BusinessDay 05 Jul 2020 by BusinessDay

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Missed opportunity as FAAN fails to upgrade airport infrastructure during 4 months 20 shutdown

How forensic audit will reposition NDDC, save Niger Delta

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Vol 1, No. 319

Isolated lockdown: Hard option for FG Examples from other climes Concerns mount over possible implementation

#Inspiring Woman Series

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Confusion as Nigeria applies dichotomous protocols for burial of Covid-19 victims Political elite bodies released to families Others buried by NCDC ignominiously

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

NSIA grows total assets to N649.84bn in 2019 ...Records N36.15bn profit

L-R: Govenor Dapo Abiodun administering Oath of Office on the newly sworn-in Head of Service of Ogun State, Selimot Ottun at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta recently Pix: Ogun State Government House

‘We are building future leaders with HiFL Masterclass Series’

L-R: Hope Uzodinma, governor Imo State; Ralph Nwosu, commissioner for Works, Imo State; Cosmos Iwu, secretary to the Government of Imo State, and Juergen Fischer, regional manager Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, South East, during the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the state projects at Sam Mbakwe Exco Chamber, Government House, Owerri.

efore the death of Late Abba Kyari, former chief of staff to President M u h a m m a d u Bu h a r i , the Federal Government announced that bodies of victims of Covid-19 would not be released to the family of the deceased rather it would become government property. Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, said bodies of persons who die while undergoing treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic will not be released for burial. Th e m i n i s t e r, w h o spoke in Abuja at a forum organised by the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday April 3, 2020 said the Ministry of Health would ‘handle’ the bodies ‘because they are contagious.’ “Coronavirus is very dangerous and contagious; there is no medicine for it yet; and it is not just capable of killing, but can also

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Isolated lockdown: Hard option for FG CHUKA UROKO, OBINNA EMELIKE (LAGOS) and INNOCENT ODOH (ABUJA)

he Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 was at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Monday to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the efforts and progress made so far with the fight against the deadly virus that has changed fundamentally the way the world lives, works and socializes. After the briefing, Boss Mustapha, the PTF chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), told Nigerians that the government was, among other things, considering a fresh lockdown, explaining however, that the new lockdown would not be total but isolated or “precision lockdown.” According to the chairman, 20 Local Government Areas considered to account for 60 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country were the ones being considered in the next phase of eased lockdown after the current phase that will span four weeks. Not a few Nigerians were miffed and alarmed by this consideration because, according to them, it was either that the government is now confused and overwhelmed, or they are tired and at their wit’s end in which case the country may be heading for worse days ahead with the spread of the virus. Call it selected, isolated or precision lockdown, it remains to be seen how practicable that is going to be done without adversely affecting people in the neighbouring or adjoining local government areas and ultimately the economy of the affected states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says 11 out of the 20 local government areas that account for 60 percent of the cases are in Lagos State. Among the 11 local governments in Lagos with the highest spread are Eti-Osa where there are 1,155 cases; Alimosho with 663 cases; Kosofe, 659; and Ikeja, 620. “Looking at these areas with the highest number of cases in Lagos, for instance, I begin to wonder how somebody in his wildest imagination should contemplate isolated or precision lockdown. How do they plan to do it? queried Rufus Egboboh, a public health worker in Lagos. Continuing, Egboboh wondered, “How do you lockdown Eti-Osa and Ikeja, for instance? Eti-Osa is where you have Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki which are the state’s commercial hub. Ikeja is the capital of the state where everything about governance takes place. Locking-down EtiOsa means shutting down over 50 percent of economic activities in the state while any attempt to lockdown Ikeja means shutting

Buhari

down the government of the state which will affect everybody and everything.” Obviously, the PTF and, by extension, the federal government, is sending a vague message to Nigerians about what it is doing to contain the spread of this virus. Before now, the task force had complained of inadequate reagents for testing. After that it complained of inadequate facilities for isolating confirmed cases. “Coming out now to tell Nigerians that they are considering isolated lockdown is as good as telling Nigerians to take their destiny in their own hands. Unless that falls within the realms of political statements where politicians say what they don’t mean and mean what they don’t say, what the PTF chairman said was as empty as it was frustrating,” Egboboh noted. Dupe Akinyinka, a consultant public health physician, also disagreed with the presidential task force on its consideration, saying that if anything lockdown is to be considered again, it has to be total because locking down one part of a state and leaving another free will not achieve the desired goal. “People will continue to move about and mingle with one another. I think what the government should be thinking and doing is to ramp up testing. If Eti-Osa and the others listed have high number of confirmed cases, it does not mean that the other areas have less infection rate. “It simply means that not many people have been tested. Alimosho, for instance, has the largest population in Lagos but it has only 663 confirmed cases. This number will shoot up if more people are tested,” Akinyinka reasoned. As if the alarm he raised over possibility of dead bodies litter-

ing the streets in the next three weeks if Nigerians failed to comply with the safety guidelines was not enough, the PTF chairman on Thursday shocked Nigerians with his revelation that, impliedly, government was helpless. “There is presently no known vaccine for the virus; all over the world, non-pharmaceutical measures still remain the most effective fighting opportunity we have for overcoming this pandemic,” he said. For this reason, Mustapha disclosed that the federal government had resolved to seek divine intervention in tackling the pandemic and so was exploring a synergy with the Nigerian Inter Religious Council (NIREC), the umbrella Organisation of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria to pray for divine intervention According to him, the Sultan of Sokoto/President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, and Samson Ayokunle, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), would be coordinating Muslims and Christians to organise prayers as part of measures to deal with the pandemic. Though it is believed that prayers can move mountains, the Holy Bible which contains the code of conduct for the Christian faith is unambiguous in its assertion that “faith without work is dead.” “This is a tactical way of a government shirking its responsibility and wanting to claim alibi. Clearly, the government is transferring responsibility to religious bodies. Don’t forget that the same government has shut down worship centres for over three months now. Where will the prayers take place now?” Egboboh queried.

It seems so apparent that the economic expediency that led to the reopening of workplaces and the airports, will apply to worship centres. But Jude Ilo, a policy analyst, warns that all these shouldn’t compel the government to reopen schools, not now that, according to him, the numbers are spiking with frightening dimension on daily basis. Nigerians kick against decision Speaking with BDSUNDAY, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, denounced such idea. He said the government lacks empirical method of solving problems that is why they resort to very unhelpful ways. “The problem we have with pubic officials is lack of scientific study to determine how this virus can be tackled or what needs to be done to minimise and mitigate the spread of the virus. I think over all, it is expected that the lockdown and ease of lockdown should be formed on the bases of scientific research but there is no such study, it is just an arbitrary imposition of policy. “Secondly, it also shows you that the laziness in government is manifesting. First, they have not increased the testing centres, they have not also provided even the facilities that are needed to cushion the effects of the pandemic. Even during the major lockdown they were not able to provide palliatives for people who they stopped from going out to seek their daily bread,” he said. Rafsanjani said there was no accurate data that captured the people worst hit by the pandemic adding that the initial 2.6 million said to have been captured were not part of the people affected

most by the pandemic. He said that is why the whole palliative Programme that took off from March has not reached the actual people. He accused the government of playing politics with the palliatives, saying “the real Nigerians who needed this support like the disabled people, women and people whose life depended on daily income we cannot see any evidence that those people’s lives have been impacted.” The CISLAC boss also questioned the disbursement of the reported huge donations the government got from wealthy Nigerians and international community as well as loans they collected from various banks such as IMF and African Development Bank adding that the government has not accounted for the funds. “We cannot see evidence that this money has been utilised transparently to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on those vulnerable Nigerians. “So, for the government to say they want to lock down some local governments and cannot put in place even ordinary water that the citizens will use to wash their hands, they have not fumigated the environment, they have not done anything and they just want to lock down people because they are government, this is not the way to deal with this matter.” He said further that the PTF was allegedly tainted with corruption and called for its disbandment. “This PTF needs to be disbanded because many Nigerians have lost confidence and trust in them. Nigerians believe they are just concocting figures. So many Nigerians believe the government should disband the PTF and put in place a more serious and more committed non-political committee to manage the crisis.” Also reacting, the Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Ibuchukwu Ezike, expressed doubts about the ability of government to have an effective lockdown in the selected local government areas judging by the obvious lapses during the general lockdown. He said: “The leaders don’t have the capacity to think on how to develop the society. Lockdown is actually not a big issue to tackle the virus in about 20 local governments, it just that there is no sincerity in the country. In Qatar during their lockdown, they provided all the facilities and still provided a telephone line such that if you need anything they will come to your house and supply you those things unlike in Nigeria. Qatar is an oil producing country like Nigeria. So, the leaders must think about the people”. A resident of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Emmanuel Ugwu, also frowned at the idea of another lockdown, stressing that the people did not benefit from the palliatives of the general lockdown and are not prepared to go

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through another one in any part of the country. “We don’t need any lockdown because the government of the day has no plans for the citizens. Look at the fuel price that they reduced to N121 per litre during the lockdown just because they lifted the ban on inter-state travel, they have increased the price to N143 per litre when many people are struggling with the effects of the general lockdown,” he said. Examples from other climes Considering the impact of the five-week long lockdown on the economy and on the citizens, especially the poor, the Nigerian government will most likely not opt for a total lockdown again despite the increasing number of the coronavirus cases across the country. Rather, the isolated lockdown nursed by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 across the 18 out of the 774 local government areas in the country, which are responsible for 60 percent of the confirmed cases in the country, may be the option. However, selective lockdown for many is impracticable, especially in Lagos and also going by the low level of enforcement as witnessed

during the total lockdown. But the country seems to be borrowing the model from some countries that have flattened the virus curve with isolated lockdown policy. Top among them is Vietnam. Instead of a national lockdown, the Asian country targeted the hotspots and lockdown only those areas. The government empowered provincial authorities to implement large scale or targeted area lockdown, including strict checkpoints in and out of the localities for testing and treatment. Currently, Vietnam has only reported 328 cases of COVID-19 and has had no deaths. Following Vietnam, Kerala, one of the 28 states in India, ruled by opposition party, undermined the country’s zoning of the infection to enforce total lockdown across its territory. Today, the state in southwestern India, has flattened the virus curve, while cases are increasing daily in other states. Pakistan has also adopted the selective lockdown approach in identified hotspots to contain the virus, especially in Punjab. According to Imran Khan, the prime minister, “selective lockdowns” based on tracking and

tracing cases would be imposed in identified epicenters of the virus as opposed to another sweeping lockdown. Recently, Pakistani authorities identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 hot spots to contain the rising trajectory of new coronavirus infections, as it reported 6,472 new cases last two weeks Saturday, the country’s highest single-day total. Probably, Nigeria is considering the selective lockdown because of the impact like Pakistan where the country’s administration and police could not take on the huge burden of a complete lockdown. Some European countries are also implementing the selective lockdown model. Recently, Germany lockdown its Guetersloh district in North RhineWestphalia, its most populous state, where over 1,500 workers at the Tönnies meat-processing plant (the largest in Germany) were confirmed to have the virus, out of around 7,000 total employees. To curtail a second wave of the virus outbreak, the German chancellor and governors of the country’s 16 states have agreed on a plan that would allow regions with low number of cases to restart their

economies. In that case, if the 18 local governments that habour 60 percent of the virus cases in Nigeria were to be in Germany, they would not be allowed to restart their economies. In France, restrictions vary by region depending on how seriously afflicted they are. In some regions, some schools and shops have reopened and some hair salons were fully booked. But in Paris and elsewhere, considered as the hotspots for the virus, restaurants and theaters remained closed, and masks were still mandatory in public. As well, Spain has lifted restrictions by region, allowing small groups to gather and dine outdoors, and small shops to reopen. But about half the population, including residents of the two largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona, remained under tighter controls. Erstwhile in Africa, South Africa is mulling an “intermittent” lockdown in two provinces with the highest number of cases; the Western Cape Province, which remains the most affected area in the country with 64,377 cases and Gauteng Province with over 39,000 cases. According to Bandile Masuku,

Gauteng Province Health MEC, the province is considering the intermittent lockdown, which has been used in other countries. “Under the intermittent lockdown, there will be a period of time where the province will open and close to contain the infection. It has helped other countries and literature has shown that it could be one option,” Masuku said. In Kenya, the government is choosing the cautious route and still maintains selective lockdown. It only reduced the curfew from 10 to seven hours and eased restriction of movements into certain areas. But hotspots like Eastleigh in Nairobi, Old Town in Mombasa among others are still running under strict measures as the country lack resources, manpower and facilities to fight a large scale virus outbreak. Meanwhile, the Gauteng Province is like a state in Nigeria, if it mustered courage to go for its separate virus containment option, states in Nigeria, especially Lagos can choose what can work for it if the relaxed lockdown is not helping. But the fear for many is the implementation of the selective lockdown and likely abandonment of the isolated areas by everyone including the federal government.

Sanwo-Olu orders reopening of schools Despite 99% awareness, …SSS3, TEC 3 to resume on Aug 3 … Defaulters of face mask to be prosecuted

Nigerians still ignorant of Coronavirus - NCDC

Iniobong Iwok

Anthonia Obokoh & Godsgift Onyedinefu

abajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State Friday, announced gradual re-opening of schools from August 3, directing students in transitional classes, who have mandatory public examinations ahead of them to resume for revision classes and their examination. The move the government say is in line with the updated guidelines issued last Monday by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Coronavirus on the easing of lockdown. Sanwo-Olu spoke during the 16th briefing on the State’s Coronavirus Covid-19 response held at the State House in Marina. The Governor said the schools’ re-opening must follow established public health guidelines and protocol in the State, stressing that the permission to re-open only applies to day-schools, while boarding activities are excluded. He further stressed that only students in Senior Secondary School class three (SSS 3) and their counterparts in Technical Study Three (TEC 3) will be allowed to resumed on August 3. He said that the dates for the revision classes and examination for pupils in Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3) will be announced in due course, while Primary six pupils will be graded by their already recorded Continuous Assessment (CA) to pass over to secondary schools.

Sanwo-Olu

The Governor also directed that hairdressing salons that had been accredited by the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) could open in strict on appointment only and with a maximum occupancy of 50 per cent of the total floor space at any given time. He also directed civil servants from Grade Level 1 to 12 to continue working from home and improve themselves through dedicated online Learning Management Systems (LMS) portals. Sanwo-Olu said personal responsibility is now more important than ever, stressing that the Government would now be strict in enforcing use of face mask in public places.

He said the enforcement agencies would start to arrest people found in public places without face masks, adding that defaulter will be now be prosecuted. “According to him, “Students in transitional classes, who have mandatory public exams ahead of them, are now permitted to resume for revision classes and examination. “All education establishments are to follow established public health guidelines and protocol for re-opening the schools for these categories of students. The commencement date for this opening will be on August 3, 2020, for SSS 3 and TEC 3 students only. Dates for JSS 3 schools’ re-opening for revision classes and examinations will be announced in due course. “The permission to opening will apply only to Day-Schooling; boarding activities are not permitted at this time. School Authorities are expected to spend the period between now and the day of re-opening to put in place infrastructure, protocols and essential items required to comply with all hygiene, safety and physical distancing requirements. “Our tertiary institutions are to continue their online academic activities which are at various advanced stages. For Primary Six, we are using Continuous Assessment to determine how they graduate into JSS 1. We are doing this to slow down risk factors and manage the situation in measure,” the Governor said.

he Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it has achieved 99% awareness creation on COVID-19, but decried that Nigerians are still widely ignorant of the deadly virus and compliance to the preventive measures across the country has been low. Yahaya Disu, head of Risk Communications, NCDC who said this on twitter while sharing insights on the increase in the numbers, saying that perception survey conducted showed a general poor perception of threat posed by COVID-19 and low efficacy of control measures. He said the centre adopted a science-based, data-driven and dynamic messaging strategy while also relies on weekly opinion polls by partners to assess level of awareness/compliance and identify barriers to compliance with guidelines. Disu informed that further research is ongoing to understand and address the factors contributing to the poor perception and that the centre is intensifying risk communication and community engagement in the 21 LGAs contributing the highest burden of COVID-19 in the country, over 60% of cases. He also informed that the NCDC will be focusing on sensitisation of community influencers who can speak out of personal conviction to improve effective-

ness of its messaging. Disu added that the NCDC also shifted its focus to supporting state capacity of the states and LGAs to adapt messages to reflect local peculiarities. “Our messaging has evolved from theme-based to peoplebased, combining both facts and the concerns/feelings of the people,” he said. H acknowledged that partners have supported risk communication through capacity building, community sensitisation, mobile services, airing of jingles and printing of IEC materials. Giving further insight on how the NCDC has provided information that helps Nigerians make the right decision during the COVID19 pandemic, Disu said the centre has conducted training for state communication teams across the country, national/state MDAs as well as traditional/religious leaders on risk communication and community engagement for COVID-19 “We have developed guidance addressing different activities and populations including guidelines for social distancing and use of face masks and advisories for pregnant women and vulnerable groups “These are shared across our various media platforms. Additionally, we are actively engaging members of the media nationwide including community radio and Television stations to disseminate accurate information in local languages to different audiences,” he added.

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News Confusion as Nigeria applies dichotomous protocols for burial of Covid-19 victims Continues from Page 1 overwhelm the healthcare system, and can also destroy the economy. Nigerians should not forget that these are not the types of corpses that can be claimed for burial because it must be handled by the ministry of health,” Mohammed said. Contrary to this claim, the government has been stammering on the protocols especially when it concerns the political elite just like the late Kyari’s burial. Be f o r e t h e b u r i a l , Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the burial would be in “strict observation” of the protocol put in place for the burial of coronavirus victims by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Health Ministry. At late Kyari’s burial, hundreds of people gathered in Abuja to receive the remains and pay last respect during the “private” burial. Footage and pictures obtained from the burial showed that social distancing rule was defied while more than 20 people were at the “social gathering”. After that episode, many ordinary Nigerians said to have died from Covid-19 have continued to be buried unsung without any dignity accorded them. Neither were their bodies seen nor burial arrangements announced. On the other hand, some politicians that have died after Kyari were given elaborate burial even

without strict observance of the protocol. This was why pundits argue that it appears that government determines what level of protocol to apply depending on the individual’s affinity with the powers that be. For instance, some burials in the north showed no regard for the NCDC protocol. The remains of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi were surrounded by many people who had no masks on their faces. This double standard in enforcing the protocol has created doubts in the minds of many Nigerians on the seriousness of the NCDC in fighting the pandemic. According to video obtained from the burial ceremony, the body of the late Ajimobi, a former governor of Oyo State, was released to his family and he was buried at his Ibadan home after dying from coronavirus complications. The video shows the coffin containing Ajimobi’s body being carried from a bus at his Oluyole estate home in Ibadan. BDSUNDAY can recall that on 18 April 2020, the NCDC made public its interim guidelines for the safe management of COVID-19 corpse. The guideline discourages family members of the deceased from touching the COVID-19 infected corpse. Although, relatives of the deceased are allowed viewing, friends and relatives were charged to maintain social distancing and hand hygiene. Also, NCDC stated

that a minimum number of people should be involved in preparations while others may observe without touching the body at a minimum distance of 2 metres. “Family and friends may view the body after it has been prepared for burial, in accordance with customs and tradition. They should not touch or kiss the body and should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water following the viewing ; physical distancing measures should be strictly applied at least 2 meters between people. Most importantly, the NCDC emphasised that apartfromthehealthofficials mandated to conduct the burial, relatives, friends, religious leaders and other mourners present should wear PPEs including gloves, impermeable disposable gown or disposable gown with impermeable apron, medical mask, and eye

protection. The guideline advised a less human population at the burial site to avoid the spread of the disease even as it added that adults older than 60 years should not directly interact with the body. D u r i n g Ky a r i a n d Ajumobi’s burial, the social distancing guideline was disregarded based on photographs and video evidence, and the number of people who attended the burial rite was more than the NCDC recommendations. Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, said that the movement of Kyari’s body from Lagos to Abuja for burial was in contravention of an earlier position by government, which stated that bodies of Coronavirus victims will be cremated and not released to their families for burial. Odinkalu said in his twitter handle @ ChidiOdinkalu, “First, @

F M I C Ni g e r i a t o l d u s that bodies of victims of #Coronavirus can’t be claimed, until @ NGRPresident claimed its own. “We were told we should not gather more than 10 but @NGRPresident gathers more for #LiveTV. In his reaction to the massive crowd at Ajimobi’s burial last Sunday, Reno Omokri, an activist, took to his twitter handle and wrote: “I watched Ajimobi’s burial and I was shocked! Do we value human lives in Nigeria? Such a massive crowd massed together, with sharing of food and other items. Where was @ NCDCgov? So why was @officialnairam1and @ funkeakindele charged to court?” He further tweeted: “I watch this video of food and other items being shared during the funeral of the late Ajimobi. Is this crowd safe? Is this not a risk factor for the spread of #COVID19? Did the @NCDCgov monitor?

Aren’t there protocols to be observed at such burials?” Replying to Omokri’s observation, one Michael Amatonjie @smithswear, said: “I was asking the same question. It seems the Covid-19 guideline is only a cobweb that can only catch flies, butterflies, and possibly cockroaches, not for animals.” Alagbaosor Bernard Jr. @ abernardjnr , Said: “It’s one thing we need to become as a nation, seeing everyone as same with the eyes of the Law. It’s a pity.” Osarumwense Edema @osaxberry also said: It’s because the federal government have failed to deal with the major problem in Nigeria (Hunger). If there was no food in the funeral, majority of people won’t be there.” Meanwhile, Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of South Carolina, explained how viral transmission could happen during a funeral. “Hypothetically, if you have someone who is very sick, and they are shedding (the virus) and they walk up to the casket, and they cough, those virus particles will stay in the air around that environment for about an hour,” she said. Continuing, she said: “If someone came into that environment, within six feet, they could become infected.” Nolan noted that individuals who aren’t showing symptoms do present less risk of infection, but urged caution regardless.

ID Africa, Neusroom unveil list of 100 people, organisations, countries supporting fight against Covid-19

D Africa, a marketing, media and technology company and Neusroom, media platform, have unveiled The Neusroom 100 Project, a recognition of 100 people, organizations, countries and things helping the world fight the pandemic and flatten the COVID-19 curve. The list celebrates 40 individuals, 30 organisations, 20 countries and 10 things, for their valiant effort and the role they are playing in nursing the world back to health. As o f Ju l y 3 , 2 0 2 0 , there are more than 10.9 million confirmed cases

and over 520,000 deaths from Covid-19 globally. The pandemic has not only left millions sick, it has also affected the financial and economic status of individuals, corporations and countries across the world. At this dire time, even with the doom and gloom stories and depressing reports in the global media, many have risen and continue to rise, to the challenge to face the unseen enemy head on and play their role in flattening the COVID curve. Many of these stories are not being told, and this is one key motivation behind The

Neusroom 100 Project. Agencies like the World Health Organization have been engaged in research, funding, training of health workers and provision of medical supplies, as well as, relief through its 155 field offices around the world. Global leaders have also had to make decisions that determined the survival of their citizens at a time like this. Due to the quick steps taken by Jacinda Ardern, the New Zealand Prime Minister, the country was placed on strict lockdown following the spread of the virus. New Zealand has successfully eliminated COVID-19 and

has recorded less than 1,600 confirmed cases and 1,490 recovered cases as at July 3, 2020. In Nigeria, The Coalition Against COVID-19, CACOVID was launched in March as a joint effort by private sector-led organisations in Nigeria to assist the government in the fight against COVID-19. As of May 2020, the coalition had raised N27 billion. MTN, ViacomCBS and MultiChoice’s use of their wide audience reach to sensitise millions across Africa on the virus has helped to dispel conspiracy theories and fake news, and better

educate the people. The effect that items like face masks, hand sanitizers, ventilators, and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have had in helping the world stay safe and survive the pandemic cannot be ignored. Other people that are recognized and celebrated include; Babajide SanwoOlu, Lagos State governor, Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, Beyoncé, Aliko Dangote, Nigerian billionaire, Tony Elumelu, chairman, UBA Group, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Anthony Fa u c i . Th e s e a r e f e w

of the people, places, organizations and things that the Neusroom 100 Project recognizes and celebrates. Th e Ne u s r o o m 1 0 0 Project is a celebration of hope in a time of despair, and humanity’s will to survive even the darkest times. The fight against COVID-19 is not in the hands of only a few, but requires that each person continues to play their part in ensuring the health and safety of the world. The full list of honourees is available on neusroom.com and on all @neusroom social media platforms.

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News Aba residents decry increase in pump price of fuel from N123 to N143.80 per litre …as oil marketers adjust pumps barely 24hrs after FGs announcement GODFREY OFURUM, Aba

esidents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State have decried the recent increase in pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government. They argued that the new price regime, which came barely 24 hours after the FG announced relaxation of interstate movement, is anti-people. They urged the FG to rescind its decision, noting that increase in price of fuel, would result to increase in public transportation as well as running cost of businesses that utilise fuel as their main source of power supply. Nze Ngwakwe, a trader, observed that the increase would further impoverish people, and wondered why government did not wait for people to recover from the lockdown, before increasing pump price of fuel. “So many people have not worked for three months now and you are increasing pump price of fuel. Where will they get money to pay? Transport fare will definitely go up and women, who bring vegetable and other agricultural produce from the rural areas to the town, would be forced to pay more, thereby affecting the prices of goods,” Ngwakwe said.

Kingsley Nwankwo, a public servant, affirmed that so many families will be affected by the increase, stressing that money meant for food would now be used to procure fuel, which has become a necessity in Nigeria, as the national grid has collapsed. “FG should have allowed the N123 price regime to remain for a while, to cushion the effect of the lockdown on people, who have not earned money for three months,” Nwankwo said. For Nkechi Nwokolo, a house wife, “Nigeria’s government does not care

for the people and that is why they can come up with anti-people policies, like this increase in pump price. “They don’t know what people are passing through, because they use public funds to fuel their cars and run their generators”. BusinessDay checks on some petrol stations in Aba indicated that they have adjusted their pumps to reflect the new price regime of N143.80K, barely 24 hours after the announcement, by the federal government. Chrisveld, MRS and God Protection Energy Limited, all

on Asa Road, have adjusted their pumps to reflect the new price regime of N143.8 per litre. Easy On, on Park Road, is the only filling station in Aba metropolis, selling at N143. The Federal Government announced an increase in the new pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as Petrol, to N143.80 per litre on July 1, 2020. Ab d u l k a d i r Sa i d u , e x e c u t i v e s e c r e t a r y, Pe t r o l e u m Pr o d u c t s Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), disclosed this increase in a circular to oil marketers.

he Elejigbo family of Lamgbasa community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State has accused the state government of demolishing their property at Silverpoint estate illegally for private use. The allegation came following a demolition exercise carried out at the estate by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in March on the allegation of illegal constructions and encroachment on other land. Speaking with journalists on behalf of the Elejigbo family and the Langbasa community, the family lawyer, Tayo Omosehin described the demolition as illegal, which contravenes La g o s l a w o n u r b a n

…Wield big stick at erring members Ngozi Okpalakunne

he Elders’ Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos has decided to excommunicate the first president of the group in the state, John Uche and vowed to punish any member who defies its order. Speaking at a press briefing recently in Lagos, chairman council of elders, Oliver Akubueze, said the decision by the group to expel Uche was based on false publications where he purported that president of Lagos State Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Solomon Ogbonna presented a fake academic certificate to get to the office. Akubueze explained that academic certificate was not a precondition for leading Ndigbo, adding that Uche must explain to Ohanaeze Ndigbo the source of the certificate that was being peddled. “We want to make it clear that the president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State does not require an academic certificate to lead Ndigbo in Lagos, which is why Ogbonna never tendered any certificate to anyone or group. What is required

include; ability to speak Igbo language fluently, wisdom, intelligence, human relation and altruism. Solomon Ogbonna has given Ndigbo a voice in Lagos. We will not allow the mischief-maker to undermine the reputation of the president and the entire Ndigbo in Lagos,” Akubueze added. Reckoning the penalty which Uche will face, Akubueze said they included, not being allowed to attend Ohanaeze Ndigbo events, not eating with members, not engaging in business transactions with members, among other conditions, adding that any member who flouts the rule would face the same fate. Speaking on his leadership, Ogbonna said that he was more interested in peace and unity of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, stressing that the reason for which he was attacked was because he refused to compromise on some people’s demands. On his part, the secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, Everest Ozonweke explained that the action was taken to avoid people taking undue advantage of privileges given to them.

COVID-19: Abia markets now to operate Monday to Friday ...as state begins gradual relaxation of restrictions L-R: Pauline Sanusi, staff of Special Correctional Centre for Girls; Folashade Ashafa, president, Ikeja Viva L’Amour Lions Club; Adenike Adeniji, vice president, Special Correctional Centre for Girls, and Oluyemisi Lasubulu, secretary, Ikeja Viva L’Amour Lions Club, during the donation of sewing machine and grinding machine held recently in Lagos.

Silverpoint estate demolition: family alleges LASG plans to divert land for private use Iniobong Iwok

Ohanaeze expels first Lagos president

development and was done for selfish interest other than the reasons adduced by the government. On the allegation that the buildings were built without permit, he said the building was built on a legally acquired plot of land, stressing that the state government did not follow the legal procedure before it carried out the demolition. According to him, “To that law they are hiding under, they have goofed, under that law, if you don’t have building permit, the government will serve you notice to go and get it and if you refuse and your building fails integrity test, you will be asked to pull it down yourself and if you don’t, the government will demolish it and you will bear the cost of the demolition, this set of occupants were not given that window. “Ask Muritala Balogun of the Ministry of Physical

Planning, if they gave us notice, ask him to produce the evidence of the notice, when you serve notice you paste it on the building and take photograph footage of the pasted notice so that nobody puts up a denial, ask him for that. “Meanwhile, the land was given to Lagos State government in 1981 by the family for the purpose o f g r o w i n g f o r e s t r y, subsequently, the Lagos State government deviated from the original purpose and gave 20 hectares of the land to Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research which has started selling the land to people for private use.” However, responding on behalf of Lagos State government, the Director, Technical Services, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Muritala Balogun insisted

they were served notice before the demolition exercise was carried out. He a l s o m e n t i o n e d that the Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research wrote a petition to the government that the land given to them was being encroached upon by unknown persons which prompted the ministry to carry out investigation during which they found out that the people were building without permit, hence, the Meanwhile, a Director of Administration at the Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research who did not want to be quoted nor her name mentioned said the Institute did not write any petition to the Lagos State government but she confirmed that they reported at Lamgbasa Police station when they discovered their land was being encroached upon.

GODFREY OFURUM, Aba

arkets in Abia State are now to operate from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 5pm, as the state government is graduallyrelaxingrestrictions in markets, occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic. Ho w e v e r, t h e s t a t e government warned market enforcementteamstoensure that all Covid-19 protocols strictly apply in all the markets; namely compulsory provision of hand washing facilities, regular fumigation and compulsory wearing of facemasks, which will be inspected three times per week by the state taskforce and enforced every day by the market enforcement committee. Chris Ezem, secretary to Abia State Government, who is also chairman, Interministerial Committee on COVID-19 in a statement, stated that the state government has lifted ban on interstate movement, as approved by the Federal Government up to curfew time of 10.00pm to 6.00am.

On intrastate transport, the state government insists thattricycle(keke)operators are to carry maximum of 2 persons, minibus (Okebekee), maximum of 5, Hiace Bus, maximum of 7 and coaster, maximum of 14. It also mandated all drivers and passengers to wear face masks throughout their trip. “All Intra and interstate transporters are to strictly observe curfew time, as directed by Federal Government. Government will provide digital thermometers at our state borders, to screen interstate travelers as travelers, who fail the screening, would be turned back or quarantined in the nearest Covid-19 holding area. “Security agencies are authorised to ensure strict compliance to the use of face mask and must apprehend violators”. In line with Federal Government directives, the statement noted that the state Ministry of Education is currently working out modalities for the reopening of schools, particularly for primary 6, JSS 3 and SS3 students in the state.

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Medical practitioner raises alarm over circulation of fake drugs in Nigerian markets UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

hristian Uche Anokwuru, the Abia State chairman o f Ch r i s t i a n Hospital Association of Nigeria (CHAN), has raised the alarm at the rate fake drugs have flooded Nigerian pharmacies and chemist shops. An o k w u r u , a c l e r i c of Catholic Church and a medical doctor, made the revelation in Umuahia while speaking with select journalists in Umuahia, Abia State on the state of Nigeria health sector. The clergyman/medical

practitioner indicted some of the Pharm-Reps for shoddy deals and promoting fake drugs over personal gains. “Let me talk about the pharmaceutical firms and who they call their pharm-reps. These are the go-between the people, pharmacy shops, hospitals and the pharmaceutical firms. These pharm-reps make drugs available from the producers to the dealers: hospitals and pharmacy shops. “ Un f o r t u n a t e l y, unknown to these pharmaceutical companies, their reps have been alleged to source fake drugs in the open markets at cheaper rates and sell same to

people who buy from them confidently in the name of their company. By so doing reputable pharmacy shops and hospitals that would not ordinarily purchase medicines from fakers of drugs now do so either by omission of commission,” Anokwuru revealed. He appealed to the government to go back to the days of Dora Akunyili who was passionate in the fight against fake drugs. “One remembers with deep sense of loss the dignified days of Dora Akunyili when NAFDAC had a name; when the name NAFDAC was a nightmare for drug traffickers and other drug- related offenders.”

BewiAfrica sensitises Lagos youths on adverse effect of drug abuse

s part of activities to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a not-for-profit organisation, BewiAfrica sensitised youths and teenagers in Fadeyi and Ojuelegba areas of Lagos on the devastating effects of drugs to their health and future. The outreach, which was BewiAfrica’s maiden edition and held Friday, June 26, had renowned comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st (GCON) as host, and comedienne Helen Paul (Tatafo), who visited the venue. Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every 26 day of June. Its theme for this year is ‘Better Knowledge for Better Care’, emphasising on the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem and how in

Greensprings students win IGCSE’s ‘Top in the Country’ awards KELECHI EWUZIE

ehosheba Tijani, Ayooluwa Ogungbenro, and Simisola Olusayo, all students of Greensprings School, one of the leading British international schools in Lagos were among the “Top in the Country” list of the June 2019 International General Certificate of S e c o n d a r y Ed u c a t i o n (IGCSE). By achieving this feat, it becomes the fourth consecutive time that students from the school make the list of the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards. The Cambridge IGCSE examination is taken by

Campaign against illicit drugs

Desmond Okon

L-R: Simisola Olusayo, Top in the Country award winner in History; Jehosheba Tijani, Top in the Country award winner in Literature; Ayooluwa Ogungbenro, also Top in the Country award winner in Literature all students of Greensprings School, Lagos.

turn, better knowledge will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security. The Founder BewiAfrica, Florence Hungbo, said the NGO took it upon itself to enlighten the youths, especially college kids who have become entrenched in substances abuse and mindless of its effects. “We visited the youths and leaders in Fadeyi and Ojuelegba respectively with some entertainers and therapists to lecture the youths on the dangers of drug abuse on their health and future,” she noted. Meanwhile, as countries and individuals partner to end drug abuse and its illicit trafficking, Hungbo told participants that drugs kill dreams while harping on its adverse dangers. She further noted that i t wa s p a ram o unt f o r BewiAfrica to carry out more awareness and outreaches in areas identified as having high cases of drug abuse. Femi Akinboyeku, the

transport unionist popularly known as J.Plum in Fadeyi, condemned drug abuse. He expressed, “I neither smoke nor drink. Today. I have been able to achieve so much in my endeavour. If I was doing drugs, I would not have been anywhere near where I have reached in my profession.” In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman, Somolu Local Government Council, Bowale Sosimi, commended BewiAfrica. He described the move as an exceptional cause, which he said was first of its kind for the youths of the area. In Ojuelegba, the Deputy Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers ( N U RT W ) , Ar a n s i o l a Qudus, lauded BewiAfrica for choosing Ojuelegba on drug abuse awareness. Qudus, therefore, admonished the youths to tell others what they have heard. “We thank BewiAfrica for this initiative. As for the youths and our leaders present, please extend all you have learnt to others”.

students from ages 14 to 16 years old and the examination is administered at the final secondary school year of various international schools in Nigeria. Barney Wilson, deputy director of Education, Greensprings School while reacting to the announcement made by the British Council and Cambridge International says the management of the school is very happy that their students made it to the list. Wilson expressing his satisfaction with the announcement said, “Jehosheba Tijani and Ayooluwa Ogungbenro were awarded Top in the Country in Literature, while

Simisola Olusayo got Top in the Country in History.” According to him, “Our students have always been on the list since 2016 when the award commenced, and aside from the Top in the Country awards, one of our students, Honour Olatunji, has won Top in the World for Mathematics in the past”. “We now have a total of 19 students who have won the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards in the last four years, and we are proud of them,” he concluded. The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards is an initiative of the British Council with a primary objective of recognising bestperforming students and innovative schools.

Lab scientists worry about low COVID-19 testing in Cross River Desmond Okon

he Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Cross River State branch has voiced its concern regarding the low level of COVID-19 testing in Cross River State. In a statement to BDSUNDAY on the update on COVID-19 by the State Task Force, the state’s branch of MLSCN described testing in the state as “abysmally low and of grave concern.” Records from NCDC indicate that as of 10th June 2020, only nine COVID-19 screening tests had been conducted for the state. So, the scientists said the disparity between the number of samples collected and the actual test performed raises more questions than answers. On the other hand, they said the state has conducted tests using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits, as reported in the CRS COVID-19 update. Their restlessness and malaise over the deployment of RDT kits was based on the association’s verdict that

RDT kits have a low level of sensitivity and specificity to deliver accurate results. “The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), in May 2020, made public its validation of COVID-19 RDT Kits in Nigeria. The MLSCN revealed that no single RDT Kit in the country was able to meet up with a 95 percent level of sensitivity and specificity. It was on this strength that the NCDC placed an embargo on the use of RDT Kits to test for coronavirus. “The consequence of the use of RDT kits, with less than the required sensitivity and specificity, is their inability to pick true positive and true negative cases when in use. This scenario leads to high levels of false-positive and false-negative results. If this was used for screening at the point of entry as reported, then somebody should be held accountable for putting the lives of Cross Riverians at risk,” the scientists said. For now, according to them, the gold standard for testing for COVID-19 remains RT-PCR. The association further begged the

state’s task force on coronavirus to quit risking the lives of residents. “We want to appeal to the COVID-19 State Task Force, and by extension, Cross River State Ministry of Health, to stop risking the lives of citizens, by screening for coronavirus using non-validated and non-certified test kits,” they said. The group further said that the statement, “the public must know that testing for COVID-19 does not work magic as we are made to think”, which has been maintained by the Task Force encapsulates the Task Force’s prejudice against testing. They, therefore, inferred that testing is not a priority for Cross River State Government. But they, however, countered the claims stating that testing remains the gateway in and out of the coronavirus pandemic. “It is through testing that one’s status is determined and in the event of being infected with the virus, it is also testing that determines the response to treatment, as well as when one is rid of the virus.

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Focus Access Bank’s post-merger success should give shareholders cause for renewed optimism

ne year after its merger with Diamond Bank, Access Bank’s results validate the big lender’s foresight, writes Fisayo Osindeinde. On December 19 2018, the announcement that Access and Diamond Bank had signed a Memorandum of Agreement in respect of a potential merger between both banks sent shockwaves around the entire country. The two banks, powerhouses in their own right, would now merge to become one juggernaut. It wasn’t all that simple though. This announcement raised a wide range of questions. Would the CBN and SEC ratify the merger? How would the Banks be able to manage a clash in cultures? How would the loan books of both banks be managed? What would happen to sister branches in proximity with one another? How would the leadership of the new brand be formed? Back story Before the merger announcement, Diamond Bank had faced the possible revocation of its license due to its nonperforming loans of over N150billion and the resignation of three of its directors and the chairman of the board of directors. With the merger with Access Bank, however, it would be able to prevent this occurrence. This shrewd move prevented Diamond Bank from facing the same reality as Skye Bank Plc which had its license revoked in September 2018 due to the depletion of its capital base. The CBN subsequently

injected about N786billion into the bank to shore up its liquidity and transferred the operations, assets and management of Skye Bank to Polaris Bank Limited, a bridge bank. The Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, was quick to address some of these issues, pointing out the fact that the merger would afford both banks the opportunity of leveraging on their distinct potentials to build a stronger bank. Diamond Bank was expected to benefit from Access Bank’s strong risk management culture and capital management expertise, while Access Bank stood to benefit from Diamond Bank’s substantial retail banking expertise and strong digital offering. Wigwe’s sentiments were indeed right, as Access Bank is now Africa’s leading retail bank, with 36 million customers and over 35, 000 Point of Sale (POS) terminals. In line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s objective to foster a strong, competitive and reliable banking system, adequately equipped to deliver quality services to the economy, the merger birthed a foremost tier-1 bank with a capital base strong enough to vault it into the top 3 in the country. One year passed, and it has become clear that the merger has led to a healthy competition between Access Bank and other existing banks and this has, in turn, further strengthened the banking system. Strength in numbers Earlier in the year, Access Bank PLC

Wigwe released its audited full-year financial statement for 2019, highlighting significant improvements in most performance indicators. According to its published statement, the banking giant recorded an 11.8% increase in profit for the period under review. The gross earnings as of December 31, 2019, stood at N666.75 billion as against the N528.74 billion which was recorded for the corresponding period for 2018, a laudable 26.10% increase. The net interest income for full-year 2019 was N277.2 billion as against the N173.6 billion, which was recorded for the corresponding period in 2018, representing a sizeable increase of 59.7%. The Bank’s net fee and commission income for full-year 2019 stood

at N74.05 billion as against the N52.5 billion for the corresponding period for 2018, again representing an impressive 41% increase. 2020 hasn’t been kind to businesses the world over. However, as the global economy scrambles to fill profit gaps created by COVID-19, Access Bank PLC reports that it has achieved N54.3 billion of the proposed N153.9 billion synergies for the year 2020. Remarkably, its 2020 profit-before-tax stood at N46.3billion, a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. This, however, is only surprising to those who haven’t been observing the Bank’s activities in the last few years, but most importantly, since its most recent merger with Diamond Bank. Arguably the leading force in the Nigerian financial sector when it comes to harnessing the power of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), Access Bank has not only been able to expand its reach but also designed business models that will propel it to the top of the African Banking food chain soon. There is a reason for confidence Pundits have not shied away from the reality that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on macro, social, and consumer behaviour is too pronounced to ignore. Access Bank has not done so either. The Bank has reaffirmed that it will remain committed to delivering innovative service offerings and strong value to its customers and stakeholders. A feature that has kept Access Bank ahead in the industry is its improved

integrated mobile banking platform which has been on-boarding old Diamond Bank customers onto the new unified mobile banking platform, Access More. The platform, with its convenient user interface, has made everyday banking easier for the millions of Bank customers using it. Message to Thomas(es) The COVID-19 pandemic is one that has created panic and cynicism among people in different spheres. Thus, it is only natural if the Bank’s stakeholders were to wonder whether this evident upward trend is any more than a mere blip, considering that the uncertainties of COVID-19 are likely to be around for at least the rest of the year. It is worth noting that this is not Access Bank’s first tussle with adversity. Access Bank has weathered the economic uncertainties of Nigeria and the larger African continent over the years, maintaining its position as a leading force in the banking industry, through innovation in client solutions and a sustainable business model. That alone might not be a reason for confidence in the Bank’s ability to maintain its goals, but the uptick in the Bank’s share prices despite the country’s economic turmoil definitely is. The present has given no reason to doubt that the future will be any less bright than Access Bank projects it will be. If anything, it invites a healthy curiosity that would leave room for the Bank to once again reiterate its resilience, business and market nous.

data depletion and inability to roll over unused data. The usually touted unlimited data is usually limited to the extent of usage when speed reduces and data depletes before the end of what was supposed to be a monthly subscription, usually at the middle of the month or after some gigabytes might have been used. Unfortunately, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is not doing much to address what many Nigerians believe to be fraudulent practices by Mobile Network Operators. However, it is imperative to note that one of the factors responsible for the exorbitant cost of data and low quality of service in Nigeria according to African Academic Network on Internet Policy has to do with the “activities of Over The Top (OTT) operators such as Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media networks, which provide for messaging and call facilities via the internet.” For example, Whatsapp allows users the functionality of text, voice and video calls. With this functionality, users with mobile data subscription do not need to patronise Mobile Network Operators for airtime again. Putting it into perspective, talk time per N100 is 14 minutes excluding messages and other special packages, therefore a N1,000 worth of recharge card will give 140 minutes of airtime (2.3 hours). But on Whataspp, one minute call will consume 300kb of data

on 3G and 1Mb on 4G network. Therefore, at N1,000 per 1GB, a 3G network user will get 3,000 minutes of airtime (50 hours), while a 4G user gets over 1000 minutes of airtime which is a bit more than 16 hours. It can, therefore, be deduced from the observation above that the high data price and poor internet service in Nigeria is a deliberate plan to get users to continue buying airtime for talk time and data for surfing and other online activities. Operational costs have been argued to be another justification for the expensive cost of data in the most populous country in Africa. In 2016, a report by the Guardian stated that telecoms tower maintenance costs increased to $104 million per month. The costs according to the report include the cost of diesel, cost of generator and generator parts, security for the lives and equipment present at tower sites as well as payment of non-legalised levies and vandalism. Already, data subscription at N1,000 per 1GB is a luxury many Nigerians can’t afford and this has to change. To accelerate the economy and bring about the ease of doing business especially for SMEs which constitute more than 80 per cent of total employment in the country, Nigeria needs to make data affordable to all.

Yes, data is life but at what cost? Greg Obi

ore than ever, mobile data have proved to be a necessity. The need to gain access to the internet becomes increasingly important daily because of its endless benefits and attractions. The awesome possibilities of having access to the internet can’t be over-estimated. The internet has brought about new businesses, improved productivity, and reaching out to family and friends thousands of miles away is no longer what it used to be in the past. With mobile data or wifi, you can sit in the comfort of your home and have a family meeting with your kins in other parts of the world. You can get yourself the basic needs like foods, drinks and clothes without stepping out of your comfort zone, and more recently, you can hold business or academic conferences from remote locations with the enablement of the internet. Before now, the claim that data is life may sound exaggerated, but the outbreak of the COVID–19 pandemic and its attendant effects tend to have testified to the belief that where there seems to be no life, data could give you much more to stay alive in this information-driven world. The effects of the lockdown in most parts of the world was largely mitigated as physical contact reduced, remote contact via the internet increased exponentially.

These has led to a new culture where hitherto physical presence was invaluable but the internet spurred by the policy of social distancing ensured that critical policy issues were conveyed through video conferencing, chats and voice notes. In a bid to cope with the COVID19-enforced lockdown and the stay at home order by the Federal Government, Nigerians reportedly spent more time online and more money on mobile data since the enforcement of the lockdown measure started in April. According to a report by The Guardian, the first four weeks of the stay-at-home order saw a 15 percent increase in internet services in the country as individuals, corporate bodies, and religious organisations increased their use of the internet services. Also, the obvious increase in social media interactions and the proliferation of the Work-FromHome (WFH) phenomenon during the lockdown spurred data traffic growth across the country. However, while Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) smile to the bank as a result of a boom in their revenues, mobile data subscribers are left to complain about snail-speed data services and data depletion. With over 100 million internet users, Nigeria ranks 8th among the top 20 global internet users and over 80 percent of the internet traffic in the country originate from mobile

devices. This means Nigeria is Africa’s biggest mobile market, yet, complaints about the cost of data and poor internet services are rife in the country. An average monthly unlimited data plan cost as much as N10,000. It may be argued that data is inexpensive in Nigeria because the cost of data seems cheaper when compared to data prices in countries like South Africa and Kenya, but according to Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), the price of 1GB of mobile broadband data shouldn’t be more than 2 percent of monthly income. Applying this to the new minimum wage of 30,000 in Nigeria, it means the cost of 1GB data should not cost more than N600. That also goes to say that when the minimum wage was N18,000, data subscription of 1GB should only cost N360. But that’s not the case in Africa’s biggest mobile market. In Nigeria, the official average rate of 1GB data monthly subscription is N1,000. Subscribers sometimes spend more monthly due to the usual complaints about data rip off. Undoubtedly, this is too expensive for any Nigerian whose monthly income is not more than N30,000. According to a report by Quartz Africa, data prices in Nigeria need to drop by 97 percent to be affordable for the majority of the country’s population. Apart from the high cost of data, it’s also very common to hear complaints about poor connectivity, fast

Greg Obi is a research fellow with School of Communications, Lagos State University, Ojo

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Lagos and the ides of June

Frank Aigbogun

editor Zebulon Agomuo DEPUTY EDITOR John Osadolor, Abuja MANAGING DIRECTOR Dr. Ogho Okiti

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)

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

GM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (South) Ignatius Chukwu HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Adeola Obisesan

Sunday 05 July 2020

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha

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

n ancient times, the Romans consider the Ides of March as a deadline for settling debts. In one of Williams Shakespeare’s foremost plays, Julius Caesar, a soothsayer attracts Caesar’s attention by telling him to beware of the Ides of March. Unfortunately, Caesar did not pay heed. He later met his waterloo on the ides of March. On the contrary, in Lagos, the Ides of June, signifies good tidings as sizable political leaders in the State have a massive link with the month. Now, that is good news because June persons are quite remarkable characters with unique personality because they are often popular, talented and with captivating attitude. They are genuinely charming folks that attract a lot of attention. Now, wait for this! They have great fashion taste and always dress

‘powerfully’! June folks are naturally curious about practically everything. The good thing, however, is that they try to implement the ideas they have because they are always passionate people. They pursue every idea that comes to their mind and always find ways to make it work. Though full of ideas, June people are not rigid. They are open to new ideas and fresh ways of doing things, provided it could lead to achieving their dreams. June people have the ability to turn enemies into friends. That is how good they are at making friends! They talk their way into people’s lives with their charming personality. They will do just about anything to help out a close friend. They will go out of their way to meet your emotional needs. Current governor of the State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, was born on June 25, 1965. As it is customary with those born in the month of June, Sanwo-Olu is a promise keeper and a trustworthy character. In the last one year, he has proved himself, in many ways, as one who is bound by his words. Making promises and keeping them is definitely a good virtue that people must embrace in all walks of life. In the Nigerian political scene it is, however, obvious that promising a bright future in convincing manners works better than actually delivering on it! It is rampant among the political class

to make promise without actually thinking about how to fulfil such. Considering his June antecedent, Governor Sanwo-Olu places high premium on the sanctity of promise. To him, a promise made should always be a promise kept. In other words, the process of a promise made isn’t completed until it is fulfilled. This is, perhaps, why he made good his promise to boost the Civil Service Staff Bus System with 35 brand new busses, three days after making the promise. Same goes for his promise to resume work on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Same goes for paying a minimum wage that is slightly higher than that of the Federal Government to the State Public Servants. Sanwo-Olu’s virtue of delivering on promises is, no doubt, a practical attribute of June persons which is quite worthy of emulation. Another illustrious son of Lagos with a firm June narration is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila. Born on the 25th of June, 1962, a prominent June people quality that is visible in Gbajabiamila is his ‘never say never’ disposition. Gbajabiamila doesn’t believe in impossibilities. Like most June folks, he is also visionary who loves to see beyond the moment. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN is yet another Lagos leader of note with a rich June root. Fashola, who governed the State from

2007-2015, epitomizes the spirit of June. Born on the 28th of June, 1963, a foremost characteristic of June people that has eminently distinguished Fashola is the power of idea. Many do not understand that the quality of our lives as human beings is substantially a reflection of the quality of ideas we generate. Many still seem not to comprehend that the ideas which we conceive, like kola in Igbo culture, is life in itself. It is the kind of ideas that we give to our space that it gives back to us. No more, no less. Fashola was able to accomplish as much as he did for Lagos because of the quality of his ideas. Thanks to the strength and depth of his idea, he ranks among our nation’s topmost contemporary leaders. Like Sanwo-Olu and Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, the 14th Governor of Lagos is also of the June fold. He was born on the 14th of June, 1963. A chief June attribute in Ambode is his optimistic outlook. Ambode’s positive attitude to life was partly accountable for some of his modest attainments in life. He never believes that any situation is hopeless. Rather than being disillusioned, Ambode always look at the brighter side of every situation. Here is wishing all these illustrious sons of Lagos a belated happy birthday and more rewarding years in the service of the State and, indeed, the nation at large.

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Inside Lagos

Abule-Egba explosion victims empowered with new skills

…begin production of bags, shoes, others as 300 exit relief camp JOSHUA BASSEY

fter six months at the Igando Relief Camp, in Alimosho local government, over 300 victims of the January 2020 Abule-Egba pipeline explosion, in Lagos, have started moving out of the camp to resettle somewhere else in the state. This followed the decision of the Lagos State government to close the relief camp. But the government is not just asking the victims to leave the camp, it has actually empowered them with skills to begin a new life as they return to their homes. Some of the victims, it was gathered, have become experts in bead making, sewing, as well as bags, shoes and paints production having

Displaced victims of the pipeline explosion incident at Abule Egba in January.

been trained by the government while in the camp for six months. Following the January

19, 2020 explosion, the displaced victims were relocated to Igando Relief Camp along LASU-Iba road on the

…as alleged kidnapper’s lawyers ‘missing’ in court

JOSHUA BASSEY

agos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is to take over the defence for alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike (Evans) due to his inability to afford his legal fees. This followed the order of Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court during court proceedings on Friday. A the Friday’s proceeding, the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, informed the court that his team placed a phone call to the law chambers of Ladi Williams and Co, who represented Evans’ on the last court date to enquire about the whereabouts of Evans’ counsel. Onigbanjo noted that his team was informed by the law chambers that Evans has not “perfected their brief”. Ev a n s , w h o w a s a r raigned alongside five others on August 30, 2017 on a two-count of conspiracy and kidnapping has changed lawyers at least five times during the course of his trial. Some of the lawyers

administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The entire agency wishes all the residents future success in their endeavours,” said OkeOsayintolu. The skills acquisition programme was carried out in conjunction with the state ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Ok e - Os a y i n t o l u e x plained that the IDPs in the relief camp were assessed and divided into different programmes. While the camp, LASEMA worked with different agencies to ensure the safety and security of the 300 people (including 40 infants and 30 children) in the areas of feeding, healthcare accommodation, transportation and educational support for school aged children prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 which led to school closure in the state.

LASG engages stakeholders on seamless issuance of planning permit

Public Defender to step into Evans’ prosecution who have represented Evans include – Olukoya Ogungbeje, Noel Brown and Olanrewaju Ajanaku. Reacting to the absence of Evan’s defence counsel, Oshodi noted that the alleged kidnapper had developed a habit of engaging the services of lawyers who, according to the judge, “disappeared halfway through trial” and this has caused delays in the case. “There are five other defendants with different counsels; the interest of the first defendant (Evans) is not superior to those of the other defendants. “ Th e c o u r t w i l l n o t breach Section 36(6) of the 1999 constitution by going ahead with today’s business of the court which is the hearing of the nocase submissions,” he said. Oshodi thereafter ordered an OPD counsel who was in court, E.E. Okonkwo, to take over Evans’ defence. Following the judge’s ruling, Evans co-defendants -Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba filed no-case submissions asking the court to dismiss the charges against them. The second defendant, Uche Amadi, however did not file a no-case sub-

order of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where they were cared for by the state government. They were sup-

posed to leave the camp on June 30, but some of them, BusinessDay gathered, may still be allowed to stay until July 7. Beyond the skill acquisition, the Lagos State Emergency Management (LASEMA) says it is disbursing financial assistance to the victims, as they are leaving the camp. According to the director-general of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the financial assistance is a follow-up to the skills acquisition and vocational training for the victims in order to aid their resettlement. “Having developed marketable skills, they are now being provided with money for seed funding and resettlement in more suitable areas. “It is the pride of the agency to have fulfilled the promises rendered by the

mission. The defence counsel, Roger Adewole, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, M.C Izokwu and Emmanuel Ochai told the court that no prima facie (correct until proven otherwise) case has been made against the defendants by the state. The lawyers urged the court to dismiss the case against the defendants. Responding, the Lagos attorney-general asked the court to dismiss the no-case submissions of the four codefendants. “The defendants are asking the court to do something that cannot be done. They are asking the court to analyse evidence and go beyond the window that nocase submissions requires. “All that the court needs to do is to show that there is prima facie evidence. There is before the court, legally admissible prima facie evidence enough for the defendants to enter their defence. “I urge the court to dismiss all the applications and that the defendants proceed to enter into their defence” Onigbanjo said. Oshodi adjourned the case until August 14 for ruling and possible continuation of trial.

…warns illegal development on Banana Island, others must stop SEYI JOHN SALAU

agos State government under the ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is intensifying engagement with stakeholders in the construction and built environment to achieve seamless issuance of Planning Permits in furtherance of the Ease of Doing Business in the state. The ministry at a stakeholders’ meeting on building construction, Thursday, on Banana Island, Osborne and other estates in Ikoyi and environs, the government assured of fast-processing and issuance of permits, just as it warned of severe sanctions against further illegal development in these highbrow areas and other parts of the state. The state commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban

Development, Idris Salako, who led officials on the engagement with the stakeholders, said his ministry has a longstanding culture of engaging communities that have potential of being affected by its plans and developmental projects. According to Salako, the non-adherence to planning permit renders the permit null and void, and constitutes illegal development. This action attracts sanctions that include related payments and the building could be demolished, as empowered by the extant laws. Salako stated that the provision of the law mandates fresh application for the alteration, in any form, of the planning permit issued; be it use, density, re-modelling or renovation. The commissioner warned

against the construction of buildings after submission of application, prior to grant of planning permit and mandatory stage certification. According to Salako, the payment of fees does not equate to issuance of a planning permit, hence any construction made prior to the planning permit renders the development illegal and liable to enforcement exercise. On actions taken to help fast-track the issuance of planning permit and other related issues, Salako assured the stakeholders that the ministry would attain the status of full automation before the end of the present administration. Hamzat Subair, chairman, Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) said there was a direct relationship between tax payment and development.

Flood: LCDA boss warns residents against indiscriminate refuse dump

hairman of Igbogbo/ Bayeku Local Council Developmental Area (LCDA), Olusesan Daini, has warned residents of the area against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains. Daini said in Ikorodu on Friday that the warning has become necessary to avert flood and its accompanying disasters as Lagos continues to witness heavy rainfall. He said it was imperative

for the residents of the area to know that such illegal act will lead to flooding and possibly send them packing from their homes. He said that reducing the effect of flood in the community should be the collective responsibility of all. “The council’s environmental sanitation team has been creating flood safety awareness from community to community to sensitise residents on how to be environment-friendly during

this rainy season. “The first priority of my administration is to ensure the protection of lives and property and that’s why the council is always proactive in its activities,’’ he said. Daini expressed his administration’s commitment to the construction of a good drainage system that would ensure free flow of water. He added that this way, the effects of flood would be mitigated in the communities.

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Sunday 05 July 2020

Politics How Malawi’s opposition candidate’s victory signals a boost for Africa’s democracy, judiciary Iniobong Iwok

he victory of Malawi’s opposition candidate, Lazarus Chakwera in the just concluded presidential election serves as a major boost to democracy in the continent and the judiciary. The victory perhaps sends a clear message to several other African leaders who think that they own their nation’s electoral system and no matter how woeful they performed while in office and unpopular they are the process can always be manipulated to their advantage. The Malawi’s judiciary had in February annulled last year’s May 2019 election that had given incumbent President, Peter Mutharikais of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) another term in office, citing irregularities, while ordering a re-run. However, the historic rerun presidential election makes it the first time a Court-overturned election in Africa has led to the defeat of an incumbent leader and the first time an incumbent African leader has lost after being forced to restage vote. Chakwera’s victory was a result of months of strong street protests across the country and Supreme Court decision

Lazarus Chakwera

that the last year’s election had widespread irregularities and could not stand. Reports say Chakwera, 65, won with 2.6 million votes out of 4.4 million cast and ended years of rule by the ruling party. Mutharika, who had sought a second five-year term, had described the new election flawed but has urged the country forward, saying peace was important. The country electoral commission

chairman, Chifundo Kachale said the commission declared Chakwera winner having attained 58.57percent of the vote, justifiable enough to make him duly elected President of Malawi. Meanwhile, across the country there was joy of victory for thousands of his supporters, the report says, his supporters waved Malawi’s red, black and green flag and walked across the country. But the defeated President urged the Malawi’s Electoral Commission (MEC) to annul the results of the second vote and declare a third election. “We expected an election without irregularities, sadly, as all Malawians have seen, this election is the worst in Malawi’s history of our elections. “We believe most of the results that were sent to MEC are not a true reflection of the people,” Mutharika had said. In view of the prevailing scenarios in most African countries where incumbent presidents often think a second term in office is their birthright, political observers say that the election was a test of the ability of African Courts to tackle ballot fraud and restrain presidential power. The ability of the Malawi Court to stand firm is commendable, an example for other African Court and judiciary to emulate. Also, the manner the election was

conducted by the Malawi Electoral Commission chairman, headed by Chifundo Kachale, who refused to be manipulated by the ruling party and the President, perhaps send a message to other electoral commission’s across the continent that they can always hold their head high, firm in the course of their duties, while allegiance should always be with the people and the law. Political analyst, Wunmi Bewaji says the Malawi’s election was a victory for democracy and judiciary autonomy, stressing that in democracy ultimate powers to elect public officeholders must always reside with the people and not the court. According to him, “The Court in Malawi did not say we should do an election in one local government or another, but they said the election should be reconducted in total it allows the people to have their say. “It is a far cry from what we had here in Zamfara State, even at the end of the day nothing perfect is done. It is good election is conducted not that Court would start doing mathematics. “Look at the election in Rivers State, it is mockery of democracy, democracy is government of the people by the people not the court. The people are the highest court and they have delivered their verdict,” Bewaji said.

Who is flying the dangerous kite? …Is the National Consultative Front dead before arrival?

Iniobong Iwok

recisely last Wednesday, reports emerged of the formation of a new political coalition which is the National Consultative Front. In a communiqué signed and issued by the founders, the coalition had said that it had the intention of rescuing the country from the current political class and offering a new political alternative. Prominent statesmen and civil society leaders, activists and politicians in the country were mentioned to be behind the formation of the group. The communiqué further said that the formation of the group was necessitated by the continued slide of the country in all sectors, political anarchy and the unabated killings which its blamed on the ineptitude and failure of the current administration and ruling class, adding that machinery are being put in place across the six geopolitical zones in the country for an effective take-off. “Against the worrisome background of the continued slide of Nigeria into political anarchy and unabated bloodletting and deaths, owing to the incompetence and failure of the present political leadership of the country in dealing with the national democratic question of Nigeria as a diverse multi ethnic, multi religious and multicultural entity. “We, a select group of national leaders of conscience, social democrats and revolutionary Ideologues, have been in consultations under the auspices of a new Pan Nigerian Consultative Political Front

with other like-minded fresh breed political Ideologues and stakeholders, beginning from today we are trying to agree on a new political intervention for rescuing our dear country from the exploitative grip of a lacklustre leadership and the manipulation of a bickering, factionalised ruling political elites in Nigeria,” the coalition had said. But event took a surprising twist the next day, when several of the purported founders issued separate statements dissociating themselves from the group formation. Although, for keen political observers in the country, the birth of such alliance may not be new, jugging that several and similar alliances took place culminating in the formation of different political bloc in the run-off to the 2019 general elections. One of such coalition in 2019 was the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) formed by Kingsley Moghalu, Omoyele Sowore and Fela Durotoye. The coalition had sought a consensus candidate among the young presidential aspirants, though Durotoye later emerged as consensus candidate of the group, the others aspirants disagreed with the process that produced Durotoye, they went on to contest the 2019 presidential election under different political parties. Also, there was the coalition formed by thirty-nine political parties under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and another by coalition of sociocultural groups, they both jointly adopted the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar as its candidate in the 2019 presidential election.

Coalitions are not new to Nigeria political landscape, however, the manner and controversy that has greeted the birth of the National Consultative Front is surprising and leaves much to be desired. It raises questions about those behind the formation of the coalition and why they have failed to publicly identify with the group. Experience from similar groups formed in the past as shown that in most instances, it is not about forming political party or an alliance but their ability to compete with the two leading parties in the country and to survive the nation’s monetise political system? “Well, I think all political groups are evolving and not static, in the past we fought and drove the military away, but what we have now is not a democracy ; the system is monetised and that as affected other political organisations from making progress. “But we cannot say we cannot make effort, most of the people in the parties are people who fought the military, a lot them enjoying this democracy now don’t know how it came about they are for there for themselves. “I think any group of individuals organisations that want to come together to offer a new platform is welcome, we should not just write them off,” Silvestre Odion, Professor of political science from the University of Lagos (LASU) said. Odion further said Nigerians must be optimistic and be ready to make sacrifice for the needy change they need in the country “Nigerians must be optimistic and ready to take that move, there was such in Sen-

egal no one gave them a chance when they were coming together. “Right now the country is in state of confusion, the killings, kidnapping, I mean confusion everywhere, we are close to a failed state, every political action to rescue the country should be welcome in view of where we are now,” Odion added. Some political watchers, however, think the country cannot perpetual be on electioneering without a corresponding time for governance. With 18 registered political parties in the country, it is believed that this can accommodate any groups and individuals who seek to make a change rather than set up another political party which are often left dormant after they had failed to actualise their mandate. Perhaps, what Nigerians need now was good governance, visionary and purposeful leadership from the current elected crops of leaders that would translate to improve standard of living among the populace, infrastructures development and robust economy. “Forming a group is not bad like the one they wanted to do or are forming, but I don’t think they are serious, the people named have said they are not part of them, i think we have had such in the past, me and you know what came out of it. “Politics in Nigeria is different, but you would agree with me that the masses equally want divided of democracy they are tired of voting, the sweet talk from politician and after election they would disappear, For now I don’t take them serious,” analyst Kayode Olawale said.

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Politics After controversial exit, what does the future hold for Oshiomhole?

Innocent Odoh and James Kwen, Abuja

dams Oshiomhole, the immediate past National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is one politician in Nigeria that have been having series of battles with his many political adversaries in the last three years. As the National Chairman of a ruling party, Oshiomhole was always at loggerheads with governors in his party, his colleagues in the party leadership, Ministers of government and the Edo State Chapter of his party. Soon after the former Edo State governor became the National Chairman of APC in July 2018, his political battles had begun with primary elections, ahead of the 2019 general election. Oshiomhole, the fiery labour leaderturned political heavyweight, first fired the missile when he deviated from the normal indirect mode of primaries and introduced the direct method in which all registered party members participate in the nomination process, unlike the indirect method where only selected delegates vote. This was almost contrary to the position of the highest party organ, the National Executive Committee (NEC) that states should choose among; the direct, indirect and consensus method based on their individual priorities. Rather than allow states to choose for themselves, the modes of primaries they found convenient, the then APC National Chairman imposed on each state the primary method to use. This generated a lot of crises as different factions in many states used both direct and indirect approachs, leading to parallel primaries with serious acrimonies and altercations that made APC to go into the 2019 general election wounded as fractured eagle. The direct primaries method pitched many governors, ministers and senators, who were stripped of powers of selecting delegates that could do their biddings via indirect primary, against Oshiomhole. Those mostly affected were then Governors Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State who lost second term ticket, Ibikunle Amosun who could not plant a successor, Rochas Okorocha whose governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu lost primary election, Abduraziz Yari of Zamafara State whose senatorial primary and his candidates for other elections were rejected by the Independent National Electoral (INEC) and subsequently, their victories at the general election were overturned by the Supreme Court. Another issue was the Rivers State primary elections in which the Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation-led faction and that of the Magnus Abe, then Senator for Rivers South East, conducted parallel primaries, a development that denied APC in the state the opportunity to field candidates for the 2019 general election. Also, Oshiomhole was fingered for being behind the screening out of Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications from the Oyo governorship primary election on account of not participating in the mandatory one year National Youth

Adams Oshiomhole

Service Corps (NYSC) and Aisha Alhassan, then Minister of Women Affairs from the Taraba governorship primary election on the ground of alleged divided party loyalty. There were also allegations that the APC National Chairman had collected bribes to favour certain candidates in the primary elections, a factor responsible for his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS). The issues that trailed APC primaries elicited thick criticisms and wide protests against Oshiomhole, as the APC National Secretariat became a pilgrimage of a sort for protesters from many states demanding nothing less than the removal of the party helmsman. In 2019 when Oshiomhole was still basking in the euphoria of the triumph over the pre-election battles leading his party to reasonable victory at the general election, there came a judicial thunder strike on the APC when the Supreme Court ruled that all the votes won by APC candidates in Zamfara State were useless, hence the party did not conduct valid primaries as required by law and ordered that the party with next highest votes cast should be returned elected. Consequently, the then APC Governorelect in Zamfara, Mukhtar Idris; Senatorelect, Governor Yari who was already making moves to become Deputy Senate President in the 9th Assembly among other National and State Assembly candidates were thrown into the situation of the biblical Moses who actually saw the land of Canaan but could not enter according to God’s command and in their case, Supreme Court order. The Zamfara tsunami re-launched Oshiomhole into another political battle first declared by his second-in-command, Lawal

Shuaibu, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), who demanded for nothing less than Oshiomhole’s resignation. Shuaibu had in a letter dated May 27th, 2019 addressed to the Chairman, noted that in advanced democracies, people who fail to add value or build over and above what they met on assumption of office show some civilised examples and “they honourably resign”. He said: “It is my honest opinion that your ability to ensure this party flourishes is deficient as you lack the necessary composure and you also don’t possess the capabilities and the requisite experience to run a political party. “I write this letter to you with a very deep (sic) heart and high sense of responsibility. I write this letter thinking because I am a critical stakeholder in the APC project. I write this letter with my hands shaking, arising from the realising of my involvement in a project that is currently seen as failing, even before achieving the ambition of its founding fathers. I never found myself in any failed project. “In advanced democracies, people who fail to add value or build over and above what they met on assumption of duty show some civilised examples, they honourably bow out. In that connection, therefore, I want to advise you to take the path of honour, to step aside and allow the party to embark on the onerous task of reconstruction and rehabilitation in those states it was weakened by the effect of the last primary election exercises. “Or even the task of recreating the party where it is on the path of extinction, arising from the loss of a sitting APC Government, for example in Zamfara State, where you directly and personally created the problem leading to the painful complete loss of

APC’s electoral fortunes.” According to him, “From up to down, all these are uncontestable facts. You cannot exonerate yourself from what happened to APC (in) Zamfara State, thereby destroying the hopes and aspirations of 534,541 APC members and supporters”. As the Zamfara-induced battle ensued, Oshiomhole entered another ring with his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki. The battle got messier following the inauguration of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly when 15 out of 24 members ‘loyal” to the former governor were not inaugurated while nine said to be ‘loyal’ to the incumbent governor were inaugurated. Oshiomhole’s battle with Obaseki culminated in the disqualification of the Edo State Governor from participating in the party’s primary election and he had since joined the main opposition People’s Democratic Party and clinched its ticket for the off-season gubernatorial election slated for September 19, 2020. Again, while Oshiomhole was still celebrating as part of achievements the Supreme Court judgement that removed Emeka Ihedioha and declared Hope Uzodinma as Governor of Imo State, the same Supreme Court sacked David Lyon, Governor-elect of Bayelsa and his Deputy, Deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo few hours to their inauguration. The APC Chairman was under attacks again for his alleged role in the emergence of the Bayelsa Deputy Governorship whose inconsistent records led to squashing of the joint ticket with Lyon. As many protests over this and other issues were ongoing, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Abuja upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman by the Executives of Ward 10 in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. The suspension order followed a suit filed by the National Vice Chairman, North East of the ruling APC, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, a factional chairman of the APC in Edo State, Anselm Ojezua and others, seeking to remove Oshiomhole from office. Although Oshiomhole quickly rushed and obtained an interim injunction from a High Court in Kano to stop his removal, APC leaders including Governors, National Working Committee members were bent on the enforcement of the earlier judgment to ensure the suspension holds. The Court of Appeal also upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole who as usual rushed to Supreme Court but before the hearing of his suit, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had dissolved the entire NWC he was heading. This signified the end of the road for Oshiomhole who unlike him conceded defeat and even withdrew the Supreme Court suit. The former APC National Chairman at a press conference in Abuja said: “I’m not going into the question of legality or illegality. The bottom line is that the President who invited me to lead the party and who mobilised all the support for my emergence as Chairman also presided over the meeting where the NWC has now been dissolved. “As a demonstration of my loyalty to Mr. Continues on page 12

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Politics Elections conducted by the current INEC are anti-democratic – Onovo Martin Onovo is a trained Petroleum Engineer, a former presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP). He is head, Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change. In this interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he speaks on the recent legal action instituted against President Muhammadu Buhari by some eminent Nigerians; the practice of democracy in the country; INEC’s performance, among other issues. Excerpts: What is your take on the Court order instituted against President Muhammadu Buhari by some Southern leaders over the alleged lopsided appointments in his administration? he two pillars of democracy are the rule of law and the integrity of the ballot. Both are absent currently in Nigeria. So, a pseudo-democracy currently prevails in Nigeria. The court action is necessary to highlight the particular violation of the constitutional requirement of ‘Federal Character’. The government has remained deceitful, divisive and dictatorial. The impunity of this government is vexatious. It will be inappropriate and inexpedient for our Nigerian people to surrender to the impunity that prevails currently. These southern leaders that have instituted this action are authentic leaders of our people and have instituted this legal action after several social and political actions had been taken previously to get the government to respect the Constitution and the rights of Nigerian citizens. We wish our southern leaders had taken this action much earlier. However, it is better late than never. We pray that the judiciary will use this opportunity to correct this lawless, reckless and unpatriotic violation of the Constitution and check the descent of Nigeria to anarchy. We stand for the rule of law. We stand against lawlessness and impunity. We support these southern leaders in their patriotic efforts to ensure that our aspiration for a constitutional democracy is not completely destroyed.

Northern Elders Forum and the Coalition of Northern Groups has also condemned the Gen. Buhari government for the insecurity in the country. Since Gen. Buhari lacks the capacity to lead, he has to step down from office to save the country from final collapse. We can negotiate his terms for stepping down.

The Buhari-led administration has just marked five years in office, what areas do you think the administration should improve upon and give priority in the remaining years? The areas the Gen. Buhari administration should improve upon are clear to both the government and the opposition parties. These areas remain; Corruption, Security and the Economy, which this same administration claims are its priority areas. Predictably, the administration has failed most disastrously in these and all other priority areas. We do not think it has any capacity to lead. It cannot do better than this. Universally, leadership requires a clear Vision, Integrity, Competence, Service and Example. This administration lacks all these requirements and the results have been clearly disastrous. The administration has failed in all its own priority areas and every other areas. Corruption is currently much worse and is promoted with lawless impunity. Our ranking in Transparency International’s ‘Corruption Perception Index’ is worse. Insecurity is worse and has reached unprecedented levels. Insecurity has

Martin Onovo

spread to all regions of Nigeria with high intensity. Currently, Nigeria is ranked as the third most terrorised country in the world, by the ‘Global Terrorism Index’. Prior to this Gen. Buhari administration, we were fourth most terrorised country in the world and with the current trend with Gen. Buhari insecurity is even still increasing from the current unprecedented level. The national economy has been completely ruined by this Gen. Buhari administration. Currently, we have the highest national debt ever. We have the highest unemployment level ever. Our Naira hit its lowest value ever under this same Gen. Buhari administration. Inflation is the worst ever and we are currently the global capital of extreme poverty. Under this Gen. Buhari administration, things will only get worse because of the lack of capacity to lead. The security situation, especially in the North appears to have worsened in recent time; what can be done? Those that fail to plan are planning to fail. A comprehensive and suitable ‘Security Management System’ will control insecurity in Nigeria. Such a ‘Security Management System’ will have appropriate Intelligence, Preventive, Response Capacity and Surveillance sub-systems. Many ethical analysts have blamed the Gen. Buhari administration for the current insecurity. From deceit to denial to massive corruption and now to bewilderment, the very predictable incompetence and ineptitude of this Gen. Buhari-led government is catastrophic. Katsina State protesters have called on Gen. Buhari to resign. Remember that Gen. Buhari is from Katsina State. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria previously called on Gen. Buhari to resign and now, the

INEC says it is poised to conduct elections through electronic voting from next year, are you optimistic of an improvement in the system? INEC has absolutely no credibility. INEC lacks integrity and no system can work effectively without integrity. We cannot believe anything said by INEC. We know that INEC is the ‘Election Committee’ of the ruling party. How can we believe the same INEC under its current Chairman? INEC deceived the entire country with its electronic collation manual and electronic card readers in 2019 only to deny the opposition access to its server to show the evidence of the massive rigging of the 2019 presidential election. Same INEC claimed it accredited over nine hundred thousand voters in Boko Haram infested Borno State alone. Same Borno State that Prof. Osinbajo said was largely inaccessible due to the Islamic terrorist insurgency. INEC has no credibility. We cannot believe INEC under its current Chairman that is a puppet of the ruling party. Nigeria just marked 21 years of democracy; what is your assessment of the situation, what needs to be improved upon to make citizens? Currently, Nigeria is a pseudo-democracy. Elections conducted by the current INEC are anti-democratic. INEC simply arranges a charade each time we have an election. What we practise in Nigeria presently cannot be appropriately called a democracy. It lacks all the fundamental requirements of a democracy. It is inaccurate to call it a democracy. In a democracy, the rule of law and the integrity of the ballot are inviolable. The current Chairman of INEC is the worst INEC Chairman ever. We must first re-establish our constitutional values. That will be the foundation. These national problems are mostly moral including Corruption, Crime, Deceit, Violence, Rigging, Bribery, Injustice, etc. If this is done, then we can have the synergy required for national development. What is your take on the controversial Infectious Disease Bill? It is a despicable and audacious scam. It is unlawful as it violates the Constitution. It is undemocratic as it has been rejected by the overwhelming majority of Nigerians and their legislators. It is unpatriotic as it promotes foreign interests above our Nigerian national interests. It must be rejected in its entirety.

After controversial exit, what does the future hold for Oshiomhole? Continued from page 11

President, loyalty to our party and loyalty Nigeria nation, I have decided to accept the decision in good faith and to maintain my loyalty, my respect and admiration of President Muhammadu Buhari. “Accordingly, I have instructed my lawyers to withdraw my case that is currently pending at the Supreme Court which has to do with the issue of my suspension. To sustain the legal action would be tantamount to disobeying one of the decisions that the President has made. “I have a duty to live by example. I have taken a bow and accept the decision of the NEC. The APC under my chairmanship has done its best and the results are there. Of course, we have now been dissolved and I have accepted that dissolution in good faith”. However, this seeming statement of ‘surrender’ by the once belligerent and irrepressible Oshiomhole, suggests that he has indeed yielded to ‘superior forces’ in the party who are said to be scheming to completely annihilate him politically if he had dared to challenge the decisions of President Buhari. A member of the APC in Edo State, who does not want his name on print, said: “Oshiomhole was unwise to have opened too many fronts of political battle which he was not equipped to win. His belligerent and uncouth ways isolated many stakeholders that would have thrown their support behind him and his poor management of the party caused massive dissension. Oshiomhole abandoned the principles he preached and lost his sense of perception. “Therefore, when the fierce political blitzkrieg was unleashed by his opponents he was smacked into silence and possibly into political oblivion. This is a lesson for those who lack tact and strategy and above all possessed by bumbling arrogance, the fall is always huge. Oshiomhole must learn from this if he must have another chance to bounce back to reckoning.” There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for the former Labour leader as the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee has appointed him a member of the party’s highlevel National Campaign Council for the Edo State Governorship Election, where he will campaign for Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who he had earlier castigated in very ugly terms. The 49-member Committee is chaired by Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. This might be the opportunity Oshiomhole needs to re-launch himself. Whether he is able to exploit this opportunity depends on prevailing circumstances. BDSUNDAY however, gathered that Oshiomhole is allegedly lobbying to be given a ministerial position as a softlanding but it appears he may achieve too little as the intrigues in the party pile up ahead of the APC national convention. A source told our correspondents that President Buhari and his Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction of the APC coalition have allegedly perfected plans to eliminate the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faction where Oshiomhole and the acclaimed ‘National Leader’ of the party Bola Tinubu belonged. How Oshiomhole, Tinubu and the others in the ACN faction would navigate out of these murky waters and still remain relevant would be determined by time.

Sunday 05 July 2020

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Politics Giadom, Ebiri, others eye APC National Chair ... As party considers moving seat out of Edo

Ebiri, a former Governor of Cross Rivers State is said to be another potential APC National Chairman. The APC chieftain who also aspired for the office at the 2018 National Convention is favoured by those who want a level headed National Chairman that would maintain stability and has the administrative acumen to run a party. According to pundits, Ebiri was the desired candidate by most APC Governors and other leaders in 2018 until President Muhammadu Buhari threw his weight behind Oshiomhole.

James Kwen, Abuja

here are strong indications that the immediate past factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Giadom, former Cross River State Governor, Clement Ebiri and David Lyon, the sacked Bayelsa State Governor-elect would contest for the position of APC National Chairman at the party’s National Convention holding before the end of this year. Other likely contenders are Great Ogboru, Delta State APC Governorship candidate in 2019 general elections and Nsima Ekere, Akwa Ibom State Governorship candidate in 2019 polls. This is just as BusinessDay gathered that APC may zone the office of National Chairman out of Edo State, except if it win the September 19 Governorship election in the State. Recall that the National Working Committee of APC led by Oshiomhole was recently dissolved by the National Executive Committee (NEC), following protracted leadership crisis precipitated by the Court of Appeal ruling which upheld his suspension by APC Executives in Ward 10 of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Consequently, NEC constituted Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee led by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai-Mala Buni and former APC National Secretary with the cardinal mandate to organise a National Convention within six months. The Buni-led Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee has already commenced consultations with stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones with first visit to South-West where it met with the former Interim National Chairman, Bisi Akande and APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu. After the consultations and reconciliation visits and meetings, the Committee would begin the process of National Convention after Edo and Ondo Governorship elections, holding September and October,

Victor Giadom

Clement Ebiri

respectively. Already, political permutations have began on who would emerge the next APC Chairman within the South-South geopolitical zone, except Edo where the retention of the seat is dependent on outcome of the governorship election ahead. An insider in the APC scheme of things dismissed insinuations that the party would zone the seat to another geopolitical zone, stressing that someone from South- South must be elected to complete the two years left for Oshiomhole. The APC Chieftain who would not want to be mentioned told BusinessDay that: “It will still be South South. Any convention they want to do now, they will use it to complete the two years left for Oshiomhole. “It is after 2022 that they will rezone it. It is 2022 that they will say Chairman will come from North, Secretary will come from South West, and so on”. He however, emphasized that: “They are not even zoning it to Edo. They are even struggling now to win Edo. Can they win Edo? Do you think it is easy to win Obaseki there.” On the possibility of Oshiomhole contesting again, the party’s kingpin said: “Os-

hiomhole will contest for what? Somebody they sacked? Even if he wants to contest nobody will give him form. They have blacklisted him”. Meanwhile, names of notable APC chieftains from the remaining South-South States, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers are permeating discourse on who becomes the next party’s National Chairman. They include: Giadom, Ebiri, Lyon, Ogboru and Ekere. GIADOM Giadom is from Rivers State and the immediate past APC factional National Chairman who coordinated the NEC that led to the dissolution of the Oshiomhole-led NWC which he was originally a member, serving as Deputy National Secretary. Giadom is considered fit for the office of National Chairman based on his demonstrable courage that blocked Oshiomhole loyalists in the NWC from stage managing his return despite the hue and cry against his leadership. There are permutations that he would rewarded with the National Chairman slot for his bravery that saved the party. EBIRI

LYON Lyon was elected Governor of Bayelsa State under the platform of the APC but his election was upturned by Supreme Court on the eve of his inauguration over inconsistencies in the credentials of his running mate. For breaking the jinx of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by winning at least at ballot, many believed that Lyon is a material APC National Chairman. Discussions are said to be ongoing by party stalwarts from the State and the entire zone to try a relatively non regular name. OGBORU Ogboru, a serial governorship aspirant was also the APC governorship candidate in the 2019 general election for Delta State. Popularly called by his first name, ‘Great’, feelers are that Ogboru is considering to take shot at the APC National Chairmanship. Many party supporters see him as someone with the vibrancy such as that of Oshiomhole who can adequately counter the opposition. EKERE Ekere was the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC) and the APC Governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom in the 2019 general elections. Ekere according to credible party sources is been considered by party leaders for the position of National Chairman based on perceived his loyalty. One APC chieftain said Ekere will be just like the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus who is not always fighting with party leaders and members.

How COVID-19 buried 9th Senate legislative agenda

Solomon Ayado, Abuja

efore the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus known as COVID-19, the 9th Senate was making remarkable progress in achieving the legislative agenda it had rolled out to enhance stability of its activities. The legislative agenda was framed in such a way to guide the parliamentary operations of the Senate, within four years. But since the outbreak of COVID-19, the ambitious legislative agenda has not seen the light of day and the leadership of the Red Chamber is yet to rework the agenda to meet the current realities. Of course, if the agenda is reworked, it will definitely enable the Senate find a better direction, and to formulate workable strategies in tackling the dangerous health challenge, and the general hardship faced by the nation. Apart from the fact that the Senate explained that the legislative agenda was basically to enhance national development and stability, it also said critical sectors of the economy were seriously underdeveloped and there was urgent need to revamp them. Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had explained that the National Assembly is concerned that growth of critical sectors

are forfeited, hence the legislative agenda. In the agenda, the Senate had rolled out revitalisation of agriculture, industrialisation, power generation, return to JanuaryDecember budget cycle, curb increasing youth unemployment, alleviate poverty and the menace of out-of-school children in the country. Also, the Senate resolved to ensure the creation of special health centres in the six geopolitical zones, fast-track the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), electoral reform, block revenue leakages, Open National Assembly Policy and cut down Federal Government’s agencies, among others. Other areas in the agenda included; security of lives and property, national unity and progress, fight against corruption, eradication of ethnicity, as well as, general development of infrastructure. However, investigations have shown that as critical as the agenda, the 9th Senate has only so far achieved the revert of the budget cycle from January to December, and passed the PIB. Senate had also constituted a committee to review the security architecture of the country, headed by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahayah Abdullahi. Also, it formed a 57-man committee to review the consti-

tution, chaired by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege . These committees are yet to even conclude their assignments. Their mandates seem to have been overtaken by COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate committee on power, chaired by Senator Gabriel Suswam recently began work on power recovery plan. It has held an interactive hearing session on the motion. As it is, several critical parts of the legislative agenda, such as unemployment, health, revitalisation of agriculture, power generation, the fight against corruption among others, are not yet achieved. No legislation has been enacted to tackle COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Senate has been approving monetary requests from both domestic and foreign borrowings, sent to it by the executive. A law has not been enacted to address the current health challenge the people are faced with. It is expected that the Senate, like the House of Representatives, should by now kick start rework of the agenda to meet the COVID-19 realities. To meet up with the contemporary challenges, occasioned by the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Representatives at it’s one year anniversary, few weeks ago, launched a revised legislative

agenda identifying 10 key policy areas: Healthcare Delivery; Education; Economy; Security; Agriculture & Food Security; Sustainable Power; Environment and Climate Change; Human Capital Development and Social Investment; Governance; and The Parliament. Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila explained that the evolvement became imperative due to the pandemic, and to make sure a people-oriented legislation is achieved. He said that the National Assembly would make legislations that can reflect the realities of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. “The National Assembly is all geared up already to make legislations and pass laws that will align with the situation we have found ourselves. “So, it is incumbent and proper on us to rework that legislative agenda in line with our current realities and that’s what we are going to do,” Gbajabiamila stated. Meanwhile, his counterpart in the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, is yet to explain whether or not the Red Chamber will also be reworking its legislative agenda, like the House of Representatives did. The Senate leadership is yet to officially state any position on the matter. It has not mentioned or deliberated the legislative agenda in plenary recently.

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Sunday 05 July 2020

Feature

How forensic audit will reposition NDDC, save Niger Delta

...As communication experts perfect skills on reporting the forensic investigation

IGNATIUS CHUKWU

ere mention of forensic audit sends tension rising, anywhere it is mentioned in the Niger Delta. This is because it divides the people into those who desperately support the audit and those who think it can only be over their dead bodies. This could be that early mention of massive looting and fraud in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) especially by external influencers seemed to define the forensic audit as a scheme that has come to send top leaders to the grave. There were such disclosures as one senator pocketing 300 contracts, collecting full payment for 200, and doing exactly no work. There was a revelation of one person pocketing one billion naira every month for merely seeing statutorily mandated organisations transfer their obligatory sums to the Commission. There was news of skyrocketing variation of the NDDC permanent building from about N4bn to about N16bn, etc. Many began to call the Commission a cash cow, and later an election-funding agency. The most spurious was that most former executives of the place wanted to be governors of their states, ready with financial war-chests to fight it out. The notion that the forensic audit was set up to destroy some persons especially political obstacles seemed to give the ‘innocent’ audit a terrible name. Thus, an explosion occurred aimed at blasting the audit to smithereens. Groups suddenly emerged to attack the managers of the forensic audit and to even demand for scrapping of the Commission. To them, it is better to cut down the tree that houses the beehive instead of suffering bee stings, no matter what fruit the tree was carrying. The Daniel Pondei-led Interim Management Committee (IMC) reacted stoutly by fighting back. Its executive director (projects) who once was a lawmaker and knew in and out of the intrigues and rackets there took them frontally on. It was thus revealed that a racket existed in the National Assembly where the two chairmen that control or oversee the NDDC (Niger Delta affairs) served as ‘contract managers’ for top NASS leaders and members. It was further revealed that a strategy existed whereby before the budget of the Commission is ever approved, a long list of NASS-backed contractors of the Commission must be paid. As the forensic audit-provoked war raged, the NDDC released list of the companies that were made to be paid by the NDDC on pressure from the NASS committee

leaders. This provoked national uproar. The result seemed to be that communicating the forensic audit exercise seems to be the issue. The audit was given the tone of a witch-hunting exercise. Many may have whispered that such communication style could attract more detractors and rather kill the audit scheme instead of enhance it. Now, a training workshop has just been packaged by a consultant to help design a narrative for the audit. At the seminar, the NDDC made it clear the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Commission is rather a solution to the years of decay and challenges of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region. Speaking at the training organized by Clearpoint Communications for 10 communication specialists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Professor Daniel Pondei, said that the forensic audit fol-

Charles Obi Odili

lowed a request by the governors of the nine Niger Delta States, noting that the aim of the forensic exercise was to highlight the areas of strength and weaknesses of the Commission and not to witch-hunt any group or individual. Pondei, who was represented by the Director Corporate Affairs, Charles Obi Odili, stated that the audit was sacrosanct because the time had come for the NDDC, which was established in 2000, to offer a lasting solution to the socioeconomic challenges of the Niger Delta region, to take a quantum leap into the future as evidenced in other delta regions of the world. He remarked: “I am happy you are being trained today to give strategic communication support to the forensic audit teams in the nine Niger Delta states and the assignment of the audit team is to evaluate and examine the financial records of the Commission. “In September last year, when

the governors of the Niger Delta States visited the president, Muhammadu Buhari, they highlighted the need for the forensic examination of the account of the NDDC, so that we can see what we have done with what we have received so far. It has come to a point the NDDC needs to know where it stands, not just in the court of public opinion but in the very essence of the organization. That is why this is important, so that we can take positive steps towards getting positive results. “So, what the exercise would do is that, it would highlight the areas of strength and at the same time point out the various areas of weaknesses. This is very important because it is high time the Niger Delta region took a dynamic leap into the future. Why this project is key is that whenever the Niger Delta is sick, the entire nation would be sick.” Delivering a paper entitled: ‘The NDDC, Facts, Figures and Falsehood’, the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, noted that the Niger Delta region that is the third largest delta region on earth populated by 31.2 million people, was the least developed region in Nigeria. Amu-Nnadi explained that while the natural resources from the Niger Delta makes Nigeria the 6th largest oil producer in the world, 70 percent of the people in the region live below the poverty line, just as “all indices of development such as education, health, sanitation, job creation, water and other physical infrastructures were far below acceptable standards.” He said: “To address this unfortunate paradox, the Federal Government established the NDDC through an Act of the National Assembly, the NDDC Act 2000, with the aim to cater for the needs of the nine political states of the Niger Delta region. To implement its obviously wide mandate, the NDDC at inception adopted a two-pronged strategy, an interim

action plan under which all projects abandoned would be completed and new ones executed to douse prevalent tension and a regional master plan that will be a roadmap for integrated, long-term development. Over two million patients have been treated in the NDDC Free Healthcare Mission, a figure that far outweighs numbers typically treated by some of the best hospitals yearly.” Nnadi further noted: “But after many years of failed promises, lingering mistrust has remained one habit that refused to go away. Even people using NDDC facilities and/or projects, such as roads, still say NDDC has done nothing. It is sometimes difficult to get the communities to support and/or partner with government. “Also, there are serious poor governance issues across the region. Despite receipts by other agencies and project providers, there is serious pressure on the NDDC, due to poor allocation, application and implementation issues. Unfortunately, funding has been a lingering issue and NDDC has not received its full statutory due. “At this point you may want to ask, after the period of praises for being a solution to the problems of the Niger Delta, what went wrong? How did NDDC go from an agency of hope and promise to one which is being investigated for poor delivery on its mandate? The answer would be that we are in the era of emergency projects, budget strictures and undue political influence.” In his own presentation, the Deputy Director, Media Relations, Pius Ughakpoteni, discussed what it takes to manage digital public relations and social media for the NDDC forensic audit team. He stated: “As communications specialists, the most critical part of your job entails assuaging a largely angry and disappointed people and taming voices of discord the genuine intentions of the NDDC forensic audit across the Niger Delta region. To achieve this, you must be subsumed within the overall corporate, departmental strategy and social media plan of the NDDC forensic audit team.” To enable them function effectively, the communications specialists were presented with laptops, modems and flash drives to achieve key communication objectives for the NDDC forensic audit. With a new communication objective and new skills, the narrative on the forensic audit may tone down, probably to save it. It may now be communicated as a well-meaning audit that may show how better to do things next time instead of a gethim-down venture. This in itself would have its own burden. The forensic audit has already been positioned in the minds of Nigerians as a ferreting fire that would expose and in fact is already exposing things and people. The least the people would want to hear are names to what they already knew. Obliterating this expectation may destroy those who have won the hearts of the people by taking hard stance on the audit. Either

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Issue CHINASA KEN-UGWUH

llow me introduce my self- My name is Chinasa, Tolulope Ken-Ugwuh (and the names, albeit mixed, still do not give a complete account of my heritage).I was born to a Yoruba mother from Ile-Ife, Osun State and a half Igbo, half Kalabari father from Ngor-Okpala, Imo State and Abonnema, Rivers State respectively. Born in the beautiful city of Jos in and raised in the South Western city of Ibadan – suffice to say, I am as Nigerian as they come, an exotic blend of the rich and diverse ethnicity of Nigeria. However, being married to an Igbo man from Imo State, and with my bride-price duly paid according to the Igbo traditional rites, I automatically lose that exoticness, because I must now claim my husband’s state of origin, or so they say. I had to do this introduction to set the context, as it makes me question the fate of a ‘melting-pot’ like myself in a country where Federal Character trumps Meritocracy. This question came alive to me, when I learned of the alleged push backsfrom certain quarters, to the Presidential nomination of the accomplished Mrs. Opunimi Akinkugbe, CEO

of Bestman Games Ltd. and my one-time divisionalhead at Stanbic IBTC Bank, as an ambassador for Ondo State. The reason cited - she’s not a bonafide indigene of Ondo, and being married to a son of the soil, suddenly does not confer upon her such privileges. So, you see my dilemma - they tell you to take your husband’s name and all that comes with him, and when it comes to certain privileges, they remember your real state of origin. What happened to earning a position based on your capabilities and the value you will add, is there a problem with meritocratic nominations, is the overarching objective not to have a better and developed country with the best of the best at the helm of affairs? I’ll rest my case by calling this the two sidedness of patriarchy – where certain rules only apply when it suits society. Patriarchy may have its benefits as with all things in life, but it has been abused and is an underlying factor for a number of ills that exist in our societies. Take for instance, the story of the young lady, Olamide Alli (God rest her soul), who was brutally murderedby her fiancée, who also claimed his life thereafter. The incident begged if the reason behind such a heinous act could be ascribed to Psychopathy or

Psychopathy or Patriarchy: Re-imagine a world with less ‘special’ privileges Patriarchy. In conversation with my friend (as usual) Olayemi - we both agreed that the gentleman was clearly psychopathic and that everyone has a degree of “psychopathy” in them, just that some are less recessive than others. We then touched on patriarchy as a possible factor and agreed that it must’ve been an enabler. Here’s our rationale– if psychopathy is laced with extreme egocentricity, and you have patriarchal norms dictating that the male child’s masculinity is defined by the way he is in control all the time – this generally heightens

the person’s sense of self and can become toxic. Now imagine this coupled with a dominant psychopathic disorder. I am neither a feminist nor any kind of “ist”, I am just a strong advocate for “fairness”. Fairness to me is an equal playing field where you see human beings based on their values, capabilities and strengths, not tribe, gender, race, colour, creed, etc. To see the positive change we want in our societies, we must raise well rounded individuals. Therefore, my recommendation to millennial parents is this – “Teach the girls to

value self and not endure pain because of their gender – it is neither humility nor strength. Teach the boys to earn and not to own because of their gender – that is not strength, but a deep sense of entitlement.” As Martin Luther King dreamed that his children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.I look forward to a day in Nigeria, when your character and diligence as a person is enough to earn you a seat on the table not the character of your state of origin.

LG Electronics supports household needs; offers DualCool Premium AC

n line with its the slogan, “Life Is Good” which is a lifetime brand promise LG made to its esteemed customers, LG Electronics consistently deploys technology to make life really good for Nigerians. Every product introduced into the Nigerian market by LG Electronics indeed explains the fact that life can only be good when human beings become susceptible to the workings of technology. That is what LG has been doing for Nigerians, making life good. The LG DUALCOOL Premium Floor Standing Air Conditioner launched into the Nigerian market in Lagos recently, the first of its kind to be introduced in the Middle East & Africa region apart from the Korean market reveals how through creative innovative technology the LG brand is impacting life. According to the Head of Corporate Marketing Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Hari Elluru, LG Electronics has come a long way in supporting millions of households with quality, cutting-edge technological products. The LG DUALCOOL Premium Floor Standing Air Conditioner expresses that philosophy, which indeed is to ensure that it offers products of technology and innovative designs to its esteemed consumers in Nigeria and all over the world. For instance, the LG DUALCOOL Premium Air Conditioner is

an art of technology inspired by a form of a round pillar that sends optimal wind anywhere. It has two short-haul and long-distance runners inside the air conditioner to operate in the most optimal way in each section to save energy through the help of AI Dual Inverter. As explained by the Head of Corporate Marketing Division, when compared to a general cooling of 10.8℃ on average, the LG DUALCOOL Premium Air Conditioner blows 6.8℃ wind on average to provide instant cooling when it is turned on. A very unique thing about this technology, which is absent in other brands is that the LG DUALCOOL Premium Air Conditioner provides custom cooling of direct winds with up, down, left and right wind control. For Chinedu Ibe a longtime lover of LG products, what excites him in the LG DUALCOOL Premium Air Conditioner is how

technology was deployed to deliver pure air to the home of its consumers, which according to him demonstrates creativity. According to him, LG provides essential information using the latest technology at-a-glance so that the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) The display shows current conditions and air purification progress via icons that change color to reflect the cleanliness of the surrounding air. He also said that worth of the note is how technology is been used to indicate indoor air quality in real-time, whether it is purifying the air or not. Another customer John Odata, an investment banker has this to say about the purification features of the LG DUALCOOL describing it as a high-performance air conditioner that cools more effectively and efficiently than competing products. He said further that what excites him also was the LG’s

advanced DUAL Inverter Compressor, which he said saves more energy and cools faster than a conventional model adding that the Comfort Air mode that comes with it will indeed help users feel more relaxed and protect their health by adjusting the vane to the optimal angle, preventing airflow from blowing directly at them and causing a sudden drop in body temp. Indeed, the DUALCOOL has been developed with the user comfort in mind, to offer topquality air conditioning and purification, a comfortable and healthier indoor environment for consumers across Nigeria. No doubt technology ideally played out in the development of the product so that it is suited for domestic users such as their Dual Inverter Compressor that can save up to 70% in energy compared to conventional compressors along with 40% faster air output. And in the words of an electronic product dealer in Lagos, Mr. Steve Okpara, the new DUALCOOL range of air conditioners Gold Fin anti-corrosion coating will enhance durability over its lifespan stressing that of particular value is that the ranges are controllable via a downloadable free smartphone app, which makes them especially suited to modern lifestyles. He equally observed that LG ensures that users can also easily send diagnostics remotely

to an LG air conditioner service technician for an initial diagnosis, a feature that also helps to enhance the overall service life of the DUALCOOL. According to him, one thing that will excite environmentalist is the LG DUALCOOL R410 refrigerant that has zero ozone depletion potential, making it less of a strain on the environment along with their Plasmaster Ionizer technology that removes 99% of the bacteria in the ambient environment while deodorizing the air at the same time. Okpara explained further that another reason why he believes that the product will be of immense benefit to the user is the fact that the LG Dual Cool with Dual Inverter Floor Standing Air Conditioner stands out with its aircooling capacity of up to 20,000 kJ/ hour, and its ability to reduce the time needed to expel heat by up to 30 percent. For most consumers like Fred Afolabi, getting an air conditioner that cools at ago has often been an issue but according to him, the LG Dual Cool with Dual Inverter Floor standing Type Air Conditioner has brought that relief to him because of its ability to cool a room in no time at all According to him, the air-conditional has been well equipped with a revolutionary Dual Inverter Compressor that eliminates unnecessary noise that ensures one has a sound sleep every night, and indeed at any time of the day.

16BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 5 July 2020 Sunday 05 July 2020

#InspiringWomanSeries WithKemiAjumobi Instagram Live

Guest: Adetowun Candide-Johnson, Founder, GAIA Africa

n my Instagram Live session called I n s p i r i n g Wo m a n S e r i e s Wi t h Ke m i Ajumobi, on Tuesday 30th of June 2020, my guest was Adetowun Candide-Johnson. The Founder of GAIA Africa. She shared her experience growing up. She was born in Lagos Nigeria, went away for a few years when she was 3, came back when she was five and then went back again. Her parents shaped her growing up. As a Lawyer, people often asked her

why the choice of Law? “My family, on both sides, mother’s family, father’s family are all Lawyers. So, I don’t know, maybe I just thought it was an automatic thing. I fell into it, I guess. Or maybe I just assumed that’s what my parents would want me to do, but I did Law anyway. So did my brother, so did my younger sister. Three of us are Lawyers in the family even though only one is really practicing”. She says. Adetowun decided to practice for a few years, litigation specifically, and she didn’t like it at all. “I didn’t like

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

the idea of having to sit in court for hours and then the judge will come and tell you he or she is not sitting for the day.” She remembers. Her Experience with Total is one she isn’t quick to forget. How you ask? Well, she was headhunted. “I had a really nice lady from Italy who used to live here with her husband, and she worked at a guest house, and so she would see a lot of expatriates coming in and they would say they were looking for people. Before Total and Elf Petroleum merged, Elf Petroleum was a larger company in the upstream and Total Nigeria was a larger company in the downstream. Total upstream was very small and was an exploration company when it came in. I was working with Total upstream, and when we merged, we had to join Elf Petroleum. At the time we merged, it became Total Fina, and then it became Total.” Adetowun states.

Climbing the professional career for her was peculiar in terms of challenges because, by virtue of the fact that she was a Lawyer, made it slightly different because she was working, at that time, as a professional in the industry. “Maybe if I was an Engineer, my trajectory may have been different. I didn’t really have those issues, but when you start to get into the senior management, you see it all along. The issue there is that, there is an element of politics and most women don’t play the political game. We just don’t. And some do, good for them.” When Candide-Johnson moved to Elf Petroleum, she was there for one year as senior legal, and then she became the legal manager, then general council. “Oil and gas industry is fairly secure, but there are difficulties that you have to surmount for example when it comes to promotion. There is no one you can compare yourself to, maybe because you’re the only female, and then they say you can’t move to the next level because you’re only managing one department. There are those problems.” Says ‘Towun. Candide-Johnson agrees to the fact that the traditional role of women is really not to be in any office. For her, some women can’t even call their husbands by their first names. She says, when you grow up in a culture like that, the issue of closing the gap is massive because until we get to a point when culture can actually understand that men and women are different but the same, we’re never going to close that gap. “It is also important to note that this is where we’re coming from but we’re now in 2020, and we cannot continue with the way things are otherwise, we’re just going to be left behind because, we all know what women are capable of if allowed. As McKinsey said, any society that still has this huge gap is leaving so much money on table. Between 12 trillion dollars and 28 trillion dollars is being lost by virtue of gender gap. That’s huge.” Adetowun says. Burdened by the surge in rape cases in Nigeria, Adetowun first admits it has been on for a while but for some reason, now, we’re getting to hear about it a bit more. She believes we need to be able to find a way to encourage women to speak up about these atrocities that are being committed against them. She says you will find that it’s very often the case that they become victims again, and it’s not necessarily only in Nigeria. “Unfortunately, this is really a sad worldwide thing whereby a woman who says she’s been raped is first of all ridiculed and abused. They’re like

‘what was she wearing?’, ‘why was she there?’. You will find that because nothing happens to the abusers, they can go ahead and continue doing it. That’s on the one hand.” She states that the other thing is women beginning to think that this is the only way. For her, we’re living in a society now where the values are just turned upside down and that’s if we have any values at all. “A society where cash is the only currency that counts, and some women are ready to do whatever it takes just to get this cash, and if there are women that are like that, then you have men who feel that every woman is like that. Then you have the enablers who allow this thing to happen.” Adetowun complains. She agrees we do have the laws, but they haven’t been properly enforced because, a young lady walking into a police station that is dominated by men to report a rape isn’t going to be an easy pull for her. She suggests that we should have enough people in rape crisis centres because the increase in rape cases is alarming. Candide-Johnson set up GAIA to close the gap and she has decided to concentrate on female leaders, women who are already at that level. Women who have already climbed that ladder and now the question is: “what can these women do together or on behalf of each other to make sure that we have more women leaders in the right places, to make sure that women are helping other women, women are collaborating with other women, women are doing business with other women, women are sponsoring other women?”. For her, it really is that idea that there is somebody who can speak well of you when you’re not in the room. And when you think about board appointments, jobs, deals, who is it that is talking for you? The idea for GAIA is to bring these women together in a safe space where they can be who they are and connected on a very deep level. Encouraging every woman there, she says you need to trust yourself. “You need to believe in yourself. You need to believe that you can do anything you set your mind to doing. It’s nice to have encouragers, but if you don’t, I think you need to shut them out. Don’t let anybody discourage you from your dreams, from your vision. It’s hard work, and you have to be dogged about it. Honestly, many times I want to give up but I can’t because I feel that I don’t really want to fail, but at the same time, I know that what I want to do is positive and I believe that if I just keep striving, I will get there. It may take me longer than I anticipated.”

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Mirror Mirror…

OSARENNOMA OGBEIDE

ow do you look at yourself? Or rather how do you see yourself? Many people look into the mirror and decide to see what they want to see instead of the image the mirror gives back to them. Now, this could be viewed from two angles. If the image you see in the mirror is one that is discouraging, then it will be good for you to see yourself as

better, anticipating improvements as dwelling onv the shortcomings you see won’t make you any better. It could also be that the image you see in the mirror is just right on track or even way ahead of what you’d planned. Believe me, there will always be haters, so this is where you see yourself as a success not minding the haters that stain your mirror. At some point in our lives, we would feel at very odd lows where we think less of ourselves or other people

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refuse to see the good in us. This is enough reason for us to develop a positive self-image, one that can’t be tainted irrespective of people’s comments or changing seasons. If this can’t be done, one would keep seeking validation from others and when their comments don’t sit right with you, you only see a failed selfimage in the mirror. Loving yourself is very essential. Everyone is echoing self-love here and there but beyond the public awareness, you need to genuinely love yourself enough to love your own company. It is when we lack true self love that we sometimes seek the love of others in hope to feel more important. Being alone should not mean being lonely, it’s simply a time for you to enjoy your own company, being able to make yourself laugh and remembering memories only you can understand. Love yourself enough to not depend on another person to love you for you. Self-respect isn’t farfetched; it is simply seeing yourself with value. Imagine receiving hateful comments from people and then you top it off by saying negative things to yourself. If anyone should hold you in high esteem before all others, it should be you. Be your greatest cheerleader, be confident about yourself and your decisions within you so that you won’t be in a situation where you’re in an argument with someone and you feel silly even when your facts are right just because the other chose to be condescending. That is where you should stand up for yourself and build a reputation that others respect and honour. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. Nobody likes failure quite alright but great achievers have learnt from their failures. So when people want to talk you down because you failed at something, the best response to them would be that you didn’t stop, instead you kept going until you succeed.

WOMEN Women groupGROUP advocatesADVOCATES stiffer punishmentSTIFFER for rapists PUNISHMENT FOR RAPISTS DESMOND OKON

omen of Integrity, Strategy, and Excellence International, a non-profit organisation, popularly also known as BE WISE has advocated death sentence for rapists. Founder /president of the group, Chinyere Maduka-Onwu, reacting to the rape and the gruesome murder of Barakat Bello in Ibadan and many other victims of rape said that making rape a death sentence was the only way to deter people from committing the heinous crime. Maduka-Onwu, also a lawyer, said if capital punishment is being dispensed to the perpetrators, it would help in deterring others who see girls and women as sex toys that they could use and discard at will. Her suggestion for the way out of the rape culture that has become entrenched in Nigeria is not the first. Many advocates have pondered hard on how to deal with the scourge, but bulwarked

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VEGETABLE STEW WITH Vegetable stew with sweet potatoes SWEET POTATOES

MEALS TO ENJOY BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES

In addition, she said that the justice system needs serious overhauling in order to make it difficult for rapists to evade justice. The human right activist said that Section 358 of the Criminal Code stated unequivocally that a person who commits rape is liable to imprisonment for life, with or without caning. She further argued the full weight of the law had not been applied in rape cases over the years, and because of that, the crime had become a recurring trend in society.

RECIPE •

Get your fiber fix with this quick and easy vegetable stew RECIPE • • • • • • • • • •

1 big bunch Ugu leaves ½ cup roughly ground fresh pepper Smoked catfish ½ kg prawns Pomo ( as you wish) ½ kg sweet potatoes (boiled) Palm oil 2tbsp crayfish 2 Classic beef seasoning Salt as desired

• • • • • • • • • • • •

1 kg chicken breast (cut into big cubes) 2tsp Soy sauce 1tsp paprika Small thumb of ginger 3 garlic cloves Honey Oil for frying 1/2 cup flour 1/8cup corn flour Black pepper Knob of Butter Sesame oil Sesame seed

PREPARATION

1. Season the chicken with the first 4 ingredients, set aside.

1. On a medium heat, boil water and pour over pre-rinsed Ugu. Let sit for 5miniutes then drain

2. In a medium bowl combine flour, corn flour, dry herbs, paprika, black pepper, and egg...add a little chilled water till it forms a paste.

2. Fry pepper in 2tablespoon palm oil and add some crayfish 3. Add the fish, pomo, prawn and adjust seasoning. Simmer for about 3mins and then add the Ugu leaves. Allow it to reduce properly and then add parboiled sweet potatoes. Allow to combine well and then serve hot.

3. Pour chicken into flour batter and then fry.

SESAME CHICKEN& Rice Sesame chicken & RICE

5. Toss with more sesame seeds and finish with spring onions. Serve as is, or with steamed white rice and veggies.

Quick and easy Asian chicken served as it is or with steamed white rice and veggies

by legislative sluggishness and unwillingness. The Nigerian Senate rejected castration as punishment for offenders on the reason that a commensurate punishment for female offenders is yet to be arrived at. However, Maduka-Onwu believes that one of the reasons rapists escape justice is because the entire prosecution system is maledominated and as such, doesn’t understand the level of devastation and dehumanisation that victims of rape go through.

BDSUNDAY17

4. To make the sauce, add a knob of butter to the pan, add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, reduce sauce and pour chicken into the sauce.

16BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 5 July 2020 Sunday 05 July 2020

SundaySunday 5 July05 2020 July 2020

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#InspiringWomanSeries WithKemiAjumobi Instagram Live

Guest: Adetowun Candide-Johnson, Founder, GAIA Africa

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

Mirror Mirror…

OSARENNOMA OGBEIDE

@businessDayNG

WOMEN Women groupGROUP advocatesADVOCATES stiffer punishmentSTIFFER for rapists PUNISHMENT FOR RAPISTS DESMOND OKON

@Businessdayng

VEGETABLE STEW WITH Vegetable stew with sweet potatoes SWEET POTATOES

MEALS TO ENJOY BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES

RECIPE •

Get your fiber fix with this quick and easy vegetable stew RECIPE • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • •

PREPARATION

1. Season the chicken with the first 4 ingredients, set aside.

1. On a medium heat, boil water and pour over pre-rinsed Ugu. Let sit for 5miniutes then drain

2. In a medium bowl combine flour, corn flour, dry herbs, paprika, black pepper, and egg...add a little chilled water till it forms a paste.

3. Pour chicken into flour batter and then fry.

SESAME CHICKEN& Rice Sesame chicken & RICE

5. Toss with more sesame seeds and finish with spring onions. Serve as is, or with steamed white rice and veggies.

Quick and easy Asian chicken served as it is or with steamed white rice and veggies

BDSUNDAY17

4. To make the sauce, add a knob of butter to the pan, add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, reduce sauce and pour chicken into the sauce.

Arts

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Sunday 05 July 2020

At home with Ikechukwu Ezeigwe, the anthropomorphic artist OBINNA EMELIKE

hough the concept of bodies that combine human and non-human elements is not new in the visual art world, yet Ikechukwu Ezeigwe is expanding the concept with his unique paintings. The fast-rising contemporary artist, who describes himself as an anthropomorphic artist, uses hybrid characters to pass across relevant messages to the viewers of his works and the society at large. His paintings are centred on politics, love, and sociocultural issues. Motivated by the desire to do something different and set himself apart from the many artists milling around the Nigerian art scene, Ezeigwe has developed anthropomorphic art as a unique style and a basic medium of expression. Today, the style has become his unique selling point, drawing many clients and rapidly increasing his self-worth. The Fine Art graduate from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, is ambitious of taking on the Nigerian art scene, and impacting global art landscape with his message imbued artworks. Taking a closer look at his works, he seduces the viewer with rare technical virtuosity, as well as, warns of a repulsive existence with permanent negative social behaviours and structures, if left to thrive. For instance, looking at

Ikechukwu Ezeigwe

some of his works, one wonders how he turns things around; from the usual to the unusual, yet striking to behold. Some of the unusual works include the Monkey Monlisa. He remade the famous Monalisa painting by using monkey head on the body instead of the adorable Monalisa head. He made four striking Monkey Monalisa, though all commissioned works, the first was used as the poster advert for Signature Gallery’s annual auction. Apart from his Monkey Monalisa series, ‘Buddies’, his painting, which is based on a social theme, is worth seeing. He has also held many solo exhibitions, group outings and collaborations across the country.

One of his remarkable recent group exhibitions was titled ‘Ayama’, a word derived from the Delta language meaning ‘community of people. The exhibition, which held at Freedom Park Lagos, was his fifth major group outing and it saw him selling all his works because of their exciting theme, unique painting and style. Most recently, he held a solo exhibition from May 29June 29, 2020. Due to the impact of coronavirus, it was a virtual exhibition presented by Omenka Gallery. Themed, ‘Beast of No Nation’, the virtual solo exhibition featured recent paintings by the artist. Speaking on the exhibition, Omenka Gallery noted that ‘Beast of No Na-

The Politician’s Wife by Ikechukwu Ezigwe

tion’, borrowed its title from Fela Kuti’s 1986 song, but unlike the Afrobeat maestro, Ezeigwe took viewers on an excursion through global history. As well, with a nod to ancient Greek mythology and an interrogation of colonialism, he singled out the most infamous of rulers. Nigerian politicians and businessmen also failed to escape Ezeigwe’s scrutiny; in his world, they assume animal forms to emphasize their negative traits of greed, corruption and an unabated thirst for power. The

powerful use of satire, according to the gallery, served to bring the exhibition’s offering of 15 paintings, all strongly individual, together. Looking at the 15 paintings offered at the exhibition, they appeared sketchy and often unfinished at first glance; yet the artist’s excitement with broad and sweeping gestural lines was clearly evident. In the work, “Berlin Conference 1884”, he captioned the painting of an ape’s triumphant moment, and provided further context in recounting

the events that led to sharing of the African continent’s vast mineral resources among powerful colonialists. Also in “Animalism: Vote for me I Go Build Road” and “Meet your Next President: Vote Blindly”, he warned against choosing a leader carelessly in the next gubernatorial elections in Nigeria, which would prove inimical to the progress in curbing corruption. While Ezeigwe is a shining light today, he recalls his humble beginning with nostalgia. He started drawing as a child and got a lot of beatings from his father, who did not fancy a career in art then. Recalling further, he said art was the only thing that separated him from his peers. However, his persistence has paid, as his father has long changed his mind and cherishes his art today. Again, he appreciates two special people that aided his smooth journey in the art world. He is grateful to Ndubuisi Chukwu, his boyhood friend, and school mate at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, who encouraged him to pursue art. He is also grateful to Rhaman Akar, the owner and manager of Signature Gallery in Ikoyi, for offering him a space in his gallery during his industrial training and inspired him as well. For the artist, there is more to offer as his creative ingenuity unfolds the more and in the years to come. He urges you to watch out for his works in galleries, private collections and follow his exhibitions.

Oraganisers announce 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize regional winners … Nigeria writer emerges African winner

udges praise winning stories “that are striking for their lateral leaps, their use of language, voice and subversion – and their sheer courage”. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded annually for the best piece of unpublished short fiction from the Commonwealth. It is the only prize in the world where entries can be submitted in Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Greek, Malay, Portuguese, Samoan, Swahili, Tamil, and Turkish. The overall winner will be announced via an online ceremony on Tuesday 30 June. The international judging panel, chaired by Nii Ayikwei Parkes, has chosen the five winning stories, from a shortlist of twenty after over five thousand entries were submitted from 49 Commonwealth

countries. The winners by region are; Africa – “When a woman renounces motherhood” by Innocent Chizaram Ilo (Nigeria), Asia – “The Great Indian tee and snakes” by Kritika Pandey (India), Canada and Europe – “Wherever Mister Jensen Went” by Reyah Martin (United Kingdom), Caribbean – “Mafootoo” by Brian S Heap (Jamaica) and Pacific – “The art of waving” by Andrea E Macleod (Australia). For the African region, “When a woman renounces motherhood” by Nigerian writer Innocent Chizaram Ilo, tells how a woman and her mother bond in the face of a sexist tradition. 23-year-old Ilo, who is Igbo, lives in Lagos, and explains that the story was: “inspired by my mother. No, she hasn’t renounced motherhood, at

least not yet. But I just wanted to capture what women like my mother lose and give up in the name of marriage and, by extension, motherhood.” For Asia, Indian author Kritika Pandey’s winning entry “The Great Indian tee and snakes” is the story of two young people trying to solve the age-old riddle of human existence: how does one love in the era of hatred and prejudice? The 29-year-old Pandey, who was born in Ranchi, Jharkhand, is a Pushcart-nominated writer, currently living in the US. She chose to submit to the prize because, she says, it is “one of those few literary awards that value the unique context of the postcolonial writer”. For Canada and Europe, Scottish author Reyah Martin’s story “Wherever Mister

Jensen went” wins the Canada and Europe category for a story which explores the power of rumour and hysteria, for better or for worse. This story challenges society, calling for change before it’s too late. 20-year old Martin, who was shortlisted for the 2018 BBC Young Writers’ Award commented: “I am now more determined than ever to carry on creating. It feels like a dream.” For Caribbean, Jamaican author Brian S Heap wins the Caribbean regional prize. In “Mafootoo”, a Jamaican woman living in England confronts a crisis late in her life. She uses the occasion to reflect on her life and her marriage. 70-year-old Heap, who has worked in drama and education in Jamaica for 40 years, drew on his own experience growing up in the UK and returning as a visitor.

For Pacific, Australian Andrea E Macleod wins this year’s Pacific regional prize for her story “The art of waving”. The story describes how, as a child, a woman is told by her older sister not to wave to people. She reflects on how this changed her and the connections she has been both able and unable to make as a result. 48-year-old Macleod, who lives and works in Brisbane, says her story began “as a question about why we wave to each other and what stops us from waving to everyone. How do we become inhibited? What is expressed when we wave? How do we learn to cross boundaries and connect with people we don’t know or probably have no likelihood of knowing in our own spheres of experience?” Speaking on the prize, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, chair of the

judges, Ghanaian writer and editor said: “I don’t believe there is a perfect story; there are great stories, but no perfect stories. What is amazing is what happens when a story encounters a ready reader or listener – that moment is magic. That connection is never the same for any two people or for any two moments and that’s why I love judging competitions: I get to talk about stories with other people who love stories, but it’s completely unpredictable. We now have a list of regional winning stories that are striking for their lateral leaps, their use of language, voice and subversion – and their sheer courage. I look forward to the discussions with my fellow judges to pick an overall winner. I guarantee that it will be a story that moves people, but I don’t know which one it will be.”

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Travel Adventure beckons at Osogbo’s sacred grove Obinna Emelike

hile Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State, may be a sleeping town for those who have not visited, yet the city offers much attractions to culture enthusiasts and tourists who dare visit. In the outskirt of the ancient town lies one of the last remnants of primary forest in south-west Nigeria. The forest is so dense, rich in biodiversity, as well as, host of the Osun Sacred Grove, the second World Heritage Site in Nigeria. The sacred groove is regarded as the abode of Osun, the goddess of fertility and one of the pantheon of the Yoruba gods. The landscape of the grove is dotted with a meandering river, sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements. Set within the forest sanctuary are forty shrines, sculptures and art works erected in honour of Osun and other Yoruba deities, many created in the past 40 years, two palaces, five sacred places and nine worship points strung along the river bank with designated priests and priestesses. The new art installed in the grove has also differentiated it from other groves. Osogbo is now unique in having a large component of 20th century sculpture created to reinforce the links be-

Osun Grove main tween the people and the Yoruba pantheon, and the way in which Yoruba towns linked their establishment and growth to the spirits of the forest. The restoration of the grove by artists has given the grove a new importance: it has become a sacred place for the whole of Yorubaland and a symbol of identity for the wider Yoruba Diaspora. The grove is an active religious site where daily, weekly and monthly worships take place. In addition, an annual processional festival to re-establish the mystic bonds between the goddess and the people of the town occurs every year over twelve days in July and August and thus sustains the living cultural traditions of the Yoruba people. The grove is also a natural herbal pharmacy containing over

400 species of plants, some endemic, of which more than 200 species are known for their medicinal uses. Most importantly, the groove host thousands of guests including indigenes, other Nigerians, African diasporas, especially from Brazil, Haiti and the United States of America to the one month long Osun Osogbo festival every August. However, the town offers many other art and cultural attractions. It is home to many visual artists, especially wood carvers, while quality local textile art and weaving are abundant. Timeless artifacts and local fabric designs are among souvenirs that remind of your visit to the art and culture hub. The groove awaits your visit after the pandemic..

Nigerian tourism professionals highlight local destinations in domestic tourism drive

he second edition of the Seven Wonders of Nigeria Zoom Conference organised by Naija7Wonders.com in conjunction with ATQNews.com has successfully taken place today June 26, 2020. The virtual conference which was anchored by Ikechi Uko featured five Nigerian tour operators, namely: Chairman of the Board of Trustees of National Tour Operator of Nigeria (NATOP), Nkereuwem Onung of Remlords, Namure Erhahon of Brisk Travels, Michael Balogun (Tour2Nigeria), Chiamaka Obuekwe (Social Prefect Tours) and Erelu Funmi Rotiba of Special Tours & Travel. Also, several important bigwigs in the tourism industry and government, such as leaders of various travel and tourism bodies signed in to the conference. Among whom were the Grace Gekpe, permanent secretary, Ministry of Information & Culture; Folly Coker, director-general, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), and Steve Ayorinde, former Commissioner for Tourism Lagos State, who all gave brief remarks, commending the laudable efforts of the organiser at pushing domestic tourism at a time like this. The panelists spoke about some of their favourite tourists’ sites in the country. Starting with Namure, she highlighted the famous Obudu Mountain Resort, hinting that it could be a great spot for adventure tourism. She also believes that if accessibility is improved it will appeal to a whole lot more people, and tour operators can do a package of Obudu along with the Carnival Calabar. Furthermore, she talked about the Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State, and spoke on how tourism can generate income for locals who can sell souvenirs and mementos around the locations. Namure also talked about the Matsiga Waterfalls in Kaduna which drops about 30 me-

ters above sea level. She highlighted the beauty of the location, and how it can be a potential birdwatcher’s paradise. Fourth on her list was Abuja, which she highlighted as a great place for adventure tourism with hiking, backpacking and camping opportunities. To round up her presentation, she talked about the famous Bini Moat in Edo State, which made the list of the first set of Seven Wonders of Nigeria in 2012. She elaborated on the many attractions that can be added as a total package to the Bini Moat, such as visits to the Oba’s Palace, Igun Street which is famous for bronze casting and the Igue Festival. The second speaker was Nkereuwem Onug, former president of NATOP, who highlighted the Bridge of No return in Akwa Ibom first on his list. It is a historical site which deals with the slave trade and couple with the racism issue which came to a head with the murder of George Floyd in America, the site seems a lot significant. Onung also spoke about the Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, also in Akwa Ibom which he described as iconic. The facility which he suggests is appropriate as a MICE and conference centre boasts of a wellness centre, 18-hole golf course, and a helipad. The Old Residency Museum in Calabar, Cross River State was next on his list which served as the administrative residence in the colonial times. He reminded the audience that Calabar was the capital of pre-independent Nigeria. Also, Mr. Onung spoke about the Ikom Monoliths in Alok which numbered about 300. The stones are laid out in 30 circles. He closed up his presentation by buttressing Obudu Mountain Resort, informing everyone that both the cable car and waterparks are now functional after undergoing repairs.

UNWTO adapts agenda for Africa to accelerate tourism recovery

ember states from across Africa have shared their priorities for tourism against the backdrop of COVID-19. As with every other global region, African destinations have been hit hard by the restrictions on travel introduced in response to the pandemic. The sudden and unexpected drop in tourist arrivals has placed many millions of jobs at risk and threatened to roll back the progress made in sustainable development. Now, as UNWTO leads the restart of tourism, African member states have set out their vision for the sector. This builds on the UNWTO Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the roadmap for African tourism that was adopted at the UNWTO General Assembly in 2019, and is based on the responses to a survey sent out by the Regional Department for Africa. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This feedback from our African member states will help us guide tourism through the challenging months ahead. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on tourism across the continent. However, UNWTO is committed

Agbokim Waterfall to helping Africa grow back stronger and better and for tourism to emerge from this crisis as an important pillar of economies, jobs and sustainability.” Investment and innovation key priorities at continental level At the continental level, the

survey revealed that the five key areas of the UNWTO Agenda for Africa that member states would like to see prioritized in order to better support them as they recover from the impact of COVID-19 are: unlocking growth through investment promotion

and public-private partnerships, promoting innovation and technology, promoting travel facilitation, including enhanced connectivity and tourism visa policies, and fostering resilience, including through promoting safety and security and crisis communications. Advocating for “Brand Africa” At the same time, the survey answers showed that member states would like to see the part of the Agenda for Africa focusing on fostering resilience to be realigned to reflect the current situation. This will allow for a more effective response to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and to accelerate recovery. Alongside this, member states across Africa also expressed a wish for UNWTO to focus future capacity building and training sessions on the topics of crisis management and communications, marketing, developing domestic tourism and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Sub-regional priorities outlined The survey also revealed the different priorities of member states from different parts of Africa. In North Africa, the number one priority is expanding capacity building, including through

the provision of more training; in both Western and Eastern Africa, members named promoting better travel facilitation and unlocking tourism growth through investments and public-private partnerships as their priorities. Meanwhile, advocating for “Brand Africa” emerged as the number one priority for member states in Southern Africa, and in Central Africa, the focus is on strengthening tourism statistics systems. Furthermore, the survey also found that Member States from across the continent would like to see UNWTO add a new section to the Agenda for Africa focusing on the promotion of regional and domestic tourism. Last but not least, member states also suggested UNWTO undertake a range of actions both at the political and technical level, including strengthening collaboration between governments, facilitate the creation of investment funds to support tourism and provide practical support to SMEs. These actions would be particularly beneficial to countries whose GDP heavily depends on the tourism sector including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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Sunday 05 July 2020

Insight Missed opportunity as FAAN fails to upgrade airport infrastructure during 4 months shutdown

IFEOMA OKEKE

hat could have been an opportunity for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to put major infrastructure in place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, may have been lost during these four months period the country’s airspace has been shut down as a result of the rise in cases of Covid-19. On the 23rd of March, 2020, the Federal Government shut down MMIA, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19. The closure of international flight operations at the Lagos and Abuja airports is in addition to the three other international airports in Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt that were shut for flight operations on 21st of March. According to data provided by FAAN, Enugu airport handles between 350 to 400 flights annually; Port Harcourt airport processes about 1,700 to 1,800 flights annually. Kano airport handles 2,000 to 2,100 flights annually; Abuja airport 9, 896 flights and Lagos 40,934 flights annually. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of aviation, says Nigerian aviation is the hard-hit as COVID-19 ravages and that monthly losses to the industry now amount to now around N17bn. FAAN had on several occasions said the airport infrastructure upgrade was slow because of congestion at the airport as a result of passenger movements, making it unsafe to carry out major repairs and new installations at the airport. However, in the past four months of the shutdown, BusinessDay’s checks show that no major infrastructure upgrade has been carried out at MMIA, the nation’s busiest airport. A visit by BuisnessDay to the airport recently showed that there have been no major infrastructure upgrades at the airport during the lockdown. FAAN told BusinessDay that some of its infrastructure upgrade could not kick-off because of restrictions in movement during the lockdown, making it difficult for contractors and technicians to move around but stakeholders and experts say this is no excuse as essentials flights carrying passengers and cargos were still allowed into the country during the lockdown. Old aero bridges When flight resumes, passengers will still have to manage the old aero bridges at the nation’s busiest airport. Airlines operating in Nigeria have continued to spend millions of naira annually just to tow their

Sirika Hadi, Aviation minister

aircraft into the aerobridge, a point to disembark passengers after landing, as a result of the failure of FAAN to address infrastructure deficit at the airport. BusinessDay findings show that five years after the federal government bought and commissioned 28 aero bridges from China costing about N4.8billion; it has failed to deliver them into the country. Checks by BusinessDay show that each aero bridge cost around $565,095. With an exchange rate of N360 to a dollar, it will cost the government N4.8billion to procure the equipment. Government failed to bring in these bridges and set them up during the lockdown. The absence of the automated bridges have since seen airlines operating in Nigeria consistently spend millions of naira annually just to tow their aircraft into the aerobridge, a point to disembark passengers after landing. BusinessDay’s checks show that in other climes, airlines taxy their aircraft into the aerobridge

but in Nigeria, airlines pay to taxy their aircraft to the bridges because the aerobridges are old and not automated to align with newer aircraft. This process has continued to constitute unnecessary delays to passengers who are forced to remain in the aircraft for 15 to 25 minutes for the aircraft to be towed after landing. Alexander Nwuba, managing director, Smile Air Ghana and former MD, Associated Airlines and WestAir Benin, who explained the technicalities to BusinessDay, said the reason why airlines have to tow their aircraft into the bridges are because the bridges are very old and not suitable to align properly with newer aircraft and the lights that serve as visual aids to pilots may not be functional. “The aerobridges at the Lagos airport are very old. For instance, it is not the same bridge you use for a Boeing 777 that is used for a Boeing 737. In other countries, when an aircraft lands, it is told what bridge to go into depending on the aircraft

Aero bridge with aircraft already towed into it.

type. So, with the bridges we currently have, it is safer for the aircraft to be towed into them, while some developed airports use automated bridges. “In addition to this, there are some equipment markers in the form of lights that give visual aids to the pilot when he lands and taxies into the bridge. The light changes colours as the aircraft taxies into the bridge to indicate its final stop. We need to ask FAAN if those lights are working,” Nwuba explained. BusinessDay’s checks show that all 30 international airlines operating in Nigeria pay nothing less than N985,500,000 annually into the coffers of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) to tow their aircraft into the Starways which is the disembarkment point for passengers. Escalators pack up A visit by BusinessDay to the airport recently showed that the escalators are currently not working, which will continue to constitute hassles to the passengers, especially the aged. Experts say there can be no better time to fix these escalators than now because it will aid easy movement of passengers and avoid crowds, which could be dangerous considering the times we are in. Taxi way The closure of the second taxiway at the Lagos airport as a result of its poor state has continued to constitute flight delays and congestion of passengers at the terminal upon arrival. BusinessDay’s checks show that for over 15 years, the second taxiway has been closed, forcing aircraft to pass through one taxiway, while other aircraft tarry till the air traffic controllers are able to clear the taxiway for another aircraft to taxi through. Air traffic controllers have continued to complain that this situation makes work tedious for them and causes unnecessary delays for the passengers and the airlines. The closure apart from reducing the capacity of the airport is also making it impossible for aircraft to do normal engine runs at the compass wing. Experts also say the lockdown period would have been an ideal time to fix the taxiway while there were skeletal flight operations. Landing lights and Navigational aids BusinessDay’s checks show that MMIA has two runways but uses only one runway for night operations because the second runway does not have landing and navigational aids. The runway lights are still bad and all aircrafts landing at night will continue to use one runway until the lights are fixed. These landing aids include led insert runway light, centreline lights, highintensitytaxiwaylights,doubleled solar airfield light, perimeter

lights amongst others. Each of these lights cost between 400 to 600 dollars which amounts to N144,000 to N216,000 using the exchange rate of 360 Naira to a Dollar. The airport runway will need several of these lights for airlines to land and take-off from the runway at night. John Ojikutu, member of the aviation industry think tank group, Aviation Round Table (ART) and chief executive of Centurion Securities, told BusinessDay that the government airport operators should have used the lockdown period to attend to the runway that lack landing lights and navigational aids which are necessary to aid flights landings at nights and in reduced visibilities especially in bad weather. Few access and exit gates BusinessDay’s checks show that MMIA has about three entrance and exit gates which may not be sufficient enough to achieve social distancing. According to Ojikutu, “While we talk about social distancing for passengers within the airports departure halls, there are no clear measures for such distancing on arrival. “There are no clear plans for crowd control at the access and exit gates of the passenger terminals. FAAN hasn’t come out with any plan on spacing between passenger flights departures and arrivals. “FAAN has not increased capacities of the airport terminals to receive these passengers. There is a need to work these out especially when it is obvious that it will take time to attain the passenger level we were pre COVID-19,” he said. Few Screening and X-ray machines While it is understandable that airlines may delay and cancel flights over technical and weather-related constraints, very little can be done to remedy some of these problems like weather-related ones, but infrastructural gaps continue to pose a huge challenge. In Nigeria, passengers spend unduly long time at security screening points because of insufficient number of X-ray machines, therefore passengers are forced to queue at security screening points especially at peak hours. In other climes, it takes between 30 seconds to two minutes to get screened but in Nigerian airports, it takes between five and 15 minutes to get screened depending on the number of passengers waiting to be checked. For example, airlines face a lot of delay processing passengers at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) Lagos airport because there is only one functional X-ray machine at any point in time and hundreds of passengers going to different destinations during the morning rush hours must pass through one functional X-ray machine at each of the terminals at the GAT. John Ojikutu listed some of the infrastructural gaps that cause flight

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Insight School reopening: Between the devil and the deep blue sea KELECHI EWUZIE

he announcement of the “safe reopening” of schools nationwide in the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown by the Federal Government has received knocks from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA); Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) among other Nigerians who believe it is a call for disaster. The Federal Government had, on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, on the advice of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, ordered reopening of schools for some categories of classes. The decision came as a last resort as the Federal Government was boxed into a corner where it found itself in-between the devil and the deep blue sea. As a responsible government that cares for the future of its students, it may have settled with the option of ordering for school reopening to ensure that students writing external examinations with those in other West African countries do not lose out. But the decision has not gone down well with various stakeholders who raise objections and believe the coast is not yet clear for academic activities to resume in schools. In fact, some parents told BDSUNDAY that, although they are worried that the prolonged resumption will negatively impact the academic programmes of their children in terms of graduation, others said they would not allow their children lose their lives out of carelessness in pursuit of education. Innocent Ujah, president, Nige-

rian Medical Association (NMA), in a swift reaction to the order of reopening schools, lamented the current low level of compliance by Nigerians with COVID-19 safety protocols, saying this situation alone should serve as a signal to the government that it is risky to ask pupils to go back to school. Ujah, while lampooning the ill-timed directive by the government, pointed out that many public schools across the country lack portable water and other safety preconditions required for the safety of pupils, warning that should school reopen now; it is only an invitation to disaster. He further questioned how Nigerian teachers would carry out their teaching duties with face masks without an appropriate public address system put in place, noting that it would defeat the purpose of teaching and learning. Other concerned stakeholders who spoke to BDSUNDAY stated that it is suicidal to reopen schools now if the Federal Government itself could not meet the conditions spelt out by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). They maintain that reopening the schools even if it is for some category of classes will expose innocent children to risks that are avoidable and called on the Federal Government to provide the ideal environment and take the lead by the provision of materials for regular washing of hands, face mask, isolations centres, space for social distancing and hand sanitisers. The NMA was not alone in the condemnation of what is referred to as “an insensitive” decision. The

Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) both at the national and state levels were unanimous in their call for a rethink of the decision. Mike Ene, general secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), opines that the Federal Government from all intents and purposes has not informed Nigerian teachers properly to resume at their duty posts. Ene observes that there are no clear indications from NCDC team that they have put in motion plans to provide isolation centres in schools which is necessary at this time. He stated that the teachers are yet to see significant measures the government has provided to warrant them risking their lives to resume school considering the reality of the coronavirus pandemic which is yet to get a cure or vaccine. According to him, “government has reneged on what it should do. In a class of 60, 40 or 70 pupils in a public school, you’re talking of physical and social distancing. How can a teacher handle such class? What is the Personal Protec-

tive Equipment that government has given to teachers? BDSUNDAY finding shows that Sani Aliyu, national coordinator, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 while explaining the partial reopening of schools said that pupils may proceed to take the national common entrance (examination) as soon as it is feasible, provided there is compliance with issued non-pharmaceutical interventions. Aliyu disclosed during the media briefing in Abuja that arrangements were to be made for exiting graduating students in the JSS 3 and the SS3 to resume at both boarding and day schools as soon as possible for intensive revision exercises. Commenting on this directive, Lucky Kpogere, chairman of NUT, Rivers State chapter, in an interactive session with newsmen, said schools in the state were not ready for resumption until necessary measures were put in place to guarantee the safety of students and teachers in the state and the

country at large. Kpogere cautioned that the reopening of schools should not be politicised as it is the position of the national secretariat. “Teachers are not happy with the reopening of schools owing to the reality of the COVID-19”, he said. The River State chapter chairman enjoined the Federal Government to ensure that necessary measures were put in place before the planned resumption of schools as the reality on ground shows it is impossible. On their part, some parents are also against the order for the phased reopening of schools by government in the midst of the nation’s battle to contain the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic. A cross-section of parents who spoke with BDSUNDAY called on the Federal Government to ignore pressure allegedly from private school owners, declaring that it could not agree less with the Nigerian Medical Association and Nigerian Union of Teachers who had advised that the directive for the safe resumption of schools across the country should be suspended until adequate precautionary measures are adopted in schools, especially public schools. Uchenna Ukaegbu, a concerned parent, told our correspondent that reopening can be possible granted that the Federal Government has made a significant attempt at combating the Covid-19 pandemic. “But I would have expected them to deploy investment into digital learning for the meantime because the country is still at a point where community transmission is aiding the virus to spread across the states,” Ukaegbu said.

Missed opportunity as FAAN fails to upgrade airport infrastructure... delays at Lagos airport to include inadequate checking-in-counters; inadequate passengers screening checkpoints and screening machines or unserviceable screening machinesresultinginmanualscreening; inadequate aircraft boarding gates; inadequate aircraft parking areas; inadequate ground handling equipment or facilities; and absence of taxiways or sufficient links from aprons to runways. Ojikutu stressed that inadequate skilled manpower to man most of these facilities or systems can cause delays, especially the passengers screening checkpoints where the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended standard is at least five but Nigerian airports have two or three persons. Other factors he mentioned include “Airspace management; inadequate and inexperience air traffic controllers particularly for aerodromes and approach control can cause delays if the traffic volume is beyond the capacity and capability of the controllers especially if there is no supervisors that can always intervene; inadequate and inefficient landing aids, poor

communication both at terminal and enroute and poor weather at destinations, enroute and at alternative airports.” Olumide Ohunayo, an aviation analyst told BusinessDay that security will include measures for or a review of the security access control and screening for everyone which will include heath/COVID-19 screening; (Access gates are still the same numbers) hold and carry-on baggage screening; amongst others. Impact of poor infrastructure on airlines Allen Onyema, the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, recently made a case for the upgrade of airports infrastructure across Nigeria. Onyema said: “There is no way you can optimally use your planes in Nigeria. The airport infrastructure does not support that and that is why we are saying, the first thing we should do in this country is to improve on our airports infrastructure. From checkin to flight navigational aids, making the airport environment conducive, both for operators and passengers, the infrastructure is poor.”

“There is no way airlines will optimally use their equipment. Air Peace has never, because many of the airports in Nigeria close shop at 6p.m. So, when they close shop at 6p.m, where will you go? Besides Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt, the rest close shop at 6p.m,” he said. “It is a capital intensive business. Every penny counts. We must get our airport infrastructure right. It is not about saying Nigerian airlines are weak. We should promote our own. Bring the legacy airlines of this world to come and do domestic operations in Nigeria, they will pack up in 72 hours. We know what we go through.” FAAN responds, says infrastructures are being worked on Henrietta Yakubu, general manager, public affairs, FAAN, told BusinessDay that the delay in infrastructure upgrade at the airport during the lockdown was because of restrictions in movement, adding that work is currently ongoing at sections of the airport. “People who would have fixed infrastructures at the airport were not moving around. We have selfservice kiosks that are on ground.

They cannot be fixed because the technicians that are supposed to fix them cannot travel to the country to fix them. “The managing director of FAAN has promised that once international flights resume, those selfservice kiosks will be mounted. We are also working on improving our technology, so that there will be less contact with people. It will be more IT-based and fewer contacts between people. We are improving our website. “These are some of the things that we could handle during the lockdown and we are working on,” Yakubu said. She said FAAN wanted to fix the second taxiway but was not able to get contractors to come down as a result of the lockdown. She also assured that the aero bridges have been procured and a total replacement will be done soon. Minister to upgrade infrastructures through airport concession Inabidtoclosetheseinfrastructure gaps across our airports, Hadi Sirika, minister of Aviation, have suggested concession of the country’s airports. In a recent document issued

by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), it disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Aviation (FMOA) will be adopting Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) procurement methodology for expanding and further developing the nation’s transport sector. The FGN through the Ministry of Aviation has adopted PPP as the strategy to leverage private sector participation and investment to achieve the upgrade and development of new terminal infrastructure at the four identified airports in a cost-effective and value for money based manner. Infrastructural gaps at the Lagos airport have continued to pose a huge challenge to airport users and airline operators. Stakeholders are therefore hopeful that the decision of the federal government to concession these airports in a bid to address infrastructures gaps will be a lasting solution to this problem which has lingered for a while. Thisreportwasfacilitatedbythe Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its COVID-19 Reality Check project.

22 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 05 July 2020

TheWorshipper Too many deaths show there is something wrong with Nigeria spiritually outside COVID-19 - Ighele In this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU, Bishop Charles Ighele, the General Superintendent, Holy Spirit Mission (aka Happy Family Centre), who is also the president, marriage and family institute, speaks on the increasing death among Nigerian elite among other issues. Excerpts: The PTF on COVID-19 recently extended the curfew for another four weeks; is this the right thing to do? he government is trying to see what they can do to solve a problem that has not happen before and at a time like this there is really no one way of solving this kind of problem. People like us; from the beginning have been of the view that we should have an home grown solution because I have always felt that there is no way the number of death in Nigeria is going to be equal to the number in US or the UK. From the first two weeks when this thing came to Nigeria, then UK and the US; and when I saw the rate of death in those nations not equal to what is in Nigeria; I said, Ok it seems there should be something in the Nigerian that makes many of us to have a form of immunity against it. That is why I have always said from the very beginning that we should use a home grown solution; we should not copy the system being adopted by the outside world. And then, two weeks ago, Professor Tomori Alonge who is the deputy head of the COVID-19 team in Oyo State and an expert in that area - said that some of the victims they looked at in Oyo State already have the anti-body (immunity) in form of vitamin-D which was gotten from the Sun - so, he suggested that we should keep exposing ourselves to the Sun and the elderly should take vitamin-D supplements. So, when I add that to what the vice-

Bishop Charles Ighele

chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta who is also an expert in that field also said - my own submission is that, leadership is leadership, which is why I have been suggesting from the beginning that let us look at the Nigerian situation and how we can stop this problem. If we look at it that way, then the complete lockdown may not be the solution; even those nations that did complete lockdown are opening up right now. Now, we have a team that distribute food to the needy every two weeks, and when i say poor; I mean compound where we have about 20/30 families living together, that is, we

are talking about 100 to 200 people in a compound using two/three toilets, yet there have been no case of death here in Alimosho, which is one of the area that is densely populated and also among the areas with high rate of the COVID-19. And, there have been no case of death here or there, but we have seen that there is high rate of death among the elites; so my case is that if this virus is not really killing the masses, then when you lock them down, they are not happen and then say its ‘big-man’ disease. So, I think government should look at other means of stopping the spread of this virus: people like us are ready to suggest. What other option would you suggest to the government? My suggestion is that of massive campaign through public address system; not radio, not TV; how many of them have light? I am talking about public address system, that is, the town criers method; letting people know about the existence of this particular disease and the things they need to do to boost their immunity. Like take lemon, take this, stay under the Sun; as much as possible, do this because they are not doing social distancing in those places. As much as possible see that you wash your hand; so, it is that campaign because most of the people at the grassroots are not aware of what is happening especially the report by the NCDC and the Presidential Task Force. So, there is a need to mobilise the state ministry of information across the country

Worshippers urged to leverage divine opportunity amidst economic challenges SEYI JOHN SALAU

elievers in Nigeria has been urged to always leverage their position in Christ to seize divine opportunity as the increasing socio-economic challenges posed by COVID-19 continue to bite hard on the country. Femi Popoola, Pastor, Divine Mercy Baptist Church, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos during the Divine Mercy Hour for 1July, themed, ‘Believers’ and Divine Opportunity’ urged believers to be ready to seize divine opportunity in the course

of the month. “May you meet divine opportunity this month and beyond,” he said. Popoola opined that opportunity is a very familiar word in all facets of life, be it religious, social, economic, political or academic life. He however urged believers to learn also not to miss or misuse opportunity. “Opportunity can be missed or misused,” he said. According to him, believers must use every opportunity that comes his or her way for God’s kingdom. “Let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are the household of faith.” Israel Kristilere, pastor of

Shephardhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos in the Seekers Breakthrough Prayer Service tag ged, ‘Oh Lord, s end the Carpenters’ urged believers to look up to God. Kristilere opined that it is time to look up to God no matter the challenges or circumstances facing us as believers. “When we look up genuinely, God looks down powerfully; and as we look up today, God is looking down powerfully in the name of Jesus,” he said. The cregyman in assuring worshippers of divine intervention said, God uses strange things to achieve his unusual purpose.

Chinmark to consolidate on decade long achievement for global coverage

hinmark Group, a fully Nigerian conglomerate with over N10 billion asset base is to leverage on its decade long achievement to solidify its global presence as a business entity under its new five

years trajectory growth plan. The business group with interest in the financial, real estate, transport, hospitality and medical services sector is currently active in the UAE, Ghana, Rwanda and Nigeria. “Withstakeholderscontributionof

over $200 million; our goal in the next fiveyearsistohaveglobalreachwhere ourbusinessshouldbepresentinevery continent,” said Marksman Chinedu Ijiomah, the CEO of Chinmark Group Nigeria Limited, at the opening of its Lagos office on Saturday.

on a city-wide campaign just like when politicians want to campaign for election - they take it to the grassroots, so this should also go deeper than that. Tell them all they need to do and that this thing is real; but can be avoided - not to spread fear. What is your view on the death rate so far in Nigeria? Sometimes last year, before COVID-19 came, there have been lots of deaths in Nigeria. Last year, before COVID-19 a lot of strange deaths happened in Nigeria and people dying are among the elite. So, I have looked at countries like Ghana and other countries, these deaths have not been like that and the death are COVID-19 unrelated because it started in the last eight months of 2019. The death are taking place anyhow and I have seen that these deaths are not happening among the downtrodden but among the elite, from business to politics; and they are on the increase. Now, look at it - the other day, the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Kogi State died, then the Chief Judge died and then the governor said it is not COVID19-related and personally I know of many of them who have died and they are not COVID-19 related, and it started before now. So, as a man of God I am raising an alarm that there is something wrong with Nigeria spiritually outside COVID-19. Death has been going on and if something is not done spiritually about it; more will take place. As a man of God I can’t see things like this going on and not speak because

I know that when things happen in those days whether believers in God or not; many of them will be affected because they fail to personally cry out or take action against it. Human beings by nature want to do what they see those in leadership do; looking at the political class; do you think they have been responsible enough to curtail this virus? Personally, I do not like to give leadership role only to the political class; that is my kind of person. Personally, I like to take responsibility and as a preacher I take responsibility for people that are hungry. As a preacher, every year between two to four thousand people are cared for medically; as a preacher, those I could give accommodation; and as a preacher I do not think I should give politicians leadership role alone, instead we all should work as partners in progress and we should all try to see how Lagos get better - that is one of my goals. So, it is not all about the spiritual leadership and people that know us; traditional rulers where we are know that we have been playing our roles over the years to make sure that Lagos is a better place, and I can tell that God has use our ministry to save thousands of lives. So, I prefer to suggest to the political class but unfortunately, they see us (the church) as a people they can do anyhow, but I don’t see them that way - so, they should see the church as partners in progress. If the church is mobilised, the pandemic will spread less.

Christian group condemns rape, calls for capital punishment

o curb the rising menace and increase in the rate of rape, gender based violence and other forms of human abuse across the country, Christian Media Foundation (CMF), a faith-based media organisation has stressed her support for victims and canvassed capital punishment for offenders. In a release signed by Gracious Akintayo, the Executive Director of the organisation, the body condemned the dastardly act in strong term and stated, rape is inhuman and ungodly; rapists are callous, wicked and heartless, destroying futures and disorientating destinies. Lamenting the increase in reported cases of rape and other form of domestic violence in Nigerian society, as a body that promote Christian value, CMF is worried about the scourge and daily occurrence that is fast becoming sour and disaster to Nigerian society. “The most painful is alarming rate by which innocent girl children future are being abused, disoriented

and damaged. A precarious situation of bad signal and fear of decaying moral society we lived in,” said Akintayo. According to him, government and other credible organisation must rise to the challenge posed by this upsurge and the threat raised with capital punishment for offenders before further damages are done to destroy our already decaying society and the future generation. CMF opined that every girl child today is a waiting sister, wife, mother, leader and woman tomorrow; hence they deserved to be respected and protected from any form of abuse or violence.“Total war against rape (WAR) should be wage against this social menace with public enlightenment, seminars and other form of education to discourage and prevent further acts. “Nigerian society can be more decent and orderly if high level of discipline, character value, home training and proper upbringing can be applied and maintained in every home.”

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BDSUNDAY 23

TheWorshipper Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

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want to share my thoughts on a very serious topic today, serious because it has become exceedingly controversial lately and many people do not agree with the onesided unbalanced messages from the pulpit on Giving. It has generated lots of bad

When it is more blessed to give than to receive blood within the Ecclesia, and the Laity have become emboldened in challenging the Clergy with respect to the perceived imbalance in presenting a very Lovely Doctrine of Giving and Receiving. I’ll start my Inspire Today piece by asking some very simple questions and give the general answers to the same questions... Question: Is This Passage In The Bible; ‘...and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive’ (Acts 10 v 35)? Answer: Yes Question: Is this in red letter In the red lettered version, meaning our Lord Jesus Said So? Answer: Yes Question: Is God A Liar and Jesus As Well? Answer: No way! Question: Are Preachers Abusing The Magnanimity / Doctrine of Scrip-

and the Poor People are in that category.

tures On Giving to Take Money From People? Answer: Probably Yes! Question: Should We Debate His Word and Disagree Because Of a Few Bad People who Are Involved In Scripture Abuse Over Their Flock? Answer: No Way The above Questions and Answers gives you my honest opinion on the topic of Giving and Receiving as a Christian not even a Preacher. It is soundly scriptural; it is what God wants us to do and we should obey God and not man on this matter. However, there are cir-

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Abia, EFCC on warpath over sealed properties ...As state gives Commission ultimatum, threatens legal action UDOKA AGWU, UMUAHIA

ollowing the sealing off of some properties in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, said to belong to the state government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Abia State government has given the Commission seven days ultimatum within which to remove all the offensive notices placed on some assets and estates of Abia State government or face legal action. Uche Ihediwa, the Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice in Abia State, gave the ultimatum while commenting on the recent developments in the state, where the EFCC sealed off some property purported to belong to a highly placed politician in the state. Ihediwa demanded the

EFCC to tender an unreserved apology to the state within seven days in view of the inconvenience its action had caused the state, failure of which the state would take appropriate redress in court. He explained that those assets marked by the EFCC belong to the state government, adding that Abia government duly entered into partnership arrangements with credible investors for the development of those properties under public private partnerships while the reversionary interest in the properties still resides in the state government. The Abia AG informed that the law establishing the EFCC made it clear that the Commission could only seal property of persons under investigation and noted that ownership of the property in question was not under investigation. He recalled that in 2006, the same EFCC investigated

the ownership of most of those properties and the certificates of occupancy and public private partnership agreements between the state government and investors of the various assets. The Commissioner described the action of the EFCC as unwarranted and unlawful, regretting why the agency did not write the state government to find out the ownership of the said property whose title documents are domiciled in the State Ministry of Lands. He stated that the action of the EFCC has caused harm to the state’s economy by scaring investors from the state. The assets sealed by the EFCC include, the Abia Mall, Adelabu Housing Estate, the former township main market at Ogwumabiri now housing the Millenium Luxury Apartment, Abia Hotels and Linto Estate, Old Timber Market, all in Umuahia

cumstances that It May Not Be More Blessed to Give than Receive; for instance, when we are giving to get back, when we give to deceive, when we give to steal, when we give expecting God to Double the seed back in return etc. 4 times when it is more blessed to give than receive Give to the poor: Whenever we give to the poor and feeble, God considers those acts as charity towards humanity and He will surely reward us. It’s more blessed to give to those who can’t reward us back

Give to the widows: When we give to Widows and Weak Women without help from Men, God will always look down with Mercy upon those who show love to the Widows. They are indeed the most downtrodden in societies, especially Widows who don’t have sons and helpers in life. Give to servants of God: Now there are different kinds of Men of God; those who are greedy and those who are not greedy. The greedy ones may have lost their places in the presence of God unbeknownst to their followers but there are still many who use the gifts from people to meet the needs of others like the apostles did in Acts 4 v 35-37. I believe God wants us to take care of His servants who haven’t bowed to Mammon. Give to charity: There are many good charitable organizations that we can

associate with anonymously without expecting things back in return. God will always bless us back when we give to Charities worldwide where our names aren’t mentioned. Let me stop here and hope you can open activate your generosity by opening your hands to hand over some of the little You have to the categories of people above. 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.

You will reap what you sow, Abia monarch tells rapists UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

Cyril Ogbenna, the traditional ruler of UziAmizi Autonomous Community,Olokoro, in Umuahia South L.G.A of Abia State, has admonished those embarking on rape adventure, to critically weigh the repercussions of such mission, saying that those who indulge in such crime must reap the consequences of their action. The Abia royal father’s admonition is coming on the heels of the rising cases of rape in all parts of the country against which well-meaning Nigerians have continued to express displeasure.

The traditional ruler of Uzi-Amizi autonomous community Olokoro who reminded rapists that nature does not forgive intentional sins, admitted that God forgives sins but anyone who consciously (no matter the pretence or influence) rapes an innocent girl-child or elderly woman must face the crime. He said, the conscience of rape is dead. “Rapists are only moving like existing beings on earth, when they are no more alive in the spiritual realm. They must be punished for all the evils they do in this world. Confession and claiming Christianity or born again will not save them. They must face their crime in one way or

the other,” he said. According to him, “Rape generally is a shameful act and shame to those who rape teenagersandelderlywomen. What is their achievement? They only lose their strength and get weak in time to come. It is complete madness and God will never forgive such a person”. Ogbenna further attributed some of the blame to many fathers who fail to correct/impart positive lifestyles to their homes, adding that real men do not neglect their primary roles as heads of the family. The monarch further blamed the rising wave of crimes and cultism to failed homes.

PwC Nigeria admits eight professionals in its partnership

wC Nigeria, a leading professional services firm, has admitted eight professionals into its partnership, effective from July 1, 2020. According to a press statement signed by Delia Asuzu, head, clients and markets and development, PwC Nigeria, the admission is a record number for the leading professional services firm, demonstrating its commitment to diversity,

inclusion, and developing the future leaders of the firm. The new partners are; Ak i n y e m i Ak i n g b a d e , Ch i o m a Ob a r o, To s i n Labeodan, Rukaiya El-Rufai, Wura Olowofoyeku and Yinka Yusuf of its Assurance practice; while Kunle Amida and Olusola Adewole were admitted from the firm’s Advisory practice. In his congratulatory remark to the new partners, Uyi Akpata, regional senior

partner,WestAfricasaid,“Our investment in new partners reflects our optimism for the future, and the need to bring the diversity of thinking and experience that our clients demand. Each member of the Class of 2020 is a highly accomplished professional par excellence. They have reached this career milestone from continually finding innovative ways to support our clients and providing quality service.”

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Sunday 05 July 2020

Perspective National Consultative Front (NCF) and the challenges ahead

AYO OYOZE BAJE Baje is Nigerian first food technologist in the media and author of ‘Drumbeats of Democracy’

nteresting times are here again, within the effervescent and sometimes volatile Nigerian political spectrum, ahead of the 2023generalelection.Somepundits call it a chess game. Others say it is nothing but ‘kalo-kalo poll-y-tricks’, as usual before any nation-wide choiceofthepeople’srepresentatives into the corridors of political power. Always full of intrigues, propaganda, brutalandbitterbackstabbingandbetrayals, the antics, concerned analysts claim, are all for self-serving purposes instead of seeking the common good for the larger society. Butcallitwhateveryoulike,agroup has thrown the dice on the political table.ThemovementcalledtheNational Consultative Front (NCF) is made up of over 30 prominent Nigerian activists, academics and other professionals. They have launched a new political movement ahead of the 2023 general election.Thiswasmadepublicrecently in a communiqué at the new group’s national secretariat in Abuja. According to media sources, the group reportedly held a month-long nationwide consultation and virtual meetings.Members of the group include former Speaker of the House

of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba; former deputy governor of the Central Bank, Obadiah Mailafia; Femi Falana; Abubakar Umar; Jibo Ibrahim; Yabagi Sanni; Nkoyo Toyo, Isa Aremu, Chidi Odinkalu, and Shehu Sani, among others. The group, though coming up with some people-oriented motives has however, started on a shaky note. Olisa Agbakoba, Omoyele Soworeof the African Action Congress (AAC), Oby Ezekwesili and Col. Dangiwa Abubakar Umar (rtd) have distanced themselves from the NCF movement. Agbakoba said: “My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated story that I am part of a new political movement known as the National ConsultativeFront.Withoutprejudice to the need for such a political movement, I want to place it on record that I wasnotconsultedandsoIamnotpart of the National Consultative Front.” In a similar vein, the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has kicked against the inclusion of some of its members in the new political party floated by some prominent Nigerians. CUPP emphatically stated that while it appreciates the fact that the alleged crass performance of the present administration must have led to the formation of the political party, it however, stated that those associated with it (CUPP) at the meeting, attended in their individual capacities and not as its representatives. These instantaneous, negative responses, one must say is not good enough for the image of the NCF. Given the avalanche of socio-economic and political malfeasances still bedeviling the country, five years aftertheAll Progressives Congress (APC) took

“The opposition can only be victorious in 2023 general election when there is only one united front. Let us work together to defeat the common enemy that have destroyed our country and made our people poorer.” -Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP)’s statement.

over the reins of political power; any group taking over the baton should get its acts together, ab initio. There must be in place thorough thinking through processes. Notwithstanding the early hiccups, the NCF has promised, the movement would be citizen-driven and process-led in engendering a new peoples’ constitution. According to thecommuniqué,theywouldembark on “immediate mass mobilization of the nooks and crannies of the country for popular mass action towards political constitution reforms that is citizens-driven and process-led in engendering a new Peoples’ Constitution for a new Nigeria that can work for all.” “The new movement shall also, without delay, mobilise for the economic wellbeing and prosperity of all Nigeriansbydemandingandensuring that Chapter 2 of the present Constitution i.e. Fundamental Objectives & Directive Principles of State Policy becomes justiciable once and for all, while also mounting an articulate and vigorous campaign to deconstruct and reconstruct obnoxious election laws which have provided leeway for opportunists in the corridor of power to subvert the will of the electorate making voting irrelevant in determin-

ing who actually becomes elected in Nigeria.” “We decry in categorical terms, the ongoing mindless massacre and kidnappingsintheNorth-west,Northeast, Southern Kaduna, the Middle Belt, Southern part of Nigeria and in fact the country at large by armed bandits and insurgents, who invade our communities, especially at night to inflict terror and murder on hapless residents and unsuspecting indigenes”. Talk is cheap, is it not? We have heard sweeter swan songs before, have we not? FromNigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) formed in1923byHerbertMacaulay,through the Action Group(AG), a Nigerian political party established in Ibadan on 21 March 1951, by Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the formation of political parties before 1979 general election, thepromiseshavealwaysrangsimilar notes and tones. And that is to better the lot of the common man. Did the Greater Nigerian People’s Party (GNPP), the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) not pledge to give Nigerians a better lease of life? They all did! Even if some were not lucky to win the general election, what about the People’sDemocraticParty(PDP)that held the levers of power for 16 good years and currently, the APC that holds the nation’s neck by the jugular vein and is tasking(sorry, taxing) the poor victims of economic recession and COVID-19 beyond the elasticity limit?

At one point or the other, just before the general elections they made the promises of paradise. But where are we today? We have become the world capital of not just penury but of extremepoverty;hometothehighest number of out-of-school children. The country deeply enmeshed in the quagmire of corruption and impunity boasts of some of the best brains in many lucrative professions in the world but lack of good, purposeful and patriotic leadership has remained the albatross for our sustainable economic development. So, where lies the intractable political equation? Members of the NCF should engage in moments of sober reflection. Why did they not storm the streets in protest and ask the government why the militaryfoisted constitution has remained unchanged decades after? Why has Mister President refused to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law? And why has he remained mute in the face of the mindless killings of innocent Nigerians by armed Fulani herders or herdsmen? Why would a countryfightinginsecuritybringabout the obnoxious visa-on-arrival policy for foreign nationals? And why did he wait for the outcry from concerned southerners for five years before appointing their sons and daughters to positions of political authority? This aberrant structure of a bloated federal centre that controls what it should not and cudgels a pseudodemocratic dispensation to a daring dictatorshipcannotliftNigeriansfrom the ignoble pit of poverty and despair. NCF has a lot to do and to make the much-needed difference it should get its acts right from the first step!

Radical solution to educational crises in Nigeria (Part 1) PROF. B. CHIMA ONUOHA (Onuoha, a professor of Management and a former ASUU leader, writes from University of Port Harcourt)

t is no longer news that Nigeria’s educational sector is in shambles. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recommends a minimum of 26 percent of states’ and federal annual budgets to education. The highest the federal government had reached was 11 percent (under the military regime of Abdudalam Abubakar), and for the civilian government of Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, the first set of graduates to rule this country, it was a mere 7.2 percent. The budgetary allocations to education have remained lower than the above rates. This means a gross under-funding of education. Under-funding has led to many other problems. These include: University libraries are overcrowded and without relevance and up-todate texts and journals; hostels, classrooms and lecture theatres are overcrowded and hence unhealthy to live or learn in; laboratories still lack the required equipment, chemicals and reagents; teaching hospitals are mere consulting institutions, without the necessary equipment, drugs and other materials. They now graduate poor quality and half-baked doctors; lecturers work without offices, accommodation

and other facilities like research grants, laptops, publications/conference allowances and cars. It also means that the problem of brain drain will remain with us, and school administrators are unable to acquire needed materials for the effective and efficient running of the system. This means that there will continue to be shortage of water and electricity supply and poor sanitation. The crises have recently been exacerbated by the introduction of Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) with all its attendant challenges. ASUU rejected it out-rightly. The other unions in the university system that quickly enlisted into the scheme have written to the Federal Government to indicate their discontinuation in the scheme. Some Vice Chancellors wanted to use IPPIS to ingratiate themselves with the federal government or for superiority or ego battle with their local ASUU leaders. Today, everybody is on the same page, of non-payment, under payments and gross irregularities in the scheme. My message to ASUU members is simple. Learn to obey your union; make sacrifices for it; and suffer some temporary discomfort. Above all, don’t be rubber stamps to any administrator. Shun use and dump syndrome. Have some honour! Serious academics should not be cheap, worst still very cheap and condescending. During the military regimes, at various times, university lecturers were not paid salaries for 9 months, 6 months and 4 months. They did not die. That was our own contribution to nation

building. And it is continuous until we get there – the desired level.I will return to the role of Vice Chancellors in the challenges of university education in Nigeria shortly. Without adequate funding of the school system, students will continue to agitate, academic and non-academic staff will continue to undertake strike actions and the school system will continue to be disrupted and we will continue to produce low quality or ‘handout’ graduates. Our graduates are also seen as educated illiterates. It is important to note that under funding affects all levels of education – primary, secondary and tertiary, hence the proliferation of private educational institutions. Pretentious or fake Nigerians are not only limited to politicians or public servants alone. They are found everywhere. Private school proprietors will be busy campaigning about the quality of their schools, meanwhile, their children are schooling in other ‘higher quality’ schools. In those days, it is common to see principals and headmasters moving about with their children to whichever public school they were posted or transferred to. With this patriotic act, people and parents had confidence in these public schools. The Nzenwas of Nsirimo in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State; the Ekechukwus, Ahanekus, Anosikes in Nnarambia, the Okonkwos, Okafors (of Akpim, Okirika-Nweke), all in Ahaizu-Mbaise LGA, Imo State were renowned educationists (Head teachers, authors and teachers) and their children were taught

in all the public schools, they were posted or transferred to. We had such dedicated and selfless educationists all over the country. They were role models. Today, all their children and grandchildren are successful and prominent in the society. In 2012, when my first son was to enter secondary school, the proprietor of the primary school where he finished kept campaigning to me and other parents to bring our children to her secondary school – according to her ‘Our secondary school has highly trained and dedicated teachers and first-rate facilities’. I laughed as she was busy marketing her school. I looked straight into her face and pointedly told her that the last school my son and other sons will attend will be hers. She asked why! I informed her that if your secondary school was that good or superb, why are all your children in a particular school (name withheld) in a state in South-West, Nigeria? She was shocked on hearing this. I educated her on what most principals and headmasters of public schools used to do. That proprietors of private schools should use their own children and relations to showcase the quality of their schools and not other people’s children. Church owners, generally known as General overseers (GOs), will build schools with members’ tithes, offerings and all manners of seeds. At the end, the costs of schooling in those schools – primary, secondary, tertiary built with members’ financial contributions will be far beyond the capacity of majority of members. Look around, you will

see such schools. They are in Nigeria here. Dogmatism, gullibility or even ignorance cannot allow members of these churches to decipher the mercantilist cum exploitative disposition of the GOs. I have been lecturing in public universities for over 32 years. My friends and colleagues know that I have a simple, innocuous, confidence-boasting policy – all my children will earn their first degrees in public universities and in Nigeria. My daughter graduated from my university – UNIPORT. My first son is in a public university. My second son has passed JAMB, for a public university. And my last son will earn his first degree in a public university. Sometimes, I ask some of my colleagues whose children are in private universities what impressions they are creating! That they have money and can afford private university education; or that they don’t have confidence in what they (themselves) are teaching other people’s children/wards; or what? A major reason why people including lecturers send their children/wards to private universities is the insincerity of government, politicians and top public officials to education in Nigeria. This is in addition to incessant strikes in the public schools. The originators, owners, and key operators of capitalism and free market economies, still operate effectively and efficiently, many public-sector organisations in health, banking, education, transportation, tourism, etc, yet in Nigeria, politicians want to kill public education by every means possible.

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Perspective Adesina and AfDB: Civil society cooperation OKELLO OCULI Prof. Oculi, Ugandan Novelist, Poet and Founder of Africa Vision 525 Initiative, writes from Abuja

s a former Policy Consultant to the Minister of Agriculture, Federal Republic of Nigeria (between 1995 and 1997), I took a more than a casual interest in the widely favourable reporting in the media about Adewumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture in 2014. His regular face on television and photographs in the print media became lodged in my subconscious. That picture of him rushed out when two female Secondary School students we had taken to the airport to travel to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines, were barred from entering the Boarding Hall by a gatekeeper who insisted that they were late. Having failed to get a concession from him, Ms Kate Bello, the Principal of the School was speechless. She had rushed from the Embassy of Ethiopia where her pleas for visas stamped in the passports of the girls, had failed to impress Embassy staff. She now invoked that familiar Nigerian strategy when faced with a seemingly insoluble problem, namely: to say: ‘’Na fight to finish’’, and refused to accept that her girls would return to the terror of facing

their peers as failures. Officials of ‘Africa Vision 525Initiative’, the NGO which invited by Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the London-based Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation to send the students Addis Ababa, prayed for some miracle to fall down as ‘’manna’’ from space. The students were to attend an ‘’African Youth Forum’’ and speak as Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Mugabe, and Senegal’s President, Macky Sall, in a mini-simulation of an ‘’Assembly of the African Union’’. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was expectant about their promotion of Pan-Africanism to Africa’s youths, while former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was interested in their speeches emphasising the quest for food security in Africa and youth interest in agriculture as future business careers. As we waited for the impossible to happen, I turned to look at the gate we had come through to look at no one in particular. With a surprise, I saw the man who had always been a photograph. I walked towards him and told him the obvious truth that we had never met in person but I had two little girls who must travel by the Ethiopian airline on the tarmac to attend an ‘’African Youth Forum’’ starting tomorrow. He walked to the girls and greeted the anxious girls. He then turned and asked the gatekeeper if it was too late to let the girls in. The man remained adamant. Dr. Adesina expressed sympathy for the girls, and continued to walk to the gate. A few minutes later, an airline staff came

running to call the girls in. Minister Adesina came to ask Ms Bello, the Principal, to bring over her students. Unlike other ‘’big men’’ in Nigerian officialdom, Adesina did NOT bark at the gatekeeper to violate the operational rule at the airport and let the girls in. He also did not tell the Principal that he would invoke his official status to serve her wish. When the girls entered the aircraft unaccompanied by an adult as their guardian, he instructed his aide to be their guardian. He would later introduce them to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. This encounter and his meeting both Dlamini-Zuma and Obasanjo as joint organizers of the ‘’Africa Youth Forum’’ would almost certainly have fed into Adesina’s revival of the partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Civil Society community in Africa. Although launched in 2000, it was in 2018 that new energy was put into the partnership with the creation of the ‘’Bank-Civil Society Committee’’. It expresses a forging of strong linkage and collaboration with the Civil Society community; and expect them to insist on accountability by the Bank to implementing its commitments. In specific terms, President Akinwumi Adesina has fired the imagination of Civil Society groups by manifesting a passion for implementing what he calls the ‘’5High Priority Areas’’. These are: (1) Feeding Africa; (2) Lighting Up Africa; (3) Industrializing Africa; (4) Integrating Africa, and (5) Improving the quality of life for the people of Africa.

Coming at a time when over 600 million youth in Africa are either under-employed or unemployed and disillusioned with corrupt political leadership across Africa, these objectives offer a rare window of hope. This has been reinforced by his performance. On the issue of linking trade and markets in Africa, his injection of $670 million to build a road between Addis Ababa and Nairobi is reported to have reduced the transport of ‘’30 tonnes of freight …to only about 24 hours’’ unlike the previous ‘’two weeks to drive between Addis and Nairobi’’. In the goal of providing electricity, a loan of 155 Euros to Morocco has ensured that 12.8 million people are now receiving electricity from the national grid, thereby ending the familiar wrapping millions in most Africa countries with exclusion from electricity. A case of combining industrialization with agriculture is manifested in funding a fertilizer plant with $100 in Port Harcourt on Nigeria’s Atlantic Ocean coast. A beneficiary reported that fertilizer had boosted his crop yield by 40 per cent. The AfDB has, since 2015, funded projects for promoting access to clean water and better sanitation to 43 million people. For millions of women and children who draw water either from streams or wells tapping underground water - and walk long distances - this relief will not arrive quickly enough. In the face of measures to combat the COVID-19 virus pandemic, notably: regular washing of hands and ‘’social distancing’’, Civil Soci-

ety groups have criticized African governments for past failures to provide food security; adequate shelter; training adequate numbers of doctors and nurses, and have welcomed Adesina’s record of performance. One of Adesina’s strategy for promoting Africa’s development which Civil Society find most welcome is ‘’boosting the entrepreneurial power of Africa’s young people’’. Africa has a ‘’young and quickly growing population’’. His vision to ‘’leverage 1 billion Euros’’ by public and private sources to be combined with 50 million Euros each by AfDB and the European Investment Bank to fund ‘’innovation’’ and ‘’incubating and piloting promising new ideas’’ will enhance Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by young people. In the context of growing social decay (following corruption by ruling political networks which is promoting growing inequality in most African countries), Adesina’s focus on Africa’s youth will ‘’promote the democratization’’ of economic activities and access to income. In South Africa the commemoration of the ‘’Freedom Charter’’ (adopted on June 26, 1955), which declared that ‘’The people shall share the wealth of this country’’, Civil Society groups are convinced that it is the promise and passion for funding the blocked innovation and productivity by Adesina as President of the African Development Bank is what is needed to stem growing bitterness and hunger of millions crowded inside shacks and those sleeping on open spaces.

Covid-19: President Buhari should call Bello to order as gun shots decide matters in Kogi IKEDDY ISIGUZO .Isiguzo is a major commentator on minor national issues

attles over the coronavirus pandemic assumed new dimensions at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, Kogi State, last Wednesday, when a hail of bullets shattered the serenity of the facility. It was a new low in the state’s official position on the pandemic that has killed more than 603 Nigerians. Kogi State officially has four patients on admission. Who were the gunmen who arrived in their numbers? What were they looking for in a hospital? Who were they acting for? A few of their actions answered the questions, though they could be part of the befuddlement. They shot enough times to scare away anyone who could have been on their way. They took laptops belonging to FMC staff, shattered some doors, and

upturned a couple of tables. In a matter of minutes they were gone, revving their vehicles in manners only thieves do. It was a daylight robbery that succeeded in some ways that could put further hindrances in the way of patients seeking medical succour at the facility, whether for coronavirus or other ails. Governor Yahaya Bello insists that the state was free of the virus. His proof remains 111 tests that the state claimed it conducted with its own equipment, without supervision of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and without any Covid-19 approved laboratory in the state. The 111 cases in May all returned negative. Kogi carries on without tests that other states are conducting at approved facilities to halt the spread of the virus. Doctors in the Kogi are scared that they are on the line of attack of the virus as they attend to patients with unknown health circumstances. Agwu Nnanna, chairman of the resident doctors at FMC, Lokoja, had spoken out about the state government’s attitude

which had hindered NCDC and other stakeholders from tackling the virus in Kogi State. A press conference was planned last Wednesday on the state of the virus in the state. It seemed that the attack was to disrupt the evidence and take away whatever records that FMC had. The attackers were also said to have taken cash at the accounts department. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), officers at FMC were reportedly told not to engage the attackers. The hospital management wanted to avoid a bloodshed. FMC personnel maintain that they had treated patients who had the virus before transferring them to NCDC, Abuja. The Kogi State Government insists there were no cases in the state. The State Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, died last Sunday at an isolation centre in Abuja and was buried in Abuja in line with Covid-19 protocols. Bello says the state was free of the pandemic. He explained that Justice Ajanah died from a protracted illness. Its remains inexplicable what

motivates the governor’s drive on insisting that his state was Covid-19 free, contrary to the position of experts. The lifting of inter-state travels makes what is going on in Kogi more dangerous. Thousands of passengers pass through the state daily to other parts of the country. Has a prize been established for Covid-19-free state that Bello wants to win? According to the state government, Wednesday’s attack on FMC was a scuffle involving FMC personnel and relations of patients. “Many people in the Emergency Ward were left unattended to and a mother delivered at the gate of the hospital. That generated a lot of public tension in the state. Tension started building a day before (Tuesday) when patients and their relatives learnt of a plan by the medical staff to stage a protest today (Wednesday), seeking protection from COVID-19,” the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said. Is it acceptable practice in Kogi State, for disputes between

patients and a hospital to be resolved by gunmen? Was that statement the government’s approval of the attack on FMC? Why is there no surprise or condemnation of the incident by the Kogi State Government? Did the aggrieved patients and their relations tell the state that they would use gunmen at the hospital? Were the affected patients admitted at the accounts and administration departments? By failing to condemn the attack, the Kogi State Government has made FMC, Lokoja unsafe. In not proposing measures to secure the facility, Bello would scare patients away from the hospital. No matter what the death figures become in Kogi, no matter what kills people in Kogi, it is only His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello, who has the expertise to disclose the cause of death, as His Excellency pleases. President Muhammadu Buhari should call Bello to order; the threat he poses to the safety of Nigerians and other residents of the country, is stretching beyond Kogi.

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Sunday 05 July 2020

BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Covid-19: Time firms need critical solutions to PR, marketing headaches DANIEL OBI

ajor concern for CEOs at this time of Covid-19 pandemic is to keep revenue stable and save profit from declining. Generally this is not the best of time for CEOs as the economic downturn worsened by the effects of the pandemic saw oil price in international market decline, leading to budget review. Many economic activities also slowed due to the lockdown aimed at decelerating the spread of the virus. As illustrated by Segun McMedal, Chairman of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, this is also not the time for any sales pitch, instead “it is the time for brands to show care on how to navigate this peculiar period”. This means that Covid-19 has altered the status quo in marketing strategies for product sales. While firms are targeting sales in the short term, how to remain relevant in the long term is more significant. “Public relations practitioners should therefore rise to the occasion by advising brands to rejig their communication strategy in a more thoughtful direction, focusing on efforts to support the government and people in managing the crisis. The Co-

vid-19 period offers a window of opportunity to be relevant by touching the people where it matters the most. Anyone brand that is not communicating value to stakeholders during this period are likely to be forgotten post COVID-19”, says McMedal. In the same vein, Lisette Paras, founder and president of Gravitate PR had an article published in Bizcommunity articulated 5

points that savvy companies can do during these uncertain times to remain relevant. They are thinking critically about how to tell stories, knowing the news cycle, understanding that resources are strained, focusing on the fundamentals and looking to the long-term. On thinking critically, she said during this time, it’s important to be judicious in how you tell your

story—and evaluate whether this is the right time to be telling it at all. The news cycle, she said tends to follow a pattern of covering the news itself. Writing on focusing on the fundamentals, she said “If you’re pushing back on announcing or unveiling any major campaign or initiative, that doesn’t mean that you have to be entirely dormant. “In this current climate, does

your messaging still stack up? If not, then a messaging revamp exercise could be in order, as well as gaining consensus from your key stakeholders that everyone is on the same page with brand positioning, and developing materials that tie back to this foundation”. Stating that firms should look to the long-term, she advised that companies, including brands are designed for the long-haul. Therefore building a brand’s visibility, thought leadership, market competitiveness and reputation requires dedication and perseverance. Though , many businesses are already affected by the impact of the pandemic but “ history has shown that some of the most prominent brands have started and flourished during tough times, including Airbnb, Dropbox and Square. If history continues to be our guide, we’ll see more innovations emerge this year –Now might be as good of a time as any to build and hone your brand’s story”, she said. In a survey conducted in April, this year, the public relations practitioners in Nigeria overwhelmingly agreed that their service offerings can bring organizations back to stability and profitability post pandemic. Majority of respondents (95.2%) believed the public relations profession is strategically placed as a tool to bring organizations in the public and private sector back to reckoning.

Study links fruit juice consumption to higher nutrient intake in kids

new research has shown that consumption of total fruit juice by children aged 2 to 18 years is closely linked to improved nutrient adequacy during their formative years. Drinking fruit juices plays an important role in the diets of young children by supplying them with the important nutrients during these crucial years of growth and development. The research, according to a statement, titled “A longitudinal study of fruit juice consumption during pre-school years and subsequent diet quality and BMI” which was carried out by Boston University and published online at BMC Nutrition in May 2020 by Lynn L. Moore and colleagues

found that young children who regularly consumed 100% fruit juice at a young age went on to eat more fruits and vegetables and were more likely to develop healthier diets and eating habits in their teenage years than their peers who drank much less fruit juice when they were younger. The statement said the results of the study encouraged the inclusion of 100% fruit juice as part of an overall balanced diet, whilst stressing that contrary to previous research, regular consumption of fruit juices did not put children at a greater risk of being overweight in later years. The study also mentioned the required daily quantity, calling out that it is also important

for pre-school and nursery age children to drink at least one and a half cups of 100% pure fruit juice every day. The study stated that 100% fruit juice can help meet recommended daily goals for fruit intake because it is a nutrient-dense drink that provides vitamins, minerals (folic acid, thiamine and magnesium) and beneficial plant nutrients like polyphenols. It was reported that lead researcher, Lynn Moore from Boston University, U.S.A., said, “Fruit consumption, particularly whole fruit consumption, has many health benefits throughout one’s lifespan. Avoiding fruit juice during these early formative years may have unintended effects on evolving dietary behaviors. Fruit

juice drinking in young children may promote better diet quality and higher intakes of whole fruit,” he said. He added that the benefits associated with moderate intakes of 100% fruit juice, were not accompanied by any adverse effects on childhood weight. In Nigeria, one brand that is at the forefront of promoting the nutritional benefits of 100% fruit juice amongst all Nigerians is Chivita 100%. Chivita 100% is a 100% fruit juice product renowned for its high quality, nourishing benefits and refreshing taste. Chivita 100%, according to the statement contains no added sugar, no preservatives, and no artificial colours or artificial flavours.

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BDSUNDAY 27

SundayBusiness Lessons from Baef, the EcoSpot farmer Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

Introduction: urther to our determined quest to meet with young Nigerians, who are actively engaged in modern farming practices and project what they do in our FARMRUSH Series, I hereby present the recent engagement with Mr. Baef Olanlokun, who has unique services to offer. The interview: Let us meet you briefly. Give us your profile? My name is Jonathan Olakunle Olanlokun. I am a technician, humanitarian, environmental activist, social impact person and a farmer. I’m the founder of Barbara Abike

Epperson Foundation (BAEF). Some months ago, I got the idea to start BaefEcoSpot (An offspring of Barbara Abike Epperson Foundation). BaefEcoSpot is a mini sanctuary, housing plants and crops as available in specific areas. Here, it serves as a center for visitors and community members of Osogbo in Osun state. The goal is to also make BaefEcoSpot a tourism haven and to attract students from far and wide. I want them to come see for themselves, learn and collaborate to replicate BaefEcoSpot in their schools, homes and communities across Osun State and Nigeria. What gave you the inspiration to venture into agriculture, when and where? I got the inspiration to venture into Agriculture from the ‘80s to mid ‘90s as an orphan boy staying with my great uncle in Iree, Osun State. We used to do a lot of faming from cassava, to yam, to maize in large scale. We also had farm extension in Ijabe, Osun State, near Oyan the home of sweet potatoes. I used to join our workers to make big and small heaps, to plant, to clear weeds and to harvest our farm produce. I also got inspiration and had a lot of knowledge from my regular holidays to Bolunduro OniOke via IpetuIjesa/Ilesha where my paternal grandfather owns big Cocoa/Kolanut/Palm/Plantain plantations. My grandfather also planted many other crops like yam, cassava, maize. At Bolunduro I used to harvest cocoa and kolanut. What aspects of agriculture are

you actively engaged in and why do you like them? For now I’m into urban-farming. I also call it home -farming or creativefarming. We make use of discarded pet plastics bottles, used bottles, wooden crates to plant different crops from vegetables, to herbs and fruits. I like this method for now because the farm is by the right side of my house, so the farm gets the necessary attention. At the same time we farm to educate people, to grow people to do home- farming by growing what they eat from the comfort of their homes. Whatweretheinitialchallenges and how did you overcome them? My initial challenges were few; getting used bottles was s challenge, because here in Osogbo you don’t get pet bottles in large quantity unlike Lagos. So, the challenge of not getting used bottles in large quantity was sorted out when I engaged my community children to pick good, used bottles for our

EcoSpot at the rate of N10 per bottle. Thanks to one of my advisers and supporters who brought the fantastic idea. She also funded this sub-project of bringing a used bottle and getting paid N10. Now, my community children are all happy. What type of training programmes have you taken part in? And what did you gain from them? What about your staff training? I haven’t taken part in any training other than that of my past farming experience and new ideas. I do watch YouTube videos. I also use Google to get relevant information. I gained a lot as a person and I think I can still add value in the agricultural world. That’s why I started BaefEcoSpot. For staff training, I’m passing my knowledge to members of my staff and to our EcoSpot Children’s Club. Could you please list types of your farm produce and their nutritional benefits? We plant vegetables, herbs and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are good for the body and we are educating homes and individuals to plant what they eat and even make money from their harvests. What are your marketing strategies and how effective are they? Our marketing strategy for BaefEcoSpot is that with our homefarm/garden we are nurturing talents in sustainable practices and living. BaefEcoSpot also serves to provide community knowledge for environmental orientation. What exactly do you want the

government to do to assist with your processes? We want government ministries of Agriculture, Poverty Reduction, Fi n a n c e a n d Jo b Cr e a t i o n Parastatals to support agriculture and for the government to make funds accessible without too much of stress for farmers. We also want funds to expand our farms. How has COVID-19 affected your venture? Covid-19 didn’t affect us too much since we farm from home. We only had problem with getting our vegetables and seedlings from Jos to Osogbo due to the interstate transportation ban. What plans do you have to take your career to greater heights? Our plan is to take BaefEcoSpot to greater heights. We want to keep moving forward. We want to keep innovating and doing good works. What is your advice to Nigerian youths on taking agriculture more seriously? My advice to Nigerian youths is that they should take agriculture as a culture, as a way of life. They should try at all cost to be productive. They should venture into farming and not illegal things so that they can get multiple harvests from farming. How do you relax? I just sit down and smile, and also watch Television.

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

Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) remains a catalyst for trade, investment and economic growth – Ekpe MIKE ABANG

odwin Ekpe, head of Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), has said that the zone remained a catalyst for trade, investment and economic growth. In the face of global pandemic ravaging the entire global economy, the Zone under Ekpe has been able to accomplish daunting tasks within this period. So far, it has licensed seventy two companies out of which thirty four are operational, carrying out different activities with an employment generation of about 8,000 skilled and unskilled workers. Alsowithinthisperiod,according to Ekpe, the (CFTZ) foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at about $7 billion at the end of 2019. The zone serves as a catalyst for trade, investment and wider economic growth. It facilitates the economic transformation of the host state through backward linkages; overcomes trade barriers that hinder investment in the wider economy. Ekpe said that the Zone has attracted over 11,000 direct and indirect employments from inception and is still attracting. There has also been massive technology transfer from foreign direct investment (FDI) and other companies located in the Zone such as Skyrun International, MSaleh engineering, Combination

Industries, Iron and Still Group, among others. As part of efforts to complement the Cross River State government, the zone has been at the fore front of supporting the fight against Covid-19 through providing material support and donating of face masks to host communities and other logistics supports to the state through its companies; indigenes of the state and others are being employed by these companies. The companies have continued to provide revenue generation to the state in terms of PAYE, rents and backward linkages; granting of scholarship to host communities by the companies located in the Zone, building of schools, clinics and police station by Enterprises in the Zone, donation of security vehicles to the gtate government by Oil and Gas Group to boost security surveillance, among other forms of support. The head of Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) recently called for maximum support and patronage from Federal ministry’s and security chiefs in the state to invest in the zoneaspartsofeffortsinpatronising made-in-Nigeria products “There are lots of products in the zone that have been underutilised by the general public within Calabar metropolis,” he said when he paid a courtesy call on the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone Six Calabar,

Zaki Ahmed He informed the AIG that there have been no serious security threats in the zone, asking however, that more policemen be posted to the zone. Also, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Uche Anozia paid a courtesy call on the head of CFTZ. Ekpe used the opportunity to inform the Police boss of incentives available to investors within the zone Recently, Ekpe donated gift items on behalf of management of the Zone to the disabled persons from the Joint National Association of the Union Akpabuyo branch, during a courtesy visit to his office. Ekpe, who was impressed with their conduct and request, said: “We will ensure that your request is forwarded to the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) headquarters for further directives.’’ The Secretary of the Join National Association of Disable Persons, Akpabuyo branch, Iquo Mkpang had requested for an empowerment prgramme of skills acquisition and employment of their members and a bus during the visit to the acting head of the Zone. On p a t r o n a g e o f g o o d s produced in the Zone, he lauded President Mohammadu Buhari administration in taking the bold step by urging Nigerians to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.

“In line with the Federal Government directive on made-inNigeria goods, we wish to inform Nigerians that there is a company in theZonethatproducescamouflage, Uniforms, for security operatives,” he said. Ekpe explained that sixteen companies are into manufacturing tag category A; nine enterprises are service providers and eleven companies are into Oil and Gas. “We make bold to state that the Free Trade Zone scheme has recorded tremendous achievement outside our cooperate social responsibilities to our host communities,” he said. He warned that (CFTZ) is not a Zone for illicit trade, as according to him, “This is because the customs and other security agencies like the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have strong control over movement of goods in the Zone, as they carry out joint inspection of consignments.” Major challenge facing the Zone Ekpe appealed to the relevant Federal Government Agencies to address quickly the burning issue of shallow draft of the Calabar Port that has been there for many years now. He said Free Zones all over the World are cited where the distance to transport hub like sea port is not far. The (CFTZ) location was in consideration of the location of

the sea port. But unfortunately, he said the port is under-utilised due to shallow waterway which has not allowed bigger vessels to berth. He lamented that the shallow draft of the Calabar port has affected negatively the operations in the Zone as most consignments are received from Onne port, thereby increasing the cost of shipments received from Onne port, and also increasing the cost of shipments for our investors and causing delay in their operations. History of the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) The Cabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) initially known as Calabar Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) came into existence in 1992 after the promulgation of the (NEPZA) Act No 63 of 1992. The Zone has a landmass of 152 hecters, during this period; activities in the Zone were mainly export oriented where 75% of goods produced in the Zone were destined for export. However, with global trend and best practices, the Scheme was modified and rebranded as Calabar Free Trade Zone on November 21st 2001 during official commissioning by former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration. The modification according to the head of the Zone, broadened the scope of activities and introduced additional line of investment opportunities such as trading, warehousing, Assembling, Service providers among others

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Sunday 05 July 2020

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SundayBusiness Why mortgage industry needs informal sector for growth

ore than ever before, given the ravaging impact of coronavirus pandemic on global economy, the mortgage industry in Nigeria needs the informal sector of the economic for it to walk out of an imminent downturn that may affect its growth badly. The mortgage industry needs a thriving market to grow its deposit. The informal sector has the number to provide that market. But that needs the mortgage operators to be creative and innovative in their consumer products offerings. Clearly, this explains why, like the rejected stone, the informal sector as a component of the economy, has become the head of the corner for economic growth. Presently, there is an argument on the possibility of including the informal sector, with its estimated N81.048 trillion annual income, in a new housing fund that could be created and added to the existing Pension Commission’s (PenCom) multi-fund structure. The aim is to narrow down housing affordability gap. This, however, has to happen alongside lowering of mortgage interest rate to single digit of 8- 9 percent, down from the current

18-22 percent commercial rate which operators charge on mortgage loans. It is assumed that the inclusion of the informal sector operators who constitute 67.54 million of Nigeria’s 81.15 million workforce in the contributory pension scheme will lead to increased housing affordability. In the same vein, as economic activities continue to shrink leading to loss of jobs, salary cuts and significant drop in personal income, most of the primary mortgage banks (PMBs), which are struggling with hash operating environment and rising nonperforming loans (NPL), have the informal sector to turn to for sustaining their operation. Low capital base coupled with the prevailing economic conditions have so impacted the operations of these banks that a good number of them are unable to meet their contractual and statutory obligations to their clients and regulators respectively. But the operators are not resting on their oars. They are building blocks and putting measures in place to engender growth of the sector in order to increase access and affordability and, by extension, enlarge the clan of homeowners in the country. Unbundling of mortgage origi-

Talking Mortgage

nation process, further reduction in loan origination period, introduction of computerised land titling registration, land title insurance, introduction of uniform underwriting standards (UUS) for informal sector, enactment of foreclosure law, and wider public awareness for the sector are part of the push by the operators for the growth of the sector. Mortgage is a sub-sector of the economy and the operators are saying that since the larger economy is not doing well and the mortgage sector is not insulated from what is happening in the larger economy, what is happening to them is not unexpected. “We know what happened to oil price and the foreign exchange market. These have affected everything in the economy. In the case of oil, both the volume and the price went down. All these affected consumer purchasing power. Don’t forget that the balance sheet of the mortgage banks were not strong abnitio”, Ayodele Olowookere, CEO, Imperial Mortgage Bank, said. He stressed that the problems of the mortgage banks revolve round their small capital base and so there isn’t much they can do. “For all the money that I have, unless I raise additional capital, I

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

don’t think I can do 1,000 mortgages. To do mortgages, you need long term funds and that is the only way you can do long term mortgages”, he said. Udo Okonjo, vice chair/CEO, Fine and Country West Africa, agrees, emphasizing that the real core factor responsible for the slow growth in this sector is that the banks and the mortgage institutions don’t have long term funds; all they have are short term deposits. “The underlying fundamental for mortgage growth is that we have to have saving culture and large financial base because mortgages are long term funds. In an ideal world, you will be talking about 20-25 years mortgages at very low interest rate”, Okonjo added. Technically speaking, Nigeria has no mortgage system and Okonjo reasons that the country

doesn’t really have a real estate sector. “What we are doing is just scratching the surface. If we really want to create wealth through real estate which is one of the major ways the developed world creates wealth, then we have to develop and grow the mortgage sector”, she emphasised. But the operators are not deterred. “We are here to stay and grow this sector”, Olowookere assures, adding, “we are looking at the best way to do things, especially in credit management and evaluation. We are looking at the informal sector. “People in this sector are not collecting salaries, but earn huge and regular income. So, we are finding creative ways of bringing them into the net. We are also looking at new ways to raise capital by bringing in more shareholders,” he assured further.

Dangote, Bill and Melinda Gates named among business leaders helping the world fight COVID-19

side from being business leaders and two of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, have something in common - it is their philanthropism. Dangote, Bill and Melinda Gates have been featured among the 40 individuals, on the Neusroom 100 project, helping the world combat the common enemy threatening and disrupting activities across the world - the coronavirus. Also listed areAlibaba founder, Jack Ma, Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, Tony Elumelu, Chairman, BUA Group, Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Thai billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont. The list which was released on Saturday June 27, 2020, also include 30 organisations, 20 nations and 10 things. Since the virus swept across the world in March

Aliko Dangote

2020, some of the personalities listed by Neusroom have been supporting nations, individuals and other institutions at the front line of fighting the virus to restore normalcy to the world. CEO of Information Digital Africa (ID Africa), Femi Falodun said the

Neusroom 100 project is a celebration of hope, and an acknowledgement of humanity’s collective will to survive. He added that it “highlights the sacrifices and contributions of women, men, organisations, nations and even things – products of humanity’s creativity,

Bill and Melinda Gates

that are helping the world win in this long fight against COVID-19.” Besides making donations to help Nigeria win th e battle, Dang ote is

currently building a 600bed isolation centre in Kano to manage the rising spread of the pandemic in the state. Bill and Melinda Gates,

through their foundation, have committed up to $305 million, as at May, to aid global detection, isolation, and treatment of COVID-19.

Sunday 05 July 2020

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SundayBusiness General Motors recognises LG Electronics for innovative technologies Seyi John Salau

G El e c t r o n i c s (LG) has received the coveted GM Innovation Award announced at General Motors’ 28th Annual Supplier of the Year Awards held recently at the automotive leader’s firstever virtual ceremony. Amongotherinnovations, the award recognises LG’s development (together with sister company LG Display) of the revolutionary P-OLED cockpit technology in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. This year, more than 100 companies from 15 countries were recognised as top GM suppliers with only five suppliers receiving the prestigious Innovation Award. LG Electronics and LG Display were praised for delivering cutting-edge automotive technology and vehicle components that furthered vehicle capabilities and the driving experience. This is the second time LG Electronics has been recognised by GM as a valued partner, having received the Innovation Award in 2016 with LG Chem for supplying automotive technologies and components toward GM’s electric vehicle (EV)

efforts. The P-OLED cockpit technology in the 2021 Ca d i l l a c Es c a l a d e n o t only acts as an impressive centerpiece inside the iconic SUV, it also represents the first time LG’s advanced Digital Cockpit Solution is featured in a commercial vehicle. The 38-inch display is composed of three separate P-OLED display panels, the largest measuring 16.9 inches diagonally. The three curved screens make up the Instrument Panel Cluster for displaying basic vehicle-related information and an Integrated Central Stack that serves as an infotainment display for audio, video, and easy navigation. LG’s futuristic integrated display system offers a wide viewing angle, unmatched design flexibility, and a much-improved human-machine interface.

LG Electronics continues to work closely with GM across various sectors, and since 2015, has been supplying 11 important vehicle parts, including infotainment systems, instrument clusters and driving components, for G M ’s l e a d i n g e l e c t r i c vehicle, the Chevrolet Bolt EV. “We are honored to be recognised by an industry leader such as General Motors, and LG will continue to strive to be a partner that understands the needs of our customers and grows with them,” said Kim JinYong , president of the LG Vehicle Component Solutions Company. “GM and LG share a vision of the vehicle cabin as a complete a state-of-the-art system that lets drivers take the comforts of home with them,” Jin-Yong further said.

Re-invent business model to survive the pandemic, Idahoise urges brand entrepreneurs Josephine Okojie

avid Idahoise, m a n a g i n g director and chief executive o f f i c e r, Ro u t e 7 1 2 Experiential Agency has urged business operators in the country to re-invent their strategy and tweak their business model to survive the difficult moment of the COVID-19 disruptions. “Every forward-looking organisation must reinvent their strategy to ensure they deliver exceptional services and customer experience in this present day market reality if they want to be relevant and remain in business,” Idahoise said. According to him, this would make the agencies and the product brands that they work for to deepen their engagement and loyalty with customers. Citing his agency as an example, Idahoise disclosed that the company had sustained its culture of attracting to itself some of the brightest minds in Nigeria’s brand activation and marketing industry to keep it at the top of the experiential marketing

David Idahoise

space. “With its dictum, ‘ Ev e r y t h i n g y o u c a n imagine is real’, Route 712 is combining imaginativeness with innovativeness to distinguish itself in the Ni g e r i a n e x p e r i e n t i a l marketing ecosystem while impacting on the sector’s generation next, positively,” he further said. Quite notably, Route 712 scored another first amid the pandemic when it successfully activated the first-ever experiential outof-home activation which caught the appeal of many industry players. It was at the launch of the cowbell evaporated milk brand which took place recently. The agency leveraged a combination of out-of-home technology

with digital interactions to drive massive engagements with consumers across the length and breadth of the country. Expectedly, Route 712 was loudly applauded across the industry for the feat. It is on record that helmsman founded the agency 10 years ago; and within those years the agency has run several record-breaking campaigns. These include Mouka flora & legend mattress brand unveiling, Diageo McDowell football frendzy a c t i v a t i o n ; Mc Do w e l l platinum whisky launch; Onga foodies hangout activations; onga next top chef campus activation and cowbell coffee campus revelation among others.

NSIA grows total assets to N649.84bn in 2019 ...Records N36.15bn profit Michael Ani

he Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority recorded a five percent growth in Total Assets from N617.7bn in 2018 to N649.84bn as of the end of 2019. It also recorded a Profit After Tax of N34.46bn for the 2019 financial period. The figures are contained in the 2019 audited financial statement of the agency which was released on Friday in Abuja. Th e Au t h o r i t y a l s o said it recorded total comprehensive income of N36.15bn in 2019 as against N44.34bn recorded in 2018. Ex c l u d i n g f o r e i g n exchange gain of N18bn in 2018 and N1.28 in 2019, the net income in 2019 was N34.87bn compared to N26.28bn in 2018. Al s o, i t c l o s e d k e y transactions and increased capital deployment on domestic infrastructure

projects specifically in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure enabling financial institutions. In the healthcare se c t o r, t he NS I A sa id it operationalised the Cancer Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in May 2019. The Authority also said it recorded significant progress on the civil and construction works at the Advanced Diagnostic Centres at both the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Th e s e c o n s t r u c t i o n works, it said, were subsequently completed in 2020. On the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the NSIA said it delivered 6.5 million bags of 50kg bags of NPK 20:10:10 while accredited participating blending plants increased from 18 to 31 in 2019. For the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, the Authority said it received N90bn from

government and deployed capital across three of the major road projects under the PIDF. The three major road projects are the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and Abuja-ZariaKaduna-Kano Road. As of the end of 2019, it said a total of ₦181.9bn had been deployed across all the three projects.

Speaking on the financial performance, the Managing Director, NSIA, Uche Orji, said that the outlook for the Fund remains promising. He said, “The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented human and health crisis with significant impact on global markets. As such, it may be difficult to predict the market’s overall reaction to

Uche Orji, managing director, NSIA

development. “It is predictable that the volatility introduce by the onset of the pandemic may linger. However, the Authority continues to monitor the market conditions with the view to leverage the upside risks that avail themselves in the market. “We expect that our investment strategy will continue to deliver positive returns in the long term in 2020 as the markets normalise and new opportunities emerge.” The NSIA boss said asset allocation strategy remains stable across the various funds adding that Future generations fund remains 25 percent public equities, 25 per cent private equity, 25 percent Absolute Returns and 25 percent Other diversifiers. He gave the areas of focus for the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund to include agriculture, healthcare, power, toll roads and gas industrialisation. Or j i s a i d t h e N S I A closed key transactions

and increased capital deployment on domestic infrastructure projects specifically in motorways, agriculture, healthcare, and power: O r j i s a i d , “Operationalising several subsidiaries of the NSIA will be a key focus especially in the healthcare sector where we have several projects in the pipeline. NSIA has invested in several financial companies that help develop the capital markets including Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company, InfraCredit, NG Clearing, Development Bank of Nigeria, and Family Homes Funds. “We will continue to work on strengthening these entities and making new investments in companies that strengthen financial market infrastructure.” The NSIA Boss said the Authority would continue to deploy capital into vital sectors of the economy with increased focus on sectors that will engineer real growth.

Sunday 05 July 2020

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BDSUNDAY 31

Sports

‘We are building future leaders with HiFL Masterclass Series’

Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM ACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, organizers of Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) has announced the introduction of the Masterclass Series as a part of efforts aimed at creating more opportunities for its stakeholders across board, particularly journalists, sports lovers, and students in the varsity space. The #HiFLMasterClass Series is a sequence of online sessions created to grow and empower critical HiFL stakeholders, which includes sports and non-sports enthusiasts. Aside from matters affecting sports and its development in Nigeria, the masterclasses will provide participants with timely insights on making other critical life decisions, which may have major influences on the path to success. The sessions are being organised in collaboration with Stanbic IBTC. Speaking on the collaboration, Head, Global Markets at Stanbic IBTC, Sam Ocheho, intimated that asides further reinforcing the company’s commitment to collegiate sports in Nigeria, the Masterclasses would propel the participants, especially the youths to chart the proper course to accomplish their dreams. “These are critical times and it is only important that we all take opportunities that are provided by the current dynamics to enhance our lives generally. As a financial institution, we are concerned about how people can safeguard their financial future in

uncertain times such as we are experiencing with the Covid-19 pandemic. It must also be noted that with a youthful population such as ours, how we engage this vibrant segment of our populace is critical to what the future holds for our dear nation as we harness the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution. T herefore, we will always support initiatives such as the HiFL Masterclass to provide easy access to an inclusive education that would promote lifelong learning opportunities for Nigerian youths” Mr. Ocheho narrated. Some of the sessions include safeguarding your financial future in uncertain times to be facilitated by Obinna Lewis-Asonye, Zonal Head, Micro Pension and Agency at Stanbic IBTC, how to make a career in talking sports by ace SuperSports presenter, Mozez Praiz, navigating media relations

in sports by Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye among others. The sessions will hold from July 1 to August 5, 2020. According to the Chief Operating Officer at PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Olamide Adeyemo, the HiFL Masterclass Series will extend the reach and scope of the league beyond its current base even as the company considers exploring the series on radio and television in the nearest future. “With the HiFL Masterclass series, we are building future leaders”, Adeyemo noted. “Registrations are still ongoing for the sessions and participants can still be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity by registering at hiflng.com/masterclasses. Also, for more information on the class schedule, @HiFLNigeria on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is the best bet” he further revealed.

Ighalo reveals new role with Martial and Rashford

dion Ighalo is playing on borrowed time after Manchester United was able to secure a loan deal extension with Shanghai Shenhua. The deal does not include a buy option, meaning the Nigerian striker will only be at Old Trafford until January 2021. Regardless, it appears that is not bothering the 31-year-old football player who now finds himself taking on a new role with the Red Devils. With Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, Ighalo’s role has changed a bit. He is no longer the prime option on offensive attacks and is now tasked to support both players. The Nigerian has no qualms about it, knowing that he needs to be at the right place at the right time. Hence, the main thing he needs to do is to just keep on running alongside Martial and Rashford. He will get his opportunity and he seems pretty fine with the setup. “If you can’t touch the ball or you can’t do anything with the ball, you have to unsettle the defenders so your other teammates can move and do something with the ball. It’s what I was trying to do in the first half against Norwich when I wasn’t getting too many balls,” Ighalo told United Review.

jaer made the necessary adjustments to make them all co-exist. However, this setup is only good until January 2021 unless the Red Devils engage in new talks to sign Ighalo to a permanent deal. Source: Ibtimes

No LaLiga bonus for Real Madrid players

eal Madrid players and coaching staff will not receive a n y b o n u s i n the event of winning LaLiga Santander or the Champions League. Following the coronavirus outbreak, the club and players have agreed on a 10 percent salary cut, as well as the waving of any bonuses corresponding to domestic or European success. Several LaLiga Santander clubs implemented temporary salary reductions for their employees via an ERTE, while Los Blancos agreed on wage cuts through negotiations with players and directors. The 10 percent cut that was agreed to would have gone up to

20 percent had the season been cancelled, but that is not now the case. However, there still won’t be any bonuses for 2019/20, so nothing like the bonuses of around one million euros that the players collected in the year of the LaLiga and Champions League double in 2016/17.The Real Madrid players, who were represented by their captain Sergio Ramos, accepted the club’s proposal as they were aware of the financial difficulties that came with the coronavirus crisis. Although they agreed on scrapping their bonuses, they have hit the ground running after the break and have secured a four-point lead over secondplaced Barcelona.

Promoted Premier League clubs to get less money

lubs promoted to the Premier League for the next two seasons will receive £8m less than expected. The reduction is because of a £330m rebate the league has agreed to pay broadcasters because of the temporary suspension of the current season due to the Covid-19 crisis. The Premier League agreed a deal with broadcasters that included a payment for greater flexibility over start and end dates to the next two seasons, the first of which will now begin later than planned. The rebate will be staggered over the next two years. As first reported by the Guard-

ian, clubs that join the top flight during that period will be expected to share the cost. The pandemic is costing Premier League clubs a total of £700m when losses to matchday revenue and commercial income are added to the payments to broadcast partners. But BBC Sport understands the news has caused dismay and frustration among some Championship clubs, who feel the Premier League should be providing more financial help to clubs in the Football League. Promotion from the Championship is currently thought to be worth around £180m to the three clubs that come up each year.

Messi halts renewal talks with Barcelona Though he is on loan, Ighalo is no stranger to Premier League play. He has the experience to show, having previously played for Watford. According to the report, Ighalo believes he is stronger now and has improved a lot for his part while wearing the Manchester United uniform. “You have to keep the mentality the same, work hard and take the chance when it comes. You play for the team, even if you don’t score a goal, you can give an assist and work for the team. That’s the most important thing because it’s a team game,” Ighalo said. With Rashford back in harness, critics felt that Ighalo would be lost in the mix. But as expected, Solsk-

eports in Spain say Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is fed up with problems surrounding the club, the leaks, the strange atmosphere that constantly surrounds the dressing room and above all, the fact that certain sections of the club always blame him for everything that goes wrong at the Camp Nou. Messi has told his inner circle of his frustration, complaining that he does not want to be held responsible for anything other than his performances on the pitch. Messi is also said to be angry at the sporting decisions taken by the club, who have failed to provide him with the right players to support him. His differences with the sporting bosses at the Camp Nou, with public discrepancies with Eric Abidal and his disagreements with coach Setién and why the club didn’t make an ef-

fort to bring back Neymar. The Argentinean forward also feels that the recent poor results, which have opened the door for rivals Real Madrid to win the LaLiga title. He feels others have blamed him for influencing the team selection, in order to choose players he’s closer to, such as Luis Suárez and Arturo Vidal, in detriment to Antoine Griezmann. Messi scored his 700th goal against Atlético and he still has a chance of winning LaLiga and the

Champions League, but his recent problems with Setién and Eder Sarabia, and above all the criticism he’s received for his behaviour towards the coaching staff and leaks of private conversations appear to have worn him out. Messi had intended to stay at Barcelona, if he was physically able to, but it now appears he’s changed his mind. This is yet another hammer blow for Barcelona. Messi said several months ago that the team didn’t have enough to win the Champions League, an idea Setién publicly refused to agree with. Messi responded that he had more experience of the competition. Now, with Madrid four points ahead at the top of the table, LaLiga seems impossible and Messi is beginning to see the end of his Barcelona career.

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Avoiding or mitigating recession in post Covid-19 Nigeria

Introduction he massive macro-financial shock caused by Covid-19 has continued to ravage the global economy putting all systems and nations under severe financial instability never seen in history. Stock Markets around the world have been pounded and ravaged, and oil prices have fallen to an all-time low. Nigeria is not spared from this crisis. Total revenue expected to be realised from the 2020 National budget was N8.42trillion. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, revenue projection was reduced to N5.16trillion. This represents a drop of close to 40percent or N3.26trillion. Key sectors like manufacturing, maritime, aviation, hospitability and the creative industry, collapsed resulting in huge financial and job losses. The first-quarter report of the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows a slow-paced growth of -0.68percent as GDP contracted by 1.87percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. If this continues into the second quarter there are ominous signals of an impending recession. The World Bank 2020, Global Economic Prospects, June 2020, forecast that the Covid-19 pandemic will plunge all countries into the worst recession in history. GDP of advanced economies are projected to shrink by 7 percent. The outlook for emerging market and developing economies is bleak as they are forecast to contract by 2.5 percent. This would represent the weakest showing by this group of economies in at least sixty years. The crucial issue is - How do we avoid and or minimise the impact of inevitable recession on our economy? The first and critical policy action is to harmonise fiscal and monetary policy. Fiscal policy must be expansionary. In other words, big spending is required to massively stimulate the economy. This is called Keynesian economics named after the economist John Maynard Keynes. Keynesian economics served as the standard economic model in the developed nations during the latter part of the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war economic expansion (1945–1973). American President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt used the Keynesian economic model by spending massively on public works programs to get America out of the great depression. The mantra for Nigeria is to spend big to get out of recession. We acknowledge the government has adopted an expansionary policy by borrowing massively but we must have a clear strategy. First, we must determine our Public Sector Borrowing Requirements (PSBR). Additionally, we will need to identify an inventory of Public Sector Spending Requirements (PSSR). The PSBR and the PSSR should be indexed to identify funding gaps. Additionally an inventory of government assets should be created as we have many wasting assets that can be converted to cash. Using the abandoned Federal Government Secretariat in Lagos as the index case, informed valuers believe it has a forced market value of N100 Billion. This can build the East West Road. Abandoned projects abound, Ajaokuta Steel, Aladja Steel, the Newsprint at Iwopin, the various steel rolling mills around the country, the Onitsha Port, etc. It is believed these assets are worth at least N15, Trillion yet untapped. These wasting assets, if sold will boost fiscal policy immensely. Turning to Monetary Policy, we clearly need a very flexible monetary policy with interest rates pegged at no more than 5percent (Single-digit) to create a framework for quantitative easing and open market operation (OMO). Quantitative easing (QE) makes borrowing easy for business. QE makes burden on business lighter. OMO flood the economy with liquidity. A harmonised fiscal and monetary policy will lay the foundation to rebuild the economy. Three requirements to avoid a recession are Job creation, revenue mobilisa-

tion and control of cost of governance. If we get the macroeconomic environment right, which is the alignment of fiscal and monetary policy, it will release economic energy to create Jobs estimated at between 5 and 6 million, year on year. With respect to revenue generation with the right framework, massive funds can be generated and pumped into the economy. With respect to cost of governance, everybody knows it is far too high. In the revised 2020 budget, 73.5percent of total expenditure are for salaries and debt servicing, while only 26.5percent are for capital expenditure. This is unsustainable. We cannot continue to borrow to pay high recurrent bills. Rather we must invest in capital expenses to reflate the economy. The Government has taken steps to implement the Orosanye report but there needs to be a timeline for implementation. Corruption is a leading cause of high cost of governance. It is important to review anti-corruption strategies to reduce public corruption. Tackling the menace of big government and public corruption will give us more balanced revenue to debt profile. With the macroeconomic framework highlighted above, we can now review some critical factors that can help grow the economy and avoid recession. Diversification of the Economy This is one area government needs to urgently activate because of the massive budget deficit. Nigeria runs a mono –cultural economy as 85percent of her revenue is derived from crude oil exports. As a result of the price shocks occasioned by Covid-19, crude oil receipts have gone down and are no longer able to sustain the economy. The total revenue expected to be realised as stated in the 2020 budget is N8.42trillion, including a deficit of N2.17trillion. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, fiscal deficit has grown from N2.17t to N5.37t, which must expectedly be financed by fresh borrowing. We are now running a deficit budget and borrowing massively. Unless we diversify the economy, we will continue to borrow to the point where it becomes unsustainable. Many governments have paid lip service to diversification, but this is the time to develop a very strong policy on diversification. We must follow the example of the United Arab Emirates which diversified their economy by reducing dependence on oil receipts from100% to only 35% by going into service and smart industries. Some of the sectors to diversify our economy are; Agriculture Agriculture is one of the largest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP and has the potential to create massive numbers of new Jobs, especially in Northern Nigeria that has very fertile agricultural land. But our policy on agriculture must move away from subsistence to mechanised agriculture. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers programme that made Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production has shown the potential of the Agriculture Sector. The Central Bank has identified 10 crops to support namely rice, wheat, milk, tomato, fish, cotton etc. This is a great leap forward for the sector. Mechanised Agriculture will not only create Jobs but also improve National Security by offering employment to our teeming youths exploited for banditry and terrorism. Transportation This is a massive sector that can create millions of jobs and billions in revenue. But the starting point is to have a cohesive multimodel transportation policy to take care of the 4 critical sectors of air, sea, road, and rail. Once there is an effective transportation policy it will impact each of the 4 sectors in the following ways: Aviation/Space

Aviation is a major transportation sector. Unfortunately, Nigeria has no presence in the international Aviation business. Nigeria Airways has long been comatose. Foreign aircraft dominate the Nigerian airspace and earn well over 2 trillion Naira annually to our exclusion. 2 trillion Naira is substantial in our national budget. A Fly Nigeria Act will ensure that public funds to purchase air tickets must originate and fly on a Nigerian carrier. The Fly Nigeria Act will create an instant market of goods, passengers and services for our national carrier. Jobs will be created and revenue generated to the advantage of the economy. Space technology is huge. The late English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Stephen Hawking referred to space as the future of mankind. Regrettably, Nigeriais not harnessing this sector. Space has many major applications for developing our economy. We will mention two examples. First, space can be applied to the energy sector as remote sensing establishes the quantum of our hydrocarbons. Second, is the link between space and national security. Satellite technology intelligence gives us vital footprints in the national security infrastructure. The growing threat of terrorism and the adverse impact on economic stability can be checked by intelligence provided by space satellites. Nigeria has no space legislation. This hurts economic transformation. Railway and road transport The opportunities for rail and road are unimaginable. They connect people and open markets so goods and services are exchanged. Government is investing heavily in this sector but a lot more investment is required. The CBN recently launched InfraCo, a $39 Billion (N15 Trillion) infrastructure development fund but N15 Trillion is not enough. Rail and roads need a lot more investment because its revenue and job potentials are huge. The Post-COVID economy must create what is called socialized jobs. American President, Franklin Roosevelt used social jobs to push America out of the Great Depression, by creating the Tennessee Valley Authority, and employed over 4 million people. To accomplish all these, a strong PublicPrivate Sector Partnership (PPP) is vital.

OLISA AGBAKOBA Agbakoba (SAN), a human rights activist, maritime lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar

huge gas reserves present opportunities for alternative revenue sources. Russia’s revenue from gas exports in 2017 was $ 38.1 Billion. The success of Nigeria’s LNG has demonstrated that gas revenue is massive but only if exploited. Nigeria can also derive revenue from petrochemicals like methanol which Nigeria currently imports. But the legal framework must be right. The legal framework relating to hydrocarbons is skewed in favour of foreign companies in the entire value chain. In at least four cases, banking, insurance, shipping, legal service, capital flight is massive. In relation to shipping alone, it has been suggested that Nigeria loses over 10 Billion Dollars annually. Revenue loss will continue unless the legal framework is amended to domesticate the value chain in hydrocarbons. It is important to review the legal framework for local content with a view to strengthen implementation and enforcement. It is also very important to address the issue of corruption in the extractive industry. The continuing lapses and loss to the nation in oil and gas revenue as revealed in the Report by Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, which indicate lack of implementation of previous Reports, supports this. To ensure speedy reforms in the oil & gas sector, the Petroleum Industry Bill has to be passed into law. Our hydrocarbon resources especially gas is absolutely a major source of revenue, and employment. Solid mineral is another sector that has not been adequately harnessed. Nigeria is estimated to have about 34 solid minerals, with every Nigerian state boasting of at least one of these minerals. This can generate $ 10 Billion and 5 million Jobs. The Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017 alone saw the sector generate $ 1.68 billion, accounting for 55.16percent of the total government revenue and 17.40percent of the GDP. Solid minerals is undoubtedly capable of making a more pronounced impact on the country’s employment rate and generating more revenue for the government however, to derive the highest possible benefit from this sector, a proper policy and legal framework needs to be put in place.

Maritime This sector has been completely ignored but it has the capacity to generate over Seven Trillion Naira annually and four million jobs over 5 years. All that is required is the implementation of local content and Cabotage rules especially relating to the oil and gas sector which is currently dominated by foreigners. Our Cabotage legal regime must be enforced to stem capital flight and boost capacity for Nigerian Ship owners. Several critical bills relating to the maritime sector pending before the National Assembly require immediate enactment and implementation. Some of the bills are the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Ports and Harbour Bill, Maritime Zones Bill, Ocean Bill etc. There is also an urgent need to review the Nigerian Shipping Policy Act of 1987. The enactment of a law on maritime zones is also long overdue. The Maritime Zones bill will extend Nigeria’s EEZ of 200 nautical miles by another 150miles. This will create massive new revenue streams and generate jobs in the maritime sector.

Information Technology Nigeria can leverage its status as a multibillion-dollar tech hub to develop its IT sector and become a global IT services destination. Github, a leading software development platform, recently reported that Nigeria is home to the fastest growing developer community on their platform. The country has benefited from companies like Andela which brought world-class training and job opportunities to budding Nigerian programmers. Gebeya is promoting a similar model of training the next generation of African developers. Nigeria’s growing supply of programmers will likely be met with rising demand from the country’s constantly expanding tech hubs. The potential of the business-to-business (B2B) or enterprise software sector is also good news for the country’s ITC sector. African companies are expected to spend $3.6 trillion on B2B services in 2025. Nigeria is well-positioned to be part of this growth given the coexistence of traditional industries and B2B tech startups. The combination of a growing local talent pool and a bustling B2B sector means that the IT sector can drive economic growth for decades to come.

Hydrocarbons and Solid Minerals Although oil receipts are down, our

To be continued next week

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