The Nation Newspaper

Tag: shape

  • Ekiti 2018: How Ado agenda ‘ll shape governorship race

    Ekiti 2018: How Ado agenda ‘ll shape governorship race

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has endorsed his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola from Ikere-Ekiti, as his successor. But, some interest groups in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, are weighing options to realise their dream of producing the governor. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    On October 4, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, rolled out the timetable for the  Ekiti State governorship election. According to the electoral umpire, the people of the Fountain of Knowledge will go to the polls on July 14, next year to elect a new governor.

    Since the pronouncement, the two main political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other minor parties have been trying to either consolidate their hold on the state. Unfortunately, this came at a time the PDP is deeply embroiled in a crisis due to the adoption of the deputy governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola, as the “sole candidate.” This adoption, which had drawn the ire of other contestants, was done by a section of the party loyal to Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    It will be tantamount to self-delusion for Fayose to claim that all is well with the PDP  when heavyweights like former Minister of Works and party’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial district, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada, Chief Dare Bejide; are expressing deep resentment and opposition to the action, branding it as a serious constitutional infraction that must be condemned by lovers of democracy.

    A Fayose’s protégé and immediate past Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi spoke against the action and had since kept mute over the matter.

    Former Deputy Governor Sikiru Lawal, has not spoken openly over the contentious issue, but taking the situation with equanimity could be akin to that wise-saying ‘silence is golden.’

    There seems to be a cold-war between Ado Ekiti indigenes and Governor Fayose over the way he unilaterally imposed the deputy governor without wider consultations.

    A member of the Ado Progressives Union (APU), frowned at how the governor jettisoned what he called an ‘Ado Agenda,’ which was a secret pact between Fayose and some indigenes before 2014. This has caused serious anxiety.

    A source said Ado Ekiti should produce the governor, 21 years after the state creation. Before Olusola suddenly came to the  power game, former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso, an indigene of Ado- Ekiti, was already tagged the ‘governor-in-waiting.’ Oso, who musters no political relevance at home, has been the one running the state on governor’s behalf, attending to issues that were considered sensitive.

    The governor was said to have changed the gear because of zoning agitations by the South Senatorial District. It was widely rumoured that it was the governor who impressed it on Oso to resign in 2016 as a Commissioner. The main reason behind this was to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from denting his image, so that he can approach the election with unblemished records. By all indications, the aggrieved Ado Ekiti people seem neither persuaded nor placated by the governor’s intention to cede the deputy governorship slot to the capital city.

    The permutation now is that the town may swing its support towards a contestant of Ado Ekiti origin with immense acceptability when he defects to other fairly popular party and contest the election.

    Prominent indigenes of the town like  Dr. Lawal and Special Adviser on Political  Matters to the President, Mr. Babafemi Ojudu, had plunged into the race.

    The aggrieved APU members, including influential chiefs, whose voices can not be disparaged, are awaiting how the APC primary will unfold before taking their destiny into their hands.

    Findings also revealed that proponents of this plan B option may persuade Dr. Lawal,  to defect to another platform to realize his ambition. The fact that he is a Muslim and the Baba Adini of Ekiti land further buoyed his chances and relevance.

    Lawal has always comported himself as a team player and loyal party man, taking cognisance of his smooth and hitch-free relationship with his former boss, Segun Oni during their stint in the Ekiti Governor House. But, due to his Spartan and principled nature, Lawal may be difficult to sway into this defection project.

    Ojudu had earlier won election to represent Ekiti Central in the Senate in 2011, but in spite of the record, some insiders in APU preferred Lawal because of his humility,  temperament and robust network with the civil service, being a former Local Government Sole Administrator and retired Director, who narrowly missed his elevation to the position of Permanent Secretary before he finally bowed out of the service. But, the only snag has been his prudent lifestyle, he doesn’t spend recklessly like traditional politicians. In spite of this, the odd favours him for the Ado Ekiti Plan B Project.

    Since last week, members of the party from all the 16 local governments have been besieged the Government House in Ado Ekiti to conduct the primaries to elect the chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the December 23 local government polls.

    Some members said the step taken by the governor was a flagrant usurpation of the statutory duties of the PDP State Working Committee. The primaries were supposed to be conducted in the 16 local government headquarters for the chairmanship and the 177 wards for the councillorship slots.

    Most demeaning and disturbing to party stakeholders was how the members were stranded, making them to sleep on the grasses, platforms and under the bridge in the state capital when they could not make the journey back to their towns at night.

    Fayose had justified his action. The governor, in his reply to the barrage of attacks against him, said: “We want a transparent process to select our candidates and we don’t want to have serious issues as fallout of the exercise. If a person loses and sees that there was a level playing field, his complaints and grievances would be minimal.

    “To ensure fairness in accreditation of those to vote, you have to come with your party membership card and voter card. Apart from that, party executive in each ward as well as aspirants are at the gate to identify voters before they come in. Any situation those people cannot identify a voter as being a member of their wards, such a person is not allowed in.”

    But, Adeyeye and Bejide have seen the action as more of the governor playing god and muzzling the party’s constitution, saying his defence was weak and flimsy.

    A statement by Director of Media and Publicity of Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM) chided the governor for allegedly dehumanising the party members by making them to travel several kilometers to hold  primaries that were supposed to hold in their localities in the Government House.

    “In the first instance, Governor Fayose created his own constitution by fixing the maximum age for Chairmanship candidates at 50 years while maximum age for councillorship candidate at 30 years against the provisions of Nigerian Constitution. There is nowhere in the constitution that stipulates maximum age for any elective position.”

    Bejide said the governor may end up destroying the party before 2018, if party fail to act fast.

    Bejide said: “Most worrisome was that this came barely one month Governor Fayose illegally assembled some party stakeholders and came up with the devilish adoption of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Olusola as the sole candidate for 2018 governorship election.

    “For PDP to win the poll, Senator Makarfi and his team must resolve all contentious issues surrounding the governorship and local government primaries, besides the PDP may end up becoming history in Ekiti.”

    The fear being entertained by some party members is how the governor will wriggle out of these myriad of crises. They feared that it might be dangerous for the party to underrate what Ado people can do because of the high concentration of voters in the council.

    Fayose has proved that he has electoral value, but it would be disastrous for him to underrate the voters in the next battle that will decide whether he will be politically relevant or will go into obscurity after office. The people are patiently waiting on how the governor will play his game without being hurt or scathed in 2018.

  • Shape of things to come

    Shape of things to come

    The real estate sector has severally been touted as one with huge potential to contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). But with the economy in recession, stakeholders are of divergent views on what prospects the sector holds this year? MUYIWA LUCAS reports.

    Kayode Oyedele, an estate Mmanager, was shocked after going through the content of a correspondence he received from tenants in some estates he manages in Lagos and Abuja. After a meeting with representatives of the tenants last November, it was clear that a hard decision had to be taken.

    The tenants unanimously laid down their cards in clear terms before Oyedele: “Reduce your rent or we vacate your estate,” they said emphatically.

    Faced with this stark reality, Oyedele had no choice but to convince the property owners to take a 30 per cent cut in rent if they desired to still have the buildings occupied. He is concerned that the trend last year, which saw rents frozen while some tenants asked for reduction, needs to be carefully handled this year to curb a recurrence. Besides, he is sad that the situation, which led to many tenants defaulting in rent payments last year, may continue this year. Many houses remain vacant for very long time, especially in high rental areas of Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki, as well as Abuja.

    This is why opinions are strongly divided on the outlook of this year in the real estate sector. While some built environment specialists do not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, others are cautiously optimistic about the prospects the sector holds in the current fiscal year.

    However, the major thing going for the sector is the fact that the need for real estate across strata remains extremely strong; hence, opportunities will, continue to exist. Although the challenging times may pose difficulties for operators, yet they present opportunities for innovations which will ultimately benefit the sector.

    The Head, Property Management, SFS Capital Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, Mr. Bolarinwa Odeyingbo, said the expectations for the property market this year will be dwarfed by the same problem of investors’ confidence experienced in the sector last year. “The biggest challenges in 2016 were investors’ confidence – local and international. It does not look like there will be increased confidence in 2017. If that remains, we will most likely witness an economy that will remain stagnated as in 2016 and may possibly perform worse,” Odeyingbo warned.

    He regretted that the property market recently suffered an unprecedented glut as thousands of properties across the country remain unsold, abandoned and uncompleted. The problems, he said, could be traced to the era of cumulative bad governance, endemic corruption, disruption in the oil industry, and the absence of any revolutionary economic blueprint. This is why mass homelessness is now a common feature in all metropolitan areas, and infrastructure problems continue to escalate.

    “This year  may even pose a worse outlook in that regard.  Although, it is believed that since a large chunk of allocation has been given to the Power, Works and Housing and Urban Development sector in the budget, this quantum of money, in real terms, amounts to little when you factor in inflation and devaluation of the naira. I foresee a situation where a lot of the dollar denominated commercial rents for the new ‘A’ Class developments will be further reduced by as much as 30 to 40 per cent as tenants with ability to pay for such will further shrink,” he said.

    Stakeholders in the industry, however, warned that efforts must be made to ensure that the real estate market does not crash further on the heels of the theory that Real Estate in the country is an industry built on price fixing and fraud.

    Likely hot properties

    Odeyingbo is optimistic that the retail sector will most likely drive the sector, including the mass medium income category on the Mainland part of Lagos State. He observed that areas such as Yaba and its environs, Surulere, Maryland, Magodo Phase 2 (Shangisha/ Ketu Ikosi axis), Gbagada, and some other central areas on the Lagos mainland, will experience a boost. In Abuja, Phase 3, comprising Galadimawa, Kabusa, Lokogoma down to Apo resettlement will experience a boost. Another segment with a glimmer of hope is the development of the malls, though may be at reduced rate and possibly undertaken in phases.

    Greater investment opportunities

    The rise in Nigeria’s middle class has been over-hyped in recent years; but it is still a genuine phenomenon that is generating huge commercial and political opportunities. It has been estimated that the Nigerian middle class has tripled in size over the past 14 years – and the boom is gathering speed. This is one reason why the country is one of the biggest economies in Africa, accounting for about half of sub-Saharan Africa’s population and GDP.

    These factors will ensure that Nigeria remains a strong haven for housing investment. A researcher on housing provision and the economy, Mr. Mayowa Sodipo, cautioned that there was a study that concluded that earlier estimates of the middle class were much exaggerated. He, however, said  there is still dramatic growth in the bracket from about 4.6 million households in 2000 to almost 15 million households today if the middle class and lower-middle-class categories are both included.  He, therefore, said, it was assumed that over the next 15 years, the growth will continue to gain momentum, and a further 25 million households will become middle class and lower-middle-class households.

    Also Nigeria is by far the biggest source of the new middle class in Africa, with a forecast that by 2030, there will be 12 million middle-class households in Nigeria alone. Sodipo said it was given that the medium income Real Estate investment would fare better.

    Prospect of rent-to-own scheme

    Stakeholders are optimistic that the Rent-To-Own schemes will do well this year, considering that the scheme has come to bridge the gap between the lack of supply and the demand for affordable housing.

    For instance, Natanel Folrens, whose forte is in the rent-to-own scheme, has started identifying existing properties or landowners willing to pledge their property title deeds to a trust created and managed by UBA Trustees Limited and Union Trustees Limited. The company has already launched the scheme in several estates in Lagos and expected to step up its game this year as it enters the second phase of the scheme. The rent-to-own did fairly well toward the Second half of last year, even as the Lagos State government stepped up its involvement in the scheme, as we saw a lot of subscribers, and it is likely to do better this year.

    Cost of building material

    The high cost of building materials in real estate construction for large/multiple buildings is one of the 15 major factors responsible for project delays and cost escalation in Nigeria as noted by a study of the Nigerian Construction Industry.

    The survey revealed price fluctuation of building materials as the most severe cause of project cost escalation, which is attributed to the limitation in exchange rate which in turn affects construction material prices and general price level. This is not likely to change this year, especially if the local currency continues to freely fall against other international currencies.

     Between Abuja and Lagos markets

    In order to fully harness the opportunities prevalent in these markets, it is better to classify them into segments. Odeyingbo explained that if focusing on the residential segment in the two cities, there is a need for classification, using price and location as parameters. This has given rise to different market categories: Upper Market (N100m above); Middle–Upper Market (N50m-100m); Middle Market (N20m-50m); Low–Middle Market (N5m-20m) and Low Market (N5m below).

    Majority of the upper market and middle market–upper, in Lagos falls within the island axis. Nevertheless, the mainland axis also possesses some strong contenders that easily price well in the upper and middle – upper markets. In Abuja, majority of the upper market and middle markets are Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi and a few other areas – while other areas such as Lugbe, Phase 3, Lokogoma, Galadimawa, Kabusa and Apo areas can be tagged within the middle upper market.

    Odeyingbo explained that in Lagos, a property bought for N35 million on the Island will earn N2.2 million averagely on rent, translating to about 6.8 per cent yield annually, while a property bought in Phase 3, Abuja for N10 million can earn N800,000 on rent, which is about eight per cent its annual yield.

    He, therefore, said from these illustrations, the Abuja market guaranteed better earnings on property annually, and also gives better appreciative value.

    But one common denominator among stakeholders is that the present glut will remain, especially in places such as the Lagos Island (Ikoyi, V.I and Lekki axis) and Abuja; even after the recession begins to clear out.

  • Your mood, shape and looks

    THIN or skinny models?  Yes, that has always been the image that comes to mind when you talk about looking good, fashion or models for the runway. Interestingly, this appears to be changing and we have a number of body positive people who are strutting the runway with unbelievable curves.

    Interestingly, some of the designers at the 2016 African Fashion Week Nigeria event would be making use of some of this plus size but curvy models One of such fashion brands is JP Couture which focuses on and tries to bring out the best no matter your size or shape in. “I am about showing the curvy plus size ladies. The collection is called Otiti and it’s over the top. I feel most curvy ladies are worried and they tend to go into their shells. We have created a number of wonderful things that would make them trendy and comfortable. Now, you are going to stand up and be proud of who you are. As we have said, we are going to slay.” She adds that “I think looking good is more than the content or the colours. It’s about different moods and life in its entirety. Let’s feel free to explore the fashion scene.”

    For the brand ambassadors of Peter and Paul brand, it is not just about the shape and size that need to be addressed. “Our idea is to replace the corporate clothing with Africa designs and has a true African identity. You can dress African to formal events; gone are the days when looking corporate was when you wore clothes that were imported. We already have the Bank of Industry wearing our clothes instead of suits. We need to showcase our stuff to the whole world and Africa in particular.”

    Apart from finding something exciting for every body type, it is important to make sure that your total outlook is taken care of. For Bimbo, one of the hairstylists for the 2016 African Fashion Week, “we are working on the total endowments of our models. Our job is to make sure that your collection goes in the right way; from the hair, make-up, clothes and shoes. It is important to make sure that the lights, effects and everything you are working with complement one another. Our emphasis therefore is about style and drama.”

    Sola Oyebade, the show’s creative director, goes on to talk about the reality TV show tagged Nigeria’s Top Designer. “This year, we will be having the finals during the African Fashion Week on July 3rd and there will be 21 designers participating. We will also have awards for four outstanding persons and Swarovski will be here to take us through the skills and variety of options available.”

  • Ambode’s ‘Lagos for all’ taking shape

    Ambode’s ‘Lagos for all’ taking shape

    For several hours penultimate Tuesday, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stood before the residents of the state to give account of his administration’s stewardship in the past 90 days.  WALE AJETUNMOBI reports

    The ever-busy King’s Catholic Mission Street on the Lagos Island was beehive last Tuesday. The road literally became a terminus for all shades of vehicles that ferried people from various parts of Lagos to witness a historic moment taking place at the popular magnificent City Hall which is conspicuously located at the heart of the Island.

    It was the second quarterly Town Hall Meeting of Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode during which the Lagos helmsman explained to the residents, activities of his government in the past three months.

    By 10:00 a.m., all guests, including federal lawmakers in the state, led by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries, had been seated and waiting for the arrival of the governor. Some 35 minutes after, the governor’s motorcade arrived at the curvy foyer of the hall, signalling the official commencement of the event.

    Ambode said his first quarter in office was deployed to building an institutional framework as foundation on which his agenda to build a safe and prosperous Lagos would be placed.

    The governor hinted that his administration’s policy thrust rested on the tripod of security, infrastructural development and job creation.

     

    ‘Lagos crime rate reducing’

    A thunderous applause greeted Ambode’s revelation that crime rate in Lagos had reduced by 65 per cent under his watch. This, the governor said, was the result of his government’s move to improve surveillance and invest in the security of the state. He said reduction in the crime rate followed provision of modern security gadgets to the police and other security agencies through the state’s Security Trust Funds.

    A safer Lagos, Ambode said, will attract more local and foreign investments to the state, which will, in turn, create job opportunities for the residents and generate more tax for the government which will be used to improve on infrastructure.

    The governor said crime thrives because criminals usually hide in dark spots to launch their heinous acts. In response to this challenge, Ambode said he initiated the Light-up Lagos Project to install streetlights on highways and major roads across the state. The project, he said, is being undertaken by the state Advisory Committee on Power chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, with the objective to fulfil the government’s promise to light up every nook and cranny of Lagos.

    As the state is lit up, Ambode said he expected further reduction in crime rate, observing that the project would make it difficult for criminals to hide in the highway to carry out nefarious activities.

     

    Creation of jobs

     In fulfilment of his pledge to engage jobless youths in productive employment, Ambode, in the last quarter, signed the Employment Trust Fund Bill into law. The law seeks to help the government address unemployment and create jobs for the youth.

    The law will also empower the government to engage willing youths in entrepreneurial development and wealth creation, with the aim to help them acquire skills that will make them self-reliant in the absence of paid employment. He said members of Board of Trustees have already been appointed by the government, awaiting the approval of the House of Assembly.

    Ambode said: “We have already set aside N6.5 billion in the 2016 Budget to help the government achieve this goal. We have advertised positions in LASTMA and we intend to employ 1,300 individuals within this quarter.”

     

    Improving condition of Lagos roads

    The governor said his administration realised the importance of good roads in boosting commercial activities, which was why, he said, the government invested heavily on road rehabilitation and provision of new ones.

    In the last quarter, Ambode said rehabilitation of major and strategic roads took a chunk of the state’s expenditure, adding that more isolated communities had benefitted from the government’s road project.

    He said: “We have embarked on massive re-construction and rehabilitation of major roads and inner roads across the metropolis. I am delighted to inform you that over 300 major roads have been rehabilitated; 66 major roads are in various stages of completion, while 80 inner roads will soon be completed in all our local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs).”

    He listed some of the roads to be rehabilitated to include Alfa Nla Road in Agege, CIPM Road in Alausa, Ijegun—Ikotun Road, First and Second Avenues in FESTAC Town, Thompson Road in Ikoyi and Oguntoye Road on Lagos Island, among others.

    In addition, the governor said construction of two roads each in all LGAs was launched last week. He said 114 roads would be delivered in six months through the intervention at the cost of N17.5 billion.

    Ambode added that work had already begun on the construction of flyovers in two of the state’s high-traffic zones – Ajah Roundabout in Lagos Central Senatorial Zone and Abule-Egba Junction in the West Senatorial Zone. On completion, he said rate of commuters’ accident would reduce sharply, while traffic would not be disrupted by pedestrians.

     

    Transportation

     The government’s supply of 434 vehicles to boost the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) operation in Ikorodu axis has drastically reduced rush for space and brought convenience to commuters.

    The governor said his administration would make connectivity and mobility of Lagos residents comfortable.

    By December, residents of Okokomaiko and Satellite Town will have cause to smile when the Blue Light Rail project that connects the area to Lagos Island is completed. The project was started by his predecessors, but Ambode promised that his administration would deliver it in the next 11 months, noting that construction work had already commenced on the project. On completion, the Light Rail project is expected to ease vehicular traffic in Mile 2, Alaba, Orile and other highly populated settlements in the axis.

     

    Education for all

    The governor did not mince words while explaining his administration’s effort to maintain quality education in the state. He said his government has taken drastic steps to improve the standards by embarking on rehabilitation of existing schools and construction of modern classrooms. The investment, Ambode said, is to the tune of N2.5 billion and it is being jointly funded with the Federal Government through Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) scheme.

    The state-owned tertiary institutions are not left out in the government’s education programmes, Ambode said. He noted that the amended Lagos State University Bill, which he recently signed into law, would address issues that usually lead to crisis in the school.

     

    Health care reforms

    In the last quarter of last year, his government had put a stop to the controversial casualisation of doctors working in the state-owned hospitals and health centres.

    Ambode promised to complete rehabilitation work in Ayinke House, the state maternity hospital, noting that it would be ready by the next quarter.

    He added: “We have also extended the Accident Insurance Policy for the state’s entire workforce that will cover accidents recorded outside working hours. The rehabilitation and re-equipping of Ayinke House–our baby factory on the Mainland-will be completed in the next quarter.”

     

    Residents’ comments

    Some residents who attended the Town Hall Meeting had the opportunity to directly engage the governor and his team on pertinent issues in their communities. Ambode, who was clad in blue babanriga, sat on the podium, fielding questions from the participants.

    Mr Charles Olaoni of Justice for All, a non-governmental organisation, asked how the governor would address the rising number of street urchins known as Area Boys and proliferation of shanties on Lagos Island.

    Ambode said: “Beyond the fact that we need to clean up our streets, we also plan to engage the Area Boys in drainage cleaning and other vocations. With time, this problem will be a thing of the past.”

    Mrs Victoria Eze of Igbo Coalition Group asked to know Ambode’s view on indigeneship.

    Ambode said: “We have pledged that we will pursue all-inclusive governance and take every resident as partner. We are for inclusion, no matter what your gender or tribe is.”

    A physically-challenged, who gave her names as Mrs Kudirat, asked the governor about his programmes for residents who are physically-challenged.

    Ambode said: “Lagos is the first to create an office to address the needs of the physically-challenged people. Beyond this, we are scaling up our attention to their plight. We have already declared that all physically-challenged people will board the BRT buses free.”

    Caleb Awolola, a resident of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, asked how the government would improve on public health and make potable water available in Ijora-Badia axis.

    Responding on Ambode’s behalf, Dr Adebule said:  “This administration knows the importance of water to the well-being of residents. Provision of potable water will reduce illness and improve the health of our people. We have noted the challenge people of Ijora Badia are facing to get water. We will extend water supply to the area and also provide health care centres in the neighbourhood.”

    Jimoh Olawale, a Sari-Iganmu resident, urged the governor to build schools in Apapa Iganmu LCDA, noting that construction of roads had consumed two of the three secondary schools in the area.

    Responding, the Deputy Governor said: “Sari Iganmu is one of the areas being considered for construction of modern schools, which the government will embark on this year. We understand that the road construction has left huge impact on the populace, but we assure that we will bring back schools to the area.”

    Will Ambode carry Computer Village traders along in the move to relocate the market? Onuaha Okeze of Igbo Coalition Group asked.

    Dr Adebule said: “Relocation of Computer Village is an ongoing project of the government. A site in Aboru area has been designated as Computer Village and we believe it is a place all the traders will like. We are not going to move the traders without consulting them. They will all be informed of the government’s move.”

    Senator Tinubu drew the governor’s attention to the poor state of pedestrian bridges on the Mainland and asked how individuals could partner with the government on the Light-up Lagos project.

    Responding, Ambode directed the Commissioner for Works to deploy the ministry staff to carry out assessment on the pedestrian bridges on the Mainland. The governor added that people willing to partner with the government on Light-up Lagos project should go the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources handling the project.

    On the problem of gang wars raised by Alhaji Surajudeen Abeja from Eti-Osa Local Government, Ambode said his administration was taking measures to address the problem of street gangs and secret cultism ravaging some Lagos communities.

    Mrs Hannah Adewole, a member of Farmers’ Forum, caused a stir when she informed the governor of cronyism in the process of distributing incentives reserved for low-income farmers in the state.

    Ambode said his government would not condone unfair treatment of farmers, noting that improved agricultural production remained a priority of his government. The governor directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to directly deal with farmers who showed interest in getting the state’s incentives.

    Minutes after the meeting, King’s Catholic Mission Street returned to its usual status, with the heavy presence of security agents thinning out. But in a long while, the area will remember that Ambode was here.

  • ‘Youths must shape their future’

    ‘Youths must shape their future’

    Emmanuel Ogar, a 500-Level Electronics and Computer Technology student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), is the co-ordinator of the Youth Alliance for Northern Cross River Dreams (YANCRID). He tells SAM IBOK (400-Level Curriculum and Teaching) the group’s objectives.

    What is the Youths Alliance for Northern Cross River Dreams about?

    The objectives of the group include creating platforms for discussion of issues affecting youths; preparing them for the political, economic and social movements to actualise the ideals of the people of northern Cross River State. We also want to nurture the youths and re-orientate them on the evils of discrimination, exploitation and injustice in the society.

    What are the challenges you think are facing the youths?

    A typical youth is faced by a myriad of challenges, including lack of economic opportunity. This is due to marginalisation and exclusion of youths from the affairs of the society. I will not say poverty is challenge because it is of individual mindset. And youths face these challenges not because of lack of education, since there are many graduates on the streets without jobs. An average Nigerian youth is not given equal opportunities like his counterpart in saner climes. I think unemployment is the last straw that broke the camel’s bone.

    What are the solutions to the challenges?

    First, the youths must foster unity among themselves, irrespective of ethnicity, political leaning or religious belief. Also, they must join forces and elect one of their own as the leader in any organisation or society they find themselves. They must also acquire skills that will empower them to be self-reliant. If all these can be done, the youths would have been truly empowered.

    Do you believe that youths do not have role to play in shaping their tomorrow?

    Yes, youths have the responsibility to shape their own future but the elders have not given them the chance to do that. It has been said that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. I have been hearing this since I was a toddler. This is an age-long deceitful dictum used by the elite to hypnotise the youths and render them hopeless. I have not seen youths leading in any capacity. To be future leaders, the youths must take their destinies in their hands.

    What is your motivation?

    The passion is to serve. The zeal to achieve freedom for the youths and liberate their minds.

    What are your achievements since you assumed leadership of the group?

    Our activities are beginning to be appreciated and they are engendering a new level of thinking, new attitude and behaviour. In the last local government election in Cross River State, we held a sensitisation campaign aimed at educating the youths on their responsibility in the election. We are enlightening the youths against child prostitution, child labour and other social vices such as cultism and drug abuse. With this, the mind is renewed for a new level of thinking and mental emancipation.

    What is your advice to the youths?

    We should return to our Creator and seek the knowledge of our being. By so doing, we shall realise that we are meant to be the head and not the tail. We are meant to be responsible citizens and not to be used by politicians as thugs and ballot-box snatchers. The youth should equip themselves with entrepreneurship skills to make them deliver a good future to the coming generation.

  • SHAPE Africa 2014: Abuja Global Shapers get hosting rights

    The Abuja Global Shapers’ hub has been selected to host the ‘SHAPE Africa 2014’ at the World Economic Forum Africa Regional meeting in May. The approval followed the proposal by Abuja Global Shapers and their preparedness to host the event.

    The Curator of the World Economic Forum – Abuja Global Shapers, Joycee Awojoodu, said: “We are glad we got the approval. Across the continent, the plethora of issues we are faced with are evident and worrisome. The concerns of today will undoubtedly translate to tomorrow’s cataclysm, if we don’t proffer bold solutions to rectify the dilemmas.

    “The youth demographic is expanding, thus providing an opportunity to utilise our energy and creativity to pave the way for the next set of African children to live in an Africa that we dream about.”

    Confirming the hosting right approval given to the hub by the Global Shaper Community, the Associate Director of the Global Community, Melih Nurluel, said: “Your proposal to host a SHAPE event was reviewed by the members of the Global Shapers Team, Shapers in the GSC Foundation Board and representatives of hubs that hosted SHAPE events before.

    “We thank you for your strong proposal and we trust that the Abuja Hub will put together a great event, which will bring together Shapers in the region and add significant value to the Community.”

    The World Economic Forum’s Director, Global Shapers Community, Yemi Babington-Ashaye congratulated the hub.

  • Issues that will shape Anambra poll

    Issues that will shape Anambra poll

    Correspondent ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU examines the issues that will shape the Anambra State governorship poll.

    Anambra State will elect a new governor tomorrow.

    There are 25 political parties in the race, but only five are serious. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Governor Peter Obi is interested in handing over to a succeessor. But the four parties and their candidates are mounting a road block.

    Apart from the APGA, other parties in the race are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the Progressives Peoples Party (PPA). The candidates are Chief Willie Obiano (APGA), Dr. Chris Ngige (APC), Dr. Chris Ubah (LP), Comrade Tony Nwoye (PDP) and Mr. Godwin Ezeemo (PPA).

    Religious politics

    The PDP candidate , Nwoye , has been adopted by the Anglican Church. The Bishop of Awka Diocesse, Dr Alex Ibezim, allegedly ordered that the congregation should endorse him tomorrow.

    The directive has polarised the church. Many said that Ezeemo, an Anglican, has lost out, owing to the endorsement by the church. But the supporters of Ngige , Obiano and Ubah are unperturbed.

    Observers contends that the Anglican Church is not as partisas as the Catholic Church. They are of the view that, if the Catholic Church had endorsed a candidate, the congregation would have complied. But Anglicans are known for their republican nature and their priests do not command the kind of followership that looks up to the Catholic priests for direction.

    The situation would be a plus for any candidate who reaches out to other denominations and traditionalists for their votes. Obiano, Ngige and Ubah are Roman Catholic members.

    A source said that the Roma Catholic Church will announce their candidate tonight. Whoever the Bishop says is the candidate is may win, it is believed, because the church has the numerical strength and the faithful are submissive. Ubah has been courting the church in anticipation of this favour. He and ezeemo have been supporting church projects.

    Governor Peter Obi is close to the church authorities and may swing the pendulum to his candidate, Obiano. But Obi is not the candidate. Ngige, a knight of the Catholic church, can also be a beneficiary of a bloc support from the church.

    Incumbency factor

    The APGA is the ruling party and ordinarily, Obiano would have anticiapted a walk over, if the formidable rivals are not around. Obi is mounting a lot of propaganda, using the incumbency factor. But, Ngige’s foot soldiers not giving him a breathing space across the local governments.

    Ngige knows Obi is his headache and not Obiano. Had Obi not given his backing to Obiano, Ngige would have had an easy ride. So, he is doing everything he could to outsmart Obi to get the crown.

    It is debatable, whether the APC candidae needs the support of the governor of Imo state , Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Many have said that some Anambrans, especially those in the APGA, are not happy with the governor.

    Ezeemo and Ngige are bitter rivals. The PPA candidate had to defect from the APC when the ticket landed on Ngige’s palm. There are few APC sympathisers in the PPA working against Ngige, but their impact is not significant.

    Ubah has followers, who are interested in money and other material gains in this election period. He has a deep pocket, but a weak platform.

    Federal Government’s support:

    If the rumour making the rounds is anything to go by, then, the invasion of hundreds of policemen and other security agents is suspicious. Some people have said that they are in town to scare the public and rig the poll for the PDP. But rigging may be impossible as the candidates have vowed to police their votes. If the police and all other security agents do their work, then, a free and fair election would throw up the winner.

    Experience

    Ngige is a former governor. He is also a senator. For 33 months , he riled the state. He has said that he wanted to return to the State House to complete his unfinished business. Ngige is a crowd puller. He has a large followership. They are fanatically loyal to his cause. Ngige read Medicine, practiced for more than three decades and retired from the Federal Civil Service. .

    Obiano is counting on his experience as a banker and first Igbo auditor of Texaco. He campaigning, based on the achievements Obi. He hopes to exploit the power of incumbency. But the incumbency power can collapse on the poll day. Obiano retired as a Chartered Accountant/Auditor. He is a banker of repute.

    Nwoye is the former President of the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS). He is the former Chairman of the PDP in Anambra state. He has grassroots followership. He also has the backing of Prince Arthur Eze, the oil magnate. Some people said that Nwoye read medicine , but he has not practiced the profession.

    Ubah is a businessman. He is rich. But he is said to be in a business crisis. He has a honourary doctorate degree from a reputable university. But his critics say that his highest certificate is NECO.

    Ezeemo resigned as a civil servant before going into private business. He has a conglomerate of business in Nigeria and abroad. He has about 10 industries in Anmabra State. He read Marketing and he has acquired other professional qualifications.

    Women

    Obi’s wife, Margaret, is mobilising the women for Obiano. Ezeemo’s wife, Nneka, is also not relenting. She had visited almost 177 communities, urging the women to supportb her husband.

    Mrs. Obi has visited the 14 councils across the three senatorial districts. She is fluent. At Awka North Council, she appealed passionately to the women to support Obiano, assuring that he will defend their cause. She described Obiano and his running mate, Dr Nkem Okeke, as the best men for the job.

    Mrs. Obi has also initiated Obiano’s wife, into politics. She has led an independent campaign to some zones, along with the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Sibeudu, Hon. Uche Ekwunife , the APGA Woman Leader, Mrs Nwokedi, and another federal legislator from Awka North and South Constituency, Mr Emeke Nwowgbo.

    Mrs Obi said that Obiano shared the same vision with the governor, adding that he and his running mate will continue the transformation agenda of her husband.

    Mrs. Obi has also enjoined the women to vote for APGA, in appreciation of the his husband’s people-oriented programmes targeted at the women.

    She said that APGA will remain a partner in progress with the women groups.

    The first lady advised the women to discourage their children from thuggery. She chrged them to report any breach of the peace during the election to the security agents.

    She urged the women to vote for the candidates of their choice without fear.

    The legislator from Anaocha/Njikoka and Dunukofia Constituency, Ekwunife, appealed to the women to vote for APGA so that they can continue to benefit from the dividends of democracy.

    Her Awka North and Awka South counterpart, Emeke Nwogbo, assured that, with the support and love shown to the people of the area, they will vote for APGA.

    Today, the governor’s wife will be rounding off his campaign tour of the remaining 17 local governments.

    Anambra Intellectual Forum

    Anambra Atate Intellectuals Forum, comprising university, polytechnic and college, has shown interest in the poll. The body also organised a debate for the running mates.

    The Head of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka , Dr Ifeoma Dunu, said the event was a way of giving solidarity to one of them, Dr Okeke. The lecturer prayed for a free and fair poll, wher the best candidate will emerge.

    Dunu described the forum as an advisory commmitte willing to render help to the politicians.

    Dr Harry Obi Nwosu is the chairman of the forum. He lauded the civility exhibited at the campaigns.

    Prof Osita Nwosu from Abia State University and the Director, Chike Okoli Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Edmund Eboh, said that Obiano and Okeke have intimidating profile. He urged the state to give them the mandate to rule.

    Okeke told the forum that he entered politics to add value to governance. He said that his integrity, and not money, will make people to vote for the APGA team.

    Okeke prayed God to grant him victory at the polls. He said: “If you are sincere, you would work for your people . Do what is right and you have better future for our children. Good governance is the end of all these activities and you need some form of experience and credibility to be able to navigate these”.

    Obiano assured the forum members that he will not let them down.

    Obiano traced his life and work history, contending that he could not afford to disappoint Anambra people, having not disappointed himself as a chartered accountant since 1989.

    He promised to build a good future for the state thorough interventions in agriculture and industrialosation targeted at creating employment and fighting poverty.

    Idemili

    Idemmili is the base of Ngige. When Obiano visited the area, some community leaders still embraced him.

    At Ogidi, a community leader, Chief Samuel Anyanwutaku, endorsed Obiano. The supporters of Ngige were not perturbed because the people who endorsed Obiano have no political clout.

    Addressing the people, Anyanwutaku said the community endorsed APGA and its candidate , following the appraisal of the developmental programmes of Obi Administration.

    He said: “I am not a politician, neither am I a contractor. I am a big time businessman and all I do is for the interests of my people in Ogidi and Anambra at large. We have come here to brainstorm on the need to support the APGA and Chief Willie Obiano as the next governor because of what the party had done for us and the only way we can show appreciation to what Governor Obi has done for us is to vote Chief Willie Obiano, who has promised to consolidate on the achievements of Obi.

    “Since the creation of Anambra State in 1991, no administrator or governor has ever appointed Ogidi citizens as commissioners or special advisers. Today, an Ogidi indigene, Chief Obiakor, is the Commissioner for Health under Peter Obi and Bob Manuel Udokwu is today a Special Adviser”

    Anyanwutaku said that Obiano will use his managerial acumen, which he exhibited as the Chief Executive of Fidelity Bank, to take Anambra State to a greater height.

    Obi was accompanied by APGA leaders, including the National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh.

    The National Chairman thanked the Ogidi Community for coming out in large numbers to receive them and assured them of better days, if they vote for APGA.

    Some members of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ekwusigo Council defected to the APGA. The decampees declared for the party at a rally in Ozubulu.

    Speaking on behalf of the decampees, a former Vice Chairman of Labour Party in Ekwusigo, Mr. Ikenna Nwiki ,said they joined APGA because of its consistency, honesty and commitment towards promoting the Igbo agenda.

    Also speaking, a former PDP Youth Leader in the area, Mr. Godfrey Adimmachukwu, said they were tired of the instability in their former party and wanted to be part of the success story of the Obi Administration.

     

  • CAF CL: Rangers in top shape ahead S/Principe tie

    CAF CL: Rangers in top shape ahead S/Principe tie

    Enugu Rangers football club have said they are in top shape, and prepared for the CAF Champions League fixture against Sporting Príncipe on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

    The Nigerian side will host their counterpart from Sao Tome and Principle inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu.

    Coach Okey Emordi will only face the problem of choice, as all the players are fit for the game except for Ejike Uzoenyi who just returned with the Super Eagles from South Africa, where they won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Emordi will puzzle in defense whether to start Uche Oguchi or Haliru Umar in the right back, Chinedu Justice or Nnamdi Anyasodo in the left back, with Cyril Oriaku and Ousmane Sane option for the central defense.

    “The players have been in good shape. They have been in camp for some time,” media officer Foster Chime told futaa.com.

    “We defeated national U20 side (Flying Eagles) in a friendly, so I can tell you the team is fully prepared for the game come Sunday.”

    Rangers FC board has promised to reward the players handsomely if they beat

    their counterpart from Sao Tome and Principle.

    Sporting Príncipe was due in Nigeria last night.

  • The shape of the new Parliament

    The inauguration was not just for President John Mahama. The 5th Parliament of the Fourth Republic was dissolved midnight on January 6 and members of the 6th Parliament were sworn in yesterday by the Speaker, Mr. Edward Doe Adjaho, who was elected earlier in the day.

    Adjaho is Speaker of the 6th Parliament of the fourth republic. He was sworn in by Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.

    He was proposed by the Majority Leader, Dr Benjamin Kumbuor and seconded by the Minority Leader, Osei Kyie Mensah-Bonsu. He was thereafter unanimously accepted by his colleagues.

    Until yesterday, he was the first Deputy Speaker in the 5th Parliament.

    He urged his colleagues to renew their sense of patriotism, nationalism and devotion in the discharge of their responsibilities so as to deepen parliamentary democracy.

    “We should strive to uphold the sanctity of parliament,” he said.

    The Member of Parliament representing Cape Coast North, Mr. Ebo Barton-Odro, was elected First Deputy Speaker. The Esikadu/Ketan lawmaker, Joe Ghartey, was elected Second Deputy Speaker.

    One hundred and forty-eight lawmakers from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) were inaugurated and 122 of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) were also sworn in. The parliament has 275 seats. One lawmaker from the People’s National Convention (PNC) was sworn in and four independent parliamentarians were also inaugurated.

    About 177 members of the dissolved Parliament returned and no fewer than 97 of the 6th Parliament are new members.

    The 5th Parliament had 230 members, comprising 116 seats for the NDC, 106 seats for the NPP, two seats for the PNC, one seat for the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and three independent seats.

    Nineteen members of the dissolved House were women – with 13 of them from the NPP, five from the NDC and one from the CPP.

    Six of the members died in the course of the 5th Parliament, with the recent being the lawmaker representing Buem, Henry Ford Kamel, who died on Christmas Day.

    A by-election is expected to be organised within the next 60 days to elect a replacement for the Buem Constituency.

     

  • Federal roads in Benue in bad shape, says Suswam

    Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has said federal roads in the state are among the worst in the country.

    The governor spoke at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, when he hosted Information Minister Labaran Maku and his team on the Good Governance Tour.

    The Federal Government team is on a three-day assessment tour of government projects in the state.

    Suswam said there is no federal project in Benue.

    According to him, the only government projects in the state are those established by the state government.

    The governor noted that some people see governance from negative perspectives.

    He urged the minister to change the people’s cynicism about governance.

    Maku explained that the Good Governance Tour is to let Nigerians feel the impact of governance in the past 13 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    He said: “Democracy is about the Constitution, about good governance and people’s participation. The military is not trained to rule, and since we are coming from a prolonged military rule, people are sceptical about democracy. Bbut this tour will change their thinking for the better.”

    The minister explained that because politician quarrel with one another, some people think no development is taking place. The tour is designed to showcase development through the execution of projects.”

    Maku said the three days would enable Nigerians to know the progress Benue has made in the three ties of government.

    The minister and his team are expected to visit the three senatorial zones and hold a town hall meeting with stakeholders.

    The team will tomorrow round off the tour.

    There was fuel scarcity and blackout by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Makurdi and its environs.

     

    Almost all the filling stations in the state capital were not selling petrol to motorists.

    Black marketers cashed in on the situation to do brisk business.

    A litre of the product, which sells for N97 per litre, was being sold for N200, where it was available.

    The state has been without power supply in the last three weeks.