The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Demolished Olaiya House for reconstruction

    Demolished Olaiya House for reconstruction

    Until it was pulled down in 2016, the 161-year-old Olaiya House (Ilojo Bar) was a national monument since 1956 and managed by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). After years of reconciliation moves between NCMM and Olaiya family, the iconic architecture will be reconstructed bigger and better soon, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

     

     

    THE historic Ilojo Bar, also called Olaiya House or Casa da Fernandez, a Brazilian-styled architecture located near Tinubu Square on Lagos Island, Lagos State demolished by a developer in collusion with some members of the Olaiya family on Sunday September 11, 2016, will soon be reconstructed. The project will be funded through Private Public Partnership arrangement.

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between management of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the custodian of the monument, and Olaiya family to that effect, was signed last Friday in Lagos. This signaled the conclusion of the reconciliation process between NCMM and Olaiya family that began since May 2018 as well as the withdrawal of all suits in court. The building was demolished due to alleged failure of NCMM to repair the dilapidated building.

    Located between 6, Alli and 2 Bamgbose Streets, near Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, the Olaiya House, which overlooked the Tinubu Square, was originally built as a bar and restaurant in 1855. The building was referred to as Olaiya House after it was sold to the Olaiya patriarch, Alfred Omolana Olaiya in 1933.

    Director-General National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof Issa Abba Tijani said that the MOU that was being signed has been acceded to by all parties particularly the NCMM and Olaiya family. The terms and conditions, he said, which would form the framework for the redevelopment of the site has been agreed by all parties. “It is believed that following the signing of the MOU, the reconstruction project shall be set in motion and we hope there will be further cooperation among the various stakeholders in order to ensure that the building is eventually erected in no distance future.

    ‘’For us at the NCMM, it is our resolve as a responsible agency of government to do all within our capacity to ensure that the entire process is pursued to a logical conclusion. We shall continue to carry out our statutory functions in safeguarding the nation’s heritage resources in the interest of the present and the future generations,” he assured.

    According to him, the demolition is a good example of the challenges confronting the NCMM in the management of the nation’s vast monuments and sites, which are spread across the country. This, he said, could be attributed to the pervading ignorance among the people about the historical value of these heritage resources to the present and future generations.

    “Therefore for us at NCMM, the pains and memories of this dastardly act is still fresh in our minds and it has become an ugly reference point in heritage management. This is because once such monuments are lost, they are irreplaceable,” he added.

    The DG disclosed that part of the agreement was the adoption by technical committee and stakeholders of an architectural drawing by architect Theo Lawson, following presentation along other architects on January 27, 2020. The drawing, he said, is a seven-floor structure with prominent features of the demolished monument. The proto-type of the monument was presented at the signing ceremony.

    Prof. Tijani commended the efforts of former Lagos State C              ommissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, who facilitated the reconciliation process between NCMM and Olaiya family since 2018.

    Mr. Debo Olaiya who spoke on behalf of the Olaiya family thanked the NCMM and Mr Ayinde for resolving the impasse occasioned by         the demolition  of the iconic building in 2016. He also presented a ceramic statue of an Angel, the only object recovered from the debris to the museum management, which has been described as symbolic of the house.

    According to Theo Lawson, the architect that designed the new Ilojo Bar, the redevelopment of the new Ilojo Bar will tap into the various Brazilian architectures in Lagos in order to restore the heritage part of the facility in its true forms. He disclosed that part of the facility will have commercial developments, which will be the interest of the developers financing the building, the Olaiya family and the NCMM, who is the custodian.

    “Before COVID struck, there were lots of investors contacted for the development. But, with the COVID, some pulled out. However, we are considering working with consortium of investors; with two options of either to include a hotel or offices. There will be a dedicated block for the Olaiya family from where they can be generating income. The museum has two floors of spaces while the rest will be for the developer depending on the tenure agreed before relinquishing the building back…In one year and six months, the reconstruction can be completed if the funds are there,” Lawson said of the development plans.

    When asked if the planned redevelopment of Ilojo Bar as a way of restoring the legacy of the site is a plus or minus, Lawson said: “Considering the economic reality of today, the old Ilojo Bar there then added little value in that space. It cannot accommodate all the Olaiya family members and cannot generate income for them too.

    ‘’As a museum piece, whatever will be put there now will not be the original. It will only be representation of the original structure and the only original object is the Angel sculpture, which is now the symbol of the Ilojo Bar.

    ‘’With the commercial block around and at the foot of the building and the faced, I think it is the best option we could arrive at.”

     

  • Getting all the cash from gas

    Getting all the cash from gas

    Nigeria’s gas reserves have remained a subject of envy for many nations around the world, but the country has not fully tapped it. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources is taking some steps to tap this money-spinner for all the cash available and for the betterment of the environment, writes CHINAKA OKORO

     

     

    IN his capacity as the chairman of the Major Oil Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Tunji Oyebanji, believes the Federal Government needs the support of the private sector to deepen gas utilisation in Nigeria.

    Oyebanji, who says if all things are put in place the nation would soon begin to reap the benefits of the government’s gas policies, listed the Autogas Scheme as one of the policies that will help optimise the gas value chain.

    Oyebanji said: “We believe that there will be a lot of activities in the gas sector this year, both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

    “We expect government policies in these areas to begin to bear fruits and gas consumption, both for our domestic cooking gas and autogas, will move forward.

    “We cannot say that in this 2021 that autogas will replace the Premium Motor Spirit totally, but we can begin to see some progress being made in that area.”

    He noted that the declaration of the Year 2021 to the Year 2030 as the decade of gas was a great move but required the support of the private sector to ensure its success.

    Oyebanji said: “If you want CNG retailers across the country, you will need a lot of financial investment.

    “Those who are going to make the investment also need some assurances regarding the protection of their funds.

    “There should be continuous engagement and involvement of the private sector as the policy is being fine-tuned and formulated, so that by the time it comes out, it will be driven largely by the private sector.”

    Mindful of the inherent benefits in a well-developed gas sub-sector of any economy, Nigeria has resolved to become a major player in the international gas market as well as to lay a solid framework on gas infrastructure expansion within the domestic market.

    To this end, the Nigerian Gas Master Plan was approved on February 13, 2008.

    The Master Plan is a guide for the commercial exploitation and management of Nigeria’s gas sector. Its main focus is growing the Nigerian economy through gas by pursuing three key strategies. These key strategies include stimulating the multiplier effect of gas in the domestic economy; positioning Nigeria competitively in high-value export markets; and guarantee the long-term energy security of Nigeria?.

    To walk the talk, the Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Gas Transportation Network Code in order to deepen the growth of the gas market.

    Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva revealed this at the Virtual launch of The Go-Live of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code, in Abuja.

    He noted that following the declaration of 2020 as a year of gas, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was driving key policy and regulatory initiatives that would enhance gas reserves growth to support domestic and export projects.

    Apart from enhancing gas reserves growth to support domestic and export projects, Sylva said other motivations were to expand domestic gas supply and address the perennial challenges of gas flaring, with its attendant waste and adverse environmental impact.

    He said the collective impact hangs on three anchor programmes on gas, namely the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC), National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) and Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP).

    The programme, Sylva said, would help the sector to achieve the presidential mandate of gas penetration, gas-based industrialisation, and economic diversification.

    “Specifically, I believe that the implementation of the network code, which is a set of rules and principles, guiding the use and operations of gas transportation network system would deepen the domestic gas market.

    “It will also unleash the potential of accelerated growth and economic development for our country. In the coming months, this code, together with related interventions would enable the improved gas supply to power growth of gas-based industries, domestic LNG, LPG and CNG penetration, as well as enhance revenue to the government and create investment opportunities for our people,” he said.

    Sylvia also said the DPR had developed the Network Code Electronic Licencing and Administrative System (NCELAS), which will be used to receive, process, and issue all applicable licences to all network players as well as administer all regulatory roles required to ensure optimal market impact.

    Continuing, he said: “The NCELAS is a secure online environment that would provide optimum value for all stakeholders that would be operating under the network code.

    “With the unveiling of the NCELAS and the execution of the network code framework agreement, the regime of gas transportation, through a world-class network code would have been firmly established in Nigeria for the benefit of all stakeholders.  When will the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code become operational?”

    Proffering an answer to this poser, the Minister stated that next month (February 10), the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code shall apply to all gas transportation arrangements among gas transporters and gas shippers as defined in the code.

    He said: “The transporter and all existing users of the transportation network shall, within six months of the date of this directive, migrate from existing Gas Transportation Agreements to the Network Code by executing the necessary Ancillary Agreements.

    “All new and intending users shall use the network based on the terms and conditions provided in the Network Code.

    “The Network Code remains the uniform protocol for users of the Gas Transportation Network and can only be modified in accordance with relevant provisions therein; the ancillary agreements are negotiated by the relevant parties.

    “Gas and its derivatives as envisaged in the National Gas Policy will surely catalyse our economic growth and the need for gas transportation infrastructure has, to a large extent, to be put in place for the sector to develop.”

    Giving more insights, the minister said: “The Code will stimulate the domestic gas market, drive gas-based industrialisation and the realisation of government’s aspiration to move 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. “The Code in its current form has in-built modification mechanisms. Hence, all stakeholders are assured of the periodic review of the Network Code to suit the dynamics of the industry.’’

    Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director Malam Mele Kyari said the code was an opportunity to widen the income source of gas in Nigeria.

    He further noted that the development was the beginning of progress in the gas sector.

    Sarki Auwalu, the Director Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), said the gas code will address gas flaring, grow infrastructure and expand the utilisation of gas in the country.

    He said the code would help to achieve the mandate of the year of gas as declared by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

    “The code will guide the rules that govern gas transportation system, secure gas transmission and ensure cost-effective tariff for the pipeline management.

    “The code will also help in boosting growth in the sector so much so that six months from now, we will witness a lot of achievements,” he said.

    He further said the portal for licencing will ensure enterprise structure and will serve as a one-stop-shop for network administration.

    Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Nigeria Gas Hub signed a framework agreement on the transportation of gas.

    Mr Sheyin Omotola signed for the NGC, while Mr Mansur Ahmed signed for Dangote Fertiliser and Mr David Ige signed for the Gas Hub Limited respectively.

    Ahmed of Dangote Fertiliser Limited said the development indicated Nigeria’s seriousness on gas matters, adding that establishing rules for utilisation, selling and transportation of gas was crucial.

    He commended the effort of the government in ensuring that the code was in place, even as he urged all stakeholders to key into the programme for effective gas development.

    He also said the code was a major milestone to drive the gas sector to the next level, adding that establishment of the code was germane. He also said it would be impossible to bring innovations without a guideline.

    “We will do our best and stand with the DPR to ensure that things are done properly for the growth of the sector,” he said.

    Mr Olalekan Ogunleye who spoke on behalf of other participants commended the Federal Government for achieving the launch of the code in spite of the challenges posed by COVID-19.

    He assured that stakeholders in the industry would support the effort of the DPR, NGC and others as managers of major suppliers in the country to ensure effective implementation of the code.

    “We will be proud to be the first network agents to bring excellence to the implementation of the network code and ensure transparency in the system,” he said.

     

     Fortunes from gas

     

    In 2017, it was proven that Nigeria holds 187 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas reserves, which ranks her as 9th in the world and accounting for about three per cent of the world’s total natural gas reserves of 6,923 Tcf.

    Nigeria has proven reserves equivalent to 306.3 times its annual consumption. This means that it has about 306 years of gas left (at current consumption levels and excluding unproven reserves).

    Currently, Nigeria is making fortunes from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, based in Bonny Island, Finima Rivers State which was incorporated about 31 years ago. Its first cargo of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) did not leave the Bonny Port until 10 years later. Thereafter, it became the fourth largest supplier of LNG. The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, whose six-train plant produces about 22 metric tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG for export and five MTPA of natural gas liquids (NGLS), has made over $25 billion from a $2.6 billion investment.

    The NLNG has six-train plant worth over $15 billion and contributes four per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    It operates six liquefaction units (LNG trains) producing 22 million metric tons of LNG per year (mmtpa). Trains one, two and three have production capacities of 3.2 mmtpa, while trains four, five and six have capacities of 4.1 mmtpa each. The Final Investment Decision (FID) on the train seven has not yet been made.

    The NLGN owns 24 ships and six additional ships are underway from Samsung and Hyundai dockyards. The six new ships will increase the NLNG’s fleet to 30.

    As the facilities will need more seafarers and ship officers to man them, there are spiralling effects of this to the economy and the employment situation.

    Through its second subsidiary, the NLNG Ship Manning Limited (NSML), the NLNG is the biggest employer of Nigerian seafarers on board its 13 LNG carrier ships.

    Also, the company has a wholly-owned subsidiary the Bonny Gas Transport (BGT) Limited which was set up in 1989 and provides shipping services for NLNG.

    The BGT was set up in Bermuda with an ordinary equity holding from NLNG Limited and preferential equity holding from the sponsors, NLNG’s shareholders.

    The NLNG Limited has another wholly-owned subsidiary known as the NSML which was set up in 2008 to provide, develop and manage high-calibre personnel for NLNG’s maritime business.

    The NLNG is an incorporated joint venture owned by four shareholders, namely, the Federal Government, represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)  with 49 per cent equity, Shell Gas BV (SGBV) — 25.6 per cent, Total LNG Nigeria Limited—15 per cent and Eni International—10.4 per cent.

    The final investment decision on its Train Seven has been made. NLNG Train Seven project will raise the liquefaction capacity of the Plant to 30 mtpa, which will consolidate Nigeria’s position as one of the largest producers and exporters of LNG.

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Grassroots deserve democratic dividends’

    ‘Grassroots deserve democratic dividends’

    By Emmanuel Oladesu

     

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos State Folashade Oluranti Akinpelu believes that the grassroots deserve dividends of democracy from the grassroots.

    Through her intervention and empowerment programmes, she had earned applause from stakeholders, who have described her as a star councillor representing Ward A in Ikosi-Isheti Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    “If Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu can touch 377 wards of the state by carrying out many road projects in which our ward is a part of the beneficiaries, as a councillor, I should be able to attract infrastructural development to the the streets constituting my own ward,” she said at a stewardship forum.

    At the meeting were APC leaders, who attested to her diligence and love for the communities in her ward. A minute of silence was observed in honour of departed leaders, council chairman Abdulfatai Oyesanya, Hiyse of Assembly member Tunde Braimoh and Senator Bayo Osinowo.

    Exuding confidence, Akinpelu listed the projects she had attracted to her ward under the former council chairman, Oyesanya and his successor,  Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, through the outlet of Lagos State Public Works.

    These include the rehabilitation of  Isheri / Magodo Road,  Ayodele Fanoiki Road, Bankole Street, Isheri, Agbedina link Bankole street, Jimoh Sobowale Street, Magodo, on – going road project at Ago- Ijaye Street, Isheri, grading of some roads in Isheri North Estate, Farouk Aboaba road, Vera Dureke road,  Somide Odujinrin Street Omole PH.II, Olowoira Road and Old Olowora Road

    She said:”Beyond facilitating all these road projects in my ward through the Lagos State Public works, we also thank the LCDA for following road projects executed in my ward:  Salami Olonade Street, Isheri,  Ajibode Street Isheri,  Kareem Street, Olowoira,  Moses Ogungbeye Street, Olowoira, Fasogbon Street, Magodo Isheri, six blocks of classrooms with six toilets at United African Church Pry. Schl.

    Isheri, borehole for Orisa Community, and istribution of learning materials to public schools and teachers.

    Akinpelu said although she is not empowered to construct roads, she had tried to use his goodwill to facilitate the projects to her constituency.

    She thanked the people of the ward for taking necessary pre-cautionary measures and observing the Covid 19 preventive regulations to prevent the spread of the strange disease.

    Akinpelu also hailed the youths of the area for preventing any form of wanton destruction of lives and property in the community during the #EndSARS protests.

    Describing the people as her source of motivation  she promised to always protect their interests.

    Akinpelu said:”I have decided to flag off a free vocation training for some of our unemployed youth wherein I would also be providing them monthly stipend for a year.

    “Aside that, I have also made provision for cash and food disbursement to the widows, aged and the less privilege amongst us. This is to serve as a cushion effect on the economy challenges caused by the Covid 19 Pandemic.

    “I have also made provisions for medical facilities for interested participants, which would include giving free medical check-up, free eye glasses, dental care and free drugs all at my expense with my partner Med. Test Libro Foundation.”

    She added:”As your councilor, though I may not have satisfied every zone but one way or the other, every zone have benefi7ted. I am still willing to do more before the end of my tenure in office because the well-being of my community is my top priority.

    I would like to crave the indulgence of the youth in our community to please  be more involved in the system. The government is opened to discussing with the youth and rather than resort to violence, do not hesitate to approach the government for any form of dialogue.”

     

  • 2023: Ataoja calls for unity in Southwest

    2023: Ataoja calls for unity in Southwest

    Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor

     

    THE Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyedokun, Laaroye 11  has called for unity in the Southwest ahead of 2023 presidential race.

    He made the call while receiving members of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (SWAGA) in his palace.

    Tinubu has not declared his intention to run for president. But, the group is urging him to join the race at the appropriate time.

    He described the All Progressives  Congress (APC) national leader as a good man and competent leader worthy of support.

    Oba Oyedokun said  Tinubu had touched the lives of many Nigerians and contributed immensely to the growth of the country socially, economically and politically.

    He said: “On a fair scale,  our people have no option than to rally all necessary support behind  him to realise his ambition in 2023. As for me, Jagaban Tinubu is my man.”

    The monarch advised political leaders and other stakeholders in the Southwest not to work at cross purposes, urging them to rally all human and strategic resources behind Tinubu,who he described as experienced politician.

    Oba Oyedokun advised the Yoruba race not to miss the opportunity of having Tinubu as tPresident, noting that he had demonstrated leadership qualities a governor, senator and party leader.

    He called on President, Muhammadu Buhari and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to support Tinubu in appreciation of his previous support for them at different times.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who also received the delegation, called on political leaders in the region to unite and mobilise all available resources in support of the aspiration of former Lagos State governor.

    The group intimated the monarch about its intention to launch the Osun State chapter.

    Oba Ogunwusi admonished Yoruba politicians to eschew acts of inconsistency, shiftings and betrayals, which had truncated similar, hitherto genuine; and positive regional and national developmental causes in the past.

    He advised the group to reach out to all stakeholders so that they can come together and support Tinubu, who he described as an uncommon creature; renowned for uncommon pursuits;  and popular for uncommon attainments in various phases of his long-standing political career; dating back to the early nineties when he represented Lagos State in the National Assembly.

    SWAGA leader Senator  Dayo Adeyeye briefed the  traditional rulers on the mission of the group.

    He said the group was embarking on the region-wide sensitisation of traditional rulers to support the Tinubu, if he decides to run.

    He described SWAGA as a purely independent, self-financing, but highly committed group comprising loyalists and supporters of the APC national leader.

    While thanking the two Obas for their words of wisdom, Vice Chairman of SWAGA, Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, assured that the group will not let the respected traditional rulers down

    He also said the group will regularly consult them for encouragement and pieces of advice.

     

  • Abia under Ikpeazu is back to winning ways

    Abia under Ikpeazu is back to winning ways

    By Chinyemike Torti

     

     

    IT may not be politically correct to join issues with every wishy washy allegations emanating from cyber bullies, E-rats and running dogs of the derelict opposition party in Abia, because such a response tends to dignify pedestrian and beer parlour gossips with a veneer of respectability. However  when windbags, rant and rave, in a manner to muddle issues, amongst stakeholders in the Abia project, it is very necessary to steer back the discourse to an even keel.

    We must ensure that rabble rousers do not overheat the polity ,by interjecting and correcting, bogus peddlers of inveterate falsehood who unleash barrage of lies, distortions and misinformation vide photo shopped pictures of scenery, sights and sounds of years preceding the election and inauguration of Governor Okezie. Ikpeazu.

    In some instances, you are assailed with shots of derelict structures of 2007,2009 and 2012 – which coincided with the  years of wilderness when Aba declined from the sublime to the ridiculous. Recall that Enyimba City, the epicenter of Igbo entrepreneurial excellence suffered from criminal neglect. All these huffing and puffing of Aba roads,in 2020 been death traps, only exists in the imagination of those professional fault finders. If they had possessed the capacity for critical thinking, maybe it would have dawned on them, that the topography and geography of Enyimba city is susceptible to ravages of nature.

    Aba geographically sits atop the fringe of the Nigerian wetlands district. Which basically are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, with depth of which at low tides does not exceed 6 meters. It was on account of these,  that a former state chief executive in the eighties was pejoratively labelled as ‘weeping governor’ when he requested for federal assistance over Ndiegoro.

    For decades beginning from the end of the civil war, the master plan for Aba was obeyed more in the breach, as developers, sundry traders built houses, shops on top of drainages and side walks. Motor parks, mechanic garages, workshops, garbage heaps dotted every open space to the extent the city was morphing into an environmental nightmare. Unlike previous administrations, that tackled the problem in an incremental and ad hoc manner, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is sanitizing the city with a bottoms- up approach. Shacks and  obstructions to the sewage grid, had to be evacuated and these include the school road gutter.

    Ohafia and other population centers were not better.  So when some unwary members of the public lap on to salacious tales  about neglected roads, they easily forget that you could barely reel out the number of motorways in pre-Ikpeazu times. Because roads are all strategic to the development of Aba, Ikpeazu’s muscular and near evangelical zeal has been made manifest in this pursuit with the distinctive signage of caterpillar revolution.

    In one fell swoop, Governor Ikpeazu embarked on a massive, erection, formatting and construction activities spread over 90 roads, in Aba and other parts of the state. Time and space constraints will not permit a full disclosure because Ikpeazunomics is not all about roads alone. The recent hoopla of Ngwa road, by certain conversational terrorists did not take into cognizance the challenges of paucity of funds, and prudence. Abia is work in progress as you can see,from the reconstruction on-going. Just last week the Abiriba-Nkporo {8Km} highway which had been on the drawing board since the sixties was constructed and commissioned by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. The flood mitigation project at Aba is ongoing.

    At the risk of repetition, it must be reiterated that Ikpeazunomics encapsulates the developmental paradigm of converting our comparative advantages  to competitive advantages which ensures that the economy of Abia rests on strong pillars of trade, commerce, small and medium scale enterprises, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing.

    The centrality of Aba constitutes one of the core components of Ikpeazunomics. If you look at Aba for example, it is at the concourse of about seven other cities in the South-East and South-South. It is about 30 minutes drive to Ikot Ekpene, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Umuahia among others. This middle of the road, pivotal positioning acts as a pull to a corporate mosaic of businesses, and persons making it the heartthrob of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial distinction .

    Realising that SME’s competiveness comes with with trade support systems, training, and provision of clusters, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has put in place and  attracted public-private sector initiatives, institutional and corporate capacity building, shared structures and technology, and improved access to transport and logistics. For instance The Department for International Development (DFID), has been providing technical support while the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is partnering in areas of industrial cluster development.

    The Habitat collaborates with Ikpeazu’s urban renewal drive by providing mapping, planning, technical support for the development of a new city master plan. Ford Foundation has established a robust relationship with the Abia State Government leading to its sponsorship of  the Aba Urban Development Summit.

    What’s the takeaway from all these? The upshot is that we stakeholders should, look at the bigger picture of the development hub, intervention projects and programmes of Ikpeazunomics which include and not limited to the splendid human development outreaches in the leather, garment industries. As we speak, the automated shoe factory in Aba churns out military grade boots being patronised by paramilitary organisations.

    Still last week, the EEDC/GEOMETRIC feud which Governor Okezie facilitated, its conciliation and arbitration was resolved by the Bureau for Public Enterprises {BPE} The direct spin off the uninterruptible supply of electricity to Aba and outlying conurbation.

    As we speak, 25 blue chip investors have responded positively to the Ikpeazu revolution in Abia, And we are still counting. From all indications, Abia State under the watch of an awesome, visionary, eclectic Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu, is back to winning ways as a veritable investment destination, whose potentials have been integrated into the global matrix and value chain of production, goods, services, trade and commerce.

    As a consummate and thorough bred statesman, the governor has always extended an olive branch to and welcomed the opposition, including, faultfinders, moaners, grumblers  for an inclusive and anti-exclusionary ideal government that will move Abia forward. According to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, everyone is welcomed, nothing is unimportant, and no one is insubstantial. The pivotal role of the opposition party, pressure and interest groups is a magna carta enshrined in all constitutional democracies.

     

    • Chinyemike Torti, is an International Trade Consultant, Publisher, Public Policy Analyst and World Bank Institute Alumni

     

  • Ex-AG, ex-Customs boss refund N8b into govt coffer

    Ex-AG, ex-Customs boss refund N8b into govt coffer

    By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

    Details have emerged on how two former senior public officers returned about N8billion to the coffers of the Federal Government to avoid being prosecuted.

    A former Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), Jonah Ogunniyi Otunla, and an ex-Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Inde Dikko, refunded N6.3 billion and N1.9 billion respectively.

    Otunla was the AG-F between 2011 and 2015 while Dikko was the Customs’ Comptroller General between 2009 and 2015.

    While Otunla returned N6,392,000,000.00; Dikko returned N1,596,000,000.00 (naira equivalent of $8million, computed at N197 to a United States dollar the prevailing exchange rate at the time).

    Details of the deals leading to the refunds are contained in documents Otunla and Dikko filed in court to back up the suits they instituted against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    In the suits, they queried the decision of the anti-graft agencies to insist on prosecuting them on corruption charges after they were told to make refunds in lieu of prosecution.

    Otunla claimed that the now suspended acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, promised him that he would not be prosecuted, should he return funds traced to him, companies linked to him, and his associates.

    He stated that sometime in 2015, he was invited by a team of EFCC investigators, probing alleged diversion of funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) pension funds.

    Otunla said he met with Magu in the course of the investigation, when the then acting EFCC chair told him to “refund the monies linked to your companies and nobody will prosecute you.”

    Read Also: Glo 22X plan delights customers

    He said based on Magu’s promise, he had a reconciliatory meeting with the investigator, where he immediately undertook to make available some funds as refunds.

    In line with the agreement, Otunla said one of the companies linked to him – Stellar Vera Development Ltd – refunded N750m; another company – Damaris Mode Coolture Ltd – refunded N550m, while the two firms later made additional joint refund of N2,150,000,000.00.

    He added that, at a point, he raised several bank cheques for N10m in favour of the EFCC which he handed to its Economic Governance Section.

    Otunla said in all he made a refund of N6,392,000,000.00 to the Federation Account through the EFCC.

    He is praying the court, in the suit he filed against the EFCC, to, among others, hold that in view of the assurance given to him by Magu, which informed his refund of the money, he could no longer be prosecuted for his actions while in office.

    Dikko, said he entered an agreement with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami “to return $8m or its equivalent in naira atN197 to a dollar.”

    Dikko  explained, in one of the court documents, that shortly after he retired, he entered in an agreement on May 25, 2016 with the AGF and the Director General of the State Security Service.

    The ex-Customs boss said he met with the two Federal Government’s representatives at the International Hotel, Park lane, Mayfair, London, during which Malami directed him “to return $8m or its equivalent in naira, at N197 to a dollar so as to prevent the Federal Government of Nigeria from prosecuting me.”

    Dikko said he fully complied with the directive of the AGF by paying the money in its naira equivalent.

    In a recent judgment, Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja, agreed with Dikko that he could no longer be prosecuted by the ICPC in view of the agreement with the AGF.

    Justice Mohammed cited an earlier decision by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba (also of the Federal High Court, Abuja) in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/587/2018 in which Justice Dimgba had found that in view of the agreement with the AGF, Dikko could no longer be prosecuted by the EFCC and any other federal prosecuting agency in relation to his activities while in office.

  • IPOB’s delusions

    IPOB’s delusions

    Hardball

    It’s obvious that Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is desperately seeking relevance.  After launching its Eastern Security Network (ESN), which it described as “a vigilance group, established to protect Biafrans against terrorists,” IPOB says there is no room for another regional security outfit in the Southeast and South-south.

    This is the group’s response to moves by Southeast governors to establish a security organisation to help tackle insecurity in the region.  “We declare without equivocation that any other group parading as a South-East and South-South security outfit will not be allowed to operate on Biafra soil,” IPOB said.  “Our people have already launched their own defence line… ESN has been launched with the mandate of securing Biafra land, and no force can disband this great movement until it’s done with its mandate!”

    IPOB conveniently forgets that it is a proscribed group, meaning that it is illegal and its activities are illegal.  It is said that you can’t build something on nothing. How can the group claim to have a security outfit for the mentioned areas when it is not a recognised group itself? Since it is not a recognised group, its security outfit cannot be a recognised organisation.

    The separatist group is clearly delusional. It has also said that it does not recognise the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor.  “We cannot in all honesty work with him because we are not ideologically compatible,” it said. “Obiozor may not be entirely evil but those behind him are unrepentant enemies of Biafra.”

    It is noteworthy that the Igbo socio-cultural group is a recognised entity. How can an unrecognised group reject the leader of a recognised group?

    IPOB insists that there is a territory called Biafra within Nigeria. Such a territory is unknown to the country.  But the group is entitled to its delusions.

    The group contradicts itself by saying it cannot work with certain politicians demanding a president of Igbo origin in 2023.  “We know their real motives. None of the traitors on parade have Igbo Biafra’s interest at heart. They are only after their personal gains going by their antecedents,” it said.

    This suggests that the group is not against an Igbo presidency in Nigeria, but only against particular politicians clamouring for it. This further suggests that IPOB is ready to work with politicians acceptable to it to bring about an Igbo presidency. But such a president would be president of Nigeria, not Biafra.  In that case, what will happen to IPOB’s noise about Biafra?

    The group is suffering from delusions, and its condition is getting worse.

  • Four held, 200 cows recovered in Zamfara

    Four held, 200 cows recovered in Zamfara

    Our Reporter

    The police command in Zamfara has arrested four suspects over alleged killing of a Fulani herdsman.

    At a press conference in Gusau on Sunday, Commissioner of Police Abutu Yaro said the command also recovered 200 rustled cows.

    He said further that some weapons were equally recovered while the command secured the release of eight persons abducted three weeks ago.

    “We recovered no fewer than 200 stolen cows, five AK 47 rifles, three vehicles and a large number of ammunition,” he said.

    “As a result of the ongoing peace engagement in Shinkafi Local Government Area, we have recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 18 rounds of live ammunition,” he said.

  • Three robbery suspects arrested in Osun

    Three robbery suspects arrested in Osun

    Our Reporter

    The Police Command in Osun says it has arrested three suspected robbers who hijacked two articulated vehicles and robbed the occupants along Osu-Ile Ife expressway in the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo by Commissioner of Police Olawale Olokode.

    Olokode said the suspects were arrested on Thursday about 4am by a patrol team of the Joint Task Force and police who were alerted to the operation of the suspects within the axis.

    “On January 14, at about 4a.m, a suspected gang, fully armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, invaded Osu-Ile-Ife Expressway.

    “They attacked innocent motorists plying the road and hijacked two different trucks at gunpoint.

    “One Iveco Truck marked DTM 113 AX, loaded with toiletries and one DAF 75 truck marked JJJ 445 XT loaded with some empty sacks of cocoa beans were stolen.

    Read Also: Osun APC and challenge of reconciliation

    “Occupants of the trucks were also robbed of their handsets and the sum of N30, 000.

    “The JTF and police patrol team within the axis were quickly alerted and immediately swung into action and arrested one Moses Kefi, 38, Odeyemi Oluwafemi, 42 and Isah Lawal 28 as suspects.

    “The two trucks were recovered with the loads intact while the two handsets of the victims in their possession were recovered, “ Olokode said.

    He further said that the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

  • Police sergeant held in Rivers robbery attack

    Police sergeant held in Rivers robbery attack

    By Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

    Police Sergeant Ibrahim Odege and one Sampson Inomoghe have been arrested in Rivers State for alleged armed robbery.

    Odege and Inomoghe were reportedly apprehended by community youths about 10pm Saturday night during a robbery attack on Elekahia Housing Estate, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of the state.

    Police spokesman Nnamdi Omoni said in a statement yesterday evening that a firearm and properties believed to belonging to their victims were found on the suspects, adding that their case file had been transferred to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation and prosecution.

    He expressed the disappointment of the state commissioner of Police Joseph Mukan at the police officer and assured that the law must take its full course.

    The statement said, “Operatives of the Elekahia Division at about 10 in the night on Saturday, January, 16, 2021, responded to a distress call at the Elekahia Housing Estate, where two armed robbers who were dispossessing people of their valuables were arrested.

    Read Also: New Oyo Police Commissioner vows to protect lives

    “The timely arrival of the police led to the arrest of  the two armed robbers who were later identified as Sergeant Ibrahim Odege attached to the Operations Department of the Rivers Police Command and one  Sampson Inomoghe ‘m’ 32yrs from Nembe in Bayelsa State but resides at Rumuokwrushi in Obio/Akpor LGA.

    “The duo were arrested at the scene of crime with the following exhibits, three different handsets belonging to their victims and one Locally made bareta pistol. One of the victims, Mrs Doris Elechi identified them as those that robbed her of her Tecno handset, which is one of the Exhibits recovered.

    “At the station, the suspects confessed to have carried out the robbery attacks among other revelations,” the document stated.