The Nation Newspaper

Tag: giant

  • Aregbesola: Giant strides at 60!

    Although democracy has become so acceptable in this part of the world that we now regard service as an established fact, it is important that lovers of good governance use the opportunity that Aregbesola’s birth anniversary presents to briefly reflect on the real definition of service to the people and what the people stand to gain from the presence or absence of it. For instance, why did Aregbesola leave his comfort zone in Lagos where all things were bright and beautiful to become a symbol of resistance to a system that was well-stocked with characteristic fancies and unusual features in Osun?  Why did he choose to become a story of courage to a struggling state which, pre-November 27, 2010, was fraught with false starts, painful groping and failing fortunes, indeed a system which wheel of progress was already on its way back to the bottom of the hill?

    When, in his essay, ‘The three types of legitimate rule’, Max Weber particularly pointed in the direction of charisma as an essential ingredient a leader must possess if he must succeed, he probably might have had the likes of Aregbesola in mind. But Weber’s option of courage amidst the tragedy and the savagery of primordial sentiments has again brought to the fore the way we are as a state and as a people. A few questions will suffice. Why have professional hoppers who derisively described Aregbesola an uneducated mind so lost memory of historical facts that this gentleman, noted for technical finesse and political astuteness, once had a stint as a teacher at Imesi-Ile High School in the 1970s? Why is this achiever, who has within a short period of six years set the ‘Land of Virtue’ on fire with his dreams, being tagged a ‘debtor-governor’ when, indeed, in the universal space called salary palaver, Osun is just a sample space for other states in Nigeria? Again, why are they equating his vision for Osun with a mission to Islamize the state even as the governor has consistently wondered why trying to be a good Muslim should be misconstrued for ‘conversion campaign’?

    Some crooked beings even go as far as referring to him as Bola Tinubu’s ‘Ajele’ (Sole Administrator) in Osun. Agreed, he is! So what? Well, the sad side of our Nigerian-ness is that there’s nothing one can do to immunize desperate politicians from wallowing in delusional insinuations. Be that as it may, it is a settled premise that Tinubu is a leader whose creative ingenuity and ceaseless potentials shine through by the day. Driven by pure interest and manifest integrity, the Jagaban Borgu is a principled, dependable and caring historian of sort who positively and masterfully replenishes his stock each day through his deeds and actions. It needs to be noted that, despite the “petty envy and outright jealousy by those that feel dwindled by his greatness”, Tinubu is one politician who cannot do any evil beyond his devotion to his political party and commitment to humanity.

    In any case, as ‘Ajele’ which the opposition has nicknamed him, Aregbesola is very proud of his relationship with the ‘Governor Emeritus’ of Lagos State, his leader and mentor. Little wonder many refer to him as the ‘Symbol’.

    An American politician, Benjamin Franklin, once remarked: “human felicity is produced not as much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day.” One noteworthy reality is that politics is about the economy and economy is about the people. It is about prioritization and allocation of values. Put succinctly, politics is about the people. It is about generational prosperity and usefulness to humanity. Without being immodest, Osun’s developmental strides have presented Aregbesola as a worthy product of Tinubu’s school of politics. An activist whose primary concern is how to build a super system, not super human,  Aregbesola has happily and healthily given pleasure to others by ‘rambunctiously’ spearheading the technological transformation of Osun into “a developed, cleaner, safer and more beautiful state”. The man behind the ‘O’ Revolution in Osun is an outstanding politician of authority who has by his pursuit of causes with unblemished peculiarities shut the mouths of enchanters whose remit is in sounding like broken bottles for reasons not unconnected with selfish ambitions and personal gains.

    Mention his accomplishments! Is it in the education sector where, as at last count, a total of 55 new structures, comprising 20 Elementary, 22 Middle, and 13 High School have been added to existing structures while a total of 82 school blocks, comprising 1,534 classrooms across the state have been refurbished by his administration? Or the Elementary School Feeding Scheme, (O’MEALS) which has also greatly reduced unemployment by absorbing no fewer than 20,000 food vendors, in addition to providing certain categories of pupils with highly nutritious meals on a daily basis? Or the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) which, with its mopping up of more than 40,000 youths off our streets and productively engaging them, has succeeded in reducing the scourge of unemployment among our youths? Have we forgotten the creation of additional 31 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), 3 Area Councils and two Administrative Offices for the overall purpose of bringing government closer to the people? Or the procurement of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and 100 Patrol Vehicles which has greatly helped in making Osun “the safest state in Nigeria”? Of course, the list is endless!

    Aregbesola’s intervention in the hospitality sector has also not gone unnoticed. For instance, Osun now has more than 400 hotels, out of which more than 15 are in ‘Category A’ (equivalent to a ‘3-star’ hotel). Before this administration came on board, the state could only boast of less than half of this figure. Added to these are more than 80 tourist attractions in the state. The establishment of Osun Microcredit Agency has also gone a long way in reducing unemployment as well as alleviating poverty in the state. Taken together, these  laudable initiatives have  helped  a great deal  in shoring up the state’s internal revenue base, particularly, at a time Nigeria  is painfully haemorrhaging from dwindling economic fortunes as a result of global oil glut.

    According to Woodrow Wilson, “a man has come to himself only when he has found the best that is in him, and has satisfied his heart with the highest achievement he is fit for.”

    So, which is easier to say:  ‘Aregbesola has no money in any bank anywhere in the world’, or to say: ‘he has not drawn salary since he became governor of the State of Osun’? Or that he has only two buildings: one in Egbeda, Lagos; and the other one in Ikeja-Lagos, given to him as ‘retirement benefit’ by Lagos State Government for serving as its Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure between 1999 and 2007? Of course, this is where plunderers who latch on the rebellious twists and turns of seeming adversity or perceived inadequacy of the moment to judge Aregbesola’s government are missing it. Today, we discuss Obafemi Awolowo in glowing terms, not because of the money he stashed in any local or foreign bank; or the number of houses he built. Rather, it’s because of his transparent commitment to the development of Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria in general.

    As ‘Ogbeni’ floats through the years ahead with grace and good cheer, may principalities and powers, assigned to rubbish our leader’s efforts, scatter!

     

    • Komolafe writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.
  • Italian court intervenes in Bayelsa community’s,oil giant’s dispute

    Italian court intervenes in Bayelsa community’s,oil giant’s dispute

    Friends of the Earth Nigeria and Friends of the Earth Europe have teamed up with a Bayelsa State community, Ikebiri, to drag oil giant ENI before a court in in Milan, Italy, over the pollution of their environment, writes PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA.

    ‘It is frustrating to learn that AGIP accepts responsibility for the Spill but without liability to clean up and pay adequate compensation. The tactics of underestimating spills to reduce damage has been challenged by this historic court case’

    Ikebiri is a community in Bayelsa State. It is made up of several villages. Its main economic activities include palm-wine tapping, canoe carving, fishing, farming, animal trapping and traditional medical practices.

    Its story took a sad turn on April 5, 2010. No thanks to the bursting of an oil pipeline operated by oil giant ENI’s Nigerian operation, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). It burst 250 metres from a creek north of Ikebiri. The spill affected the creek, fishing ponds and trees essential to the local community. It badly damaged the livelihoods of the community.

    Six days after the spill, a joint inspection visit led by NAOC cited “equipment failure” as the cause of the spill.

    The oil giant operates seven wells and eight pipe lines with several flow lines in the area. The leak was closed, and the surrounding polluted area of bush was burnt without the consent of the community. This was a process far below international standard.

    The community approached NAOC/ENI for emergency relief materials and compensation. On April 5, the oil giant released N2 million to the community and on April 18, it added €10,034 for relief materials. As compensation, it offered N4.5 million, which was rejected by the community. The community wants N31.5 million.

    A resident, Emilia Matthew, said: “I am sick and we don’t know what to resort to when experiencing illness. Fishing, which has been our means of livelihood, is now threatened; it is no longer productive due to the river being polluted by oil spills. The fish in our fish ponds in the swamps/bush too have all been killed by crude oil. So, we have lost our fish ponds. The vegetables we plant within the community, some of which are medicinal and we use in treating ourselves are also affected by crude oil.”

    Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Executive Director Nigeria Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, at news conference on Tuesday in Lagos, said: “It took six days for NAOC to agree to a joint inspection visit where it was concluded that “equipment failure” caused the spill. NAOC operates seven wells and eight pipelines with several flow lines in the area of Ikebiri. You will be shocked to know that after that visit the leak was closed but the surrounding polluted area of bush was set ablaze in a state of the art clean up technology often deployed by AGIP and without the consent of the local community. No other clean-up has taken place since.

    “It is frustrating to learn that AGIP accepts responsibility for the Spill but without liability to clean up and pay adequate compensation. The tactics of underestimating spills to reduce damage has been challenged by this historic court case. Though NAOC claimed the polluted area is 9 hectares and an estimated 50 barrels of oil leaked, we know from chemical analysis that the polluted area is much wider. It is at least 17.6 hectares wide, while evidence of pollution has also been found by soil sample analysis 2km downstream from the spill site.”

    Ojo added: “The monumental hurdles and the challenges of access to justice on the way of community people includes lack of access to information, high costs of legal cases, sleeping on your rights which limits period of initiating a case, and the cumbersome nature of oil spill cases against transnational companies that could take a lifetime. These impediments on the way of local people to seek access to environmental justice persists hence this court case to serve as deterrent. In the Niger Delta, there are potentially over 1000 cases against oil companies arising from negligence and nuisance from their oil operations. In the case of Ikebiri, AGIP/ENI is considering as cleaned up a land that is still heavily polluted, and offering a paltry sum as compensation to externalise productions costs. The community has lived with this heart retching situation ever since.  Their plight is now the same with other communities of the Niger Delta that live with the impacts of continuous oil spills on their environment, health and livelihoods.

    “As mentioned last week when the case was instituted, the spill could have been managed and stopped from spreading to a huge expanse of the Ikebiri swampland but the nonchalant attitude of the ENI/NAOC created the current mess.”

    Friends of the Earth Europe and the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria are supporting the community’s court case against ENI.

    In the case against AGIP/ENI filed in Milan, Italy, on May 4, the plaintiffs are seeking the clean-up of their community and compensation for the pollution. The King of Ikebiri is the plaintiff, and the lawyers representing them are Luca Saltalamacchia with Chima Williams of ERA/FoE Nigeria.

    Ojo explained that “we feel this case should set the stage for others equally impacted by ENI’s operations to take their destinies in their hands and to provide deterrents to Agip/ENI and other oil companies.”

    He gave recent cases as:  Azuzuama, which happened on July 9, 2015 in which 14 persons were burnt beyond recognition along NAOC’s Tebidabe-Clough Creek pipeline, Etieama community in Nembe Local Government Area and Ayamabele/Kalaba community environment, in Okordia clan, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

    The ERA boss went on: “This is an unprecedented case in Italy, and its success has been a product of 4 years of painstaking research and documentation and the patience of the Ikebiri people suffering this ordeal this past seven years.  We hope that this case will be successful being the first instance of an Italian company having to face justice in Italy for its actions in destroying the environment overseas. It will help end the impunity and offer hope to other communities that have suffered damages as a result of pollution from oil wells or pipelines operated by Agip/ENI or any other multinational firm operating in the Niger Delta and elsewhere.”

     

  • Nigeria can become global gas giant, says NLNG

    Nigeria can become global gas giant, says NLNG

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Tony Attah, said Nigeria can be a top gas producing country, with a potential to increase its LNG market share.

    He spoke during the public presentation of the company’s facts and figures in Lagos.

    For that transformation to be, Attah said the right business environment needed to exist. He referred to the proposed amendment of the NLNG Act by the National Assembly, which he said, would jeopardise the aspirations of making Nigeria global gas leader.

    He said: “The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Fiscal Incentives Guarantees and Assurances Act (NLNG Act) allowed investments to flow into the country. It provided investors the confidence that any agreement entered into would be respected and preserved. To amend the Act will not help Nigeria in developing its vast gas resources, NLNG and its hopes for expansion. It will erode investors’confidence that the Act provided in the first place.”

    Attah said opportunities, such as the expansion of NLNG’s Bonny Island Plant with Trains 7 and 8, could be a catalyst to unleashing the country’s gas potentials.

    He said it was time for Nigeria to use gas to spur industrial and economic transformation. He, however, warned that some challenges might slow down progress towards achieving the country’s dreams, citing the proposed amendment of the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances Act (NLNG Act) by the House of Representatives as a potential show-stopper.

    “If the amendment is passed, the NLNG expansion project will be jeopardised and Nigeria will lose investments of US$ 1-3billion annually in the Upstream to enable NLNG maintain production capacity and gas developments. It means an immediate loss of foreign investment totalling US$25 billion in respect of Train 7 and 8 investments. Another impact will be the potential loss of about 18,000 jobs required for the construction activities of the Trains.

    “An amendment or change in the NLNG Act portrays Nigeria as a promise-breaker and untrustworthy, damaging the country’s reputation and hamstringing its ability to attract foreign investment,” he added.

    Attah cited Oatar’s journey into becoming a global gas giant. He said:  “Qatar started to ship LNG in 1997, two years before Nigeria. But you have to be awed by what the country has achieved since then. Today, oil and gas, and principally LNG, is the foundation of Qatar’s economy; and account for more than 70 per cent of total government revenue, and more than 60 per cent of GDP, as well as roughly 85 per cent of export earnings.

    “Qatar has LNG capacity of about 77metric tones per annum (MTPA), and generates revenues of about $91 billion per year. Gas was the catalyst for transformation of a small emirate to a global economic powerhouse. This will give you a feeling of what can happen when you focus on gas.”

    LNG, Attah said, contributed to reducing gas flaring from 65 per cent to less than 20 per cent, adding that all the benefits from Nigeria LNG, including financial contributions, among others, would be in jeopardy with the proposed amendment by the National Assembly, he said.

  • Ant or giant?

    •Nigeria must boost its human development index ranking

    nigeria’s position of 152nd out of 188 nations on the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI) is a sobering reminder that it has a long way to go if it is to fulfill its widely-acknowledged potential.

    Published annually since 1990, the HDI seeks to go beyond economic growth as the sole measure of national prosperity by looking at life expectancy, education and standards of living as essential indicators of human development.

    Nigeria’s placing puts it in the Low Human Development category, alongside countries like Kenya (145th) and Niger (188th). In contrast, Mauritius which came 63rd, is in the High Human Development category, while Botswana (106th), and Sao Tome and Principe (143rd) are in the Medium Human Development category.

    For a nation which only last year was ranked as Africa’s largest economy, these figures make unpleasant reading. They point to the paradox of a failure to leverage the many natural advantages the country has been bestowed with, including extensive mineral deposits, immense agricultural potential and an enviable wealth of human resources.

    Nigeria’s vexed inability to transform its potential into reality is the accumulation of decades of poor policy choices, a focus on short-term gratification to the detriment of long-term growth, political instability, and entrenched incompetence and corruption.

    To make matters worse, the country’s economic prospects have been further battered by the eruption of security challenges such as the Boko Haram insurgency, the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, and an increase in inter-communal conflict across the land.

    These problems have negatively impacted economic activity in the areas where they manifest, by extension affecting education, child nutrition and the general wellbeing of the citizenry.  Indeed, the 2016 National Human Development Report, which focuses exclusively on Nigeria’s HDI issues, was launched with the title “Human Security and Human Development in Nigeria.”

    The Buhari administration’s focus on ending the Boko Haram menace and other conflicts is a welcome acknowledgement of the symbiosis between peace and development. A better-armed and properly-motivated military has succeeded in driving the insurgents back, with the result that internally-displaced persons (IDPs) have been gradually returning to their homes to rebuild their lives.

    However, it is clear that much more needs to be done. The sharp fall in the country’s oil receipts, aggravated by militant attacks on its oil infrastructure, has made it difficult for the federal and state governments to make the investments in social infrastructure that are vital to the welfare of the populace.

    Despite its reduced revenues, the Federal Government’s emphasis on social welfare in the 2016 national budget, as seen in its job-creation and school-feeding programmes, demonstrates its understanding of the importance of people-centred development. If child-mortality and educational enrollment figures are to improve, for example, the guarantee of good meals in school will be a crucial factor in attaining them.

    What must now be ensured is the competent implementation of these policies. Mauritius, Botswana and other African HDI high-flyers certainly do not have more money than Nigeria. The difference is in the comprehensiveness of their planning and execution of national policy, backed by farsighted leadership and a capable bureaucracy.

    A critical complement of efficient implementation of development programmes is the reduction of corruption and waste. The Federal Government’s onslaught on these two evils through the anti-corruption war and the development of mechanisms like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) are obvious steps in the right direction, and should be replicated by state and local government administrations.

    The UNDP’s HDI is a league table designed to identify high-performers and non-performers in the international community. If Nigeria is to take its place among the former, it must ensure that its great wealth and immense potential are made to serve the interests of the majority rather than a privileged few.

  • Amaechi as giant transporter

    Transportation has always involved the movement of people, goods and services from one part of the country to the other. The need for transportation to human existence is inevitable and unavoidable, because, it is the wheel of progress from which all other sectors of the economy revolve.

    The transportation sector in every society plays a crucial role for the rapid development of such society such that man in his scale of life preference identifies transport as key.

    For leaders of nations, to think development in their countries is to first and foremost think of an effective transportation system for her citizenry.

    Again, for the success story of any nation transportation system to be told the technical knowhow/manpower is key. The personnel who manages and oversees the day to day running of the business must be knowledgeable and have the requisite experience to deliver.

    To this end therefore, one must as a matter of fact salute the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Muhammadu  Buhari (GCFR) for appointing His Excellency Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Honorable Minister of Transportation .

    Amaechi’s appointment to head the ministry is borne out of credibility and experience to confront challenges that will trigger solutions capable of improving the lots of Nigerian masses. As the former governor of Rivers State for eight years and former Speaker of the same State House of Assembly for eight years it was clearly obvious that Amaechi will drive the needed change that is expected in the transportation ministry.

    Having realised the enormity of his task after been sworn-in by the President, Amaechi swung into action .Among some of the moves taken were the preliminary inspection of the Abuja/Kaduna rail project, inspection of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Partnering with local and international bodies for the development of the ministry among others.

    These lofty dreams and aspirations of Amaechi will no doubt key into the change mantra of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari at the centre.

    Today, eight months down the lane, these lofty dreams and aspiration of Amaechi have not only brought hope to the common Nigerian people it has also produced result oriented projects like the Abuja/Kaduna rail project ,the ongoing reconstruction work at the Port Harcourt and Abuja international Airports will soon, also be commissioned for smooth operations etc.

    The former Flagg-Off of the Abuja/Kaduna rail project that was done on Tuesday 26th July, 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari is an eloquent testimony that Amaechi and his team are on the right path not only to bring about a monumental change but also to fulfill those promises made by his party, The All Progressives Congress (APC) to Nigerians.

    Although, the rail project was not started by the Buhari administration it would be important to consider that he who finishes the race needs to be crowned the champion.

    The Abuja/Kaduna rail that has been Flagged- Off for use will among other things create employment for job seekers, improve effective transportation system .When this and other rail projects are completed and put to use  it will bring back the dead hope of rail system in the land.

    At the flag-off of the rail project, Amaechi acknowledged the privileged giving him to serve .Amaechi said,  “Your Excellency, let me not take for granted the privilege afforded me by you (President Buhari) and the position that I occupy and fail to welcome you and this distinguished audience of Nigerians and envoys of other countries to celebrate the inauguration of the first and historic standard gauge railway in west Africa”.

    “Today, as we gather here we recall that the contract for Lagos to Kano railways was awarded by President Olusegun Obasanjo, partially executed by President Goodluck Jonathan and completed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The tracks were commissioned by President Jonathan”.

    “Under the directives of President Buhari, the stations, the signaling, the communications and part of the tracks were completed by his administration. The locomotive and coaches arrived in May, and between June and July, we had commenced trial runs. We conveyed over 500 passengers per trip twice per day for a month and two weeks, free of charge”.

    Expectedly, the minister’s vision will not only encourage private sector participation it would among other things  bring about the desired turn around in the development of seaports coastal states with the capacity to handle modern shipping, usher in effective upgrade of the rail system with a view to restoring its lost relevance . The minister is the hope of building a new, reformed and economically driven transportation system in Nigeria.

    Projects like the rail system and many others will in no distance time be delivered by Amaechi in the nearest future considering his zeal to perform.  When this is done Nigerians and the International community would benefit from the gesture as it would ease locomotion of people from one place to the other including goods and services to other parts of the country.Commodities will become cheaper and affordable to the ordinary Nigerians and life will become worthwhile for all mankind.

    However, despite the on-going development in the transportation sector, the Federal Government should as a matter of necessity have the political will to forge ahead which will eventually propel development strategy to better the lots of Nigerians.

    The government should also consider creating a prominent role for Nigerian sea ports within the ECOWAS community, encourage private sector participation, and promote the enabling legal framework for private sector participation in several projects including air, road and port.

    Meanwhile, if the commitment shown by Amaechi and his team is replicated by all the ministers in their various ministries, life will become good for all and sundry and government itself will be happy that her people are happy.

     

  • Students’ ‘giant leap’ into baking

    Students’ ‘giant leap’ into baking

    A bakery set up by students of the Federal Polytechnic in Offa, Kwara State, has produced its first loaves, prompting calls for vocational training in schools. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports

    It was a picture of joy as they held the loaves aloft. The administrators, students and baking crew looked happy to launch their bakery and their bread.

    It was a giant leap for students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, who established the bakery, where some of them have been busy turning flour into a popular breakfast offering.

    The product may not be attractively branded or packaged but there was no doubt at its launch that the students have  given everyone, including their counterparts elsewhere, something to chew on.

    One of its highlights is the fact that students set up the bakery, a veritable money spinner. Another point is that students are part of the baking trade, learning crucial skills in an academic setting where such a thing never happened before.

    That was why Acting Rector of the institution Dr Ayodele Olaosebikan and the students union President (SUG) Yusuf Olalekan made a case for  vocational education.

    The duo said this at the mini-campus of the institution in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of the state at the commissioning of   bakery.

    Dr Olaosebikan added that the technical/vocational education would ensure attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGS) in the country.

    She said that the effort of the students was in line with the ‘change’ agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to reduce unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

    She said, “I want to appreciate the president’s change initiative which has become a great drive for technical and vocational education in Nigeria; at the Federal Polytechnic Offa, we are imbued by this drive to produce graduates with skills and self-reliance.

    “It would interest you to know that soonest technology will be adopted to conduct examinations for students through computer based examinations (CBE). This effort is to eradicate lots of bottlenecks like loss of scripts and delayed processing of results.

    “I therefore enjoin all students to improve their computer proficiency so as to avoid difficulties when the programme begins.

    “I want to call on the polytechnic’s alumni association and corporate organisations to join hands with the management especially on research funding, physical development and endowment of prizes in order to encourage the students. The present management will continue to support innovation, research and evolve policies in line with the change mantra of the federal government that will create and maintain the enabling environment for enhanced private sector investment in the polytechnic.”

    Olalekan urged the federal and Kwara state governments to partner with the polytechnic in promoting entrepreneurship, adding that polytechnic is the bedrock of economic and technological growth of any nation.

    He said, “We intend to equip and prepare our fellow students on entrepreneurship skills and we also have in mind to establish sachet and table water factory for the school.”

  • Giant Vitamin Water to reshape non-alcoholic beverage market

    Giant Beverages Limited has launched its range of Vitamin Water variants into the beverage market.

    Unveiled at a briefing at La Maison Faharaheit in Lagos, the company’s Marketing Manager, Mrs. Bose Ogunyemi, said the products were made from demine-ralised water, infused with natural fruit extracts, vitamin and minerals.

    Ogunyemi said the Giant Vitamin Water comes in one bottle size of 500ml with six variants – Blackcurrant-Acai, Lingonberry-Boysenberry, Pineapple-Passion, Orange-Lime, Lemon-Balm, and Prickly Pear-Kiwi.

    She said the product is unlike carbonated drinks made from chemical compounds and sugar, assuring that it does not contain artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.

    The Regional Sales Manager Lagos and South West, Mr. Emmanuel Akpah, revealed that Giant Vitamin Water is now available in all parts of Nigeria.

    ”Giant Vitamin Water is a low calorie drink that actually satisfies thirst, unlike other carbonated drinks. There is no limit to the number of bottles that can be consumed by an individual.  It contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to health”, Ogunyemi added.

     

  • Hooked to a ‘gentle giant’

    Hooked to a ‘gentle giant’

    Former Miss Elizabeth Yewande Awoliyi, a social media strategist and online manager for Genevieve Magazine got married to her heartthrob and Managing Director of Seabrook Construction Services Limited, Tosin Osho, last Thursday. The event was held at The Summit Event Centre in Ikeja, writes NNEKA NWANERI

    Nigerian-born Elizabeth Awoliyi,an online manager  of Genevieve Magazine went to England when she was eight. She returned to Lagos in 2012 . She shared her story of how she met her beau a United States- born Managing Director of Seabrook Construction Services Tosin Osho, the eldest of Mr Kayode Osho’s children.

    Elizabeth said: “I was at my friend’s bridal shower; at some point, I mentioned that I was single. About three people offered to hook me up with someone.  Tosin was the best man and we got talking almost immediately on whatsapp and we haven’t stopped talking since then. I first met him a week after the ‘hook up’ when he invited me to have lunch with his uncle and brother.

    “I fell in love with Tosin immediately I met him and he made his intentions quite clear. The day I knew I loved him was when an incident occurred that I thought he would scold me, but he just  reprimanded me with love.”

    She also expressed her admiration for his gentility. “He is a gentle giant that wants no trouble. He is the opposite of me-cool, calm and collected.”

    The young Osho reiterated what his wife said.  Tosin has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree from the University of MD-Eastern Shore.

    “I was somewhat hesitant and shy at first but after seeing her pictures, I took the bold step. Then we met up with friends and family shortly after X-mas to attend a live concert. From her energy that day, I was thinking of how to know more about this lady not to minding her British accent. From then on, my day was not complete if I did not speak with her or send her voice notes on Whatapp.

    He went on: The day I knew I fell in love with Liz, I recall, was that evening we were to have a dinner together. But naija factor ended it  up as a group outing, which was fine. During the night I was really so intrigued with Liz-  her whole persona and the way she carried herself. The real selling point was how my family accepted her. I was just thinking to myself about her amazing nature and is it too early to share my heart-felt feelings? Well I did take a gamble, and put my feelings out there, conveying to her my emotions and she was taken aback, but most importantly she was receptive to them.

    He spoke of what a strong and intelligent woman she is and her great communication skills. “She really is a straight shooter and doesn’t mince her words. That attribute is very essential especially, in a new relationship of any sort,” he added.

    Last Thursday, in Ikeja, Lagos, their family members, friends and well wishers adorned in aqua- a light shade of green dresses, to celebrate with the new couple as they took their first step into marital bliss. They watched the lovebirds seek the blessings of their parents during the traditional ceremony.

    There was music, dance and enactment of friendship from many who came from far and near – Ilesa in Osun State where the bride hails from and Ekiti, Tosin’s hometown, to grace the occasion.

  • Making of an African giant (1)

    Making of an African giant (1)

    It is tough being a Nigerian. It is even tougher believing in Nigeria. I have a colleague who said he cannot “forgive Nigeria” for letting his late father die on his wheelchair in one of our teaching hospitals because of “lack of bed space.”

    How, for instance, would widows of Nigerian soldiers killed by terrorists be feeling now following allegation of diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms for their late husbands to effectively defend themselves in the fight against Boko Haram? How would family members of hundreds that die on our terrible roads feel each time they hear of diversion of contracts funds for fixing these roads? One way or another, “Nigeria” has hurt, and still hurting many of her citizens.

    In the midst of all these however, I remain optimistic that things can still change. It is also gratifying that I’m not alone in my optimism as majority now feel we all need to do the right things to ensure our dear Nigeria finally joins the comity of real nations where justice and equity reign supreme.

    When I wrote a two part series on books (November 5th and 12th 2015), I received series of emails and text messages. Of all the messages I received, one stood out. Dr. Dan Mou, an accomplished political scientist and public servant with a firm grasp of national security and public policy sent me a short message which I ran in the second part.

    While commending me for the five books I featured, he inquired if I have come across his new book: “Making of an African Giant: State, Politics and Public Policy in Nigeria” which was published just a month before I wrote the article. I said no. He challenged me to order copies of the two volume book and let him know my thoughts. Though he didn’t say it, I guess he would’ve wondered – just like other readers – why I did not feature any book written by a Nigerian author in the articles.

    I took up the challenge of ordering the books but had to travel to Makurdi and Abuja for personal reasons. I wouldn’t know what propelled Dr. Mou to call me the very night I arrived Abuja – was it providence? I told him the next morning I was in Abuja but will be leaving that morning. “Why didn’t you let me know you’re in Abuja; can we meet?” he asked subtly. I obliged and we met that morning at his residence; and what a meeting it turned out to be!

    I did not only get autographed copies of the book, but a forty five minute ‘lecture’ on public policy and the state of affairs in Nigeria which incidentally is the focus of this excellent and well researched book filled with the authors contribution toward a better and prosperous Nigeria. Nigeria too may have “hurt” this gentleman too, yet I saw the optimism in him that things can change. I was glad I was in familiar territory.

    If not for that chance meeting how would I have known that this was the man that wrote a personal memo to former President Olusegun Obasanjo that led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)? How would I have also known that he was equally the brain behind a personal memo that led to the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Amnesty Programme that brought relative peace to that hitherto restive region?

    Guess what; he and Dr. Rose Abang-Wushishi, a retired AIG of the police who jointly wrote the memo were not even acknowledged when the EFCC was formally established; neither was he in the picture when the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs came into existence.

    There and other private memos he wrote to former Heads of State from Abacha to Jonathan are included in this excellent book that all Nigerians should read. It can be quite painful doing the ‘donkey job’ without being appreciated. In all this, did I detect any hint of bitterness in Dr. Mou? Not at all, he is still contributing his quota to ensure Nigeria gets back on the right track. This is surely one optimistic Nigerian.

    In the book, he wrote that the performance of Nigeria has recently been vehemently criticised as not commensurate with her human and material potentialities. “The hope that Nigeria is, by destiny, the African Giant appears to be fading. Some analysts, seeing this, have blamed it on the character defects of the leadership in Nigeria. They argue that because the leaders are “predatory and corrupt,” they have preoccupied themselves with their interests, which are “primitive accumulation and luxurious lifestyles.” Meanwhile, the rest of the citizens are suffering.”

    Such character defects, he argues, may indeed exist in some of Nigerian leaders. However, these are not the main reasons for their dismal performance regarding the welfare of the citizens. The main problem is that “Nigerian leaders seem to have largely lost control over the state and its policies, which appear to have been captured by the dominant classes and groups—local and international. Nigeria’s main problem is, therefore, a structural one.”

    Nonetheless, the book notes that as the security, economic, political, and social crises intensify, Nigerian leaders, even if it is simply for self-preservation, will be forced by the objective conditions to move against the interests of these dominant classes and groups. It is only then that she can realistically be restored to the possibility of becoming an “African Giant.”

    So what is presently happening in the country? Is this present administration not moving against these dominant classes and groups? It is instructive to note that in the current and frontal attack against corruption I have not read about anyone denying allegation of receiving slush funds as is being revealed almost daily. What I read is that such funds were released for “services” rendered by the said individual or individuals – I stand corrected if there are denials.

    Dr. Mou rightly predicted what we are currently witnessing. He argues that this “was not what had been expected at independence. Post-independence national development plans preambles were based on broad egalitarian precepts, which were often an extension of the nationalistic rhetoric of independence struggle.”

    He went on to elaborate that they included commitment to equal opportunities, poverty eradication, and full employment. Others were protection of human rights and good governance. Agriculture was to receive the highest priority attention since majority of people were involved in it for their livelihood and prosperity.

    These promises fired the imagination of different sections of the population, especially the urban dwellers which it was assumed, stood directly to gain from independence. But what is the critical challenge here? “When it came to fulfilling these promises, it became clear that a gulf separated reality from expectations.”

    Everywhere on the African continent, he argues, there is high level of poverty, unemployment, blatant abuse of human rights, insecurity, poor infrastructure and several other problems. “Nigeria, for one, blessed abundantly with human and natural resources, was expected, and is being widely expected, to be the shining light in Africa. Many have long expected Nigeria to assume her manifest destiny of the ‘Giant of Africa.”

    t is tough being a Nigerian. It is even tougher believing in Nigeria. I have a colleague who said he cannot “forgive Nigeria” for letting his late father die on his wheelchair in one of our teaching hospitals because of “lack of bed space.”

    How, for instance, would widows of Nigerian soldiers killed by terrorists be feeling now following allegation of diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms for their late husbands to effectively defend themselves in the fight against Boko Haram? How would family members of hundreds that die on our terrible roads feel each time they hear of diversion of contracts funds for fixing these roads? One way or another, “Nigeria” has hurt, and still hurting many of her citizens.

    In the midst of all these however, I remain optimistic that things can still change. It is also gratifying that I’m not alone in my optimism as majority now feel we all need to do the right things to ensure our dear Nigeria finally joins the comity of real nations where justice and equity reign supreme.

    When I wrote a two part series on books (November 5th and 12th 2015), I received series of emails and text messages. Of all the messages I received, one stood out. Dr. Dan Mou, an accomplished political scientist and public servant with a firm grasp of national security and public policy sent me a short message which I ran in the second part.

    While commending me for the five books I featured, he inquired if I have come across his new book: “Making of an African Giant: State, Politics and Public Policy in Nigeria” which was published just a month before I wrote the article. I said no. He challenged me to order copies of the two volume book and let him know my thoughts. Though he didn’t say it, I guess he would’ve wondered – just like other readers – why I did not feature any book written by a Nigerian author in the articles.

    I took up the challenge of ordering the books but had to travel to Makurdi and Abuja for personal reasons. I wouldn’t know what propelled Dr. Mou to call me the very night I arrived Abuja – was it providence? I told him the next morning I was in Abuja but will be leaving that morning. “Why didn’t you let me know you’re in Abuja; can we meet?” he asked subtly. I obliged and we met that morning at his residence; and what a meeting it turned out to be!

    I did not only get autographed copies of the book, but a forty five minute ‘lecture’ on public policy and the state of affairs in Nigeria which incidentally is the focus of this excellent and well researched book filled with the authors contribution toward a better and prosperous Nigeria. Nigeria too may have “hurt” this gentleman too, yet I saw the optimism in him that things can change. I was glad I was in familiar territory.

    If not for that chance meeting how would I have known that this was the man that wrote a personal memo to former President Olusegun Obasanjo that led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)? How would I have also known that he was equally the brain behind a personal memo that led to the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Amnesty Programme that brought relative peace to that hitherto restive region?

    Guess what; he and Dr. Rose Abang-Wushishi, a retired AIG of the police who jointly wrote the memo were not even acknowledged when the EFCC was formally established; neither was he in the picture when the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs came into existence.

    There and other private memos he wrote to former Heads of State from Abacha to Jonathan are included in this excellent book that all Nigerians should read. It can be quite painful doing the ‘donkey job’ without being appreciated. In all this, did I detect any hint of bitterness in Dr. Mou? Not at all, he is still contributing his quota to ensure Nigeria gets back on the right track. This is surely one optimistic Nigerian.

    In the book, he wrote that the performance of Nigeria has recently been vehemently criticised as not commensurate with her human and material potentialities. “The hope that Nigeria is, by destiny, the African Giant appears to be fading. Some analysts, seeing this, have blamed it on the character defects of the leadership in Nigeria. They argue that because the leaders are “predatory and corrupt,” they have preoccupied themselves with their interests, which are “primitive accumulation and luxurious lifestyles.” Meanwhile, the rest of the citizens are suffering.”

    Such character defects, he argues, may indeed exist in some of Nigerian leaders. However, these are not the main reasons for their dismal performance regarding the welfare of the citizens. The main problem is that “Nigerian leaders seem to have largely lost control over the state and its policies, which appear to have been captured by the dominant classes and groups—local and international. Nigeria’s main problem is, therefore, a structural one.”

    Nonetheless, the book notes that as the security, economic, political, and social crises intensify, Nigerian leaders, even if it is simply for self-preservation, will be forced by the objective conditions to move against the interests of these dominant classes and groups. It is only then that she can realistically be restored to the possibility of becoming an “African Giant.”

    So what is presently happening in the country? Is this present administration not moving against these dominant classes and groups? It is instructive to note that in the current and frontal attack against corruption I have not read about anyone denying allegation of receiving slush funds as is being revealed almost daily. What I read is that such funds were released for “services” rendered by the said individual or individuals – I stand corrected if there are denials.

    Dr. Mou rightly predicted what we are currently witnessing. He argues that this “was not what had been expected at independence. Post-independence national development plans preambles were based on broad egalitarian precepts, which were often an extension of the nationalistic rhetoric of independence struggle.”

    He went on to elaborate that they included commitment to equal opportunities, poverty eradication, and full employment. Others were protection of human rights and good governance. Agriculture was to receive the highest priority attention since majority of people were involved in it for their livelihood and prosperity.

    These promises fired the imagination of different sections of the population, especially the urban dwellers which it was assumed, stood directly to gain from independence. But what is the critical challenge here? “When it came to fulfilling these promises, it became clear that a gulf separated reality from expectations.”

    Everywhere on the African continent, he argues, there is high level of poverty, unemployment, blatant abuse of human rights, insecurity, poor infrastructure and several other problems. “Nigeria, for one, blessed abundantly with human and natural resources, was expected, and is being widely expected, to be the shining light in Africa. Many have long expected Nigeria to assume her manifest destiny of the ‘Giant of Africa.”

  • Onosode… giant in business, education

    Onosode… giant in business, education

    A lot has been said about his business feats. But, the education sector will also not forget the late Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode’s contributions, particu especially on tertiary education.

    The late Onosode served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Uyo (1997-1999); his alma mater, the University of Ibadan (2005 to 2009); and the University of Lagos (2009-2013).  He also played a crucial role as a negotiator for the Federal Government in the drafting of the 2009 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    In these assignments, academics and administrators that dealt with him said he brought to bear his reputation as a man of integrity, perfectionist, and one who was genuinely concerned about the common good.

     

    The generous Onosode

     

    Unlike many who had served as pro-chancellors and abused the position for personal comfort and enrichment, the late Onosode, who died at the age of 82, on September 29, served gratis. He donated his entitlements each time for the development of the universities.

    His alma mater, UI, where he studied Classics (1957 graduate), utilised his salary to develop the university.

    Recalling his contributions, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Isaac Adewole, said in a statement that Onosode attracted $1 million to the institution when he celebrated 50th years of graduation from the university.

    “During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the university, his corporate constituency requested to honour him.  In a rare display of love for the university, he asked that such honour be bequeathed to the university that contributed to whom he was. The $1 million gift from Celtel Ltd changed the teaching and learning landscape of the university,” he said.

    Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, who was the vice-chancellor while Onosode was pro-chancellor, said the donation was applied to various projects, including two car parks, solar street lighting, students recreation park, complete renovation of Melamby Hall with a basketball court and a fully equipped gymnasium for staff and students.

    The application of the fund reflected his love for the environment.  Bamiro said Onosode even spearheaded the planting of some flowers on the campus.

    Onosode is also fondly remembered for how he helped to grow the university’s endowment fund.  As Vice-Chairman of the fund for 30 years, Prof Adewole noted that the fund grew from an initial capital grant of less than a N1 million in 1973 to over N1.5 billion later.

    At the University of Lagos, Onosode did not also collect his salary but donated it for use.

     

    An astute Administrator

     

    Onosode was not called a boardroom guru for nothing.  In the hallowed council chambers of the various universities he served, as well as in venues where he met with ASUU on the negotiating table, the Delta-born man displayed an enviable level of discipline, brilliant and analytical mind.

    Former Registrar of UNILAG, Mr Rotimi Shodimu, who served as secretary to council while Onosode was chairman, described his power of analysis as uncommon.

    “Onosode cut the picture of simplicity as created by God.  He has an uncommon analytical mind; he was a detribalised Nigerian with phenomenal spirit of sacrifice and above all, a gentleman to the core,” he said.

    Bamiro noted that Onosode was able to analyse well because he took his time to investigate issues before taking decisions.

    “He was patient enough on issues. He was patient to listen and ask questions. His analytical mind was great which helped him come to decisions driven by the common good. He was never afraid to take decisions. But he took his time to get all the facts before deciding,” he said.

    The former vice chancellor also praised Onosode’s discipline, demonstrated in the way he kept to time set for meetings.

    “Onosode brought the private sector approach to the university system. I learnt that from him fast. He arrived latest 10 minutes before meeting time. We all adjusted immediately. Since then, I have been getting to meetings earlier,” he said.

    Director of Academic Planning, UNILAG, and a member of the Governing Council during Onosode’s tenure, Prof Toyin Ogundipe, said the way he managed the appointment of the present vice chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, without acrimony was a testament to his good leadership.

    “He was a role model; someone that had the interest of Nigeria at heart and it reflected in the way he managed the university.  He was involved in the appointment of the present vice chancellor; and he did not show favouritism,” he said.

    Ogundipe also noted that the conferment of a honorary Doctor of Letters degree on Onosode during the university’s 2013/2014 convocation in April, was in recognition of his contribution to education.

    “The honour came not because he was former pro-chancellor of the university but because of his contribution to the development of education in Nigeria,” he said.

    Prof Jerry Gana, pro-chancellor of UNILAG, praised Onosode’s dedication to excellence when he visited his home on a condolence visit. ‘’He was a highly disciplined and respected Christian. We salute his dedication to excellence.  We admire his profound wisdom; a life lived to the glory of God and service to humanity,’’ he said.

     

    Why he won ASUU’s respect

     

    Not many people who have represented the government were respected by ASUU the way Onosode was.Various ASUU leaders have praised Onosode for his brilliance, thoroughness, and above all, transparency, in the way he negotiated with the union.

    Former National ASUU President, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, who along with other leaders negotiated the ASUU Agreement with Onosode, remember him for being forthright about what the government could provide.

    Awuzie, who refused to refer to Onosode in past tense, spoke highly of his sincerity, and credited him for laying the foundation for the rehabilitation of the public university system in Nigeria.

    He said: “My first major contact with Onosode was in 2009 when he led the Federal Government side on the negotiation with ASUU. That gave me the opportunity to see his passion for the development of education. He was a boardroom guru, an administrator per excellence and a man with impeccable integrity.  All these he brought to the negotiation table.

    “He was not there to deceive ASUU by making promises that he knew that were not applicable and he was very thorough. For instance if we get to some thorny issues that may require huge cash inflow from the government to ASUU he will often call for a break so that he could have time to crosscheck it and be sure that whatever agreement we reach can be applicable because he was not out to deceive ASUU or betray the Federal Government.

    “It was during the period of this negotiation that we took a tour of the universities to asses at the level of dilapidation of the universities, the quality of staff and the quality of education. Our findings culminated to the development of the NEEDS document.

    “In fact, Onosode left a mark in the education sector in Nigeria but it is unfortunate that the Federal Government has never been sincere with the negotiations. All that mattered to the government was to make ASUU call off the strike and they will do decline from the agreement.”

    The National Vice President, ASUU, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, who spoke on behalf of the National President, Prof Nasir Issa-Fagae, said ASUU leaders enjoyed their interaction with Onosode because of his superior intellect.

    “The late Gamaliel Onosode was a thorough person who knew his onions. He also knew how to negotiate and every contact we had with him was intellectually engaging.

    “He could engage us for hours if not days and ASUU saw that as a mark of a thoroughbred technocrat.  Little wonder people called him ‘Mr Excellence’; he was a perfectionist in a way.

    “There were occasions he brought fresh insight into discussions and we could not but appreciate his depth and breadth of issues which is about knowledge of issues handled even when you don’t agree with him.

    “As a union of intellectuals, we enjoyed our interactions with him even when we disagreed on the basis of principles; but you cannot deny that he had the mastery of his assignment as a negotiator.”

    Former ASUU Chairman, UI, Dr Ademola Aremu, said the union appreciated Onosode because he understood the issues in the education sector.

    He said: “He was a strict negotiator. You would not get anything frivolous from him. But if you are able to convince him to see that what you are asking for was for the development of the university system, he would not only support it but ensure full implementation of such demand.

    “There were some demands ASUU presented. He went through them meticulously and at the end, the agreement produced was beneficial to the university system and development of education in Nigeria. Anytime he was called upon, he defended the content of the agreement.

    “He was a workaholic, ready to meet you at any time of the day as occasion demanded. He acted on issues promptly as they came. He was also very prudent when it came to management of funds, he was a worthy alumnus of the University of Ibadan.”