The Nation Newspaper

Tag: grow

  • African politics: Young must grow

    SIR: By the wake of decolonization in 1945, Ghana’s former president, Kwame Nkrumah was just 36 years old. He had become politically conscious at age of 23 when he started Nzima Literary Society. Coming before Kwame into the limelight of political awareness was former Nigeria’s president, Nnamdi Azikwe. At exactly 30 years old, he had become a graduate instructor in History and Political Science Department at Lincoln College; he had created an African History course in that department and had begun writing his political opinions as a columnist for pro-Africanist papers. He influenced Kwame’s interest in Black nationalism.

    Julius Nyerere, former president of Tanzania came into the scene quite late but not without the zeal needed for a political career. By 1954, at the age of 32, he had helped form the Tanganyika African National Union – an instrument in obtaining the independence of Tanganyika and eventually Tanzania. Few years later, Nyerere issued his vision of ‘Ujamaa’ – African Socialism.

    However, while some of the African liberators (not necessary mentioned above) met an untimely death in the hands of those they fought for; a few stepped down as leaders to let others lead; many of them remained sit-tight. It suffices to note that these freedom fighters started young, got into the power struggle scene and fought through to liberate their various nations. They understood the analogy of power. Power is not given, it is taken. They were literally worshiped, accepted by Africans and taken Young Africans needs to take a clue. Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, explains the reality of African youths in politics thus: “The youth come into the political process with a sense of entitlement. Nobody gives you power…You have to get involved and fight and negotiate for it. If youth think old guys would just hand over power to them because they are young, then they are making a mistake. It has not happened anywhere in the world. It will not happen. The issue is involvement and getting engaged and making contributions. Then you will have the way”.

    This brings to fore the need for youth’s genuine, positive and impactful involvement in politics. There is a need to bring something to the political scene, as a contributor not just a liability or benefactor. The old men in power fought passionately to get the power they own and enjoy as perceived by most African citizens. Political power – which also comes with wealth not economic power – becomes a jealously owned possession because they earned it. Hence, they will need either a trusted hand to hand the power over to or they will watch a determined generation, fight to get that power off their hands, the way they fought to get and earn it. Then, the old generation will agree that the young have grown.

     

    • Oluwatosin Akintola,

    Lagos.

  • Nigeria’s GDP ‘ll grow by 1%, says World Bank

    Nigeria’s GDP ‘ll grow by 1%, says World Bank

    After plunging into its worst recession in over two decades, the World Bank projects that Nigeria will get out of recession, and grow its gross domestic product (GDP) by one per cent this year.

    The global financial institution also said the global economy will accelerate moderately to 2.7 per cent this year.

    “Sub-Saharan African growth is expected to pick up modestly to 2.9 per cent in 2017 as the region continues to adjust to lower commodity prices.

    “Growth in South Africa and oil exporters is expected to be weaker, while growth in economies that are not natural-resource intensive should remain robust.

    “Growth in South Africa is expected to edge up to a 1.1 per cent pace this year. Nigeria is forecast to rebound from recession and grow at a 1 percent pace. Angola is projected to expand at a 1.2 per cent pace,” the global lender said in a statement.

    Fiscal stimulus in major economies—particularly in the United States—could generate faster domestic and global growth than projected, although rising trade protection could have adverse effects.

    Growth in emerging market and developing economies as a whole should pick up to 4.2 per cent this year from 3.4 per cent in the year just ended amid modestly rising commodity prices.

    Nevertheless, the outlook is clouded by uncertainty about policy direction in major economies.

    “After years of disappointing global growth, we are encouraged to see stronger economic prospects on the horizon,” Jim Yong Kim, World Bank Group president said.

    “Now is the time to take advantage of this momentum and increase investments in infrastructure and people. This is vital to accelerating the sustainable and inclusive economic growth required to end extreme poverty.”

    The report analyses the worrisome recent weakening of investment growth in emerging market and developing economies, which account for one-third of global GDP and about three-quarters of the world’s population and the world’s poor.

    Investment growth fell to 3.4 per cent in 2015 from 10 per cent on average and likely declined another half percentage point last year.

  • My greatest joy is helping others grow – Adeola, Nigerian South African Ph.D prodigy

    My greatest joy is helping others grow – Adeola, Nigerian South African Ph.D prodigy

    26 year-old Nigerian, Romola Adeola recently broke a 30 year-old record at South Africa’s Pretoria University Centre for Human Rights, when she emerged the first person to bag a PhD in the centre’s three decades history. She is also the second youngest person to bag a PhD in the university’s 107 years existence. She spoke to Dorcas Egede about her purpose and inspirations.

    A doctorate degree in Law at 26 is no mean achievement; what were your motivations?

    What kept me going were prayer, purpose and perseverance.

    What about the academic environment? What kind of support and encouragement did you receive from your lecturers and mates?

    I was privileged to grow up in an academic environment surrounded by highly inspiring intellectuals with strong academic focus. Within the environment, I learnt to set my priorities right and engage in personal development as I watched others do.

    What considerations propel you and how were you able to wade through the somewhat suffocating influences of peers to carve a niche for yourself?

    Two primary considerations that drive me is the need to do something meaningful and purposeful with the life God has given me and the need to reward the energy my parents have expended on me. In handling peer pressure, I came to the realisation that it is futile to vacillate between negative peer pressure and positive parental measures and still remain focused.

    What do you hope to become eventually?

    That’s a good question but permit me to take a different route in answering it. What I hope to eventually become is to be useful in society by positively affecting the lives of people in whatsoever capacity I find myself. True fulfilment and satisfaction lies in helping others grow and realise their potentials.

    What was your growing up like and what were those things learnt from your parents and siblings, which served as catalysts for who you are today?

    My formative years were spent doing what children do growing up – going to school, studying, socialising and of course, learning about life.  My parents led their lives by example. They were unwavering in instilling academic discipline, godliness and hard work, which in many ways helped me become a better person.

    Are you a book warm or would you say that you are a naturally gifted talent?

    I would attribute my success to God, the great work of my parents and the support of my teachers, relatives and mentors. One can be a book worm or even be naturally talented, but if the opportunities are not there or if there is no one to offer guidance, attaining success would most probably be an illusion.

    Please, be honest and sincere, what was it like contending with pressures from the opposite sex?

    In overcoming this pressure, it is important to be mindful of God, to control your desires and set your priorities.

    What counsel would you give to younger people out there who are aspiring to academic success like you?

    I’d say trust in God, stay focused, never underestimate your capabilities, run your own race and refuse to belong to the ilk of those who do not know what they want or where they’re going.

    What are your regrets if any; and what will you prefer to do rightly if given the chance again?

    I don’t believe in regrets because I believe it’s like clicking on the rewind button of life that is ever moving forward. My advice to anyone who seems to be harbouring regret is: let it go! Don’t remember the past that is not useful to the present or helpful for the future. Forget regrets and find new ways to forge ahead.

     Can we have a glimpse of your family setting? What are your marital plans?

    My parents are public servants. I am the only female child and I’m not married yet.

    What are the values you hold so dear such that you are not willing to let go even in the face of grim circumstances?

    There are several values I hold dear, however, principally I’d say: loyalty to God, myself and society.

    You keep talking about God; how strong is your faith in him?

    I’m a Christian. I grew up in a Christian family, going to church, reading the Bible and learning to be Christ-like is an integral part of my life.

    How do you unwind and what are the things that tickle you?

    One of the ways I unwind is through lawn tennis. Growing up, my father taught me to play.

    Who are your mentors and role models?

    Spiritually, I strive to emulate great men of God with integrity and truth. I greatly admire Pastor W.F Kumuyi and Pastor E.A Adeboye. They are men of strong integrity with a focus on pleasing God and helping people. They also have enviable academic legacies yet their humility is astounding. They’re great examples of godliness and success.

    How ready are you to mentor young lads to become well-rounded budding stars like you?

    Mentoring is a great way of impacting people positively and there is no greater pleasure than in seeing young lads achieve.

    Have you been contemplating what to bequeath to posterity?

    The best gift I believe I can bequeath to posterity is to give the future generation a reason to thank the current generation. If you look at the current challenges the world is facing in the area of climate change for instance, it is, in part, due to the environmental footprints of the past generation. The present is in part, the legacy of the past. With that in mind, I believe it is needful to do well now and do the right thing now for the future generation to enjoy and thank the current generation

    If you’re appointed to head the Nigerian judiciary, what will be the first thing you’ll do?

    Hahaha. Nice question. I’d lead by example in upholding the law without fear or favour.

  • Ambode: Lagos will grow despite bleak outlook

    Ambode: Lagos will grow despite bleak outlook

    Lagosians were assured yesterday by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that the state will grow in leaps and bounds despite  the bleak economic outlook.

    “Despite the bleak economic outlook predicted in many quarters for this year, Lagos State will grow in leaps and bounds.

    “We are determined and, God willing, we shall achieve all-inclusive progress and prosperity,” he said.

    Ambode spoke at the 2016 annual thanksgiving service organised by the state government at the Lagos House in Alausa.

    The annual thanksgiving, usually held on the first Sunday of January, was initiated by the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. It was held throughout administration of his successor Babatunde Fashola.

    Like in previous instances, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, presided and delivered the sermon.

    Top clerics, including Bishop Mike Okonkwo, His Eminence, the Most Rev. Chukwuemaka Kalu Uche; Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Archbishop Adewale Martins, the Most Rev. E.A Ademowo, among others, also prayed for the state.

    Some former governors, including Second Republic Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, attended the service. So did top government officials including Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule.

    Bible passages were read by Ambode’s wife, Bolanle; Head of Service Mrs. Olabowale Ademola; Chief Judge Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Lola. Akande, and Chairman of the Conference of Executive Secretaries of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, Mr. Alabi Kolade David.

    Ambode said: “Our youths will become gainfully employed. Our young girls and women will be protected and encouraged to give their best.

    “Our entrepreneurs will experience a boom and our state will work for everyone. We are determined and, God willing, we shall achieve all-inclusive progress and prosperity.”

    Giving the essence of the thanksgiving service, Ambode said: “We are gathered this evening in thanksgiving to the Almighty for the grace to witness the beginning of 2016. This annual thanksgiving has become a tradition where we come together to sing the praise of God for the continuous peace and prosperity of our dear state.

    “This service is an acknowledgment of the overriding power of God in the affairs of men and the need for us to trust in His grace and benevolence as a government and a people.”

    He went on: “The fact that we are gathered here is enough proof that we are covered under the banner of the Lord’s grace and that He surely answers prayers when He is called upon. It is with this abiding faith that we call on Him as we commence another journey in 2016.”

    The governor acknowledged the religious and spiritual leaders in the state for their ceaseless prayers and intercessions for the people and government.

    He specially appreciated Pastor Adeboye and his wife for their commitment to the service of the Lord through persistent exhortations and prayers.

    Pastor Adeboye said despite the predictions for 2016 in the wake of the dwindling oil prices likely to result in loss of jobs, those connected to God can surmount the challenges.

    He said those who seek to prosper in the New Year must take a stand to be closer to God.

  • How Africa can grow, by ADB chief

    How Africa can grow, by ADB chief

    African Development Bank’s Vice President (Infrastructure, Private Sector and Regional Integration) Solomon Asamoah has urged African governments to develop stronger business environments for companies to flourish.

    He said it would involve putting in place consistent policies, increasing capacity and incentives for the government workforce.

    He spoke in a keynote address at the Initiative for Global Development’s Frontier 100 Forum held in Washington, DC, with the theme: “African Business in the world-class space”.

    Asamoah added that African states must renovate airports and ensure there is transparency in the decision-making process to address corruption.

    “We need more transparency in government decisions. Corruption happens in darkness. Shining a light on it can help end the problem,” he said.

    Speakers, including global business leaders, examined opportunities and challenges that African companies face in reaching the world-class space.

    They offered business strategies to successfully operate in the global marketplace.

    IGD President/ CEO Dr. Mima Nedelcovych said African businesses create more than 80 per cent of jobs in their countries.

    “Today, Africa’s private sector is poised to become a major force for growth on the continent,” he said.

    Chief Strategist for Dangote Group Abdu Mukhtar said his company routinely faces transportation and logistical bottlenecks in transporting goods by road throughout Africa.

    He said the Dangote Group is addressing transportation challenges by importing its vehicles and reaching out to governments on improving infrastructure and regulations to ease the flow of travel between countries.

    Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of AllAfrica Global Media Inc Amadou Ba called for greater media engagement from business leaders on changing Africa’s narrative.

    An international marketing expert Rahel Getachew added that how companies market their products from the product quality to user engagement also informs and influences the narrative.

    Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana of Rwanda said in the late 90s, the landlocked country invested heavily in technology to attract private sector investments, which has led to greater economic development.

    A former Chairman and President of African Export-Import Bank, Jean-Louis Ekra, said Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) should not be viewed as “something that businesses have to do”, but “something that they want to do”.

    For Ekra, this means encouraging businesses to take part in building local capacity and instituting environmentally-friendly policies.

    Deputy Director of the Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI) Foundation, established by Chevron Corporation, Heather Kulp, urged companies to adopt a “shared value” approach, where businesses build partnerships that leverage regional knowledge and address the root causes of social challenges.

    The biannual event brings together chief executive officers and senior executives from IGD’s Frontier Leaders Network of U.S., as well as African, European and South Asian companies.

    More than half of IGD Frontier Leaders hail from Africa.

     

  • NEM Insurance repositions to grow its oil and gas business

    NEM Insurance Plc is deploring resources in increasing its contribution to the oil and gas business in the country, Group Managing Director of the company, Tope Smart has said.

    He made this known during a  briefing and facility tour of its multi-million naira head office in Lagos.

    Smart said the company had positioned itself to deepen insurance penetration in oil and gas and become one of the top three insurance firms in the country.

    Aside, the company was also looking at partnering other insurance companies by way of acquisition or merger to become a big player in the insurance industry locally and globally, he added.

    He also said that the company’s new headquarters has impacted not only on the company’s image but on the insurance industry.

    The industry has moved from where it was five years ago with a lot of potentials in the industry.

    The issues of confidence and lack insurance awareness that have held the industry down is fast easing out.

    This he said, has been addressed by the positive response of insurance companies to claims payment.

    He said: “It is good to have a structure of this nature in the industry. The building has impacted on NEM and on the industry. Since the commissioning of the building, we have been receiving several visitors and many of them have been surprised that this can happen in an industry that has been written off. But now it is making progress particularly with this kind of structure in place and they now believe that there is a great future ahead.

    “We are excited that the level of confidence in the industry is totally different from what it used to be before. The level of confidence has risen and to that extent, so many people now believe in the industry. You will agree with me that the industry has improved by way of response; response to some of the big claims which is in billions of naira that happened in the last five years. This gives a kind of confidence in the insuring public. Some of the busineses that were taken abroad four to five years ago have come back to Nigeria because of the kind of response that the industry gave to claims payment.”

    The NEM boss emphasised that on the part of the company, it had always been responsible, reliable and faithful to its clients.

    “Although we are not yet there but we are evolving and our focus is to be one of the top three insurance company in Nigeria. There is a lot of prospect and the potential in the industry. We have reengineered our operation and tried to differentiate our brand from others through our attitude and character.

    “We have had influx of foreign investors in the country and people have been talking about consolidation. I agree that there must be synergies for us to grow faster. The bigger we get, the better for us. We at NEM are looking at towards partnering either by way of acquisition or merger. We believe that it improves on the entire industry.

    “Insurers should not be threatened by the foreign investors because it is good competition that will separate the boys from the men. So, it is a welcome development,” he added.

  • ‘How to grow viable property market’

    How can  an efficient, viable and sustainable real estate market be developed to galvanise investments in the sector? This was the thrust of a seminar by stakeholders in Lagos.

    The seminar titled: Creating investment grade real estate assets in Nigeria, attracted domestic and international investors, developers, pension fund administrators, real estate consultants and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and National Pension Commission (PENCOM) officials. It was organised by Stanbic IBTC.

    Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Yewande Sadiku; Head, Real Estate Finance (West Africa), Stanbic IBTC, Adeniyi Adeleye; Director, Real Estate, Actis, Funke Okubadejo; Asset Manager, Stanlib Africa Direct Property Development Fund, Nnema Byrd; and Director, Java Capital, Andrew Brooking; who facilitated the sessions, took participants through  several topics on asset valuation, land acquisition and zoning considerations,  structures and characteristics, regime in Nigeria, among others.

    Sadiku said: “The forum is part of Stanbic IBTC’s overall strategy to facilitate the establishment of an efficient and viable real estate investment trust (REIT) regime in Nigeria.”

    Adeleye, who gave the keynote presentation, highlighted the apparent illiquidity of the REITs, explaining that the predictable and sustainable rental cash flow is one of the most important elements of the vehicle which is primarily designed to pool rental assets.

    “Well-structured rental obligation with regular collection cycles from credible tenants creates sustainable rental cashflow, which is the most important driver of the underlying property value as well as the quality of REITs – which is a portfolio of such properties. This is counter intuitive to the market norms that tend to have an over-weighted attention on indicators such as contractor, high construction cost, property appearance, and perceived building quality,” she said.

    Other speakers identified some key areas that must be given priority attention to incorporating investment grade real estate assets into REITs in Nigeria to include: the review and alignment of securities regulations, resolution of tax regulations for equitable administration of value in the real estate sector, amongst others. Also identified was the requirement for intervention inland transfers and urban planning processes to create an improved enabling environment, which will continue to support the creation of new real estate assets, as well as instituting an efficient and speedy judicial process.

    Participants pointed out that a strong demand for real estate assets  makes the country an attractive prospect for investible funds in real estate. They, however, called for a structured REIT market, one that is efficient and liquid, as a way to attract another classification of local and foreign investors.

    Other participants at the forum were Actis, Persianas Group, and Resilient  Africa, which organised a roundtable for key industry stakeholders and regulators in Lagos.

  • How to grow SMEs to profitability, by CWG chief

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. Austin Okere has identified three elements that would assure the success of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owners in the country.

    Encapsulated in what he termed the “Three Power of Success”, he urged SMEs to ensure that their business visions are driven by the success factors.

    The three power of success include the Way Power, the Will Power and the Wait Power.

    He said: “The three powers are secrets that will keep every entrepreneur going. The Will Power is the competence you possess to run your business. The knowledge of how to run the enterprise you want to venture into.

    “Many people will start a business, create solutions then go about looking for the problems. And when people don’t buy it, they become disappointed. You first ought to be finding out peoples’ problems and pain points then create solutions that ameliorate the pain. This is the best way to ensure patronage.

    “The will power is the resolve to keep going when everyone say give up. Sometimes people close to you will advise you to dump your venture and seek a proper job. But, what should keep you going at such times is your passion. It is the passion of a footballer that makes him complain when he is benched, despite the fact that he will still receive his pay at the end of the day. Your will power makes you go the extra mile, while your passion makes you persist in your venture while waiting for pay day.

    “Most businesses fail because the proprietors abandon them as soon as they face challenges, because it is not yielding as much as they want. After you have put so much effort into your business, you need to patiently wait for the benefits that will accrue from it. This is the essence of the third power; the wait power, which takes you eventually to light at the end of a dark tunnel.”

    On how SMEs can leverage on technology to maximise costs and maximize result, Okere encouraged merchants to explore the opportunities that the CWG 2.0 platform offers. He spoke on Leveraging Technology for SME Growth during the maiden edition of the Annual Fidelity SMEs conference in Lagos.

    He said: “SMERP and Openshopen platforms are designed to meet the peculiar needs of SMEs in Nigeria. Openshopen will give you the visibility your business requires to thrive in this age where businesses are going online, while SMERP will take care of your accounting and generate the records banks such as Fidelity Bank will require from you to access loans. Beyond that, they are reliable and affordable, and are available on a subscription basis.”

    He said the essence of developing the CWG2.0 platform is to democratise the technology that companies such as Jumia and Konga have while used exclusively to great advantage, and make them available to the over 17.7m MSMEs in Nigeria.

    “Seeing the value that this platform shall bring to the SME’s in the country, SMEDAN has signed an MoU with CWG Plc culminating in a partnership that will address the technology needs of the sector,” Austin concluded.

  • ‘The rich should help others grow’

    ‘The rich should help others grow’

    Sir Chris Nkwonta, businessman and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) senatorial candidate, in this interview with journalists, among whom was SUNNY NWAN-KWO, speaks on sundry issues, including his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and chances of victory in his battle to represent Abia South in the Senate. Excerpts:

    You withdrew from the 2011 race, why?

    Well, I did not participate because when you are engaging in a process you have already known the outcome, then I do not see any reason why I should continue to be part of that process. You know I campaigned vigorously in all the nooks and crannies of Abia State, selling myself to the people. I went to virtually all six Local Governments in Abia South, I ended up at the zone and I was ready to win, then three days to the party primary, I was told there was supposedly instruction that the sitting senator should return and I felt that was injustice; I felt that the Ukwa people and the Ngwa people have rotated this position every eight years, I felt it was wrong for two positions to be zoned to one Local Government and I felt that in the last eight years, not much has been done in terms of senatorial representation. That was why I decided to move to APGA on which platform I’m going to contest and by the grace of God, I’m going to win.

    APGA is hardly known in Abia; where lies your optimism?

    I think we should be looking more at the individuals and not the party per se. What is a political party without human beings? Human beings make up a political party and in any political party where the preponderance of men and women are not good people, what do you expect or where the fielded candidate is not acceptable to the people? So, I think we should go beyond that and unmask the individual who is the person that is running on this party platform. I have been around for quite some time, people know me and I believe there are people who are not happy with the way I have been treated by the PDP, they are there, they are waiting. So, I do not have any problems with the fact that APGA is not as strong as, maybe, the PDP. I believe that my popularity, my acceptance, the programme that I will put in place once I become the senator of Abia South will endear people to me.

    If I get to the senate, I will ensure I contribute towards the process of making quality legislation in the Upper Chambers of the National Assembly. I will also empower youths and bring about the development of Abia South because as a senator, you have network of contacts with other senators including those that will be over seeing the Works Ministry, those that will be overseeing the educational and other sectors. I’m saying this because one of the problems we have in this country is that we have teeming unemployed youths and one of the things I am going to do is that youths will be empowered. I have already started doing that through the Chris Nkwonta Foundation where we have trained over 148 persons as we speak now. I will also ensure that infrastructure gets to the zone that I represent through a synergy between me and the government at the state level, so these are some of the things that I have in mind if I’m elected.

    I will not close my eyes to the bad network of roads in my zone. Though as a senator, you may really not be awarding contracts, but I am of the opinion that any senator that is representing his or her people very well should be able to attract federal presence to his zone. Go to Enugu State and see what Senator Ekweremadu is doing, go to Benue and see what David Mark is doing. I believe that if you are able to sell yourself amongst your peers, amongst your colleagues in the National Assembly, you should be able to bring about a rejuvenation in terms of the state of infrastructure in the state where you come from. For example, we have a federal road that runs from Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State to Obehie in Abia. The contract for that road was awarded in 2006 and up till now, nothing much has been done.

    The question is why is it so? Any senator that is worth to be called a senator should have highlighted this. He should have drawn the situation to the attention of the federal authority.

    Being rich, why are you going to the Senate? 

    Well, I’m not aware I’m rich, but assuming I’m rich as you have said and stay in the comfort of my home and get detached from the larger society, of what use is that wealth? So, basically, what is propelling, pushing and driving me is to be able to do more, to leverage on the political platform and be able to reach out to people by way of employment because if you are rich and the people around you are poor, by definition, you are a poor man.

    In every community, you find people that God has elevated, God may not elevate everybody. God in His wisdom will choose one or three persons and it is for a purpose and if you understand that purpose, then your days will be long and whatever God has given you will not diminish. And what is that purpose? God wants to use you as a caretaker which is to say, ‘I have given you this and I want through you to reach other people’ and that is basically what I have been doing so far and this is what I will continue doing when I’m  in the senate. My mission in politics is service.

    What is your selling point?

    As I speak with you now, I’m not carrying any political baggage, I’m unencumbered, and I’m free. Again, you need to look at my antecedents, what I have been able to do even before venturing into politics and then juxtapose that with what the incumbent senator has done or is doing, if any.

    The edge I have over others is that I am someone who is development oriented, I am someone who feel for people, I am someone who would want to see things done properly. I am not if you like the conventional politician, I’m a businessman who is in politics, that is the selling point I have.

    People talk about experience, but let me tell you about experience, how does it start? By the time you get into the National Assembly and spend a month to three months even if you are a dummy, you should be able to understand the workings, the mechanics and the way things work there.

    If you look at all that I have been able to do so far in my life; people that I have granted scholarships, people that I have taken abroad for medical attention, it will give you an idea as to what edge I have over the other people.

    Recently, I read in the newspaper that Senator Smart Adeyemi distributed 50 vehicles and gave out N10m cash to members of his constituents, that is empowerment. But here have you heard of any such largesse?

    Who has drawn the attention of the condition of federal roads in Abia South to the federal government? What is the essence of going to represent people? Is it not to look after their welfare, to protect them?  What we have seen in the past seven and half years is abysmal failure, so I will go there to make a difference.

    Are you satisfied with the level of development in the state?       

    No, a whole lot of work needs to be done especially in Abia South and Aba in particular.

    People said you left the PDP because you were not a loyal party man?          

    If anything, it’s PDP that is not loyal. But then how do you define loyalty, what does loyalty mean? In 2011, I was a clear winner of that primary election, but on the night before the election, touts were brought in as delegates. I had ample evidence to go to court or leave the party at that time, but I did not.

    When the party’s reconciliation committee led by General Ike Nwachukwu came to my house, the first thing I did was to play a video clip of what happened in the field to them and when they saw it, they knew there were no primaries. But I told them that as a loyal party person, I would accept their pleading, that I would remain with the party and that I would support the party and I did.

    In 2011 immediately after the primary, when I invited the Governor T.A Orji to my house, I hosted him here, collapsed my structure and gave him two brand new buses plus other things I did for him and asked all my supporters to work for him. What does that tell you, loyalty or disloyalty?

    Then in 2012, I came out to run for governor and there was this argument that because of our numerical strength and because of the fact that governorship was coming to Abia South for the first time, that we should allow our Ngwa brothers to go first and at that time, I was getting a whole lot of support from Abia North. There was nowhere I did not go and after telling them what I would do if I became the next governor of Abia state, they all accepted me. But when I was prevailed upon, I said okay, fine, let me go and run for the Senate. What do you call that, loyalty or not loyalty?

     

     

  • That the church may grow

    That the church may grow

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Complete Sanctuary, Dominion Area Headquarters, Lagos Province 17 has dedicated its building at Jas/Ojo Pipeline Avenue, Iju Ishaga, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    It was a day of jubilation for the entire church. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Complete Sanctuary, Dominion Area Headquarters, Lagos Province 17 at 14, Jas/Ojo Pipeline Avenue, Iju Ishaga, Lagos was dedicated.

    The event also featured the inauguration of borehole for the host community.

    Exotic cars brought some distinguished guests who graced the event.

    Guests were dressed in corporate and traditional wears.

    The church and its  compound were beautifully decorated.  The hall creatively decorated. Painted in cream with matching floor tiles and a touch of dark brown; the altar was painted in butter colour and decorated with tiles. The 500-seater hall had a gallery and plastic blue and orange chairs set in rows. The walls were further decorated with wine and gold fabric having lights all over. Its ceiling was dark brown and white.

    The service started with praises led by the church choir during which the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, represented by the Pastor in charge of Region 2, RCCG, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, arrived with an entourage. They were received by other ministers of the church.

    They went straight to the main entrance of the church where Pastor Obayemi cut the ribbon and dedicated the church. He also opened the plaque by the right side of the door and commissioned the water facility in front of the church.

    The train moved inside the church and joined in the praise session.

    After the praises, the Assistant Pastor in charge, Corporate Social Responsibility, Lagos Province 17, Yomi Oluranti, led the opening prayers and the Pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Soji Omotunde, welcomed guests thereafter.

    Pastor Obayemi in a sermon taken from Hebrews 12:6, spoke on the topic, “I work with progress in the hand of God”.

    He told the congregation that God has not finished with them yet, encouraging them that they are at work with progress in God’s hand.

    He said God will perfect whatever is left to be done in their lives, urging them to surrender absolutely and cast all their burdens on God.

    He praised members on the beauty of the church, applauding the ministers and members for the great job done.

    After the sermon, he told the congregation to go on their knees while he led them in a session of powerful prayers for the church and the members.

    The Pastor in charge, Lagos Province 17, Pastor David Omunagbe, led the congregation to pray for Pastor Obayemi thereafter.

    Pastor Omotunde said the water project commissioned was part of the church’s corporate social responsibility to the community.

    He said though water flows from Iju Water Works to Ikoyi and Victoria Island, the locality still lacks water.

    “The church has done this is to make water available in the area,” he said.

    He said the church which is dedicated after being built for several years is now a settled place. “The church is a place of miracle and salvation and of benefit to all those who come in,” he said.

    The Parish Pastor, Pastor Abiodun Sofoluwe said the church building which was dedicated was for the expansion of the kingdom of God. “It was an outcome of focus and dedication,” he said.

    He urged the members to ensure that they are dedicated and focused with God, adding that is the only way they can achieve whatever they want in life.