103 minute read
experience – Shirley Frimpongthe
@businessDayNG @Businessdayng 19 Crime Watch
How rape, murder of 100-level UNIBEN undergraduate spark protest in Benin
Advertisement
CHURCHILL OKORO, Benin T ears rolled down their eyes like a stream; eyelids were swollen from nonstop crying; their lips trembled and for a long time they could not utter a word.
The mother of the deceased, Jane Omozuwa breathed heavily and rapidly, and when she was about to speak, she burst into tears, and when her husband, Johnson Omozuwa tried to console her, his own eyes became misty.
She sobbed inconsolably and with a trembling voice, her first words were, “Oh God! Why allow this to happen to our daughter? So, we will be dancing at our daughter’s grave”.
This was the mournful story of the parents and loved ones of the 22-year-old Uwaila Omozuwa, who was allegedly raped, and later died from the sustained injury and trauma inflicted on her by her assailants.
Uwaila, a first-year student of the Department of Microbiology, University of Benin (UNIBEN), till her sudden demise, kept her head high up and was determined to achieve set goals that would set her on the path to future accomplishments.
Little did she know that the burning desire to accomplish remarkable things would be extinguished and her future tragically cut short.
The young lady; an avid reader, never knew an untimely death was lurking around when she went to one of the parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to study like she always did.
On that fateful day, she carried her books to the Pentecostal church sited along Ikpoba Hill axis of Benin City, to study, when her assailants pounced on her, raped her and savagely smashed her head with a fire extinguisher.
The 22-year-old who lay unconscious on the floor in a pool of her own blood was rushed to the hospital; sadly, she could not pull through. “We rushed her to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); they conducted test but the doctors said this is head injury and there is no assurance of survival (meaning it is 50/50). However, they promised to do their best and which they did. Unfortunately, I lost her on Saturday,” Joy Omozuwa, mother of the deceased, mumbled.
The 49-year-old mother who said the late Uwaila was the second daughter, described her as the most decent and intelligent child in the house.
“What happened to my child is very painful because I never expected she will die this way. For the past five years, she always went to the church to read. My daughter liked reading and didn’t want to get carryover. So, on that day, she packed her books like the way she normally did, and left for church, where she normally read.
…And the agony of a mother
ohnson Omozuwa, the late Vera Uwaila’s father.
Joy Omozuwa mother of the late Vera Uwaila Omozuwa
this matter; I don’t want my daughter to die in vain,” he said.
“I saw my daughter in a pool of her own blood and I ran to the police and the police refused to go with me.
“I was the one that went to report the matter to the police that night but police refused to go with me to the scene of the incident till the following day. Neutral team should be sent by the police to investigate this matter,” he said.
The death of Uwa has led to protest with the hashtag “JusticeForUwa” in Benin City and stirred reactions from activists and notable figures, especially Nigerians on social media, seeking for justice and demanding a stop to rape in Nigeria.
“So, I waited till the time she normally comes home because we agreed that she would always come home early because she had an eye defect which didn’t allow her to see properly at night.
“On that day, I called her at about 5pm to come home to eat, but it wasn’t successful. Later that day, I saw three missed calls on my phone from a friend that resides close to the church. Immediately, I returned the call and she told me to come as soon as possible that something bad had happened,” she recalled in tears.
According to her, “On reaching there, they told me they had already loosed what they used in tying her but she made a snap with her finger to signify she was still alive, and she had been moved to the hospital. I
Uwaila
IGP-Mohammed-Adamu
“Instantly, I went to the hospital and saw blood stains on her body and the dress she wore. She was bleeding from the ear, nose and there was a big cut on her head. I could not bear it and started crying. I carried handkerchief and cleaned the blood in her body; while she was breathing slowly.”
The father of the deceased, Johnson Omozuwa, called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate and fish out those behind the death of his daughter, Uwaila.
“I want the authorities and security agencies to dig into the root of
Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), protestwas told they used fire extinguisher to hit her head. ing against the murder of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100- level Microbiology student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Pixs by Churchill Okoro.
Barely 24-hours after the news of her death went viral, protesters, including Uwa’s siblings, students of the University of Benin, friends of the deceased and members of the public stormed the headquarters of Edo State Police Command to seek justice for her.
The protesters, wearing black attire and carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Justice for Uwa’, ‘Say no to rape’, ‘Enough is Enough,’ marched from the King’s Square area of Benin City and terminated at the state police command headquarters. urged State Houses of Assembly to amend the criminal and penal codes to ensure adequate punishment for perpetrators of the heinous act.
Receiving the group of protesters, Ayoola Ajala, deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, assured them that investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to her death was ongoing and arrests had already been made in connection with Uwaila’s murder.
More so, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered immediate transfer of the investigation to the Force Headquarters, Abuja following preliminary investigation from the team of forensic experts earlier deployed to help the state command.
Sequel to her death, the National Assembly called for stiffer penalties for rape offenders in the country and
They also condemned increased violence against young girls in the country and called for immediate investigations into the case.
Today, rape is gradually becoming an insoluble problem to every girl child in Nigeria; perhaps, this will change once the state legislative houses heed to the advice.
As part of the government’s efforts to stem the tide of rape and other forms of gender-based violence, Edo State government says it is collaborating with consultants in domesticating a sex offenders’ register.
Chairperson, Edo State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team (SGBV-RT), Yinka Omorogbe said the state government remains committed to its zero-tolerance stance for any form of gender-based violence.
She further said that the Governor Obaseki administration was working assiduously to ensure that victims of gender-based violence could find safety and information needed to seek redress, as well as to make sure perpetrators are tried and convicted. Protesters at the Edo State Command of the Nigeria police, Benin City protesting the murder of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa
While condemning the killing of Omozuwa, the deputy commissioner of police said: “We will not
Bliss with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo Email: chiwuagwu@yahoo.com Phone number (SMS only) 08057511893
Featuring in Yelo Peppe was great experience – Shirley Frimpong A ward winning actress, Shirley Frimpong Manso has said directing Nestle’s drama series, Yelo Peppe, was a very great experience in her career.
In a zoom press conference to launch the second season of the drama series, the Ghanaian actress said she was grateful to the Nestle team for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this project.
Talking about her experience while directing Yelo Peppe, Shirley said it was all fun.
“We have actresses from different parts of Africa in the series. It wasn’t so easy but we had to get it right. It was a challenging experience. I have never written anything like this. It’s an eye-opening experience. It was fascinating watching the scenes written in French and how the actresses delivered it.
Yelo Pèppè brings together five women from five countries across Central and West Africa, each with a different relationship to cooking and food, in a series combining engaging storytelling with nutrition and cooking guidance.
Talking about the drama, Domnic Allier, Business Executive Officer for Culinary at Nestlé Central & West Africa, who oversaw the Yelo Pèppè campaign said, “Maggi is all about promoting healthy home cooking using local produce, and this series allowed us to bring Maggi’s brand purpose to life in an engaging way. Season One was a hit. Season 2
will be great as well. It was shot before the pandemic so we could see the actors playing regular roles.”
Apart from announcing the second season of Yelo Peppe, Allier also said Maggi has a new website.
Taking about the website, Akua Kwakwa, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager for Nestlé Central and West Africa said, “The website highlights the importance of including nutritious diets in our daily lives with wellknown family favourites; people across the globe now have easy access to traditional African recipes we know and love.”
Tiwa Savage, Tubaba, others thrill at Hope for Africa Concert P opular Nigerian arties including Tubaba , Davido,
Falz, Flavor, Tekno a n d Tiwa Savage, alongside Other African stars thrilled so many viewers last weekend f o r theHope For Africa Concert.
MultiChoice and the One Africa Global Foundation collaborated to bring the Hope for Africa Concert, which was broadcasted across over 49 countries around Africa.
The concert, aimed to bring Africans together in solidarity, and also raise funds to help medical practitioners in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa , featured the artistes dishing out their popular songs.
Explaining why Multichoice partnered with One Global Africa Foundation to broadcast this Hope For Africa concert, the Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said: “As Africa’s biggest storyteller, we are committed to giving back to the communities where we operate. We are passionate about the development of the African continent as we continue to use the power of entertainment to give hope, enrich lives, and bring people together especially during these uniquely difficult times.”
After his performance, Tubaba who delieveredhis One Love track, encouraged people to donate generously towards this cause.
“One love to everybody. COVID has come to us but we will rise together to fight this. Donate to the foundation, do your bit, nothing is too small,”he said.
Award-winning soul singer, Praiz, who also performed, also said he was glad he was a part of the concert.
“I am proud to be a part of this. I hope this would go a long way to help. I encourage a lot of people to be a part of this so we all can join hands and heal the world of this scourge,” he said.
Comedian, Bovi, also lent his voice towards the cause as he also encouraged Africans to unite and stay strong during this pandemic.
“There is no battle we cannot win as long as we stay together,” Bovi said.
Other entertainers who were part of the concert include, Alternate Band, BM from Congo, Ammara from Zimbabwe and Nandy from Tanzania.
All proceeds from the Hope For Africa concert will be used as special interventions for accessible, functional medical equipment, COVID testing stations and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimise exposure to the virus.
Davido, Simi battle for NET Honours People’s Choice Award A s the fourth edition of the NET Honours People’s Choice Awards draws near, so many celebrities, including Davido, Simi, Teni and Tubaba have been listed to slug it out in different categories. NET Honours, a property of marketing, media and technology company, ID Africa, is an annual recognition of top performers in the entertainment industry and public sector, based on audience data from ID Africa’s network of media channels. NET Honours fo- cuses on recognising achievers in entertainment and related indus- tries through a thorough analysis of global audience search, interaction and trends on ID Africa’s media channels.
Built upon audience engagement from a database of over eight million users who interacted with Netng, Neusroom, Orin and 234Star content across websites, social media and email newsletter channels between April 2019 and March 2020, the award celebrates musicians, actors, comedians and public personalities who rank high in consumers’ list of most interesting topics for the year under review. The fourth edition of NET Honours, which is set to hold as a virtual event, sees celebrities and public figures of interest in Nigeria feature prominently across 20 categories such as Most Popular Male Musician, Most Popular Female Musician, Most Popular Actress, Most Popular Actor, Most Popular Couple, and many more.
According to ID Africa CEO, Femi Falodun, “NET Honours is a one-of-its-kind platform where we recognise and celebrate some of Nigerians’ favourite celebrities and public figures, strictly based on data and insights from our network of media platforms and social channels.
Over 90percent of the audience on our media properties, Netng, Neusroom, 234Star and Orin are Nigerians below the age of 40. This means that NET Honours as a platform provides useful insights into the people, events and pop culture interests that greatly appeal to Nigeria’s digital natives and entertainment content consumers.”
21 Arts
For Majek Fashek, it’s goodnight and so long
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo I sauntered into the main bowl of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos which was a stone throw from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) where I was on afternoon shift. It was a bright Sunday afternoon and the National Theatre then used to be a beehive of activities on weekends.
A little over ten years since it was inaugurated, it was the centre of arts and culture, drama and Sunday shows. Close to it was the Centre for Black Arts and Culture. From NAN to the National Theatre, there were an array of snack bars and kiosks for people around to have a munch of freshly baked meat pie with a variety of drinks and enjoying the afternoon events that include dramas, live shows and musicals.
It was at NAN that I met great friends from all parts of the country and it is always a pleasant memory recalling those good days.
One of those Sunday afternoons , Majek Fashek, the rainmaker crooner and reggae star was performing at the National Threare. As I entered the main hall, it was bursting and I had to strain my neck to have a good view of the audience and the stage. Top personalities were already seated including members of the then military junta that had toppled Muhammadu Buhari, who was then a Major General, in a bloodless coup.
Majek was the rave of the moment then after releasing his hit song ‘Send down the rain.’ That song was played on almost every radio station, his voice was sonorous and his dance steps on the stage were electrifying. He wore no shirt, fair-complexioned and his hairstyle was a kind of dreadlocks. He was young, energetic and he held the audience spellbound.
Two songs that he sang that day gave him the niche and sent the audience asking for more. First, a song titled ‘Let righteousness cover the earth’ which had the following lyrics, ‘let the righteous take over the earth, let the righteous take over this wicked world, let all workers of iniquity be chased out of creation, oh Lord, yoh righteousness, oh jah jah, your true righteousness’.
But analysts often point to the fact that Majek appeared on the music scene when there was despondency in the polity, the military had taken over power and draconian laws were introduced, the impact of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) said to have been forced on Nigerians by the International Monetary Fund was hitting Nigerians hard and Majek was one of the few youths who used music as a platform to speak to the military junta.
In one of his songs he played that day, though the lines were about freeing Mandela, the jailed South African leader, he was able to change to lines to ‘free Nigeria’ and the audience went wild with it. In the audience was Augustus Aighomu, then, a rear admiral who was Ibrahim Babangida’s chief of staff. He probably represented him at the event. So, when he turned the lines to ‘Babangida free Nigeria’ it was a moment the audience had waited for and it went well with them and indeed Nigerians.
This was followed by another song, which became a mega hit, ‘ Send down the rain.’ The audience clapped and danced and young girls giggled their waists to the rhythm of the music while old men tapped their feet. It was an afternoon well spent.
It is not clear why that song became such a huge success. This was a simple song but it struck an accord, which has not died down over the years. Was “Send down the rain”, ironically telling the military to lessen the hardship Nigerians were made to go through then?
Majek belonged to a generation of Nigerian musicians who sent clear messages in their songs. In those good old days, musicians like the irrepressible Sonny Okosun, reggae superstar Raskimono and many others were like prophets in that they had messages for the people. They were messages that spoke to individuals, groups and even government. One cannot easily forget the campaign for the abolition of apartheid in South Africa through songs by Okosun. Songs like “Fire in Soweto” and “I want to know who owns the land” which triggered the demand for justice and freedom against
the repressive regime in South African then and other societal ills.
Now, do we have musicians who use their songs to send clear messages and draw government’s attention to prevalent decadent issues in the society? What we rather have are songs about ‘ I want to be a billionaire, N30 billion in my account’ and many more that appeal to the youths just for them to put on their dancing shoes but without any significant message.
Music critics blame the overwhelming influence of technology on how music is perceived and produced today with so much reliance on sounds and effects, as well as, the urge for commercial success without attention being paid to underlying messages. This has become the bane of secular musicians. One critic who recently listed the top female musicians that are her favourites did not include a single Nigerian musician. When reminded by top Nigerian female singers, she did not budge.
On Tuesday, Arts.Black, a for Philadelphia Community “Larger cultural institutions try have been criticized for Justice Initiative. Within two nity United Against Police, had publication founded by critics Bail Fund, which allows users to have failed to respond,” she their response to the George hours, the gallery had maxed seen so much interest that the Taylor Renee Aldridge and buy $300 works by seven arttold ARTnews, referring to Floyd protests, or the lack of it. out its goal and chosen to congallery decided to up its cap for Jessica Lynne, sent an email ists based in the city, including what she identified as variMany museums waited until tinue its pledge. donations. Initially, the gallery newsletter that provided what Tiona Nekkia McClodden, Alex ous museums’ shortcomings, Monday or Tuesday to post “We are living through had planned to match $10,000 was described as a “very, very Da Corte, and Jonathan Lyndon including the lack of people of statements in support of Black history,” Mary Sabbatino, a in donations; within 24 hours, short” list of initiatives to which Chase. Proceeds will go to the color in leadership positions Lives Matter, and were pilloried vice president and partner that figure rose to $15,000. readers could donate. “It is by Philadelphia Community Bail and under-acknowledgment as a result. And some instituat Galerie Lelong & Co., said Following Gladstone’s lead, no means comprehensive,” Fund. Among the works availof Black artists. “This isn’t a tions’ statements proved conin a statement to ARTnews. one of the gallery’s neighbors, Aldridge and Lynne wrote of able are a photograph by Mark time to wait,” she said. “This is troversial because they did not “Inspired by the commitment Metro Pictures, also said it a list including bail funds for Maddox of protesters destroya time to act.” directly name the movement, of those marching for justice would match $100 donations. Brooklyn, Hawaii, Pittsburgh, ing a since-removed monuPaul Mpagi Sepuya, whose Floyd, or other Black Ameriand the artists of the gallery and Seattle, as well as centers ment to a former Philadelphia work appeared in the 2019 cans who have been killed, who have spent their lives Courtesy of artnews.com
Artists, curators, dealers launch initiatives to support Black Lives Matter Movement A s protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by policemen in Minneapolis have and foundations that would accept donations—among them artist Lauren Halsey’s Summaeverythang Community mayor who espoused racist views and a Sharon Hayes print depicting Shirley Chisholm in a magazine spread. Almost Whitney Biennial, said on Tuesday that he would offer prints of one of his photographs to those who sent receipts for dosuch as Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, and Breonna Taylor. The Getty in Los Angeles was among those to issue an apolexamining these issues and mindful of our privilege, we looked for a way to support the movement. I chose two of continued to rock the United Center in South Los Angeles all the prints available on the nations of $250, $500, $1,000, ogy following a social-media many organizations doing exStates, many in the art world and the Okra Project, which website are already sold out. and more to a select list of outcry. traordinary work for the short have gotten involved. Earoffers meals and resources to Meg Onli, an associate curafunds. By Wednesday, Sepuya By Wednesday afternoon, a and long term, with related lier this week, artists, curators, Black trans people. tor at the Institute of Contemannounced on Instagram that few New York galleries had anmissions.” and dealers began unveiling Around the same time, a porary Art Philadelphia, said he had raised $30,000. He nounced initiatives that would Gladstone Gallery, which initiatives intended to garner few artists said they would use that she came up with the idea wrote, “30K raised in a day see the enterprises matching has locations in New York and financial resources for Black transactions involving their for the Art for Philadelphia inidirect to front line foundadonations to select organizaBrussels, said its promise to Lives Matter–focused efforts work to help support similar tiative on Sunday after seeing tions for Black lives, queer tions. One was Galerie Lelong match donations of $100 to through the sales of artworks organizations, funds, and initiathe Maddox photograph, and lives, housing, bail… LOOK AT & Co., which said it would organizations including Black and promises to match donatives. A group of art workers helped realize it with a group of THAT!!” match $5,000 in donations to Lives Matter, the Black Vitions. and designers launched the Art friends by Monday afternoon. Art spaces across the counthe Bail Project and the Equal sions Collective, and Commu
S a d l y, M a j e k o d u n m i Fasheke, popularly knowns as Majek Fashek is gone. He died last Monday in New York creating a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. An iconic legend of the music industry, tributes have come from friends, music lovers, associates and politicians. His fighting spirit is captured in the tribute by Victor Esiet of The Mandators fame.
According to Esiet who also took the music scene by storm, it hurts to see Majek leave like this and too soon, saying there is still work to be done.
“As hurtful as it is for me to say goodbye, I have no choice than to say fare thee well my brother, “Dread” Fashek, as I usually called you. Though physically you might be gone, your spirit and your work will continue to live with mankind till the end of time.
“I am comforted by the lyrics of your song in ‘Holy Spirit,’’ your said, “I can see humanity living inna harmony. I can see brothers and sisters sharing love together now. I can see new heaven and a new earth Lord let Holy Spirit come take over the world and all over me”, Esiet said.
From the album ‘Prisoner of Conscience’’ which he released in 1988, containing most of the songs, Majek set out to create an indelible mark in our consciousness and he succeeded doing so convincingly leaving no one in doubt. It is painful to say good night to a musician and song writer who gave Nigerians so much to cheer about. It is so long and too long from one of your songs.
Adieu The Rainmaker! We will all miss your voice when it matters most.
22 Travel
Nigeria’s tourism industry reopening in jeopardy without safety protocols
Obinna Emelike A s several countries around the world, including Nigeria are starting to ease lockdown and restrictions on travel, hope shines for the restarting of life and the economy.
But for a quick and sustainable recovery of businesses and the economy at large from the deadly impact of coronavirus (Covid-19), there has to be safety protocols, which must be strictly adhered to as the virus is till ravaging.
While countries are now releasing safety guidelines for work and doing business in the post coronavirus era or the new normal, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has also offered new safety measures for reopening tourism across the world.
Speaking on the need for the safety protocols, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general, UNWTO, explained that it is the new normal and that adhering to it would restore confidence, build and trust, which are essential foundations for recovery.
Sadly, the Nigerian economy is about opening up fully, yet safety measures seem not to be in place as most businesses and organizations do not have standard safety measures to follow.
One of such businesses is hospitality.
As much as the hospitality industry is the worst hit by the pandemic and have stayed longer in the lockdown and counting huge losses, it is imperative to ensure safety before reopening the industry because of its potential to spreading the virus if safety is not adhered to and strictly monitored.
Currently, small hotels are replacing earlier notices of closure with bold signs of open for business, while big and international branded hotels are waiting to finetune their safety protocols.
But industry stakeholders are querying the Federal Ministry of Culture and Information, the supervisory ministry of tourism, for not releasing uniform safety protocols to guide hotels and tourism outfits on reopening business in the post pandemic era.
While the lack of proactive measures worries most tourism stakeholders, the sad situation also points to the questions: who regulates the industry and which specific agency in the ministry is responsible for tourism affairs?
They lamented further that it was the same lackadaisical attitude that made states to start registering hotels amid revenue sharing and other issues.
“The Federal Ministry of Culture and Information should be in charge, it should harmonize and release uniform safety protocols now for the hospitality and tourism industry. It should be now that the industry is about reopening”, Kolade Falade, a hotelier, urged.
He noted that instead of the controversial coronavirus impact review committee, the minister should help UNWTO set to restart tourism A t both local and global levels, the coronavirus crisis, which the global tourism industry has faced has shown the importance of making the right decisions at the right time.
Though crisis has affected everyone, at every level of the tourism sector, with many making sacrifices, personally or professionally to stay afloat.
However, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has stated that it is time to restart tourism, on the back of many weeks of hard work and commitment.
But in the spirit of solidarity that defines tourism, the industry is united under UNWTO’s leadership to share expertise and abilities, acknowledging that ‘Together, we are stronger’.
Bearing this mind, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general, UNWTO, said that the cooperation would be essential as tourism move onto the next stage. “Our research shows that several countries around the world are starting to ease restrictions on travel. At the same time, governments and the private sector are working together to restore confidence build and trust – essential foundations for recovery”, he said.
According to the secretary general, in the first stage of the crisis, the UNWTO united tourism to assess the likely impact of COVID-19, mitigate the damage to economies, and safeguard jobs and businesses. “Now, as we change gears together, UNWTO is taking the lead again.
Last week, we convened the fifth meeting of the Global Tourism Crisis Committee. Here, we launched
the industry with safety protocols as government would likely closedown hotels on flouting safety protocols, which it did not put in place.
In the same vein, Michael Atumah, a tourism practitioner, urged governments to be proactive in order to save hoteliers from waste and poor decisions, considering that hotels have been under lock and key for a long time. “As the federal and state governments lifts ban on travel restrictions and social gatherings, life and business will go on, hostels will start welcoming guests. But it should not be as usual because the virus is still very much with us”, Atumah urged.
Citing instance with some countries that are serious with
the UNWTO Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism”.
The document, according to him, outlines roadmap and priorities for the sector in the challenging months ahead, from providing liquidity for vulnerable businesses their tourism, James Ozoka, a tourism destination expert, said Spain has released guidelines highlighting certain safety protocols essential for the safe reopening of the tourism industry. The guidelines were prepared by the Spanish tourism authority in coordination with the Spanish Ministry of Health to ensure the safe reopening of the tourism sector. The guidelines include safe service, cleaning, disinfection, maintenance, and risk management. It also includes instructions and recommendations for travel agencies, hotels, and tourist apartments, hostels and camping sites, tourist guides, information offices, restaurants, spas, museums, golf courses as well as rural accommodation and active tourism.
Most countries in the world has done same ahead of the reopening.
But it seems Lagos Sate is the only state that is taking safety seriously before opening businesses, probably because the state is the epicenter of the virus in Nigeria.
So far, there seems to be a working safety guideline for operators of restaurants, eateries in the state, but it has to include the whole industry in view of the reopening.
For would-be guests, it is safety first. But the fear is that how would one ascertain to the standard of safety in a place if they are not monitored and updated regularly.
However, with the slow action is releasing safety guidelines, experts advised that people should still keep safe as the virus is still with us.
to opening borders and coordinating new health protocols and procedures. “At the same time, we continue to promote innovation and sustainability. These must no longer be small parts of our sector, but instead must be at the heart of everything we do. This way, as we restart tourism, we can build a sector that works for people and planet.
Governments and businesses are increasingly on our side as we work to build this new tourism. UNWTO is also working to make sure that tourists too share in this vision”.
He noted that UNWTO’s partnership with CNN International would take its positive message to millions of people around the world. “The #TravelTomorrow message, embraced by so many, is one of responsibility, hope and determination. And now, as we do get ready to travel again, we remind tourists of the positive difference their choices can make.Our actions can be meaningful and highlight the road ahead, travelling again to restart tourism”, Pololikashvili concluded.
BDSUNDAY 23 Travel
Some dream holidays to take after lockdown
Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE D ream holidays take you to the breathtaking places you’ve seen in magazines and on social media but have always wanted to experience for yourself.
They allow you to witness rare events, like wildlife encounters that you can’t even imagine, and take you to heavenly destinations across the world, while ticking new things off of your travel bucket list.
While the current travel restrictions (read the latest government advice here) mean you can’t put your holiday dreams into action, you can still dream! We thought we’d help inspire your post-lockdown travels by telling you about some of the exclusive, dream holidays we think you’ll like.
Our carefully curated selection are one-of-a-kind, exclusive and allow you to travel with like-minded Good Housekeeping readers - as well as a few of your favourite celebrities.
Northern Lights in Norway Greek islands
From seeing Japan during the picture-perfect cherry blossom season to riding through Scotland’s Hollywood-worthy countryside, these are the places to tick off your holiday wish-list. Check out the dream holidays to take when things are back to normal.
Witness the Northern Lights in Norway
The Northern Lights are one of nature’s phenomenons that you need to see to believe. With easy access to the natural light display that other parts of Europe don’t offer, Norway is our top pick for a remote Aurora-hunting holiday, where you can search for the mysterious green lights on a cruise around the Lofoten Islands, Tromso, Bergen and the North Cape. What’s more, you can experience the incredible sight in the company of TV star Carol Kirkwood this year.
Sail the Caribbean’s turquoise waters in style
A water-based journey around the Caribbean’s most stylish islands is a must-have on everyone’s bucket list. From St Kitts to Barbados and Martinique to Bequia, you’ll want to get to know the flavours, scenes and relaxed vibes of these idyllic islands. If you’re after something royal-worthy, Bequia’s the spot as the perfect alternative to Kate and William’s favourite holiday destination Mustique - but more of a secret (and more fun).
Marvel at magnificent Petra
When it comes to historical wonders, Jordan has a few that are so incredible they’ve caught the eyes of Hollywood producers. Petra and Wadi Rum are two you must visit to feel like you’re part of a scene from Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars or Indiana Jones. Carved directly into sandstone, the ‘lost’ city of Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106 and is a UNESCO-protected site you need to see to believe.
Soak up the romance of Venice
One of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice is a classic European hotspot. The enchanting destination is one every Italophile needs to visit at least one. There’s St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge to explore, plus more. Foodies will be in their element, with a visit to Rialto’s food markets, and if you’re looking to get out of the centre, you can venture to the islands of Burano and Murano to discover their colourful architecture.
Make like Harry Potter in the Scottish Highlands
If you’re looking for a staycation like nothing else, a trip to Scottish Highlands offers all the goods. Here, you can take to the spectacular 21- arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was a location of the Harry Potter films and take in the impressive sight of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as you ride the Jacobite, one of the greatest railway journeys in the world.
Take in the beauty of the cherry blossom in Japan
A natural wonder that only occurs for a few weeks each spring, the Japanese cherry blossom is a seriously big deal and a must-have on your travel bucket list for its sheer beauty you can only truly appreciate by being there. Tokyo’s parks offer many cherry blossom viewing opportunities, while you’ll want to get out of the capital to see the flowers in bloom.
As countries around the world start to relax travel restrictions, Virgin Atlantic will resume some routes on 20th July, while steadily increasing passenger flying throughout the second half of 2020, with a further, gradual recovery through 2021 in line with customer demand.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic commented: “As the Covid-19 crisis stabilises and demand slowly returns, we are looking forward to welcoming our customers back onboard and flying them safely to their favourite destinations. To ensure the health and safety of our customers and our people, we’re introducing new measures at every point in the journey to offer peace of mind when taking to the skies with us.”
Virgin Atlantic announces plan to return to passenger flying July 20th V irgin Atlantic has announced its plan to restart passenger flying, with services from London Heathrow to Orlando, Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York JFK and Los Angeles set to resume from 20th and 21st July 2020.
“Our planned first flights will be to Orlando and Hong Kong on the 20th July, however, we are monitoring external conditions extremely closely, in particular the travel restrictions many countries have in place including the 14 day quarantine policy for travellers entering the UK.
Get to know the locals in the Cotswolds
One of the prettiest places in the world, the Cotswolds is home to honey-hued villages and miles of heavenly countryside. It’s a fabulous spot for nature and wildlife lovers, with gorgeous gardens at Hidcote Manor and Rodmarton Manor to explore.
Glide through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
If you don’t have the time or capacity to travel halfway across the world to experience a dream holiday, there’s good news - you don’t have to! Just a short hop away in Switzerland, you can ride an iconic red train that makes its way through snow-covered forests, Alpine valleys and over stunning bridges.
Be wowed by Holland’s worldfamous tulips
You won’t find a better time to visit the Netherlands than spring, when tulip season arrives, bringing colourful fields full of the blooming flowers. It’s when you can visit the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens to witness the seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths which cover the attraction. The canals, windmills and streets of Amsterdam are also at their most beautiful.
Taste the flavours of the Greek islands
With their olive groves, golden beaches and white-washed villages, the Greek islands will never lose their appeal. They might be loved for their sparkling sea and sunkissed sands but Greece’s islands are great for foodies too. The likes of Milos, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos each offer their own delights for those who like fresh, seasonal food.
“We know that as the Covid-19 crisis subsides, air travel will be a vital enabler of the UK’s economic recovery. Therefore, we are calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures, which will allow for a successful and safe restart of international air travel for passengers and businesses. We are planning to announce more destination restart dates in the next two weeks for the month of August.”
To ensure the health and safety of its passengers, Virgin Atlantic is implementing additional measures to offer peace of mind in the airport and when taking to the skies.
These include enhanced and thorough cleaning practices at check in, boarding gates and onboard including the use of electrostatic spraying of high-grade disinfectant onboard in all our cabins and lavatories, ensuring no surface is left untouched.
Safe distancing will also be adhered to wherever possible, particularly at check-in and boarding and where not possible, masks will be required. The airline said it will provide a personal Health Pack for the wellbeing and comfort of all our customers, which will contain medical grade face masks as a requirement to be worn onboard, surface wipes and hand gel.
In the short term, the airline will also be offering a simplified hot food service onboard to minimise contact, enclosed from preparation in a Covid-safe, monitored environment directly to our customers’ seats.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer Officer, Virgin Atlantic commented: “Our teams have been working tirelessly to ensure that the health and safety of our airport and onboard experience offers peace of mind to our customers when travelling with us.
“Our medical experts are working closely with all relevant U.K. and international health and aviation authorities to ensure we adhere to, and on many occasions exceed the guidance they are offering, whilst continuously reviewing and updating the measures we have in place to keep our customers and teams safe.”
CapitalMarket
Japaul Oil rides on asset disposal to post N40bn profit in 2019
Japaul Oil and Maritime Services ended 2019 in profitability following the N43.8 billion it made outside its main operations and regarded as TELIAT SULE other income last year. The oneoff income came in through asset disposal. After deducting the necessary expenses, Japual Oil earned N40 billion as profit after tax in the last financial year as against a loss after tax of N6.59 billion in 2018.
Regarding how the income was made, Japual Oil and Maritime stated it was due to the disposal of assets.
“During the year, land and buildings, marine and survey equipment pledged as collateral securities for various loans obtained by the company from Access Bank have been forcefully taken over to settle all obligations to the bank based on duly executed terms of settlement before the Federal High Court directive on suit no: FHC/L/ CS/1222/2018”, Japual Oil said.
For the entire year, revenue from the main operations was N725.5 million, a far cry from N936.3 million it earned as revenue in 2018. Disaggregating the 2019
Source: NSE Fact Sheet Q1 2019 and 2020.
revenue based on business segments, dredging services generated N85.9 million; offshore services earned the firm N512.9 million while quarry services generated N126.68 million.
Compared with 2018, the highest decline in revenue came from dredging services where the company only made N85.9 million in 2019 as against N368.9 million in 2018. The other two segments witnessed some improvements because in 2018 offshore services generated N458.1 million while quarry services generated N109.2 million compared with the aforementioned segments’ revenues in 2019.
Direct cost remained high at N1.67 billion in 2019, but 29 percent lower than N1.96 billion incurred in 2018. The company’s income tax expense skyrocketed
by 972 percent from N10.4 million in 2018 to N111.5 million in 2019. Available records show that the company has been having a serious legal battel with Access Bank through facilities extended to it which resulted in different court cases between the two parties.
Aside Access Bank, in February 2018, Japaul Oil announced it was entering into a $350 million equity financing with Milost Global Inc. However, due to the media spotlight on the transaction, by May of the same year, the deal was cancelled in a non-prejudicial manner.
TELIAT SULE I n May 2020, a number of board appointments and resignations took place as announced by listed companies through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). International Breweries announced the retirement of Michael Daramola, who served the company for 15 years and retired as an executive director. His resignation was effective March 31, 2020, and occasioned by the attainment of the requirement for retirement from the company.
Africa’s global bank, the United Bank for Africa , announced the resignation of Abdoul Aziz Dia, an executive director, from the board of the bank effective from May 6, 2020. Also, the board of NCR Nigeria announced the resignation of Olufunke Hussian, an executive director, from the company’s board effective August 22, 2019.
Mayer Plc announced the exit of Devashish Nath and Jane Ijegbulem from the board of the company effective May 13, 2020 and May 27, 2020 respectively. Nath was the managing director while Ijegbulem was the company’s secretary.
As replacements, Meyer announced Rotimi Alashe, who was until recently, the company’s chief finance officer, as the new managing director of the company in acting capacity, effective May 14, 2020. Marriot Solicitors is to act as the company secretary effective May 28, 2020.
Directors’ resignations and appointments in May 2020
Also in May 2020, Total Nigeria announced the appointment of Lucile Badaire as a Non-Executive Director of Total Nigeria Plc with effect from the May 13, 2020. Badaire is a graduate of Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris and is an Engineer of the Corps des Mines.
She began her professional career in 2003 and held various positions in French ministries and public administration covering Digital, Market Regulation and Public Policies Reforms. From 2010 to 2012, she was appointed Advisor to the Minister of Industry. In 2017 she became Supply, Pricing & Hedging Director (Marketing & Services) based in Paris and in 2020 was appointed Supply & Logistics Director for the Africa division (Marketing & Services).
Dangote Sugar Group announced the appointment of Ravindra Singh Singhvi as an executive director. He joined the company as the Chief Operating Officer in August 2017. He has over 39 years of proven experience in leadership positions in manufacturing and processes in sugar, petrochemicals, cement, textiles products industries in India.
Japual Oil and Maritime Services was one of the top trades on Wednesday June 3 2020. Investors traded 23.1 million shares worth N5.9million that day. Its share price has gained 40 percent year to date as it presently trades at N0.28 per share.
Singhvi is a Chartered Accountant with background in company secretarial practice and management, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in B. Com (Hons) and Law(I) from the University of Jodhpur, India. Prior to joining Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Singhvi was the Managing Director & CEO of NSL Sugar Limited, Hyderabad, India; managing director, EID Parry (1) Limited, Chennai, India, one of the top three sugar producing companies in India. The Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc is confident that the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings will be a great addition to the company.
Further, the board of Ekocorp Plc announced the appointment of Joyce Modilim as the company secretary/legal adviser in acting capacity effective May 24, 2020. She belongs to many foreign professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA UK); Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb), UK; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Public Administrators, England and Wales, among others.
How Nigerian bourse fared in Q1 2020 based on NSE Factsheet TELIAT SULE in both quarters but worth N23.69 billion in Q1 2020 as against N31.14 I n less than 30 days, the second quarter of 2020 will come to an end. As usual, every market participant will take stock of the developments that defined the second quarter of this year. Before then, BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit (BRIU) is here to present the insights gained from the NSE Fact Sheet for the first quarter of 2020 when compared with that of the first quarter of 2019.
The market capitalisation of the equities listed on the premium board increased by N175.14 bn to N5.40 trillion from N5.23 trillion in Q1 2019. The increase was as a result of the listing of additional stock as eight equities were listed on the premium board in Q1 2020 whereas the number was seven in Q1 2019.
The number of equities listed on the main board fell to 141 in Q1 2020 as against 147 in Q1 2019. Expectedly, the market valuation of this sub sector fell by N738.97 billion to N5.67 trillion from N6.42 trillion in Q1 2019.
Nine equities listed under ASeM in Q1 2020 as was in Q1 2019. However, the sector’s market capitalisation lost N692.11 million to end the quarter at N7.04 billion compared with N7.73billion in Q1 2019.
Equities categorised as real estate investment trusts-REITS and closedend funds remained at nine units billion same period last year. Exchange traded products increased to ten in the first quarter of this year worth N6.19 billion compared with nine that were listed same period last year worth N5.66 billion.
FGN bonds increased to 87 units in Q1 2020 worth N12.66 trillion as against 72 in Q1 2019 worth N9.81 trillion. Twenty seven corporate bonds were listed in Q1 2020 worth N378.82 billion in contrast to 25 that were listed in Q1 2019 worth N305.20 billion. The number of state and municipal bonds fell to 20 in Q1 2020 whereas 22 were listed last year March. Another noticeable difference is that the state and municipal bonds were worth N369.70 billion in Q1 2020, far less than N515.27 billion in Q1 2019.
Only one supranational bond was listed in both quarters, but with marked difference in market capitalisation. This bond was worth N3.24 billion in Q1 2020 which as 60 percent less than its market capitalisation of N8.09 billion in Q1 2019.
Fifty one memorandum listings made it to the NSE Fact Sheet in Q1 2020 valued at N999.91 billion whereas there was nothing of such in corresponding quarter in 2019.
Overall, the number of equities, bonds, and other instruments listed on the NSE rose to 359 in Q1 2020 as against 297 in Q1 2019.
BrandsOnSunday
SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE
Covid-19 creates fundamental shift in Africa’s consumers T he Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a new kind of African consumer who is already displaying fundamental shifts in consumption and purchase behaviour driven by factors such as heightened health awareness, a focus on quality and safety, a renewed desire to stay at home and a tight wallet squeeze.
As a result of this a recent Nielsen industry webinar navigating the New Normal discussed the realities and effects of this rapidly evolving outlook. Speaking during the webinar, Nielsen Africa MD Bryan Sun outlined the consumer evolution since the onset of the pandemic and the fact that crisis-buying patterns have accelerated the adoption of permanent behaviour change.
“As the prospect of looming lockdowns first hit, consumers realised they needed to stock up which saw a spike in store visits, stockpiling of shelf staples and growing basket sizes. However, as restricted living became more common place, there was a change in behaviour with consumers seeking out products without putting their health at risk.
“We have therefore seen growth in online shopping, declining store visits and a rise in out of stocks. Supply chain challenges have also driven consumers to be less price sensitive on high demand packaged goods or those that guarantee hygiene standards,” explained Sun.
The expectation is that once quarantines lift and consumers return to “business as usual” they will continue to operate with a renewed consciousness about health, which will remain for a long time. There will also be shifts in the way consumers perceive products with the increased importance of safety and efficacy claims, and a willingness to spend more on hygiene needs and healthy foods.
Global perspective
The webinar also presented findings on Nielsen’s recent COVID-19 syndicated online survey which was conducted in over 70 countries across the globe and produced interesting comparative data and insights for Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa) as compared to the rest of the world.
The study revealed that 75% of SSA consumers are now more concerned about their families versus the global average of 48%. In addition, 83% said they were following information multiple times a day - significantly higher than the global average of 75%.
Looking at the impact of the severe limitations on out of home activities; 51% of SSA consumers said they were cooking more at home versus 39% globally, and significantly more said they worked more at home versus the global average.
In terms of the impact of the epidemic on their out of home and shopping activities, 46% SSA consumers said they are visiting malls less often versus the global average of 32%.
Despite perceptions that Africa lagged behind in terms of online behaviour it has in fact seen incredible behaviour changes with major increases in the use of social networking, online reading, listening to music and video streaming.
Future mindsets
As countries move from restricted living to precautionary living, Nielsen has also created an in-depth view of current and future SSA consumer mindset and purchase patterns based on learnings from other markets: Heightened health awareness will drive consumers to be less price sensitive on high demand packaged goods or those that guarantee hygiene standards as food safety becomes paramount to consumers. The renewed desire to stay at home and the preparation of home meals might require brand extensions and a need to address declining store visits, growth in online and proximity shopping. As consumers are impacted by less income and
Here are some of the things we missed the most since the lockdown:
Eating out
Who else is tired of eating their own cooking? The lockdown has reminded us that cooking really is a survival skill, but no one mentioned how boring cooking could get. Even though we can get food delivered to our homes in the lockdown, it would mean a lot if we could just visit our favourite restaurant and eat something we did not have a hand in cooking.
For now, you can only sit in your house and reminisce about that great tasting ewa agoyin you used to buy on your way to the office and the amazing suya you’d buy on your way back home.
Lagos lifestyle has not been the same since lockdown O nce upon a time, all we wanted was to just stay indoors and not go anywhere. We were sick of traffic, tired of our overbearing boss, and having to see those annoying colleagues every day. Now that our wishes have become reality, we would give nearly anything to have our old lives back.
Seeing other people
If you live alone, your voice may have gotten rusty from lack of use by now. Or maybe you’ve even forgotten what it sounds like? At this point, we can imagine that you can’t wait for things to get back to normal. Sitting in traffic with the music of car horns blaring and angry conductors yelling must be better than this constant silence, right?
Whichever way, the lockdown has reminded us that we all need some human interaction to thrive as humans, even if it’s just in small doses.
The office
After complaining about work, the commute, your boss, and your colleagues, aren’t you surprised to discover that you actually miss it? If you’re working from home, you’ll definitely miss the Wi-Fi and the constant power supply in the office.
By now, you’ve decided that going to the office every day isn’t so bad. Even though you used to complain about the okada ban, right now, it’s possible that you’re bored enough to walk to the office.
smaller purchasing wallets, value for money offerings and more aggressive promotions – over that of just in-store promotions - are needed. eCommerce growth has reached double digits in many countries with Italy at 82%, China 50%, and Korea 30% where older shoppers are trying eCommerce for the first time. Technology catalysts are driving behavioural change and will penetrate the market despite previous scepticism around this platform.
Looking to the future, Sun commented that the path to recovery means retailers must urgently look at factors such as pricing mechanisms and brand relationships in order to maintain and strengthen consumer trust in their brand.
“Successful retail regeneration across the continent, following the impact of COVID-19 on the African consumer and retail landscape, will rely on an agile and innovative response that sets the groundwork for a future unlike any we have ever known.” Report by MediaInk Communications
We miss school
You may have completed your education a long time ago, but if you have any school-aged children living in your home, then you’d definitely understand. Due to the lockdown, schools have been closed and children have to stay stuck at home with parents who have to work from home. Bored children have been driving their busy parents up the wall.
To put it mildly, this is not a great combination. For parents, anyways.
Going to the gym
Keeping fit and working out is a lot more fun when you’re doing it with others, but in a world of COVID-19, lockdown, and social distancing, the morale to work out really has dropped.
Maybe that’s why a lot of us are gaining some ‘lockdown weight’.
Having a regular routine
Remember when you had to wake up really early to go to work? We bet you miss that now. These days, you can sleep whenever you want and wake up when you like, but the honest truth is that you really miss your regular routine and knowing for sure what day of the week it is.
Playdates with your kids
The lockdown is affecting everyone, even the little ones. Children can’t go to school, visit their friends, go to the cinema, or even step out of the house. No wonder they’ve become mini whirlwinds in the house. They miss their own prelockdown life as well.
H a n g i n g o u t w i t h friends
Do you remember making excuses so you wouldn’t go for the hangout you had promised to attend with your friends? Now, we can see your posts on social media where you promise never to miss another TGIF hangout.
Attending owambes
T h e r e a r e n ’ t m a n y events that can compete with a Nigerian wedding. The great music, the fashion, and of course the party Jollof! Owambes are usually an opportunity to connect with family, friends, and simply have a good time.
Of course, there are no owambes in a lockdown - it’s against the law. But you can reminisce with old photos and look forward to enjoying another one when all of this is over.
Having a proper birthday celebration
What’s worse than having a lockdown birthday? We don’t have an answer, but we know it’s not quite how you planned to celebrate your birthday. Everyone who has celebrated a birthday in lockdown will definitely miss the freedom of going out and having a good time with friends and family.
The threat of coronavirus is still quite real, but we can combat it by observing social distancing, and ensuring that we wash our hands thoroughly and frequently. Also make sure to check out covid-19Facts.com and not fall for fake news. Stay safe! Report by Bhm.
Sunday Business
I am a lawyer, but I want to diversify into agro-business
Dear Startup Doctor, I t is evident that the economy has taken a plunge, and this period has afforded me the opportunity of reevaluating my financial strategy. I am a lawyer by profession, but I am also a firm believer in economic diversification and the creation of multiple streams of income. I am presently thinking about the Agro sector, in particular, palm oil production. What do you think about such an idea in present-day Nigeria?
Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Diversification is Good!
I agree with you on the need to have multiple streams of income because it comes with numerous advantages. I have been preaching this sermon for many years now. When you create multiple streams of income, you can make much more money than what you currently earn from your fulltime job and also find security during an economic downturn. Creating an alternative source of income in the event of a financial turmoil such as Covid-19 is definitively a smart move.
However, you cannot diversify into a new business sector without carrying out indepth research on your industry of interest. Please, note that the right business for you is not just the one that makes money. It is the one you understand, have the resources to invest in and will provide a timely return on your investment.
Since your interest is leaning toward agriculture, you need to be sure you fully understand how this sector works. A great way to start would be to arm yourself with the knowledge of the cost requirement, requisite technical expertise for the business or hire a reliable partner that will ensure the smooth running of the operation without your full involvement.
Viability of Agro Business in Nigeria
Oil palm production is a long term investment with a gestation period of four to five years. However, the gestation period depends on the quality and type of seedling. However, it keeps on giving value throughout its life cycle of over three decades. But first, before we dive deeper into this conversation, you need to check how realistic it would be for you as a practising lawyer to get into that line of business. Combining the long hours required in legal practice with running an Oil palm business, especially if you are thinking about the entire valuechain might be highly demanding. However, this should not stop you from starting this business. I believe that where there is a will, you will find a way!
As at today, Indonesia is the largest palm oil-producing country in the world with Malaysia and Thailand closely following, with Nigeria coming as the fifth in world production with 1.5percent metric tons of the world’s output. In Nigeria, the oil palm is in high demand and will always be since it is used daily in almost every home for nearly every meal. According to the World growth index, palm oil production globally is expected to rise by 32percent by 2020. The oil palm is nature’s blessing in terms of its economic viability and versatility. Oil Palm is not only cut out for domestic use. It is also an active input to such as industrial products like beauty, pharmaceutical, renewable energy, and food industries also buy and use it in large quantities as one of the significant ingredients for their production. There are also export opportunities in the red oil, bleached oil, and kennels to international markets. Needless to say that this is one business you can make a crazy profit in if you are patient.
A Bloomberg report, states that Nigeria plans to invest $500 million to boost palm oil production which shows that the government is serious about increasing the volume of oil production locally to decrease how much dollars the country spends yearly to import it into Nigeria. According to the report, the government said, “Our policy objectives over eight years (between 2019 and 2027) will see that we locally produce 100percent of local crude palm oil demand by 2027.” This statement clearly shows that investing in oil production is a step in the right direction. Especially as the Federal
Government is also heavily leaning towards economic diversification by strengthening the non-oil sector through capacity development, loans, grants, and partnerships.
Oil Production Value Chain
Palm oil production has a relatively long value chain that goes through several phases between land acquisition, preparation, nursery, planting and decline. It starts from the palm tree planting, waiting for the gestation period, which takes upwards of four years to commence increasing and gradual harvest. Then comes the harvesting, processing, storing, packaging and distribution phases. The yield cycle of palm oil can take between three to four years between planting, first harvest and maturity season before it plateaus and declines.
You don’t have to be involved in all these to be able to profit from this sector. You can just pick one that you are comfortable with to begin your investment journey. This statement is premised on the fact that investing in oil palm from the beginning to the end of the value chain, will place more demands on your time, much more than you can spare from your legal practice. If you have the means and human resources and capacity to manage them effectively, you can also hire a trusted and competent Agro consultant to be fully involved.
Benefits of starting an Oil palm business? •The versatility of the oil palm assures that every of its product is sellable. •Government is favourably disposed to
helping with agrarian ventures. •Opportunity for exports •The demand is insatiable. •It has a lifetime yield.
Challenges of the Oil palm business?
•It is capital intensive •It requires constant care especially during the early years •It is dependent on heavy rain and sunshine (weather dependent) •It is vulnerable to bush burning •It is vulnerable to theft as it is usually in remote and difficult to reach places.
What do you need to start the Oil palm business?
•Capital •Land •Trusted source for seedlings (NIFOR is recommended) •Palm nursery •An agro consultant and an experienced team and •A massive dose of patience
Below are the different take-off points you might consider:
•Buy hectares of land. •Hire an agro consultant to source for seedlings from the trusted source plant and nurture palm trees for you. •Buy already processed palm oil from producing communities who sell the oil produced from their ancestral palm trees. You can repackage and re-sell to manufacturing companies. This strategy will require that you recruit staff who will help you go to the markets in remote areas and buy from the subsistence producers. •You can equally buy palm oil processing machine and buy palm nuts from farmers and undertake the processing. This method saves you the hassle of having your plantation, yet gives you control over the production process. Although this might be more work than envisaged, the good thing is that there is hardly any waste in palm nuts. You can re-sell the byproducts of your oil production to augment your production cost. •Buying the machinery and the human capacity to run it may be financially demanding. If you cannot foot the bill, you can apply for loans and grants such as the NIRSAL Microfinance Loan. Please, write to the Startup Doctor on ask@startupdoctor.ng to know more about the training required before you can access this loan. Government is generally favourable to Agro MSMEs. Therefore, my team and I can help you develop a bankable business plan and assist in the grant or loan application. If you can convince the government or banks, they will back your idea.
Final Thought
It is ok to diversify your income source, but you must do it right. Following your interest in palm oil production is a good one and can attract loans and grants from the government. Like I earlier stated, the oil palm business is one that assures continuous yields, especially if you place your expectation horizon for the longer term and not immediate. Remember that oil palm production is not an instant trading outfit. You cannot go wrong if you decide to venture into the oil palm business. It will thrive in the Nigerian market. Just ensure that you set up a structure that can guarantee an efficient and sustainable operation so that it doesn’t distract you from your legal practice. If you need help doing this, our ‘Corporate Structure for Profits and Sustainability’ is the plug you need. In it, you will learn how to build the right system and structure to make your business run even when you are not around.
Sign up to our newsletter on www. startupdoctor.ng for more real-life business solutions. Don’t forget to send your business questions to ask@startupdocor. ng, let us solve them together right here on the Startup Doctor Business Clinic every Sunday. I would love to read from you.
To your continued success. Keep sparkling! Muna Onuzo
@businessDayNG @Businessdayng BDSUNDAY 27 SundayBusiness
Food & Beverages
With Ayo Oyoze Baje
Introduction
With the policy shift to sustainable a g r i c u l t u r a l p r a c t i c e s i n Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999, there is an increasing need to take a closer look at Agencies that provide productive partnerships for the economy to grow. That is more so, to breathe life into the federal government’s diversification policy, especially now that the COVID-19 challenge has worsened revenue flow from crude oil sales.
One of such is the AgroP r o c e s s i n g , P r o d u c t i v i t y Enhancement and Livelihood I m p r o v e m e n t S u p p o r t – (APPEALS). Propelled by the desire of not a few Nigerians to get more involved in agriculture, yours truly
The appealing features of APPEALS Project
reached out to Mrs. Aishat Onusi, the National Communication Specialist of APPEALS Project to let the public know much more about it.
Stated below is her response to some questions, with regards to the aims and objectives, the rationale behind its setting up, the focus on the value chain and of course, the vision and mission statements that drive its processes.
APPEALS is a Project of the Federal Government of Nigeria, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and supportedby the World Bank.TheProjectwhich is an Investment Project Financing (IPF) was approved by the World Bank Board on March 23, 2017 and became disbursement effective on May 24, 2018to be implemented for 6 years. The project is expected to close by March 2023. The APPEALS Project is being implemented in six participating states, namely: Cross River, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Lagos states.
Aims and Objectives
The aim of the Project is salutary as it was set up to support Small and Medium scale farmers in the six participating states. Indeed, it is specifically focused at demonstrating possibilities and opportunities along eleven selected priority agricultural Value Chains.These include Rice, Wheat, Cassava, Cocoa, Cashew, Aquaculture, Poultry, Maize, Dairy, Ginger and Tomato.The Project broadly aims to support the Federal Government’s efforts with regards to strengthening Food Security, Export Potential and Livelihood Improvement.
The number of project’s direct beneficiaries is estimated at 60,000 individuals (i.e. 10,000 beneficiaries per state), and 300,000 farm household members as indirect beneficiaries. Interestingly, it is anticipated that 35 percent of direct beneficiaries (or 21,000 individuals) will be women. By design, the project has a dedicated sub-component to benefit women and youth that will allow them to develop agri-businesses that are expected to create jobs and improve their livelihoods.To cut across a wide spectrum of the society, 5percent of the Women and Youth beneficiaries will be People with Disability and Special Needs. The project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and information system includes a gender tracker to ensure adequate documentation o n d i f f e r e n t c a t e g o r i e s o f projectbeneficiaries.
The Project is built on five Components namely: 1. Production and Productivity Enhancement 2. Primary Processing, Value Addition; Post-harvest Management and Women & Youth Empowerment 3 . I n f r a s t r u c t u r e S u p p o r t to Agri-business Clusters 4. Technical Assistance, Knowledge Management and Communication and 5. Project Management and Coordination.
The rationale for setting up the APPEALS Project
Al t h o u g h N i g e r i a h a s a distinct comparative advantage in agriculture with increased c o n t r i b u t i o n t o t h e G D P, productivity in the sector remains low. The agriculture sector of Nigeria is characterised by low productivity; little and untimely access to inputs; lack of seed funds for establishing agro-processing plants by producer cooperatives; lack of access to supportive infrastructure; challenging business environment; limited access to markets; low level of technology adoption; weak quality control mechanism; and low capacity at all levels. The production system has not developed in terms of significant value addition or processing and has remained a producer of mainly staple crops.
Following the government policy thrust of promoting value chain approach to achieve the Agriculture Promotion Policy goal, the APPEALS project intervention is designed to tackle key constraints, which hinder the development of the value chains, and prevent greater inclusion of small and medium scale farmers in agribusiness supply chains. The project will scale up the Business Alliance model, successfully implemented under the closedWorld Banksupported Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP). The Project believes strongly that promoting higher agricultural p r o d u c t i v i t y, e s p e c i a l l y i n smallholders farming, can help set off strong rural dynamics.
The APPEALS project aims at supporting the transition of small subsistence farmers’ production system (farming 1-5 ha) to a marketoriented agricultural undertaking and supporting middle size farmers (5-10 ha) to address constraints in enhancing their productivity as well as effective participation in valuechains.
The Act, which was passed by a decree in 1978 and inserted into the 1979 constitution, has seen multiple attempts aimed to review it and make necessary changes, but the process has been too cumbersome to succeed. The provisions of the Act can only be changed through a constitutional amendment, requiring two-thirds majority of both the federal and state legislatures.
The analysts are of the view that this Act has been the major reason for the low investment in the housing sector; it is also the reason mortgage finance is difficult to access because of its high cost and cumbersome processes it entails.
According to them, housing finance by public authorities in Nigeria is about 10 percent; mortgage banks contribute about 2 percent, while contribution from banks and other institutions is insignificant.
In a comparative analysis of what obtains in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, Sonnie Ayere, CEO, Dunn Loren Merrifield, notes that in South Africa, mortgage contributes about 40 percent of housing finance while in Ghana, the contribution is about 3 percent.
Land Use Act: New initiatives underway to manage unintended consequences H ousing sector analysts are in agreement that the consequences of the obsolete Land Use Act on housing and mortgage, which are largely unintended, can hardly be quantified in many respects.
Ayere, who spoke at an economic forum in Lagos, explained that the low mortgage contribution to housing finance in Nigeria was due to the cumbersome and unfriendly land administration in the country, pointing out that Nigeria ranks highest in property registration and construction permits.
Before now, there were altogether 16 stages and 60 steps to getting a property registered in Lagos, eight stages and 30 steps for each of the lender and the borrower which explains why it is difficult to get mortgage for housing finance.
To deal with these challenges, the federal government, through its agencies led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has come up with some initiatives, believing that an enabling environment in which a sustainable mortgage market can thrive must be created.
One of these initiatives is the Nigeria Housing Finance Programme (NHFP). Another is the Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) being put in place to grow the housing market.
NHFP is being implemented by the federal government through its relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and this is supported by the World Bank International Development Association (IDA). The objective of the programme is to increase primary and secondary mortgage markets.
Selection of the Priority Value Chains:
The project support is focussing on priority value chains as identified in Nigeria’sAgricultural Promotion Policy, APP (The Green Alternative 2016-2020).Priority value chains selected from the APP long list for the purpose of project support are: (i) staples with quick returns and benefits; (ii) products with potential for immediate improvement of food security; (iii) value chains to enhance the national production of crops (rice, maize, cassava and wheat); (iv) products with a potential for export and foreign currency earnings (cocoa and cashew); and (v) short-cycle, quick income generating high value products for livelihood improvement, particularly suitable for women and youth businesses such as horticulture, poultry and aquaculture.
Additional Information from Poverty Matters Blog with support from Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation
Baje i s N i g e r i a n f i r s t Fo o d Technologist in the media a y o b a j e @ y a h o o . c o . u k ; 07068638066
The MMFL is a draft bill designed to make delinquency in mortgage repayment unattractive to mortgagors and reduce losses from mortgage loans. It is expected to create a more attractive and vibrant environment, thereby attracting investors providing long term, low cost and more available capital to the market. Its main strategy is to encourage the use of administrative procedures to address some of the most negative provisions of the Act.
For property investors, this is a good development. But, according to Hakeem Oguniran, CEO, Eximia Reality, in addition to these efforts, developers also owe it as a duty to themselves to be creative in managing the limiting impact of Land Use Act.
He advised that developers should de-emphasize the traditional way of raising development finance, explaining that they should go to the capital market to raise funds by floating bonds which offer much cheaper rates at longer tenor.
To address further the problem of mortgage market growth, the CBN has also come up with an initiative known as mortgage guarantee programme which is mortgage given to a borrower by a lender
Talking Mortgage with CHUKA UROKO
(08037156969, chukuroko@yahoo.com)
where an identified third party will take responsibility for the loan if the borrower defaults. Expectation here is that this will push up housing affordability because, with the new programme, once a borrower defaults, the third party receives a claim from the lender, pays the lender off, and assumes responsibility for the mortgage.
“A quality mortgage guarantee programme is used to provide credit loss protection to lenders in case of borrower default”, explained a CBN official who did not want to be named. “Mortgage guarantee products incentivize lenders to accept loans with lower down-payments, thus increasing affordability”, she added. The implication of this is that borrowers who, ordinarily, would not have qualified for mortgage loan by reason of their low income, can now obtain loans which enhances their affordability.
Babatunde Fashola, minister for works and housing, is of the opinion that one of the surest ways of making housing affordable and also growing the housing sector is by industrializing the development by laying greater emphasis on locally produced building materials.
Industrialising the sector, in the opinion of the minister, will not only drag down the cost of construction, material wise, but also create jobs for those involved in the housing value chain including input manufacturers, professionals and artisans.
“The housing market behaves in a particular way; it gravitates where there is effective demand. Government should recognise that the weakest demand comes from the low end market and so should direct regulatory system towards that end with policies to address that problem”, says Femi Adewole, CEO, Family Homes Fund.
Adewole says government should adopt the zoning system through which it will discover areas where housing need is highest and the type of housing needed, just as it should impose heavy tax on houses that are unoccupied to discourage further development in that area.
28 BDSUNDAY SundayBusiness
Covid-19 emergency has been a challenge and opportunity – CEO, FIT Magodo
Seyi John Salau W h e r e a s m a n y businesses in Nigeria a n d elsewhere have either gone under or are struggling to remain afloat as a result of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic, Jane Amuta, a former staff of Fidelity Bank, who now runs FIT Gym, Salons and Spa- a state-ofthe-art health and wellness facility- located in upscale Ma g o d o G R A i n Ik e j a , Lagos, says it has not been a totally negative story for her business.
She told BDSUNDAY that with gyms and personal care facilities closed for two month plus, she has discovered the immense potentials in the digital world.
Although she has been delivering her workout and counseling sessions online at no charge all through the lockdown period, she sees the digital medium as a new frontier for businesses that do not require constant physical contact. She is now able to reach a wider constituency in the areas of fitness and nutritional counseling. “People can avoid traffic hassles and still meet their fitness goals through our online classes while those in proximity can come and use the gym…Unfortunately, you cannot get a haircut, a pedicure or spa therapy through your smart phone,” she said.
The CEO, FIT Magodo said that throughout the Covid-19 lockdown period in Lagos, she ran a free online fitness programme on Instagram Live at 7.15 every morning. A c c o r d i n g t o h e r, “Thousands of enthusiasts joined the classes on @ bodybyjane from across the globe for a 40-60-minute
workout session. This is usually followed by online and telephone counseling tips on healthy living, dieting and general wellness with our clients and followers. These sessions are marked by lively exchanges between m e a n d o u r n u m e r o u s followers, fans, clients and enthusiasts.”
“In fact, they reached out to us from across the globe. While our followers and fans in Africa and continental Europe found the morning sessions convenient, some in faraway places like Canada and the United States braved the unusual hours to join the sessions. At other times, they playback Instagram videos of the workout sessions just to catch up on the day’s routines,” she said further.
On how her journey into the fitness and healthy living industry began, she said it was initially mere “passion” that metamorphosed into a thriving business for her. “Looking back now, my dream for the business started as far back as my N Y S C d a y s i n O k e n e , Kogi State when I used to assemble fellow corps m e m b e r s i n t o f i t n e s s squads and took them for morning runs as a way of encouraging them to share my passion for fitness. Even when I took up banking as a career, I continued with my fitness routines in gyms after work and on weekends,” she recalled with excitement.
Six years ago, she decided to venture into private business as a fitness, health and beauty entrepreneur. Today, FIT Magodo, a onestop superstore for health and wellness enthusiasts, has become a leading brand in the industry.
Amuta has a holistic approach to fitness, health and wellness: “The essence of health is all what you do without needing to see a doctor. If you keep fit through regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet, your chances of living a healthy life are improved greatly.”
To e n s u r e t h a t h e r clients do not have to go wandering in search of aspects of a healthy living, s h e h a s c o n c e i v e d F I T Magodo as an integrated world class facility. There is a well-equipped gym, a professional spa, a nail s t u d i o, h a i r s a l o n s f o r women, men and children as well as a café dedicated exclusively to a healthy food culture.
One segment of her clientele particularly excites her. This is her customised fitness training programmes for several celebrities- in the music and entertainment industry. For her, this is a cultural and generational challenge. She believes that the cult of celebrity is mostly an image one. “You cannot be a celebrity when you are out of shape. It goes with great discipline… You have to train hard and eat right to fit into the right roles. There is no short cut,” she said emphatically.
The appeal of her facilities for her celebrity clients is the high premium she places on their privacy.
As an entrepreneur in the small to medium enterprise bracket, her outfit employs close to 30 young Nigerians ranging from certified gym trainers to hair stylists, nail technicians and spa therapists and professional chefs. She treats her work force as family but insists on near military discipline in the work place. She insists that the Nigerian work force can compete with their peers anywhere else if given the incentives, work environment and necessary training.
MindBody & Soul
S h e i s q u i c k t o a d m i t t h e c h a l l e n g e s o f e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p i n t h e N i g e r i a n b u s i n e s s environment.
“For an industry that r e q u i r e s p o w e r s u p p l y 24/7, the energy cost can be a challenge. There is also the difficulty of capital support b y t h e b a n k i n g s e c t o r which is usually reluctant to extend support to new sectors outside trading, manufacturing and, of late, agriculture. Nonetheless, my passion for what I do has sustained my enterprise over the years with the loyalty of our patrons,” she said.
On how she surmounts the challenges, she proudly said: “When you enjoy what you do for a living, the challenge becomes exciting.”
She is also able to sustain and expand her client base by insisting on best practices and international standards in an industry that prides itself in professionalism, hygiene and commitment to customer satisfaction.
with Chioma Nwosu
I’m hurt! How can I heal? I have struggled with loving myself for a long time, constantly seeking validation. Maybe because I was sexually abused growing up, maybe because I had been told I wasn’t good enough, maybe because I was raped by the first man outside my family who I loved so much and trusted with my heart.” Her voice shaky, she continued, “Chioma I feel broken. Whenever I think about my life, I feel dirty, empty and worthless. I feel like I would amount to no good. I know you’ll ask if I have forgiven myself, I have tried everything in my power to forgive myself but I don’t think it is working.”
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, healing means to make and become “ healthy or well again. Healing from emotional or psychological trauma may be difficult but doable. You may be struggling with trauma from a past or present event, which might cause you to develop upsetting emotions, frightening memories or a sense of constant danger. You may feel disconnected and unable to trust other people etc.
If you struggle with the effects of trauma, the first step to healing is accepting that you are traumatised and struggling. The next step is to lay down all the emotions you feel about the traumatic incident truthfully, write them out if you have to; for example sadness, anger, pain etc. Ask yourself why you feel each of these emotions and answer sincerely. This is the time to face your ‘Demons’. Allow yourself to feel every emotion that comes during this cathartic process, cry, scream, curse; don’t hold back.
When this is over, breathe, take ten minutes to meditate or pray. Asking God, the universe or whatever you believe in for forgiveness. Forgiveness for times you were mean to yourself, times you blamed yourself. Reach deep to your spiritual being; ask the universe to give you the strength to forgive yourself truly and wholly.
This process can be done multiple times until you begin to see results, remember to seek the help of a professional like a therapist if you can, to help you through this phase. In addition to meditation activities like exercising, journaling, joining related support groups and growing a strong support system might be effective in helping you through this healing process.
Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives. Remember, we repeat what we don’t repair.
Chioma Nwosu is a mental health/positive psychology advocate, speaker and founder of Olamma Cares Foundation an NGO focused on encouraging the social acceptance of developmental disabilities and mental disorders, finding and implementing long term solutions of these conditions through training, capacity building, advocacy and intervention.
News God’s appointment is not like secular one - Anglican cleric
UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia N elson Amaihe, a cleric, has reminded Ch r i s t i a n s t h a t u n l i k e w o r l d l y appointment where a round peg is wittingly fixed in a square hole, each job assigned to a Christian by God has a tool to accomplish it. Am a i h e , w h o i s t h e Chaplain of Balm of Gilead Diocesan Hospital Chapel, Umuntu-Ahiaukwu, Olokoro North Archdeaconry, Diocese o f U m u a h i a , An g l i c a n Communion stated this in a sermon titled, ‘The Pentecost Experience’ drawn from the Bible book of Acts of the Apostles chapter 1 verses 4 to 8, said God assigned His ministers to serve and not to be served, as Pentecost means power for service. He reminded the Christian faithful that God does not call one to do whatsoever he or she likes, rather His call is for a purpose and He empowers His ministers with specific instruments required to fulfil the specific task. The Clergyman pointed out that the main purpose of the Pentecost experience was to grant power for Christian service, adding, “Pentecost experience is a definite experience occurring after salvation whereby the Holy Spirit comes upon the believer to anoint and empower him or her for special service”. Amaihe further said: “The Holy Spirit is not a spirit of confusion but of orderliness. Every particular job God assigns to His ministers, He releases tools needed to fulfil that specific task. We don’t need to sell the gift of God because it was freely given to us by God and you don’t serve God because of the reward you will receive from men”.
He decried the attitude of “Mobile Ministers”, who he accused of mortgaging the spirit of God for earthly reward, adding that many ministers today bargain for the money they would receive before performing God’s work According to him, “They (‘mobile ministers’) do not count themselves as labourers in God’s vineyard but masters who are enjoying eternal life while on earth”.
@businessDayNG @Businessdayng BDSUNDAY 29 TheWorshipper
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins has appealed to the Lagos State government to reconsider its stand on the continued lockdown of religious centres across the state, stating that Churches as institutions are better able to exert control of situations and maintain discipline among their faithful than most other institutions.
“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic is real, and we all feel concerned that the numbers are rising. However, we know also that the virus will be with us for some time and more testing will reveal more infected persons but at the same time the truth is that life must go on,” said Martins.
According to Martins, the argument that faithful can pray in their individual homes and God will hear their prayers is true; however, it is also true for Christians that gathering together to worship is an heritage and practice arising from the bible.
“It was in the gathering of the Apostles that the Holy Spirit came down upon them (Acts.2:1); the early Christians gathered together in private homes for prayers and the breaking of the Bread (Acts 2:46) until the numbers became too large to handle in private homes and it SEYI JOHN SALAU
Alfred Adewale Martins
became necessary to have Church buildings,” Martins stated.
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos stated this in reaction to the state’s government position on the continued restriction on religious gatherings, as he called on the Lagos State Government to ease the restriction on religious gatherings in the state.
The Prelate in a statement issued by the director of social communi
cations, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, wondered why it would seem that there is a conclusion that it is when people gather to worship that coronavirus can be spread while the spread of the virus is suspended when they cluster and huddle together in markets, motor parks and banks.
According to him, if Christians were willing to suspend their right to gather in Church buildings for the sake of common good at a time when all gatherings of people were suspended, it is unfair and unjust for government to restrict gatherings for worship when other gatherings are being allowed.
“Anyone who argues that gathering to worship is not essential as it is to eat and get money from the bank, obviously does not understand the spiritual, emotional, and psychological soothing that Christians get from gathering together to worship,” Martins said.
Speaking further on the restriction, Martins questioned the position of those who considered it dangerous for people to gather to worship than it is to gather for banking and trading. “...if it was the case in some Asian country, that was before awareness was created and precautions began to be taken as we do today,” he stated.
He opined that the church considered the position of Lagos State government before now that it would approve a set of guidelines and monitor adherence to such as being fair and just. He stated that the monitoring is even more easily done in churches than in markets and motor parks or other places where the virus can even be more easily spread.
“This “volte face” of government gives the impression that the position of Christians is considered secondary and of no consequence in the affairs of the state.
The PTF in its latest directives lifted the restriction on religious gatherings with strict advice on preventive measures to be taken; what is your view on the PTF position?
Emmanuel Udofia, Primate of the African Church speaks on the PTF’s directives on easing of the lockdown on religious organisations and what celebration of Pentecost portends for today’s church and believers. Excerpts by SEYI JOHN SALAU
How do you intend to manage the limit cap place on gathering?
That is not a difficult issue to handle. Like for us here in CrossRivers State what we are doing is that instead of holding a service, we hold two services; some come in from 7 to 9am while others come from 10 to 12 noon, that is how we manage larger congregation. Another worrying situation is the level of anxiety among worshippers who have been away from the physical building of the church; are you going to put that into consideration?
I really don’t think there was any serious anxiety, because the church as I told you - wherever two or there are gathered in the lord’s name, God is always there. So, the fact that they were not in the physical building called church does not mean God wasn’t there with them. Wherever any child of God is, he or she is carrying the presence of the lord. So, I think it’s a thing of joy that brothers will see brothers; brethren will see brethren. It is a joyous moment for the church to be united again after the lockdown to the will of God.
Iwant to say that the government is taking the right step in the right direction, because the church represents Christ here on earth and there is no way the church will meet, pray unto God that God will not hear. Although I am not saying that it is only in the four walls of the church that people can gather to pray; people can still pray in their homes and God still answers prayers. But, it is also recommended in the bible that we should gather together and pray. For instance, in the Acts of the Apostles when Peter was in prison; the church prayed and God arrest the situation. The same thing with Paul and Silas in Acts 15; the bible says when they were there in danger, they called upon God and God answered them; so God is a prayer answering God. Whatever happens now needs God’s assistance and divine intervention. What we are passing through now all over the world, it’s only God that can help us through it. Even the scientists that people are talking about; they do not have idea of their own; some of them are being inspired by God. So, if the church does not pray then it becomes a dangerous thing to behold.
Following the directives from the PTF, worshippers will gather today for worship after so many weeks away; what is your message to believers across the country?
My message to the church all over the world is that brethren should rejoice - God never allow the pandemic to destroy our generation. Although we have lost so many souls to this pandemic; howbeit, the church should come
“The leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State presented a set of guidelines for gradual restoration of public worship to government as our indication of readiness to take all due precautions and submit ourselves to be checked up for compliance.
“I wonder why the Honourable Commissioner did not state that fact but decided to state only the opinion of one imam. If people of other religions are permitted by their religious traditions to worship anywhere convenient and not necessarily in gatherings, that should not be taken as the yardstick by which all other religious traditions should practice their faith,” said Martins.
The Archbishop however, appealed to Lagos State government to take religious leaders into confidence and keep in mind that they are partners in ensuring the safety of Lagosians and are as concerned that the virus is contained.
Martins stated that the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos had gone so far as to prepare its own in-house elaborate guidelines to ensure the safety and well being of its members. He therefore, prayed for enlightenment of the Holy Spirit that the governor would take the right decision.
together to appreciate God and pray for the comfort of those who have lost loved ones and members. Also, we have to pray that God should arise and take control of the situation. The bible says if my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and seek my face; and repent and turn away from their wickedness, he will from heaven hear, forgive and heal their land. So, my advice is that the church should gather to seek divine intervention to heal our land.
Last week, Christians across the world celebrated Pentecost; what does it portend for today’s church?
The Pentecost is the fulfilment of the promise of God to the church. Jesus Christ before he left made a promise that he will send the Holy Spirit to the church. Although he will not be with the church physically, but the Holy Spirit when he come will reveal everything that we need to know unto us. The Holy Spirit is a strengthener; he’s an intercessor, so the Holy Spirit directs the affairs of the church; he inspires the church, and so without the Holy Spirit there is no church. Even the bible we read was inspires by the Holy Spirit. So, without the church being inspired by the Holy Ghost, believers will not be able to understand the scriptures. Anybody who is not led by the Holy Ghost cannot understand the scripture talk less interpreting whatever is written there. So, the Holy Spirit through the word of God is being reactive by the word of God - that is why when we speak the word of God; preach the word of the Lord, what we are doing is activating and putting to action through the Holy Spirit what God has promised the church.
Any where the word of God is, and is being preached will revive the church because Jesus Christ said in the Book of John that it is the spirit that gives life; that the fresh profits nothing; He said, the word that I speak to you - they are spirit and they are life. So, the word of the Lord activates and puts to action everything that the Lord has promised the church by the grace of God. So, the word of God like I said is inspired by the Holy Ghost and each time you read the word of God by the power of the Holy Ghost, you get the revealed knowledge of God in your spirit because the Holy Ghost plays a greater role in the church - it revitalises the church, strengthens the church and gives the church a life of its own.
30 BDSUNDAY www.businessday.ng https://www.facebook.com/businessdayng Health&Science
FMC- Ebute Metta, PharmAccess Foundation partner to launch COVID19 digital service
ANTHONIA OBOKOH F ederal Medical Centre (FMC), EbuteMetta in partnership with the PharmAccess Foundation has launched Luscii - a COVID19 screening digital service.
This innovative digital service, Luscii, screens for COVID-19 symptoms and connects users to dedicated medical responders for advice on how to manage their care.
The Covid19 digital service triggers users to conduct daily checks and monitors the symptoms based on Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC)guidelines via the digital service platform, including body temperature, presence of cough, headaches, and more.
Njide Ndili, country director, PharmAccess Foundation, during her opening remarks noted that the COVID Connect digital service will help users self-monitor and connect those who fall within the high-risk category to trained medical responders at FMC Ebute Metta for counselling and triage into Lagos State Covid response system.
According to her, benefits derived by use of the digital service include early detection of suspected cases for testing and containment, enabling home isolation and care for mild casesthus freeing up healthcare capacity for high-risk patients and allowing the State to maximize its resources for patients with more acute symptoms.
Adedamola Dada, chief medical director, FMC, expressed his enthusiasm to support the Lagos State response to contain the spread of Covid by partnering with PharmAccess by providing medical responders housed within Covid Connect Call Center and to flatten the curve by reducing the surge of patients visiting healthcare facilities. He added that the FMC will continue to work with partners towards the containment of the virus.
Jan van Weijen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who was present during the launch congratulated the Lagos State Government and PharmAccess foundation on the launch of the Covid Connect digital service. According to him, the digital service will help in the fight against COVID19 in Nigeria and the government of the Netherlands would continue to support the Nigerian govern
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin A ll the 80 members of the Kwara State Rapid Response Team (RRT) have tested negative to COVID-19 despite their active involvement in the movement of active cases.
According to a statement by Commissioner for Health, Raji Razaq reads “For abundance of caution, we decided to test all members of the hardworking RRT and we are glad to announce to the Kwara public that none of them is positive for the virus. This attests to the excellent adherence to
80 Kwara RRT members test negative to COVID-19
the infection prevention and control (IPC) and other safety protocols.
“By all standards, we are doing very well in the management of the pandemic. This is due largely to the unquantified support the committee gets f r o m t h e G o v e r n o r and the understanding of our health w o r k e r s . E v e r y o n e i s o n t h e same page to fight this virus. We are proud to be getting referrals from other states wanting to know how Kwara has been managing the development.”
He dismissed claims of non-availability or shortage of personal protective equipments as unfounded, saying the government continues to supply PPEs while also ensuring the welfare of the health workers and the patients.
ment in their fight against the COVID19 pandemic.
Similarly, Akin Abayomi , commissioner of Health Lagos State, during his speech added that the digital service platform could help support Lagos State’s fight against the COVID19 virus and is looking forward to reviewing the benefits with a consideration of integrating them into the State’s response system.
A live demonstration of the digital service platform and tour of the Covid Connect call center was conducted by Ademola Serrano, the Health innovations manager at PharmAccess Foundation who reiterated that this digital service has been successfully deployed in several other countries.
Serrano demonstrated the download and signup process and subsequently explained the process for triaging of suspected Covid patients identified by the digital service. Such users will be contacted by the medical responders and transported to Lagos State approved testing, isolation and treatment facilities.
Th e b r a n d ’ s l a t e s t launches are just a few of the innovative ways Maggi is meeting its consumers’ digital and nutritional appetites, while also contributing to Nestle purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. M e a n w h i l e , t o g e t inspired the new Maggi website provides over 40 African recipes on an easyANTHONIA OBOKOH to-use platform, can help families cook balanced and nutritious meals. “Maggi innovates once more by providing different variations of beloved African dishes that offer something for every food lover,” said Dominique Allier, Business Executive Officer for Culinary at Nestlé Central and West Africa. According to him, “We are proud to be the first region worldwide chosen by Maggi to launch this unique website.” The new website, which was built in collaboration with topAfrican chefs, expert nutritionists and local food influencers, provides helpful tips in some recipes on how to boost your iron intake and balance dishes.
Nestlé launches MAGGI new website to meet its consumers digital, nutritional appetites N estlé brand Maggi has launched a firstof-its-kind website in Central and West Africa, offering fresh new twists to well-known African dishes.
“As well as highlighting the importance of including nutritious diets in our daily lives with wellknown family favourites; people across the globe now have easy access to traditional African recipes we know and love”, said Akua Kwakwa, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager for Nestlé Central and West Africa. “For people who are more concerned about sodium, saturated fat and added sugars, the website features the unique ‘MyMenuIQ™’ guide that illustrates how nutritionally-balanced each recipe is. The higher the score, the more balanced the mealis,” she added. To help people “cook the difference”, Maggi has beenorganising local events to encourage healthy cooking, like pop-up kitchens, cooking caravans and online nutrition educationprogrammes, which have reached over 10 million people acrossthe region. The brand also aims to boost the nutrition of families at an affordable price, by improving the nutritional profile of its bouillons and other products through reducing salt and increasing micronutrients such as iron, to help tackle iron deficiency.
“Similarly, Kwara is one those few states that are conducting as many tests as possible to ascertain the status of our people and prevent community spread. Our contact tracing and rumour management are one of the best in the country as has been attested to by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),” he added.
IVF success rate is not only about the cost
CONTRIBUTOR dure. However, once that fails, you are likely to withdraw for some time which may extend into a year or more and not do anything again.
An unsuccessful IVF cycle can be emotionally and finanhome for two years to wait or to gather money, time would cially devastating, nevertheless, it is no longer an assumpnot be on your side as your chances for success would tion that IVF success rates are higher for infertile couples that have further depleted.
Success rate of IVF is dependent on age. Assuming ABAYOMI AJAYI you are 34 and you have had a failed cycle which means you are at your peak and you go
In Nigeria infertility affects not be money alone, you may just not be emotionally ready. around 1 in 4 couples and the most effective method for You may be afraid of the failure which is not unnatural.” treating infertility Is IVF especially in the Nigerian environ
For some reason, it may go through multiple rounds.
The challenge is how IVF starting. The more the number of cycles, the greater the is assessed. When you talk about the success rate of IVF, chances of success, but that is like a bitter pill in a country like people want it to be about 80 percent, but we have to start Nigeria in which many people do not even really understand from what we are comparing the success rate of IVF to.Look what IVF is all about in the first place. beyond the cost. Look at the number of cycles as success
One of the things fertility clinics and specialists do in ment where Fallopian tube factor and sperm count issues addition to reducing cost is to provide emotional support. are major cause of infertility. To treat these two the best But it is important to have enough information before way is still IVF.
If we are comparing to the natural cycle, every month, it pared to do multiple cycles.
You need to understand how IVF works, what are the in IVF or natural reproduction is actually cumulative. hurdles to cross in order to have success and also be pre
It is not uncommon that from you and your spouse (spermatozoa and eggs). So people drop out of IVF even in places where the services if you are 40, the best that you can be given is the success are paid for or subsidized by the government and are easily rate of a 40-year-old. But if you don’t choose a good clinic you accessible. This is because IVF takes a lot of psychological toll might do 10 cycles and there would be no success at all. on couples. If you want to look at IVF success, you are better The first thing is your initial assessment which must be off looking at the cumulative pregnancy rate - not one cycle. done todetermine what kind of treatment exactly that you
If you are less than 35 years of age, if you do one cycle, your need.
Choose a good clinic and is 20-30 percent chance that a couple could be pregnant also be realistic about your expectations. You need to in their peak reproductive age. IVF can even give us 40 know the truth about success rates for IVF. A fertility center percent. It is doing better than nature, but now all over the may claim to guarantee you 70 percent success in one world people have seen that there is a problem with IVF in cycle. That is not possible. It’s not physiological. What you the sense that many people do not do enough cycles in order need to know is that IVF success rates depend on the raw to get the benefit of what IVF can deliver especially once materials used.
These raw materials come there is a failed cycle.
So the big issue is how
The specialist may recomrealistic success rate is about 35-40 percent, but if you do mend donor eggs. There are couples that the women are three cycles your success rate goes up to about 75 perover 40 and have never been pregnant yet still want to do cent and this is much better thanjust doing one cycle. If as IVF with their own eggs. From studies, people like that stand a couple you don’t persevere enough, you are not going to a better chance with donor eggs. get up to 75 percent.
We know that in Nigeria where people pay out of pockcialist. Note that IVF success is not only about the cost, you et, one of the ways of encouraging multiple IVF cycles, is should also evaluate the clinic. Talk to the care givers, if posto have packages that would make it easier and even finansible go to their labs and see that they have what they claim cially beneficial to be able to do more than one cycle. they have before you entrust yourself to them.
It is not unlikely that as a couple, you would wish to save money for one cycle because you see IVF as the last resort and so once you raise money for one cycle, you go in search of the IVF proceAbayomi Ajayi, MD/CEO Nordica Fertility Centre info@abayomiajayi.com.ng,
Once again be aware that it is the number of cycles that you can be encouraged to do enough cycles to give you a determine success rate. So, when choosing clinics, look realistic chance of taking a baby home. at volume of cycles and the experience of the fertility spe
BDSUNDAY 31 Sports
Here are confirmed Premier League fixtures ahead of restart
ANTHONY NLEBEM A head ofthe much talked about Premier League restart on June 17;here are details of the remaining fixtures. Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal will be the first two Premier League games played on the resumption of the league after a revised fixture list, starting on 17 June, was announced.
The Premier League will run games on almost every day between 17 June and 2 July
Runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool will resume their quest for a first league title in 30 years against Everton on 21 June, however there is still no confirmation on the venue.
The venue for the match is still unclear. It was scheduled to be played at Goodison Park, but was included on a list of matches that local forces had asked to be moved to neutral venues.
Merseyside Police said it was happy to police matches in Liverpool, and the city council’s safety advisory group will make a final decision next week.
Manchester United announced that their second match, against Sheffield United on 24 June, would be played at Old Trafford.
The match was one of those earmarked to be played at a neutral venue.
The announcement covers the first three full rounds of Premier League fixtures after the resumption, two of which will primarily be played in midweek because of the FA Cup quarter-finals on 27 and 28 June.
Every single game will be televised live, with some shown free to air.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said of the fixtures announcement: “We are pleased to provide fans with further updates on the provisional restart of the Premier League season.
Wednesday 17 June
18:00 Aston Villa v Sheff Utd 20:15 Man City v Arsenal
Friday 19 June
18:00 Norwich City v Southampton 20:15 Spurs v Man Utd
Saturday 20 June
12:30 Watford v Leicester City 15:00 Brighton v Arsenal
17:30 West Ham v Wolves 19:45 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Sunday 21 June
14:00 Newcastle United v Sheff Utd 16:15 Aston Villa v Chelsea 19:00 Everton v Liverpool
Monday 22 June
20:00 Man City v Burnley
Tuesday 23 June
18:00 Leicester City v Brighton 20:15 Spurs v West Ham
Wednesday 24 June
18:00 Man Utd v Sheff Utd 18:00 Newcastle United v Aston Villa 18:00 Norwich City v Everton (BBC) 18:00 Wolves v AFC Bournemouth 20:15 Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Thursday 25 June
18:00 Burnley v Watford 18:00 Southampton v Arsenal 20:15 Chelsea v Man City
Saturday 27 June
12:30 Aston Villa v Wolves
Sunday 28 June
16:30 Watford v Southampton
Monday 29 June
20:00 Crystal Palace v Burnley
Tuesday 30 June
20:15 Brighton v Man Utd
Wednesday 1 July
18:00 Arsenal v Norwich City 18:00 AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United 18:00 Everton v Leicester City 20:15 West Ham v Chelsea
Thursday 2 July
18:00 Sheff Utd v Spurs 20:15 Man City v Liverpool
Messi to start contract talks with Barcelona
ANTHONY NLEBEM T alks to renew Lionel Messi’s contract at Barcelona are set to start this month.
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has started negotiations over extending the Argentine’s deal past 2021 this season, but they have been delayed for various reasons.
Now, according to Cope, the two parties could start talks over an extension as soon as next week.
These talks will only be preliminary for now, with the main bulk of the negotiations set to take place next season.
Bartomeu alongside CEO Oscar Grau will lead the club’s
ANTHONY NLEBEM B undesliga coaches have called for some easing of the league’s strict hygiene regulations, citing the general improvement of the coronavirus situation in the country.
Coaches and substitutes have to follow social-distancing guidelines and wear masks while on the bench and players are not allowed to hug each other during goal celebrations.
Germany has been easing its lockdown restrictions in the weeks since the Bundesliga restarted in mid-May. “It’s become difficult to understand why people can again have their cappuccino in a cafe without wearing a mask, while the substitutes and us directors in the stands are forced to keep our distance while outdoors and wearing a mask,” said Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller.
There has not been a positive case for COVID-19 in the Bundesliga since the resumption, but teams are still subject to stringent rules regarding
Bundesliga: Coaches call for easing of strict health regulations
negotiations, while Messi will be represented by his father, Jorge.
Messi wants to keep the option of being able to rescind his contract at the end of each season, like the system that is currently in place.
The forward will turn 33 in June and, although he’s in good shape at the moment, he wants to make sure he ends his Barcelona career in good condition.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Erkut Sogut said, level of football talent identification, development and management, on the African continent.
Integral enters partnership with Ozil’s management for Nigerian talents …Family & Football will help in identifying young footballers I ntegral and Family & Football today announce a new joint venture partnership focused on augmenting the ANTHONY NLEBEM Misha Sher, VP Sport & Entertainment at Mediacom, who played a crucial role in forming the relationship between both companies.
After almost a year of planning and working, Integral, the leading African sport management company, now enhances its service offering by adding comprehensive professional talent management services to its suite of services, having sealed this strategic alliance with one of the most prominent global football agencies, Family and Football.
Family & Football was founded by Dr. Erkut Sogut, a lawyer and registered FA intermediary, and has a foothold in many locations across the globe. The agency came into prominence by negotiating one of the most lucrative player contracts in Premiere League history for Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil whom it also represents. The joint venture partnership is a landmark achievement for Integral’s football division and the experience of Family & Football will assist the company in providing quality, first class representation to the flood of football talent dotted all over Africa.
social distancing in hotels and in stadiums.
“It’s great that we can play again,” said Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz. “The DFL (German league) has done things very well. “But the protocols were worked out in March, and now it is June. The best thing would be to have the right to celebrate a goal all together again.”
Paderborn coach Steffen Baumgart thinks the rules should be loosened for the media.
“We have cameramen who are alone and separated by a radius of 30 metres while wearing a mask,” he said. “We have reporters, half of whose questions we don’t understand because they’re wearing a mask while we keep a distance of three metres.”
Earlier in the year, Integral hosted Dr. Erkut Sogut when he visited Nigeria with his close friend and associate “Nigeria, Africa and Integral are strategic partner for us. We believe in their potential. And with Integral we will showcase African footballers in a different way because they deserve it. The continent deserves it. It has some of the best talents I have ever seen like Jay – Jay Okocha , Kanu and many more like them. But our ties extend beyond football. I am passionate about education and I see the quality of people
here; desirous of learning, of leaving a positive impact in the world. So together (with Integral) we will support them with our work”.
On his part Abimbola Ilo, Managing Director of Integral, commented thus: “We are extremely excited to be working fully now with Erkut and his team, joining forces together to become an even more dominant force in football representation, management and player trading. Importantly the scope of the joint venture extends beyond just the representation side of things and involves education and charity too which are equally important to us.”
