The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Security beefed-up in Kano for Easter

    Security has been beefed up in Kano by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Police to guarantee a hitch-free Easter celebration on Sunday in  Kano.

    Despite the ongoing house to house search by security men for suspected terrorists, as well as illegal weapons, the 3rd Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Kano has also deployed additional troops to beef up security arrangements in the state.

    The Police Command headquarters  in Bompai has deployed 4,000 police officers to beef-up security arrangements in the metropolis for today’s Easter celebrations

    Our reporter observed the presence  of many  armoured personnel carriers from the 3 Brigade patrolling the streets, during his visit to some parts of the metropolis, while the Police have also deployed officers to beef up security in strategic locations.

    Also, our Correspondent noticed increased presence of security personnel in most churches in Sabon Gari,  mostly inhabited by non-indigenous community, who were  gripped with fear over the bomb blast recently rocked the New Road motor park which claimed so many lives.

    At the close of the day, our investigations revealed that most of the churches have also made alternative security arrangements to ensure violent-free celebrations, following the engagement of private security outfit to beef up security.

    The Kano State Police boss, Musa Daura , when asked of security arrangements, disclosed that his Command has deployed 4,000 police officers as part of the Easter security build-up, adding that the normal stop and search security arrangement and surveillance activities are also part of efforts to ensure a smooth Easter celebration.

    “The Command is leaving nothing to chance to ensure we have violent-free Easter celebration, you are aware we have raiding flash points during which a number arrests of suspects were made and a number of weapons of mass destruction intercepted, this is all part of the efforts to usher in a hitch-free Easter.”

    Captain Ikedichi  Iweha, who is the spokesman of the JTF in Kano, disclosed that the military has placed its soldiers on red alert: “We are working very hard and as I speak with you now, military men deployed to the streets of Kano have been doubled, while the house to house search is still in progress.

     

     

     

  • How airport staff aided drug suspect- NDLEA

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)  has foiled a plot by some airport staff to aid  a suspected drug trafficker in circumventing security checks.

    A suspected drug trafficker, Adetunji Oladeji Joseph was arrested while wearing an official tarmac reflective jacket posing as an airport staff . He ingested 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.350kg. Adetunji was illegally taken to the boarding gates at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos by a female cleaner.

    The alleged mastermind is a driver with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Olatubosun Michael Olatunji. A female cleaner, Mrs Uzoma David and one Mr Ekene Victor Uchenna have been found to be part of the drug racket.

    The NDLEA Chairman,  Ahmadu Giade while describing the incident as an act of sabotage promised to prosecute all persons involved in the criminal act as deterrence to others. He however expressed disappointment over the lack of trust exhibited by the members of staff.

    “It is disappointing for workers at the airport community to indulge in such high level compromise. Their action is inimical and a calculated attempt to undermine security measures at the airport. They will be prosecuted for others to see the bitter consequences of compromise. Drug barons always seek to corrupt officials through bribery but we are working to counter such acts of infiltration” Giade stated.

    He thanked the management of FAAN and other security Agencies over what he described as excellent cooperation spirit. According to NDLEA boss, “I am very pleased with the support and excellent cooperation spirit of the management of FAAN and other Agencies. It exemplifies team spirit and synergy at its best. The arrest and hand over of Olatunbosun Michael Olatunji by FAAN for investigation is commendable”.

    NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport Mr Hamza Umar said that the incident took place on the 7th of February 2013 but the main culprits were only arrested just this weekend. “This is a high level case of aiding and abetting so we took our time in trying to arrest all parties to the crime. Let me also appreciate the support of security agencies at the airport especially FAAN” Hamza stated.

    Preliminary investigation revealed that one Mr Ekene Victor Uchenna, a staff with Avobridge who is currently at large gave his reflective jacket and on duty tag to the suspect. He also handed the suspect to a female cleaner Mrs Uzoma David who led him to the boarding gate to evade screening. The airport staff also collected an undisclosed amount of money to aid the suspect.

    Mr Ekene has been declared wanted by the Agency. It was gathered that he was involved in examination fraud at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos where he is studying Mechanical Engineering at Higher National Diploma Level. Since the incident occurred, he had been on the run.

    Another suspected member of the drug cartel, Peter Chidibere a trader at Trade Fair Complex, Lagos has been arrested by the NDLEA. He is currently being interrogated by narcotic officials. It was gathered that necessary arrangements for Adetunji Oladeji Joseph to smuggle the drugs.

    Meanwhile, Giade said investigation is on-going and more arrests are expected.

     

     

  • Imo: Chief of Staff sworn-in as Deputy governor

    The former Chief of Staff to Imo state governor, Prince Eze Madumere has been sworn-in as the new Deputy Governor of the state.
    Madumere replaces Sir Jude Agbaso who was impeached during the week by the  State House of Assembly for allegedly  demanding as gratification from Mr. Joseph Dina, the Managing Director of JPROS Int’l Ltd, a Lebanese company handling some of the major road projects in the state.
    Governor Rochas Okorocha urged the new deputy governor to discharge his duties diligently and selflessly.
    He urged Madmere not to be found wanting in his new position advising that “For you to succeed in this job, you must think less of yourself and think more of the people. You must never think of the next election but the future of the next generation.

    “You must also hate the idea of primitive accumulation of wealth. Let me say to all of you that a day must come when all of us must bow before God; a day that need no EFCC, no Police and Army to stand on issue of accountability. So, be guided by the fear of God knowing that one day, this job will end”.
    The governor described the circumstance that led to the removal of the former deputy governor as unfortunate, adding that his relationship with Sir Jude Agbaso remains cordial.
    ” I have to miss the former deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso whom I worked with and whom I have very unique love for. The circumstances that led to his removal are very unfortunate and I want to use this opportunity to wish him well in his future endeavor”.
    Earlier in his speech, the new deputy governor promised to remain focused and committed to the doctrines of  the  Okorocha-led Rescue Mission administration.

  • ‘How to be a successful global entrepreneur’

    ‘How to be a successful global entrepreneur’

    Deepak Kuntawala, Founder of DVK,  was recently  awarded Global Entrepreneur of the Year by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the TiE UK Awards in London for the company’s rapid expansion in the Middle East and Africa.

    Deepak says “Global Thinking, Locally Connected” is the key to launching in the emerging markets.

    When looking to expand a business to an international level, the main issue for many is establishing a reliable, accountable and affordable supply chain network. The task of trading in international markets without the right financial support and contacts can be daunting, add into this various risks, the demand risk, the supply disruption risk, the exchange rate.

    My company, DVK, also experienced this same difficulty.  DVK traces its roots back to the 1900’s when my grandfather began supplying blankets, articles of daily use, clothing to the British Army, locals and people working in mines in Zambia. Quickly immersing himself in the textiles and clothing trade, he built a considerable business empire with his department store Kuntawala & Co, becoming one of Southern Africa’s major men’s department stores, importing goods from the UK, Germany and Europe.

    When we immigrated to the UK in the 1970s, inspired by my father, my brothers and I emulated his success by creating the London based Kayson’s trading. It was from there that I had my first taste of international trade and soon found myself working during school holidays etc. Then in 20000, as a fully-fledged member of the family business, it felt only proper to launch my own venture and DVK was launched.

     

    DVK is engaged in high-growth global expansion and we recently launched our office in Saudi Arabia. The Middle East market is ripe for global business and we are exploring business opportunities with several deals in hand across Banking, Commodity Trading, Aviation, Sharia Financing, Private Equity, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Mining and Exportation.

     

    Working abroad opens the door to far more networking possibilities and allows for different thinking and ways of working to interact. Working with different people and cultures around the world provides your business with an international flavour and ethos.

     

    From doing business in Africa, I have learnt that patience and endurance are very much needed. It’s who you know not what you know.  95% of my time in Africa has been establishing contacts and building my networks. Eventually the contacts that you make will help reap rewards.

     

    The only real disadvantage would be the logistics of working globally; accounting for different time zones and languages, full preparation can definitely overcome these. Talking from experience, the key to establishing globally is to ensure companies have the right financial support network.

     

    A successful entrepreneur is someone who relishes a challenge, I think many wrongly assume entrepreneurship is a quest to acquire money, it really isn’t. It is much more about entering into an adventure, challenging and pushing yourself to your limits.

    An entrepreneur needs to be confident, creative and have bags full of self-belief. My motto has always been “global thinking, locally connected”. To take a business global you must have a truly international mindset but always be wary of the cultural differences. All these traits are essential for breaking into the

    emerging markets successfully.

  • Easter: Let’s unite against terrorists- Jonathan

    Easter: Let’s unite against terrorists- Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to unite against global terrorists and their local accomplices who want to divide the country.

    He made the call in his Easter message to the Nation.

    Full text of the message follows:

    “I greet and felicitate with you all as we celebrate Easter which commemorates the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ after his redemptive self-sacrifice for the eternal salvation of mankind.

    “Irrespective of our religion or faith, all holidays provide us with a fresh opportunity to establish stronger bonds with our family, friends and all those around us for more enduring, harmonious and beneficial relationships.

    “As we celebrate this year’s Easter therefore, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all members of their communities no matter their ethnicity, religious beliefs or places of origin.

    “By now, it ought to be an accepted fact amongst us that our immense potential for greatness in the comity of nations derives in the main from our collective strength as a country of close to 170 million people and the acclaimed richness of our diverse human resources and natural endowments.

    “It follows, therefore, that to successfully achieve our vision of becoming one of the most dominant nations on the global stage in the shortest possible time, we must stay together as a people and continue to effectively resist by all possible means, the evil machinations of global terrorists and their misguided domestic accomplices who seek to provoke turmoil, hatred and harmful divisions among us.

    “I assure all Nigerians that our security agencies, armed forces and I will continue to fully discharge our constitutional responsibilities for protecting the unity and territorial integrity of this country with all the powers and forces at our disposal.

    “We must have peace, security and stability to effectively implement our agenda for national transformation in all parts of the country and we shall continue to work ceaselessly to re-establish the prerequisite conditions for nationwide progress and development.

    “For your part, dear countrymen and women, I urge you to continue to exhibit restraint and understanding in the face of seeming provocations. Those who mindlessly and indiscriminately attack churches, schools, health workers,  motor-parks, banks and ordinary road users must be seen as they truly are: the brainwashed pawns of international terrorism.

    “They do not represent any true religion or section of the country and we must never play into their hands by succumbing to their nefarious ploys to incite religious, ethnic hatred and division among us.

    “It is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, his lessons of self-sacrifice, brotherly love, placing others before self, tolerance, obedience, respect for lawful authorities, dutifulness, diligence, honesty, justice and fairness to all will take firmer root in our beloved country and help us to overcome present challenges and build the more peaceful, secure, united, progressive and prosperous nation of our dreams.

    “I wish you all happy Easter celebrations.”

  • CBN to maintain value of Naira

    CBN to maintain value of Naira

    The Central Bank of Nigeria  (CBN) continues to intervene in the currency markets to bolster the Naira, after its recent weakening to a seven-month low of 159.10 to the Dollar.

    Although Nigeria is the largest oil-producing nation in Africa, inflation and the need for imports have weakened the currency of late. This fall in value has prompted investors in Nigerian bonds to sell their positions, thereby putting more pressure on the Naira. The CBN’s stated objective, however, is to maintain the value of the nation’s currency within a tight bank of three percent, either side of 155.00. The Naira had strengthened to this plateau over the past year, maintained it for months, but then gradually began to depreciate over the last three months.

    Inflation was the primary concern in 2012. The central bank on six consecutive occasions raised interest rates to address rising prices. Rate changes stopped in November, resting at a 12 percent level. The NCB has passed on any rate adjustments since that time. Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Nigeria Central Bank, stated this week that he expects the bank to leave interest rates unchanged at 12 percent over the coming months so as not to jeopardize the bank’s efforts to bring inflation back down to single digits, a program designed to stabilize the Naira’s exchange rate.

    Concurrent with this maintaining a constant interest rate posture, the CBN, however, has intervened in the currency markets by holding two U.S. Dollar auctions of $300 million and $276 million over the past week to cover various import needs of the country. When coupled with anticipated month-end sales by local oil producers, the combined effect is to provide stability for the Naira and keep it below the 159.75 threshold. The Naira today is holding steady at 158.55.

    Sewa Wusu, an analyst at Lagos-based Sterling Capital Ltd., has stated in a phone interview with Bloomberg that the “CBN’s increased intervention through the auction has ensured Naira stays within the targeted band amid increased dollar demand.”

    As for near-term prospects, most currency experts are forecasting a stronger Naira, based on the previous open-market actions and expectations of local oil companies. Investors also seem confident that the central bank will continue to support the Naira, as well. One dealer noted that, “We see the Naira trading around the 158 Naira to the Dollar level this week and early next week with more oil companies selling dollars as part of their month-end sales.”

    In a recent Reuters’ survey, 8 of 9 economists predicted that the CBN would not budge from their 12 percent interest rate benchmark. “The main focus of the debate … will be the inflation outlook … and the recent weakness in the currency,” said Andrea Masia, a Morgan Stanley analyst. He was also quick to add that the 2013 budget will have monetary implications that could impact inflation, as well. Inflation currently sits at 9 percent, but Governor Lamido Sanusi has publicly expressed concerns regarding the pressure posed on prices arising from outside of the country.

    Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan recently approved a 4.99 trillion Naira budget that had received Parliamentary approval in February. The new budget represents a slight rise in government spending of 1.4 percent, a tentative compromise reached after several months of serious debate over future spending plans.

    The stage is now set for further minimal gains over the following week. Kunle Ezun and Kenneth Asenime, local analysts at Ecobank Transnational Inc. in Lagos, suggested a 158.10 figure in a newsletter to their clients, “with bias for moderate appreciation due to monetary policy support.”

    Bio:

    Article by Tom Cleveland of forextraders.com. Mr. Cleveland has been writing about economics and investments since 1980. Since 2010, Mr. Cleveland has been specifically researching currency fluctuations and many aspects of forex news. To read more on his work, view the news section on Forex Traders.

     

     

  • Mambilla Plateau: Nature in its pre-eminence

    Mambilla Plateau: Nature in its pre-eminence

     The Mambilla  Plateau is one attraction in Nigeria that the magnificence  leaves one in search adequate words to capture. Having experience the beauty of the place, there is always the desire for a second visit. Where does one start in capturing the place? Is it the sheer immensity of the rock formation or the twists and turns as one drives to the top  the plateau.
    Climbing the hill is not for the faint-hearted because of the twist and turns as the road meandered upward.  But a trip to Mambilla without these  experience would not be complete. It is just like being suspended on the sky, held only by a tread tied to one’s ankle, looking down on valley, one could just come crashing down on deep, sharp valley.
    The first point of call is Hawa Biu Da Sisi, meaning two and half shilling hill, the tour guides explained that in the olden days before the road was carved out of the rock, there were load carrier who normally carry loads from the bottom of the plateau to the top. A trip normally takes two weeks from the foot to the top of the hill. The cost par trip is initially two shilling, but having negotiated that amount, on getting to the steep sharp corner, the load carriers would demand for an extra half a shilling, hence the name.
    The first corner is Kwanan Gomna, said to the point the point where the former Governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Kassim Ibrahim reach before deciding to go back.
    Other key poins are Tungar Gorah, Kwanan Drum, Tungar Ahmedu.  Tungar Ahmadu is close to the top of the hill. This point was said to be the point where the former premier of the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello decided to reach before deciding to go back. According to the indigenes of Gembu, it was in recognition of the effort of Sir Ahmadu Bello that the whole of the local government area was named Sardauna council area, in honour of the former premier who was also the Sardauna of Sokoto.
    One of the signs that one was getting to the top of the mountain range is the cooler nature of the weather and then the presence of well fed cattle who lazily shamble along the treacherous road unmindful of coming vehicles.  A vehicle had to horn repeatedly before the cattle will leave the road. Here in Mambilla, the cattle have right way. Gradually the climbing ended and what one could see was a stretch of prowling ranches that on undulating ranges of hills. However, before entering the town proper one stopped at a spring stream that a pip has been places at the mouth to channel the water out. The tour guides explained that every visitor coming to the town is expected to drink form the water before proceeding. The water was cold and refreshing, just what is expected of a spring water.
    The tragedy of Mambilla  Plateau is that successive government both in state and the federal level are yet to come up with idea of how this endowment for benefit of mankind.
  • Achebe: Adieu, agent of change

    Achebe: Adieu, agent of change

    The news of the death of the foremost African folklorist, Prof. Chinua Achebe as shattering as it marks the nunc dimitis of pioneer African writing. This indeed shows what stealth death can do even to those whose lives and works have become institutions. The death of Achebe underscores the immortality of all living creatures even as their good works will live on.

    Described by President Nelson Mandela as the “writer in whose company the prison walls fell down”,Achebe  and writing sought   to and did liberate souls and people who were captives man’s inhumanity to fellow men Achebe, the acclaimed asiwaju of Nigerian writing began writing at a time African literature was not in contention and had helped shape the African personality.

    He told his story, the society’s story and parodied the hitherto African and the evolving pre – and post – independent Africa, aside from predicting, with great precision, the destination of the emergent African states who have toed the wrong political lines.

    His book, A Man Of The People, was very prophetic and depicted the early rut in the system which culminated in Nigeria’s first Military coup.

    Just as his all – time best seller, Things Fall Apart exposed the primordial Igbo society, his essay, “The Trouble With Nigeria”, has remained the political reference book of any politician who trains his eyes on effecting social change. His apt diagnosis of the Nigerian social malaise and very succinct prescription for good governance sounds like a text of the lips off Che Guevera. He was a quiet revolutionary.

    Never losing hope in the ability of his Country Nigeria to rise and shine, he had beamed the klieg lights on all those things that had bedeviled social change and growth, and cautioned against resurgence. These he laid bare in his recent work, “There Was A Country”.

    This detailed narrative of the Biafara debacle should be patriotically read with a view to gleaning all the lessons Achebe wanted Nigerians to learn in order to coexist as a people, more so as those threats at national stability are everywhere.

    By his death, we have lost a gem, an archive of historical developments and an agent of change. Adieu.

    The Hon Barr. Nwabueze Ugwu

    Ikpemalueziokwu of greater Awgu land.

     

  • Welcome to Africa

    Welcome to Africa

    In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams. ~ Nigerian proverb

    This column, blog more appropriately here, is not new. At least, not to those who have encountered it in print before. However, for those who may be reading it for the first time, it may be necessary to spell out what it is all about.

    As the name implies; it is a blog about Africa, our continent. In this forum, we are going to take a look at what perhaps from day to day escapes the attention of many of our newspaper columnists and writers. In Inside Africa, our major focus of operation is principally Africa as a continent. Anything we write or ponder about would be strictly about issues that concern the continent. Domestic issues would only be commented upon if in the long run they have any bearing on our role as a country in Africa.

    And because the continent cannot live in isolation, we are only going to be concerned about issues outside the continent in as much as we think such are going to have effects on the continent.

    But let no one think this is a case of ‘Afghanistanism’, a phrase coined by a senior colleague in the nineties when the military was in power. For the young ones who may not understand, the senior colleague coined it when many columnists for fear of arrest decided not to comment on local issues but write about foreign affairs. Hence, he said many preferred to go to Afghanistan!

    But this is not our intention here. No. Our strong belief is that at the home front we have enough writers and columnists who are already dealing with domestic issues. So we should talk more about our continent and not leave it solely to foreign correspondents.

    We are going to talk about elections, politics, corruption and innovations that could make the continent move to the next level and dictate the pace of the new world.

    This is not going to be a tea party or an easy task to achieve. Many have always wondered if there is anything to crow about Africa, a continent that has been stigmatised with the tag of underdevelopment, famine, wars and election violence and all that.

    The recent election in Kenya will not escape our scrutiny or the unfolding crisis in Mali. We are going to give our magisterial pronouncements and weigh in as at when required. This is not going to be a forum to only vilify, we are going to applaud and salute those who lift the name and banner of the continent beyond the current morass.

    As the opening proverb above says, we are going to build bridges through which we shall cross to the land of understanding. Welcome to Africa.

  • The new Lagos riders

    The new Lagos riders

    In Lagos State, cycling is gaining momentum according to this report by Joe Agbro Jr.

    It was a bright day, perfect for outdoor activities. And for Komolafe Ademola and two of his friends in the highbrow Allen Avenue, Ikeja area, part of enjoying the day meant taking turns to leisurely ride a bicycle in the estate grounds.

    “I love to cycle,” Ademola gushed after his turn, bustling with the energy of a contented young man. Hitherto, eyebrows would have been raised at the actions of Ademola and his friends. Except in the rural areas, In Nigeria, riding of bicycles is largely considered children’s pastime. But, that is not the situation in Lagos anymore. “It is good exercise and my two children have bikes of their own too. Atimes, instead of driving you can just go around with it. That guy (referring to one of his friends) has two cars,” Ademola said. “But he still loves riding.”

    Ademola and his friend are not alone in this new found love for cycling. Indeed, many residents are beginning to adopt cycling as not only sports but also as a means of movement. And in different parts of Lagos, young people, especially boys and men can be seen pedalling away – either in the course of work or leisure.

    For 15-year old Olakunle, a student of Oduduwa Grammar School, Mushin, riding a bike is fun. Though, he said only rides his bicycles within his Mushin residence. According to Olakunle, it is his brother who is a mechanic that uses the bicycle most of the time. “If he has a job to do somewhere,” he said, “that is what he uses to go there.”

    While Olakunle rides just for fun, to Tunde Olaoye, a graphic artist who resides in Surulere, cycling is his mode of transportation to and fro work daily. “It is very easy and cheap for me,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about hold-up or transport fare. I just get on my bike and go where I want to.”

    Indeed, on nearly every nook and cranny of the state, there is someone pedalling, even contesting the use of the road with motorists. Asked whether he worries about being knocked down by other vehicles, Olaoye offered his advice offhandedly. “Anyone who is not expert enough should not ride on busy roads.”

    Also, it seems the introduction of the Lagos State Traffic Law which banned commercial motorcycles of categories of 200CC engine capacity or less from 475 roads in the state, has increased the number of bicycles on the road.

    One of those affected is Benjamin Okpokri who works as an office assistant in Ikeja and blames his biking on the absence of commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada. “In the course of my work, I have to move around at short notice,” he said. “Because they (government) have banned Okada, I can’t do that anymore. Since there is no law against bicycles, it was decided I could be using it to move around. At first I didn’t like the idea. But, I am now enjoying it.”

    Because of this renewed interest in cycling, second-hand bikes have flooded the market, and bicycle sellers are having a field day.  Akeem, a bicycle seller at the Computer village, Ikeja said he has been enjoying huge patronage. “I used to sell only used computer parts before,” he said. “But, for the past two years, I’ve been selling bicycles and it is moving well.”

    The costs of these second-hand bicycles range from about N10, 000 to N35, 000 depending on the functionality. Also, adornments such as crash helmets are available but so at the moment, traffic law enforcement officials hardly look at that. Hence, it is a common sight to see many of the riders get on highways without the proper safeguards such as crash helmets, shin guards, and knee pads. In addition, reflective lamps, and headlights are often missing on many of the bicycles.

    The risky activities of these riders however have come to the notice of the Lagos State Safety Commission headed by Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, the director-general. According to her, bicycling is a legal form of transportation which the Lagos state government recognises. She however that caution must be adhered to by the riders.

    “The fun must be done in a safe manner,” she said. “If anything happens to them, it’s not going to affect only them. I notice that we don’t have as many bicycles as so many other countries. But, we want to encourage that bicycle riders should make use of their personal protective equipment which is their hard hats, knee pads, chin pads, and ride not in between vehicles. They should ride where the vehicle drivers can actually see them in the mirror. And they should lower their speed. They don’t race against vehicles on the road.”

    Good advice for the riders. And while some people believe biking is just a fad, there is no doubt that it is fast catching on. And whether for work or leisure, it seems this way of getting from point A to point B is going to be around for sometime. Anyone in doubt just needs to move around Lagos to see the citizens’ growing passion towards biking.