N396.5bn Multilateral Fund for New Development Bank as FG Applies for CBN's Licence Ndubuisi Francis in by the last administration, in the development of the real the issuance of its operating outstanding issues and set a World Bank, KfW (German is being congured as a sector. licence from the apex bank. target of 2017 for its take-off," Development Bank), the The federal government has wholesale development The Federal Ministry of "The DBN, was conceived a statement by the ministry's African Development Bank formally applied to the Central institution, designed to provide Finance yesterday conrmed in 2014. However, its take-off Director of Information, Mr. (AfDB) and the Agence Bank of (CBN) for an Micro, Small and Medium the completion of the had been fraught with delays. Salisu Na'Inna Dambatta, said. Française de Development operational licence to oat the Enterprises (MSMEs) with recruitment exercise for the The President Muhammadu The DBN will have access (French Development Agency). proposed Development Bank lower interests and longer executive management team Buhari's administration to $1.3 billion (N396.5 The emerging bank, the of Nigeria (DBN). tenor loans, which have been of the DBN, adding that it inherited the project with a billion), which has been The DBN, initiated in 2014 considered the missing links had also formally applied for determination to resolve all jointly provided by the Continued on page ˆ

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Southern Kaduna: Religion Will Kill Nigeria If..., Warns Soyinka Osinbajo laments government’s inability to bring bigots to justice James Emejo in Abuja in Nigeria, religion will kill us,” he said emphatically at Nobel Laureate, Professor the launch of a book, Religion Wole Soyinka, yesterday and the Making of Nigeria, by warned Nigeria against the Prof. Ayo Vaughan, in Abuja, dangers of religion bigotry, adding: “Many Nigerians have saying the country could not paid the ultimate price because step forward to its manifest of religion and religion is now destiny unless the growing embedded in our society.” fanatical approach to issues Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of faith was moderated. “If we do not tame religion Continued on page ˆ Executive, Legislature’s Disagreement over Closure of Abuja Airport Deepens Buhari submits lists of ambassadors, drops Mamora Omololu Ogunmade and Abuja. Damilola Oyedele in Abuja Although the Senate had on Tuesday advised against A showdown between the the proposed closure, the executive and the legislative Minister of State for Aviation, arms of the federal government Mr. Hadi Sirika, told the upper appears imminent over the legislative chamber yesterday proposed six weeks closure that the executive would be for repairs of the Nnamidi Azikiwe International Airport, Continued on page ˆ STRATEGISING FOR THE NEW YEAR... Slain Soldiers in Renewed Boko L-R: General Counsel/Head Legal Regulation, Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms. Tinuade Awe; Chief Executive Officer(NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; and Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology (NSE), Mr. Ade Bajomo, at the Nigeria Stock Haram A‹acks for Burial Today..Page  Exchange ‰Š‹Œ Recap and ‰Š‹Ž Outlook held in Lagos ...yesterday    FRIDAY JANUARY ,   THISDAY THISDAY FRIDAY JANUARY ,     FRIDAY JANUARY ,   THISDAY THISDAY FRIDAY JANUARY ,     FRIDAY JANUARY ,   THISDAY THISDAY FRIDAY JANUARY ,    FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 • THISDAY PAGE EIGHT EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE'S DISAGREEMENT OVER CLOSURE OF ABUJA AIRPORT DEEPENS unable to take its advice to explaining that while the way can only accommodate the minister was asked to go at 5.30am," she said. Several lawmakers opposed explore alternative ways of entire runway is being used, smaller aircraft. back and consult members of Adedoyin further argued the motion, particularly effecting the needed repairs there have been several cases He said if the option was the NSE, consider the option that the re-routing of air lawmakers from at airport without shutting of pilots overshooting the adopted, the effects would be of constructing a second travellers through Kaduna such as Hon. Muhammed it down. runway. He said the situation disastrous. Sirika, therefore, runway, come up with the would subject them to Garba Datti, and Hon. The House of would be worse if only half said it was the consensus of cost of logistics during the danger of armed robberies, Chanchangi. Representatives on its part of it would be available for consultants engaged by the repair and return to the Senate kidnappings and other sundry Hon. Adams Jagaba was, however, divided over use because it could lead to ministry and other ministry Tuesday with results. crimes along the Kaduna - (Kaduna APC) said Abuja the issue, opting to invite accidents. of cials that closing the Abuja Highway. airport ranked among the Sirika to come and make Sirika who disclosed that airport was the best option House of Reps Her position was backed worst in the world, and that further clari cations on the the project would cost N5.8 for now. by Hon. Daniel Reyeneiju the planned rehabilitation matter. billion with the exclusion of According to him, the Divided (Delta PDP), who said to would elevate its status. Sirika, who was the cost of logistics, added runway had failed beyond rehabilitate a runway was "There is no international accompanied to the that the logistics would management, pointing out The House of Representatives not 'rocket science', but disgrace more than the chamber by the Minister of involve the provision of that it had initially been was, however, sharply divided an exercise that could be potholes on what we call a Transportation, Mr. Rotimi buses and helicopters to designed to last for 20 yesterday over the matter. executed at speci c hours. runway...there is no alternative Amaechi, told the senators convey passengers from the years in 1982, noting that The lawmakers, therefore, Hon. Hassan Saleh (Benue than Kaduna, Kaduna is a that among all options Abuja Airport to Kaduna and it is only being considered summoned the Minister of APC) opined that there was shorter distance than Minna," available for adoption for vice versa at the cost of the for repair now 14 years after State, Aviation, Senator Hadi an ulterior motive to the he argued. the repair, closure was the government. the expiration of its lifespan. Sirika and his team to appear position of the executive. Hon. Aminu Suleiman most viable. The minister who also He explained that the before the House Committee "There is more to relocating (Kano APC) said the Federal Although Federal legislators disclosed that the government total closure had therefore on Aviation, to provide airlines to Kaduna than just Government could not have have been very critical of of President Goodluck become imminent in view convincing argument on why resurfacing the runway. Even arrived at its decision without the proposed closure of Jonathan had in 2015, of several accidents which there are no alternatives to local contractors like Julius consulting experts. the airport, arguing that it approved N1.2 billion for the had happened on the the complete closure of the Berger can handle it," he said. He added that the elites would bring untold hardship repair of the runway without runway, some of which he airport. Hon. Ayo Omidiran (Osun are opposed to the closure to air travellers, they would, considering total closure, said said involved international The resolution followed a APC) who is a member of of the airport because they however, be unable to stop after integrity test was carried airlines such as the Air France. motion sponsored by Hon. the Committee on Aviation, do not want to be subjected the executive from going out by this administration, the He also rejected the option Olufunke Adedoyin (Kwara disclosed that she was part to the rigours of road travels. ahead with its plan since the government found that the of engaging multiple number APC) who called for a halt of the stakeholders' meeting "The problem is that people decision is the prerogative N1.2 billion earlier voted for of contractors to hasten the to the planned closure, and organised by the ministry do not want to travel by road of the latter. the project by the immediate execution of the work and consideration of alternative recently. to Kaduna. But airports are Amaechi later left the past government would no ensure faster delivery, arguing methods to carrying out the "It is painful that the shut down for days when chamber without making longer be suf cient to execute that doing so would only be renovation. stakeholders were not carried aviation workers go on strike. any submission. Sirika also it. more risky and cumbersome. "There exists new along in the decision making God forbid we are part of a disclosed that whereas the He also said another option However, the senators technologies that can be process, and right there at the decision that could lead to runway would be shut for available was to use the taxi reminded the minister of applied in such a way that meeting, they expressed their a disaster," he said. only six weeks, the entire way which he said would the rejection of the planned the repair works can be discontent with the decision. Referring the matter to the airport would be shut for involve only the closure of the closure of the airport by the undertaken at night, over the Some of the representatives Aviation Committee following six months. airport in the night. However, Nigeria Society of Engineers six weeks period while the of the NSE (Nigerian Society a voice vote, Speaker Yakubu According to Sirika, the he said the option could not (NSE), a body of professionals airport remains in operation of Engineers) said they know Dogara urged that some option of repairing a part also be explored because it is and experts which they felt during the day time given how it can be done without pertinent questions be raised. of the runway while using the entire runway that needs should know better. that the earlier scheduled closing the airport, "Omidiran the other, was not explored, to be repaired while the taxi Against this background, ights into the airport arrive said. Continued on page 

SOUTHERN KADUNA: RELIGION WILL KILL NIGERIA IF..., WARNS SOYINKA who was also at the event was inducing trauma and money to the killers rst for or Christians are in the team. and manner in which the Muslim heroes and heroines. spoke along the same lines, anxiety instead of solace them to stop the killing.” When you are sick, nobody northern ruling class continues “Would anybody take over lamenting the endemic inability that it claimed it could give, He said it was no longer asks about the religion of the to use religion as a cover to a school built by Muslims in of the law enforcement arms explaining that religion had enough for religious leaders doctor. We only ask about perpetuate and subjugate Nigeria and turn it into either of government to bring the become an ironic product of to simply condemn violence competencies.” the people, the problem will St. Thomas or St. Margaret?” perpetrators of religious human inadequacy. perpetrated by their followers. The vice president said persist. he queried. violence to justice. “There is a monster always “What, however, concerns religion had been a veritable "We may never prosecute The reviewer of the book, “Very few people have waiting to pounce on innocent the rest of us no matter the tool in forging educational anybody for killing in the Prof. Bolanle Awe, expressed been prosecuted for religious Nigerians under the name of internal wrangling, rivalries development of Nigeria but name of religion precisely concern that the two imported violence but none has ever religion,” Soyinka said. or controversies within any that “the manipulation of because we have been unable world religions have been been brought to conclusion; The Nobel laureate decried religion, is that the innocent religion by the elites has led to separate criminality from mostly unfavourable to the why are such cases never the handling of killing of are often those who pay to the problem that we are religion.” cause of women. concluded? Too many cases over 800 citizens in Southern the highest price. The non- facing. Nigerian elite will use Kukah said it had been “Among the Christians, the of high pro le murders that are Kaduna by both Governor adherents to one line of belief religion when it is convenient impossible to prosecute Christian colonisers did not not concluded in this country,” Nasir el-Rufai and President or another. and at other times they may anybody for religious violence prepare the women for any the vice president said. . Soyinka noted that religion use ethnicity or some other because of the feeling that active and positive participation Soyinka, who spoke against He decried the admission in the history of Africa “has form of identi cation." people could kill in the name in the development of Nigeria,” the background of the recent by el-Rufai that he paid killers been a disastrous venture, a According to him: "It is that of religion. she said. killings in Southern Kaduna of Southern Kaduna people disaster in many zones and frequent use of religion for According to him: “The Awe said women were that had continued to fuel to stop the carnage. continues to be even so today.” manipulative tendencies that dangerous crimes that have provided education by the mutual mistrust among the He said: "What astonished Also, the Vice President, has led to our predicament. been associated with religion Christian colonial government diverse ethnic and religious me was not the admission Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who And this is because we always in any part of the north primarily to make them ‘good groups in the country, said by the governor but the spoke at the event, lamented discuss the issues after conicts have never been a result of wives,’ good hostesses and given the depth of the astonishment of others at the country's inability to where lives are lost and it theological differences or good monuments of society. disharmony religion had such governmental response prosecute perpetrators of thus make such discussions disputation. It has always According to her, women caused among Nigerians, it to atrocity. There was nothing religious violence and other emotive. been about economic. were not trained to participate had become necessary for new about it. Has appeasement high pro le murder cases in “Identi cation leads to “In Zango Kataf, it was the in the higher echelon of government to encourage a to religious forces not become the country. advancement and so the elites siting of a market, while in government administration, more in-depth knowledge of a Nigerian face of justice and The vice president who report to religious and ethnic Bauchi, it was about someone adding that in northern religion that should be taught equity? First lethargy and then described the issue of federal manipulation.” being accused of using pork Nigeria, where Islam in ’s schools. appeasement. Wasn’t Boko character as a hypocritical tool Catholic Bishop of as suya. None of the conicts predominates, the situation of “I would canvass for Haram’s Muhammed Yusuf in the hands of the elite in Diocese, Mathew Hassan started in the church or women could be described as religious studies but not the a bene ciary of appeasement peddling inuence observed Kukah in his contributions mosque. They are largely worse, saying they were not study of religion,” he said, in a similar fashion? that at critical times, they forget lamented that religion about economic opportunities.” to be heard and even seen. adding: “The innocent ones “If you ask why General religion and ethnicity. had been used mainly for The cleric noted that are the ones who often pay Buhari did not act fast enough “National character is manipulating the people by the book has offered an the ultimate price in religious when these events take place, very hypocritical. When we northern elites. opportunity to think more crisis. Even as religious which degrade us as human are playing football, we all He said: “Unless we get clearly because “in northern leaders cannot denounce the beings, well it is perhaps he clamour for the best legs round to de ning what Nigeria, schools that were built murdering acts of religion.” has been waiting for the because we want to win. We constitutes religion and in by the Catholics in Kaduna TOP GAINERS NGN NGN  He regretted that religion governor of that state to send don’t ask how many Muslims this particular case, the way have now been given names of LIVESTOCK . . . UBA . . . N.BN MULTILATERAL FUND FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK AS FG APPLIES FOR CBN'S LICENCE CAPHOTEL . . . statement added, is also businesses de ned by size and will provide loans to all sectors 48.47 percent to the Gross improvements, and acquire MAYBAKER . . . nalising agreements with not by sectors," the statement of the economy including Domestic Products (GDP) equipment or supplies." DIAMONDBANK . . . the European Investment said. manufacturing, services of Nigeria but have access "As the economy diversi es, TOP LOSERS NGN NGN  Bank (EIB). The clari cation on the and other industries not to only about 5 per cent of the growth of the MSME NASCON . . . It also clari ed that the status of the DBN may currently served by existing lending from Deposit Money sector will have a positive FORTEOIL .  . . operations of the DBN would have become necessary in development banks thereby Banks (DMBs)," the statement impact on the economy FIDSON . . . not in any way result in the view of the recent position lling an important gap in noted. through employment UPDC . . . elimination of the Bank of of the management of BoI, the provision of nance to It added that "the inux of generation, wealth creation Industry (BOI), Bank of which kicked against the Micro, Small and Medium additional capital from the and economic growth. PZ CUSSONS .  . . Agriculture (BOA) or any Senate bill seeking to create Enterprises (MSMEs). DBN will lower borrowing "In fact, the recruitment HPE Nestle Nig Plc N. other existing development a fresh development bank, "As a wholesale bank, the rates and the longer tenor exercise for the DBN has Volume: .  million shares nance institution (DFI). National Development Bank DBN will lend wholesale to of the loans, will provide been nalised and a total Value: N .  billion "The operations of the DBN of Nigeria (NDBN), saying micro nance banks, which the required exibility in of $1.3 billion would soon Deals: , is clearly distinct from other the move was anti-people. will on-lend medium to the management of cash be released for the take-off of development banks as it is According to the statement long-term loans to MSMEs. ows, giving businesses the the institution," the statement As at yesterday / /  focused on supporting small from the ministry: "The DBN The MSMEs contribute about opportunity to make capital stressed See details on Page THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY ,  STARTERS Slain Soldiers in Renewed Boko Two-Minute Briefi ng NEWS

Again, Buhari to Travel to Gambia to  

NEWS FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • T H I S DAY News Editor Persuade Jammeh to Step Down Email Davidson Iriekpen Again, Buhari to Travel to [email protected], to Persuade Jammeh to Step Down  Haram Attacks for Burial Today President Muhammadu Buhari will Meets service chiefs President orders armyNo decision to commence yet on security deployment exercise of force in Southern in The Gambia Kaduna wants Nigeria to offer asylum to Gambian president travel to Banjul, the capital of The Tobi Soniyi, Damilola Oyedele and Paul Obi be accompanied by Governors Abuja in House Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto StateOur military is already engaged in and of , President Muhammadu Buhari will the North-east, in the Niger Deltawere discussed and we were able the Ministers of Foreign Affairs,and now in Southern Kaduna. So travel to Banjul, the capital of TheInterior and Defence. to come to conclusion on almoststill all pursuing all its operations in let us be guided,” Dogara advised.the crises that are going on across Gambia, and Bamako, the MalianMeanwhile, ahead of the the North-east, South-south and Hon. Sam Onuigbu (Abia the country. The Southern Kaduna, intervention by ECOWAS to be capital from today, January 13 toECOWAS mediation meeting South-eastern parts of the country.spearheaded by Nigeria should the 14, 2017. PDP) said the offer is a cheaper the Niger Delta issues and other Gambia, and Bamako, the Malian capital today with President Buhari, and safer option, as Nigerians are Asked about the progress reportoutgoing President Jammeh failed The Special Adviser to the the House of Representatives major crisis areas were discussedfrom Sambisa, Buratai said: “We well invested in Gambia. and resolutions were passed. to relinquish power after losing in President on Media and Publicity,yesterday urged president to are continuing our operations inlast year presidential polls. Mr. Femi Adesina, who announced “We did a similar thing in Liberia,“Like I said, in the Southern provide an offer of asylum in that area, Lafiya Dole mandate According to Director of Army this yesterday via a statement said and today Liberia is being celebratedKaduna, we have our troops being Nigeria to President Jammeh asas a growing democracy. We all and the troops are still moving Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani while in Banjul, Buhari, as the a way to boost mediation into the moved and they have already takenall over the area.” know if there is trouble, Nigeriaplaces, operation is going on and I Usman, there was no iota of truth Mediator in The Gambia, wouldcurrent presidential conundrum On whether he had received inany such statement. meet with President Yahya Jammeh would be required to intervene,”believe that very soon it will come threatening to cause unrest in thehe said. new directive from the president,He said: The attention of the of The Gambia and the President- to an end.” the COAS said. from today, January ‡ˆ to ‡‰, Š‹‡Œ. coastal committee. The Minister for Defence, has been drawn Asked whether the meeting elect, Adama Barrow, to continueThe resolution followed the On deployment of troops to to a publication by online news dialogue on the political situation Mansur Dan-Ali, has said therediscussed is The Gambia issue, the adoption of a motion sponsoredno decision yet on whether Nigeria Kaduna, he said “Our troops areorganisation’ indicating the in the West African country. by Hon. Sani Zorro (Jigawa APC) minister said “That is not a nationalalready in Southern Kaduna. We will deploy forces to The Gambiaissue and I believe the ECOWAS readiness of Nigerian Army to The statement said Buhari who said such open offer would have our special forces operatingattack Gambia with the intention would be joined by President should President Jammeh refusesare working on that, we have not strengthen the hands of the to step down on January 19 when there along with all other security“to remove Jammeh.” Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberiamediators. and reached any conclusion on that.”agencies and we intend also to his mandate would have expired.Also speaking, the Chief of Usman added: “This is not Chairperson of the Authority of “Grant him asylum, and his have an exercise very soon in true. Consequently, Nigerian Economic Community Community Dan-Ali made this disclosure Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Tukur The Special Adviser to the President on family, if that would restore peaceyesterday while briefing State House Southern Kaduna to cover someArmy wishes to disassociate itself of West African States (ECOWAS) Buratai, said the president had to The Gambia, if that is what itCorrespondents after a lengthy parts of Plateau and indeed partfrom such false information that Heads of State and Government,would take, then Nigeria should ordered the commencement of ofan . security meeting he and servicea r m y e x e r c i s e c o d e - n a m e d ‘ K u n a m a exists only in the figment of the President Ernest Koroma of Sierrabe ready for it,” Zorro said. Also, in a move to douse tension,imagination of the medium. There Leone, and the immediate past chiefs had with the president atII’ the in Southern Kaduna in order The Chairman of the CommitteePresidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja. the Nigerian Army, has said it was no time or place Nigerian President of Ghana, John Mahama,on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nnenna to bolster the security situation notin planning to attack any foreign The minister said that the that axis. Army disclosed such information who is the co-meditator of The Elendu Ukeje, said the motion is in country, neither the Republic ofto the medium. Gambian mission. meeting deliberated on the securityBuratai explained that the exercise line with Nigeria’s foreign policysituation in the country. Gambia, where President Buhari “If there is any, we challenge Adesina said Buhari would would cover parts of Plateau andis expected in the West African Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, objectives. He said: “Major security issue them to name the officer or soldier Kano States. travel to Bamako later on JanuaryNigeria would be required to nation today. that gave them such information He added that the army was 13 to participate in the 27th intervene and solve whatever The clarification came amid and when. For the avoidance of Africa–France Summit. problems arise from the impasses, speculations of a possible militarydoubt, Nigerian Army is not The summit for Partnership, Ukeje said, adding that creating a planning to attack any country. Peace and Emergence convenedsoft landing through asylum, may by French President Francois provide an alternative. Hollande is aimed at strengthening“If it comes to this, so that The who announced this yesterday via a cooperation between France andGambia does not degenerate into African countries in the areas another unstable African country,” of peace and security, economicshe said. partnership and development. Some lawmakers opposed the Recognising the role played motion on grounds that the offer by France in the successes so farwould send a wrong signal to recorded in the implementationdictators with sit-tight syndrome. of the regional initiative against The Speaker of the House, statement said while in Banjul, Buhari, asterrorism, Adesina said BuhariYakubu Dogara, however urged would reaffirm Nigeria’s such lawmakers to critically examine commitment to global efforts ontheir position, noting that the offer the war against terror and underlineof asylum to Jammeh does not the need for improved collaborationindicate support for dictatorship. to address the menace of terrorism“If it is put before him and he in the region. rejects it, fine, but it will clear that He said Buhari would use thethe people of Nigeria, through the the Mediator in The Gambia... Page  opportunity of the summit to parliament offered such.” underscore the efforts government“If crises erupts in that country was making to improve Nigeria’sand refugees spill over, can we business environment to attracthandle it while also dealing with our more foreign direct investment. UNITED WE STAND IDPs? If it comes to confrontation,R-L: Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Minister of Mines and Solid Mineral Development, ; his counterpart for Adesina said the president wouldNigeria will be required to put Finance,boots Kemi Adeosun; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; former Governor of , Niyi Adebayo; former Governor of , on the ground. Can we afford that?; former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Leader, (fifth left) and others during the APC South-west stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan....yesterday T H I S DAY We will • FRIDAY, Rescue JANUARY 13, 2017 Chibok Girls in Captivity, President Assures Malala

Olawale Ajimotokan Abuja in written to Buhari by Malala on January 6, for female education,negotiations, President Muhammadu Buharireminding has government of need to assured United Nations’ Special Part of the letter read: “Rest He also assured Malala of ensure the safe and speedy returnassured, however, of the Envoy for Global Education, Malalaof the other missing girls as part government’s desire to take in recent times will attest to the  Yousafzai, of federal government’s doggedness, commitment and over the responsibility for the of activities to mark the 1,000 dayssincerity of the Federal Government fact that their reintegration backhumanity.’’ to unrelenting efforts to ensure theof the kidnap of the girls. education, personal and professionalthe society is progressing well. The of Nigeria towards ensuring theaspirations of the 21 Chibok girls Malala, the co-founder of the safe return of the remaining ChibokB u h a r i a s s u r e d M a l a l a o f s u s t a i n e d federal government believes that safe return of the Chibok girls, thatand were released in October last EDITORIALMalala Fund, was in 2012 shot and girls still held by insurgentT group,negotiations to free the remaining it is not too late for the girls to goleft unconscious by the Taliban for HE indeed all others still in captivity.’’ Boko Haram. G year for the rest of their life, sayingback to school, and everything Chibok schoolgirls byRUESOME Nigerian spearheading the human rights The president further recalledthat that in tune with his vow that Boko The assurance was containedThe military, securityin state securityagencies service andshould sharpen their investigative skillswill be and done apprehend to ensure that they advocacythe killers for education of Anthony and for Okeyim a letter signed on Buhari’s behalf the valiant act of Nigerian troops DHaram would not be considered the other security agencies. fighting the Islamic insurgent group EATH continue the pursuit of their women in north-west of Pakistan, on January 10, 2017, by Minister defeated without the rescue Oof thestudies,’’ he assured. The statement, however, saidin their North-east bastion resulted F against the order of the Taliban, Chibok girls and all other innocent A C of Information and Culture,tudents Lai andBuhari staff would of notCommand divulge the Second- details Buhari commended MalalaOLONEL which had banned the girls from EDITORIAL Mohammed. in the capture of Sambisa forest,persons the still taken hostage by the of ongoing negotiations to securelast stronghold of the Boko Haram for her un inching disposition attending schools. It was in response toary a letterSchool, Ibadan, recently awoke to a insurgency group. the release of the girls to Malalaelements, who kidnapped the girls towards the release of the rest Her gallantry attracted gruesomedue sight: to the sensitivethe bloody nature remains of the of ‘’They are being given of the girls in captivity and from their school dormitories incomprehensive medical, nutritional international attention which the commandant of their school, ChibokCol. in April 2014. those who have regained their prompted the United Nations and psychological care and support,freedom, adding: ‘’There is no Anthony Okeyim, who had his throat and anyone who has seen them from all indications,to appoint the her a investigative Special Envoy strategies often The Gruesome Death of a Colonel slit by suspected assassins. Okeyim better example ofadopted the fact that by thefor Global police Education in the pastin addition were not effective we are all linked by our common who was recently promoted to the rank enough to unearthto her being the conferment criminals. with a Nobel Prize. decorated wasof reportedly Brigadier-General attacked andin front waiting of his to of- be That perhaps explains why we have a long list of ficial quarter by some criminals. “It is a pity that that unresolved murders across the nation – from Dele S Giwa, former chief executive of maga- such a gentleman, who was committed to his duty as a military officer and school commandant could zine, Chief Bola Ige, former Attorney General of the Students and staff of Command be killed in a gruesome manner inside a military Federation and Minister of Justice to many uncount- formation,” said a friend of the deceased. “There are able ones of late. The killing of Col. Okeyim is yet posts mounted by infantry soldiers from the gate of another one in the myriad of security challenges the school and visitors are not allowed except if you besetting the nation. We therefore enjoin the security have a genuine mission there.” Adekunle Ajisebutu, agencies to sharpen their strategies and fish out those spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command said, responsible for this most heinous crime. Secondary School, Ibadan, recently “We are treating it as a case of suspected murder.” That a senior military officer could have his n the past, deaths of military officers like Okeyim life snuffed out easily by assailants is yet another had led to immediate reprisal attacks from the evidence of the worsening insecurity in the country. military, most often directed at wrong targets. Happily, this has not happened. But certainly, Iwe cannot continue with this situation of mindless DAILY, THE INCIDENCE Indeed, it is a further killings of innocent men and women, whose perpe- OF MURDER AND OTHER indication of how THISDAY trators roam our streets fully confident that the long awoke to a gruesome sight: the EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU ACCOMPANYING CRIMESmuch more unsafe DEPUTY EDITORS BOlAJI ADEBIYI, JOsEph UshIGIAlE arm of the law has no chance of apprehending them. ordinary Nigerians MANAGING DIRECTOR LIKE KIDNAPPING, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOlA BEllO There is little doubt criminals are becoming more

ARMED ROBBERY AND have become. If CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD KAYODE KOMOlAFE audacious in the country. Daily, the incidence of the life of the com- EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL OlUsEGUN ADENIYI BANDITRY ARE ON THE IYOBOsA UWUGIAREN murder and other accompanying crimes like kidnap- RISE mandant of a military ping, armed robbery and banditry are on the rise. Yet school could be taken the security forces have been less than able to deal bloody remains of the commandant so easily, what is the with these crimes that have put the citizenry on the and staff of the school? fate of the students THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED edge. Their encouragement comes not only from the While we commiserate with the family of the late EDITOR„IN„CHIEF/CHAIRMAN GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS lucrative nature of their anti-social acts but also from colonel and the Nigerian Army, if ever any wake-up NDUKA OBAIGBENA IsRAEl IWEGBU, EMMANUEl ENIOlA EFENI, BEllO, IJEOMA KAYODE NWOGWUGWU KOMOlAFE, the fact that they are getting away with their crimes. call is needed, this is it. This murder case, like many GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR before it, raises serious posers. Suspicions are rife that DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS OlUFEMI ABOROWA Therefore, President Muhammadu Buhari, who pETER IWEGBU, FIDElIs ElEMA, something was amiss, particularly given the circum- MBAYIlAN ANDOAKA, ANThONY OGEDENGBE rode to power on the back of the citizens’ discontent DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR with his predecessor’s handling of the national of their school, Col. Anthony Okeyim, stances of Okeyim’s demise in relatively secure and OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI of their school, Col. Anthony Okeyim, SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS security challenge must rise to the occasion by gated premises. Who killed the colonel, and why? CONTROLLERS hENRY NWAChOKOR, ERIC sAhEED OJEh ADEYEMO Intelligence is vital in criminal investigations. And ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UChENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOsERI moving firmly against the rising crime wave. Obvi- GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUhI ously, the prevailing internal security architecture is GROUP HEAD FEMI TOlUFAshE ART DIRECTOR inadequate to tackle this growing menace of killing at DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION OChI OGBUAKU II will. The way to go is for government to deploy all in TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] ChUKs ONWUDINJO who had his throat slit by suspected Le€ers to the Editor its arsenal to make this and all other forms of crime in our country an unprofitable endeavour.

Leers in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (-­ words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such leers along with their contactTO OUR details READERS to opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-wrien and should also not be longer than (†-  words). They should be sent to [email protected] assassins. Page • [email protected] . We also welcome comments and LAGOS along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. ne of the hallmarks of good governance is continuity A ND in policies, programmes and projects, especially those THE BEAUTY that are progressive and developmental. Political grow as the baton of leadership and authority passedOF from Tinubu to ideologies that are favourable to the growth and Fashola and now to Ambode. CONTINUITY development of the people and the society are built Subsequent governments have continued to work within the frame also helping to advance the course of good governance. government takesand over established and continues on the wherestructures the previousof continuity stopped. as one work of the Lagos Development Master Plan for a mega city since O 1999. Lagos State has since enjoyed the dividends of the master Presently, Governor Ambode is diligently working and consolidating Therefore, continuity ensures effective resource management. This on all the achievements of his predecessors and he is setting new pace not only encourages development, growth and productivity, it also plan while also blessed and endowed with visionary and proactive and also breaking new grounds. As at now, plans are on to construct promotes the execution and completion of capital projects that are leadership. For instance, the immediate past governor, Mr. Babatunde an International Airport in Free Trade Zone as well as two deep usually abandoned by subsequent governments who discard the Fashola (SAN), working with the master plan, consolidated on the seaports in the Badagry and Epe axis. This will, no doubt, improve the ideologies of the previous government as they take up new ones. This achievements of his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he embarked commercial viability of the state and engender further development. has continued to be a source of wastage of public fund on abandoned on vigorous infrastructure development projects across the state. This is Massive urban renewal projects are equally ongoing and the face of projects. According to statistics, there are thousands of abandoned evident in the light rail project which he started and which the current Lagos is fast changing with places like Ojodu Berger, Oworonshoki, projects in Nigeria. administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has continued to creatively Ketu, Ojota, Mile 12 and so forth being the better for it. The nancial Continuity is not just about a particular political party being in improve on. This is the beauty of continuity as Lagosians are now prudence of the incumbent administration in the state has helped to power over a long period. Rather, it about the ability of a government certain that the light rail project is a reality and there is no fear of it ensure that the state regularly meets up with its nancial responsibili to have unity of purpose, focus and clear cut direction. It is about being abandoned. ties across board. That all this is taking place in a recessional economy subsequent governments operating within and upon the same This was made possible because there is a genuine unity of purpose speaks volume of the great work that past and present leaders of the ideology and political principle which are ultimately bene cial to the and agenda which breeds accountability. Past and present leaders in - state have done to build a strong and economically viable state. people. the state have been able to deliver on their mandates as they measure The state is gradually being weaned from depending or waiting on Lagos State represents a shining example of the dividends of their performances against the backdrop of their unanimous vision the federal government for nancial allocation, a point that has been continuity in governance as it has enjoyed and is still experiencing tre and purpose and also gauge the pulse of the people for feedbacks on proven once by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 when former mendous growth and development which makes it a leading economictheir performance through their various medium of feedbacks such as President Obasanjo refused to release Lagos State Local Governments’ POLITICS and industrial hub in the country. In the current political dispensation,the Town Hall meeting, community interaction programmes, among - allocation. Through sheer administrative, nancial and economic prow the foundation for Lagos’ current political and economic developmentothers. ess, the state government was able to meet its nancial responsibilities was laid by the then administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu The effectiveness of the Lagos Master Plan dating back to 1999 to the 20 local government councils and 37 local council development which actually set the pace and put in place the development templateis particularly reinforced through the establishment of trail-blazing areas, without any nancial support from the then federal government.- which subsequent governments in the state have continued to build agencies such as the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, It is noteworthy to say that the ground work and foundation for the on. The legacy of good governance enshrined in the state continues to Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Traf c Management The Intrigues and Politics of Ndume’s Authority, Bus Rapid Transport Scheme, KAI, Citizen Mediation Lagos that we now enjoy was laid at that trying time in the political Centre, just to mention a few. Through these agencies, lots of jobs havehistory of the state, and a legacy of good governance, true leadership, been created for Lagosians and revenues generated for the state while exemplary service and sacri ce was established. All these are truly the T H I S DAY beauty of continuity in a democracy. • FRIDAY, JANUARY ,  Temilade Aruya, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Removal Lagos

POLITICS  Group Politics Editor Olawale Olaleye Until his sudden ouster on Tuesday as Email [email protected]  ­€€ P E R S O N A L I T Y F O C U S SMS ONLY The Intrigues and Politics of Ndume’s Removal the Senate Leader in a seem- ing palace The sudden removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate Leader on Tuesday is the latest of protracted intrigues that had rocked the upper parliamentary chamber since 2015. Omololu Ogunmade coup, Senator Ali Ndume, enjoyed the writes ntil his sudden ouster on Tuesday as the Senate Leader in a seem- ing palace coup, Senator Ali Ndume, enjoyed the aura and beauty of the of ce. Though he carried himselfsimple with and consciousness very accessible, of the According to Senate’s spokesman, Sabi Abdul exaltedU of ce in his daily transactions. His love lahi, the Senate had consequently rejected Magu aura and beauty of the office. Though and admiration for the of ce were visible to and advised President Muhammadu Buhari - all but he did little or nothing to protect it. to send another candidate as his replacement. He had believed that with his popularity However, while the news of Magu’s rejection among his colleagues, to sustain the of ce was was yet generating controversy in the polity, automatic. However, his removal without any Ndume announced at the Presidential Villa that prior notice on Tuesday must have taught him a Magu had not been rejected. He emphasised bitter lesson in history that in Nigerian politics, that Magu could not be rejected in a closed-door no condition is permanent. session of the Senate, where the decision was simple and very accessible, he carried Ndume had rejected several calls by his party, taken. the All Progressives Congress (APC), to yield Ndume also dismissed Senate’s call for the the of ce to Senator , who was resignation and prosecution of the Secretary to APC’s anointed candidate for the of ce of Senate the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir President prior to the emergence of Senator David Lawal, over alleged mismanagement of on June 9, 2015. Lawan eventually internally displaced persons (IDPs) funds in emerged as his replacement on Tuesday. the North-east. The APC which was bitter about the emergence The Senate therefore considered a situation himself with consciousness of the of Saraki in 2015, had in its bid to put the pains where its leader whom it felt was duty bound of his emergence against its wish behind it, to protect the sanctity of its resolutions became wrote the Senate president to concede the of ces the one allegedly twisting it as embarrassing. of Senate Leader and Deputy Senate Leader This prompted Abdullahi to brief the press the to Lawan and . The party had following day where he af rmed that Magu’s positioned Akume to be Lawan’s deputy at rejection was the Senate’s of cial position and the height of the race for Senate President’s there was no going back on it. of ce in 2015. Second, THISDAY also gathered yesterday exalted office in his daily transactions. Ndume...caught in crossfire that the Senate found Ndume’s removal this But despite the party’s letter to Saraki on the matter, he proceeded to announce Ndume time to be appropriate in view of the recent as Senate Leader and Bala Ibn Na’Allah as his portunists, who rode on President Muhammadu rapprochement between the Senate leadership, deputy because the Senate caucus decided so. Buhari and APC’s popularity in 2015 to win the APC and the Presidency. The development exacerbated the hostility of election, explaining that he had as a matter Ndume with Lawan as its new leader. But Ndume had emerged against the wish of the party and the presidency towards Saraki of fact, consistently won election since 1999 the intrigue was how an APC caucus meeting the party, which had in June last year, recom as they had thought that having expressed and would continue to win because of his was held without the knowledge of its leader, mended the nomination of Lawan as Senate His love and admiration for the office their preparedness to accept Saraki as the popularity among his people. who ordinarily should convene it. Leader following his loss to Saraki in the race- Senate President, he should have also been There were also other interventions by In the letter, entitled: “Notice of Change in to Senate Presidency on June 9, 2016. magnanimous enough to accede to the party’s prominent personalities including the Speaker Leadership,” APC senators said: “This is to But instead of abiding by the party’s deci request. of the House of Representatives but all was inform Your Excellency and the Senate that sion, Saraki announced Ndume as the Senate The aftermath of the matter was a case soon to no avail. after several meetings held on Monday, 9th of Leader following his recommendation by the- instituted against him at the Code of Conduct Ndume was not only excited by his status as January, 2017, and upon due deliberation and North-east caucus of APC to which the of ce Tribunal (CCT), where he was accused of false Senate Leader, he had once told his colleagues consultation, the APC Caucus of the Senate, had been zoned. Saraki said he could not alter assets declaration in his days as the Governor during a plenary that he still desired to be Senatehereby wishes to notify you of the change in the decision of his colleagues who had chosen were visible to all but he did little or of in 2003. Till date, the matter President. However, this excitement came to the leadership of the Senate – that the new Ndume for the of ce and rejected Lawan by is still on-going in CCT, although there are an end on Tuesday when in a seeming palace Senate Leader is now Senator Ahmad Lawan, 13 to 3 votes. beliefs that in view of the recent rapprochementcoup, he was replaced by Lawan as the new representing Yobe North Senatorial District. The situation was seen by the party as an between Saraki and the party leadership, the Senate Leader without any notice. Kindly accept our esteem regards and best affront on it by Saraki whom it had accused of matter may be struck out very soon. Ndume who had earlier led Senate proceedingsassurances.” rst emerging as Senate president against its At the height of Saraki’s trial at the CCT, he prior to his sudden removal on that fateful It was learnt that following the decision to wish and later failed to accede to its request was offered a soft landing. The arrangement day, left the chamber to pray in the National replace Ndume, Ekweremadu and the Chief to concede Senate Leaders’ of ce to Lawan. was that he should ask Ndume and Na’Allah Assembly mosque, but on his way out, he was Whip, Senator , had been This generated bad blood between him, the nothing to protect it. Page ‡ to step down and replace them with the party’s confronted with the news of his removal while assigned by their colleagues to advise him Presidency and party leadership. choices, Lawan and Akume. plenary had also been adjourned. to resign ahead of the announcement. There Ndume would later tell an online medium While Na’Allah was said to have agreed The removal came as a rude shock to him. Butwere claims that when they wanted to tell that he was removed because he opposed the to step down, Ndume in his characteristic the action was the offshoot of a letter written him, he was nowhere to be found. rejection of Magu through an unparliamentary love for the of ce, rejected the offer, saying by APC caucus and read by Saraki, informing There were also insinuations that he might norm. According to him, he had insisted that he was popularly elected by his colleagues him of a meeting it held on Monday, January have left the chamber because of fore knowledgecon rmation or rejection was not done in an in the North-east caucus of APC by 13 votes 9, where it claimed to have agreed to replace of the plan to advise him to resign. But his executive session but in the open where the against Lawan’s three. The of ce was zoned traducers would not be deterred by his non- nominee will have the opportunity to defend to North-east. He therefore insisted that he availability as they were determined to get rid himself. He said it was this insistence that pitted would resist the pressure to dump his colleagues’ of him, thus prompting the announcement of some of his colleagues against him, leading mandate on the altar of political solution. his replacement before the end of the plenary to his ouster. At the height of the move was a meeting Ndume who had earlier led on Tuesday. While formally reacting to his removal on the held with Ndume at the Presidential Villa in It was learnt that Ndume was removed for oor of the Senate on Wednesday, Ndume said late 2015 by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate proceedings prior to two main reasons. First, he was accused of he did not become Senate leader because he was the APC National Chairman, John Odigie- his sudden removal on that bringing the Senate into disrepute through a better than any other senator but rather by the Oyegun, where he was advised to step down series of behaviour and utterances which senatorscon dence reposed in him by his colleagues. for peace to reign both in the Senate and the fateful day, left the chamberconsidered embarrassing to the institution. Nevertheless, he expressed reservation on the party. But Ndume reportedly called Osinbajo to pray in the National Prominent of such perceived embarrassing way he was removed, observing that if the and Odigie-Oyegun’s bluff and did not mince acts which eventually consumed him was the tradition of the Senate as a national institution words to tell the highly placed men that he Assembly mosque, but interview he granted State House correspondentswas not preserved, the next victim of procedural was disappointed by their action. on his way out, he was in the Presidential Villa on December 19, 2016 breach could be Ekweremadu himself, who Ndume was said to have told them that where he debunked Senate’s earlier of cial presided over that day’s plenary. whereas they claimed to be democrats, they confronted with the news ofposition which had rejected the con rmation Ndume who said he got a list containing 38 had the audacity to persuade him to jettison his removal while plenary of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chair senators who signed the list for his removal, the mandate popularly given to him by his man of the Economic and Financial Crimes noted that the situation only implied that 38 colleagues to serve as their leader. He further had also been adjourned… Commission (EFCC) on December 15 last year.- of his colleagues had lost con dence in him WEEKENDFILE told them not to think he was one of the op Whereas the Senate had announced on adding that even if they were only 10, the The removal came as a rude December 15 that in view of damning security trend still meant that he had lost the moral - shock to him report against Magu, it had resolved in its ground to remain in that of ce. However, he closed-door session not to con rm Magu as insisted that he was sure that he had done the EFCC boss. nothing wrong to warrant such a sudden loss of con dence which culminated in his Ademofe: The Trumpet Expresses My WEEKLY PULLOUT removal.

TR UT Thoughts Be€ er H & REASON Tell us about yourself. ActingWEEKEND Features Editor: Charles Ajunwa Email: [email protected] My name is Victor Ademofe and I am ERAVE | P COLLAGE | P the second child in the family of three. I THISLIFE | P FILE Chief of Army Staff , Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai am from Ifon in . ADEMOFE: THE TRUMPET EXPRESSES What inspires you into music? MY THOUGHTS BETTER Olawale Olaleye While details of the attack was not at the Cinki Gundu attack joined the My inspiration is first and foremost clear, THISDAY learnt that the troops army sometime last year. from God. As a musicologist, I am One of cer and seven soldiers, who on the ground had immediately sent Asked what the problem of the equipped and trained to pick out were killed in both Sunday and for Alpha Jet for support as well as Nigerian military was in containing sounds around me. Page Ž‡ Tuesday attacks by the Boko Haram support by troops from Baga, to help the threat posed by the Boko Haram sect in Cinki Gundu and Old Marte, contain the re power by the terrorist terrorists, the source said it was both

T H I S DAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13,   both on the outskirts of Maiduguri, group. The attack was still ongoing in of personnel and ammunition. He BUSINESS Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku  BUSINESS WORLD Email [email protected] R A T E SACTING A S A T D E C EDITOR E M B E R ,  , CHARLES  AJUNWA / [email protected] the evening of yesterday whilst this claimed there were not enough men NIBOR capital, have been slated OVERNIGHT NIBOR „.„†¢  ­€‚ƒ„ -MONTH -MONTH NITTY .¢ .„¢ FGLosesN. bn Foreign Airlines BASA -MONTH -MONTH .†¢ -MONTH .  ¢ -MONTH EXCHANGE RATE -MONTH . †¢ ƒ.†¢ report was also being put together. on the ground to contain Boko Haram -MONTH N314.77//1US DOLLAR* for burial today in Maiduguri. . ¢ . ¢  -MONTH Remi€ ances .†¢ *AS AT LAST FRIDAY Thisday had reported exclusively Second Lieutenant Ba Umar, Corporal members, who were usually in their Quick Takes Arik Spends N .B on Jet A Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air spent a total of over N . on aviation The federal government may have fuel, known as Jet A in  . THISDAY investigations revealed that in January the airline spent N , ƒ„,  ƒ, „ .† for a total of ƒ, „,  ƒ litres of Jet A by major suppliers Total Nigeria Plc, Cleanserve and Conoil. In February the airline expended N ,  , , . yesterday the invasion of Cinki Gundu Idowu Shoneyin and four other young thousands, and also argued that while on ƒ, „, „ litres of the product and suppliers were So Aviation, MRS Plc, Conoil and Total Nigeria Plc.In March the airline spent Nƒ, †, „. † for ƒ, , ƒ litres of aviation fuel and the products were supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Conoil and Total Nigeria Plc. lost over N‰ˆ.‰’ billion (”‡‰‰ million) Also in April, Arik bought ƒ, ƒ,  litres of aviation fuel at the cost of N , ƒ, †, ƒ. ƒ and suppliers were So Aviation, MRS Plc, Conoil and Total Nigeria Plc. In May the airline expended the sum of and Old Mata by the terrorists who soldiers were killed in the Sunday the terrorists came with sophisticated N ,, , . † on the purchase of ƒ, ƒ„, „ litres of aviation fuel supplied by MRS Plc and Total Nigeria Plc. The airline spent N , , „„, „ . for ƒ,  , „ litres of Jet A supplied by MRS Plc, Total and Conoil.In July when aviation scarcity got worse, Arik was remittances paid by international POSITIVE MARKET OUTLOOK able to buy „, †,  litres of Jet A for N , †,  , †. and L – R : Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Pai Gamde; General Counsel & Head, was supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. Regulation,Tinuade Awe; Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Onyema, and Executive Director, Market Operations & Technology, AdeoluThe nation’s major carrier also purchased ƒ, ƒ,  at the cost of killed an of cer and seven soldiers attack in Cinki Gundu, while two weapons, the Nigerian military mostly Bajomo, at the ‹ŒŽ‘ capital market review and ‹ŒŽ’ outlook by the NSE in Lagos…recently N , „, ƒ†, † ƒ.  in August supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. In September the airline spent a total of N ,  ,†ƒ,  . „ for , †,   litres of aviation fuel supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. Arik purchased a total of „, ƒ,   litres of aviation fuel in October at the cost of airlines as reciprocity charges in the FG Loses N43. 48bn Foreign N , „, ƒ , „ƒ.† supplied by So Aviation, Mrs Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. In November Arik purchased „, , † litres of other soldiers died from the Old had to deal with AK47. aviation fuel at the cost of N ,  , „, ƒ. from So Aviation, in both attacks. Airlines BASA Remittances MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil and in December the airline purchased ,  , ƒ litres of fuel at the cost of N , †† , ƒ, ƒ†. . Chinedu Eze Emirates Introduces Special Fares The federal government may AVIATION Emirates, voted the World’s Best Airline in the   Skytrax World Bilateral Air Service Agreement parastatals. Airline Awards, is offering Nigerian travellers special Economy Class have lost over N43.48 billion and Business Class return airfares to a range of exciting destinations ($144 million) remittances THISDAYA learnt that the introduce slot allocation as an Marte attack on Tuesday. The eighth “The problem is of two: personnel other aviation development. then Ministry of Aviation across its global network. The airline said those wanting to visit family Although the Theatre Commander, paid by international airlines alternative and which would These funds used to be in the or friends, or see and experience a new and exciting destination, as reciprocity charges in the scrapped the payments in have yielded more revenues custody of the defunct Nigeria response to the request of can take advantage of this limited time offer by booking between Bilateral Air Service AgreementAirways Limited (NAL) before to government. (BASA) from 2014 to the end of the International Air Transport ƒth January and „th January  . Travel must take place between it was liquidated. While Nigeria had since thJanuary and th June  . Emirates said Economy Class fares 2016 due to the decision of the Association (IATA), which scrapped the payment of However, the federal from Lagos to Dubai for example start from —„, to Beirut from (BASA) from Š‹‡‰... Page ƒ Ministry of Transport to stop indicated that its member royalties, other countries still government has just been airlines should stop paying — and to Manchester from —ƒ , while return Business Class collecting the charges without allowing these foreign airlines collect same from airlines that Operation La ya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky person would later die from injuries and ammunition. You will see in our providing alternative payment royalties to nations. fares to Dubai starts from —,„ƒ, to Beirut from —„„ and to to operate freely to Nigeria and operate to their cities. platform for the airlines. It was gathered that mostly Manchester from —ƒƒ†. Special fares to a number of other selected at the same time government The source said that the destinations are also available. Economy Class fares from Lagos These are royalty payments European carriers campaigned decision was self-serving and allots multidesignations to the to Delhi starts from —ƒ , to Chennai from —ƒ†, to Mumbai from for the frequencies operated for the abrogation of payment was never done in the interest foreign carriers thus stiing theof royalties through IATA and —ƒ†, to Bangkok from —ƒ†ƒ, London Heathrow from —ƒ „, to by the foreign airlines from market for the local airlines. of the country. Nigeria to destinations where while other countries were still Guangzhou from —ƒ, to Kuala-Lumpur from — , , New York Industry stakeholders said Rather, some airlines — , , Houston from — , , Beijing from — , †, Shanghai from — , †, there are no corresponding reci- studying the request, Nigeria might have massaged the  such accruals could have been and Singapore from — ,† . While return Business Class fares to sustained in Old Marte attack. locations, very few soldiers to ght procity from Nigerian airlines. hastily adopted the policy. As aparochial interests of of cials Irabor, had denied the incidents as used to upgrade and rebuild Delhi starts from —,, to Chennai from —,„, to Mumbai from The payments are calculated result, over 30 foreign carriers in the Ministry of Aviation the nation’s navigational aids, —, , to Bangkok from —†, „, to London Heathrow from —†, †, per passenger and over the that operate into Nigeria do notto quickly adopt the policy provide air eld lighting at the Guangzhou from —†, †, to Kuala-Lumpur from —†,„ ,to New York years millions of dollars have pay royalties to government. which deadline had not been country’s many airports or used from — ,ƒ, to Beijing from —†, †, to Shanghai from —†, †, and accrued to Nigeria, which According to authoritative given and might not be given to support aviation agencies source from the Ministry of Singapore from —†,ƒƒ†. were used for airport and and reduce the huge charges in the nearest possible time,” T H I S DAY CITY Transport, the ministry, which a source said. • FRIDAY, JANUARY ,  domestic carriersSTRINGS pay to the quickly spearheaded the scrap- Airbus Deliveries Rise  “total falsehood,” Thisday sources They have all been slated for thousands of Boko Haram members. “Since the scrapping of ping of BASA funds did not Airbus posted an eight per cent rise in deliveries last year, beating Trade Facilitation: Nigerian Businesses, Others to Save $1trnits own forecasts by aActing comfortable Features margin to set Editor a company record, Continued on page 20 and pulled off a last-minute surge in orders to beat arch-rival Charles Boe- Ajunwa Eromosele Abiodun ing in the race for new orders.ConfirmingEmail [email protected] an estimate published by Reuters, the European plane maker said on Wednesday it delivered Nigerian businesses andStemming oth- ECONOMY the Hawking„„ aircraž in  , compared with an official companyMenace forecast of New Zealand, Togo, Thailand, more than  and a goal set by its finance director of more than . burial today in Maiduguri, being They will also come with superior re ers around the world stand to the Executive Secretary of the had insisted the attack took place. the European Union (on behalf Deliveries rebounded at the year-end ažer problems in the supply gain about $1 trillion annually Nigerian Shippers’ Council Uruguay, Bahrain, Bangladesh, CITYSTRINGS if Nigerian rati es the World of its 28 member states), the chain.Airbus plane making president Fabrice Bregier told a news the Philippines, Iceland, Moved(NSC), Hassan by Bello.the plight of young girls and boys whoconference heare expected forced more than  into deliveries hawking in  , but without by their Trade Organisation (WTO) former Yugoslav Republic of Chile, Swaziland, Dominica, On the contrary, Nigeria’s the last-minute frenzy seen last year due to problems in receiving Trade Facilitation Agreement Macedonia, Pakistan, Panama. Mongolia, Gabon, the Kyrgyz parentsWest African and rival, Ghanaguardians, an NGO, the Obi Ikenchukwuengines and cabin equipment. Foundation has picked up (TFA). Others are: Guyana, Côte Republic, and Canada. has rati ed the agreement d’Ivoire, Grenada, Saint Lucia, The TFA will enter into force Concluded at the WTO’s 2013 the and challenge recently submitted itsto addressKenya, Myanmar, this Norway, menace Viet that exposes teenagers to abuses, reports Stemming the Hawking Menace once two-thirds of the WTO instrument of acceptance to Bali Ministerial Conference, the operational base of the Armed power and we only have just the AK47 Nam, Brunei Darussalam, Unfortunately, while the burial membership has formally the WTO. the TFA contains provisions accepted the agreement.Ugo Aliogo Ukraine, Zambia, Lesotho, for expediting the movement, In addition to Ghana, the Georgia, Seychelles, Jamaica, Nigeria is yet to ratify the following WTO members release and clearance of goods, TFA despite promises made Mali, Cambodia, Paraguay, including goods in transit. It have also accepted the TFA: Turkey, Brazil, Macao China, Multiple entries for foreign carriers is by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hong Kong China, Singapore, also sets out measures for the WTO, Ademola Adejumo. the United Arab Emirates, effective cooperation between not the best for our industry. We must the United States, Mauritius, Samoa, India, the Russian have to revisit our policy on foreign Adejumo last year promised Malaysia, Japan, Australia, customs and other appropriate On March ‡Š, Š‹‡¥, Sarah Ibikunle was Federation, Montenegro, airlines plans were being concluded, the news Forces. to confront them. That is ghting from that the agreement would authorities on trade facilitation Botswana, Trinidad and To- Albania, Kazakhstan, Sri be rati ed when he led a bago, the Republic of Korea, and customs compliance issues. delegation from the World Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, It further contains provisions Nicaragua, Niger, Belize, Madagascar, the Republic Bank on a courtesy visit to Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, for technical assistance and of Moldova, El Salvador, capacity building in this area. China, Liechtenstein, Lao PDR, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Speci cally, if rati ed and Arabia, Afghanistan, Senegal, came in of another attack by the Boko Umar was the most senior personnel the point of disadvantage,” he said. killed by a stray bullet in the Lekki- Former Chairman of Aviation Round Table, Continued on page 20 Haram sect in Kangaruwa, an outskirt among the deceased, while Shoneyin, However, not much had been heard Phase ‡ arm robbery attack. She died Captain Dele Ore of Maiduguri, after Mallam Fatori, who was of the 53 Task Force Battalion of the attack in Kangaruwa. Although while hawking fish, an activity which where the late Col. Abu Ali was killed. was a corporal. Shoneyin had served the military had called for help which she did daily after school hours to The location, the THISDAY source at 81 Division in Lagos before he was was said to be on the way as at press raise money to support her aunty. said, was in 119 battalion under the moved to the 53 Task Force Battalion. time, other vital details were not yet Founder, Obi Ikenchukwu Foundation, Princess Genevieve Ikenchukwu, flanked by students during the  OIF seminar/cocktail party in Lagos n March 12, 2015, Sarah Page  Ibikunle was killed by a thinking of how to put a meal on their table stray bullet in the Lekki- and to get a place to lay their heads. Most Phase 1 arm robbery attack. hawkers are breadwinners in their families, on the dangers their children are faced with She died while hawking sh, therefore the family survival depends on regarding the danger of hawking. an activity which she did daily after school hours to raise money the daily income they realise. Most female “Most parents who put their children on not assisting us as much as we want but toO support her aunty. Her death has left a hawkers in their teens are sexually exploited the street to hawk are not aware of the we are still hoping that when they see the Two of the other soldiers who died established. permanent scar in the heart of her family. in exchange for money, in the process they 8 Task Force Division in Monguno. dangers it poses to the safety of the child. usefulness of this in the future they will On the ipside, it has cut short the dreams lose their virginity. Poverty also plays a major role as well. When render us their support in addressing it. of the 15-year-old teenage girl to become Ikenchukwu commended government government should start to address certain “The OIF carries on the legacy of the a lawyer. Many teenage hawkers have lost efforts, but noted that there is need for issues in the society, which will prevent late Obi Ikenchukwu by being a voice for their lives through incidents that may be government to step up its efforts, adding poor families from sending their children the orphanages and vulnerable females, akin to Ibikunle’s story or even more serious that it is necessary that parents are educated to hawk,” she noted. especially those under-age abused girls. We situations. For many of these hawkers, the She explained that when the needed do this through advocacy, empowerment business is not fun, judging from the horrors support has been provided to parents initiatives, annual seminars and workshops. and dangers they go through in order to and they are still engaging their wards This year’s (2016) theme on child hawking eke out a living daily. in street hawking, then government can is of serious concern to our nation. When the founder of the Obi Ikenchukwu The drive of OIF was to prosecute those involved, stressing that “It is my intention to work with the Foundation (OIF), Princess Genevieve bring the public and privateas a foundation, they are addressing the various state government agencies in order Ikenchukwu told this story at the 2016 OIF issue through advocacy on behalf of the to curb and manage this menace to the seminar/cocktail party, the audience were sectors under one umbrella children involved. barest minimum. To this end, the foundation moved with pity for the deceased girl and with a strong commitment The OIF founder added that: “We speak has come with another campaign slogan the bereaved family, but that was not the not just to government, but also corporate called ‘Off the Street Into the Classroom,’ intention OIF was focused at achieving with to curb hawking among organisations and individuals who can assist the idea is to take these kids off the street the story. The drive of OIF was to bring them and I think the government too because and educate them.” the public and private sectors under one children of school ages. the work falls back to the government. I also In her remarks, the Lagos State Commis- umbrella with a strong commitment to curb Some do not have access to think it is a huge responsibility on them, sioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lola Akande, INTERNATIONALhawking among children of school  ages. decent housing, medicare, so as a foundation we have taken up the said hawking should not be viewed as a Some do not have access to decent housing, task upon ourselves to nd out ways as means of livelihood because of the numer- EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE'S DISAGREEMENT OVER CLOSURE OF ABUJA AIRPORT DEEPENS medicare, clothing and balanced diet, due to clothing and balanced to how these children can be helped and ous dangers the hawkers are subjected to their meagre incomes. They start each day diet, due to their meagre educate them by picking them up from the which includes rape, abduction, accidents street and bringing them to the classroom. and even death. incomes “We are not getting any support from She lamented that the economic situation Trump Top Nominees Pompeo and Ma€ is government, but unfortunately we are in the country has caused FRIDAYsome parents JANUARY to ,  INTERNATIONALcollaborating with them, though they are send their wards on the streets to hawk in order to source additional revenue for • T H I S DAY the family, stating that some parents will email:[email protected] WORLD OF ISLAM Trump Top Nominees Pompeo Warn of Russia Threat Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email [email protected] "Is it possible for us to repair the Bugaje and Tallen had earlier rejected Nuhu Bamalli (Kaduna), Deborah Iliya and Mattis Warn of Russia Threat President-elect Donald Trump’s The Amazing Quran – 2 nominees for defence secretary nations. and spy chief have been talking Gary Miller/IslamiCity “I think right now the most (continued from last week) tough on Russia. career military officer to serve as important thing is that we recognisesecretary of defence in more than following example. President-elect Donald Trump’s General James Mattis, defencethe reality of what we deal with Scientific Approach to the Quran secretary nominee, warned NATO 50 years. runway without closing the airport? their appointments. But the president (Kaduna), Prof. D. Abdulkadir (Kano), with Mr Putin and we recognise But the committee will have Embryology was under its biggest attack sincethat he is trying to break the North truly scienti c approach to the Quran World War Two, including from to approve an exception to a Atlantic Alliance and that we takerule which says former military is possible because the Quran offers A few years ago, a group of men in Riyadh, Moscow. something that is not offered by other the steps, the integrated steps, staff must spend a minimum of Saudi Arabia collected all of the verses in the Mike Pompeo, Mr Trump’s diplomatic, economic, military religious scriptures, in particular, and Quran which discuss embryology – the growth pick to lead the CIA, said Russia seven years out of of ce before other religions, in general. It is what and the Alliance steps, workingthey can run the Pentagon. scientistsA demand. Today there are many people of the human being in the womb. They said, posed a threat in Europe and was “Here is what the Quran says. Is it the truth?”In with our allies to defend ourselvesMr Pompeo, Mr Trump’s who have ideas and theories about how the universe nominees for defence secretary and “asserting itself aggressively” in works. These people are all over the place, but theessence, they took the advice of the Quran: “Ask where we must,” he told the Senate If we must close the airport, are there retained a former Supreme Court Judge, Haruna Ungogo (Kano), Justice lsa Ukraine. choice for CIA director, faced the men who know.” They chose, as it happened, scienti c community does not even bother to listen Armed Services Committee. questions over the president- The pair were among several to them. This is because within the last century a non-Muslim who is a professor of embryology “I think it’s under the biggestelect’s growing rift with the at the University of Toronto. His name is Keith cabinet choices facing confirmationattack since World War II, sir, and the scienti c community has demanded a test of hearings. US intelligence community. falsi cation. They say, “If you have theory, do notMoore, and he is the author of textbooks on that’s from Russia, from terroristHe said he had “every con - embryology – a world expert on the subject. Mr Mattis, a retired general and bother us with it unless you bring with that theory a groups and with what China is dence” in the US intelligence way for us to prove whether you are wrong or not.”They invited him to Riyadh and said, “This is Mr Trump’s pick for Pentagon doingchief, in the South China Sea.” what the Quran says about your subject. Is it said Russian President Vladimir services. Such a test was exactly why the scienti c community spy chief have been talking tough If confirmed, Mr Mattis, Their assessment that state- listened to Einstein towards the beginning of the true? What can you tell us?” better alternatives than Kaduna? These Justice George Oguntade on the list. Dodo (Katsina), Mohammadu Barade Putin was trying to divide NATOnicknamed Mad Dog for his century. He came with a new theory and said, “I While he was in Riyadh, they gave him all directed Russia hackers meddled combative style, would be the first believe the universe works like this; and here are the help that he needed in translation and all of in the US election was “sound”, the cooperation for which he asked. And he was he added. three ways to prove whether I am wrong!” So the Israeli Soldiers ‘Caught in Hamas Onlinescienti c community subjected his theory to the so surprised at what he found that he changed tests, and within six years it passed all three. Of his textbooks. In fact, in the second edition of course, this does not prove that he was great, but one of his books, called Before We Are Born… Honey Trap’ it proves that he deserved to be listened to becausein the section about the history of embryology, he said, “This is my idea; and if you want to try he included some material that was not in the on Russia. General James Mattis, rst edition because of what he found in the are questions we have to provide answers The president also acceded to the (Katsina), Tijjani Bande (Kebbi), Prof. Y. to prove me wrong, do this or try that.” Israel’s military says it has This is exactly what the Quran has – falsi cationQuran was ahead of its time and that those who uncovered a scam by Hamas Dozens of soldiers were tests. Some are old (in that they have already beenbelieve in the Quran know what other people militants to spy on its soldiers by do not know. persuaded to install an applica-in information about Israeli armyproven true), and some still exist today. Basically it hacking their mobile phones I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Keith tion that controlled their phonemanoeuvres, forces and weaponrystates, “If this book is not what it claims to be, then after posing as women on cameras and microphones. all you have to do is this or this or this to prove Moore for a television presentation, and we talked social media. around the Hamas-dominated that it is false.” Of course, in 1400 years no one hasa great deal about this – it was illustrated by slides However, the of cer said Gaza Strip. and so on. He mentioned that some of the things Members of the Palestinian Hamas was not able to uncover been able to do “This or this or this,” and thus it to," Dogara urged. demand of Federal Capital Territory O. Aliu (Kogi) and Nuruddeen Mohamed is still considered true and authentic. that the Quran states about the growth of the defence secretary nominee, warned group found the soldiers any major secrets. CHANGE OF NAME online, then tried to strike human being were not known until thirty years Most of the soldiers were I affirm that I wish to include my ago. In fact, he said that one item in particular up a friendship using the low-ranking, he added, and middle name in my BVN registration Falsification Test – the Quran’s description of the human being as fake identities, an of cer the scammers were interested thereby changing the registration a “leech-like clot”(‘alaqah) [Gha r 40:67] – was name from told reporters. VICTOR LAWSON to I suggest to you that the next time you get into new to him; but when he checked on it, he found VICTOR IBIGONI LAWSON. All dispute with someone about Islam and he claims CHANGE OF NAME former documents remain valid that it was true, and so he added it to his book. that he has the truth and that you are in darkness,He said, “I never thought of that before,” and CHANGE OF NAME Relevant Authorities and the . you leave all other arguments at rst and make this (FCT) for nomination on the list. (Kwara). I formerly known and general public should please take he went to the zoology department and asked NATO was under its biggest attack I formerly known and addressed suggestion. Ask him, “Is there any falsi cation test addressed as note. for a picture of a leech. When he found that it as MISS ADETORO OMOSOLA AGATHA, now wish toUGOH be CONFIRMATION OF NAME in your religion? Is there anything in your religionlooked just like the human embryo, he decided ADENIJI known and addressed as This is to notify the general that would prove you are wrong if I could prove toto include both pictures in one of his textbooks. , now wish to be known ONUH AGATHA RITA. All public that my name was wrongly you that it exists – anything?” Well, I can promise and addressed as written as MRS FASHUYI BEATRICE Although the aforementioned example of man MRS ADETORO former documents remain right now that people will not have anything – noresearching information contained in the Quran OMOSOLA SADIKU valid instead of MRS FASHUYI BEATRICE test, no proof, nothing! This is because they do not documents remain valid . All former . The general public KIKELOMO. Henceforth, my deals with a non-Muslim, it is still valid because . The general should please take correct names remain MRS carry around the idea that they should not only he is one of those who is knowledgeable in the public should please take I formerly known and addressednote. as FASHUYI BEATRICE KIKELOMO. All present what they believe but should also offer The nominees on the new list are: Dr. Others are Mohamed Yisa (Kwara), note. documents remain valid, Union subject being researched. Had some layman claimed since World War Two... Page ’ I formerly known and addressed as IYAH MOSES AKPEMBENG Bank and the general public others a chance to prove they’re wrong. However,that what the Quran says about embryology is Islam does that. MISS LATIFAT AGHARESE BELO- now wish to be known and , should please take note. true, then one would not necessarily have to Fresh Ambassadorial List OSAGIE, now wish to be known addressed as A perfect example of how Islam provides man accept his word. However, because of the high and addressed as IYAH MOSES with a chance to verify it authenticity and “prove position,it respect, and esteem man gives scholars, MRS LATIFAT former documents remain valid . All wrong” occurs in the 4th chapter. And quiet honestly, AGHARESE OKARA The general public should please . one naturally assumes that if they research a subject documents remain valid . All former I was very surprised when I rst discovered this and arrive at a conclusion based on that research, take note. challenge. It states (Surah An-Nisa, 4:82): public should please take. The general then the conclusion is valid. I formerly known and addressed as Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Uzoma Ememke (), Aminu Justice George Oguntade (rtd.)(Lagos), I formerly known and addressednote. GBADEBO ADETUTU WAZLIAT Had it been from other Than Allah, they as would surely have found therein Much discrepancy.Skeptic’s Reaction MISS OLAITAN MARY now wish to be known and addressed , SALAMI This is a clear challenge to the non-Muslim. Basically, , now wish to be known and as GBADEBO ADETUTU addressed as it invites him to nd a mistake. As a matter of fact,Dr. Moore also wrote a book on clinical embryology, MRS OLAITAN MARY RACHEAL. All former documents the seriousness and dif culty of the challenge aside,and when he presented this information in Toronto, POPOOLA. All former documents remain valid it caused quite a stir throughout Canada. It was remain valid . The general public the actual presentation of such a challenge in the rst . The general public should please take place is not even in human nature and is inconsistenton the front pages of some of the newspapers should please take note. note. with man’s personality. One doesn’t take an examacross Canada, and some of the headlines were Iyawa (Adamawa), Maj.Gen. Godwin Modupe Irele (Lagos), Musa Muhammad I formerly known and addressed as I formerly known and addressed as quite funny. For instance, one headline read: ALHAJI SULEMAN AHMED in school and after nishing the exam, write a note MISS AMINA YUSUF PETERS to the instructor at the end saying, “This exam is “SURPRISING THING FOUND IN ANCIENT wish to be known and addressed , now Also yesterday, President Muhammadu now wish to be known and addressed, perfect. There are no mistakes in it. Find one if youPRAYER BOOK!” It seems obvious from this as as MRS AMINAT ANIEKAN DR. IDOGHOR SAMUEL can!” One just doesn’t do that. The teacher would example that people do not clearly understand what ASUQUO AKINTOLA. All former documents not sleep until he found a mistake! And yet this is it is all about. As a matter of fact, one newspaper . All former documents reporter asked Professor Moore, “Don’t you think remain valid remain valid . The general public the way the Quran approaches people. . The general public should please take that maybe the Arabs might have known about should please take note. note. I formerly known and addressed these things – the description of the embryo, Umo (rtd.) (Akwa Ibom), Christopher (Nasarawa), Ahmed Ibeto (Niger), I formerly known and addressed as Ask Those Who Have Knowledge its appearance and how it changes and grows? as EMMANUEL ADUKE JOY AJEGBELEN OGEDEGBE, OMOFADEKE Maybe they were not scientists, maybe they did , now wish to Another interesting attitude that exists in the Quran Buhari sent a new list of non-career now wish to be known and addressed be known and addressed as some crude dissections on their own – carved up repeatedly deals with its advice to the reader. Thepeople and examined these things.” The professor as JOY AJEGBELEN ILENRE OJOSIPE EMMANUEL ADUKE Quran informs the reader about different facts and SPORTS former documents remain valid. All OMOFADEKE immediately pointed out to him that he [i.e., the . All former documents then gives the advice: “If you want to know more general public should please take. The remain valid reporter] had missed a very important point – all . The general public should about this or that, or if you doubt what is said, thenof the slides of the embryo that had been shown note. please take note. you should ask those who have knowledge.” This I formerly known and addressed and that had been projected in the lm had come Okeke (Anambra), Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi), Suzanne Folarin (Ogun), Jacob Daodu I formerly known and addressed too is a surprising attitude. It is not usual to have froma pictures taken through a microscope. He as MISS UCHE SANDRA as MRS NWABUEZE JULIET book that comes from someone without training insaid, “It does not matter if someone had tried KANIKWU, now wish to be AMAKA geography, botany, biology, etc., who discusses these ambassadorial nominees to the Senate. AFCON Žƒ: Eagles Draw S’Africa, Libya,known and addressed as , now wish to be known and to discover embryology fourteen centuries ago. UCHE KANIKWU TUNIKA addressed as subjects and then advises the reader to ask men They could not have seen it!” T H I S DAY MRS MRS NWABUEZE of knowledge if he doubts anything. Yet in every • FRIDAY JANUARY ,  documents remain valid, NursingFRIDAY. All JULIET NDIDIAMAKA All of the descriptions in the Quran of the midwifery counsil of Nigeria and documents remain valid . All former age there have been Muslims who have followed appearance of the embryo are of the item when the general public should please the advice of the Quran and made surprising public should please take. The general SPORTS it is still too smallGroup to see with Sports the eye; Editor therefore, take note. note. discoveries. If one looks to the works of Muslim one needs a microscope to see it. Since such a I formerly known and addressed scientists of many centuries ago, one will nd Email Duro Ikhazuagbe Baba Madugu (Bauchi), Brig.-Gen. Stanley (Ondo), Afolahan Adeyemi (Osun), as MISS OLUWASHOLA ALABA device had only [email protected] around for little more than them full of quotations from the Quran. These AYANTUGA now wish to be two hundred years, Dr. Moore taunted, “Maybe AFCON 2019: Eaglesworks state that Draw they did research in such S’Africa,a place,fourteen centuries ago someone secretlyLibya, had a Seychelles The Senate had late last year returned the known and addressed as Seychelles looking for something. And they af rm that the microscope and did this research, making no OLUWASHOLA ALABA SHITTUMRS. All reason they looked in such and such a place was former documents remain valid. mistakes anywhere. Then he somehow taught Duro Ikhazuagbe that the Quran pointed them in that direction. Muhammad and convinced him to put this The general public should please For example, the Quran mentions man’s origin take note. starting this weekend. information in his book. Then he destroyed his After missing two editions and then tells the reader, “Research it!” It gives Gernot Rohr’s men were equipment and kept it a secret forever. Do you Diriyai (rtd.) (Bayelsa), Steven Ugba Maj. Gen. Ashimiyu Olaniyi (rtd.) back-to-back, Nigeria’s Super Libyathe and reader Seychelles a hint where will to be look in and then states believe that? You really should not unless you drawn in Group E along Eagles appear to have received the samethat one group should with nd Nigeria out more about it. This is the bring some proof because it is such a ridiculous with South Africa, Libya and kind of thing that Muslims todaySouth largely Africa seem and to what they are earlier list sent to it by Buhari without easy pairing in the draw for the in an AFCON quali er. capable of doing. Seychellestheory.” In fact, when he was asked, “How do Seychelles. overlook – but not always, as illustrated in the After missing two editions back-to- 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which While reacting to the you explain thisat ainformation time. With in sixthe matchesQuran?” Dr. In 2015 Eagles similarly may appear minnow but theyto play, it is clear to all that took place last night. Cameroon draw yesterday, Director can be as dif cult asMoore’s the South reply was, “It could only have been divinelyAlgeria, Togo, Benin Republic had same soft pairing with of Communication at the revealed!” any slip can be very costly,” and Gambia. is the host country of the next South Africa and Congo DR Africans. The Libyans too are edition after the 2017 in Gabon Nigeria Football Federation he noted. The winners of each group but ended up missing the cut no push over that is if you Also in the draw, Tunisia (NFF), Ademola Olajire, told recall that they played in the will join the hosts Cameroon (Benue), Baba Ahmad Jidda (Borno) (Oyo),James Dimka (Plateau) and Dr. as Bafana Bafana snatched theTHISDAY last night that the and Egypt were placed with in the nal tournament as well ticket from Nigeria with a nail- nals of the 1982 edition againstNiger Republic and Swaziland GROUP STAGE draw was not as simple as it Ghana’s Black Stars,” observed as the best three runners-up giving any reason. biting 2-2 draw in Uyo. Congoappears. in Group J; defending AFCON in all 12 Groups. (Qualifiers) nished as group runners up. the NFF spokesman. back, Nigeria’s Super Eagles appear Sierra-Leone “It is going to be tough going champions Cote d’Ivoire are in The quali ers will kick off (Group A) It is the rst time that both Olajire however insisted thatGroup H with Guinea, Central Kenya by what is currently happeningthe federation was not going with the preliminary round Senegal in African football. We all know Africa Republic and Rwanda;which will be on 20-28 March to leave anything to chances. Ghana will slug it out in Group E’Guinea (Group G) “We are going to take one game 2017. and Dr. Etubom Asuquo (Cross River). Haruna Abdullahi (Plateau). Sudan DR Congo F with Ethiopia, Sierra Leone Match-day 1 of the group and Kenya, while Group D has Sao Tome/ Congo stage quali ers will commence In the new list, the president dropped Madagascar Zimbabwe on 5-13 June 2017.

to have received easy pairing in the Liberia (Group B) Cameroon (Group H) Morocco Cote d’Ivoire Also on the list are Francis Efeduma Also on the list are Orji Ngofa (Rivers), Malawi Guinea C o m o r o s / Central Africa Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora (Lagos) Mauritius Rwanda

draw for the Š‹‡¢ Africa Cup of (Group C) (Group I) Mali Burkina Faso Gabon Angola (Delta), Jonah Odo (Ebonyi), Uyagwe Sahabi Gada (Sokoto), Kabiru Umar Burundi Botswana Djibouti/South Mauritania and replaced former National Secretary Sudan (Group J) Nations which took place last night. (Group D) Tunisia Algeria Egypt Togo Niger Republic Igbe (Edo), Eniola Ajayi (Ekiti), Maj.Gen. (Sokoto), Hassan Ardo (Taraba), Goni Benin Republic Swaziland

Gambia of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (Group K) (Group E) Zambia Cameroon is the host country of the Nigeria Mozambique South Africa Guinea-Bissau Libya Namibia

Seychelles Chris Eze (rtd.) (Enugu), Suleiman Hassan Bura (Yobe), Garba Gajam (Zamfara) (Group L) (ACN), Dr. Usman Bugaje (Katsina) and (Group F) Cape-Verde Ghana Uganda Ethiopia Tanzania next edition after the Š‹‡Œ in Gabon Lesotho (Gombe), Justice Sylvanus Nsofor (Imo), Cpt. Bala Mairiga (Zamfara), Habiss Super Eagles celebrating the - victory against Zambia in the   World Cup qualifier in Ndola … last year former Deputy Governor of , Mikel Makes Losing starting this weekend. Page •Ž Debut in China Nigeria Continues Surge in FIFA Ranking Super Eagles Captain, John Femi Solaja Amin Muhammad Dalhatu (Jigawa), Ugbada (FCT). Mikel Obi made his debut The Nigeria international for Tianjin TEDA yesterday, Eagles dropped one spot in left Chelsea on a free transfer, Super Eagles continued their the December ranking despite Mrs. Pauline Tallen. in their 2-1 friendly defeat to having been allowed to steady surge in the latest Argentina retains her place at Borussia Mönchengladbach’s beating Algeria 3-1 in a World depart the Stamford Bridge FIFA Rankings released the summit of the ranking. second and third placed Under-23 at the Tianjin Cup quali er in November, Small Southern African after failing to make an yesterday by the world 2016. teams respectively.Chile and Olympic Center Stadium. impression on the rst team nation of Swaziland, football governing body. Last month, Eagles were Belgium complete the top ve Wearing jersey no. 10, the under Antonio Conte. Gernot Rohr’s men moved meanwhile, reached her in descending order of global mid elder was unable to placed eighth in Africa and best ever position of 99 in TEDA continue their winterup one place to seventh in the51st in the world with 616 ranking. rescue Jaime Pacheco’s men training in Tianjin as they stepcontinent while also climbing the FIFA/Coca-Cola World from bowing to the German ranking points. The next FIFA/Coca-Cola up preparation for the new to 50th spot globally. Ranking. World Ranking will be youth side in the friendly Nigeria’s best placing in In the world ranking, Lionel season having placed 11th in Despite not playing any the FIFA rankings was fth, published on 9 February 2017. encounter. the Chinese Super League withgame in the period under Messi’s Argentina remains top. Zhou Tong got TEDA’s lone a position attained in 1994 36 points from 30 games. review for the classi cations, Argentina nished 2016 out AFRICA’S TOP TEN strike as Mikel was replaced following an impressive in front of arch rivals Brazil to Mikel’s new club has won Nigeria still was able to display of winning the Africa Senegal in the second half alongside the Chinese Super league threeaccumulate three more points inherit the ‘team of the year’ debutant, Wang Dong and Cup of Nations and their Cote d’Ivoire times before-1960,1980 and to stand at 619. title from Belgium, displaced Egypt Zhou Liao and Goodley. debut World Cup appearancefrom the FIFA summit by 1988 and they have won the The January lift was good that year in the United States. Tunisia FA CUP twice-1960 and 2011. the Edgardo Bauza-coached news to Nigerian football fans Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria who were disappointed that Albiceleste in April. Congo DR Tunisia and Algeria are the The top 34 positions AJC: Marylove Maintain top ve sides in Africa while Nigeria remain unchanged with B’Faso ACCESS/LAGOS Brazil and Germany in the Ghana Good Run in Lome Morocco Nigeria continued her great form ‘Olumide, Others Need Time to Catch Up with East African Marathoners’ at the 2017 ITF/CAT African the highest number of wins as Junior Championship West hostilities hot up at the Stade Top Kenya marathoner, Alice and Central Africa quali ers Omnisports, Lome. Timbilil, yesterday praised 2:25.03, Timbilil who was holding in Lome, Togo as no Marylove Edward had the courage of two Nigerian fewer than seven of her players second at the 2016 edition not happen overnight. her match against Kouma marathoners, Oluwaseun of the Access Bank /Lagos were victorious on the second Niangadov of Mali stretched Olumide and Ronke Olumudi Timbilil however have a day of action at the tournament City Marathon in 2:38.49, and road races to Thursday following poor who have vowed to win the word of advice for the two since Kenyans too are also featuring 15 countries. said: “The feats of British Nigerian road runners: “It visibility and the 12-year-old ultimate prize of $50,000 at runners like Paula Radcliff, moving into short sprints, With four wins from ve double forehand and double the February 11, 2017 Access will take many years of throws and jumps, matches on the opening day, the Japanese, the Chinese andconsistent hard work and backhand player posted a 3-6, Bank/ even the Americans have “The more the merrier, the defending champions 6-3, 6-3 win to enhance her but was quick to add that competitions for Nigerian stepped up the gear enjoying shown that one does not need it will be great to have chances of quali cation from such wishes remain mere and indeed West African Nigerians on the international to be born in high altitude, be road runners to get to the the round-robin preliminaries.dream for now. a Kenyan, Ethiopian, or East marathons and road races With a personal best of level attained by the East circuit, they are our brothers African to excel in marathons Africans in road races.” and road races but it does and sisters, that means more She however welcomed the money for Africans and Africa idea of Nigerians embracing from the highly lucrative road running circuit.”  FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen NEWS Email [email protected],  Again, Buhari to Travel to Gambia to Persuade Jammeh to Step Down Meets service chiefs No decision yet on deployment of force in The Gambia President orders army to commence security exercise in Southern Kaduna House wants Nigeria to offer asylum to Gambian president

Tobi Soniyi, Damilola be accompanied by Governors Our military is already engaged in were discussed and we were able still pursuing all its operations in intervention by ECOWAS to be Oyedele and Paul Obi in Aminu Tambuwal of the North-east, in the Niger Delta to come to conclusion on almost all the North-east, South-south and spearheaded by Nigeria should the Abuja and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, and now in Southern Kaduna. So the crises that are going on across South-eastern parts of the country. outgoing President Jammeh failed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, let us be guided,” Dogara advised. the country. The Southern Kaduna, Asked about the progress report to relinquish power after losing in President Muhammadu Buhari will Interior and Defence. Hon. Sam Onuigbu (Abia the Niger Delta issues and other from Sambisa, Buratai said: “We last year presidential polls. travel to Banjul, the capital of The Meanwhile, ahead of the PDP) said the offer is a cheaper major crisis areas were discussed are continuing our operations in According to Director of Army Gambia, and Bamako, the Malian ECOWAS mediation meeting and safer option, as Nigerians are and resolutions were passed. that area, Lafiya Dole mandate Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani capital from today, January 13 to today with President Buhari, well invested in Gambia. “Like I said, in the Southern and the troops are still moving Usman, there was no iota of truth 14, 2017. the House of Representatives “We did a similar thing in Liberia, Kaduna, we have our troops being all over the area.” in such statement. The Special Adviser to the yesterday urged president to and today Liberia is being celebrated moved and they have already taken On whether he had received any He said: The attention of the President on Media and Publicity, provide an offer of asylum in as a growing democracy. We all places, operation is going on and I new directive from the president, Nigerian Army has been drawn Mr. Femi Adesina, who announced Nigeria to President Jammeh as know if there is trouble, Nigeria believe that very soon it will come the COAS said. to a publication by online news this yesterday via a statement said a way to boost mediation into the would be required to intervene,” to an end.” On deployment of troops to organisation’ indicating the while in Banjul, Buhari, as the current presidential conundrum he said. Asked whether the meeting Kaduna, he said “Our troops are readiness of Nigerian Army to Mediator in The Gambia, would threatening to cause unrest in the The Minister for Defence, discussed The Gambia issue, the already in Southern Kaduna. We attack Gambia with the intention meet with President Yahya Jammeh coastal committee. Mansur Dan-Ali, has said there is minister said “That is not a national have our special forces operating “to remove Jammeh.” of The Gambia and the President- The resolution followed the no decision yet on whether Nigeria issue and I believe the ECOWAS there along with all other security Usman added: “This is not elect, Adama Barrow, to continue adoption of a motion sponsored will deploy forces to The Gambia are working on that, we have not agencies and we intend also to true. Consequently, Nigerian dialogue on the political situation by Hon. Sani Zorro (Jigawa APC) should President Jammeh refuses reached any conclusion on that.” have an exercise very soon in Army wishes to disassociate itself in the West African country. who said such open offer would to step down on January 19 when Also speaking, the Chief of Southern Kaduna to cover some from such false information that The statement said Buhari strengthen the hands of the his mandate would have expired. Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Tukur parts of Plateau and indeed part exists only in the figment of the would be joined by President mediators. Dan-Ali made this disclosure Buratai, said the president had of Kano State. imagination of the medium. There Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and “Grant him asylum, and his yesterday while briefing State House ordered the commencement of an Also, in a move to douse tension, was no time or place Nigerian Chairperson of the Authority of family, if that would restore peace Correspondents after a lengthy army exercise code-named ‘Kunama the Nigerian Army, has said it was Army disclosed such information Economic Community Community to The Gambia, if that is what it security meeting he and service II’ in Southern Kaduna in order not planning to attack any foreign to the medium. of West African States (ECOWAS) would take, then Nigeria should chiefs had with the president at the to bolster the security situation in country, neither the Republic of “If there is any, we challenge Heads of State and Government, be ready for it,” Zorro said. Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja. that axis. Gambia, where President Buhari them to name the officer or soldier President Ernest Koroma of Sierra The Chairman of the Committee The minister said that the Buratai explained that the exercise is expected in the West African that gave them such information Leone, and the immediate past on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nnenna meeting deliberated on the security would cover parts of Plateau and nation today. and when. For the avoidance of President of Ghana, John Mahama, Elendu Ukeje, said the motion is in situation in the country. Kano States. The clarification came amid doubt, Nigerian Army is not who is the co-meditator of The line with Nigeria’s foreign policy He said: “Major security issue He added that the army was speculations of a possible military planning to attack any country. Gambian mission. objectives. Adesina said Buhari would Nigeria would be required to travel to Bamako later on January intervene and solve whatever 13 to participate in the 27th problems arise from the impasses, Africa–France Summit. Ukeje said, adding that creating a The summit for Partnership, soft landing through asylum, may Peace and Emergence convened provide an alternative. by French President Francois “If it comes to this, so that The Hollande is aimed at strengthening Gambia does not degenerate into cooperation between France and another unstable African country,” African countries in the areas she said. of peace and security, economic Some lawmakers opposed the partnership and development. motion on grounds that the offer Recognising the role played would send a wrong signal to by France in the successes so far dictators with sit-tight syndrome. recorded in the implementation The Speaker of the House, of the regional initiative against , however urged terrorism, Adesina said Buhari such lawmakers to critically examine would reaffirm Nigeria’s their position, noting that the offer commitment to global efforts on of asylum to Jammeh does not the war against terror and underline indicate support for dictatorship. the need for improved collaboration “If it is put before him and he to address the menace of terrorism rejects it, fine, but it will clear that in the region. the people of Nigeria, through the He said Buhari would use the parliament offered such.” opportunity of the summit to “If crises erupts in that country underscore the efforts government and refugees spill over, can we UNITED WE STAND was making to improve Nigeria’s handle it while also dealing with our R-L: , Akinwunmi Ambode; Minister of Mines and Solid Mineral Development, Kayode Fayemi; his counterpart for business environment to attract IDPs? If it comes to confrontation, Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; former Governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo; former Governor of Ogun State, more foreign direct investment. Nigeria will be required to put boots Olusegun Osoba; former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu (fifth left) and others Adesina said the president would on the ground. Can we afford that? during the APC South-west stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan....yesterday We will Rescue Chibok Girls in Captivity, President Assures Malala

Olawale Ajimotokan in written to Buhari by Malala on negotiations, He also assured Malala of in recent times will attest to the humanity.’’ Abuja January 6, for female education, Part of the letter read: “Rest government’s desire to take fact that their reintegration back to Malala, the co-founder of the reminding government of need to assured, however, of the over the responsibility for the the society is progressing well. The Malala Fund, was in 2012 shot and President Muhammadu Buhari has ensure the safe and speedy return doggedness, commitment and education, personal and professional federal government believes that left unconscious by the Taliban for assured United Nations’ Special of the other missing girls as part sincerity of the Federal Government aspirations of the 21 Chibok girls it is not too late for the girls to go spearheading the human rights Envoy for Global Education, Malala of activities to mark the 1,000 days of Nigeria towards ensuring the that were released in October last back to school, and everything advocacy for education and for Yousafzai, of federal government’s of the kidnap of the girls. safe return of the Chibok girls, and year for the rest of their life, saying will be done to ensure that they women in north-west of Pakistan, unrelenting efforts to ensure the Buhari assured Malala of sustained indeed all others still in captivity.’’ that in tune with his vow that Boko continue the pursuit of their against the order of the Taliban, safe return of the remaining Chibok negotiations to free the remaining The president further recalled that Haram would not be considered studies,’’ he assured. which had banned the girls from girls still held by insurgent group, Chibok schoolgirls by Nigerian the valiant act of Nigerian troops defeated without the rescue of the Buhari commended Malala attending schools. Boko Haram. military, state security service and fighting the Islamic insurgent group Chibok girls and all other innocent for her un inching disposition Her gallantry attracted The assurance was contained in the other security agencies. in their North-east bastion resulted persons still taken hostage by the towards the release of the rest international attention which a letter signed on Buhari’s behalf The statement, however, said in the capture of Sambisa forest, the insurgency group. of the girls in captivity and prompted the United Nations on January 10, 2017, by Minister Buhari would not divulge the details last stronghold of the Boko Haram ‘’They are being given those who have regained their to appoint her a Special Envoy of Information and Culture, Lai of ongoing negotiations to secure elements, who kidnapped the girls comprehensive medical, nutritional freedom, adding: ‘’There is no for Global Education in addition Mohammed. the release of the girls to Malala from their school dormitories in and psychological care and support, better example of the fact that to her being conferment with a It was in response to a letter due to the sensitive nature of the Chibok in April 2014. and anyone who has seen them we are all linked by our common Nobel Prize. FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY  NEWS APC Begins Move to Restructure BoT, National Caucus NWC considers amendment to party’s constitution South-west leaders unite for regional strength

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja the National caucus include can never stand. We need to tell Others are the former Addressing Journalists, to Abuja will be taken to Abuja and Ademola Babalola in the national chairman, others that we are capable of Governor of Lagos and current Osoba said: “All the members by those concerned. We have Ibadan deputy national chairmen putting our misunderstandings Minister of Power, Works and that we invited are here related with our legislative -North and South, national behind us and tell them that Housing, Mr. Babtunde Fashola, except the Deputy Speaker, members, leaders at the party The leadership of the All secretary, national legal adviser, there is no more war in the who had also fallen apart with Lasun Yusuf who is presently level and we have related with Progressives Congress (APC) national treasurer, national house of Oduduwa.” Tinubu in post 2015 elections. out of the country. We met all our governors, and I can has commenced the process for Organising secretary, national At the end of the marathon Also at the meeting were principally to discuss all the assure you from now onward, the amendment of the party’s woman leader, national youth parley, the leaders and a former Governor of Ogun things that may be affecting there will be total harmony constitution to give backing to leader, leader of the physically stakeholders of the party State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; South-west and we have and consultations among our its plan to restructure two of its challenged, past and presidents, promised harmonious Senate Chief Whip, Olusola come out with a resolution governors for the progress of organs, the Board of Trustees vice presidents of the country. and peaceful interpersonal Adeyeye, Majority Leader of to show that in the South- South West Nigeria. South-west (BoT) and National Caucus. Others are current presidential relationship as they “resolved the House of Representatives, west of APC there is unity is the leader of progressives To this effect, the party has and vice presidential candidates, all contentious issues affecting Femi Gbagabiamila, former of purpose’, the leadership in this country and we are received reports from the past and present senate the progressive block in the Governors is one, and we have resolved determined to reassert our committees set up to re-organise presidents and deputy senate region.” (Osun), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti). on all the issues that may be inuence in the progressive and restructure the BoT as well presidents who are members The meeting had in Other serving ministers affecting the governance of politics of this country for as proposals on the aspects of of the party, present and past attendance all the APC in attendance were this country and what should the betterment of Nigeria. the constitution that needed to Speakers of the House of governors: Ajimobi (Oyo), Minister of Finance, Kemi be the role and the inuence Those are the issues that be amended. Representatives and Deputy (Ogun), Rauf Adeosun;Information, Culture that we should exercise as a we discussed today. South THISDAY gathered that the Speakers who are members Aregbesola (Osun), Akinwunmi and Tourism, Lai Mohammed; group in the interest of this West, we are the leaders of party is to consider the proposed of the party. Ambode (Lagos) and former Minister of Communication, country and for the progress progressives in this country constitutional amendments at The caucus is also made up of Governors of Ekiti, Segun Adebayo Shittu, and the of this country. and we have determined to the meeting of the National serving majority leader, whips Oni and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Health, Professor “We have examined what reassert our interest in the Working Committee (NWC) and their deputies in the Senate currently serving as the Minister Isaac Adewole. the government that we are progressives politics of this scheduled for next Monday. and House of Representatives of Mines and Solid Mineral The list also included Muiz all involved is bringing and country for the betterment of The present constitution who are members if the party, Development and one of the Banire, the National Legal we have resolved all the issues the South-west Nigeria. Thank of the party was adopted in past and present governors embattled godsons of Tinubu. Adviser of the party. and all those that will be taken you very much.” October 2014. who are members of the party, Part of the new thinking in SGF, chairman, deputy and the party is the doing away secretary of the BoT, former with the BoT and to replace national Chairmen and national it with ‘Elders’ Forum.’ secretaries. As such, the NWC would Meanwhile, following consider the recommendations the cold war between the for the amendment of the national leader of the APC, party’s constitution to scrap Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the BoT. and his erstwhile political The BoT which is seen as ‘godsons’ currently serving the conscience of the party has as ministers under President the powers to intervene in all Muhammadu Buhari and disputes and crisis in the party governors of the party in to ensure the stability of the the South-west geopolitical party at all times. zone, they have all agreed But the leadership of the APC to shelve their differences said allowing another body as for a better regional political the BoT to exist side by side strength. with the MWC and NEC will The meeting, which was be unnecessary as their roles at the instance of Chief Bisi are bound to clash. Akande, and chaired by him Also being considered and hosted by Governor Abiola for pruning down is the Ajimobi of Oyo State, saw membership of the national Tinubu and Chief Segun Osoba caucus of the party which is join the four APC governors in said to be unwieldy. the region to hold the parley It was learnt that the plan is with the six ministers from the for the NWC to deliberate on region and some APC leaders the proposals for constitutional at the National Assembly. amendment and to x date for THISDAY reliably gathered next meeting of the National that the need to put Yoruba’s Executive Committee (INEC) house in order with common where the amendments will front topped the agenda because be recti ed. according to a source privy to TETEATETE According to the constitution the over four hours meeting, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (left), and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, during a Consultative Forum on Service of the party, membership of “a house divided against itself Delivary Innovative on Healthcare Challenges in Abuja.....yesterday J A NNPC Seeks More Royalty on Deep Offshore, Inland Basin PSCs Chineme Okafor in Abuja the PSC Act and an Act to establish PSC royalty regime, the calculation the tranche incremental royalty rate and inland basin PSCs through opinions regarding the methodology the National Oil and Gas Museum of what would be due to the shall be zero per cent but the rate regulations based on established for the computation of the taxes, The Nigerian National Petroleum and Research Centre in Oloibiri. government shall be based on would increase to 0.30 per cent if economic parameters. which would arise as a result of the Corporation (NNPC) has proposed The presentation, the statement production and price to guarantee the price hovers between the $50 On the provision of investment proposed royalty regime. On the some key amendments to the explained was made by NNPC’s fairness and balance between PSC to $100 mark. tax credit, investment tax allowance Act to establish the National Oil royalty regimes of deep offshore and Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, contractors and the government. Similarly, it noted that a price and associated cost uplift and capital and Gas Museum and Research inland basin Production Sharing Malam Bello Rabiu, who noted It stated that for royalty based regime of $100 to $130 should attract allowances to PSC contractors, the Centre in Oloibiri, the corporation Contract (PSC) Act. that it was imperative to effect the on production within a tranche a royalty of 0.20 per cent while an NNPC equally proposed an outright recommended the establishment The proposed increase, it increment in royalties across all the of 50,000 barrels of crude oil per increase of price between $130 and scrapping of the incentives. of the museum alone with clear said, would enable the Federal categories to increase government day (bpd), a tranche rate of 8.0 per $170 should translate to a royalty The NNPC said: “It is our opinion budgetary allocation from the Government improve its PSC revenue from them. cent should be made. rate of 0.10 per cent, while a price that these incentives have outlived their Federal Government under the royalties collection from both “It is our opinion that the Under a production tranche of regime of $170 and above would usefulness and are now impediments control and management of the deep water and inland basin oil proposal to increase the royalty 50,000 to 100,000 bpd, the royalty attract zero per cent royalty payment. to the Federal Government’s revenue National Commission for Museum production activities. rate for terrains beyond 1000 tranche rate would increase to 15.5 The NNPC added that it argued collection efforts. The use of such and Monuments. A statement by the Group metres, from zero per cent to per cent and further to 28 per cent that in the alternative, the graduated incentives can be terminated by It stated: “It is better to refine and General Manager, Public Affairs three per cent, is commendable once the production surpasses the royalty scale as provided in the an amendment of section 4 of upgrade the capacity of the Petroleum of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, on but it is necessary to also make 100,000 bpd mark. PSC Act should be removed the Act.” Training Institute in Warri and the Thursday in Abuja said the proposal corresponding adjustments in According to the NNPC, to while the Minister of Petroleum It called on the National National College of Petroleum Studies, was made in a presentation to the other categories,” Rabiu said in calculate royalty based on price, Resources should be empowered to Assembly to seek relevant input Kaduna, in order to avoid duplication Joint House of Representatives the statement. instances of prices coming under intermittently set royalties payable from the Federal Inland Revenue of functions and more importantly Committees on the amendment of It noted that under the proposed a $50 per barrel at any given time, for acreages located in deep offshore Service (FIRS), to resolve the divergent ensure optimal utilisation of funds.”  FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY NEWS Ekweremadu Won’t Decamp to APC, Says PDP No plans to impeach deputy senate president, says Na’Allah

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja must be a member of the ruling the PDP. in the National Assembly to remain oust the deputy senate president our history. So, I am absolutely party before he/she can be elected “Let us remind Marafa that strong and united behind the by his colleagues. sure that it will be a very nice The leadership of the Peoples into any position in the Senate Ekweremadu was elected as Deputy Senate President with Speaking with journalists thing if he decides to come. It will Democratic Party (PDP) has or the House of Representatives. Deputy Senate President by a determination not to allow shortly after meeting with the equally be nice if we are able to said the Deputy Senate President, “Equally, it is very distasteful majority votes from both the PDP the APC truncate our hard leadership of the APC at the see that any other person with Senator , cannot and uncharitable for any senator to and APC senators. Any attempt earned democracy through their party’s secretariat in Abuja the intention joins our great party. be forced to decamp to the ruling stand on the floor of the hallowed to remove Ekweramadu for being undemocratic tendencies. To the yesterday evening, Na’Alla said “I am telling you that I was All Progressives Congress (APC). chamber and ask his colleague to a member of the opposition party APC lawmakers in the National there was nothing like moving out of the country when all these This came as the Deputy Senate violate the Constitution by cross- and not because of a constitutional Assembly, do not forget that Nigeria against Ekweremadu things happened and there is Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, has carpeting from his own party to breach or incompetence is a call belongs to all of us and we must “All these things happened when nothing I can say that will be dismissed reports that the Senate join the ruling party. Note that it for anarchy. work together to protect her in I was out of this country. I was in accurate in view of the fact that Caucus of the APC is plotting to is Senate of the Federal Republic “The current situation in the order to advance our democracy.” Germany and it is not in my character I wasn’t around when all the move against Ekweremadu. of Nigeria and not Senate of the Senate where the Senate President Meanwhile, after the Senate to speak about what I don’t know. politicking took place.” In a statement issued yesterday APC. and the Deputy Senate President removed the Majority Leader, Ali But as far as I am concerned, there is On his mission at the party by its spokesman, Prince Dayo PDP said it was indeed are from different parties should Ndume, from office in a surprise nothing near to that. As far as I am secretariat, Na’Allah said: “This is Adeyeye, the opposition party laughable for Marafa to cite not continue to appear strange move last Tuesday, speculations were concerned, I am not aware. At least, the headquarters of my party and condemned the suggestion made the internal issues in the PDP to Marafa and his likes in a rife that the APC might be itching I am back and I am in the office,” my national chairman requested by an APC senator, Kabiru Marafa, as a reason for Ekweremadu to democratic system. For instance, in to also remove the Deputy Senate he said. to see me. That is why I am here. urging the deputy senate president decamp. the Second Republic, the Speaker of President to actualise its dream to He also said the APC would It has nothing to do with what to defect in order to retain his seat. “For the umpteeth time, let us the House of Representatives, Hon. assert the party’s control of affairs welcome the deputy senate president transpired in the senate. If you The party described such call re-iterate that there is no faction Umezeoke was from opposition in the National Assembly. should he decide to join the party, want me to tell you why I am “as unconstitutional, undemocratic in the PDP. A party is only National Peoples Party (NPP) while Some of the APC legislators adding that the party is a big family here, we have primary in Edo and to say the least, unbecoming factionalised when its organs are the Senate President was from the were even quoted as saying that for that will accommodate everybody. State to fill the vacancy left by of Marafa”. in disarray but this is different ruling party, the NPN, and both of Ekweremadu to have a reprieve, “Please, APC is a big family and the deputy governor who left the The PDP statement read: “Our in the PDP where all the organs them worked harmoniously with he has to defect from his party, the everybody is welcome. We are House of Representatives and I am attention has been drawn to a are intact behind the National the cooperation of the executive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). strengthening the party based on the chairman of the committee and statement credited to Marafa on Caretaker Committee under the in moving the country forward. However, Na’Allah said he was our belief that this country needs I just came to receive the normal the floor of the Senate on January chairmanship of Senator Ahmed “Finally, we call on our members not aware of any such plan to to be united at this critical time of briefing from my party.” 11, 2017, in which he advised Makarfi. A mere rebellion by a Ekweremadu to decamp to the small interest group within the APC in order to remain as the party cannot be referred to as Deputy Senate President. factionalisation of the party. “This call is unconstitutional, “In view of the above, any undemocratic and to say the least, member of the PDP using the unbecoming of Marafa. For the current leadership disagreement record, these are his words, “I caused by the rebellious group am using this medium to call led by the former Borno State on Ekweremadu to simply Governor, Senator Modu Ali decamp. Section 68(G) of the Sherrif, as excuse to decamp 1999 Constitution captures this. is doing so at his or her peril. “Fortunately, there is no section or Marafa or any other member of clause of the 1999 Constitution (as the APC has no power to make amended) that provides that one such demands on a member of

REMEMBERING AKINTOLA L-R: Children of the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola; Chief Abayomi Akintola; Dr. Abimbola Akintola; Deputy President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Nigeria, Sakariyan Oloyiwula Babalola, representing the Sultan of Sokoto; Guest Speaker, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye of the Department of Mass Communications, ; and the event’s Chairman, Dr. YomiFinnih, at the formal launch of The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Foundation as part of activities to mark the ‰Šst anniversary of the death of the late Akintola held at Afe Babalola Auditorium,University of Lagos, , Lagos....yesterday Non-passage of MTEF Delays Budget Debate N7.2 bn: House summons IG over misappropriation of 2016 budget

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja upper week, we would lay the Assembly. Jika, speaking with details of the budget and begin The Hon. Halliru Jika THISDAY, said the police The House of Representatives the processes.” Namdas said. led committee also accused has violated the Fiscal has said the delay in the passage Meanwhile the House Ibrahim of diverting N6 billion Responsibility Act 2007 and of the 2017-2019 Medium at plenary summoned the appropriated for rehabilitation the Public Procurement Act Term Expenditure Framework Inspector General of Police, and reconstruction of 102 2007. (MTEF) has led to the inability Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to appear police stations, to other uses “Even the President to commence debate on the N7.3 before its Committee on Police without approval from the himself wrote to the trillion budget for 2017. Affairs on January 19, 2017, National Assembly. legislature seeking approval The spokesperson of the after he refused to honour A member of the committee, of virement of funds within House, Hon. Abdulrazak three previous invitations. Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, in a the 2016 budget, and it was Namdas, brie ng journalists The committee accused motion raised at plenary, said granted. So nobody is above yesterday however gave Ibrahim of misappropriation Ibrahim’s refusal to appear the law. You cannot spend a assurances that the MTEF of the 2016 budget following before the committee has kobo of appropriated funds would be passed next week, the use of N1.2 billion stalled investigations into without legislative approval. while budget debate would approved for the purchase the diversion of the funds. It is an impeachable offence,” follow. of 10 Armoured Personnel The action, the lawmaker he said. “We cannot debate the general Carriers (APC), for the noted, constitute breaches of The lawmaker noted that principles of the budget until purchase of 64 toyota hiace the Appropriation Act and the committee is simply MTEF is passed. Next: week, commuter vehicles, without a gross violation of the exercising its mandate granted we would passe MTEF and the approval from the National provisions of constitution. by the constitution. THISDAY FRIDAY JANUARY ,     THISDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY ­, €‚ ƒ

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE STATE The dissolution of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria is wrong, argues harlesC Onunaiju

n a most uncharitable climb-down and repudiation of of certain age or within a speci c period and Pastor Adeboye the famous sound bite of his inaugural speech that “I in deference to the rule, bowed out of the leadership of his belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”, President church, why would the fuss of those who wish to cry more Muhammadu Buhari has stood down a subsisting than the bereaved, force the government hands? After all, Nigeria’s corporate governance code, a rule of extant Christ himself bowed out of the church physically, thousands law in Nigeria because of somebody. As if the law is of years ago, and his church has grown more phenomenally Ifrom hell, the public of cer entrusted with overseeing and since then. implementing it was summarily dismissed and institutional A country that want foreign investors, international governance mechanism, the board of the Financial Reporting respectability and even a permanent seat at the United Council of Nigeria (FRCN) was dissolved. The council which Nations Security Council, could with bravado suspend its is responsible for setting and promoting compliance with law and summarily dismiss its public of cers and disband a standards for accounting, nancial reporting and auditing in duly constituted board, because it needed to ingratiate to a Nigeria, had in the exercise of its statutory mandate, designed certain section of its population or any particular person puts the code of corporate governance. itself up for mockery. Because of the fact that the code of corporate governance Any prospective foreign investor now knows that in affected religious organisations and in the current instance spite of what the Nigeria’s existing laws say, they subject to applied to respected Christian religious gure, Pastor Enoch twisting and even repudiation in the event their application Adeboye, the whole mechanisms for corporate governance of hurt a powerful and inuential person, group or section of public institutions were suspended. the whole population. Minister of Industry, Trade and Industry, Dr. Okechukwu The fact that an uproar by a certain section or group Enelamah in executing the hatchet job claimed that govern- could force government to abdicate its responsibilities in the ment remains committed to restoring and enhancing market enforcement of its laws, rules and regulation or to repudiate con dence and improving the ease of doing business in it, sends the wrong signal and in the instant case where it Nigeria. was done with fanfare, de nes Nigeria as banana republic The fact that a court of competent jurisdiction has upheld whose laws shares the fate of a mere snap of ngers by its the propriety of the corporate governance code when it was leaders. previously challenged brought home the reckless impunity President Muhammadu Buhari’s precipitate actions in the which government demonstrated in repudiating the code and case of Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the FRCN, ostensibly to the entire institutional infrastructure through which it was avoid the label of Islamic fanatic, desperate to undermine designed and implemented. Religious groups cannot claim that other religions is inconsistent with his famed courage and they are beyond government and public oversight when they principle. Even if that law and corporate governance code, enjoy government patronage, ranging from import waivers, needed amendment or review, it must not be because of one elaborate state security under the constitutional provision particular person or any interest group; whether a religious of freedom of worship. Even their serial internal wrangling group or not. are brought to courts for adjudication and courts are state or The promise of President Buhari in his campaign is to public institutions funded from public treasury. restore Nigeria to a law governed and rule-based country, Nigeria is a secular state and while its laws are not biased and his mantra that he belongs to everybody and to or against any particular religious group, they are however nobody”, encapsulates the vision. The idea of a republic is inclusive of all groups. A framework of code of governance a community of free and equal citizens under the law and of public institutions implies unequivocally that all public therefore harbouring and ingratiating to plutocrats, whether institutions, including religious organisations that enjoy religious or economic is inconsistent with our republic. public order, security and freedom of worship guaranteed by The Vice-President, Yemi Osibanjo, is both a Pastor in the the constitution, upheld by the state and is secured through Redeemed Church and also a senior lawyer both in the the activities of a legitimate government institution. Any academia and in legal practice. However, if the decisions to government therefore, that bends its rules midway to cater THE IDEA OF A REPUBLIC IS A COMMUNITY suspend the extant Nigeria law on account of the interest of for a special interest no matter how powerful and inuential, OF FREE AND EQUAL CITIZENS UNDER THE a special group, which he belongs, sit well with him as one especially in such brazen manner as demonstrated in the LAW AND THEREFORE HARBOURING AND would suppose, because he did not raise a whimper, then instant case, shoots itself in the foot and seriously undermines the country has serious challenge, even as president did not its legitimacy. If the rule of the corporate governance code INGRATIATING TO PLUTOCRATS, WHETHER help matters implied that a religious leader must step down on attainment RELIGIOUS OR ECONOMIC IS INCONSISTENT Mr. Onunaiju, a journalist, wrote from Abuja WITH OUR REPUBLIC

SUSTAINING DEVELOPMENT IN A RECESSION (2)

The State of Osun has done remarkably in infrastructure development, writes Ileowo Kikiowo

hrough the State’s partnership administration to equip the future generation will take care of critical expenditure, wages, assembly plant, RLG Adulawo also set with the World Bank, The Osun of Osun with the best possible resources pension, salaries and other expenditure shop in Osun as a result of the favourable Agency for Community and regardless of their background, so they can required to run government. This milestone infrastructure in the state. These and more Social Development Project seek a better and prosperous future for agreement gave birth to the apportionment are the direct and indirect investment results (OSUN CSDP), has reached themselves and consequently for the state. of revenue, called modulated salary. of the administration’s bet for a prosperous 1,073,129 bene ciaries in rural As many states became scally unstable From August 2015 till now, the prudent future and these efforts are paying off. Tcommunities by committing at least N2 bil- and shortfall in federally collected revenues management of concessionary loan (bailout) Consequently, Osun developmental lion to several social developmental projects. continued to challenge salaries payment, and its subsequent revenues by the programmes have also impacted on the The partnership is delivering 356 inclusive, the government of President Muhammadu administration of Ogbeni socio-economic pro le of the state as gender sensitive and multi-sectoral micro Buhari heeded Osun’s push for interventions has ensured salaries are paid and workers reported by reputable institutions. In 2015, projects, covering education, rural electri ca- by helping her and other states restructure keep their jobs, rather than embark on mass The Oxford Poverty and Human Develop- tion, primary health care, transportation, commercial loans into FGN bond with retrenchment; an alternate idea other state ment Initiative (OPHI) rated Osun second potable water provision in 263 communities reduced nancial cost and freeing of cash- governments have toyed with. highest in human development index among across the state. ow in August 2015. The FG also granted a The salary regime ensures full salaries the 36 states in the country. In 2014, Renais- The government’s strategic investment concessionary loan to Osun and many other are paid to junior cadre in levels one-seven, sance Capital (RENCAP) in its 36 shades of in the critical basic education level has states to clear backlogs of salaries and to while their senior counterparts are paid Nigeria economic review of states ranked delivered training and re-training for over restore treasury and scal stability of these nothing less than 50 per cent or greater, Osun as the seventh largest economy in 21,017 teachers, giving the importance of states. depending on the level of income per month. Nigeria, while in 2013 the NBS rated Osun these to the learning experience. So far, 277 The state government and the labour The government’s infrastructure develop- as the state with the lowest poverty rate in model schools with 1,811 modern classrooms unions recognised that the current national ment efforts has already started yielding Nigeria. have been built or rehabilitated. The schools challenge, resulting from dwindling revenues results as investments and production In conclusion, was there a dearth in are being furnished with 26,922 sets of chair will continue to affect the payments of has been on the rise in Osun: In 2009, the critical physical infrastructure in Osun and table. Every school day in Osun, 253,000 critical expenditure of government, which famous International Breweries, Ilesa, known before 2010? The answer is yes. Was there elementary school children receive nutritious include salaries, wages and pension, after the for Trophy brand which serves the South an urgent need to build the infrastructure? meals produced largely by local farmers, exhaustion of the bailout funds. The labour West and beyond, doubled its production ca- The answer is a resounding yes. Was the to boost health and cognitive capability at unions agreed to accommodate the state pacity to cater for the boost in local economy. decision to debt nance the construction of their formative stage, as well as boost local government during this economic headwind, Tuns Farms, an indigenous poultry company, the infrastructure a rational one amongst food production. The Osun School feeding while the state government agreed to be in partnership with small holder farmers, other options available? Yes! Has the state programme is the longest running of its kind transparent and carry the labour unions ramped up broiler production to position the government properly managed the resultant in the country. along. state as the second largest broiler producer downside risks involved in taking these In six years, Osun has through its basic The state government and the labour in the country. Omoluabi Garment Factory, a steps? Yes! Nobody argues with results. The education agency, invested over N8.5 billion unions also agreed that whatever is available Public-Private-Partnership between Sam and impact of the decisions taken by the present to build capacity, both in human and as net revenues accruing from Federation Sara Garments and the State Government of administration in the state continues to yield physical infrastructure. This investment in Accounts and internally generated revenues Osun emerged as the largest Garment Fac- positive results from all available indices. education is driven by the resolve of the (IGR) will be apportioned in such a way that tory in West Africa. An indigenous computer Kikiowo wrote from Osogbo THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017  EDITORIAL THE GRUESOME DEATH OF A COLONEL The security agencies should sharpen their investigative skills and apprehend the killers of Anthony Okeyim

tudents and staff of Command Second- from all indications, the investigative strategies often ary School, Ibadan, recently awoke to a adopted by the police in the past were not effective gruesome sight: the bloody remains of enough to unearth the criminals. the commandant of their school, Col. That perhaps explains why we have a long list of Anthony Okeyim, who had his throat unresolved murders across the nation – from Dele slit by suspected assassins. Okeyim Giwa, former chief executive of Newswatch maga- who was recently promoted to the rank zine, Chief Bola Ige, former Attorney General of the of Brigadier-General and waiting to be Federation and Minister of Justice to many uncount- decorated was reportedly attacked in front of his of- able ones of late. The killing of Col. Okeyim is yet Sficial quarter by some criminals. “It is a pity that that another one in the myriad of security challenges such a gentleman, who was committed to his duty besetting the nation. We therefore enjoin the security as a military officer and school commandant could agencies to sharpen their strategies and fish out those be killed in a gruesome manner inside a military responsible for this most heinous crime. formation,” said a friend of the deceased. “There are posts mounted by infantry soldiers from the gate of n the past, deaths of military officers like Okeyim the school and visitors are not allowed except if you had led to immediate reprisal attacks from the have a genuine mission there.” Adekunle Ajisebutu, military, most often directed at wrong targets. spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command said, Happily, this has not happened. But certainly, “We are treating it as a case of suspected murder.” Iwe cannot continue with this situation of mindless That a senior military officer could have his killings of innocent men and women, whose perpe- life snuffed out easily by assailants is yet another trators roam our streets fully confident that the long evidence of the worsening insecurity in the country. THISDAY arm of the law has no chance of apprehending them. Indeed, it is a further EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU There is little doubt criminals are becoming more DEPUTY EDITORS BOlAJI ADEBIYI, JOsEph UshIGIAlE DAILY, THE INCIDENCE indication of how MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOlA BEllO audacious in the country. Daily, the incidence of OF MURDER AND OTHER much more unsafe DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOlAFE murder and other accompanying crimes like kidnap- ordinary Nigerians CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OlUsEGUN ADENIYI ping, armed robbery and banditry are on the rise. Yet ACCOMPANYING CRIMES EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOsA UWUGIAREN LIKE KIDNAPPING, have become. If the security forces have been less than able to deal the life of the com- with these crimes that have put the citizenry on the ARMED ROBBERY AND mandant of a military edge. Their encouragement comes not only from the BANDITRY ARE ON THE school could be taken lucrative nature of their anti-social acts but also from RISE so easily, what is the THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED the fact that they are getting away with their crimes. EDITOR„IN„CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA fate of the students GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOlA BEllO, KAYODE KOMOlAFE, Therefore, President Muhammadu Buhari, who and staff of the school? IsRAEl IWEGBU, EMMANUEl EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU rode to power on the back of the citizens’ discontent GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OlUFEMI ABOROWA While we commiserate with the family of the late DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, FIDElIs ElEMA, with his predecessor’s handling of the national colonel and the Nigerian Army, if ever any wake-up MBAYIlAN ANDOAKA, ANThONY OGEDENGBE security challenge must rise to the occasion by DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI call is needed, this is it. This murder case, like many SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEh moving firmly against the rising crime wave. Obvi- before it, raises serious posers. Suspicions are rife that ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS hENRY NWAChOKOR, sAhEED ADEYEMO ously, the prevailing internal security architecture is something was amiss, particularly given the circum- CONTROLLERS ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UChENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOsERI inadequate to tackle this growing menace of killing at GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUhI stances of Okeyim’s demise in relatively secure and GROUP HEAD FEMI TOlUFAshE will. The way to go is for government to deploy all in gated premises. Who killed the colonel, and why? ART DIRECTOR OChI OGBUAKU II its arsenal to make this and all other forms of crime Intelligence is vital in criminal investigations. And DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION ChUKs ONWUDINJO in our country an unprofitable endeavour. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

TO OUR READERS Le€ers to the Editor Leers in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (-­ words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such leers along with their contact details [email protected] . We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-wrien and should also not be longer than (†-  words). They should be sent [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LAGOS AND THE BEAUTY OF CONTINUITY ne of the hallmarks of good governance is continuity grow as the baton of leadership and authority passed from Tinubu to also helping to advance the course of good governance. in policies, programmes and projects, especially those Fashola and now to Ambode. Presently, Governor Ambode is diligently working and consolidating that are progressive and developmental. Political Subsequent governments have continued to work within the frame on all the achievements of his predecessors and he is setting new pace ideologies that are favourable to the growth and work of the Lagos Development Master Plan for a mega city since and also breaking new grounds. As at now, plans are on to construct development of the people and the society are built 1999. Lagos State has since enjoyed the dividends of the master an International Airport in Lekki Free Trade Zone as well as two deep and established on the structures of continuity as one plan while also blessed and endowed with visionary and proactive seaports in the Badagry and Epe axis. This will, no doubt, improve the Ogovernment takes over and continues where the previous stopped. leadership. For instance, the immediate past governor, Mr. Babatunde commercial viability of the state and engender further development. Therefore, continuity ensures effective resource management. This Fashola (SAN), working with the master plan, consolidated on the Massive urban renewal projects are equally ongoing and the face of not only encourages development, growth and productivity, it also achievements of his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he embarked Lagos is fast changing with places like Ojodu Berger, Oworonshoki, promotes the execution and completion of capital projects that are on vigorous infrastructure development projects across the state. This is Ketu, Ojota, Mile 12 and so forth being the better for it. The nancial usually abandoned by subsequent governments who discard the evident in the light rail project which he started and which the current prudence of the incumbent administration in the state has helped to ideologies of the previous government as they take up new ones. This administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has continued to creatively ensure that the state regularly meets up with its nancial responsibili- has continued to be a source of wastage of public fund on abandoned improve on. This is the beauty of continuity as Lagosians are now ties across board. That all this is taking place in a recessional economy projects. According to statistics, there are thousands of abandoned certain that the light rail project is a reality and there is no fear of it speaks volume of the great work that past and present leaders of the projects in Nigeria. being abandoned. state have done to build a strong and economically viable state. Continuity is not just about a particular political party being in This was made possible because there is a genuine unity of purpose The state is gradually being weaned from depending or waiting on power over a long period. Rather, it about the ability of a government and agenda which breeds accountability. Past and present leaders in the federal government for nancial allocation, a point that has been to have unity of purpose, focus and clear cut direction. It is about the state have been able to deliver on their mandates as they measure proven once by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 when former subsequent governments operating within and upon the same their performances against the backdrop of their unanimous vision President Obasanjo refused to release Lagos State Local Governments’ ideology and political principle which are ultimately bene cial to the and purpose and also gauge the pulse of the people for feedbacks on allocation. Through sheer administrative, nancial and economic prow- people. their performance through their various medium of feedbacks such as ess, the state government was able to meet its nancial responsibilities Lagos State represents a shining example of the dividends of the Town Hall meeting, community interaction programmes, among to the 20 local government councils and 37 local council development continuity in governance as it has enjoyed and is still experiencing tre- others. areas, without any nancial support from the then federal government. mendous growth and development which makes it a leading economic The effectiveness of the Lagos Master Plan dating back to 1999 It is noteworthy to say that the ground work and foundation for the and industrial hub in the country. In the current political dispensation, is particularly reinforced through the establishment of trail-blazing Lagos that we now enjoy was laid at that trying time in the political the foundation for Lagos’ current political and economic development agencies such as the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, history of the state, and a legacy of good governance, true leadership, was laid by the then administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Traf c Management exemplary service and sacri ce was established. All these are truly the which actually set the pace and put in place the development template Authority, Bus Rapid Transport Scheme, KAI, Citizen Mediation beauty of continuity in a democracy. which subsequent governments in the state have continued to build Centre, just to mention a few. Through these agencies, lots of jobs have Temilade Aruya, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, on. The legacy of good governance enshrined in the state continues to been created for Lagosians and revenues generated for the state while Lagos  FRIDAY JANUARY ,   THISDAY THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY ,  

Group Politics Editor Olawale Olaleye Email [email protected] POLITICS  ­€€ SMS ONLY PERSONALITY FOCUS The Intrigues and Politics of Ndume’s Removal The sudden removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate Leader on Tuesday is the latest of protracted intrigues that had rocked the upper parliamentary chamber since 2015. Omololu Ogunmade writes

ntil his sudden ouster on Tuesday According to Senate’s spokesman, Sabi Abdul- as the Senate Leader in a seem- lahi, the Senate had consequently rejected Magu ing palace coup, Senator Ali and advised President Muhammadu Buhari Ndume, enjoyed the aura and to send another candidate as his replacement. beauty of the of ce. Though However, while the news of Magu’s rejection simple and very accessible, was yet generating controversy in the polity, he carried himself with consciousness of the Ndume announced at the Presidential Villa that exaltedU of ce in his daily transactions. His love Magu had not been rejected. He emphasised and admiration for the of ce were visible to that Magu could not be rejected in a closed-door all but he did little or nothing to protect it. session of the Senate, where the decision was He had believed that with his popularity taken. among his colleagues, to sustain the of ce was Ndume also dismissed Senate’s call for the automatic. However, his removal without any resignation and prosecution of the Secretary to prior notice on Tuesday must have taught him a the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir bitter lesson in history that in Nigerian politics, David Lawal, over alleged mismanagement of no condition is permanent. internally displaced persons (IDPs) funds in Ndume had rejected several calls by his party, the North-east. the All Progressives Congress (APC), to yield The Senate therefore considered a situation the of ce to Senator Ahmad Lawan, who was where its leader whom it felt was duty bound APC’s anointed candidate for the of ce of Senate to protect the sanctity of its resolutions became President prior to the emergence of Senator the one allegedly twisting it as embarrassing. Bukola Saraki on June 9, 2015. Lawan eventually This prompted Abdullahi to brief the press the emerged as his replacement on Tuesday. following day where he af rmed that Magu’s The APC which was bitter about the emergence rejection was the Senate’s of cial position and of Saraki in 2015, had in its bid to put the pains there was no going back on it. of his emergence against its wish behind it, Second, THISDAY also gathered yesterday wrote the Senate president to concede the of ces that the Senate found Ndume’s removal this of Senate Leader and Deputy Senate Leader time to be appropriate in view of the recent to Lawan and George Akume. The party had rapprochement between the Senate leadership, positioned Akume to be Lawan’s deputy at the APC and the Presidency. the height of the race for Senate President’s Ndume...caught in crossfire Ndume had emerged against the wish of of ce in 2015. the party, which had in June last year, recom- But despite the party’s letter to Saraki on portunists, who rode on President Muhammadu Ndume with Lawan as its new leader. But mended the nomination of Lawan as Senate the matter, he proceeded to announce Ndume Buhari and APC’s popularity in 2015 to win the intrigue was how an APC caucus meeting Leader following his loss to Saraki in the race as Senate Leader and Bala Ibn Na’Allah as his election, explaining that he had as a matter was held without the knowledge of its leader, to Senate Presidency on June 9, 2016. deputy because the Senate caucus decided so. of fact, consistently won election since 1999 who ordinarily should convene it. But instead of abiding by the party’s deci- The development exacerbated the hostility of and would continue to win because of his In the letter, entitled: “Notice of Change in sion, Saraki announced Ndume as the Senate the party and the presidency towards Saraki popularity among his people. Leadership,” APC senators said: “This is to Leader following his recommendation by the as they had thought that having expressed There were also other interventions by inform Your Excellency and the Senate that North-east caucus of APC to which the of ce their preparedness to accept Saraki as the prominent personalities including the Speaker after several meetings held on Monday, 9th of had been zoned. Saraki said he could not alter Senate President, he should have also been of the House of Representatives but all was January, 2017, and upon due deliberation and the decision of his colleagues who had chosen magnanimous enough to accede to the party’s to no avail. consultation, the APC Caucus of the Senate, Ndume for the of ce and rejected Lawan by request. Ndume was not only excited by his status as hereby wishes to notify you of the change in 13 to 3 votes. The aftermath of the matter was a case soon Senate Leader, he had once told his colleagues the leadership of the Senate – that the new The situation was seen by the party as an instituted against him at the Code of Conduct during a plenary that he still desired to be Senate Senate Leader is now Senator Ahmad Lawan, affront on it by Saraki whom it had accused of Tribunal (CCT), where he was accused of false President. However, this excitement came to representing Yobe North Senatorial District. rst emerging as Senate president against its assets declaration in his days as the Governor an end on Tuesday when in a seeming palace Kindly accept our esteem regards and best wish and later failed to accede to its request of Kwara State in 2003. Till date, the matter coup, he was replaced by Lawan as the new assurances.” to concede Senate Leaders’ of ce to Lawan. is still on-going in CCT, although there are Senate Leader without any notice. It was learnt that following the decision to This generated bad blood between him, the beliefs that in view of the recent rapprochement Ndume who had earlier led Senate proceedings replace Ndume, Ekweremadu and the Chief Presidency and party leadership. between Saraki and the party leadership, the prior to his sudden removal on that fateful Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, had been Ndume would later tell an online medium matter may be struck out very soon. day, left the chamber to pray in the National assigned by their colleagues to advise him that he was removed because he opposed the At the height of Saraki’s trial at the CCT, he Assembly mosque, but on his way out, he was to resign ahead of the announcement. There rejection of Magu through an unparliamentary was offered a soft landing. The arrangement confronted with the news of his removal while were claims that when they wanted to tell norm. According to him, he had insisted that was that he should ask Ndume and Na’Allah plenary had also been adjourned. him, he was nowhere to be found. con rmation or rejection was not done in an to step down and replace them with the party’s The removal came as a rude shock to him. But There were also insinuations that he might executive session but in the open where the choices, Lawan and Akume. the action was the offshoot of a letter written have left the chamber because of fore knowledge nominee will have the opportunity to defend While Na’Allah was said to have agreed by APC caucus and read by Saraki, informing of the plan to advise him to resign. But his himself. He said it was this insistence that pitted to step down, Ndume in his characteristic him of a meeting it held on Monday, January traducers would not be deterred by his non- some of his colleagues against him, leading love for the of ce, rejected the offer, saying 9, where it claimed to have agreed to replace availability as they were determined to get rid to his ouster. he was popularly elected by his colleagues of him, thus prompting the announcement of While formally reacting to his removal on the in the North-east caucus of APC by 13 votes his replacement before the end of the plenary oor of the Senate on Wednesday, Ndume said against Lawan’s three. The of ce was zoned on Tuesday. he did not become Senate leader because he was to North-east. He therefore insisted that he It was learnt that Ndume was removed for better than any other senator but rather by the would resist the pressure to dump his colleagues’ Ndume who had earlier led two main reasons. First, he was accused of con dence reposed in him by his colleagues. mandate on the altar of political solution. bringing the Senate into disrepute through a Nevertheless, he expressed reservation on the At the height of the move was a meeting Senate proceedings prior to series of behaviour and utterances which senators way he was removed, observing that if the held with Ndume at the Presidential Villa in his sudden removal on that considered embarrassing to the institution. tradition of the Senate as a national institution late 2015 by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Prominent of such perceived embarrassing was not preserved, the next victim of procedural the APC National Chairman, John Odigie- fateful day, left the chamber acts which eventually consumed him was the breach could be Ekweremadu himself, who Oyegun, where he was advised to step down to pray in the National interview he granted State House correspondents presided over that day’s plenary. for peace to reign both in the Senate and the in the Presidential Villa on December 19, 2016 Ndume who said he got a list containing 38 party. But Ndume reportedly called Osinbajo Assembly mosque, but where he debunked Senate’s earlier of cial senators who signed the list for his removal, and Odigie-Oyegun’s bluff and did not mince on his way out, he was position which had rejected the con rmation noted that the situation only implied that 38 words to tell the highly placed men that he of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chair- of his colleagues had lost con dence in him was disappointed by their action. confronted with the news of man of the Economic and Financial Crimes adding that even if they were only 10, the Ndume was said to have told them that his removal while plenary Commission (EFCC) on December 15 last year. trend still meant that he had lost the moral whereas they claimed to be democrats, they Whereas the Senate had announced on ground to remain in that of ce. However, he had the audacity to persuade him to jettison had also been adjourned… December 15 that in view of damning security insisted that he was sure that he had done the mandate popularly given to him by his The removal came as a rude report against Magu, it had resolved in its nothing wrong to warrant such a sudden colleagues to serve as their leader. He further closed-door session not to con rm Magu as loss of con dence which culminated in his told them not to think he was one of the op- shock to him the EFCC boss. removal.  THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY ,  POLITICS POLITICS&ISSUES Niger Delta Crisis and a Bleeding Economy Some of the events of the past few weeks in the country may be suggesting that President Muhammadu Buhari does not give a hoot about the crisis in the Niger Delta, writes Iyobosa Uwugiaren

t appears President Muhammadu Buhari but has not seen the light of the day in spite Avengers had in a statement by its Brig.Gen still doesn’t give a damn about the vexed of the fact that hopes had been raised and Mudoch Agbinib, said since its declaration of issues generating sti ing tension in the expectations heightened. cessation of hostilities in the region, it was clear troubled Niger Delta region. Perhaps so! “It is instructive to place on record that the to the group that Buhari was not ready for any At the peak of the nation’s economic Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, is form of dialogue and negotiations with its people. recession last year, caused by a number an iconic project that touches the heart of the “The world is aware that after listening to of challenges, chie y from low sale of crude to region. That the functionality of this institution calls from our royal fathers, community lead- Ithe sabotage of oil installations in the Niger Delta will engender a sense of belonging, participation ers, stakeholders and members of the comity by the militants/agitators, there were con icting in speeding up the process of healing old wounds of nations, especially the governments of the suggestions by President Muhammadu Buhari’s occasioned by age-long deprivations cannot be United States of America, Great Britain and men over the best possible way to respond to over- ogged,” he said. the European Union, we halted all actions,” the issue. He urged the government to reopen the mari- the group had said An insider told THISDAY that while the Minister time university, saying it would confer credibility However, amidst threats by different Niger of State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe kachukwu-led and goodwill to the federal government in the Delta’s groups and counter threats by the federal group within the government, suggested dialogue resolution of the crisis in the region. More so, government security agencies, especially the military, to the vexed issue, some “political hawks” within when the facilities for the successful take-off of experts in con ict resolution said war would do the Villa toughly recommended strong military the university have already been domiciled and no good in the economic strategic region. The force in dealing with the matter “once and for all. modestly developed in compliance with extant sound argument is that resources for war may A trained army General, Buhari was said requirements and standards by the administra- be sufcient to provide all-inclusive way out. to have adopted the option of employing the tion of former President Goodluck Jonathan in The intelligent suggestion by experts in the Niger military force. However, the source said after Kurutie, . Delta crisis is that the federal government could months of deploying hundreds of the Nigerian’s Clark, nonetheless, promised to continue resolve the vexed issue by employing dialogue, troops to smoke out the militants blowing up to plead with all agitating groups to continue special education programme, compensation, oil facilities in the region, it became clear to the to sustain the predominant peace and work infrastructure development and not militarisation aging president that he could not win the war, towards dialogue, noting that this remained of the region. before he decided to try a different approach. Buhari the best option for resolving the crises in the On discussion, they explained that the Niger Reverting to Kachukwu’s wise counsel, Buhari Niger Delta region. Delta needs genuine dialogue that would involve later directed the Petroleum Minister to invite the the problems in the oil-producing region. The Clark-led group is not alone in this seeming “tendering of apology” to the disadvantaged aggrieved Niger Delta community/traditional “The attention of the Pan Niger Delta Forum frustration. The Movement for the Emancipation people, analyse past protests, address immediate rulers to his villa for talks. And not many key (PANDEF) has again been drawn to some of the Niger Delta (MEND), one of the notice- concern and promise a rewarding future for the monitors of the region doubted then that the uncomplimentary remarks credited to the able militant groups in the region, also recently alleviation of their pains. move could end a surge of sabotage, which had Senior Special Adviser to President on Media reviewed its support for the negotiations between Misbau Opeyemi Aminu, who has carried out cost the nation billions of dollars in damages and Publicity, Femi Adesina, to the effect that the federal government and the rebel groups in several researches in the region, said the Niger and exports. the presidency was yet to have credible leaders the oil-rich region that had consistently attacked Delta had realised the relevance of oil and gas to Drawing the delegations from all states in the from the Niger Delta region to dialogue with. oil and gas facilities in the area. the nations revenue (85%) and relevance of Niger Niger Delta, comprising the political leaders, “This statement, coming from the presidency MEND, which passed a “no condence vote” Delta region to electric power generation, saying traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups at a time when it has become very clear that the on Buhari-led government, accused the president “our primary source of energy for electricity – and other stakeholders, a meeting was later held militancy and destruction of oil and gas facilities of reneging on all the deals he entered into with gas – account for almost 75% of the total source in November last year between the Buhari-led have abated, owing to the timely intervention the militants, stressing that the government’s and it has become a weapon” for negotiations. federal government and the leaders of the region. of PANDEF, the umbrella body of monarchs, handling of the issues was unacceptable. Aminu added: “The truth may be bitter. Don’t But then, the president’s body language and leaders and credible stakeholders of the ethnic A statement by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, blame the Niger Deltans but look back into the his utterances at the meeting, an insider said, nationalities of the coastal states of the Niger said as a condition for peace, the President should struggle against environmental degradation did not suggest that Buhari was serious about Delta region. immediately act to preserve the peace process and neglect–livelihood denial, oppression and the option of dialogue that informed the invite “This intervention which has positively led to by ofcially commencing negotiations with the persecution. Their mentality, social behaviour sent to his visitors. the cessation of hostilities by the armed agitators, leaders and elders of the region. MEND accused and social structures have been destroyed over “At the meeting, President Muhammadu Buhari in deference to the appeal by the leaders, has Buhari of “arrogance” in the treatment of the a long time. Restoring their trust, mind and condemned the destruction to the Niger Delta actually led to improvements in the crude oil issues raised by the leaders of PANDEF, noting brains to the Nigerian project will take a while. oil facilities, describing it as criminal. He told us production, which hitherto fell to 900,000bpd, that the government had not shown seriousness The lifestyle destroyed over the years cannot be that we knew the criminals, where they were, relative to the production target of 2.2mbpd.” in dealing with the crisis. corrected through the barrel of gun.” and directed us to go and talk to them”, one The umbrella of the pan Niger Delta group While stating that its members no longer Aminu listed what he called the Niger Delta’s of the Niger Delta leaders from , who added: “To make matters worse, the government trusted the current administration to have any pain points as: destroyed farmland, destroyed attended the meeting told THISDAY. is reported to have earmarked a whooping meaningful dialogue with the region, the group, aquatic life, polluted environment, inadequate The source added that although the president’s N29 billion of oil revenue to ght militancy however, called for the immediate setting up of a or selective compensation, systemic inequality visitors did not condone the violence, they argued in the Niger Delta region. This, of course, will federal government team to meet with PANDEF that favours non-oil producers to have more that the actions of the militants re ected well- further exacerbate the crisis in the region, where headed by Chief Clark to salvage the situation. and juicy oil wells, while the bearers of wells founded anger in the penurious Niger Delta PANDEF has been working assiduously to ensure “Without prejudice to the pre-2015 presidential linger in poverty, lingering joblessness among region and the legitimate calls for a greater share permanent peace. election endorsement freely and voluntarily given the youth, and lack of meaningful development/ of revenues generated from their lands. “How on earth would government begin to to President Muhammadu Buhari on January 6, dearth of infrastructure, among others. The region’s delegations were said to have told think of this kind of huge expenditure, despite 2015, the Movement for the Emancipation of the According to him, a lot of contracts were Buhari that meeting their demands, among them the dwindling economy, just to ght militancy, Niger Delta (MEND) hereby categorically and awarded to different contractors, such as roads, better roads, stable electricity and a long-promised when the causative factors sufciently articulated unequivocally passes a vote of no condence hospitals, schools etc by the Federal Government, university, would have shown the government’s and presented to the president by PANDEF on the government of President Buhari. NDDC, IOC, Banks, corporate organisations and goodwill, and they later presented their 16-point remain ignored?” “Prior to and after his reluctant meeting others, either as developmental programme or demand to the President. The Chief E.K Clark-led group argued that the with the traditional rulers, opinion leaders and as Corporate Social Responsibility projects that Not for a furious President. He was to have rise in crude oil production could not have been stakeholders of the Niger Delta region, under were nancially mobilised but unexecuted due expressed annoyance over the audacity of the possible without the unication of all credible the auspices of PANDEF on November 1, 2016, to the attitude and frustration from the people. Niger Delta leaders, and later stormed out of stakeholders under the aegis of PANDEF, adding President Muhammadu Buhari has been carrying On special education system, Aminu in an the meeting, after just ve minutes of meeting that this explained the quality and diversity of on arrogantly and making controversial, prejudicial, interview THISDAY recently, stated: “We need with them. the composition of its delegation that met with con icting and contradictory statements about to design a special education system that offers “The government isn’t taking the issue seri- Buhari on November 1, 2016 in Abuja, where the the politics and economy of the oil-rich region. basic education and addresses the mind and ously,” Barrister Ledum Mitee, a lawyer and position paper of the region was presented to “Since after he assumed the reins of power, soul of the Niger Delta people. The education advocate for the Ogoni, had told Financial Times. the President, with a well-founded assurance to President Muhammadu Buhari has always, programme can be segmented into three: education To be sure, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), dialogue as a way out of resolving the lingering for reasons best known to him, held the Niger system for the pupils in nursery, primary and an umbrella body of the traditional rulers, elders, challenges in the region. Delta region in contempt, while accusing and/ secondary schools. While addressing the basic community leaders and other critical stakeholders He told THISDAY recently that at the meeting or blackmailing the leadership of the region of education initiative, a lot of emphasis should of the ethnic nationalities that make up the Niger with Buhari and other fora, the Niger Delta leaders not being ready for dialogue, whereas it is the be placed on re-orientating the minds for a Delta region, recently stated that the N29 billion had consistently advocated for exchange of ideas federal government that is not ready or willing constructive future.” provided for in the 2017 national budget by Buhari and the urgent setting up of a dialogue team by to name a team to dialogue with the people.” Aminu also recommended a modied amnesty to ght the militancy in the Niger Delta, was the federal government to demonstrate credible Similarly, the Niger Delta Avengers, which had programmes for the youth between ages 18 and a clear sign that the federal government is not commitment to resolving the crisis in the region. claimed responsibility for bombing of many oil 55 that would encourage special education ready to embrace dialogue on the issue. He, however, regretted that two months down facilities in the Niger Delta region, also appears (basic and mind education), skill acquisition, The leaders, who met with Buhari said the the road since their visit to President Buhari, to be running out of patience with Buhari. In its entrepreneurship, welfare packages and rewarding budgetary allocation to ght militancy would the federal government has not demonstrated recent post on its website, the group stated that stake within the industry. further exacerbate the crisis in the region. A any commitment to the dialogue process by it had launched two simultaneous operations to He said a majority of the elders of 55 years and statement issued recently and signed by a member the setting up of its team. disrupt oil and gas activities in the region. The above, suffer the consequences of environmental of the Central Working Committee of PANDEF, “Curiously too is the fact that one of the items operations are identied as “Operations Wall degradation and as such, deserved “huge com- Dr. Alfred Mulade, expressed concern over a among the 16-point dialogue issues was the of Jericho” and “Hurricane Joshua.” pensation, psychological appeasement or using statement credited to the president’s spokesman, reopening of the Nigerian Maritime University, Expectedly, the Avengers’ threat did not go opinion moulders to address their mind-set. It Femi Adesina, that the presidency was yet to Okerenkoko, Delta State, which the government down with the Defence Headquarters, promising is obvious that we will need mind, body and identify credible leaders to negotiate with on announced had been given positive consideration, to deal decisively with the militant group. The soul to build our nation.” THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13,    Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD  ­€‚ƒ„ RATES AS AT DECEMBER,  ,  NIBOR NIBOR NITTY EXCHANGE RATE OVERNIGHT „.„†¢ -MONTH .„¢ -MONTH .  ¢ -MONTH ƒ.†¢ N314.77//1US DOLLAR* -MONTH .¢ -MONTH .†¢ -MONTH . †¢ -MONTH . ¢ *AS AT LAST FRIDAY -MONTH . ¢  -MONTH .†¢ Quick Takes Arik Spends N .B on Jet A Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air spent a total of over N . on aviation fuel, known as Jet A in  . THISDAY investigations revealed that in January the airline spent N , ƒ„,  ƒ, „ .† for a total of ƒ, „,  ƒ litres of Jet A by major suppliers Total Nigeria Plc, Cleanserve and Conoil. In February the airline expended N ,  , , . on ƒ, „, „ litres of the product and suppliers were So Aviation, MRS Plc, Conoil and Total Nigeria Plc.In March the airline spent Nƒ, †, „. † for ƒ, , ƒ litres of aviation fuel and the products were supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Conoil and Total Nigeria Plc. Also in April, Arik bought ƒ, ƒ,  litres of aviation fuel at the cost of N , ƒ, †, ƒ. ƒ and suppliers were So Aviation, MRS Plc, Conoil and Total Nigeria Plc. In May the airline expended the sum of N ,, , . † on the purchase of ƒ, ƒ„, „ litres of aviation fuel supplied by MRS Plc and Total Nigeria Plc. The airline spent N , , „„, „ . for ƒ,  , „ litres of Jet A supplied by MRS Plc, Total and Conoil.In July when aviation scarcity got worse, Arik was able to buy „, †,  litres of Jet A for N , †,  , †. and was supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. The nation’s major carrier also purchased ƒ, ƒ,  at the cost of N , „, ƒ†, † ƒ.  in August supplied by So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. In September the airline spent a total of N ,  ,†ƒ,  . „ for , †,   litres of aviation fuel supplied by POSITIVE MARKET OUTLOOK So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil. Arik purchased L – R : Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Pai Gamde; General Counsel & Head, a total of „, ƒ,   litres of aviation fuel in October at the cost of Regulation,Tinuade Awe; Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Onyema, and Executive Director, Market Operations & Technology, Adeolu N , „, ƒ , „ƒ.† supplied by So Aviation, Mrs Plc, Total Nigeria Bajomo, at the ‹ŒŽ‘ capital market review and ‹ŒŽ’ outlook by the NSE in Lagos…recently Plc and Conoil. In November Arik purchased „, , † litres of aviation fuel at the cost of N ,  , „, ƒ. from So Aviation, MRS Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Conoil and in December the airline purchased ,  , ƒ litres of fuel at the cost of N , †† , ƒ, ƒ†. .

FG Loses N43. 48bn Foreign Emirates Introduces Special Fares Emirates, voted the World’s Best Airline in the   Skytrax World Airline Awards, is offering Nigerian travellers special Economy Class Airlines BASA Remittances and Business Class return airfares to a range of exciting destinations across its global network. The airline said those wanting to visit family Chinedu Eze AVIATION parastatals. introduce slot allocation as an or friends, or see and experience a new and exciting destination, THISDAYA learnt that the alternative and which would can take advantage of this limited time offer by booking between The federal government may then Ministry of Aviation have yielded more revenues ƒth January and „th January  . Travel must take place between have lost over N43.48 billion other aviation development. scrapped the payments in to government. thJanuary and th June  . Emirates said Economy Class fares ($144 million) remittances These funds used to be in the response to the request of While Nigeria had since from Lagos to Dubai for example start from —„, to Beirut from paid by international airlines custody of the defunct Nigeria the International Air Transport scrapped the payment of — and to Manchester from —ƒ , while return Business Class as reciprocity charges in the Airways Limited (NAL) before Association (IATA), which royalties, other countries still fares to Dubai starts from —,„ƒ, to Beirut from —„„ and to Bilateral Air Service Agreement it was liquidated. indicated that its member collect same from airlines that Manchester from —ƒƒ†. Special fares to a number of other selected (BASA) from 2014 to the end of However, the federal airlines should stop paying operate to their cities. destinations are also available. Economy Class fares from Lagos 2016 due to the decision of the government has just been royalties to nations. The source said that the to Delhi starts from —ƒ , to Chennai from —ƒ†, to Mumbai from Ministry of Transport to stop allowing these foreign airlines It was gathered that mostly decision was self-serving and —ƒ†, to Bangkok from —ƒ†ƒ, London Heathrow from —ƒ „, to collecting the charges without to operate freely to Nigeria and European carriers campaigned was never done in the interest Guangzhou from —ƒ, to Kuala-Lumpur from — , , New York providing alternative payment at the same time government for the abrogation of payment of the country. — , , Houston from — , , Beijing from — , †, Shanghai from — , †, platform for the airlines. allots multidesignations to the of royalties through IATA and Rather, some airlines and Singapore from — ,† . While return Business Class fares to These are royalty payments foreign carriers thus stiing the while other countries were still might have massaged the Delhi starts from —,, to Chennai from —,„, to Mumbai from for the frequencies operated market for the local airlines. studying the request, Nigeria parochial interests of of cials —, , to Bangkok from —†, „, to London Heathrow from —†, †, by the foreign airlines from Industry stakeholders said hastily adopted the policy. As a in the Ministry of Aviation Guangzhou from —†, †, to Kuala-Lumpur from —†,„ ,to New York Nigeria to destinations where such accruals could have been result, over 30 foreign carriers to quickly adopt the policy from — ,ƒ, to Beijing from —†, †, to Shanghai from —†, †, and there are no corresponding reci- used to upgrade and rebuild that operate into Nigeria do not which deadline had not been Singapore from —†,ƒƒ†. procity from Nigerian airlines. the nation’s navigational aids, pay royalties to government. given and might not be given The payments are calculated provide air eld lighting at the According to authoritative in the nearest possible time,” Airbus Deliveries Rise  per passenger and over the country’s many airports or used source from the Ministry of a source said. Airbus posted an eight per cent rise in deliveries last year, beating years millions of dollars have to support aviation agencies Transport, the ministry, which “Since the scrapping of its own forecasts by a comfortable margin to set a company record, accrued to Nigeria, which and reduce the huge charges quickly spearheaded the scrap- and pulled off a last-minute surge in orders to beat arch-rival Boe- were used for airport and domestic carriers pay to the ping of BASA funds did not Continued on page 20 ing in the race for new orders.Confirming an estimate published by Reuters, the European plane maker said on Wednesday it delivered „„ aircraž in  , compared with an official company forecast of more than  and a goal set by its finance director of more than . Trade Facilitation: Nigerian Businesses, Others to Save $1trn Deliveries rebounded at the year-end ažer problems in the supply chain.Airbus plane making president Fabrice Bregier told a news Eromosele Abiodun ECONOMY New Zealand, Togo, Thailand, Uruguay, Bahrain, Bangladesh, conference he expected more than  deliveries in  , but without the European Union (on behalf the Philippines, Iceland, the last-minute frenzy seen last year due to problems in receiving Nigerian businesses and oth- the Executive Secretary of the of its 28 member states), the Chile, Swaziland, Dominica, engines and cabin equipment. ers around the world stand to Nigerian Shippers’ Council former Yugoslav Republic of Mongolia, Gabon, the Kyrgyz gain about $1 trillion annually (NSC), Hassan Bello. Macedonia, Pakistan, Panama. Republic, and Canada. if Nigerian rati es the World On the contrary, Nigeria’s Others are: Guyana, Côte Concluded at the WTO’s 2013 Trade Organisation (WTO) West African rival, Ghana d’Ivoire, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Bali Ministerial Conference, Trade Facilitation Agreement has rati ed the agreement Kenya, Myanmar, Norway, Viet the TFA contains provisions (TFA). and recently submitted its Nam, Brunei Darussalam, for expediting the movement, The TFA will enter into force instrument of acceptance to Ukraine, Zambia, Lesotho, release and clearance of goods, Multiple entries for foreign carriers is once two-thirds of the WTO the WTO. Georgia, Seychelles, Jamaica, including goods in transit. It not the best for our industry. We must membership has formally In addition to Ghana, the Mali, Cambodia, Paraguay, also sets out measures for have to revisit our policy on foreign accepted the agreement. following WTO members Turkey, Brazil, Macao China, effective cooperation between airlines Nigeria is yet to ratify the have also accepted the TFA: the United Arab Emirates, customs and other appropriate TFA despite promises made Hong Kong China, Singapore, Samoa, India, the Russian authorities on trade facilitation by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Mauritius, Federation, Montenegro, and customs compliance issues. the WTO, Ademola Adejumo. Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Albania, Kazakhstan, Sri It further contains provisions Adejumo last year promised Botswana, Trinidad and To- Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, for technical assistance and that the agreement would bago, the Republic of Korea, Madagascar, the Republic capacity building in this area. be rati ed when he led a Nicaragua, Niger, Belize, of Moldova, El Salvador, Speci cally, if rati ed and Former Chairman of Aviation Round Table, delegation from the World Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Captain Dele Ore Bank on a courtesy visit to China, Liechtenstein, Lao PDR, Arabia, Afghanistan, Senegal, Continued on page 20  THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

FG LOSES N43. 48BN FOREIGN AIRLINES BASA REMITTANCES payment of royalties there has Tin-can Island Customs Generates not been any directive about what to do next. This would be handled by the Ministry of Transport because it was N266bn in One Year the Ministry that removed the payments, although in other dynamics received a major the customs hierarchy. of commendation in a space of providing effective leadership countries it is the Civil Avia- Eromosele Abidun boost as a veritable tool for “These commendations two months. That to us is a to the Service. The issue of tion Authority that negotiates facilitation of legitimate trade which were communicated milestone which the command integrity, transparency and due BASA and frequencies with The Nigerian Custom Service and adherence to due diligence in four different letters at will sustain in the New Year diligence which is encapsulated representatives of other coun- (NCS), com- in the discharge of our func- the instance of the CGC bore and beyond. “First, I would in the change mantra of the tries. It is a peculiar situation mand has announced that it tions, “he said. He added that testimony to the appreciation like to thank Almighty God CGC has provided the needed in Nigeria that the Ministry generated a total N256.41 billion the command’s remarkable of the Service. It is remarkable for his grace and of course impetus for the Service to has to do all these things,” from January to December 31, performance during the period to state that at no time in the the Comptroller General of thrive. In fact, no Command the source added. 2016. under review attracted eulogies history of the Service has any Customs Col. Hamed Ali (rtd) or of cer would like to be a The source noted that since This is against the N266.18 and encomiums especially from Command received four letters and his management team for weak link in the value chain. the scrapping of BASA funds billion it recorded in 2015, there has been funding gaps representing a marginal dif- because “we don’t go to their ference of less than N10 billion. countries, they come. We don’t Area Controller of the have the capacity to operate command, Comptroller Bashar international destinations, Yusuf in a statement said the but the decision was taken revenue shortfall is attributable too quickly by the Ministry to some factors beyond the of Transport. Overseas, you control of the command. deal with CAAs. It is even The Tincan Island Com- our of cials that y to those mand of the NCS, he said, is countries to go and negotiate statutorily charged with the when we do not have our responsibilities of collecting/ airlines to bene t from it. generating revenue from all dutiable imports, accounting for same as well as facilitation TRADE FACILITATION: of legitimate trade. NIGERIAN BUSINESSES, “The command, during the OTHERS TO SAVE $1TRN year under review bagged the implemented, the WTO’s TFA sobriquet of a “benchmark could save Nigerian businesses command” in view of the at least N2.4 trillion annually various remarkable achieve- in transaction cost. ments recorded by our The amount is 15 per cent command despite the various of the country’s average total challenges of global recession. trade value of N16.4 trillion The operational architecture of annually which could be the command is structured in saved if trade facilitation a way that allows for checks & processes, such as automation balances, especially the close and single window platforms monitoring of all declarations are effectively implemented. with a view to ensuring that Speaking on the develop- all infractions are detected and ment, Managing director necessary actions taken, to serve LUCKY WINNER of Trade Development and as deterrent. Consequently, the R-L: Managing Director, Candel Company, Mr Emmanuel Kattie presenting a tricycle key to Mr. Awolowo Olalekan during the presentation of gifts Facilitation Consulting (TDAF) operational paradigm and to winners of the ‘Candel Be A Millionaire’ promo in Lagos....recently at the World Trade Centre II, Geneva, Switzerland, Tom Butterly, stressed that for developing countries such Despite Opposition from Senate, Stakeholders Insist on as Nigeria and Ghana, trade transaction cost can be more Abuja Airport Closure than 15 per cent, indicating a bigger need for West African countries to embrace the single Chinedu Eze closed when such major work have closed for this major repair use while the work is going on. why the airline decided to pull window reform and ratify the is to be done on the runway, but now closing the airport has Before government’s decision its operations from the airport. TFA. Despite the rejection of the noting that if the initial plan become inevitable for a quality to close the airport for com- Dati observed that there should Butterly said many coun- planned closure of the Nnamdi were allowed for the airport work to be done. The runway prehensive repairs, intermittent be understanding between the tries are now focusing on Azikiwe International Airport, to have a second runway this has to be closed because its rehabilitation had been done federal government and the implementing deep trade Abuja for major rehabilitation closure would not have been middle which takes the weight at the runway over the years airlines on the closure of the facilitation reforms, with the of the runway, industry experts necessary. of the aircraft at landing is and it continued to deteriorate airport because it is for the single window becoming a have insisted that to avert major Dati, who is a specialist caving in and needs serious as it takes daily landings from safety of the aircraft that would game changer. accident and ensure safety the on airport operations, noted repair work to fortify it, as it is aircraft of different sizes. be using the runway, adding airport must be closed for that there is an on-going repair projected that in the foreseeable The airport is second busiest that if good job is done on the thorough and comprehensive work at the Heathrow Airport future more aircraft would be in Nigeria after the Murtala Mu- runway, it would still serve the work to be done. in London but the airport has landing at that airport,” Dati hammed International Airport, country until a second runway One of such persons is two runways so there is partial said. Lagos. Many airlines have had is built at the airport. the former General Manager, closure, as the other runway is He also noted that those their aircraft damaged by the He said the runway life Corporate Communication of taking inbound and outbound who oppose the closure needed runway, from the Saudi Arabia span was 20 years but it has the Federal Airports Authority ights. to understand that an ef cient cargo airplane to South Africa been used 14 years beyond its of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Yakubu “If we had taken the bold work that could stand the test Airways ight and the damage expiring date, adding that a Group Business Editor Dati said that all over the world step then to build a second of time would not be done if on Emirates aircraft at landing, second runway at the airport Chika Amanze-Nwachuku airports with single runway are runway the airport would not the runway is put in partial which was one of the reasons is a critical necessity. AgriBusiness/Industry Editor Crusoe Osagie Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Customs Beef Up Security to Enforce Ban on Vehicle Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene Importation Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Eromosele Abiodun in a statement, said despite the properly imported through the He has charged the anti- and mechanic villages around Correspondents fact that Nigeria’s bigger and land borders between January smuggling squads to ensure the bonded car parks to create Chinedu Eze (Aviation) In a bid to enforce the ban more equipped port facilities, 2014 and December 2016 was total blockage such that no more jobs, optimal use of Linda Eroke (Labour) on the importation of vehicles statistics has shown that more only 209,691 with N38.5 billion desperate vehicle importer can port facilities resulting from Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) through the land borders, the than 90 per cent of vehicles paid as duty while it seized smuggle any trapped vehicle. high vehicle cargoes, higher Ejiofor Alike (Energy) Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) imported to neighbouring another 5,998 with duty paid Counting the gains of the revenues for governments, James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) has directed its Headquarters countries are normally on value of N10.2 billion. policies, the Customs boss said and promote collaboration for Compliance Team and Federal transit to Nigerian market. Ali maintained that although the channeling of vehicles to agencies vehicle licencing and Reporters Operation Units to join the The statement signed by duty rates for vehicles at both Sea Ports will enable suppres- security agencies. Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) resident of cers of land borders the acting Public Relations land borders and seaports are sion of smuggling, and create Col. Ali has also urged Nosa Alekhuogie (Capital Market) to tackle violators of the new Of cer(PRO), Joseph Attah the same, importers exploit the business and job opportunities stakeholders to see the inher- policy. said over 10,000 vehicles are informality of land border with the emergence of bonded ent bene ts of the policy and Comptroller General of Cus- reportedly trapped within 10 trade and smuggle through the car parks in the country. cooperate with the NCS as toms, Col. Hameed Ibrahim days of the policy enforcement. porous border or compromise Other bene ts include the personnel strive to implement Ali (rtd), who gave the order He noted that vehicles some Customs Of cers. emergence of bank branches the scal policy of Government.  THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Seme Customs Nets N10.5 Billion RISK Eromosele Abiodun of the Command in recent times Commenting on federal gov- MANAGEMENT is evident by the number of ernment ban of new and fairly The Seme Area Command of seizures made and the revenue used vehicles, Dimka said that the Nigeria Customs Service generated by the Command in the quest of the command to WATCH (NCS) has announced that it December, 2016. remain passionate and resolute generated N10.5billion into the “The Command replicated the in enforcing the scal policies of federation account from January unprecedented feat recorded in the federal government cannot to December, 2016. the month of November, 2016 be over emphasized stating that The Public Relations Of cer despite obvious challenges that the command is battle ready Robert Mbonu of the command, Salenchang would have ordinary crippled to implement the policy to the Taupyen, in a statement said the revenue drive of the Com- latter. the amount was realised from mand in the month of December. “Because the wisdom of the general cargoes and vehicles The repeated success was federal government is above with duty and taxes accrued attributed to the doggedness every common sense, the from escorted transit vehicles and uninching commitment Command have strategised Taming the unknown accounting for 56 per cent of of of cers and men of the com- and is still re-strategising the total revenue generated. mand who were prepared to towards the implementation re you afraid of anything? Perhaps a bad neck, your back hurts and you are He stated that the command succeed at all cost despite the process bearing in mind that if you can’t name something you getting headaches. The doctor gives you has consecutively surpassed its many challenges that militated the dare devil smugglers can fear or dread, you can think of some “Panadol” and tells you to come back monthly target for the month against revenue collection in be brutal and deadly. However, someone who has such an anxiety. if you don’t get be er. At a visit to your of November and December the Command.” the command is battle ready For example, there are many people mother at the weekend, she looks at you with a revenue collection of Commenting on the success and equal to the task. whoA are afraid of flying and who go to great and asks how long you are spending at the N1.2 billion and N1.5 billion recorded in December, Area “The way smuggling of rice lengths to avoid aeroplane journeys. With the computer each day. She can see you squinting respectively. Controller of the Command, was drastically suppressed by state of our national security, there is increased in bright light and she observes the heavy He said the 848 seizures with Comptroller Victor Dimka stated the command, it is also fully fear of kidnappings and physical attacks. bags under your eyes and tells you to do a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of that apart from the commitment committed to implementing The irrational fears that people have are ‚ƒ,ƒƒƒ steps outdoors each day for one N608 million recorded within of his of cers and men, the feat same for vehicles that will be many and varied; fear of heights, fear of dark month – and she’s going to check that you the review period showed a is also attributed to the recent smuggled through the land lonely roads, fear of open or enclosed spaces, do it. You do as you are told, because you decrease in smuggling activities policy pronouncement of the border after January 1, 2017,” reptiles, dug wells, underground tunnels, always obey your mother, and like a miracle, when compared to the corre- federal government banning he said. forests (no thanks to Sambisa!), manholes, by the end of the month not only have you sponding period of 2015. the importation of new and He added that the vehicle birds, elevators, escalators, dentists, blood, no aches and pains, but you are sleeping According to him, “There fairly used vehicles through seat at the command has been doctors, rats, dogs, cats… and the list goes on. be er and being more successful at work. was a corresponding decline in the land borders. disbanded and its of cers rede- Irrational fears are about perceptions of Both your mother and the doctor exercised smuggling activities occasioned He said the policy statement ployed to beef up border patrols risk. The height represents a fall, lonely roads the same process of analysis, but the doctor by the aggressive anti-smuggling brought about an upsurge in the for effective implementation of are hideouts for robbers, open spaces expose couldn’t make the connection between the operation of the Command in number of vehicles escorted into the policy. you, closed spaces compress you, reptiles ailments and other non-verbalised issues so order to ensure total compliance Seme border which translated to He urged the general public, can kill, you can fall down a dug well, get lost he treats the particular issues. Your mother with the policy thrust of the the increase in the command’s stakeholders to be adequately in a tunnel or forest and never be found, fall made the connections and she treats the Comptroller General of Customs revenue gure. sensitized and stay away from down a man-hole – I think you have got the whole body. Enterprise risk management is and the Service extant laws. Dimka further disclosed that buying vehicles through the land picture. Fear is often perceived as risk, with the the treatment of the whole body, whereas “The enforcement unit of the quest of the command to borders to avoid losses. notion that risk represents a real and present risk management deals with the particular the command has succeeded remain passionate and resolute He said legitimate trade in danger. Our minds have built up associations risk area. in suppressing smuggling in enforcing the scal policies of new and fairly used vehicles based on stories or films or previous adverse This is why sometimes risk management activities to the barest minimum. the Federal Government cannot into Nigeria would only be experiences with a skewed perception of risk is misunderstood; some people think it’s just The anti-smuggling operation be over facilitated at the seaports. as harm. More than that, the sense that your about health and safety, or fire prevention. safety is in other people’s hands, that it’s out Others think that it’s about protecting the of your control, is often behind irrational fears computers or data. If you ask someone in like fear of flying. finance what risk management is to them, NIMASA Redeploys Directors, For instance, in the wake of an air tragedy, they would respond in terms of delegated some travelers have been known to switch authority levels and segregation of duties, Management Staff from flying to driving – leading to a drop in someone in Human Resources would argue that air passenger traffic while road use surged. it’s about taking up references and checking Eromosele Abiodun Hajia Lami Tumaka, who was ping Development and Abel But after having to deal with road check- people’s backgrounds. Risk management is the former Head, Corporate Femowei as the Coordinator, points, accidents and long traffic delays on all of those …… and more. Enterprise wide, The Director General of the Communications as the Direc- Central Zone, Warri. the expressways most people return to the it is about treating the entire organisation, Nigerian Maritime Admin- tor, Special Duties also in the Furthermore, Captain Sunday skies. Available statistics indicate that flying mapping the risks, their interconnectedness, and istration and Safety Agency Director General’s of ce; Mr. Umoren is now Head, Maritime is faster and safer than driving long distances. finding those risk responses that affect each (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside Abiodun Akinyosoye takes over Safety and Seafarers Standards So risk management enables us to put a part of the business. It’s about managing the has approved the redeployment as the Director of Administration Department of the Agency structure and framework around the unknown unknown, and overcoming fear by controlling it. of some senior management staff and Human Resources while while Mr. Isichei Osamgbi or what we fear, bringing it within control. of the agency. Mrs. Aishatu Jumai Musa is is the new Head, Corporate To understand if there is a rational approach How do we overcome the fear of the present According to the DG, the the Director, Planning Research Communications. towards risk, we will examine one of the clas- economic recession digging deeper and making new postings are expected to & Data Management Services The redeployment exercise sic definitions of risk; Effect of uncertainty daily life more difficult? We need to tackle the reposition the agency towards Department and Mr. Audu comes on the heels of the on objectives. Note that an effect may be root cause of what led us to this sad state meeting its statutory mandate as Abdulsalam is now the Director, recent promotion which saw positive, negative, or a deviation from the of affairs. Our dependence on oil as a main enshrined in the NIMASA Act Legal Services. the elevation of eight deputy expected. Also, risk is oen described by source of revenue is not entirely bad. The and other enabling instruments. Others include: Mr. Hassan directors as directors, 15 assistant an event, a change in circumstances or a problem is that we did not react quickly to the The redeployment exercise has El-Yakub Director, NIMASA directors to deputy directors consequence (ISO Guide €‚ oil price shock. There was no framework to Mr. Ibrahim Jibril as the Director, Eastern Zone and Mr. Olayemi while 56 grade level 14 of cers ISO 31000; 2009) foresee this danger, and therefore there were Strategic Management in the Abass Director, Western Zone; were promoted to their next This definition helps us to think further no quick responses. Will Nigeria be better in Of ce of the Director General; Mr. Anthony Ogadi Head, Ship- grade of assistant directors. about risk than we have addressed it thus the long run? The answer is an outstanding far; we know that risk can be a combination YES, if we learn from this and put the right of likelihood and impact, and that it can be measures in place now. Strong Air Travel Demand Growth Returns positive or negative, but we are now looking So fear is all together not bad. It could be at the effect of risk on objectives; and the a pointer to risks. We must embrace risk, and The International Air Transport key role in the pace of demand traf c has reasserted itself more fear that lurks in the shadows. When we are do the uncommon if the opportunity presents Association (IATA) has an- growth in 2017,” said Alexandre recently, supported by strong looking at the management of risk or what itself. Failure is a great learning opportunity. nounced that global passenger de Juniac, IATA’s Director demand on routes to and from we call risk management, we are looking traf c results for November 2016 General/ CEO. Asia and the Middle East. about identifying, analysing and responding The risk management approach to controlling showing the strongest demand November international pas- Capacity rose 5.1% and load to risk in the context of those objectives. fear of the unknown is to strip away the fear growth in nine months. senger demand rose 8.0 per cent factor climbed 1.9 percentage The standard definitions of risk man- and start with the rational basics, and then we Total revenue passenger ki- compared to the year earlier, points to 66.3 per cent. agement are not so uniform as those for can get to the root cause of what the problem lometers (RPKs) rose 7.6 per with airlines in all regions European carriers saw demand risk, but in the main there are references is, strip it away or deal with it, or isolate it or cent compared to November showing growth. Total capacity increase by 8.3 per cent in to the ‘processes’ or activities behind change it or flip it into an opportunity. 2015. Capacity (available seat climbed 6.8 per cent, and load November 2016, while traf c identifying, analysing and responding to With these steps, we can rise from fear of kilometers or ASKs) increased factor edged up 0.9 percentage grew at an annualised pace of risk; Coordinated activities to direct and the unknown and then begin to build success. by 6.5 per cent, and load factor points to 77.1 per cent. 12 per cent over the past ve control an organisation with regard to risk rose 0.8 percentage points to African airlines experienced months or so. This suggests (ISO Guide 73 ISO 31000). Mbonu, studied Engineering, is an 78.9 per cent. an 8.2 per cent rise in demand that the disruption caused This short treatise leads us to the concept experienced Banker and Enterprise Risk “Stronger demand for air travel compared to November 2015. by terrorism and political of ‘enterprise’ risk management. We will Management specialist. Has undergone post reects—and is supporting--a Economic conditions in much instability has lifted, against tackle this in depth in a later article, but it’s graduate studies in Risk Management at pick-up in the global economic of Africa remain challenging, a backdrop of a growing worth saying that enterprise risk management Stern – New York University, and is a member cycle. As the stimulus effect of particularly in the biggest Eurozone economy. Capacity or ERM is risk management for the whole of the UK Institute of Risk Management. lower oil prices recedes in the economies of Nigeria and South rose 6.8 per cent and load factor organisation – i.e. enterprise wide; Can be reached on ƒ’ƒ’“ƒ’“ƒ”• (SMS rear view mirror, the strength of Africa, but the upward trend in climbed 1.1 percentage point Imagine that you go to the doctor with Only); email: rm”[email protected] the economic cycle will play a seasonally-adjusted passenger to 80.8 per cent. THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD AVIATION FG Inaugurates Low Level AIR Windshear Alarm System at Katsina Airport WATCH

Dele Ogbodo in Abuja the country with the of this administration,” LLWAS built by the he said. The Minister of Avia- Nigerian Meteorological The agency, Sirika, tion for State, Mr. Hadi Agency (NIMET), ac- added, has procured and Sirika, has inaugurated cording to him, include: installed other weather Unruly Passengers the low level windshear Abuja, Benin, Calabar, monitoring equipment and alarm system at the Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, including meteorological Umar Musa Yar’Adua Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, image receivers, stress- International Airport, , Port Harcourt, ing that it has increased Katsina. Sokoto and Yola. the number of its upper Speaking at the Sirika said wind stations to eight and ceremony, he said the phenomena generally established a modern airport has joined 12 affect air navigation information communica- other airports across and windshear is one tion technology (ICT), the country with the of the most hazard- infrastructure, which low level windshear ous weather events includes, computer alert system(LLWAS), to aircraft” adding clusters, for numeric a facility which he said that “windshear occur weather prediction. is capable of detecting when the speed and In his remark, the dangerous wind shear or direction of wind Director General of the that drops aircraft in changes abruptly. It agency, Mr. Anthony low altitudes. is particularly danger- Anuforom, explained The minister said the ous during takeoff that the windhear at lack of low level wind and landing when the Katsina airport has shear facility across the the aircraft is at low the capacity to detect HISDAY has learnt that about two weeks ago at bags were dropped by the pilot in command of nation’s airports has altitudes.” calm, steady winds, Katoka International Airport, Accra, a flight due the flight in order to have appropriate weight previously caused air He said a recent wind shifts in relation to for another West African destination was delayed for the aircraft to ensure safe flight operation. fatalities in the country. study by the Accident the runway, wind gusts, and the passengers billed for the flight became Bankole, however, noted that the reason to According to him, Investigation Bureau sustained divergent restive. They started violent tantrums over the reduce the luggage arose because many of the the most recent being (AIB) and NIMET winds, (which indicate Tdelay and the official in charge of security at the airport passengers, instead of checking in the airline’s the Sosoliso aircraft established that wins- windshear), or strong warned the passengers and told them unequivocally that approved maximum bags of 27 KG, decided which crashed landed hear is prevalent in all and sustained divergent the airport authority would not tolerate unruly behaviour to check in 34KG bags. He explained that the at the Port Harcourt parents of Nigeria even winds (indication of from them. passengers had insisted that was what was airport on December as AIB aircraft accidents microbursts) around “We do not condone such behaviour. If you want to riot written on the ticket, thus creating a situation for 10th 2005 and the ADC investigations also found the airport. in the airport, you cannot do it here. You go to Nigeria and some of the bags to be removed from the flight. aircraft which crashed out that windshear He said the facility, do it. This is not Nigeria,” the official said. THISDAY learnt that when flights are delayed while attempting to phenomena was linked built from NIMET inter- And that was enough to calm the passengers who later or cancelled due to bad weather passengers take-off from Abuja to some accidents. nal generated revenue, were airlifted to their destination. Between December usually protest against the airline. When there airport on 29th October “Aviation safety is in line with the global 2015 and early 2016, Turkish Airlines had issues of are technical problem and the airline delays or 2006 with 96 fatalities. and security are top best practices. luggage delay. It was during the Yuletide and the Nigerian cancels flight for safety reasons, airlines are also “The Sultan of So- priority issues for the He said NIMET is passengers had many bags they wanted to bring home. At blamed. But the airlines have their shortcom- koto, Muhammadu present government. fully equipped to is that period the regular aircraft, which the airline dedicated ings. They do not keep the passengers abreast Maccido, several dis- The successful instal- taking meteorological to the Abuja- Istanbul route was taken for maintenance so of events most of the time and they do not tinguished Nigerians lation of LLWAS at 13 services provided by it the airline brought small body aircraft that could not take provide enough information to the passengers and foreigners lost their airports in the country beyond the aviation sec- both the passengers and their luggage. The airline therefore who are allowed to guess under anxiety until lives in that crash,” he by NiMet is therefore tor to agriculture, other decided to bring the passengers to their destination in they become angry. said. in consonance with the sectors and beyond the Abuja first before bringing in the luggage, which did not Industry observers blame the security opera- Other airports across aviation safety policy country. come with the passengers. But on arrival the passengers tives at the airports and the Federal Airports disembarked and waited to collect their checked-in bags from Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for their inability to the carousel but many of them did not get their bags. They manage the revolting passengers at any time, became enraged and spontaneously ran to the tarmac, the whether it is in domestic or international flights. Minister Commends FAAN on airside and attempted to stop the Turkish Airlines aircraft One of the industry insiders also suggested that from taking off. That action undermined the security of the FAAN should ensure that the airlines announces Improved MMIA Arrival Hall airport and the passengers accessing the sterile area of the to the passengers at intervals the sequences airport in such chaotic manner negated and compromised of preparations concerning their flights. The Minister of this is to see how well We have also seen international security regulation. In reaction to that incident, During the Turkish imbroglio with the invasion State, Budget and government’s resources the upgrade of the the federal government suspended the head of security at of the tarmac by the passengers, the Director of National Planning, are utilised. To also see airport that shows an the airport and another official connected to the incident Consumer Protection Directorate of the Nigerian Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and understand the improvement in users for alleged laxity. Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Adamu Abdullahi, has expressed satisfac- challenges that the experience, especially Over the years Nigerian airports management has al- noted that while the airlines must do everything tion with the state of airport is facing so on the arrival of the lowed passengers to ventilate their rage on airlines when possible to ensure that they meet passengers’ the arrival hall of the that when resources MMIA”. their expectations are not met. While the airlines have expectations, passengers must also abide by the Murtala Mohammed are to be allocated or Ahmed added that their shortcomings, the airport management, including its regulations that guide air transport and activities International Airport disbursed, we will do it “We need to do a lot security apparatus, usually stays out as spectators instead at the airports, noting that resorting to violence (MMIA), Lagos and with the understanding of work to upgrade the of making efforts to rein and curtail passengers’ outrage. does not solve any problem. commended the Federal of how they are to be departure area of the About two weeks before 2016 Christmas, Arik Air flew Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of Airport Authority of used”, the minister said. airport. The luggage into bad weather with its London to Lagos passengers. The Arik Air, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide explained that Nigeria (FAAN) for a Ahmed noted that handling process is very airline’s aircraft, Airbus A330-200, which operates Lagos-New passengers complicate problems when they job well done. her team would be problematic. It is largely York flight was damaged by ground handling company at the disrupt airline’s activities because their demand Ahmed made the writing a report and manual and as a result JFK International Airport, New York, so the airline deployed are not met. He noted that the prerogative of remark Tuesday at the indicates what they of that, customers spend its aircraft that operates Lagos-London flights to that route every airline is to satisfy its passengers and airport in Lagos during have observed and also hours before getting and used smaller aircraft, Boeing B737-800 to London, which when that objective is not met the airline usually her one-day tour of the share the report with their luggage. That airlifted all the passengers but not with all their luggage. So makes correctional plan, which such disruptions airport facilities. the authority for them needs to be addressed.” there were short landed bags. disorganise, so it takes the airline longer time The minister noted to see what has been Confirming that Although the airline claimed it informed the passengers to solve your problem.” that there has been an recorded as a result of some of the reports before departure but on arrival when the passengers did not However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority upgrade that shows the visit. on the projects given get their luggage they revolted against the airline and disrupted (NCAA) said it has put plans in place to end the an improvement in On the level of on- to the Ministry tallied the airline’s flights, beat up the airline’s staff and destroyed unruly behaviour of passengers at the airports. passengers’ experi- going projects at the with what is on ground, its computers used to process and check in passengers. For Spokesman of the agency, Sam Adurogboye who ence, especially on airport, the minister pointed the next few days, the airline was not allowed to operate its confirmed to THISDAY, said: “The official in the arrival hall of the Ahmed said: “We out that progress has international flights and as Harmattan haze set in more flights charge of security section in the Authority has MMIA. have seen a number been made and a lot were cancelled. started deliberations on this. Such incidents On the reason for of projects at different more still needs to be It was a similar incident with Medview Airline, growing must not be allowed again. In the interim, airlines the tour, Ahmed levels of completion. done. Nigerian airline that also operates Lagos-London and other must give adequate and truthful information said it was meant to We have seen a lot of Ahmed was accom- international destinations. When the airline was unable to bring promptly about their flights and challenges as inspect the projects good work that has panied by officials of all the passengers luggage in the same flight that airlifted them they arise in order not to leave passengers in executed by the agency. been done. There are the Budget and National the passengers who arrived few days before all their bags the dark and get them frustrated.” “The reason why we some projects that Planning Ministry and arrived with other flights, revolted and molested the CEO of Airlines have to note that passengers become are here is to inspect are suffering as a other stakeholders in the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole and other members of staff. angry when they literally build walls between the projects under result of number of the aviation industry Bankole explained to the passengers in a meeting that the them and their customers. FAAN. The essence of different challenges. including. THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 

BUSINESSWORLD AVIATION The Need to Strengthen Domestic Airlines

Stakeholders have warned that if the challenges faced by domestic airlines in 2016 persist this year, the industry would go under, writes Chinedu Eze

The year 2016 had many challenges for Nigerian airlines. Aviation fuel scarcity started “Inadequate supply of from January that year till December. They faced aviation fuel created the problem of accessing foreign exchange(fx) to take their aircraft for maintenance overseas, uncertainty in flight train their technical personnel and acquire scheduling. Passengers aircraft spares. going to the airport to Operators and others in the sector say that 2016 was one of the worst years for airline travel were not sure business in Nigeria. There was a reduction when and if the flight in number of air travelers. The high cost of the scarce aviation fuel raised fares and would operate many airlines left their aircraft on Aircraft on Ground (AOG) because they could take them out for checks. Some of the airlines did not have money to pay for the maintenance of the aircraft already taken out for checks in December and January and after we resort because it was dif cult to obtain fx. to Category 1 thereafter.” There was panic when Aero Contractors suspended operation. It is Nigeria’s foremost High Charges airline and the signal its withdrawal of service Many industry operatives and observers agree gave was that the industry was degenerat- that the charges leveled on domestic airlines ing. The feeling was exacerbated when First by aviation agencies are outrageously high, Nation Airways, few days later, announced especially as government is not assisting the that it was also withdrawing service for two airlines in any other way as it is done in other weeks. Luckily the two airlines came back countries. They noted that government ought to service. First Nation returned few weeks to provide soft loans to these airlines to enable later while Aero Contractors returned three them come out of the current economic morass months. But airlines such as Discovery Air, caused by recession and de cient infrastructure which disappeared from the skies earlier in at the airports, which curb ight frequencies. the year, never came back. Chairman of Arik Air, Arumemi-Ikhide said: “Domestic airlines are given multiple Forex charges, they are expensive and they are not After a long outcry by the airlines to the actually necessary. The government itself has federal government to give them access to to contribute something to air travel in Nigeria. fx, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cre- If you say you want to leave air transport ated a window for them and manufacturing to the private sector, then give the airport concerns to access fx. But the modalities were control, give everything to the local airlines; still cumbersome and the airlines could not Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika yes they need to do that. If you say you want withstand the long wait as airline business to hands off aviation then don’t say you are is critical about time. An aircraft engine that it locally. Kaduna and Warri re neries used to time they continued to degenerate due to concessioning the airport because you can’t suffered bird strike cannot wait for three months re ne Jet A1 in this country and they don’t poor maintenance and lack of replacement. concession and give the airports to others, while before the engine could be replaced and for do so anymore. Now we depend solely on The pilots are even demanding for the the real work is being done by the airlines.” the aircraft to become airborne again. The importation. upgrade of ILS to Category two or three so There have been calls for the reviews of airline would suffer heavy nancial losses and “So for oil markers to go to the black market that aircraft could land during the harmattan these charges as one of the industry insiders may not be able to meet its ight schedules and buy dollar at N380 (now N490) per dollar, haze. say that aviation agencies like the Federal when one aircraft is on AOG. it is very, very expensive and by the time The Chairman of Airlines Operators of Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), NAMA The CEO of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer you bring your product to the country it is Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Meggison and NCAA generate their major revenues from Bankole summed the CBN policy on fx to no longer economically viable. As you know, said most navigational aids at the airports the foreign airlines and noted that govern- the airlines thus, “The CBN came out with a aviation fuel constitutes about 70 to 75 per cent are not working because they are obsolete ment could give the domestic airline waiver design which they call future, forward, spot; of cost of the ticket you buy. So by the time and in Nigeria the airports have Category as palliative to make them operate pro tably what it means is that you put your money the cost of aviation is added to the ticket we 1 Instrument Landing system, which means and also survive. for the next two months, three months, four are in trouble. So airlines are doing business that ights cannot operate when the weather months and you will be given allocation. In at a very, very expensive rate because their is below 800 meters visibility, depending on Going forward doing that you commit all your operational major cost of operation, which is aviation fuel the airport. Arik Air chairman said that the airlines cash so everything has to cease until that two has gone up by over 150 percent,” Abdullahi He said that many of the airlines have must work together so that they could succeed months; that is what it means. But we are explained. grappled with suspension of operations due to in targeting collective interests and achieving hoping that things will improve. So when He said that at about N280 per litre, aviation the dif culty they go through and the failure collective objectives. you look at the business of aviation it is all in fuel is too expensive so oil marketers are not of government to take action to rectify these “I think everybody has its own strategy dollars and I believe we are now looking at willing to import the product, adding that problems. and the only way to come out of it is if the government to tell them what to do. Somebody passengers are already paying fares, which “On December 27 visibility in Lagos was airlines, I mean the functioning airlines come right there needs to advise them to see aviation have increased by over 50 percent and this about 500 meters so most international and together and talk. They mustn’t merge but I as a priority.” would increase as Nigeria continues to import local ights had to be diverted to Cotonue think it is lack of cooperation; lack of discussing Also the Chairman of Arik Air, Joseph the product. (Tuesday night, December 27, 2016), which is strategies to tackle the problem is what is Arumemi-Ikhide said: “I think there is need “So if you buy aviation fuel at N280 per rather unfortunate. The issue of the harmattan worrying us. for us to understand that the currency in litre to operate. It is too expensive. So what haze is a yearly seasonal occurrence as Nigeria I think confronting it alone will not help. aviation is in dollars. Like I said earlier on we are experiencing now is that marketer are has mainly raining (Thunderstorms) and dry We need the cooperation of Air Peace and Medview and ourselves, we are taking naira not willing to go ahead and import fuel at seasons (Harmattan). Medview and Dana to work together and from Nigerians who buy tickets, yes, we can that price. We are already paying about 50 The Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air, form a body to strategise. One person cannot spend the naira here, pay salaries and other percent more on our ticket prices. By the time Captain Ado Sanusi has therefore advised strategise, so we need to strategise and look at things but we still need some dollars to pay for it gets worse that we would pay N50, 000 for government to provide Category 3 equipment it and actually get it done. If we don’t do that spare parts, services and other requirements.” one hour ight in Nigeria that is when we are so that during Harmattan it will be deployed then I think we are not going to get anything So access to fx in 2017 will start a real going to really experience dif culties,” he said. at the airports. He noted that although the done and that is the truth. The system is taking turnaround for the airlines and would ensure By December last year, the oil marketers equipment is expensive but it could be used advantage of lack of corporation among us that they would survive. could no longer import and the Nigerian during the period of adverse weather when and again we should not allow armchair critics National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Harmattan haze sets in, from December to and armchair operators to meddle into what Aviation fuel has to import the product from Ivory Coast, January. is not their business.” Inadequate supply of aviation fuel created but the question is, how long would it take “It is expensive to maintain Category 3 A Meview CEO also said: “The rst thing uncertainty in ight scheduling. Passengers for Nigeria to get permanent solution to the Instrument Landing System because of the is what the current government should do. going to the airport to travel were not sure aviation fuel scarcity. maintenance of runway, provision of air eld Government needs to support its own. It should when and if the ight would operate. Landing Aids and Air eld Lighting lighting and maintenance of power because create the enabling environment to make the Director of Consumer Protection, the Nigerian Airlines and pilots said two major setbacks power supply is very, very important. You airlines survive. Airline is the only product Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Adamu in ight operations in Nigeria are the lack cannot afford to have power supply interruption that you have in your country in terms of Abdullahi in reaction to the scarcity said, of air eld lighting in most of the nation’s when landing at low visibility. It could be building your economy that will market you “What is happening is that there is aviation airports and the obsolete and lack of Instrument expensive to maintain it for 12 months in a and boost your image outside your shores.” fuel shortage in the country. Since government Landing System (ILS) and other navigational year. The critical time we need this equipment It is a consensus among stakeholders that decided to deregulate the importation of fuel, aids. According to some pilots, about three is in December, so why don’t we have the the Nigerian government must step in and it also affected the importation of Jet A1 and years ago some of these navigational aids capacity to have that Category 2 or Category 3 adopt a strategy to help save the airlines by therefore the product is scarce. We don’t re ne were in good working condition but over ILS and we make sure the service is available creating a friendlier operational environment.  THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD AVIATION

De Juniac: African Airlines Face High Costs At the recent International Air Transport Association global media day in Geneva, Switzerland, the Director-General and CEO of IATA, Alexander de Juniac said there is improved air safety in Africa, but the airlines face high costs in their operations. Chinedu Eze who was there, brings the excerpts: In 2012 there was ministerial meeting in Nigeria over air safety, it was agreed that It is the same in India except that the Indian in 2017 every airline in Africa should be government has totally changed their mind International Air Transport Association recently and they have put together an aviation (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) strategy, which is very ambitious. Because they certified, how far has IATA gone in realising think it is now more and more mass transporta- that goal and do you think that African tion, you need various types of airlines, full airlines need protection from external service, low-cost airlines to address the lower competition? middle class. I think we need to advocate that Many African airlines are suffering from we are not anymore an elitist transportation. external competition coming from Gulf carriers, The Indian government always told me that Turkish Airlines and European carriers. And train are much more important than planes for I have been a chief executive of cer (CEO) of years because trains are transporting billions an airline, which has a big footprint in Africa. of people every day. So this competition is not always favourable to African airlines, but I think that for African With the exit of the foreign carriers from airlines, there are two issues: internal issues, Nigeria, for example, do you think that the which deals with internal costs; they have local airlines can rise to the challenge? an increase in their costs and secondly, the I think the national carriers can do that. The consistent investment in infrastructure that the key point perhaps is for the local government local governments (country’s government) have (federal government) whether is Nigeria or to do in airports, in air traf c control. To take any other country, to create positive and a the example of Kenya Airways, the airport has favourable environment, lowering charges, taken too much time to build or renovated, making the business accessible and easy and now it is done. I have not been there since one make it a consistent policy. What we see is year but it has been nished one year ago, as that in countries that have chosen aviation as far as I remember, but it took too long. And a top priority like the Gulf countries, they have it is key because it is a full service company put together a consistent policy with air traf c with a hub. So the quality of your hub is a key control, airport, tourism, airline everything is factor for the competitiveness of your company. built, designed to favour their transport system. And interestingly what Gulf states or Singapore have understood is that it is a natural strategy De Juniac What strategy do you have to grow air to enhance and to develop aviation and it is transport in Africa? based on investment on infrastructure, airport we have the biggest problem is Venezuela, the they always should look at other criteria. You know we have in IATA a global aviation traf c control, helping the national carriers or airlines have given up. They have stopped ying We favour privatising the operation through strategy. We know in Europe it is clearly an carriers. It is a consistent effort. to Venezuela, which is a disaster when you the concessionaire with a process that is only infrastructure problem; there is major problem of think about it. based on choosing the man who is paying infrastructure. In Africa you have an infrastructure Do you agree that most governments the highest price, we say to government be problem; you don’t have enough airlines in in Africa look at airlines as a source of African airlines have already lost their cautious about privatising the ownership of the continent, which means the continent is revenue instead of looking at it as catalyst market share on the international market, the infrastructure, be careful because you may underserved. to economic development? how do you reconcile this? privatise a local monopoly that may go out of I can tell you it is not only in Africa, it is the First of all, we think that opening borders, control. If you do that be able to implement They said after Middle East, Africa is case everywhere. The cash box is their life; you lowering barriers, implementing the Yamous- a strong regulatory body. And frankly there is the next biggest market do you think that put taxes and charges as a cash property. And soukro Declaration, which is open skies for nowhere in the world, perhaps, except in the UK projection is correct? that is a problem for the business. What we try Africa will be favourable to the industry. It is that the regulation has been successful. In France The question is, is it realistic? Yes it is realistic to do in IATA is to convince the governments always favourable to the industry, there will it is a nightmare, the state owns 54 percent of provided that we have a consistent policy of that putting the tax of one dollar, one euro per be winners and losers but it will be favourable privatised airport, the privatized monopoly of developing companies, training, safety and ticket is a severe hit on the pro tability of the because it boosts their traf c. And in Africa the airport makes very big money 42 percent or investments; otherwise it will not work. And airline when an airline earns 7.54 dollar per what is missing is internal (local or sub-regional) 30 percent pro t. In many cases we see this type there is a point, which is probably more sensitive ticket. But it is dif cult to make governments companies (airlines) serving each country (intra of problem when we privatise the ownership of in Africa; it is political stability and security. understand such a simple thing, rst of all. regional connectivity) that is the big problem. the infrastructure. The real point is, if we could In some areas it has created many problems, Secondly, on the contrary, if they reduce charges And the competition is not coming from the Gulf phrase that in a synthetic way, the appropriate North Africa, in Kenya the security issue has and taxes it brings much more prosperity, jobs, or from Air France or Turkish, to address from regulation is to nd the right balance between hit tourism in Kenya. In Ivory Coast the traf c trade that over compensates the reduction in point to point routes, going from one African public and private interest when we talk about has been stopped for months due to social charges. But it is dif cult to understand that country to another because they serve Dubai, critical infrastructure for our country, which the political unrest ve or six years ago. One from any government, especially African Abu Dhabi or Paris but they do not serve a lot government has to invest in. But how much? of the reasons the Gulf countries are doing government. of internal connections. And that is the point That’s where the regulation has to nd the well is because their states look politically Perhaps we should be all active in defending in which we push African countries or African right balance. But to say the government after stable and safe, very secure. One of the key this type of ideas, not only with the ministry of businessmen to create companies (airlines). I privatizing the infrastructure can wash its hands requirements for aviation growth in Africa is transport, which are our natural counterpart, have done that in my past life, pushing Air Cote and do nothing is crazy. It is totally not ef cient. the development of the middle class and I think but with the ministry of nance. We have to D’Ivoire; so it should be done everywhere. You that we have seen a bit of disappointment in demonstrate the value of aviation, what it brings have protectionist reactions, which is typical What is IATA doing about training? Africa. I think the rich are getting richer and in terms of GDP, job rollover and secondly what of Africa. The sad story is that we have an We have big training programme addressing the middle class hasn’t really developed as are the consequences of increasing charges and agreement with the Yamoussoukro protocol that airlines or addressing African authorities. We have much. I saw some statistics coming from the taxes. Well, there are negative consequences should be implemented. Africa was ahead of to meet the demand addressed by the African World Bank that has shown that the middle and comparatively the positive consequences the other continents; it is a pity that it has not states. I think what we could do in Africa is to class has increased not as fast as we expected. of lowering this type of charges, which are key. been implemented properly. The protocol was involve more of the international institutions, But as many countries of the world the gap really clear and forward looking. the African Development Bank, the World Bank between the poor and rich has also widened. Some airlines pulled out of Nigeria etc.; these type of organizations, the KFW in We are pretty optimistic about the increase because they could not repatriate their Some governments in Africa are beginning Germany, these institutions have funds that in number of the middle class. funds, what do you think would be the to shake off their responsibility of manag- could be directed to aviation. consequence in future? ing the airports; they are beginning to see What is your evaluation of IATA Op- We are pushing government to organise concession as the ideal thing to happen to Open skies for African is supposed to erational Safety Audit (IOSA)? the repatriation of funds and we are trying them. What is your view on concession? address cross border initiative? The IOSA programme is a very big success, to organise, to use our clearing houses to be What we say is that we want governments to If we can we do that we will but it is not and as you know it is has been mandatory for able negotiate a kind of plan to repatriate that. be cautious about privatisation of airports. We totally in our hands, it is in the hands of the IATA members but many none IATA members We have that problem in Nigeria, in Egypt, in say to them, be careful because privatisation of government. We can promote these kinds of are using IOSA, including some of the low cost several countries, Venezuela is not in Africa airports has not led to cost ef cient, technology ideas, when we look at the way the Western airlines. What we need to do is to modernise but it is the biggest problem we have in our ef cient infrastructure. The experience we had part of Africa has managed ASECNA, (which the programme because after 10 or 20 years it hands. What we can do is to have a coordinated from Australia, from Chile, from Europe is not provides air traf c control services to French has to be enhanced. What we have to do is to approach of the country with our members, convincing. So we say beware of course we West Africa) it is doing quite well. If there is a digitalize IOSA to be able to make and to put saying if we don’t have the money we ban understand that to run the airport as operations, similar association in East Africa or South Africa together the bulk of data we are gathering from Nigeria or Venezuela, but we cannot do that. privatising or even concession is much better we welcome that, it is much easier for us and it the programmes to enhance the level of safety. We have managed to reduce the block funds than having civil servants doing the job, that’s for is much more ef cient for the industry. If we believe that safety is based on a better from Nigerian and we have been working sure. Then we come to the process of choosing knowledge of what is happening everywhere, closely with the government. Quite successful the concessionaire, which in many countries is Do you agree that the major challenge what the solutions are, what the best practice is the case of Egypt and Nigeria; but Angola based on the man who is buying at the highest is making African government know that can be, digitalizing IOSA is a key issue. And and Venezuela are not successful. In Sudan price. So it means that the cost increases, at the air transport is not elitist? then probably we have to enhance the way it is successful but the amount is lower, $350 end of the day the bill is sent to the airlines. You are right to say that many governments we operate in certain airlines to be even more million, but it is also a problem. But where And we say in the choice of the concessionaire view us as a kind of elitist transportation system. strict or tougher than we have been. THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 

BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS

Ex-Raying Shipowners’ Strategies for 2017 As stakeholders in the maritime sector takes steps to overcome some of the challenges of 2016, Eromosele Abiodun ex-rays the Shipowners Association of Nigeria’s plans for 2017

Oil-tanker.

If there is a year all stakeholders in the Nigerian received 406 vessels in third quarter, against 368 scheme for sea time training. stakeholders to deliberate on matters that affect maritime sector would never want to see again, in the last quarter; Rivers Ports, 80 ships against These, applicants he added, have expressed its members going forward. that year is certainly 2016. Everything that had 84 in the previous quarter; Onne received 152 their willingness to pay for such opportunities “Members would be required to come up to go wrong went wrong in the sector with vessels against 163; Calabar Port, 51 against on our vessels. with issues affecting us and our businesses so even the biggest players laying off over 50 per 52; while Delta Port received 132 against 109. “As we know, the importance of training we can engage appropriately in the interest cent of their staff members. these cadets cannot be over emphasised, as we of Members. From the foregoing, it will be The year started with the foreign exchange Forging ahead are the ultimate bene ciaries from this scheme necessary for us to establish committees crisis and the hangover from the ban on 41 items Meanwhile, in a bid to overcome the setbacks since they would end up as well-trained of cers that will develop the various issues identi- from the of cial foreign exchange window. While of 2016 as a result of the economic meltdown, to provide the much needed personnel to man ed above and provide solutions to them. importers, shipping companies and terminal the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) our vessels. All members of the association should be operators waited endlessly for things to improve, has outlined some strategies that it hopes will “Even vessels that are not working but are encouraged to belong to one committee or it never did. help its members stay aoat in 2017. manned whilst waiting for job opportunities can the other. As a matter of fact they went downhill. The President of SOAN, Greg Ogbeifun in a have cadets on board and their time on such All members by now must have received situation would have been better if the federal goodwill message to members at a meeting in vessels will still count towards their Sea Time an electronic copy of the Audited Financial government had an idea how important the Lagos, said the association witnessed tremendous eligibility. This scheme can be co-ordinated in a report for 2015/2016 Financial Year. This is in port is for the nation’s economy. However, it growth and achievements in 2016, “Which has way that there will be no cost to the vessel owner ful lment of my pledge at our inauguration was not all bad news. On July 13 this year, impacted positively on our industry as evident and in fact owners can be paid for providing to exercise the highest standard of nancial President Muhammadu Buhari appointed by the show of support and attendance by their vessels for the scheme,”he said. discipline and accountability as we owe the former Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State distinguished key industry and government He disclosed that one of the international oil you the members this. Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Ms HAdiza leaders/chieftains at our end of year dinner/ companies (IOCs) has indicated their willingness “Discussions are currently ongoing with Bala-Usman as the Managing Director of the gala event.” and desire to work with SOAN, to support the auditors in setting up proper accounting Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Her appoint- “This would not have been possible without vessel owners in the training of our Tug Masters procedure within the Secretariat. This you will ment brought respite to the industry following your moral, nancial and numerous other sup- and Chief Of cers in institution that carryout agree with me is required of an association such her effort to carry out the needed reforms in ports. I have always said that my tenure as Simulation Trainings such as Charkin Maritime as SOAN. In addition, they are also to advise both the NPA and the industry as a whole. president of the association will primarily focus and Offshore Training Centre and PEM Offshore. us of the statutory requirements expected of Her efforts could, however, not undo years of on bringing industry, national and international The IOCs, he added, have also indicated us as regards compliance with annual returns, bad trade policies. recognition and acclaim to SOAN. To the glory of that some of the trainings could be carried FRC registration among others,”he said. During the year under review, seaport God, and working with the support/cooperation out in Holland and would be sponsored by operations in Nigeria was badly hit by some from my exco and our esteemed members we the IOC, “They are waiting on us to develop Membership regularisation ill-conceived trade policies including the hike in have achieved this goal. The success of this goal this initiative further.” He said there is need for all SOAN members the import duties of vehicles and rice as well as naturally has opened up new and numerous to regularise their membership yearly by paying the introduction of a sh quota system by the opportunities and of course challenges for the Nigerdock approaches SOAN the annual dues as soon as practicable to administration of former President Goodluck association and the members.” He disclosed that the management of Nigerdock keep the association running. Jonathan. The ports also suffered from the However, he said the dramatic fall in crude has approached SOAN that they would like to He said: “Membership cards will be issued restriction of 41 items from accessing the of cial oil price which has gravely affected businesses meet with it to explore areas of mutual bene ts to nancial members. We intend to identify foreign exchange window by the Central Bank in the Oil and Gas sector, has taken its toll on in the New Year. and discuss with critical service providers in of Nigeria (CBN). the business of its members. He added: “This opportunity may enable us various areas such as hotels, airlines, shops and Indications that Nigeria was on a journey to According to him, “Most of our vessels are negotiate a special discount for our members other market outlets with a view to negotiating recession came early in 2016 when the National now laid up without jobs and the few vessels who may wish to patronize Nigerdock for dry discounts for SOAN card carrying members. Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that the still engaged are working for such low charter dock and repair jobs on our members’ vessels. “As you are aware, the tenure of the pres- country recorded a decline of N793.5 billion rates that many owners can barely break even. “As you know, during the gala event, in my ent Exco for which I am President ends on in the rst quarter merchandise trade to close It is necessary for us to look for avenues to welcome address I made a request to the Lagos the 31st of March 2017, by which time our at N2.72 trillion from N3.51trillion in the fourth diversify our business interests. State government for land to be allocated to Constitution requires that a general elections quarter of 2015, the rst time in the last seven “It is my belief that collectively we have gained SOAN to build the SOAN Centre. The representa- be held and a new Exco formed.” years. The bureau attributed the decline in the substantial knowledge, experience and expertise tive of the governor in his response advised “In view of this, a returning of cer will need rst quarter activity to a sharp drop in both in ship ownership, management and operations that we send a formal letter requesting for the to be appointed at the next general meeting import and export trade. such that we can explore how to deploy these land allocation. We have already submitted the expected to hold in the last week of January Also, data at the NPA showed that 341 vessels expertise in participating in the Crude Oil Tanker request letter to him and this would need to 2017 to co-ordinate the election which I suggest entered Nigeria in September 2016, the lowest Fleet being encouraged by the industry and be followed up. should hold in the last week of February 2017. in nine months and a fall from 400 recorded in government as strongly highlighted in the paper “There is now a need for us to organise It will be necessary to review the current August 2016. Cargo throughput also dropped presented by the Group Managing Director workshops to address issues affecting members of ces constituting the Exco, learning from from 6.3 million metric tonnes in January this of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and their business. There are a lot of statutory the experiences in the last couple of years, to year to 5.6 million in September, which is also (NNPC) at our gala night.” requirements by various authorities and agencies more effectively run the association. the lowest in the year. which such workshops will assist members in “From our experience there is need to The statistics also showed that a total of 3,347 Cadetship training berths scheme complying with the following: MLC Act and restructure the Exco to better position the ocean-going vessels called Nigeria as at the end Ogbeifun stated that the impact of the Seafarers Condition of Service and requirements Association to manage the inevitable growth of third quarter so far this year, estimated at inauguration of the Cadetship Training Berths of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).” opportunities facing SOAN. Before the general about 100,152,274 metric tons. The breakdown scheme has generated a lot of interest such that meeting in January, we hope to circulate more showed that the Lagos Port Complex SOAN is now being approached by various IOCs and stakeholder engagements information on the proposals we have on received 318 vessels in the third quarter as against organisations and individuals requesting for Ogbeifun disclosed that the stage is now set some of the points raised above for your 301 in the second quarter. Tin Can Island Ports their candidates to be given a place in this for SOAN to engage the IOCs and other critical consideration,”he stated.  THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Indomie: Thriving Despite Economic Meltdown Eromosele Abiodun writes that despite the economic downturn in the country some companies are thriving and putting a smile on the faces of Nigerians

While signing the 2016 budget into law last year, President Muhammad Buhari described the current economic situation in Nigeria as the worst in our national history. In the same vein, the 2016 World Bank Business Report revealed that Nigeria remains one of the world worst places to do business mainly due to cost of operating in our environment. Among the 189 countries surveyed, Nigeria ranked 169th. Despite this situation some organisa- tions are still trudging on. This is because those who survive harsh and life-threatening conditions are not those with the will but rather people who understand how to, in addition to the willingness. Inasmuch as Nigeria is one interesting place to be, the unsettling and anti-human conditions are enough to deter anyone from investing in the country. However, this does not take away the huge opportunities the country has to offer. Over the years, it has become obvious that more and more Nigerians are being smouldered by the economic and security challenges in the country. It has got to the point that the faith of many has been shaken or dissolved, owing primarily to the aforementioned challenges. Some are, however, still making Nigerians smile while some products have disappeared. Among those who are surviving against all odds is Indomie Instant Noodles. Since its entrance into the Nigerian noodles market in the 80’s, Indomie Instant Noodles seems to keep evolving from ‘better to best.’

Art of Survival Despite the harsh economic situation which affected businesses in 2016, Indomie offered more value to consumers by launching the new chicken avour variant named “Indomie Bellefull”; it was an immediate consumer delight. Unveiling the new product, the General Manager, Dul Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Girish Winners of the Indomie IIDA award Sharma, referred to the new product as a brain child of an extended consumer research and Ice-Prince, Olajumoke, MI Abaga, Omotola to the group. Research Findings survey: “We are launching the new Chicken Jalade-Ekeinde, Yemi Alade, Denrele and a The question of how a brand becomes a super According to an international research con- avour product from Dul Prima Foods called host of other celebrities were included in the brand has long been answered by Indomie ducted by a research rm, Kantar Worldpanel, Indomie Bellefull for our valued consumers, ‘You Like No Other’ campaign. Instant Noodles. A super brand is not restricted Indomie topped Africa’s most chosen noodles and it is borne out of the brand’s effort in The beautifully crafted celebrity packs had to any category in the mind of the consumer and brand ranking for 2016. The research rm’s catering for the growing need of the family distinctive lines like ‘Photographer Like No Indomie’s repeated upstaging of brands from study covered 15,000 brands, 200 categories, and easing the task associated with purchasing Other’ for TY Bello, ‘Lyricist Like No Other’ diverse categories that have been the numerouno 44 countries and ve continents, representing multiple packs of already available Indomie for MI, ‘Model Like No other’ for Olajumoke, for decades and centuries at different fora is 74 per cent of the global population; Indomie SKUs for meals on the home front.” with each bearing a perfect caricature picture a great testimony to the quality of the brand. attained the number one position in fast moving The launch of the Indomie ‘Belleful’ also of the celebrity. The noodles segment has continued to grow consumer goods (FMCG) category across Africa. served the opportunity for rewarding winners Also in 2016, 12 postgraduate students from with many brands joining the fray, however, Indomie vied with some of the biggest of the Indomie Bellefull comedy challenge, in different universities across the country received this has not affected the share of mind of products in Africa and the world such as Coca which the overall winner received a cash prize the Indomie M.Sc Nutrition Scholarship awards. Consumers for Indomieas the brand is still Cola, MTN, Unilever, Etisalat, P&G, Nestle, of N1 million, while ve other runners-up The scholarship was worth N450,000 each. the rst choice noodles. The many consumer Nigerian Breweries, First Bank, Guinness, PZ received a N100,000 cash prize each and a The scholarship was the eight edition of oriented awards received by the brand is a Cussons, Friesland Campina, Airtel, Stanbic IBTC, year supply of Indomie Instant noodles. the laudable CSR initiative. The initiative solid conrmation that the Indomie brand has Honeywell, Cadbury, Grand Oak, Nigerite Aside from producing consumer satisfying was instituted in 2009 for Nigerian students unlocked a satisfaction gap other brands have amongst others. brands Indomie has also come up with several studying nutrition and dietetics at masters’ been struggling with, 2016 is a testament to Still relishing the several awards, In- corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives degree level with the aim of assisting in the this fact. The leading global instant noodles domie received yet another award based in Nigeria such as Indomie Independence training of high level nutrition and dietetics brand has continued to set itself way apart on consumer preference for the brand. The Day Awards for Heroes of Nigeria popularly manpower in the country. The students became from competition as consumers’ rst choice in fourth edition of Brand Footprint report took called IIDA. The award is a reward platform eligible for the scholarship award after their the noodles category by consistently adding place in November in Lagos with an award to identify and celebrate outstanding display application was screened by a panel. unrivalled value to its offerings. ceremony that saw Indomie Instant Noodles of heroism and sel essness in children who are These offerings have not only been appreci- clinching ‘The Most Chosen Brand in Nigeria not likely to be regarded as heroes and most Rewarding Students ated by the consumers who by predilection for Award’. Runners-up at the awards were often relegated to the background of history, Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, taste and quality have consistently made the other international giants such as: Peak Milk, never to be remembered. IIDA for Heroes of Brand Manager, Indomie Instant Noodles, Mr. product the best in the comity of brands. Last Cowbell Milk, Maggi, Milo, Klin, Bournvita, Nigeria 2016 had three lucky winners and Amber Yadav said: “The scholarship scheme year proved to be one of the most rewarding Ajinomoto, Onga and Dano respectively. each went home with N1,000,000 worth of is a noble course which the brand is pleased calendars for the brand as it received several Brand Footprint report gives marketers, scholarship for social, physical and intellectual to be associated with. He said the scheme accolades. Despite the harsh economic reali- brands and agencies solid bases on which bravery categories. serves as a means to give back to society and ties plaguing businesses the brand, made by to make business decisions that could lead Visually impaired 14-year-old Salisu Ibrahim most especially to the eld of Nutrition and Dul Prima Foods, still impressed consumers to success. Brand Footprint ranking reveals is a pupil of Special Education Centre, Bauchi. Dietary which is synonymous to the brand.” and stakeholders. Consumer support for the the influence consumers around the world Another winner was a nascent inventor, In spite of having the rst-to-the-market- brand saw it cart away multiple awards at the have through their buying decisions for fast Babatimileyin Daomi. He was just 15 year advantage which the brand paid its due for, Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands. old but invented a vacuum cleaner, a power Indomie continues to improve on quality rather Awards in Lagos. The report highlights the opportunities that bank, a portable fan, self-watered our vase than rest on its oars. Indomie is indisputably Indomie was unanimously voted the best in brands could exploit while leaving footprints and a functional radio. The other winner was the brand to beat as no other instant noodle three major categories overshadowing other in the minds of consumers and rewarding another 15-year old, Favour Unwene from can rival its quality and still remain in business global heavyweights: The Brand of the Year brands with high quality such as Indomie Ikono, in the social bravery at that high level of commitment to standards. 2016 (Most prestigious award category) with Instant Noodles. Also, Indomie has over the category for saving a life. Dul’s agship brand, Indomie Instant Coke and Heineken nishing as Runners up. years become a household name in homes, One cannot forget in a hurry the much Noodles, has been enabling food vendors to Brand Manager of the year 2016 was won by offices, eateries and schools in Nigeria. Aside talked about Indomie campaign in 2016; ‘You own kiosks and small business outlets all over Brand Manager, Indomie Yadav while the New from making the most delicious noodles Like No Other’. This campaign took over the the country, thereby providing jobs to thousands Brand Revitalisation 2016 Award went to the in the market, the brand is well-known to media as the innovative method deployed in of jobless Nigerians; the emergence of Dul brand for Indomie Bellefull. The brand only have enabled direct and indirect employment the campaign is uncanny and remains one of Prima as the labour friendly organisation of the came second in the Digital and Social Media and made the reward of its consumers a the most successful campaigns as Consumers year by Nigeria Entrepreneurs Awards is seen Category. Indomie had earlier won ‘The Best priority with several consumer benet activities rushed to get packs that suggests their thoughts. by stakeholders as well-deserved and many Consumer Brand of the Year’ (FMCG category) such as the just concluded ‘You Like No Other’ The TY Bello, 2-Baba (TuFaceIdibia), Alibaba, arrows will point to Indomie’s contribution in the popular City People’s Awards. campaign. WEEKLY PULLOUT

T RU N TH & REASO

WEActing Features Editor: Charles Ajunwa Email:EK [email protected] ERAVE | P COLLAGE | P THISLIFE | P FILE

ADEMOFE: THE TRUMPET EXPRESSES MY THOUGHTS BETTER

ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / [email protected] /COVER ..  Ademofe: The Trumpet Expresses My Thoughts Better Victor Ademofe is probably the best example of how to play jazz music. Over a thousand recordings, he has been heard around the world. He recently had a recording collaboration with the velvet-toned Yoruba gospel singer, Tope Alabi. Ademofe believes there is more to music, when he said, “music is the fuel that will eventually take the vehicle of my life to its nal destination,” in this interview with Adedayo Adejobi

Tell us about yourself. My name is Victor Ademofe and I am the second child in the family of three. I am from Ifon in Ondo State.

What inspires you into music? My inspiration is rst and foremost from God. As a musicologist, I am equipped and trained to pick out sounds around me. By this, anything I hear can inspire me. And I would say that music found me when I was about four years old. I had started to play, and sought after by many music promoters back in the days. It is obvious to me that it is the gift of God deposited in me.

Why the trumpet? The trumpet is just one of the instruments I play. It expresses my thoughts better than I would have spoken them.

What was the rst song you ever played? I actually can't remember the rst song I ever played but I remember the rst song I ever recorded for a man named (Mr. Sogunro) over 18 years ago.

Share the experience of being a musician My experience as a musician has been awesome being that I have had opportunity of meeting Ademofe great people who have impacted me in diverse ways, It has given me a platform to inspire the Give us a take on how these guys affected generation next through my music, lifestyle your playing and my teachings.. I have studied Clifford Brown and Nathaniel over 10 years and I picked up techniques, What are your high and low points? improvisational approaches and melodic/ Honestly speaking, there hasn't been a low harmonic sense. point. There are times things don't work the way I had anticipated but I don't allow what is How do their works inspire you or push you not working dictate my mood and happiness. in new direction? Their works are like foundations on which Do you feel ful lled as a musician? I built and then diversify into the inspirations Yes, I do to a larger extent. Reason is, there I have. is more to me than just music. Music is the fuel that will eventually take the vehicle of You seem like thoroughly modern jazz my life to its nal destination. There is more musician- coming at music from so many to music than just performance. different angles. Besides, your writing scores for movies and the jazz performance, what Why are you branching to mainstream sing- are the other parts to making ends meet as an ing and performance, especially being a man uncompromising modern jazz player? who has always been behind the scene as a I must rst say that being a musician recording musician and performer? is a great experience. I make ends meet I believe so strongly that every diligent from directing music and teaching choirs disciple will someday become an apostle. I of churches, studio recordings and from have worked with so many people over the teaching music. years, from Lagbaja, Asa, Cobhams, Sunny Neji, Tee-mac, Mike Aremu, Wole Oni, Bez, What does it feel like living with the trumpet? Iyanya, Omawunmi,Timi Dakolo, Waje and With the trumpet, I have met some many many others. I have come to realise that who people and I have also been to places. All thanks sent you is more important. The timing for to the Almighty. my message is now. Ademofe Engineers that don't work with horn players Who is your mentor? Why the collaboration with Tope Alabi? What music industry? much often don't understand the dif culties I have many mentors in different areas; spurred that? The music industry is a fast growing industry or the techniques for getting a great sound. spiritual, economic, family, musical and academic Why the collaboration? A good question. with its peculiarity, though too crowded because I understand that you have strong feelings mentors. But I can say categorically that Nathaniel I never met Tope Alabi before the idea of many people who don't have business being about how people mic your horn. How do Bassey has been a great inuence on me since collaborating with her. I was inspired by the there are now patrons. Regardless of the number, you balance your sound? year 2000. I have been with him since then Spirit of God to feature her on this single and God is still spotting out His own and giving This is a very technical question. Well, sound and the impact over me has been amazing. I went all out with a friend (Abiodun Akilo) them a message and a voice. as a medium of music is what determines how who works with her on legal matters. That appealing an instrument is. Every instrument What are your guiding principles and phi- was how it all started. How do you cope with the ladies as a young, has its own sound and with this knowledge I losophies to life? skillful musician? make sure every ampli cation doesn't take away My principle is to love God and fellow man, How has the reception been? Coping with the opposite sex hasn't been an the natural sound, which is what is tweaked hard work and devotion to my purpose. To be very candid, the reception for this song issue all the way. People are as close to you a little here and there. has been mind blowing. as you want them to be. Talk about your new single ‘Jehovah’. What You have toured with many artistes, what was inuenced it? Any project/collaboration in the pipeline? Who are your trumpet models and why? it like touring with these groups and what My new single is actually a remix of the I am at the moment working on my second I have Clifford Brown as an international challenges did you have staying in shape as original which was released on May 20, 2012. album project which is likely to feature some model, and Nathaniel Bassey as a Nigerian a Christian? It is one song in the album that I get a lot of living legends of our time. model. Also, I listen to other great players Touring is fun and every great musician look comment, remark and appreciation for. numerous to mention forward to it. I toured with Lagbaja, Asa, Sunny What is your assessment of the Nigerian Neji, Mike Aremu and Sotiris Papadopoulous. . .  /XTRA Nwawulu-Egeonu: Giving Succour to Women Uju Tracy Nwawulu-Egeonu is the founder of Women Excel Forum, a non-government organisation established to empower women through hand skill jobs and knowledge with a goal to grow and balance the life of at least 80 per cent of African women, writes Anayo Okolie

It is no longer news that women are under- “We also aspire to create more job opportunities “Women Excel Forum has inspired and represented in leadership positions and form for at least 80 per cent of African women, thereby touched lives through the social media and a large group of unemployed people in Africa boosting herself actualisation to a level where workshops with the help of sponsors and other especially. she can be a great addition to the society and NGO companies across the globe.” There have been agitations by several groups the economic growth. Women Excel Forum, Nwawulu-Egeonu said asking for more or equal participation in leadership “Due to my passion and zeal to help in the was determined to impact women with skills positions. It is easier for men than women to growth of the nation, we have an event taking that encourage them to play a vital role in the get elected to high political of ces and to get place in February that can give women the growth of the economy. “We give women a top executive positions in business than women. platform for free skills acquisition. Between platform to network, work, create and add value. Nevertheless, there is little consensus on February 20, 2017 to march 2, 2017, Women Members of this esteemed forum contribute why women remain under-represented in these Excel Forum will be training 30 women freely daily to the growth of the society and indeed elds. Reasons such as family responsibilities, on hand beaded accessories. women excel has come to stay. Together with inexperience, or women not being tough enough, “After the training, they will also be given the support of our men, we hope to impact in are however, cited less frequently as signi cant substantial amount for business start up. We the lives of every woman.” barriers to female leadership. have an organised follow up team to mentor For Nwawulu-Egeonu, “We live in a culture Despite above reasons responsible for low and guide them on this process. I chose to start that is shifting by the minute. In this era, joy participation of women in leadership position, with a free beading class because that is what at work was a pipe dream. You were told that women are still of the view that everyone should I do and I have trained over 100 students in if you kept your eyes on the prize-power and receive equal treatment and not be discriminated professional bead making both home and abroad. authority-then you would be "successful." But against based on their gender. Nwawulu-Egeonu We are however opened for sponsorships and what does that mean? In this model, no one Also, as part of her to encourage equal partnership with NGOs, companies and other is happy and thriving. Command and control participation of women in leadership position, Unlike many women, who would rather personalities.” creates an environment in which employees are a 26-year-old graduate Business Management prefer to channel their strength and money into Nwawulu-Egeonu , who is also the Chief starved of autonomy and then get drunk on at Cape Coast University Accra, Ghana, the business and family affairs, Nwawulu-Egeonu, Executive Of cer of Tranons Bead and Acces- power once they get to the top of the ladder. founder of Women Excel Forum, Uju Tracy who is the daughter of Hon. Benson Nwawulu, sories and also supports the agitation to create Everything is out of balance, and the company Nwawulu-Egeonu believes that empowering representing Ogbaru 1 Constituency in Anambra equality in law and in social situations, such suffers.” women through hand skill jobs and knowledge State House of Assembly, decided to plant her as in democratic activities and securing equal Therefore, Nwawulu-Egeonu said “the can go a long way to balance both women resources in empowering women. pay for equal work. essence of leadership is shifting from telling and men participation in leadership position. Speaking on decision of establishing Women In practice, Nwawulu-Egeonu said the everyone what to do, to empowering others Women Excel Forum is a non-government Excel Forum, Nwawulu-Egeonu said “our aim objective of gender equality is for people to to come up with the best and brightest ideas organisation powered by Women Excel Develop- is to educate and empower women to have acquire equal treatment throughout a society, that have never been thought of before. How ment Initiative created to empower women. the courage to acquire leadership positions and not just in politics and workplace but also in then do you empower people to be their best? Women Excel Forum was rst registered in appointments in order to defeat the gender other policy-designated sphere. Help them know their vision. Ghana and now in Nigeria inequality associated in women verses men According to her, “Women Excel Forum was “They say give a man a sh and you feed No doubt, so many women have made names in power. initiated by Women Excel Empowerment Initia- him for a day but teach a man to sh and you in the country but have they made any efforts to “We also aim to cut down the several agita- tive. It is a Non Governmental Organisation feed him for a lifetime. Through my second ensure equal participation of women in leadership tions on women leadership. Unlike other NGOs, (NGO) established to empower women through company Tranons Bead Academy produces one position? The Women Excel Forum has been a we are very passionate about educating and hand skill jobs, knowledge and also provide of the best handmade beads; we have graduated source of inspiration to women and through preparing ef cient and effective women for employment with a goal to grow and balance over 100 students in Ghana and Nigeria. They social media. leadership positions. the life of at least 80 per cent of African Women. are now becoming professional bead makers,” Majek’s Short Memories Charles Novia of the contract were clearly spelt out. At the to Calabar for the gig where he performed at the signing, Coral Music made it very clear that stadium in front of a crowd and an impressed I read an interview on THISDAY Newspaper on no account should personal royalties (if any Governor ... online on Majek Fashek and in one of the after we discussed the possibility of the album Thereafter, more offers for more shows started questions, the reporter asked him if he had being pirated) be paid to Majek Fashek from coming. Because of the fragility of Majek back problems with Charles Novia and Azuka Jebose November Productions outside the contract for then and his frail and dishevelled looks, the and Majek replied that we defrauded him and that album. The contract had a provision for agreement was that he would only breeze went on a rant on how he's being owed by some cents to be paid to Coral Music after net in and breeze out for shows with minimal November Records. calculations in the advent that the album sold exposure to the press and public. But in 2008 My rst reaction was to ignore it. And there a calculated amount of numbers. or thereabouts, Majek unannounced ew into are reasons why I ignore rst hand anything When November Records released the album Lagos and decided not to go back anymore. I negative which comes from Majek about me. in 2005 after spending a huge amount on heavy wasn't aware of his coming, neither was Azuka. I remember a few years ago, when he was promotions on the project, the like of which And there was nothing I could do. He had his under the management of a lady called Hajia or had never been seen before for a long time, the plans and wanted to do his thing. All the years something, Majek went on television, perhaps album went to the top of the charts for weeks of PR and image making for him, done to build at her instigation, to say he was suing me for $3 across the country. The release of the album him back as a major brand, went up in smoke. million dollars for shooting a movie on him! I got thousands of copies off the shelves in the It wasn't long before people and press men laughed and laughed when I saw that interview rst week. However, the album was massively started calling me about seeing Majek on the on television and ignored the sensation it caused. pirated back then. Massively. streets and in bars, begging for food and stuff. Pressmen started calling me for days to nd Novia I made this known to Charlie D'agostino of Somehow, I had become intricately linked with out my reaction. I would always say 'No com- Coral Music in a mail and he understood the Majek and his personal indiscretions were affecting ment'. But there was one journalist who kept not proper and it's not done where I come from, situation in the correspondences we had, the my corporate and personal brand. on persisting and would keep on calling and so give me a break please.” e-mails I still have. However, out of my love I took in all in my stride but of cially severed calling for my reaction. He said “the country The journalist was touched. He told me later and respect for Majek, who would call me from professional links with Majek Fashek a few respects what you did for Majek in bringing that “when I hung up the phone after you made America to plead for funds for upkeep, I would months later. him back to limelight with the 'Little Patience' that statement, tears came out from my eyes. send him funds and sometimes get Azuka Jebose I have gone to this length to narrate some album. It's shocking that he's talking about suing You made sense. You are a human being.” to do it because we could not bear to see the portions of this tale to give a background of you for producing a lm on him. Please let the It's that same notion I still have till today. man in a nancial crisis. my professional and personal relationship with world know your reaction.” Majek Fashek is someone I respect and have In those conversations I made it clear to Majek Majek through the years. I replied him “My friend, what I'm going to managed and worked with for years before I that we had paid huge licensing fees to Coral He's still my brother and late 2015 when he say is off the record and I say it to you because moved on. I will be very careful about having Music and he would say he never got a dime was in rehabilitation in Abuja, I saw him at we are friends. I am a Bini Man. Majek has verbal exchanges with him or his new manage- from them as the American label deducted his the Abuja airport after we were on the same Bini blood. He is my elder brother. Fate and ment over things he says about me. November expenses from his sales and concerts, which ight from Lagos and he kept telling everyone divine matrix used me in 2005 to bring him Productions Publicists would professionally make is a standard process in the music business. that “this is the man who did the magic in my back to the music scene at great expense and press statements when the need arises. Feeling bad that Majek was in a nancial career. He brought out 'Little Patience' and put risk to my life with his last album. I gave my However, I will just make something clear quandary in America while we were heavily me on billboards.” all to promote that man and that album. My on a personal level here. promoting his album back here, I decided to I offered to sponsor any music video from life stopped for years in pushing Majek back The 2005 'Little Patience' album, released help him get money in Nigeria by getting major his new work for free with no strings attached. to the scene. Do you expect me right now to by my record label, November Records, was shows for him on the back of the success of 'Just to help your work. I don't want anything. be exchanging words with him in the papers licensed to my label after due negotiations with the album. It will be my contribution' I told him. He was over a project which he's aware of? Listen, this Coral Music USA, owned by Charlie D'agostino. I got him into the rst THISDAY Music Festival excited about it. That offer still stands. Anytime brother of mine has issues with his health and November Records paid a tidy sum in dollars in 2006. ..After that event, I got Majek another he is ready, all he has to do is to get across to me my personal code of conduct would never ever for the licensing of that album for the African gig at the 2006 in December. and the music video directors I have penciled make me exchange words with a brother... It's market. We had a contract signed and the terms He ew back in with Azuka and we all traveled down for the project will take care of it. / NEWS  ..

Etisalat Driving a New Dawn for National AMAA 2017: Entry Closes Development Today When the management of Etisalat Nigeria in 2013 announced the birth of a new football initiative, the Etisalat U-15 School Mary Ekah Cup, the news was received with wild jubilation within and outside the football A late deadline entry for the submission of entries for family and sports community in general. the 13th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), the The reason was not for want of such age- Premier Africa Film Awards, has been slated for today, grade competitions in the country for there Friday January 13, 2017. Filmmakers are expected to submit were several ones already in existence, and their feature, short, animation and documentary work for neither was it for a perceived rivalry with consideration in nearly 30 lm categories of the awards the other football competition sponsors. while nominations will be announced on April 15, 2017. The noble ideal that the Etisalat School The 13th edition of the AMAAs will be held May 20, Cup espouses is encapsulated in its brand 2017 and televised globally. Only lms produced and vision of creating credible platforms that released between July 2015 and December 2016 may be promote and celebrate creativity. The Etisalat entered for this celebration of African cinema. School Cup had started in that year as Each completed entry form for 2017 entries must be a ve-a-aside tournament with the pilot accompanied by all the supporting materials listed on the phase hosted by Lagos State; three years submission forms, including the synopsis of the lm, the down the line, it has assumed a national list of credits, marketing stills of the movie, lmographies of status with equal acceptance and growing L-R: Manager, Sponsorship Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry, Youth and the directors and producers, copies of the movie in 3DVDS participation across the length and breadth Sports Development, , Mrs. Herie„a Ngozi Ani and Head, Regional Sales, South East, or a hard drive plus a compulsory online submission via of the nation. Etisalat, Okechukwu Nwaeze with the Champions Trophy during a courtesy visit to the ministry Vimeo and proof of the right to submit. All lms must The recently concluded 2016 edition is as part of the activities marking the kick-off of Etisalat School Cup season ‰ Regional Play-Offs in indicate the year of copyright. The Africa Film Academy a testimony in reference. For over three Enugu State will not accept any lm that exceeds the 120-minute run months, Nigerian youths of secondary school as a feature or a short lm that is longer than 40 minutes. status with budding football talents from to connect and unite people from different responsible members of the society even International submissions can be made on: https://lm- 32 states relished the opportunity created parts of the country using the universal while pursuing their dreams. We want freeway.com/festival/africamovieacademyawards-882089 by the School Cup to showcase their talents language of football. It is targeted at promot- to instill these values in children for the and also on www.amaasubmissions.com. To stay up to Over 3,025 school teams made up of 16 ing shared life values, especially among well-being of the society. So, it is about the date with the latest information regarding the 13th African players each took part in the competition the younger generation. The company’s friendship and the connection it brings. Movie Academy Awards or for nomination submissions, which ran in phases beginning with the Director, Brand and Experience, Elvis It is also a good platform to teach these visit the African Movie Academy Awards Web site at State Finals and then the regional play-offs Ogiemwanye emphasised this goal recently students life values such as team work, http://www.ama-awards.com before climaxing at the National Finals while offering insights on the project. “For discipline, tolerance and sportsmanship,” The Africa Movie Academy Awards was founded in 2005, hosted by Lagos. us at Etisalat, football goes beyond winning he said. mostly held annually in Nigeria. Its aim is to facilitate the Given the nation’s multi-cultural nature, medals and laurels; we are mindful of those Etisalat’s tendency for creating platforms development and showcase the social relevance of African the Etisalat U-15 School is objectively set life values that help people to become is arguably second to none in the industry. lm and cinema. The awards are presented to recognise and honour the excellence of professionals in the lm industry. This includes directors, actors, and writers, as well as to unite the African continent and the Diaspora through Start a Creative Revolution in Nigeria, COSON arts and culture. Over the years, numerous international media representatives, Hollywood celebrities, Nigerian Tasks Buhari politicians, other African politicians, journalists, lm industry professionals, and actors and actresses have attended the Mary Ekah award presentation across the world.

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has requested President Muhammadu Buhari to give marching orders to Vice Foundation Extends Love to President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Communities to kick start an intellectual property and creative revolution in Nigeria. Godbless Eduviere At the big ‘open house’ event at COSON headquarters to mark ‘No Music Day’ As part of its vision to preach and practice what love 2016 held recently, which was attended is capable of doing in spite of the travails, intrigues and by several artistes and several media bitterness in the society and the world at large, an NGO representatives, COSON said that this called, Ladies and Gentlemen-Rhythms Foundation a.k.a period of economic recession in Nigeria COSON boss, Okoroji with some top Nigerian musicians at a recent function LG-Rhythms, has decided to extend its act of love to should provide important soul searching communities. for the Nigerian nation. him, this is clearly an area in which Nigeria country, which can change the story of Speaking on the topic, ‘Let there be love’, during a press Insisting that the era when the Nigerian has signicant comparative advantage and Nigeria forever. Then we can inspire conference held recently in Apapa, Lagos, the President, economy was almost completely dependent what is needed is the spark to light the our citizens to create and invent things Dr. Titus Adeniye Ale, commended the sel ess service of on oil and gas is in the nation’s past and re and the result will be confounding. of value with the assurance that every members and appreciated them for their love and undiluted will not come back, COSON insisted that “We believe that President Muham- work of creativity and invention will be loyalty towards the goals of the NGO. He revealed that Nigeria’s future will have to be built on the madu Buhari can give a marching order protected by the nation and every creator LG-Rhythms is a group of people who believe that love creative ingenuity of the Nigerian people. to both his Vice President, Prof. Yemi and inventor can enjoy the fruits of his or is the essence of living and no matter the problem under Delivering the 2016 ofcial address on Osinbajo who has the training and the her labour,” Okoroji said. He said people the sun, if there is love, it will be solved. the state of the Nigerian music industry, intellect to fully grasp the issues and his in the creative industry have continued to “It has been critically analysed that if everyone believes COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey request for a proper engagement with the in what love is capable of doing, and then there will be said the creative ingenuity of the Nigerian Onyeama who for several years was a government so as to make the knowledge little or no stress at all in all facets of our life,” he said people can be seen in how wide Nigerian respected Director at the World Intellectual and creativity driven economic future noting that so far the journey for LG-Rhythms, has been music, movies, literature, fashion, program- Property Organisation (WIPO), to create possible. He expressed the hope that the interesting and challenging. ming, and similar products of the creative real change in Nigeria. These gentlemen government would react appropriately to “Since its creation, the Foundation has offered major endeavour originating from Nigeria are in have the ability to kick-start an intellectual this request so that the important work assistance to the less-privileged, which includes our annual demand across the world. According to property and creative revolution in our can begin in earnest. charity walk against breast and lung cancer, business inter- connectivity, empowerment programmes amongst others. “We have staged two major empowerment programmes recently during which both LG-Rhythm members and Lagos State Starts Training for 1,000 Eko Nke Koo non-members successfully learnt new skills, new trade and gained wider knowledge at relatively no cost,” Ale Peace Obi presents in contributing to the state's 485 facilitators already in the system,” he noted. The Foundation, he said, also took off its Star Guest dream for a better Lagos, Bank-Olemoh said. Enumerating some of the steps taken programme with the legendary icon, Onyeka Onwenu and As part of the Lagos State government's said that the training would make the job by the LASG to further widen its reach out other notable artistes like Emeka Ike, Gloria Anozie-Young, commitment to increase the literacy level in a lot easier for them. Adding that they mechanisms to adult learners in the state, Bakky Adeoye and others and it was great success. the state, the government recently kicked should see themselves as key catalysts Bank-Olemoh hinted that it has initiated Speaking further, he said, “Currently, we have established off the training for the 1,000 facilitators for towards achieving the set goals for the partnership with religious organisations, LG-Rhythm Micro-nance Scheme. This is to attach great the state's adult literacy programme - Eko Eko Nke Koo programme. NGOs, among others. "To achieve the premium on nancial independence of members, and we Nke Koo (Lagos is learning). The training Speaking further, the SA who noted that set goals of increasing access for adult believe that if we empower our members in terms of which is billed to run in three batches the February and March batches would learners and growing the retention rates, capacity buildings, we should also go the next step of between January and March, kicked off comprise 250 and 500, respectively said, the government has initiated partnership empowering the deserving trainees with interest-free loan the January batch with 250 facilitators "Training and capacity development is very with religious organisations as well as to support them in their business. And we have made trainees. integral part of the programme and we are NGOs, market and mechanic associations, it mandatory to all our members to make sure that in Speaking during the opening ceremony committed to it. This training will be the and private sector partners to scale up whatever they do, they should take into consideration in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Lagos rst of its series aimed at equipping the the number of literacy centres across the a kind of charity that should go to the less-privileged. I State Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela literacy facilitators that will be deployed state from the current 532 centres to 1000 therefore use this opportunity to announce that in 2017, Bank-Olemoh, noted that the training to the centres. "The trainees will gain the in 2017." The Director, Agency for Mass we are coming out with another benecial programme is aimed at equipping the facilitators necessary knowledge and skill to help us Education, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesowo in that will impact on the lager society. This impact will be towards meeting the specic needs of the reach our goal of increasing the literacy rate her remarks said that the training would on community service.” adult learners. Urging the participants to across the state. Upon completion, of the help the participants deliver excellent result maximise the opportunity the training training, the trainees will join the existing on the assigned task. . .   /LIVING Abidemi Demuren Showcases ‘Unity in Diversity’

Mary Ekah

Family and friends recently converged at the Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos, to witness the debut art exhibition by Abidemi Demuren, proli c and talented artist. Tagged, ‘Unity In Diversity’, the exhibition showcased over 19 stimulating art pieces, all emanating from Demuren’s diverse pool of muse which varied from the popular drummers at Owambe parties, to the wheelbarrow pushers in Lagos markets, or his musical inuences and recycling habit. Born in the late 70s in Lagos, Demuren grew up in the golden era of comic books, during which he spent any money he had on books, including illustration books, drawing books, colouring pencils and anything else he could nd to drift off into his own world. At an early age, he started recreating ideas and thoughts as they appeared in his subconscious. The love of art and being able to put pencil, pen, ink, and colours to paper was his joy. If you could think it, Demuren could draw it. As talented as he was in art, he was also exceptional in music. Starting from his early years in the church choir where he played the drums, he also thought himself how to play the piano, ute, guitar and later, the saxophone. At school, he struggled in almost all phases of coursework except art. He saw words as reections on mirror hence the dif culty sometimes confusion with words. But that dif culty had an exception, a gift, as we would later call it - Clarity of Imagery! Concerned about his academic performance, his parents took him for evaluation at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, Viewers admiring Abidemi Demuren's artworks duirg his recent exhibition United Kingdom, where he was diagnosed with some form of Dyslexia. Thus, at the age of 15 years old, he proceeded to the U.S. to further enhance his development at The Maple Brook School, one of the leading child development schools in the United States. He obtained a High School Diploma from the institution in 1996. He studied College Studies in Commercial Arts at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York from 1996 to 1998. He later studied Animation and Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Along the way, he also picked up ceramic sculpting and pottery. His style of Mixed Media has won several art contests, including 4 New York State regional art installations. In the quest to feed the urge of normalcy of achieving a degree, his quest still Abidemi Demuren Artwork Abidemi Demuren Artwork brought him back to his love - his love of art: That simple expression on paper. The journey They say Art and Dyslexia are a Picture- known to have some form of dyslexia and and art with the place where it all started. He and travails of slow pace of life development Perfect combination, with some of the world’s still achieving great success. Following in has uniquely combined his own view of the has its toll but through it all, he never quit great artists like Pablo Picasso, Leonardo Da their footsteps, Abide moved back to Nigeria African culture with his Art, which can be seen and was more than determined to continue. Vinci, Auguste Rodin and Jackson Pollock all a couple years ago yearning to share his vision in some of the work. Adeboye Gives Hope of Beer Life at Prison Mary Ekah December 21, 2014, Daddy GO came for a visit to the Kirikiri Prisons. That visit for me, was The General Overseer Worldwide of the Jesus coming for me. And from the message Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), of hope that the GO gave to us here and also Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on December 28, 2016, from the privilege I had to meet with him, paid a visit to the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, as and he spoke with me and prayed for me - I part of the Kirikiri Maximum Prison end-of-year did not just touch him on his garment, but I service and medical outreach by the church. touched him - and from that point on, I got At the prison where the cleric conducted a my life back. I remembered that he is a man short service with inmates as well as of cials of of grace and he is my father and my pastor the prison, he assured everyone present, most and that I could tap into the grace upon his especially inmates who have been sentenced to life again. I said God, prove to me that you death, that whatever dream they have regardless are God forever in this incident. Although I of the circumstances they have found themselves, am on the death roll, let your mercy set me would come to pass. free. Although I am still here, every sickness “I am brining this message to assure somebody I had in my body has gone and I believe God here that He is a faithful God, that He is not can do mightier things in my life,” he noted. asleep. He’s on His throne and He is watching Several other requests were made to Adeboye everything that is going on. He asked me to who at the end promised that RCCG would assure whoever that person is, that according continue to do more in the prison. “I want to Ecclesiastics 7:8 “better is the end of a thing you to know that I have noted your request than the beginning…” What you are now and and I will do my very best to see that the where you are now is not the end of your Adeboye during his recent visit to Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos requests are met. Before I came up here, I journey,” the cleric said during his message was talking with my son, your boss that I at the prison’s cathedral. their lives. Some who have spent decades in the has since remained in the Kirikiri Maximum will de nitely take up the case of those who Speaking further, he said, “As young man, prison testi ed of how they were miraculously Prison also testify of how God had redeemed are condemned to death with the highest Joseph had two great dreams and each dream freed recently after they were sentenced to death him even when had been condemned to die, authority in the nation. But you must pray suggested that he was born to be great. The by hanging. While some other inmates testi ed expressing the hope that someday he would along with me. I am here today because my only mistake he made was that he told his of how they have been favoured even while be freed by the grace of God. heart is with you. I have come here today relatives about his dreams and that was where in prison just because they had the anointing “The word of God has made me free, even because I have special love for you, otherwise the problem started,” adding, “ I still don’t from Adeboye, whose trademark is to visit though I am still here. But I believe very I would not be here considering the kind of know who God has sent me to today, but that the prisons every two years. strongly that someday I would be a free man,” busy schedule that I have these days. And person is in this hall.” A youth pastor of the RCCG, Akolade Arowolo, Arowolo said, adding, “I was sentenced to death whatever we can do to alleviate your pains, Time was given to some of the inmates and who has been sentenced since 2014, to die by in February 2014 and literarily I was dying by God’s grace, we will do as quickly as ex-convict to testify on the wonders of God in hanging for the murder of his wife, Titilayo and emotionally, spiritually and otherwise. Then possible,” Adeboye assured. /BOOK REVIEW  .. Daniel Chimezie Okeke - My Destiny Deal Title: Daniel Chimezie Okeke - My Destiny Deal Martin was to be the fulcrum that God used for him from many people, some very inuential. Type of book: Autobiography to propel Dan to greatness. Among such people who took liking for Dan were Author: Adolphus Areban Abraham Yet, another human angel that bore Dan on Mr. Solomon Azuma and Chief B. B. Umeh. God, Publisher: Express Concerns International her wings was his aunty, Mgbokwo Okore. Till once again favourably, ung those men at Dan. Limited date, Dan remembers, with intense gratitude, Solomon Azuma was the owner of a clearing and Year of publication:  the role this aunty played at a time he had forwarding company, while Chief Umeh was a Date of book presentation: January  ,  almost been abandoned to die after a dangerous Senior Customs Of cer. While Dan was still an Book reviewer: Professor Vincent C. Okore snake bite. Mgbokwo took passionate care of apprentice under Solomon, Chief Umeh spotted him and eventually brought him to a herbalist him and intuitively adopted him as a son. Thus, Introduction who cured him of the snake bite. Once again, Dan providentially fell into very good hands. I feel highly honoured, to have been requested Dan de ed death by the whisker’s breath, under Chief Umeh, in addition to maintaining Dan on to review the book that tells the story about my a very precarious circumstance. a weekly stipend of 500 naira, for rendering no town’s man. The book has graphically described service, whatsoever, to him, also got him a job the pathway through which Providence has His challenges, disappointments and ordeals in a major shipping company, Panalpina. From led him, moving from grass, as it were, to The rst major disappointment that Dan there, Dan was propelled like a meteor into grace. This book satis es every description of experienced in life came soon after his father’s the world of clearing and forwarding business. an autobiography. I have had the privilege of seen God with physical eyes. Each time we “see untimely death. A number of people who came Today, Dan Okeke is a proud owner of a very reading a number of biographies and autobiog- God” He appears to us only in human forms, to console the family over the death, promised successful shipping company named, “Express raphies. Characteristically, all of them present a in the forms of living persons. So, from the age to shoulder the family’s nancial responsibilities, Concerns”. The following persons have also made, descriptive image of the principal moving from of seven months and throughout the period of including sponsoring Dan’s education, if only and are still making, impressionable impacts in a condition of apparent hopelessness to that his infancy, motherless Dan encountered God “to show appreciation for your father’s kindness his shipping business: Mr. Solomon Asaad of of glory and societal or spiritual success. The in the person of his grandmother. God, through towards us…” But the reality was that they all Saipem Contracting Company Limited, a foreign life of Mr. Daniel Chimezie Okeke follows the grandmother, caught Dan and shielded him from backed down on their promises immediately shipping company; and his very close friend same Providence-guided transition. In his own the obvious vulnerability of motherless babies. the man was laid down into the grave, thus and con dant, Chief Okafor Itam. case, however, it is that of a hopeless orphan Therefore, Dan is correct in saying that, from the dashing Dan’s raised hopes of attending an There are many sides to Dan Okeke’s entre- transformed into an afuent business mogul, beginning, it took Providence not much to put elite secondary school, as pre-planned by his preneurial acumen. Despite the fact that he has through whom many other people have also things right for him. See how it all happened. father. Under such conditions, Dan found himself stirred up a lot of oceanic waves in the shipping been favoured. In the absence of his mother, seven-month-old having to relocate from one village school to business, Dan has also been very successful in Dan needed breast milk to survive and grow, another depending on the direction from where the real estate business. In addition, Dan is into It is an interesting story. It is a lesson for all. like every other baby. Grandmother was too a icker of help could come. From Umunnato big-time importation and sale of motor vehicles. It teaches that he whom God has destined to old to produce breast milk, but through her Secondary Technical College he moved to Ututu To underscore his business vasatility, he has also become a blessing, the Lord will equip with instrumentality, God made other younger mothers Secondary Commercial School (aka Okpukpu taken a step to make a mark in the hospitality necessary determination, spirit, energy, endurance, to volunteer, in turns, to breast feed Dan. In mmuo), with virtually nothing to be consoled by. business with the completion of a hotel in Port perseverance, tolerance and guidance. The initial that way, he grew up as a robust, healthy baby, You can read details of his harsh and unenviable Harcourt in 2016 under the Swiss Spirit Franchise. ugly states in the life of such a person will only despite the several attempts supposedly made experiences in these village schools in Chapter The hotel consists of two blocks with a total be preparatory, and then a passing mirage. The by his departed mother to take the infant along. 4 of the book. of 148 rooms, swimming pool, underground fact of nature is that at the spark of creation Beside grandmother, the closest person to Dan, snooker bar, VIP Lounge, Italian Restaurant, of a human life, God installs the programme as he was growing up, was his earthly father. His haters and hurters 4 Conference rooms, one banquet hall, video of a lifetime in the emerging embryonic cell. His father, Mr. Anthony Okeke, of blessed Among the people Dan was supposed to grow conferencing facilities, regular restaurant, and bar The resulting human being must inescapably memories, was popularly known as Teacher up under their care was his stepmother. Dan to provide the guest with a lasting experience. follow that graph of life and, so, whatever oc- Anthony. He was a multi-talented man. Apart writes in the book that rather than receive love curs during the individual’s journey through from being a highly respected teacher, he was and care from his stepmother, he constantly His spirit of generosity life, must strictly be in accordance with that a wise community leader, an arbiter in cases of received hatred, envy, maltreatment, neglect and Dan is an extremely generous man. You divine master plan. That is called Destiny. It conict between individuals or communities, a open antagonism. Dan claims that the malice may say he is generous to a fault. He extends is a done deal, which God seals for and with farmer, and palm fruits merchant. Even at an got to a crescendo when his father died in an his generosity even to his adversaries. Out of the individual. Therefore, the phrase, “Destiny early age, Dan was his father’s most favoured excruciating circumstance. Dan was only thirteen magnanimity, he always wanted to immortalise Deal”, strikes me as the most tting title for a child. The relationship between Dan and his years of age when his father died. It was as if his late father. That led him into recovering a book that, more or less, mirrors a man’s destiny. father could metaphorically be described as Dan had lost all he lived for. There were no piece of land bought by his father, which was Every man’s life is a veritable lesson for others the water without which palm fruits cannot be consolations, and no respite. Hope was replaced snatched by the original owners after the death to discern. The life of Mr. Dan Okeke is no less processed into valuable oil. And so, because of with hostilities and false promises by people of his father. In the process of recovering the so. I want to thank Dan for, in his characteristic their remarkable closeness, Dan earned himself around him. piece of land, he was made to pay twice the generosity, offering the entire global reading the sarcasm, “handbag of his father.” Not minding going price of the land, and he willingly paid. In audience the bene t of a peep into his life, the the derision, Dan stuck tenaciously unto his Turning points in his life addition to paying for the land, Dan went ahead story of which he could, otherwise, have reserved father and, thus, learnt a lot about the traditions The rst happening that can be called a and sponsored the original land owner’s son, for his immediate family members, intimate and histories of his family and people.. turning-point in Dan’s life was when Uncle who wanted to register for the WAEC O-Level friends and con dants. As we take advantage Dan started school in Ubila-Amaetiti Primary Martin Ebi, his mother’s younger brother, examinations. Dan stopped at nothing to acquire of this magnanimity, I invite us to absorb the School, the same school where his father was invited him to leave the village and come to back the land, if only to use it and honour the story with an open mind, and with the aim a teacher. When he graduated from primary Port Harcourt. At that point Dan did not even man, his father, who inuenced his appreciation of learning from the life of a successful man. school, he was enrolled in Umunnato Secondary have money to pay his fair to Port Harcourt. of the value of determination and hard work. It is my assignment, as a reviewer, to whet Technical College, Ututu. Dan’s father was poised He pleaded repeatedly with his stepmother As the glorious face of God started shining on your appetite for the delicious meal that has been to play that human ladder with which Dan was to for help, but she would not budge. He then him, Dan built his rst house. Surprisingly, the encapsulated within the pages of this excellent climb to greatness. Dan describes it thus: “Father decided to trek, come what may, from Ubila people he offered the house to live, for free, exposé. Written in the style of a classic, almost wanted me to take after him. He wanted me to Ututu to Port Harcourt. Providentially, at that were children of his stepmother. That is the every page is decorated with boxed excerpts be great and attain a height no one else in the critical moment of decision making, two of his generosity of a man with a large heart. for emphasis or attention. I assure you that family had ever ventured… Father wanted to friends, Isaac Kalu and Kalu Uka, appeared The book contains photographs depicting this book is a worthy reading. If you suffer give me the best of everything. Most especially from nowhere and offered him some monetary some donations Dan had made to his family inertia for reading, I am almost certain that he wanted me to be well educated.” But those assistance. Isaac Kalu doled out 25 naira, and and native community of Ubila Ututu. These by the time you go through this review, you lofty plans were cut short by the sudden and Kalu Uka complemented with 15 naira, making include a country home for his family, and a will probably begin to shed off your lethargy most unexpected death of his father, at a time a total 40 naira. That was all Dan had in order block of classrooms for Ubila-Amaetiti Primary for reading, at least for the sake of the book. I when Dan had just been promoted to Class to start the long journey to Port Harcourt. School, his alma mater. Others are: a residential encourage you to collect copies of the book for 2 in the secondary school. The death of his Dan says of this marvel, “I will forever be home serving as a memorabilia in honour of yourself and your loved ones. It will be worth father at that time appeared like the sunset of grateful to these good friends of mine whom his father, borehole water supply to his native an investment. Dan’s life. But, it was not to be, for God had God used to rescue me…” Accepting to go community, and a customary court building positioned some angels on his path to lift him to Port Harcourt at that time was one of the donated to the government of Abia State. Circumstances of his birth and infancy up to his destined height. wisest steps that Dan took in his life, and that Among other extraordinary manifestations of The Character, Dan Okeke, was born in It can be said that the rst human angel, as it singular decision placed him on the trajectory his generosity are: donation of a Mercedes Benz Ubila Ututu, which is part of the present-day were, in whose hands Dan began his journey of to greatness. God used his uncle, Martin Ebi, V-boot car to the State Overseer of his Church, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia survival was his grandmother. If grandmother to connect him to an endeavour that was to the Apostolic Faith Church, in Port Harcourt; State, Nigeria. I would like to quote him as he did not invoke the rare and unusual initiative become for him a transformer from poverty and donation of four Toyota Sienna vans in explicitly describes the circumstances of his birth of inviting younger women to breastfeed Dan, to afuence. Uncle Martin was determined support of the youth empowerment programme and childhood. “I was not fortunate enough when his mother died, as he was only seven to stir up the latent entrepreneurial skills in of the government of Chief Theodore A. Orji to grow up under the nurture and warmth of months old, how could he have lived? Whatever Dan. So, on arrival in Port Harcourt, Martin of Abia State. Dan extends his generosity, even my mother. Before I could mutter ‘Mama’ like Dan has grown to become today was made put him into various trades, starting from the beyond his immediate frontiers, to people he other infants, the cold hand of death struck and possible because he lived through those unsure hawking of bar soaps, to the hustle and bustle may not have known too well. A number of snatched Mama away from mother earth. And early days of his life. Thanks to grandmother. of rice trade. At that time, Dan was slim and times, because of his open mindedness and easy thus, was started for me, a tortuous beginning Worthy of mention also are Mr. G. O. K. Aluoko, fragile. At all times, the rice business requires trust in other people, he has been swindled of that took Providence not much to put right.” and Miss Grace Kalu (teachers in Umunnato suf cient delivery of brainpower, as well as huge amounts of money (running into millions Only a relatively small number of people, Secondary Technical College) as well as Rev. brawn and stamina. Dan had the brain, but of naira). You will read about “The Spanish worldwide, can make this kind of statement Benard Ubuo (Dan’s pastor at that time). These one could not say the same about his having Swindle” in chapter 15 of the book. about the circumstances of their birth. Most people whom God called at that point in time, the kind of brawn and stamina needed to haul citizens of the world are normally nurtured to answered the call, and voluntarily contributed, bags of rice through a bustling market. And Conclusion maturity by their biological parents. Majority out of their meagre resources, to ensure that so, before too long, things got to the brink, I want to conclude this review with just of those who are not so lucky often end up in Dan’s school fees were paid. Rev. Ubuo and and Dan threw in the towel against the rice one statement that summarizes the lesson I, ruins. Sometimes, we inadvertently refer to God his wife, in addition, took Dan in, fed him and business, and informed Uncle Martin about personally, have learnt from Dan’s story. Success as the Father of the fatherless, or Mother of the gave him a room in their residence. his decision. is the reward of sincere adherence to your own motherless. In some situations, this approbation Following his father’s death, another person Not giving up, Martin went ahead and intro- Destiny Deal – God’s plan for your life. turns out to be real and visible. Considering the who showed much love and support to Dan duced him to John Okeke, his friend, who was Adolphus Areban Abraham, the author circumstances of Daniel Okeke’s infancy, it is was his uncle, Mr. Martin Ebi. Several times, into the business of “clearing and forwarding”. of this book is also the author of "Arrows right to say that, indeed, God adopted him right Martin Ebi contributed towards his school fees That one clicked, and Dan jumped for it. That of Jacob Red Stew" and "Return to Canaan" from the moment he became motherless, seven and provided Dan with school uniforms. Later was it. One thing led to another. Dan’s personal both published in 2013. He can be reached months into his life on earth. No one has ever on (as is well described in the book), Uncle charisma and hard work stirred up admiration on [email protected] . .  / TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

Lufthansa: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt Passengers to Enjoy Internet Services Enroute Europe, Middle East, Northern Africa Internet access also on inner-European routes Send emails from a height of 10,000 meters, family of the Lufthansa Group Airlines with do your online shopping while soaring over the latest Ka-band satellite technology. By the Alps, stream videos above the clouds - and spring, almost 100 aircraft are scheduled to all of that with broadband quality. Soon, have been equipped. The aircraft can be tted passengers of Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines with the required antennae and routers on will be able to go online on shorter journeys a series of ten production lines, working too - as they have already been able to do simultaneously, at the Lufthansa Technik sites. for some time on long haul ights like on On account of the only minimally-invasive the Nigerian routes. adjustments needed to the aircraft structure, “This great news means that passengers from the rapid re-tting of even large eets is Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt can connect possible - generally involving just four days seamlessly to the internet while traveling downtime per aircraft. to any destination in Europe, Middle East Lufthansa Systems is providing the necessary and Northern Africa,” says Mr. Robin Sohdi technical infrastructure for Internet connec- Lufthansa country manager in Nigeria. tion on board. This includes the network Last summer, Lufthansa received the so- operations in the aircraft - the technical called Supplemental Type Certicate for the pre-requisite for Wi on board - as well as Airbus eet A320 from the European Aviation the provision of the necessary software for Safety Agency (EASA), and successfully the operation of the FlyNet portal, through concluded all the necessary preparation which the customer gains access to the net. work. Now the next stage of testing on Within the framework of their global Lufthansa and Austrian routes will start, partnership, Lufthansa Systems and Luf- initially involving ve aircraft in each case. thansa Technik are in addition providing Passengers who y on these aircraft will a modern, multi-functional digital platform be offered free Internet use during this test (BoardConnect) to enable digital use cases phase. The analysis of the user behaviour ranging from entertainment to ancillary will provide the data necessary to further revenues. Both Lufthansa Group Airlines enhance the service ahead of its market and external customers will prot from this launch. strong cooperation arrangement. Harry Hohmeister, member of the Board Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, Eurowings Surf also enables passengers to surf the As long ago as 15 January, 2003, Lufthansa of Directors of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and also has plans to bring the Internet on board Internet. With the FlyNet Stream service was the operator of the rst commercial long responsible for Hub Management, says "I am its aircraft – estimated launch is to be by package, streaming is also possible. The haul ight worldwide to have broadband pleased that we can soon offer broadband the end of the rst quarter 2017. A total of packages can be paid for by credit card or Internet access. The service had to be taken Internet to our passengers on inner-European 69 Eurowings aircraft are to be tted with via payment services such as Paypal. off the market in 2006 despite its technically ights, giving them the chance to have a the systems by the summer of 2017. The Internet service of Lufthansa Airlines reliable system and its growing popularity seamless digital experience. Since the launch Lufthansa passengers can gain Wi access to and their technology partner Inmarsat uses with passengers, because the necessary of Lufthansa Flynet, it has been our goal to the Internet using their own mobile devices. the latest broadband satellite technology "Connexion by Boeing" satellites ceased offer added value on board to our customers As well as email services, applications such as (Ka-band) and provides seamless, reliable operations. Since the end of 2010, Lufthansa through innovation - and that also includes video streaming will be possible too. Market coverage on short haul and mid-range ights has again been offering broadband Internet our Internet provision." launch of the new service is scheduled to via the Inmarsat network Global Xpress (GX). access on its inter-continental ights - once In the rst quarter of 2017, the number take place sometime during the rst quarter Inmarsat partner Deutsche Telekom will be again as worldwide rst. And since June of Lufthansa aircraft tted out with Internet of the year. Customers will then be able the Internet Service Provider for Lufthansa 2015, FlyNet has been available on all cur- access will rise to around 20. One by one, the to choose between three different service passengers. rent 107 Lufthansa long haul aircraft, With entire Lufthansa A320 eet is to be equipped packages - FlyNet Message for EUR 3, FlyNet Lufthansa Technik is responsible for the the addition of the Boeing 777 to the eet, with the latest advanced technology by the Surf for EUR 7 and FlyNet Stream for EUR tting of all the systems and components, as the group's subsidiary SWISS also started middle of 2018. The re-tting of all 31 aircraft 12 per ight. Whilst FlyNet Message only well as dealing with the required Aviation offering Internet on its long haul ights; for at Austrian Airlines is planned to be completed allows the use of messaging services such regulations and other statutory authorisations. the short haul and mid-range, its introduction before the end of April 2017. As well as as email, WhatsApp or iMessage, FlyNet They are tting out the entire Airbus A320 is currently also under consideration. ITB Speed Dating Day: An Effective Way to Network This year ITB Berlin is organising two At ITB Berlin 2017 the ITB Speed and also emphasise particular interests. This exhibitors and bloggers can make use of speed dating events on 9 March that will Networking event will be taking place makes it easier to find exactly the right eight-minute appointments to get to know enable buyers as well as bloggers to establish for the third time. This is where senior conversation partners. Only participants each other and talk about joint ventures, valuable links with exhibitors from around buyers who belong to the exclusive ITB who have pre-booked may attend the for example, or exchange ideas on future the world in the shortest possible time. In Buyers Circle can get to know exhibitors networking event and they will receive collaboration. Using the ITB Matchmaking the morning the members of the exclusive at previously booked brief appointments. an appointment list beforehand. During Tool up to nine appointments can be set up ITB Buyers Circle can meet national and The ITB Speed Networking event will take the eight-minute time slots participants in advance. The ITB Blogger Speed Dating international exhibitors at the ITB Speed place from 9.30 to 11.00 a.m. on Level B can exchange information, establish new event will take place on Thursday, 9 March Networking event. In the afternoon, at the in the CityCube Berlin. Using the new contacts, find out about destinations and 2017 from 4.30 to 6 p.m. in Hall B in the ITB Blogger Speed Dating event, experienced ITB Matchmaking Tool participants can products, and expand their business interests. CityCube Berlin. Due to extremely high bloggers can make use of eight-minute time book appointments in advance. Personal Additional details and contact information demand registration for the 2017 Blogger slots to talk to representatives sitting opposite invitations will be sent to exhibitors, who on the ITB Speed Networking event can be Speed Dating event is now closed. Information from the global travel industry. The new ITB can invite co-exhibitors to register for the found at www.itb-berlin.de/en/Exhibitors/ on the ITB Blogger Speed Dating event can matchmaking tool makes it easy to arrange event too. Buyers and exhibitors can provide SpeedDating/. be found at www.itb-berlin.de/en/Visitors/ appointments for both events. information on key themes in their profile At the ITB Blogger Speed Dating event TradeVisitors/Blogger/.

TANZANIA Plans ‚ Million Annual Tourist Arrivals

Tanzania is not ready to join the East Africa and Burundi, which were not part of the rst before thinking about joining the regional Community (EAC) joint tourism market, it coalition, said they would join in when they market. We have a very low budget compared has been learnt. were ready. to Kenya,” Mdachi said. Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Managing “We don’t oppose the aim of turning the In October, the acting Director of Trade and Director, Devota Mdachi, told The Citizen region into a single tourist destination, but our Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an exclusive interview that the country’s priority is to build our capacity and enable us and International Cooperation, Mr. Bernard priority was not joint marketing of East Africa to fully exploit the potential existing in our Haule, was quoted saying no agreement had as a single tourist destination, but unlocking country. Tanzania is endowed with enormous been reached on a single tourist visa, adding potential that would increase the number of tourism potential, which has yet to be fully that member states were still discussing the domestic and foreign tourists. exploited. We lead in East Africa in terms of issue. The joint tourism drive is hinged on the EAC tourism resources,” Mdachi said. TTB chairman Thomas Mihayo supported single tourist visa launched in February 2014 She added that under the ve-year tourism efforts to promote tourism in Tanzania and make in Nairobi as an initiative of the presidents development plan, Tanzanian aims to increase the country among the leading destinations of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda under the A resort in Tanzania annual tourist arrivals to 3 million from the in Africa in the league of Morocco, which so-called “Coalition of the Willing”. current 1 million. draws 12 million tourists annually. The three countries, which had decided to development corridor. However, this was not without its challenges. He said TTB had entered into agreements move forward with the integration process The visa is meant to allow foreign tour- “We face the chronic problem of low budget with Morocco and Dubai on tourism promotion as others caught up, also launched the single ists to visit the three East African countries for tourism promotion. We have to raise more through training local experts. customs territory and northern infrastructure using one multiple-entry permit. Tanzania funds for marketing our tourist attractions Source: allafrica.com /ETIQUETTE  .. THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA email mretique[email protected] tel.   ­€, ƒ€ „€€

Masturbation and Your Manners am a rm believer that masturbation has an effect on I have had many chances to masturbate as a testosterone our ‘self control muscles’ and hence our manners. The pumping young virile black man. However in every instance statistics may shock us as at least 80 per cent of both where I resisted the urge, I found out that I was able to ascend men and women have masturbated at one point or the to higher levels of calm, composure, awareness, concentration other. The preponderance of masturbation has led to and insight. Corroborating this position is a hypothesis that manyI motions for and against it in recent times. However, the excess sexual energy we don’t waste by not masturbat- I’ll like to explain my conviction on masturbations impact on ing builds up into the lower parts of our bellies which are self control. the body’s energy centres for con dence and assertiveness. Masturbation leads to a release of and increase dopamine in This position also states that when you feel nervous you feel the brain. Now dopamine is the brain’s reward and pleasure butteries in your tummy conserving sexual energy drowns centre. Over activating this reward centre leads to loss of self out those butteries. control, craving and an increased tolerance of sugar. Which When people lose weight they testify to the salubrious ef- all point to one phenomenon – addiction. fects that follow thereafter. When people exercise they share Masturbation works like sugar as sugar also has a similar anecdotes of the positive changes noticed afterwards. When effect on dopamine levels in the body as masturbation. Excess people meditate they rhapsodize on its power to affect anxiety, intake of sugar leads to sustained increase of dopamine levels stress and increase concentration. In the same vein masturbation which is why people eventually get addicted to sugary foods. is an exercise that can eventually evolve into a habit and if not Take the United States for example which has one of highest controlled eventually into an addiction. If you are convinced rates of sugar consumption in the world, it also has the to masturbate, I encourage you to look out for its after effects highest number of obese people in the world (surprisingly, if they are positive you might then as well just be on the excess sugar is the reason for excess weight gain and not fat). right track but if they turn out negative, you may consider a Now obesity is a function of a lack of self control which all paradigm shift. If you would like to speak with me personally boils down to high dopamine levels in the body as a result on this issue on which I have exchanged thoughts with people of excess sugar. Intake of alcohol, nicotine and heroine for in the past, I would obligingly love to listen to you. I sincerely example send dopamine into overdrive which explains why wish us all the best in taking the best decisions in living the it is common to ne people addicted to this substances. My best possible lives that we can. anti-masturbation position is premised on the fact that as You could purchase a copy of my book on etiquette titled a dopamine enhancer it leads to decrease in self control. PROPER MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE IN ANYTHING AT This may also account for why homosexual masturbate more ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE at the price of N3,500 at our than heterosexuals. I have heard of people so addicted to corporate head of ce at 340 - 344 Ikorodu Road, by Idi-Iroko masturbation that they would excuse their selves during Bus Stop, Maryland, Lagos. Or call 0811 266 1635 or 0802 312 board meetings to “jerk off”. 6010 to have a copy sent to you.

Masturbation works like sugar consumption as it also has a similar effect on dopamine levels in the body. Obesity is a function of lack of self control which all My anti-masturbation position is premised on the fact that as a dopamine enhancer boils down to excess intake of sugar leading to sustained high dopamine levels in it leads to decrease in self control. This may also account for why homosexual the body and eventually addiction masturbate more than heterosexuals. . .  /ENTREPRENEUR ‘Proper Records Management Can Assist in Curbing Corruption and Insecurity’ The Lagos State Records and Achieves Bureau is a state agency established for permanent custody, regulation and control of records and achieves of the government of Lagos State Government and other archives or historical records of entities operating in the state. Its Director General, Mr. Biodun Onayele in this interview with Mary Ekah, explains how the organisation’s proper records and achieves management can assist in nding sustainable solution to the menace of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria

What exactly do you do at the Lagos State sensitise people on the importance of records Records and Achieves Bureau (LASRAB)? and achieves management. And what we do This institution is an establishment of govern- here on that, are to source for erudite scholars ment and our main objective is to keep records to talk on contemporary issues and we invite for Lagos State. We are interested in regulating, the public to come and listen to these people preserving and disseminating accurate records and then know how records and achieves can on Lagos State and of course anybody that be used to solve certain threatening issues in the needs information on Lagos State can come here. nation. For example, the theme for the last year’s We function as a one-stop shop for anybody event was, ‘Corruption and Security Challenges shopping for information on Lagos State and in Nigeria: The Place of Records and Achieves also as a back-up for Lagos State government Management’. This theme indicates that the way institutions and for them to keep records with us. out of this seemly hopeless situation we have found ourselves in the nation today requires You talk as if you are so accessible to the concerted efforts of both the government and general public for people to access information the people. It also indicates how proper records from you. How possible is that? and achieves management can assist in nding There are two ways. Anybody can come here sustainable solutions to the menace of corruption and ask for information and use our facilities and insecurity in Nigeria. When people keep and to do that you get registered and we charge and access available records in our achieves, you for our services, depending on what you the corruption and insecurity in the nation will want to do. And for government agencies, as be curbed to certain extent. a databank, they must have kept information with us; all they need to do when they need What is your vision for LASRAB in few such information is to write a formal letter. years to come? And sometimes they want to take decision, My vision is to see an institution that would and need data to take informed decisions and meet all the needs of not just Lagos State but so we provide them the data they need. the nation as a whole in terms of information for people who want to do serious scholarly How long has the establishment been work. An institution like this is meant for running? demographers, historians, researchers, journalists By law, we came on board in 2007 but I was and all that. But most times the cost and effort appointed as the DG in 2014 but before then to put in trying to access information in doing I was the Bureau Secretary. honest job, is so much that sometimes they are discouraged. So my vision is to be able Would you say this organisation has been Onayele to meet everybody’s needs, so that when they able to achieve its aims? get here, they can get all the information they To a large extent it has even though we still need to do their jobs very well. Right now have room for improvement. You see, knowledge we are regarded as the new face of records is power and when you need information to and archieves management in Nigeria but we take certain decision, sometimes the time frame want to go beyond that, we want to be ranked between getting the information and taking amongst the best internationally and that is that decision is so short and rather than start why we are setting standards for ourselves, running around to get the information, you we are constantly challenging ourselves on best have here a one-stop shop where you can practice. So I’m envisaging a situation where get the information you need as long as that people will be coming constantly to this place information is not classi ed. And we have so that we might need to expand. And one of been able to create awareness that something the things that we have been able to achieve as like this actually exists and that people can fallout of our 2016 International Records and come. And we have also been able to educate Achieves Day deliberation was the resuscitation people on the importance of keeping records of History as a subject in the school curriculum. even for their personal development. People For whatever reason, it was removed but after generally believe that keeping papers can be our deliberation, we were rightly informed that very troublesome and so they just throw them government has returned it to the curriculum. away but we have been able to make people know that even for your personal growth, you How signi cant is your organisation to the have to keep records because at one point or growth of the nation? the other, you would need them to do one I must rst stress that as an institution of thing or the other. Lagos State government, our duty is rst to keep records for Lagos State. We are interested in How do you keep these records? keeping records and also discouraging people Most of these records come in paper form and from the erroneous view that Lagos is no man’s some of them are fragile but right now, most land. People, who don’t know their past, cannot of them come in electronic and digital forms. appreciate their present and then project for the future. And the importance of keeping What particular challenge do you face trying records cannot be overemphasised. It promotes to keep the records as desired? good governance and accountability, it serves In Lagos State, we pride ourselves as Centre as evidence of the past and recent actions or of Excellence and we have to live up to that activities, it helps in taking informed decisions, billing and that poses a lot of challenges on us. it help in identifying rights and responsibilities, First, we have this culture of secrecy where you Onayele it engenders patriotism, create jobs and also seek for information and people demanding it serves as societal or organisations’ memory why you want to have that information. And in terms of innovations, experience, history, that is not a challenge peculiar to government some of these challenges are overcome? answer and that also stimulate interests. And of culture heritage and so on. And that is why information only but to people generally. We We do that through various means. From course, we have this international programme all government agencies are mandated to keep also have issues on preservation, funding and time to time, we organise exhibitions meant which we hold every June 9, a day being set their records with us at LASRAB. Our job is to most importantly, lack of reading culture because to showcase the various aspects of Lagos State aside by the International Achieves Day, which regulate and ensure that all government agencies when you have so many documents and people so as to stimulate interest and attract people to is organised by the International Council on keep records according to international standard are not interested in coming to make use of this place. We also encourage facility tours by Achieves (ICA); it is an international event records keeping and to do that, we have to set them it becomes an issue. secondary school students, tertiary institutions but we are the only organisation in Nigeria standards for them through regulations and we where they come in here and we show them that observes it and we have been doing that have to ensure that we enforce those regulations What efforts have you made to ensure that around while they ask questions which we since 2011. The aim of the yearly event is to on these government agencies. /COLLAGE  ..

L-R; Groom’s Parebt, Mr. Poju and Abimbola Oladinni; Bride, Oluwafunke; former Deputy Governor of , L-R: Baale of Jeje, Baale Ayinde Jejelaiye; Past Council Chairperson, Stella Agbogun; Baale of Makoko, Yaba LCDA, Senator Iyiola Omisore; Groom, Seun; Bride’s parent, Mr. Ola and. Ilemobola Ogundiran, during the wedding Chief Raymond Adekunle Olaiya; Chief Host, Centennial District Governor, 404b-2 Nigeria, Lion Taiwo Adewunmi ceremony of Mr. & Mrs. Seun Oluwafunke Oladinni in Lagos...recently and Community Chairperson, relieving the hungry, Lion Mercy-Aje Omosun, during the worldwide week of service to fight hunger, Lion District 404B-2 Nigeria in Lagos ...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R; Bride's parents, Engr. & Mrs. Charles Okoro; Sponsor, Mrs Mayaki; Couple, Paul Okoye and his wife, Steph; Groom parents, Sir and Lady Ray Okoye and Sponsor, Chief Steve Mayaki during Paul and Steph's wedding ceremony at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, Lagos....recently

L-R: Bishop of Anglican diocese of Udi, Bishop Chijioke Anioke his wife, Comfort; parents of the groom, Prof. Agu Former Governor of , Mr. Peter Obi paying homage to Igwe Ralph Ekpe of Enugu-Ukwu ,during his Gab Agu and wife, Edna; couple, Mr & Mrs. Ernest Agu; mother of the bride, Mrs. Mary Nnaji and Rev. Sustenance Ofala celebration in Enugu-Ukwu...recently Eze, during the wedding ceremony of Ernest and Oluchi, in Enugu State...... recently

L-R; First runners up, Precious Babs Olorunkemi, Winner, Akpobaro Ejiroghene (seated centre) was crowned R-L; Mr. Emmanoel Olurotimii Ogunkola, Sijuade Ogunlola and Adesoji Ogunkola at the wake-keep night for their the new Queen Esther, and the 2nd runners up. Torimiro Kemi, at the Queen Esther Bible costume pageant late mother, Mrs Mary Olayinka Ogunkola in lbadan...recently competition organized by Rev Chris Okotie of Household of God Church Lagos...recently . .  /THISLIFE

Tambuwal: Sokoto’s Action Governor Clocks 

Tambuwal...A patriotic leader

On January 10, 2017, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, celebrated his 51st birthday. Peter Uzoho examines the achievements of this action governor

Indeed, there is much to celebrate as Sokoto the state. He offered automatic employment Association (1997–1998) and Assistant National He was leader of the Nigerian delegation State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on for all Sokoto indigenes who study health Financial Secretary of the NBA (1998–2000) to African, Caribbean, Paci c and European January 10, 2017, marked his 51st birthday. related courses in schools. He has facilitated From 2000 and 2002, he was the 1st Assistant Union Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU) and Whether birthday party was organised on the increment in allowances of itinerant National Secretary of the association. He is also served as Vice-Chairman, Economic Committee this great day or not, it would certainly not health workers in the state; agged off a member of the Body of Benchers, Nigeria; ACP-EU, held in Prague, Czech Republic in stop encomiums from pouring on him as a the distribution of free life-saving drugs International Bar Association, and the American April 2009. great achiever. to pregnant women and nursing mothers Bar Association among others. Tambuwal On 28 October 2014, Tambuwal formally In less than two years of his ascendance who gave birth in public hospitals and started learning the legislative ropes from 1999 defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic to the most exalted political position in the private healthcare centres under government to 2000, while working as Personal Assistant Party to the opposition All Progressive Congress. state, Tambuwal, through his purposeful and supervision in the rural areas. on Legislative Affairs to Senator Abdullahi In April 11, 2015, Tambuwal contested and responsive leadership, has transformed the To help industrialise the state, the governor Wali, the then Senate Leader. won the governorship election of Sokoto Caliphate to a cynosure of all eyes. Since has concluded plans to set up a fertiliser plant In 2003, he decided to run for a legislative State. He was inaugurated on 29 May 2015. May 29, 2015, when he came on board as in the state, with a capacity of producing seat as representative of the Kebbe/Tambuwal Refreshingly, he set out to differ by coming the executive governor of the state, he has 100,000 tons of fertiliser and creating 5,000 Federal Constituency. He was elected into the up with genuine, insightful and visionary vigorously pursued the business of governance job opportunities to the state indigenes. House of Representatives on the platform of ideas to turn around, not only the day to with all his God-given endowment. Tambuwal Born on January 10, 1966 in Tambuwal Village the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Few day course of life, but initiatives that would who has his eyes xed on the administration’s in Sokoto State to Waziri Tambuwal, he attended months to the 2007 general elections, he also alter the face of the society. set out targets, has accelerated the pace of Tambuwal Primary School, Tambuwal, Sokoto defected to the Democratic People’s Party To celebrate this rare leader, people from development in the hitherto underdeveloped State, where he obtained his First School Leaving (DPP), alongside the former governor of within and outside the state have been sending state. Certi cate in 1979; and Government Teachers’ Sokoto State, . But when their congratulatory messages to him not as Within a short period of time, he has made College, Dogon-Daji, where he obtained the the DPP denied return tickets to former ANPP charity but as a reward of his patriotic service enormous impact and has changed the face Teachers Grade 11 Certi cate in 1984. He then legislators, Tambuwal swung back to the ANPP, to the state and nation. of the state. In the civil service sector, he has proceeded to Usman Dan Fodio University, where he eventually succeeded in picking up The Speaker of the House of Representatives, provided a home renovation loan to 1,000 Sokoto, where he studied Law, graduating with a ticket for the election. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in a congratulatory civil servants in the state, and has laid the an LLB (Hons) degree in 1991. He completed But then again, when the ANPP governorship message signed by his Special Adviser on foundation for Workers’ Estate. Tambuwal his one-year compulsory legal studies at the candidate for Sokoto State in the 2007 election, Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Adamu has also settled the payment of gratuities for ; Lagos obtained his BL Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko dumped the party for Hassan, described Tambuwal as a patriotic 1,902 retirees. The governor has recruited over and was called to the Bar in 1992. the PDP, Tambuwal also followed suit. and courageous leader, saying “over the years, 500 unemployed citizens into the state civil Besides studying for his law degree, he has While in the House, he held several of ces. you have exhibited uncommon dexterity and service with different quali cations. also attended several courses abroad, among In 2005, he was the Minority Leader of the high sense of patriotism in the discharge of In his radical approach towards giving which are the following: Telecoms Regulatory House until he defected to the PDP. Upon your duties while serving at different leadership compulsory education to children in the state, Master Class–Bath UK, 2004; Lawmaking for his re-election to the House in 2007, he was levels in the National Assembly, the NBA and he has launched the policy of criminalising the Communications Sectors –BMIT, Johan- also elected the Deputy Chief Whip. He was now in your beloved state of Sokoto. parent’s refusal to send children to school; has nesburg, South Africa, 2004; Regulating a elected as Speaker between June 2011 and “As your successor and former colleague, recruited 500 teachers to tackle the shortfall in Competitive Industry-UK, Brussels, 2005; June 2015. At various times, he has been a I have noted with admiration the exceptional personnel in public secondary schools in the Tulane University – International Legislative member of several committees including the records of achievements and indelible footprints state. Tambuwal has also ordered immediate Drafting, 2005; Stanford Graduate School of House Committees on Rules and Business, you have left behind as a member, minority payment of counterpart funding for training of Business – Inuence and Negotiation, 2008 Communications, Judiciary, Inter-Parliamentary leader, Deputy Chief Whip and Speaker. primary school teachers whose services will be and KSG Harvard – Infrastructure in Market and Water Resources. He was also a member of “I salute your indomitable courage, unequivo- employed after the completion of the training. Economy, 200 the House Ad hoc Committee on Constitution cal commitment and invaluable contributions to As an ardent believer in the oneness of the Among his professional af liations, Tambuwal Review. the independence and stability of the legislature. country, he prohibited the discrepancy in the has been a very active member of the Nigerian He was chairman of the Ad hoc committee “You are a source of inspiration and a shining payment of school fees between indigenes and Bar Association (NBA) over the years. He that reviewed the report of the controversial example for all of us and indeed the younger non-indigenes in all public schools in Sokoto. started off as Public Relations Of cer of the power probe committee headed by Ndudi generation. The governor equally signed an MOU NBA, Sokoto State chapter between 1996 and Elumelu; Chairman, House Sub-Committee ”I salute your uncommon courage and with the Usman Dan Fodio University for 1997. He was a member of the Constitution on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Land Use unequivocal commitment and contributions the training of nurses and midwives with Review Committee of the NBA (1997–1998). Act, and acting chairman, House Committee to the independence and stability of the the intent to deploy them to all parts of He was the Sokoto branch Secretary of the on Power. legislature,” he said. /OPINION  .. ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS Email: [email protected] Tel (sms only) The Obazee Code ur prayers are with Obazee. That is disclose the amount collected as a church. But But the persons Buhari should sack are still in the best place to start this conversa- in our own, people are asking me: “Jim, do his government running anti-corruption agency tion with Nigerians today. Yes, he you want God to render account.” and having access to classi ed information as did not lose mother, father, wife That speech may be why Obazee, whom I secretary to the government. They did more or a child during this contentious met a few years ago as a minister in one of the damage to his government than The Obazee weekO that politics mixed with religion in Nigeria, RCCG parishes, precisely, the Victory Center, on Code. but he lost a livelihood. So it is natural to Iju Road, , is now deemed to be working All things being equal, I’m not very sure how extend condolences. against the church. Obazee would have succeeded in a government Thirteen years ago, the world woke up to a But why the unnecessary ruckus about this populated by religious leaders, including his controversy created by a code. With lm and a code, when the code clearly says, “in the case of own minister at the Ministry of Industry, Trade book, Dan Brown, the author of The Da Vinci religious or cultural organisations, nothing in this and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, the Code nearly rocked the foundation of faith of code is intended to change the spiritual leader- counsel of whom he ignored. Christians everywhere. Classic controversy. ship and responsibilities of Founders, General The Obazee Code cannot be said to be perfect This January, the ex- Financial Reporting Overseers, Pastors, Imams and Muslim Clerics, really, because going after the civil society groups Council of Nigeria (FRC) chief, whose adroit Presidents, Bishops, Apostles, Prophets, e.t.c. is something Nigerians must be vigilant about. tactics failed in the face of religion, Jim Obazee, which are distinguishable from purely corporate To be sure, the story of Nigeria Labour Congress implemented his own code that pitted spiritual Obazee governance and management responsibilities (NLC) is a good signal to how quick government authority against political authority in Nigeria. and accountabilities of the entities.” interference of any form can destroy anything. Epic controversy. faith or that Obazee is another anti-Christ. The code even allow founders or leaders of Now, there are rumours from the usual suspects Believe me: everything that has code is suspect, Really, Obazee as the harbinger of the code faith to have lifetime spiritual role in section that Buhari wants to Islamise Nigeria and that and as usual comes with controversy. Think of made it easy for himself to be targeted in the 9.4(c). is why he pushed Obazee out and brought in Code of Conduct Bureau, dress code, and The aftermath of the controversy that eventually I’m very open to religious organisations a “Muslim” to head FRC. Please perish the Dan Vinci Code consumed him and his job. I felt pity for him. submitting their balance sheet annually, have thought. I wouldn’t recommend Obazee’s tactics to In November 2012, Obazee had called out the no exemption from tax, if doing pro t-making The new man at the FRC, Adedotun Sulaiman, anyone serving in a government, where politics RCCG leadership in Nigeria on tax and tenure. business in addition to charity, and a leader not should not be categorised based on his name. is mixed with religion, but I will recommend At the annual conference of the Finance Cor- holding more than one governance position of The only thing I have found is that he’s his gut and courage. respondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), general overseer or Imam, because accountability a thoroughbred professional who mentored In case you’re wondering: Obazee touched Obazee delicately said: “We want to release our is the very foundation of Christianity and Islam. Enelamah himself and the duo have actually the most sensitive part of Nigeria as a country Statement of Accounting Standards (SAS) 32 Yes, before The Obazee Code, accountability walked the earth hand-in-hand for at least two with the implementation of the code and the because we want churches and charities to begin and transparency codes have been written in decades. responses showed the sentiment we have to to present accounts. They just le returns to the the bible and to be a Christian you must submit In a testimony while sharing his upward religion as a nation. Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and so to this will of God. trajectory in his career with cdnet, Enelamah I have always said it that general overseers long as they pay the N1000, they are home and So I’m unenthusiastic about a church or mosque paid tribute to three people. The new helmsman and Islamic leaders have cult-following that dry. But we are saying that they must report without structure, where general overseer is at FRC is one of them. “I got the basic training continues to make them a deity of sort. their nancial transactions in proper format. the treasurer and the secretary. and foundation necessary for a successful business You can nd the details in the churches and “Also, once charity organisations engage in On the president side, people have questioned career from Dick Kramer and Arthur Andersen. Islamic societies like Ahmadiya, Ansarudeen, non-charity activities, they would have to submit the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari Dotun Sulaiman also played an important role NASFAT and in the caliphates. those goods for taxable purposes. A country is in terminating the appointment of Obazee, but in my career development. In particular, he Symptomatically, most of the comments I not run by oil, but by tax. Go to the internet if you calculate the cost for Buhari, it will be counseled me to qualify as a Chartered Ac- have seen on The Obazee Code make it look and you see all the branches of the Redeemed better to do away with Obazee than entering countant, and this provided a very valuable like the code is an issue only with the Redeemed Christian Church in United Kingdom, you will the inferno of religion that may cost him/his foundation for my business career.” Christian Church of God or just the Christian see their accounts and over there, they fully party the 2019 election. For now, it’s goodbye to Jim Obazee and

LEKANFATODU HEADSUP Email [email protected] Tel ‚ Lessons from Kerry's Parting Lines verything that has a beginning has an the best within us. Seriously, a nation that is deeply concerned end, even if it is a political assignment “The world will be watching to see whether about greatness should understand that the or public service. we – the American people – remain up to that stability of its aviation infrastructure is critical Of course many will argue that challenge. to government’s earnings and effective trade there are peculiar cases in Africa “There is not a scintilla of doubt in my mind and investment transactions in the country. Ewhere political leaders try to hold on to power that the answer is yes, but we will have to work Therefore the shabby manner of handling the ‘forever’ or till they are kicked out via violent, at it, together, and make the investments that decision on the closure of a major international and often fatal, public protests. leaders have a responsibility to make,” he said. travel route, like the Abuja airport in Nigeria, is That said, the honourable manner in which Just imagine America that has shown, and just an example of how deplorable governance the former President Goodluck Jonathan of continue to demonstrate greatness in virtually all is within that sector of the economy. Nigeria handed power over after his electoral areas of human development is still conducting Thus, the international airlines that have been loss, and, recently in Ghana, the graciousness of serious self-assessment and not resting on its reported to have frowned at the temporary the defeated incumbent President John Mahamain oars. Are you not wondering what the matter is alternative route are very well within their accepting the decision of the people of Ghana with the self-acclaimed “Giant of Africa”, Nigeria, senses. They know that such improvement is should inspire change in the attitude of other Kerry whose gaits are rarely felt on the continent in a continuous action where they come from and African leaders who love to cling to power terms of sound development? such is never taken for granted as it seems to perpetually. from the coveted position as the tenure of his The bottomline is that Nigeria revels more be a culture of negligence in Nigeria. And also, Not even the ‘bad egg’ case of the defeated principal, President Obama, ends on 20th of on super ciality than reality. And this is where they are aware of the dire security challenge in President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia who has January 2017. Kerry’s admonition becomes even more imperative the country especially within the part of Nigeria refused to relinquish power to Adama Barrow, But the renowned diplomat is not leaving for Nigeria, and other countries whose efforts that has been agged as ash points of violence the winner of the last presidential election in without sharing some powerful nuggets which on governance and socio-economic necessities by most foreign countries. Gambia, should alter the trailblazing examples include home-truths essential not only for the cannot be seen to be enduring. Truthfully, Nigeria has got so much to do to cited in Nigeria and Ghana towards improving future of America but also that of the rest of As such the government of Nigeria must attain greater heights, and to reiterate Kerry’s democratic processes in Africa. the world. take a detour from its xation on worthless words “It demands the best from us, and the And as America undergoes a period of In some lines from his exit memo to his boss, trademarks. Isn’t it a shame to keep mouthing best within us”. political transition, there are valuable lessons President Obama, and in effect to the American the largest economy in Africa while most of our And this greatness cannot be achieved while we we can learn as we seek to better our lots on people, a close observer would easily deduce consumables are products of different foreign continue to shy away from critical responsibility this continent.This piece draws particularly that Kerry was somewhat also talking on the countries? Expectedly, the human development of the state, which tends to prolong the evil days. from the out-going Secretary of State of the reality that a government like the one currently indexes from the continent’s biggest remains a As, for instance, there is nothing ingenious in U.S., John Kerry’s memo. in Nigeria needs to rise to the challenge before it big embarrassment to the outside world. And the resolution of the country’s oil corporation Having served as the U.S.’ topmost diplomat instead of living in denial, and trading blames. our standing on the ease of doing business ratio to seek alternative sources of crude oil supply since 2013 during which he conducted highly “American greatness is a fact but not an remains nothing to write home about. for its re nery in the North because pipelines laborious and delicate diplomatic negotiations entitlement. It cannot be taken for granted. It Similarly, the state of our infrastructure remains that supply it crude from the Niger Delta region around the world with considerable records of must be demonstrated and earned by every as appalling as ever with little or no effort towards are often destroyed by the spate of militancy worthy accomplishments, Kerry will be bowing generation. It demands the best from us, and aggressive rejuvenation of the condition. in the region. THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017 

BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS

Heritage Bank and Agriculture Financing Nonso Awih-Williams writes that the recent provision of a N2 billion loan facility by Heritage Bank, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, to Triton Aqua Africa Limited for a fishery production chain, will boost the federal government’s agriculture promotion policy

The cheering news of the slight rise in the price of crude oil in the international market and the seemingly relative calm in the Niger Delta (as re ected in the reduction in the breaching of pipelines and other oil production or lifting facilities in the zone), will ultimately translate to more foreign currency in the coffers of the Federal Government, especially given that the 2017 budget of the federation is largely predicated on earnings from oil – pegged at projected production and export levels of 2.2 million barrels per day. Nevertheless, it is doubtful if the country, at least in the short term, can earn enough foreign exchange, particularly the United States Dollars, to meet the between $3 billion and $5 billion needed for the sustenance of projected expenses on the importation of food items in 2017. Even then, experts agree that even if the requisite volume of foreign exchange ever becomes available, the Muhammadu Buhari administration would be cautious given the dangers the continuous reliance on imported food items pose to its efforts to create jobs as well as develop and diversify the Nigerian economy. Indeed, the essence of the administra- tion’s Agriculture Promotion Policy (APP), launched some months ago is to encourage massive local investments in the critical agricultural sector with the aim of achiev- ing key goals of food security; import substitution; job creation; and economic diversication. As captured by Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture, Fish bond during the policy’s launch, the government expects the private sector to lead in the implementation of APP through promotion ultimately result in the creation of hun- through the creation of thousands of jobs on dependable job creating sectors such of agricultural investment and nancing dreds of new jobs, thus tting snuggly into in the sector. This huge, albeit laudable, as agricultural value chain (sh farming, programmes or initiatives. the Buhari administration’s APP agenda. project that is spread across 3,000 hectares poultry, snail farming), cottage industry, The recent provision of a N2 billion loan Industry experts insist that the long-term of land in 28 of the 33 Local Government mining and solid minerals, creative facility by Heritage Bank in collaboration tenure of the facility from Heritage Bank Areas of Oyo State, is in three stages: food industry (tourism, arts and crafts), with the Central Bank of Nigeria under the is a vivid demonstration of the fact that crop cultivation, cash crop/horticulture and Information and Communications Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, Nigeria’s nancial institutions are positively and food processing. Heritage bank is Technology (ICT). Also, the bank in to Triton Aqua Africa Limited (TAAL), responding to the complaints or fears of supporting agro investors involved in this partnership with the Centre for Values for setting up of shery production chain, investors and farmers about the peculiarity initiative with funds and advisory services in Leadership (CVL) empowered 100 has been widely acclaimed as a worthy of funding the agricultural sector. The and indications are that the programme aspiring start-up entrepreneurs under the example of what the government is aiming complaint over the year was that while has already led to more than 20 per cent Young Entrepreneurship Business Train- at. Though it is estimated that Nigerians agricultural projects have long-term gesta- increase in food production in the State. ing Programme (YEBTP), a six-month consume about 2.7million metric tonnes of tion periods, the funding provided by the Heritage Bank is also supporting thou- intensive course involving grooming, sh annually, only 800,000 metric tonnes of banks was always of short-term duration. sands of small holders’ farmers in Kaduna mentoring and nancing. that amount is produced locally. As such, This mismatch in expectation between the and Zamfara States in rice and soybeans In addition, Heritage Bank Limited has just like several other food products, the lenders and the loan beneciaries had over production under the Anchor Borrowers also been in partnership with the Nige- country has had to rely on importation to the years proved to be a major hindrance Programme. rian Youth Professional Forum (NYPF) to augment the shortages with an estimated especially in the funding of big tickets The management of Heritage Bank support entrepreneurship and education cost implication of about $700m annually projects in the agricultural sector of the believes that such funding supports in the in the country with N500 million Young in terms of foreign exchange. economy. critical agricultural sector are necessary if Entrepreneurs and Students (YES) grant. The partnership between Heritage Bank Farmers and potential investors in the the objectives of the Buhari’s administration The bank’s focus on empowerment of and TAAL, also known as Triton, will help agriculture sector had consequently always to diversify the nation’s economy using, the youth population stem from its belief reverse this trend. Specically, the com- accused the banks of preference for funding particularly the agricultural sector, are to that the nation’s youth population would pany is expected to use the loan facility only projects with quick turnaround but be attained. The administration targets a ultimately produce future leaders that to expand its aquaculture businesses with without much value to the country in terms GDP growth of six per cent – 12 per cent, would help to positively reshape and the setting up of nursery/hatchery for the of job creation and contribution to the allowing agricultural household income to reposition Nigeria, hence the imperative production of ngerlings and brood stock, country’s development. However, living up double in 6 – 12 years. Undeniably, most of that they be properly groomed and and earthen ponds for catsh and tilapia to its philosophy of Create, Transfer And the ventures in the sector fall within the provided with enabling opportunities and in Lagos, Oyo and Osun States. Preserve Wealth, Heritage Bank has taken Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterpris- platforms to actualize their potentials. With the support of Heritage Bank agriculture as one of the prime sectors, es (MSME) sectors of the economy, which With its assortments of innovative and the CBN, the rm of Triton Aqua which can be used to empower individuals Heritage Bank in close collaboration with support for the growth of the productive Africa Limited is executing a strategy of and communities in terms of creating CBN has been championing. sector of the economy, Heritage Bank is backward integration of increasing local wealth from the soil and through the entire The bank’s initiatives in the agriculture not only actualising its vision of partnering production to reduce importation of sh. value – chain using value addition and sector can therefore be seen as extension with individuals, organisations and govern- The company will also help small-scale industrialization. Therefore, the bank, in of the strong support it has provided ments to create, preserve and transfer farms increase their sh production by spite of its relatively young age, has been to MSMEs with specic targets on key wealth across generations, but is also making ngerlings easily available to supporting various agricultural ventures sectors pivotal for national economic playing a crucial role in helping to achieve them. In the short term, the loan support is across the country. growth like ICT, creative industry and of the government’s ambition of diversifying expected to help Triton double its current Key among such initiatives is Heritage course, agriculture. It was in recognition the economy. Clearly, Heritage Bank is production capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes Bank’s multi-billion Naira partnership of the Bank’s track record on this score showing the way as nancial institutions with a projection that the company will with the Oyo State government. Under that apparently in uenced its selection in the country are becoming resolute about scale up its production to 100,000 metric the initiative, the bank is supporting by the CBN as its pilot partner for the nancing the critical agricultural sector and tonnes in ve years. the Oyo State Agricultural Initiative, execution of the N3billion Youth In- by extension, aiding efforts to diversify the The partnership between Heritage OYSAI, a programme designed to revive novative Entrepreneurship Development nation’s economy. Bank and Triton Farms would help boost agriculture, boost agro-allied businesses Programme,(YIEDP). The programme is local production, conserve scarce foreign and massive empowerment programme aimed at creating sustainable wealth and ..Dr. Awih-Williams, an agric- exchange, enhance food security, and for both youth and women across the state employment in the country with focus economist, wrote from Abuja  THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY , 

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa CITYSTRINGS Email [email protected] Stemming the Hawking Menace Moved by the plight of young girls and boys who are forced into hawking by their parents and guardians, an NGO, the Obi Ikenchukwu Foundation has picked up the challenge to address this menace that exposes teenagers to abuses, reports Ugo Aliogo

Founder, Obi Ikenchukwu Foundation, Princess Genevieve Ikenchukwu, flanked by students during the  OIF seminar/cocktail party in Lagos

n March 12, 2015, Sarah thinking of how to put a meal on their table on the dangers their children are faced with not assisting us as much as we want but Ibikunle was killed by a and to get a place to lay their heads. Most regarding the danger of hawking. we are still hoping that when they see the stray bullet in the Lekki- hawkers are breadwinners in their families, “Most parents who put their children on usefulness of this in the future they will Phase 1 arm robbery attack. therefore the family survival depends on the street to hawk are not aware of the render us their support in addressing it. She died while hawking sh, the daily income they realise. Most female dangers it poses to the safety of the child. “The OIF carries on the legacy of the an activity which she did hawkers in their teens are sexually exploited Poverty also plays a major role as well. When late Obi Ikenchukwu by being a voice for daily after school hours to raise money in exchange for money, in the process they government should start to address certain the orphanages and vulnerable females, Oto support her aunty. Her death has left a lose their virginity. issues in the society, which will prevent especially those under-age abused girls. We permanent scar in the heart of her family. Ikenchukwu commended government poor families from sending their children do this through advocacy, empowerment On the ipside, it has cut short the dreams efforts, but noted that there is need for to hawk,” she noted. initiatives, annual seminars and workshops. of the 15-year-old teenage girl to become government to step up its efforts, adding She explained that when the needed This year’s (2016) theme on child hawking a lawyer. Many teenage hawkers have lost that it is necessary that parents are educated support has been provided to parents is of serious concern to our nation. their lives through incidents that may be and they are still engaging their wards “It is my intention to work with the akin to Ibikunle’s story or even more serious in street hawking, then government can various state government agencies in order situations. For many of these hawkers, the prosecute those involved, stressing that to curb and manage this menace to the business is not fun, judging from the horrors as a foundation, they are addressing the barest minimum. To this end, the foundation and dangers they go through in order to The drive of OIF was to issue through advocacy on behalf of the has come with another campaign slogan eke out a living daily. bring the public and private children involved. called ‘Off the Street Into the Classroom,’ When the founder of the Obi Ikenchukwu The OIF founder added that: “We speak the idea is to take these kids off the street Foundation (OIF), Princess Genevieve sectors under one umbrella not just to government, but also corporate and educate them.” Ikenchukwu told this story at the 2016 OIF organisations and individuals who can assist In her remarks, the Lagos State Commis- seminar/cocktail party, the audience were with a strong commitment them and I think the government too because sioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lola Akande, moved with pity for the deceased girl and to curb hawking among the work falls back to the government. I also said hawking should not be viewed as a the bereaved family, but that was not the think it is a huge responsibility on them, means of livelihood because of the numer- intention OIF was focused at achieving with children of school ages. so as a foundation we have taken up the ous dangers the hawkers are subjected to the story. The drive of OIF was to bring Some do not have access to task upon ourselves to nd out ways as which includes rape, abduction, accidents the public and private sectors under one to how these children can be helped and and even death. umbrella with a strong commitment to curb decent housing, medicare, educate them by picking them up from the She lamented that the economic situation hawking among children of school ages. clothing and balanced street and bringing them to the classroom. in the country has caused some parents to Some do not have access to decent housing, “We are not getting any support from send their wards on the streets to hawk medicare, clothing and balanced diet, due to diet, due to their meagre government, but unfortunately we are in order to source additional revenue for their meagre incomes. They start each day incomes collaborating with them, though they are the family, stating that some parents will THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY ,    CITYSTRINGS

Students entertaining guests during the  OIF seminarcocktail party in Lagos instruct their children not to go to school in order to hawk, while they sit back at home doing nothing, thus converting the children to breadwinners of their family. “The children are on the streets hawking for many reasons some of these children are the breadwinners of the families because of the dif cult situation of their families, while some parents could be suffering from debilitating ailments such as HIV/AIDS, therefore they cannot go out to do things for themselves so these children are forced to take up the responsibility of hawking on the street in order to eke out a living,” she noted. Akande who was represented by one of the Directors, Mrs. Alaba Fadairo, noted that the state government on realising this challenge, came up with a lot of strategies part of which were that within the hours of 8am-2p.m all children of school ages must be in school, adding that the state also provided free education for children living in the state irrespective of the child’s ethnicity, all that was required was the child was resident in the state. She added: “We have put mechanism in place to ensure that children found on the street will be taken to appropriate government agency, these agencies include the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. A cross section of participants during the  OIF seminarcocktail party in Lagos “There are some television programmes going on in Lagos State to enlighten parents Most parents who put and guardians on the need for their children to be off the street because children are their children on the street exposed to danger on daily basis. The to hawk are not aware of government also has the responsibility of empowering the parents that cannot afford to the dangers it poses to the take good care of their children, the govern- safety of the child. Poverty ment ensures that parents are empowered through skills acquisition initiatives so they also plays a major role as are trained to earn a living rather than send well. When government their children to hawk. “The government also provides skills should start to address acquisition centres where children who are not academically t can learn a vocation and certain issues in the society, after the programmes government provides which will prevent poor appropriate equipment to establish them. It has been observed that if these children families from sending their are not well catered for; they will become children to hawk mis ts in the society. There will be penalty for parents sending their children to hawk when they are supposed to be in school; undertakings will be signed by such parents before their children will be given back penalty for offenders. If the state abdicates to them. it duties, lawlessness takes over the land. “It is not restricted to children but also Founder, Obi Ikenchukwu Foundation, Princess Genevieve Ikenchukwu delivering her speech According to the United Nation Children adult who hawk, they will be employed, Education Fund (UNICEF) exploiting the there is the arrangement to employ about ment took a bold step to ban hawking in Court to order the seizure and public auction labour of a child means employing a person 600,000 people in the state. Currently about the state and to enforce the Lagos State of items impounded from street traders. below the age of 15 years and paying him/ 1000 people have been employed into the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Section 10 of the law, also prescribes a N5000 her less than the minimum standard wage. Lagos State Traf c Maintenance Agency Law 2003 which restricts street trading and ne or three months imprisonment upon Traf cked children are made to work as (LASTMA) profession and about 50,000 will hawking in the metropolis. The law affects conviction. hawkers and petty traders, beggars, car be employed as direct or indirect labour. the sellers and buyers. Therefore offenders Ending the practice of hawking may not washers, bus conductors, farm hands or Government has zero tolerance to all forms either pay an option of 90,000 naira or spend be the right step in the appropriate direction; cattle rearers. One of the basic principles of of hawking be it children or adult, there are six months in prison. the state governments have failed to address the International Convention on the Rights provisions put in place for children caught The law is operational in the state and a the conditions which compel people to take of the Child is that every child must be hawking to be taken away from the street total of 49 persons have been prosecuted to hawking as a source of survival. Therefore, protected against all forms of exploitation, and given education.” due to this law. Sections seven and eight if the needed infrastructures are not tackled, indecent or degrading treatment, including On July 4, 2016, the Lagos State govern- gave jurisdiction and power to the Special the practice will continue despite the stiff child labour, abduction and sale. THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY , BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Analysts Predict Slight Drop in December 2016 Inflation

Obinna Chima two months under review. “The change in direction is “The prices of food items what the scalists and doves in Analysts at FSDH Merchant that FSDH Research monitored the monetary policy committee Bank Limited have predicted in December 2016 moved in need to support arguments for that the December 2016 in ation varying directions. The prices an accommodative monetary rate (year-on-year) would drop of vegetable oil, palm oil, meat, policy stance to complement marginally to 18.44 per cent sh, sweet potatoes, onions the scal stimulus,” the research from the 18.48 per cent recorded and Irish potatoes were up and investment rm stated. in the month of November 2016. by 25 per cent, 21 per cent, However, in their own esti- They held the view that 14.2 per cent, 12.5 per cent, mate, the Economic Intelligence the expected decrease in the 7.1 per cent, 4.2 per cent and Group of Access Bank Plc in ation rate would be driven 4.17 per cent respectively. The forecasts in ation rate (year- by lower than anticipated price prices of tomatoes and beans on-year) in December to remain increases within the food and were down by 5 per cent and at 18.5 per cent, the same as non-alcoholic beverages division, 4.49 per cent respectively. The in November. as well as the base effect. prices of rice, garri, and yam The Access Bank analysts The National Bureau of remained unchanged. explained: “Our methodol- Statistics (NBS) is expected to “Our model indicates that ogy adopts an autoregressive release the in ation rate for the the price movements in the analysis of past prices, while it month of December 2016 on consumer goods and services in recognizes all the assumptions January 16. December 2016 would increase used by the National Bureau The monthly Food Price Index the Composite Consumer Price of Statistics (NBS) in its com- (FPI) released yesterday by the Index (CCPI) to 213.35 points, putation of monthly composite Food and Agriculture Organisa- representing a month-on-month consumer price index (CCPI). tion (FAO) showed that the FPI increase of 0.96 per cent . We “The moderate easing of remained relatively the same estimate that the increase in the pressures on the parallel FX in December. The index was CCPI in December will produce market in December follow- marginally down by 0.07 per an in ation rate of 18.44 per ing the central bank’s special cent, compared with its revised cent,” they added in a report. intervention FX auctions in late November gure. Year-on-year, Also, the Financial Derivatives November and early December it grew by 12.02 per cent. Company Limited forecast a contributed to the stability in According to the FAO, the decline in headline in ation seen in the price index in performance of the Index was rate to 18.3 per cent, the rst December. largely driven by a sharp fall change in the YoY direction in “Price movements for major MARKET INDICATORS in sugar prices. 14 months. commodity groups in the food “Our analysis indicates that “ If our forecast is correct, this basket remained unchanged, MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) the value of the naira remained will be a 0.18 per cent decline while the slight price increases MARCH stable at the inter-bank market from November’s in ation in some commodities were while it depreciated at the paral- rate. This is the rst time that offset by downward price Broad Money (M) ,–—˜,™–. adjustments in others. Based lel market by 2.65 per cent to headline and month-on month -- Narrow Money (M ) , ,. ­ close at $/N491 from $/N478 in ation will switch trajectories. on an independent survey, at the end of November. The This can be attributed to waning vegetable oils, tomatoes, and ---- Currency Outside Banks , , ‰ . depreciation in the parallel base year effects. However, we noodles saw slight uptick in market led to an increase in do not expect this development price, while the price of rice, ---- Demand Deposits , Œ­, Œ. the prices of imported consumer in the monthly rate to be a plantain and potatoes trended -- Quasi Money ,,  . goods in Nigeria between the permanent one. downwards. Net Foreign Assets (NFA) ,›,––.˜ CBN to BDCs: We Won’t Devalue Naira Net Domestic Assets(NDA) ˜,™,›.– -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) Œ, ‰, Œ.  The government has been foreign exchange reserves rose The Central Bank of Nigeria ---- Credit to Government (Net) ,‰,  . (CBN) has told Bureau de pressing retail operators to 6.68 percent to $26.65 billion at Change (BDC) operators it narrow what it says is a Jan. 10 from a month before, ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA , Œ,­ . ­ does not intend to devalue damaging gulf between the the highest level since May, the naira and will support naira’s ofcial rate - currently driven by a rise in crude ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) - , ,Œ‰ .  it at current levels, especially N305 to the dollar - and the prices. ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) ,Œ Œ,. with a recent rise in oil prices, parallel rate. On Tuesday the The bank appealed to opera- the head of their association operators set their rst ever tors to follow the rules in order --Other Assets Net -, ‰,‰Œ . said on Thursday. reference exchange rate for the to avoid sanctions and curb Reserve Money (Base Money) ,›,™™.— Reuters quoted the President naira at 399 per dollar ahead speculation on the currency. of the Association of Bureau of the central bank meeting. Meanwhile, the naira --Currency in Circulation ,­‰Œ, .‰ De Change of Nigeria (AB- “With the recovery of oil dropped to N495 to the --Banks Reserves ,­‰,Œ .‰ CON), Aminu Gwadabe, to prices, CBN (Central Bank dollar on the parallel market have said the CBN Governor, of Nigeria) has no intention yesterday, weaker than the • Source - CBN Godwin Emeele told the of devaluing the currency N492 to the dollar it closed MANAGED FUNDS group in a meeting it was and intends to support the the previous day. looking at ways to boost dollar naira at the present level,” The development was Initial Price (N) Buying Price(N) Selling Price liquidity on the ofcial market Gwadabe said, quoting the attributed to weaker forex Stanbic Balanced Fund ,­­ .  ,­‰.  to eliminate the spread to the central bank governor. supply in the market, as parallel market. Central bank data showed demand continued to rise. Stanbic IBTC NEF , . , . , ­.­ . Stanbic SIBond .Œ .Œ Fidelity Bank Rewards Loyal Customers with Stanbic IBTC Ethical . .  Stanbic IBTC GIF Œ . Œ.‰

N9m in Promo UBA Balanced Fund . ­ . Œ Six customers of Fidelity Bank Lagos, its Executive Director of said three draws had been UBA Bond Fund .ŒŒ .ŒŒ Plc yesterday won a total of Shared Services, Fidelity Bank, conducted since the promo UBA Equity Fund .‰  .‰ Œ N9 million in the fourth draw Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu, started four months ago of the bank’s ongoing ‘Get said the initiative was to and so far, 55 winners had UBA Money Market Fund .  .  Alert in Million’ promo. improve the nancial well- emerged, while a total of ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N . ŒŒ N .ŒŒ‰ While four customers won being of customers of the bank. N32 million had been won N1 million each, one customer “At the draw today, we and duly distributed to all ARM Discovery Fund N ‰‰.   N ­.Œ  won N2 million and another would be giving out N9 the winners. ARM Ethical Fund N . ­‰ N . ­ N3 million. These included million to six customers. In “We want to make sure that ARM Money Market Fund .  (Yield — ) Baba Ali Yusuf, a customer of addition to this, there would more people who have inter- the bank’s Maiduguri branch, be 12 consolation prices of est in this promo are able to who won N1 million; Samuel refrigerators and generators, participate and get the benet • Monetary Policy Rate - 13% Benjamin Idoroh in Abuja, all to be won. It is noteworthy fully. To demonstrate our OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, WED NESDAY,  JAN who also won N1 million; that at the end of this draw, commitment to reward our and Bolanle Gbadebo of we would have given out a customers, we have started The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at . a barrel on Wednesday, compared Ado-Ekiti. Others were At- total of N41 million in cash rewarding customers in the tah Maria Edugwu, in Lagos and 48 consolation prices. second week of the year, with with . the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.The OPEC Reference who won N1 million; Frank “However, much more the fourth monthly draw. Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Chukwudi Sebastine in Port importantly, we still have N64 December last year was a Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Harcourt who won N2 million million on the table, waiting month of bumber alerts in Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light and Ifeanyi Victor who won for both account holders and Fidelity Bank and in Nigeria (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). the star prize of N3 million. prospective customers to win.” as customers that emerged Speaking at the draw held Prior to yesterday’s draw, winners were rewarded,” SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna at the bank’s head ofce in the bank executive director Ugochukwu said. THISDAY • FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2017 

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

12-Jan-17 11-Jan-17 % Change Capitalisation EPS P/E P/S Div. Yld Price/ Table 1 Market Statistics Book Mkt Indicators Open Close Change % Value 11-Jan-17 12-Jan-17 01 Dangote Cement Plc 168.00 168.00 0.00% 2,862,805,244,040.00 9.20 18.25 5.04 4.76% 3.83 NSE All Share Index 26,385.80 26,330.39 -0.21 02 Nigerian Breweries Plc 142.00 142.00 0.00% 1,125,932,326,096.00 4.03 35.19 3.73 2.54% 6.87 NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) 9.08 9.06 -0.21 03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc 23.98 24.00 -0.08% 705,759,677,791.52 4.90 4.89 1.76 7.38% 1.43 Thisday BGL 50 Index 109.62 109.42 -0.18 Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap 8.54 8.52 -0.18 04 Nestle Nigeria Plc 790.00 809.00 -2.35% 626,198,439,080.00 8.81 89.65 3.62 3.67% 19.84 (N'Trillion) 05 Zenith Bank Plc 15.50 15.19 2.04% 486,645,653,683.00 3.91 3.97 1.02 11.61% 0.70 Table 3 Top 5 Gainers 06 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd 379.99 379.99 0.00% 210,252,385,836.87 -44.58 -8.52 2.71 4.19% 0.53 Stock Open Close Change 07 Access Bank Plc 6.57 6.40 2.66% 190,056,773,615.67 2.59 2.54 0.54 8.37% 0.43 11-Jan-17 12-Jan-17 %

08 Lafarge Africa Plc 40.00 40.00 0.00% 182,196,072,400.00 -9.39 -4.26 0.85 7.50% 0.90 United Bank for Africa Plc 4.70 4.93 4.89 Diamond Bank Plc 0.99 1.02 3.03 09 United Bank for Africa Plc 4.93 4.70 4.89% 178,858,064,767.46 1.75 2.82 0.53 12.17% 0.41 Sterling Bank Plc 0.75 0.77 2.67 10 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated 9.70 10.00 -3.00% 177,990,646,785.50 0.68 14.34 0.30 6.39% 0.28 Access Bank Plc 6.40 6.57 2.66 Zenith Bank Plc 15.19 15.50 2.04 11 Presco Plc 44.19 44.19 0.00% 175,455,380,618.55 0.03 1,511.30 2.46 2.94% 4.20 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc 15.03 15.00 0.20% 150,300,000,000.00 2.04 7.38 1.07 0.67% 1.28 Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock Open Close Change 13 Unilever Nigeria Plc 35.00 35.00 0.00% 132,415,368,750.00 0.69 50.57 1.99 0.14% 14.11 11-Jan-17 12-Jan-17 % 14 FBN Holdings Plc 3.60 3.66 -1.64% 129,223,054,051.20 0.21 17.35 0.24 4.17% 0.21 Forte Oil Plc. 81.29 73.99 -8.98 15 Guinness Nig Plc 73.50 74.90 -1.87% 110,682,781,818.00 -3.06 -24.03 1.07 4.35% 2.81 Fidson Healthcare Plc 1.21 1.11 -8.26 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc 8.25 7.63 -7.52 16 Total Nigeria Plc 304.00 305.00 -0.33% 103,214,638,448.00 38.02 8.00 0.38 4.61% 4.53 UACN Property Development Co. 3.00 2.85 -5.00 17 Forte Oil Plc. 73.99 81.29 -8.98% 96,370,576,810.97 3.31 22.38 0.63 4.66% 2.23 Limited PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc 14.50 13.79 -4.90 18 Mobil Oil Nig Plc 263.01 263.01 0.00% 94,840,159,858.62 19.32 13.61 1.04 2.74% 5.12 19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 6.00 6.00 0.00% 72,000,000,000.00 1.03 5.85 0.50 8.33% 1.16 Market reverses one day 20 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc 111.40 111.40 0.00% 71,361,766,438.20 -0.05 -2,438.97 0.77 1.97% 3.21 gain as Index sheds 0.21% 21 International Breweries Plc 18.00 18.00 0.00% 59,296,487,040.00 0.02 798.86 2.23 1.39% 5.40 Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange 22 Oando Plc 4.70 4.61 1.95% 56,562,708,801.80 -3.15 -1.49 0.22 15.96% 0.36 (NSE) today – Thursday, January 12th, 2017, 23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc 36.66 36.66 0.00% 48,391,200,000.00 -2.95 -12.44 0.41 4.09% 2.55 ended on a negative note as market closed red. This was further highlighted by negative 24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc 18.10 18.30 -1.09% 47,498,693,084.70 -1.19 -15.17 0.11 11.05% 0.48 performance from the NSE Subsectors: Banking 25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc 44.27 44.27 0.00% 42,229,595,700.00 4.82 9.18 6.42 0.23% 2.62 and Consumer Goods (Save Insurance and Oil & Gas). Trading activities decreased in volume as 26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc 0.87 0.91 -4.40% 33,687,267,759.75 -0.47 -1.87 0.64 0.00% 0.46 179.43m shares worth of N1.49 billion in 2,928 27 U A C N Plc 16.80 16.98 -1.06% 32,270,521,701.60 3.37 4.98 0.43 5.95% 0.43 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 197.45m shares worth of N1.05 billion 28 Fidelity Bank Plc 0.89 0.89 0.00% 25,776,701,265.88 0.39 2.30 0.17 17.98% 0.14 in 3,410 deals which exchanged hands on 29 FCMB Group Plc 1.27 1.28 -0.78% 25,149,442,691.87 0.61 2.07 0.15 7.87% 0.14 Wednesday. Topping in volume terms are: United Bank for Africa Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Access 30 Diamond Bank Plc 1.02 0.99 3.03% 23,623,596,747.36 -0.29 -3.47 0.11 0.00% 0.10 Bank Plc, while Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Forte 31 Cap Plc 33.00 33.00 0.00% 23,100,000,000.00 2.28 14.45 3.46 3.48% 13.50 Oil Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms. 32 Sterling Bank Plc 0.77 0.75 2.67% 22,168,621,957.02 0.29 2.68 0.21 11.69% 0.27 The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative 33 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc 3.75 3.75 0.00% 22,056,990,731.25 0.76 4.91 0.60 3.73% 0.77 with 0.21% (-55.45) decrease to close at 34 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc 7.63 8.25 -7.52% 20,215,214,824.14 0.85 8.98 1.08 7.21% 2.73 26,330.39 from 26,385.80 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem 35 Wema Bank Plc 0.50 0.51 -1.96% 19,287,233,040.50 0.06 8.39 0.38 0.00% 0.41 to N9.06 trillion from N9.08 trillion of prior trading 36 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc 15.75 15.75 0.00% 18,835,054,686.00 -2.98 -5.28 0.67 1.90% 2.14 day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with a decrease of 0.18% to close at 109.42 37 Cadbury Nigeria Plc 9.49 9.49 0.00% 17,824,137,359.60 0.50 19.01 0.63 13.70% 1.74 from 109.62 recorded at the end of the previous 38 Mansard Insurance Plc 1.60 1.60 0.00% 16,800,000,000.00 0.28 5.74 0.84 3.13% 0.80 trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.52 trillion from N8.54 trillion of the previous 39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc 13.79 14.50 -4.90% 13,790,000,000.00 5.69 2.43 0.96 0.73% 0.37 trading day. 40 Continental Reinsurance Plc 1.10 1.10 0.00% 11,410,018,743.20 0.42 2.62 0.52 10.91% 0.61 A total number of 13 stocks gained on the bourse today while 23 stocks declined, leaving 41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc 1.24 1.24 0.00% 9,833,445,095.92 -0.40 -3.07 0.20 12.90% 0.30 63 stocks unchanged. United Bank for Africa 42 Wapic Insurance Plc 0.55 0.54 1.85% 7,360,506,038.60 0.18 3.05 0.94 5.45% 0.45 Plc emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list 43 Skye Bank Plc 0.50 0.50 0.00% 6,940,150,705.00 -2.93 -0.17 0.04 60.00% 0.07 with a gain of 4.89% to close at N4.93 per share. 44 Unity Bank Plc 0.59 0.59 0.00% 6,896,709,385.78 -0.10 -5.76 0.11 0.00% 0.08 It was followed by Diamond Bank Plc with a gain 45 Resort Savings & Loans Plc 0.50 0.50 0.00% 5,664,866,202.00 0.03 17.71 3.72 0.00% 1.94 of 3.03% to close at N1.02 per share. Others on the gainers list include: 46 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc 4.13 4.23 -2.36% 5,190,079,173.58 0.22 18.87 0.47 2.42% 0.48 Sterling Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and Zenith 47 UACN Property Development Co. Limited 2.85 3.00 -5.00% 4,898,437,485.75 0.30 9.52 1.16 24.56% 0.14 Bank Plc; while on the decliners’ list, Forte Oil Plc emerge with a loss of 8.98% to close at 48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc 2.80 2.78 0.72% 4,547,812,500.00 0.15 18.53 0.56 7.14% 0.76 N73.99 per share. It was followed by Fidson 49 AIICO Insurance Plc 0.60 0.60 0.00% 4,158,122,688.00 0.22 2.69 0.14 8.33% 0.41 Healthcare Plc with a loss of 8.26% to close at N1.11 per share. Others on the decliners list 50 Fidson Healthcare Plc 1.11 1.21 -8.26% 1,665,000,000.00 0.24 4.72 0.25 4.50% 0.26 include: National Salt Co. Nig. Plc, UACN Property Development Co. Limited and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc TOTAL 8,519,687,626,298.86 REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does TOTAL MARKET CAP 9,059,663,818,361.51 and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this % OF MARKET CAP 94.04% report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions. Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com ““ THISDAY • FRIDAY, JANUARY ¬®, ¯°¬± MARKET NEWS Equities Market Will Recover this Year, Says NSE Chief Executive Officer Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Lagos yesterday, the Chief Onyema, therefore said based on the divergence between the the immediate future, the policymakers to drive policies Exchange Of cer of the Nigerian on the positive forecast and interbank FX rate and other NSE will focus on achieving that will free up the system The Nigerian equities market Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. the initiatives being in place exchange rates in the country. its goal of becoming a more and promote the ease of doing is set experience a positive Oscar Onyema said inves- by the NSE, investors should Accordingly, a convergence of agile and demutualised business in Nigeria. We believe performance this year after tors should expect a positive be optimism about recovery of FX rates in the country and the exchange and will fast track that incentive schemes for sec- recording three consecutive performance this year. the market in 2017. performance of listed corporates efforts towards developing tors of the economy that can years of decline. The market According to him, the capital He said the Nigerian capital will determine the level of innovative products such as support a pivot to export led ended 2016 with a decline of market is a subsector of the market will do a better job at market activity in the short exchange traded derivatives to economy will be bene cial, and 6.17 per cent, which was an Nigerian economy and the promoting its unique value term,” he said. provide investors with tools systematic removal of impedi- improvement on the 17.4 per World Bank has projected proposition to both global Onyema disclosed that the to better weather economic ments to doing business and cent recorded in 2015. that the economy will recover and domestic investors. NSE will take an adaptive realities in 2017. therefore reduction of leakages However, speaking on the from its recession in 2017 with We expect investors to approach to strategy execu- “We intend to strengthen our will attract private sector invest- market outlook for 2017 in a modest growth of 0.6 per cent. continue to keep a close eye tion in 2017, noting that in thought leadership efforts with ments,” Onyema said.

THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED  N PRICE TRADED  N Daily Summary as of €€/ˆ€/€ˆ„‰ GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. ­€ €‚.­­ ‚‚„,††‡ „­,†ˆ­,„‰Š.„‡ Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Š ˆ.†Š „‰,ˆ€ˆ „‚,€††.Šˆ NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC  . , ,. Pharmaceuticals Totals ‰† „,‹‹†,ˆ‡­ „‚,†ˆ€,‹†‰.‰­ Daily Summary (Bonds) HEALTHCARE Totals ‰† „,‹‹†,ˆ‡­ „‚,†ˆ€,‹†‰.‰­ No Debt Trading Activity ICT Daily Summary (Equities) IT Services Activity Summary on Board EQTY TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. „ „.‰† ‚ˆˆ ‡ˆ‚.ˆˆ AGRICULTURE IT Services Totals „ ‚ˆˆ ‡ˆ‚.ˆˆ Crop Production ICT Totals „ ‚ˆˆ ‡ˆ‚.ˆˆ OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.  ‹. , ‹,‹. INDUSTRIAL GOODS PRESCO PLC  ‹. , ,‹. Building Materials Crop Production Totals  , ,Œ.‹ ASHAKA CEM PLC  . , ,,‹. Livestock/Animal Specialties BERGER PAINTS PLC † †.­ˆ Šˆ,€€† ­‰€,‚ˆ„.€† LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.  . ,Œ, ,‹Œ,.‹ CAP PLC  ‹.Œ , ,Œ. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals „† „,ˆ‹‡,‚„„ „,­‚‡,†‰Š.­ˆ CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC  Œ. ,‹ ,,. AGRICULTURE Totals ­„ „,„ˆ€,‹‡ˆ €,„‚Š,‡­†.‰‚ PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC „ˆ ­.­‰ €††,†ˆˆ †‰‰,Š‡ˆ.ˆˆ CONGLOMERATES LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. ­„ ‡ˆ.‚ˆ „Š,­‹­,€€­ „,„‚‹,ˆ‚‹,ˆ‹‹.„‰ Diversified Industries Building Materials Totals ‹‰ „Š,††­,ˆ‹† „,„‰­,­„€,‡‰‡.Š€ A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. ‚ ˆ.‹‹ ­­,‚ˆˆ €‚,ˆ‹ˆ.ˆˆ Electronic and Electrical Products TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC ‰‡ „.„­ ‰,‹Šˆ,Š€­ ‹,‰­‚,Š‚­.†‰ CUTIX PLC. ‰ „.‚„ „­Š,‚ˆˆ €ˆŠ,€Šˆ.ˆˆ U A C N PLC. ‹ . , ,‹,. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals ‰ „­Š,‚ˆˆ €ˆŠ,€Šˆ.ˆˆ Diversified Industries Totals Œ ,Œ‹,Œ ,,. Packaging/Containers CONGLOMERATES Totals Œ ,Œ‹,Œ ,,. BETA GLASS CO PLC.  . , ,,‹. CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Packaging/Containers Totals ‚ €Š,‚€† „,„‰‚,„­‚.‚ˆ Infrastructure/Heavy Construction INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals ‡‹ „‚,„‚€,„ˆ‡ „,„‰Š,‰‡€,€Š­.†€ JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. „­ Š„.‚ˆ ­„,†‹ˆ „,Šˆ†,€„Š.‹‡ OIL AND GAS Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals „­ ­„,†‹ˆ „,Šˆ†,€„Š.‹‡ Energy Equipment and Services Real Estate Development JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC  . , ,‹. UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED ‚ ‚.€ˆ €‡,†ˆ„ „‚Š,‹„‰.Š‡ Energy Equipment and Services Totals € €Š,€‰€ „€,„­„.ˆˆ Real Estate Development Totals ‚ €‡,†ˆ„ „‚Š,‹„‰.Š‡ Integrated Oil and Gas Services CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals „‡ ‰ˆ,‡‹„ „,‚‰­,†­„.€‰ OANDO PLC †ˆ ­.Š‹ ­,‡€‹,‚‹­ „­,€‡‡,‰­€.ˆ‚ CONSUMER GOODS Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals  ‹,Œ,‹ ‹,ŒŒ,‹. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CHAMPION BREW. PLC. ‰ €.‡‚ „†ˆ,†ˆˆ ‚€‡,ˆ‹†.ˆˆ CONOIL PLC €„ „‡.­Š ‡„,„€‚ „,‚ˆ‚,ˆ­Š.‚ˆ GUINNESS NIG PLC €Š „„‡.‡‚ ‚­,ˆˆˆ ‰,€ˆ„,†€Š.†‚ ETERNA PLC.  .Œ ,‹ Œ,Œ‹. INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. ‹ €ˆ.ˆˆ „‚,€ˆˆ €†­,‹‚‹.ˆˆ FORTE OIL PLC. ‡ ­Š€.ˆˆ €ˆ,­ˆˆ ‰,‚†‚,Š‹ˆ.ˆˆ NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. †‡ ††.ˆˆ Š€†,‚Š„ Š€,‹€‡,‹‡†.‡Š MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. €„ „‚ˆ.ˆˆ „‰,€†‚ €,­†‰,ˆ‡ˆ.‰ˆ Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals „­‚ ‰‡‡,‰Š„ Š†,‹‚€,‚‚ˆ.‹† TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. ‹ „Š‚.ˆˆ „­,‰†† „,†‚†,‰†€.†‰ Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals  ‹, ,‹,. 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. † „‰‡.‚ˆ „‰‰,Š‹‰ €‡,€‡‚,†­‹.†‚ Exploration and Production Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals † „‰‰,Š‹‰ €‡,€‡‚,†­‹.†‚ SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD ­­ ­„‡.ˆˆ ­‡†,†­Š „€Š,ˆ­‹,‰ˆ€.‚‰ Food Products Exploration and Production Totals ­­ ­‡†,†­Š „€Š,ˆ­‹,‰ˆ€.‚‰ DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC ‚Š ‚.‰„ €,„€ˆ,­ˆ‰ „„,‰„ˆ,‚€ˆ.„­ OIL AND GAS Totals „‡† Š,Š‹­,Š‡‡ „Š†,†‹‹,Š‹‚.‰‹ FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. ­‡ „†.ˆˆ ­„Š,Š€„ ‚,†‚­,‹†€.†‰ SERVICES HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC ‰ „.­‹ Šˆ,ˆˆˆ ‚‚,‹„‰.ˆˆ Automobile/Auto Part Retailers NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC  .Œ ,Œ‹ Œ,.Œ R T BRISCOE PLC. „ ˆ.‚ˆ †Š„ Š‹ˆ.‚ˆ N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. „ ‰.‰‚ Š­­ €,‹­‰.‚‰ Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals „ †Š„ Š‹ˆ.‚ˆ TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC €† „.€‹ ­,€‡‚,‹­†,„„† Š,ˆ‹Š,­Š‡,‡†Š.ˆ‹ Courier/Freight/Delivery Food Products Totals  ‹,ŒŒ,‹‹, ,,Œ,. RED STAR EXPRESS PLC ‚ ­.‡ˆ ­€,‡‹ˆ „€‹,‹‚‰.Šˆ Food Products--Diversified Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals ‚ ­€,‡‹ˆ „€‹,‹‚‰.Šˆ CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.  .Œ Œ,Œ ‹,Œ. Printing/Publishing NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. ‚Š ‹ˆˆ.ˆˆ †‡,­‰ˆ ‰‡,‚‰‹,†‰€.ˆˆ LEARN AFRICA PLC „­ ˆ.‡† ‰€Š,‚ˆˆ ‚­‡,Š­ˆ.ˆˆ Food Products--Diversified Totals  ,Œ Œ,Œ,Œ. Printing/Publishing Totals „­ ‰€Š,‚ˆˆ ‚­‡,Š­ˆ.ˆˆ Household Durables Transport-Related Services VITAFOAM NIG PLC. „„ Š.Š‰ ††,ˆ‚ˆ Š€ˆ,Š‚‚.ˆˆ AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC „ €.€† Š,‚‡‡ „ˆ,ˆˆ„.‡Š Household Durables Totals  , ,. NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC €€ Š.ˆˆ €‚„,ˆ†Š „,ˆˆ„,‚‡­.‡ˆ Personal/Household Products Transport-Related Services Totals €­ €‚‚,‰‡€ „,ˆ„„,‚‡‚.‰Š P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. „­ €„.†ˆ ­‰,‡‡‹ ‡€ˆ,ˆ­Š.‹‚ Support and Logistics UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. €„ €‡.ˆˆ „­­,„„‹ ­,‹­‹,ˆ‰‹.†€ CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC  .Œ , ,. Personal/Household Products Totals ‹ , ,,. Support and Logistics Totals „ „ˆ,ˆˆˆ „‰,ˆˆˆ.ˆˆ CONSUMER GOODS Totals ­†Š ­,€‡†,‚‹‚,Š†‡ Š,€ŠŠ,‹€‹,‰€†.„„ SERVICES Totals Š­ †€­,††­ „,‰†Š,€Š€.‚Š FINANCIAL SERVICES EQTY Board Totals ,Œ ‹,Œ,, ,Œ,‹,. Banking Daily Summary (Equities) ACCESS BANK PLC. ‡€ Š.„ˆ ­,†‰€,‚ˆ‰ „‰,€„ˆ,€‚‚.‡€ Activity Summary on Board ASeM DIAMOND BANK PLC  . ,‹,‹ ‹,‹,.ŒŒ CONSUMER GOODS ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED €„ „‚.‰ˆ €‹‡,Š‹ˆ Š,„­‰,Š‚†.Šˆ Food Products FIDELITY BANK PLC  . , Œ,Œ.‹ MCNICHOLS PLC  . , ‹,. GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. €ˆˆ „‰.‹ˆ Š,‡Š‹,­„€ ‡ˆ,†‰­,‹†­.ŠŠ Food Products Totals € €‹ˆ,Š‰Š ­€‹,€‰„.ŠŠ SKYE BANK PLC  . ,,ŒŒ ,,. CONSUMER GOODS Totals € €‹ˆ,Š‰Š ­€‹,€‰„.ŠŠ STERLING BANK PLC.  . ,,‹ ,Œ,.Œ ASeM Board Totals  , ‹,. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC „Š‹ €.†‚ ‡,‚‡‰,Š„‡ €‚,­ˆ€,†‚Š.‹„ Daily Summary (Equities) UNION BANK NIG.PLC. „„ ‚.­ˆ ­†,‹‚€ €ˆ‚,‰Š‚.Šˆ Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM UNITY BANK PLC  .‹ , ‹,Œ. FINANCIAL SERVICES WEMA BANK PLC.  .Œ ,, ,Œ‹,. Banking Banking Totals  ‹,, ,,.Œ‹ ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC ­ˆ‰ „„.Š‚ „­,†€†,‰‹† „‚†,‰ˆ‚,Š­†.€­ Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Banking Totals ­ˆ‰ „­,†€†,‰‹† „‚†,‰ˆ‚,Š­†.€­ AIICO INSURANCE PLC. „Š ˆ.‡ˆ €ˆˆ,„ˆ‹ „‰ˆ,‡­‡.‰‹ Other Financial Institutions CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC Œ . , ,‹. FBN HOLDINGS PLC €‹‡ ­.‹Š „ˆ,Š­‡,‚‚€ ­†,‚„‚,ˆ‡‹.„‡ CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC  . ,, ,,. Other Financial Institutions Totals Œ ,‹Œ, ‹,,Œ.Œ LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. ‹ . ,, ,. FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals ‚‡Š €Š,­‰‡,€­„ „††,„€ˆ,‚€‰.Š„ INDUSTRIAL GOODS AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC ‹ €.ˆ‰ ­‚„,‚Šˆ ‹€ˆ,‹€‡.‡ˆ Building Materials N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.  . ‹,Œ ,‹.‹ DANGOTE CEMENT PLC ­‚ „­†.‡­ ­‡,‹‹ˆ ‚,­ˆŠ,‰‰‰.ˆˆ UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC  . ‹,Œ,‹ Œ,Œ,. Building Materials Totals ­‚ ­‡,‹‹ˆ ‚,­ˆŠ,‰‰‰.ˆˆ WAPIC INSURANCE PLC „ ˆ.‚ˆ „ˆ ‚.ˆˆ INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals ‹ ‹Œ, ,‹,. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Š‰ ŠŠ,‡‰‹,‚‹‹ €­,€­Š,­„‚.€‡ PREMIUM Board Totals ‰„† €Š,Šˆ‹,ˆˆ„ €ˆŠ,Š€‚,„†€.Š„ Micro-Finance Banks Equity Activity Totals €,Š­€ ­,Š‚€,†ˆ­,‰‡„ ‚,††ˆ,„Š­,„€†.ˆˆ NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC „ „.ˆ‡ Š,‹‰ˆ Š,†‚ˆ.Šˆ Micro-Finance Banks Totals  , ,. Daily Summary (ETP) Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC ­„ €.Š‰ „,„Š†,Š‰Š €,‡­ˆ,‹€€.‡Š Exchange Traded Fund CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC ‹ Š.ˆˆ €‹,ˆŠ„ „ˆŠ,ˆˆ€.ˆ‰ Name FCMB GROUP PLC.  .Œ ‹,, ,‹,‹. NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) € ,‹‹. ‹, ,Œ,. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC  . ‹Œ,‹ ‹,Œ.‹ VETIVA BANKING ETF € .‹‹  . UNITED CAPITAL PLC €ˆ „.­„ ‹ˆ‡,€‚‚ †­„,‚‚‰.­„ VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF € .  . Other Financial Institutions Totals  ‹‹,, ‹,,. VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF  .  .Œ FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals ‡†­ „ˆ‡,­„‹,†‹‹ „†‚,‰‡„,‹‰€.€‰ VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF € Œ.  . HEALTHCARE Exchange Traded Fund Totals „ˆ ‹, ,Œ,.‹ Pharmaceuticals ETF Board Totals  ‹, ,Œ,.‹ FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC €‹ €.‰† ‰„Š,ˆ‰‚ „,‚‹€,€€­.ˆ‚ ETP Activity Totals  ‹, ,Œ,.‹ FridAY, jAnuArY 13, 2017 • THISDAY  MARKET NEWS NSE Confirms Planned Listing of Medview, Jaiz International Bank

The Nigerian Stock Exchange Market (AseM). market will see a revival “We will also continue of the new issuance market, policies take effect on global (NSE) will list Medview Airline But there are brighter of supplementary listings, our engagement efforts with and potentially one IPO since trade and immigration; pace at the end of this month prospects this year as Onyema return of the new issuance the government to promote the equity market is a forward of global scal and monetary to be followed by the Jaiz yesterday con rmed the listing market and some initial public the listing of privatised state indicator of the economy,” he policy implementation;) oil International Bank Plc. The of both companies in the rst offering (IPOs) since the equity owned entities (SOEs), as well said. price averaging $55 per barrel Chief Executive Of cer of quarter of this year. market is a forward indicator as engage with the private According to him, from as forecasted by the World NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema stated According to the NSE of the economy. sector issuers for listings across the NSE perspective, there Bank following the decision this yesterday while reviewing boss, while Medview will be Meanwhile, he disclosed all of our product categories. are speci c factors that will of OPEC to limit output and the performance of the capital listed at the end of January, that the NSE will enhance We anticipate that determine the pace of global a subsequent improvement in market for 2016 and outlook Jaiz Bank will follow shortly. its cross-border integration secondary market activity economic activity in 2017. the outlook for commodity for 2017 in Lagos. If eventually listed, Medview efforts via African Securities will be challenged initially as “These include political exporters; and ) continued The market recorded will be the third airline to list Exchange Association’s (ASEA) the impact of various policy developments in the West growth in Asia’s largest only one primary listing in on the exchange ADC Airlines African Exchange Linkage measures work their way under the emerging “new economies (i.e. China, India, 2016 when the shares of The and Albarka Airlines, which Project (AELP) model and the through the system. However, world order”, as populist Japan, etc.) and recovery of Initiates Plc were admitted are now defunct. West African Capital Market we expect to see a revival of sentiment towards nationalism other emerging and developing to the Alternative Securities Onyema said the Integration (WACMI) program. supplementary listings, return and protectionist economic economies.

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment oor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the 11-Jan-2017, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a speci c date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.00 1.02 0.33% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,011.89 1,011.89 0.20% Afrinvest Equity Fund 129.48 129.53 1.77% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 215.95 216.03 1.03% Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.84 9.93 1.86% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 15.98% ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.69 0.70 -1.07% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 PACAM Balanced Fund 1.05 1.07 6.56% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.37 10.54 0.34% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.25% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.03% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 12.57 12.95 1.84% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 108.46 109.34 6.52% ARM Discovery Fund 291.72 300.52 1.58% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] ARM Ethical Fund 22.50 23.18 0.72% Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.78% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.25 1.25 0.33% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 106.18 106.93 1.04% Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,839.76 1,850.06 0.47% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.46% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 153.58 153.58 -0.25% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.77 0.78 0.65% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 188.03 188.03 0.61% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 132.32 134.09 1.94% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.43% Nigeria Global Investment Fund 2.15 2.20 5.58% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,609.34 7,709.38 0.42% Paramount Equity Fund 9.32 9.56 -5.41% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Women's Investment Fund 84.01 86.16 3.57% Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.11 1.13 8.56% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Bond Fund 1.22 1.22 15.47% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,088.62 1,089.83 -0.16% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 -1.24% FBN Heritage Fund 110.96 111.73 -0.55% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.83% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $103.83 $104.15 -0.38% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $103.20 $103.42 -0.36% Zenith Equity Fund 9.83 10.00 2.04% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 114.14 115.69 1.33% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.16 11.27 2.28% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Zenith Income Fund 16.77 16.77 1.51% Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 REITS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 0.94 0.95 0.53% FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund 11.41 1.01% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.58 2.58 0.40% SFS Skye Shelter Fund 124.03 0.05% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 8.67 8.77 -1.25% Coral Growth Fund 2,187.95 2,212.49 -0.99% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 75.04 76.44 -0.98% Coral Income Fund 2,116.22 2,116.22 0.57% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 2.71 2.75 -1.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.88 6.96 -2.12% Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.13% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 11.69 11.79 -2.54% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.68 1.70 -0.07% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 15.42 15.62 -3.30% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.81% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 125.52 127.52 -3.33%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.  FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY INTERNATIONAL WORLD OF ISLAM email:[email protected] Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email [email protected] Trump Top Nominees Pompeo The Amazing Quran – 2 Gary Miller/IslamiCity following example. and Mattis Warn of Russia Threat (continued from last week) President-elect Donald Trump’s nations. career military officer to serve as Embryology nominees for defence secretary “I think right now the most secretary of defence in more than Scientific Approach to the Quran and spy chief have been talking important thing is that we recognise 50 years. truly scienti c approach to the Quran A few years ago, a group of men in Riyadh, is possible because the Quran offers Saudi Arabia collected all of the verses in the tough on Russia. the reality of what we deal with But the committee will have Quran which discuss embryology – the growth General James Mattis, defence with Mr Putin and we recognise to approve an exception to a something that is not offered by other religious scriptures, in particular, and of the human being in the womb. They said, secretary nominee, warned NATO that he is trying to break the North rule which says former military “Here is what the Quran says. Is it the truth?”In Atlantic Alliance and that we take staff must spend a minimum of other religions, in general. It is what was under its biggest attack since scientistsA demand. Today there are many people essence, they took the advice of the Quran: “Ask World War Two, including from the steps, the integrated steps, seven years out of of ce before who have ideas and theories about how the universe the men who know.” They chose, as it happened, Moscow. diplomatic, economic, military they can run the Pentagon. works. These people are all over the place, but the a non-Muslim who is a professor of embryology Mike Pompeo, Mr Trump’s and the Alliance steps, working Mr Pompeo, Mr Trump’s scienti c community does not even bother to listen at the University of Toronto. His name is Keith pick to lead the CIA, said Russia with our allies to defend ourselves choice for CIA director, faced to them. This is because within the last century Moore, and he is the author of textbooks on posed a threat in Europe and was where we must,” he told the Senate questions over the president- the scienti c community has demanded a test of embryology – a world expert on the subject. “asserting itself aggressively” in Armed Services Committee. elect’s growing rift with the falsi cation. They say, “If you have theory, do not They invited him to Riyadh and said, “This is what the Quran says about your subject. Is it Ukraine. “I think it’s under the biggest US intelligence community. bother us with it unless you bring with that theory a way for us to prove whether you are wrong or not.” true? What can you tell us?” The pair were among several attack since World War II, sir, and He said he had “every con - While he was in Riyadh, they gave him all cabinet choices facing confirmation that’s from Russia, from terrorist dence” in the US intelligence Such a test was exactly why the scienti c community listened to Einstein towards the beginning of the the help that he needed in translation and all of hearings. groups and with what China is services. century. He came with a new theory and said, “I the cooperation for which he asked. And he was Mr Mattis, a retired general and doing in the South China Sea.” Their assessment that state- believe the universe works like this; and here are so surprised at what he found that he changed Mr Trump’s pick for Pentagon chief, If confirmed, Mr Mattis, directed Russia hackers meddled three ways to prove whether I am wrong!” So the his textbooks. In fact, in the second edition of said Russian President Vladimir nicknamed Mad Dog for his in the US election was “sound”, scienti c community subjected his theory to the one of his books, called Before We Are Born… Putin was trying to divide NATO combative style, would be the first he added. tests, and within six years it passed all three. Of in the section about the history of embryology, course, this does not prove that he was great, but he included some material that was not in the it proves that he deserved to be listened to because rst edition because of what he found in the he said, “This is my idea; and if you want to try Quran was ahead of its time and that those who Israeli Soldiers ‘Caught in Hamas Online to prove me wrong, do this or try that.” believe in the Quran know what other people This is exactly what the Quran has – falsi cation do not know. Honey Trap’ tests. Some are old (in that they have already been I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Keith proven true), and some still exist today. Basically it Moore for a television presentation, and we talked states, “If this book is not what it claims to be, then a great deal about this – it was illustrated by slides Israel’s military says it has Dozens of soldiers were in information about Israeli army all you have to do is this or this or this to prove and so on. He mentioned that some of the things uncovered a scam by Hamas persuaded to install an applica- manoeuvres, forces and weaponry that it is false.” Of course, in 1400 years no one has that the Quran states about the growth of the militants to spy on its soldiers by tion that controlled their phone around the Hamas-dominated been able to do “This or this or this,” and thus it human being were not known until thirty years hacking their mobile phones cameras and microphones. Gaza Strip. is still considered true and authentic. ago. In fact, he said that one item in particular – the Quran’s description of the human being as after posing as women on However, the of cer said a “leech-like clot”(‘alaqah) [Gha r 40:67] – was social media. Hamas was not able to uncover CHANGE OF NAME Falsification Test I affirm that I wish to include my new to him; but when he checked on it, he found Members of the Palestinian any major secrets. that it was true, and so he added it to his book. middle name in my BVN registration I suggest to you that the next time you get into group found the soldiers Most of the soldiers were thereby changing the registration He said, “I never thought of that before,” and online, then tried to strike low-ranking, he added, and name from VICTOR LAWSON to dispute with someone about Islam and he claims he went to the zoology department and asked up a friendship using the the scammers were interested VICTOR IBIGONI LAWSON. All that he has the truth and that you are in darkness, for a picture of a leech. When he found that it fake identities, an of cer former documents remain valid. you leave all other arguments at rst and make this looked just like the human embryo, he decided suggestion. Ask him, “Is there any falsi cation test told reporters. CHANGE OF NAME Relevant Authorities and the to include both pictures in one of his textbooks. general public should please take in your religion? Is there anything in your religion Although the aforementioned example of man I formerly known and note. that would prove you are wrong if I could prove to researching information contained in the Quran CHANGE OF NAME CONFIRMATION OF NAME you that it exists – anything?” Well, I can promise addressed as UGOH This is to notify the general deals with a non-Muslim, it is still valid because I formerly known and addressed AGATHA, now wish to be public that my name was wrongly right now that people will not have anything – no he is one of those who is knowledgeable in the as MISS ADETORO OMOSOLA known and addressed as written as MRS FASHUYI BEATRICE test, no proof, nothing! This is because they do not subject being researched. Had some layman claimed ONUH AGATHA RITA. All instead of MRS FASHUYI BEATRICE carry around the idea that they should not only that what the Quran says about embryology is ADENIJI, now wish to be known former documents remain KIKELOMO. Henceforth, my present what they believe but should also offer and addressed as MRS ADETORO correct names remain MRS true, then one would not necessarily have to valid. The general public FASHUYI BEATRICE KIKELOMO. All others a chance to prove they’re wrong. However, accept his word. However, because of the high OMOSOLA SADIKU. All former should please take note. documents remain valid, Union Islam does that. position, respect, and esteem man gives scholars, documents remain valid. The general I formerly known and addressed as Bank and the general public A perfect example of how Islam provides man should please take note. one naturally assumes that if they research a subject public should please take note. IYAH MOSES AKPEMBENG, with a chance to verify it authenticity and “prove it and arrive at a conclusion based on that research, I formerly known and addressed as now wish to be known and wrong” occurs in the 4th chapter. And quiet honestly, then the conclusion is valid. MISS LATIFAT AGHARESE BELO- addressed as IYAH MOSES. All I was very surprised when I rst discovered this OSAGIE, now wish to be known former documents remain valid. challenge. It states (Surah An-Nisa, 4:82): Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Skeptic’s Reaction and addressed as MRS LATIFAT The general public should please Had it been from other Than Allah, they AGHARESE OKARA. All former take note. would surely have found therein Much discrepancy. Dr. Moore also wrote a book on clinical embryology, documents remain valid. The general I formerly known and addressed as This is a clear challenge to the non-Muslim. Basically, and when he presented this information in Toronto, it caused quite a stir throughout Canada. It was public should please take note. GBADEBO ADETUTU WAZLIAT, it invites him to nd a mistake. As a matter of fact, I formerly known and addressed the seriousness and dif culty of the challenge aside, on the front pages of some of the newspapers now wish to be known and addressed across Canada, and some of the headlines were as MISS OLAITAN MARY as GBADEBO ADETUTU the actual presentation of such a challenge in the rst place is not even in human nature and is inconsistent quite funny. For instance, one headline read: SALAMI, now wish to be known and RACHEAL. All former documents “SURPRISING THING FOUND IN ANCIENT addressed as MRS OLAITAN MARY with man’s personality. One doesn’t take an exam remain valid. The general public in school and after nishing the exam, write a note PRAYER BOOK!” It seems obvious from this POPOOLA. All former documents should please take note. to the instructor at the end saying, “This exam is example that people do not clearly understand what it is all about. As a matter of fact, one newspaper remain valid. The general public I formerly known and addressed as perfect. There are no mistakes in it. Find one if you should please take note. can!” One just doesn’t do that. The teacher would reporter asked Professor Moore, “Don’t you think ALHAJI SULEMAN AHMED, now that maybe the Arabs might have known about I formerly known and addressed as wish to be known and addressed not sleep until he found a mistake! And yet this is MISS AMINA YUSUF PETERS, the way the Quran approaches people. these things – the description of the embryo, as DR. IDOGHOR SAMUEL its appearance and how it changes and grows? now wish to be known and addressed AKINTOLA. All former documents Maybe they were not scientists, maybe they did as MRS AMINAT ANIEKAN remain valid. The general public Ask Those Who Have Knowledge some crude dissections on their own – carved up ASUQUO. All former documents should please take note. people and examined these things.” The professor remain valid. The general public Another interesting attitude that exists in the Quran immediately pointed out to him that he [i.e., the I formerly known and addressed repeatedly deals with its advice to the reader. The should please take note. as EMMANUEL ADUKE reporter] had missed a very important point – all Quran informs the reader about different facts and of the slides of the embryo that had been shown I formerly known and addressed as OMOFADEKE, now wish to then gives the advice: “If you want to know more JOY AJEGBELEN OGEDEGBE, be known and addressed as and that had been projected in the lm had come about this or that, or if you doubt what is said, then from pictures taken through a microscope. He now wish to be known and addressed OJOSIPE EMMANUEL ADUKE you should ask those who have knowledge.” This OMOFADEKE. All former documents said, “It does not matter if someone had tried as JOY AJEGBELEN ILENRE. All too is a surprising attitude. It is not usual to have a to discover embryology fourteen centuries ago. former documents remain valid. The remain valid. The general public should book that comes from someone without training in please take note. They could not have seen it!” general public should please take geography, botany, biology, etc., who discusses these I formerly known and addressed All of the descriptions in the Quran of the note. subjects and then advises the reader to ask men appearance of the embryo are of the item when I formerly known and addressed as MRS NWABUEZE JULIET of knowledge if he doubts anything. Yet in every it is still too small to see with the eye; therefore, as MISS UCHE SANDRA AMAKA, now wish to be known and age there have been Muslims who have followed one needs a microscope to see it. Since such a KANIKWU, now wish to be addressed as MRS NWABUEZE the advice of the Quran and made surprising device had only been around for little more than known and addressed as MRS discoveries. If one looks to the works of Muslim UCHE KANIKWU TUNIKA . All JULIET NDIDIAMAKA. All former two hundred years, Dr. Moore taunted, “Maybe documents remain valid, Nursing documents remain valid. The general scientists of many centuries ago, one will nd fourteen centuries ago someone secretly had a midwifery counsil of Nigeria and public should please take note. them full of quotations from the Quran. These microscope and did this research, making no the general public should please works state that they did research in such a place, mistakes anywhere. Then he somehow taught take note. looking for something. And they af rm that the Muhammad and convinced him to put this I formerly known and addressed reason they looked in such and such a place was information in his book. Then he destroyed his as MISS OLUWASHOLA ALABA that the Quran pointed them in that direction. equipment and kept it a secret forever. Do you AYANTUGA now wish to be For example, the Quran mentions man’s origin believe that? You really should not unless you known and addressed as MRS and then tells the reader, “Research it!” It gives bring some proof because it is such a ridiculous OLUWASHOLA ALABA SHITTU. All the reader a hint where to look and then states theory.” In fact, when he was asked, “How do former documents remain valid. that one should nd out more about it. This is the you explain this information in the Quran?” Dr. The general public should please kind of thing that Muslims today largely seem to Moore’s reply was, “It could only have been divinely take note. overlook – but not always, as illustrated in the revealed!” FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY  NEWSEXTRA Rivers Rerun: PDP Alleges Arrest, Detention of 21 INEC Ad-hoc Staff Commission denies knowledge of incident

Party crying wolf, says APC Police decline comment

Ernest Chinwo in Port arrested would be transferred money, not only those of the opposition by wrongly indicting allegation. That is clearly outside attempt to speak for the Nigeria Harcourt to Abuja and paraded during APC, but all Nigerians. innocent citizens, the my jurisdiction since it has to do Police, we wish to state that a press conference that would “It is unfortunate that government and leaders of the with the Force headquarters,” the PDP is simply crying wolf The Peoples Democratic Party be organised by the Police High the police under the current PDP in the state”. he said. and this is typical of them and (PDP) in Rivers State has Command, in conjunction with Inspector General of Police, have But the INEC in the state has Also reacting to the therefore not surprising to many. alleged that the the Special the top leadership of the All so abused their constitutional said while it was aware that allegations, the state chapter We do not see why the PDP Joint Investigation Panel on Progressives Congress (APC). responsibilities and have now the police investigation team of APC said the PDP was only should be too worried that the Rivers Rerun election set “This latest development turned into a security arm of a had sought and obtained the crying wolf as it should have ad-hoc staff of INEC or indeed up by the Inspector General of undoubtedly, is a conrmation of political party, the APC. permission of the commission no business as to whom the anybody is invited by the Nigeria Police, Ibrahim Idris, has arrested the fact that the police committee He said the party had to interview its ad-hoc staff, it police interrogates to get at the Police to assist it on any issue. and detained 21 ad-hoc staff led by its chairman, Mr. Damain expected the police to be more had no knowledge of their arrest truth of what happened during How that becomes a source of of the Independent National Okoro, that arrived the state professional, objective, apolitical, and detention. the rerun. worry for the PDP is baf ing to Electoral Commission (INEC), on January 11, 2017, is on a and uphold the tenets of the The state Resident Electoral The state Publicity Secretary us. Could it be a conrmation who took part in the legislative mission of witch-hunt against the constitution and regulations as Commission (REC) of INEC, of APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, of our long-held suspicion that re-run election in the state and state governor, Wike, the PDP contained in the Electoral Act, Aniedi Ikoiwak, also said he was said in a statement yesterday, PDP smuggled their members served in areas where candidates leadership and candidates of the relating to the role of security not aware the ad-hoc staff were “The APC notes with shock into the INEC ad-hoc staff list of the party won. party, who emerged victorious in agencies in an election. through with their testimonies that Rivers PDP is accusing the in order to do their bidding? The party said the INEC the December 10, re-run election “Regrettably, the police in before the panel or if they were Nigeria Police of becoming the Or could the investigation of ad-hoc staff were arrested in Rivers State,” he said. the case of Rivers State have transferred to Abuja. security arm of APC. This is the ad-hoc staff possibly lead Wednesday night and He emphasised: “Although, become a tool of witch-hunt The police have also refused a joke taken too far by every to the unravelling of possible detained at the State Criminal the police authorities have by the federal government and to comment on the allegations. decent standard in politics. extent and dimensions of Investigation Department in Port actually made no pretence certain Rivers politicians of the The state Police Public “We recall that in the same compromise of INEC ofcials Harcourt. about their biased role on issues APC,” he said. Relations Ofcer, Nnamdi press statement PDP accused by Gov. Nyesom Wike and the A statement issued yesterday surrounding the exercise in the He called on well-meaning Omoni (DSP), told THISDAY the Nigeria Police of arresting 21 PDP hence the apprehension and on behalf of the state Chairman state, with the premature sack Nigerians “to rise against that he was not competent ad-hoc staff of the Independent false alarm?” of the PDP, Felix Obuah, by his of six of their men attached to this ugly trend and abuse of to react to the allegations as INEC, who took part in the He said the PDP was jittery media adviser, Jerry Needam, the governor, and their refusal to responsibility by the Police it was targeted at the Force legislative re-run election in because the INEC ad-hoc staff said those arrested were question the conduct of Mr. Akin high command and the APC Headquarters. the state. could make confessions that transferred to Abuja yesterday Fakorede during the election, leadership in trying to silence the “I cannot comment on the While the APC will not would indict the party. afternoon and that they were but of much concern is what being forced to confess receiving these activities portend for our money from the state Governor, democracy and the image of the Chief Nyesom Wike, the PDP, Police and other security forces and its candidates to in uence who swore oath of allegiance of the victory of the party in the neutrality and to defend, protect re-run election in the state. and respect the provisions of Obuah said according to the the constitution of Nigeria and source at the state CID, more rights of all citizens, and who arrests would be made and those are maintained by tax payers’ Nigeria May Lose Another $550m Abacha Loots to US, Sagay Warns Tobi Soniyi in Abuja the US following a court judgment in August 2014. The Chairman, Presidential He said the government had Advisory Committee Against demanded that the money be Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse returned to Nigeria unconditionally. Sagay (SAN), yesterday in Abuja Sagay explained that stringent warned that Nigeria was closed to conditions for repatriation being losing another $550million stolen given by the countries, particularly fund recovered from the family of the U.S in which some of the late military Head of State, Gen. nation’s stolen wealth are stashed , to the United States. contradicted the earlier promises Sagay, who spoke at a press made to the government. briefing on asset recovery and asset He therefore appealed to return held in Abuja, said what Nigerians in Diaspora to join the the federal government wanted recovery efforts of the federal GOD WILL COMFORT YOU is an unconditional return of the government. Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (left), presenting condolence letter o the wife of the late former Governor of Senator country’s stolen wealth. The chairman of PACAC said: Zaynab Kure in Minna....yesterday He said: “Nigeria presently “This is the time for Nigerians stands to lose another $550 million in Diaspora and every friend of recovered from the Abacha’s family Nigeria to get involved in the Buhari: Corruption Remains Nigeria’s Worst Problem to the US contrary to the earlier advocacy to recover stolen assets, promise by the US to return same not in just in words but in deed. Tobi Soniyi in Abuja ‘‘Nobody disputed the periods of over 100 dollars in their investiture last year, to Nigeria.” “We need no apologies from fact that they were the major previous years. December 1, 2016, commended According to him, the amount recipients of stolen assets. Our President Muhammadu problems of Nigeria, and we ‘‘There was no money in the government on the anti- represented a separate tranche from demand is the unconditional return Buhari yesterday in Abuja campaigned on those three the treasury,’’ he added. ‘‘We corruption war, noting, however, the earlier $480 million forfeited to of our stolen national patrimony.” said corruption ranked the planks. As a government, we were producing less than one that more enlightenment ‘‘very worst” of all the major believe you cannot administer a million barrels of oil per day, campaign needed to be done problems confronting Nigeria. country you have not secured, from the 2.2 million barrels we on how corruption slows down A statement issued by the so we focused on security. used to do. The country was development. Presidency: Nigeria Has Not Cut Special Adviser to the President ‘‘The economy is also in a terrible shape, but luckily, The dons also canvassed on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi down, therefore, we are not the people understand, and are more funding for research, Ties with Taiwan Adesina said Buhari spoke while sparing any effort to revive cooperating with us.’’ and appreciated the federal receiving recipients of the 2016 and diversify it, so that our Commending the 2016 government for the National Tobi Soniyi in Abuja the level of trade representation Nigerian National Order of people, particularly the youths, merit award winners, Prof. Order of Merit, ‘‘as nothing can and this has not changed from Merit (NNOM) at the State can get jobs. The third problem, Omowunmi Sadik for be compared to being honoured The presidency has dismissed as what it used to be. House. and the worst of them all is distinguishing herself in the by your own country.” incorrect reports that Nigeria has “Taiwan trade office is the only The president said the ruling corruption,’’ the President Sciences, and Prof. Tanure The Chairman of the Nigerian cut ties with Taiwan. Taiwanese representation in Nigeria political party, All Progressives declared. Ojaide, in the Humanities, National Merit Award, Prof. A statement by the Senior Special and Nigeria’s trade office in Taipei is Congress (APC), had identied Buhari told the awardees that President Buhari described their Moses Etim, who led the team, Assistant to the President on Media our only representation in Taiwan. three major challenges facing the country was in a terrible contributions to the academia said 73 awards had been given and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, “Nigeria recognises and will the nation as insecurity, poor shape when the administration and national development as out since 1979, when the desire said: “The correct position is that sustain the “One China” policy economy, and corruption, noting came into power in 2015, with ‘‘quite fundamental’’. to identify and reward creative the official relationship between and nothing has happened so far that corruption was the most oil prices falling to as low as 37 In separate remarks, the excellence among Nigerians was Nigeria and Taiwan has been at to change that level of relationship. debilitating of all the ills. dollars per barrel, from peak award recipients, who had instituted into the NNOM.  FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY

NEWSEXTRA Army Sues Premium Times over Alleged False Publication As Editor kicks, demands apology

Emma Okonji false, subversive and malicious withdrawing the allegations and public officers, especially of the our client media professionalism, told the army in his letter. publications against the person of threats against it and its staff, or military and security agencies ethics and standards,” the paper Part of the letter read: Even The Nigerian Army has told its the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant risk being sued. who are charged with the duty said. under the current civil government, lawyers to institute legal action General Tukur Buratai and the Ogunye, the newspaper’s to secure and protect Nigeria “It really can be exasperating the officers and men of the against Premium Times, an online Nigerian Army. All efforts to make principal counsel, who signed and Nigerians, their lives and and disconcerting to see public Nigerian Army continue to carry news site for allegedly publishing the medium make amend proved the response, took the army to property, and maintain law and officers condescendingly castigate out acts that threaten the survival series of false and malicious news abortive. The medium however task on the “grave implications” order, but who often, because of journalists, many of whom are of democratic governance. The against the Nigerian Army and the remained adamant and recalcitrant. of its letter, and describing the the uniqueness of that duty and for not only internationally acclaimed roles played by officers and men Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Consequently, the Nigerian Army army’s letter as a threat to the reason of the exclusive bearing of and celebrated but who also have of the Nigerian Army in the Ekiti General Tukur Buratai. has briefed it’s lawyers to institute well-being and life of Premium arms and control of our commonly up to forty years of practice as State Governorship Election in The Director, Army Public legal action against the medium.” Times’ staff. owned ordinance, assume very journalists under their belt,” the 2014; the insertion of the Nigerian Relations, Brigadier General Sani But rather than retracting the “By your letter you have erroneously that they are above letter stated. Army in the partisan allegation Kukasheka Usman, who made publication, Premium Times has threatened the lives of our clients, the law,” Ogunye said. Ogunye also criticised the that the WASC School Certificate the disclosure, said the action of written the Nigerian Army, through and our clients are thus obliged He rebuked the army for army’s penchant for claiming of our President, Muhammadu the Nigerian Army to go to court, its lawyer, Barrister Jiti Ogunye, to put the public on notice that describing Premium Times,’ stories exclusivity of patriotism and Buhari; the seizure and confiscation was prompted by the refusal of demanding apology from Buratai. should any harm come to them, as “unprofessional” saying military national sacrifice. of newspapers nationwide during the online publication to retract the The Editor-in-Chief/Chief you, the Chief of Army Staff and and other public officials were “Sir, the Nigerian Army of the Presidency of Goodluck stories, despite several warnings Operating Officer, PREMIUM the Nigerian Army should be held not in a position to question the which you spoke so glowingly Jonathan by men and of cers by the army, backed with a letter TIMES, Musikilu Mojeed, who accountable,” Ogunye wrote. paper’s professionalism. is an heir to a military that of the Nigerian Army under dated December 22, 2016, calling confirmed the letter in a statement, He said the “chilling threats” “The penchant of public officers unpatriotically subverted, many the guise of looking for for retraction. said on Wednesday, the newspaper contained in the army’s letter was to flippantly, arrogantly and times, constitutional governance terrorist elements; and the The letter which was signed by published a letter dated December an affront on the constitutional ignorantly label media reports in Nigeria, plunged Nigeria into recent killings that attended Major General IM Alkali, accused 22, written on behalf of Mr. guarantee of civilian control of and stories and journalists a three-year internecine civil war, the insistence on right of way Premium Times of publishing false Buratai, by I.M Alkali, a Major the army and the freedom of ‘unprofessional’ once they are committed unspeakable rights by the Nigerian Army against stories against the Chief of Army General, accusing Premium Times the press. affected by media reports and violations against the Nigerian the adherents of the Shiite Staff and the Nigerian Army, over of “unwarranted serial provocative, “It is our view that all working stories must be deprecated with people and thwarted the efforts Islamic Sect in Zaria, in which insurgency in the North-east, unauthorised, libelous and journalists and news outlets are decorous pungency. Sir, you are of Nigerians to restore democratic hundreds of civilians lost their without verification from the defamatory publications. entitled to some protection from not in any position at all to teach governance to Nigeria,” Ogunye lives, are cases in point. army. Alkali had in the letter, According to Musikilu, the asked Premium Times to retract letter from the army, expressed the stories and publish same displeasure with three stories before December 31, 2016, but published by the medium between the online publication stood its October and December last year. ground, and had rather demanded The army described the stories for an apology from the army as “false, unsubstantiated, and over its threat issued against the unprofessional” but provided staff of the medium. no evidence to back its claim. Based on its refusal to retract the Musikilu however said that story, the army briefed its lawyers Premium Times, on Tuesday, and asked them to institute a legal through its lawyers, delivered action against the publication, a detailed response to the Usman said in a statement. Army, affirming its stories, and According to him, “The Nigerian unequivocally rejecting the demand Army has instituted a legal action for retractions and apology. against an online publication, the The paper, instead, asked the Premium Times, over its failure army to write a letter within to retract and apologies over seven days of receiving its reply, : Court Fixes Feb 10 to Rule on Kanu’s Application

Alex Enumah in Abuja applications, however ordered the prosecution counsel to file his reply The Federal High Court in Abuja and serve it on the defence and GREAT SCHOLARS hearing the case of the Leader of fixed January 12 for the adoption R-L: Recipient (Sciences), National Order of Merit (NNOM) , Prof. Omowunmi Sadik; President Muhammadu Buhari; Prof. Moses Etim; Chairman, NNOM Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of all processes. Board, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, recipient (Humanities); and his wife, MAnne, during the courtesy visit by the †‡ˆ‰ NNOM award recipients to the Presidential Nnamdi Kanu, and three others At the resumed trial yesterday, Villa in Abuja ... yesterday G O over alleged treasonable felony has Defence lawyers argued that the fixed February 10 to rule on proof of evidence upon which a motion by the defendants their clients are being tried does Fayose: Senate’s Rejection of Buhari’s Policies seeking to quash the charges not established any prima-facie against them. case against them. Justice Binta Nyako Ejiofor therefore urged the court Signpost no Confidence Vote yesterday xed the date to quash the charges against the after listening to submission defendants on grounds that the Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti now standing up in defence of policies. on Nigerians. of counsel in the matter. prosecution’s proofs of evidence the ordinary Nigerians, who are “Some of such major “Also, they knew that a complete Kanu, and his co-accused, failed to link the defendants with Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele suffering as a result of bad policies interventions were the stoppage shutdown of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Chidiebere Onwudiwe, the alleged offences. Fayose, has hailed the National of the federal government.” of the planned data tariff increase, International Airport, Abuja and Benjamin Madubugwu and Responding, prosecuting Assembly for standing firm against In a release issued yesterday resolution urging the Nigeria diversion of flights to the Kaduna David Nwawuisi are currently counsel led by Suaibu Labaran the anti-people policies of the All by his Special Assistant on Public Customs Service (NCS) to suspend airport will endanger the lives of facing an amended 11-count who vehemently opposed the Progressives Congress (APC)-led Communications , Lere Olayinka, the ban on the importation of both local and international air charge slammed against them application, insisted that the federal government of President Governor Fayose said it was vehicles through land travellers that will have to travel by the federal government. applications lacked merit and Muhammadu Buhari in recent heart-warming that the National borders, and opposition by land from Kaduna to Abuja and The charges range from urged the court to consequently times. Assembly helped Nigerians to of the planned closure of the further jeopardise the economy of treasonable felony, terrorism dismiss it. Fayose said: “Persistent rejection prevent the planned data tariff Nnamdi Azikiwe International the country. and illegal possession of rearms. He insisted that the defendants of the President Buhari’s policies increase, with the National Airport, Abuja, for the repairs “Instead of closing the Abuja They however, pleaded not are guilty of the alleged crimes and by a National Assembly that is Communications Commission of its runway and the diversion airport completely, why not use guilty to all the charges. At the last should therefore face their trial. controlled by his own party is an (NCC) suspending the new of ights to the Kaduna airport. the VIP section? sitting, counsel to the first defendant, The judge however adjourned indirect way of passing vote of no minimum pricing template “Particularly, even though “It appears this government Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had informed the court till February 10 to decide on the confidence on the president and for data services by mobile elementary should know of President Buhari is just here to of pending applications seeking to application. a call to action by the president operators in deference to the that ban on the importation of inflict hardships on Nigerians and quash the charges against the four Meanwhile, a large crowd of and his men to take proper stock.” Senate resolution. vehicles through land borders I commend the National Assembly defendants. demonstrators demanding the The governor, who expressed The governor said; “In the would cause loss of several for standing firmly on the side of He also informed the court of release of the IPOB leader and happiness that “even the National last few months, the National thousands of jobs and further the masses by showing to the whole another application challenging the his co-accused had continue to Assembly members have now Assembly as an institution has make vehicles unaffordable for world that the president and his competence of the charge against the gather outside the premises of seen what he had seen since the come to the aid of the suffering ordinary Nigerians, the federal government no longer enjoy the defendants. the Headquarters of the Federal beginning of the present APC masses of Nigeria by stopping government adopted the policy confidence of the people, especially The court, though did not take the High Court, Abuja. led federal government and are the federal government bad without minding its adverse effects the suffering masses.” FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY  NEWSEXTRA Buhari Approves New Management for River Basin Development Authorities Tobi Soniyi inA buja Dr. Abdu K. Tashikalma, Development Authority: Dr. Adeniyi Dr. Austen A.T. Pabor, Executive Development Authroity: Director, Agricultural Services, Yusuf Executive Director, Agricultural Saheed Aremu, Managing Director, Director, Planning and Design, Buhari Bature Mohammed, Daniel Ajemasu – Executive Director, President Muhammadu Buhari has Services, Modu Surum, Executive Abdulkarim Mohammed Bello, Mr. Isaac Akpoede Otuorimo, Managing Director, Jafar A. Planning and Design, Mr. Haruna N. approved the reconstitution of the Director, Planning and Design, Executive Director, Engineering, Executive Director, Finance and Sadeeq, Executive Director, Musa, Executive Director, Finance Executive Management of River Falmata Maina Dalatu (Mrs.), Tajuddeen A. Affinih, Executive Administration.Ogun-Oshun River Engineering, Sanusi Mai-Afu, and Administration. Basin Development Authorities Executive Director, Finance and Director, Agricultural Services, Basis Development Authority: Executive Director, Agricultural Upper Niger River Basis under the Federal Ministry of Administration Olawale Victor, Executive Director, Olufemi Olayemi Odumosu, Services, Murtala Dalhatu, Development Basin Authority: Prof. Water Resources. Cross River Basin Development Planning and Design. Abu Atsumbe Managing Director, Iyiola Executive Director, Planning Abdulkarim M. Ali, Managing A statement by the Senior Authority: Bassey E. Nkposong Abdullahi, Executive Director, Rufus A. -- Executive Director, and Design, Faruk Madugu Director David Emmanuel, Special Assistant to the President -- Managing Director, Esin Winston Finance and Administration Engineering, Bolanle A. Olaniyan, Gwandu, Executive Director, Executive Director, Engineering on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Mosembe -- Executive Director, Niger Delta River Basin Executive Director, Agricultural Finance and Administration Dr. Abdu Aminu Omar, Shehu said the the appointments Engineering, Dr. U.A. Essien, Development Authority: Tonye Services, Adesanya Mutiu Upper Benue River Basis Executive Director, Agricultural were with immediate effect. Executive Director, Agricultural David-West, Managing Director, Omoniyi -- Executive Director, Development Authority: Services, John Bature Gimba, The Anambra-Imo River Basis Services, Mr. I.I. Udoh, Executive Okwonu Benson, Executive Director, Planning and Design, Olayiwola Abubakar Muazu, Managing Executive Director, Planning and Development Authority: Rev. Director, Planning and Design, Mrs. Engineering, Ikuromo E. Joshua, A. Baruwa, Executive Director, Director, Mukhtar Umar Isa, Design Alhassan Bawa Ugbada, Michael Nwabufo, Managing Okpata Egbe, Executive Director, Executive Director, Agricultural Finance and Administration. Executive Director, Engineering, Executive Director, Finance and Director, Michael C. Nwachukwu, Administration and Finance Services Sokoto Rima River Basin Dr. Abdulhameed Girei -- Executive Administration. Executive Director, Dr. Nweze Hadeja-Jama’re River Basin B. Obasi, Executive Director, Development Authority: Dr. Agricultural Services, Benjamin Ado Khalid Abdullahi, Managing Aneke, Executive Director, Director, Abubakar Mohammed, Jaiz Takaful Unveils Profit-sharing Insurance Planning and Design. Mrs. Ngozi Executive Director, Engineering C. Uche, Executive Director, Ma’amun Da’u Aliyu, Executive Concept in Nigeria Finance and Administration Director, Agricultural Services, Benin-Owena River Basin Umar Kura, Executive Director, Jaiz Takaful has rolled out first-of-its- shared among its participants and doubt change the dynamics in very transparent and practical. Development Authority: Saliu Planning and Design, Mohammed kind insurance products intended shareholders in relation to the scale the Insurance industry where Takaful has come to address all O. Ahmed, Managing Director, Awwal Wada, Executive Director, to share profits with participants/ of their investment. individuals who were hitherto very the objectionable about conventional Modupe V. Olalemi – Executive Finance and Administration. clients. The contract of Takaful as skeptical about the conventional insurance (Riba, Interest, Maysir). Director, Engineering, Agbetuyi Lower Benue River Basin Takaful is an Islamic insurance a business venture is based insurance now have Takaful as Jaiz Takaful Insurance is a O. Bamidele, Executive Development Authority: concept based on the Islamic on the Islamic pro t-sharing an alternative, in addition to a public limited liability company Director, Agricultural Services, Mahmoud O. Adra, Managing principle of Taawun known as of Al-Mudarabah principle. speedy settlement of claims as registered with Corporate Affairs Olumese E. Charles -- Executive Director, Mathias U. Udoyi, mutual benefits. Takaful subscribers Subscribers of Takaful shall well asdistribution of pro t to Commission (CAC) and regulated Director, Planning and Design, Executive Director, Engineering, have a bond among themselves as be entitled to share pro ts on participant at the end of the year. by National Insurance Commission Akinya Folorunsho Samson, Samuel J. Ochai, E.D. Agricultural participants who agree to jointly contributions paid in consideration The MD/CEO of Jaiz Takaful (NAICOM). It is among the rst Executive Director, Finance and Services, Emmanuel Yepwi, indemnify the loss or damage that for their participation in Takaful Insurance, Momodu Musa Joof, full-edged Takaful insurance Administration. Executive Director, Planning may come upon any of them out products, to be provided by Jaiz said their products are inspired by providers in Nigeria which are Chad Basin Development and Design, Richard N. Ndidi, of the funds or contribution pool. Takaful Insurance Plc subject to the need for customers to benefit shariah compliant and it is now Authority: Abba Garba, Managing Executive Director, Finance and Most importantly, at the end of a declaration of pro t at the end from the contributions they pay as open for business to Muslims and Director Babagana Uroma, Administration. business year, any profit made under of the nancial year. policyholders. non-Muslims across Nigeria and Executive Director, Engineering, Lower Niger River Basin Takaful will be proportionately Takaful operations will in no He added that the concept is beyond.  FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Help Rally Igbo Support for FG, Atiku Tells Nwodo PDP hails president-general’s election Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja holding a hitch-free and rancour- on your well-deserved victory as of information under General equation of this country. Ojukwu becoming the chairman free election thereby showing that the President-General of the apex Abdulsalami Abubakar, having “I am aware of your of the strategic committee of Former Vice President and chieftain democratic transfers of power in Igbo socio-cultural organisation, served meritoriously in those past contributions to the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo. of the All Progressives Congress our society can be carried out in Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo. We were of ces, we have no doubt that development of this body, I “With that at the back of my (APC), , has urged a harmonious manner. delighted at the news of your you will bring your wealth of recall with nostalgia our joint mind, it is very clear to me, you the newly elected president of Atiku urged the new executive victory. experience to bear in this exalted involvement in reorganising are firmly on a familiar terrain the apex Igbo socio-cultural of the group and the generality “We were confident you would of ce. , when some and would act decisively to organisation, the Ohanaeze, Chief of Igbos to join hands with the emerge the President-General of “Your emergence would no of us came together under uplift the Igbo Nation at home John Nnia Nwodo, to assist in new President-General to proffer the Igbo umbrella body, having doubt restore the moral compass the able leadership of Dim and in diaspora with pride and mobilising his people to support solutions to the myriads of issues proven in the past, of your capacity of the group and return it to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu dignity. “As you embark on your President Muhammadu Buhari- of interest to the and and competence with the various glorious visions of its founding Ojukwu, Senator , new responsibilities, we wish to led administration. Nigerians in general. positions you have held such as fathers; and set it on course to , Prof. ABC assure you of the continuous While congratulating Nwodo The former vice president second republic minister under chat the way forward for the Nwosu, your good self and cooperation of the PDP in the on his election as President- called on Nwodo to also mobilise President , minister Igbo nation in the political my humble self, which led to affairs of Ndigbo. General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the the Igbo people to give maximum apex socio-cultural organisation support to the government of of the Igbo nation, Atiku urged President Muhammadu Buhari in him to galvanise his kinsmen to his effort to re-position and unite proffer solutions to the myriads the country, adding that political of issues of interest to the Igbo unity and peace are important for people and Nigerians in general. economic development to take In a statement issued by his place in the country. media of ce yesterday, the former Atiku pledged his readiness to vice president said Nwodo’s work with the new leadership of election: “Is auspicious coming the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to further a at a time when the Igbo nation, national agenda that will make all nay, the entire Nigerian federation Nigerians proud of their country. is facing challenges of nationhood, Meanwhile, the National and needs men and women of Caretaker Committee of the knowledge and goodwill to get Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the country out of this challenge.” has expressed joy at the emergence He said Nwodo could not of Nwodo as the as the President- have assumed leadership at a General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo. better time. Meanwhile, the PDP has said Atiku noted that Nwodo ranks it is ready to work with the new very high among the many quality leader of the Igbo nation to drive men and women in the Igbo the cause of national development. nation who could ll the position In a statement issued yesterday of Leader of Ohanaeze, and for by the Secretary of the Caretaker the mantle to have fallen on the Committee, Senator Ben Ndi Obi, former Minister of Information the party urged the president- attests to the high esteem in general to use his office to chat which he is held in Igbo land the way forward for the Igbo and beyond. nation in the political equation The APC chieftain commended of this country. the leadership of Ohanaeze for “I write to congratulate you FUTURE LEADERS Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam (left), waving to the students of Government Secondary School, Yunusari, when he visited to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the school .....yesterday APC NWC Grills Kwankwanso Ijaw Youths: Buhari Pushing Our People Deputy senate leader meets Oyegun

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja the unity of the zonal chapter of to the Wall the party. The leadership of the All However, Abdulkadir, on his Stop harassing ex-president’s family, protesting youths tell president Progressives Congress (APC) part, accused the Governor of yesterday waded into the brewing Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufa’I, crisis in the North-west zonal and the former governor of Kano Christopher Isiguzo in the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), innocent people to suffer,” he said. money was stashed in the place. chapter of the party as it summoned State of sponsoring allegations of Enugu and Emmanuel Addeh a militant group that has vowed He added that the outfit However, the youths who Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso fraud against him due to their in Yenagoa to resume its onslaught on critical legally established by the federal stormed Enugu metropolis after to explain his role in the crisis. bitterness in the manner in infrastructure in the creeks of the government in collaboration with submitting a letter at the Enugu Also yesterday, the Deputy which the national leadership Youths of Ijaw descent under the oil-rich area after it claimed that the Government State Police Command said Mrs. Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Alla, of the party handled the crisis Ijaw Youth Council, Worldwide President Buhari was not interested would work with the security Jonathan deserved public apology came to interface with the national in both state chapters. (IYC) yesterday accused President in the scheduled talks. agencies to maintain order in since nothing was found in her leadership of APC and to brief the THISDAY gathered from sources Muhammadu Buhari of frustrating Ukparasia, formerly known in the state. home. party on the recent change of guards at the meeting that Kwankwaso efforts at achieving peace in the the creeks in the region as ‘General But the concerned Ijaw youths A spokesman of the group, in the office of the Senate Majority came to explain all that he knew Niger Delta. Africa’, warned the avengers to stay covering the nine states of the Niger Mr. Nwachukwu Kachukwu Leader. about the brewing crisis which is The leadership of the organisation away from the region especially Delta yesterday said President David, who addressed Kwankwaso who arrived at said to be linked with the earlier stated that the region had been his home state, Bayelsa. Buhari should be blamed if there’s journalists called on the the party secretariat at about face-off between him and Kano “pushed to the wall” by the The former militant who now fresh crisis in the region. federal government to face 2.30 pm yesterday, met with the Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. president who has deliberately oversees the state Waterways Meanwwhile, protesting various challenges facing the party’s National Chairman, Chief It was gathered that refused to set up a negotiating Security Task Force (BSWSTF), Igbo youths yesterday crippled nation instead of engaging in John Odigie-Oyegun, behind Kwankwaso expressed displeasure team 90 days after the leaders and spoke in Yenagoa during a patrol business activities within Enugu unnecessary witch-hunt. closed-doors for about 30 p.m. with the way the crisis in the Kano elders of the region met with him of the creeks of the state. metropolis as they asked the federal He declared: “Power and stormed out with his aides State chapter was handled by the in Abuja. He said that the security outfit government to face the myriads of supply has gone from bad in tow, shoving aside media men Senator -led Yesterday’s outburst by President which he heads would not joke problems in the country and stop to worse; many homes could who wanted to interview him. committee which investigated the of the IYC, Udengs Eradiri, also with its mandate to secure the further harrasement of the family not buy rice for Christmas; The quarrel among the party removal of the former Chairman coincided with a statement by creeks of the state and stop the of former President Goodluck economic policies have crippled men began when the APC zonal of the Kano State chapter of the the a popular ex-militant leader, nefarious activities of the avengers Jonathan and the wife, Patience. businesses but instead of finding Women Leader (North-west), party, Haruna Doguwa. Africanus Ukparasia, who vowed and their ilk. The protesing youths who solutions, Buhari’s government is Hajia Aisha Kaita, alleged that Regarding the misunderstanding to resist any attempt to wreak fresh “We advise Bayelsans to report were in hundreds also demanded chasing after innocent citizens.” the North-west National Vice between the Kaduna State governor havoc on oil and gas facilities in any suspicious movement in their a public apology from the Nigerian Nwachukwu further stated: Chairman of the party’s Inuwa and the vice chairman, it was learnt the region. communities as it is the duty of all Police over the raid of the Abuja “The entire Igbo Youths stand Abdulkadir, could not account that it had to do with the move to The former Commander of to be vigilant against the nefarious home of former first lady. here today to unequivocally for the millions of naira of the resolve the conflict el-Rufai has with the defunct Movement for the activities of criminals who cause The police authorities had condemn the ceaseless harassment party funds meant for campaign, Senator , who represents Emancipation of the Niger Delta problems to give the military reason declared that the residence was of our daughter, former first Lady, an allegation that is threatening Kaduna Central district. (MEND) was ostensibly referring to to invade our communities for raided following a tip-off that Patience Jonathan. FRIDAY JANUARY ,  • THISDAY  CRIME&PUNISHMENT Lagos Gets Supreme Court’s Nod to Challenge Appeal Court’s Decision Freeing Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja the Court of Appeal’s judgment Head of State, General Sani Abacha, The acting CJN said by the The state, had in the application, Shofolahan, the driver of the late which set aside the death sentence Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and decision of the apex court, the time prayed the apex court to allow Kudirat were arraigned before a The Supreme Court has granted passed on the former Chief Security Lateef Shofolahan by the state High for Lagos to appeal against the it to exercise its constitutional Lagos high court on a two-count Lagos State the leave to challenge Officer (CSO) to the late military Court for the killing of Alhaja findings of the Court of Appeal right to test the validity and criminal charge of conspiracy to Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late on the celebrated murder case was correctness of the decision of commit murder and the murder Chief MKO Abiola. extended from July 12, 2013 when the Appeal Court. of Kudirat Abiola on June 4, 1996 Police Arrest Socialite Putting The apex court in a brief ruling the appeal court judgment was Lagos said the appeal raised in Lagos State. on the application by Lagos State delivered till yesterday. legal and factual issues especially In the judgment of the high Chain on Girls in Lagos for permission to re-open the case The coast is now clear for the the question of whether there court delivered on January 30, out of time, granted the request for Lagos to challenge the no guilty was any direct or circumstantial 2012 by Justice Moji Dada, the The Lagos State Police Command and had given useful statement the Lagos to challenge the Court verdict granted in favour of Al- evidence establishing the guilt of accused persons were found has arrested a socialite, Mike to the police and was released of Appeal decision of July 12, 2013 Mustapha and his co-accused. Al-Mustapha. culpable as charged. They were Eze-Nwalie Nwogu popularly after given an undertaking that discharged and acquitted Al- Lagos had led its notice of It justi ed its lateness in ling consequently sentenced them known as ‘Pretty Mike’ for to desist from putting any Mustapha from the murder case. appeal out of the time allowed the appeal on the ground that it to death by hanging. dehumanizing young girls by woman or man on a leash Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria by court’s rules to challenge a set up two legal teams to review However at the Court of turning them into human puppies to dehumanize them. (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel judgment of a lower court. the circumstances of the case and Appeal approached by Al- with chains round their necks. According to the Onnoghen, in the ruling of a panel It then required the leave of the verdict of the Court of Appeal. Mustapha on April 27, 2012 Nwogu, a 30-year-old club undertaking, Nwogu admitted of seven justices, ordered Lagos the Supreme Court before the The government said that it for the review of the trial and owner in area of the State, knowing his action was State to file its notice of appeal appeal could be deemed to have took a long time for the two legal the conviction, the three-member was arrested on Wednesday against the law, but pledged within 30 days. been properly led. teams to present their ndings appellate court justices in a by the police on the orders of not to further indulge in such The decision of Justice Onnoghen The state had therefore sought and recommended that an appeal unanimous judgment of July the Lagos State Government behaviour. on the Lagos application argued by the permission of the apex court should be led and sustained. 12, 2013 voided the decision of after news emerged on social The undertaking read in part: Osunsanya Oluwayemisi, a Senior to allow it challenge the Appeal Lagos is asking the apex court the high court, set it aside and media of the development. “I, Mike Eze Nwalie, A.K.A State Counsel in the Lagos Ministry Court ndings of Justices Amina to uphold and restore the death discharged and acquitted the The suspect, in pictures Pretty Mike of 21A Magodo of Justice followed the consent of Adamu Augie, Rita Nosakhare sentence by hanging passed on accused on the ground that which had since gone viral on GRA, Luma Street, do hereby Al-Mustapha’s lawyer, Mr. Joseph Pemu and Fatimo Omoro Al-Mustapha by a Lagos High the evidence against them was the internet, was seen putting undertake to stop whatever act Dauda (SAN), not to oppose the Akinbami on ground of mis- Court on January 30, 2012. not strong enough to warrant the leash on young girls and of putting girls on a leash or application. carriage of justice in the matter. Al-Mustapha and Lateef death sentence. leading them to a wedding any other degrading treatment in Lagos. to ladies and guys. The development caused “I am aware that such act outrage from many quarters offends the law of the State of with people calling on Lagos and if I repeat it again, government to act fast to there will be legal act towards me. put a rein on such type of “I undertake to issue a letter bizarre anti-social behavior. of apology to the public effective Nwogu was said to be from tomorrow on all my social cooperating with investigation media platforms.” Ajudua’s $8.4m Fraud Trial Stalled Again

Aknwale Akintunde judge in treating his father. EFCC said the offences of The trial of a one time Lagos conspiracy and obtaining by false socialite, Mr. Fred Ajudua, over pretences contravened Sections 8(a) allegations that he defrauded former and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Related Offences Act. No. 13 of Bamaiyi (trd), of $8.4million was 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 again stalled yesterday following of 1999. an application he filed to challenge However, Ajudua co-defendant, the power of the Economic and Oluronke Rosulu, who was Justice Financial Crimes Commission Oyewole’s Court Registrar, opted (EFCC) to prosecute him. for separate trial and was last year The EFCC charged Ajudua for sentenced to 10 years imprisonment allegedly collecting various sums of by Justice Lawal-Akapo. money from Gen. Bamaiyi while Ajudua’s trial was originally MAPPING STRATEGIES the duo were in custody at Kirikiri before Justice Kudirat Jose but L-R: Inspector General of Police, Idris .K. Ibrahim; Director General, Department of State Services (DSS); Lawal Musa Daura; and Chief of Prison, Lagos. was last year transferred to Justice Army Staff; Lt-General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, after the security meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa in According to EFCC, Ajudua Josephine Efunkunbi Oyefeso. Abuja ....yesterday . G O alongside his accomplices allegedly At yesterday’s proceedings, defrauded Bamaiyi at the Kirikiri Ajudua who wore white caftan Maximum Prisons, where he and opposed EFCC’s effort to re-arraign Ondo: Police To Prosecute One dies as Gbagy Residents, the other fraud suspects were him on an amended charge. remanded for alleged murder of Ajudua’s lawyer, Mr. S.A Killer’s Father Fulanis Clash in Niger late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Quakers (SAN), told the court Laleye Dipo in Minna The clash was over the refusal of The anti-graft agency also alleged that under the Administration of James Sowole in Akure police command to arrest and the Gbagy’s to allow herdsmen to that Ajudua and others fraudulently Criminal Justice Law, the EFCC has detain both the father and his Residents of Gbagy community graze their cattle on their farmland claimed that $1m out of the total no powers to prosecute his client. The Ondo State Police Command son for interrogation . in Niger State and Fulanis again a development that degenerated money collected from Bamaiyi Quakers also raised objection said yesterday that it would He said, “ We will round off clashed in the Sabon-Ndaga village to a free for all during which was for financial assistance for against the amended charges prosecute Mr. Olanrewaju Afolabi, our investigation, the father of the near Minna on Thursday evening dangerous weapons were used the treatment of Justice Olubunmi stating that his client cannot be the father of the boy who allegedly boy would be charged to court on the second of such incident within by both parties resulting in the Oyewole’s father, who was handling arraigned on the new information killed his friend with a dane gun Monday . He would be charged 48 hours. casualty. Bamaiyi’s case then. before the court since the anti-graft in Ondo town , Ondo State on for negligence. The law would One Fulani man was said to In the meantime the Niger Also, the former Chief of Army agency failed to obtain his witness Wednesday. certainly take its due course. have been killed in the latest crisis. state governor Alhaji Abubakar Staff, was said to have parted with statement. Responding, EFCC The State Police Public Relations “ There is nothing we can do to The police which described the Sani. Bello has warned the warring the money in foreign currency lawyer, Seidu Atteh, countered the Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State bring the deceased back to life, the incident as a “ reprisal “ blamed the communities to toe the line of to also bribe some eminent argument saying that it was not Command, Mr Femi Joseph said only thing we can do is to ensure Gbagy’s for the latest disturbance. peace saying that without peace personalities to intervene in his case necessary for the EFCC to obtain Afolabi would face prosecution justice is done to the matter by Police Public Relations Officer there could be no development. where he was charged alongside statement from defendant simply for his negligence saying that he arresting the man and take him DSP Bala Elkana who confirmed the Governor Bello who visited Major Hamza Al-Mustapha for the because the charges were amended. shouldn’t have left the gun at the to court to go and defend himself incident said the timely intervention the troubled communities on alleged murder. He was latter Atteh pointed out that Ajudua reach of the boy. before the law and tell court why he of the police stopped the incident Thursday said government discharged and acquitted by the had personally refused to volunteer Afolabi’s son, Ayo, 11, reportedly allowed the negligence to happen” from escalating. would not take lightly people trial court. any statement to the commission killed his friend, Comfort On the issue of the son, the Elkana said reinforcement of taking laws into their hands. The suspects were said to over the allegations against him. Emmanuel, with his father’s dane PPRO explained that the command security men had been despatched He said the disturbance have informed Bamaiyi that Justice Oyefeso insisted that gun at Ayeyemi area of the Ondo would seek legal advice on what to the troubled community. was the handwork of rumour Oyewole’s father, was admitted parties should harmonise their town while playing with the gun to do about the boy. He said the Last Tuesday evening four people mongers warning that they would at Saint Nicholas in Lagos and the arguments instead of presenting when the father was not aahome. boy was still in the custody of the were killed in a clash between be apprehended and prosecuted $1million was meant to assist the them peace-meal. The development led the state command at the press time . members of the two tribes. according to the law.  THISDAY• FRIDAY JANUARY , 

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe FRIDAYSPORTS Email [email protected] AFCON 2019: Eagles Draw S’Africa, Libya, Seychelles

Duro Ikhazuagbe starting this weekend. Libya and Seychelles will be in South Africa and what they are at a time. With six matches Algeria, Togo, Benin Republic Gernot Rohr’s men were the same group with Nigeria capable of doing. Seychelles to play, it is clear to all that and Gambia. After missing two editions drawn in Group E along in an AFCON quali er. may appear minnow but they any slip can be very costly,” The winners of each group back-to-back, Nigeria’s Super with South Africa, Libya and While reacting to the can be as dif cult as the South he noted. will join the hosts Cameroon Eagles appear to have received Seychelles. draw yesterday, Director Africans. The Libyans too are Also in the draw, Tunisia in the nal tournament as well easy pairing in the draw for the In 2015 Eagles similarly of Communication at the no push over that is if you and Egypt were placed with as the best three runners-up 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which had same soft pairing with Nigeria Football Federation recall that they played in the Niger Republic and Swaziland in all 12 Groups. took place last night. Cameroon South Africa and Congo DR (NFF), Ademola Olajire, told nals of the 1982 edition against in Group J; defending AFCON The quali ers will kick off is the host country of the next but ended up missing the cut THISDAY last night that the Ghana’s Black Stars,” observed champions Cote d’Ivoire are in with the preliminary round edition after the 2017 in Gabon as Bafana Bafana snatched the draw was not as simple as it the NFF spokesman. Group H with Guinea, Central which will be on 20-28 March ticket from Nigeria with a nail- appears. Olajire however insisted that Africa Republic and Rwanda; 2017. biting 2-2 draw in Uyo. Congo “It is going to be tough going the federation was not going Ghana will slug it out in Group Match-day 1 of the group GROUP STAGE nished as group runners up. by what is currently happening to leave anything to chances. F with Ethiopia, Sierra Leone stage quali ers will commence (Qualifiers) Sierra-Leone It is the rst time that both in African football. We all know “We are going to take one game and Kenya, while Group D has on 5-13 June 2017. (Group A) Kenya

Senegal (Group G) E’Guinea DR Congo Sudan Congo Sao Tome/ Zimbabwe Madagascar Liberia

(Group B) (Group H) Cameroon Cote d’Ivoire Morocco Guinea Malawi Central Africa Comoros/ Rwanda Mauritius

(Group I) (Group C) Burkina Faso Mali Angola Gabon Botswana Burundi Mauritania Djibouti/South Sudan (Group J)

Tunisia (Group D) Egypt Algeria Niger Republic Togo Swaziland Benin Republic Gambia (Group K)

Zambia (Group E) Mozambique Nigeria Guinea-Bissau South Africa Namibia Libya Seychelles (Group L)

Cape-Verde (Group F) Uganda Ghana Tanzania Ethiopia Lesotho Super Eagles celebrating the - victory against Zambia in the   World Cup qualifier in Ndola … last year Mikel Makes Losing Nigeria Continues Surge in FIFA Ranking Femi Solaja Eagles dropped one spot in Argentina retains her place at second and third placed Debut in China the December ranking despite the summit of the ranking. teams respectively.Chile and Super Eagles Captain, John The Nigeria international Super Eagles continued their beating Algeria 3-1 in a World Small Southern African Belgium complete the top ve Mikel Obi made his debut left Chelsea on a free transfer, steady surge in the latest Cup quali er in November, nation of Swaziland, in descending order of global for Tianjin TEDA yesterday, having been allowed to FIFA Rankings released 2016. meanwhile, reached her ranking. in their 2-1 friendly defeat to depart the Stamford Bridge yesterday by the world Last month, Eagles were best ever position of 99 in The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Borussia Mönchengladbach’s after failing to make an football governing body. placed eighth in Africa and the FIFA/Coca-Cola World World Ranking will be Under-23 at the Tianjin impression on the rst team Gernot Rohr’s men moved 51st in the world with 616 Ranking. published on 9 February 2017. Olympic Center Stadium. under Antonio Conte. up one place to seventh in the ranking points. In the world ranking, Lionel Wearing jersey no. 10, the TEDA continue their winter continent while also climbing Nigeria’s best placing in Messi’s Argentina remains top. AFRICA’S TOP TEN mid elder was unable to training in Tianjin as they step to 50th spot globally. the FIFA rankings was fth, Argentina nished 2016 out Senegal rescue Jaime Pacheco’s men up preparation for the new Despite not playing any a position attained in 1994 in front of arch rivals Brazil to Cote d’Ivoire from bowing to the German season having placed 11th in game in the period under following an impressive inherit the ‘team of the year’ Egypt youth side in the friendly the Chinese Super League with review for the classi cations, display of winning the Africa title from Belgium, displaced Tunisia encounter. 36 points from 30 games. Nigeria still was able to Cup of Nations and their from the FIFA summit by Algeria Zhou Tong got TEDA’s lone Mikel’s new club has won accumulate three more points debut World Cup appearance the Edgardo Bauza-coached Congo DR strike as Mikel was replaced the Chinese Super league three to stand at 619. that year in the United States. Albiceleste in April. Nigeria in the second half alongside times before-1960,1980 and The January lift was good Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, The top 34 positions B’Faso debutant, Wang Dong and 1988 and they have won the news to Nigerian football fans Tunisia and Algeria are the remain unchanged with Ghana Zhou Liao and Goodley. FA CUP twice-1960 and 2011. who were disappointed that top ve sides in Africa while Brazil and Germany in the Morocco AJC: Marylove Maintain ACCESS/LAGOS MARATHON Good Run in Lome ‘Olumide, Others Need Time to Catch Up with East African Marathoners’ Nigeria continued her great form the highest number of wins as Top Kenya marathoner, Alice 2:25.03, Timbilil who was not happen overnight. marathons and road races at the 2017 ITF/CAT African hostilities hot up at the Stade Timbilil, yesterday praised second at the 2016 edition Timbilil however have a since Kenyans too are also Junior Championship West Omnisports, Lome. the courage of two Nigerian of the Access Bank /Lagos word of advice for the two moving into short sprints, and Central Africa quali ers Marylove Edward had marathoners, Oluwaseun City Marathon in 2:38.49, Nigerian road runners: “It throws and jumps, holding in Lome, Togo as no her match against Kouma Olumide and Ronke Olumudi said: “The feats of British will take many years of “The more the merrier, fewer than seven of her players Niangadov of Mali stretched who have vowed to win the runners like Paula Radcliff, consistent hard work and it will be great to have were victorious on the second to Thursday following poor ultimate prize of $50,000 at the Japanese, the Chinese and competitions for Nigerian Nigerians on the international day of action at the tournament visibility and the 12-year-old the February 11, 2017 Access even the Americans have and indeed West African marathons and road races featuring 15 countries. double forehand and double Bank/Lagos City Marathon shown that one does not need road runners to get to the circuit, they are our brothers With four wins from ve backhand player posted a 3-6, but was quick to add that to be born in high altitude, be level attained by the East and sisters, that means more matches on the opening day, 6-3, 6-3 win to enhance her such wishes remain mere a Kenyan, Ethiopian, or East Africans in road races.” money for Africans and Africa the defending champions chances of quali cation from dream for now. African to excel in marathons She however welcomed the from the highly lucrative road stepped up the gear enjoying the round-robin preliminaries. With a personal best of and road races but it does idea of Nigerians embracing running circuit.” THISDAY• FRIDAY JANUARY ,   FRIDAYSPORTS WINTER TRANSFER Suarez Warns Barca over Messi’s Fresh Contract Luis Suarez has warned on the act by winning and Barcelona that they must do converting a penalty early in everything in their power to the second half. keep Lionel Messi happy. Athletic’s Barcelona-born The Uruguay ace hailed wideman Enric Saborit levelled Messi as “the best in the the tie on aggregate with a world” after his Barcelona 51st-minute header but Messi team-mates crowned a superb stepped forward 12 minutes Copa del Rey comeback from time to send home a against Athletic Club, with whipped free-kick off the the holders triumphing 4-3 base of the right-hand post. on aggregate. Messi’s prowess from such The Argentine, though, is positions is becoming less reportedly unsettled at Camp surprising by the match in Nou, with talks over a new 2017, after he also converted contract uncertain after Barca from dead-ball situations in CEO Oscar Grau warned that the rst leg and at Villarreal the club have to be “strict” on Sunday to snatch a 1-1 with their budgets. draw in La Liga. After the 29-year-old With Barcelona ve points multiple Ballon d’Or winner off the pace in the top ight, inspired Luis Enrique’s men having played a game more to a stunning triumph in than Madrid, Suarez conceded midweek, Suarez seemed it was important to stay on to offer a veiled warning to track for a third consecutive the club’s leadership, stating: Copa del Rey crown. “He has that something. He “[The win] changes a lot,” is the best in the world and he said. “It’s what we wanted it shows in every game. and needed. Trailing 2-1 from a highly “We were reassured that charged rst leg at San Mames we are working well and the last week, Suarez had put the results would come.” hosts ahead on with his 100th Suarez hit three gures in goal for the club. his 120th Barcelona appearance It was also the 300th goal and added: “The important that Barcelona’s famed MSN thing is that the goal I scored front three have managed served to help us advance in since they rst played together the Copa, which is what we in 2014 and Neymar got in wanted.” Messi... Suarez wants Barcelona to keep him at all cost Arsenal Trio Bag New Contract West Ham Reject £20m Payet Bid from Marseille Olivier Giroud, Laurent respectively. West Ham have rejected a £20 amid fears of an inux of but Dimitri Payet does not commitment the club have Koscielny and Francis “We are very pleased that million bid from Marseille offers from elite clubs and want to play for us,” the shown him he is out of the Coquelin signed new deals three important members of for want-away Dimitri Payet, their current stance is that manager told reporters. “We team. with Arsenal yesterday, and our team have committed despite the player going on they will not sell their prized are not going to sell him. “We had a conversation a Goal can reveal the exact to us for the long term”, strike, Goal understands. asset. “I spoke to the chairman couple of days ago but this length of each extension. manager Arsene Wenger Manager Slaven Bilic Payet left Lille to join and this is not a money issue. began 10 days or so ago when The French trio have all told the club’s of cial website. con rmed yesterday that Marseille in 2013 and spent We gave him a long contract the window opens. committed to the Gunners on “Francis has made Payet has told the club that two years at the club prior because we want him to stay. “I feel angry. We gave long-term deals after extensive tremendous technical strides he wishes to leave and it is to his £10m switch to the “He is refusing to play him everything. I feel let talks over the past few weeks. over the past few years understood that an offer was Hammers, though the player for us. I have a team to down, angry, disappointed. I Giroud, who has scored because he’s so focused subsequently tabled by his suggested in October of 2015 manage. He’s probably been understand the players now nine goals for Arsenal so every day. former club. that he was “forced” to leave tapped up. Until he changes are being tapped up. The far this season, has extended “Olivier has big experience Sources have con rmed the club. his attitude and shows the team gave him everything.” his deal by two-years which in the game now and has that the bid from Marseille Despite links with the will take him to 2019, while become a more and more was made in recent days and likes of Real Madrid and Koscielny and Coquelin have complete player since joining was quickly rejected, with Barcelona during Euro 2016, signed until 2020 and 2021 us. the fee deemed to be too where Payet shined, no bid Schneiderlin Escapes Man Utd low by the Hammers. It has been forthcoming from is understood that the bid a European giant and he has with £24m Everton Switch 2017 DOAMF Charity Golf: included a bonus of £2.5m now set his heart on a return if they quali ed for the to Stade Velodrome. Morgan Schneiderlin has ended rst-team plans at Old Trafford, Champions League. Marseille are now his Manchester United exile by playing just 11 minutes in Qualifier Set for January 14 Nevertheless, the 29-year- bankrolled by American sealing a £24million switch to the Premier League across old will not be a part of billionaire Frank McCourt Premier League rivals Everton. three last-gasp substitute More than 160 golfers will Golf Charity Tournament is France mid elder compete in the qualifying a platform to offer participants the matchday squad for and it is unclear if a second appearances. tomorrow’s encounter with bid will be tabled, as the Schneiderlin was unable to Signed from Southampton in round of the 2017 DOAMF a different gol ng experience. break into Jose Mourinho’s Charity Golf Tournament There is some measure of Crystal Palace and Payet has transfer saga threatens to July 2015, United have allowed holding at the Golf Section fun and surprises that keep informed the club that he run until deadline day. Schneiderlin to leave for an of Club 1938 in Lagos players eager and desirous to does not wish to play for Since moving to England, initial £20million, with Everton on Saturday, January 14. be part of the Charity event, them again. Payet has scored 18 goals and signing the 27-year-old to a Players who scale through in addition to the satisfaction West Ham had reportedly produced 25 assists in only four-and-a-half-year deal. the one-day quali er will of helping a life through promised to sell the 66 outings with West Ham He is the second player be drawn alongside invited DOAMF”, he said. Frenchman in the summer and Bilic did not attempt to join the ranks of Ronald players and guests at the More than 66,000 lives but it is understood that he to hide his disappointment Koeman’s side this month, nal of the DOAMF Charity have been impacted from wishes to leave this month. at developments yesterday. following former Charlton Golf Championship slated for donations received through The Hammers valued “We have said we don’t youngster Ademola Lookman Saturday February 4, 2017. the golf event since the golf Payet at £60m in the summer want to sell our best players Schneiderlin in moving to Goodison Park. The event, which is in its event started. The DOAMF seventh edition, has evolved to Charity Golf funds have been become the biggest charity golf channeled to support social event in the country, hosting causes in the speci c areas of Gov Udom Urges Akwa Utd to Imbibe Dakkada Spirit over 200 players yearly from education, health and medical quali er to the nal. intervention within needy Akwa Ibom State Governor, club Chairman, Mr Paul spirit of Dakkada. This is the “It is what unites us. It cuts According to the families and communities. Udom Emmanuel, has Bassey, in Uyo yesterday, new order and as Dakkada through all barriers including Coordinator of the Tournament “In the last six years, projects commended the state owned Gov Udom said the change Ambassadors you should political and we must therefore Organising Committee, Mr. supported include Scholarship Nigeria Professional Football of colour was sign that the traverse the length and breadth ensure that we keep the ag Pat Bassey, “We are glad to Awards, Renovation/ League side, Akwa United team has imbibed the new of this country propagating ying anywhere we go to.” be back on the golf course Rehabilitation of health centres FC for changing its jersey order of transformation and the moral transformation and He promised to get a new to tap into golfers’ goodwill in rural communities (Mowe colour to Orange in the spirit spiritual rebirth. spiritual rebirth that is now bus for the team, “since air as well as give an account of in Ogun State and Amaimo of Dakkada. “Akwa United must rise the hall mark of our great travel which was such a how the DOAM Foundation in ), building and Speaking when he received up to the faith of greatness state,” stressed the governor credible option has become has touched many lives with equipping an Accident and an update on the preparedness as true representatives of the at the brief ceremony. very unreliable we will do the resources that donors and Trauma centre at Mowe in of the team for the new Akwa Ibom People. I welcome Udom also noted that Akwa everything in our power to sponsors have made to the Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun NPFL season from the state’s whole heartedly your decision United as the sports ag ship support you. Just go ahead Foundation since the 2016 State, Sickbay, Lavatory and Commissioner for Youth and to change the jersey to the state of the state, it is also what and win your matches home tournament. library projects (in various Sports, Monday Uko and the colour of orange in the true unites all Akwa Ibomites. and away.” “The annual DOAMF schools across the country).”  FRIDAY JANUARY ,   THISDAY THISDAY FRIDAY JANUARY ,    T RU N Friday, January ,  TH & REASO Price: N  MISSILE Ndume to Senators “If today, just like that, without telling somebody and he goes out and he’s removed...If it is Ndume today and it’s ok. It may be, God forbid, Ekweremadu tomorrow” – Former Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume reflecting on the irony of his sack without being given a fair hearing by his colleagues. AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA [email protected] Nigeria Without Obasanjo n the exorbitantly de ning days of Against the background of the role he played The double jeopardy constraining the the better part of 1966, Governor in the civil war, it required a special leap evolution of Nigerian nationalism is that Hassan Usman Katsina pronounced of faith to expect a better outcome than the the totality of group experiences of Nigerian a vision on the impending fate of margin of his defeat in the Biafra territory. citizenship have tended to be negative (socio Of cer and Given that he voted for Shehu Shagari in economic retardation, mutual political Nigeria.I In the high noon of the vengeful the Presidential election coupled with his chauvinism and violent upheavals et al)- bloody counter coup of July 1966-peculiarly Freudian slip that the best candidate may thereby fuelling the inner consciousness characterised by non-discriminate targeting not win, it is true that Awolowo was not rejection of the Nigerian identity-at least, of Southern Nigerian victims, Obasanjo Obasanjo’s favourite candidate but in the since 1966. There is no pre-1966 Nigerian had to be spirited to safety. The task fell end, this preference was quite irrelevant to region-Western, Eastern, Northern, Mid-West, on Usman Katsina and he ful lled it with the outcome of the election. that would not have fared far better were the passion of a proprietor and mentor. He In an unprecedented fashion and seeking they (and Nigeria) to remain undisturbed arranged two armoured carriers to hedge a fall guy for the declining political fortunes by the Military coup termination of the rst the vehicle (front and back) ferrying his of the Yoruba leader at the Presidential republic. My submission therefore, is that protégé to the Kaduna airport. Instructed level, Obasanjo was designated the of cial Nigerians have become increasingly alienated by unseen higher powers, he warned that enemy of Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria, from Nigeria and that anyone perceived as -nothing must happen to him, Nigeria is UPN. And the designation was taken so an active personi cation of this Nigeria (like going to need him in the future. I stand on seriously as to warrant the near expulsion Obasanjo) would be collateral damage of the authority of a no less involved personality of the Party’s crown prince, Bola Ige in a this resentment. than Mrs Oluremi Obasanjo to make this marathon Party convention trial-for getting The mistake inherent in his standpoint is recall. They don’t come more credible than politically chummy with their pet hate. At the assumption that-as currently structurally that, do they? the conclusion of the 1983 general elections constituted, there is an intrinsic value to Obasanjo began to ful l the prophecy soon in which his Yoruba stronghold was violated being a Nigerian and that the identity is enough. The ful lment started in earnest Obasanjo with the declaration of dubious victories suf ciently value laden and should be with the event that would set the tone for the for the (Northern region dominant National preferred to a less inclusive identity. He is lifelong cantankerous relationship between It was in this capacity and in this phase Party of Nigeria) NPN, in Oyo and Ondo right and wrong. There is intrinsic value to him and Professor Wole Soyinka. At the that his bond with the Northern political states, Awolowo reverted to his pre-civil the inclusive Nigerian identity but not as declaration of hostilities between Biafra establishment was cast in concrete. To their war cold war mode with the North. currently con gured. Lacking the skill of a and Nigeria, Emeka Ojukwu appointed and mutual political prosperity, he interchangeably The main Yoruba casualty of this political good diplomat, of coating a bitter pill with a charged his friend, Brigadier Victor Banjo played the role of mentor and protégé to the relapse was Obasanjo, who was then sweet taste, the good half of his proposition (one of the more colourful characters of the mythical Kaduna ma a, the most successful derided as ‘Northern stooge’. In the search often gets lost in his provocative military civil war) to launch a Biafra Army offensive, and consequential Northern establishment for evidence to substantiate this camp’s drill personality. This is the reason why blitzkrieg style, on Lagos; occupy Western pressure group. betrayal allegation, the Olufemi Olutoye non-Nigerians tend to appreciate him more region and capture . In one According to Nvendanga Jibo, ‘comprising incident was called to service. A high than fellow citizens who bear the burden of the remarkable episodes of the civil war, a loose group of young northern Nigerian ranking member of the Obasanjo’s military of Nigerian citizenship. Arguably the most Banjo swept through the Mid-West and in intellectuals, civil servants, business tycoons government, Olutoye had, in the spirit of successful Nigerian leader-(save the dark no time was knocking at the door to the and military of cers residing or conducting Yoruba consanguinity, raised ethnicity laden spot of joining the multitude of African Western region at Ore. businesses in the former northern capital issues in (for your ears only) little talk with leaders to commit the sin of seeking to Acting a different script from the one city of Kaduna during the end of the rst the head of state. In the counter spirit of stay beyond the constitutional welcome) handed down by Ojukwu, and in collaboration republic, the Kaduna ma a achieved most Nigerian nationalism-often synonymous with there is the general disappointment that with Wole Soyinka, Banjo struck an success during the rst era of Obasanjo’s Northern hegemony compliance, Obasanjo he frequently falls short of his own high independent course of action. They called government, where many of its members called in his Hausa-Fulani deputy, Shehu standards. it the ‘Third force’ and their mission was were appointed to key positions of power Yaradua, and demanded Olutoye repeat his In and out of of ce, he characteristically to abort the civil war, neutralise Gowon and used its alliances to obtain patronage Yoruba camaraderie whisper in Yar’adua’s adds value and has an outstanding work and Ojukwu, and seek a neutral progressive and disburse favour to friends and associates. presence. Olutoye’s compulsory retirement ethic. He is probably Nigeria’s biggest solution. Rather than ght through the West, Famous members and allies include, Adamu from the Army was announced within the farmer and the most committed amongst Banjo and Soyinka chose to intimate the Ciroma, Mamman Daura, Ibrahim Tahir, hour on the National radio. his peers in the thirst for knowledge. His Nigerian Army rear commander at Ibadan, a Shehu Musa Yar’adua, Mahmud Tukur and Stacked on this cumulative background, public interventions in times of political fellow Yoruba, with their plan and solicited Mohammadu Buhari’. Obasanjo became subject to two dialectically stalemate and crisis often prove decisive him to grant the Banjo led Army a safe passage Contrariwise, it was also in this phase opposed perceptions-the one precipitating even if those interventions tended to default to Lagos. The rear commander, Obasanjo, that an incipient uneasy relationship with the other. To the North, he is the trusted on the side of preserving the status-quo. He promptly disavowed the Yoruba parapo the Yoruba political establishment escalated detribalised Nigerian and to the Yoruba, is the most valuable status-quo Nigerian and conspiracy, declined the request and swore into full blown estrangement. The Yoruba, (given the reality of Nigeria’s ethno regional his pan Nigerian political reach surpasses abiding allegiance to the Nigerian Army. It who tended to be more passionate than denominated politics), he is deemed a sell-out. that of any other Nigerian leader. For all was in the same station that he saved the hard headed in matters concerning the late Given this reality, any mission to grow beyond the exaggerated shortcomings of Ibrahim military career of who Chief Obafemi Awolowo, quite unjusti ably, the comfort of the ethnicity regulated politics Babangida, he is the only other living Nigerian was scheduled for Army court-marshal-on blamed him for the loss of Awolowo at the is guaranteed to be a hard sell, at least in the ruler who comes near him in the attribute account of inviting and serenading his ancé, 1979 Presidential election. If his preference short term. This weak sociological base for of Pan Nigeria patriarch. Mariam king, at the Army of cers mess in as successor in 1979 was not Awolowo then Nigerian nationalism has been compounded As Nigeria gravitates, once again, towards violation of military regulation. the latter couldn’t have done more to ensure by the quite unhappy lived experience of its implosion, both have their tasks cut out for In a subsequent resounding echo of that Obasanjo’s wish came to pass. This is citizenship. The sociological theory is that them. Obasanjo has largely ful lled the 1966 Usman Katsina’s revelation, Obasanjo was the only interpretation in which the choice Nigerian nationalism is hindered by the fact utility vision of Hassan Usman Katsina-who the Nigerian commander whom providence of Phillip Umeadi from the South-east as that there is no continuity between state and would be smiling down on him from the appointed to take the Biafran Army surrender Awolowo’s running mate within the context society in the sense that the Nigerian state world beyond. The bad news is that, in its and ended the war in January 1970. The of the political con guration of Nigeria, did not evolve from a common linguistic present oppressive and suffocating structure next phase of the prophecy was the 1975 made sense. Nigerian nationality the way Germany, and form, not many citizens wish Nigeria to military coup that brought him to power If Awolowo were to score a hundred France and Italy evolved from prior German, endure. This is why the country would for as second-in-command to the late Murtala percentage points of the votes cast by the French and Italian identities and linguistic long continue to require the services of its Mohammed-whom he succeeded as Military South-east and South-west combined, he nationalities. The societies and nationalities greatest proponent and eld of cer-and why head of state, following the assassination would still come short of victory at the that preceded Nigeria were the Yoruba, E k, it is dif cult to envision the survival of this of the latter in the aborted coup of 1976. Presidential election by a wide margin. Berom etc. Nigeria without Obasanjo and his disciples. Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot , Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox ‚ƒ‚„, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: ‰Š‰‹ ‹„‹‚ƒ‹-‹, ‰Š‰‹‹„‹‚‚Š . Abuja: Tel: ‰Š ‹„‹, ‰Š „‹„ / ADVERTISING HOT LINES: ‰Š Š ‰Š’, ‰Š Š ‰Šƒ, ‰Š Š ‰ŠŠ, ‰Š Š ‰Š„, ‰Š Š ‰„‰. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]