The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2016

  • ‘2016 is a year of God’s vengeance’

    Senior Pastor Continental Grace Christian Centre Oto Lagos, Oluwabukola Akin Aina, has described 2016 as ‘God’s year of judgment’ for the nation’s enemies. According to him, God has already finalised plans to deal with those who have looted the nation’s treasury. He added that there is nothing anybody can do about it since it’s already ‘sealed by God’.

    “The year 2016 will be God’s year of judgment for both the judge and the accused,” he said in a briefing on Wednesday as the ministry commenced its annual convention whose theme was ‘The Shadow of the Almighty.’

    “God has sent me to announce this to the authorities. The unfortunate thing is that God will not give such people another grace because they have enjoyed such privilege in the past, even though they abused it.  “In 2016, God is going to wash this nation clean as only those who hide under His Shadow will enjoy His mercy,” the cleric added.

    Aina noted that those who surrendered their lives to Christ and eschewed sin will not only escape God’s judgment but also enjoy divine bounties.

    He said further that the convention which began with a Bible study on Friday, included other activities such as vigil, praise/testimony nights, and deliverance hour, among others. The convention, he said, would be a prelude to certain strategies being embarked upon by the ministry.

    As the convention ended yesterday, the ministry went to the streets to distribute foods,  drugs and other gift items to the poor.

    “This ministry comprises 97 per cent youths and this is where we would begin our advocacy to admonish government to improve the lots of youths nation-wide via positive engagement. We are not only targeting youths but also various segments of the society through humanitarian gestures.

    “Some people erroneously believe that holistic gospel means mere preaching, but I say how can you convince a sinner who is hungry to accept the gospel? So, we will consider the setting up of vocations and business enterprises where we would engage the needy so that their lives can be more meaningful.

    “God made the Israelites to begin to see a place of comfort in Canaan land. So,  the church should not only be avenues where tithes and offering are collected, but where the less- privileged persons can find solace. “As a church, it is no crime if we go into livestock farming, or real estate. I also believe the church can set up a university with free tuition or charge moderate fee.

    This is a challenge we at Continental Grace Christian Centre have decided to take up. We shall be diversifying into certain key investments in the coming year. We do not have the money yet, but we believe that God knows that our intention is genuine and by God’s grace, we shall get there.

     

  • 2016: PDP unveils education blueprint for Edo

    2016: PDP unveils education blueprint for Edo

    The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has unveiled its blueprint for the educational sector for Edo State if elected to power in 2016.

    It said its aspirants must key into the plans to boost education in the state.

    The PDP promised to build a new model schools in all the 18 local government areas in the state.

    State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, who unveiled the educational blueprint said the party would provide unfettered access to a compulsory Universal Basic Education for all children in the state.

    Nehikhare noted that schools refurbished by the Oshiomhole administration lacked functional libraries and laboratories.

    He said the technical colleges at Afuze, Benin-City and Uromi would be resuscitated, refocused and re-equipped in line with modern technological advancement and relevance.

    His words,  “We will establish and maintain quality and standards schools through relevant and competent based curriculum and effective quality control and monitoring at both public and private levels.”

    “We will strengthen Edo State’s future technological and scientific foundation by re-jigging technical, vocational and entrepreneurial formats and objectives, making optimal use of Information and Communication Technology to meet the State’s manpower needs in commerce and industry and other core areas”.

  • Edo 2016: Battle of the titans

    Edo 2016: Battle of the titans

    The race to the Governorship of Edo State, from all appearances, promises to take the shape of the legendry “Battle of the Titans”. With no less than 20 aspirants across the party divide already in the race and still counting, there is little doubt that the ancient and traditional land of Igomigodo is about to witness a robust political contest that will stretch the political maturity of the people to the limit. But it is all for the best and shows that the incumbent Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has not only opened the political space in the State in the last eight years but has further opened the eyes of the people to the realities of governance.

    What is, perhaps, most interesting is the mix of the aspirants to the governorship race. Aside the old political war horses who have made their appearances in the race once or twice, or have held political positions by reason of appointments, there is a full dose of the academia who have, over the years, made their marks and left their footprints in the sands of the nation’s Ivory Tower. Then there are the members of the Private Sector who, perhaps, have suddenly realised that in order to grow the real economy of the State they must be on the driver’s seat and in control of the engine of growth which is the Private Sector.

    Heading the political old war horses is, for example, Professor Oserhemen Osunbor who contested and won the Edo State Governorship election in 2007 with the ticket of the PDP but whose election was invalidated by the State’s Election Tribunal in 2008. Interestingly, the man he now seeks to succeed in office, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is the same person who took the seat from him by virtue of the Tribunal’s verdict. Perhaps, more interesting is the fact that the erudite Professor is attempting a come back under the umbrella of the ruling APC. Then there is Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Political Scientist and former Secretary to the Government of Edo State. He resigned in 2012 and contested the Edo North Senatorial seat but lost. He is also contesting under the umbrella of the APC.

    And heading the Private Sector entrants, perhaps, is Engineer Chris Ogiemwonyi, a former Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who lately decamped from the PDP to the APC. He runs alongside  Professor Osayuki Oshodin, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, another PDP decampee, Chief Lucky Imasuen and Pastor Ize Iyamu of the PDP. There is also Architect Mike Onelememen, Senator Ehige Uzamere and Major General Charles Airhiavhere who battled for the seat with Comrade Oshiomhole in 2012. With all these men in the race, is there any doubt that the people are going to witness a repeat of the Battle of the Titans? This is because these are juggernauts in their own rights and judging from their records, they should not be taken lightly when they enter a political battle such as is being envisaged in the State in 2016.

    One possible difficulty, though, that could arise for the people in making their choice, perhaps, will be the personalities involved: what with the different levels of influence that are bound to come to play during the campaigns and the election itself. However, the out-going administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has lessened the burden of choice by providing the dividends of good governance by which any incoming administration would, no doubt, be assessed. He has, in the last eight years, brought to bear on the State the effectiveness and efficiency of the Private Sector as engine of growth of any economy.  The people of Edo State need someone who will sustain that tempo of development in the State after Oshiomhole.

    Looking at the profiles of the aspirants, especially those coming from the Private Sector, Engineer Christopher Ogiemwonyi stands out as the leader and most experienced administrator and manager of men and resources. With over 30 years of work experience in the oil and gas industry, this graduate of the University of Benin, a 1974 B.Sc. (Hons) holder in Applied Physics with option in Electronics and 1976 post graduate Diploma holder in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Ibadan, has proven his mettle as an administrator and high profile manager of men and resources. Aside his intimidating academic achievements, 64 year old Christopher has a daunting career profile which began way back in the late 1970s. He began his career as a Petroleum Engineer 11 in 1975 with the Conservation Department and in February, 1977 was seconded to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Warri, a secondment which was enriched by a four and half month Advance Petroleum Engineering Programme in SPDC Training Centre in the Hague, Netherlands. Between 1978 through 1982, he worked in various departments of Petroleum Resources including the then newly created gas Department.

    In 1999, he was promoted General Manager, Operations and moved to National Petroleum Investments Management Services (NAPIMS) to oversee the Operations Division. He midwifed various projects especially the Local content initiative of the Federal Government. By dint of hard work, he was appointed the Group General Manager, NAPIMS in 2001. As GGM NAPIMS, he oversaw the whole industry including the Joint Ventures (JV) and the Production Sharing Companies (PSCs). While in NAPIMS, he served as Chairman, Nigeria OTC Committee for 2003 and 2004. Between 1999-2003, he midwifed key projects including EA field, Erha field, Bonga field and Agbami field amongst others. Also, under his watch, NAPIMS achieved zero cash call arrears by October, 2003. As GGM NAPIMS, the Oil Industry was encouraged on joint utilization of assets such as offshore swamp rigs. Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi is, perhaps most noted today for his achievements while in NAPIMS. With an objective to compete with international oil and gas concerns, Engnr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, in 1988, facilitated the formation of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) which he headed as Project Leader (Petroleum Engineer) in Benin City until 1999.

    Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC),was incorporated in 1988 and, as stated earlier, one of its objectives was to compete as an indigenous Oil and Gas producing Company. NPDC was assigned four acreages including OML – 65 containing Abura Field, a takeover asset from the defunct TENNECO then producing at 980 bopd. He championed the takeover of this asset, kept an up-to-date reserves position of the new Company and served as the Abura Field Project Leader, He raised the production level from 980 bopd to over 4,000 bopd in 1990. In 1992, he served as Oredo Field Project Leader. This was a Greenfield project that involved KELT ENERGY,UK and IP CONSTRUCTION, Calgary. He also served as Oziengbe field Leader. This is another 10,000 bopd EPC facility at Oziengbe field.

    If the career profile of Chris Ogiemwonyi is daunting, his professional progression is even more so. For example, he is currently President, Energy and Engineering Technology Construction Company, an Energy Consulting Group, a position he has held since May 2011. He was Minister of State for Works from April 2010 to May 2011, President Energy Strategy Centre (Esc) Abuja, an Energy Consulting Group,  from September 2009 to April 2010, Group Executive Director Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( Exploration & Production Directorate) from September 2007 to April 2009. As Group Executive Director (GED) Exploration and Production, Engr. Ogiemwonyi was in charge of seven NNPC Companies and Subsidiaries which included National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), LNG & Power Division, Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Crude Oil, Marketing Division and Local Content Division.  He was Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company Limited Warri, from March 2005 to September 2007. In March 2005, he was reassigned to National Gas Company Limited as Managing Director. His focus was to increase gas supply to major customers like; PHCN, SNG, GSLINK, WAPCO, SHAGAMU, and EWEKORO, NOTORE FERTILIZER PH,OBAJANA CEMENT COMPANY etc NGC is coordinating 130mmscf/d gas supply (WAGP – West Africa gas Supply Project) to Benin, Togo, Ghana and hopefully to Ivory Coast. Trans- Sahara Gas Project (TSGP), the 2 billion scf/d supply from Nigeria through Algeria to Europe, was another portfolio under his supervision as NGC’s helmsman.

    A technocrat per excellent, Chris Ogiemwonyi served on the board of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). He was also former council member of Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri and Chairman, N-Gas. Also a former Director NETCODIETSMANN and one time Board member of Nigermed, Engnr. Ogiemwonyi served as member, Presidential Committee on Independent Power Project (IPP) development for Niger Delta, served as a member of the NNPC Corporate Board and Chairman of Hyson/Calson Joint Venture (JV). He was also a member of the Presidential Committee on Accelerated Expansion of Electricity Infrastructure.

    A product of the Harvard Business School, Ogiemwonyi belongs to many professional bodies including the society of Petroleum Engineers. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and former President of the Nigeria Gas Association. He is a recipient of the Justice of Peace (JP) by Edo State Government and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award. Ogiemwonyi, who is married and blessed with children, is patron to several bodies, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Association of Community Newspapers Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) .

    • Obasuyi sent this piece from Benin

     

     

     

  • Edo 2016: Group backs journalists’ forum

    The Edo Consultative Forum, a non-political group, has pledged its support for the Esan Journalists’ Forum in its agitation for an Esan son to emerge as the next Governor of Edo State.

    Chairman of the group, Mr Gilbert Oboh made this known while briefing the press after its emergency meeting in Warri, Delta State.

    He further said his group decided to support the journalists, because of the reasons adduced by them on the need to have an Esan son as the next governor of Edo State which, he maintained, will ensure fairness and equity.

    He noted that other zones comprising Edo South and Edo North had, in the past, produced governors who spent the mandatory two terms as enunciated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as such, it is necessary that the Esan of Edo Central that has not produced a governor in the past 16 years, should be encouraged to produce the next governor of the state.

    His word: “A Benin man from Edo South in the person of Lucky Igbinedion ruled the state for eight years. After him, the reign of leadership became the lot of an Esako man from Edo North in the person of Adams Oshiomole, who is rounding off his two terms of eight years. For justice and fairness, it is only appropriate that Edo Central Senatorial zone should produce the next governor.”

    On the argument that Prof. Osunbor who incidentally had his rule terminated by the courts is from Edo Central, Oboh said he is piqued that certain persons could refer to that instance when it was obvious that Osunbor administration lasted for few months, and so could not have even be referred to in the first instance.

    Bemoaning the level of development and infrastructural decay in Esan land in spite of the abundant human and material resources, he accused those who had held sway in governance of paying little or no attention to the development of the area. He argued that if an Esan son becomes the next governor, it will afford Esan land the opportunity to catch up with other areas in terms of infrastructural development.

    He promised to join forces with the forum in actualising the lofty visions, especially the two days summit slated for next month that will bring Esan sons and daughters from across the country and in the Diaspora, to explore ways of enthroning one of their own as the next governor of the state.

  • ‘Lull in economy ‘ll end second quarter 2016’

    The Managing Director, Nesbet Consulting, a Lagos-based firm of financial and management consultants, Dr. Alaba Olusemore, has projected that current lull in the economy may end by second quarter of next year.

    Olusemore who is a fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said Nigerians, may not breathe a sigh of relief until the second quarter of next year when would-be-ministers currently undergoing screening by the National Assembly would have settled down for business after being assigned portfolios.

    According to him, the ministers are not likely to get their arts together and provide policy direction for the economy anytime this year, even after their confirmation and swearing-in, adding that this year only has less than three months to end. “We may not see any major improvement in the economy before the end of this year. The second quarter of 2016 is more to it,” Olusemore projected.

    He however said between now and second quarter of next year, the economy would hopefully start taking shape, adding that there is need for President Muhammadu Buhari to aggressively pursue policies that will end Nigeria’s over-dependence on proceeds from oil.

    “The monolithic nature of the economy is unsustainable. We must immediately begin to initiate and sustain policies directed at economic diversification,” he said, stressing that there has to be a strategic refocusing on the manufacturing and agriculture sectors which have the potential to create jobs.

    He also identified Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as another area with lots of promises of turning around the fortunes of the economy.

    “Government must encourage SMEs to succeed. SME operators should be supported; they must have access to funds and services of consultants and mentors. Consultants should assist them develop bankable business plans and proposals,” he said.

  • 2016: Edo central demands governorship slot

    As preparations for the 2016 governorship election in Edo State gathers steam, sons and daughters of Esan land in the Central Senatorial District have stepped up agitation for power shift to the district.

    To this end, all sons and daughters of the Esan ethnic nationality that make up Edo Central Senatorial District in and outside the state have been called upon to come together and speak with one voice towards the realisation of the dream.

    The senatorial district, made up of five local government areas in a press briefing organised by the Esan Journalists Forum (EJF) in Benin City, declared that for the area to move forward, all hands must be on deck. This was after a meeting with the traditional rulers from Esan land.

    Speaking at the briefing, the National President of EJF, Timothy Okojie-Ave, said the area is conscious and “conversant with the political sophistication and contributions of Esan people, who are hardworking, lovers of peaceful co-existence and very rich in culture and tradition and committed to the development of the country.”

    Okojie-Ave pointed out that, a planned two-day summit with the theme: “The Future of Esan Nation, Reasons to be Hopeful,” scheduled to hold before the end of this year, aims at emphasising the need for all stakeholders in the state to follow the route of justice and fair play and allow the zone to produce the next governor of the state.

    He said: “Our people are indeed worried about various developments we see in Esan land and we really do not see much change in the area of development. As a matter of fact, we are worried that areas that we see developments in the past, today, we tend to see retrogression which gives us reason to be really concerned.”

    The body recalled that “it was one of our illustrious fathers, a bona fide son of Esan land, Chief Anthony Enahoro who moved the much-celebrated motion for Nigeria’s independence which brought Nigeria out of the shackles of dependence and servitude.”

    According to members of the EJF, the summit aims at making a clarion call on all sons and daughters of Esan land for a collaborative, co-operative and supportive disposition to Esan agenda, recognising, however, that “for the development that we seek to come quickly, the easiest way is to ensure that we all come together to say with one voice that the time has come for political power in Edo State to shift to Esan land, by allowing the zone to produce the next governor of Edo State.

    “Indeed, this is our right, because having seen Edo South produce a governor in this dispensation that served his two terms of four years and now North is about to round off its second term of four years, it is only imperative that the third part of the tripod, which is Edo Central be allowed to produce the next governor.

    “Because we have no other land we can lay claim to as our own other than Esan land, we are concerned and believe that something must be done, if indeed Esan must move forward from its present sorry state.

    “This realisation has set us into serious thinking about how to move Esan land forward and we came to the conclusion that if indeed Esan land must really develop, all hands must be on deck to pursue Esan agenda.” they said.

    They further argued that “in taking this position, we are conscious of the fact that even though other governors have tried in their own way to do one or two things in Esan land, none can be compared to what happened when our son, Prof. Ambrose Alli was in power, because nobody can love you more than you love yourself.”

  • Ondo 2016: ‘Pick woman as APC candidate’

    An ex-Women Leader of the Defunct Action Congress (AC) in Ondo State, Mrs. Kehinde Adeniran has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give necessary support for a woman to emerge as the party candidate for next year’s governorship election.  Adeniran made the appeal during her inauguration as the Woman Leader of the Coalition of APC Support Group in Akure, the state capital.  Former State Assembly aspirant from Akure North State Constituency, Mr. Leye Akinola emerged as the Coordinator of the group, while she will be assisted by ex-caretaker chairman of Ose Local Government Area, Afolabi Mabogunje.

    Mrs Adeniran maintained that women in the party are fully ready to compete with the men for the party ticket.

    According to her, APC women in the state are intellectuals and mobilisers who can also win elections for the party.

    The APC chieftain said women have always been driving force during campaigns, saying they are worthy of both governorship and deputy governorship positions come next year’s election.

    Akinola, however, assured leaders and members of the party of total victory in next year’s gubernatorial election.

    He also promised to begin mobilisation and massive membership drive for the APC so as to increase its profile.

    Akinola, who said the group, has done it in the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections, stressed that the coalition of APC support group will boost the chances of the party to form the next government.

  • Group seeks support for Osunbor’s governorship bid

    Group seeks support for Osunbor’s governorship bid

    Ahead of the 2016 governorship election in Edo state, a socio-Political group in the state, the Edo Visionary Network, Tuesday charged the leaders and people of Edo Central senatorial district to realize their dream of producing the next governor of the state after the expiration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole by backing the governorship ambition of Prof.Osarhiemen Osunbor.

    The group described Prof.Osunbor as a man with great vision and potentials and regretted that the internal politics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which culminated to the Appeal Court ruling in 2008, led to his short stay in office.

    The former governor had earlier this year dumped the PDP for the APC.

    The group led by Comrade Innocent Ebhotemen, which had in November 2014, urged the former governor to declare his ambition to run for the 2016 governorship election under the All progressives Congress (APC), commended him for his recent declaration for the 2016 governorship election and urged all Esan sons and daughters to unite behind him.

    According to the statement, “the record of Prof.Osunbor as a two-time senator and a governor speaks volume of his capacity and excellent inclination.

    “At this maternal time in the history of the state we believe he possesses a credential no other aspirant would be able to match.

    “Senator Osunbor holds the promise of superlative continuity that Edo people desire after Governor Oshiomhole must have creditably discharged himself and retired from the stage. Osunbor holds the hope for the entire Edo people.

    “He also represents the hope of the entire indigenes of Edo Central senatorial district who legitimately yearn for their zone on the principle of equitable rotation of power to occupy the office of the governor of Edo state and have full tenure of service to the fatherland.

    “We want to especially plead with the leaders and members of the APC to which Osunbor now belongs to in the fullness of time to entrust Osunbor with the mandate to represent the party and subsequently to serve the state,” it stated.

     

  • Fed Govt eyes 12,800Mw by 2016

    The Head, Power and Energy at Ecobank, Olufunke Jones, has said the Federal Government is putting measures to generate electricity in excess of 12,800 megawatts (Mw) by 2016.

    Jones who spoke with The Nation at a forum on power themed “Power Sector Reforms: Sustainable Change for Development,” held in Lagos, said what has happened in the sector for the last one year is the engagement that will fine-tune a framework which will bring about productivity.

    She also said the multi-year-tariff-order (MYTO) will be reviewed next year to take into consideration every value chain in the power sector. This, she said is to ensure that every investment is paid over a period of time.

    According to her, current generation stands at 4,200Mw, adding that some of the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) generation plants including Egbin, which has installed generation capacity of 1,320Mw, are going through rehabili-tation.

    She noted that on completion of the rehabilitation, which includes replacement of turbines, the assets alone will give an additional 3000Mw, adding that by the time it is  added, it will be translate to some 7,500Mw. Also, there are some little Independent Power Projects (IPPs) that will add about 300Mw, she said.

    “The National Independent Power Projects (NIPPs) will generate about 5,800Mw, so if we add that to the 4,200Mw, we will be talking about 9,000Mw adding that some other people are also working on some power projects giving the hope that the country will have adequate power generation in the next 24 months.”

    She said current framework will ensure the power sector doesn’t get reversed but could only get better. “Trying to ensure that the regulator is independent, the new owners understand the utility industry and all stakeholders are speaking with one voice. That’s what that has happened in the last one year. It’s been a study year for the new owners,” she said, adding that even though people might not see the impact, ‘we have taken a firm ground so that we can build structure that will last after our own generation’.

    She however said the gas issue should have been addressed before the privatisation saying it has posed major challenge to the sector.

    The President, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Mansur Musa, agreed that it is still a learning curve for the new investors in the power sector even one year after but expressed the hope that with all the discussions going on, there is light at the dark end of the tunnel.

    He urged continued funding of the sector by the government,  adding that the private sector cannot do it alone.

    He said: “Government must continue to build transmission and create enforcement because that is the only thing that can help the investors; there are a lot of issues that have to do with transmission line. If the government refuses to do the transmission line, the companies will continue to run at loss and may not be able to reduce losses.”

  • GM promises hands-free Cadillac by 2016

    General Motors (GM) has announced that by 2016, some of its Cadillacs will incorporate self-driving functions.

    Vehicle-to-vehicle communication and a cruise function will be fitted in different top-of-the-range GM models.

    It will be the first time that automated technology is made available at higher speeds.

    The 2017 Cadillac CTS sedan, which will go on sale in 2016, will have the necessary transmitters and receivers fitted as standard.

    The equipment will let it know the location and speed of other vehicles, as long as they are also fitted with the technology.

    A different model, as yet undisclosed, will offer a “Super Cruise” function, which keeps the vehicle in the centre of the lane, maintains speeds on the motorway and controls braking.

    That could mean keeping to the speed limit, but would also allow the car to take control in stop-go traffic jams.

    “If the mood strikes you on the high-speed road from Barstow, California to Las Vegas, you can take a break from the wheel and pedals and let the car do the work,” said GM’s chief executive, Mary Barra.

    Automated driving is expected to ease congestion and reduce accidents, though drivers will still be expected to pay full attention to the road, rather than shifting their focus to reading the paper or applying make-up.

    GM said it was also working on a system to monitor drivers to ensure they are paying adequate attention.

    “I’m convinced customers will embrace (vehicle-to-vehicle) and automated driving technologies for one simple reason: they are the answer to everyday problems that people want solved,” said Ms Barra.