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  • ‘Sanwo-Olu is on course’

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) member Chief Lanre Rasak spoke with reporters on the performance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, national secuirty and how the ‘Next Level Agenda’ of President Muhammadu Buhari can succeed. Musa Odoshimokhe was there.

    What is your assessment of the Sanwo-Olu administration in the last three month?

    From May 29, the governor hit the ground running and that is why work has commenced on the reconstruction of the abandoned Mile2- Badagry expressway. He has resuscitated the project, not because the people protested, but because it is part of his plans to alleviate the suffering of motorists and commuters moving from Ijora, Ebute Metta, National Theatre to Badagry and Seme border. Contractors are already working on the project. These critics should realise that in road construction and other capital projects, you need to provide good design which must be cost effective and enduring. And these I am sure, are the necessary steps the governor had taken which required a few weeks and it is the right thing to do as a government. So, I can confidently say that the governor had been performing from day one. If he is faster than this, we don’t pray for a crash. He is taking his time to provide good plans, ensure that the plans he is fine tuning are the ones that are easily applicable, cost effective and sustainable.

    I believe that given his background coupled with the governor’s experience, we should expect a lot of socio-economic transformation in the state in the next four years; they require very solid collaboration and teamwork to deliver on governor’s master plan. Another point is that officials need to do some costing after projects’ designs are prepared before execution. I appeal to all Lagosians to give all the necessary support to the State Government for the Sanwo-Olu’s administration to succeed.

    You have been part of the development strides in Lagos State as an indigenous contractor. What has been your experience?

    Righteous Construction Company Nigeria Limited, my company has been partnering with Lagos State government in the road sector. But, Governor Sanwo-Olu believes that government should further encourage and patronise Nigeria’s indigenous contractors for them to fully develop and that we should not continue to rely on foreign construction giants for the construction of roads and bridges. The reason is that oftentimes it is the commitment and honesty of a road builder that determines its durability or not. A good example is the Ago Hausa-Itoikin stretch of Lagos – Ikorodu road which my company constructed in 2003. It is the only section of the road that has not gone bad since it was built about 16 years ago.

    That shows that an indigenous contractor knows the terrain very well and did a good job that has stood the test of time. More importantly, we have added a very important item in road construction, asphalt which many have been complaining is scarce. We have acquired an asphalt plant in partnership with the Federal Government located at Ijora Olopa, in Lagos Mainland and I can assure you that our product stands out to be the best. So we are looking forward to government patronage so that our company will continue to be part of the success story of building good and enduring road network in Lagos State.

    I have discovered that over time the foundation of some of the roads built over 30 years ago have gone bad and needed to be fully replaced which is why it won’t be enough to just provide palliative work on such roads; they require total reconstruction. We are confident that Lagos State will address the issue of some deplorable roads in parts of the state because it is a government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) a party that is totally committed to the welfare of the people. It is an egalitarian administration which believes in doing the greatest good to the greatest number of people. Apart from roads, the government is also working seriously in other sectors like education, health, transportation that require special attention. The government will spread development evenly across the state and the people will be happy they voted APC both at the state and federal levels. The transport sector comprising roads, the ferry services and the blue rail are receiving adequate attention from the governor. Government wants to synchronise all transportation modes across the state in order to give Lagosians the best system in the country as a Centre of Excellence.

    How can Nigeria resolve the security challenge?

    My take on this is two- fold. The first question we should be asking ourselves as Nigerians is: why the sudden upsurge in insecurity? I say this because there is an adage that ‘if you don’t stop the cause of war, you can’t stop the war’. So what are the remote and immediate causes of the sudden escalation in insecurity? Is it due to the poor economic situation in the country? Could it be the non-employment of our graduates? Are there political reasons? Is there any involvement by foreign nations? Sincerely I believe government should investigate these posers and come up with appropriate responses and strategies moving forward. The point I am making here is that security is the business of every Nigerian, not only that of President Muhammadu Buhari, governors and the security operatives. As a matter of fact those perpetrating violence and other criminal activities are not ghosts but human beings who stay in our communities and live among the people. So I want to urge every Nigerian with credible information about such criminals to volunteer same to the security agencies so that they can act very decisively against the hoodlums.

    I believe that if you have a job to do and can feed yourself and your family, giving  them three square meals a day without allowing them beg  for alms, such person will not easily become a tool in the hands of terrorists and people recruiting idle hands for banditry or Boko Haram. The people should volunteer information to security operatives for them to adequately safeguard lives and property. I am glad too that the issue of N30, 000 national minimum wage is being addressed. Our governors should not consider the amount too much rather they should sit down and think outside the box to generate additional revenue from internal sources required to implement the pay rise. They should not only wait for their monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Account. Some states have comparative advantage in some agricultural produce and if they invest massively on agriculture the produce will be very satisfying to make more money to their coffers. They should grow rice, cotton, ground nut, palm oil, palm kernel and other cash crops to make more money for their states.

    They shouldn’t rely on taxes alone but diversify their revenue base to farming and fishery because that is the only way they can generate more funds for them to take care of the needs of their people in the states. We remember the good old days when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was in charge of Western Region, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in charge of the Eastern Region and Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto was in charge of the Northern Region.

    I keep wondering what happened to the groundnut pyramids of those days in the north. We should return to land, we in the South West should improve on cocoa production while our brothers in the South East and South South should embark on new palm tree plantations. I urge our President and governors to intensify their efforts in promoting agriculture in the country. We should deliberately concentrate on the production of some key agricultural products to generate additional revenue to meet the needs of Nigerians rather than relying on crude oil.

    Before now, there were calls for the dualisation of the Lekki— Epe road to facilitate movement in the Lekki Free Zone. What is the latest development on the project?

    Nature is a wonderful thing. There are developments that should trail one another. With the establishment of the Lekki Free Zone, the government fully understands the need to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and facilitate the movement of persons and goods. If I may ask: what are the factors that will make the environment attractive and meaningful to the people of the zone? Let me assure that we can’t have such massive industrial hub with a refinery, petrochemicals, fertiliser and a host of other industries in that corridor without an expressway.

    Plans are also in the pipeline to build an airport while work is progressing satisfactory on deep seaport. I want to state categorically that the Lagos State government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will dualise the road to fully maximise the opportunities and potential that will be available to Lagosians, Nigerians, foreigners and the Lagos State government there. I am confident that this massive industrial development requires a standard road and the government will definitely construct one to meet the needs of the people of that area and those who are coming to transact business. In Lagos State, we have been lucky to have such very good leaders as Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others in charge of government. Governor Sanwo-Olu will not disappoint the people and will do his utmost best for the people around the Free Trade Zone to be happy because he knows what is required and expected of him.

    So we are confident that the road from Lekki to Epe as well as the road from Eleko junction to Free Trade Zone will be dualised. It is when that is done that we are going to have a very conducive environment for the new industries to thrive and not face transportation difficulties. So I am personally convinced that the Sanwo-Olu’s administration will execute these projects for the benefit of the people.

     

  • Edo Assembly: Lessons from the past

    In this piece, Imman Ekpeneru examines the Edo state House of Assembly crisis and how it can be resolved.

    The resolution of the Senate that Governor Godwin Obaseki should issue a fresh proclamation to re-inaugurate the Edo State House of Assembly is an interesting dimension to the political tussle.

    It threw up a constitutional issue. The present 9th National Assembly has issued a directive to a governor.

    It is also means that the National Assembly is superior to House of Assembly.

    Indeed, the drama unfolding between the National Assembly and the 7th Edo State Assembly, besides the gapping constitutional issues, also raises the moral issue for the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    The Edo State House of Assembly was inaugurated in the absence of some members-elect who were away when the other legislators who formed a quorum were inaugurated. The majority of the members were absent when Assembly was inaugurated on June 18, 2019.

    Four years ago, a similar scenario played out in the Senate when the majority of the legislators opted to attend a meeting outside the National Assembly when the Senate was inaugurated.

    Senator Ahmad Lawan who was one of those outside the chambers on realizing the reality of what had faced him ran back to the Senate chambers. By the time he returned to the Senate the inauguration was over.

    He did not return to the meeting holding at the International Conference Centre. In fact, the meeting at the ICC broke up immediately and Senator Lawan and the majority of the senators went to the Senate chamber where the newly elected President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, superintended their inauguration.

    It is the same scenario, albeit with assumed political hues that played out in Edo State.

    Senator Lawan persevered in the Senate and he was lifted to the position of Senate Leader in the Eight Senate.

    It was from there that he rose to his present position as President of the Senate.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, despite the apparent political loss was not compelled to issue another proclamation for the inauguration that would bequeath an Assembly leadership favourable to him.

    It is difficult to find a difference between what happened in Abuja and what happened in Benin.

    One is now bound to question the rationale for the Instruction from the Senate and the House of Representatives to the governor of Edo State to issue a fresh proclamation.

    Even the propriety of the federal legislature issuing a directive to a state governor is not envisaged in the constitution. The federal legislature issuing a directive to a House of Assembly is not envisaged.

    The only window opened to the National Assembly to meddle in the affairs of lawmaking for a state is when the House of Assembly is not able to sit as stipulated in Section 11 (4) of the constitution.

    However, Section 11 (5) of the same constitution says

    “For the purpose of Sub Section 4 of this section, a House of Assembly shall not be deemed to be unable to perform its functions, so long as the House of Assembly can hold a meeting and transact business.”

    It is understandable that advocates of the takeover of the Edo State House of Assembly continue to gloss over this defining provision of the constitution to satisfy their desire.

    The Edo State House of Assembly, having been inaugurated on June 18, has continued to hold meetings and conduct the business of oversight over the executive arms of government.

    As the Senate under Senator Saraki worked before all the members of the APC who went for the ICC meeting were inaugurated, the Edo House of Assembly is waiting for those who went to a hotel on June 18 to come for their inauguration.

    The Senate and the House of Representatives have repeatedly adopted a knee-jerk response to the situation in the state. It is understandable, given the overwhelming influence Comrade Adams Oshiomhole played in enthroning the leadership of the present National Assembly.

    However, the relationships between the different levels of government is strictly defined by the provisions of the constitution.

  • Why Sylva should not contest for governor, by Binabo

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former Bayelsa State Acting Governor Nestor Binado spoke with Mike Odiegwu in Yenagoa, the state capital, on the preparations for the governorship primary, the chances of the aspirants and issues that will shape the November 16 poll.

    How prepared is the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa?

    Our party is strong. Right now, we want to do an in-house primary. We have many  aspirants for the forthcoming primary. We have a former Minster of State for Agriculture. We have a retired Commissioner of Police and we also have Perye Aganaba, a young, vibrant, intelligent man. I also heard that a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) just entered the race.  Th number of aspirants alone, who want to be governors of this state in our party, should tell you that the party is strong. We are very much ready  to win this governorship election and form the next government of this state.

    The governor has said that APC lacked structures and presence to win elections in Bayelsa. Recently, former President Goodluck Jonathan said the same thing. How do you respond to these?

    For me, such statements do not make sense. I don’t know what they call structures. We have at the ward level, party officers, and other members of the party. We also have at the local government level and we also have at the state level. So, what structures are they talking  about. They are living in denial because they know that the APC this time around has the best chance to win the election. One of the reasons is that we are united. We are the only viable opposition to the PDP in this state. So, I keep asking, ‘what do they mean by structures?’. We have everything we need from the ward to the state level. I am even surprised at the former President because the APC is the one representing him at the Senate. We won the election in his senatorial district in this last general election. The APC has a member representing Southern Ijaw at the House of Representatives. We also won some seats in the House of Assembly. Generally, in the last elections, we showed our strength against all odds and we are going to prove them wrong this time.

    What kind of candidate do you think the APC needs to win Bayelsa state?

    The APC must present a candidate that doesn’t have skeleton in his cupboard. We need a clean, approachable candidate that has no baggage. The candidate must be acceptable to everybody, not only to members of the APC. The public must appreciate the candidate and look at him as a total departure from the past. There is an outcry that this state needs a change because of the the misrule of the PDP. So, people want a change. Even in 2015, that outcry was there. So, this time, members of APC should put their heads down and listen to the public by looking at each of these aspirants in the APC. If we are able to present a young, vibrant, focused and peoples candidate, we will win the election.

    Do you have a preferred candidate for this election?

    As a politician, who has held reasonable positions in this state, as Deputy Speaker, Speaker and as the Acting Governor, that handed over to the present government, definitely I should have a candidate. I support the aspiration of Engineer Preye Aganaba. He is the one that fits into what the people in the state are looking for at this time. He is a young man,  a computer engineer, who has done well in the business circle. He has also been a good politician for a reasonable length of time. In 2015 elections, he was the senatorial candidate of the APC for Central Senatorial Zone. He has been a loyal member of the APC. He was one of the founders or the leading member of the APC in this part when the former governor, Chief Timi Sylva, came into the party and because Sylva was a former governor, Aganaba handed over everything to him and at that point, Sylva became the leader of the party. The rent of the first office of APC was paid by Aganaba. He has suffered for the party as a loyal party member and I feel that anybody who has worked for the party should have a chance.

    The argument against your preferred candidate is that he is inexperienced. Some persons also say he is  too young and and may not have the capacity to govern Bayelsa. What’s your take?

    Such argument doesn’t hold water. In the world today, there’s a kind of revolution, particularly in the circle of governance that power should go to the younger ones. Preye Aganaba is over 45. Is he still a young boy? Within the circle of youthfulness, he’s no more a youth. Anybody, who is above 40, is no more a youth in the Nigerian context. When you are beyond 30 years, you are no more a youth. That’s why even in the NYSC, once you are above 30 years, you don’t serve. So, why would somebody who is about 47 years old be called a youth. When did Gowon become the Head of State? What of Detie Spiff, who was 27 years and we see what he did massively. When did Seriake become governor? At what age did Timipre Sylva become governor?

    So, anybody who says Aganaba is a young man is even praising him because he has the strength. Besides,  in governance, it’s not the governor alone that makes things happen. If you have good advisers and the leader has listening ears, then, you have good government. When Dettie Spiff became governor of the old Rivers State, all his commissioners were old people, some of them old enough to be his father. He made serious impact. So, anybody who says the young cannot do it is making a mistake.

    Preye Aganaba graduated years ago; had his own computer workshops. He has managed his private life, business life. Would you say he has no experience? What do they even mean by experience? Let me tell you, the traditional chiefs, some of them are not as educated as we are, but they are better administrators. The most difficult profession or part of administration is being a traditional ruler. If you want a very good governor,  look for someone who has wisdom, who is intelligent, who will be able to gather a group of experienced advisers. Look at Bayelsa State, all the advisers are small boys and they’re afraid of the governor. So, how do you think such person can advise him? What kind of advice would they give?

    Former Governor Timipre Sylva flew the flag in 2015, and it’s also rumored that, despite being a minister-designate, he would want to contest again. What do you think?

    Everybody, who has satisfied the criteria in the constitution is qualified to contest. I’m also qualified to contest. If it is his desire, he is qualified to contest. The  laws of Nigeria allow him. He can contest. However, I may plead with him that, having become minister, he should play a fatherly role as the leader of the party so that we will have a united family going into the election. Sylva has many followers. He has a lot of influence on persons and he is respected by many people within the party, both at the national level and at the state level. I will advise him not to contest. He should rather play a fatherly role and unite everybody in the party. The success of the party will be more glorious to him. That is what I think he should concern himself with.

    Do you think APC needs reconciliation ahead of the primary and the election?

    For the primary what we need is peaceful primary devoid of violence. Then, we can definitely come back to unite to fight the oponent, which is the PDP. So, we need peace; we need unity to win this election. Whoever becomes the candidate will need support to enable the party win the election.

    Would you say the party stands a better chance now to win Bayelsa?

    Yes, our party is in a very better position than even 2015 to win this election. We are prepared and apart from that, we know what is happening in the camp of our opponent. In 2015,  PDP heavyweights came into APC to make us stronger. This time around, we expect such defections and when you add it to other advantages we have now, that we didn’t have before, we will win the election.

    Are you in support of the argument that Bayelsa should align with the party at the centre?

    From the political history of the Southsouth, and particularly the Ijaw people, we have always worked with the center. In all the republics, we worked with the centre.  When PDP was at the centre, because we aligned with them, it gave us the opportunity to  produce the President of this big nation and that’s why we are advocating that this state needs to be tied to the center. Once we’re tied the center, we get more. It is just like you are a father of many nation and one of them will say ‘no daddy, I don’t want to come close to you’, what do you think will happen? That child will lose. So, we need to be tied to the center and that’s the best for the ijaw man. This state is the Mecca of Ijaw nation. We need to be tied to the center. If we don’t, we will lose much. I advocate that this state should be part of the center.

    The leaders in your party are already quarreling over the mode of primary. So, which mode do you support?

    In general elections, everybody goes to vote. Not so? For everyone  in this party to participate in selecting the candidate, I would like direct primary. The direct primary  gives every card-carrying member a voice to say ‘this is the person I want’ and that gives beauty to democracy. If we need democratic systems in our party to prevail, that direct option to me is the best.

    What is your take on zoning?

    Even at the federal level, either elective positions or appointments, people argue for quota system. In this state, though it’s not written, we have a mutual understanding, which of course, is moral. Alamieyeseigha  came from the central; when he left, Jonathan stayed for about a year. Sylva came and completed the years meant for the East. People kept quiet to allow Sylva to come. When Jonathan was Vice-President and President,  we didn’t allow the position of Jonathan at the center to cause any misunderstanding and on the moral agreement we had.  Now, when Jonathan was there and Sylva was removed, the thing moved from the East to the West. No section or zone has ever completed eight years. It is the West that will be completing the eight years by February 14, 2020. This unwritten but mutually agreed movement of governor from one zone to another helps to avoid animosity among us. If we destroy that seeming understanding, it will bring to much quarrel.

    …So, whose turn is it to produce the next governor?

    It is the turn of the central zone. The central can bring anybody, but even when you come to the central, if a local government in the central has produced before, that council should allow others to produce the next one. In the central, there are three local government areas. Yenagoa, Kolokuama-Opokuma and Southern Ijaw. Southern Ijaw had produced because Alamiyeiseigha came from there. So, it is the turn of Yenagoa and Kolokuma-Opukuma, to produce the next governor of the state.

    There’s no complexity at all. In a family you will not want one person to have it all at all times. It is good that you have today, your brothers and sisters will have it the next day. It brings harmony. So, if we say no it must be one person others will feel that you want to dominate them and let me tell you no human being likes domination.

    To avoid the mistake of 2015, when the primary of your party was marred with violence, what type of primary would you expect the national APC to conduct in Bayelsa state.

    It is only in indirect primary that the entire process can be marred by violence. But if it is direct primaries, I will also go to my ward to vote. Yes, the direct has its own disadvantages but they are limited. It is like general election, some places maybe peaceful, some may have violence but it may not affect the general outcome of the election. If there is violence in my ward, it doesn’t affect the other wards.

    The argument is that most APC members don’t have permanent party cards. They said they were given slips and that they have lost them. How do you authenticate members to vote in direct primaries?

    Such argument is a mischievous defense. If you’re a member of a group and you know that a slip is the only thing that identifies you as a member of that group, will you go and keep yours carelessly? I still have mine.  It is only those looking for indirect primaries for reasons best know to them that will always present such argument. Some of the delegates have already told me that the aspirants are promising to pay them well.  The APC is a party of sanity. We are saying we are fighting corruption but you who wants to be governor is instigating corruption and he wants to be governor.

    You have not become a governor and you have started corrupting members of your party and the process. If I were at the national level of this party and I have such information that aspirants are promising to pay delegates, I will investigate you because you are not in line with the principles of our party. This party has three things; security, corruption and economy. You, who want to be governor are encouraging corruption, that means you are not party members. Then you are not even party members. Maybe, you don’t even understand the manifesto of the party you are in and you want to become governor. So, for me the best is direct.

    Why are people afraid of direct primaries. Let me tell you, when we do direct primaries all our members, the teeming members of the party will have a sense of belonging and they are the same people who will vote for you in the general election. If you exclude them how do they know they are members of your party and get ready to vote for you in the general election. Commit them and make them feel they are actually members of this party. How do you know your strength. It is through that you can even know your strength.

  • Beyond Wadume’s re-arrest

    Before the fateful events of August 6, 2019, the name Hamisu Bala aka Wadume, would hardly ring any bell outside certain communities within his native Taraba and neighbouring Nasarawa states and, perhaps, to some extent, Kano State. That day, however, Wadume, who wore the public face of a philanthropist, was arrested by crack detectives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at Ibi, Taraba State.

    He was alleged to be a notorious kidnap kingpin who funded his seemingly altruistic humanitarian gestures from the proceeds of his criminal enterprise. As the IRT transported Wadume to the Taraba State Police Command in handcuffs, however, the unimaginable happened. Soldiers from the 93 Battalion based within the Ibi vicinity attacked the police team, killed three officers and one civilian, and set Wadume free.

    The military claimed to a shocked nation that the killings occurred in error because the police did not share intelligence with it on the operation. On its part, the police accused the army of complicity in facilitating the escape of a high profile kidnap suspect and, in the process, killing three of its highly trained, elite detectives. A Joint Investigative Panel was set up on August 9 by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonishakin, and comprising members from the army, navy, air force, police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). The panel was initially given a week to submit its report, but it asked for an extension of two weeks because of the scope of arrests and investigations.

    However, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has argued that the Joint Investigative Panel was diversionary and illegal because, in his words, “Since the slain civilian and policemen were not subject to service law, the military authorities lack the vires to cause an investigation to be conducted into a murder case covered by Section 4 of the Police Act”.

    We agree.

    The work of the panel should not be allowed to become an excuse for a cover up or a mechanism of obstructing the police from carrying out their statutory responsibilities in this matter. It was obvious that without the re-arrest of Wadume, the entire sordid affair would continue to be shrouded in mystery, with little possibility of the real truth ever being uncovered. This was why the news of the re-apprehension of the alleged kidnap chieftain on August 19 by a police special squad elicited widespread relief and excitement.

    The painstaking and highly professional way the crack police detectives reportedly drawn from the force’s best hands from Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Kaduna states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), went about the operation demonstrates it has the skilled hands to effectively discharge its responsibilities when it is determined to do so. However, there is also the understandable belief in some quarters that police operatives act with this kind of decisiveness only when their men are the victims.

    Wadume’s initial statements, revealed in a widely circulated video after his re-arrest, gave useful hints about what transpired on August 6. Speaking in Hausa, he said: “My name is Hamisu Bala Wadume. Police came to arrest me, when they arrested me, army chased after them and opened fire. From there, they (soldiers) took me to their headquarters, and cut off my handcuffs and released me. I went back to my house and police came to re-arrest me”. Who gave the soldiers the order to attack the IRT team and rescue Wadume, leading to the tragic loss of lives? Is it true that the Crime Officer at the Ibi Police Station had made over 200 calls to Wadume while the Station Officer had torn off pages of the entry book to destroy evidence that the operation to arrest Wadume had been duly reported by the murdered operatives?

    All these issues should be speedily investigated by an independent inquiry and the culprits speedily charged to court in accordance with the law. Wadume’s re-arrest will ultimately be of enduring value only if it leads not just to his trial and conviction if found guilty, but also if it results in the uncovering, dismantling, punishment and purging of the obviously wide ring of accomplices he has at his beck and call within the military and police.

    It is a testimony to the deep level of poverty as well as the perversion of values in our society that many residents of Ibi are unhappy that they will no more enjoy Wadume’s subversive generosity.

  • Death, destruction trail violence in Ogoni

    The once-peaceful Ogoni land is now taken over by killers and arsonists, writes Southsouth Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI.

    Ogoni is one of the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. It is rich in crude oil and gas, but without commensurate development.

    Ogoni consists of four local government areas in Rivers State namely Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.

    The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), then known as Shell D’Arcy, started crude oil exploitation in Ogoni in February, 1958, when crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity at Bomu (Kegbara-Dere) in Gokana Local Government Area. Since then, the area has been experiencing pollution from oil spills and oil well fires.

    On August 26, 1990, Ogoni people decided to adopt the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), which demanded the right to control and use of a fair proportion of Ogoni economic resources for Ogoni development, among others.

    Later in the same year, Ogoni people formed the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) to carry out the objectives of OBR. In 1993, Ogoni people stopped SPDC from operating in the area.

    The renowned environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni activists were hanged at the Port Harcourt Prisons on Friday, November 10, 1995, during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    In order to put an end to the many years of neglect and environmental degradation in Ogoni and to adequately empower the people, former President Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) environmental assessment of Ogoni land in October, 2006, the initiative continued in the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

    On August 4, 2011, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan received the 262-page UNEP main report in Abuja. On July 20, 2012, less than a month to the first anniversary of the submission of the UNEP Report, the then President Jonathan put in place the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), with the mandate to clean all oil-polluted sites in Nigeria, which Ogoni leaders kicked against, while insisting that it was contrary to one of the recommendations of the UNEP Report.

    The far-reaching recommendations of the UNEP Report were not implemented by the then President Jonathan, until May 29, 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari took over and he commenced the implementation, with peace gradually returning to Ogoni land.

    The UNEP’s team of environmentalists made 76 recommendations. Fifty of the recommendations are for the government, 22 for SPDC and four for Ogoni communities.

    UNEP Report stated that the water at Nsisioken-Ogale-Eleme in Eleme Local GGovernment Area contained cancer-causing Benzene (carcinogen), which was 900 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) standards for water contamination, thereby requiring urgent attention.

    It also noted that the sustainable environmental restoration of Ogoni land would take up to 20 years to achieve, while recommending the establishment of Ogoni land Environmental Restoration Authority by the Federal Government.

    The UNEP Report indicated that the full environmental restoration of Ogoni land would be a project which would take 30 years to complete, after the pollution had been brought to an end, thereby recommending the establishment of an Ogoni land Environmental Restoration Fund, with an initial fund of $1 billion for capacity building, skill transfer and conflict resolution.

    President Buhari, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, after 68 days in office, approved many actions to fast-track the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoni land, including the amendment of the official gazette establishing HYPREP (which was changed to Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project), to reflect a new governance framework, comprising a Governing Council, Board of Trustees (BoT) and Project Management.

    President Buhari, who was represented by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), on Thursday, June 2, 2016, kicked off the Ogoni clean-up at Patrick’s Waterside, Bodo-Ogoni in Gokana Local Government Area, in fulfilment of his January 8, 2015 promise, when he visited Ogoni land during his presidential campaigns.

    On Friday, April 27, last year, the Ogoni Trust Fund’s escrow account was signed at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, involving the Federal Government, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and representatives of Ogoni people, at a meeting presided over by Prof. Osinbajo.

    Project Coordinator of the reformed HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil, an Ogoni, is showing total commitment to the clean-up of the polluted Ogoni environment and empowerment of the hitherto marginalised people, but the current killings and arson in Ogoni land will definitely hamper the development efforts.

    On August 13, this year, fresh violence erupted in Ogoni land, despite the recent launch of a new security outfit, Operation Sting, by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.

    In the fresh violence that erupted in Khana Local Government Area, nine innocent people were allegedly killed on August 13 and 14, while the palace of the paramount ruler of Taaba-Ogoni, King Nule Junior, was allegedly razed.

    The house of the President of MOSOP, Chief Legborsi Pyagbara, at Nyokuru-Ogoni in Khana Local Government Area, was also said to be burnt in the invasion.

    MOSOP, through its Publicity Secretary, Sunny Zorvah, condemned the violence, saying: “MOSOP received with sadness, the reports from some Ogoni communities of the sudden outbreak of violence and killings carried out by members of some cult groups in the area.

    “The renewed violence, which took place in Okwale on August 13, spilled over on August 14 to Taabaa and Nyokuru, all in Nyokhana District in Khana Local Government Area.

    “MOSOP is pained over these unjustified attacks, which led to the burning down of the house of MOSOP President in Nyokuru. We are also saddened by the killing of many people and attack on the residence of Chief Monday Abueh and other people in Okwale by alleged cult gangs.”

    The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people also declared that the ugly situation in Ogoni land called for urgent and thorough actions by security agencies and every necessary step required of the Rivers State government.

    MOSOP called on the police and the special military joint task force to ensure return of peace to the troubled Ogoni communities by going after perpetrators of the barbaric and retrogressive onslaught on the communities, but without hurt on innocent people.

    The Ogoni umbrella organisation also pleaded with the traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other influential stakeholders in Ogoni land to put their differences aside and work for the peace and security of the area.

    Again, on August 18, eight people (six in Opouko and two in Luumene) were allegedly killed in Khana Local Government Area, thereby heightening tension in the area.

    The President of MOSOP described the killings and arson in most Ogoni communities as a deliberate and direct attack on the peace initiative and process by well-meaning groups and leaders of Ogoni land.

    He stated this while inspecting the extent of destruction in Ogoni land, while commiserating with the bereaved families and people who lost valuable properties.

    Pyagbara condemned the deadly attacks by alleged cult groups on Opouko and Luumene communities in Nyokhana District of Khana Local Government Area on August 18, which resulted in the death of eight people, while the residence of the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Lateh Loolooh, and the palace of Gbenemene Banghan, King Suanu Baridam were also said to be burnt.

    MOSOP President also expressed displeasure over the senseless killings and destruction of properties by people whom he alleged did not want peace in Ogoni land, and were making efforts to put the crude oil and gas-rich area under siege.

    He said: “It seems to me that there are internal factors and interests in trying to put Ogoni land in perpetual fear and siege.

    “Do not forget, people that want to destroy you will always use someone in your house. There is a possibility of some interests that we have not been able to uncover, in this matter.”

    Pyagbara, who earlier visited Nyokuru, Taabaa and Okwale communities in Khana Local Government Area to ascertain the level of destruction and to sympathise with victims’ families and people of the communities, lamented the razing of houses in his compound in Nyokuru and the houses of Chief Nule of Taabaa and those of other people in Okwale.

    He said: “Time has come for Ogoni people to look inward and say enough is enough. Every right-thinking Ogoni man and woman must rise up against this madness and tell those involved that they cannot put Ogoni under siege.

    “The peace initiative that MOSOP and other groups began and which youth groups and key stakeholders are parts of is still on course. I am surprised that some people are not committed to the peace agreement at the Saakpenwa meeting.

    “That people have turned around to do what they are doing is a big surprise and a shame. I thought that we had a moratorium, and that our brothers and fathers promised they were going into deepening the peace process that we kick-started at Saakpenwa. Ogoni does not need this carnage; after all we have laboured for.”

    While also speaking on the Bomu/Lewe renewed clash, the MOSOP President stated that he was surprised with the resurgence of crisis between the two Ogoni communities in Gokana Local Government Area.

    He reiterated that at a point, the matter was resolved, with some Ogoni elders moving into the two communities for peace.

    Pyagbara stressed the need for governments at all levels to redouble efforts and take the insecurity in Ogoni with much concern.

    MOSOP President assured that the umbrella organisation of Ogoni people, in collaboration with other groups, would ensure that there are no lapses in the drive for the return of peace to the affected Ogoni communities, to pave way for development in the area. He pleaded with the people involved in the renewed crisis to stop forthwith and embrace peace.

    Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), assured that policemen were on the trail of the killers and arsonists, in order to make them face the consequences of their actions, thereby serving as a deterrent to other criminally-minded people.

    The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) during the March 9 Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State, Victor Fingesi, called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly intervene and bring the killings and arson in Ogoni land to an end, to ensure peace.

    He stated in Port Harcourt that he was disturbed by the sad information he received about Ogoni land, with innocent people killed and valuable properties also destroyed.

    Fingesi described Ogoni land as the once-beautiful agricultural field in Rivers State, but now turned into a killing field. He accused the Nyesom Wike administration of being helpless.

    He said: “I urge Governor Wike for once, to take security of lives and property in Rivers State, especially in Ogoni land, seriously by directing law enforcement agencies to take specific actions that will guarantee safety of the people.

    “It is not enough to launch a security outfit (Operation Sting) and spend money, without directing actions such as curfew where necessary, setting up panel of inquiry, meetings with the chiefs and people, and visit to the affected areas. These actions, when considered, will show that the Rivers State government is taking the matter lightly.

    “Only the convocation of a security summit in Rivers State will be the panacea to the current insecurity situation. The summit should comprise prominent Rivers people, leaders of cult groups and other groups that are involved in the breach of peace in the state.”

    The ADP’s standard bearer also sympathised with the victims of Ogoni invasion and their families, particularly MOSOP President, whose house in Khana was razed by the arsonists.

    Ogoni people, particularly the killers, arsonists and cultists must give peace a chance to pave way for the much-desired development.

  • Fairs: changing the frontiers for businesses

    Trade shows have become a marketing strategy in business, providing opportunities for business expansion. While it provides a platform for retailers to get new products into the market, it is also an avenue for prospective buyers to get value for the goods purchased at discounted rate, JANE CHIJIOKE writes.

    A lagos resident, Shade Adeola could not hide her detestation for the rising cost of food commodities in the country. The harsh economy has made her more frugal in her expenses. With a family of  six,  feeding the home  has been quite challenging.  But the recent Food and Beverage West African exhibition, which held in  Lagos, appeared to be an opportunity for  her to get the best deals on food items. She has priced some  food stuffs at the open  market, which her N60,000 budget could not  address. But at the exhibition, she bought more items than she could at the open market.

    Among the items bought were three bags of 10kg Semovita at N2,700  each as against N3,000 in the open market;  a 5kg Ofada rice bought at N4,800 against its  open market  price of between N5,000 and N6,000. She also  bought a food blender at N13,000, a difference of N2,000 and N3,000 at open market price, among others. She was also introduced to new products, which she bought to have a trial at home.

    “Coming here for me was to have good discounts on items. Attending fairs has helped me to safe cost.  Though not much difference in the prices when compared with  open market prices, but such discounts have value.  At times with the varieties of products been displayed, you might be tempted to buy even more than what you bargained for,” she said.

    Likewise, Victor Effiong and his wife, who both attended the just concluded Nigerian Baby Fair at Muri Onukola Park, Victoria Island.  They had shopped for baby items at discounted prices, but one thing they valued most was the master classes  on issues around  pregnancy,  child health,  risks involve in having untrained nannies at home and a host of other information offered by exhibitors.

    These are some of the strategies  business owners employ to lure shoppers to patronise their products or services at trade shows. They get to pitch their services or products to a large crowd.

    Exhibitions or trade shows have become key strategy in business promotion. Many business professionals have integrated them into their multi-channel communication strategy to widen their reach to new, old and prospective audience.

    Used to influence sales, fairs provide  unique networking platform for both local and foreign participants. They boost foreign investments, promote locally made goods and afford shoppers the opportunity to shop variety of products at one venue and as well as have a face-to-face  meeting with the manufacturers of such products.

    International trade shows started  in 1977 with the inauguration of Lagos International Trade Fair being organised by the Federal Trade Promotion Board before  the Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) took over in 1986. Since then, other states have  incorporated it to boost their commerce activities  beyond the country.

    It has also continued to attract more businesses to the fair. The  large  visitors that  attend the events can be said to be driving  businesses to break even and make more sales, hence the increasing number of exhibitors at trade fairs.  At the last Lagos trade  fair,  over 2,000 exhibitors, inclusive of the 200 foreign exhibitors that attended the fair. It had about 500,000 visitors.

    At the conclusion of the fair,  ex governor Akinwunmi Ambode  explained that  the variety of products displayed, showed that the country has a lot to offer to the global market, stating that the fair has built new networks, partnerships, investments, employment creation and increased  contribution to the nation Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    This year, the fair scheduled to hold from  November 1-10th, would play host to 3, 500  local and foreign exhibitors with 500,000 visitors being expected.

    Meanwhile, at 2018 Abuja International Trade Fair, about 1,500 exhibitors and 1million visitors participated.  According to Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Director-General, Tonia Shoyele,  the trade fair has recorded not less than 3,000 exhibitors and 20million visitors in the last 12 years. A continuous increase in participation by business owners is applicable to all other international trade fairs, organised by different states in the country.

    Unlike in the past where trade shows were more or less a function of  state governments, which periodically organise them,  it has gained momentum that hardly a month passes by without exhibition being conducted around the country.  Individuals, banks, hotels, more exhibition companies,  international and local private sectors, among others, now hold fairs, making it almost a frequent business activity in the country.

    It is believed that its value goes beyond the industry sector of the event as it plays a vital role in expanding the economic gains of the foreign participants and boost the visitor’s economy through local and international visitations to the fair. For instance, transportation, hotels, retail and restaurants are direct beneficiaries of trade fairs.

    To have more market access at trade exhibition fairs, most business owners  make quality preparation to ensure that they get the best return on investment. For instance, having more volume of products, creating more publicity of their presence at the fair, opting for space that seems conducive to display their products and having more workforce to attend to customers at the same time.

    Also, they treat shoppers to free tasting of products, practical sessions, discount prices, use canvassers to market products and music among others to endear their products to shoppers.

    Indeed, trade fairs create opportunities for business growth. Some of the exhibitors spoken to affirmed that fairs have  expanded thier market base.

    “There is always a good turnover for me at any fair I attend.  I do sell at least 60 per cent of my products at most fairs.  At  one  of the trade fairs I attended, I made sales of N450,000 because I had customers, who also bought in bulk from me to resell,” said Adesua Steven, a dealer in makeup accessories.

    She noted that though the open competition at fairs make it more challenging  to persuade shoppers to buy  product, “but still, if you can market well,  you will be happy you attended,” she added.

    An exhibitor at the just concluded Nigerian Baby Fair, Mrs Chika Nwuje, noted that the benefit of fairs have been tremendous on her business. Her submission is drawn from the several fairs she had participated in  the past.

    “The business exposure you get is awesome. The after effect of the exhibition is always positive. You get calls, people asking for your service. Some would even traveled down from far distances just to come to you and by extension, your market base gets expanded,” she explained.

    For Chioma, who introduced an already made stew in  sachet at the  Food and Beverage West African exhibition,  noted that  it was well received by consumers and she made much sales at the fair. She added  that  the reception she got encouraged her to continue in the business.

    Similarly, an international exhibitor at this year’s Food and Beverage West Africa, Serge Kponou, from Benin Republic, explained that doing business with Nigerians has been a long desire for him, owing to the fact that the 200 million population offer a viable business opportunity for him. Having established sales partnership with local distributors, he  expressed confidence that his participation at the fair has paved the way for him.

    For an exhibition to take place, at least five stakeholders would be present: the event organiser; the industry sector(s) which the exhibition represents; the host; the exhibitors and the visitors. These last two participants comprises of shoppers, distributors, retailers and prospective business men.

    “All stakeholders in the exhibition sector have vested interest. They evaluate the fair from different perspectives to ascertain the impact of the fair their business and this revolves around profit, sales, exhibitors and visitors’ satisfaction. I must say, most times it has always yielded a positive result, hence the more businesses participating in exhibition fairs,“ said Jide Martins, a trade fair exhibition organiser.

    According to the President of the LCCI, organisers of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair, Mr. Muda Yusuf, exhibitions or trade fairs are important drivers of the country’s economy.

    Speaking on the economic value of the Lagos Trade fair, Yusuf said:  “trade fair offers opportunities for businesses to showcase what they have to both domestic and international audience.  It has helped to project our locally made goods to the outside world as it accounts for percents of products been displayed at the fair.  It has also helped to attract foreign investors into the country and has also provided opportunities to develop joint ventures.

    He said trade fairs  or exhibitions creates an Avenue to build trust. He summited that such marketing channel is the best way to do partnership business as it inspires more confidence. “There is a big difference in seeing the person physically than relying on e-mails or any other social media platforms which is risky. Even with the digital age, face to face marketing still remains relevant.”he said.

    For some business owners, trade exhibition is quite an expensive invtestment for the short period which fairs last.

    On the part of the organisers, putting up an exhibition is capital intensive. The cost of venue, publicity, security, logistics, sourcing for sponsors and exhibitors are some of the areas requiring huge financial input.

    For instance, a Co-organiser of the Agege Mega fair, Mrs Bukola Adedeji, lamented that the N5 million invested in the two-day event could hardly sustain the hosting of the event.

    Buttressing her submission, Yusuf revealed that it cost over N200 million for the LCCI to stage the annual Lagos International Trade Fair, a 10-day exhibition. Also, providing adequate security with the unfavorable wellbeing of the economy are parts of the challenges the fair faces.

    Similarly, the project director, Nigerian Baby Fair, Tolulope Olorundero, disclosed that her firm invested over N20 million in the just concluded Nigeria baby fair held at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island.

  • Harvest of talents in Akwa Ibom

    Countless youths in the country are yet to maximise their God-given talents due to lack of conscious efforts on their part and that of relevant stakeholders to cultivate and harness them for personal and national growth and development.

    Sports are, arguably, one of the areas of human endeavours where raw talents are discovered and groomed. Again, it is believed that sports men and women earn higher than some people in several other much-admired professions and vocations.

    Besides fame and glamour associated and enjoyed by successful sports men and women, mention must also be made of the enormous health benefits which accrue from engagement in sports activities.

    It is with these in mind that the first edition of the Jacob Esuene Squash Club Tournament was initiated. It was organised in the oil city of Eket in Akwa Ibom State.

    The competition, which took place in the squash court at the Villa Marina Hotel  Eket witnessed two  squash players in two categories of under 10 and under 15 drawn from the Southsouth geo-political zone.

    The 10 clubs from the Southsouth which participated in the tournament included the: Canaan Club of Calabar, Port Harcourt Club, Uyo Club, Benin Club, Police Officers’ Club Mess, Yenogoa Sports Club, Nak Club Calabar, NNPC Squash Club of Warri and Government House Squash Club Asaba.

    In a chat with reporters during the event, the Director of the Squash Club, Jacob Esuene, an Engineer revealed that Squash as a sport has a great advantage to health.

    According to him, with squash, the issue of high blood pressure normalises naturally without any medication.

    Esuene said the Squash Club would help the young people to develop their talent and help them to be future champions in the game of squash.

    He said the tournament will not end only in Southsouth region, adding that with time, it will go national and international with the aim of unfolding the talents of citizens.

    He said: “I used to hear about how our players are so good in a national platform; I reasoned that it was almost dead.

    “Some of the older players stopped playing for five years because there was nothing to encourage them. So, my coach encouraged me and said let us have a private court of our own before I built this court,” he said.

    Also speaking, the General Manager of ExxonMobil Mr. Gus Yupis expressed optimism towards the level of the competition and the players, saying that there were so professional.

    He said: “I like the discipline of the kids. The talent, the enthusiast and the coaching were absolutely amazing.”

    The highpoint of the competition was the announcement of results and awards to winners in various categories.

    Winners in the under 10 category for girls were Godsfinger Alison (Eket), Kelechi Onyekaze (runner up) while Favour Daniel (Eket) emerged third position.

    Winners in the under 10 category for boys were Emmanuel Ogbemi from Edo State who won the first position, Bright David of Eket Club clinched the second position while Michael Ibanga also of Eket Club took third position.

    For girls under 15 years, Delight Temple won the first position, Osas Ogbemi from Edo State emerged second, Emediong Usoro of Eket and Victory Lucky tied in third position.

    Winners for under 15 boys were Anthony Monday (Delta), second position went to Harold Whyte from Bayelsa State while Treasure Temple (Eket) and Timothy Albert (Edo) tied for third position.

  • Still on the RUGA issue

    Sir: I appeal to all Nigerians to put aside all sectional interests and let us all work together for the overall interest of this great nation. We should put an end to the imbroglio being generated as a result of the federal government’s policy on cattle husbandry it called Rural Grazing Area, “RUGA”.

    I say “Yes” RUGA for the states, especially for northern states willing to embrace the policy. On the other hand, I say “No” to those states that abhor it.

    Since animal husbandry is not the exclusive preserve or right of any tribe or group of people, I would advise the federal government to rescind its decision that every state of the federation embrace and implement the policy; rather, it should be thrown open to anyone, group of people, community or state that wishes to rear cattle for commercial purposes to do so. In this case, there would be no more open grazing in states but ranches to be manned and managed by the indigenes of that state, local government, or community. Federal government may make agricultural loan available for such.

    It should also be clearly understood that whosoever established ranches for cattle husbandry should find means of providing staple foods for the animals, just like in all other cases of animal husbandry, e.g. piggery, fishery, poultry etc. and should not be at the expense of the poor innocent farmers’ painfully-nurtured farm produce.

    The owners of such projects are also at liberty to give them whatever local names they think appropriate.

    It is pertinent to point out here that the young boys who rear the cows on foot day and night, in the rain, sun and harmattan, for hundreds and thousands of kilometers across the country are not the owners of the cattle but rather they are labourers engaged for paltry compensation along the line.

    The real owners are in their ‘mansions’ in urban centres cooling down with their own families as they like. This, no doubt, is a form of slavery or culture of slavery.

    It is barbaric and wicked. This capitalist-oriented culture must abolished in Nigeria.

    The herculean task of humans and animals trekking from the northern part of Nigeria down south, the suspicion of the southerners that each trailer load of cattle from the north is always clandestinely loaded with guns for use by the herdsmen for killings and kidnapping in the south, would thereby be eliminated.

    I believe solution to the perennial forms of criminality in Nigeria, especially in the south, would be achieved through this.

    • D.K Dandy

    Surulere, Lagos.

  • Killer or Healer

  • As ministers take charge

    Sir: Now that President Muhammadu Buhari has assigned the ministers their portfolios, they must note that Nigerians are tired of the blame game of pointing accusing fingers to the past administrations.

    By the president’s estimation, the ministers are some of the very best hands out of the over 200 million Nigerians and must prove their worth to justify their appointments.  A ministerial appointment at this crucial time is not an opportunity for accumulation of wealth as Nigerians are expecting optimum performance. The ministers must always speak on issues of public interest that will promote development instead of issues of personal interest. As ministers, they should be ambassadors of development and not competitors with state governors.

    The ministers should settle down and work hard to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians. Again, they must hit the ground running, set a target for performance and concentrate rather than permutations for the next elections. Appointment of staff and assistants must be capable hands that can give feedback and not what they want to hear. Any minister who cannot deliver should resign to pave way for other Nigerians.

    Government is a continuum; the ministers must resist the temptation to abandon projects initiated by their predecessors for political interest. It is imperative for the ministers to cultivate a transparent and cordial working relationship with the permanent secretaries, directors and other staff of the ministries to promote effective governance. A study of the extant rules and the public service rules is key to understanding the workings of government. For the next level agenda to be achieved in the ministries and agencies, ministers must always consult with the directors and hold brainstorming sessions to enhance good governance. A situation where only the directors of finance, administration and procurement and a few others have access to the Minister is injurious to the progress of efficient governance.

    Permanent secretaries should not have policy agendas, because the civil service exists to serve the priorities of the government. As accounting officers of the ministries, the permanent secretaries must promote good governance. In setting agenda that will meet the target, the permanent secretaries must guide and set policies that will promote efficient public service. This is to ensure contingency planning to make the public service more resilient.

    As a government that flaunts rule of law as its mantra, proper procedures must be followed in the award of contracts. The ministers must declare their assets to ensure accountability and transparency in governance. In ministries with two ministers, there must be clear schedule of duties to avoid conflicts and overlapping of functions. Senior ministers should also know that ministers of states are colleagues and not spare tyres. Every ministry should concentrate on their area of jurisdiction and core competencies. Nigerians are expecting effective performance that will take the country to the next level.

    • Mike Yawe,

     Radio Nigeria Investment Limited, Lagos.