A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Benfica won the Portuguese Cup on Sunday, beating Vitoria Guimaraes 2-1 in the final to clinch a domestic double after they had earlier retained the league title.
Benfica
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez put the Lisbon giants ahead early in the second half at the national stadium at Jamor, near the Portuguese capital, following in to score after a Jonas shot had been saved.
Eduardo Salvio then headed in a Nelson Semedo cross to make it 2-0, before the South African Bongani Zungu headed in a late consolation for Guimaraes, who finished fourth in the league.
It is the 26th time that Benfica have won the Cup, more than any other club, and the first time they have won the double since 2014.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has initiated the implementation of the recent Executive Order issued by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the airports in the country.
Mr Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, FAAN, made this known in a statement signed by the agency's General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, in Lagos on Sunday.
Dunoma said that machinery had been put in place to ensure a successful implementation of the executive order which he would supervise himself.
According to him, the importance of the executive order cannot be overemphasised, especially because it will strengthen the nation's fight against terrorism and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy that impedes business activities at the airports.
He said it would also improve safety, security and passenger facilitation within and around the airports.
Dunoma urged passengers, airport users and the general public to cooperate with FAAN officials carrying out their responsibilities.
Newsmen report that Osinbajo had recently issued the executive order which is aimed to " ease doing business in Nigeria"
The order states among others that :" There shall be no touting whatsoever by official or unofficial persons at any port in Nigeria.
" On duty staff shall be properly identified by uniform and official cards. Off duty staff shall stay away from the ports except with the express approval of the agency head.
" The FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Security shall enforce this order."
It further directed that all non-official staff should be removed from the secured areas of airports.
"No official of FAAN, Immigration, security agency or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) or any other agency is to meet any non-designated dignitary at any secure areas of the airport.
"The official approved list of dignitaries that have been pre-approved to be received by protocol officers shall be made available to AVSEC and other relevant agencies ahead of their arrival at the airport," it said.
Also, according to the executive order, any official caught soliciting or receiving bribes from passengers or other port users shall be subject to immediate removal from post and disciplinary as well as criminal proceedings in line with extant laws and regulations.
After three editions, a Nigerian writer, Jowhor Ile, has emerged the winner of the 2016 edition of Etisalat Prize for Literature.
• The winner, Jowhor Ileh reacts to the announcement(INSET) The winning book
Ile's first published novel, And After Many Days, was announced the winner at a prize presentation ceremony, which took place almost two months behind schedule. With this feat, Ile becomes the first Nigerian writer to win the prize, adjudged as the most prestigious literature prize for first-time fiction writers of African origin established in 2013.
And after Many Days was picked by the panel of judges, over Jacqui L'Ange's (South Africa) "The Seed Thief" and and another Nigerian Juliet Iromuanya's "Mr and Mrs Doctor".
Jowhor Ile's book was published in Nigeria by Kachifo Limited.
The young Ileh went home with £15,000 prize money and an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen among several other rewards.
Another Nigerian, Julie Iromuanya, author of the book, Mr & Mrs Doctor, and a South African,Jacqui L'Ange, author of The Seed Thief, emerged as the runners-up for the prize.
Ile's announcement followed the unanimous selection of his book by the judging panel for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature chaired by multiple award-winning novelist and poet, Helon Habila.
Habila, while congratulating the winner and the runners-up, disclosed that the prize-winning book met the required standards of originality, creative excellence and African sensibility, in keeping with the objective of the Etisalat Prize, which is to promote literary excellence in Africa.
According to the Chair of Judges, Helon Habila, the three writers were selected from a long list after fulfilling some criteria. According to Habila " in addition to originality of voice and literary excellence, our purpose was to also select a work that portrays an African sensibility".
Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, congratulated the winner and the runners-up, and restated the company's commitment to continuously offer Nigerians and other Africans the best platforms to express their passion and creativity.
"From the outset, our vision at Etisalat has been to support innovation, creativity and talent development. This is why we have stayed focused on creating platforms that enable people, not only to communicate and stay in touch with one another, but also to express their individual creative abilities in all forms of science and arts", he said.
Born in 1980 and bred in the city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Ile took to writing early and has had his short stories published in McSweeney's Quarterly and Litro Magazine.His 256-page novel, And After Many Days, set in Port Harcourt in the oil-rich Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, tells the story of a family whose 17-year old son and sibling, Paul Utu, goes missing during the rainy season of 1995. Burdened with the sudden loss, the family gets torn apart, as their search for answers uncovers several family secrets.
In addition to the prize money, other rewards for Ile include an Etisalat-sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia where he will be mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland'. He and the two runners-up will participate in a multi-city book tour of three African countries also sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria. Furthermore, Etisalat will purchase 1,000 copies of their books for distribution to schools, libraries and book clubs across Africa.
Past winners of the Etisalat Prize for Literature include Democratic Republic of Congo's Fiston Mwanza Mujila, for his novel, Tram 83; South African writer, Songeziwe Mahlangu for his novel,Penumbra and Zimbabwean writer NoViolet Bulawayo for her novel, We Need New Names.
Igbo Community in Lagos State on Sunday celebrated Lagos at 50 to show solidarity with the Lagos State Government.
Newsmen report that the event, organised by the some Igbo leaders, was held at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinard Anikwe, said the Igbo had contributed immensely toward the development of the state.
Anikwe said: "Igbo men have reduced unemployment in Lagos by employing so many people through their businesses.
"They have provided means of education and socialisation for the people of Lagos and we have made Lagos our place of abode. Igbo should celebrate Lagos at 50.
"We are ready to further work and cooperate with the government as we move Lagos State forward."
According to him, Igbo should be given necessary support by the state government.
The special guest of honour at the event, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, promised that the state would continue to provide opportunities for all, irrespective of ethnic, social, economic or religious identities.
Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, said that the state would remain committed to its pledge to make Lagos work for all.
"We will not discriminate against any ethnic group in the provision of amenities that will make life easier and comfortable for all our people.
"The relationship between the Igbo community and the people of Lagos State dates back in time.
"It has been a relationship built on mutual understanding and respect," he said.
In his speech at the event, the Chief Host, Mr Jude Idimogu, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, described Lagos as a centre of excellence and home to all.
Idimogu, who is representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 at the Assembly, likened Lagos to Johannesburg in South Africa and Cairo in Egypt.
"Lagos is a mini-Nigeria and the economic hub of West Africa known for socioeconomic and political greatness.
"The level of kindness, friendship, and reception of those who are not indigenous to the state is matchlessly supreme. Lagos is a land of great opportunities.
"I and my Igbo brothers and sisters here today have been accepted in Lagos and we have been doing our businesses with so much ease.
"We are celebrating not just because Lagos is 50; we are celebrating good roads, fly over bridges, good transport system, maximum security, street lights, to mention, but a few.
"Lagos provides best opportunities for Ndigbo to do their legitimate businesses. The Igbo have been making best use of these opportunities," he said.
The lawmaker said that the Ndigbos should celebrate Lagos because they have contributed immensely to the development of the state.
He, however, commended those who piloted the state its enviable height; from military administrators to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
The guest lecturer at the event, Mr Frederick Nzeako, said that Igbos had contributed greatly to politics and governance, economy, trade and commerce, education and human resources development of Lagos.
Nzeako, a legal practitioner, development economist and administrator, said that Ndigbos also contributed to property and real estate development, public service, religion, culture and social development of Lagos, among others.
Newsmen report that the Igbo Community gave awards to eminent personality such as Sen. Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, and Mr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.
The event which featured several cultural dances, had in attendance many Eze Ndigbos, and other Igbo leaders.
…As Acting President, Tinubu, Amosun, Ajimobi, Okorocha, Fayose, Former Lagos Govs, Others Grace Lagos@50 Gala Night
Nigeria's Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday night said the quest to evolve a greater and more prosperous Nigeria lies in the prosperity of Lagos State, describing the State as the foremost migrant community in Nigeria aggregating talents from everywhere and the undisputable commercial capital accounting for over 70 per cent of business in the country. R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the Lagos @ 50 Gala Night at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Saturday, May 27, 2017.
Osinbajo spoke at the Lagos@50 Anniversary Gala Nite held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, which was well attended by top dignitaries including Governors of Ogun, Oyo, Gombe, Ekiti, Imo, Edo; first civilian Governor of Lagos, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Military Governors of Lagos State – Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (Rtd.); Brigadier General Olagunsoye Oyinlola(Rtd.); Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.); Rear-Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Rtd.); CEO of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, Chief Olabode George, Jimi Agbaje, among others.
The Acting President alluded to a recent statistic released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the effect that Lagos accounts for 912 out of 914 individual businessmen who pay self-assessed tax of over N10million, saying that the strategic contribution of the State to the country's economy could not be overemphasised.
While recalling his time as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Osinbajo eulogized the leadership virtues of the then Governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said took cognizance of the diversity of the State while forming his cabinet in 1999.
He said: "I did not and I had never met Bola Tinubu before I was appointed Commissioner and that says a lot about the kind of individual that he is. This is the kind of thinking that makes nations great; that is the kind of thinking that would make Nigeria great.
"A type of thinking that considers all of our diverse talents; a kind of thinking that does not allow parochialism; a kind of thinking that does not allow us to say anywhere belongs to only a set of people. That is when our country would be truly great."
Osinbajo said although he was sympathetic to the course of those craving for a Lagos for only its indigene, but it was now evident that the momentum of history could no longer hold down the elemental force of the State.
"This Lagos is going to be a leader; it would be a leader in expressing the world's view that the black man is capable of governing not just himself but in leading the world," Osinbajo said.
Besides, the Acting President commended Governor Ambode for his giant strides in the State, saying that the new vistas being opened in the State by the Governor were capable of making Nigeria great.
"And every day that we see the giant strides that Akinwunmi Ambode is making here in Lagos; everyday that we watch television and see the new vistas that he is opening up, it is evident of the fact that surely in this Lagos State lies the seed of the great Nigeria of our dreams," Osinbajo said.
Earlier, Governor Ambode in his address, said his administration was fully committed to take on the huge responsibility to make the next 50 years even more productive and memorable, worthy of bigger celebrations by the next generation.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow Lagosians, the vision for the future is clear. We foresee a smart city much more in line with the other great cities of the world, where clean and decent living, seamless and efficient transportation as well as sustainable environmental practices are the norm rather than the exception," he said.
Describing the celebration as historic, Governor Ambode saluted the contributions of the founding fathers of the as well as the 13 former Governors of the State, saying that their selfless service has placed the State on a pedestal of greatness.
Governor Ambode alluded to a paragraph of the inaugural speech of the first governor of the State, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, on the undoubted talents and rich cultural heritage of the Lagos people, saying it was apparent of where the Lagos success story took flight.
"That entitlement and devotion to use our God-given talents and heritage to develop Lagos is the main reason for our success story. Fifty years after, we look back with gratitude to all our founding fathers and mothers; both living and past heroes and we all say a big thank you to all of you. God bless you always," he said.
Governor Ambode while noting that he was humbled to be at the helm of affairs at a historic threshold for the State, thanked General Yakubu Gowon, the then Head of State, who signed the decree that established Lagos State as part of the Twelve States created from the regions and Lagos Colony.
"It is with the greatest pride that I stand here before you on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our dear State. I was only 4 years old when the State was created and little did I know that I would be standing, fifty years later, as Governor of God's greatest gift to Nigeria and Africa.
"Some years back, I wrote a newspaper article exalting the qualities of our State and its rich history on its 47th anniversary without knowing what laid ahead. It is therefore with the greatest sense of gratitude that I thank God for making it possible for me to partake significantly in this historic celebration of Lagos at 50," he said.
‘I go to shops, request for money, if they refuse, I slap them and collect money by force’
The above statement was allegedly made by an alleged Nigerian boy who lives among a group named ‘Area Boys’ in Lagos. We have no job but we control some areas with shops in Lagos, he said.
This was made known to Vanguard via BBC in Lagos. The Area Boys in a chat with Bbc.com said, they can kill anybody anyhow and collect money by force. One of them named ‘Cross and Die’ explained his name to mean, anyone who crosses his part knowingly or otherwise most surely be killed by him, he dramatically and boastfully said.
Former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris has denied an online media publications, speculation and rumours making round that he has endorsed some individuals to run at the next governor of Kogi State.Governor Ibrahim Idris
Idris in a statement he personally signed stated categorically that his position was to maintain unity among Kogites and instead of fanning the embers of discord through endorsement and counter endorsement, he is father of all irrespective of party differences in both APC/PDP or any other as he is not God.
He also urged the general public to disregard the group or persons dragging his name into the political water of Kogi state, urging them to cooperate with the present administration of Yahaya Bello so as to attain dividends of democracy.
Alhaji Idris stressed the need to come together and develop the state as the next election is still faraway.
He urged all and sundry to remain resolute in quest to take Kogi and Nigeria in general to greater heights, saying prayers is imperative for Kogi now
The Moshood Salvador faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos on Sunday commended the Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration for his achievements in infrastructure development in the last two years.
The Publicity Secretary, Mr Taofik Gani, gave the commendation in an interview with the Newsmen in Lagos.
He said that no one could shut his eyes to the achievements of the governor in the area of road construction and rehabilitation in the last two years, as Lagosians were better for it.
Gani also scored the governor high in area of traffic management, saying sanity was returning to some flashpoints through the deployment of some solutions.
He said the deployment of Close Circuit TV cameras in strategic areas and the provision of other security infrastructure by the administration to check crime were also commendable.
The Publicity Secretary, however, said the PDP would have achieved more than Ambode within the same period if its governorship aspirant in the 2015 elections, Mr Jimi Agbaje, had been elected.
"Based on the assessment of the PDP of the administration of Gov. Ambode in the last two years, we will say he has performed above average in the area road construction and traffic management.
"Politics apart, Ambode has probably built more roads more his predecessors within the same period.
"Look at Abule Egba, he did a yeoman's job there. He also did well with the roads in Aboru linking Abesan and all of that.
"Even, our leader, Chief Olabode George, acknowledged that he did wonderfully well in the construction of roads in Epe Area.
"And we give him kudos for effective traffic management, especially for freeing up areas like Third Mainland Bridge to Iyana -Oworo which used to be a traffic nightmare.
"And the provision of CCTV cameras in some areas and the provision of security equipment to police is another area we will commend him.
"Even as we commend him for rejuvenating governance in the last two years, we want to state unequivocally that our candidate in the 2015 election, Mr Jimi Agbaje, would have achieved more within the same period if he had been elected.
"This is because Agbaje is a technocrat who knows his onions and is passionate about the masses and that the PDP has better programmes tailored to address the needs of Lagosians," he said.
Gani said the PDP was commending Ambode based on his achievements to demonstrate that opposition politics should not turn a blind eye to the performance of government in power.
He, however, urged Ambode not to be carried away by the commendation, especially from the opposition, but that it should spur him to do well in the areas that needed attention
Gani advised Ambode to give education its place of pride in his government by providing infrastructure to improve quality.
He also advised the governor to improve allocation to bursaries and scholarships to boost access to education especially by indigent students.
The Publicity Secretary noted that housing was a big challenge in the state and urged the governor to use the second half of his administration to provide affordable housing for residents.
Gani also urged the governor to do all he could to tackle the challenges Lagosians were having with transportation.
He also called for improved social welfare in the state and advocated access of the state's resources to the poor.
Gani said the interaction of the governor and the public had not been impressive, and advised the him to create a platform for a robust interface between his government and the masses.
"Also, whatever the government is doing must have a human face. The demolitions in some areas without compensation is not good enough.
"The government must ensure that everything that it is doing for development must not be done to cause sufferings for some people," he said.
Gani advocated financial autonomy for local governments in the state, saying that would enhance governance at the grassroots.
"Also, Ambode will be writing his name in gold if he ensures that the forthcoming council elections are free and fair.
"He should ensure that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission is not manipulated to conduct a disputable election," he said.
SENATOR Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said variety of hotels and relaxation spots has made Delta State the tourism destination of choice.
According to the Governor, the state has hotels that are of international standards, and also, boast of an international airport that will have one of the longest runways in the country.
He emphasised that the greatest asset of the state in terms of encouraging business activities is peace, asserting that the state is peaceful and friendly to business, especially, tourism.
The Governor spoke at the weekend while commissioning the Leisure Castle, which has given a boost to hospitality business in Asaba, the state capital.
"We have enough facilities in Asaba to make the place the destination of choice for tourists and as a government, we are committed to providing a peaceful environment to grow tourism; we are developing the airport and from July, we are going to have one of the longest runway with An Instrument Landing System that will make the airport, one of the best in the country," the Governor said.
He observed that Asaba is one of the fastest growing state capitals in the country, it is serene and "it is good to have this type of development taking place in Asaba because, it will give tourists a variety of choice."
The Governor who advocated for competent management of such facilities for quick returns on investment and sustainability, thanked the private sector for contributing to the development of Delta State, especially, Asaba, assuring that his administration would continue to provide the enabling environment for investments to thrive.
He congratulated the owners of Leisure Castle for the facilities in the hotel.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Uche Okpuno thanked Governor Okowa's administration for providing the enabling environment for investments to thrive in the state while the Chairman of Leisure Castle, Chief Frank Chukkas stated that his desire to contribute to the hospitality industry was spurred by the good investment environment in the state.
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – A one time Minister of Health, Prof. Alphonsius Nwosu has said that he will not go out on 30th May, a day set aside by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to honour Ndigbo that were murdered during the Nigeria/Biafran civil war.
But Prof. Nwosu explained that staying at home on that date was not because of the directives from the IPOB but because he has established it as a tradition even when he was a serving minister during the former President Olusegun Obasanjo government not to go out from 26th May to 1st June but to use the dates to commit the souls of hundreds of South Easterners that were killed during the war.
He also said that the style and ideology of the Biafran Republic declared by late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was different from the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB, adding that the later had made the struggle which was about liberation, equity and fairness to look like Igbo agitation.
On the sit-at-home-order, Prof. ABC Nwosu who spoke exclusively to Vanguard said, “Nnamdi Kanu is entitled as a Nigerian citizen, as an Igbo person to call for whatever he desires and those who want to obey him will obey him.
“The difference was that in 1966 Ojukwu was appointed and given authority as the military governor of East and he had that authority and he even subjected himself to our deciding on that authority. So, I look at it from that angle.
“For me, it is not 30th May that is my problem, 29th May even when I was in government at the federal level, I always observed with a lot of prayer to my God. I never went out, it was a day of meditation because 29th May 1966 was a terrible year for Ndigbo.
“That was the day that pogrom began. Before July 29, there was May 29 and those who don’t know what happened on May 29 are excused from whatever they do but I carry the burden of that history that I knew that that was the day people started killing Igbos and the Igbos started running and realised that they were no longer safe.
“So for me that day even if my personal self feels like going out for a drink, I stay inside home holding my rosary and praying to God to cleanse our national soul from that evil that happened that 29th May.
“So you can see that I have a totally different attitude that has nothing to do with Nnamdi Kanu because I don’t even know when he was born. He wouldn’t even know what I am talking about.
“He probably lost no one he can remember being brought home that day. It is like remembering the anniversary of your father who died in an unfortunate circumstances, it is different from what he is doing. So that is how I look at it.”
On whether he would encourage members of his household to obey the stay at home order, Nwosu who was a commissioned officer in the Biafran army said, “I am one person created by God. I have told you what I will do.
“I will stay at home May 26, May 27, May 28, May 29, May 30 and up to June 1st, why? Because it was from May 26 and 27 that the meetings were held, the mobilisation done on the 27th, the people burst to the centres where the killings will take place were done and 29th the actual killings took place and were not stopped until about June 1st when the leaders went to the governor of Northern Region then and sued for peace.
“I was in my final year at the university when this was happening and I pray there is no matter of non forgiveness, forgiveness is not the thing, it is cleansing, blood is not water.
“So for me as a human being seeking to carry back my soul to the creator, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 1st for me means a period of purification, a period of cleansing.”
Former Lagos State Governor, Sen. Bola Tinubu on Sunday urged Nigerians not to take the nation's democracy for granted, but keep and nurture it for the progress and growth of the country.
Tinubu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart, made the call in his message on this year's Democracy Day and 2nd year of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, and by doing so, ensure a better future and better Nigeria for all.
"Democracy Day and our commemoration of it must be more than an empty ritual. It must add up to more than another reason to have another holiday.
"We, as a people, choose democracy as our preferred form of governance not because it would be easy to achieve or to hold even once we have it.
"We choose democracy because history has taught us that the welfare of the people is best and perhaps only secured by government responsive and accountable to the people. This can only be democracy.
"Many Nigerians have fought and sacrificed to enshrine democracy as our way of governance. We mark this day in honour of these people, many of whom laboured in obscurity and without proper thanks, to achieve this precious thing for the nation.
"We mark this day to keep in remembrance that we must not take this good form of government for granted. We must keep and nurture it, not for democracy's sake, but for our own sake.
"We must remember that should we fall asleep, there are those who would like nothing better than to take our democracy from us," he said.
Tinubu congratulated President Buhari on his second anniversary in office and urged him to continue to protect and improve the country's democracy.
"I congratulate Nigerians on this day. I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and urge him and his administration to continue to do all it can to protect and improve our democratic way of life.
"I wish all Nigerians a happy Democracy Day," Tinubu said.
The Asset Management Company of Nigeria's (AMCON) belated rescue operation of Arik Air and Aero contractors will have very little effect on the survival prognosis of the two airlines. It is a known fact that getting an airline out of insolvency is the hardest feat in financial algorithm.
The cost of getting either Arik or Aero out of their present lifeless state, will be higher than floating a fresh airline. And, AMCON has two choices: (1) to sell the carriers at their present peanut- market values, or (2) inject, at least, N10b into each company to stimulate operational growth. Arik needs the funds to offset most of its external debts; and prevent multiple domestic creditors' encumbrances of its assets, including most of the aircraft. On the other hand, Aero will require more than five serviceable airplanes to bounce back to business, sustain its brand, and or, attain a feeble breakeven -point— at best, gain nominal profitability.
Feeble breakeven
In reality, it doesn't make any sense for the Asset Management Company that is currently undergoing stern financial restructuring to source and pump funds into entities that will, naturally, not stop bleeding profusely. It is uncertain at this point what AMCON intends to do, although there are rumours that foreign and local investors are bidding to buy each of the carriers. There is no magic to it: once the asset valuation of each airline is computed, it will clearly show the immense rot of its skeleton.
Arik Air's indebtedness to AMCON and other service providers exceeds N300b; ten times its current market value. Therefore, any attempt to inject more funds into the airline without clearing its liabilities will end up in futility. Such a wishful thinking will instantly sink the investor(s). There is no single- savvy -businessman today that will take such a colossal risk— but of course— our federal government can render social services to clean Arik's ledger. This is a far-fetched tale. The only solution at this stage is to sell the carrier at its current market valuation of less than $100m, if there is a prospective buyer.
On the other hand, Aero's debts are in excess of N26b, and with just 1.5 serviceable aircraft in its inventory. Direct liquidation of the company seems more rational than a further rescue attempt through infusion of extra funds. But if the Ibrus are financially healthy enough to cough out reasonable liquid cash to buy -back the carrier, AMCON should be encouraged to renegotiate the terms with them. The asset management company must desist from acquiring airline debts, or it will surely crash like its debtors.
I have a huge sympathy for Sir Ararumi Johnson, the owner of Arik Air. He invested over N20b of his personal liquid assets to start the airline, with very little knowledge of the danger he would meet in the cause of managing the most complicated and, equally, the most unprofitable business in the world.
When I saw, two years ago, at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, the sorrowful state of an Arik Air Airbus 340 aircraft, which had been cannibalized and left to rot under the vagaries of the hot sun, and the relentless dust, I immediately realized that the Airline was in a chronic coma. How could such a young $225m airplane be converted to spare parts for its sister ship? In my investigation, I was told that the airline bought two A340-200series, operated them for a few months, only for the management of Arik Air to denounce their usefulness and, tagged them fuel guzzlers. The two A340s were grounded, and the management opted to lease two A330 variants, at a lease rate of $1m per aircraft per month. This decision to acquire and ground the two aircraft, instead of selling or leasing them out, must have cost Arik Air, at least, $450m. As at the time of writing this piece, one of them is still left as carcass in the same location.
Selling Arik to the Federal Government
Sometime last year, in one of the dailies, I made a suggestion to the Chairman of Arik Air to sell the airline to the Federal government, recoup his initial investment, and run fast from the scene of any commercial aviation. Unfortunately, he didn't take it kindly with me. He was very wrong; he knows better now.
Airline business is virtually unprofitable; it is susceptible to any spike in oil prices; associated cost of maintenance, arbitrary charges, and draconian government policies. An airline makes profits for others, but itself. Aircraft manufacturers; Fuel companies; Federal Airports Authority, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, catering companies, employees, Federal Inland Revenue, and other ancillary businesses gain enormously from the few struggling airlines in this country.
In 2015, Ethiopian airlines' revenues were $2.1b, while net profit was a mere $154m(just about 7% of turnover). Last year, American airlines, the world's largest airline by fleet size (930 airplanes) grossed about $10b, but profit after tax was only $289m.
Inherent venom in airline operation
The analysis above relates to airlines in countries with favourable cost of funds, and less draconian government policies. Ethiopian's debt portfolio of $32 billion dollars attracts just 4% interest rate. American airlines' interest rates are even much lower.
It is, therefore, absolutely impossible for any airline in Nigeria that borrows from a Nigerian bank at 30% interest rate, to smell survival or sustain operations for more than 8 years—the average life span of most of the airlines here.
Aero contractors is the oldest existing private commercial aviation company in the country, but it won't be long for its eulogy to be read, with various obituary messages.
Again, it is unnecessary to recall Aero was mismanaged by its former owners, the Ibru family, after the exit of the Canadian Helicopter company (CHC ), its major investor.
The same sorry story goes for Arik: The management underestimated the precarious nature of commercial air transportation. It is senseless for anyone to deride or admonish it, and the pure ignorance exhibited by its management. Other extinct operators, similarly, burnt their fingers before realizing the inherent venom in airline operation.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has commended Gov. Abiola Ajimobi for his commitment to good governance and repositioning of the state in spite of daunting challenges.
The APC in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Mr Olawale Sadare, said the Ajimobi administration in six years had ensured the restoration, transformation and repositioning of the state.
It stated that the sterling performance of the governor, which facilitated his re-election for a second term, was still fresh in its memory.
"From 2011 to 2014, the state witnessed restoration of peace and security, massive facelift of social infrastructure as well as improved welfare package for workers and the citizenry as a whole.
"The nation's economy, which took a downward turn under the Jonathan administration, took its toll on Oyo State.
" But Ajimobi weathered the storm by bringing to bear his wealth of experience, doggedness and patriotic zeal.
"Feelers from events commemorating Ajimobi's sixth year in office have been heart-warming, re-assuring and worthy of celebration,'' it said.
The APC said that the governor would in 2019 be leaving a legacy of service and good governance, adding that whoever succeeds him had a standard to match.
It called on the people to give total support and cooperation to the administration to enable it consolidate on its giant strides.
" The achievements of the Ajimobi-led administration is evident in the projects being inaugurated as part of activities marking the sixth year anniversary of the administration.
"Among such projects is the construction of six (mega) model secondary schools across the geo-political zones and construction of massive road projects in Ibadan and other big cities.
"Another project is the inauguration of the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, housing and other projects as well as the facilitation of multi-billion-dollar foreign investment to the state,'' he said.
The APC also stated that the two years so far spent under President Muhammadu Buhari administration were defining moments of hope and national rebirth.
The party urged the people of the state to continue to pray for the administration as well as imbibe a higher sense of patriotism.
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, says this year's Democracy Day is a time for sober reflection, reviewing performances and creating frameworks and action plans to make up for any shortcomings.
Tinubu said this in a message entitled 'Half-year Review' to mark Democracy Day, commemorated every May 29, and to review her performance in the last two years as a Senator.
She noted that this year's Democracy Day commemoration marked the mid-term of the present democratic dispensation and administration.
Tinubu commended Nigerians for being resilient, as the previous year had been economically difficult, assuring that better days are here
"I congratulate the Nigerian government and citizens on the celebration of the inception of the Nigerian Democracy.
"The 2017 budget of Economic Recovery and Growth which was recently passed is positioned to consolidate the benefits of the 2016 Budget of Change and set us on the right path to a robust economy.
"This day, 18 years ago, Nigeria made a conscious choice to be free, to uphold the rights of the common man and to ensure involvement and participation of its citizenry in governance.
"It has not been an easy journey and has often, failed to meet the expectations of the average Nigerian.
"However, there is no doubt that this administration is on the right track, and given the right tools and effective application, this democracy will yield the Nigeria of our dreams," she said.
According to her, the All Progressives Congress-led administration at both state and national levels are committed to putting in place solid structures that would ensure that Nigerians enjoy full dividends of democracy.
"As the Senator representing Lagos Central, it is time to review my performance in the last two years to ensure it is up to date in addressing problems/needs of my constituents and Nigeria as a whole.
"Governance is a marathon, and for best results, is predicated on continuity and consistency. Thus, my commitment over the last six years has not waned.
"The well-being, effective representation, and promotion of better opportunities for the people of Lagos Central will continue to motivate my actions.
"Once again, I felicitate with all the good people of Lagos Central, Lagos State, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and wish you all the merits of democracy, " she said.
The police in Osun on Sunday said unknown assailants strangled to death an elderly couple in Gbongan area of the state.
The spokeswoman of the police in the state, Mrs Folashade Odoro, said in a statement on Sunday that their bodies was found at about 11 am at their residence in Gbongan.
Odoro said the son of the couple, Caleb Akanbi, reported the death of his parents to the police after he found them strangled.
"When police got to the scene of the incident, Mr Reuben Akanbi, 70, and Mrs Victoria Akanbi, 68, who lived in an isolated house were found dead with violence marks on them.
"The crime is suspected to have been carried out overnight and the body of the deceased couple had been removed and deposited at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital for autopsy.
"Police special detectives had, however, been deployed to fish out the killers, " she said.
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, says this year's Democracy Day is a time for sober reflection, reviewing performances and creating frameworks and action plans to make up for any shortcomings.
Oluremi Tinubu
Tinubu said this in a message entitled 'Half-year Review' to mark Democracy Day, commemorated every May 29, and to review her performance in the last two years as a Senator.
She noted that this year's Democracy Day commemoration marked the mid-term of the present democratic dispensation and administration.
Tinubu commended Nigerians for being resilient, as the previous year had been economically difficult, assuring that better days are here
"I congratulate the Nigerian government and citizens on the celebration of the inception of the Nigerian Democracy.
"The 2017 budget of Economic Recovery and Growth which was recently passed is positioned to consolidate the benefits of the 2016 Budget of Change and set us on the right path to a robust economy.
"This day, 18 years ago, Nigeria made a conscious choice to be free, to uphold the rights of the common man and to ensure involvement and participation of its citizenry in governance.
"It has not been an easy journey and has often, failed to meet the expectations of the average Nigerian.
"However, there is no doubt that this administration is on the right track, and given the right tools and effective application, this democracy will yield the Nigeria of our dreams," she said.
According to her, the All Progressives Congress-led administration at both state and national levels are committed to putting in place solid structures that would ensure that Nigerians enjoy full dividends of democracy.
"As the Senator representing Lagos Central, it is time to review my performance in the last two years to ensure it is up to date in addressing problems/needs of my constituents and Nigeria as a whole.
"Governance is a marathon, and for best results, is predicated on continuity and consistency. Thus, my commitment over the last six years has not waned.
"The well-being, effective representation, and promotion of better opportunities for the people of Lagos Central will continue to motivate my actions.
"Once again, I felicitate with all the good people of Lagos Central, Lagos State, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and wish you all the merits of democracy, " she said.
In the photo, two of the claimed IPOB members who donated the cow are seen standing with Nnamdi Kanu while another picture shows them standing beside the said cow named ‘Buhari.
IPOB members allegedly donate cow allegedly named ‘Buhari’to Nnamdi KanuIPOB members allegedly donate cow allegedly named ‘Buhari’to Nnamdi Kanu
Speaking ahead of the Democracy Day yesterday, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, charged people of Delta State to be resolute and determined in their defence and commitment to the ideals of democracy, noting that there is a need to deepen their present level of love and cooperation with the present government in the state to move the state to its desired level.
Reyenieju noted that despite the grave effects of the economic recession, Delta State has remained stable in the delivery of dividends of democracy; a feat he noted, was made possible through the effective management style and prudence of the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his team. He noted that that this has endeared the administration to the people of the state.
Congratulating the government and people of Delta State on the occasion of the Democracy Day, the lawmaker noted that the future of Deltans remain bright and positive, given the commitment of the Okowa-led administration.
He urged the people to always strive for peace so as to fully reap the fruits of democracy, more so that a government that has the capacity to deliver same is on board.
Following the May 30th declaration by Biafra agitators as sit-at-home Day in commemoration of the Biafra Independence Day, some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) claimed to be based in Malaysia but travelled home for the planned Biafra Day have allegedly donated a live cow allegedly named "Buhari" to their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to be killed on Biafra Day.
The story seen on an online news medium, The BreakingTimes, said that Mr. Kanu "who has received hundreds of important visitors including high-placed politicians since he was released on bail by an Abuja High Court in April, accepted the gift warmly."
IPOB members allegedly donate cow allegedly named ‘Buhari’to Nnamdi Kanu
The reports also claimed that the members named the cow before donating it to their leader.
In the photo, two of the claimed IPOB members who donated the cow are seen standing with Nnamdi Kanu while another picture shows them standing beside the said cow.
Recall that Fifty years ago, the Igbo people of southeast Nigeria seceded, declaring an independent Republic of Biafra and sparking a brutal civil war that left about one million people dead.
– Coups and secession –
On May 30, 1967, the military head of Nigeria‘s eastern region, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, declares “the independent Republic of Biafra”.
His move comes two days after the head of Nigeria‘s military government, General Yakubu Gowon, divided the federation into 12 states, including three in the east.
Biafra, accounting for less than 10 percent of Nigerian territory, at the time had a population of 14 million out of 55 million nationwide.
Its mainly Christian population was two-thirds Igbo.
Since independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria had managed to stay a single entity despite historic enmity between the mainly Muslim north and the largely Christian south.
But the Igbos felt discriminated against by the two other main ethnic groupings, the northern Hausa-Fulani and the Yoruba in the southwest.
In January 1966, Nigeria suffered its first military coup, led by the Igbo General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi. A counter-coup launched in the north in July kills Ironsi and many of his senior Igbo officers.
Thousands of Igbo civilians are killed in reprisals, especially in the north, and millions of survivors flee back to the southeast.
The government rejects the secession of the southeast, which is rich in agricultural and mineral resources, especially oil.
– Bombardments and blockade –
Gowon announces a general mobilisation and denounces the independence declaration as “an act of rebellion”, saying it will be “crushed”. The military imposes a blockade on eastern Nigeria.
On July 6 the army unleashes a general offensive with its first air bombardments.
In October federal troops take Biafra’s capital, Enugu, then the port of Calabar. Onitsha and Port Harcourt are recaptured in the first months of 1968.
Britain, the Soviet Union and the Organisation of African Unity (the forerunner to the African Union) side with the federal government.
Only a few African countries and France back Biafra.
– Humanitarian drama –
On July 3, 1968 the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says that eight to 12 million people are affected by the conflict and that 200 people a day are dying of starvation in Biafra.
“One would think we were seeing ghosts marching past, thin and silent, wrapped in grey rags,” an AFP special correspondent reports in August.
“Nearly all are women of all ages and old people… there are no longer many children in Biafra.
“The refugees travel, their stomachs empty, fleeing the noise of federal cannon. The noose is tightening.”
In late August he writes of a million new refugees in 15 days as the army advances.
“One person dies every 15 minutes… refugees are dying from starvation and exhaustion,” he reports.
The Biafra famine caused by the blockade makes headlines around the world, with heartrending photographs of children, stomachs bloated by malnutrition, their legs bent with rickets.
A handful of French doctors working for the ICRC, including the future French government minister Bernard Kouchner, brush aside convention and political borders to launch an aid effort.
In 1971, they go on to found Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).
– ‘No victor, no vanquished’ –
From August to September 1968 the army retakes several towns after a major offensive.
In March-April 1969, the new Biafran capital, Umuahia, falls.
After raids by secessionists on oil wells, Nigerian troops reinforce their blockade, and in June start preventing international Red Cross aid flights.
Only Christian churches and the French Red Cross continue their aid flights in ever more dangerous conditions.
In early January 1970 the army begins its final assault, and on January 15, Biafra ceases to exist.
Ojukwu flees on January 11 to Ivory Coast, leaving his deputy, Philip Effiong, to officially surrender to Gowon in Lagos, the federal government’s capital at the time.
The east resumes its place in a united Nigeria. Gowon vows “No victor, no vanquished”, and pledges to work for national reconciliation.
But resentment lingers and deepens over the decades, as the Igbo complain of a lack of investment in the southeast, which many view as a punishment for Biafra.
The war invests considerable power in the army, with military coups becoming a feature of Nigerian political life for decades.
