The African Economy Has Under- Gained Control of a Key State in the Opposi- There Is Something for Everyone

1 2 Welcome

ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP re- and business management. Nonetheless, The African economy has under- gained control of a key state in the opposi- there is something for everyone. gone many changes in recent times. For a tion-dominated southwest in Ekiti state in start, the continent has increasingly em- a vote that foretells the struggle for control braced the economic liberalisation and of Africa’s top economy ahead of gener- privatisation of industries as the means of al elections next February. After a year boosting prosperity and, the use of gov- on the defensive, the governing PDP has ernment policies to promote competition launched a determined fight back against and reductions in government regulation opposition strongholds in the south-west. of business to attract inward investment. Ekiti election victory may ultimately be a A consequence has been the growth of good omen for 2015 when the PDP may fi- multinational business activities across nally unpick the All Progressives Congress the continent. Other important influenc- APC strongholds in the south. In this re- es on businesses in Africa have included gard, our Swiss-based Associate Editor, the development of computers and a rapid Taiwo Danjuma, examines the paradox of growth of information technology. being a progressive in the Nigerian political context. In this issue, we report on these technological advances and how Nigeria Cus- Still on Nigeria, we shift our focus on Osun toms Service and other business sectors state election, where a major contender in Africa are using them to take advantage Senator Iyiola Omisore of PDP is favoured of growing market opportunities. We start to defeat the incumbent Governor Areg- by looking at the transformation that Ni- besola of APC on August 9 election. The geria Customs Service has undergone to close associates of the governor claim that make it ready for business. In the same with his policies, he has lost touch with breath, Nigeria is now globally acclaimed the people of the state. One of the issues as Africa business hub, which means that making the round in this election is the President Goodluck Jonathan may proba- killing of the late Nigeria Attorney Gener- bly be doing something right. We explore al Chief Bola Ige, NBA revisited the case what is propelling the country forward and uncovered the untold story about the economically, albeit in the face of wide- murder. spread poverty. From the recently concluded World Eco- In Foreign Direct Investment FDI, we nomic Forum in Abuja, Nigeria, we pres- report on how China outflanks Western ent the report of Africa Progress Panel investors in Kenya. In finance, we notice (APP) as the two faces of Africa where that using Gross Domestic Product GDP poverty exists alongside the growing may not adequately measure the state of wealth on the continent. Dr. Tunde Aworinde-Ajani, wellbeing in the continent as Africa is Finally, in our media and culture rubric, Publisher and CEO probably richer than all hitherto believe. NBA illustrates how the wind of digital The continent is witnessing a remarkable revolution poses a threat to Africa’s print infrastructural development while simul- media and what needs to be done to avoid taneously embracing Information Com- going down in the dustbin of history. munication Technology. Politics is in the air. Quite unusually, NBA Our reports in this issue are more of polit- looks at politics and report how Nigeria’s ical and business economics than finance

3 EDITORIAL Address: New Business Africa 25 Nightingale Vale London SE18 4EN

Tel: +44 7436771874 +44 7466597095 Email: [email protected] CONTENTS Web: www.newbusinessafrica.com

Publishing Editor/CEO: Dr. Tunde Aworinde R. Ajani

Associate Editor (Switzerland): Cover Story: Taiwo Danjuma Against all odds: Senator Omisore is Associate Editor (Caribbean): 06 favoured to become the next David F. Roberts Governor of Osun Head London Desk: Paul Watton 11 Governor Aregbesola: Re-election strategy Head USA Desk: leaves Sorrow, hunger and anger in Kazim Malik Osun state

Head German Desk: Thomas Hartwich 16 The death of Bola Ige: The untold story! Head South African Desk: Dr. Sam Usadolo Aregbesola’s reckless borrowing traps Head Middle East: Zabi Mohammed 18 Osun future generations Project Director Captain Fola Ojo Femi Philips Advertorial: Services Manager 21 Kola Awowole Omisore The Man for this Season

Design & Layout Lekan Babafemi: [email protected] Opinion: Great Expectations: 23 Osun State after Aregbesola Editorial Advisory Board: Dr. Uwe Heerde Klaus Boving business: Nigeria is Africa’s New Business Hub: Corporate Directors: 24 What is President Goodluck Jonathan doing Chief Bode Oyewole Prince A. Adeniji-Adele right? Transformation: Guest Consultants: 28 Professor Peter Lam (UK) The new face of Nigeria Customs Service Dr. Lekan Olawale (Nigeria) Professor Kwesi Sarpong (Ghana) Professor K. White (USA) Foreign Direct Investment: 30 China outflanks Western investors in Kenya

The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources the proprietors believe to be correct. However, no legal liability can Finance: be accepted for any errors. No part of the publica- 32 tion may be reproduced without prior consent of Africa is much richer than you think the Publishers. Submissions to the magazine are sent at the owners’ risk. 4 content

Information Communication Technology: 33 Infrastructure is being put in Place across Africa News Analysis: The Paradox of ‘Progressives’ 36 in Nigerian Politics

38 Society: One continent, Two faces

Media and Culture: 42 Digital Threat To Africa’s Print Media

5 Against all odds: Senator Omisore is favoured to become the next Governor of Osun Hardly is there any Nigerian politician in recent memory that has been so much vilified, lampooned, albeit allegiance by moving to the Peoples Sociologists who study resiliency - misunderstood like Senator Iyiola Democratic Party (PDP) while Depu- the ability to bounce back – tell us Ajani Omisore. But, the truth is that ty Governor Omisore was still in AD. that people handle trauma in two Omisore knows who he is and would As it is usual in a situation of politi- ways. They either give up because not allow others to define his worth. cal treachery, perfidy and betrayal, they are afraid, or they grow up by He knows one thing led to another and trage- developing the capacity to handle it. instictively, as it turns out, that peo- dy struck. Two prominent members Instead of acting like a victim, Omi- ple fight what they cannot under- of AD Hon. Odunayo Olagbaju was sore takes charge of his life, refuse stand, their minds tend to resent ruthlessly murdered in broad day to relinquish his values and refocus what they cannot master. Generally, light on December 9, while the Nige- on his goal. Resiliency comes by re- human beings want to be loved, ria Attorney General Chief Bola Ige maining faithful in situations you do valued and admired. But, Omisore was brutally killed in his house on not like and cannot change. The Bi- is aware that his enemies will nev- December 23 of the same year 2001. ble says it better “We give great hon- er leave his reputation untarnished. our to those who endure.” So far he has managed to rise above This was a perilous time in Nigerian that, and does not allow what others politics when risks and hazards were Lest we forget, in the period be- say about him to change his opinion common place. As it happened, Om- tween 1999 and 2003, Omisore was of himself. Who is Omisore and what isore moved to join PDP and was sub- a Deputy Governor in Osun State, is his chequered political history all sequently accused of being involved from detention he contested and about? A political career of varied in the tragic murder of the Nigeria was elected as senator to represent fortune or discreditable incidents Minister of Justice Bola Ige. Eventu- Osun East district in April 2003 on ally, Omisore was detained for about the platform of PDP while still on tri- As Deputy Governor of Osun State two years before his innocence was al, a position he held for two terms from 1999-2002 under the Alliance proved and he was discharged and until the June of 2011. While Senator for Democracy party (AD) that he acquitted on all charges by the High Omisore was in senate, he served single handed funded, Omisore was Court of Justice. as Chairman, Senate Committee on bedevilled with threats of impeach- Industries between 2004 and 2005, ment as the then Governor Akande In the heart of darkness of prison, Chairman, Committee On Intergov- of the renegaded on the agreement where there was only headaches and ernmental affairs between 2005 to serve for only one term and then heartaches that, Omisore in 2002 and 2007, then served as Chairman, step aside for Omisore as was pre- contested for the Senate, the Upper Committee On Culture and Tourism viously agreed. The trend of events Chamber of Nigeria Legislature and and later as Chairman, Committee that followed led to the murderd of won with the help of his loyalists and On Appropriations. These are no Hon. Odunayo Olagbaju who frus- the support of the general populace mean achievements in Nigerian po- trated the impeachment process and of Osun State. litical context where competition Omisore’s loyalists and supporters in for public office is fierce and intense. AD felt disenchanted and changed 6 Buy, how much experience does a the Harvard University and Aid Effec- Achievements as Law Maker man need to become a governor of tiveness and Donor Harmonization As a senator Dr. Omisore used his Osun State? Again, who is this man Course at the International Continu- position as Chairman Senate Com- and what prepared him for his roles ous Education and Development (In- mittee on Appropriation to trans- in life? For success doesn’t just hap- ternationale Weiterbildung and En- form budgeting and appropriation pen! Success is determined by the twicklung GmbH) in Germany. With into Socially Desirable Projects with habits one develops and it requires such an impressive resume, now we sustained impact on national devel- decision, discipline, determination know what sort of pedigree Senator opment and to improve the level and preparation. Omisore is made of. of infrastructural development of the nation, especially road and wa- Childhood, Work Experience ter supply infrastructures network, Education and Training Senator Omisore started his ear- health and human capital develop- Iyiola Ajani Omisore was born of ly professional career in 1983 with ment such as education, youth de- royal parenthood in Ile Ife, Osun Drake Gordham Engineering Firm velopment and economic empow- State, on 15 September 1957. His UK, in the eighties where he received erment. In concrete terms, a few of early primary and secondary edu- on the job training as a student and these projects are enumerated as cation was at SS Peter and Paul Ro- later worked in the UK and rose to follow: Dualization of Ilorin-Ogbo- man Catholic and St. John Grammar management position. The same mosho-Ibadan road, dualization of School respectively in Ile Ife. Iyiola company Drake and Scull (Nig) Ltd Ijebu ode-Ibadan road, Ondo-Akure, grew up and served as an altar boy employed him in 1985 as Project Ore-ondo, Ore-Ipele-Lokoja, Abu- to the Catholic priests. His tertiary Manager and he was able to super- ja-Lokoja-Okene, Akure-Ado Ekiti, education was at the Federal Poly- vise many projects notable among Ado-Ifaki, Aramoko-Ado-Ijero and technic Owo in Ondo State Nigeria. them are Makurdi Air Force Base, Gbongan-Sekona-Osogbo roads. He obtained a diploma Certificate Sokoto University Teaching Hospi- in Electrical/Electronics Engineering tal, Taraku Oil Mill, UBA Headquar- The list of his contributions to his at the Technology College, Reading tes, Afribank Headquarters, British Osun East Senatorial District is end- in United Kingdom (UK). He holds a High Commission, Abuja, Onitisha less; Reconstruction of Oja-Ife mar- Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Flour Mills, NTA/NTI Kaduna, Federal ket and expansion of the stalls to Power and Machines from Brunnel Mortgage Bank, Lagos, Enugu State 24, with further provision of fund for University Uxbridge, UK and a post- Multi-State Road Project, Ondo State electrification of the market, sinking graduate Certificate and Masters of Multi-State Road, Immirungi Rural of boreholes, provision of burglary Science Degree in Building Service Electrification, Bayelsa etc. proof and rehabilitation of the stall and Engineering Management from owners; Rural Electrification of villag- the same university. He became General Manager in 1987 es in Osun East; Renovation of UNES- and was there till 1999 before he es- CO Cultural Centre for tourism; Mul- As Senator, Omisore continued to tablished his own Engineering firms tipurpose dams in Ife-Ijesha, Oyan, fortify himself academically to make Mechelec Consultants and Chrisore Yemoji, Ijebu Ode, Ogbese; Dredg- himself intellectually formidable for Eng Ltd - an Electrical Engineering ing of erosion channels from Oke- his future roles in life. He is a Ph.D. firm. For his achievements in his life Eso to Alapata to Ondo Road and fro holder in Infrastructure Finance from vocation, Engineer Omisore was Ilode to Mokuro to Esinmirin; Reha- the International School of Manage- awarded with the Nigerian Socie- bilitation of Ife-Ipetu-Ilesha-Akure ment in Paris, France. Senator Om- ty of Engineers Presidential Merit road; Oora stream channelization; isore is a Fellow of the Institution Award for Support and Contribution Facilitated Projects in Obafemi of Mechanical Engineers, England to the Development of the Society Awolowo University OAU; Rehabil- Wales with several advance trainings in 2007 and he is honoured by the itation of IfeOndo Road; Solar pow- namely: He did Advanced Budgeting Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2008 ered boreholes at various locations Course at the George Town Univer- with the Prime Award for Remark- in Ile-Ife, Osun East; Solar powered sity, Washington DC, USA; Appropri- able Contribution to the Growth of street lighting at various locations ations and Public Finance Course at Engineering Profession and Society. in Ife, Ilesha and Osun Estate; Injec- the ABS Academy, Athens, Greece; Such glorious experience and wealth tion sub-station 132/33kv at Imo in Advanced Leadership Course at the of knowledge as these should not Ilesha; Dualization of Mayfair-La- University of Carolina; Innovation be allowed to be wasted. And Osun gere-Enuwa-Moore-Ilesha Bye pass and Leadership Course at the West State can actually use Omisore. – Akure; Rehabilitation of Ife-Ibadan London College; Public Finance at road; Secondary pipe distribution

7 to Iwo water works and Facilitated Projects in Obafemi Awolowo Uni- versity Teaching Hospital OAUTH. In short, Senator Omisore has person- ally funded or facilitated over two hundred and fifty projects spread all over his home state of Osun and across other states in Nigeria.

Philanthropy Dr. Iyiola Omisore sprang to lime light and prominence among his people two decades ago because of philanthropic activities. When asked about his contributions to the development of the Yoruba youths, his response is palpable “I organise schol- arship programmes, pay school fees of less privileged students, help the needy ones. These are things which are part of people-responsive leadership and it is part of the heritage of my birth. It is the duty l bear on account of my faith that through one person God provides for us all. These principles are the pillars of my commitment to philanthropy … My Dr. Iyiola Omisore basic philosophy is simple, do unto Junction and Sekona in Osun State, others what you would like them to Interview with the contract was awarded for N18 do unto you. These are what all the billion. But, the government has in- Holy books of all religions charge Senator creased the cost to N48 billion and us to, and my parentage and the re- there is nothing they are doing on sponsibilities of my birth support it” Iyiola the road. The road between Osogbo and Kwara boundary was given out Family and Social Life Omisore for N8.9 billion and they changed it to N19 billion. The Osogbo East Road Senator Iyiola Omisore is married to was awarded by the former govern- Mojisola Omisore (nee Fashuba) and ment at N2.9 billion but they have taken it to N9 billion. On these roads, they are blessed with children. Chief APC governors in the south west Omisore holds powerful chieftaincy we have the same design, width, of Nigeria appear to be a better titles in Yoruba land most prestigious depth and the same material. among them is Apesin O’dua (fa- model of good governance in the country, for example Lagos state, vourite and most worshiped son of But APC are saying they are on a Oduduwa – the ancestor of Yoruba compared with PDP controlled mission to rescue from 14 years of people) Dr. Omisore is a member of states. many notable social clubs including PDP rule in Nigeria. Ikoyi Club, Lagos Island Club, Abuja Which good governance where they Club and the Metropolitan Club. To- are doing a bridge for N27 billion? They can say anything now, you day, Senator Omisore remains a ma- As an engineer l know a kilometre of should know that. What are they res- jor political bridge builder in Nigeria road with good quality is supposed cuing? Who is the most corrupt per- and a leading pan Yoruba politician to go for N200 million, but they are son in Nigeria today? You will find the whose views on national political is- giving the contract out for N2 billion. person in in APC. You will also recall sues shape public opinion. This is nothing but stealing and that their leader, Bola Tinubu, went daylight robbery. Between Gbongan to Ondo when they tried to take the 8 state and told the whole world how is nil in Osun. ernor because the court disallowed he helped Governor Segun Mimiko Anyone reading this interview will the result of the popular votes). Ar- with N3 billion. If Tinubu had money say you are saying this because you egbesola is facing a criminal charge in 1999, he would have paid for the want to be governor. in court for allegedly forging a po- registration of AD. When l was trying lice report against the Osun State to make AD stand on a firm ground, No, not at all! These are facts and you government at that time. By No- Tinubu would have come to my aid can contradict me if you have any- vember 2014, trial will resume in the if he had money case against him. The Bible says by The thing contrary. These are the realities then. S o , on ground in our state. their fruits, we shall know them. We present Osun know each other by our pedigree. State government Why do you think you are better The Yoruba are not like other ethnic has borrowed about than Governor Aregbesola. groups that do not appreciate ped- N413 billion in three years. igree. We don’t mortgage our pedi- The PDP was in the state for By every standard, l am far better than gree in Yoruba land. almost eight years and did him. One is by my pedigree, my birth not borrow a kobo. place, my background, parentage On your Facebook wall, you once wrote to “send them (APC) back to So where is and upbringing. You can’t compare Lagos “ How do you mean. corruption? me with Aregbesola in these areas. you My parents are known. I am a char- jour- nal- tered engineer and a Ph.D. holder in APC did not win in Osun ab initio ists should analyse engineering. I was deputy governor, and so why will it be difficult to send these issues for the public to be Chairman Appropriation Committee them out. You all know they came in properly educated. Corruption is in the Senate and l disbursed about through the back door through the worse in APC-controlled states than N52 trillion for Nigeria without any assistance of Salami (the trial judge). with the Federal Government. The blemish. So, how can you compare And till today, they have not won present Osun State government me with Aregbesola, somebody who any election. has borrowed about N413 billion parades himself to be technician in three years. The PDP was in the and even calls himself an engineer? People have been endorsing state for almost eight years and did He changed his title overnight from Aregbesola for a second term. not borrow a kobo. So where is cor- En- The gineer ruption? The school uniform, which No single individual in Osun has en- is ordinarily about N400, costs N2, school uniform, which is dorsed him. Maybe he has endorsed 400 per pupil in Osun. On the Opon himself. The only things we see in Imo (IPad or tablet of knowledge) ordinarily about N400, costs N2, 400 per pupil in Osun are billboards everywhere. that Aregbesola (incumbent Gov- Any governor that is performing Osun. On the Opon Imo ernor of Osun State) made a lot does not need to erect billboards (IPad or tablet of knowledge) of noise about, he gave out the everywhere. When you have done that Aregbesola (incumbent contract to his son at more than well, your achievements should Governor of Osun State) made N8 billion and up till today, market you. The state is being de- there are no more 2,000 units a lot of noise about, he gave out faced with billboards and posters. of the facility in the schools in the contract to his son at more They held a programme in Ilesha the state. So it is you press that than N8 billion and up till (the home town of Aregbesola) re- are helping them to deceive the today, there are no more cently and l saw about 100 buses public. Look at the two sides and tell 2,000 units of the facili- chartered from Lagos to Ilesha. Are public the truth. In 2005/2006, Osun ty in the schools in those Osun people? Aregbesola will State came third in NECO (Nation- the state Rauf be booted out of Osun in August by al Examination Council) examina- Areg- besola God’s grace. He is good at setting tion and second in UTME. Today, we to Ogbeni (Mr) Rauf Aregbesola. It is up groups and NGOs and this won’t number 35. So, education has gone political insult to compare me with save him. comatose in my state. The health Aregbesola. I should not be contest- sector is paralysed with a prostate ing for the same position with Areg- cancer. There is no single litre of wa- besola if not for Justice Ayo Salami ter added since the last government from whom they bought the judge- of PDP in the state. Wealth creation ment (Aregbsola was became Gov-

9 You are reputed to be the stabilizer restore water. Osun is broke now, we of the Senate for David Mark during in deep trouble. your time there. How did you do achieve that. But Aregbesola created more than In the Senate, we were all colleagues 10,000 jobs. and mature people. I achieved that through interaction, appreciation Aregbesola’s O-YES scheme (job of individuals and respect for one creation scheme for unem- another. And of course you can’t l take ployed graduates in the Osun will take State) is debasing human digni- schools back to their original status ty. He puts a uniform on a grad- and reverse this re-clas- uate of three years for a menial sification nonsense. I will job. He can get other people to restore dignity to schools by going back to regular that kind of job but not gradu- school structure. I will ates. He gave his undergraduate give every school their son, Kabiru, a contract of N8 bil- identity which is away their pride m y lion and gave graduates a job of performance N10, 000 a month. He is debas- as the Chairman of Appropriation ing our labour force. I will cre- Committee. So, these were what en- deared me to people’s hearts. God ate genuine also played the biggest role in this employment for our people. regard.

What are you going to do different from what Aregbesola is doing if you become Governor of Osun State?

One, l will take schools back to their original status and reverse this re-classification nonsense. I will restore dignity to schools by going back to regular school structure. I will give every school their identity which is their pride. Aregbesola was not brought up in Osun State and this why he does not appreciate the educational legacy of the state. He is a stranger in the state and this is why he could destroy schools and shops like he is doing. He is a political jobber. He came to grab and go away. He came to Osun with a portmanteau and when the state is in dire strait, he will just pick his portmanteau and go back to Lagos. I will review all these inadequacies in the name of constructions in Osun. Dr. Iyiola Omisore I will revamp the health sector. I will 10 State for eight years under Governor Bola Tinubu, he was known as Engi- neer Rauf Aregbesola. Suddenly, as Governor of the State of Osun, he turned to Ogbeni (Mr) Rauf Areg- besola. The fact is, he was never an engineer as his name is not on the register of the Nigeria Institute of Engineers nor did he ever qualify as one, but a technician and there is nothing wrong in being a technician. What is wrong is the deceit of being a new breed politician and his make belief simplicity. This report examines the various Governor Aregbesola of Osun state contending issues in the run up About leaving his seat campaign to the August 9 election in Osun State and what it uncovered is a complaint of pains and lamentations AREGBE: The all-in-all that Governor Aregbesola’s govern- Governor ment only leaves them sorrow and But no sooner did he assume office, hunger which has bred anger that that people around him and mem- may be articulated in the way Osun Aregbesola: bers of his party All Peoples Congress people will cast their votes. As at the APC realised how very controlling time of going to press, Governor Ar- Re-election and how fastidious he is about man- egbesola was contacted to respond aging things. He is simultaneous- to the findings in this report, but strategy ly the governor, commissioner for there was no response from him. works and chairman of his party. He leaves Sorrow, is simply the all-in-all! Aregbesola fire brigade response after Ekiti election hunger and Aregbesola is so transcendently controlling that, it makes people fear not Almost immediately after PDP only for the condition of governance anger in Gubernatorial candidate Fayose in the state, but for the country itself. emerged the winner in Ekiti State by Even with his commissioners, there defeating the incumbent APC Gov- Osun state can be no relaxation of control, vig- ernor Fayemi, Governor Aregbesola ilance and suspicion. of Osun State met with the Confer- ence of Principals and Headmasters Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola But, there is no sanctuary for him, as of schools to plead for their support came to power touting the language the cover up of working in the name and votes in the forthcoming gu- of the oppressed people, the wretch- of the ‘common people’ started to bernatorial election. He gave them ed of the earth as it were. He came to unravel and the road infrastructure take-away food and a thousand na- power “well prepared” as he said. His that gulped billions of naira emerged ira each for transportation back to 6-point agenda is laced with Marxist as façades. No matter how much he their stations. The meeting was the vocabularies. His conversation spar- tries to campaign for a chance of sec- first time since Aregbesola became kled. The sentences came out per- ond term, Osun people now regard the governor of Osun State. So, the fectly formed, festooned with the him as the Maradona of socialist im- meeting was more than a coinci- most apposite Marxist allusions. His posture. high-beam charm as an activist with dence. Few weeks before meeting Princi- an agenda for development could In the end, salvation eludes him as it pals and Headmasters, he had a sim- inspire worship but also resentment. became clear that his seemingly hu- ilar meeting with traditional rulers mane and humble nature is a fraud. in the state for the first time since As commissioner for works in Lagos he became governor. One of the

11 traditional rulers (Obas) told New ing till election day on August 9 to tracts as most contracts are already Business Africa that Governor Areg- manifest. The inability of Governor decided and awarded to non-resi- besola gave each Oba N20, 000 and Aregbesola to understand that ‘grass dents of Osun. promised to pay part of their allow- root’ politics is a combination of so- Information has emerged that the ance. Obviously, this belated political cial development and humane poli- Federal Government allocation to gesture do not wash with heads of tics and patronage may prove to be Osun December 2010 to date is a schools and the traditional rulers, as his doom. whopping 309.3 billion Naira so far. Aregbesola had ignored this group But, Aregbesola told the people of for four years, withholding their sal- It is in the collective memory of Osun Osun that the Federal Government aries, and as he told the Publisher people - and as some of his party was deducting the state allocation of New Business Africa recently in members confessed to New Business by half and that is why he was unable London, he said “the number and Africa – Aregbesola ruled the State to meet certain needs of the people for ten months without any com- like workers’ salaries. Yet, Governor political strength of these people missioner or appointed members of Aregbesola , according to the publi- are so infinitesimal” Boards of parastatals. In those peri- cation of Nigerian Tribune of January od, he received over 40 billion naira 6, 2014 has borrowed N413 billion in in Federal allocations without any three years and awarded the supply form of accountability. The fact that of 2,000 units of “Opon Imo” (iPad or his then Secretary to the State Gov- tablet of knowledge) for N8 billion to ernment, Segun Akinwumi, left his his son, Kabir Aregbesola. government to contest the August 9 election as a gubernatorial can- Betrayal of party faithful didate of the Unity Party of Nigeria Truth be told, Aregbesola betrayed says a lot about how absolute power majority of his party faithful in Osun with checks and balances corrupts State who for three and half years absolutely. fought with him till the court made him the governor and some of these It is worth noting that, Aregbesola party activists were persecuted for has perfected the act of political ma- being on his side. This group of APC noeuvre for money ‘management’. members in Osun disgruntled for not Even when he did choose his com- being sufficiently rewarded for their Gov. Aregbesola with New Business Af- missioners, he kept the fat Ministry efforts and the risks they took to se- rica Publisher Dr. Tunde Aworinde-Ajani of Works and Transport to himself cure Aregbesola’s mandate. Some of in a recent encounter in London and brought his former Director in them have now crossed to the PDP, the Lagos State Ministry of Works while some are secretly sabotaging Development of and Transport who worked with him his re-election efforts. when he was commissioner of works Infrastructure as a in Lagos state to be his Special Advis- Further, the autocratic structure of Camouflage er in that ministry, while his Deputy APC and the dictatorial style of Ar- Governor Aregbesola has been Governor took charge of the Ministry egbesola have essentially weakened able to bring about a monumental of Education. and rendered a sizeable number of change to the State of Osun in terms the party stakeholders in the state of infrastructure. But it is a change Indeed, about 80% of his cabinet dissatisfied, powerless and margin- that has drained the state dry finan- members are his friends and as- alised. The governor refused to hold cially. Aregbesola’s main forte is the sociates. Aregbesola did not hide local government elections for four development of infrastructure. Iron- this fact from his party members in years to make sure none of the care- ically, it is also the one of the major Osun, claiming that he had to re- taker Chairmen can have any politi- causes of his misfortune. ward those who provided money cal authority to claim mandate of the for his legal battles to win the state. people. It is said that, all the LG chair- The sorrow, hunger and anger Some of commissioners who asked men of the Caretaker Committee see caused by his road contract, Opon for anonymity confessed that, even themselves as exploited “slaves” as Imo, unpopular education policies, as commissioners they have no real local government allocations were school uniform contract, demolition control over what transpire in their usually appropriated at the State lev- of houses and shops without com- ministries in terms of award of con- el by “Emperor” Aregbesola as they pensation for the owners are wait- 12 now call him. It is no wonder that son for him not to merge Schools stitutional conference on the role these disaffected stakeholders have together or order them to wear of traditional rulers which reads now decamped to join PDP. one common school uniform. But interalia Beyond this, Aregbesola derided the Aregbesola’s arrogance betrays his Civil Servants, the teachers and Local ignorance. He does not know that “The call for constitutional role Government workers. Their salaries religion, history, traditions and even and pensions are delayed months on uniform are sources of cohesion and for traditional rulers is unnec- ending as the governor and his chief have strong bearing on the schools essary and uncalled for . . . the of staff considered theP ublic Serv- and students’ identity. Sadly enough Federal Constitution should not ants to be electoral inconsequential the governor is frozen in twenty cen- for his success at the election on Au- tury Marxism, forgetting that com- accord/include any role for the gust 9. The governor even refused to munist China and Cuba have “up- traditional institution “ attend their conference in the last graded” and moved on. Alas August four years until Kayode Fayemi was 9 is the day of reckoning. In deed he has turned the building voted out in Ekiti. They felt patron- for the council of Obas to offices for ized by Aregbesola’s gesture. They Disrespect for the his advisers. The view of his Alliance felt insulted, disrespected and un- custodians of culture and People Congress APC was represent- dervalued. These people are waiting tradition – The Obas ed in the recent utterance of the for the day of reckoning. leader of the party Asiwaju Ahmed Aregbesola has not for once since Tinubu when he said that he only Aregbesola’s social injustice does assumed office called the meeting respect only “three” the traditional not exclude the political appointees of the State Council of Obas as two rulers in Yoruba land. There you have to the various Boards of Parastatals traditional rulers told New Business it! People of Osun who still respect who were not appointed until about Africa. But, another traditional ruler their Obas as reminder of a very three years into his tenure. Yet, most told NBA recently that after the APC great civilisation and history wait for of these party faithful are said not lost election in Ekiti that “Aregbesola the day of reckoning to speak loud. to have received salaries for almost invited us for the first time, gave us Road construction contract and mar- seven months. The Colleges of Edu- N20, 000 as transport money back ginalisation of Osun workers cation in the State were shut down to our various towns and promised for months as the government could to be our salary regularly.” Do you The Tipper Owners Association of not explain why the pensions of the believe him sir, the Oba responded Osun State complained that the lecturers were being deducted from cynically. “It is the patience whose Osun non-resident contractors are their salaries. Aregbesola treated the days are numbered”, he concluded. giving jobs to transporters who lecturers with disdain and it was not In fact, he wants the institution of come from outside the state, but until the victory of PDP in Ekiti that the Obas to be abolished according not to them to supply to materials he rushed to call them back. But, to the proposal he sent to the con- such as sand, gravel, stone-based people are not mocked. among others. All their complaints fell on deaf hears and their efforts to Schools: The crux of the matter is meet the Governor proved abortive. that Aregbesola never respected the The fate of other artisans like tailors, people he governs. Their opinions welders etc. are not different.T he and aspirations count for nothing. same goes to the National Union of Despite public opinion against Ar- Road Transport Workers NURTW and egbesola’s policy on education, he commercial motorcycle association went ahead and merged schools of Okada Riders association who com- different religious beliefs thereby plain of lack of accessibility to the creating strife and bitterness in its Governor. wake. It is important to note that before Aregbesola people of different Demolition of houses and religions peacefully coexisted. When shops asked the rationale for the policy in PDP Osun State Chairman, an encounter with NBA London, his Hon. Gani Olaoluwa There is no issue that caused so response was that government pays “Aregbesola is leaving only sorrow for our much tears and of sorrow like the for all the school and there is no rea- people” demolition of houses and markets 13 by governor Aregbesola, especially A former Minister for Youths and a “What is the vehicular movement in in places where there is absolutely Senator from Osun State Senator Osun state that justifies construct- no justification like on the two sides Olasunkanmi Akinlabi exposed Gov- ing 500 kilometres of roads in three of Gbongan road that leads to the ernor Aregbesola as he visited New years? Why embarking on a mas- Secretariat which is an already tarred Business Africa. According to Sen- sive road construction on borrowed road. ator Akinlabi, “Governor Aregbeso- loan that 95% of the contractors are Unfortunately, like most of Aregbe- la has perfected the act of political non-resident of the state? The an- sola’s social projects the victims are deceit. Look at Gbongan-Ode Omu swer is simply to siphon money out mostly the poor and the powerless road, a grade one road that cannot of the state?” which makes it more disturbing. be finished in two years.T he whole But, Aregbesola speaks always about The PDP State Chairman, Honoura- road construction is part of Aregbe- financial reengineering as the strat- ble Ganiyu Olaoluwa, is very bitter sola second term strategy to deceive egy for achieving his economic pol- about these issues when NBA asked icies. Chief Owolabi retorted, “Areg- him about Aregbesola’s progress besola’s policies defy all the logics of on infrastructure, welfare and the finance and economics. Osun state employment he provides for 10,000 is running a budget that is three graduates. In his words: times its income. Financial reengineering should be based on real “In what specific ways has he income, and not expected income” improved the standard or wellbeing of those he drove from where they were earning their living when he embarked on forceful demolition of shops, stalls and warehouses without Former Minister for Youth and Sports and Senator prior alternative arrangement Olasunkanmi Akinlabi“The road construction that for these class of traders? Some cannot be completed in three years is part of Governor had died, maimed or relocated Aregbesola’s second term strategy” to other places outside Osun and muzzle people that he needs to State or to rural communities. be given the second chance so he could finish all the projects he start- Tailors who blossom at the re- ed.” The Senator repeated passion- sumption of students at the ately several times that: commencement of academic “We (Osun people) cannot af- Oluomo Gbenga Owolabi a one-time strong member of All Progressives Congress APC “APC members in Osun sessions were left with nothing ford four more years of Areg- are a group of invaders” to do since SAM & SARAH a com- besola’s economic policies. The “I was with these people” Owolabi pany with headquarters in La- local economy is in tatters and it continues, “and l studied him, l like gos has been made the sole sup- is high time we began to revamp him but Aregbesola does not like plier of school uniforms at both the process” us (Osun people). But what is the usefulness of buying helicopter in Primary and Secondary Schools. An erstwhile strong member of Ar- Osun, but he will never allow you to What a slap! egbesola’s party APC Chief Gbenga talk, APC are not democrats but im- Owolabi who is now a PDP member perialists, egotistical jakass, invad- An enhancement of the wellbeing complained about the know-it-all ing soldiers in Osun” In fact, Chief of Osun indigenes? Do you think we mentality and the autocratic ways of Owolabi speaks for many disaffect- should continue under a tyrannical the Governor that democracy is con- ed PC members who decamped to governor like Aregbesola?” spicuously absent in the party. Chief People Democratic Party (PDP). In Owolabi asked rhetorically: the words of the Gubernatorial candidate of PDP Senator Iyiola Om- 14 isore, “They (members) won’t be concerned, the PDP victory in Ekiti is able to express themselves in APC. a rejection of APC leader Tinubu as When Tinubu (APC national leader) their leader and they are set to put a celebrated his 60 birthday, Fashola stamp on it on August 9. (incumbent governor of Lagos state) publicly told him to be more demo- Desperation to seek support cratic and objective. Immediately, he by all means possible replied Fashola that if he was demo- The victory of PDP in Ekiti caught cratic, Fashola would not have been Aregbesola and Tinubu flat footed. governor of Lagos today. Tinubu is Therefore, the rush to beg in desper- an unrepentant dictator. If anybody ation for support in strange places imposes candidate in PDP, aggrieved is not surprising. A prominent in- parties will go to court. But in APC, digene in Osun told NBA that “we you will sign an undertaking that you know APC has been giving money to won’t go to court.” Omisore knows Isiaka Adeleke” the former Governor better, he was a founding member and a PDP senator to decamp to APC. of Alliance for Democracy AD before Adeleke, who hails from Ede town in it changed to APC. the state eventually decamped.

Rejection of Tinubu as But there is no sanctuary for Aregbe- Asiwaju (Leader) in Osun sola as another indigene of the town Osun people are not blind to Areg- and the former Speaker of the State, besola’s mechanism of exploiting Hon. Bello Adejare is the running them as milk cow to pacify the APC mate to the PDP Gubernatorial can- leader Ahmed Tinubu who tutored didate in the coming election Sen- and financed his being made the ator Omisore. More so, the people Governor. It is obvious to the peo- of Ede are unlikely to forget quickly ple that the taxes being levied on the way Aregbesola once humiliat- the Osun indigenes are exactly what ed their traditional ruler and these Tinubu did during his tenure as Gov- people are happy that at the chance ernor of Lagos state. Aregbesola, one of their own will soon become however, shows a lack of originality the Deputy Governor in the State. as he just imported Tinubu’s style of It stands to reason, that Isiaka Adel- milking Lagos without considering eke in APC will only add more frus- the fact that Osun is a Civil Servant trations to Aregbesola’s predicament state, while Lagos is Nigeria’s main and no electoral value at all. business hub. Finally, salvation eludes Aregbesola The source of real anger for Osun as he and Tinubu made another des- people is that the collection Inter- perate move to pay a surprise visit to nally Generated Revenue (IGR) in another former PDP governor of the Osun is contracted to an accounting state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola to firm where AsiwajuT inubu has in- seek his support. But, this is likely to terest. Aregbesola’s link to Asiwaju be a fruitless effort as Oyinlola is still Tinubu is understandable as the APC the INEC recognized National Secre- leader is his political master from tary of the PDP and he would obvi- him he learnt the act of road con- ously not want to throw that away struction for personal interest, even to a sinking incumbent Governor when there are no vehicles to ply the Aregbesola. roads. But, the relationship is a pain In the end there is no hiding place to the people as the sweat of their la- for Aregbesola. He has bitten the fin- bour is being sent outside their state gers that fed him and the only way and their fate is being decided in La- left for him is to go down in history gos. As far as the people of Osun are as a prodigal son on August 9.

15 They planned to win the 2003 elections using Ige’s murder, which they framed around me, to score a cheap political point. But they forgot that when man proposes, it is God who The death of disposes. By the Grace of God and the support of the people of Osun State, they lost the election to the Bola Ige: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into which we have defected.

The untold NBA: Framed up with the murder of Chief Bola Ige? Please say that story! again slowly. Late Nigeria Minister of Justice Bola Ige Omisore: I made reference to the It is almost impossible for the All Pro- Attorney General Bola Ige who were issue of Chief Bola Ige. He was at- gressive Congress APC not to bring compensated as commissioner and tacked in Ibadan and they now cre- up the tragic and unfortunate issue Special Adviser not on their merits, ated a story around us in Osun, so as of the killing of the former Nigeria but rather to score political point at to divert the attention of the people Minister of Justice and a one -time the expense of other qualified party tracking his killers. Those who creat- Governor of Oyo State (now divided members. ed that story were trying to cover up into two states Oyo and Osun States) But there is more to that tragedy their own track. If they had allowed as a strategy to discredit the PDP than meet the ordinary eyes. So New the Police to do their work, maybe by Gubernatorial candidate Senator Business Africa NBA contacted Sena- now the securities would have un- Iyiola Omisore, the most favoured tor Omisore, who is almost bored of masked the killers of Chief Bola Ige. candidate to win the August 9 being asked questions on the killing The story of his murder was created Governorship election in Osun State. of Minister Ige, to tell his own story. around us in Osun because of the Hear him: then pending 2003 elections which That APC brought the issue up is they felt we would not allow them expected, what is surprising is that NBA: Take us through the back- to win. Despite all that they did, l they kept quiet on the issue till now won my election from prison. That ground of the accusation that you when Senator Omisore had been showed God and my people were were involved in late Attorney acquitted by the court of law for with me and are still with me. some years. APC had always wanted General Ige’s death. the killing of late Chief Bola Ige to be Omisore: When you find yourself in NBA: What would you say to people an albatross on the neck of Senator in whose mind you are the prime Omisore, though he has been dis- the midst of some desperate pol- suspect in the assassination. charged and acquitted. iticians, who are afraid of your in- Not that the Osun people are buy- telligence, endowment and of the Omisore: The court that acquitted ing into the propaganda. Not in the fact that you are younger and more me was so clear in its judgement least! The Osun people know that it accessible and exposed, you are after a three –year trial. Those who is all politics and they are aware that bound to have some problems with still link me with Chief Ige’s death are Omisore has not been convicted in such politicians. This was what hap- either unreasonable, partisan or are any court of law and people are now pened when l was in the Alliance for misguided. It is all part of the man- comparing this to the members of Democracy (AD is a precursor party made conspiracy against me. the APC convicted and jailed for the to APC) during the Chief Bisi Akande murder of the late member of the (Former Governor of Osun state) and NBA: What was the incident at Osun State House of Assembly Hon- late Alhaji Lam Adesina (Former Gov- ourable Olagbaju, but were later re- ernor of Oyo state) saga, when l was the palace of Ooni of Ife where leased by Aregbesola as soon as he framed up with the murder of Chief late Chief Ige’s cap was removed became governor. Bola Ige. The old guard feared the disgracefully all about. In addition, the people know that younger elements in the AD and did there are two sons of the late Nigeria all sorts of things to debar us from Omisore: I was not present at the contesting against them in 2003. scene and was never involved. Be- fore Ige died, he was stoned in Owo gular act because it was very gentle- the police for malicious damages to (in Ondo State) and abused in Ijebu manly. These are things that we have the tune of N20 billion and they are Igbo (in Ogun State) before he died to let the public know. running helter skelter for that. They and so what is the difference there? are begging for time now. Falsehood NBA: How do you shake the alba- has been established, conspiracy NBA: How frosty was your relation- tross of Ige’s death off your neck? has been established and they must ship with Chief Ige while he was go and tell the court why they con- alive. Omisore: I went through a court spired. process after which l was discharged The stage is now set for what the Omisore: Our relationship was nev- and acquitted. The court said l had Osun people call “Judgment Day” on er frosty. We only had political differ- no business being in court at all be- August 9, 2014 when they will go to ences. Chief Ige supported Chief Bisi cause there was no linkage between the polls to decide the exit of incum- Akande and l was in another camp me and Ige’s death. Even when l bent Governor Aregbesola or the of Afenifere (the core group that was arrested, the police said there entrance of Senator Iyiola Omisore. formed AD), a silent faction of the was no evidence linking me with the It is a day that may confirm the wan- group. Ige led a faction of Afenifere murder. They brought a lie detector ing influence of the APC as a political and (late) Papa Abraham Adesan- from the United Kingdom and tried party and the rejection of a cult of ya headed another of which l was a to influence the British Police. But, personality surrounding Tinubu and member. Chief Ige and l were sup- those ones said “No” (Omisore is not his lieutenants prominent among posed to meet at Esa-Oke for our found telling lies). So, what you said them is Aregbesola. usual end-of-the-year meeting the about Chief Ige’s death is a foregone following day he was killed. issue. I have won elections after that. If you repeat this question before the NBA: Could your inordinate ambition people of Osun, they will tag you an as people say have triggered a enemy of the state, as an antagonist trend of unpleasant events. of the people. That is the reality. That is to show their love and support Omisore: I was one of the inner core for me. And this they also did when members that formed the AD Party. l won an election (Senate) in prison. The AD was formed in my room in I even won in Esa-Oke, where Ige Abuja. The certificate of AD is with hailed from. me and l have said this without number. The AD was conscripted, im- NBA: With the benefit of hindsight, pregnated and delivered in my room what is your reflection on this issue in Abuja suite. I paid for the registra- today. tion of the AD. I was the frontrunner governorship aspirant in the party in Omisore: Because it is a matter of Osun but l stepped down for Akande conscience and as you know, l have willingly. been vindicated by the court. I am now a happier person because of You have to follow history properly the vindication even after my ordeal. and balance your story. I did that to The conspiracy theory against me on promote orderliness in the party and Bola Ige is funny. His son rushed to that contradicts the issue of inordi- police station and said armed rob- nate ambition. If l was ambitious, l bers attacked his father and stole would not have stepped down for dollars, wristwatch and traveller’s him. l funded his election (former cheque and a ring. After some time, Governor Akande of Osun State), when election was drawing near, the whole process throughout. I was they changed the story and said it made his running mate and we had was an assassination. Police kept an agreement he would run only the two reports. And the court had for a single term. Chief Ige imposed to free me because it saw l had no Akande on Osun State. I am sup- case to answer at all. I have already posed to be celebrated for that sin- sued the Oyo State government and

17 Save Osun Future Aregbesola’s Generation Vote Wisely in Osun reckless State! borrowing traps Osun future generations

programme in Osun state. The loan collected on 17.11.2012 is payable Governor Aregbesola’s reckless bor- within 12 months. rowing from various financial institutions has accumulated to the tune of Unity Bank PLC granted Aregbesola’s N471.4 billion (naira) as reported by government N39 billion to take care West Mail newspaper. of Million Development Goals (MDG) counterpart fund. The repayment No doubt, this burden of debt en- will be for 12 months starting from dangers the welfare of millions of 09.02.2012. future generations of the state who will be denied of necessary social The same Unity Bank PLC also projects so as to repay the debt. The granted another counter MDG fund fear and the humiliation of the peo- on 09.02.2012 payable within 12 ple of Osun become compounded months out of which N148, 666, as the Governor or any member of 575.79 has been refunded. his cabinet refused to comment or explain to the people. New Business Zenith Bank PLC granted a loan of Africa decides to present the cata- N166, 267, 000 on 06.03.2012 to fund logue of the debts. Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP). The loan is payable within First Bank of Nigeria PLC gave out a 12 months and a sum of N126, 083, loan of N8.6 billion to Governor Ar- 445. 14 has so far been refunded. egbesola. The purpose was to off- set a loan collected from the United The same Zenith Bank PLC granted Bank of Africa (UBA) on 9.03.2011 N1 billion loan to Governor Aregbe- and the loan is payable within 72 sola on 09.03.2012 and it is claimed months (six years). that the loan is to fund ISDP counter fund. This loan is also payable with- The same bank also granted another in 12 months and a sum of N126, N3.2 billion on 30.07.2011 which is 083,445.14 has since been paid back. payable within 72 months (six years) First Bank PLC granted another to fund road projects and other gov- N124.5 million hard loan to Areg- ernment projects. besola on 11.04.2012 to fund his ‘O’ Meal programme. The loan is refund- Wema Bank PLC granted a sum of able within 6 months and N17, 081, N240 million, out of which N185 mil- 178. 62 has been refunded. lion had been refunded. The loan is said to fund a self-styled OYES-Tech Sterling Bank PLC also gave a whoop-

18 ing loan of N35 million to Aregbesola on 17.04.2012 and it was wastefully spent on 2012 annual pilgrimage. The loan is payable within 12 months and a sum of N157, 568, 745. 48 has just been paid back.

Wema bank PLC also released another N65 million on 12.07.2012 to Governor Aregbesola to acquire a block of 12 flats with 36 rooms plus boys quarters in Abuja by OSICOL. The loan is payable within 36 months (3 years) and only N27, 704, 350. 08 has since been refunded.

First Bank of Nigeria PLC freely released another N3 billion on 25.06.2012 to Rauf Aregbesola and it is claimed to pay OBAFOOT Nig. Ltd for supplying motor vehicles. The loan is payable within 12 months and so far only N65, 729, 080. 53 has been refunded.

Another First bank PLC loan largesse of N562 million was given to Aregbesola on 06.06.2012 to fund ‘O’ Uniform programme. It is within 12 months and only N106, 972, 949 has been refunded.

The same benevolent First bank PLC on 25.05. 2012 granted another N273, 299, 754. 40 to Governor Aregbesola of a civil-servant state of Osun to fund 80% of the supply of 100 units of pick-up vehicles. The loan is payable within 36 months (3 years). Only N7, 591, 659 has been repaid.

The same First Bank PLC frivolously released another N5 billion to Aregbesola’s government on 27.06.2013 to take care of his party Alliance People Congress’ (APC) critical government expenditures. A part payment of N371, 302, 627. 22 of the loan, which is payable within 4 months has been refunded.

Sterling Bank PLC released N2 billion on 01.08.2013 to take care of commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme. It is payable within 36 months (3 years) and nothing has been refunded so far.

First Bank PLC doled out another N188 million to Aregbeso- la for the supply of another set of motor vehicles supply by OBAFOOT Nig. Ltd on 05.07.2012 payable within 12 months and only N44, 116, 990. 32 has been refunded.

The same First Bank PLC released N20 billion on 10.07.2012 to take care of aspects of Aregbesola’s expenditures; and just about N48, 043, 859. 90 has been paid back.

Sterling Bank PLC granted N98 million to Aregbesola on 25.07.2012 for the purchase of 36 Nissan Sunny (GLI Engine) vehicles. Only N6.9million of the loan which is payable within 36 months (3 years) has been repaid.

19 The Father Christmas First Bank released another loan of State of Osun. N140, 555, 555. 51 to Aregbesola on 27.07.2012 for the supply of motor vehicles by OBAFOOT Nig. Ltd and it is »» The logo of Osun State will be reverted to what it was original- payable within 12 months. Only a sum of N21, 331, 581. ly, not the logo that is encircled by cowries. 64 has been repaid. Compiled by The State of Osun has since late 2013 been blacklisted Julius Adeyeye, and denied from getting loan by Nigerian Banks for 20 PDP Chairman Board of Trustees years. London But not to be outsmarted, Aregbesola went afar to take N11.4 billion worth of loan from an Arab Bank All-Ajril Sukuck and another $692 (about N110 billion) loan from Syptrus another foreign bank.

The people of the State of Osun are still waiting for an ex- planation from Governor Aregbesola.

Culled from West Mail newspaper.

Omisore Immediate Rescue Programmes for Osun

»» Osun State education institutions will be free to use the school uniforms of their choice as part of the programmes to generate domestic business. »» The “Opon Imo” (tablet of knowledge) which is grossly inadequate for all students in Osun will be replaced by proper computers in the schools. »» Workers will have guaranteed regular and prompt salary pay- ments. »» Schools will be given back to original bodies and school cur- riculum will be aligned with the Federal Government education policy. »» The dignity of the Council of Traditional Obas in the state will be restored. »» Home owners who have suffered losses will be adequately compensated immediately. »» Dignity of labour and the glory of market women and men and artisans will be restored while local contractors will be used to boost the economy. »» Osun State will have back its original name from the time of state creation by the Federal Government and not the odd name

20 ADVERTORIAL Omisore The Man for this Season

The Iyiola Omisore Organisation (IOO) Diaspora Support Group has sent a congratulatory message to President Goodluck Enebele Jona- than on the success of People Dem- ocratic Party in Ekiti State.,

According to the statement released by IOO Chairman, Dr. Johnson Olu- kotun: ‘We in the diaspora commend Nigeria President for the measured security mounted by the Nigeria Po- Senator Omisore with the Chairman of IOO lice and the Armed Forces during Ek- Dr. Johnson Olukotun at the launching of IOO iti Governorship election.” The group hopes that the peace which the Ek- iti voters enjoyed during election is a pointer to the level of confidence reposed in the Federal Government transformation agenda.

The statement further mentions that, “peoples’ democratic rights in the state would have been truncated if that election were to be marred by thuggery or any forms of civil disobe- dience.” It believes that Osun state’s voters should enjoy similar “measure of state security” come election day Members of IOO (l-r) Mr Tokunbo Odubade, an invitee and on the 9th of August. Alhaji Musa Omisore

It is the opinion of IOO that the three main issues that are important to voters in this election are about economy, education and social cohesion. Therefore, the Group believes the two major contenders in Osun August 9th election, the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola of APC and Senator Iyiola Omisore of PDP should both focus on these sali- From (l-r) Hon. Taiye Awoyele, Mr Saliu and Mr Abiodun ent issues.

At the launching of the Group in London, Dr. Olukotun reiterated that his Group members are Osun State indigenes who are caucus leaders from various towns and villages, “who have declared their support for Senator Iyiola Omisore based on the Senator’s Rescue Mission statements regarding economy, education and social cohesion in the state.”

IOO members at the launching, 4th from right is Senator Omisore, Mr. Femi Omidirepo, Prince Taiwo Sajuyigbe and Mr. Amuwa Emmanuel.

Opinion Great Expectations: Osun State after Aregbesola

Winning Osun Governorship race on August 9 is a major challenge for Senator Omisore, but a bigger challenge will be how he deals with the mess that Aregbesola will leave behind. The peoples’ expectation from him is high as a new government direction is now imperative in Osun. A choice of direction that will open opportunities for thriving entrepreneurship and access to capital, to markets, to technology and adequate utilisation of talents will be preferable and desirable. Such a direction by Sen- ator Omisore will not only enable Osun economy to move forward, but will also help public participation in the governance of the state. History and life experience have prepared Senator Omisore for this task. His education as an engineer and wealth of experience as deputy gover- nor and two-term Senator will help him re-engineer and propel Osun economy in this new direction particularly with massive investments in digital economy and growth of entrepreneurship. As this period, no one should be left behind, especially the youths, unemployed graduates and school leavers who should be the target of the growth.

Peoples’ belief is that Senator Omisore is better equipped and capable to market the states resources and skills both at national and international levels. Omisore’s statement is now on record regarding this new direction as he has promised. As he puts it: “We will focus on the youth, because we need successful young people. We will therefore provide viable environment for them to make the best of the investment in their education, working with dignity to achieve their goals and purpose.” According to senator Omisore, “In Osun State, 45 per cent of our citizens are aged 18 and 40. This is a highly technologically literate group. In other countries, whole new industries are being spawned on the back of these new technologies.” Exactly such words should be put into policies and be implemented for the better benefit of the citizenry. By Kola Abiola

23 Business Nigeria is Africa’s New Business Hub: What is President Goodluck Jonathan doing right?

As appetite for investment in South Africa wanes, Nigeria has become the most sought after investment destination. The Nigeria’s rebased GDP stood at President Goodluck Jonathan N80.2trn ($510bn) as at 2013 which represents an 89% increase over the previous GDP of N42.4trn (about $267bn). The country’s revised GDP surpassed estimated at 5 percent of GDP, com- South Africa’s $384bn. This makes Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy as well as pared to South Africa’s estimated the 26th largest in the world, up from 33rd position. current account deficit of 4.5 per- Think what you like about the Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan, but recent. cords show that the President must be doing something right. Growth in Nigeria’s $492 billion economy should accelerate to 7.1 percent in The budget deficit to GDP and pub- 2014, according to the IMF, while Fitch lic debt to GDP is estimated at 1 per- downgraded South Africa’s growth cent and 11 percent respectively, forecasts to 1.7 percent this year, from compared to South Africa’s 4.2 per- a previous estimate of 2.8 percent. As appetite for cent and 40 percent. The naira has remained stable in Analysts say pundits’ focusing on Ni- investment in the period, supported by oil pric- geria’s perceived weakness of inse- South Africa es which have been climbing since curity, terrorism and corruption are early June as ISIL militants seized missing the big picture. wanes, Nigeria territory across Iraq, threatening to “Global investors have plenty of ex- disrupt supply of the second largest perience investing in countries which has become the OPEC member. mainstream media paint in a nega- The Frontier Strategy Group report- tive light. In particular, investors have most sought ed last week that Nigeria was tops learnt that terrorism has little to do in investor interest in a poll of 200 with investment,” said Charles Robert- after investment multinational firms. son, global chief economist at emerg- The country also successfully hosted ing markets focused investment destination. the World Economic Forum (WEF), bank, Renaissance Capital. Africa, last month in Abuja which at- tracted over 1,000 diverse investors “Investors have seen planes explode over Russia, hotels attacked in India, and from Asia, Europe, North America banks targeted in Turkey; none have warranted a change of view by investors. and Africa. Nigeria has strong growth in a low growth world, great demographics in an ageing world, and good debt metrics in an over-indebted world; Nigeria re- Nigeria Maintains Top Three Po- mains attractive for global investors,” Robertson said in response to Business Day questions. Nigeria’s demographic dividend can be seen in its 170 million sition in Africa in Foreign Direct people being Africa’s largest population and consumer market. Investment Nigeria maintained The country will run a post rebasing current account (C/A) surplus this year, its position as one of the top three

24 destinations for Foreign Direct In- current challenges, noted that the geria Industrial Revolution Plan by vestment in Africa, despite current ITPO would help to promote Nige- President Jonathan, as an integral challenges, the United Nations Con- ria’s local and foreign direct invest- part of his Transformation Agenda ference on Trade and Development ment and technology, in addition to had helped to significantly enhance (UNCTAD) has said. boosting job creation, technology the positive image of the country transfer and industrial development. within the comity of nations. UNCTAD said this just as the United The minister said, He noted that it was not surprising Nations Industrial Development Or- that Nigeria, in spite of “what people ganisation (UNIDO) gave its nod, in call our challenges”, has maintained Vienna, for the establishment of an “There are only a few countries in its top position in terms of FDI inflow. Investment and Technology Promo- the world where UNIDO has set The Nigeria Ambassador to Austria tion Office (ITPO) in Nigeria. commented that “this is the best up ITPO to promote investment time (for Nigeria) as far industrialisa- According to the latest UNCTAD re- into the area of technology. The tion is concerned. This is why UNIDO port, FDI inflows into Africa rose by has keyed in to support Nigeria and four per cent to $57 billion with Ni- establishment of the ITPO in we are all excited about this positive geria’s inflow standing at N5.6 bil- development.” lion in 2013. Only seven countries in Nigeria will not only have a big Africa went above the $3 billion FDI positive impact on the Nigerian What Investors are inflow point.T hey are Nigeria, South economy, it will also help in the Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Moroc- saying now about co, Ghana and Sudan. innovation of the industrial sec- Nigeria The Commissioner for Industry and tor. Private Sector Promotion, ECOWAS, In a related development, the Unit- Mr. Kalilou Traore, who spoke dur- “UNIDO has bought into the NIRP ed States Secretary of Commerce, ing the UNIDO forum on strategies and adopted Nigeria as one of the Ms. Penny Pritzker said recently that and instruments for inclusive and two countries in Africa that they Nigeria now tops the list of the in- sustainable industrial development, want to work with for the realisation vestment destination for American said the recently launched Nige- of Nigeria and indeed Africa’s indus- investors due to its unique position- ria Industrial Revolution Plan was a trialisation goals. This is the first time ing on the African continent. Pritzk- model for Africa, noting that foreign that UNIDO will be doing this under er, who led a delegation of about 25 investments would always thrive in the leadership of the new director US investors (mainly in the power the right environment. general.” sector) to Nigeria, said: “About 100 The Minister of Industry, Trade and American businessmen indicated in- The Director-General, UNIDO, Mr. terest in coming with me on this del- Li Yong, said the NIRP would play a egation to Nigeria but we couldn’t critical role towards the realisation accommodate all of them. We are of Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable aware that there is an industrial rev- economic transformation through olution going on, which is a very industrialisation. good development. We would like He said: “UNIDO sees the Nigeria to know more about it so we can be Industrial Revolution Plan as a very part of it.” important strategy for the country to achieve inclusive and sustaina- Recently, the PAN Steel Corporation ble industrialisation and economic of China has also taken advantage transformation. of Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to invest $5 billion new steel The Minister of Trade, Industry, and “I always remember the very strong plant in Nigeria. The president, PAN Investment. Mr. Olusegun Aganga statement made by President Good- Steel Group Corporation pointed out Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, luck Jonathan of Nigeria that indus- that Nigeria had a good investment who also acknowledged the mas- trialisation is the anchor of the trans- environment which prompted them sive investment by Nigerian com- formation of the Nigerian economy.” to decide to invest $5 billion for new panies in the country despite the Without doubt, the launch of the Ni- steel plant that will produce 4-5 mil-

25 In a bid to reduce the an economy was a testimony of the level of unemploy- positive impact of Mr. President’s ment in the country, transformation agenda. the Federal Govern- ment has directed World Bank scores the Industrial Train- ing Fund ITF headed Nigeria a high mark by Dr. Juliet Chuk- kas-Onaeko to de- Nigeria strong economic manage- velop the manpower ment has helped her leap in the skills of two million World Bank 2013 Country Policy Nigerians annually. and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) The DG, “The man- report, which describes progress power requirements African countries are making on lion metric tons per annual. of the Federal Govern- strengthening the quality of policies “Nigeria has the biggest population, ment’s transformation agenda re- and institutions that underpin de- very good investment environment, quires that we should do more. It is velopment. On a scale of 1-6, Nige- rich natural resources and coming against this backdrop that I was giv- ria scored 3.6 which is above the 3.2 to Nigeria is our priority regarding en the task to train two million Nige- Sub-Saharan average, and took up selection of steel plant designation rians annually when I was appointed the 10th position out of the 39 Afri- in Africa. We will put more effort to- the DG of the ITF. can countries assessed. These coun- ward industrialisation in Nigeria”. He So far, the ITF had, under its Na- tries are those eligible for support stressed. from the International Development Global investors are commending Association (IDA), the concessional President Goodluck Jonathan for in- financing arm of theW orld Bank. itiating the NIRP and believing that The improvement was particularly companies across the world lever- seen in debt policy and manage- age on it to invest in Africa’s biggest ment, which the Brentwoods Institu- economy. tion described as outstanding, with Nigeria scoring 4.5 well ahead of the Wealth Sharing among 3.3 regional average score. “Nigeria is among the countries see- Nigerians ing a strengthening of debt management. In Nigeria, the federal Note: At a ‘Business in Nigeria Event’ DMO has made significant strides in Nigeria Minister of Finance, improving the management of pub- in London organised by the Financial Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Times in partnership with the Nige- lic debt since its establishment in ria Customs Service NBA asked the tional Industrial Skills Development 2000. The DMO has prepared a 2013- Minister Aganga before he left for Programme, trained over 35,000 2017 Strategic Plan and Medium Vienna that considering the unprec- youths nationwide in the first three Term Debt Strategy for 2012-2015 to edented wealth that Nigeria is now phases of the programme. This, she guide its activities,” the World Bank experiencing, what is the Federal noted, excluded the hundreds of noted in the report. government doing to ensure that thousands of youths who had been ordinary Nigerians benefit from the trained through other programmes. “The DMO publishes an annual re- new prosperity. He responded with The ITF DG, however, noted that the port on debt management activi- a catalogue of policies like making task of developing the needed skills ties, debt sustainability analysis, risk loans available to SME and ease of to support the country’s industrial- management and sub-national debt borrowing money by traders. “Pres- isation policy would only be made management ,amongst others. In ident Jonathan has put different easier with the continuous support addition, the DMO co-ordinates with committees and measures in place of government at all levels and the fiscal and monetary authorities at that will facilitate easy access to cap- goodwill of the organised private several levels, to provide input into ital to Nigerians in various sectors sector. the conduct of macroeconomic poli- possible” On the whole, the growing interest cy in Nigeria,” the Bank said of foreign investors in the Nigeri- The World Bank positive assessment

26 of a Nigeria is a wakeup call for Nige- rians to start to appreciate the effort of the government and the regulatory authorities that are piloting the structure of the as the policies being implemented are ultimately for the benefit of all.

Nigeria Moves up in UN eGovernment Development Ranking

Latest report from the United Na- tions’ eGovernment Development ranking shows that Nigeria has moved some steps up by 21 points to 141 out of 193 countries rated in the UN Global eGovernment Devel- opment Index for 2014. The recent ranking is an improvement from the past, where Nigeria was ranked 162 in 2012. Nigeria also ranked 97 in the eParticipation index, an improvement of 22 points. The upward movement of Nigeria in the 2014 ranking, had been attrib- uted to the progress being made by the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Communications Technology in enabling and promot- ing eGovernance in Nigeria. Analysts say the obvious reasons for the high ranking is because the ministry has embarked on initiatives to deploy ICT to drive transparency and efficiency in governance and public service delivery, which has helped in the improvement of Nigeria in the recent UN ranking. Transformation

The new face of Nigeria Customs Service

vice has used modern information last three weeks, Nigeria has

The remarkable operational trans- communication technology to make received plethora of international information measures implemented Nigeria accessible to both importers vestors from China, Switzerland, Ger- by the Nigeria Customs have made and exporters with the provision of many, Netherlands, Pakistan, Iran, the stress and tears of doing busi- adequate data through its portal”, Kenya and United States, who want ness in Nigeria a thing of the past. emphatically declaring that: “Nigeria to invest several million dollars in the country. . .” Ladies and gentlemen, This fact was revealed by the organ- he quipped, “Nigeria is on the move.” isation’s Comptroller-General, Dikko As if to confirm what theT rade Min- Abdullahi Inde, in a London Forum ister Aganga said, the Dangote Exec- “Business in Nigeria” organised by utive Director, Ahmed Mansur, told the Financial Times and Nigeria Cus- the investors from the experience of toms Service. Comproller-General Dangote Group of Companies that Inde enumerated the transforma- “doing business in Nigeria is quite tions that have been made to facil- challenging, but very rewarding”. itate the ease of doing business in Mansur was obviously referring to Nigeria. the inadequate power supply, security and infrastructures. But he ad- Heading the Nigeria delegation vised the forum “there are huge op- headed by the Minister of Industry, portunities in Nigeria for discerning Trade and Investment, Dr. investors. This has been our experi- Olusegun Aganga with top upper ence and it could be yours!” echelon of corporate Nigeria such as Abdullahi Dikko Inde the Executive Director of Dangote Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Services Nigeria Customs Service Group, Ahmed Mansur, Senior Direc- tor of Stallion Group, Tokunbo Aro- is ready for business”. The Customs New Measures for molaran, Chairman Sapid Holdings Chief went on to explain to the in- Trade Facilitation Ltd, Williams Nkemdirim, and heads ternational business audience the of government agencies including various new measures that have The creation of the Nigeria Trade Managing Director of Nigeria Export been put in place to make Nigeria Hub (NTH) introduces traders to in- Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Customs the best partner in doing ternational trade in Nigeria. NTH Gbenga Kuye, Director General Na- business in Nigeria. is an interactive portal to assist the tional Agency for Food and Drug Ad- importer and exporter with obtain- ministration and Control (NAFDAC), The Nigeria salesman Minister Agan- ing correct and timely Dr. Paul Botwev Orhii, National Presi- ga intimated the global investors information, which enables them to dent of Association of Nigerian with the efforts of theF ederal Gov- make decisions about doing busi- Licensed Customs Agents, Prince ernment of Nigeria in trade facilita- ness in Nigeria. It also provides Olayiwola Shittu, and a host of tion and making the country safe for the necessary details about all the others. business. To prove his point, Aganga Government Agencies that should told the business forum that “there is be liaised with in order to In the words of the Comproller-Gen- new Africa, a new Nigeria with eco- obtain the necessary permits and eral (CG), “the Nigeria Customs Ser- nomic transformation and just in the certificates that are needed to im-

28 port and export products tion, Regulatory Documents into or out of Nigeria. and Customs Procedures.

Based on the product and transac- ClassificationT ool: The HS Code Clas- Change tion type selected, the portal pro- sificationT ool assists and guides the vides potential investors with rele- importer or exporter with vant details including the regulatory accurate HS classification of their stakeholders of that particular prod- products to aid compliance. It fur- is uct and transaction type; documents ther provides all the necessary required, the tariff and guidelines information of cost of administering those docu- the Prohibition List and Taxes and coming ments, duties and tax payable, the Duties due. number of processing days and any controls/restrictions that might Document and Procedures Simula- apply. tion Tool: The Classification Tool is Once the decision is made to go linked to the Document and ahead with the import or export Procedures Simulation Tool which transaction, all selected details when fed the right HS codes from captured during the search are then the ClassificationT ool will transferred to the Nigeria National provide the Importer/Exporter Single Window, saving you the time the list of all certificates, permits and cost of rekeying all information. and documents that the Importer/ Exporter will need to start the pro- Contact Directory: The Nigeria Trade cess of importing/exporting into or out of Nigeria. It also provides the Importer/Exporter with the following information for the product selected: Vote Wisely »» Regulating agencies Vote Senator Iyiola Omisore For Osun State Gov »» The documents required »» The cost of applying and »» The time it takes to process Ahmmed Mansur the application. Executive Director of Dangote Groups

Hub (NTH) also provides you with Other Useful Tools include the CPC contact details of Code Directory, the Currency Con- organisations linked with trade in verter, the Duty and Payment Calcu- Nigeria and provides you with a lator and the link to the Single Win- searchable Contact Directory dow Registration Tool which is for which gives the details of all the pro- companies that want to register with cessing agencies and other Supervi- the Single Window to enable them sory Governmental Agencies apply online, 24/7 for all import and and Organisations related to trade in export related permits and certifi- Nigeria. cates from the relevant Government Agencies. Document Library: NTH provides a searchable Document Library of For further information contact: downloadable documents [email protected] relevant to trade in Nigeria, from Of- [email protected] ficial Publications to Legal Informa- +234 8100112600, 8100112500 29 Foreign Direct Investment

China outflanks Western investors in Kenya er upgrading, energy, and ports and airports. Auditing firm Deloitte esti- China has been quicker to finance two multibillion-dollar tenders in mates that China funds 17% of East Kenya in the construction industry to the anger of other international and lo- Africa’s construction and that they cal investors who have been slow to invest. In mid-May, Kenya’s State House build 19% of it. The trend is replicat- welcomed 500-strong Chinese delegation and a record 15 agreements were ed across the continent, and in 2013, signed between Nairobi and Beijing. Sino-African trade stood at $210bn, China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta according to Beijing, with this figure signed two infrastructure related deals worth a combined $4.5bn. The first projected to rise to $400bn by 2020. was a $3.8bn (KSh 332.5bn) financing for the standard-gauge railway that will However, China’s project manage- connect Kenya’s port city of Mombasa to Burundi’s capital Bujumbura through ment strategy has come under scru- Kampala, Kigali and Juba. The second was the finance of the $743m Strategic tiny because of a heavy reliance on Plan for Tana and Athi River Development Authority’s Grand Falls Multipur- Chinese labour and reluctance to pose Dam Project in Mwingi in Eastern Kenya. transfer technological knowledge to the locals. This has caused an outcry Both projects will help to revive the failing fortunes of the multibillion-dollar during the construction of the Thi- Lapsset (Lamu Port, South Sudan and Ethiopia Transport) corridor. Howev- ka superhighway, and the Chinese er, there has been concerns about China’s monopolistic control over Kenya’s company Wu Yi was forced to bring megaprojects. in some Kenyan manual workers.

The Lapsset Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) suggests that the project Disagreement like this highlighted will contribute between 8% to 10% of GDP once investors come on board, be- the growing antagonism between cause projects in poorly developed areas yield higher growth figures. local and Chinese developers, such The Lapsset financing agreements with China have been sealed in an era when as when Kenyan traders took to the China is effectively chasing deals across the country. T he State House in Kenya streets to protest the influx of Chi- says, about 50 Chinese companies have been contracted for 80 projects with a nese hawkers peddling cheap wares. value of $2bn in sectors including transport, housing, water processing, pow- 30

Finance: According to the African Develop- ment Bank (AfDB), there are 19 coun- Africa is much richer than you tries in Africa where the GDP base year is more than a decade old, and think at least 10 countries where it is much older still – the Democratic Repub- lic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea have base years that are 30 years old. None of these meets international standards for statistical accuracy, says the AfDB. It is easy to see how an African economy might end up seriously under- estimating the size of its economy – and that is without taking into account the informal economy, which is also largely invisible in the statistics. Africa’s national statistical offices are often underfunded and omists what the size and the struc- understaffed – in fact, in many countries you will be hard pressed to find Economics experts place so many ture of the economy was at a given out even whether there is a statisti- premium on statistics to work out if moment, and the new data for the cal office, let alone where it is and countries are growing or receding, latest year are compared to the pre- what it does. rich or poor, but just how accurate vious year and on back to the base are the GDP figures as measuring in- year to give figures for GDP growth The GDP data process in most de- dices? Ghana just revised its GDP fig- or GDP shrinkage as the case may be. veloped economies, where GDP ures and found out that it was much In some economies where statistical is estimated using three different richer than previously thought. And offices are well-funded and the data measures: the output measure (how Nigeria just discovered the same are usually up to date, the base year much is produced), the expenditure thing. Just how accurate then is GDP is continually updated and may be measure (how much is spent) and based on African statistics? no more than a year or two before the income measure (how much is In business economics, GDP is the the present. At a minimum, econo- earned). measure use to capture activities mists believe that the GDP statistics In theory all three measures should that are going on in an economy. should be rebased every five years come up with the same answer, but This includes everything that a na- (according to the IMF, this is interna- the three sets of data come in at dif- tion produces, all supposedly valued tional best practice). ferent times, so all three measures down to the last cent. The trouble are used to provide early quarterly is, GDP figures are in practical terms But in Africa the base year is often statistics as well as later and more also not very reliable. decades out of date. Based on survey evidence, the IMF believes that no accurate annual statistics. This became more apparent in 2010 more than seven countries (Burun- On the whole, the inaccuracies in when Ghana released its new esti- di, Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, Niger, calculating GDP have increased un- mates of GDP, and suddenly discov- Rwanda and Seychelles) rebase their certainty over the real size of African ered that, the Ghanaian economy GDP that often, and that most coun- economies. The drawback of it all is grew by over 60%. The reason for tries believe GDP is underestimated. that, it is widely agreed that compar- this is that that Ghanaian statisti- Just to make things more compli- ative data on the size of economies cians had revisited all their assump- cated, there may be more than one and the wealth of Africans cannot be tions about what kind of economy base year involved – another statisti- trusted until a standardised statis- had developed over the previous cal base is the ‘reference year’ which tical practice is adopted across the two decades, and found that they gives a baseline for the prices used continent. And until then, measuring were seriously out of date. in estimating GDP. But it is the base GDP will continue to be guess work. The rate of change in GDP is usu- year (or ‘benchmark year’) for GDP ally calculated with reference to a volumes that remain the most im- ‘base year’. The base year tells econ- portant.

32 Information Communication Technology

that was concluded in 2012, did the South America and Africa, which same in the sub region of the conti- currently have to travel via Europe Infrastructure nent. and North America first. Data traffic According to a 2013 report by Tera- costs should be slashed by as much bit Consulting, sub-Saharan Africa as 80% as a result of the connection. is being put in has witnessed the biggest growth in Antonio Nunes, chairman of Ango- undersea capacity in the world: com- la Cables confirms that, “It is a cable Place across pound average growth over the last that will have a lot of demand, main- five years has been 71%.I n contrast, ly because it will be the first under- Africa the figure is just 27% for the transat- sea cable in the South Atlantic link- lantic route. ing the two continents.”

The infrastructure that Africa’s Analysys Mason, another consulting Several African countries are taking ICT sector needs is steadily falling firm reports that investment in sub- a number of measures to improve into place as “Governments across marine cables in Africa has reached their ICT infrastructure. Kenya has emerging African markets are mod- $3.8bn, generating new capacity plans to roll out its broadband and ernising ICT infrastructure,” says of 24 Gbit/s while capital pumped wireless networks as part of its Con- Hagan from IDC. “Submarine cables into terrestrial networks has reached nected Kenya Master plan. The aim is such as Main One, Seacom, WACS, $8bn. Moreover, seven countries that by 2030 all sectors of the econ- Glo-1, and ACE have improved in- which were without submarine ca- omy will be 100% connected. The ternet penetration and adoption ble leading stations in 2010 now country also has plans to develop a dramatically. Improved connectivity have one at the very least. national cloud computing platform. and connectivity infrastructure in- Kenya is also committed to rolling vestments will continue to enhance Further improvements are on the out LTE in a $500m project. hardware, software and IT services horizon for Africa. A lot of the in- adoption.” terest focuses on connecting the Nigeria is also busy improving its Africa’s ICT infrastructure has trans- Lusophone African country Angola infrastructure. The government is formed dramatically over the last to Portuguese-speaking Brazil. Tele- pursuing the ambitious target of few years. In 2009, a Seacom un- bras, Brazil’s state-run telecommuni- quintupling internet broadband dersea cable linked up South Africa, cations firm, and Angola Cables will penetration by 2018. It is anticipat- Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya build the 6,000 km connection be- ed that 28 new base stations will be to international European and Asian tween Fortaleza in Brazil and Luanda in place by this year. Telecoms firms routes. A year later the Eastern Africa in Angola, aiming to finish construc- are believed to be pumping as much Submarine Cable System delivered tion this year. as $6bn into infrastructure over the better connection to East Africa, This will mean improved connection next few years. while the West African Cable System for data and phone calls between There is also progress in Ethiopia in 33 this regard. The government has just agreed a $700m deal with Chinese telecoms firm Huawei which will see the rolling out of 3G across the country and 4G in the capital city, Addis Ababa. The target is 56m customers by 2015. It is a massive breakthrough in a country where until now there has only been a single mobile operator – Ethio Telecom.

The arrival of 4G in Africa surprised many, when it emerged that Angolan firms were to benefit from 4G before their European counterparts, this is due to a $100m project by African GSM provider Movicel and Chinese mobile firm ZTE to bring 4G to the oil-rich Cabinda region and over a dozen urban areas.

Interest in integrating cloud computing into African ICT infrastructures is also building. Industry experts say. Improved fibre-optic cable access is enhancing connectivity services across Africa and is a definite factor in reducing the cost of doing business across various sectors. Easier and less costly access to the fibre infrastructure will drive adoption of connectivity services as well as investments in IT services.

However, finding a skilled workforce, which is also key to any ICT sector’s infrastructure, is an area which many African countries are struggling with. Even in South Africa, complaints that there is a shortage of skilled ICT labour are common. A recent survey by the South African ICT news site ITWeb found that two thirds of firms felt there was a lack of labour skilled in ICT.

Also, a report by Nigeria’s BusinessDay newspaper recently found that the ICT sector ranked third in terms of labour shortage in the country. It also found that ICT qualifications will be the second-most-sought-after qualifications in Nigeria after engineering.

A study by the University of Nairobi School of Com- puting and Informatics found earlier this year that the country’s ICT sector is suffering from a skills mismatch – a situation where ICT degree students are not learn- ing the right skills for the job market and firms are hir- ing ICT graduates with the wrong skill sets for their companies’ needs. It is hoped that Africa will intensify its efforts in building the human capacity.

News Analysis health and well-being, more peace and freedom, as well as humane and respectful treatment. All these make The Paradox of one a decent person.

So in Nigerian political context, a ‘Progressives’ in Progressive will be someone or a party that follows in the footsteps of late Chief Awolowo or late Mal- lam Aminu Kano regarding their Nigerian Politics philosophy of social justice and the actualisation of the idea of equal care for themselves alone. Such men opportunity regarding Awolowo’s The term ‘Progressive’ and who is a distrust the people and only wish to achievements in the old Western re- Progressive and who is not has be- keep them in perpetual state of pov- gion under the Action Group. come polarised in recent times. In erty and helplessness so as to con- the Nigerian context, the term Pro- tinue to exploit them for their own The ignorance and arrogance of gressive has become a buzz word benefit. some self-labelling politicians is that means everything and signifies sickening to ad neasum. It is either nothing. This calls for more than a As the difference is in passionate these elements do not understand cursory look at the politics of what belief and action, therefore, anyone the meaning of the term or they are is fast becoming a household termi- who fights fearlessly and effective- just being plain mischievous. It could nology in Nigerian political lexicon. ly against special privilege in any also be both. Hence, for all practical purposes, it is form is, to that extent, a Progressive, Some political and practical situa- imperative to shed light on the word while, everyone who, directly or indi- tions will help explain the paradox of progressive. rectly, upholds privilege and favours the so called ‘Progressives’: the special interests, whether he acts Firstly, a Progressive party in the wis- from evil motives or dull of mental With all due respect, late Chief Bola dom of Theodore Roosevelt is “the vision or lacking in social sympathy, Ige helped to write the party consti- party of the plain people, the party or whether he simply lacks interest tution and manifesto for All People’s of progress, the party of social and in the general good for the people is, Party (APP) and People’s Democratic industrial justice”. But then, who is to that extent, a Reactionary. Party (PDP) does this act now make a Progressive? The nomenclature him a reactionary or an un-progres- goes beyond vague self-thinking of A progressive leader will strive for sive person? oneself a Progressive without hav- social change and to secure prop- The Alliance for Democracy Party’s ing the faintest conception of what er living conditions for those who constitution and manifesto were a Progressive is. Both vision and in- dwell in the thickly crowded pover- written in Senator Iyiola Omisore’s tensity of conviction go to the make- ty-stricken areas to increase their ef- hotel room in Abuja and he sin- up of any one who is to lead the ficiency both in production on their gle-handedly paid for that party’s people-based forward movement. farms and in their daily enterprise registration. He is now the PDP Gu- Therefore, mildly good intentions and also to increase their opportu- bernatorial candidate for Osun, does will not suffice as substitutes. nities and give the best possible ex- this make him unprogressive? The essential difference between a pression to their social life. By logical Progressive and a Reactionary is as extrapolation, a reactionary leader The former Alliance for Democracy old as human civilisation. The differ- or politician, whatever may be his AD governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju ence is between the men who, with professions and no matter how ex- Bola Ahmed Tinubu achieved a lot fervour, broad sympathy and imagi- cellent his intentions are is one who during his eight years tenure as gov- nation, stand for the forward move- opposes social justice and takes no ernor of the state. Asiwaju has now ment and social justice, men who interest in the conditions, yearnings acquired wealth and properties be- stand for the upliftment and bet- and aspirations of ordinary people. yond his widest dream to the extent terment of mankind, men who have Generally, human beings want pro- that he has become the kingpin that faith in the people, and, on the other gress. We may disagree on certain some politicians pay tribute to. I pray hand, the men of narrow vision and social issues whether they constitute you, is he still a progressive person? small sympathy, who are not moved progress or not. But we all want bet- Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun by inequality and injustice, but only ter things, such as better food, better 36 state was once a senator under PDP, but as Gbenga Daniel, the then incumbent governor of the state frustrated him, he contested and became governor under AD. Was governor Amosun under PDP a reactionary and now APC a progressive? Governor Rotimi Amechi was a speaker under PDP in Rivers State for eight years before he became the governor. He has recently joined All People Congress APC. Does this make him a progressive?

Chief Ebenezer Babatope was a radical fire-spitting Director of Publicity and Research for Unity Party of Nigeria UPN under Awolowo. He is now a PDP member. Does that make him a reactionary?

The incumbent governor of the state of Osun Rauf Aregbesola is a self-professed socialist politician with a Marxist-like manifesto termed Six-Point Integral Ac- tion plan.

Yet his administration is awarding a road contract of N200million for N2billion per kilometre and a bridge for N27billion, disman- tling educational structure and destroying people’s houses and shops under the pretence of building infrastructure. Still, his wife’s associate business SAM & SARAH from Lagos state got the main contract for school uniforms in Osun, while his son Kabiru received billions of Naira for the ‘Opon Imo’ (tablet of knowledge) project. This begs the question: Is Aregbesola following Awolowo’s legacies or the teaching of the late Marxist teacher Comrade Ola Oni? Pray, is Aregbesola a progressive?

The crux of this piece is that when it comes to the issue of ideological difference, there is neither progressive nor reactionary in Nigerian politics of the twenty-first century.T he use of the word Progressive is a creation of the Nigerian media to build a false percep- tion in the minds of the public. Truth be told, there is no ideological difference between APC and PDP. The fact that Tinubu and Aregbesola are now lobbying former governor Oyinlola of Osun and some notable PDP members to boost their electoral chance betrays every disguise to progressive politics. The deception stops here, because essentially APC is PDP II.

By Taiwo Danjuma

37 Society

One continent, Two faces

the continent of billions of dollars Annan says. This Africa Progress Panel (APP) every year. report has brought out the con- Annan also describes the plunder- tradiction in the Africa’s econom- The 2014 report, titled Grain, Fish, ing of Africa resources in fisheries ic growth on one hand and per- Money – financing Africa’sG reen and timber with aid of internation- sisting grinding poverty. It sets out and Blue Revolutions, presents in al financial chicanery as “organised to discover. The annual Africa words, infographics and charts what theft disguised as commerce” which Progress Panel (APP) panel report most of us observe on a daily basis is robbing the continent of billions has now become an indispensable in Africa – the two faces of the conti- of dollars every year. African lead- report card on how the continent nent. On the one hand, we have very ers have not helped in this matter: is really faring. It looks beyond the robust African economic growth; on “African political leaders have failed headlines and ask the difficult ques- the other, we have poverty levels to manage natural resources in the tion: why the continent’s growth has that have hardly shifted. interests of the true owners of those so far failed to pull the majority out resources – the African people,” An- of poverty? The report observes that This is Africa’s current conundrum, nan says. the solution is within the continent’s as expressed by Annan during the grasp and that, indeed, its current launch of the report: “After more And yet, the report says, Africa can weaknesses could become its great- than a decade of growth, there is turn all this around and fairly rapid- est strengths. plenty to celebrate,” he said. “But it ly. Its current weaknesses could, in is time to ask why so much growth fact, become its strengths. Take ag- This year’s report, which was has done so little to lift people out of riculture for example: Africa’s output launched during the World Econom- poverty – and why so much of Afri- is the lowest and most inefficient ic Forum on Africa in Abuja, Nigeria ca’s resource wealth is squandered in the world – some of the cultiva- in May by the chairman of the panel, through corrupt practices and un- tion techniques are hundreds, if not Kofi Annan is the work of the team scrupulous investment activities.” thousands, of years out of date. Yet which is based in Geneva but links That, in a nutshell encapsulates the solution is there in plain sight – up with some of the best research Africa’s dilemma. what the report calls a ‘uniquely Afri- institutions, such as the African Cen- Despite Africa’s spectacular growth can Green Revolution’, which will not tre for Economic Transformation in and its enormous potential, why is only provide sufficient food for all of Ghana to collect data and process it. poverty actually increasing? “The an- the continent’s population but could It is believed that, natural resource swer is that inequality is weakening also feed a good part of the world in plunder, combined with interna- the link between economic growth the coming years. Africa is the only tional financial chicanery, is robbing and improvements in wellbeing,” region in the world that still has vast

38 tracts of uncultivated arable land. The report sets the scene when it states: “International commentators tend to focus on the outward signs of success. The growth of gross domestic product (GDP), surging ex- ports, rising foreign investment and the emergence of equity markets are easy to measure – and they point to a region of opportunity.

Yet there is another face of Africa. This is the face of a woman farmer struggling to raise yields. It is the face of children denied the chance to realise their potential through education. And it is the face of a generation of young people who have a right to demand and expect more from their governments.”

However, the report says that an increasing number of African countries are moving towards middle-income status. According to the report “In 2006, 13 countries in the region were categorised as middle income – that is, with per capita gross national income (GNI) between $906 and $11,115, as calculated by the World Bank Atlas. Today, the figure has climbed to 21.2. According to the World Bank, another 10 countries could attain middle-income status by 2025 if current growth trends continue. Excluding South Africa, growth in sub-Saharan Africa reached almost 6% in 2013 – second only to the performance of East Asia.”

FDI inflows have increased steadily – with the exception of 2009, when the global financial crisis was at its peak. “Other private flows have also increased, with a number of governments issuing sovereign bonds. While the natural resources sector is the primary recipient,” the report says, “services and manufacturing have also emerged as a magnet for FDI. Around one third of FDI in 2012 was directed to domestic markets rather than the extractives sector.”

The report says that economic governance has improved considerably over the past decade and monetary policy has helped to reduce inflation over the past two years. O“ nly one” country that benefited from debt relief before 2007 – The Gambia – is categorised by the IMF as facing a high risk of a return to debt distress. The regional fiscal deficit is 2.7% of GDP, albeit with some large variations.” Another example is Rwanda where from 2006–2011, household consumption in Rwan- da grew at 3% per annum, but the incidence of poverty fell by 12%. Growth in household consumption accounted for 8.5% of the reduction, with a decrease in inequality adding another 3.5%. “The success of both Ethiopia and Rwanda can be traced in no small measure to the role of agriculture,” the report concludes. “Poverty reduction and redistribution in Rwanda were fuelled by a spectacular increase in yields of cereals (by 73%) and roots and tubers (52% ) from 2006–2011.”

This shows that, agriculture is a powerful engine for reducing poverty and inequality if governments invest in it. Economies that have sustained high growth over the long term have typically gone through a process of economic diversification, the spread of new technologies, rising productivity in agriculture, the expansion of the manufacturing sector, and the development of a skilled workforce, the report points out. So far in Africa, there has been a lot of growth but little structural transformation. The APP’s central theme is that Africa needs not just growth but an economic transformation, with agriculture playing a central role. A good deal of the rest of the report is dedicated to how Africa can base its industrialisation and other transformative strategies on agriculture. The wealth of its oceans, its natural resources including forestry, its population, its working-age youth and the dynamism of its people are all other factors that can enable Africa to cross over the tipping point and enter its next phase of sustained growth, which will include improved wellbeing of its majority – the es- sence of all economic policy

41 Media and Culture

pers have themselves moved from Digital Threat To print to offering online news content either for free or per subscrip- Africa’s Print tion, while others offer their titles on mobile devices like tablet com- Media puters, smartphones and eReaders. But, the limited access to internet Newspaper circulations have been in Africa means that the continent’s falling for some time now in the ad- newspapers are still protected from vanced industrialised countries of the spread of internet technology Europe and United States, because and there is not yet a serious chal- of the emergence of internet tech- lenge to their business model and nology that makes instant media on they can still continue to generate the web possible and access-free. revenue through advertising. This begs the question, why pay money for yesterday’s news when Aside from being a valuable source you can follow events in real time and free of charge? of income, advertising helps the newspaper industry to be indepen- The effects of this are that newspa- dent of the state and freer to per- pers are not only losing readers to form their functions as the third the electronic media, advertisers, estate which acts as observer and who are the backbone of news- critic of society and government. paper’s revenue have also discov- Nonetheless, newspapers have not ered that their business have more been completely insulated it from chance to reach a much more world- accusations of bias and venality. No wide audience. doubt, a financially independent press will be less likely to have to This trend in the use of internet has cave in to political pressure. Afri- led some newspaper companies to can press should continue to strive save cost by shrinking their circula- for this independence for as long as tion area. Unsurprisingly, newspa- it lasts.