BusinessDay 02 Aug 2020 by BusinessDay

Diaspora remittances and Nigeria’s economic growth 11

Can Wike bring his winning magic to Edo?

Dogara’s defection and the drumbeats of 2023 …As Daura stirs the hornet’s nest 19

Zenith Bank rewards customers with massive giveaways in the ‘Zenith beta life’ promo

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Vol 1, No. 322

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Wanton killings in Nigeria question value govt places on citizens’ lives Ikokwu, Odumakin, Henshaw, Dogo, others accuse FG of insensitivity CAN kicks, demands halt of carnage Buhari in rehash of regret, says rise in insecurity ‘very disturbing’

See page 2

Child abduction: Making a living from others’ misery

Rivers yet to explore huge nonoil resources – Export guru L-R: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor; Cyprian Orakpo, managing director, O-Care Medical Face Mask factory, and Doreen, his wife, during the official commissioning of the factory, at Odofin Park Estate, Amuwo Odofin.

Woman with two wombs pregnant with twins in each

NBC’s new code puts investments of payTv, video-on-demand platforms at risk As creative industry calls for review OBINNA EMELIKE

hile the Nigerian creative industry is almost stifled by inadequate funding,

copyright infringements, piracy, among other challenges, the industry is now facing a seemingly worst challenge with the new broadcast code recently announced by the National

Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Recommended by the Committee on the Reform of the National Broadcasting Commission and consequently approved by

President Muhammadu Buhari, the new code features amendments to the Sixth Edition of the broadcast code, amid strangulation tendencies on creative industry businesses.

It seeks to limit exclusivity of content, as well as, forcing content owners to sub-license content they have exclusive rights to,

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Cover

Wanton killings in Nigeria question value govt places on citizens’ lives CHUKA UROKO, INNOCENT ODOH, INIOBONG IWOK and SEYI JOHN SALAU

he inclusion of ‘don’t kill’ in the code of conduct God handed down to man through Moses as Ten Commandments underpins not just the sanctity of human life, but also the value and premium God has placed on life. In spite of that, man with his cannibalistic instinct, still destroys and wastes life using lethal instruments, ballistic missiles and poisonous concoctions. In Nigeria, this waste has, in recent times, assumed monumental proportion such that the value of life has been reduced to the level of sand and clay. Nigeria had seen mindless killings before but that was when it was embroiled in needless and avoidable civil war. It was understandable. Now, the country is not in a war situation, yet human life is being seared in such a gruesome manner that what is clearly abnormal and condemnable has become a new normal. While the poor masses that are almost always the victims wait helplessly for the next assailant, the government whose duty it is to protect lives watch unconcernedly. Densely killing in Nigeria has reach a point where observers say that what have taken place in the last five years are more than such killings since the return of the country to civil rule. “The tacit support of government evidenced in the deafening silence from the seat of power in Abuja has continued to embolden the killers. In no other country do you see the hopelessness of citizens as it is seen in Nigeria. Here is a government that does nothing other than writing releases saying it is on top of the situation. That is the refrain,” a concerned Nigerian moaned, seeking anonymity. According to the citizen, who claimed to hail from the North Central geo-political zone of the country, “The day I wrote off this government was that day when over 70 people were buried in Plateau State; those killed by Fulani herdsmen in a country where there is a sitting president with all the instruments of power at his disposal. “Look at what is going on in Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, even the President’s own state of Katsina. Can you beat that?” Stop killings in Kaduna now – Groups In a statement jointly signed by Guy Ikokwu, Yinka Odumakin, Bassey Henshaw and Isuwa Dogo on behalf of South East, South West, South-South and Middle Belt, respectively, titled ‘Stop killings in Southern Kaduna now’, the

group noted that the Southern and Middle Belt Forum (SMBLF) was outraged by the latest wave of killings in Southern Kaduna in which SOKAPU has claimed the death of 63 people. “It is quite worrisome that the orgy of killings has continued in spite of the curfew imposed by the state government,” the groups said. According to them, “In the past weeks, there have been reports of killings, especially in the southern part of Kaduna state with the most recent massacres at Kukum Daji and Gora Gan put at 33 deaths, aside from the scores who are in hospitals receiving treatment from various degrees of gunshots,” the statement said. According to the groups, “However, instead of the Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria stepping in to find a lasting solution in the midst of tardiness by the state government it is unfortunate that it has resorted to provocative statements. One of such is the annoying claims credited to the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the President of Nigeria, Malam Garba Shehu on the 21st July 2020 that ‘the problem in Southern Kaduna is an evil combination of politically-motivated banditry, revenge killings and mutual violence by criminal gangs acting on ethnic and religious grounds.’ “As if the above confusion is not enough, Shehu Garba further misinformed the Nigerian and the international community that ‘Southern Kaduna enjoys comprehensive security deployments, including the Army, Special Forces of both the Army and the Air Force, surveillance aircraft by the Air Force and mobile police units that are on the ground on a 24-hour basis to forestall criminality and keep the peace.’” The groups faulted that “These are not responsible statements from any government in the midst of body bags daily being counted by the people of Southern Kaduna

in the hands of alleged Fulani marauders. We therefore, call on the Buhari government to immediately stop the killings bring the perpetrators to book and stop making statements seeming to justify the killings and deceive the world about the situation in the area. Only bloodyminded people will refuse to heed this advice now.” Halt unholy bloodshed – CAN Reacting to the incessant killings in Southern part of Kaduna State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has charged government to stop the unholy shedding of innocent blood across the country. “There is an urgent need by government and the security forces to walk their talk and combat the raging insecurity across Kaduna state and other parts of the country,” CAN said in a statement signed by Pastor Bayo Oladeji. According to CAN, the demons of murder are yet to sheathe their swords against Southern Kaduna communities and that the government appears not to be sincere in walking its talk. “People should not be allowed to resort to self-help. But if this situation is not addressed, selfhelp might be the alternative,” said CAN stating that people would not look on while their lives are being wasted. However, in commiserating with families of victims, the Christian body appreciates government’s efforts but states that its present best is unacceptable. “It is not the best Nigerians expect. How can we be seeing and reading in the news about mass burials and be happy when we are not fighting a civil war? We deserve peace in Nigeria,” said CAN. The Christian umbrella body pointed out that “While the present bloodbaths in the southern part of Kaduna State have shown to be acts of criminality that should have attracted sanctions, the lackluster disposition of the government in stopping further massacre of

Christians and decimation of their communities by terrorist herdsmen speaks volumes on how government values human lives and genuine intervention.” “We have discovered that whenever security personnel are deployed to a place, the herdsmen go to other villages to attack and kill people in their sleep or when they are about to sleep or when they are waking up,” CAN notes, wondering if criminals should be more professional in tactics than governmenttrained security personnel. Kingsley Essien, a security expert, said that the attrition war in the North East of Borno State between Boko Haram insurgents and the military captures the hopelessness of the situation at hand. According to Essien, “The Boko Haram insurgency has since assumed a controversial dimension under this regime. It is so bad now that soldiers are voluntarily resigning and some are dropping their uniforms and running away from their duty posts. It has never been this bad. “We are not just talking about the insurgents, herdsmen and bandits killing Nigerians with reckless abandon; we also have cases of unprovoked and senseless killings by Okada riders in some towns and cities of Nigeria, who have now come to think that the country belongs to them. Many of such killings across the country go unpunished. No country succeeds this way. Nigeria is gradually shutting down.” Wale Oshun, leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), deplored the level of insecurity in the country. “You know that for quite a while we cannot say we are secure in Nigeria, whether it is the Middle belt, Southwest, Southeast, the Northwest, and Northeast. I have mentioned this zones now where there is palpable insecurity, whether it is in Kaduna and Katsina States, it is the same story,” Oshun said. According to him, “Whatever has been done is not enough, if the

attacks are still continuing, we can only say they have done enough when there are no more killings. There are unlawful killings, terrorism in the country. It is not about sacking the service chiefs; it is about the underlying causes? “This is why we are talking about security in relation to restructuring; that the security apparatus must be restructured, so that the federating units, the police can maintain their security institutions. “I mean the police, army working with federal security agencies which would see only interstate crimes. And you can have each federating units have their own security; it is part of restructuring we are talking about. What is going on right now in the country is sad.” Speaking with BDSUNDAY, Adesina Fagbenro-Byron, candidate in the 2019 presidential election, said the Chief of Army Staff made a very serious statement recently, which Nigerians have allowed to be swept under the carpet. He recalled that the Army Chief had said that it was not their business to pursue the source of the funding of Boko Haram. “But for me, the only way you can check insecurity is to check the source of its funding, what gives it live. You entirely investigate those you have captured and deal with them. What we are seeing now in terms of the security situation in Nigeria is the failure of intelligence both internally and externally,” Fagbenro said. “So, when the military high command says that all they need to do is to occupy a place and clear them that it is not their work to go and investigate where they get their funding from, then you would know that there is a problem in terms of intelligence,” he further said. He also said that “it is rather ironic that Kaduna State where you have the highest concentration of military and security institutionsthe NDA, Jaji, among others- that is where there is a security threat, they need to act. This is the kind of question that needs to be asked.” Buhari in rehash of regret, says rise in insecurity ‘very disturbing’ In what seemed a rehash of regret, President Buhari bemoaned the increasing rise of insecurity in parts of the country, saying it is “very disturbing”. But the President said his government would make more resources available for the country’s military, police and other security agencies to deal with the unwanted security situation in some areas of the country. The President remained adamant on retaining the Service Chiefs despite contrary opinions from the nation’s legislature and security experts who had since 2019 consistently passed a vote of no confidence in the top echelons of the security hierarchy.

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News Nigeria needs to review established systems for checking molestation against women – Usman …As Saraki, Orakwusi encourage victims to speak out AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

he managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, has called for the review of established systems for checking molestation and other crimes against women in the maritime industry. Speaking at a virtual conference on ‘Enforcing Policies and Legal Instruments against Sexual Harassment and Exploitation in the Maritime Industry,’ o r g a n i s e d b y Wo m e n in Maritime Journalism (WIMAJ) on Thursday to mark the 2020 Day of Seafarers, she said the NPA gives zero tolerance to sexual harassment in the work place. According to her, the media have in recent time been awash with stories of different categories of the female that have been victims of gruesome abuses, molestations and fatalities. Represented by Funmilayo Olotu, Apapa Port Manager, NPA, Usman stated that there is need for everyone to boldly condemn sexual harassment and exploitation across board even though most of these reported cases occurred on land and within policed jurisdictions. “Now, can we begin

Usman

to imagine what female seafarers are facing on the wide expanse of waters coursing through continents in the literal no-man’sland, and out of sight? It is, therefore, imperative that the maritime sector reviews established systems for checking acts of molestation and criminality against the womenfolk in the industry,” she said. Gbemisola Saraki, Mi n i s t e r o f St a t e f o r Transportation, urged rape victims to speak out, saying that silence was no longer an option if they wanted to get justice. Saraki, who was

represented by deputy director, Marine Pollution, Fe d e r a l M i n i s t r y o f Transportation, Asmau Adaji, said the fight against female sexual harassment required effective collaboration of all stakeholders. She listed such stakeholders to include government, shipping companies, the media, civil society and the victim who must be courageous to speak up. “Human dignity must be respected at all times and places, there should be increased protection of women’s rights under the law. The Federal Ministry

of Transportation, with the assistance of maritime agencies, is committed to formulating policies in line with our subsisting law to addressthissadphenomenon which erodes human dignity and inhibits the womenfolk from pursuing careers and exploring their potential in the maritime sector,” she said. Saraki said experience had shown that female sexual harassment in the maritime industry remained largely unreported due to fear of stigmatisation and victimisation. According to her, shipping companies have a role to play in addressing this inhuman practice by publicising the reporting procedures and ensuring the victim’s confidentiality. Ma r g r e t Or a k w u s i , chairperson, Shipowners Forum, said there was need to look inward on how ‘our children’ are raised. She blamed the preferential treatment given to men, and raising men to see the female body as an entitlement, for such immoral acts. She however said there was need to raise men that would appreciate the fundamental rights of a woman. Orakwusi said there was need to encourage people to speak out, as the culture of silence was motivating some men to continue with the bad act.

t was a drama at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election last Thursday, as Olumide Akpata against all odds defeated Dele Adesina and Babatunde Ajibade both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to emerge the 30th NBA president. The election, which was conducted electronically, however, saw Akpata who was a former chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law, polling 9,891 votes against Ajibade who scored 4,328 votes while Adesina had 3,982 votes. Akpata, a graduate of Law from the University of Benin, was also the youngest

of the three contestants and would lead the legal body for the next two years. The 2020 election into national offices of the NBA, however, opened, at 11.00 p.m. on Wednesday (July 29) with a total of 29,635 accredited voters, and

Akpata

ended at 11.00 p.m. on Thursday (July 30) with a total of 18,256 ballots cast. Speaking after the election, Akpata expressed appreciation to NBA members for electing him the President, and promised that the NBA would record transformation during his administration. One of the contestants in the election, Adesina, however, called for the cancellation of the election, saying that the voters record contained several errors that could have been sorted out. Other results of the election as announced by the chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), Taiwo Taiwo saw John Aikpokpo-Martins elected NBA First Vice

ourismentrepreneur, Chibuzor Onyema has advocated an Ea s t e r n Ni g e r i a Tourism Enterprise Resource (ENTER) as a blueprint for South-East and SouthSouth governments for the development of the zones. Onyema stated that this would serve as a strategic complement or alternative to oil as a mono economic source for the zones’ development. Addressing a virtual press conference, Onyema who is one of Nigeria’s brightest brains in domestic and international tourism operations describes the domestic tourism Enterprise Resource as capable of creating initial minimum 1000 jobs across SouthSouth and South-East States, and indeed other Northern and South-Western States if well implemented. “Since international tourism is no longer viable”, he noted, the Eastern Nigeria Tourism Enterprise Resource projects was an innovative way by which the NigerDelta could translate the outcome of the Coronary Virus Pandemic into good fortunes. “It highlights already existing natural endowments awaiting full scale domestic and international tourism utilisation - areas it describes as highly sought-after by

President with a total of 6,010 votes. Ad e y e m o Ka z e e m emerged NBA Second Vice President with 8,794 votes, Joyce Oduah was elected NBA General Secretary with 8, 979 votes, while Uchenna Nwadialo polled 7,314 votes to emerge NBA’s Assistant General Secretary. Mercy Agada was elected NBA Treasurer unopposed, Nnamdi Anagor emerged the financial secretary unopposed while Olukunle Edun was elected NBA Welfare Secretary with 9,001 votes. Rapulu Nduka emerged the NBA Publicity Secretary with 11,964 votes while Naza Afam polled 6,490 votes to emerge NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Onyema

international tourism development experts seeking to provide required financing for full construction and implementation of the low hanging fruit tourism projects”. “My eleven years of continuous engagement as an internationally certified tourism operator in the United States of America, Southern Africa and locally with Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) gave me a bird’s eye view that underscored this research. This could allow for maximum job creation and effective youth engagement,” he stated. Reacting to the development, the Igwe of Orlu ancient Kingdom of Imo State Patrick Acholonu, who graced the press conference, endorsed the project and congratulated the founder of the ENTER, Onyema for his foresight.

Online social platform ‘mentoring her’ set to empower women IFEOMA OKEKE

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How Olumide Akpata defeats two SANs to emerge NBA president Iniobong Iwok

Tourism entrepreneur urges Niger Delta governors to embrace Eastern tourism enterprise resource

entoring Her’, an online social platform that virtually connects female mentors and mentees where theycandeveloprelationships and help each other grow in areas relating to education, career, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment is set to launch in Nigeria. Speaking during a zoom pressing conference to announce the launch in Nigeria , Lola Adeyemi, founder, Mentoring Her explained that the vision of the initiative is to mentor, inspire and guide women to reach their full academic and career potential and live their best lives. Adeyemi disclosed that she started ‘Mentoring Her’ because she realised that a lot of women do not have mentors to help inspire and guide them through their career paths, adding that this platform will give them access to mentors that could guide them. She explained that Mentoring Her has been operating for one year in the United States but she decided

to launch the platform in Nigeria to impact the lives of Nigerian women. She observed that Mentoring Her is totally different from other mentorship platforms because it targeted at women, with mentors between ages 13 and above and mentors between ages 21 and above. “This is a virtual platform specifically dedicated to women. It is a one-stop-shop where women meet other women that will impact their lives for the better. Not everyone that applies gets into the platform as we have to conduct background checks on applicants to avoid those who are not genuine,” Adeyemi explained. She said the platform helps connect likeminded females across different parts of the world; help them learn career, academic, entrepreneurial and empowerment skills; and helps them achieve their full lifetime potential and lead like a woman. Adeyemi noted that there is a global limitation of female to female mentorship as barely 54 percent of women have access to mentors and mentors help people avoid costly mistakes.

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News Fasanmi bows out from ‘progressive politics’ Zenith Bank rewards customers with massive giveaways in the ‘Zenith beta life’ promo Iniobong Iwok

ast Wednesday Nigeria lost one of her illustrious sons, Ayo Fasanmi, who until his death was a factional leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Egbe Afenifere. The nonagenarian died peacefully Osogbo at the age of 94. Fasanmi, a Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in 1977, elected into the Nigeria’s Senate in 1979, and became a member of the House of Representatives in 1983. He also served with the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994, as a member. However, Fasanmi would be remembered for several reasons and one of them was his controversial support for the re-election bid of the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 against the wishes of other Afenifere leaders who had backed the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar. Fasanmi’s decision, however, pitted him against some of his brothers in Afenifere, and factionalised the group. Despite criticism in some quarters, he had insisted on supporting Buhari and mobilised leaders of the group to support his second term bid, while warning some Yoruba leaders who he said were in the habit of deriding and ridiculing the policies of Buhari to desist, saying the Southwest has benefited from the APC-led government and that such tenden-

Fasanmi

cies were unexpected from the zone. H o w e v e r, t h i s w a s against the stand of the Reuben Fasoranti-led Afenifere faction who had earlier at a meeting in Lagos State declared support for the candidature of Atiku over his promise to restructure the country and adopt true federalism. Speaking on the life and time of Fasanmi in an interview with BDSUNDAY, his close political associates and friend, Wale Oshun, leader of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), said that Fasanmi was among the few leaders who worked closely with Awolowo, stressing that his immediate priority was good governance by successive leaders who ruled the country. According to him, “He was one of our leaders in Yoruba land, he was one of the few titans who worked closely with Awolowo and he stood for good governance all his life. “He was quiet but he was a determined fighter for good governance for justice and equity. So, it is a great loss for the Nigerian community, the Yoruba community and for the progressive politics in this country.”

“We would remember him because he was one of our leaders in the true sense of progressive politics. He is not the type you would say is leading the branch of Afenifere, when you talk about progressives politics in Nigeria people like Fasanmi, Fasoranti, Adebanjo they worked with Awolowo and they have the singular honour of living into their 90s for a good course. “Because, the three of them provide a link between the past and the present, a good link between the Awolowo era and what we now have now”. In a condolence message to his family, President Buhari joined Afenifere to mourn the passing of Fasanmi, describing his death as a big loss to the nation. The President in a statement by his special adviser media, Femi Adesina condoled with people and government of Osun and Ekiti states, family members, friends and associates of the elder statesman and lawmaker, saying that he distinguished himself politically by always standing for the truth, especially on issues related to the uplifting of the downtrodden.

enith Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has commenced its ‘Zenith Beta Life’ promo to reward customers of the bank with gifts every week. The promo, which kicked off last Friday, 31st July 31, 2020 will run through to July 30, 2021. During this period, fifty (50) customers will be selected via raffle draw each week and rewarded with gifts worth N30,000. The promo is open to existing and new Zenith Bank customers with the following raffle qualifying criteria: maintain a minimum deposit of N5,000 for the period; request and collect a Zenith Bank car, and download and register on the Zenith Mobile App or register for *966# EazyBanking. Zenith Bank Plc is rec-

ognised as one of the most customer-focused financial institutions in the country and was voted the most customer-focused bank in Nigeria for the retail and SME segments in the 2018 KPMG Annual Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS). A clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions, Zenith Bank has clearly distinguished itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service quality, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. In recognition of its track record of excellent performance, Zenith Bank was

voted as the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria 2019 by the World Finance and the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto and Co. The Bank was also recognised as Bank of the Year and Best in Retail Banking at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards. More recently, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria , for the third consecutive year, in the Banker Magazine “Top 500 Banking Brands 2020”, number one Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2020 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking published by The Banker Magazine, Best Bank in Nigeria 2020 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020, and Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020.

Governor Dapo Abiodun (centre) signing the revised 2020 budget of Ogun State. Standing right, Kunle Oluomo, the Speaker, House of Assembly, Kunle Oluomo (left) and Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government in Abeokuta.

NIMASA seeks partnership with stevedoring Sanwo-Olu commissions first indigenous firms to protect dockworkers’ welfare

medical face mask factory in Lagos Iniobong Iwok

abajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, Thursday, opened the O-Care medical face mask factory in Odofin Park Estate, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the State, saying the development was timely. It was the first indigenous medically graded face mask manufacturing company in the state. The factory is a subsidiary o f Tr a n s g r e e n Ni g e r i a Limited, a local manufacturer of medical equipment, such as respirator, ventilator, hand gloves and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The O-Care face mask is said to be the first certified medical face mask locally producedinNigeriainlinewith World Health Organisation

(WHO) standards. The governor said the idea of setting up the factory was necessitated by the shortage of medically treated PPEs experienced in the wake of the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He said he was personally elated by the development, in that the first indigenous face mask production factory was built in Lagos. According to him, “I am personally excited to attend this event, because Lagos is recording another first for a good cause. The establishment of the first indigenous factory producing certified medical face masks represents the can-do spirit of Nigerians. As a Government that supports fresh and progressive ideas, we will continue to celebrate and encourage good innovation. “Orakpor deserves

commendation because he has not let the pandemic affect his investment drive in bringing about new business and products to fit our own environment. This is part of the narratives we are pushing as government. We can be the enabler for investors to set up businesses. “If wearing face masks must be accepted as a new normal, we must be able to strategically domesticate solutions that can provide a ready market for our people. The opening of the factory is a confirmationofwhatwestand for as a government. We must be the catalyst to nurture ideas and support business.” The governor disclosed that the State Government had started to work out modalities for the creation of an economic zone for healthcare delivery to drive more investments to the sector.

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

heNigerianMaritime Administration and Safety Agency ( N I M ASA ) , h a s called for the support of stevedoring companies in protecting the welfare and right of dockworkers at the port terminals. Bashir Jamoh, directordeneral of NIMASA, who disclosed this in Lagos during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Stevedoring Companies (NASC), pledged to work more closely with the association to improve the working conditions of dockworkers. He sought closer partnership between the Agency and the association, as well as greater involvement of the stevedoring companies in the

ongoing effort to amend the NIMASA Act. “We understand our responsibility towards the dockworkers and we are committed to ensuring that their rights and welfare are safeguarded at all times. Our recent directive to registered stevedoring companies, via a marine notice, to mobilise to their work locations and commence operation is in line with that commitment,” he said. Ac c o r d i n g t o h i m , NIMASA is, as always, willing and available to assist dockworkers and has remained committed to facilitating an enabling environment for stevedores to operate, and thrive. He called on association to be more proactive in communicating their challenges in order to facilitate timely interventions by the Agency.

Bolaji Sunmola, president of NASC, who led the visiting delegation, stated that since its inception, the association had provided a platform for discussion, formulation, and implementation of policies affecting maritime labour, with focus on cargo handling operations. Sunmola added that assisting NIMASA in the administration of Maritime Labour, as specified in the relevant enabling Acts, remained a primary focus of the NASC. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of NIMASA to enforcing the new Stevedoring Regulations and reiterated the association’s readiness to work with the Agency to successfully implement the regulations aimed at improving revenue generation and sustaining capacity building within the maritime industry.

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News Feature Why Boko Haram is seemingly inexhaustible despite military onslaught

INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja t has continued to amaze Nigerians how the terrorist group- Boko Haram- has been growing in numbers. The more the military claims to decimate them, the more they multiply and continue in their unfortunate campaign of death and destruction. This has triggered the question whether everybody in the North is now a member of the insurgent group as they appear to outnumber the nation’s soldiers. Boko Haram has continued to attackandkillsoldiersintheirnumbers and it does appear as if the Boko Haram is generative judging by some factors. It also appears that Nigeria is witnessing for the first time a massiveresignationofsoldierswhodrop their guns for the fear of being killed. It used to be said that once someone joins the military, there is no free exit. Today, people are walking away from the military as many Nigerians appear no longer interested in enlisting in the military unlike in the past when applications for entrance into any arm of the military was oversubscribed, and admission very difficult. Some analysts attribute these disturbing developments to a deep fall in the morale in the military following widespread stories of conspiracies within the security set to keep the insurgency going on because of the pecuniary interest of officers and men benefitting from the huge budgetary allocation for security while the hapless soldiers die in the battle field almost without care. It is also common knowledge that the military men and women relative to the growing population ofthecountry,issmallinnumberand most often overstretched. It is also believed that the poverty and the illiteracy predominant among the youth in the north east region of the country make the youth susceptible to manipulations making them victims of very weird ideological indoctrination and monetary inducement that push them to this nihilistic level.

Renowned security expert and columnist, Ben Okezie alluded to the fact that the military is overstretched. He told BDSUNDAY on Friday that the number of Nigerian soldiers is just around 300,000 and they are fighting in many different fronts. “They (military) handle road checks, they help internally to check kidnapping, banditry, and many other things and they are also checkmating the Niger Delta boys and you expect them to do magic? Nobody doubts the fact that Boko Haram has drastically reduced. Some years ago, the Boko Haram was having 18 Local government areas under its control. When they are attacked by the military, some of them will run away, some of them will melt into the local communities. “In that part of the country, they have a larger percentage of the youth who are jobless, who don’t go to school. You can see that many of them ride motorcycles (Okada) and do other menial jobs. So, when they areoffered$200tojoinBokoHaram, they willingly join, since Boko Haram is affiliated to foreign terrorist organisationssuchasAl-qaeda,al-Shabaab and they have access to funding in

dollars. So, they use the dollars to recruit these boys, indoctrinate and arm them because they are getting arms from unstable countries such as Libya and Iraq,” he said. He also blamed the low morale on diminishing level of patriotism in the country, adding that recruitment into the security forces especially the military is suffering because of the poor state of the economy occasioned by the crises caused by the Covid-19. “You can see what the economy of the country looks like now, there is no money. Check the police when were they paid last? All the governors are scaling down their budgets because they have been told that there is no money. This is also affecting the military. You can see that they stopped anything recruitment because anybody they recruit now, they have to kit and pay them,” Okezie said. On the question of soldiers resigning from the army because of alleged fear of being killed, Okezie debunkedthereportasmischievous. He said: “When we said that soldiers were resigning, it is for certain period, the people that wrote that report, they were just being mischie-

vous. In the military, you come in and you go out, you are recruited, you are not conscripted. It was during the Biafra war that you are conscripted because that war was for the country and if you are conscripted unless you are asked to leave; if you leave they will shoot you and kill you. “But when you are recruited on your own free will, you can go anytime. That is why you see a soldier who stays for two or three years and if he is no more comfortable he can tender his resignation. Some stay to the end if they enjoy it. Some because of bad health, they leave; some because they want to further their studies they will leave. So, the army just gathered those who want to leave from six months to one year and added them together, it is not that they all left at a go.” He however, called on Nigerians to encourage the military because they make a lot of sacrifices even as he tasked the leaders not to shortchange the fighting men in order to revive their fading morale. He also expressed optimism that when things improve many people will come back to join the army. Also speaking to BDSUNDAY Friday, Katch Ononuju, public intel-

lectual, said Boko Haram appears to have overwhelmed the military in Borno because the army appears Balkanised leading to mistrust within because of alleged infiltration and the so-called repentant combatants that President Muhamamdu Buhari allegedly pushed into the army. He said: “Buhari continues to reintegrate unrepentant Boko Haram combatant into the army and those people turn their guns against other Nigerians wearing uniform. Buhari is directly complicit in the killings by reintegrating those boys, giving them guns in the field which they have turned against other Nigerians. That is why we now suffer incredible death tolls. How can we not fight a band of terrorists? It is because those who sponsor them are among us.” He also expressed hope that the military will regain their strength and cohesion when they are reorganised after President Buhari leaves power in 2023. A cleric in part of the North East, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States appeared to have been overrun by members of the Islamist group. “When you go to some parts of the core North East States, it appears that all the youths there have enlisted in the insurgency. No day passes without cases of attacks. Religious centres are burnt down, people are killed and other unprintable things happen which government closes its eyes against. This is the worst time to live in Nigeria,” the cleric lamented. The cleric explained that many youths in those places now willingly join insurgency as they are not being catered for by anybody. “Don’t forget that because of the religion that allows polygamy, a huge number of men marry many wives and raise numerous children that they do not cater for. These children usually serve as low-hanging fruits for recruitment by Boko Haram. That is why it appears that everybody is a Boko Haram,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu, wife celebrate eid-el-kabir with patients, health practitioners at hospitals

agos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke, on Friday visited the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Broad Street and some other hospitals in different parts of the state, to celebrate Eidel-Kabir with in-patients and health practitioners. The governor and his wife while at the various hospitals spoke with the patients and the medical personnel, cheering them up and encouraging them. He also prayed for their recovery. Speaking to journalists, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his unscheduled visit to Lagos Island Maternity was to share Eid-el-Kabir moments

with those in the hospital at a time when every other person is in joyous mood at home. “It is really about the season. So, if you reflect, Eid-el-Kabir is about season of love. It is about season of remembering one another. So people are remembering Prophet Ibrahim; he slaughtered ram, which showed it is a season of giving. “There are people on two sides, the medical officers on the frontline that are meant to be at work but more importantly are patients who for one reason or the other, cannot be with their loved ones,” he said. Justifying his decision to pay unscheduled visit to health practitioners and in-patients at the

hospitals, Sanwo-Olu said: “I felt that this is the best place to come and show love; not just to see them but to encourage them and to give them little support from myself and my government. “Coming here, we would also see things around ourselves. It is an unscheduled visit. So, we didn’t prompt anything. I saw them in their natural habit. You can see so many doctors and nurses are on duty and patients are also happy. “We have also seen several patients; mothers that gave birth overnight to fresh new born babies. So, it is just a season to come and thank God for them and their lives and for their families who are not here. For

me, that is the most important thing. “We all have to stay calm. It is a period we all need to understand that we need to stay calm and know that government cares. We might not be ‘A Star’ but we have a good conscience. We have a good heart to do something good to almost everybody. I just want my citizens to see that if we have more resources, we will do a lot for them. This is just simple way of saying thank you to everyone.” Speaking on his response to a recent viral video of a boy begging his mother to calm down while punishing him for an offence he committed, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he believes strongly in pay-

ing attention and creating time to little things because there might be somebody somewhere who needs a help. He said: “You look at big things but you need to certainly create time for little things as well. That is the difference. You know, you are going to build a bridge and it is nice but you have somebody who is just somewhere who needs a help. “Just this morning (Friday), we rescued somebody who was planning to jump at the Third Mainland Bridge all because he said he has a debt of N500,000. We had to rescue him and we paid the debt. Those little details are what make the difference.

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Sunday 03 August 2020

News Feature N40bn NDDC probe, N100bn misappropriation in N/East Development Commission ...Does Nigeria still need Regional Development Commissions? JAMES KWEN, Abuja

vents of the past few weeks, regarding the probe into the alleged irregular N40 billion ex p e n d i tu re i n t h e Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and N100 billion misappropriation by the North East Development Commission (NEC) have raised serious concerns to whether Nigeria still needs Development Commissions. The NDDC was established in 2000 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000 with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, comprising the nine states oil producing Sta tes n a me ly, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Abia, Imo, Bayelsa, River, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo. One of the core mandates of the Commission is to train and educate the youths of the oil rich Niger Delta regions to curb hostilities and militancy, while developing key infrastructure to promote diversification and productivity. Unfortunately however, the Commission had in about 20 years of existence not lived up to its mandate as most of the infrastructural projects are either abandoned or poorly executed after huge payments running into trillions are made while its scholarship schemes are nothing but scams. Another hallmark of the NDDC is alleged endemic corruption by the operators of the agency and patrons from the region which recently caught the attention of the executive and legislative arms of government at the federal level. While the executive, represented by President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered for forensic audit of the Commission, the legislature, particularly the House of Representatives had embarked on full investigation of interventionist agency. Buhari had in a recent tweet said: “I have ordered a forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission. With the amount of money the Federal Government has allocated to the NDDC, we’d like to see the results on the ground, those that are responsible for that

Godswill Akpabio have to explain certain issues”. This was just as the House of Representatives had two months ago adopted a motion seeking an investigation into the alleged irregular expenditure of N40 billion in the NDDC and mandated its committee on NDDC to undertake the probe. After preliminary investigations, the House Committee on NDDC started public hearing on the issue during which the Committee’s Chairman, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed that the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC) spent N81.5billion January to May this year. Tunji-Ojo gave breakdown of the expenditure as follows: community relations, N1 .3billion; condolences, N122.9million; consultancy, N83million; COVlD-19 , N3.14 billion; DTA , N486million; Impress, N790.9 million; Lassa fever, N1.956 billion; legal services, N900million; maintenance, N220million; overseas travels, N85.6 million; project public communication, Nl.121 billion; security, N744million; staffing related payments, N8.8 billion and stakeholders engagement, N248million. The drama-parked probe in which the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Kemerbrandikumo Pondei staged a walk out on the Committee only to reappear and collapsed while the Committee’s Chairman, Tunji-Ojo stepped

Daniel Ponde down from presiding over the hearing, opened cans of worm of corrupt practices in the Commission as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio said most contracts in NDDC are awarded to National Assembly Members and denied later. It was in the middle of this multi-billion financial imbroglio in the NDDC probe that the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the alleged sleaze and misappropriation of N100 billion at the North East Development Commission ( NEDC) and mandated the Committees on Finance, Procurement

“

Further disturbed that these consistent abuse of procurement laws if not put to check may defeat the purpose for the establishment of the commission, hence the need for an urgent investigation

and NEDC to exhaustively investigate the allegations and report back in eight weeks. The House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu who moved the motion of urgent public on the need to investigate the N 100 billion misappropriation in the NEDC said the Commission which was set up to ameliorate the sufferings of the people in the Boko Haram ravaged North East Zone is alleged to be enmeshed in serious corrupt practices by the management . Elumelu noted that the corrupt practices includes high handedness by the managing director Mohammed Alkali, over inflation of contracts, awards of nonexistent contracts, massive contract splitting and flagrant disregard for the procurement laws in the award of contracts. He expressed concern that the N100 billion so far disbursed to the Commission by the Federal Government is said to have vanished under a year without any visible impact on the refugees nor any infrastructural development credited to the name of the Commission in the whole of the Northeast. The Delta lawmaker expressed worry that there are allegations of how the Managing Director and his close associates diverted funds meant for the commission to purchasing of choice properties in highbrow neighborhoods of Abuja, Kaduna and

Maiduguri to the detriment of the suffering refugees and infrastructural development. He was also: “worried that there are allegations of how the minister of Humanitarian affairs and disaster management, Sadiya Umar Farouk was said to have entered into an unholy d eal with the managing director of the commission to illegally withdraw the sum of N5 billion from the account of the commission to purchase military vehicles without any recourse to the board, an act which completely disregards the country’s procurement laws and must be seriously frowned at. “Disturbed that though the Managing Director single handedly procured all Corona virus materials and supplies to the tune of N5 billion without an approval from the board, there is said to be another massive corruption scheme on the verge of being implemented in the name of housing scheme in Maiduguri without the board’s knowledge. “Further disturbed that these consistent abuse of procurement laws if not put to check may defeat the purpose for the establishment of the commission, hence the need for an urgent investigation”. Like NDDC, the NED also has impactful objectives embedded in the law establishing it. The NED Bill was signed into law in October 2017 by President Buhari to replace other initiatives such as the P re sid e n t ial In it iat ive o n Northeast (PINE) and Victims Support Fund (VSF) and the board of management inaugurated in May 2019. The Commission was established with a mission of coordinating funds accruing from the federation account and donor agencies for the purposes of rehabilitating and resettling of victims of insurgency, reconstruction of homes, infrastructural development and tackling of illiteracy in the Northeastern part of the country. Obviously, arising from the objectives encapsulated in NDDC and NED Acts, there are pieces of legislations at various stages in the National Assembly, seeking to establish Development Commissions in the other geopolitical zones to address their peculiar developmental challenges. Prominent amongst these

Sunday 03 August 2020

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News Feature are: the South East Development Commission Bill which has been passed and is awaiting presidential assent, the South West Development Commission and the SouthSouth Development Commission Bills which have both passed second reading in the House of Representatives. The South-East Development Commission is to serve as a catalyst to develop the commercial potentials of the South-East, receive and manage funds from allocation for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, reparation for houses and lost business of victims of the Civil War and address any other environmental or developmental challenges. The South West Development Commission would be charged with the responsibility to among, others; receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federation Account and to receive donations and gifts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damages suffered by the region as well as tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South West States. Also the South-South Development Commission is to serve as a springboard for the engagement, integration and development of the South South region as well as resolve issues of infrastructural deficit, militancy, communal crises as well as the ecological problems and (any) other related environmental or developmental challenges in the region. The sponsor of the South Development Commission Bill, Awaji-Inombek Abiante amongst others argued that the NDDC was created merely to replace the OMPADEC (Oil M i n e ra l P ro d u c i n g A re a s Development Commission) and for the development of oil producing area which include areas and communities from States in the South East (Abia & lmo) and South West (Ondo) and most recently Lagos (where oil was discovered in 2016). As the lofty as the ideals of these Zonal Development Commissions, are the difficult question is whether Nigeria still need them with the recent revelations that those already in existence: NDDC and NED are nothing but c o n d u i t p i p e s, doi ng more harm than good to the national treasury. Responding to this, Deputy National Leader, Young P ro g re s s i v e s P a r t y ( Y P P ) Solomon Gbenga called for the NDDC and NED to be scrapped while the Bills seeking to establish other zonal Development Commissions should be discarded.

Gbenga told BDSUNDAY that what Nigeria needs is even development of all sections of the country and not establishment of regional or zonal agencies, hence such could become ‘cash cows’ for some political actors and their surrogates in management of those organisations. “Our leaders have gotten it wrong in this country. It is not supposed to be a Regional Commission, we are supposed to fix the Niger Delta where the wealth of this nation comes from. That was why Obasanjo in 2000 established the NDDC, but a lot of leaders have come now and turned it into a cash cow. “I don’t see the need for any Regional Development Commission to come up because every other region is benefitting from Niger Delta. Nigerians should begin to wake up to realities because if you open up the South East Development Commission that will be the way for the Igbos to begin to fight for contracts and amass wealth. “Nigerians should begin to understand that we are one nation. There is no need to be having the South East Development Commission, the North East Development Commission, the North West Development Commission, etc, we are already beginning to break the nation. “We are already a federal system, let us run a federal system. If we are running a regional system, let us run a regional system. We cannot run federal and regional system at the same time because some people will begin to fight. All these Regional Commissions and the NDDC should be scrapped”, he stated. In his opinion, a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Benue State University, Makurdi, Donald Ende argued that zonal Development Commissions are not o n l y g ra d u a l l y re t u r n i n g Nigeria to the era of regionalism but they are opening more avenues for corruption by the ruling class. Ende said the multibillion naira scandal in the NDDC and NED should not be swept under the carpet but be taken to a logical conclusion for the reorganization of the Commissions or doing away with them and rather allocating more funds for developmental projects in each state of the federation. He suggested that: “Such projects should be supervised or monitored strictly by the President or the Minister of Special Duties”, adding that the perceived failure and corruption in the existing zonal Development Commissions called for caution in: creating more of such conduit pipes”.

Abia shoe factory to finally commence operation Sept. …with installed capacity of 5,000 pairs of shoes, daily

GODFREY OFURUM, Aba bia State government has confirmed that the Abia automated shoe factory, located in Aba, the commercial hub of the state, will commence operation in September, 2020, after previous attempts failed. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made this known while inaugurating management board of the factory, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, the state capital. He charged the board members to operate like a commercial outfit and not like a parastatal of government, to consolidate the position of Aba and Abia State, as a global hub for shoe and other finished leather products. According to Ikpeazu, “The first ever Enyimba shoe factory is the sign post of a culmination of efforts to mainstream the Abia in the competitive global shoe market”. The governor explained that the objective of setting up the shoe factory is to lead out a paradigm shift in the old way of shoe production and key into the new dynamics of shoe production with acceptable global standards. He charged Kito Dominic, managing director of the factory, and other board members to bring to bear their wealth of experience in developing a brand that will compete favourably in the global market. Members of the Board include Mark Atasie, chairman and Kito Dominic, managing director. Others are Chimaeze Nwafor, Chinenye Nwaogu, executive director, operations, Ada Oseiza, executive director, marketing, Ide John Udeagbala and Osaro Eko, technical partners. Meanwhile, Osaro Ekonweren, technical partner, Aba Automated Shoe factory, described the Aba factory as currently having the most updated shoe producing machines in the country.

Ekonweren in an interview, immediately after the inauguration of the Board of the Company, by Governor Ikpeazu, said, “we were amazed and impressed by what we saw on ground. “Our group has been into shoe production in Nigeria for over a decades now and I must confess that the machines we saw there when we went on inspection cannot be found anywhere in the country. “We use machines in our own company, but what we have is nowhere near what is at the Aba Shoe Factory”. He stated that at present, the factory has an installed capacity for the production of 5,000 pairs of shoes everyday, which translates to about 2-million pairs of shoes annually; with facilities for expansion and assured that they plan to actually expand this capacity within the next one year. He applauded the foresight of Governor Ikpeazu and confirmed that the factory will change the face of shoe production in Nigeria. He explained that his organisation was selected as technical partners for the factory, based on proven and verifiable track record of quality automated shoe production, spanning over 10-years.

He stated further that they make shoes for companies like PEP of South Africa and several others, assuring that the products from the Aba factory would be well received, by the markets. According to him, products from this factory will not just be for the local market here, but will be sold across West Africa and beyond. He assured that the factory will be run as a professional and commercial outfit with clear opportunities for value addition and job creation. On when actual production will commence at the factory, he assured that they will start test runs in the next two weeks, while they will start production by the second week of September. He made it clear that by December this year, shoes from the factory would have gained ground in the local and international markets, noting also that the factory would also produce other leather works, like bags, belts, wallets, among other products. Chinenye Nwaogu, executive director, operations of the factory, observed that with the new management structure in place that Ikpeazu has sent a clear message that the factory will be run solely on a basis of professionalism, inspired by commercial expediency. He explained that shoemakers from Aba, who were sent to China, by the Governor for training on the use of machines in shoe production would form the initial technical staff of the factory, while there will be huge emphasis on training for more operators. Nwaogu stated that the apparent delay in the start of production at the factory was because the Governor insisted that a professional organisation must be found to run the place and the process took some time, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic, which shut down the country for about three months.

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Tribute to Pa Ayo Fasanmi

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editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja MANAGING DIRECTOR Dr. Ogho Okiti EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure ADVERT MANAGER Ijeoma Ude MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (South East, South South) Patrick Ijegbai COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (North)

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Sunday 02 August 2020

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Tayo Ogunbiyi Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

he tough certainty of death as the expected end of every mortal was succinctly driven home by Williams Shakespeare in one of his enduring works, ‘Julius Ceaser’, in the following words: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear; seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come”. Death is certainly an integral part of human existence. Either by spiritual insight or medical diagnosis some know ahead of time about the imminence of their death. But for others, deaths come so suddenly, tragically and at times so painfully. This same death, which Shakespeare describes as a necessary evil, finally caught up with Pa Ayo Fasanmi on Thursday, July 30,

2020 at the age of 94. An elder statesman and leader of Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, Pa Fasanmi was a great nationalist, visionary leader and a great pillar of democracy in the country. His death has since been variously described as a great loss not only to the South-West but the country as a whole. He was a dedicated Nigerian with massive contributions to the socio-political development of the country. The departed illustrious elder statesman was a constant source of support and inspiration to contemporary political leaders across the country. He was always willing to offer his wise counsels and experience whenever the need arises. That is the exact reason why he would be sorely missed. What is, however, soothing is that Pa Fasanmi passed away at a ripe age, having served God and humanity in various capacities and fields. A progressive politician and rare humanist, Pa Fasanmi touched and transformed several lives through his life of selfless service and industry. He was a symbol of decency, humility and integrity. His life epitomised the virtues of honesty, fairness and justice. He was an exemplary leader who spent the greater part of his life in the service of humanity, particularly the Yoruba nation

where he contributed to the development of the region. A vastly experienced political leader, he contributed immensely to the development of the South West region in particular and the nation in general. Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation. He was National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in 1977, elected into the Senate in 1979, and became a member of the House of Representatives in 1983. He also served as a member of the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994. Pa Fasanmi was indeed an icon with indelible contributions to the socio-political evolvement of Nigeria and the Yoruba race. He will surely be missed. A core disciple of the iconic Yoruba leader, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Pa Fasanmi was an untiring advocate of a united Nigeria. He was never one to stand in support of falsehood. Throughout his political, Pa Fasanmi was always on the side of justice, fair play and transparency. In a society where people do all sort of things to acquire wealth and fame, it is amazing that the late Senator opted to be different. As we continue the process of nation building, we could draw vital lessons from the life and time of this illustrious patriot by daring

to be different and endeavouring to stand by the side of truth and justice at all times. One vital lesson that we need to really draw from the commitment and dedication of the departed to the cause of the downtrodden is that whatever man does in life lives after him. Though the passionate leader is no more, but he will be remembered forever by the lives that he touched. He could have closed his eyes to the plight of the poor but he did not because he had a divine understanding of the true purpose of life. The life he lived actually brings to mind the following philosophical words of Albert Pike: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” How apt! The true purpose of life, according to Martins Luther King, is not in the number of mansions one has but in the number of lives one is able to touch. It is this respect that one could actually say that Pa Fasanmi came, saw and conquered. No doubt, the demise of the leader of Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba came at a critical period when his wealth of experience, vast knowledge and elderly insight was most needed in Nigeria. But then, having played his part in the stage of life, one could only wish him eternal peace at the bosom of the Lord. Rest in Peace, Pa Ayo Fasanmi.

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BDSUNDAY 9

Racial relations and reconciliation Dolapo Ajala .Isiguzo is a major commentator on minor national issues

he name George Floyd might just reverberate throughout all history for the same reason Rosa Parks’ name does, “I can’t breathe” may also be one of the most iconic catchphrases in the struggle for racial equality since the ‘Am I not a man and a brother” catchphrase of the anti-slavery movements in the early 1800s. Floyd, a 46-year-old African American was brutally slaughtered in Minnesota by a white police officer who asphyxiated him to death by pressing down his knee on Floyd’s neck for about 10 minutes. In the very distressing and heart-wrenching video, Floyd is heard pleading and begging for his life uttering the phrase “I can’t breathe” about 16 times, then finally calling on his late Momma before losing consciousness. The Floyd video conjures painful feelings of dèjà vu, only 6 years ago, Eric Garner (you guessed right, an African American) was choked to death by a white NYPD officer,

Sanda Yakubu Yakubu, a Reform and Privatisation specialist, writes from Lafia.

Impact of Pension Reform he Pension reforms carried out by the Bureau has engendered the following positive impact: •Over twenty Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), seven Closed Pension Fund Administrators (CPFAs) and four Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) have so far been licensed. • Over 6.2 million contributors have been registered from 180,586 employers while 55,904 retirees, currently receive their monthly pensions as and when due. The total value of pension industry assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme is currently over N4.7 trillion and generates over N6.9 trillion annually. • Investment of long term assets in economic development, helping in increasing domestic savings and investments, while also helping in the development of the Capital Market by contributing to increase in the volume of intermediated funds, increase in level of trading, modernization and deepening of the capital market. • Pension funds act as intermediaries to a lot of financial assets, including corporate equities, government bonds, and so on, while also providing long term financial intermediation to the real sector through corporate debt instruments and investment funds. • Pension funds serve as long term project finance for potential investors. The banking sector is yet to effectively and efficiently finance the real sector of the economy, bridge the infrastructural gap and provide affordable housing in Africa, due to the short term nature of its deposit

Garner was also heard squealing the very same phrase -”I can’t breathe” for nothing less than 11 times. Cases of police brutality towards people of colour in the US is rife, in 1999, an unarmed Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea, West Africa died after he was riddled with 41 bullets by 4 NYPD officers, Philando Castile was shot over 12 times and killed in full view of his girlfriend and daughter in Minnesota. Atatiana Jefferson was fatally shot right in front of her nephew by a police officer in Texas; Breonna Taylor also died after being shot at eight times in her apartment in Kentucky; 7-months pregnant Malaika Brooks was subjected to three Taser stun gun shocks till she was unconscious and dragged face down on the streets of Seattle by police officers with her 11 yearold son looking on helplessly. In all cases, the victims were black and unarmed, the police officers who shot at them, white. There are also many instances of white people calling the police on people of colour for frivolous and outright racist reasons, two years ago, fellow compatriot, Lolade Siyonbola during her time at Yale University filmed a video that went viral of a white student calling the police because she felt Lolade wasn’t supposed to be at Yale, even after Lolade had shown her student ID, opened up her apartment with her key card

to prove that she was indeed a student of Yale, the police officers kept heckling and harassing her. In May, Amy Cooper (a white woman) after been cautioned by Christian Cooper (an African American and no relation of Amy) to abide by Park rules in New York called NYPD, stating that Christian was threatening her life and that of her dog. The unnecessary and tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin at the hands of ordinary white citizens go to show that racism in America isn’t just institutionalised but very well internalised by Caucasian citizens of America, this has manifested itself in micro-aggressions by white folks against people of colour, a phenomenon that distinguished Professor Carol Anderson terms “white rage”. One of the pictures of Mr. Floyd that has stuck with me is one in which he is seen holding up his Bible amidst other friends, he was a man who helped organise Christian outreaches in the hood and assisted in the water baptism of folks in the name of Jesus. Now, I couldn’t care less if he was gay, Hindu, Buddhist, Nihilist, Muslim or of any other conviction, he was a fellow HUMAN BEING! My Bible tells me to love and respect my neighbour as myself (doesn’t matter the skin pigmentation, sex/sexuality or religious beliefs). Some of my deepest friendships and connections are

with people of other faiths, we don’t subscribe to the same divinity, but we certainly share the same humanity. Yes, I’m irrevocably Christian, nothing in heaven and on earth can change that; I’m Christian not because my parents are Christians or I was born into a Christian family but because I exercised my sovereign and inalienable right to choose to be Christian. And shame on me if I go around telling people that JESUS loves them and I’m silent about JESUS hating injustice and loving justice. Justice needn’t always be retributive, sometimes, it should, justice could also be restorative, and one way restorative justice should be served to the people of colour is through REPARATIONS. The question of reparations came up during the 2019 Democratic Presidential Primaries, while most candidates supported the idea in principle, even pledging to support a reparations research bill, they all fell short of committing to any genuine policy plan. Bernie Sanders, who was one of the Democratic frontrunners tried to side-step the issue by always seeking the definition of reparation, one interviewer bluntly answered “money to the descendants of slaves” to which Sanders replied “I think there are better ways to do that than just writing a check”. While it is true that reparations could take on more than direct cash handouts, Sanders’ unwillingness to back

reparations, a race-specific policy plan that addresses the peculiar problems imposed by slavery/ racism on African Americans isn’t unusual, Senator Kamala Harris, an African American who also vied for Democratic nomination for President of the United States shied away from any bold policy statement/plan on reparation for obvious political reasons. However, a recent INSIDER poll found a majority of voters who identify as liberal, 54%, 2020 Democrats have started to clash over slavery reparations, but a new... John Haltiwanger, Walt Hickey A majority of liberals and black Americans supported reparations for descendants of slaves — a hotbed issue in t... support reparations for descendants of slaves. Some people think the mention of reparation in race relations a taboo, others believe that reparations are not feasible, they are both wrong! Those who think reparations a taboo are obtuse because they refuse to accept the reality that the almost 500-year legacy of slavery/segregation/racism has exacted unjust and inhumane systems, structures and arrangements on people of colour while white folks have been expropriating all the benefits and profits of such systems. It is only sensible and a show of good faith if arrangements for reparations are put in place.

Federal Government reform activities and economic liberalisation (Part 3) liabilities and cost of funds. Competition and Anti-Trust Committee This Committee was inaugurated on the 18th of June 2001 with membership cutting across both the Public and Private sectors. The Committee was charged with the following responsibilities, amongst others: •Review of existing studies, reports and background material on monopoly and competition in Nigeria, including position papers, probe and panel reports and Government white papers where applicable. Review of existing anti-trust regimes, studies, reports and background material on competition in other countries. Identification of all legislation, industry practices and customs that inhibit competition or in any way confer monopoly/restrictive powers on any firm – whether public or private, in all economic sectors. • Preparation of draft legislation to completely eliminate monopolies, remove restrictive conduct and foster competition in all economic sectors. The legislation shall also establish a regulatory agency for each sector to ensure that detailed rules for corporate conduct are drawn up and enforced. The Committee produced a draft Competition Policy for Nigeria and a draft Federal Competition Commission Bill. The Policy and Bill were approved by the NCP in 2004. The proposed Federal Competition Commission Bill is designed to, among other things, Prevent the concentration of economic and political powers in the hands of a few large organisations; •Promote maximisation of con-

sumer welfare using market principles and efficiency criteria; •Encourage local control of business and protect against the effects of labour dislocation; •Nurture small businesses, and create an economy characterised by many sellers competing with each other; •Ensure access to many more people previously denied an equal opportunity to participate in the economy; •Prevent restrictive practices and abuse of dominance, on account of ownership concentration; •Stimulate growth, innovation and expansion of economic opportunities; •Maintain and encourage competition and enhance economic efficiency in production, trade and commerce; •Prohibition of contracts or arrangements and restrictive practices (e.g. price fixing, bid rigging, price discrimination, fixing quotas, etc) that substantially lessen competition; •Regulates mergers, takeovers and acquisitions; and •Prohibits monopolies. The Bill provides for the establishment of the Federal Competition Commission. Determination and Resolution of Cross Debts The Committee was inaugurated in June 2001 with membership that cuts across stakeholders from Federal and state ministries and the private sectors. The terms of reference of the committee include: •Determine the exact amount of total indebtedness by all public enterprises as at December, 2000

and assess its impact on the efficient running of the affected enterprises; •Ascertain the authenticity or otherwise of claims of indebtedness by each of the affected enterprises and develop a cross-debt matrix between the affected enterprises and between them and government as at December 2000; •Examine the items and nature of these debts by checking balances into Trial Balances and other control accounts of such enterprises; •Advise on the most efficient ways of settling various existing indebtedness by all affected enterprises prior to privatisation or commercialisation of some of the enterprises under the current privatisation and commercialisation programme. •Recommend in the light of its findings, precautionary measures (i.e. system design) to be put in place and appropriate steps to ensure prompt settlement of financial obligations between public enterprises; •Recommend such other actions as may be considered desirable as this stage having regard to the current policy of privatisation of major public enterprises. The NCP approved the report of the Committee in February 2003 and directed that the cross debts estimated at N350 billion should be forwarded to the Debt Management Office. Solid Minerals The Solid Minerals Sector Steering Committee submitted its report to the NCP on Monday, December 13, 2005. After detailed deliberations, the NCP directed BPE to process the draft Mineral Sector Policy document for the attention of both the

National Economic Council and the Federal Executive Council. BPE also collaborated with the then Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to develop a new legislation for the sector. The draft bill was passed into law in 2007. Regulatory institutions When an economy is liberalised, proper regulatory machinery must be put in place. In all the sectoral bills drafted, there are provisions for regulators. This is to ensure that the rights of all stakeholders, especially the consumers are protected. For instance the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been overseeing the telecommunications sector while the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is in charge of the power sector. One of the challenges envisaged in the post-privatisation era is the regulation of the sectors. Hitherto, this was done by either Ministries or statutory bodies that performed both regulatory and operational functions. Some public enterprises were often organised to achieve political objectives not to solve market failures. Many have been tools of special interest groups and corrupt officials. There is a danger that such rent-seeking coalitions, aiming to avoid financial losses from privatisation and competition, will subvert the regulatory process. Credible and stable regulation is required to achieve the benefits of privatising and liberalising infrastructure. A regulator should be coherent, independent, accountable, transparent, and predictable and have capacity to carry out its mandate.

10 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 02 August 2020

Perspective The writer and society (Part 3) Prof. B. Chima Onuoha (Onuoha, a professor of Management and a former ASUU leader, writes from University of Port Harcourt)

hen you ask postgraduate students to review a book, a book chapter or a journal article, what do you expect from them? It is also a training programme. They are expected to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the work; point out areas not covered/omission and make recommendations. The more they do this, the more they are learning the art of writing. For selfish purpose – some writers have self-centered ways of writing, shouting in the radio and television stations as a strategy for positioning themselves for appointments. They have the penchant for seeking attention of those in authority for same reason. They deliberately increase their nuisance value, to be noticed and settled. One of my former colleagues did it in Abia State University, many years ago and became a commissioner. In my own state – Imo, another man who goes by the title –Public

Analyst, so much disturbed the state in the media until he was made a State Coordinator or Chairman of a federal agency. Suddenly, his public analyses stopped. Such persons are everywhere and are insatiable. Once the benefits of the current positions start decreasing or stop, they start their fake people-oriented agitations, all over again. Such writers are also suffering from entitlement mentality. Most heads of organisations, both in the private and public sectors, including religious leaders are expected to write addresses, speeches or homily/sermons from time to time for various audiences. They are mostly guest speakers, key note speakers, chairmen of ceremonies, etc. All these require one form of writing or the other. These speeches impact the society positively. For posterity – it is often said that “authors live after their death”. The reward for being selfless, impactful author is perpetual. This should be enough consolation since authors are not fully rewarded monetarily in our clime. One can hardly go through any serious article in newspapers without references to renowned or impactful writers, dead or alive. Are there demerits or disadvantages of being a writer? Of

course, yes. Anything that has advantages also has disadvantages. Writing is not an exception. If your writings are not pro-establishment, the authorities will not like you. In fact, you can be victimised or harassed. There are evidences where writers, highly critical of tyrannical governments are jailed. Issues raised in your write-ups will prick the consciences of some individuals or groups. So, they will also not like you. Some of your colleagues, in addition to being envious will disparage you. Some of the critics of your write-up may not be objective. Some emotionally unstable critics may call you names or insult your mother and father. Traps may be set for you to fall in. Stories may be fabricated against you. In other words, a writer, particularly if you are a social crusader or an activist, must be psychologically prepared for all these challenges. Do you want to be a writer and impact the society positively? The following tips and strategies may be useful: Have passion for writing, write regularly, have the interest of the society at heart and downplay selfish interest or personal benefits. It will entail sleepless nights and other sacrifices. Undergoing training in writing and communication skills is also recommended. Be a voracious reader and

good researcher. Have open mind, be eager to learn and interested in current affairs. Endeavour to communicate effectively by writing simple and straight forward sentences. Choose words and sentences appropriately. In other words, try to avoid ambiguous words or terms. Expect criticisms (mostly subjective, biased), expect insults (sometimes from your inferiors), just have large heart. Be target-oriented, this entails harsh self-discipline. For example, if you have a goal of writing one book in a year or an article in a month, barring any extreme unforeseen circumstance like ill health, endeavour to achieve that goal. Surround yourself with intelligent and positive people. Your interactions and discussions with them, most times, give you inspiration and things to write on. Form a habit of having writing materials around you – pen, papers, etc. This include in your bed side. Ideas come as a flash. If this happens, get those ideas written down immediately. If you wait further, you are likely to forget. You should not be a film or television-watching freak. They take a lot of valuable writing time. A writer should also be a

critic. But be very careful. Avoid bias, subjectivity or prejudices. Be a deep thinker. Don’t be in haste to condemn or judge. Do not respond in annoyance. Read more about the topic. Do not exhibit inferiority or superiority complex. Make effective use of your diagnostic and analytical skills. Above all, avoid name-calling like a plague. Clearly point out those areas you disagree with and present your own views – superior or otherwise. It is not a field battle but intellectual exercise. In some areas, it is a rewarding effort. After all, in the literary world, including theatre arts, people have earned Masters and Doctorates or even became professors by critiquing other people’s academic works. In your write-ups, do not show blind loyalty or eager to please a pay master somewhere. Avoid hatchet writing – it reduces your integrity and respect both from the pay master and members of the public. People can’t trust you because they know you have a price tag and available for hire by any person. In conclusion, if you are writing for the benefit of the society and posterity, don’t expect too much monetary rewards, and constantly ask for God’s wisdom, grace and protection. Let’s make our society a better place. I am still thinking aloud.

Corruptionvirus or coronavirus- Nigeria’s ‘Penkelemes’ years Chinasa (‘Nasa) Ken-Ugwuh

ecent events of corrupt practices across different government agencies; reeking of sheer abuse of positional power coupled with the barefaced attempt to fob off such levels of corruption with grand Nollywood acting, has left a significant proportion of Nigerians more despondent than ever. The memes and jokes making the rounds on social media are simply a reflection of Nigerians’ coping mechanism, as we are seemingly not a confrontational collective (story for another day). The article header is aptly a spin-off of Professor Wole

Soyinka’s book titled ‘Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years’ referring to a period of corruption and injustices in the Western region of the country, which quite frankly, fits the description of the current goings-on, which by the way, isn’t new. Imagine the blatant disregard and lack of accountability to Nigerians during a public health crisis, which has been nothing but shocking to me. My personal hypothesis, that, maybe the pandemic would force leaders and Nigerians as a whole to be introspective and hopefully more considerate of our development plight as a nation, is appearing to prove false. In 2017, when I serendipi-

tously made the transition from Banking to Development, I had two sets of conversations. The first with the CEO of the organisation I was leaving - when I told him about the organisation I was going to and its overarching goal to catalyse the transformation of the public sector in Nigeria - he gave that chuckle of disbelief and asked if it was even possible. The second conversation was with the founder and chairman of the organisation I was going to - he had such an optimistic vision for the transformation of Nigeria’s public sector, premised on his first-hand experience of a civil service that was the envy of other developed countries at a point in his lifetime. Apart from my utter admiration and respect for his audacity, I was inspired to be part of the solution.

In truth neither of them were wrong and both their views were driven by their Nigerian Public Sector experiences - one just happened to have been opportune to see both the good and the not-sogood versions. You see, there are two options we have as a people: 1. To give up, complain and make jokes out of our “Penkelemes”(peculiar mess). 2. Summon the audacity like Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede and dare to actively do something to take our public sector back to its former glory at the barest minimum My take, the risk with doing nothing is, in the long term, it will become everyone’s problem. Indeed, what Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede seeks to achieve through his Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) is ambi-

tious and infact, may not even start to manifest for years to come. However, it awakened my consciousness to the possibilities of the hope of an efficiently run public sector. So, imagine a critical mass of well-meaning and astute Nigerians, intentionally and actively intervening in correcting our “Penkelemes”. Finally, with the events that have unfolded in the past few weeks, it would appear that corruptionvirus still takes first place over coronavirus as the public health crisis that plagues our country. Question is, who will create the vaccine to contain our Penkelemes?

Author: Chinasa Ken-Ugwuh E-mail Address: chinasacollins@yahoo.co.uk LinkedIn: @Chinasa Ken-Ugwuh IG: @with_nasa

Sunday 10 November 2019

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BDSUNDAY 11

Perspective Diaspora remittances and Nigeria’s economic growth DR. AKIN OLADEJI-JOHNBROWNE (A Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Taxation Nigeria and Securities and Investment Institute, United Kingdom is currently based in Canada as Independent Public Policy Advisor)

ecently President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) affirmed the growing importance of Diaspora remittances to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy based on 2019 figures released by the World Bank. In the affirmation, PMB said: “$25 billion annual remittance by Nigerians in the Diaspora was more than 80percent of the country’s annual budget and formed about 6percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”. This affirmation of the humungous Diaspora remittance amount should be a trigger for policy change on Diaspora matters and a precursor to considering a review of how Diaspora remittances can contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s economy, in the face of dwindling revenue. This article is an alternate view on how Diaspora remittances can have impact meaningfully on

Nigeria’s development. The Diaspora remittance economics is based on the theories of migration which are well explained in the history of trade and political economy between nations and different nationalities. One of the canons of migration is premised on human welfare, otherwise referred to as economic migration. Nigerians are no exceptions to attractions of economic migration, which formed the bedrock of why many Nigerian ethnic associations all over the world are active, of which Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) is but one. What is currently deficient is an evaluation of how migration and Diaspora policy decisions can impact on economic growth. Although good progress has been made with the enabling Act setting up the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM),much can still be achieved in the area of Diaspora remittances program if an expanded responsibility is developed for NIDCOM. The envisaged expanded scope of NIDCOM activities is what this article is being explored. A number of countries have used Diaspora remittance as deliberate economic policy which encourages their citizens to embark on economic migration. Philippines is reputed to be the world’s third highest net Diaspora remittance recipient country in

which remittance is more than 10% of GDP. In 2018 and 2019 Diasporas remittance of Filipinos was $28.9 billion and $30.1 billion respectively. Filipino Diaspora have become a major factor in the economic and social life of Philippines as a country and Filipino economic migration is a government policy. In India, Non-resident Indians (NRI) remittance contributions to the India GDP stood at 3.4% in 2018 and still constitutes a major part of the country’s overall economic development, standing at $79billion in 2019,followed by China and Mexico $67 billion and $36 billion respectively. NRI money transfers to India are mostly for healthcare, investments, savings and charities which positively impact the Indian economy. In a similar vein, Pakistan Remittance Initiative has significantly attracted higher remittances from Pakistani Diaspora. The State Bank of Pakistan in its 2019 report expects an average of $20billion per year in a sustainable basis in Diaspora remittance which is considered important for overall macroeconomic stability and their positive impacts in improving lives of millions of Pakistani families. Nigeria can at this period of slow economic growth and dwindling revenue reinvent her Diaspora remittance strategies by learning from experience of

other countries. The activities of NIDCOM can be expanded to include developing projects to harness the potential of overseas remittances for poverty reduction and local economic development. This may include mass housing development and small-scale industries project in various states. A pilot project can be initiated in the six geopolitical zones of the country for a start. To achieve this NIDCOM should create a Diaspora Investment Development Division (DIDD) whose focus should be the development of platform for Nigerian overseas to invest their remittances on physical asset development. A special purpose Diaspora Bond can also be issued via the capital market processes. DIDD will also deal with creating an account solution with licensed money managers for a seamless investment account with banks and microfinance institutions for identifiable projects under the template of the commission. In another view, government may allow NIDCOM to establish a Nigeria Diaspora Remittance Company exclusively for remittance of funds to Nigeria at zero fees. The Company will be similar to PNB Global remit a subsidiary of Philippines National Bank where non-resident Filipinos overseas remit money to their country. By adopting this option, government would

have succeeded in eliminating high transfer fees being charged by MoneyGram, WesternUnion, World Remit and other private sector remittance companies currently operating in Nigeria As a consequent to establishing a remittance company is for NIDCOM to create a Department of Economic Migration (DEM) where surplus manpower in the country can be encouraged to work abroad, with sole aim of creating a new sustainable pool of remittance prospects. The DEM will collaborate with other similar efforts in government who are handling Volunteers and quasi manpower services for other countries in Africa. The present trends why Nigerian professionals travel abroad should be formalised with government support, provided such citizen are willing to be government Diaspora candidate. Last but not the least is the Diaspora risk management. Government must create a robust data base to register all Nigerians in Diaspora which may ultimately be used by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on election and political parties matters as being done by other nations. Credible Diaspora data base is a challenge NIDCOM must consider in the risk management of the remittance policy programme.

Creating stronger Diaspora bond for rapid development post-COVID-19 (Part 1)

Blessing Ikeme

iaspora Nigerians are increasingly desirous to play an active part in the developmental aspirations of their homeland. Such desire has been most noticeable in the willingness of many foreign-based Nigerians to return home and take up employment, establish a business, take up government appointments or go into politics. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Obafemi Hamzat, Oscar Onyema, Don Jazzy, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Afam Edozie, and John Fashanu are a few notable examples. Where they are not predisposed to returning home, at least not in the near future, they have, nonetheless, pitched in to ensure socio-economic growth in their homeland, as individuals and as a collective. For instance, the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA), founded in 2006 and representing over 7,000 pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, pharmaceutical educators of Nigerian origin, has

over the years been very active in helping to shape the future of the country’s pharmaceutical industry through collaborations with local professional bodies such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. Chimamanda Adichie is one individual that continues to devote time, effort and her knowledge to help nurture and mentor budding writing talents in the country through her yearly creative writing workshop here in Nigeria. Through direct or indirect participation, as individuals or as groups, there is no denying the fact that Nigeria diaspora are contributing immensely to the socio-economic development of the country, through remittances, knowledge-sharing, investments, international influence and marketing of opportunities. Figures by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that in 2019, Nigerians living abroad sent home $17.57 billion. PriceWaterHouseCooper estimated that the remittances represented 6.1% of the country’s GDP even as it sees the inflows rising to about $35 billion in 2023. While figures for diasporas’ investments in the homeland may be patchy, the capital and money markets, real estate, agriculture, education, and healthcare are among the key sectors to have benefitted from direct investments by Nigerians residing abroad. The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), in a Policy Brief docu-

ment, said, “There is mounting evidence that diasporas do indeed play important roles in promoting the development of their countries of origin or ancestry.” Indeed, it is in recognition of this fact and to better harness and utilise the potential by Nigeria diaspora to contribute that government has continued to craft policies aimed at proper engagement and mobilisation of this important group. “It is my sincere belief that the diaspora community if well-coordinated can lead to even better impact, not only on individual family units but also on the society at large,” says Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Nigerian government. Government has suddenly realised that the tide had turned on what was considered brain drain in the past to brain gain now and is desirous to attract “both the talents and resources of emigrants and their descendants.” Since the dawn of democracy, successive governments had sought to tap into this promising group for their nation building agenda. The Olusegun Obasanjo administration leveraged on the talents and global knowledge and experience of diasporas like Okonjo-Iweala, Oluyemi Adeniji, Leslye Amede Obiora, Obiageli Ezekwesili, and also established the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization (NIDO) “as an umbrella organization of all Nige-

rians abroad and a vehicle through which Nigerians in the diaspora could be mobilized to participate in the development process.” The current administration has gone a step further by establishing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to rally diaspora support for its developmental plans. It also designated July 25 as Diaspora Day, among other initiatives to woo Nigerians living in the West. The Diaspora Day celebrations for this year was held last Saturday. It was an opportunity once again for President Muhammadu Buhari to rally diaspora support for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic as well as their support in the rebuilding of the economy post-pandemic. “It is, therefore, my sincere hope… that Nigerians in the Diaspora will rise up to the occasion of not abandoning their country of origin, but be active in our postCOVID-19 economic recovery efforts,” President Buhari said during the commemoration of the 2020 Diaspora Day. Many diaspora professional groups had taken up government’s clarion call for support and collaborations. Notable among these are the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, the Association of Nigerian Engineers & Scientists in the Americas, the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical

Scientists in the Americas, among others. NAPPSA, for instance, has demonstrated leadership, particularly in its efforts to help Nigerians come to terms with the ravaging coronavirus through its regular updates on the scourge. And only recently donated COVID-19 items to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in line with its stated objective to facilitate “efficient healthcare delivery systems and strategies” across the world, including Nigeria.” At the donation, NAPPSA called on the government to as a matter of urgency invest in building a strong health infrastructure in Nigeria even as it promised to lend a helping hand. The association’s spokesperson, the President, Dr Anthony Ikeme, encouraged the NCDC and other stakeholders in healthcare delivery to use their positions to “facilitate the creation of a national strategy for medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria.” The association was of the opinion that COVID-19 has revealed the systemic weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the nation’s healthcare sector that must be fixed immediately if Nigeria must play a leading role in the global health and pharmaceutical enterprise. • Ikeme is the president of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA)

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Sunday 02 August 2020

Society

Child abduction: Making a living from others’ misery

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE popular Bible verse says ‘money is the root of all evil’. This best describes the growing rate of illegal business of buying and selling of babies in Nigeria. Today, desperate childless men and women, go through the back doors to ‘buy’ babies either abducted or literally rejected by the real mothers especially under-aged mothers in place of legal adoption. Some years ago, the trend was baby factories where some syndicates recruited young women who were quartered in places far away from the prying eyes of the public and their kids were immediately sold off to willing buyers. Today, especially since the outbreak of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, many Nigerians just like others in the global community, have been experiencing serious economic hardship. This may have pushed many into desperation to earn a living by all means, hence some have gone into the business of child trafficking. Simply put, buying and selling of ‘abducted’ babies. Whereas most of such syndicates have since been bursted, there still exist some others that trade on newly-born children and their numbers have continued to grow by the day. Although, the Nigeria Police have been having hard time trying without luck to stop illegal childselling and buying syndicate, the illicit business has continued. Just recently, the police in Rivers State paraded some women who were caught trading on kids. For them, it was pure business as there is a business angle to everything in Nigeria. One Roseline Nwokocha from Umuahia was arrested with her sister, Chioma, at Rumuokuta junction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Chioma had accompanied her to Rivers State to see the baby, Roseline told police. Nwokocha, who disclosed that the last time she came to Port Harcourt to buy a baby, her sister Chioma accompanied her because she was sick. According to her, the previous child she bought cost her N1.1 million and the child, she was nabbed trying to buy, was to be sold at N1million. She said her plan was to give the child to the buyers at N1.1 million. The report revealed that Nwokocha was arrested with the N1.1 million in cash, and she said that it was the buyers who gave her the money as she left Umuahia for Port Harcourt. “When asked who she planned to pay the money to, she pointed

at another woman in the group named Chi Chi. Chi Chi was asked who she planned to get the baby from and she pointed to another woman named Aunty Ify,” the report revealed. Chi Chi said that Aunty Ify approached her that she had a baby for sale at N950,000 and she topped her gain of N50,000 and sold to Nwokocha at N1million. According Chi Chi, once Nwokocha’s money is handed to her, she will hand Aunty Ify’s share to her and Ify will then bring the baby. Aunty Ify was then asked where she got the baby she wanted to sell from and she said she has no idea. She said someone called her that they had a baby to sell so she set the wheels in motion. Meanwhile, Roseline Nwokocha was asked what happened to the baby she bought two weeks earlier and she said the baby was in Aba with a couple. She was asked for the couple’s name but she couldn’t provide an answer. She was also asked what she planned to do with the baby she came to buy before she was nabbed, and she said one couple from Umuahia were to adopt the child but said she couldn’t remember the Umuahia couple’s name. Though, the fifth woman in the group was identified as the mother of the previous baby Nwokocha bought. BDSUNDAY search has shown that apart from the monetary attachment to this business, the desperation for couples in childless marriage to have children is another reason the business of illegal adoption of babies is thriving in Nigeria. Such couples indulge

in this illegal business despite the legal process of adopting a child, which is backed by the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Also in 2019, Nigerian police freed 19 pregnant women from properties in Lagos, which they describe as “baby factories”. Most of the women were abducted “for the purpose of getting them pregnant and selling the babies”, the police said. Police further said that male babies would be sold for $1,400 (£1,100) and the females for $830 equivalent to N504,000 and N298,800 going by the exchange

“

Once the court is satisfied with the application and the report of the welfare officer, the court will make an adoption order. But if the court is dissatisfied, the court will revoke the adoption order

rate of N360/$. They added that the children were to be trafficked, but it was not clear who or where the potential buyers were. Sadly, these rescued girls and women, aged between 15 and 28, had been lured to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, from different parts of the country with the promise of employment. But they were then held in the properties and raped. “Baby boys are more expensive than girls in the baby sale business,” says Comfort Agboko, head of the southeastern arm of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking agency, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). “Male children are often sold for between N700,000 (about $2,000) to one million naira (about $2,700) while female babies are sold for between 500,000 naira (about $1,350) and N700,000.” The majority of the buyers are couples who have been unable to conceive. These so-called “baby factories” are not uncommon in Nigeria as there have been several raids in the past including one recorded in 2018 when 160 children were rescued. It has been alleged that a good number of the abused children are adopted ones. In recent times, cases of child abuse have been on the increase. “We see cases and read stories on a daily basis of wicked couples subjecting their maids or wards to inhuman treatment. Some of them could be adopted children. The fact that there is no blood relationship, it may be easy for wicked parents to treat such chil-

dren anyhow. This is particularly so if the method of the adoption was not documented or did not pass through legal process,” a social worker, who pleaded anonymity, said. On the procedure for adopting a baby legally, the applicant is required to present the following documents; marriage certificate or a sworn declaration of marriage for a married couple; birth certificate or sworn declaration of age of each applicant; two passport photographs of each applicant; a medical certificate of the fitness of the applicant from a government owned hospital; and other documents, requirements and information as the court may require for the purposes of the adoption. Explaining this further, Samuel Okolie, a Lagos-based legal practitioner stated that Order 26(1) of the Child Rights Act provides “that an application for adoption shall be made to the court as prescribed in form 3 and shall be accompanied with the relevant documents”. According to him, in practice, the application is not made directly to the court but by way of a letter addressed to the ministry of youth and social development depending on the state, and accompanied with the relevant documents. “Once the ministry is satisfied with the application and the relevant document, the ministry will send all the relevant documents to the court, and the judge or magistrate depending on the case, may decide whether to hear the application in open court or in chambers,” Okolie stated. Okolie further revealed that the court having been satisfied with the application and the relevant documents, will direct the welfare officer or child development officer to go and investigate the character and suitability of the applicant as an adopter as well as the child to be adopted. “Once the court is satisfied with the application and the report of the welfare officer, the court will make an adoption order. But if the court is dissatisfied, the court will revoke the adoption order. In either case, the court will make an order containing a direction to the chief registrar and appropriate child development services to file the order in the adopted children Register,” he explained. Okolie however stated that the court shall also in placing the child for adoption, have regard as far as practicable, to the wishes of the parents and the guardian of the child, to the religious upbringing of the child. To some of these childless couple, going through the legal process of child adoption is tough, and this is forcing desperate childless couples to patronise baby factories. To address this, they called for a review of child adoption laws to discourage individuals or couples from patronising baby factories and other illegal outlets to adopt children, revealed a survey on child adoption and Child Rights Act conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Sunday 02 August 2020

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BDSUNDAY 13

Tribute The Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi of our lives Calixthus Okoruwa Okoruwa works for XLR8, a communication company

was already seated somewhere towards the back row at the hall in the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, waiting for the meeting to commence, when I saw him walking from the high table towards the rear of the hall. So I walked up to him and introduced myself, upon which he gracefully took my hand and ushered me to a seat on the front row. To my left and right was an intimidating array of top shots in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector – chief executives of blue-chip pharmaceutical companies, top civil servants, deans of pharmacy schools and the like. I was only a fresh-faced21-year-old final year student, at the quarterly meeting of the council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in my capacity as president of Nigeria’s pharmacy students. But to Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi who had recently become president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, mine was a very special position that needed to be accorded utmost importance. Not very long afterwards, with the meeting now well underway, Adelusi-Adeluyi, signaled to me. “I’ll be calling on you next,” he whispered gently, apparently in order to avail me of some time to prep myself ahead of my presentation. “Next, I’d like to call on a gentleman who represents the future of our profession,” he soon announced. Of course, I had by then become very relaxed and confident and my presentation was near flawless. The practice of incorporating students into the highest level of policy making in the profession was unique to pharmacists in Nigeria. Its objective was to seek the unique insights of students in policy formulation and imple-

mentation while at the same time enabling students better understand and appreciate and perhaps, even internalise these policies before they graduate. In my experience at the council, whose meetings I had attended thrice before this one and with whose members I had interacted, no one appreciated this as much as Adelusi-Adeluyi. And in typical fashion, he strove to ensure that the council optimised the benefits of this innovation. The future of the profession was critical and it was today’s student who epitomised that future. It wasn’t because he had been a student leader in his day. It was his person. A natural strategist, he has a great sense of perspective. I veered off pharmacy many years ago and have for more than twenty years, practised in the realm of communications management. When you discuss issues pertaining to public relations, marketing, branding and advertising with Adelusi-Adeluyi, you’re practically discussing with a peer in these areas. He is as much at home in these fields as he is with his primary profession of pharmacy. When he set up Juli Pharmacy in the early 1970s, he designed its logo himself, a logo that in its colour, simplicity and distinctiveness, ticks all the boxes of uniqueness that define great brand expressions. Even its tagline, “…the sign of service” is no less unique for its succinctness in capturing the essence of service which Juli Pharmacy continues to exemplify. It is instructive that wherever he has operated, Adelusi-Adeluyi has typically been set apart by his peers for leadership. As a student, both at domestic and international levels, as an employee at Pfizer, at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as a member of Rotary Club, as a participant at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and later its alumni association, even as a minister in government. It is easy to recognise that he has an innate disposition to bring people together, to break down boundaries, to foster better

understanding and trust among people. And his leadership is enriched by the altruistic virtues he embodies. But beyond these, people can see that he combines his deep intellect with a super-human temperament and incredible humility. There is the

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi

X-factor as well. Impossible to describe, but which the gentleman appears to have in full measure: The charismatic ability to inspire followership. At 80, Adelusi-Adeluyi has taken to studying Greek. He’s already very proficient in several languages that include Dutch, French, Spanish, Portuguese and even Latin, in addition to his native Yoruba, but this doesn’t matter to him. He’s as much a Philomath as he is a Polyglot. He learnt how to fly planes many years ago and has a private pilot’s licence. The story of his sojourn in the field of law, with his peerless performance at the Nigerian Law School in 1987, is now the stuff of legend. He has been a television broadcaster, journalist and even music producer. He has been very active

Nigeria’s free fall into China’s debt... Continued from page back page

concern. This rather scary economic situation throws up some salient questions, all begging for answers. Have we, as a country not been making money from crude oil sales over the past few years? What about the huge revenues from other sources such as the multiplecompanytaxesincluding VAT, inflow from the ports and that from the Customs Service? Where have all these gone in the face of decrepit and dilapidated infrastructure, annual budget deficits, fragile healthcare system and a drastic dip in the standard of education across

the country? With 23 out of 36 states unable to pay salaries to civil servants as and when due, in spite of the so-called bailout funds, one cannot but remember the question Prof. Ayodele Awojobi (of blessed memory) asked the Alhaji Shehu Shagariled administration, “Where has our oil money gone?” Your guess is as good as mine. Worsening the situation is that many of the commercial banks are not lending to the real sector to boost manufacturing. Sundry consumables including textile materials and electronic equipment are either being imported daily at astonishing rates, or smugglers are having a field day. All these have no doubt led

on the professional circuit: Institute of Directors, the chambers of commerce and many others. When he turned 75 a few years ago, I recall over-hearing a phone conversation he had with a state governor who was planning to pay a visit to felicitate with him. “When you’re several houses

to an unprecedented unemployment level and an upsurge in the wave of crimes including armed robbery, kidnappings, banditry, arson and hideous ritual murders! The question now is, who will pay these huge debts? Will the burden being left by the reckless political class not be too weighty for the lean shoulders of our jobless children? Will they not be turned into slaves and beggars in their own country by the creditor nations? To the executive and legislative arms of government, the time to reverse the drift into deeper debt trap is now. Let us live within our means. A stitch in time saves nine!

away,” he implored the governor, “do me the favour of turning off your sirens.” He had no interest in drawing attention to himself by the caliber of his visitors, nor of disturbing the serenity of his neighbourhood. You can feel his simplicity when he stretches out his hand to a 10-year old and engages him in a conversation, effortlessly committing the child’s name to memory. He doesn’t do it to patronise the child. He engages the child out of genuine love and interest. You can experience his largeness of heart when he laughs away incidents and deliberately refuses to hold a grudge against anybody. Indeed, immensely witty, he’s not above poking fun at what he imagines, are his own shortcomings or failures.

Then you experience his godliness when he puts his own problems aside and takes upon himself, the problems of everyone else – at professional, social, and even personal levels. At 80, you wouldn’t hear him complain even of a headache. This is not because he doesn’t have headaches, but because he is more concerned with your own problems and helping you resolve them. I have yet to meet a better listener. Whether presiding over a formal meeting or proffering counsel to a group of visiting politicians; whether playing host to a group of visiting students or a delegation of traditional rulers, Adelusi-Adeluyi is never carried away by his learning, exposure and experience. He never ceases to listen, thereafter, crafting his well-articulated sagely counsel that have made him a much sought-after mentor and counselor. A rumination of his life inevitably evokes the great “what ifs”. What if he had stuck to the arts and humanities for which he had a natural disposition and not gravitated to pharmacy in a country where scientific disciplines are under-appreciated and malnourished? Perhaps today, he may have been another of our Nobel laureates in Literature. What if he had been born in some other country, the United States for instance? What a delight it would have been to see how the US would optimise his humongous intellect, skills and organisational ability. Perhaps, he would have long earned for himself, a place in the Pantheon of America’s greatest presidents. As he celebrates his 80th, one can only wish this multi-talented beacon of statesmanship, leadership and integrity, many more years of excellent health in service to humanity. And if the earlier “what if” questions are academic, the “when” question, certainly isn’t. When shall such a personality come the way of our country again? Or as William Shakespeare puts it so succinctly in Julius Caesar, “whence comest such another?”

Edo 2020: As Oshiomhole... Continued from page back page he collected from Lucky,” IzeIyamu had charged during the 2016 campaign. “People asked me, why didn’t you speak all these years. If I say it, reporting thieves to thief, what difference does it make? Now, I can talk because I know that the man there, if I can provide evidence, he will act. There was no point reporting a thief to an armed robber,” he said in the seventh anniversary of his administration in November 2016. He spoke extensively of the land-grabbing instincts of the Igbinedions. There was an earlier charge of Lucky misappropriating $31 million (about N7 billion then) from Edo coffers.

The awkwardness of Oshiomhole campaigning for Ize-Iyamu as governor of Edo State is a big punishment for the same Oshiomhole that at campaigns only four years ago said unimaginable things about Ize-Iyamu. Oshiomhole at all times impugned Ize-Iyamu’s character, rating him unelectable. After boasting at the 2016 campaigns that he had ended the days of godfathers in the state’s politics, Oshiomhole wanted to assume the same position. It is said to be a core issue in his disagreement with Obaseki. The campaigns would be really interesting. Now he is on a beggarly mode, Oshiomhole is likely to talk less and be on his knees more. One just hopes people would notice.

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Feature Rivers yet to explore huge non-oil resources – Export guru ... says absence of a regional economic plan hurts Niger Delta ... but educationist points to human capital reservoir as way to go

IGNATIUS CHUKWU ivers State must look into its huge reservoir of non-oil resources to give its economy an extra leg and prepare for future economic glamour. The advice was given last week in Port Harcourt by an export guru, Udofia Ofon, who is the executive secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Management. The export consultant who was chairman of the export trade group of the Port Harcourt City Chambers told BDSUNDAY in an exclusive interview on investment opportunities in Rivers State that the state is endowed with many other resources outside oil and these have remained unexploited to maximum point. Ofon said: “The government is at crossroads as unemployment is a security threat. It is important for the state government to find out what it is not doing right so it can change its game to get better results.” He remarked that the state is backward on Ease of Doing Business for which the state had to set up a high-powered committee headed by the deputy governor to look into it. Ofon however wondered how the Vice President has been going round the states to engage them on how to boost the national Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ranking without setting foot in Rivers State. “There is need for the state to close ranks with the centre. Rivers State is where the golden egg that sustains the nation is laid.” He warned against firther neglect of Rivers State, saying; “If there is restiveness in the Niger Delta, it will immediately affect the national economy.” On investment climate in the state, the export guru noted that there are issues militating against investment: “There is multiple taxation; youths block roads to extort small businesses (SMEs). This way, they block smooth trade. Rivers State is home of touts. See the road to the Port Harcourt port and youths block the road and collect toll.” Touting Ofon urged the state authorities to launch a war against touting. “The Rivers State government enacted a law against payment of levies on land to touts but the youths still harass developers. Many firms have fled Port Harcourt because of

Udofia Ofon, export guru activities of touts and general violence. Let the government address this.” He advised the Rivers State to do well to develop an SME list and use it to address their problems. “They are the engine room to address unemployment. Efforts must be made to empower them to excel. Many levies and fees for SMEs is not a healthy development; For instance, what it takes to run a pharmacy in terms of fees in PH is far higher than what it takes to same in Ibadan. The result is higher prices of drugs in Port Harcourt than elsewhere.” He advised the state government to pay attention to agricultural investments because the state he said has many cash crops it can exploit. “There are coastal foods which people from other regions come here to pick and go home to process for export.” He also warned that governments in the Niger Delta zone seem not to be marketing the region well. “They do not care about the image and story (narrative) of the region. They do not have plans to manage the narrative of the region. There is no regional economic plan like in the West and some other regions. That is tragic.” He pointed to research findings which show that in Cross River State, in a town called Okonde, food waste is very high due to absence of road to evacuate agric produce. “There are no tractors to farm the vast land but tractors donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are taken

Ekama Emilia Akpan, education investor to the West and North. It is a shame.” On need for intervention, the export guru said there must be effort to create a culture of transparency. “Funds that came into the region in the past do not have fruits to show. They seem to have gone into private pockets. Today, there is no product with logo or stamp of the funding agency that supported it as can easily be seen in some other

“

So the elite spend their money – not minding the high rate of air fares, send their children outside the state for education that they can easily get within their state of abode

African countries.” He harped on collaboration, saying there is need for intervention agencies to seek local collaboration with grassrootsbased organisations and tradebased associations to carry out activities. “IFAD is here in Rivers State doing some activities but they do not care to get in touch with the right grassroots groups. They must connect with the people and consult productbased organisations and groom them.” Ofon insisted that partnership is key. “Reduce corruption so that funds can freely flow to intended targets. NDDC must change its modus operandi. There seems to be no impact of its projects. People’s pockets seem more important in designing and executing any project. “The NDDC and the state governments can create enabling environment for businesses to thrive and attract investors. Niger Delta governors must form an economic alliance no matter which political each governor belongs to. This is how other regions do it.” Ofon said trade especially with export is the new way to go. “The NDDC should focus on building capacity of people in the region to export into Africa as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) approaches. “The NDDC should set up a mechanism to boost specific products made in the region and help push the investors into export trade. Thank God that Rivers state government has started issuing Certificates of

Sunday 02 August 2020

Occupancy for land owners, the other Niger Delta states should follow suit and pay attention to. “Youth should own business as this will help them in sourcing finance from the banks. If this is done to the SMEs that have businesses and landed properties in Rivers State in particular and Niger Delta in general, this will help in reducing unemployment which has become a security threat in the region.” Ekama Emilia Akpan harps on good education as key In her own contribution, an education investor, Ekama Emilia Akpan, CEO of Showers Group, pointed to human capital development as the best way to shore up economic prowess of the Niger Delta. She said the power of the state is in the youths and they must be educated to take up the challenges of the next day. Harping on need to develop the manufacturing sector to curtail importation from other regions and nations, Akpan said the problem concerning the manufacturing industry in the state requires an experienced and exposed mind to consciously push the people in making sure they understand and apply best practices to get into the rhythm of manufacturing and be competitive with other states, especially those states that don’t have the natural resources like Rivers State. The CEO of Showers Schools said: “All those states that do not have natural oil like Rivers State have gone into manufacturing – knowing that they do not have alternative. But the problem of Rivers State is that they still think and rely more on oil as it seems to have more demand, but now that there is recession in the oil sector, it’s about time we start restrategising and revaluing how the state can start producing for the consumption of her citizens.” She admonished Rivers State to always look inward and not think abroad all the time. She lamented that the upper class in the state send their children outside the state whereas she said there are strong schools in the state that beat those from Lagos. “So the elite spend their money – not minding the high rate of air fares, send their children outside the state for education that they can easily get within their state of abode. This is why in this time of lockdown, you hardly would find potatoes, yams becoming dry, and meanwhile here in the state we have very fertile soil that can grow any crop of such, like the Egi area of the state. “In my recent experience of trying to start gardening, almost everywhere around the area, I see snail. So, if I want to, I can pluck pepper and get the snail to make my meal and eat. For example, planting potatoes or tomatoes, we don’t need to go the northern part of the country to do that”.

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Arts

Irenosen Okojie; the Nigerian diaspora writer on the rise Stories by OBINNA EMELIKE

ince 2016, when she published ‘Butterfly Fish’, her debut novel, Irenosen Okojie has been a writer on the rise. Though the Nigerian-British author left her home country when she was eight years old, her stories incorporate magic realism and also make use of her West African heritage. These literary skills are obvious in her debut novel, which was aptly described as a smooth literary hooch, with a dark personality and complex finish by those who have read it. From her short story collections and to her novel, first time readers of her works are usually intoxicated by their rich imaginative ardour. Her secret is getting active readers hooked with her unique storytelling and writing style. “I never want my readers to be passive. I am challenging myself as a writer when I come to the page, so hopefully as a byproduct the reader will be challenged and intrigued and it will not be a passive experience for them,” she says. Recalling how she started

her debut novel, she noted that it was originally intended to be a short story. “It started as a short story, which was picked up by a literary project run by Spread the Word. On the program I was mentored by Donna Daley-Clarke. She was of the view that the story could be potentially turned into a novel. I was on the program for a year, at the end of which I got to publish an excerpt of my novel, as part of an anthology”, she notes. Moreover, she sacrificed her plum job in London to concentrate on writing the novel. The sacrifice paid off as ‘Butterfly Fish’ won her the Betty Trask Award in 2016. Aside from ‘Butterfly Fish’, Okojie has many other works to her credit. The works include; Speak Gigantular, short stories, published in 2016, Nudibranch: A collection of short stories published by Little, Brown Book Group in November 2019, and Grace Jones, which has won her the 2020 AKO Caine Prize for African Writing, the biggest recognition for her so far. Grace Jones was published last year in Okojie’s book Nudibranch, her second short story collection and her third book.

Irenosen Okojie

Speaking on the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing, the Nigerian-British author credits her win to her extra confidence as a black female experimental writer who has felt she was operating on the fringes. Commenting on the story, she explains that the short

story on Grace Jones follows an impersonator of the singer as she mourns the death of her family in a house fire. For the judges of the prize, the short story is a radical story that plays with logic, time and place, as well as, risky, dazzling, imaginative and bold. Commenting on Okojie’s

Beeta Playwright Competition announces winner of its 3rd edition

he grand finale of the 3rd Beeta Playwright Competition, which held recently, was all shades of inspiring, intriguing and enthralling. Held on the Zoom App due to the continued spread of the coronavirus and restrictions on social gatherings in Nigeria, the hour-long event saw in attendance, sterling

actors and industry stakeholders. Over a two-month period, the Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF) team led by Bikiya Graham-Douglas, an award-winning actress, producer, and performing artiste, got over 442 entries from 30 states in Nigeria, including the FCT and the diaspora.

Achalugo Chioma Ezekobe, winner, 3rd edition, Beeta Playwright Competition

With the help of the panel of judges, which included Professor Ahmed Yerima, Nwakaego Boyo, Kenneth Uphopho, Ayo Jaiyesimi, Shaibu Husseini, and Ibiso Graham-Douglas), 10 finalists were shortlisted and Achalugo Chioma Ezekobe emerged the winner. Speaking on how this edition panned out, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, who is passionate about empowering the next generation of writers enthused:“I created this initiative to find new voices in the literary genre of drama in Nigerian literature. Through this platform, I am able to develop talent and empower the next generation of playwrights in the country and the whole ecosystem of performing arts. I am particularly pleased about this edition because of the female representation in the top ten”. She expressed her joy over how the initiative is promoting inclusion as one of the finalists has a hearing impairment, and has confessed that the competition has

given her enormous boost of confidence as a human being. “This project is significant to me because it is in line with my ethos of development, it is documenting our authentic stories and impacting lives in communities positively”, she further said. From inception to date, Beeta Playwright Competition has received over 1000 entries, published two plays with the third in production, had ten stage productions, and also has testimonials of finalists and winners doing amazing things in their own careers such as winning the NLNG Prize for Literature and writing the critically acclaimed Moremi the Musical. Achalugo Chioma, the winner of this edition, got the N1 million grand prize and a publishing deal with PaperWorth Books Limited for her play, “Daughters of the East”. The first and second runner-ups respectively were Ronke Gbede’s “Barrister of Fiditi” and Temiloluwa Fosudo’s “Milk, Honey, and What Not”.

feat, Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp, Caine prize chair of judges and director of The Africa Centre, says that the journey of Okojie’s main protagonist Sidra, a young woman who has moved to London from Martinique, “moves exquisitely and seamlessly between the exploration of the universal experiences of unspeakable suffering, pleasure and escape, and the particular experience of being black and African in a global city such as London”. “It is intense and full of stunning prose; it’s also a story that reflects African consciousness in the way it so seamlessly shifts dimensions, and it’s a story that demonstrates extraordinary imagination. Most of all, it is world-class fiction from an African writer,” Tharp says. Okojie is an arts project manager and curator based in London. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Observer, The Guardian, the BBC and the Huffington Post, and she is a contributor to the 2019 anthology New Daughters of Africa, edited by Margaret Busby. She has received nominations for a number of awards and she has been a judge for other literary competitions.

Her 2016 collection of short stories, Speak Gigantular, was shortlisted for the 2016 inaugural Jhalak Prize, as well as, the 2017 Edge Hill Short Story Prize. Her story “Animal Parts” was nominated for a 2016 Shirley Jackson Award, and her short story “Synsepalum” was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 to celebrate the BBC National Short Story Award 2018. Also in 2018, Okojie was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. She has also become a literary activist. She was among the many critics of the Man Booker Prize for having a shortlist dominated by white males in a long time. The sustained criticism resulted in a change since 2015 when Marlon James, a Jamaican writer, was shortlisted and he eventually won the prize. She is currently writing a second novel, but said she finds the process of short story writing feverish, and filled with a sense of urgency. However, she appreciates Donna Daley-Clarke; winner of 2006 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, Best First Book, Europe and South Asia, for mentoring and encouraging her to explore the novel genre.

Lock-In, the biggest competition in BBNaija history, debuts with N30m at stake for fans

ultiChoice Ni g e r i a h a s revealed that 30 fans of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown Edition stand a chance of winning N30 million in the biggest competition yet in the history of the show. The BBNaija Fave Housemate Lock-in competition is a fresh twist from Biggie that will see fans lock-in a favourite housemate who they think will win the show. The lock-in period will be open from Thursday, July 30 till Monday, August 3, 2020. The special BBNaija Lock-In feature would be available on MyDStv and MyGOtv apps. At the end of the season, correct Fave Housemate Lock-In entries will go through a raffle draw where 30 winners will emerge and win N1 million each. To qualify for the competition, fans must be active DStv or GOtv customers

Big Brother Lockdown

and download the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps from their app stores to lock-in the housemate they believe will win. The competition is open to both new and returning customers. Th e B B Na i j a Fa v e Housemate Lock-in competition is one of the ways MultiChoice is making this season more exciting for its customers. BBNaija season 5 airs on DStv channel 198 and GOtv Max and Jolli packages on channel 29.

16BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 2 August 2020 Sunday 02 August 2020 Sunday 2 August 2020

Traditions by Bimmms BY BIMMMS TRADITIONS

TRADITIONS BY BIMMMS

rom dressing the wife of the Vice President dressing wife of rom Nigeria, to the First of the of Vice President Ladies different of Nigeria, to First states, to distinguished of different individuals Ladies across the world, states, to distinguished ABIMBOLA IPAYE soars in this individuals across the world, ABIMBOLA IPAYE soars in this

MY THOUGHTS... MY THOUGHTS... My thoughts...Exactly! EXACTLY! EXACTLY! Listen to that still small voice Listen to that still small voice

interesting, he had with him all the KEMI AJUMOBI instruments he needed work with interesting, he had to with him all the KEMI AJUMOBI ave you ever been him.instruments Apparently,he heneeded was ontohis waywith work nudged that stillbeen aveby you ever to help a car he was called him.fix Apparently, he was on histoway by that smallnudged voice that is still help cometoand fix.fix a car he was called to small voicebut that is a silent whisper come and fix. he was where I I was so happy a silent whisper audible enough for but I was so just happy he right was where needed help, at the time I audible enough your heart to comprehend and your for just the right withneeded the righthelp, tools. Heatbegan to dotime to comprehend and your inner your ear toheart hear? the right tools. Hebest began to do whatwith he knows how to do and inner earatovery hear? It usually isn’t loud voice but I engaged what he knows to do best Iand him in a how conversation. It usually isn’t a very loud voice but I engaged in named a conversation. you cannot deny hearing it except asked him why him he was Lucky I you cannot deny hearing it except him why he was named Lucky of course you choose to ignore it and Iasked found his narrative interesting of course you choose ignore it and I found his narrative interesting deliberately…like I did and Ito learnt Lucky told me his mother is the 6th deliberately…like I did and I learnt Lucky told me his mother is the 6th my lesson. wife of his father and the others lesson. of because his father and the not others A few my days ago, while on my way to havewife all left they could days ago, while on voice my way to have all left because they could not work, AI few heard that still small have children but immediately his work, check I heardyour that still havecame children say “Kemi car”small but Ivoice mother intobut theimmediately scene, his his say “Kemi check your car” but I mother came into the scene, his whisked it away and said to myself mother conceived him and after whisked it away and said to myself mother conceived him and after “my car is fine”…(or so I thought). he was named Lucky. “my car is fine”…(or so I thought). he was born, was born, he was named Lucky. Got into a bit of traffic but about 10 Afterhehim, his mother had other Got into a bit of traffic but about 10 After him, his mother had other minutes to getting to my office, the children. minutes to getting to my office, the children. car stopped. As I tried to start it, it Luckily, Lucky was born; Luckily, his car stopped. As I tried to start it, it Luckily, was born; Luckily, his just wouldn’t answer. So I parked. mother had Lucky him;him; luckily, his his mum just wouldn’t answer. So I parked. mother had luckily, mum GuessGuess the voice that came back back that that had had otherother children andand luckily for for the voice that came children luckily I couldn’t ignore? Yes…your guessguess me, Lucky was was just just there to help me me I couldn’t ignore? Yes…your me, Lucky there to help is as good as mine: The Still whenwhen I needed it the most…well, if if is as good as mine: The Small Still Small I needed it the most…well, Voice Voice that warned me ahead. you you asked and and I honestly want to to that warned me ahead. asked I honestly want I wasI filled with with thanks to God respond to you on my preferred was filled thanks to God respond to you on my preferred because it wasita was safeaplace to park… choice of word to replace Luck, I I because safe place to park… choice of word to replace Luck, my thoughts went went wild wild “what“what if it if will to use favoured. my thoughts it prefer will prefer to the useword the word favoured. was atwas night?” what what if it stopped on on at night?” if it stopped GodGod indeed hadhad mercy on on meme indeed mercy the bridge?” what what if…what if… if… because the bridge?” if…what if I got ‘punished’ for not because if I got ‘punished’ for not Somehow, God God mustmust really do do Somehow, really listening to the Small Voice thatthat listening toStill the Still Small Voice love love me. Guess whatwhat further me. Guess further nudged me earlier, the story would nudged me earlier, the story would happened? As I was to park, happened? As Iabout was about to park, havehave beenbeen different. different. two young men men just walked by. by. two young just walked There is always thatthat voice thatthat There is always voice Thewas firstawas a mechanic and the The first mechanic and the cautions positively, make cautions you you positively, make it ait a an assistant, (Mohammed other,other, an assistant, (Mohammed to listen to what it says dutyduty to listen to what it says youyou his name) and after having a should is hisisname) and after having a should do when it says should do when it says youyou should conversation with them, conversation with them, LuckyLucky (The (The it, and when it warns you… do it,do and also also when it warns you… mechanic) said immediately mechanic) said immediately he he do not want to learn trusttrust me, me, you you do not want to learn walked passheard and heard the sound the hard many do not come walked pass and the sound the hard way,way, many do not come myhecar, he knew something out lucky…or I would prefer of myof car, knew something was was out lucky…or like like I would prefer to to to make matters say, Favoured. wrong.wrong. Now, Now, to make matters moremore say, Favoured.

EDITOR EDITOR Kemi Ajumobi Kemi Ajumobi kemi@businessdayonline.com Email:Email: kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: TEAM: Desmond Okon Desmond Okon Osaromena Ogbeide Osaromena Ogbeide Designed by Aderemi Ayeni Designed by Aderemi Ayeni

terrain where she has become a pacesetter, modernising Aso-Oke where she has who become forterrain her discerning clients valuea pacesetter, modernising class and treasure quality.Aso-Oke As the for her who value CEO of discerning Traditionsclients by Bimmms, class andmakes treasure quality. As the Abimbola various types of CEO of Traditions by beads Bimmms, Aso-Oke, aso-ebi and for Abimbola makes various types of Aso-Oke, aso-ebi and beads for

her male and female clients who have steadily increased because her always, male and femaleher clients who she through stunning have steadily attires, ensuresincreased they come because back and she always, through her stunning also make referrals attires, ensures they come back and also make referrals

Sunday 2 August 2020 Sunday 02 August 2020 Sunday 2 August 2020

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WOMAN WITH TWO WOMAN WITH TWO WOMBS PREGNANT Woman with two wombs WOMBS PREGNANT WITH TWINS INinEACH pregnant with twins each WITH TWINS IN EACH

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BDSUNDAY17

IT’S OKAY TO GO THROUGH THE RIGHT PROCESS, IT’S OKAY GO THROUGH It’s okay to goTOthrough the right CHANGE WILL COME THE RIGHT PROCESS, process, come CHANGEchange WILL will COME

DESMOND OKON

A A

DESMOND OKON Kelly Fairhurst, a 28-year-old woman Kelly Fairhurst, ashe has discovered 28-year-old woman had two wombs and has discovered was pregnantshe with had two wombs and a twin in each. Hers is a unique washas pregnant with condition and been told that a her twincase in each. unique defiesHers oneisina50 million condition odds. and has been told that her case defies million Fairhurst, was one told in by50 doctors that odds. she had a rare condition called Fairhurst, was told by doctors that uterus didelphys, which means she she had a rare condition called has two wombs and two cervixes. uterus didelphys, which means she The woman who already has two has two wombs and two cervixes. daughters with her boyfriend, The woman who already has two Joshua Boundy, was told the news daughters with her boyfriend, at herBoundy, 12-weekwas scan. Joshua told the news She told a UK based at her 12-week scan. news outlet, Thetold Suna UK thatbased the twins She news could outlet,be identical. The condition itself The Sun that the twins could be is quite rare but they went on to identical. The condition itself istell me that was a one-in-50-million quite rareitbut they went on to tell chance for me to conceive twins in me that it was a one-in-50-million each womb. chance for me to conceive twins in Fairhurst, each womb.from Braintree in Essex, was toldfrom thatBraintree her uterus was not Fairhurst, in Essex, fully formed when she was gavenot birth was told that her uterus to her second daughter, fully formed when she gavehowever, birth did not diagnose with her todoctors her second daughter, however, uterusdid didelphys. doctors not diagnose with her uterus “Withdidelphys. my second baby they said “With second baby they said that my I might have a bicornuate that I might have a bicornuate uterus, which means it’s not fully uterus, which formed,” shemeans said. it’s not fully formed,” she said. “So, when I went for this scan, I “So, went for this scan, that I waswhen reallyI surprised to learn was really surprised to learn that I have two of them. I just thought, I have of them. I just thought, ‘God,two that’s a shock.’ It makes you ‘God, that’s a shock.’ It makes youhas feel incredibly grateful that this feel incrediblytograteful thatyou this get has to happened you and happened to you and you” she get said. to have two amazing babies, have P r otwo f e samazing s o r A sbabies, m a K”hshe a l said. il, an Pobstetrician r o f e s s o r Aats m K h a l i Hospital l, an St aGeorge’s obstetrician at St George’s Hospital in London, told the publication that in London, told the publication that cases of women with “It can cause problems. In one case uterus didelphys is a congenital recorded cases of women with “It can cause problems. In one case uterus didelphys is a congenital recorded uterus didelphys who gave birth one twin was delivered at 25 weeks abnormality that typically occurs didelphys who gave birth one twin was delivered at 25 weeks abnormality that typically occurs uterus to identical twins across the world and the other carried on until late in one in 3,000 women. to identical twins across the world and the other carried on until late in one in 3,000 women. — it is extremely rare. in pregnancy,” the professor said. “There are just a handful of in pregnancy,” the professor said. “There are just a handful of — it is extremely rare.

Ham, Cheese Ham, Cheese Ham, Cheese & &Zuchinni Zuchinni & Zuchinni Sandwiches Sandwiches Sandwiches MEALSTO TO ENJOY MEALS ENJOY BYCHEF CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES BY EBUNOLUWA JAMES

this scenario, perhaps with genetic engineering or use of chemicals, OSARENNOMA OGBEIDE this scenario, perhaps with genetic e all have taken may give you the results quite alright engineering or use of chemicals, baby steps to but are consequences that e all have taken may give youthere the results quite alright would leave you baby walk stepslike toadults. but there aredefinitely consequences thatwishing Little dropswould of you had followed due process. That walk like adults. definitely leave you wishing water make a is just how life is. Little drops of you had followed due process. That mighty ocean. Themake journey a how A friend is just life is.of mine was talking about water a of thousand miles begins with a step. how she had really hoping for wasbeen talking about mighty ocean. The journey of a A friend of mine All itmiles takesbegins is process, in she something to happen had been really hopingfor fora while. thousand with apatience step. how process. I believe if I in end this She acknowledged she thought something to happen for that a while. All it the takes is process, patience write upI here, it’sifenough to trigger it would all magically happen in the She acknowledged that she thought the process. believe I end this thoughts and pass a profound of an eyehappen but sheinwas it wouldblink all magically thebrought write some up here, it’s enough to trigger butpass allow me to expand that the baby blink oftoanthe eye realisation but she was brought some message, thoughts and a profound somebut more. she hadthat beenthe taking was what realisation baby message, allow me to expand to the steps are more driven by the fact mattered. That you’re seeing the steps she had been taking wasnot what some We more. mattered. That you’re seeing the mean We are driven by the factquickly thatmore we want to see results desired resultnot today doesn’t result today that we want see results than wetowant to go quickly through desired the you won’t getdoesn’t there. mean You need to you won’t there.you You need to need to than process we wanttotoget go them. through theis why This crawlget before walk. You you walk. process to get them. This whybutcrawl many go through shortiscuts it’s before walk before youYou canneed run. to walk before you can run. manyunfortunate go through short cuts but it’s only that those routes No matter how desperately we want No matter how desperately want unfortunate thatthe those routes cut short worth and only originality to achieve a goal or we attain a desired to achieve a goal or attain a desired cut short the worth and originality of their outcomes. Look at this result, resist the urge to take short result, cuts. resist The the urge to take shortbe long, of their outcomes. Look analogy, a mango tree at willthis only bear process might cuts. The process might be long, but it’s analogy, a mango treeIfwill mango fruits. it only takesbear a mango stressful and painstaking stressful and it’sNothing mango fruits. takes a mango tree threeIftoitfive years to bear fruits also onepainstaking to learn andbut grow. also one to learn and grow. Nothing tree three five years to bear fruits afterto planting, then there’s certainly beats experience right? If and when beats experience right? If and after planting, certainly little thatthen youthere’s can do to fast track you feel like giving upwhen or taking the you feel like giving up or taking theyourself little that you can do to fast track the growth process, no matter how easy route out just remind the growth process, no matter how easy route out just remind yourself much you care for the tree. You of this-We all need to have taken much you care for the tree. You of this-We all need to have taken just have to wait for the time span, baby steps to walk like an adult. just have to wait for the time span, baby steps to walk like an adult. because there is a process that must Little drops of water make a mighty because there is a process that must Little drops of water make a mighty occur before results are seen. ocean. The journey of a thousand ocean. The journey of a thousand occur before results are seen. Deciding to take the short cut in miles begins with a step. Deciding to take the short cut in miles begins with a step. OSARENNOMA OGBEIDE

W W

sugar likeEnjoy. I did. Enjoy. on bread, the bread, cheese, • 2 eggs sugar like I did. on the then then cheese, and and • 2 eggs about four slices of zucchini • 4 large very ripe bananas about four slices of zucchini and and • 4 large very ripe bananas another slice of bread. • 2 tsp cocoa powder covercover with with another slice of bread. • 2 tsp cocoa powder 3. Add a knob of butter to ahot very hot ¼ oats cup (quick oats (quick cooking Add a knob of butter to a very • ¼ • cup cooking and then pan pan and then placeplace breadbread on foron for preferably) preferably) minutes. minutes. about 20 seconds tillbread the bread is about 20 seconds till the is • vanilla 2tsp vanilla or Banana • 2tsp or Banana flavor flavor nice n crusty, then turn it around nice n crusty, then turn it around INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS to toast the other to toast the other side. side. PREPARATION PREPARATION Remove it Remove fromfrom eacheach and and slice slice it White bread (sliced) • •White bread (sliced) Enjoy! diagonally, Enjoy! • •Ham slices (either smoked Ham slices (either smokeddiagonally, 1. GMeasure out allout dry all ingredients 1. GMeasure dry ingredients in a bowl, flour, oats, baking in a bowl, flour, oats, baking turkey or pork) turkey or pork) soda, salt, cocoa soda, salt, cocoa • •Sandwich slices (mild cheddar Sandwich slices (mild cheddar h i sh ii ss ias sau pseurpf aesrtf a s t satisfying breakfast satisfying breakfast n di cwhi cyho uy ocua nc a n s a nsda w make yourself make for for yourself or or3. whole family thethe whole family in in

Banana Oatmeal Banana Oatmeal Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Muffins Chocolate Muffins Chocolate Muffins

2. In2. another bowl mash preferably) In another bowl bananas, mash bananas, preferably) add in eggs, combine, add sugar, add in eggs, combine, add sugar, • •Mayonnaise Mayonnaise melted butterbutter and vanilla and and melted and vanilla I N G R E D I E N T S ( M A K E S • •1/21/2 a Zucchini (thinly sliced) I N G R E D I E N T S ( M A K E S a Zucchini (thinly sliced) mix till it’still all it’s combined. mix all combined. 9MUFFINS) 9MUFFINS) PREPARATION 3. Preheat oven 150 or150 gas or mark PREPARATION 3. Pre- heat oven gas mark 4-5(depending on heat). 4-5(depending on heat). • 1cup melted butter 1. 1.Place a nonstick panpan on medium Place a nonstick on medium • 1cup melted butter to the to the • 1/4 buttermilk (hack: Add a tsp 4. Add high heat andand addadd 1tsp1tsp oil or 4. the Addwet theingredients wet ingredients high heat oil or • 1/4 buttermilk (hack: Add a tsp dry and fold together with awith a of lemon or white vinegar to full butter, place zucchini slices on dry and fold together of lemon or white vinegar to full spatula, do not over mix . Lay butter, place zucchini slices on heat and sear it till the edges spatula, do not over mix . Lay milk) heat and sear it till the edges cream milk) cases in the muffin tin and fill are slightly charred or looking • 1 tspcream cases in the muffin tin and fill baking soda are slightly charred or looking • 1 tsp baking soda them up ¾ full and put in the transparent, set aside them up ¾ full and put in the transparent, set aside • 1tsp salt oven. • 1tsp salt oven. 2. Rub two slices with mayonnaise • 2 cups flour 2. Rub two slices with mayonnaise • 2 cups flour Serve with fresh fruits if you have on and then place one slice of ham Serve with fresh fruits if you have on and then place one slice of ham• ¾ cup brown sugar hand or sprinkle some cinnamon • ¾ cup brown sugar hand or sprinkle some cinnamon

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Sunday 02 August 2020

Politics One sack too many?

Suspension of 3 LGA bosses in Rivers by Wike breeds tension, threats

Recall them in 7 days or… - APC threatens It is unconstitutional - Human rights group Ignatius Chukwu

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State frequently removes and returns elected local council chairmen as he wishes but the recent suspension of three local council chairmen may not end the usual way. This is because not only has a coalition of human rights groups has declared the action totally unconstitutional, the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) which actually has no single elected or appointed official in the state has given a seven-day ultimatum for the governor to rescind the action. Wike first suspended the local government chairmen of Abua/Odual and Degema Local Government Areas of Rivers State for some months now and has recently suspended the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Victor Ihunwo for alleged illegal tax collection. The statement signed by the information boss in the state, Paulinus Msirim, added: “Similarly, traders at the Ogbum-nu-Abali Fruit Garden Market are hereby directed not to have any dealing with anyone who claims to be acting on behalf of Port Harcourt Local Government Area. “Government has also removed JAAC Accounts from all the Banks that gave loans to some Local Government Councils without the authorisation of the State Government as provided in the Local Government Law. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has therefore, been authorised to institute legal action against the defaulting banks. “The Chairmen of Abua and Degema Local Government Areas still remain suspended from office as their suspension order has not been lifted. Therefore, the Heads of Personnel Management, Heads of Local Government Administration and Treasurers of Abua and Degema Local Government Areas are hereby suspended with immediate effect for having official transactions with the suspended Local Government Chair-

Nyesom Wike

men.” “The Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission is hereby directed to post officers of the same designations to replace the suspended officers immediately,” the release further said. The APC, in its reaction, has asked that the suspended elected chairmen be restored to their seats within seven days by the Rivers State government. The request was contained in a statement signed by the spokesman, Ogbonna Nwuke. The party in the statement expressed displeasure over the unilateral decision of Governor Wike to suspend the chairmen outside the dictates of the Nigerian constitution and in-spite of the Supreme Court decision. It stated that there was no section of the

constitution, which allows the executive arm of government in any state or a state governor as head of the executive to punish elected officials without referring perceived acts of misdemeanour against the officials at the third tier level to the House of Assembly, which has the oversight power. The statement opined that what the governor has done tantamount to hijacking the responsibility preserved for the state legislature under the constitution, pointing out that the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has the power of oversight has not sat to deliberate on the matter. The statement recalled that the House only considered matters related to some appointments pertaining to the state Judicial Service Commission. The APC said where the elected representatives err; the constitution allows a

process of recall which makes it mandatory for two thirds of the electorate to order the return of their representatives, adding that the same constitution prescribes an impeachment of chairmen by councillors who constitute the Legislative arm at the local government level. It further said there was no proof that councillors in the affected LGAs either complained or played their statutory roles before the government’s action. The statement reminded the governor that the Supreme Court had ruled that it was illegal for any government in the country to set aside the mandate of elected councils, pointing out that the state government has acted in breach of this landmark decision. In its own reaction, the Rivers Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) said it disagreed with those who said the Rivers State House of Assembly were the ones to remove a local council chairman. “It is also clear that the local government areas being the third tier of government, that their elections, running, or suspension/ removal of the elected chairman of a local government is vested in the legislative arm of the local government council, not the governor or the House of Assembly of the state,” the group said. After quoting authorities, the activists led by Enefaa Georgewill said the action of the governor in purporting to sack or suspend the chairmen was a gross usurpation of powers, an exercise in futility, gross violation of laws, and null and void that should be rescinded to preserve democracy respect for the rule of law. “It’s our argument, that any State law, empowering the governor or House of Assembly to do otherwise is running contrary to the 1999 Constitution and to that extent unconstitutional. Even though, the Constitution empowers the State Assembly to make certain law in the administration of the Local Government, such a law must not conflict with the express provision of the constitution,” it explained.

Tension in Taraba as ethnic groups give Ishaku 30 days ultimatum to address alleged injustice

Nathaniel Gbaoron, Jalingo

ome major ethnic groups in Taraba State on Friday lamented alleged injustices meted out to them by some actors in the state and urged Governor Darius Ishaku to address the alleged injustices within 30 days. At a press conference in Jalingo, Chairman of the groups, Obed Ameh who was flanked by some tribal leaders alleged that Mumuye, Fulani, Tiv and Kuteb ethnic groups were made to suffer unjustly in the state. The groups alleged that since 1996 when the stool of Ukwe Takum (a Kuteb chief) became vacant due to the demise of the late Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Zorto, there have been attempts to deny the Kuteb people access to the stool. “This later culminated in series in that area that consumed several lives and property worth billions of naira.

“We want to draw the attention of the world to an alleged devilish plan to appoint three third class chiefs in Takum town which has never happened anywhere in the world. The gazette to this plot is being developed. “We wish to call on the state government, to, as a matter of urgency, fill in the vacant stool of Ukwe from Likam ruling house within 30 days so as to avert further crisis in Takum.” The group also said the state government should create Chiefdoms for the Mumuye in Jalingo, Lau and Ardo-Kola local government areas in the interest of justice. This is even as the group said the Kwararafa, Chanchanji, Chonku, Kona, Bakula, Bakin-Dutse chiefdoms were wrongly created and major ethnic groups were denied their cultural and traditional rights of rulership, instead minorities were made to rule over the majorities in the areas, urging the governor to correct the injustice. On the vacant stool of Lamdo Bakundi in

Bali local government, the group called on the government to install a new chief from the deceased lineage without further delay, just as was done in Donga and other places in the state. While lamenting the Jukun/Tiv crisis in the state, the groups said the over one year crisis that has claimed many lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira would have been averted if justice was on a play. “We wish to call on the warring factions to sheath their sword and the government should urgently set machineries in motion to allow both parties who were displaced to go back to their homes to continue with their normal businesses unconditionally. “We also urge the state government to take proactive measures to ensure that the Hausa/Fulani who were displaced in the Jukun/Hausa-Fulani crisis of 2014 in Wukari are allowed to go back to their land unconditionally and their property given back to them so as to allow peace reign in Wukari.”

Reacting to the allegations, Taraba State Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Danjuma Adamu said the people reserved the right to express their feelings in a violence-free manner and that government will look into their grievances if presented through the right channels. He explained that some of the issues pre-date the administration and that the governor was following due process in addressing them in the interest of peace. Adamu said the people were free to return to their places and that nobody was preventing the Hausa-Fulani in particular as presented by the group from returning to Wukari. “Due process was followed in the creation of the chiefdoms and people applied. So, if some people feel aggrieved they should follow the right channel, without resorting to violence. On the Tiv/Jukun crisis, the government is doing everything possible to resolve the issues.”

Sunday 02 August 2020

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Politics Dogara’s defection and the drumbeats of 2023 …As Daura stirs the hornet’s nest ZEBULON AGOMUO

oliticians do not just make moves for the sake of it. Their movement from one political party to another is most times determined by what they hope to get in the new place they are going to. Since the return of the country to civil rule in 1999, the colour of politics in Nigeria has remained the same, even though power has changed hands from one party to the other. N-PDP and pre-2015 general election In 2014, a year ahead of the 2015 general election, some aggrieved governors and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had staged a walk out from the special convention of the party. They alleged impunity and high-handedness against the then leadership of the PDP; it was the time the All Progressives Congress (APC) was budding. The decampees, who nicknamed themselves as New-PDP (nPDP), emptied themselves into the newly formed APC after reaching agreement with the leadership of the APC for a certain sharing formula. The decampment weakened the PDP, causing its disastrous defeat at the 2015 presidential election. It would be noted that selfishness was at the root of that defection; as the interest of the masses was not the motivation. R-APC and pre-2019 general election A few months to the last general election, the same group that left PDP in 2014 had also found fault with the APC it helped to win election in 2015. The Kawu Baraye-led n-PDP had accused the APC of marginalising its members and going contrary to the agreement reached before election. When they felt they were not being listened to, they decided to adopt a new name under a new leadership. Having felt hard-done-by, the Buba Galadima-led Reformed APC (n-APC) threatened to work against the APC at the 2019 general election. Again, like in 2015, their agitation was basically selfish and there was little or no concern about the poor masses of this country. As Nigeria prepares for the next general election billed for 2023, there would be alignment and re-alignment of forces. A good number of politicians who seem to be the soul of their current parties would leave for other associations to pursue their next political ambition. Early birds may have vantage positions in their new abode. Could this be the calculation of Yakubu Dogara in his recent defection? Dogara, the speaker of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly, was among those that ditched the APC for the PDP, shortly before the 2019 general election. At that time, he had given a lot of reasons for his actions, including saying that the broom party did not have the interest of the Nigerian people at heart.

Yakubu Dogara

Following the massive defections that took place before the last election, a political analyst, Peter Amah, had described the defectors as “silly doves” without hearts, saying he was shocked that those who said unprintable things against the PDP when they dumped the party in 2014 were “straying back,” singing the same song against the APC. “When I look into the future of the Nigerian politics, I see gloom; I see darkness and hopelessness. If you have noticed, we have made no progress in the last three years-and-half; we are rather degenerating. The saddest part of it all is that our socalled leaders seem to pretend that they do not see the impending catastrophe,” Amah said. Dogara’s defection penultimate Friday has made him an early bird this time around, ahead of the 2023 general election. Watchers of politics in the country did not just see his exit from the PDP as happenstance; they believe it is a script that is being written to achieve something. The speed and manner of his presentation to President Muhammadu Buhari by Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State governor, shortly after his exit from the PDP spoke volume that something is in the offing. Dogara listed his grievances in a letter of resignation which he addressed to the Chairman of Bogoro ‘C’ Ward of the PDP, in Bauchi State. He accused Governor Bala Mohammed of abandoning the campaign promises he made to the people of Bauchi State. Among questions raised were Bauchi State governor’s inability to conduct local government election within six months as promised during the campaign in 2019, alleged mismanagement of funds by the governor and inflation of contracts. He argued that if he abdicates his responsibility of telling truth to power

in Bauchi State, having done same under the administrations of former Governors Isa Yuguda and Muhammed Abubakar, he would be the most irresponsible and unprincipled politician in Bauchi State. He said that he could not effectively raise his questions about the poor governance in the state and still be regarded as a loyal member of the party, hence his decision to leave. Denying Dogara’s allegations, Governor Mohammed accused the former speaker of contract inflation in the project he was executing in his constituency. The governor gave the explanation when his supporters from the Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas, where Dogara represents, paid him solidarity visit at the Government House, Bauchi, last Tuesday. He said: “Those lies he said about me; he said that we don’t give allocations to the LGAs, but have the LGAs been like this before? Have you not been seeing what we are doing there? “Was it not Dogara that brought the road project from his pocket from BogoroDull-Burga at N17 billion and it has not been completed and it is just 45 kilometres.” Governor Mohammed further said: “He is just talking because if you see a dog running, it is either it is running to get something or something is chasing it. We pity him because he has become an epidemic in politics, but we, in our capacity as brothers, especially we the elders, he has become a disgrace. We only depend on God, you (Dogara) are nobody, imagine now that God made me your governor, should I now disrespect you?” But beyond the allegations and counter-allegations, observers say that 2023 must be at the centre of Dogara’s reason to exit the PDP. Senator Jibrin, chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, said that 2023 was at the heart

of Dogara’s backsliding from the umbrella association. He had alleged that the former speaker’s exit was to enable him lay groundwork for the post of vice president or president in the next national election. Senator Walid Jibrin, chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), said the former speaker left the party because of his alleged ambition in 2023. Jibrin said: “I am beginning to suspect that the former House of Representatives speaker Dogara has a plan of becoming President or Vice President in 2023 which he knows he will never achieve in PDP. I want to assure him that People’s Democratic Party shall continue to be very strong and united and its doors remain open to all Nigerians; therefore, PDP will never accept any plan by anybody to destroy the party.” Recall that recently, Mamman Daura, one of the touted members of the cabal in the corridors of power in Abuja, who had openly confessed that he supplies pieces of advice to President Buhari, had echoed what many have interpreted to be Buhari’s stand on the issue of power shift in the country. Daura had said that his nephew, Buhari, was going to hand over power based on competence and not necessarily on the basis of power shift. Daura in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said, “It (Presidency) should be for the most competent and not for someone who comes from somewhere. This turn-by-turn, it was done once, it was done twice, and it was done thrice. It is better for this country to be one; it should be for the most competent and not for someone who comes from somewhere.” In published separate responses by the Socio-political organisations in the central and southern parts of the country including the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and the South-South Elders’ Forum, they said that President Buhari did not become the President in 2015 on the basis of competence but on zoning. Specifically, reacting, Nnia Nwodo, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who spoke through Emeka Attamah, his special adviser on Media and Publicity, said Daura’s statement was self-serving. According to Nwodo, “Talking about competence or the most qualified, was President Buhari the most qualified Nigerian when he ascended the Presidency? “Has he proved to be the most competent? Are the service chiefs the most competent among their colleagues to warrant their being retained beyond their tenure? Obviously, no; because, occurrences in the country since he became President and Commander-in-Chief have proved him to be incompetent. “Now that it is the turn of the South, precisely the South-East, he is mouthing the most qualified and competent. Equity is a constant flagship for peace and good governance. Without it, there will be continued agitation and crisis.” Nwodo also wondered “who determines the most qualified or competent candidate.”

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Sunday 02 August 2020

Politics Can Wike bring his winning magic to Edo? Zebulon Agomuo

he off-season gubernatorial election coming up in Edo State on Saturday, September 19, 2020 is a political event that many Nigerians would wish to live to see the outcome. The reasons are obvious. From the crisis arising from the inauguration of members of the state House of Assembly, to the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his ward, to the denial of Governor Godwin Obaseki of the opportunity to contest the primary in the APC, to the emergence of Osagie IzeIyamu as APC candidate, to Oshiomhole’s suspension from being the national chairman of the APC, to the scraping by President Muhammadu Buhari of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, to the defection of Governor Obaseki to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to his picking the ticket of the party and now to him becoming the standard bearer of the umbrella party, observers converge on the opinion that the election promises to be fiercely contested. The appointment of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as chairman of the PDP Edo State Governorship Campaign Council elicited excitement in the PDP fold across the country. The reason is simple. Wike has seen many political wars, and has remained comfortably afloat! A two-term governor of Rivers State, Wike has been involved in may political battles, which got to a head in the last general election. Records have it that the governor has won almost all his legal battles against his political opponents. While many Nigerians expected a serious battle at the gubernatorial election in 2019, there was not even an arrow shot from the fiercest opponent, APC, as the broom party instead engaged themselves in internal wrangling that denied them

Nyesom Wike

Godwin Obaseki

appearance on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ballot. Since 2015, Wike has managed to stay ahead of his political opponents and seems to have comfortably stabilised. His outspokenness has endeared him to many who see him as the only voice crying in the Nigerian political wilderness. They used to be two. Ayo Fayose used to fire like Wike when he was in government as the Ekiti State governor. Since he lost his immunity, he has gone underground. While many had expected that Wike would be cowed following the exit of Fayose, he has remained his original selfspeaking truth to power. Today, like a child that hides at the back of his father, throwing pebbles at someone he considers a threat, even so, many who have some reservations against the goingson in the country, hide under Wike to pass across their feelings. For the coming election in Edo, Wike has assured the indigenes of the state that there is nothing to worry about. He said as the chairman of the campaign council, he would be personally present in Edo to monitor the election, and to ensure there is no rigging. When he gave the assurance during the official launch of the campaign recently, there was no reason to doubt a man who has remained in power despite armada of opposition and searing threats from opponents.

Having been in the system for so long, the Rivers State governor seems to have mastered the political arts so well that he can tell where electoral maleficence is being hatched and the body language of opponents to that effect. While Obaseki will rely on the massive votes of the Edo people to coast to victory, Wike’s astuteness will help him protect the votes and to make them count. It has been said over and over again that the rigging that determines a winner in an election of the type coming up in Edo, is usually done not at the polling booths but from the voting centres to the collation centres, where some outlandish ballots are usually smuggled in. While Obaseki will be crisscrossing the length and breadth of his state soliciting the people’s votes, Wike will be burning the midnight candle, plotting on the possible ways to help the INEC and the security agencies plug all possible holes against ballot-stuffing, ballot-snatching, multiple voting, invasion of polling units by thugs and fake uniform men, vote-buying and a host of other fraudulent activities that have combined to make a nonsense of Nigeria’s elections. As a master strategist, Wike may not just be working to ensure that Obaseki wins convincingly at the polls, he may also be working to get the APC, which is the strongest opponent, run foul of some of

INEC’s rules that could prove detrimental in the end. This has been his style. Like a master dribbler in the field of play, he knows how to lure his opponent to commit an infringement right inside the 18 box. And once he achieves that he shouts eureka! During the flag off of the PDP campaign for the gubernatorial election in Edo, Wike declared that South-South Zone completely belongs to the PDP. According to him, the people of the region will not allow any other political party to have a foothold in the area any more. “Today, we are here to tell the people of Edo State that they should not be afraid because nobody can rig the forthcoming election. “Today is the end of godfatherism in Edo State. I want to thank Governor Godwin Obaseki for refusing to dance to the tune of godfatherism.” According to him, “Four years ago, Adams Oshiomhole said he cannot trust the APC governorship candidate that he was rusticated from school. “Today, Oshiomhole is coming back to present the same person to Edo people. He thinks Edo people are fools. I challenge Edo people not to vote any person presented to them by Oshiomhole.” Wike assured that as the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for Edo Governorship election, he would be in Edo State during the election to ensure that the state is returned to PDP. “As the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, I will be in Edo State. We will make sure that everything needed will be done to return the state to PDP. “You should all come out and vote on September 19, and as you vote, you wait and defend your votes. “Governor Obaseki has done well in the last four years. You should not allow anybody to deceive you again. APC has no candidate. The only person who thinks that the party is running an election is Oshiomhole,” he said.

Controversy, condemnation greet creation of new wards in A/Ibom ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo

ontroversy and condemnation have trailed the creation of 39 new political wards by the Akwa Ibom State Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) ahead of the local government elections. The creation of the new wards, which was announced last week by the commission, has brought the total number of wards in the state to 368. Before now, the state had 329 wards with 13 wards created in each of the three senatorial districts of the state. According to checks, the criticisms and knocks arose from the alleged lopsidedness and marginalisation of some communities. According to a councillor from Nsit Ubium Local Government Council, Ekopimo Ekopimo, the exercise did not favour his local government area, saying that “Whosoever advised AKISIEC may have pushed the conclusion that the commission was not independent. “Nsit Ubium deserves more than one new ward. Let the script be well acted please, if the commission can prove to us that they didn’t do it based on script. “AKISIEC must show how independent

Aniedi Ikoiwak

it is; is it by returning unjustified-merger of Ubium South ward V to Ubium South

people”. Ekopimo, who stated this on his Face-

book post, maintained that his opinion was the stand of his people in Nsit Ubium, who must be liberated, adding, “Ubium South should not be politically victimised”. In its reaction, the Oron National Forum (ONAF) described the creation of the new ward as lopsided and unjust against the Oron People who are found in five local government areas of the state. In a statement signed by Ita Ante and Etifit Nkereuwem, national president and national secretary respectively, they viewed the exercise as a “continued deliberate gross marginalisation and exclusion of Oron people” from the governance of the state. “We therefore, condemned in a strongest terms this unjust and unfair allocation of only three (3) wards to Oron ethnic Nationality (Oron Federal Constituency) as against greater numbers given to other groups. “Oron National Forum (ONAF) in its avowed commitment to Oron meaningful survival and identity in the Nigeria Federation shall continue to resist this gross marginalisation against Oron people as enshrined in the famous Oron Bill of Rights proclaimed in 1999.” They demanded that “AKISIEC should

Continues on Page 21

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Politics Buhari must be decisive in addressing security challenges in Nigeria - Okorie Chekwas Okorie, a former national chairman of the defunct Unity Progressive Congress (UPP) in this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, assesses the state of the nation, insecurity, among other issues. Excerpt:

What is your view about recent allegations against Ibrahim Magu? or me, in recent times there have been accusations and counter accusations, but now the President in his wisdom set up a panel of enquiry to verify what really happened in the EFCC. When you look at what has transpired, and look at the petition, I think Justice Ayo Salami is a jury of impeccable character. Many people including myself are confident that he would do a thorough job. It is unfortunate that the matter is presently in the media, more of media trial going on, but if you look at Magu’s lawyers’ views and what they have been saying, they are maintaining that he may be accused wrongly. But it may not be appropriate to jump into conclusion; we would know the trust soon. That panel is responsible to the President alone; but because it is a public case, we suggest that the outcome is made public. Personally, I would not join the media trial. But some Nigerians are of the view that President Buhari encouraged him by leaving him in office despite allegations against him by the DSS and the 8th National Assembly? Well, I think looking at the result Magu has posted, comparing him with those before him in terms of convictions and trials under his watch; one would say he has done relatively well. But I would say corruption would always fight back. That is why I do not want to blame anybody until the report comes out. His lawyers have said some of the accusations are not true; like the one that he sold billions worth of properties to friends. They said not a single property has been sold under his watch. They also said the misappropriation allegations were not true. So, how can one merge this together with what we are hearing? It is until the report is out. And the man the President has appointed is someone whose integrity cannot be faulted. So, I would urge Nigerians to wait till the report is submitted. If people are saying he was arrogant or whatever, well, I don’t know. He would not want to be seen socialising with people who he is presiding over their cases in his court. So, someone like Magu trying to avoid social engagement may portray him as being arrogant. It is not about socialising, because the job is not a job that requires public relations but to be strict and disciplined. So, it requires that certain individuals who head that office must be a principled person to succeed. But, you also must consider that nobody left that organisation unblemished and it would look as if there is no good person in Nigeria. Because people who have held that office left there meritoriously, none has been subjected to this kind of panel which is why I am interested. So, I urge Nigerian to wait and see. How do you react to the drama in the NDDC? Everybody who knows how much has been released to NDDC from inception knows what is going on there. I am from that region, I know the situation there. There are those who are far worse; imagine the environmental pollution, a lot of money passes through NNDC and nothing is done. We all know what the Senators and House of Representatives members are doing there over the years. I am a contractor, I know what is happening; I have not been able to do a single job over the years, even when we applied based on advertisement you don’t get the job, except

Chekwas Okorie

you pass through a Senator or Minister and it is not my character to do that to collect a job. So, the advert is just to collect public money, but we know that if you go, you would not be given fair chances. So, the forensic audit that the President has ordered is the best thing that has ever happened in the NDDC. But the other woman, Joy, is saying that there is no forensic audit going on there, and it could be true. I want to know if it is going on; some of the companies doing it are unknown; why not go for known organisations rather than office of the Auditor- General of the Federation. We should bring an international reputable organisation that would work together with the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation to solve this problem. Recent denials by lawmakers that they did not collect contracts from NDDC could be checked by a forensic auditing. All this back and forth between the Minister and the lawmakers is diversionary; let the forensic auditing be done so that Nigerians can know what happened. So, with that those who collected money and did not do the jobs can be held accountable. What is your take on ethnic leaders taking President Muhammadu Buhari to court over lopsided appointments in his administration? Why not? I do believe that any group that decides to resort to court to address its grievance is doing what is normal in civil society. The group can decide to fight the country and Nigeria would not be safe for everybody, but they choose the pact of the court which is the right thing to do. Now, the court can look at the issues with integrity and dispassion. We would see whatever comes out there; we expect the two sides to respect the decision of the court. It is the right thing to do. Your party recently fused into the APC; what is your position in the party now? Once we have dissolved into APC, it is the weaker party dissolving into a stronger one. We are now members of APC; all our members have registered in their wards. We instructed them to do that. But you know the party had already held its primaries when we came in, another opportunity would come soon when a new primary is here later and we can benefit. There are people who just

joined; even Dogara just joined the party now. What is your take on the killings in Southern Kaduna? What is going on there is unfortunate, the Governor is doing his best, the army and the police, but they have not gotten a solution. The ultimate solution is for those people to live in peace. But if I have my way I would advise that a bill be proposed to make open grazing of cattle, livestock illegal. So, whether it is Ruga, or cattle colony, anyone that would work in a state should be adopted. For example, the whole of the Southeast may not be big like the whole of Niger State, so, when you talk about cattle colonies, it can be done in a place like Niger State. Ranching is a private business, if this is adopted the issue of herdsmen having clashes with farmers would end and the livestock rearing would produce results. Those of them who are roaming about would be more confined to a location where some of these young boys can go to school. You would see that if this is done 90 percent of these clashes would end. We would now be left with banditry, and the rest. Government should find a solution; we cannot just allow these killings to go on. What is your take on the September gubernatorial election in Edo State? INEC must apply technology; people have forgotten that Kaduna State government ones allowed electronic in the conduct of local government election in the state and because that system does not allows manipulation, and PDP which was the opposition party won six LGAs in Kaduna. That is different elsewhere, where the ruling party often wins 100 percent in Local government elections. So, after that the Kaduna State Governor reversed that and returned to writing of votes. If the Edo election is free and fair, the votes would count; our democracy would experience something good, there would be less violence. But if it is as usual, there may be violence, result challenged, and we may not achieve much. Having said this, let me commend President Buhari, who in recent elections had never shown interest in his party candidates or any person, until a winner is declared. I hope INEC conducts a free and fair election.

Controversy, condemnation greet creation of new ... Continued from Page 20 withdraw immediately the recent wards creation skewed deliberately against Oro, people. That we call on AKISIEC to review the entire exercise in the interest of justice, equity and democracy. “That in carrying out this sensitive matter, AKISIEC should involve all relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent wards creation exercise in the interest of peace and justice. “That we call on the State Governor, His Excellency, Udom Emmanuel to as a matter of urgent importance intervene in the clear case of injustice and marginalisation of Oron people by AKISIEC. “Finally, we appeal to all well-meaning people of Akwa Ibom State to rise up in support of the just agitation of Oron people as integral part of the state. It should be noted that Oron Nation is the economic base of the state and the third leg of the tripod that sustains Akwa Ibom State, therefore, should be treated fairly and given the necessary recognition it deserves.” Similarly, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and a chieftain of the All Progressives (APC) Congress, Uwem Udoma, faulted the creation of additional 39 wards, claiming that the State Electoral Commission does not have such powers, but that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is by law, empowered to do so. “AKISIEC”, Udoma told newsmen in Uyo, “is not ready to conduct the 2020 local government election because the 2007 AKISIEC law they are quoting, it’s provisions are subject to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. He called on AKISIEC to withdraw the purported creation of new wards as such illegality would not stand legal and judicial scrutiny. Responding to the criticisms that followed the creation of the new wards, Aniedi Ikoiwak, chairman of AKSIEC and former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisted that AKISIEC has the powers to create Electoral Wards but not Polling Units, saying there would have been more auspicious time than now. “INEC does not have anything to do with wards. INEC creates Polling Units. INEC has nothing to do with ward creation except in the Federal Capital Territory,” Ikoiwak insisted. He explained that the commission followed the law to create and to realign the new wards in the state. Criteria for ward creation, Ikoiwak explained is spelt out in the law that set up the commission which he said specified that there should be creation and realignment of wards in the state every 10 years, and pointed out that the last exercise was about 22 or 24 years ago. Other criteria taken into consideration during the latest exercise were contiguousness of the wards and number of registered voters, he said. On the allegation that the Oron nation had only three new wards created or realigned, Ikoiwak underlined that the population of local government areas as well as the population of registered voters were taken into consideration in creating and realigning new wards. “I will like to see one local government in Oron that has population close to the local government areas where new wards were created,” Ikoiwak said.

22 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 02 August 2020

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Assessing Jobberman’s initiative in bridging Nigeria’s skills gap DANIEL OBI

nemployment is high a m o n g Ni g e r i a ’s youth population. This age demography (15-35 years) accounts for about 50% of 200 million population. To avert unemployment escalation and its dangers, Nigeria can leapfrog education and up-skill its youth for appropriate jobs through Online education especially as Covid-19 has engendered New Normal. This report assesses Jobberman’s intervention in this regard. Late last year at the 31st Convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed worry on the uncomplimentary remarks by employers of labour that Nigerian graduates are not employable. The sweeping assessment simply means these employers of labour find it difficult to fill critical vacant positions to drive transformations. While this challenge has implications for the smooth running of the companies and growth of the economy, it is obviously one of the factors swelling Nigeria’s unemployment rate presently at 23.1%. This means that about 50 million out of the 200 million population do not have jobs. Some of those that have jobs are not appropriately fitted for the jobs. Unfortunately, the youth account for the highest number of unemployed out of which 25 million graduates are said not to have jobs. Yearly, Nigerian tertiary institutions churn out many graduates, some of who are ill-prepared both in character and content for their own jobs or white-collar jobs. As at last year, there were 174 universities (43 federal universities, 52 state universities and 79 private universities). Nigeria also has 134 recognised Polytechnics in Nigeria (29 federal Polytechnics, 48 state polytechnics, 57 private polytechnics. Many of these institutions are poorly funded and they run on old models, a development which causes them to give birth to ‘poor’ students. In the last few years, Nigeria has made strides to attract investments and equally encourag local investments. These multi-billion dollar investments in various sectors of the economy that are competing in the global village need knowledgeable, hard-working, and articulate employees to handle tasks for the companies’ growth. It is not only about credentials, but having personable, cultured, confident and well-

groomed individuals to represent the companies. While speaking at the convocation, Buhari who was represented by Suleiman Yusuf, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) tasked the universities in the country to ensure that their graduates are employable. As it is and with the existing wide gap between employers’ demand and employees, the task of making Nigerian graduates, job seekers and workers fit into the new workplace environment is a task not only for Nigerian universities alone. Jobberman’s intervention It was in this connection that Jobberman, Nigeria’s foremost recruitment platform that helps employers and jobseekers solve their recruitment and employment challenges recently introduced its world-class online Soft Skills Training, designed to up-skill Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35 with the necessary soft skills needed in the workplace. Ordinarily, some university graduates and other job seekers may qualify academically for certain jobs, but they need certain non-technical skills to be recruited or retained on the jobs and this is where Jobberman, driven by tested managers, is filling the gap that some universities don’t offer. Jo b b e rm an , le d by Hilda Kabushenga-Kragha who has worked in global consulting organisations including KPMG and McKinsey, understands how the Nigerian job market works. The firm is playing this critical societal role in career services to enable

young Nigerian graduates secure their dream jobs. Having the right skills for the job is beyond a university degree. Many employers are looking for employees who have the necessary soft skills that make them better individuals in the workplace and can compete globally. Soft Skills, commonly defined as non-technical skills, enable individuals to interact effectively and cooperate better with others. These skills are vital to organizations and can impact culture, mindsets, attitudes, and behaviours throughout an enterprise. Participants who take part in the Jobberman Soft Skills training get certificates which can be presented to many employer partners looking to hire qualified candidates. So far, it is said that over 20,000 people have participated in the first Jobberman Soft Skills post-training assessment and many of them have started getting jobs after the programme. Jobberman’s career up-skilling has become significant in today’s Nigeria as many Nigerian higher institutions have remained stuck to the past as they are yet to integrate the necessary skills that are in high demand by the labour market into their curriculum. Most courses are still taught theoretically without practical experiences and this makes the average graduate not appropriately fitted for the demands of the present labour market, hence leading to poor labour performance. Underscoring the Jobberman Online approach The present time, more than

ever, re-enforces technology as the backbone of business, education and the economy. Every other sector; finance, agriculture, entertainment and even government must thrive on technology. Education cannot be left out. The lockdown, social distancing occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic has further underscored technology for business, education and relationships. Jobberman was therefore proactive in its introduction of Online training by using a blended approach of training its students via Zoom and engaging them further via the messaging app, telegram. While the Federal Government has shut down schools to slow the spread of the virus, education cannot be shut down and this is only possible through Online training, as introduced by Jobberman. Ordinarily, Jobberman has evolved beyond the traditional placements of employees to leveraging more on technology to develop data-driven solutions that will up-skill job seekers and make them compete globally. Testimonials by empowered job seekers/workers The impact of this training has been felt by youths all over Nigeria and their testimonies are revealing. One of the beneficiaries, Folakemi Dare- Ojulari joined the Jobberman Soft Skills Training in June 2020. She had been job hunting for about six years and decided to take part in the training to improve her chances. One month after her training, she not only got certified but applied for jobs and got two job

offers to choose from, Jobberman reveals. Folakemi believes that Jobberman is the key to her success as the classes boosted her morale and made her successful in her interviews after 6 years of searching. Another beneficiary, Sadiat, is a prospective community leader in Kano. She is currently running her own small project for youths in her community. Her project aims at teaching youths in the north employability skills with a major focus on selfdiscovery and leadership skills. She expressed her excitement at finding out about the Jobberman soft skills training and took it as an opportunity to further deepen her knowledge on soft skills so that she can have more impact on others. She couldn’t contain her joy as she spoke about the impact the training had on her and how she hopes to spread the knowledge she acquired on “emotional intelligence” - In her words, “this is something everyone should know”. Now, she fully understands the need for soft skills as distinct from technical skills. Ayoola, a visually impaired man who works as a Radio Journalist and Producer is also a beneficiary of Jobberman up-skill course. He has brilliantly mastered the art of utilizing technology to learn and work and his passion to learn led him to apply for the Soft Skills training. After the training, he couldn’t help but testify that he has noticed a tremendous improvement in his self-confidence and awareness. He stated that his fear of “PowerPoint presentations and storytelling have been broken down”. Beyond his personal gains, the training has provided a platform for him to project a positive image of the blind community. He hopes his participation can demystify the notion that disabled people can’t match up to everyone else, and also encourage young people like himself to perceive Jobberman as a partner in their search for a profitable future. Nigeria’s population has continued to rise and it is said that in the next 30 years, the population will hit 400 million from 200 million today. Over 50% of this population will be the youth. This is the time therefore to up-skill the youth from formative level to higher education. It is also important to incorporate relevant curricula for self-employment or appropriate for other jobs to avert dangers. Jobberman’s intervention in up-skilling job seekers for the global competition is significant in this regard.

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BDSUNDAY 23

TheWorshipper ‘The pandemic taught the church never to neglect the needs of the soul’ Reverend Femi Popoola, pastor in charge of Divine Mercy Baptist Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos speaks on government’s handling of the pandemic and the need for Christians to intensify prayers on the pandemic. He urges government to relate more with Nigerians with a human face. Excerpt by SEYI JOHN SALAU For the past five months, the world has focused on the coronavirus pandemic. So far, are you satisfied with government response to the pandemic? o . T h e government response was notimpressive. People were asked to stay at home during the total lockdown and there was a lot of hunger in the whole nation; people were hungry, people were angry because for the first time we were asked to stay at home: no provision, nothing, unlike in other places where the social welfare is functional. Also, during that period as well, we saw the law enforcement agency using that platform to rake in money again. So, all these things make it so unimpressive the way the government has responded to the pandemic. Let’s agree government’s response was poor based on limited knowledge

Reverend Femi Popoola

and information about Covid-19. How should the church relate with the new normal occasioned by the pandemic? Definitely, God is in

control of everything that happens and that the church belongs to God; and before Jesus Christ left the earth he has already said that whatever happens the gate

of hell shall not prevail against the church. And this is not the first time the whole world is witnessing pandemic. So, in all the pandemics that had taken place, the church survived. This time also, with time - it may not be immediate but with time the church will definitely come out of it. And as we are praying we know that God is the one in control of everything; God knows how to rescue us from it. And again we are hearing news of the discovery of vaccine to combat this pandemic. So, in all of these things we know that God is going to make it work together not only for the good of the church, but for the good of all. In a bid to curb the spread and contain the pandemic, government took the lockdown option on businesses, worship centres and other event centres: What lessons has the pandemic taught the church, five months after lockdown?

Kaduna killings: Walk your talk, CAN charges FG SEYI JOHN SALAU

ollowing the incessant killings in Southern part of Kaduna State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has charged both the Federal and Kaduna State government to stop the unholy shedding of innocent blood across the country. “There is an urgent need by government and the security forces to walk their talk and combat the raging insecurity across Kaduna State and other parts of the country,” said CAN in a statement signed by Pastor Bayo Oladeji. According to CAN, the demons of murder are yet to sheathe their swords against Southern Kaduna communities and that the government appears not to be sincere in walking its talk. “People should not be allowed to resort to self-help. But if this situation is not ad-

dressed, self-help might be the alternative,” said CAN, stating that people would not look on while their lives are being wasted. However, in commiserating with families of victims, the Christian body appreciates government’s efforts but states that its present best is unacceptable. “It is not the best Nigerians expect. How can we be seeing and reading in the news about mass burials and be happy when we are not fighting a civil war? We deserve peace in Nigeria,” said CAN. The Christian umbrella body opined that the continuous assault on the Southern Kaduna people has become highly suspicious and alarming. According to CAN, only a fool or somebody who is a party to the evil would not know that there is something fishy. In reacting to the position of the Presidency that the killings are politically-motivated, CAN said: “Where is the statistical

evidence for that? Who are the politicians involved in this inhuman and callous act that the Federal authorities have failed to apprehend or name? Do they have the right to be doing this and going scot-free if it is true? “While the present bloodbaths in the southern part of Kaduna State have shown to be acts of criminality that should have attracted sanctions, the lacklustre disposition of the government in stopping further massacre of Christians and decimation of their communities by terrorist herdsmen speaks volumes on how government values human lives and genuine intervention.” According to CAN, government should take a holistic approve to ending the killings in Kaduna and other parts of the country. “We have discovered that whenever security personnel are deployed to a place, the herdsmen go to other villages to attack

Th e r e a r e s o m a n y lessons - the first thing is that for long , some people in some quarters have believed that until the church come together worship cannot take place. I think this pandemic has actually proved that to be wrong - we know now that it is not until we gather that the church can actually influence the society that we are living in. Then two: I think it has also taught us that anything can happen at any time. So, we should always be prepared, and in addition to that, it’s also here to let us know that when it comes to the business of the church; it is not only about taking care of the body, but it is about the condition of the soul at every point in time - that the soul is so important and we must not do anything to neglect the need to take care of the soul at all time. Looking at the traffic situation around Lagos and the security concerns among

Lagosians especially with regard to the 3rd Mainland bridge that calls to question the plan of the government and the need for stakeholder e n g a g e m e n t . Ar e y o u pleased with government action? Honestly, I think we need to continue to pray for our government because it’s like they do not take us for anything. Yes, this 3rd Mainland thing is not today that the bridge should have been taken care of, it is something that they should have planned a long time ago and not something you do in one day or one week. I don’t think that showed any seriousness; but be that as it may; as a people we must be law abiding, we must follow all the instructions and diversions given so that on our own part we may be able to say to God that actually we have obeyed the government even though they are not doing very well, at least, as regard the arrangement.

MFM to start 70 days fasting soon - Olukoya and kill people in their sleep or when they are about to sleep or when they are waking up,” said CAN, asking if criminals should be more professional in tactics than government-trained security personnel. It noted that a 24-hour curfew was imposed on Zangon Kataf and other local government areas while several villages in the other local government areas where there were no curfew experienced attacks which led to the killing of no fewer than 28 people in less than two weeks. CAN however, assured government of its corporation and promised it would continue to play its role as a religious organisation to see an end to the killings across the country. “We have never ceased and will never cease from praying for you our leaders to have the courage to put an end to these evils that are giving our beloved country negative image abroad,” it said.

...Directs repetition of Prayer Retreat

embers of the Mountain of Fire a n d Mi r a cles Ministries (MFM) worldwide have been directed to continue with the ongoing special Power Must Change Hands prayers. The General Overseer of the Ministry, worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, who handed down the directive, also announced that the annual 70 Days Fasting and Prayer programme of the Ministry will soon commence. Olukoya, who promised to announce when the 70 Days fasting programme will start, also said that the ongoing July Power Must Change Hands prayers should be repeated in August. A statement signed by the Chairman, MFM Media Committee, Pastor

Oladele Bank-Olemoh, revealed that the prayers, which were to be rounded off at the end of July, should continue until further notice. It is recalled that the prayers start with aggressive praise/ worship songs, then confession of Psalms 91 and 46, followed by the singing of three choice songs on the Blood of Jesus and then the prayers. MFM had earlier directed her members to embark on a 30-day prayers retreat, which ran from Sunday, 22 March, through Monday, 20 April. The Ministry equally distributed a 62 page prayer pamphlet to her members and prayer lovers alike, within and without the Ministry, as the Covid-19 pandemic forced a lockdown on the nation in March.

24 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 02 August 2020

TheWorshipper Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

info@yomikasali.com

am a deep and firm believer in the importance of relationships in life. My conviction stems from one of the earliest comments God made in scriptures, ‘...It is not good for man to be alone’ (Gen 2 v 18). I know the context is for a marriage partner not just friendships, but I usually love to decode God’s mind beyond the letter but the spirit (2 Cor. 3 v 6). So, let’s

Relationsheep discuss relationships with the right people towards making it in life. The reason I changed the spelling of relationship above is to emphasize the kind of people we should relate with and hopefully Inspire you to re-evaluate those you call ‘Friends’ because they will definitely play a role in shaping the outcome of your life ultimately. The Bible tells us a lot about Sheep and Goats when explaining different kinds of people on earth. ‘And before Him shall be gathered all nations and He shall separate them one from another, as a Shepherd divides his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand but the goat on the left’ (Matt 25 v 32-33). This is a fact of life that most churches have sheep and goats as membership, they are also shepherded by the same person and finally may look alike but are different intrinsically in Behavioural patterns. Sheep and Goats May look alike but they are not the same just like Shepherds and Goat Herders May look alike but definitely not the same as well.

I pray you are Inspired today to discern the Sheep from the Goats in your relationships because many of us expect the goats to behave like sheep and vice versa, hence, we get disappointed when otherwise happens and sometimes feel dejected as well. I shall share 5 ways to distinguish Sheep from Goats with you briefly. 5 Wa y s s h e e p a r e different from goats in church relationships Goats have horns and are quarrelsome: Most goats have horns while many sheep do not. That is why the people that like ‘fighting’ often in the church are goats while those who love peace are

likely sheep. Goats love to fight while sheep are more peaceful and gentler, which is the fruit of the spirit God wants us to cultivate. Sh e e p a r e g o o d friends: Those we relate with as Sheep are better with loyalty and faithfulness than the goats around us. They rarely break oaths of friendships and are deeply loyal to their old friends. There are Christians who easily disconnect from people they claim to love when things aren’t going well, these are Goat Believers and not Sheep Believers. Go a t s t h i n k a b o u t themselves and not others: The goats are usually

selfish while sheep are concerned with others, that’s why our Lord Jesus said the goats on the left hand were those who didn’t respond to the needs of those around them; I was hungry... you didn’t feed me; I was thirsty...you didn’t give me drink; I was sick... you didn’t Visit me and so on. Goat believers are selfish and not selfless.

Goats can graze or feed on anything including leaves, twigs and anything edible they can reach but Sheep only graze on grass which tells us why the Goat Believer eats anything from anybody and anywhere like social media junk, television nonsense, cultural rubbish and just anything but Sheep only eat the Word in Church or Pasture.

Sheep believers do the right things without expecting reward: I was amazed at the question the Sheep Believers asked the Lord in the passage above, ‘Then shall the righteous answer Him saying, Lord, When Saw We Thee Hungry and Fed Thee...’ (Matt 25 v 37). Wow, meaning they were just doing the right things without knowing it was being recorded and not as eye-service unto the Lord. Goats are those who do things to be seen by men while sheep just do the right things.

Let me stop here and hope you are Inspired.

Sheep like to graze on grass while goats prefer to graze on anything: This is very instructive for me and should be for you.

Be Inspired! Drop me a note of acknowledgment and encouragement and also follow me on my Social media handles below: Instagram: @yomi_kasali Twitter: @yomi_kasali Facebook: www.facebook. com/revyomikasali Youtube: www.youtube. com/revyomikasali Be Inspired!

Rev Yomi Kasali is Senior Pastor, Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Surulere, Lagos.

NEWS Group advocates inter-agency collaboration to fight human trafficking SEYI JOHN SALAU

he Human Development Initiatives (HDI), a nonprofit organisation, has advocated for an inter-agency collaboration in fighting the menace of human trafficking in commemoration of this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking, as it calls for proper utilisation of the N75billion Youth Development Fund. July 30 every year is set aside as World Day Against Human Trafficking, and as an organisation focused on strengthening vulnerable humans in the society, HDI in aligning with other stakeholders to draw attention of world leaders and citizens to the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria, with most victims being children and women. “We are calling on all government agencies in the forefront of the fight against human trafficking especially the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NATIP) to step up the fight by ensuring interagency collaboration with

Law Enforcement Agencies for adequate enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. “We are also calling on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to increase sensitisation and community re-orientation to enlighten people on the risks of illegal migration,” said Olufunso Owasanoye, the executive director, HDI Nigeria. According to Owasanoye, government should put more security measures in place and ensure proper manning of state and national borders to curtail the problem of illegal migration. “We are also appealing to all Nigerians especially the youth, to be wary of promises that seem toogood-to-be-true,” she said. “These victims leave with promises of better life and quality education but unfortunately end up as house maids, sex slaves or even used for several other heinous purposes including human organ harvesting,” Owasanoye said. According to her, many innocent young women smuggled into foreign countries in hope of a better life, have ended up as sex slaves with some having had to pay

the ultimate price due to the cruelty of trafficking. “Without doubt, stories of human trafficking are tales of woes, pain and anguish; they are stories of exploitation and abuse. Trafficking, which today is a multi-million-dollar business, thrives in Nigeria because of extreme poverty and high rate of unemployment among persons of employable age in the country,” Owasanoye said. Research has shown that 7 out of 10 young Nigerians want to travel out of the country in search of better life. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that 70 percent of human trafficking victims are women and girls while 30 percent of the victims are children. Of these, 23 percent are girls while 7 percent are boys. To end human trafficking in Nigeria, all hands must be on deck as both government and citizens have roles. However, HDI believes much needs to be done in empowering survivors and potential victims of trafficking while also ensuring the enforcement of laws against trafficking.

Ndidi Nwuneli, others to headline ‘2020 Black giving & beyond’ virtual summit KELECHI EWUZIE

n four days, Pan-African voices in Philanthropy, Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Social Impact Funding in Africa, the U.S. and worldwide will meet at the 9th Annual Black Philanthropy Month to deliberate on a theme ‘Towards a just future in a Covid World’. Th e v i r t u a l s u m m i t scheduled for August 4th, 5th & 29th 2020 will have as speakers, Ndidi Nwuneli, founder, LEAP Africa and Co-Founder AACE Foods; Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, chief executive officer, Murtala Muhammed Foundation among other speakers who will discuss on blended funding strategies across sectors like philanthropy, social investment, and venture funding for community recovery and social change in a postCOVID world. Bl a c k Ph i l a n t h r o p y Month (BPM) is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate and mobilise African-descent

giving and funding. From its inception in 2011, it has grown significantly, reaching approximately 17 million people across the United States and African Diaspora. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, BPM Founder and Chief executive officer, The WISE Fund observes that black people worldwide give billions in philanthropy and there is a growing social impact investing and venture funding movement, too. According to Copeland, “Despite our longstanding and determined leadership to help ourselves, it is well documented that our black-led non-profits and businesses have been chronically underfunded by the private sector as equitable funding is a racial justice issue.” Copeland, who is the founder of the Black Giving & Beyond Virtual Summit, opines that a monumental funding investment will be required for black communities to rebuild postCOVID.

Commenting on the line up of programmes for the event, Copeland stated that The Black Giving & Beyond Virtual Summit will officially kick-off in the United States of America on August 1st, launching a series of month-long events and conversations worldwide to mark Black Philanthropy Month 2020, which has been observed annually throughout August for the past nine years. According to Copeland, August 4th and 5th virtual African summit will engage audiences in and across the African continent and finally which will be followed by Reunity, The Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network Summit on August 29th to commemorate the end of an impactful month” The activity will also celebrate the African Union’s Decade of the African Woman and launch a global effort to encourage funding of innovative, social justice, health and economic development initiatives for postCovid recovery in Africandescent communities.

Sunday 02 August 2020

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BDSUNDAY 25

BookReview Interrogating sexual crimes Book: Author: Published: Year:

Sexual Crimes Odesola, F. Johnson Smashwords Edition 2016

he book, Sexual Crimes, provides insights and perspectives on sexual offenses, including defilement, incest and unnatural sexual intercourse, impacts on society and how the instruments of the law are employed in certain countries including Nigeria to deal with the malaise. In reviewing the book, the principal criteria include content, organisation and reference sources. In this work, Johnson Odesola critically examines various forms of sexual crimes such as rape, sexual assault, statutory rape, child sexual abuse, and pandering obscenity. He highlights role of sex offenders, their accomplices, plights of victims and the application of the Zambia Penal Code to sexual crimes. The writer impresses it on readers that parties to sexual offences can involve more individuals than the actual perpetrators both before and after the commission of the act. The readers are taken through the various provisions on sexual crimes, including acts and omissions of offences. The book discusses how offenders are liable, what constitute sexual crimes in certain societies such as adultery and those permissible in others, submitting that laws do have distinctive social basis that both shapes and is shaped by the society in which it operates. Divided into nine chapters of serious deep intellectual research, it opens with what constitute sexual

offences, parties to it, in-depth examination of the Penal Code and elements of a crime. It progresses through discussion on what constitute rape, its various forms, issues of consent, and grounds for prosecution and defence. The book provides comprehensive information on terms while the bibliography provides sources for obtaining information. The appendices provide extract from the Zambia 2005 Penal Code Bill. Each chapter tackles a sub topic, explores legal frameworks, and provides various scenarios to illustrate certain points which fit logically into the topic of the chapter. Within each chapter are plenty of citations from sexual crime cases, discussions on applicable sections of Penal Code, and the author explores society’s stance on such issues. The book

presents a broad analysis of sexual crimes and the legal frameworks for application of justice. Chapter two looks at what constitute a crime and how these elements determine whether one is guilty or not. The third and fourth chapters deal with rape and defilement. The third chapter examines issues relating to consent, its revocation and how offenders are subjected to prosecution. It also shows that circumstances under which a victim was raped are important when prosecuting a case. Chapter four dwelt on sub units such as proof of age in defilement cases; age at which a girl can consent to sex, who can defile a girl or a retarded woman, indecent assault and possible causes of defilement as well as defence to charges of defilement. The Fifth chapter provides a general overview of how police deal with rape and defilement cases in Zambia. While Chapter Six focuses on incest and unnatural sexual intercourse. The author explores relationship in incest cases, pointing out that the Penal Code definition of incest does not include sexual intercourse with in-laws as incest, thus creating conflict between traditional laws and criminal law. In examining what constitute unnatural sexual intercourse, the book states that this is an offence that is considered as total taboo by society. Such offences are bestality, homosexuality and lesbianism.

In Chapter Eight, the author focuses on police statistics on sexual offences, sentencing of offenders and also emphasises the need for Victims Support Unit, a dedicated section for handling of sexual crimes. He also examines the principle of sentencing of sexual offenders, saying in defilement, it’s the lower the age of the girl, the higher the sentence for the offenders. The author in Chapter Nine provides insights into sexual offences in other Commonwealth countries such as Botswana, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Nigeria. Thebook,whiletreatinglegalprovisions, touches on some gray areas the law failed to cover or provided penalties. It also examines relevant areas in need of amendments to reflect trends and contemporary happenings in society. It also emphasises that the police cannot enforce a law that does not exist and points out that government must enact laws in suchgrayareastoeffectivelyprotect against sexual crimes. For instance, it highlights the need to raise defilement age from 16 to 18 years as enshrined under the Zambia Penal Code and stressed more importantly that government should enact laws to protect girls and women from being sexually harassed. The author maintains that it’s out of sexual harassment in schools, colleges and places of work that reluctant consent to sexual intercourse arises. He also discusses contemporary issues

such as defilement of boys, and made the point that relevant laws must be amended to protect them. The author proposes a law to be passed requiring all registered sex offenders to wear tracking devices to enable the police track or identify them. He urges access to information on the internet to enable parents find out where and how many sex offenders are in their areas. The book also emphasises how institutions must take steps to counter sexual harassment by developing a strong company policy, putting in place grievance procedures, and setting up sexual harassment prevention training. The book is detailed, well researched, and well-referenced interface with clear legal scenarios. It is an excellent resource for lawyers, police officers, judicial officials, advocates and civil society, students and all lovers of justice. Odesola, unassuming and prolific author, is a Special Assistant, Admin and Personnel, to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. He is also the pastor in charge of RCCG Region 1, Lagos. The author of several books, Odesola holds a degree in Theology from Greenwich School of Theology, London; Mth in Missiology/ Anthropology from Queens University of Belfast, PHD in Christian Education from Ashland University, PHD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International Institute of Advance Studies.

NBC’s new code puts investments of payTv, video-on-demand... Continued from Page 1 to other broadcasters, at a price enforced by the NBC, hence abridging the rights of copyright owners. Also, the new code, which requires all online broadcasters, including payTv and streaming companies to register with the NBC, and sub-license their exclusive contents to other broadcast platforms in the country, makes it difficult for Nigerian content producers to enter exclusive deals going forward, hence working below capacity, and losing huge revenue by so doing. But the NBC has assured that the new code would break monopoly and create room for competition in the creative industry. However, many creative industry stakeholders are concerned that the recent amendments in the code would strangle their business, discourage creativity, and most importantly, put investments of payTv, streaming and video-on-demand platforms

at risk. Streaming companies such as Netflix, iROKOtv, Apple Music and pay Tv outfits, especially Multichoice’s Africa Magic are at risk of losing their investments in local content production if the code stands, considering that they have licensed a lot of local content from some Nigerian movie producers and acquired exclusive rights to them. Over the years, Africa Magic has supported the Nigerian movie industry with millions of dollar investments, Netflix has started putting its $8 billion original production budget to work in Nollywood, iROKOtv is pushing local content with global appeal with millions of dollar investments as well, among other content producers whose jobs are at risk if they are denied exclusive right or forced to sublicense their contents to other media broadcasters by the NBC. Looking at the negative impact of the development, many industry players insisted that

without a market-driven motivation to invest in content, local broadcasters may simply sit back and collect rent, like the NTA of today does. For them, exclusivity or right to content ownership is a major

market-driven motivation for payTv, streaming and video-ondemand platforms, as well as, big draw for investors. Expressing his displeasure on the development, Jason Njoku, chief executive officer, iROKOtv,

stated that by seeking to limit exclusivity and rights, the new code amendments have the potential to discourage investment in the sector. Njoku noted that it would not make business sense to invest further in local content and production when return on investment is uncertain because of lack of exclusivity to content right and sub-licensing caveat in the code. As well, an insider at Netflix Nigeria, who pleaded for anonymity, noted that the amendments are coming at the wrong time when Netflix, which acquired exclusive rights to Lionheart, a movie it is purported to have paid $3million to Genevieve Nnaji, the content owner, to own exclusive rights to the production and other Nigerian movies has licensed a lot of local contents from some Nigerian movie producers. The insider lamented that Continues on Page

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Sunday 02 August 2020

Travel Agbokim Waterfall; fresh gush from nature Obinna Emelike

tors go without picking one or two souvenirs to their loved ones in the cities. While at the fall, there are many activities that make for a pleasurable outing. At the point where its waters cascade down, they merge into a large body of water that is just perfect for swimming. Besides that, tourists can also enjoy trekking and picnicking at the site. Trekking within the site provides one an opportunity for bird-watching, wildlife sighting, photographing, among others at the bosom of nature. So, rather than stress yourself to save money for a visit to

ust a stone’s throw from the Nigeria-Cameroon border, about 17 kilometres from Ikom, in the north and 315 kilometres from Calabar, in the south, lies a natural wonder that parades a million thrills in one destination for visitors. While on the 17-kilometre stretch, the narrow but tarred road, the heaps of cocoa seed being dried in the sun by locals and the few cheers from the passersby tell little about the thrills that await you ahead. The Agbokim Waterfall with its seven streams, each cascading over steep cliffs that in turn generate seven-faced falls, holds a lot for pleasureseekers, wildlife researchers and adventurers. The waterfall is actually on the point where one of the tributaries of the Cross River water descends in terraces, through the tropical rainforest. The surrounding lush greenery, valleys and steep hills, which are enveloped in a rainbow-like aura, make the immediate environment a true adventure that awaits the discerning visitor. Its freshness is captivating and has an alluring serenity. It is the perfect location for a vacation, which targets getting back to the mainstream of nature and regaining your general wellbeing. Obviously, Agbokim, the

Agbokim-waterfalls

host community, is abundantly blessed with picturesque waterfalls cascading down mountains and hilltops, through rocks and onto flowing rivers. But the water, most likely against its will, remains ‘calm’ as tourists that will ripple it have been in short supply over the years. But on your way farther to the fall, do not be surprised at the little or no cheers from the sleeping community of over 20,000 residents. Of course, the fishing and farming community is used to the attraction that the fall holds less appeal to them. However, they are warm and very hospitable people that will not allow visi-

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Niagara Falls in the US, among other great falls in the world, keep in mind that a visit to Agbokim holds as much thrills for you, especially in post Covid-19 era. With its great heights, seven falls, lush vegetation, roaming wildlife, hospitable rural setting and residents, Agbokim Waterfalls will make your outing a memorable one, as you explore its natural treasures for the fun you so much deserve. For accommodation, visitors can stay at Heritage Hotel, 520 Hotel, among others in Ikom. Average room rate is N5,000 per night. Direction: From Abuja, the waterfall is accessible through the Makurdi-Ikom Highway or YolaKatsina Ala-Ikom Highway. At Ikom, cabs are always waiting to convey visitors to the waterfall for a fee. If you are coming from Lagos, a flight to Calabar eases the journey. From Calabar, you move by road to Ikom (about two and a half hours) or Port Harcourt-UyoCalabar and Ikom.

Agbokim-Waterfalls-Nigeria

Tourism restarts as 40% of destinations ease travel restrictions-UNWTO

he responsible restart of tourism is underway around the world as growing numbers of destinations ease COVID-19 related travel restrictions and adapt to the new reality. According to the latest analysis from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 40 percent of all destinations worldwide have now eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to COVID-19. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, has been monitoring global responses to the pandemic from the start of the crisis. The latest outlook, recorded on July 19, is up from 22 percent of destinations across the world that had eased restrictions on travel by June 15 and the 3 percent previously observed by May 15. It confirms the trend of a slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of international tourism. At the same time, however, of the 87 destinations that have now eased travel restrictions, just four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have eased

them while keeping some measures such as the partial closure of borders in place. The latest edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report in addition shows that 115 destinations (53 percent of all destinations worldwide) continue to keep their borders completely closed for tourism. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations

as global tourism stakeholders work together to adapt to the new reality we now face. Commenting on the development, the UNWTO assured that responsible restart is possible across the world today. According to Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general, UNWTO, “The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses

and livelihoods. As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.” According to the UNWTO report, destinations with a higher dependency on tourism are more likely to be easing restrictions on travel. Of the 87 destina-

tions that have eased restrictions recently, 20 are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of which depend on tourism as a central pillar of employment, economic growth and development. The report also shows that around half (41) of all those destinations that have eased restrictions are in Europe, confirming the leading role of the region for the responsible restart of tourism. However, many destinations are still in long-term lockdown. Looking at the 115 destinations that continue to have their borders completely closed to international tourism, the report finds that a majority (88) have been completely closed their borders for international tourism for more than 12 weeks. The cost related to the travel restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19 has historic dimensions. This week, UNWTO released the data on the impact of the pandemic on tourism, both in terms of lost tourist arrivals and lost revenues. The data shows that by already by the end of May, the pandemic had led to US$320 billion in lost revenues, already three times the cost of the 2009 Global Economic Crisis.

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BDSUNDAY 27

Travel Delta Air Lines partners RB to advance CareStandard, disinfection protocols Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

elta is partnering with RB, the makers of Lysol®, to drive greater confidence in travel by innovating cleaner, more hygienic experiences for customers and employees, alike. The partnership will pair Delta’s strength in safety and operational rigor with Lysol’s 130 years of germ-kill expertise and innovation to continue improving upon Delta CareStandardSM protocols launched during the COVID-19 pandemic across Delta airport locations and on board our aircraft. Keeping surfaces clean is one of the areas the Delta CareStandard focuses on, along with giving travellers more space, cleaner air and providing safety and personal care from check-in to baggage claim, and every point in between. Together, Delta’s newly established Global Cleanliness division and Lysol will strengthen current Delta CareStandard cleanliness efforts and create the gold standard across touchpoints through: Breakthrough disinfection innovation: Delta and Lysol will work together to gather insights on consumers’ travel experiences to help inform the development

of new, innovative disinfecting solutions for both the airport and onboard experience. Delta will also work together to identify and address ongoing germ-related travel concerns for customers. One of the first areas of focus will be developing breakthrough airplane lavatory solutions to help kill germs and protect customers and crew. Disinfecting protocols and best practices: Microbiologists and germ-kill experts from Lysol will coordinate with Delta Global Cleanliness team to develop protocols for disinfection that will help protect customers against illness-causing bacteria and viruses in high-traffic areas where customers are most concerned about germs including departure gates, aircraft lavatories

Arik Air recommences flights to Benin, Jos, Owerri, Asaba

rik Air is continuing its phased restart of domestic flight operations post COVID-19 lockdown with resumption of services to four additional airports of Benin, Jos, Owerri and Asaba. Flights to Benin, Jos and Owerri Airports will resume on Monday, August 3, 2020 while flights to Asaba Airport will resume on August 10, 2020. The airline will be operating separate daily flights from Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 1, Ikeja, Lagos to Benin and Jos Airports. Flights from Lagos to Owerri will operate thrice weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday while flights to Asaba will operate four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The airline had earlier on July 8 and July 11 resumed flights from Lagos to Abuja and Port Harcourt respectively. On July 28, the airline added two more destinations, Kano and Yola. The airline in a statement reminded passengers of the need to use their face masks at every stage of their flights and arrive at least one and a half hours before their scheduled departure time. Roy Ilegbodu, the Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, elaborated: “The resumption of flights to four additional destinations is a fulfilment of our promise to continually review our operations as more airports are opened. We will always have the safety and best interest of our customers at heart in all of our decisions.”

and Delta Sky Clubs. Delta will also deploy Delta Care Carts including EPA-approved disinfection products recommended by Lysol, making it easier to disinfect large seating areas and countertops more frequently. Lysol Products: Lysol will provide products to Delta, including Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, to be used with disinfecting protocols recommended by Lysol on high-touch germ hotspots across Delta areas from check-in to baggage claim. The US Environmental Protection Agency recently approved both Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes among the first to test effective against the novel coronavirus when used

as directed on hard, non-porous surfaces. “There’s no finish line for cleanliness – there’s always more we can do to innovate and elevate our already-high standards because that’s what our customers and employees expect and deserve,” Bill Lentsch, Delta’s Chief Customer Experience Officer said. “The experts at Lysol share our drive for innovative, continuous improvement – they’re the best at their craft. That’s why we’re excited to get started on R&D to target germ ‘hot spots’ and cement the Delta CareStandard as the industry gold standard – so customers feel confident in choosing Delta as more people return to travel.” “Our collaboration with Delta is exciting because they have clearly

demonstrated great leadership, care and commitment to cleanliness and innovation across their customer and employee touch points. “Our shared vision to create breakthrough solutions within our industries, while bolstering current disinfection protocols will support Delta customers in feeling confident when they travel,” Rahul Kadyan, E.V.P., North America, Hygiene, Lysol said. “At Lysol, we’re committed to offering products and providing germ-kill expertise as defined by our purpose, which is to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world.” Delta also recently announced collaboration with Mayo Clinic to provide additional COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures for travelers and employees. This includes guidance on an unprecedented employee COVID-19 testing program, ensuring that virtually all Delta employees will be tested in just a matter of weeks via onsite and at-home testing. Mayo Clinic also recommends best practices for employee and passenger safety as part of Delta’s Global Medical Advisory Panel that reviews and assesses Delta’s health and safety policies and procedures on an on-going basis.

Kenya Airways resumes international passenger flight

enya Airways (KQ) will be resuming its international passenger services on August 1, 2020 following the easing of movement restrictions as directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The first international flights on August 1st 2020 will depart to the following international destinations; London, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Kigali, Dares Salaam and Lusaka. During the month there will be a gradual increase in the network with flights to Paris, Mumbai and Amsterdam. In Africa, the airline will operate flights to Accra, Dzaoudzi, Freetown, Harare, Kilimanjaro, Lagos, Monrovia, Moroni, Nampula and Zanzibar. Based on demand and other factors, resumption of services to other destinations around the globe will occur. The Airline plans to start operations to the USA, China and Thailand from October 2020. These destinations require the bulk of the network to open up so as to sustain adequate traffic on the routes. “Since resuming domestic flights on 15th July 2020, we have been monitoring the adherence to the protocols that we have in place

to ensure the health and safety of our customers and staff,and I am pleased that they are being enforced and followed strictly,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways. “The resumption of our international flights is an important milestone for us. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to provide connections for our farmer’s produce to reach international markets, medical supplies to reach our people through our Cargo flights, as well as reuniting families through the repatriation flights we mounted with support from the Government of Kenya. We look forward to welcoming our guests on board as we play our role in kick starting economies, not only for Kenya but also for those countries that we operate to,”he added. Some of the safety measures the airline has put in place to ensure the safety of passengers include; the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) by the flight crew and airport workers where necessary, and limited interaction between crew and passengers. The

airline is also providing sanitizer stations onboard and washing of hands will be encouraged by crew on board the flights. All the aircraft are fitted with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. The filters ensure that the quality of air on board is kept clean by constant filtration and replacement with air from outside the aircraft. They also trap particulates such as viruses and bacteria, and as the air flows primarily from the ceiling to the floor, it helps minimize particles spreading throughout the cabin. The airline will continuously review the protocols in place and update where necessary to ensure the health and safety of all. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism and aviation industries, globally. According to IATA, demand for travel is forecast to fall by 58 percent in 2020, while passenger revenues will decline by over $6 billion compared to the previous year. Kenya’s tourism industry meanwhile has lost 80 billion shillings ($752 million) in revenue so far due to the crisis.

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Sunday 02 August 2020

SundayBusiness Farmklan’s unique investment packages Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

n pursuit of getting value for money for several investors in the ever-expanding agriculture sector, we bring you what FarmKlan, a new investment company brings to the table in our FARMRUSH series. The aim is to let those interested get to know and understand the nittygritty of whatit offers and what the customers stand to benefit from. The questions to be answered therefore are pertinent: What is Farmklan all about, its vision and mission statements? What values drive its processes and packages? What are its unique features that distinguish the company from its competitors? And how do they really work out for those who are staking their funds?

Promising “More Food and a Better World”, Farmklan is a crowdfunding digital agriculture platform that connects investors around the world with local farmers. The salutary aim is to enable everyone participate in commercial farming and make good returns. Specifically, it offers smallholder farmers inputs, training in best farm practices and to provide access to premium market at harvest. This enables farmers increase their scale of production, earn more and improve their livelihood. This sounds attractive, doesn’t it? Well, it does but first, we have to know more about it. Farmklan began operations in January 2020. Though that seems not too long ago, it is however, poised to give a new lease of life to smallholder farmers and ensuring sustainable food production in Nigeria. The larger picture is to ultimately address issues related to food security needs of the rest of Africa. To succeed at achieving its laudable objectives it is already collaborating with major industry stakeholders (farmer cooperatives, off-takers, research institutions, input manufacturers, development organisations, among others). But how really prepared is it, to walk the talk? To answer comes with its verdant Vision: “To be a leading digital agriculture platform notable for delivering best solutions for sustainable food systems and transforming Africa into a prosperous and food secure

continent”. As for its Mission, it is: “To create opportunity to everyone to engage in the business of agriculture towards attaining global food security and economic prosperity”. With regards to the Values that drive its operations, processing, preservation, packaging and marketing, Farmklan has heighten the following. The first and important one is Integrity. So, how does this play out? It reiterates that at the heart of its work, is the commitment to respecting all regulations, upholding ethical standards and maintaining best professional practice. While dealing with its investors, farmers and partners, Farmklan does not take anyone and anything for granted. And so far, it is proud of its growing team of transparent, trustworthy and dependable people. That is but one factor of significance. But there are others. Chief amongst these is the valued factor of Innovation. In its own words it states with emphasis and without equivocation that: “We understand that stakeholders are striving to be on the edge and our team goes the extra mile in search of top notch ideas that put us continually on the course of creative approaches to classic business experience. We build smart solutions with excellence in mind.” What more, on the platform of Communication, Farmklan places high premium on customer relations and ensures that everyone

is satisfied with its services. That underscores the importance of it cherishing feedback, stories and conversations that shape its decisions. From such vital feedbacks, it tweaks its solutions to meet current needs of the market and build a community of happy investors and self-fulfilled farmers. It is therefore, able to boast of quality service, having seasoned professionals, who work round the clock to get the desired results always. Anyone can therefore, invest and check up on his investments at any time of the day. The assurance such a person has is that all Farmklan investments are covered by premium insurance from a world-class insurance company. As far as its Agro-investment Portfolio is concerned it parades exciting options, providing the opportunity for any investor to choose what suits his or her budget and timing. The Return On Investment (ROI) is guaranteed as people get fast payouts on their investments with an option of reinvesting at the end of a farming cycle. For the moment, it has come up with its Poultry Farming Investment (PFI). A payment of N30,000 per unit promises 10% ROI in 4 months. For that of N50,000.00 per unit one gets 12 % ROI in 4 months. Going further, an investment package of N200,000.00 guarantees 18% ROI in 6 months. Having all these fascinating

features of Farmklan packages, what an investor should do is to make findings on its offerings, using online medium, get the necessary contacts and have direct one-onone meeting with the operators. That would remove every iota of doubt that may stand between the investor and the company. There is little doubt that thousands of enlightened citizens, who have the fund but not the time and are truly interested in modern farming, have chosen this new path of investment. With legal backing and assurance of insurance cover many people do so and go to sleep while their investments work for them. There is some wisdom in this approach to both financial and food security. One interesting aspect of Farmklan Company is the deployment of the latest cutting edge technologies to facilitate a convenient and secure environment for investors. All said, those who often succeed, especially in business ventures are the wise risk takers. Be part of a new way of creating a food secure world. Get connected to small scale farmers at your own convenience. Invest in any agro portfolio of your choice. Sit back and earn!.

Baje is Nigerian first Food Technologist in the media ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk; 07068638066

NBC’s new code puts investments of payTv, video-on-demand... Continued from Page 25 production of Netflix originals and Nollywood originals, which are already launched in Nigeria, may be negatively impacted. Considering the fact that the big players in content production, streaming and payTV service may be struggling to cope with the amendment, which took effect from March this year, Ademola Onitiri, a movie maker, decried that small producers are going to struggle more, and probably going to close shop if they cannot create contents and own them exclusively again. “It is the exclusivity that boosts creativity and business deals in the creative industry. An investor can only put down his money on content when it is exclusive and the exclusivity is copyright. Why remove it?” Onitiri asked. In the same vein, Naz Onuzo, a movie producer, said the NBC was wrong to seek to compel rights owners to sub-license their contents. “A lot of Nigerian content producers are concerned by the removal of the exclusivity clause because exclusivity deals are the most valuable and this bit reduces the value of the most desirable Nigerian contents,” Onuzo said.

With the sub-licensing arrangement, Ferdinand Adetu, a music promoter and producer, is worried about the revenue target, the sharing formula and the extent the content can be exploited further by the other parties bearing in mind that the original content owner may have provided all the funds for the content creation and production. “If I invest N100 million in producing a local soap opera and I am forced by NBC to sublet my exclusivity to another producer, how am I going to recoup my money, especially if it is a loan from the bank and who monitors how my content is used at least for data collation?” Adetu stressed. The above are some of the grey areas, which made the Lagos Film Academy (LFA) to conclude that the new code is problematic and would negatively impact the lives

of Nigerian creative and content producers, who currently struggle with numerous challenges of production and distribution. According to Ruby Igwe, cofounder/executive director, Lagos Film Academy, the code will make it difficult for operators and investors to derive maximum value from the value chain of content production or broadcast. “Real growth in the broadcast industry will come from opening up the content production, distribution and broadcasting space and by removing unnecessary roadblocks, not by denying creative hands exclusivity of their creations”, Igwe said. Meanwhile, Wole Soyinka, foremost Nigerian writer and Nobel Laureate, described the new code as stifling and economic sabotage directed against thousands

of creative industry practitioners. The Nobel Laureate noted that while some of the regulations are well intentioned, one cannot imagine the unintended consequences such as backhanded censorship in the age of digital media. Moreover, Tony Okoroji, chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), tackled the NBC from the legal angle, noting that some of the provisions in the new broadcast code are good; some are unworkable, while others are unconstitutional. According to Okoroji, with the new code, the NBC is attempting to overreach itself by assuming powers of the National Assembly; hence, he called for a revisit of the amendments. The lawyers are also speaking on the issue, using the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution as reference. Norbert Chima, a lawyer, pointed out that Section 44 of the 1999 Constitution gives every Nigerian the right to own moveable properties or any interest in an immovable property and the rights over such properties cannot be compulsorily taken. He argued that though intellectual property rights are intangible, they are moveable property rights. According to him, the provisions

on exclusivity are inconsistent with Section 1 (3) of the Constitution, which states: “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.” He also argued that Section 8 of the Copyright Act, Chapter C28 states that copyright in a broadcast shall be under the exclusive control of the owner. “It is, therefore, safe to deduce that a broadcaster has the exclusive right to control his work and not even the government can, in anyway, control such”, Chima concluded. In view of the controversies the new code has raised, industry players are urging the NBC to be a neutral regulator. They urged the NBC to widen the scope of consultations around the amendment of the broadcasting code, invite, involve and include real industry players, listen to their genuine concerns and inspire a level playing field. “NBC should lay the guidelines, stand away and let the players play. It should not be involved in fixing sub-licensing prices, as it should be a willing-seller-to-willing-buyer agreement that doesn’t involve the regulatory body,” LFA said on behalf of the players.

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SundayBusiness Bayegun (Woli Arole) changing his narrative with film production …His movie ‘The Call’, makes top 3 on Netflix Kemi Ajumobi

luwatoyin Bayegun, Kn o w n a s Woli Arole, is a Nigerian comedian, actor and on-air personality. He was born on February 22, 1990, to Nigerian parents. He had his primary education in Olopade Agoro Apata, Ibadan, and his secondary school education was at Go v e r n m e n t C o l l e g e , Ibadan. He proceeded to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University where he studied Psychology. He also obtained a degree in filmmaking in 2020 from the Met Film School in the UK. Woli Arole started as an actor and stand-up comedian from Obafemi Awolowo University. He embraced social media and gained attention with short videos on Instagram. He auditioned and became a finalist at the Alibaba Spontaneity contest in Lagos. He recently debuted his live show called ‘The Chat Room With Woli Arole’ on April 8. In 2018, Woli Arole premiered his movie titled The Call, which he produced and was featured as lead actor. The movie is now on Netflix. The call Arole and his merry

Bayegun

band of friends get into yet another problem after he loses an expensive antic clock belonging to a powerful retired general in the community. In his hustle to raise money to refund the angry impatient general, he discovers his new talent and soon realizes that with great power comes great responsibility. Conceptualising “The Call” has been huge. I woke up one day and decided to make a movie. I was tired of being called a skit maker because I knew there was more about myself than what was seen. That

gave birth to the movie The Call. It was a hectic process, writing and rewriting it. Some distribution companies rejected us but FILMONE accepted us and we remain grateful. We came out in January and presently, among top 100 all-time Nollywood movies, now trending No.3 on Netflix. It has been a wonderful experience for me. Netflix experience It has been great I must say. The reception has been awesome, in 17hours, moving to 3rd most watched movie in Nigeria is humbling. Also, globally,

$2.8bn AKK gas pipeline project would have boosted the morale of the south - Uchegbuo UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

ames Uchegbuo, a public affairs commentator, has said that the AKK ( Aj a o k u t a - Ka d u n a Kano) gas pipeline project, would have boosted the morale of the southerners if the $2.8 billion project, believed to be the biggest in Nigeria’s history and also designed to boost domestic gas consumption, power generation and industrialisation, was sited within the region Uchegbuo, who is also the president general of Ahuwa-Oboro autonomous community, Ikwuano L.G.A, of Abia State, spoke with newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital. He said that the project, which would carry gas from the southern to northern parts of the country and eventually extend to North Africa, should have been sited in the South, where the raw

materials were deposited, to enliven the spirit of the Southerners, whose land have been polluted through oil exploration and exploitation which gave birth to the gas projects “Recall that the construction of the Ajeokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline which commenced this July, is a pipeline planned to transport natural gas from Kogi State’s Ajeokuta to Kano State, through several states. Recall also that this pipeline is intended to establish a connection between pipeline networks in the eastern, western and northern regions of Nigeria. “Also remember that the project strives to utilise the country’s abundant natural gas resources to sustainably supply gas to northern Nigeria and the development is expected to reduce the quantity of gas flared in the country’s oil fields and thus improve air quality. “So, the issue of location

and localisation of industries demands that industries are sited where the natural resources are located. Imagine this, oil, the raw material is produced in the South and the refinery is located or built in the North. Under the concept of location and localisation of industries, refineries ought to have been built in the South, than to lay pipes from Bayelsa, Delta, Port Harcourt or Abia to Kaduna State, which is economic waste, just to satisfy few Nigerians”. Uchegbuo further said: “Honestly, this gas pipeline project will succeed in creating employment opportunities and improve the economic earnings of Kogi, Kaduna and Kano states while the southeast, west and south whose lands have suffered lots of degradation and pollution are left with nothing; and that is the fear of the Southerners, who felt, they have been continually marginalised”.

the demand is high, I feel so blessed to be receiving great reviews with people asking for the part 2 already. The Call on Netflix has been huge and I feel honoured and humbled. How did your schooling experience help to build your current career? My first and second degrees have been great contributors to my story. It gave me exposure and ability to understand people, my environment and a lot of other things. So, I was able to know what people wanted and how to present it to them. I studied Psychology as my first degree and film making as second degree. The study in school gave me more exposure to move me from talent to skills. These were the roles that schooling helped me achieve. Influences My influences majorly are people, my environment and creativity as well. So, I learn from a lot from people, government, sports and football. One of the people that influence me is Tyler Perry. I am intrigued by his ability to be that individual who has created a global structure with his brand. Also, Eddie Murphy is another influence. In Nigeria, people like Pastor Sam Adeyemi and Ooni Of Ife have been great

influences. Generally, I am influenced by the things around me that I see and value mostly. Ultimately, Jesus influences me because of His style of exemplary leadership. Metfilm school experience My friends at METFILM school were different. First, studying outside Nigeria was an amazing experience and I enjoyed the international experiences, as I was the o n l y o n e f r o m Af r i c a , Nigeria precisely. Others were from Belgium, Russia and so on. It was a bit challenging but I was later able to blend in. This greatly affected my career positively, I have learnt new things. Though, I had done my movie before going but the next project will be very different with other details I learnt that can add colour to my work. There were changes in the content I put out since I got back. So, I strongly believe it has had a huge impact to my life and career as well. The Chatroom with Arole Chatroom was born during the pandemic, April 8, because I needed to give people something different. This is an idea from God actually with the ability to bring people from all parts of the world

together. I interview and also learn from them. This was born out of the desire to want to give happiness to the people amidst this pandemic period across the world. We’ve interviewed over 150 guests across the globe, general overseers, actors and footballers, the likes of Fela Durotoye, Sa m Ad e y e m i , So l a Sobowale, Ighalo, Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyama , Buhari Omo-musa, Remi Adeleke, Ebenezer Obey and Alibaba to mention a few. Th i s i s f o r u s t o connect and learn from these Legends and more importantly, used as a platform to celebrate them. So far, I’m excited that some actors that seemed relegated were being interviewed and got amazing gifts from fans all over the world. The likes of Baba Suwe, Ajirebi, Lalude, Abija. We are celebrating the legends and also giving exposure to the new ones at the same time, we are learning from them. So far, it’s been a success. We got interviewed on TVC and Channels and glad to say we have gotten over 5,000,000 impressions and engagements. It’s quite commendable and soon, we are taking it bigger to the big screen so people can watch from their televisions.

Group calls for financial inclusion in Nigeria …marks Nelson Mandela Day

he United Nations As s o c i a t i o n o f Nigeria (UNAN) has stressed the need for financial inclusion in Nigeria. UNAN made the call at a webinar, themed, ‘Financial inclusion and wealth creation: Pre-constructing empowerment and poverty eradication’ which it organised organised in collaboration with Youth Be Inspired Initiative to mark the 2020 Nelson Mandela Day. Speaking at the event, Ronald Kayanja, director United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, explained that financial inclusion would enable the youth and the generality of the population achieve greater heights. Fi n a n c i a l i n c l u s i o n , he explained, was key to poverty reduction as it enables the poor to finance their activities. Kayanja also expressed concern over the uncertainty of re-opening of educational facilities, due to Covid-19,

adding that non-reopening of schools could lead to increased teenage pregnancies and other youth vices. While lauding the organisers of the event for remembering Nelson Mandela even in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Ayo Olukanni, directorgeneral NACCIMA, said it was a reflection of the commitment of UNAN and others with support of UNIC. On the pandemic that is currently ravaging the entire globe, he noted that it was only the UN that can be relied upon. He emphasised that inequality is very prominent in Nigeria, ascribing it to the reason poverty is still prominent in the society. In the area of interventions by the Nigerian government in the Covid-19, he confirmed positive action which according to him is rather too low and slow in disbursements to households and Small/

MediumEnterprises(SMEs). He therefore, called for identification of the funding supports by governments and her agencies. Highlighting efforts of CBN in establishment of National Collateral Registry (NCR) which he said is a form of addressing financial inclusion, the Ambassador said: “With this concept, moveable assets are used as collaterals in obtaining loans and support funds. There are lots of stimulus packages available and there is a plan to have 40 percent of such directed at Women owned businesses.’’ On his part, Chief Internal Auditor MRS Oil & Gas, Daniel Chukwuazawom explained that financial inclusion is possible, but will require some element of discipline. According to him, lack of financial literacy has contributed to failure of SMEs, however, he stressed the need to take measures to increase their financial

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SundayBusiness Appraising FMBN’s 3 years of reforms for delivering affordable housing

ecently, the executive management team of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) under the leadership of Ahmed Dangiwa clocked three years in office. Within this period and under the supervision of Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, the team posted a remarkable performance across key corporate indicators. First is the historic increase in mortgage loan disbursements. Between April 2017, when the team took charge of the bank to March 2020 (a three-year period), FMBN leveraged funds accruing to the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme to record over N90 billion in various loan disbursements. The figure comprises NHF mortgage loans totaling N32.38 billion granted to 4,236 beneficiaries; Home Renovation Loans totaling N37billion to 43,920 beneficiaries and Estate Development Loans totaling N8.71billion for the construction of 1,692 housing units. Others include Cooperative Housing Development Loans totaling N6.76 billion for the construction of 1,048 housing units and Ministerial Pilot Hous-

ing Scheme loans totaling N4.77 billion for the construction of 793 housing units. The size of the loan approvals and disbursements are all unprecedented in the history of the bank. Second is the speedy processing of refunds to retired contributors to the NHF scheme. Within the past three years, the bank recorded over N23.8 billion in NHF refunds to 162,992 people. The figure represents a 220 percent increase from N10.8 billion recorded by previous managements over a 25-year period to 132,605. The FMBN also secured approval for a reduction of equity requirement for accessing mortgage loans effective 2018. Mortgage loans of N5million and belownow attract zero percent equity contribution, a downward review from the 10 percent previously required as loan down payment; and loans of over N5 million to N15 million attract a flat equity contribution rate of 10 percent, down from the 20 percent and 30 percent previously mandatory to access the loan facility. The historic downward review of equity requirement for accessing the NHF mortgage loan has made it more accessible and affordable to Nigerian workers

within the low- and mediumincome brackets. This implies that workers who contribute to the NHF consistently and are up-to-date are eligible for up to a N5 million loan without having to put down a single kobo as equity while those seeking for loans above N5 million to N15 million will only put down 10 percent as equity. Another notable achievement of the FMBN management within the last three years is the introduction of innovative housing products to increase affordability. After decades of pushing and promoting legacy housing loan products, the current management opened a new vista of innovative home loans designed to create a good fit between what the bank is offering and the income capacity of workers who subscribe to the NHF scheme. A good example is the Rent-ToOwn homeownership product. The product enables contributors to the the NHF scheme to move into an FMBN property as a tenant and conveniently pay for it in monthly or annual installments over a 30-year period at a single digit interest rate of 9 percent. Another is the Individual Home Construction Loan. This loan provides up to N15 million at a 7

Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO (08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com)

percent interest rate per annum to NHF contributors with land titles and approved building plans to undertake self-construction. Beneficiaries can pay back over a period of up to 15-years depending on their age and number of years left in service. Another equally affordable housing product is the Home Renovation Loan. Under this loan, beneficiaries who already own their homes can access up to N1million to carry out improvements. About 43,000 Nigerians have benefitted from this facility in the last three years. The FMBN management has also done a good job of leveraging technology to boost transparency in the NHF scheme. A notable illustration is the launch of FMBN Digital Platforms. With the introduction of the digital platforms, including the USSD code *219#, contributors to the fund are now able to receive instant

notifications, check records of NHF contributions on the go and request for statements of account remotely. The ability of the current team of the FMBN to undertake these reforms inspires hope for the much-needed growth of the Nigerian housing industry. Given the urgent need to address the huge housing deficit, estimated to range between 17million and 22million, it is imperative that government, critical stakeholders in the housing industry and international development partners support the advocacy for the N500billion recapitalization of the bank and review of its establishment Acts currently under review at the National Assembly. A stronger, more resilient FMBN is essential to affordable housing delivery in Nigeria. .Contributed by Ikyaave, an Abuja-based public policy researcher/analyst

Hayat Kimya creating skin-friendly healthy diaper option for mothers through ‘Molfix air dry’ KELECHI EWUZIE

n Nigeria, a considerable percentage of nursing mothers now find it comforting to shift from the use of cloth diapers to disposable diapers. This paradigm shift can be attributable to hygiene concerns and the convenience diaper usage brings for the modern woman, especially working mothers. On the average, Nigerian women bear up to five children over the course of their reproductive lives, making Nigeria one of the largest emerging markets for baby diapers. The global baby diapers market is expected to reach USD 64.62 billion by 2022, according to a report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing disposable income level coupled with increasing birth rates particularly in emerging markets is expected to remain a key driving factor for global baby diapers market. Indeed, it could be argued that very few manufacturers understand the critical role a quality

product plays in offering babies full protection while keeping their skins dry and healthy around the clock than Hayat Kimya does. As the world’s 5th largest branded baby diapers manufacturer and a global player in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, Hayat Kimya understands the connection between quality diapers and the overall development of

a child. In keeping with its mission of establishing enduring brands and highquality products, Hayat Ki m y a , m a n u f a c t u r e r of Nigeria’s number one choice diaper, Molfix has introduced their newest product, the Molfix air dry baby diaper which is unarguably their best diaper yet in the Nigerian market. The air dry baby diaper is a

new and improved addition to the Molfix collection, showcasing the brand’s continued efforts to provide babies with skin-friendly, ultra-breathable, and ultraabsorbent diapers. Doruk Emiroglu, managing director, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, said: “We are proud to be producing high-quality baby diapers that are made right here on Nigerian soil.

L-R: Motayo Latunji, sales director; Doruk Emiroglu, managing director, and Roseline Abaraonye, marketing manager, all of Hayat Kimya Nigeria, at the internal launch of Molfix Air Dry baby diaper.

“The current climate is testing businesses and individuals across the world, however, we trust in the viability of the Nigerian market and we will continue to seek additional avenues to innovate, create value and invest in the Nigerian economy.” Roseline Abaraonye, marketing manager, Hayat Kimya Nigeria added that “Molfix is a brand that cares about a mother’s convenience and the baby’s freedom and comfort. With the air dry diaper, we have produced not just a product that provides maximum comfort to babies but also provides peace of mind to multi-tasking mothers. It is paramount that we help our mothers and babies live our motto, ‘For the Number 1 mums of Nigeria’”. Motayo Latunji, sales director, Hayat Kimya , observes that the current climate is testing businesses and individuals across the world, adding that the company, as a responsive organisation, has great faith in its brands and its commitment to achieving its goals remains steadfast regardless of current events. “We remain assured that we will continue to innovate,

create value and invest in our future,” Latunji said. On some of the features of the new product, Latunji said: “It is skin-friendly, it’s ultra-breathable, it ensures high absorption and it has anti-leakage elastic barriers.” She further said that Molfix employs a holistic approach and that this is evident in the innovation and production that has led to the air dry diaper. It added that providing happiness and comfort for both mother and child is the ultimate goal. “The future is not left out as we have sought ways to look at both mothers’ Convenience and babies’ Freedom and Comfort,” she added. Hayat Kimya Nigeria successfully launched its flagship diaper brand in May 2015, into the Nigerian market. Five years later, it still posts a verifiable success. Despite the tightlycontested market space, it rapidly attained the position of the number one brand within the diaper category such as “Best Baby Diaper of the Year’’ at the African Product Awards 2016, awarded by the Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology.

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Sports Napoli sign Osimhen from Lille for a record fee of £54m Stories by Anthony Nlebem

erie A side, Napoli, have confirmed the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Lille for a record fee worth £54million. The 21-year-old arrives at the Stadio San Paolo in a deal worth €60million (£54.1m), according to reports in Italy, making him one of the most expensive African footballers of all time. Osimhen has penned a fiveyear deal to join the Partenopei, with Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis - formerly of Watford - heading to Lille in the other direction. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis announced the deal via his personal Twitter account, writing: “Benvenuto Victor! #ADL”, before the club confirmed the deal shortly afterwards. Osimhen, Nigeria international had attracted interest from several of Europe’s top clubs after scoring 13 goals in Ligue 1 and netting against Chelsea in the Champions League group stage. Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for the striker, although Lille’s valuation had scared off potential suitors. After finishing outside the

Champions League qualification places following the early cancellation of the French Ligue 1 season due to the outbreak of coronavi-

rus, Lille have now decided to cash in on Osimhen. Osimhen is expected to replace Polish forward Arkadiusz Milik,

Real Madrid, Barcelona reveal new kits for LaLiga 2020-21 season

aLiga champions, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, have unveiled their home and away jerseys for the 2020/21 season. The bold yet simple designs were created to highlight what makes Real Madrid unique; its hunger for winning and nothing less, or more. In the iconic white of Real Madrid was introduced a subtle tonal graphic across the front of the home shirt, whilst the away jersey includes a striking new colourway. Both designs are kept minimal in their aesthetic. The home jersey features Spring Pink accents - inspired by the 2014-15 away jersey emerging from the 3 stripes and loop label on the neck of the jersey. This subtle graphic and vivid contrast detailing references the contemporary art culture of the vibrant Spanish capital. The away v-neck jersey includes dark blue accents against a fresh Spring Pink colour, inspired by a city lit at night, when Plaza De Cibeles, an icon of the city is at its most beautiful. “Real Madrid is a unique team with a unique history. We wanted to keep the design of this season’s jerseys bold yet simple to reflect the expectation that comes with the badge, and that is to win at all costs”, said Marco Ommicioli, Football

Designer at the brand wearing Real Madrid. “The shirts may only be 140 grams of fabric, but the weight of expectation is much heavier. The pressure to perform, pressure to win, and the pressure to create history in front fans. This pressure turns good players into great ones, and great ones into global icons, just like the design of these famous shirts.” The Real Madrid women’s team will be wearing the home and third jerseys in their debut season. The new away jersey will be worn for the first time on pitch on 7th August against Manchester City at Champions

League. ‘The colours are within’ is the slogan chosen by FC Barcelona for the new 2020/21 away kit, which this year is black with gold details. The club chose this ‘absence of colour’ to show that Barça fans’ heart are blaugrana, no matter what is on the outside. The shirt will be predominantly black for the third time in the club’s history (in 2011/12 it was the away colour scheme, and the third kit in 2013/14), but this time it will incorporate a gold trim on the sleeves and collar, offering a contemporary and elegant style. The flag, just like on the home kit, is located just below the neck on the reverse of the shirt. Another distinguishing feature is the club badge embroidered on the chest, which will be solely gold –as will the sponsor logos. Completing the kit, the shorts will also be black, with a number on the right thigh and the club badge in gold. The socks will be total black, except for ‘Barça’ and the manufacturer brand logo in the centre. 100% recycled polyester has been used for the shirt and shorts, obtained from recycling plastic bottles melted down to create a fine thread. This material allows for better performance and a reduced impact on the environment.

who is likely to be sold after turning down a new contract at Napoli, with Juventus reportedly the front runners for his signature.

Osimhen had joined Lille from Belgium’s Charleroi as a replacement for Pepe. After scoring 18 goals in all competitions for Lille last season, the 21-year-old hade been linked for several weeks with Napoli. In June, Osimhen, was named as Lille’s player of the season in what was his first campaign in France, and the Nigerian was also named in Ligue 1’s team of the season. Osimhen burst into the spotlight at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Chile, as he clinched the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards while steering the Golden Eaglets to the title. The then-16-year-old scored a tournament record 10 goals, netting in every one of Nigeria’s games, in a performance that helped earn him Africa’s Youth Player of the Year award for 2015. His displays at that World Cup also earned him a move to Wolfsburg but Osimhen, who turned down Arsenal to play in Germany’s Bundesliga, admitted to struggling as he slowly adapted to both the league and European football. After a barren season in which the striker, affected by injury, did not score in 16 games, he moved to Belgium where the goals soon flowed - 19 in his first campaign at Charleroi, where he was originally on loan before making the move permanent.

Zambia cancels football league after Covid-19 surge

ambia’s football association, Faz, has cancelled the domestic league following a spike in Covid-19 cases. Faz General Secretary Adrian Kashala said the league would end on 6 August by which time all teams would have played 27 rounds of matches. The league resumed two weeks ago after it was prematurely suspended in March over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Two sides, Forest Rangers and Napsa Stars, have reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases, with 28 and 19 respectively. “The recent surge in numbers of Covid-19 occurrences has put a strain on the health system across the board,” Mr Kashala said in a statement. “One of the major challenges

has been the long delays in securing test appointments and results by most of the clubs in the league after being tested, which meant that certain matches could not be played due to the inability of clubs to produce results when called upon to do so.” The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) had also noted some lapses, the Faz statement said. These included a failure by clubs to “manage the isolation of players and officials who had tested positive, unrestricted access to camping sites, failure to observe social distancing and lack of sanitisers and disinfectants at designated places”. Faz has decided that the 2020/2021 season will now start on 17 October.

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Nigeria’s free fall into China’s debt trap!

his is it- the inexplicable paradox of an oil-rich country, Nigeria, getting caught, deep into the marshy quagmire of a debt trap, to no other country but China! Recently, the House of Representatives raised the alarm over lethal clauses in Article 8(1) of the commercial loan agreement signed between Nigeria and Export-Import Bank of China. It allegedly “wills the sovereignty of Nigeria” in the $400 million loan for the Nigeria National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Backbone Phase II Project, signed in 2018. It specifically states that:“The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any immunity on the grounds of sovereign or otherwise for itself or its property in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to Article 8(5), thereof with the enforcement of any arbitral award pursuant thereto, except for the military assets and diplomatic assets”. This is a serious matter, isn’t it? From the observations of the Chairman, House Committee on Treaties and Agreements, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has questions to answer with regards to some of the agreements signed between Nigeria and China. But what did Amaechi say? He warned that the Chinese authorities may not sign the $5.3 billion Ibadan-Kano rail line loan if the Parliament continues to investigate the agreement! Can you believe that? Ossai said: “I have also seen from the Ministry of Communications where Nigeria signed off some certain level of its sovereignty if part of the clauses is

“A dog that refuses to heed the warning call from the hunter’s whistle will end up missing.” -African proverb breached? So, we have every right to question that because anything that is going to happen will happen to our generations unborn. Whether we get it from China or not is immaterial”. This is point blank! But one’s worry over the years is the way and manner the federal and state governments have turned deaf ears to series of warnings, given by experts on the economy on the grave implications of getting the country into an avoidable debt trap. It would be recalled that back in June, 2017 both Prof. Pat Utomi and Mr. Bismarck Rewane had expressed similar concerns over the increasing debt burden at both the state and federal levels. Indeed, yours truly had to write an opinion essay titled: ‘Who will pay these huge debts?’ published in different newspapers in July, 2017. This was a follow up to the one with the title, “Nigeria’s debilitating debt profile” also published in January, 2013.The next one that came was titled: “Nigeria’s dehumanising debt profile,” published in July, 2019 It came as asimilar warning signal by the globally recognised technocrat, Dr. AkinwunmiAdesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). According to him, Nigeria was as at a year ago using 50 percent of its revenue

to service its debts, compared to the average of 17 percent for other African countries! This is unsustainable! Furthermore, going by the frightening figures made public by the Debt Management Office (DMO) the total debt stock stood at some humungous amount of N24.047 trillion as at March 31, 2019. While that of the Federal Government stood at N17,086, 204.66 that of the states,including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT equated to N 7,860,875.93. Reports have it that N560 billion out of these was borrowed within three months! As at September 2018, the debt stood at N22.43 trn. But as at June 30, 2015 the country’s total debt was N12.12 trillion. That means that within the first three-and-a-halfyears of the current administration, the debt rose by N10.31 trn which is 85.06 percent.The external debt component of both the federal and state governments including the FCT increased by 109.21percent according to the DMO. Are you not worried? In fact, on May 21, 2020, the online platform ‘Nairametrics’ in its ‘Economy & Politics’ page warned about Nigeria falling into China’s debt trap. According to Dr. Bongo Adi, the director of Centre for Infrastructure Policy Regulation and Advancement (CIPRA), Nigeria lacks accountability, transparency, and responsibility to refund its loans. He is of the Lagos Business School and surely knows his onions. We surely do not need rocket sci-

Ayo Oyoze Baje Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘Drumbeats of Democracy’

ence to understand that the country’s economic growth is undermined by the huge debt stock as well as other obvious factors including sheer profligacy in running government apparatus. Crass corruption in high places and the huge pay package of political office holders, with that of our lawmakers ranking amongst the highest in the world, have contributed in making Nigeria becoming the poverty capital of the world. Our current political leaders should prevent Nigeria being taken over by the overtly ambitious China because all Chinese loans are tied to infrastructural developments. In fact, some of the African debtor nations have had to forfeit some to China. For instance, $7.4 billion of Zambia’s total $8.7 billion foreign debt is owed to China. It was reported in late 2018 that China may soon take over the state electricity company (ZESCO) as a form of debt repayment since the country had defaulted! Also, Kenya may soon lose its largest and most lucrative port, Port of Mombasa, to its creditor (China) after it defaulted in the refund. This could force Kenya to relinquish control of the port to China. There is cause for serious Continues on page 13

Edo 2020: As Oshiomhole begs to remain godfather, he should remember the Igbinedions Ikeddy ISIGUZO .Isiguzo, a major commentator on minor national issues, writes from Abuja

hat does former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole want? Why would he go on his knees to beg Bini traditional chiefs? The answers cannot be as simple; him wanting a Bini man to be governor? After all, both Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, his ongoing preferred candidate, and Godwin Obaseki, his estranged partner, are Bini. What then is the difference? Why does he want one and not the other? So many stories have spawned about Oshiomhole, a former national labour leader, under whose watch as governor, pensions were not paid in Edo State. In his dying days in office, he boasted that he ended the reign of godfathers. He considered ending godfatherism in Edo politics a major achievement. To his credit, Oshiomhole unabashedly shows the full measures of the desperation of a Nigerian politician. Unlike his colleagues, he does not hide in pursuit of his ambitions. He is at the

tail end of his long political journey. One more slip would cast him in further doldrums. He needs Ize-Iyamu to be governor. It’s a lifeline for him. Oshiomhole’s support of Ize-Iyamu as replacement for Obaseki was the precipitating factor in Oshiomhole’s loss of his plum seat as national party chairman, suspended by a mere Ward Chairman. The December 2019 suspension of Oshiomhole seemed like a joke until courts confirmed that he could not serve as party chairman while on suspension. President Muhammadu Buhari finally halted any Oshiomhole’s moves with the disbandment of APC’s National Executive Committee. He has been jobless since then. Being on his knees for Bini chiefs is a small price for his own good. His future is bleak with prospects of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) investigation rising by the day. “To those I sold the product that turned out to be fake, God you know I didn’t know he was fake. Only time shall tell who a man is. Lord, he who forgot us, our time is coming. We shall speak to you, God in heaven. You know we voted him in innocence and in trust. He has abused the trust. Enable us Lord, with our PVCs (Permanent Voter Cards) we shall punish him,” Oshiomhole prayed, to resounded sound of Amen from his supporters. “With our broom we shall sweep him out. Together, we will bring your servant who is God-fearing, who will not repeat

his mistakes and will complete the project of taking Edo to the next level. All these and many more we say in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why was Ize-Iyamu seated? Could he not have joined his benefactor in begging the Chiefs? Could be that Ize-Iyamu has been Oshiomhole’s benefactor for years contrary to popular narratives or he wanted Oshiomhole to bear part of his deserved punishment? It is possible Ize-Iyamu did not believe the prayers. Oshiomhole owes Ize-Iyamu, the God-fearing servant, loads of apologies. Will he make them privately? Would the apologies be in public? Would any public be more ideal than the same campaign grounds on which he castigated Ize-Iyamu four years ago? Have the people forgotten? Ize-Iyamu still bears some marks of his days as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016 before Justice M. Umar, at the Federal High Benin City, EFCC alleged that Ize-Iyamu and former Edo State PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, who is now Vice Chairman SouthSouth of the party; current State chairman of the party, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Lucky Imasuen,

and Efe Erimuoghae Anthony received public funds illegally to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election, contrary to the provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Oshiomhole has a challenging past that is encapsulated by the wages of the length of his tongue. Can he pull back the words? Lucky Igbinedion helped Oshiomhole to power in 2012. What has Oshiomhole not said about Lucky and the older Igbinedion? Has he begged them? Should it not have been Lucky who would have begged the Binis, being that he practically imposed Oshiomhole on Edo State in 2007? He accused the Igbinedions of trying to be godfathers of the state’s politics, among other allegations. Ize-Iyamu testified four years ago about the role of Igbinedion in Oshiomhole being governor. “Lucky Igbinedion helped Oshiomhole to become governor. When he is busy talking about Lucky Igbinedion, let Edo people know that it was Lucky Igbinedion that brought him. In 2007, I want him to tell Edo people where he got the money, he spent to become governor. In case, he has forgotten, I would like to remind him that most of the money came from Lucky Igbinedion. Since he is saying Lucky Igbinedion stole Edo State money, can he please refund the money Continues on page 13

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