Nigerian squad and its chances at AFCON 2019? Nigerians have their believe they have good players but I will tell you that winning depends on how you can

manage the moment. After four years absence, the Super Eagles are back to the tournament. So you have chances like other. Do you still nurse any interests on the Super Eagles job? I am a professional. At the moment my focus is on the

Tanzanian job. When the time comes for the Nigerian national team we will talk about that but not now that I have a job to do in Tanzania. I am not ruling out the prospect of coaching Nigeria some day if it is the will of God and if not, someone

else will do the job. I take things one at a time. It is not a desperate thing for me but as a professional and being a principled man, I do whatever job I have at hand to the best of my ability. Super Eagles job is not on my mind now because I have a job in Tanzania. My

focus now is how to improve Taifa Stars and make it one of the best teams in Africa. Even if I am not there tomorrow whoever that is coming to take over from me will meet a template in place that can lead to greatness. That is my dream for Tanzania football.

Serena William is having easy run at the ongoing 2019 French Open at Roland Garros

FRENCH OPEN

Serena Secures Straight-sets Win in 67mins to Reach 3rd Round Osaka survives Azarenka scare Serena Williams cruising into the third round of the French Open yesterday with a 6-3, 6-1 defeat of Japan’s Kurumi Nara. Shortly after, the American tennis star opened up on a moment when she reached out to comfort a player 20 years her junior. Amanda Anisimova, the 17-year-old American who joined Williams in the third round by upsetting No 11 seed Arnya Sabalenka, said after her match: “She’s a huge inspiration to me and I really look up to her. “When I had a tough loss at Miami Open - it was a really long match and I was super upset in the locker room - Serena actually came up to me and we shared a little bit of a chat. That was really nice of her, and I’ll remember it forever.” Alao yesterday, world number one Naomi Osaka survived another early scare to reach the third round of the French Open.

Japan’s Osaka, 21, overcame a poor start to beat two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka 4-6 7-5 6-3. Osaka is chasing her third successive Grand Slam title having won the 2018 US Open and the Australian Open earlier this year. She will play the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova in the next round after she beat Greece’s Maria Sakkari. “I was lucky enough to play her (Azarenka) twice before this and I knew she was playing really well,” said Osaka. “It was unfortunate that this was a second-round match but I am happy I won.” Asked if she is as calm on the inside as she looks on court, she added: “No. I choked on this side (at 5-1) and almost choked on the other side (at 5-3). I am very emotional.” Osaka struggled in the early stages against world

number 43 Azarenka, of Belarus, just as she did in the first round against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova when she failed to register a game. She hit 15 unforced errors in the opening set on Lenglen court as Azarenka, 29, dominated to go 5-1 up. From there, Osaka - who reached the third round at Roland Garros 12 months ago - started to find her rhythm, breaking Azarenka’s serve to move within one game of her opponent but Azarenka coolly served out the first set. The second set proved a much closer affair, taking until the fifth game for a serve to be broken as Azarenka went 3-2 up. That came after Osaka had scuppered three break points in the fourth game. Azarenka went on to go 4-2 up but Osaka was able to claw the set back, taking it 7-5 on her fourth set point. Former world number one Azarenka took an 11-minute

break before the deciding set commenced, but it proved little help as Osaka raced into a 5-1 lead, her performance a far cry from that of the first set. Azarenka mounted her own comeback, winning the next two games, but Osaka was able to capitalise on her second match point to seal victory. In the men’s category, World number one Novak Djokovic claimed a routine win over ‘lucky loser’ Henri Laaksonen to move into the third round of the French Open at Roland Garros. Djokovic who won the 2016 competition, secured a 6-1 6-4 6-3 victory on Court Suzanne Lenglen in Paris. He is aiming for his second Grand Slam title of 2019 after winning the Australian Open in January. All of the top 10 seeded players in the men’s singles are into the third round after wins for six of them on Thursday.

Friday, May 31, 2019

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MISSILE Shuaibu to Oshiomhole “It is my honest opinion that your ability to ensure this party flourishes is deficient as you lack the necessary composure and you also don’t possess the capabilities and the requisite experience to run a political party. The respect the APC was commanding among its members and sympathisers has been completely eroded, while the goodwill has equally evaporated with the type of attitude of threats to members you deploy” – Deputy National Chairman of APC, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, calling on the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to resign.

OKEYIKECHUKWU GUEST COLUMNIST

Objection, Mr. President T

here is no objection here to the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari as President two days ago; given the verdict of INEC after the last general elections. There is also no objection to the legal steps being taken by those who are challenging the INEC verdict. That is the beauty of democracy and we applaud it, to the extent that its processes are followed. But there is an objection in principle here to any action or policy initiatives of the government, the President or his proxies that may not serve wider, long term, national interests. In this regard, and especially since there is the suggestion of continuity in the justinaugurated government, Mr. President may wish to advert his attention to some matters of state to which one may be justified in raising some mild objections. The first is the decision of the recentlydissolved Federal Executive Council (FEC), three weeks ago, to spend the sum of 4.7 billion on the construction of seven Models Schools in the six geo-political zones of the country. The federal government can choose one Unity School from each of the geo-political zones and upgrade it to a Model School, or school of reference of some sort, instead of starting fresh school projects. A simple costs-benefits analysis shows that 4.7 billion Naira will go a very long way in rescuing the 104 now-decrepit and derelict Unity Schools in the country and increasing their carrying capacity. The old students associations and the parents of the current students who are now maintaining and sustaining these schools in the critical areas of infrastructure and learning environment should be relieved of a burden that a distant Federal Ministry of Education, a consummate cabal with impressive credentials that no minister of education can easily see through of dislodge, claims to be handling but is not. To build new model schools is to award building contracts to “reliable” contractors. Construction of the schools will probably take some two years, or more, to be followed by the provision of state-of-the-art amenities; which essentially boils down to a series of procurement contracts. The seven Model Schools will not make any impact whatsoever on human capital development, or contribute to the growth of education, one way or another in Nigeria in the next five years. But upgrading some Unity School will do just that within the same timeframe. So the proposed new schools will be nothing but a major capital project, resting on the mistaken assumption that the provision of learning infrastructure is the same thing as sustainable investment in education. It is not right that we should have a huge budgetary provision that will go down on record as proof of government commitment to education when it is not. We should not be content to celebrate cash evidence of massive government investment in education, when in

Buhari

fact the name of the Nigerian child is being taken in vain by contractors and government jobbers. Who builds models schools without simultaneously training Models Teachers? Should part of this freshly budgeted sum of 4.7 billion not perhaps go into strengthening the National Teachers Institute (NTI), the Teachers Registration Council (TRC) and probably reinvigorating the academic content and quality of various faculties of education nationwide/ do our teacher-producing facilities not need specialized short courses on contemporary teaching and learning paradigms and much more? The school system is like a “factory” producing human capital for the nation. It needs “factory workers”, as well as facilities and the physical infrastructure housing all activities. Investment that focuses on factory machinery and the premises of our education industry is not the best approach to improving the quality of citizens (or “products”) we turn out. It is not enough for an investor to procure and install fine “machinery.” The equipment will not translate to quality products, or even any products at all, except there are also competent people to handle them. A man who builds a bakery to the best global standards, complete with a service and marketing template that even the Jews would envy, but who fails to train bakers and install an efficient and effective management has invested in folly. He will have impressive installed capacity, but pitiable capacity utilization. Incompetent staff will quickly destroy the unfamiliar equipment and ruin everything. That Mr. President must, in this his second term, come to terms with the fact that there is a difference between “investment in physical infrastructure for education”/learning environment and investment in teacher education/ knowledge upgrade, up-scaling of learning outcomes and other measures that would impact the quality of products of our schools. The expenditure of most states

of the federation on education over the last twenty years of our democracy shows huge budgetary allocations to education, at the same time that we also show a precipitous decline in educational standards and learning outcomes. Some states with very high records of expenditure for classroom rehabilitation, the supply of desks, books, etc., also have the worst teacher training, school enrolment and retention records. Check the investment of the federal and state governments on the training of teachers, provision of teaching aids and more in the last 20 years. So, let us pull the blinkers off our eyes and get real. Let us recall that the introduction of the 3-3-3-6 secondary school template was predicated on the expectation that the products of our secondary schools would be eligible for some form of employment, based on a “technical” education of sorts. Introductory Technology (Intro-tech) came on board as a subject in our secondary schools because of this. Impressive machinery and other infrastructure for teaching the subject were also quickly imported (procurement contract). Some of the “Jakande Schools” in Lagos with their low walls had to build new halls for safe storage of the equipment. But there were practically no teachers for the new subject anywhere. So while we cheerfully planned for a revolutionary national human capital development outing and procured the equipment for it, while we celebrated the expected outcomes a very sound education policy, many schools could not even install the equipment, to say nothing of using them. The equipment procured and given to schools all over Nigeria for that revolution are nowhere to be found today. The products of that revolution are also nowhere to be found today. Worse still, there is no impact on national development, technological evolution and unemployment. It is against the background of the foregoing that one fells constrained to say: “Objection Mr. President to the proposed Model Schools.” Increase the number and quality of teachers, expand the carrying capacity of the existing schools, and provide the necessary contemporary teaching aids and ensuring security of lives and property for the students, teachers and contiguous communities. The nation is yet to recover from the debilitating impact of the brand new universities of questionable authenticity established by the Jonathan administration. Record of expenditure is not evidence of impact.

Myetti Allah Et Al A meeting between the umbrella body of some cattle herders in Nigeria and the leadership of the Interior Ministry and other major national stakeholders was rumored to have come up with the idea of “settling” some people in the name of national security. No deal of this nature

will impact positively on, or ameliorate, the spate of kidnapping, cattle rustling, the periodic invasion of many villages by marauders, killings by herdsmen, etc. we now have several freelance stakeholders in the kidnapping and sundry crimes industry. The downstream and retails sector of this industry is now fully deregulated and democratized. If Myetti Allah is at best a trade Union with members in the cattle trade, its very limited membership (when compared to other trade unions) makes it a player of questionable overriding credentials. We must distinguish between herdsmen, who are essentially people who herd cattle, and kidnappers. The latter are criminals, while the former are not. It is the “mobility of labour” across both frontiers, arising from poverty and poor security, which has led to the anomalous concept of killer herdsmen. We have had herdsmen without kidnapping for decades in this country. The recent development is not just because there are Fulanis, or herdsmen, in Nigeria. The spread and innovation now evident in this “industry” whittles down the imagined relevance of Myetti Allah. The kidnappers in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Edo, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, etc. are not taking instructions from Myetti Allah. The small bands of murderers and robbers who are taking over parts of the South East, who are freelance operators, may also demand accommodation in the government deal. The scores of occupied villages in the Middle Belt, some of them occupied for over a year now, will not be released to the indigenes because the federal government had a conversation with Myetti Allah. The angry, hungry and roaming Almajiris in Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and other northern states will not fit into the government`s alleged deal, especially as they are now forming quasi leadership structures, sharing territories and determining which dust bins may be visited by whom among them. Then there is IPOB, OPC and the Arewa youths, whom no one has consulted to find out their views on paying those who are bringing the entire northern establishment into disrepute, by making the entire region look like a clan of benighted murderers. The Nigerian State should not lie flat on its tummy, under the leadership of a General of the Nigeria Army, begging suspected, presumed or known criminals to have mercy and accept a group ransom. Mbanu! The submission here is: “Objection, Mr. President, to any line of action that may make you, or the Federal Republic of Nigeria, look weak, irresponsible, partisan or ill advised on a matter of critical national security and national survival.” In case Mr. Presidents is not aware, there is an Igbo saying to the effect that whosoever sets out to catch a slippery snake with a soapy hand has set himself an impossible task. Ekwuchakwaa m!

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