The Nation Newspaper

Category: Interview

  • Adedibu once wrote me a letter in RED ink -Ex-Oyo Resident Electoral Commissioner

    A former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in four states in Nigeria – Oyo, Ekiti, Taraba and Akwa Ibom – Elder Chidi Frank Wihioka, hails from Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State and currently represents Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In this interview with our Port Harcourt Bureau Chief, BISI OLANIYI, the former lecturer says he never experienced sexual harassment or ‘sorting’ in his almost 27 years of teaching. He also proffers solutions to the Niger Delta militancy and Boko Haram insurgency, having done his national youth service in the old Borno State. Excerpts:

    Let us start from the beginning. How was life as a growing up child?

    I started life from State School 3 Primary School, Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, where I had my first school leaving certificate in 1973 and I came out with distinction. In the same year, I got admission into County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche, where I finished in 1978. I came out with Grade 2. From there, I proceeded to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, formerly Rivers State College of Arts and Science, where I did Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Science. I then proceeded to the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in Cross River State on a part-time basis before I did my Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) and Master’s in Education.

    After HND, I did the national youth service in 1984 in the old Borno State. When I returned to Rivers State after the youth service, I first taught at Girls Secondary School, Iba, Emohua LGA, before I got another employment opportunity to be a lecturer at the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt, then the School of Basic Studies, where I taught for almost 27 years before I veered into politics.

    When my people felt that it was very important for me to run for election, instead of putting in resignation letter, I put in retirement letter in 2014 and retired from the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt, which was later upgraded to Port Harcourt Polytechnic by Governor Nyesom Wike and recently renamed Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in honour of the late literacy icon, who hailed from Aluu in Ikwerre LGA of the state, to vie as a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency of Rivers State.

    I was appointed as Ikwerre Local Government Caretaker Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1992 as a public officer and we managed NRC until we conducted election and had NRC officers and we left. I also got appointment as a member of the Rivers State Land Use and Allocation Committee. Even when the military took over, we were retained, handling everything relating to Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and allocation of government-owned lands, until 1999 when I was appointed as General Manager of Rison Palm, then wholly owned by the Rivers State Government before investors were later invited.

    You functioned as a Resident Electoral Commissioner at some point…

    Yes, I later got appointment at the federal level as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), first in Oyo State. I was then moved to Taraba State. I conducted the 2003 general election in Taraba State. Thereafter, I was posted to Akwa Ibom State and then Ekiti, all as REC. It was in Ekiti State that I completed my first tenure of five years as REC and I left. I then veered into politics.

    Shortly after a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, an indigene of Ubima in Ikwerre LGA, now Transportation Minister, became governor on October 26, 2007, after the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment of the previous day, I was appointed the Chairman of Rivers State Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency, a position I occupied until 2014. I was still a lecturer at the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt, but I took a leave of absence.

    How easy was your election into the House of Reps?

    My election into the House of Representatives was the longest election in the history of Nigeria. From 2014 when I retired from the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt, the election of 2015 continued till 2016 when we had a rerun on December 10 and I was declared winner by INEC on December 12, 2016. By the grace of God Almighty, I was elected by my people to represent Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I thank God that I have the experience and what it takes to represent my federal constituency.

    You said you served in old Borno State in 1984. How will you compare Borno State then and now, considering the Boko Haram insurgency?

    Then, Borno State was a very nice place. I served in Marugaba, but I had a house in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. When I served in Borno State, even at 2 am, you could walk on any road and nobody would harass you. You would even see people sleeping in front of their houses. There was no threat to life whatsoever.

    As a parent, how did you feel when you heard that Boko Haram insurgents had kidnapped close to 300 girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State where you served?

    I felt very bad. Imagine how you feel if your daughter is somewhere you do not know. You will neither be able to eat nor sleep. No parent can comfortably say he/she will eat, drink or move around with such an unpleasant experience. There was a day I watched a carol in Abuja after the kidnap of the Chibok girls, and one lady from Chibok was talking. I broke down. I looked at her and I looked at my children. I asked myself a question: If this had happened to your children who are with you here, how will you feel?

    I thank God that by His grace, the Federal Government and the military are making progress now to free the remaining Chibok girls who are still in captivity while Sambisa Forest has been cleared of Boko Haram insurgents. The release of the Chibok girls will bring joy to their parents and other Nigerians.

    You are from the Niger Delta. Militants in the region are doubting the sincerity of the Federal Government with regard to transforming the oil-rich region and empowering the marginalised people. How would you advise President Muhammadu Buhari on this?

    Militancy in the Niger Delta has changed from genuine agitation to youths now being used for political gains. If you go to some of the communities in the Niger Delta where they are bombing pipelines and other facilities of oil companies, you will find that the real people in the villages are not the ones benefiting from the agitations. Ogoniland in Rivers State is very rich in crude oil and gas, with many oil wells. Ogoni people had problems with oil companies, especially the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), which was sent packing from Ogoniland in 1993 and is yet to return to the four LGAs of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme. But Ogoni people did not damage pipelines.

    If you look at reports from security agencies, you will find that some of the pipes the oil companies are claiming were being damaged by militants are pipes that have stayed beyond their lifespan. Any slight touch on the pipes, they will tear apart. So, the oil companies should change their pipes.

    The people benefiting from amnesty scholarships in the Niger Delta are not the militants. Some of the people at the helm of affairs of the amnesty programme put the names of their brothers and sisters, who are being trained overseas as pilots and engineers. Most of the benefiting youths never took part in militancy. If you want to eliminate militancy in the Niger Delta, we must ensure manpower development, especially training the ex-militants as middle-level manpower. They can be properly trained as welders and other trades. After their training, they can be employed by the companies or they will become contractors to the companies, in managing their pipelines.

    The people defending the Niger Delta militants today are the people that are making the gains. They are the people negotiating with militants for cash. But there are genuine people who are negotiating on behalf of the Federal Government. Can’t you see some Niger Delta leaders who are defending the bad boys, just because they are benefiting from the negotiations? Niger Delta militancy should not be a source of revenue for some leaders.

    The Federal Government should do away with Niger Delta’s unpatriotic leaders/channels and identify the real community leaders for the Federal Government and oil companies to ensure real development of the Niger Delta communities. In some communities in the Niger Delta, you will find camps of multinational oil giants with good water, constant electricity and good roads leading to the camps and everything functioning very well, but the adjoining communities where the oil firms are drilling crude oil are without social amenities.

    If you wake up in the night in the host communities of oil companies in the Niger Delta, you will see light in the camps of the oil firms. You will be hearing loud music and the happy people will be dancing while the people of the communities who own the crude oil are in total darkness. It would get to a point where the neglected people of the host communities in the Niger Delta would want to revolt. As the oil companies are developing their camps, they should also be developing their host communities.

    You were a REC of INEC in Oyo, Taraba, Akwa Ibom and Ekiti states in the days of do-or-die politics. What did you experience?

    As a REC of INEC, I saw the good, the bad and the ugly. What was important to me, as at then, was my name and my determination to do something right. While in Oyo State as REC of INEC in 2002, we had the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the then Alliance for Democracy (AD). The then governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, was of AD. There was a day the then strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, wrote me a letter with a red biro. I read it and I remembered when I was in the university and we were using red biro to write letters to threaten somebody. I saw Alhaji Adedibu’s letter as one of those experiences in life. I read the letter and I dropped it inside my drawer, without allowing the content to bother me.

    What was the content of the letter?

    It was a private letter. He wrote to me and talked as a politician.

    Did he threaten to harm you for not supporting his preferred candidates or his political party?

    No comment.

    How did you cope with pressure from influential politicians and top government officials as REC of INEC in four states of Nigeria?

    While still in Oyo State as REC of INEC, another thing happened besides the letter from Alhaji Adedibu. The then governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, called me and said he got a report that I was giving registration forms to PDP members. I just laughed. He drove to my office in Ibadan with the then Chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), many aides and supporters. They talked for a very long time. When they finished, I said His Excellency, this your SIEC chairman will put you in problems. He asked why and I told him that the SIEC chairman brought photocopied OMR forms being used to capture people directly, but I insisted I would never allow photocopied documents to be used since INEC only deals with original documents.

    I told Alhaji Adesina how I advised the SIEC chairman against doing things that were not in line with INEC’s rules and regulations, but he (SIEC chairman) ended up telling the then governor lies, which made him (Alhaji Adesina) to leave his official duties to come to INEC office. The then governor asked the SIEC chairman if what I said was true and he said yes. Alhaji Adesina was so disappointed, got tired, told me sorry and they left.

    I conducted elections in Taraba State, a quiet place. There was no trouble or violence. After the announcement of the results of the elections, I walked a distance of half a kilometre from the hotel where I lodged to go and eat without any security, and nobody abused, harassed or attacked me. In Akwa Ibom State, I conducted state House of Assembly by-election. In Ekiti State too, I conducted House of Representatives’ by-election. By God’s grace, I am honest and straightforward, and I place emphasis on integrity and honour.

    How did you meet your wife?

    We met in school, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt. I entered first in 1979, while Comfort (his wife) was admitted with supplementary list. We did some courses that had to do with Mathematics, Survey and Physics, but she was not good in Mathematics. We were in the same Faculty of Agriculture. She was in Agric Economics Department, while I was in Animal Science Department. I was then teaching her Mathematics, Survey and Physics.

    How did you propose to her?

    Both of us proposed to each other while teaching.

    How has it been since you got married?

    We got married in 1990. Since then, it has been very nice, sweet and rewarding, to the glory of God Almighty.

    Will you like any of your children to go into politics?

    I will not stop my children from anything they want to do. That is one policy we have in our family. We do not dictate. The only thing we can do for our children is to give them sound education. Any other thing they want to do, as far as it is not criminal, they are free.

    You were a lecturer for almost 27 years. Did you experience sexual harassment or ‘sorting’ with sex, money or gift?

    No. I did not experience sexual harassment. While teaching, I was also holding political offices and I was always in a hurry to finish my lectures, mark the scripts and go out. In those days, there was nothing like ‘sorting’. It is now that I am hearing about ‘sorting’ and I am surprised. In those days, no lecturer had time for nonsense. We were very busy, concentrating on how to teach and we had a very good environment. We had a staff canteen where lecturers could eat or drink after lectures. The canteen was exclusively for lecturers.

    How did you come about the title of ‘Elder’?

    They used to call me Radical Chidex, because if you did things that were not okay, we would fight. One day, one of my friends, Kwashi, a Ghanaian and now a lawyer in Port Harcourt, came and called me Sir Elder Baba Chidex. He later turned it to Elder Chidex. From that day, people started calling me Elder Chidex and later shortened it to Elder. If you went out and said you were looking for Chidi Frank Wihioka, they would tell you they did not know the person. But immediately you mentioned Elder Chidi Frank Wihioka, they would tell you they knew him.

    Your kinsman from the same Elele, Emma Okah, a lawyer and current Rivers State Commissioner for Housing, who is of the PDP, alleged after INEC declared you winner of the December 10 legislative rerun, that you wanted to kill him and that the election was rigged for you by INEC, police and the military as directed by the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. How will you react to the allegations?

    All the allegations levelled against me by Emma Okah and other members of the PDP are not true. Emma Okah’s mother worships in the same church with me. His mother cannot come to Anglican Church’s altar to say I threatened to kill her son. Even Emma Okah, when he leaves office as Nyesom Wike’s commissioner, he will deny most of the things he has said. I made Emma Okah, by God’s grace.

    How?

    When I was REC of INEC in Oyo State, Miss Tosin Odukoya, now Mrs. Tosin Dokpesi, a journalist with Africa Independent Television (AIT), then in Lagos, but now the Managing Director of AIT, Abuja, came to Ibadan from Lagos to interview me. When AIT aired the interview, Emma Okah saw it and he did not know that I was a REC of INEC. He then called somebody to give him my number and he called to congratulate me, saying that the interview was nice.

    Emma asked of my location and I told him I was in Ibadan. He asked if he could come and I said yes. Emma came, and that was how he started visiting me from Lagos and later staying with me in my house in Ibadan for many weeks. All through my stay in Ibadan, any time I was coming to Port Harcourt, I always paid Emma’s flight ticket. He is my relative. We are from the same village. I do not know what he was doing in Lagos then.

    Besides that, by God’s grace, I made Emma Okah to be close to the then Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili. I took Emma to Dr. Odili, describing him as a good man, who could write very well. As a lawyer, Emma was then writing articles in favour of Dr. Odili in The Guardian newspaper. When I took Emma to Dr. Odili, he told the then governor that I was the person helping him to survive. I then spoke with the current Minister of Transportation (Amaechi), who was then the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who facilitated the appointment of Emma as Chief Press Secretary to the then Governor Odili. When Emma started having problems in the village, I told him to be careful. The village that made you is the village that will destroy you.

    I won the December 10, 2016 rerun. INEC announced me as winner of the election on December 12. On December 13, I returned home and the whole Elele gathered to receive me. We moved round the big community and my people were singing all over. They took me round the whole Elele and it took me more than three hours to get back home. The next day (December 14), I travelled to Abuja and I was at the House of Representatives on Thursday (December 15) with other winners of the elections for our inauguration by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

    Emma is my small brother. When I was in Class Five in County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche, Emma was in Class Two. Emma and other students from Elele were feeding in my corner. I was the Games Prefect. I loved football and I played football very well. All of them from Elele were then coming to my corner to eat, because while I was going to school, I would go with a lot of items and money, by God’s grace.

    Is it true that INEC, police, military personnel and the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, rigged the December 10 rerun and hijacked electoral materials for you and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Are you not worried about the decision of PDP’s candidates to challenge your victories at the election petitions tribunal?

    People who kill with knives will never allow anybody with knife to pass their back. PDP members and leaders are involved in rigging every day of their lives. Whenever other people win, they will say it is rigging. They declared PDP candidate the winner of senatorial election in Emohua LGA without results, but they did not call it rigging, I won the December 10 legislative rerun election for Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency outright, in spite of all that PDP members did. You also heard Nyesom Wike on the first leaked audio tape through Sahara Reporters, when he was allegedly calling Ikwerre LGA’s Electoral Officer (EO).

    You can have an E.O. with an assurance that he would do everything for you. The PDP members and leaders forgot that you can take a horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink water. That was what happened to them. PDP members tried rigging in Ikwerre LGA, but it did not work. INEC, police, military and Rt. Hon. Amaechi did not rig the elections for me and other candidates of the APC. Let PDP leaders tell the whole world the truth. No electoral material was hijacked. The result of my election was announced around 3 pm on December 12, not December 10, 2016 when the rerun took place. On December 12, Rt. Hon. Amaechi was already in his office in Abuja or in Lagos doing his official assignments. Will Rt. Hon. Amaechi be in Lagos or Abuja and hijack electoral materials in Rivers State? The hijacking of electoral materials could have only taken place in PDP members’ imagination or madness. PDP leaders are now crying because they could not buy the military officers and some policemen. They bought some INEC officials. Before, Wike would buy everybody. Any time you hear Wike shouting that some people are rigging, watch him, he is planning to rig, so that if he fails, he will then say he said it. The soldiers came out during the elections, did their security work and are back to their barracks. I do not know any of them. We do not need to destroy institutions because of our personal interest. A time will come when you will need them.

    In 2014, PDP leaders attempted to plant gun in my house in Elele, when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was President. They broke the back fence of my house. They did not want me to vie for election, because they knew I would win. They wanted to use the planting of the gun for the police to arrest my security men in the village, who would be forced to write statements and sign that I was the owner of the gun, and they would put me in prison. One of the PDP members, who knew about the plan, called me immediately and said I had assisted him in life and he would not want me to be taken to prison, for what I knew nothing about. I quickly called and informed the then commissioner of police, who promised to get back to me, which he is yet to do.

    The whole of the village then trooped into my house. My security men are Fulani people with bows and arrows, and they injured one of the gun planters who ran and jumped into a waiting police vehicle, which quickly zoomed off. They could not drop the gun. I have passed through a lot of things. They took me to court and was forcing the then Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Elele to put arson in the charge sheet so that they would not grant me bail. The DPO refused. The then Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, made sure the then DPO from Taraba State was immediately transferred to Osun State. I went to court and won.

    During the 2015 general elections, PDP leaders wrote results in the house of one of its chieftains in Elele. We challenged the massive rigging at the tribunal and got victory. On March 19, 2016, during the rerun, PDP members caused the highest level of violence in Rivers State, especially in my area. The shooting was unprecedented. The election was shifted again to December 10 and I was declared by INEC as the winner. I will still win at the tribunal. Let the PDP members tell the world what they did during the December 10 elections in Rivers State.

    What did they do?

    I will not expose them for now. I am using my evidence at the tribunal. I am waiting for them at the tribunal and they will be shocked. Let them defend what Nyesom Wike said about Ikwerre LGA’s Electoral Officer. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, set up a panel to investigate the two leaked audio tapes and the massive rigging by PDP members during the December 10 elections, but Wike later hurriedly set up his own judicial commission of inquiry, headed by Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, who was made a judge about two months ago by the Rivers governor. Wike has never set up a panel to investigate the killing of many innocent people and security personnel in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and Ahaoda Region of Rivers State.

    On January 6, police authorities dismissed six policemen attached to Governor Nyesom Wike for professional misconduct during the December 10 legislative rerun, but the governor said the policemen are innocent and has called for their immediate reinstatement. What is your reaction?

    Wike should not cry more than the bereaved. The six dismissed policemen have the right of appeal. Let them appeal. Wike should stop making unnecessary noise to whip up sentiments for public sympathy. The Rivers governor should tell the whole world the truth. I watched the video, how the six policemen were shooting at the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council secretariat, the Rivers East Senatorial District’s collation centre. Who broke the head of the INEC’s returning officer? What was Wike doing there?

    Is the governor not the chief security officer of the state who would want to ensure peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order?

    Why didn’t Wike go to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where DSP Mohammed Alkali of Mobile Police Unit 48 and his orderly, Sgt. Urukwu Nwachukwu, were beheaded on December 10, 2016 while on election duty, to stand there as the chief security officer of the state?

  • Govs, private sector will make ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ successful – Accenture

    Govs, private sector will make ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ successful – Accenture

    The Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, in an interview at the recently concluded NESG, spoke on how Nigeria can achieve self-sufficiency and promote the Made-in-Nigeria initiative.

     

    Do you think what NESG pulled out from this gathering will contribute in repositioning the country towards the path of sustainable economic growth and development?

    We must know that the choice of the theme of the summit ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ is deliberate bearing in mind the crisis the country is going through today which is largely caused by high import volume, Nigeria is almost importing everything either as direct input or secondary inputs without substantive export strength. And so, my own thinking is the NESG is doing this for a number of reasons.

    One, is to communicate to all of us the urgency of the situation and why it is important that we take a critical and almost immediate action or actions; considering that we don’t have the latitude of time to say that we will do this next year or the next two years.

    This is because we cannot predict when the price of crude oil will go up.  Most people say the price of crude oil will not go back to one hundred dollar anytime soon. This means, we need to wake up and begin to take proactive actions, acknowledging that there is need to evolve a sustainable long run solution to this problem.

    So I think that NESG is propelled by the crucial need for us to reduce the level of imports and improve our local production particularly in the non-oil sector, the real sectors, such that it takes over from oil as our foreign exchange earner, increase our export volume, solve our balance of payment problem and promote Nigeria to the place of self-sustainability.

    One key thing therefore is that we come out of our dependence on imports and as we can see the president’s speech during the summit alluded to the fact that he also understands that ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ drive is very important.

    The second thing I believe the summit will help us achieve is about setting priorities. We need to achieve certain targets in every sector but we have limited resources in terms of time, men and material, so we need to prioritize our efforts, so the NESG provided opportunity for various stakeholders to agree on what the immediate priorities are across sectors, so that we know that those priorities are where we should focus our energy, resources and investments; such that when we achieve one target, we can then move on then move on to the next set of priorities.

    The third thing is communication; letting people be aware of what the challenges are, what the potential solutions are and in which area/areas and more importantly what each person needs to do as well as to understand how can each person contribute to ensuring that we achieve the ultimate goal of making this country to be self-sufficient in certain things since we know that we will always continue to import. At least we have achieved self-sufficiency with cement; we also need to achieve it with the petroleum sector. As we know, Nigeria is the only member of OPEC that still imports refined crude.

    So if all we do is achieving self-sufficiency in some of these critical areas and then push our government to provide the enabling environment and infrastructure to ensure that these things work; be it electricity, good road networks and intermodal transportation, then we can say that the NESG summit 2016 is a very successful one.

     

    We can see from the political side that the president has the political will but are the policies coherent enough to drive the needed change?

    As you just stated, the political is now available but I think the policy environment has to be reviewed, updated and fine-tuned to reflect the ever changing dynamics. For instance there are issues about multiple of regulators with overlapping functions. What we find is that we have so many regulators. So you ask yourself; we have those regulating the doing of things but we do not have those promoting the doing of things.

    NAFDAC for example will tell you that its role is to regulating the manufacturing of drugs and food etc.; you equally have Standards Organization of Nigeria whose role is regulate and ensure that production conforms to certain standards, but which agency is promoting the doing of things? Who is that regulator that is working with the manufacturers and SMEs to ensure that they survive harsh economic situations or policies, to produce items and remain in business?

    In the course of the summit, the MD of the Nigerian breweries said that if you want to register a company you have 14 regulating institutions, if you want to place adverts you have four regulators. So it will be nice if we have four regulators that will be pushing and promoting agriculture and agribusiness, local production by providing appropriate intervention that stimulates production.

    We talk about increasing the ease of doing business and it is quite commendable that government has set up a commission on that, so we pray things will eventually improve. Look at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), customs have four core functions including: collection of revenue; anti-smuggling activities, border protection and trade facilitation. In other countries like in the US, customs focus primarily on trade facilitation but in Nigeria they focus primarily on revenue generation and then secondarily on border protection and lastly trade facilitation.

    These are some of the policy issues we need to review. Government set up the export expansion grant in 1999 to encourage non-oil exports but for the last three years it has been suspended because of abuse. I don’t support the abuse but you cannot throw away the baby with the bad water; you cannot because of abuse by some persons suspend an incentive programme that can deliver the country from its economic perils by increasing the level of non-oil export for the country.

     

    What is Accenture doing to help the government in area of job creation and also in driving the ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ idea?

    As part of our corporate citizenship initiative, we have what we call Skills to Succeed (S2S) which focuses on two major things; training young people to become employable and the second focus is on training business people to be able to upscale their business and begin to do well in their business through training in business planning, book keeping, packaging etc.

    Accenture also mobilises people, partners, clients and others and strive to make a measurable and sustainable difference in the economic vitality and resilience of individuals, families and communities.

    For instance, every year for the last three years, we supported Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to mentor and train 50 SMEs every year, acting as a mentor for young SMEs.

    Accenture provides capacity building to young SMEs to allow them do their business better while helping the job seeking ones gain requisite employable skills.

     

    Nigeria is passing through hard times that could be related to commodity price shocks and exchange rate volatility; what do you think are quick-quick policy options that the government can employ to get the naira back to better values in relation to the dollar?

    I think the exchange rate issue is a problem of supply and demand. Because we do not earn enough forex supply, the supply is lower than its demand. So government needs to find means of increasing supply and also reducing the demand for foreign exchange.

    The CBN is already working on a number of initiatives such as diversification and listing of certain items that are not eligible for forex; those are all means of reducing demand for foreign exchange.

    Another means of reducing demand is by promoting the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services. For instance, a US official on official trips will only fly the US airlines, if that ticket will be purchased by the US government; this reduces their import volume and strengthens the US dollar. So we need to promote patronage for our own products and services as a way of reducing demand for foreign exchange.

    As we all know, government is everywhere a big spender; in the US, there is what we call Small Business Administration (SBA) which basically function towards increasing the viability of small businesses by ensuring that 23 per cent of prime federal contracts are given to small businesses.  Nigeria can domesticate this policy as a way of encouraging operation of indigenous local industries and promoting buy Nigeria.

    Structurally, it about increasing our level of self-sufficiency in some critical sectors and in effect lower our demand for foreign exchange.

    For instance, rice when I was growing up, used to be a weekend delicacy but now rice is almost taken as a three square meal seven days of the week with this consumption heavily dependent on imported rice. If we can become self-sufficient in rice, it will reduce demand for forex and as this demand falls, prices will fall.

    Talking about increasing the supply of forex, we suppose to make the position of the CBN clear that you can bring in forex to invest in Nigeria and you will not have any problem taking it out when you want to repatriate your dividends to your home country. Also government can take low interest multilateral loans. These strategies could be seen as immediate first aid before we start talking about attracting long term foreign direct investment because as we know, FDI looks for an area of high returns and acceptable risks and so that may take a while to come.

    Another easy way of getting these funds is assets sale but we need to look at what should be sold, how it should be sold and who these assets should be sold to. These are the key issues that would ensure that we achieve desired result. But fundamentally, selling what you have to get what you want is an old principle.

    Next is by addressing the problem we have in the Niger Delta. Part of our major problem today is largely caused by fall in foreign exchange earnings accruing to the Nigerian oil sector. We are talking about fall in price in the international market which is a global issue but then we still have the problem about reduction in production due to Niger-Delta militancy. So if we address the issue about militancy such that production goes back to 2.2 billion barrels a day, we can have more forex, selling a higher quantity even at a reduced price.

  • Nigerian Compere Industry worth N1bn Annually – Chigozirim

    Nigerian Compere Industry worth N1bn Annually – Chigozirim

    Everyone who has ever attended an event will agree that the difference between an ordinary event and a memorable one is the quality the Master of Ceremony adds to the event. While many are of the opinion that the arduous task of compering an event can be delegated to anyone, the reality is this task can only be delegated to a select few who possess the requisite skills of public speaking coupled with the ability to keep the audience hooked; a set of skills hard to come by, but can be found in a professional MC.

    A number of female professional Master of Ceremonies have begun to emerge in the hitherto male dominated industry. One of such female MCs who has braved the odds to carve a niche for herself in the industry is Chigozirim Otefe-Edebi. Chigo as her fans would call her started her career in the banking and telecoms industry with over a decade old experience before deciding to pursue a professional compere career.

    Chigozirim’s story is an interesting and educating one, as it offers us a rare insight into a previously unexplored industry. She shares her unique experience as a female professional Master of Ceremony in this interview.

     

    How would you describe the compere/master of ceremony job you do, Is it in the acting category or a trade or profession of its own?
    In my opinion, being a full time compere can be referred to as a profession on its own. Its serious business and very lucrative if you have the right machinery in terms of skills, publicity and patronage.

     

    Would you prescribe a special school to raise professional talents for the job?
    Well it could be part of a whole curriculum like arts, entertainment, communication, show business or any other field that leverages strongly on public speaking. A special school just for being a compere might be extreme because the curriculum and activity schedule to train a committed and interested person is estimated to require a few days of like 3- 4 hours per day. The major challenges and bulk of personal development exercises though for someone interested in this field would be things like building confidence, conquering stage fright, diction & grammar improvement etc.

     

    Presently, what is the estimated worth/value of the industry?
    Well I can’t say I have thought of this question before today but let me paint a picture that will attempt to answer this question. In Lagos alone I was reliably informed that following an event venue audit, there are at least 600 event venues active every Saturday for weddings and other activities. Let’s assume half of those events are wedding receptions which must have an MC and these MCs range from celebrity MCs to the smooth talking relative, with a very conservative average fee per MC pegged at N50,000, that brings the worth of the industry to about Fifteen Million Naira for just one Saturday for weddings in Lagos state alone , not to mention all the other types of events in the other 300 venues plus other days of the week. The industry is huge and there is so much room because unlike catering or event planning an MC/Compere can only be in one place at a time.

     

    The Compere business in Nigeria appears to be all comers affair, what do you think and how would you like it to be structured?
    The entry barrier is very low. Once a person believes they can speak well and they are not afraid of the crowd, possibly they believe they have humor as well, then they make themselves available for any willing client. It requires little or no capital if you have a nice outfit or a friend to lend you your outfit and another friend to drop you at the venue. In some cases, you are lucky, and you are paid either part or all of your money before the event so you can buy what you need if you want and get yourself there but at the end of the day, some of these enthusiasts have wrecked a lot of events. Some clients are even forced to take on celebrities like actors or musicians as MCs for their events just because they are great on TV but will they be great with engaging your crowd? It’s not bad to identify potential and want to harness it but I believe so much in training and it would be great if we had talent managers who clients can rely on to give them trained MCs for various events from formal to social. Personally I dream of growing bigger to be known globally as a quintessential and dynamic brand as far as compering events goes. Then as I grow I am training and raising others under my communication company so people with different budgets can access excellent comperes for their various events. They look at my quality as a standard guarantee that anyone from under Voicewox (my company) must be a great MC.

     

    Some master of ceremonies run down Nigeria at international events, what do you think and how can this business be used to promote Nigeria’s image?
    I am a very firm believer and advocate of the mantra that every single person in the communication business has a role to play in nation building from movie makers to musicians and yes MCs. What we say and how we say what we say speaks volumes to the listeners. We are automatic leaders of thoughts and influencers of ideas. You can leave an event and days after still be laughing or upset when you recall what the MC said, so yes I agree we are powerful. Personally I try to chip in some positive thoughts when I am on stage. E.g. at weddings I proudly let them know I am a successful product of intertribal marriage, at another event one time, I used humorous examples to advocate for keeping Nigeria clean because someone just threw something out the window when there was a dustbin a few feet away so I took a cue from that. Such roles can shape our society for the better if we actively think about it.

     

    There are not too many ladies in this industry, what is keeping them away and what is making you strong?
    It’s possible that there are a lot of ladies but we don’t know a lot of them because they haven’t done some homework yet. As I speak to you I can count over 10 Female MC (Not Comedians), pure professional MCs that I know personally. However you are correct that as with most other business sectors, women have challenges. . I don’t know what might be limiting other women but let me share some of the things that threatened to limit me.
    I started this business in December 2003 and I got married in 2007. I have had a lot of breaks in my career due to pregnancy, maternity, raising my kids etc. I have done events with pregnancy because the clients really believed in me and wanted me or no one else. Those were really humbling times but I just had to tell myself this is like a job you go back to when maternity leave is over and don’t write yourself off. Then there is the issue of physical flaws whether real or imagined; I’m too fat, not beautiful enough, tummy is too big etc. but thanks to the fashion industry we can now hide these flaws or manage them and feel more confident. There is the issue of sexual harassment from strange men at events but the way you dress and comport yourself as a woman can help prevent that. Also, you can go with someone to events, which can help. Overall believing in myself against all odds, determination regardless of competition and staying focused because the sky is so big and wide for all birds to fly in this profession. I also have an extremely supportive husband and family. They cheer me on and make it very easy for me to keep going.

     

    What challenges does the industry face and how can they be solved?
    There used to be this challenge of competing with comedians for space and even when you get the job, the crowd expects you to behave like a comedian. Meanwhile we are not the same. An MC is not a comedian. An MC might be funny, some comedians might be good MCs but ultimately our functions at events are not the same. However I see that challenge as no longer existent for me because I think I have outgrown that crowd that doesn’t understand the difference. These days, I am specifically sought out by people who are clear on the difference. Between 2008 to 2010, I also did some advocacy work in my own little way using articles, my old blog and opportunities to speak at events to highlight the differences between a comedian and an MC/Compere. That doesn’t mean an MC shouldn’t bring humor to the table, except in cases where the clients specifically advice against any jokes and give strict instructions for a strict, formal interaction all through. This brings me to the next challenge, some clients and some MCs underestimate the importance of planning an event before D-Day. My best events are those where a proper planning meeting or rehearsal occurred before D-Day. It doesn’t mean some things might not change but it always comes out better because expectations are aligned. The other challenge is the perception of star power. Clients will rate and pay an in-experienced radio or TV personality higher than you forgetting that live crowd engagement is different so I have since started playing in the media space with a couple of my own radio shows on various radio platforms and I have some TV gigs in the making; both film, series and talk shows . I also featured in the Audrey Silver hit movie ‘Surulere’ which was sold out in cinemas. The beauty of God’s grace is that I happen to do TV and radio fabulously so I can only fully overcome this challenge in a matter of time.
    How did you find yourself in the Compere/master of ceremony business?
    I found myself in university as a confident public speaker and somehow the job chose me. People kept identifying me as MC for small gatherings and it just kept growing. My first huge platform which made me go commercial was my office year end party in December 2003. It was a Telecommunication company, I was in the call center at the time and by a series of events I found myself on stage as the compere. I did so well, I got two wedding bookings after that day for N5, 000 each. I kept growing; today I am worth over a hundred times more.

     

    What makes you accept to perform at a ceremony – money or audience?
    I have a price tag which I review quarterly or annually depending on Macro Economics so really any client who can afford me, I will work for. It’s pretty much first come- first serve for now. However I have been privileged to stand before some amazing audiences in the course of my work but that doesn’t necessarily affect my choice. It’s my job, I want to work. Once you can pay my price, I will work. I haven’t yet had to refund any body’s money or turn down an event because a bigger crowd called me. I have had one or two scenarios like that but I stayed true to the first caller. The journey is long term, there will be plenty opportunities ahead. Just book early, its first come, first serve, the price is constant.

     

    Where do you rate yourself in the compere business?
    I always tell people I’m a compere not an MC because I think ‘MC’ is too pedestrian a word for beautiful, international me. I have distinguished myself from the crowd by approaching the business with a professional disposition as opposed to a hobby and I like to think I made that word ‘Compere’ popular or main stream. Since 2008, I took up that cause to carve that niche for a compere being associated with a classy, top notch, professional MC. I can confidently say I am one of Nigeria’s top pure breed- professional Comperes.

     

    Among other master of ceremonies, what stands you out?
    Beyond being female, classy, beautiful, confident, articulate, funny, decent, warm and respectful, I also have a strong corporate and marketing communications background in both Banking and Telecommunications in Nigeria. I did almost 2 years in Banking and 12 years in Telecommunications so you find that I understand business protocol, language and the brand or business communication objectives at formal and corporate events. I also have strong Christian and family values which have qualified me to be the compere of several high impact social religious events. I also enjoy high patronage from female brands or social events because as a fun loving, woman I know how to show the girls a great time.

     

    Apart from yourself, who do you admire most in that industry?
    Ikonwosa Osakioduwa (IK) is really doing well and literarily living in my dreams.

     

    What do you love more when performing on stage?
    Once the crowd is engaged and responsive that’s when I feel most fulfilled and certain again that I was born to do this. I lose myself on stage, it’s not about me for those hours, it’s about the flow and the people. There were times I was seriously ill just before an event and I would forget I was ill until event was over. No one would even suspect. One day I crawled into my house after an event cos I was really ill but no one would have guessed at the event. Even I forgot something was wrong with me for the 4 hours I was on stage.

     

    What makes you pick the dress you wear for a ceremony?
    I choose my outfit based on the brand colors if it’s a corporate event or colors of the day if it’s a wedding. Sometimes the event theme, culture or tribe of the celebrants inspire my outfit but my outfits must also flatter my physique, must be decent and I must be comfortable. I also love accessories and sometimes I tend to use really bold pieces.

     

    What do you do when not performing?
    I resigned from paid employment in December, so these days I take care of my family, then I’m an APCON accredited Media and Communications professional, I have a diploma in Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing from the Shaw Academy UK, so when I’m not on stage, I consult for clients, I manage and design web content for clients, media placements among other things. I also host my own radio shows on Metro 97.7FM and then Digits 1024Radio which is online. There are TV programs in the making as well. Sometimes my 24 hours are not enough.

     

    Where and how do you get your inspiration for stage performance?
    I believe I was born to do this, sometimes I think from heaven I must have been announcing the names of the next set of angels to present worship or something because I don’t need much to inspire me before I do the work. However I watch a lot of TV with emphasis on comedy, game shows and drama so I think those things help as well.

     

    Tell me some of your best performances?
    Please they are too numerous to mention, however I have found that when my client (s) and I plan the event flow together and when my client(s) believe in me then allow me the liberty to do my job, the results are exceptional.
    What advice would you give to upcoming master of ceremonies?
    Believe in yourself. Practice and rehearse with any opportunity you have so that when you are given big opportunities you will do well. Keep building and growing your confidence and invest in your wardrobe.

     

    Where do you think you will be in the next 10 years?
    Heading and growing my own Media and Communication consulting company with at least 30% of the business revenue coming in from Talent Management of a kaleidoscope of talents with me being the number one compere out of Africa for National and International premium events. I will also be my husband’s wife and my children’s mother.

     

    Your parting words?
    I want to use this opportunity to appreciate everyone who has ever cheered me on or patronized me on this job and advice event planners and potential clients not to settle for less than a professional MC for their events having invested so much into making it a reality.

  • ‘My purpose for being in politics’

    ‘My purpose for being in politics’

    Alhaji Abdulganiyu Kola Egunjobi is the Secretary, All Progressive Congress (APC) in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State. The politician in this interview, Egunjobi talked about his ambition to become a local government chairman among other sundry issues…

     

    Excerpts

    As a grassroots politician and a graduate of School of Hard Knocks (laughter) and that of Lagos State University, LASU, where I read Sociology. I equally have a diploma certificate in Purchasing & Supply Management from University of Lagos. I attended Iloro Grammar School and State Primary School, now Ife-Oluwa, both in Agege. You may wonder, which school is the School of Hard Knocks, well it is just an idiomatic expression suggesting that I have gained a lot of experience and valuable knowledge in life. I grew up at Isale-Oja, an environment that is filled with tension and violence in Agege area and where people across West African countries, Ghanaians, Nigeriens, Togolese etc live. Yet in the midst of violence and diversity, there is love and harmony. I speak English, Yoruba and Hausa fluently. Also, I don’t believe in working for people but working with them because that way am more efficient. I was once Business Development Manager at Emporium Communications, a medium sized media relations firm and currently a Social Media Manager consultant with Secom Nigeria Ltd among others.

     

    The progressive party as your party, APC prides itself lost some seats to PDP and the opposition in Lagos State House of Assembly and House of Representatives in the last general election for the first time in the 16 year history of democracy, is that not an indication that the party is losing ground in the state?

    In life you win some and you lose some. It also goes to show that in Lagos State and in APC, election is never do-or-die affair like it happens in PDP controlled states. It was an unfortunate incident that will never repeat itself because the outcomes of the election in those places where we lost didn’t reflect our popularity in every nook and cranny of Lagos State. APC is too formidable a party to lose election in Lagos State even across Southwest with our able leader in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     

    There is fear in some quarters that due to the current bad economic situation, APC may lose election in the future?

    Personally I don’t share such view or fear. We all know this is a mono economy highly dependent on inflows from the sale of crude oil within a global economy in decline. Oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since 2003, at a time sinking below $28 a barrel. And this was because of a slowdown in economic growth in China and Europe among others. The effects of falling prices are being felt by economies around the world, particularly oil producing nations that rely on exports. There is crisis from Azerbaijan to Venezuela. Recently in Azerbaijan there was protest across the nation. The federal government is doing its best by diversifying, but the result will not be immediate.

     

    What is your view about godfatherism and imposition in party politics?

    Each time I listen to people’s opinion on the issue of imposition and godfatherism, I often laugh because it is quite a complex topic. It is not a straightforward issue as people tend to suggest in most of their discussions. Most times, they condemned it in its entirety, and failed to appreciate it, particularly when they are not the godsons or goddaughters. But the fact still remains that godfatherism has its origin in monolithic religion. It also depends on how you perceived godfathers because to me you can both be loyal to the people, that is the state, and your godfather, since what a reasonable godfather wants is the common good. Even where we patterned our democracy, after, the United States, there is godfatherism. As a student of history, I read that JF Kennedy as American president appointed his younger brother, a fresh law graduate, Robert Kennedy, the Attorney General of the United States. So what would you call that?

     

    Why did you venture into partisan politics and why do want to become the chairman of Agege Local Government?

    Politics is in my DNA. I joined partisan politics way back in secondary school and have been in the progressive party. I was the Assistant financial secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, in ‘Ward B1’ Gbogunleri/Isale zone, member of defunct UNCP, AD, ACN and currently APC, party secretary, Agege Local Government. My late elder brother, Sharafadeen Egunjobi of blessed memory, was once a councilor in Agege. Am of the conviction that I have all it takes to make Agege a better place, a commercial and social hub.

     

    You look stylish, what informed this?

    To me looking good is an everyday business. I don’t joke with the way I look. Appearance is the basis people formed their first impression of someone and I want them to have a great first impression of me. I believe that you can judge a book by its cover. While I was in secondary school, I and my late elder brother had a fashion school by the name, La frique Home of Embroidery.

  • Why I’m labelled a snob -GBEMI OLATERU-OLAGBEGI

    Why I’m labelled a snob -GBEMI OLATERU-OLAGBEGI

    Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi strutted into our consciousness as a co-presenter with the hottest OAP, Dan Foster, at COOL FM during his daily morning show many years ago. In 2009, she moved to the newly established BEAT FM. With a brand new set of OAPs, she helped establish the radio station as the voice of urban music and pop culture in Nigeria. The multi-talented graduate of Oakland University, Michigan in the United States has also ventured into shoe designing and making her mark. She speaks with ADETUTU AUDU on her journey to fame

    YOU cut your teeth as a radio presenter and instantly became one listeners loved to listen to.  How did your journey to broadcasting world start?

    My journey into broadcasting started in school. I interned at the school radio station in the university (Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan). I moved back to Nigeria for NYSC. I was a junior reporter at NTA in VI and I got a part time job at CoolFM at the same time as a news editor. I really wanted to become a news anchor on TV. I thought that people who used to read the news were just so cool. After sending a letter, CV and everything, I got a call. I was basically to assist in editing the news at Cool FM. You know before the news is read, it has to be collated, compressed and edited; so that was what I was doing for some weeks. I was basically an intern and I would work from about 6.00am till noon. I met Dan Foster and he thought I was interesting and that was how I got on radio. I started doing the morning show with Dan Foster. I was his co-anchor for about a year until I got my own show. And I’ve been doing radio ever since.

    Was it a natural progression from broadcasting to shoe design?

    Broadcasting and shoe designing are two different things. Most OAPs either move on to corporate communication jobs or politics.

    You recently unveiled your shoe line.  At what point did you figure this out?

    I decided when I was a teenager that one day I would own my own shoe line. I really love shoes and it was so difficult to find my size.

    Do you design with a specific type of customer in mind?

    I design shoes for the woman who wants to be comfortable, stylish and is not trying to break the bank.

    What are your criteria for well-constructed and well-designed shoes?

     That all materials to be used are of the best quality possible!

    Are there styles of shoes you like or prefer to others?

    I like all kinds of shoes. I like flats, heels, gladiators and athletic shoes.

    Can you tell us about a pair of shoes you’ll never forget?

     I’ll never forget my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. I still have them, but I don’t wear them anymore. They were really, really high and I could barely walk in them.

    Recently, there have been a lot of collaborations between designers and celebrities with mass retailers. What’s your take on this?

    I think designers and celebrities collaborating with mass retailers are a good initiative. The fans of the celebs get to purchase clothes designed by people they admire.

    Do you have a motto when it comes to shoes?

    I don’t have a specific motto. As long as the shoes look good and the wearer enjoys them.

    How would you describe your style of shoes versus other brands?

    Gbemisoke Shoes were created for women who wear from a UK size 8 and up (US size 10 and up). It’s quite tough for women with bigger feet to find their size.

    If you had to impart a bit of shoe wisdom, what would that be?

    Try to buy classic styles when buying shoes. Classic styles are always in vogue.

    Growing up, who influenced you early in life-the good, the bad and the ugly?

    My parents definitely influenced me. They taught me how to work hard and work smart.

    How has your family name helped in shaping you into who you are?

    My family name is very popular. My grandfather (who was the Olowo of Owo) is responsible for the popularity. Apart from having many children, he was influential in the political arena. His life and work taught me to make a difference and to stand up for my beliefs. He was a very confident man. That’s where I get it from.

    What was the attraction to Soulmate and why did you accept to be their ambassador?

    The Soulmate brand approached me to be their brand ambassador and I accepted after meeting with the CEO. He told me the story of how he started the company from scratch with nothing. I admired his tenacity and passion for the brand. It is a proudly Nigerian brand.

    You won the Future Awards in 2008 for ‘On Air Personality of the Year’ and many other awards, so what keeps you going?

    I am grateful to God for all these accolades. I just won On Air Personality of the year again at the Nigerian Broadcasters Awards. What keeps me going is the love for the job.

    How would you describe your style?

    I’m not going to pretend I’m some fashionista and say that my style is eclectic this and that. I just want to be comfortable and look nice. I think even the most stylish and popular people have had misses. I look at some photos and I’m looking good in dresses I thought I didn’t like and vice versa. My style is very simple. I don’t like fuss.

    Of all the shoes that you’ve designed, which has given you the most satisfaction?

    I am most satisfied by my mules. I just received the samples and I’m very excited.

    What criteria do you use when designing new shoes?

    I think of the shape, the colours, and if the style will be in vogue for a long time.

    How do you decide on colours for your shoes?

    I think of the typical woman; what shoes she needs. What colours she will most likely wear and what colours are in vogue.

    Aside broadcasting and shoe designing, what other ideas are you yet to explore?

    I am working on a lot more. I am always thinking and exploring on new ventures.

    Do you have any superstitious beliefs or self imposed rules by which you live?

    I just try to be good to everyone. The key word is “Try”.

    What aspect of shoe designing do you love most?

    When the concept becomes a reality; seeing the prototype I envisioned in my mind.

    You once revealed in a chat that you cannot date anyone in the entertainment industry, has this decision changed?

    It has, just a little. I’m not ruling out everyone in the entertainment industry.

    How have you remained scandal-free for this long?

     I’m what they call a workaholic. Even when I’m on vacation, I’m thinking about what work to do. So, there’s really been very little time for scandal. It doesn’t mean I’m not a human being or that I haven’t done some things wrong. I’m just more focused on my work. I was once labelled as the most anti-social OAP, because you would only see me at work functions and I never used to come out for anything. The only time artistes would see me was if I was interviewing them in the studio. You would never catch me at events. But around 2009, I decided to start coming out a little bit more. I’m working on it. I’m trying to be a little more sociable but at the same time, I’m not trying to be in-your-face all the time. I believe in making your work talk for you. I am just Gbemi, simple and short; trying to hustle, trying to make it.

    People perceive you as being rude. How do you feel when you hear such comments?

    I’m just me; maybe I’m not as friendly as people want me to be. I don’t make friends like that. I kind of have to study you first before I welcome you to my ‘inner circle’. I’m just very work-oriented, so I cut out all the small talk in between. I don’t open up to people just like that. I think it’s also because I don’t like the ‘fakeness’. Let’s be honest, Lagos is full of fake people with fake lifestyles and I really don’t have time for that. I also think a lot of artistes think I’m standoffish. I try to be as cordial to everybody in the industry no matter how big or small.

  • SOLA OYEBADE My passion for modeling

    SOLA OYEBADE My passion for modeling

    Good looks, the right physique and creativity as the watchword. These aptly sum up the world of energetic Sola Oyebade who has carved a niche for himself in the fashion industry. Interestingly, the passion started from the age of 16 where he learnt the ropes. Ever since, his passion and interest in the sector has continued to grow, making a mark in the local and international scene. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, he talks about his passion, challenges and potential.

    UNDER the brand Mahogany International, Oyebade runs Mahogany Model Management, one of Europe’s largest modelling agencies for models of colour. He also organises the Top Model of Colour ,  UK’s only modelling competition for models of colour in addition to organising Mahogany Bridal Show, an  African Caribbean bridal and lifestyle exhibition.

    What spurred him to do the things he does in spite of the odds? “When I started in the fashion industry, it was primarily because I saw a gap in the market and because there did not seem to be people or companies that were catering to the black or ethnic community.”

    From modelling to bridal and international fashion shows, you wonder what gives him the inspiration and energy to do all these and he says: “The primary thing is that I love what I do, absolutely love it. So, I don’t need any motivation as the passion is naturally there. I get so much satisfaction putting shows together and ultimately seeing them come to fruition and being successful. Making people happy is such a great motivator as it keeps me doing what I do. “

    At the moment, Oyebade is working on this year’s edition of the Nigeria’s Next Top Designers. He talks more on the project: “We are supporting Nigeria’s Next Top Designer 2016 because we know that it is a platform to promote our models and agency for more awareness. This is a growing project which impacts the lives of people like fashion designers, fashion sketchers and more.”

     The modelling arm of his business has been in existence for over 12 years and it has impacted on the lives of a lot of young people. “We provide a range of services that includes providing extras for TV, films, music, videos, catwalk, choreography and portfolio services for models,” he explains, adding, “Mahogany covers the full range of modelling genres including high fashion, petite, plus size, commercial, swimwear, lingerie, editorial and hostesses.”

    He adds: “Our models have participated in top fashion shows, commercial, editorial and look book shoots both in the UK, Europe, and Africa. Some of the shows include Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria, London Fashion Week, Fashions Finest London, The Ladies Wardrobe Exhibition Fashion Show, Music Meets Runway, Nigeria Student Fashion and Design Week.”

    Mahogany Models, Oyebade informs, has worked with some of the top designers, as well as with major commercial clients having carved a niche over the years. “At Mahogany, we not only look for models that are beautiful and have the potential to make it within the industry, but also pay particular attention to their character and personality as we feel these are very important when deciding which models to take on to our books.”

    Oyebade, who is the Creative Director of the Nigerian Fashion Week, London, talks about the exploits in the sector, challenges and potential for the future. “The last edition of the Nigeria Fashion Week, London, was a very big show. We had a fantastic venue and we changed the format to close people round the runway and had specific jobs for them and the exhibition surrounded it. We got more designers and it was a two-day event and had six shows on each day,” he discloses.

    Working with the models for the show was also a very exciting moment for Oyebade. “We literarily got thousands and thousands of models and we went through a rigorous process to select the best from all over the world. It just shows you how well the show is doing. Interestingly, you find that a lot of these models are actually ready to pay their own transportation, accommodation and other costs just to do the show. So, it takes you through a lot of classification and trying to decipher who you want to use and who not to use,” he enthuses.

    Now you want to know what Oyebade is looking forward to and he replies this way: “What I am looking forward to is international standard. So, that means that for women, they are going to be five feet and above; and for men, they should be 6 feet and above. I want something that is different in terms of their look and I do not want something that is substandard. What we try to do is to get a variety of looks, so that you have very light skin, very dark skin, a bald headed model and wigs. A variety that is not just Nigerian, but include African Caribbean, white models, Asian models so that it reflects a variety that is appealing to all.”

    Next, he talks about his expectations from models on the runway and how they can make a mark in a field that has become very competitive.  “I think Africa is made up of all nationalities, not just made up of Nigerians or dark-skinned Africans, but it is made up of Asians, white people from South Africa and other places like that. So, we wanted the last show to be our best show ever and I tried not to get so involved with the theme that is going on. I am more concerned with the creative look, the hair.”

    Oyebade continues: “I must also say that the clothes that the designers put on was great and I think that was one of the hardest shows that I have had to work on. Having to tell designers to tell their stories in a unique way on the catwalk. Interestingly, most times they come out with something that they think is their best, but I usually tell them that they can improve on what they have to create a difference.”

    Challenges? Yes, there are a number but that has not deterred Oyebade from putting in his best. He says: “Sometimes, they go round to see the initiator of the show, but she tells them that as long as the creative director does not like it, there is nothing she can do about it. Why we are doing all this is that it is important to critique ourselves from inside before going out there to face those who would do a critique of what we are presenting to the world.”

    What are some of the things that he gives attention to? He responds: “Some of the things that I look out for are the quality of the stitches, the quality of the work to see if it is original and all that. If you go out there and you put something out that is not good, you would be the first to come out and say so. The big question then would be why we allowed something that is not up to standard on the carpet.”

    As a man who has to do a lot of  work with designers who are female, you wonder if their designs would fit into what he considers appropriate, and he says: “What we tend to do is not that they cannot show what they like; it is more of quality. A number of our designers have problems with their stitches and finishing.”

  • Africa is our home ground – Noesis Strategic Institute Boss

    Africa is our home ground – Noesis Strategic Institute Boss

    Murtaza Versi is founder, CEO and business coach of Noesis Strategic Institute, a resource that helps service organizations in Africa to achieve higher levels of performance, developments and profits. His interview with Africa Business Communities and shared with The Nation Online Reporter:

     

    Would you please introduce Noesis Strategic Institute?

    Noesis Strategic Institute is a premier consultancy and training institute, providing superior quality programs across Africa’s service industry workforce. As a company, we continuously add to our “toolbox” new ideas, skills and approaches from all over the globe, so that we can deliver leading‐edge programs and value‐added solutions to our customers.

    We learn from the best so we offer the same to our clients. Our philosophy is simple; we build champions within an organization so they can teach others, internally, to do the same. And we do this with one goal in mind: to deliver tangible, profitable results.

    In today’s competitive marketplace, with rapidly‐changing technologies and growing consumer demands, the best way for businesses to succeed is to adopt a mindset of growth and learning.

    In which industries does Noesis Strategic Institute operate and who are your clients?

    We help service organizations in Africa, elevate, empower and sharpen the workforce by building a cohesive system to achieve business success.

    What are the USP’s of your business?

    Africa is our home ground. Change management is our expertise. We embed capacity in your people to be cohesive, customer focused and deliver success.

    We believe in building capacity within the organization through champions. Behaviors and attitudes cannot only be changed through training, it has to be observed, and we teach the champions how to do exactly that.

    We have a range of products and programs which are global, and we bring local context to the programs.

    Why did you start Noesis Strategic Institute?

    Africans in totality are very hospitable and every individual is a gem that becomes more valuable with polishing. Developing the necessary skills, attitudes and behaviors at every level of an organization are essential ingredients for success.

    This is what we strive for at Noesis every day.

    What did you do before starting Noesis Strategic Institute?

    My background has been in the leading multinational service-based companies operating in Tanzania, such as Ethiopian Airlines, KLM and Precision Air.

    What can be done by entrepreneurs and government to stimulate the business environment in Tanzania?

    In any industry, Customer Service strategy is a crucial aspect of differentiating one company or Government from another; service style is something that cannot be copied. It takes leadership to create the culture and an environment of service delivery for long term sustainability.

    If companies or governments focus on the culture of customer service, then innovation and marketing becomes part and parcel of the culture. If leadership believes and walks the customer service approach, creates a culture in the organization or government, they will benefit in a variety of ways:

    Word of mouth advertising
    More FDI’s in this case for governments
    Growth year after year
    Globally competitive
    Staff retention because they are happy to be part of a successful company
    What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of Noesis Strategic Institute for the next few years?

    Our target for the next five years is to create a Customer Service driven continent, and we will be able to establish this by creating a Pan-African consulting group which will bring together locals that are passionate in driving the customer service and emotionally aware, ethical and authentic leadership programs in the continent. We have already begun to establish partnership in South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Namibia. We are now embarking on establishing ourselves in the other parts African continent.

    Which African countries do you predict will perform best in 2016?

    I’ll say Ethiopia and Tanzania, and I’ll give my reasons. In the case of Ethiopia, with the population of around 96.5 million people, and according to World Bank statistics of a growth rate of 10.8% in the period of 2004-2014, this country is expected to see strong growth because of its Agriculture policy, and also having a strong national airline which promotes global traffic. Furthermore, the building of its cargo fleet will help establish exports of various commodities including the best coffee produce.

    The new government in Tanzania has made a task out of curbing corruption and improving revenue collection. They’re also working to speed up the process for investment and service delivery, which will help in the growth process. A recent development in the construction of oil pipeline from Uganda to Tanga port in Tanzania worth 4bn USD is an example of what can be achieved. Also the using of locally extracted gas to generate energy will assist in reducing costs of doing business. Generally it’s the Leadership and improved policies of the country that will drive its economic growth.

     

  • ‘Nigeria has been technically bankrupt since 1980’

    ‘Nigeria has been technically bankrupt since 1980’

    Prof Ademola Ariyo, is a professor of Economics and Head of Department of Economics at the University of Ibadan. He has also served as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in old Oyo State (1986-90) and Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance (1993). In this interview with Oseheye Okwuofu, he talks about the economy, budgets and other national issues.

    What is your assessment of the 2016 budget?

    Well, I think it’s like a hamper; a basket containing so many good, bad, not too ugly, and whatever, but I am generally happy about the re-orientation of the budget more towards the people. It appears we are now talking of people-centred rather than people – oriented.

    There is a difference between the two. If a budget is people-centred, then it is bottom up, and you want people to feel the impact directly. That is different from people-oriented. You can always justify throwing money into the river on behalf of the people.

    So, that element of people-centredness is the whole essence of budgeting. A credible and legitimate budget starts and ends with the people. So, to that extent, I think this government has started well.

    Do you think the capital expenditure of 30 percent as contained in the budget is good for a country like Nigeria?

    I think it’s a right thing and a mark of a re-orientation towards capital budget in the belief that if properly implemented it will help build the national capacity to produce and provide facilities for the needs of the people especially infrastructure. My concern is that there are so many illusions that are affecting the nation because of some arguments here and there. You know, we have so many high strip economies all over the place. First of all there is no universal benchmark on the proportion between capital and recurrent expenditure because of the structure of each economy. For example, in Nigeria everything depends on the government, so you can be arguing for more on recurrent and less on capital and whatever have you. In other societies it is private sector driven, so that type of economy can have up to 80 percent recurrent and the growth will still be very significant but the important thing is that there must be infrastucture, what we call the facilitators of development. The second aspect has to do with the problem of the value of capital expenditure. Research has shown that capital expenditure has not been contributing to growth in Nigeria. About three, four, five studies using different methods came to the same conclusions.

    Increasing the vote to capital expenditure is not necessarily beneficial unless there is deficiency in the process, part of which is corruption, government is fighting tooth and nail, and I hope it’s pursued to a logical conclusion. But then there is a gestation period. Corruption is so endemic, in fact, if we can declare a whole year as a year of cleansing corruption without spending one naira, I won’t mind that. So, what I’m saying is that well it sounds nice, but it is still a gamble based on historical value of per capital expenditure to the nation.

    Don’t you see the 2016 budget as a ploy to mortgage the nation?

    Well, I think there is serious danger ahead. By that I mean this issue of borrowing to support government. Historical antecedents do not support going headlong into further indebtedness. You see, in Nigeria over the years, borrowing had not had any long term positive impact on the economy. Unfortunately, most of these loans were being used for what we call project support. They were not used for projects that will generate money to repay itself. In fact, one would have seen the possible correlation between debts and growth using classical method. In many cases they are negative. And the reason is very simple. Our debt profile is not sustainable. In fact, research has shown that Nigeria has become technically bankrupt since 1980. And to that extent, the rates of growth of our debt servicing obligations have been higher than the rate of the growth of the GDP. Secondly, there is a problem in the kind of advice being given to the government. The so called debt GDP ratio, you can’t generalise it because of the structure and whatever considerations for a country. Even now, I have heard some people saying you can borrow up to 40 per cent ratio. I feel like crying for the country, what type of country is that? And there is element of distortion and reality of facts, comparing debts and GDP. All the models I’m aware of, will not talk about you paying your debt from GDP but from your revenue because you are relating your standard value of your future debt obligation against your future value flows. So, a more defensible and realistic measure of debt should be the ratio of debt to your revenue profile because you are repaying debt from revenue and not from GDP. It’s like in a private establishment; they compare your overall ability to the total value of your sales. Yes, that doesn’t make sense. They can only relate it to your cash flows, because I heard them saying if you borrow more, it will now come to two point something GDP, and then to fourteen point something. I think it’s a ruse. So, I think there is a serious problem there. I agree to the idea of taking in more capital flows.

    One should not go again for capital budget support. Secondly, there are other sources of funding capital projects like Public Private Partnership (PPP). Why don’t we go for that or contractor financing that will be repayable from the proceeds of those particular projects.

    So, these are the type of options I thought the government should have considered very well. But going headlong with this huge loan in one particular year… I believe the government should be very careful otherwise the nation will be worse off in the long run.

    Sir, Nigeria is in this present mess because of the over dependence on crude oil. In spite of the huge opportunities to diversify, the past governments failed to do so, what do you think is actually wrong?

    Well, I don’t think the government needs new advice, except to let the government know that the chicken has come home to roost. We have been saying this for a long time and because of oil, the country’s economy has been suffering from what we call the Dutch disease, because we are getting cheap money from oil which we don’t work for, then you paralysed all the other areas. In fact, it has so many connotations. One, the oil has technically neutralised the people and has disenfranchised them because the government can ignore the people and still have money to spend. The Awolowo era we are talking about that time no government will ever go into budgeting without talking to farmers because that is the source of the revenue they are spending. But who does the government want to speak to now? They have the international oil companies, just roll out the oil, get some money, spend and go back.  It is a pity we have to learn in a very hard way because unfortunately we are not the only oil producing economy. Look at Saudi Arabia, look at Norway. I remembered when there was oil price surge in 1979 that was when Saudi Arabia started diversifying. We started squandering our own, we said we have so much money, we didn’t know how to spend it wisely. But I think the honeymoon is over, what we have refused to do in normal process, we just have to do it in a very hard way now. There is no oil money to rely upon. Even, I know the rate of drop in price was very sharp, so there might be some movements up and down, but I doubt if we can ever have the type of boom we had for almost 15 years with oil price soaring to $110 per barrel.  That arose because of wars and crisis from other countries that could not join the oil market. There was even information that Iran has struck a deal on the nuclear weapon, and see what happened to oil prices because they can now join the market. In fact, Iran is even ready to sell its oil for five dollars because it needs the money. Now, Libya is sorting out itself. The different factions are now reconciling and of course, Libya will soon join the market. So, if we refused to do the right thing to make a change, change will change us involuntarily. We don’t need any sermonising. It’s better we streamline our ways.

    The recurrent expenditure of N4.2 trillion in this year’s budget has fallen under criticism. What is your opinion?

    Well, it depends on the composition because I know that last year it was not as high as this and I’m not sure if there is any dramatic change in the elements. My point is that these intervention programmes which are geared towards the people, recruiting more teachers, school feeding and so on are those that added to the recurrent expenditure. To that extent, I think they are part of the structure and focus on poverty alleviation programme and human capacity development. If well spent, I think they are productive recurrent because they will enhance the quality of national output in the medium to long term, incidentally, I remembered that this issue of school feeding was one of the issues that were comprehensively debated during Vision 2010 and is still consistent with the provisions of the constitution. They’re supposed to manage the economy in the best interest of the people especially the vulnerable groups. So, I don’t have much problem with that. The idea of recruiting teachers is also a vital principle to me it makes sense because education is the incontrovertible input into national development. For example, last time I went to South Korea I was dazed, a country that has been sentenced to penury after the Second World War, they have recovered.

    So, I struggled to see, to know the genesis, they started from the reform of their education sector, both formal and non- formal, and this is what has propelled them to where they are now. So, I don’t know, starting with teachers, in terms of portfolio of activities, a well structured education sector reform, I don’t know whether that should have been the first thing to come before the others, I don’t know, but that the government recognises that there is need for teachers is commendable. Having done that this year, they should now be looking for other complementary activities that will make education a tool for development rather than being a mere consumer good the way it is now because what we have now is that people are looking for certificates to get to public offices and start taking public money.  That is the mind of so many people and that is the danger here. Our education is not yet for development but for destructive consumption. I don’t know the other components but like I said, even beyond that one, if it is well spent research has shown that the recurrent expenditure has been oiling the existing fiscal capacity that we have even for the little production we are able to make internally, not the huge capital expenditure. So, it depends on the management and the structure of the recurrent expenditure. There is what we call re-current capital expenditure in Nigeria. Normally, in a normal society, whatever work done on a road, ideally it should serve between not less than ten years before you start repairing, but right now, by the time they are handing over, the roads have collapsed, even some collapsed during construction. There are some roads that stood throughout for the past 30 years. That is what I’m saying, roads that will outlive the financial year. I think there is a country where by law any road constructed must last not less than 25 years. But what do we have in Nigeria?  But I think the issue of debt serving is also a problem and with our so called advisers who were saying we have to borrow more. We have about N115billion that we want to spend on debt serving. How much do we get from what we borrowed? The only ones that I think that are defensible are servicing of staff as long as they are on your payroll. You also must provide for what we call working overhead. You don’t pay them salaries without providing the means for them to work. There is what we call consolidated revenue fund charges that are part of administration. Generally, what makes the government to work very well, okay, those are pardonable but if there are severance allowances there and there, and all these training that are not geared towards any productive activity. Even, the issue of duplication, like the issue of monetisation, they will be claiming allowances in their pay slip and they are also getting direct allocation from the government. I don’t know whether that is part of overhead. So, like I said one has to look at the content. We are still having the lingering effect of electoral promises, but when the reality dawns on us we will now go back gradually.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has remained at our back door and many Nigerians are not comfortable with them because of what they considered as ‘their stringent conditions’. Do you really think the IMF means well for Nigeria?

    Well, I will be surprised if the IMF does not mean well for any country. You see, there is a couple of question. Do we really mean well for ourselves? That is the important thing. Are we the only nation the IMF has been talking to? They’ve been talking to China, they’ve been talking to South Korea, they’ve been talking to Singapore on consultation but they have been moving ahead. Inherently IMF has its own policy framework and objective sign onto by all the member nations. You can only question them if they have not been operating according to the approved guidelines. But in our own case what do we actually need? We must determine what we actually need for IMF to come or not to come. So, that is the crux of the matter.  IMF will do its normal work, it’s now left to us to decide to take or reject. You have the right to reject. They won’t impose anything on you. The only thing I know is that in those days the IMF will not come to a country unless that nation is in Intensive Care Unit financially. So, it depends on whether they have more information than we have or they are here to warn us to steer out of Intensive Care Unit. The IMF chief said she did come to discuss any support but to tell us that we have to be careful about corruption; we have to be careful about our fiscal profile. To me, that is instructive enough. Even, if IMF were to be a devil, there is an adage that says blessed are those that want to fool you but woe be tie those that allow themselves to be fooled. We must know what we want. It is only when they said we want to force it on you as a nation that we will start blaming the IMF. And one of the things that I see to be a blessing to this nation is this issue of the size of our budget. I was reading here and there…the government has adopted zero-based budget and all that, I chuckled because some of the other things to see beyond the deep knowledge of the word of the value of the zero-based budget…in a nutshell, zero-based budgeting wants you to prioritise in relation to defined objectives. But you cannot define your objectives in the absence of a national plan which we don’t have. It is when you have national plan that you have what we call programme. Each plan has its own set of programmes. From each programme, you now have a set of activities. So that describes what we call clustered budgeting before you now come back to zero-based budget. So you can rank that project in terms of its multiplied effect towards achieving your objectives.

    But where is our plan? The absence of the plan, budgeting becomes a license to squander and that is what we have seen now. All these ‘Dasukigate’ and whatever gate, they are part of it; you just spend money. But because we cannot relate the expenditure to some specific target that the money was supposed to achieve. How are you basing your revenue projection at much more above the ruling market price? No, it is the other way round. You must be conservative. If you cannot have a pauper like the tax rule we had, it will be foolhardy to budgeting well above. You don’t invest on the average; work on the worst case scenario; plan for the worst and hope for the best. So instead of looking at this jumbo budget, the government can engage what we call flexible budget. So, if the revenue went up beyond your projection, you will now go back to the inventory of projects and move ahead. But you based your projection on $38 per barrel, I don’t know it could go back to that this year and you rely on incentive borrowing. I doubt if the projects will be reasonably implemented. That is my personal area of concern. So these are the issues I want government to look at but like I said, all we need to do is to sit and be much more realistic.

    You mentioned that you would have loved it if a whole year is devoted to fighting corruption because of its endemic nature. That has been the concern of the common man on the street but the problem is where are all the recovered money from some peopleý going into?

    Well, I strongly believe that this government will notý degenerate to that terrible level. It is a total violation of the appropriation act. Secondly, if that money were to come on board, they should be targeted at specific activities, preferably this issue of poverty alleviation in a more structured way. People will directly feel the impact and it goes a long way. And they can deploy it strictly to properly manage infrastructural facilities. Look at how much can be spent on power, look at Benin-Ore road, they are all recurring decimals. So what I have seen is that those recovered money should be earmarked for special projects that will be properly managed. Then we can get value there from. I just hope this government can make an enduring difference on the nation. I believe the government has started; expectations are very high but in addition to just recovering stolen money, my concern is what happens after Buhari. He did it in 1984 and 1985, the succeeding government blew everything. In addition to recovering everything recoverable, they should be focused on proactive strategies. It is like water is leaking out and people are mopping out the leakages, why don’t you go to source of leakage and block? The national budgetary plan has been totally vandalised. You need institutional building; and then you must have a means of making sure that whatever amount was received is properly accounted for, whatever amount claimed to have been expended must be traceable.

  • ‘We must look inwards, oil has no future’

    ‘We must look inwards, oil has no future’

    A former President of the Nigeria Chambers  of  Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, is the Governor of Jigawa State. In a media parley with selected journalists he talked about his administration’s focus to make the agrarian state an investment haven. Adetutu Audu was there.

    What is your government doing differently from the previous administrations in the state?

    Since we came into office, we have managed to shrink spending. The budget for Government House has shrunk by 70 percent. Hospitability spending and virtually all other expenditures of the state have shrunk. Contrary to what used to happen when some people used to charter flight amounting up to N20 million every month, we do not charter today. We do not spend close to one quarter of that amount. I came from the private sector. I know for us to change the situation of our people, you have to change the economic dynamics of the state. If you check our internally generated revenue (IGR) profile, we are generating little or nothing. It is nothing to write home about. Hence, we are making effort to change the unfortunate situation. We are trying to change the economic dynamics of Jigawa State by creating a sustainable environment for businesses. We believe the only way to do this is through agriculture where we have comparative advantage. We have invited Dangote who is doing massive rice production in a part of the state. There are others, who are into tomato production. We also believe in empowering people, but the structure we inherited is not sustainable. Our major focus is to create local economy that will in the near future support the state. Oil has no future; prices will continue to fall. New technologies are coming up and will always ensure that oil is not sustainable. We are also looking at enhancing our IGR through taxation. We must ensure that necessary taxes are collected and properly remitted to government coffers. Before now, many people defrauded the state.

    Since you assumed office, how have you been coping with the opposition parties?

     Well, it will interest you to know that I am the only governor, who still left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen of local governments in their positions. About 25 of them chairmen and two caretaker committee chairmen we inherited from the past administration. When I came in, I told them to continue with their work contrary to the expectation of even members of the opposition. Again, I am the only governor that has not accused my predecessor of embezzlement. There may be allegations here and there, but you cannot say somebody stole when there is no proof of the allegation. Unless the law court declares someone guilty, you cannot do so on the basis of hear-say. Also, I inherited N16 million only from my predecessor. We met huge liabilities. I inherited N16 million from my predecessor with too many works in progress in a shrinking economy and with shrinking oil prices. I have continued with the projects on ground. I am not the kind of person who believes in initiating new projects and abandoning the ones that were started with my predecessor. We are working for the good of our state and our people. I rather complete the projects and let somebody take the credit rather than lose the people’s money or allow the resources to waste.

    You said you inherited almost an empty treasury. With the sharp drop in monthly allocation, how have you been meeting up with payment of workers’ salaries?

    Jigawa is a civil service state; once salaries are not paid, the groundnut seller in town will quickly feel it. We have continued to pay salaries despite the shrinking resources. What we did as soon as we came into office was to plug some holes through which people were siphoning money from government. Through the biometric exercise we conducted, a lot of ghost workers were discovered. It means that some people were making themselves rich every month by collecting salaries of workers that did not exist. We have been able to block that.  The state government supported some local governments last month to the tune of N226 million for them to pay salaries; that is to show you how bad the situation is. A lot of my colleagues can’t even pay salaries, so we still consider ourselves lucky to be able to do so.

    People have argued that the only place where life exists in Jigawa State is Dutse. How do you intend to extend this life to other parts of the state?

    That is not true. In 27 headquarters of local councils, we have streets. We have roads. We have businesses. In fact, there are more businesses in Hadejia than Dutse. It is not true because we are not blowing our trumpets. There is a lot of misinformation. Some people said he never stayed in the state. Contrary to what some people said, I am the only governor that comes to the office at about 9:00 a.m. except I am not in the state. Whenever I am in the state, I come to the office 9:00 a.m. daily.

    There have been issues around the ‘goat programme’ this administration put in place for widows in the state. Critics have attacked the programme and described it as a misplaced priority. What actually informed this initiative?

    It is because people do not understand how to solve problems. This has been done in other climes. Personally, I have tried it in other vocations. But it is a kind of prestige to give our people loan. For people who are into sewing, you gave the sewing machine. That is perfect model. But you gave out 20 or more sewing machines. Nobody will be able to make N100 from it. But the goat programme is good. In many countries, it has proved very successful, especially Bangladesh. We recorded 70 percent success in the goat programme we did. We put monitoring and evaluation mechanism in place to measure the impact of the programme. If you evaluate all empowerment programme in this country, you discover that the success rate is less than 20 percent. Some beneficiaries sell the empowerment materials given to them the same day they collected it because it cannot sustain them.

    Critics have raised another issue that you have abandoned all the programmes and projects of last administration. In this light, what is the status of Dutse Airport?

    That is not true. I am also the only governor that continued totally the projects that the previous administration started. But what I do not subscribe to is a situation whereby the state government will pay for 60 passengers three days a week. The last administration was paying N27, 000 per passenger. And it paid for 60 passengers for three days a week to support traffic development. And this traffic development has been in existence for over one year. How can you develop a route for over one year and cannot sustain the route? Despite this, you continue taking the public funds to sustain the airline so that people will say aircraft is landing in Dutse. All the projects in the airport are going on. The lighting is going on. Other projects are being executed in the airport. Sincerely, the work is going on in the airport.

    If the planes are no longer landing, what are you going to do with the airport?

    That is a good question. But planes are landing. But my administration is not supporting the idea of using taxpayers’ money to subsidize the route. The route has been there for more than one year. And the route is not developing. Sometimes, the plane will bring only one passenger and the state government had to pay for 60 passengers three times a week. That is what has been happening. All the shout is about the subsidy. I did not stop any plane from taking off from the airport. The airport is active. Even when Alhaji Aliko Dangote came, he landed there. A lot of people are coming and going through the airport. We do all our airlifting from the airport. We intend to airlift all our pilgrims this year through the airport. But when there is no traffic, I cannot create one. I do not see the magic that will lead traffic by subsidizing an airline just for it to come to Dutse and go. The question is: this can come back. But first, we have to develop the economic activities that warrant the movement of people? Unless we create businesses or develop some tourist attractions that create air traffic, then we can go back and start developing air traffic. I will not allow the airport to deteriorate. It has been built already. I will not allow it to waste away. But certainly, I cannot spend public funds to support an airline that bring only one or two passengers into Dutse. Even in Hadejia, they have the choice either to come here or go to Kano. But most of us are already married to Kano. We have one or two brothers or sisters there. What we intend to do with the airport is to create economic activities that will develop air traffic. If that happens, there is possibility to continue, even if it will be another six month to purse traffic development programme. Secondly, we are discussing cargo export with DHL. We have already sent people to Kenya to find out how best we can achieve this. Thirdly, there is already a proposal on aviation school. We are also looking into it.

    Beyond the issues you raised, what is the plan of your administration to industrialise Jigawa State considering the potential of the state to produce tomato, rice or sorghum in large quantity?   

    After Kano, the second factory of Aliko Dangote will be in Jigawa for tomato processing. We have decided to allocate 500 hectares for tomato production. But right now, we have 200 hectares for this purpose. We also have farmers, who have started cultivation on 200 hectares. Already, the state government is subsidizing the transportation of tomato farmers to Dangote’s tomato processing factory in Kano. This will enable us to learn how to produce and understudy the best practice. At this initial stage, it will not be difficult for farmers to transport what they produce to the Dangote tomato processing factory because the state government has subsidized the transport. Already, the farmers have collected the seeds. Aside that, they have attended training and are now working hand-in-hand with Dangote Tomato Processing Factory. We have put in a request for a portion of land for tomato production. Finally, we are doing that with sorghum and others. Even sorghum, we are discussing with Cadbury to see how we can package the whole value chain. We will bring in extension workers and provide them with certified seeds, farm implement, fertilizers and training on credit. That is why I said we are trying to do what will move our administration forward…

    For the entire programme you have outlines, security is central. But you have not discussed security agenda. Considering the spate of terrorist attacks in the North, how do you intend to ensure security of life and properties?

    The issue of security is basically federal. What the state can do is to support the security agencies. We have been supporting them. We have very good relationship with traditional rulers. And our information system with the traditional rulers is superb. The traditional rulers report to the security agencies any new person that comes into their territories. You should have asked whether it is by miracle or chance that Jigawa is surrounded by Yobe on one said, Bauchi on other side and Niger Republic on the top and we remain peaceful. I do not know what to say really. We are doing so well in security. We are also investing so much in security.

    In your remark, you said you never accused your predecessor of corruption and stealing. Are you saying there was no incident of stealing and corruption under the previous administration?

    I said I have not accused my predecessor of stealing. I have to establish facts before I can make such allegations. I have not accused him because there is no proof, though there are allegations. But the court has to prove that he was involved in the acts of corruption and stealing. Actually, there are allegations, but the court has to rule. All these people say they are thieves. It is not the gutter language that we should use. Even though they are thieves, the court has to prove it. That is why I have not accused him.

    The Northern State Governors’ Forum decided to borrow from the Islamic Bank. When eventually accessed, what specific areas do the northern states plan to inject the loan facilities?

    As of today, every state in the North decided what area they would want to use the loan for. In Jigawa, I inherited a discussion from the Islamic Development Bank with respect to a facility of $232 million. It is meant for infrastructure development. For us to really grow our agricultural sector, we need to develop our infrastructure and the road networks that will help the farmers. That is what I inherited. First of all, we are not in a hurry to collect money. We have to evaluate our situation first. It is too low for every person now knowing that we are barely surviving. After due evaluation, we can then arrange our loan based on what is coming in so that we can service easily. We are all rushing for the loan because it is almost interest-free. I know different states want to use the loans for income-generation activities. For instance, we discuss about the development of solar power generation. It is highly capital-intensive project. But in the long run, it will pay back. A lot of us have seen opportunities in solar energy. A lot of us are talking about the initiative.

    The early marriage of girl-child is still a critical issue in the North at large. It is indeed prevalent in all parts of the northern states. What is your administration doing to promote the education of girl-child?

    The education of girl-child is completely free in Jigawa State. It is completely free from nursery to university. In addition, we have some classes, where we bring every girl-child and train them. We set up these classes to enable us access the parent of these students. Sometimes, the parents have some economic challenges and as a result children are given out at early age. We are training them as a strategy to access these families gradually so that their daughters will go to schools. Most of them do not even go to school because of tuition. But we have taken it off.

  • Special status for Lagos is possible —Obasa

    Special status for Lagos is possible —Obasa

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa in this interview speaks on the legislative agenda of the 8th Assembly, why the Assembly will maintain the tradition of cordial relationship with the executive, state police, why Lagos must be given a special status and other sundry issues. Deputy Editor of The Nation on Sunday, Olayinka Oyegbile and Assembly correspondent, Oziegbe Okoeki spoke with him.

    You have been the Speaker for about eight months now, how has it been, what has your experience been like, what has been the challenges?

    The experience so far has been a very different thing entirely unlike what it used to be as a member of the House. You know, being a Speaker you have to combine everything together, your responsibility as a representative, your responsibility as a member of the parliament and your responsibility as an administrator and at the same time as a representative of an arm of government that has to relate with the public, the executive and judiciary. So, it is a bunch of load which is quite different from what it used to be as being just member of the House. So, it’s been very challenging.

    No doubt you have a focus as the head of the legislature, what exactly is/are the legislative agenda of the 8th Assembly?

    Every Assembly has its own legislative agenda, we have started ours already. One of it is the one we did a few months ago, that is engaging our constituents, which we tagged ‘Town Hall Meeting’ which took place simultaneously all around the state. We also want to engage the CSOs that we have not been able to bring on board, and we are planning towards it. And also we want to intensify training of members and staff of the Assembly because we believe we can achieve more through regular training most especially where you have about half of the House being new members. That we’ve been doing, and we will continue with it both local and international training for our members. And also we have changed from what it used to be when we have our sitting late, now we ensure that we are punctual as to the time fixed for plenary and that has been encouraging as well and we’ve been receiving response from the public in that respect. Lawmaking as you know is the major assignment of the parliament and that we have started and we will continue to do that and we still have more bills on our list for second reading, which is the normal process of passing a bill into law. And we will continue to make sure that we pass laws that will impact positively on the lives of our people and bring about progress to Lagos State.

    As the Speaker how do you balance the requirement of that office and meeting up with the requirements of your constituents who voted you here, is there no clash of interest?

    To me I believe I have been depriving my constituents the appropriate attention due to them. Before my emergence as the Speaker, I am always regular and punctual in my constituency. I mean having time to interact with them, meeting with them on so many issues, listening to them. But it has not been the same since I became the Speaker, because as I said earlier on, you have to combine a lot of things together to serve as an administrator, a lawmaker, you are a public relations officer, you have to do this and do that, you have to be present in so many occasions. So, naturally I understand the fact that I have been depriving my constituency the adequate attention they should be getting. But that does not mean that I have not been doing my own responsibility as a representative in terms of infrastructural development, interactions and so many other things.

    How do you hope to redress that so that there would be no complain from both sides at the end of the day?

    I can tell you there is none as we speak, but I just feel I need to put in more in creating time to attend to them. That does not mean I don’t attend to them, or I don’t see them or move close to them, but all am saying is that unlike members who can decide not to come to parliament in a day I cannot. Even when we are on holidays I still have to be here, I have to attend to correspondence, treat files, give approvals and so many other things. So it is quite a different thing from what it used to be as just a member of the House. And that is exactly what I am emphasising, and there is no way I am trying to keep up to that without neglecting some of the other things that I have to do back home in my constituency. But I am sure they also know it is a responsibility, it is a duty that I have to make sure I do perfectly.

    You seem to have recorded a few first as Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, firstly, you are the first speaker to have the largest number of opposition lawmakers in the House, precisely eight, how have you been coping with them and how is the relationship like?

    I agree with you, well let me say I appreciate those you are talking about, the honourable colleagues representing different constituencies on the platform of PDP which is an opposition party in the state. But for the fact that they are responsible legislators and we have all established the fact that the paramount thing, is to work in harmony and in such manner that we would bring progress to our people. We will bring development to our state, we will eradicate poverty in our society and make Lagos as our business. That has been a major factor that is assisting and contributing to the progress we are making, because when we get to that floor we don’t think about party, we talk about the state, we talk about the people of the state and what we can do together to bring about progress, development to our state. And I think that has been helping us. And outside the chambers we have what we call parliamentary where we discuss and interact regularly so that we can address whatever issue that comes up that we believe we need to address. That’s what we’ve been doing and I will say they have been very supportive. But doing that does not mean that they have neglected their party, no, but where there is need to talk about party they still strongly believe they are PDP and they have to defend the party. So, I am saying loudly, they are good representatives and they are worthy parliamentarians.

    The second area you recorded another first is the town hall meetings which you held simultaneously in all the 40 constituencies of the state, that was a feat, and just recently the House passed the 2016 budget for the state, what is the percentage of the requests and demands of constituents across the constituencies in the town hall meetings that is captured in the budget?

    This is something that we ourselves as representatives of the people are working on, and you will recall, if you were here during the presentation stage, I as the representative of other colleagues also presented to the governor the collated report of all we gathered from that exercise from the 40 constituencies which was presented to the governor openly. So that people will see that at least we have kept our promise. Whatever we have collated, whatever we have taken from them in terms of information, we have put them together and handed it over to the governor. I think our own assignment ends there, because it is not our responsibility to start carrying out projects and some other things. But we will use our office to continue to monitor the executive in such manner that they adhere to what we have requested from them; I mean to look at our report that was presented to the governor and do some of the things that our people asked for. And I want to tell you categorically that they have started working on it as we speak.

    The House raised a committee to screen the governor’s nominees for the state exco which was a deviation from the usual practice of screening them openly on the floor of the House. What are the major reasons why you opted for that style of screening and will you say at the end of the exercise that you achieved the purpose for adopting that format?

    Well, you said some people saw it as something secret, but some also said it was a good thing. And I will tell you the reason. Firstly, we need to establish the constitutional fact about it, that the parliament is never restricted in the constitution to conduct screening either in the open or behind the door. But the purpose of the exercise is to make sure, one, I have been here for long and I have participated in such exercise numerously. I think, based on my experience, the only way you can screen somebody is to have enough time. The only way you can conduct interview is to have enough time and when you are screening about 40 something people and you want to do that in a day or two or three days, there is no way you would get result, you cannot achieve the purpose of such exercise. And that was the reason why we resolved to conduct this exercise outside the chambers where members will have enough time to ask questions, investigate documents and so many other things. And I strongly believe it was successful, because it was conducted in such manner that those who were members of the committee had opportunity to investigate documents of each nominee, they received petitions, they went to court, they sought for legal advice from reputable lawyers, we can’t achieve this on the floor of the House. So, for me I think we did it in the interest of the government and of our people, because if you are going to serve in our cabinet; it means you want to represent our people, you want to serve our people and for you to serve our people we have to know you perfectly and very well, we have to know your background, we have to know where you are coming from and what you have in stock.

    Lagos has always set the pace for the country, it has always recorded cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, what has been responsible for this and now as Speaker do you intend to maintain that tradition?

    I think firstly, you have to look at the background where we are coming from. Number one, you have to understand the fact that from 1999 up to this period, the governor and majority of the members of parliament have always been family of the same party, that is a fact…….

    (Cuts in) but we have some states of the same party executive and legislature and yet there is always crisis…..

    I will get there. And also you look at the category of people that have been representing various constituencies in this parliament, look at their background; you consider their experience, their exposure and years in politics also. All these are factors that have contributed to the success that we have recorded in Lagos State. And I must say this, people talk about rubber stamp, eye service and all that. For us, we strongly believe there is no cause to start what I would call crisis or in-fighting with the executive when there is no reason for it. Fine, the parliament has constitutional responsibility to perform certain functions and if these are being done without finding any reason to go headlong with the executive, then why should we disagree, why should we have crisis? Fine, the parliament will pass budget, after that the executive will execute the budget, while the parliament will start oversight function, we ask questions as to the performance of each MDA and at the end of the day if you discover they have adhered in totality with the budget you passed, tell me the reason why I should start crisis. And that is the reason why in Lagos State we have been enjoying this cordial atmosphere and that is why there has been peace in the state since 1999 up till this time. And you must also consider the personality of those who have been serving as governors, right from Asiwaju, Fashola and now Ambode. So if the governor is not so selfish, not corrupt, not greedy, so why should the parliament wage war against the executive. So, all in all, what has been happening and what has been working for us is that we on this side of the fence, we are doing our job thoroughly and we have seen the executive doing same, so there is no reason for clash or for us to start fighting, and mind you when there is crisis, it is the state that suffers Because without cordial relationship between the executive and the parliament the state cannot move forward.

    Lagos is the biggest economy after the Federal Government; now there is crisis at the federal level because of dwindling oil price, how strong is Lagos to withstand the pressure?

    I think this is an opportunity to commend our leader, our governor from 1999-2003, that is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. You know when he came in 1999, the revenue of the state was around N600m, from then up till the time he left it was raised to billions of naira, I mean with very strong institutions in place to continue to generate and increase our revenue. That was the beginning of our success story in the state. And since then, you know, when I mentioned that it depends on the quality of people that have been serving as governor; thank God we have those leaders that have the interest of the state and of the people in them before they decide to serve. And that is why we have continued to increase our revenue, and mind you we have invested strongly on infrastructure; and Lagos continues to expand and by so doing we are attracting more investors both locally and foreign. And the more we have them the more we increase our revenue. So we have been able to detach ourselves from the federal government in terms of fund since 1999 till date. So either the money keeps coming or otherwise, Lagos will continue to thrive and Lagos will remain a success story unlike so many other states. Fortunately, the last administration at the federal level lacked quality to serve as leaders or representative of our people and to me it was a great disaster to our nation and that is why this administration at the federal level is finding it so difficult to hit the ground running since resumption. But for Lagos, I think we are making progress and we will continue to do that as much as we continue on infrastructure development and keep the interest of the state before any other thing.

    Is the parliament ready to give more money to security in view of the daily influx into the state, more so when you don’t exactly know who is who?

    I agree with you, for you to have a successful economy, you want to ensure protection of lives and property. By the way, that is one of the major functions of the state as enshrined in the constitution; it is an assignment that must be done. And in doing that government has to invest seriously in security. Not long ago we did what we call re-ordering the budget, opening doors for the governor to acquire more hardware in terms of security, that is some few weeks ago. If the need be we will continue to do that, to earmark fund for the executive to ensure protection of lives and property because we cannot increase our revenue if there is no safety, no investor will come to our state if they cannot be guaranteed of their safety. And in view of this, if you want Lagos to expand beyond this, if you want our revenue to increase beyond what it is now then we have to continue to address the issue of security. So, if need be we will continue to earmark fund for security.

    There is no doubt that the legislature has a major role to play in ensuring good governance through the bills you pass into laws, how many of such laws has the 8th Assembly under your watch passed and briefly tell us the significance or importance of these laws?

    As I said earlier on, one of the major responsibilities of a parliament is lawmaking and that we have started, so far, the last one we passed was two weeks ago, that is the employment trust fund law. We all know the situation in Lagos, even in Nigeria, that majority of the teeming population, largely the youths are unemployed, majority of them cannot even access bank loan and in that wise, from the executive wisdom, it was thought of that there should be a kind of fund that will bring opportunity for our youths to access, those who are creative or the entrepreneurs among them can easily access this fund. So that they can start something on their own, by so doing we are creating employment for the people and at the same time eradicating poverty. That was the reason behind the law. We all know the significance of the budget, without the budget there is no economy as we are witnessing now at the federal level. We have some laws that have passed through the first and second reading which we are yet to pass so far and they all have their purpose. We have just worked on the LASIEC law which is to create opportunity for our people in various local governments to contest the local government election, because without that law in place there is no way you can conduct election at the local government level. The law will make it possible to elect their people to represent them at the local government level. We also did the ‘Ajagungbale’ bill on second reading; that is the property protection bill. We all know the problem of ‘Ajagungbale’ in the state and we all know how valuable land is in Lagos and the need for us to start doing something to curb the excesses of the ‘Ajagungbales’ and to protect the indigent amongst us, who have struggled to buy a plot of land and before you know it someone somewhere in the name of ‘Ajagungbale’ deprives him or her of the land. Also not long ago because of the incessant crisis we have in our university, Lagos State University, we amended the LASU law and that is to ensure that there is peace in LASU because for any community to grow education is very important and germane and for us to have good education there must be peace. And taking a step further we also create opportunities for investment in education sector most especially LASU to make it residential. All this we have done and so many other bills that we still have to work on.

    During the re-ordering of the budget last year, the overhead bridge at Agege-Pen Cinema was one of the three of such to be constructed in the state but it was dropped or rather replaced when funds for the budget was eventually released and that happens to be your constituency, what actually happened?

    Well, it is still part of it, if you look at 2016 budget, we still have provisions for that overhead bridge in Pen Cinema well embedded in the budget; it is still there. We agreed with the executive about the Agege project, probably along the line, they sought for expert opinion that with signalisation the traffic there can become easy and will ensure free flow. So that we should do signalisation before the bridge, if we record success through signalisation then we can suspend the bridge but if otherwise, we still have to build the overhead bridge. But I can assure you we still have that provision in the budget of 2016 and since it is there it cannot be taken away, so you can’t consider it dead except it is no longer in the provision of the budget. But as I am speaking with you the budget we passed for 2016 we have it well stated, flyover at Pen Cinema.

    Talking about bills and laws; what are the mechanisms you have in place to assess the impact of the laws you passed on the masses and the state?

    As you have said, the society on its own is also a source to monitor the impact of the laws passed by the House because they have right to come back to the House and I want to tell you this, we have been doing that. If you look at the traffic law which generated a lot of hullabaloo, we received a lot of petitions from both the okada and Marwa riders, drivers, even reputable people, about the law, that we should look at the law again. And we are going to consider it, we are going to look at it again and see what we can do about that. Also the process of town hall meeting is also an avenue to assess what we have done because it is to create an opportunity for people to comment on what we have been doing, what we have achieved. And on our own, of recent I discussed with the chairman, House committee on Judiciary the need for us to look at the child rights’ law and domestic violence. She should take it up and look at it because everywhere today it is all about domestic violence, child abuse. We are doing that, we can set up a committee to address that and at the same time we largely rely on society to feed us back and the CSO also are there, they are also relating with us to tell us what and what we should look at.

    Recently chairman of the conference of Speakers visited the senate president to discuss issues on constitution amendment, now that APC is in government at the centre are you still pushing the issue of a special status for Lagos?

    Let me take it from the chairman of the Speakers conference. Of recent we elected a new Speaker. And as part of his assignments he has to relate with the National Assembly and one of the things agitating our minds is about the amendment of the constitution to enhance our performance as state Assemblies. Because most of the state Assemblies are not all that free, they are tied to the executive, the independence is not really there. And we believe through the amendment of the constitution this can be achieved. And truly if we want to enjoy democracy the parliament must be free from the executive. Any way the major feature of democracy is separation of powers and there must be checks and balances among all the arms of government. So there is need for us to amend the constitution so that most of the Houses of Assembly can gain independence from the executive. Now, on special status for Lagos, that is not negotiable. It is a must, as we have witnessed, we see every day in Lagos the need for the federal government to give Lagos State special attention and by special attention I mean special fund. Special fund to do so many things. We have just spoken about security, infrastructure and we still have to maintain some of the federal government’s presence in the state. We have been talking about this in our parliament and we are not going to get tired of it, we will continue to call for it and we will continue to write the president and the National Assembly to ensure that they consider Lagos State for special status. Not only that we also talk about state police. Without having our own police we cannot effectively talk about protection of lives and property. Whereas we are shouldering the responsibility of federal police, so what stops us from having our own police that will protect lives and properties. People talk about using state police against opponent, is it not happening at the federal level, did we not see what happened in Ekiti, Osun and other places? So why do we have to use that as a reason to deprive states from having their own police outfit, I think we will achieve that. And in our own party we clamour for federalism and what we have just mentioned has to do with federalism and we must ensure we practice federalism in totality and I strongly believe our party will surely do that.