Remy Martin unveiled DJ Jimmy Jatt, Falz, Noble as brand influencers

The long awaited All Africa Music Awards,AFRIMA, has come and gone. The chips went down at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island on Sunday, with high hopes on Nigeria artistes to repeat the feat they achieved at the maiden edition of the award in 2014, where they carted home 12 of the 23 continental awards. But that was not to be this year.

If not for the standard they set last year some would have still argued it was a respectable outing for them, with 8 awards in their kitty. Praiz won the Best African Artiste (RnB & soul); Darey got Best African Artiste (Inspirational); Flavour snapped up Best African Artiste (African Electro); Revelation of the Year went to Adekunle Gold; Most Promising African Artiste to Kiss Daniel; Best African Artiste in Jazz to Kunle while Olamide and Yemi Alade won the Best West African Artiste, male and female categories respectively.

However, when it comes to the big ones like the Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Group in Africa they were completely out of the picture. And these four categories were all won by them last year. Davido who clinched all 4 big ones was completely missing in action. He won The Best African Hip Hop, Song of the Year; Artiste of the Year, and Best Male Artiste in West Africa. Shakiti Bobo crooner, Olamide came home with the coveted Album of the Year award while the sensational twins, P-Square got the Best African Group award.

The only person that featured on the winners list is Olamide and what he got was Best Male Artiste in West Africa which was won by Davido in2014.

Nigeria has nominations in all the 24 categories applicable to the country except in the categories: Best African Hip Hop, Best African Rock and Best African Traditional Music. It means the country is open to collect 21 awards, where in most cases they dominated the Nominees list. Of all the 174 nominations in which the country is eligible, it had 63 nominations. But all the country could mustered is 8 awards, meaning they lost in 13 categories.

Interestingly, Nigerian artistes had bigger presence in most of the big continental awards. For Album of the Year award for an instance, there were 9 nominees and Nigerians account for 5. Yemi Alade, Psquare, Bez Idakula, Wizkid and Flavour were all nominated but it was Charlotte Dipanda, from Cameroon, that carried the day. She is one of two Cameroonians nominated in this category. Ghana and Sudan got one nomination a piece. Last year it was won by Olamide.

The current Artiste of the Year is Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz, who beat 5 Nigerian artistes, namely, Wizkid, Davido, Flavour, Olamide and Yemi Alade. Again, this is a tough one for Nigeria to lose because out of the 10 nominees Nigerians make up 50% of them. Tanzania had two, Ghana one, Cameroon one and Uganda one. Davido won the award last year

Anyone would have sworn the Song of the Year is Nigeria’s to lose; there have been just too many of them. At least the nominees list showed that was a must but the reverse was the case. Wizkid, Davido, Psquare and Yemi Alade made the list of 10 nominees in this category. But it was Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz that got away with the 23.9 carat gold plaque. Davido also won the award last year.

Anyway, it was as if many of them read the handwriting on the wall because they failed to turn up for the award. The conspicuous absentees that did not win awards were Wande Coal, Nneka, Timaya, Patoranking, Davido, Wizkid, P-Square, Seyi Shay, among others. Though Flavour and Yemi Alade won awards, they were also absent.

How Nigerian artistes failed to fly at AFRIMA 2015

The long awaited All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, has come and gone. The chips went down at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island on Sunday, with high hopes on Nigeria artistes to repeat the feat they achieved at the maiden edition of the award in 2014, where they carted home 12 of the 23 continental awards. But that was not to be this year.

If not for the standard they set last year some would have still argued it was a respectable outing for them, with 8 awards in their kitty. Praiz won the Best African Artiste (RnB & soul); Darey got Best African Artiste (Inspirational); Flavour snapped up Best African Artiste (African Electro); Revelation of the Year went to Adekunle Gold; Most Promising African Artiste to Kiss Daniel; Best African Artiste in Jazz to Kunle while Olamide and Yemi Alade won the Best West African Artiste, male and female categories respectively.

However, when it comes to the big ones like the Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Group in Africa they were completely out of the picture. And these four categories were all won by them last year. Davido who clinched all 4 big ones was completely missing in action. He won The Best African Hip Hop, Song of the Year; Artiste of the Year, and Best Male Artiste in West Africa. Shakiti Bobo crooner, Olamide came home with the coveted Album of the Year award while the sensational twins, P-Square got the Best African Group award.

The only person that featured on the winners list is Olamide and what he got was Best Male Artiste in West Africa which was won by Davido in2014.

Nigeria has nominations in all the 24 categories applicable to the country except in the categories: Best African Hip Hop, Best African Rock and Best African Traditional Music. It means the country is open to collect 21 awards, where in most cases they dominated the Nominees list. Of all the 174 nominations in which the country is eligible, it had 63 nominations. But all the country could mustered is 8 awards, meaning they lost in 13 categories.

Interestingly, Nigerian artistes had bigger presence in most of the big continental awards. For Album of the Year award for an instance, there were 9 nominees and Nigerians account for 5. Yemi Alade, Psquare, Bez Idakula, Wizkid and Flavour were all nominated but it was Charlotte Dipanda, from Cameroon, that carried the day. She is one of two Cameroonians nominated in this category. Ghana and Sudan got one nomination a piece. Last year it was won by Olamide.

The current Artiste of the Year is Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz, who beat 5 Nigerian artistes, namely, Wizkid, Davido, Flavour, Olamide and Yemi Alade. Again, this is a tough one for Nigeria to lose because out of the 10 nominees Nigerians make up 50% of them. Tanzania had two, Ghana one, Cameroon one and Uganda one. Davido won the award last year

Anyone would have sworn the Song of the Year is Nigeria’s to lose; there have been just too many of them. At least the nominees list showed that was a must but the reverse was the case. Wizkid, Davido, Psquare and Yemi Alade made the list of 10 nominees in this category. But it was Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz that got away with the 23.9 carat gold plaque. Davido also won the award last year.

Anyway, it was as if many of them read the handwriting on the wall because they failed to turn up for the award. The conspicuous absentees that did not win awards were Wande Coal, Nneka, Timaya, Patoranking, Davido, Wizkid, P-Square, Seyi Shay, among others. Though Flavour and Yemi Alade won awards, they were also absent.

Kogi: Presidency, APC detailing military to rig election – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government has pulled in partisan military operatives to assist it in rigging Saturday’s Kogi state governorship election, instead of allowing the forces to concentrate on their statutory role of providing peripheral security during elections.

The party said intelligence information available to it showed that some compromised military personnel led by a senior officer of the rank of a Colonel have been detailed by the Presidency to carry out specific assignments in support of the APC candidate in the election.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement, Friday, said the development is not only a recipe to civil disorder but also a clear invitation to total disruption of free and fair polls in the state if not immediately checked.

“Available intelligence shows that the deployment to Kogi state, of the Army Colonel, who is a known APC sympathizer is part of the fallout of last week’s secret meeting coordinated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), where orders were issued to clamp-down on PDP members and supporters to pave way for some pliable INEC officials to manipulate the election in favour of the APC.

“Compromised troops have already been detailed to Dekina Local Government Area, the largest PDP stronghold in the state and home of Governor Idris Wada, where they have been instructed to create panic, strong-arm PDP supporters, frighten and scare away voters, ostensibly to deprive the our party of its expected large votes from the area.

“We are also aware of how the head of Security of APC candidate’s Campaign Organization, a retired Army General, is coordinating the movement of partisan security operatives into other key local governments, including Igalamela, Ofu, Ankpa and Idah, to harass and frighten PDP supporters and provide a leeway for the APC to manipulate the election.

“The PDP also has information of the copious involvement of a retired police officer, who is working with some men of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) in providing illegal arms, vehicles and cover for APC thugs who have been positioned to attack PDP supporters during the election.

“We find it absolutely shocking that President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government, a huge beneficiary of free, fair and credible election conducted by the PDP, would so early in the day, seek to corrupt the electoral system and willfully attempt to subvert the will of the people.

“The PDP however notes that no amount of force and intimidation can bend the will of the Kogi people from appropriately exercising their franchise and using every means within the law to protect their mandate.

“While we charge our members and the entire people of Kogi state to remain vigilant and continue to assert their constitutional rights and liberty, we also call on the security forces to note that their duty is primarily to the nation and its citizens, and as such must ensure that they do not become tools in the hands of anti-democratic forces seeking to truncate our democracy.

FUTURE LAGOS.By lamata

DREAMALIVEnetwork.2015.

Tinubu Hails Ambode, Fashola As Mile 12-Ikorodu BRT Operation Flags-Off

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday reassured that he would effectively address the issue of traffic congestion and improve road networks in the state.

Ambode spoke at the commissioning and launch of the Mile 12-Ikorodu Road widening and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operation.

He said the projects showed the government’s commitment to the infrastructural renewal and development of the state.

“The commissioning is a milestone in public transportation system in the state.

“It is a delivery of world class transport infrastructure that will bring comfort and convenience to commuters, particularly Ikorodu residents,” Ambode said.

He said that the BRT system was initiated as part of strategies to modernise the public transport, like other major city states in the around.

“It is intended to provide efficient service that will encourage patronage by the middle-class thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on our roads.

“Today, the BRT system has to a large extent lived up to that expectation,” Ambode said.

He commended the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and other stakeholders for a job well done in the development of the project.

Also speaking, a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Tinubu commended Ambode and his predecessor, Mr Babatunde Fashola for being creative, intelligent and making Lagos a model city.

Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigeria would succeed beyond people’s imaginations.

“We are in the front row now and we will ensure that Nigeria is turned around and succeeds beyond your imagination,” he said.

He urged Lagos residents to embrace, peace, discipline, accountability and continuity.

Present at the event was Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun among others.

A new kind of governance in Nigeria.

Mr Ayodele Fayose became governor of Ekiti state for a second time in August 2014 and ever since has gone about his job with a relatively uncommon approach that paints the picture of him as a man who is one with his people.

You may term it unconventional for a man who occupies the seat of a state governor, but Fayose’s frequent appearance in seemingly odd postures, buying from, eating with the people, and riding on the back of their motorcycles, among other things, have perhaps helped engender confidence among his people that he is the right man to bring home the goods.

Since he defeated the incumbent Governor, Kayode Fayemi, at the Ekiti governorship poll in June 2014, Fayose left no doubts about his unwillingness to blend into popular expectations about the appearance of a governor.

Below are 7 photos that show the Fayose enigma.

1. In his first meeting with Fayemi after the election, Fayose appeared decked in a polo shirt with a flared collar on a black denim trousers.

Mr Ayodele Fayose with former Ekiti state governor, Mr Kayode Fayemi, shortly after Fayose was declared winner of the governorship election in Ekiti in June 2014; credits: romancemeetslife.com

2. Fayose’s methods during his governorship campaign made the phrase, ‘stomach infrastructure’ popular and he was not in a hurry to ditch it. In December 2014, he announced he had bought bags of rice, and chicken for distribution to citizens resident in Ekiti. He personally handed some over to men of the Nigerian Police Force.

Fayose handing a chicken over to a policeman; credit: Pulse.ng

The governor was subsequently locked in a supremacy battle with members of the Ekiti state house of assembly from the All Progressives Congress (APC) who repeatedly made attempts to impeach him.

3. When the tenure of those lawmakers lapsed on May 29, 2015, Fayose heaved a sigh of relief. He subsequently went on the street with a large number of motorcyclists to celebrate his victory over the lawmakers.

Fayose celebrating with the okadamen

With the distraction of impeachment threats out of his way, Fayose has gone on to lead in his own way, even if unacceptable to some.

4. He sometimes goes shopping.

The governor goes to the market

5. At other times, he is inspecting a construction project and getting on on the action.

Fayose on Wednesday, September 2 goes to inspect the construction of lock-up shops in Ikere-Ekiti; credit: agbosblog

Fayose inspects the construction of a lock-up shop in Ikere-Ekiti; credit: agbosblog

6. He also knows to unwind at local relaxation spots

Governor Fayose enjoys his palm wine at a local relaxation spot

7. At some other times, Governor Fayose displays his driving skills with a lorry.

Governor Fayose driving a lorry on Monday, August 31, 2015; credit: citysplash.com

The warmth in the above pictures notwithstanding, Governor Fayose has shown that he can come down hard on civil servants who arrive late and indeed in spectacular fashion as well — that has them grovelling in the dirt.

Aside Fayose, a number of his brother governors have also been embracing the seemingly mundane in claiming populist medals.

Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai can, for instance, be seen here pushing a wheelbarrow full of dirt during an environmental enlightenment exercise.

Kaduna Governor El-Rufai pushes a wheelbarrow of dirt; credit: nairaland

Before now, Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Imo state counterpart donned school uniforms.

Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola in school uniform; credit: naija-soul-bro

Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha in school secondary school uniform; credit: bellanaija

A new kind of governance in Nigeria.

Amaechi to board danfo, Fashola not to use generator by ben bruce:follow twist reactions.

@TWEETORACLE described him thus, “Ben Bruce of Silverbird looks like Obama but thinks like Obanikoro.”Another @DejiAdesogan said, “Twitter Senator Ben Bruce is only the preacher of the words BUT not putting it into actions/ reality. Who’s fooling who? @estherclimate”@beejay_75852 said, “If Truly Ben Bruce is dat patriotic &discipline let him stop showing foreign films on his stations &cinemas 2 encourage local entertainers”.

Outspoken Senator from Bayelsa, Ben Murray-Bruce has called on the newly-sworn in Ministers to patronise indigenous products.

The Silverbird boss advised them against lavishing the nation’s resources on frivolous things.

The lawmaker took to his twitter handle shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday inaugurated the new ministers and announced their portfolios.

He challenged the new Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola not to use his generator for one month so he can feel the pain of Nigerians and work speedily to get the power sector working.

He also challenged Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport to ensure he uses public transport for one month.

He said, “Congrats to @ChibuikeAmaechi. Lets #Challengeourminister of transport to confirm he will use various public transport at least once a month.”

Challenging Fashola, Bruce said, “Congrats to @Gov_Rajifashola. Lets #Challengeourminister of power to confirm he wont use generator so he’ll feel what Nigerians are feeling.”

However, his advise did not go down well with many Nigerians as they declared social media war on him, describing his as a noisemaker.

@TWEETORACLE described him thus, “Ben Bruce of Silverbird looks like Obama but thinks like Obanikoro.”

Another @DejiAdesogan said, “Twitter Senator Ben Bruce is only the preacher of the words BUT not putting it into actions/ reality. Who’s fooling who? @estherclimate”

“If Truly Ben Bruce is dat patriotic &discipline let him stop showing foreign films on his stations &cinemas 2 encourage local entertainers”.

Ekiti House Declares Fayose Nigeria’s Opposition Leader PDP

Ekiti House of Assembly on Thursday declared Governor Ayodele Fayose, the Nigeria’s opposition leader.

The lawmakers,at a special sitting of the House unanimously took decision and said Fayose ‘s fearless advocacy for truth ,justice and bias for common man actually earned him the recognition.

The Assembly said it  took the decision because of the fact that the governor had remained the only consistent opposition voice against alleged dictatorial tendency of the Buhari-led government, criticizing

the federal government to engender good governance for all Nigerians.

The speaker of the Assembly, Hon Kola Oluwawole, his Deputy, Segun Adewumi , the House leader, Hon Tunji Akinyele  Hon Gboyega Aribisogan , Hon Samuel Omotoso and Hon Titilayo Owolabi Akerele,

praised the governor for being ‘articulate, prudent with finances, consistent  and dogged” since he assumed office.

Governor Fayose who responded to the Assembly’s position, said : “they are entitled to their opinion. I am not that kind of a man that can be silenced by anybody. Whether they call me leader of opposition or not, I will continue to speak as long as it is going to be in the interest

of the masses”.

Commenting  further, the Speaker said: “Since Fayose assumed office, if you see his contributions to national issues, he has been honest, frank , courageous and show that he is an epitome of leadership. He

has also been prudent in the management of our resources.

“Fayose is an enigma , a good democrat who always speak on burning issues of national interest without fear or think of whose ox is gored. He remains the lonely voice in the wilderness and he fits to be called the leader of Opposition in Nigeria and we so declared”, Oluwawole stated.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe and the chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Council, Oba Samuel Oyebade , who commended Fayose’s virtues , urged the assembly and other Ekiti citizens to continue to

give the governor for him to be able to do more in the service to humanity.

Ewi said: “I am happy about your submissions but it was made possible because you all cooperate with the governor. When I play my role and you lay your role, then Ekiti will be better and our governor will be able to deliver”.

Fayose, who responded at his Afao Ekiti countryhome said: “All of us cannot run away from harassment . I am an opposition figure and I want to help the ruling party through criticisms, so that they won’t sleep

while in government.

“Why should I afraid of jail. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nelson Mandela were jailed. Chief MKO Abiola was jailed. So, why should I be afraid of President Buhari. He is not God. He is just

going to be president for a period of time. Virtually all PDP former governors are being tried for corruption.

“But my speaking about what the APC government is doing does not mean I am eyeing a bigger position, even Senate I am not ready to go there.

Great leaders don’t think about  political placement, but think about how to  strive to make his  country a better place .

“I don’t have apology for my criticisms to anybody. This is the only time I can help Nigeria by helping check oppression and dictatorship.

But a fact remains that whether the house calls me opposition leader or not, I will ever remain myself”, he concluded.

Buhari appointed best hands, Jonathan picked thugs, mistresses – APC carpets PDP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the choice of ministers appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

APC National Secretary, Mala Buni, in a statement on Thursday dismissed the position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the current ministers do not represent change.

APC noted that the PDP appointed “miscreants, mistresses and thugs”, as ministers, adding that its opinion on inauguration of the federal cabinet was “warped and a product of defeat hangover”.

The statement further reads: “The PDP should face its rebranding pursuit instead of running down a performing government. APC is not a party which will assign portfolios to miscreants, thugs and mistresses as rampant during the misrule period of PDP.

“The choice of the ministers and their clearance without any reservations by the Senate attested to the leadership ingenuity of the president. We are happy that every member of the federal executive council is tested and trusted.

“The meticulous assigning of portfolios on Wednesday was also a signal to Nigerians that their electoral investment in our great party and President Buhari was not a waste.

“We endorse all the portfolios, we have absolute faith in the new ministers and we know that the final hour of redemption is here.

“The journey to economic recovery, meaningful democracy, and moral revolution in our great country has started.

“For the umpteenth time, APC assures Nigerians of its desire to take them to the Promised Land. The APC government will not fail the nation. Buhari will keep his words and salvage Nigeria for the benefit of all.

“The unprecedented assumption of duty by the ministers, barely some hours after oath-taking, underscored the determination of the APC administration to offer a qualitative and faster service to the nation.

“APC appeals to the ministers to abide by their oath of office, render selfless service, live up to expectations and write their names in gold. This is a winning team, none of them must fail.

“We implore Nigerians, including the increasingly impatient opposition parties, to give the cabinet a breathing space and support it to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“The task of rebuilding Nigeria is a responsibility of every citizen. Rather than sit on the fence to find faults, the opposition should join hands with the President to re-fix the nation.

“President Buhari has what it takes to lead; he is imbued with vision to redirect Nigeria to prosperity but he needs the cooperation of all citizens and groups.

“Under five months, President Buhari has saved the country from brinkmanship, plugged loopholes, placed premium on prudence and set a new template for probity and accountability.”

Fayemi resumes, promises to diversify economy to solid minerals

Mr Kayode Fayemi, the new Minister of Solid Minerals, on Wednesday in Abuja, promised to diversify Nigeria’s economy from its mono product to solid minerals.

Fayemi made the promise when he assumed duty with the Minister of State, Mr Abubakar Bawa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Istifanus Fuktur.

He said solid minerals were vehicles to diversify the economy and boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“We will deliver on the promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria to diversify the economy from crude oil to solid minerals.

“Our tenure will not accept business as usual because of the challenges facing our economy; but we are determining to ensure that we justify the confidence reposed on us.

“I am passionate about the solid minerals because of abundance of untapped minerals in my state and other states across the country.

“Our challenges have always been turning the potential into concrete reality; we are going to work with the ministry officials to achieve the set goal of Mr President,’’ he said.

He said the ministry’s earlier budget would be corrected to achieve the task given to the team by the president.

“We need all your support to achieve Mr President’s agenda; at the end of our tenure, solid mineral will be the number one resources generating maximum revenue for the country.’’

He warned the officials of the ministry that his tenure would not accept business as usual.

Also, Bawa called for the support of the staff, adding that adequate motivation would be given to them.

According to him, the current administration emphasised on solid minerals and would be achieved through hard work and commitment.

Earlier, Mr Fuktur, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry who was a former Director of Finance and Account in the ministry, said the ministry had its blueprint and good programmes to move the nation forward.

He said the biggest challenge of the ministry was the Ajaokuta Steel Industry that had been abandoned for decades.

He urged the ministers to revive the industry urgently, adding that rail construction would be needed for the movement of finished products to different locations.

NAN reported that the ministers and the permanent secretary were received by Mr Samuel Oluwole, the Director, Human Resources Management, and other top officials of the ministry (NAN)

NBA vows to punish corrupt lawyers

The National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), has vowed to punish any member found to be corrupt in the discharge of his duties.

Alegeh gave this warning yesterday, during the National Executive Committee meeting organised to take stock of the bar in the judicial process in the country.

According to him, the bar was re-positioning to work with the new Justice Minister to strengthen the justice system in the country.

The acting Chief Judge in Rivers State, Justice Daisy Okocha, believed the judiciary would be more effective without political interference.

The two-day meeting was flagged off by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State’s capital in Nigeria’s southern region.

Lamorde Still Police Commissioner, To Be Posted Soon – Okiro

The Police Service Commission, PSC,  yesterday, said the embattled former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde,  who recently proceeded on his terminal leave, is still a Commissioner of Police and will be duly posted as soon as he reports for duty.

Speaking exclusively on phone, the Chairman of the commission, Sir Mike Okiro, said he performed creditably well at the EFCC, adding that the force is proud of him.

According to him, “he is still a serving Commissioner of Police. He will come back to us for re-posting.  He was only seconded to EFCC. He will not be required to go through any process because he was just on secondment.  The moment he reports, we will post him.”

Prodded further to comment on his performance as the EFCC boss, Okiro said: He did very well. He did the Police proud.  He performed his beat and we are happy and proud of him.”

Lamorde, who served as the Chairman of the EFCC for four years,  proceeded on terminal leave last week ahead of the end of his tenure in February 2016.

He was replaced in acting capacity with Mr. Ibrahim Magu  who, until his appointment, was the head of EFCC’s Economic Governance Unit, EGU, during the tenure of Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman.

Editorial: MTN tells investors to hold the line

THE RESIGNATION of MTN CEO Sifiso Dabengwa, like everything else in the way the company has handled its Nigeria crisis, came later than it should have. His statement refers to “unfortunate prevailing circumstances”, which seems to vaguely imply that bad luck rather than bad management was the cause of the huge US$5,2bn fine — which is, after all, more than twice the entire group’s profit for 2014.

The clear impression remains that MTN did not take the Nigeria regulators seriously and, having failed to judge the mood in that country, then failed to manage the crisis proactively and transparently.

It makes sense, in the heat of battle, to have appointed Phuthuma Nhleko as executive chairman while the company identifies a successor for Dabengwa. Nhleko served as MTN group CEO for nine years until 2011, and then was brought back as nonexecutive chairman in 2013 to replace Cyril Ramaphosa. If anyone has the experience, authority and credibility to make an impact in negotiations with the Nigerian authorities, it is Nhleko.

And yet, the questions regarding MTN’s governance remain. Did Nhleko and the board apply their minds to MTN’s previous regulatory infractions in Nigeria? Were they aware of the looming crisis?

Did they know, and do they yet know, whether the failure to disconnect millions of unregistered subscribers was a result of negligence, or a calculated gamble to maintain revenues in tough times? Was there an attitude of, to use a traffic enforcement analogy, “everyone’s speeding without being stopped, so we’ll just continue speeding”.

There are broader points to be made about how corporates need to manage a crisis, especially a strategic one where shareholder value could be threatened.

MTN needed to be proactive — not reactive. It said it was not warned of the announcement of the fine, but this is difficult to believe. Surely it had to have been aware, and surely it should then have alerted shareholders to the risks?

Once the fine was known, MTN was cryptic about the reasons and communicated only through spokesmen.

Instead, the CEO needed to seek as many personal media interviews as possible — not avoid them. At such a time, a reputation for being arrogant and inaccessible, which MTN’s executives had developed, becomes detrimental to the business of the company.

After all, MTN’s share price fell 25% in a week — partly as a reaction to the fine itself, but also in part undoubtedly due to the company’s lamentable failure to communicate and manage perceptions.

In a crisis, the corporate instinct is to deny, delay, conceal and avoid. But the opposite response is necessary.

The problem must be acknowledged and regret should be expressed, with an apology if necessary. The CEO must take responsibility and be the public face of the response. There must be maximum disclosure of what happened, and detailed explanation of how it came about. At the same time, the company must make it clear that, though it is under pressure, it is in control. It must have a plan to manage a recovery, and to prevent a recurrence. Shareholders understand that things go wrong: the issue is what is being done about it?

Behind the tactics of response to a particular crisis, there has to be a strategic posture that is both continuous and adaptable.

Does the company understand the environment in which it is operating — and not just the policies and regulations, but also the economic, political and social factors as well? Is it responsive to that environment? What weight should be given to individual personalities in assessing risk? Is there regular and reliable intelligence available?

The bigger and more successful the company — and MTN is very big and has been very successful — the greater the risk when something goes wrong. That is why board oversight and interrogation is so important, informed by an acute consciousness that the multiple jurisdictions where the company operates present varied and complex challenges.

It remains to be seen whether Phuthuma Nhleko can regain the initiative for MTN, while demonstrating a newly proactive attitude by the board. There is a lot of catching up to do.

N3bn road repairs increased economic activities in Onne seaport –Stakeholders

Stakeholders in the nation’s maritime industry have disclosed that the repair of the East-West road by River state government in conjunction with its partners has boosted economic activities at Onne seaport as well as Oil and Gas centre in the state.

It would be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesome Wike along with Intels Nigeria Limited, INL, and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, repaired the road at cost of N3 billion to boost commercial activities in the oil-rich state.

Governor Wike had on assumption of office, appealed to some firms operating within the Oil and Gas ports complex to join hands to repair the sixkilometre East-West road, especially between Eleme junction in Port Harcourt and Onne port junction, belonging to the Federal Government.

Intels had in response to the call, donated N1 billion while five other firms, comprising the NPA, Indorama Petroleum Limited, West African Container Terminal Limited, Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited and Oil and Gas Free Zones, Onne contributed N2 billion. Some stakeholders, who commented on the repairs of the road, noted that economic activities at the seaports have returned in full swing.

While recounting the harrowing experiences, the stakeholders equated the situation to the gridlock in Apapa, Lagos as business activities were negatively affected, due to poor access port roads. “The untold suffering this development brought on commuters and businesses within and outside the ports came with a huge cost, as profits declined annually.

The long wait for governments at various levels to take responsibility and intervene to save citizens and businesses from hardship were exhaustive and unattainable, leading to the collaborations with Rivers state government”, a stakeholder stated.

It was also gathered that Reynolds Construction Company, RCC, the contractor handling the road repair, has guaranteed the quality of the road, saying it will sustain free flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, the Head, Public Relations and Nigerian Content Development for Intels Nigeria Limited Mr. Isidore Sambol, who reacted on the issue, noted that companies and agencies are committed to their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, just as he said, they are not taking away the responsibility of government to its citizenry “It is about identifying with the communities and giving back to the society, being in business for the common good”, Sambol said.

Intels Image Maker also assured that the daily free flow of traffic with minor hitches show the strength and capacity of the contractor, RCC, which is also committed to delivering the job on schedule.

FAAN gets nod to recruit 720 workers for airside operations

Federal Government has approved the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to engage additional 720 personnel to boost its activities. FAAN said that the additional workforce would be deployed to airside of the airports runways to boost safety around the facilities across the country.

Spokesman for FAAN, Mr. Yaubu Dati in a statement said, the Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Saleh Dunoma dropped the hint at the opening ceremony of a threeday workshop to mark the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, 2015 Safety Week held at the international wing of the airport in Lagos state.

Dunoma also hinted that as a result of the growing threats to airports and flight operations, the management was putting appropriate measures and equipment in place to forestall any threat in and outside the airports.

While urging participants to plan ahead to avoid accident, Dunoma assured that FAAN places premium on safety.

The Guest Speaker and FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Henry Omeogu, said the safety week was to provide awareness to stakeholders as well as travellers on the need to observe safety measures at the airport.

Omeogu however frowned at the indiscriminate posting of untrained personnel by the airport authority and airlines to airside, describing the personnel as nothing, but hazards that may cause serious and regrettable accidents in the sector.

He charged the staff to carry out daily inspections and audit of movement areas, directing all airport managers to urgently set up local runway safety teams to prevent incident of incursion and excursion on the runway.

With the theme ‘’Airside Safety, the Very Essence of Aviation, various speakers harped on the need for constant interface among stakeholders to promote safety around the airside.

NNPC, IOCs, indigenous firms bemoan low oil prices

Operators have bemoaned the prolonged low crude oil prices in the global market, adding that it has stilled investment and development of the industry.

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu indicated that the price of Nigeria marker crude, the Bonny light fell more than 50 per cent from about $110 per barrel in June 2014. To below $50/bbl today.

In a message to the pre-conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE in Lagos, Kachikwu noted that in 2014 bonny light fetched more than $2 a barrel more than the global benchmark, Brent crude, according to OPEC data.

He disclosed that this year, that premium has plunged to 74 cents, on average-the lowest in a decade.

Some attribute the fall in the value of oil to an unforeseen strength of the US shale market and other alternatives, others blame the surging export from Saudi Arabia.

Kachikwu said that this decline showed no sign of reaching the bottom just yet in the volatile global market. He remarked that for four years, up to June 2014, oil prices had remained consistently above the $100/bbl mark.

Kachikwu maintained that Ali Bin Ibrahim A;l-Naimi viewed as the optimum price to balance the market between crude oil price producers and consumers.

He said while growth in global demand has been subdued in recent years, supply-mainly from non-OPEC producing countries-has increased leading to a surplus of oil in the market.

The GMD said in a recent analysis, Citibank estimated that supply was exceeding demand by 700,000 barrels per day. “This resulted in a build-up of oil inventories.

For example crude oil production in the United States has increased significantly in recent years; the country produced nine million bpd in 2014 compared with five million barrels in 2008

“This has been possible because of years of historically high and stable crude oil prices made shale oil projects mainly in North Dakota and Texas-economically viable.”, he added.