BusinessDay 07 Mar 2021 by BusinessDay

We will not allow PIB to pass if it gives undue power to a Minister - Gbillah Sunday 07 March 2021

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State police: Northern governors’ request re-enforces agitation for restructuring Page 14

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How Governor Abiodun battles farmers-herders clashes in Ogun

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businessdayng • Vol 1, No. 349

N300

Celebrating top women in the arts Page 25

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Chaos and tranquility: Tale of two Nigerian cities

How FG’s double-standard fuels insecurity in Nigeria

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Tell Me Your Story, Woman of Africa: Empowering African Women

16 ‘To make the needed impact, the church in Nigeria must speak with same voice’

L-R: Abudulrasheed Bawa, new chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with Mohammed Abba, acting chairman of the commission, during the handing over ceremony in Abuja. Pic by TUNDE ADENIYI

Illicit arms movement: The root of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis TOCHUKWU OKAFOR

esearch shows that there are more than a billion small arms in circulation globally with 87.5percent of those weapons in the hands of civilians. According to the small arms survey of 2018, there are over 40,009,000 small arms in

hands of civilians across various states in Africa. In Nigeria, the proliferation of small arms and ammunition across various regions have resulted in violence, kidnappings, robberies, mass killings and socio-economic upheavals in society. According to a report by SB Morgen intelligence, illicit arms are obtained by non-state actors in a variety of waysreliant on fac-

tors such as porous borders, sea smuggling, police indiscipline, local manufacturing amongst others. Nigeria’s porous borders means that weapons flow easily into the country as some of the weapons used in conflicts have been identified with origins from Ivorian or Libyan stock piles. Ammunition from at least 21 different countries Continues on page 8

Why closure of schools in 7 northern states is bad news Iniobong Iwok

he rising spate of insecurity across the country, particularly in the northern part of the country, appears to be taking a toll on education in the part of the country. Apart from the negative impact

on the economy, proper teaching and learning activities are being disrupted. In all of this, Nigeria is the greatest loser. Perhaps, many parents in the Northern Nigeria who beat all odds to send their children to school have been left to rue their choice and rethink their decision due to Continues on page 3

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Sunday07 March 2021

News Oyinlola unqualified to settle Makinde/ Fayose rift - South West PDP Iniobong Iwok

igeria’s main opposition, t h e Pe o p l e’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has debunked media reports that Olagunsoye Oyinlola was initiating a reconciliation meeting to settle the rift between Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose. Lere Olayinka, the SouthWest zonal director of Media and Publicity of PDP, stated this in a statement Friday, noting that Oyinlola lacked the moral high ground to reconcile the two PDP leaders. Olayinka s aid t his in reaction to reports in the media published during the week

Makinde

about proposed reconciliation meeting, stressing that PDP in the region was aware that Oyinlola lacks what it takes to be a peacemaker. According to the statement, “Our attention has been drawn to a publication in a newspaper that there will be a reconciliation meeting between Fayose and Governor Makinde at the instance of former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, today (Friday). “To us, Prince Oyinlola is supposed to be Governor Seyi Makinde’s leader, but the reverse is the case now as he is painfully acting like Governor Makinde’s ‘appendage’ and also his contractor. “Therefore, he has no moral preserve to be a peacemaker as peace cannot be achieved when insincere people who are self-seekers sit

at the table as peacemakers. “Most importantly, PDP was peaceful in the South-West before Oyinlola returned from APC and committed and loyal leaders of the party in the zone will on their own ensure that issues in the party are resolved.” Fayos e and G over nor Makinde have been at loggerheads recently over the control of the party in the region. The former Ekiti governor said based on his antecedent and experience in politics he should be the leader of the party. However, as an incumbent governor, Makinde is laying claim to the leadership of the party in the region. The situation has polarised the party into two camps in the South-West and is threatening the party’s chances in the 2023 election.

Fayose

Chinese consul commissions council office in Lagos

hu Maoming, consul general of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) in Nigeria has commissioned the China Africa Business Council (CABC) centre in Lagos. The CABC which is headquartered in China is set up to incorporate Nigerian companies as members with their representative office in Nigeria. Diana Chen, chairperson, Choice International Group (CIG) and host, said the partnership further cement C h i n a - Ni g e r i a b u s i n e s s relationship.

“The purpose of setting up a representative office here in Lagos is to develop the membership of not only the Chinese enterprises but also enterprises that are looking for business opportunities and investment in China,” Chen said. Chen further revealed that the aim is to enhance and develop the cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese companies into a more integrated and efficient platform. She stressed that it would increase the number of reliable, high performing and highquality Nigerian companies

joining the Council’s office in Nigeria. Guests at the event included Madame Wang, chairman of B&R service connection and mediation centre in Beijing, China; Odein Ajumogobia, principal partner of Ajumogobia and Okeke Law Firm and former Minister of State in Nigeria, Linus Idahosa, the Vice Chairman of the Choice International Group (CIG), Moyo Onigbanjo, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State, Solape Hammond, Special Advisor on Sustainable Development Goals and investment.

Resolve transport workers’ impasse to avoid another #EndSARS scenario, Jandor tells Sanwo-Olu

ollowing the continuous protest by bus drivers and conductors in Lagos State against what they refer to as unbearable extortions by the road transport unions, the Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos movement, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran has called on the Governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to address the issue without further delay. The transport workers had on Thursday downed tools, especially on the Badagry

expressway axis which left many commuters stranded and unable to go about their daily activities. According to Jandor, “The state can no longer afford the consequences of another protest considering the damage the #EndSARS protest cost us. “There will definitely be conflicts but the ability to resolve it on time without the breakdown of law and order is what government must strive to achieve”. While calling on Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the matter, knowing that commuters

are at the receiving end, he said: “Policies should be reviewed to ensure a win-win situation for all.” Meanwhile, a bus driver, Rafiu Olaniyi has lamented the multiple taxes collected by the transport unions in the state, urging the state government to come to their rescue. “We experience multiple taxation and extortions at almost all bus stops and this is no longer bearable, especially with the recent increase in the price of petrol and our overall operational cost,” Olaniyi said.

Mr Macaroni, Nengi, others make 2021 GAGE Awards nominees Josephine Okojie

fter two long months of intense nominations, the nominees of various categories have been unveiled and the portal for the voting of digital practitioners who have emerged for the 20 categories has opened. Johnson Anorh, convener o f t h e G A G E Aw a r d s when announcing the commencement of voting disclosed that it wasn’t an easy task pruning down over 15,000 nominations as Nigerians made their choice on who best served them in the outgoing year using the digital platforms. “The numbers have been overwhelming in less than 24 hours; we have had over 1.4million website visits,” he said. Nominees for the Banking App of the Year are Vbank, GTBank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and Alat by WEMA Bank. The Data Service Provider of the Year include; MTN, Airtel, Globacom, Swift Networks, and 9Mobile. The Breakout App of the Year category nominees are; Airopay, WhotAfrica, Zoom, TiKTok, and Clubhouse. Online comedian of the Year nominees are; Mr Macaroni, Lasisi Elenu, Sydney Talker, MC Lively, and 2019 winner, Taaooma. Influencer of the year category nominees are; Aisha

Yesufu, Tomike Adeoye, Erica Nlewedim, Nengi Hampson, and Pamilerin. Other category nominees are Entrepreneur of the Year; Charles Oyakhilome, CEO, Airopay; Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, founder, Paystack; To p e A w o t o n a , C E O , Calendly; Babs Ogundeyi, CEO, Kuda Bank and Chijioke D oz i e, C E O, O ne F i and Carbon. Online News Platform of the year has AriseTvOnline, ChannelsTv Online, Opera News, Punch Online, BBC Pidgin. Online Film/Video documentary of the Year nominees include; B ay i by D i anne Russ e t, Fishbone by Anakle Films, CNN Documentary on EndSars, the Critics Company. The nominees for Online Campaign of the Year are *444# USSD campaign by Airtel, #ShotOnOppo by Oppo, #WearItForMe campaign by MTN, and Dettol Hand Wash Challenge. Nominees for Website of the year include; B e t 9 j a . c o m , i s e l i f y. c o m , dstvafica.com, trace.tv, and medplusnig.com. Nominees for Content Creator of the Year (platform) of the year are; NdaniTv, RedTv, Accelerate Tv, NetFlix and PulseTv. The nominees for Webseries of the Year include; Shuga Naija, Skinny Girl in Transit, The Mens Club, Therapy and Call to bar. Nominees for Blog of the

Year are; Nairaland, Linda Ikeji, Bella Naija, NaijaLoaded, and Nairametrics. The nominees for the Best Digital Financial Platform include; Paystack, Flutterwave, PAGA, Opay, and Palmcredit. Nominees for App of the Year are; TikTok, Microsoft teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Netflix. The Nominees for Podcast of the Year include; Pod Save Africa, Letter to boys, I said what I said, From Lagos with Love, and The Irregular show. The GAGE Award public voting is only restricted to five categories, they are; Online Comedian of the Year, Banking App of the Year, Digital Artiste of the Year, Breakout App of the Year, and Data Service Provider of the Year. Howe ve r, t h e O n l i n e Influencer of the Year category has been divided into the voters’ choice that is the audience’s select their winner, and the GAGE Academy choice which would be determined by the GAGE Academy. Winners of the other 15 categories such as Website of the Year, Best Digital Financial Platform among others will also be judged by the GAGE academy based on pre-defined measuring indicators that are beyond the reach or knowledge of the generality of the public. The voting will be open till the 15th March 2021 when the winners emerge.

Lasgidi FM announces Ehigiamusoe Sarah as acting general manager IFEOMA OKEKE

edia personality Ehigiamusoe Sarah popularly known as ‘’Princess Uvbi’’ has been appointed as the new acting general manager, Lasgidi FM. She ably jostles this new role with the ancillary role as head of programmes for the prominent and vibrant radio station.

Lasgidi FM first hit the airwaves at its inception in March 6, 2020 and has since steadily gained ascendancy, climbing the charts as one of the most listened to and loved jolly station in Lagos owing to the richness of a quality lineup of programming and excellent presenters. Princess Uvbi boasts of over 10 years in the media industry, having served as an investigative journalist, TV presenter,

reporter, as well as PR and Brand Communications expert for notable firms such as LandWey Investment, RentSmallSmall, AXA Mansard and others. It is undoubted that Princess Uvbi’s new appointment will greatly accelerate the brand’s positioning and continued enjoyed success due to her proficient prowess as well as her rich helm-side of broadcasting and managerial experience.

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Ganduje hails Aspira Nigeria, says firm Insecurity: Why closure of ... is a catalyst for economic growth

bdullahi Umar Ganduje, governor of Kano State, has applauded the contributions of Aspira Nigeria Limited, a home product giant, towards the development of the state as a mega commercial centre in Nigeria. The governor, who gave the commendation during an official visit to the company site to commission the new plant, recently, also appreciated the company for its immense contributions in the employment of thousands of job seekers in the state. Addressing the officials and the management of the company led by Ahmadu Haruna Danzago, chairman of the company, the governor observed with delight that Aspira Nigeria Limited has been serving as a catalyst for economic growth in the state. The company, which began operations in Nigeria about a decade ago, has continued to expand its operations, introducing new range of healthcare products that serve the need of the populace, while creating employment opportunities for many residents. “We have been taken round to see their products and from

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the information they gave us, they told us that they have employed more than 5000 youths from Kano State and from all over the country- even foreigners are being employed in this company. “The company told us that they are enjoying peace and stability in Kano State. The peace and stability in the state is what has encouraged them to expand their brands and the capacity of the company in the state,” the governor remarked. After facility tour of the factory and confirming the various products manufactured, ranging from detergent, soap, to even the toothpaste that would soon be commissioned, the governor expressed his satisfaction saying, “You are making Kano the commercial nerve centre of not only Nigeria, but also of West African countries that do businesses with you. This is because from what we have seen, your products are exported to most West African countries and in some cases, to Europe,” he added. According to the governor, there is no better way to support the people of Kano State and the people of Nigeria than what the company is doing now, hence his government is encouraging the company.

Ganduje also expressed joy at the fact that the company is producing its own gas for its own use, making it to depend less on electricity supply for its operational activities. “I wish to tell you that work has started for the construction of the gas pipeline from Ajeokuta to Kaduna and to Kano and when this project is completed, the gas you will use will be much cheaper and government would get more taxes and you would employ more people because it would give more opportunities to you to expand your company. “So, we all thank President Muhammadu Buhari for the gas project, especially for the fact that work has started on the project and Kano would enjoy the benefit of the project”, he concluded. In his welcome remarks, Haruna Ahmadu Danzago, chairman of the company, appreciated Governor Ganduje and his administration for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state. He stressed that the progress recorded by the company over the years would not have been attained without the benefit of the numerous private sector - friendly policies of the state government.

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano State governor, (fourth from l), welcomed by Ahmadu Haruna Danzago, chairman, Maher Jaafer, CEO and Sami Jaafer, managing director, Aspira Nigeria Ltd, during the facility tour in Kano, recently.

the worsening insecurity situation in the region, which is being manifested in the increasing cases of abduction of school children in recent time. The region has been volatile in the last one decade, with terror activities of Islamic sect, Boko Haram paralysing social and economic activities. Reports indicate that over 768 students were abducted by bandits within the space of 78 days, forcing seven states in the North to shut down schools last week. The seven states are Yobe, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto. Although the affected state governments regretted the decision, they believe it was the honest thing to do in the circumstance, while they study developments. It appears that the terrorists have perfected their criminal acts, hence their decision to turn to soft targets which the schools provided. It began with the abduction in 2014 of 112 school girls from Chibok, Borno State. Some of the victims are still in captivity many years after. In 2018, over 110 students from kidnapped from their school in a sleepy village of Yobe State, called Dapchi. Up till this moment, one of the girls, Leah Sharibu has remained in captivity. In December 2020, 400 students of Government Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, were kidnapped by bandits. Recall also that 27 boys at GSS College, Kagara, Niger State were abducted by bandits on February 17, 2021, and 317 schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State suffered the same fate recently. While some of the affected states are said to have only shut boarding schools, others shut all schools located in local government areas considered

volatile and unsafe. Stakeholders say it is not cheering news to the region and the sector, considering that schools had just reopened after several months of break occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The closure of schools in the North has put the academic dreams of many school children in jeopardy with thousands of senior secondary school students likely to miss this year’s West African Senior School Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations. A retired school principal who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “As it is now, in the North, sending once children to school has become a huge risk. It is even worse sending girls to school. What may happen is that some parents, who in the first place were pressured before they allowed their girl-child go to school, may now find an excuse not to do so any more. The girls on their own may be so scared to go to school. Ultimately, Nigeria will bear the brunt as the educational gap between the north and south would continue to widen.” Another expert said that the situation poses a huge challenge to education in the North and could compound the number of out of school children in Nigeria which UNICEF put at 10.5 million. Out of the 10.5 million children, 60 percent are in the North, and most of them are girls; which are the main target of Boko Haram’s brutal hate campaign against western education. “Is shutting schools the solution? It is just a panic measure; the government has abandoned their duty. Why allow the bandits to target the school children? “It is the country that would suffer, because when you don’t take education seriously now, in twenty years’ time it would

tell, when there would not be enough manpower, especially in the North,” Tope Adejumo, a professor and educationist, said. According to Adejumo, “Government knows the solution to this problem and they know where to find these people kidnapping, they can’t tell me otherwise, that would be unserious and pretentious. Our children can’t be left to the whims and caprices of the bandits.” It has become increasingly obvious that no meaningful learning can take place in schools with the current state of affairs which has made schools vulnerable to attacks. Currently, education in the North has increasingly come under attack, with many children unable to attend school because of the fear of Boko Haram. Even when children enroll in schools, many do not complete the primary cycle. A recent report by The Guardian shows that 30 percent of pupils drop out of primary school and only 54 percent transit to junior secondary schools within the last five years in the North. The report listed child labour, economic hardship, early marriage for girls, and Boko Haram insurgency as responsible for the problem. Speaking on the way out, Public affairs commentator, Ahmed Oseni, said the solution lies in the government tackling the security crisis, adding that the government has encouraged the act of kidnapping by paying ransom. “It is sad news for education in the North, the only solution is to deal with the security situation head on, because since you are giving ransom, they would continue to kidnap and abduct these school children. That place is not safe now for learning; it is a national embarrassment to the nation and the incumbent administration,” Oseni said.

GText Homes plans 1,000 houses this year, 25,000 by 2035 OBINNA EMELIKE

Text Homes, a leading real estate conglomerate, has unveiled plans to build 1,000 housing units in its estates across the country this year, as well as 25,000 green and smart homes by the year 2035. The 15 years expansion plan is commencing this year with an estimated N20 billion investment, aimed at adding another 20 estates to the exist-

ing 20, and boosting its housing portfolio to 40 estates this year. With the investment, the real estate firm has acquired 10,000 hectares of land and hopes to create about 5,000 to 1,000 jobs and 2,000 indirectly and directly, and also help in reducing the housing deficit in Nigeria. Speaking on the plans during a media parley, which held at the real estate firm’s office in Lagos recently, Stephen Akintayo, managing director/CEO, GText Homes, noted that the real estate firm is actualizing

the ‘smart city’ dream with the building of smart/green estates that are climate friendly, and will be using technology to drive the project. Moreover, it plans to use the waste generated within the estate to generate electricity, while ensuring zero emission. The indigenous real estate firm has also opened an office in Dubai, while intending to have operational offices in the United Kingdom and the United States of America this year. The Dubai office, according to Akintayo, is an indepen-

dent subsidiary called GText Dubai, which handles its real estate business in Dubai. It is also partnering with several companies, which are coming on board to bring in their own buyers and clients that would be interested in investing in its property. Akintayo also assured investors of good returns that would add value to their investments. The MD/CEO also stressed the importance of the real estate sector saying, the company recorded success as Nigerians in the

diaspora patronised the company during the 2020 pandemic year, as the company leveraged the power of technology to excel in marketing and sales of its products. He pointed that real estate investment is where to go because of the appreciating financial value of housing. The GText Homes CEO also disclosed that apart from real estate business, the firm is diversifying into agriculture, particularly in the food processing sector, which is vital in preserving

perennial crops. In line with its investment in agriculture, the firm has bought several hectares of land at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos, Ijebu-Ugbo in Ogun State and Osun State for farming with GText Farms subsidiary handling the operations. According to him, GText Farms would give grants to people in that sector, while using locally made processing plants and machines for its operations. “We intend to also set up a coconut refinery plant to boost food processing in the country”, he said.

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News Nigeria urged to professionalise nanotechnology for national development …taps into $714.6bn global bioeconomy SEYI JOHN SALAU

xperts in the field of nanotechnology have urged the Federal G o v e r n m e nt a n d the Ministry of Education to professionalise research into nanotechnology for national development and to enable Nigeria tap into the $714.6 billion bioeconomy contribution of biotechnology to the world’s economy. Lateef Agbaje, a professor of microbiology and head, Nanotechnology research g roup ( NA NO + ) of t h e Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, stated this at the 38th inaugural lecture of the university. Agbaje in his lecture, ‘The next big thing is very small: The paradox of diminutive microbes and nanoparticles’ identified dearth of experts, deficiency of curricula in covering nanotechnology, lack of dedicated funding a n d n at i on a l p o l i c y on nanotechnolog y as some of the impediments against nanotechnology research and development (R&D) in Nigeria. He stated that although microorganisms consist of the good and the bad; the pathogenic microbes causing diseases in plants and animals are less than 1percent of the hypothetical one trillion types of microorganisms that exist on the earth. According to him, the contributions of microorganisms in terms of product formation were estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. “The estimate of

fermented products by microbes was put at $63.371 billion in 2020, which is about twice the Nigeria’s budget for 2021. “Several of these beneficial microbes, particularly probiotics are responsible for the production of local fermented foods and drinks such as garri, lafun, ogi, nunu, iru, fufu, and palm wine among others,” he stated. Ag b aj e s t re s s e d t h e versatilities of microbial resources in the biotechnology agenda of any nation leading to the sub-discipline microbial biotechnology. For instance, while South Africa has 14 nano-based pro du c t s , 9 n an o - b a s e d companies, 20 patents in USPTO and 11 nanotechnology standards, Nigeria does not have

any of these at the moment. In discussing the relevance of biotechnology to national development, Agbaje underscored the importance of exploitation of biological resources to render goods and services for mankind. The technology which he categorised into old and modern biotechnologies can be aptly explored for the overall development of the nation, as they have applications in different sectors; ranging from agriculture, medicine, industry, environment, aquatic resources, food and product development. As an industrial microbiologist, Agbaje has employe d microb es; notably bacteria and fungi to produce novel products that included biofertilizer,

fructooligosaccharides, citric acid, biogas, different industrially important enzymes such as laccase, xylanase, keratinase, and fructosyltransferase. He has also used them to produce different metal nanoparticles such as silver, gold, titanium oxide, calcium and silver-gold alloy. His works also involved the fabrication and deployment of specialised vessels called bioreactors for growing microorganisms. Agbaje equally discloses that he has successfully used different microbes to valorise and add values to agrowastes such as cocoa pod, palm kernel cake, plantain peel, cassava peel, kola nut pod and poultry feather to improve their nutritional properties or production of valuable enzymes.

L-R: Taiwo Osipitan, book presenter distinguished professor; Chris Ezemwife, secretary to the Government of Abia State (SSG); Chioma Agomo, the Celebrate first Female Dean Faculty of law UNILAG; Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, vice chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG); during the Presentation of Book Written by Professor Chioma Agomo on her 70th Birthday ‘My Story , My Song ‘’. Agomo held at University of Lagos.

University don urges govt to move Nigeria from consuming nation to export producing REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

laosebikan Fakolujo, dean, Faculty o f Te c h n o l o g y, Un ive rs it y of Ibadan, has urged the present political leaders to move Nigeria from a consuming nation to a producing one. Fakolujo, a professor, insisted that Nigeria must desist from being a consuming nation and catalyse rapid industrialisation by leveraging and investing in technology. He made the call at the induction of 293 graduates for the 2018/2019 academic session

of the faculty on Thursday. The graduates were also inducted as graduate members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). While speaking during the induction, the professor urged President Muhamadu Buhari and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria ceases to be a consumer of finished goods from overseas. He added that Nigeria must invest in technology to fasttrack industrial and economic development. He disclosed that 43 of the inductees graduated with a first-class in various technology

fields, while 112 made second class honours upper division. “It is crucial to identify that Nigeria needs to cease from being a consuming nation and wake up from her slumber by engaging in productive activities that can guarantee r ap i d i n d u s t r i a l i s at i o n , earnings from exportation and economic transformation”, Fakolujo said. “I am highly excited to inform this gathering that 43 of the inductees, which constitute 14.7 percent, graduated with first class honours. Sp e a king f ur t her, t he dean noted that technological

development is a prerequisite for industrialisation and economic development in any nation of the world. “I am glad and confident that today’s inductees have received very sound engineering training that will make them spectacular workforce desired for impactful national and international technological advancement and growth. “To be relevant engineers in the emerging economy, you are expected to constantly be abreast of the state-of-the-art skills and technology to be well prepared for critical roles”, he concluded.

Group advocates holistic approach in management of COVID-19 Ngozi Okpalakunne

he Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Nigeria has stressed the need for a holistic management approach to address COVID-19 pandemic in communities. Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ webinar organised by the association, National General Secretary of YWCA of Nigeria, Ijeoma Nweke said: “Such approach should include integration of gender into the national response.” While presenting findings of a need assessment survey carried out by the organisation in Lagos, Nweke explained that the YWCA of Nigeria, through the Bread for the World Project funded by their World Movement in Geneva Switzerland, took up a need assessment to document the experience of women and girls in the state with COVID-19. According to her, the need assessment also set specific advocacy agenda for gender on COVID-19 response in Lagos State and Nigeria by extension. She said: “With COVID-19 outbreaks and the global absence of an effective therapy or limited access to an effective vaccine, it is anticipated that the pandemic will have more severe adverse consequences, especially on women and girls who are usually the worst hit in health emergencies. “ The effects portend more dire consequences on the vulnerable women and girls with primary focus on their sexual and reproductive health and rights, psychosocial and mental well-being. “The national response on COVID-19 is primarily centered on disease surveillance and prevention of infection transmission; which is an understandable approach. “However, it has missed the community response link that brings to bare the holistic approach to epidemic control.” Nweke also stated that health emergencies excessively impact on the sexual health and rights of women and girls which in turn worsen the existing gender inequalities and increases the risk of gender -based violence and sexual abuse. She said: “COVID-19 pandemic has therefore, become a triple jeopardy for vulnerable women and girls, because of its associated increased risk of gender-based violence, economic hardship and limited ability to access information and protection services. “With the first wave of the pandemic in Nigeria, the government introduced nonpharmaceutical measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19. “These include legislation

on total lock down and subsequent phase relaxation of the lockdown, mandatory use of face masks in public places and need to maintain social distancing and avoid gathering. “These measures are very critical for controlling the pandemic, but it posed gender disparity with associated increased risk in domestic violence, abuse and sexual exploitation.” On her part, the first national vice president of the association, Onyeka Udegbunam observed that the economic hardship resulting from the lockdown legislation on COVID-19 created a very huge economic problem for women, especially vulnerable women who depend on daily income to have meals on their table. This, she affirmed increased the inability of women to meet their needs and that of their family members with subsequent increase in the incidence of domestic violence. “The lockdown further restricted their movement therefore confined women and girls in abusive and unhealthy relationships,” Udegbunam added. Another speaker at the event, Chinwe Uzoaga urged that the COVID-19 response task team expand its disease surveillance and prevention of infection transmission approach to a broader community engagement and response approach. According to Uzoaga, this would allow all-inclusive approach and integration of gender lens into the COVID-19 response “The COVID-19 response must recognise the existing gender inequality associated with gender-based violence. It must build in a response approach that recognises women and girls as vulnerable population that needs additional support in term of access to accurate information, psychosocial and mental health support services. “The ministry of health and gender-focused NGOs must continue to advocate for the integration of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and mental health support services as core components of COVID-19 lockdown response and for future health emergencies.” She further suggested that help lines and call centres should be established by government agencies, including, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youths, NGOs and human rights groups that would accept calls on a 24-hour and seven days basis. “In distributing social protection, palliative and personal protective equipment, priority should be given to women and girls as front-liner workers at the family and community level for COVID-19 and future health emergencies,” she said.

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Deconstructing Abuja’s tough talk against kidnappers, bandits’ ‘sponsors’

ZEBULON AGOMUO

ast Tuesday, the Federal Government held a meeting inside the Aso Rock Villa with security apparatchiks for the umpteenth time. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has since 2015 held uncountable security meetings aimed at tackling the rising wave of banditry, insurgency and now the incessant abduction of pupils across the country. At the National Security Council meeting, the President once again gave a marching order to the newly appointed security chiefs to recapture all the areas said to have been taken over by Boko Haram, bandits and kidnappers across the country. Contrary to the earlier claim that Boko Haram had been “technically defeated” and that the terrorists no longer occupy any territory as they had been put on the run, the Presidential order to the military to recover seized territories shows there are more to the battle against the insurgents than Nigerians are told. While addressing the media after the meeting, Babagana Monguno, national security adviser, said government was going to go tough on those on its watch list. He said intelligence available to them had revealed those bent on destabilising the country through sponsorship of criminal activities, including the rampant abductions in the north. Although Monguno’s apparent threat should be understood and seen as a desperate measure, analysts say that such open threat shows the helplessness of the Federal Government. The analysts also believe that Abuja is not saying the truth about the insecurity, noting that those who hold the country to ransom are well known to everybody including the Presidency, but government has not got the political will to go against them. “If Monguno claims to have on his watch list those sponsoring violence, I hope the names of leaders of Miyetti Allah are on top of that list? There are no individuals or groups as dangerous as the leadership of the Miyetti Allah that has come out to claim responsibility of murders in some states. “By the way, this country has laws against killing of other persons, but government does not apply this law whenever it concerns the Miyetti Allah. Are we looking for those who destroyed this country? Government should stop playing pranks,” a security expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. “Unless the Federal Government moves against the herdsmen and their sponsors, such threat as the one issued by Monguno will continue to be ineffective,” he

further said. Monguno had said: “I need to stress also that there are individuals in this country who have assumed the status that is beyond what they should be.” According to him, “Intelligence from our own sources; intelligence at my disposal, and at the disposal of other intelligence heads reveals that we have certain entities, certain individuals who are making capital out of insecurity, especially kidnapping. This is a situation that has to be brought to an end.” The NSA further said: “And I am sending a warning to anybody who is hiding beneath the venire of some status, whether in terms of official capacity or traditional or religious to stoke flames of disorder, will have himself to blame. “The government is very, very serious about this anarchy. But I want to stress once more that any individual or group that thinks it can take it upon itself to cause disunity, disharmony and to render this country, push the country to the brink should have a rethink. Any individual who thinks he has

any support and who thinks he can undermine this government; anybody; any human being as long as he is a citizen of this country; any one person who thinks he is a cat whiskers or he can be rocky on the pouch and lead us into a situation of unhappiness will have himself to blame at the end of the day. “Already, the President has given directives to the military and intelligence organisation to trail and flush out all the people that have been on our watch list.” It is exciting to know that Abuja has an idea of those sponsoring the insecurity, yet has allowed this orgy of killings and abductions to continue indefinitely. Nigerians would want to hear from the Federal Government on those whose names made the infamous watch list. But contrary to the belief in the corridors of power in Abuja that there were certain elements bent on embarrassing the government of the day, some Nigerians, including political actors believe that government should look inwards. They also believe that the body

language of the powers that be in Abuja may have boosted insecurity in the country. “You do not negotiate, grant amnesty to terrorists, pamper them without arrest and give huge ransom to criminals and turn around and be asking, ‘who is sponsoring terrorists?’ Government should search its conscience. You see, whenever they talk about watch list, they are looking at members of the opposition, but people must tell themselves the simple truth,” a concerned Nigerian said, craving anonymity. Bello Matawalle, Zamfara State governor, the other day, while addressing the released abducted Jangebe school girls at the Government House in Gusau, said the abductions were politicallymotivated. He als o claimed that s ome individuals went as far as offering money to the bandits to reject government negotiations. “While the state was in negotiation with (the) abductors for the release of the school girls, other persons offered money to the armed bandits to keep the girls in

captivity,” the governor said. Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba State, accused the FG of bias in the handling of security challenge in the country. “If we cannot be able to provide security for our citizens, then allow all the citizens to buy AK-47, because if everybody is licensed with AK-47, I swear, nobody will come to your house, or peradventure he does, then it depends on who is faster. “In a situation where we are all gagged with one security system that has been unable to work and we are told to sit down and be counting the day our turn will come, I do not agree with it,” Ishaku emphatically said. Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue State, also toed the same path, when he bluntly accused Buhari of bias towards his Fulani tribesmen, reminding him that “he is the President of Nigeria not the President of the Fulani tribe where he hails from”. The governor wondered aloud, “Why is the Federal Government being silent about these Fulani herdsmen? When will Federal Government come out and criticise and arrest herdsmen carrying AK-47? When are they going to do that? Are we second (-class) citizens in this country? Why, (is) the Fulani man superior to a Tiv man? I am not their slave; a Benue man is not slave to any Fulani man in this country.” He went on: “We stand for justice, equity and fairness. Whatever is happening to a Fulani man should also happen to a Tiv man. That was why I called the Federal Government to license me and many others to have guns, to have AK-47 too. Because, if I have my AK-47 and a Fulani man is coming there, he knows that I have and he has, then we can fight each other. “But you can’t disarm me and arm a Fulani man. This is not right, the Federal Government is biased, it is unfair. The failure in security is caused by Federal Government.” Or tom reminded President Buhari that: “You are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are not the President of Fulani. You are the President of everybody and I owe you a duty as a stakeholder in this nation to let you know that what is going on is wrong and this has the potential of dividing this country, which will not be in the interest of anyone – some of us believe in the unity of this country.” The governor wondered why Abuja would ban some groups that are not violent in nature, while leaving out some others that had been rated globally as number four most dangerous group in the world. He also wondered why no arrest has been made of the herdsmen that carry out some of the heinous activities across the country, including giving people slow deaths.

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How FG’s double-standard fu OBINNA EMELIKE

ntil Wednesday, March 2, 2021 when President Muhammadu Buhari gave a shoot-on-sight order on anyone seen illegally carrying about AK-47 in the country, the current administration had been seen to be bias in matters relating to who should or should not carry fire arms. In recent times, attempts by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and Sunday Igboho, an activist, to flush out herdsmen that had been proven dangerous to the people of Ondo and Oyo States, respectively, received the Presidency’s angry frown. But on the strength of the President’s shoot-on-sight directive, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has declared that any herdsman found carrying gun(s) in the state would be treated as a criminal. Recently, a middle-aged business mogul was arrested for shooting his pump action rifle during his house warming celebration at one of the big estates in Amuwo Odofin Lagos. The business mogul, who imports sanitary wares, was carried away in a double celebration of a new house and recovery from coronavirus, which he contracted last year. Though he was released after four hours in detention and after verification of the license of the gun, many, especially friends and guests of the celebrant were sad that security agencies have failed to accost millions with illegal guns across the country. The worst for them is the Federal Government’s double-standard in prosecuting the illegal wielders of guns, a sad situation, which has resulted in many firearms in dangerous hands in recent times.

Today, wielding an Ak-47 rifle by herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers is commonplace, while Boko Haram is claimed to carry more sophisticated arms than the Nigerian Army. Moreover, several ranges of other guns and locally-made rifles are just for asking by whoever needs them, while further putting Nigeria in a precarious security situation. Blaming the escalating security challenge on Nigeria’s double-standard in the fight against terrorism and violence, Junedi Amachree, a retired security personnel, lamented that the kind and seriousness of military onslaughts in tackling security challenges in the southern part of the country are never same

in the northern part. “If the way security challenges were tackled by the Nigerian Army in Odi, Bayelsa State, in Ogoni, Rivers State, in the IPOB saga in South East and most recently, the killings in Obigbo in Rivers State, was also the same way it is being tackled in the north, the bandits would have been all dead by now. Why is the army weak when it concerns the north? he asked. Amachree is worried that the Federal Government would not stop illegal gold miners in Zamfara State, who they accused of flying in arms for bandits, but would quickly fly the Airforce jets to Niger Delta, as if gold in Zamfara is not part of Nigeria’s commonwealth.

“It is wrong to stop illegal refineries and oil bunkering in Niger Delta, while bandits mine Nigeria’s gold in Zamfara unchallenged,” he said. Of course, some brave governors, especially those from the middle belt region, where most of the killings by killer herdsmen frequently occur, are decrying the Federal Government’s double-standard in addressing insecurity in the country. Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba State, who has severally accused the Abuja of bias in the handling of security challenges in the country, has maintained that his people need arms to protect themselves as the Federal Government and its security operatives can no longer guarantee their safety. “If we cannot be able to provide security for our citizens, then allow all the citizens to buy AK-47, because if everybody is licensed with AK-47, I swear, nobody will come to your house, and peradventure he does, then it depends on who is faster. “In a situation where we are all gagged with one security system that has been unable to work and we are told to sit down and be counting the day our turn will come, I do not agree with it,” Ishaku emphatically said. The Taraba State governor is not alone in this demand. Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue State, also toed the same path recently, when he bluntly accused President Buhari of bias towards his Fulani tribesmen, reminding him that he is the President of Nigeria not the President of the Fulani tribe where he hails from. Wondering aloud, the Benue governor asked, “Why is the Federal Government being silent about these Fulani herdsmen? When will the Federal Government come out and criticise

and arrest herdsmen carrying AK47? When are they going to do that? Are we second (-class) citizens in this country? Why, (is) the Fulani man superior to a Tiv man? I am not their slave; a Benue man is not a slave to any Fulani man in this country.” Insisting on justice, equity and fairness, the governors said that, “Whatever is happening to a Fulani man should also happen to a Tiv man. That was why I called the Federal Government to license me and many others to have guns, to have AK-47 too. Because, if I have my AK47 and a Fulani man is coming there, he knows that I have and he has, then we can fight each other”. Ortom reminded President Buhari that: “You are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are not the President of Fulani. You are the President of everybody and I owe you a duty as a stakeholder in this nation to let you know that what is going on is wrong and this has the potential of dividing this country, which will not be in the interest of anyone – some of us believe in the unity of this country.” Imotemi Kuye, an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and security expert, explained that the crux of the issue and reason many are crying foul is the disarming of some people and justifying the arming of others, who ordinarily should not near gun. “Governor Ortom was right when he cried out that the failure in security is caused by the Federal Government and that Abuja is biased. It is truly unfair to disarm his people and allow visitors in his state to carry arms, which will end up killing his people”, Kuye said. Shehu Garba, spokesperson of the President, has severally pushed

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els insecurity in Nigeria

theories to absolve the Federal Government of the blame, but his efforts keep meeting hard rock as many concerned Nigerians keep wondering why Abuja would ban some groups that are not violent in nature, while leaving out some others that had been rated globally as the most dangerous group in the world. They also wondered like Governor Ortom, why no arrest has been made of the herdsmen that carry out the heinous activities across the country, including giving people slow deaths. Considering the recent declaration of Zamfara State as no-flight zone, some public analysts noted that there would have been no need for the noflight zone if the Federal Government had listened to the outcry of people some years ago that bandits and herdsmen were being supplied arms by helicopters and jets in remote areas. But some aviation experts think that the Federal Government can apprehend the arm suppliers, cut their supplies and curb violence if it is serious about it. According to Nosa Ige, a retired commercial pilot, who now does private chartered flights, every helicopter or private jet in Nigeria is registered and the movement can be tracked. “The jets claimed to be used to drop the arms for the bandits and herdsmen can be tracked, the pilot and passengers apprehended if the Federal Government is serious about it. All we need do is to get the civil aviation authority to get the detail for their prosecution”, he said. So far, the government’s doublestandard in fighting insecurity, as in many other policies of government, is coming at a huge cost, with many lives and properties top among the losses. The worst still is that Nigeria is

about facing the worst food crisis in the country as farmers no longer go to farm because of the fear of being kidnapped or being forced to make payments to gain access to their farmlands. All these have impacted negatively on Nigeria’s image globally, yet the Federal Government is still pretending that arms drop from heaven for bandits and that some people should be allowed to carry arms while others wait for the same arms to kill them. It is unfair, as governor Ortom once decried. Governor Ortom however, was beside himself with joy after the President’s shoot-on-sight directive, saying: “The order would also make the communities safer for displaced farmers to return to their ancestral homes.” He said: “I wish to commend Mr. President for his recent order against those bearing AK-47 rifles. This, I am sure, will reduce the high rate of criminality, banditry and militia herdsmen attacks on our farming communities,” He noted that President Buhari had done the right thing by listening to the calls he and other concerned Nigerians made on the need for the Federal Government to act faster and decisively to save the country from degenerating into a state of anarchy. “I don’t only criticise, I also commend where necessary. And I want to say shame on those sycophants who were bashing me for writing to Mr. President because he has finally heeded my advice,” he added. The governor noted that Nigeria belonged to all its citizens and only justice and equity anchored on the rule of law could guarantee the unity and stability of the country.

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Illicit arms movement: The root of ... Continued from Page 1

has been used in Nigeria’s conflict over the years. The seas have also provided illicit arms smugglers a business chance into Nigeria using the Gulf of Guinea on speed boats while some attempt to get the weapons through Nigeria’s ports. In January 2017, 661 pump action rifles were seized at the Apapa port and in May and September of 2017, 440 and 1,100 rifles were seized from the ports respectively. Arms imported into Nigeria are transported to their intended destinations via tricky means as well as disguises. Weapons are usually hidden and transported in lorries carrying items from Burkina Faso, rice sacks from Benin Republic as well as between second hand clothes called ‘okrika’. In fact, some supplies of locally made weapons within the country confirmed the availability to deliver weapons anywhere in Nigeria disguising with bags of garri (locally made staple food from cassava). The Nigeria Customs seizure data between 1999 and 2006 pointed to southern Nigerian locations of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Seme, Badagry, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Idiroko, LekkiAjah beach, Osun, Oyo and Owerri as major distribution points. Other distribution points across Nigeria include: Jos, Ilorin, Makurdi, Bukari, Takum as well as other locations around the Nigeria-Chad border. With the details pointed out the question thus becomes; How much do these ammunitions go for? An AK-47 rifle ranges between N300k - N1.4 million, the K1 Rifle ranges between 200k – 900k, the pump action rifle ranges between 250k-500k, the pistol hovers around 150k – 600k, locally made pistols go for 5k-50k, locally made AK-47 Rifle 300k-350k while the locally made single barrel gun ranges between 10k– 40k. In light of these facts, it thus leads us to ‘counting our losses’. According to Council on Foreign

Relations (CFR), Over 35,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram since 2011. The International Crisis Group (ICG) declared Fulani militants/herdsmen had become more deadly than Boko Haram in 2018 with death rates surpassing nearly half their record in 2012. A study of data sets between 2006 and 2015 revealed that there were 2363 cultrelated deaths across 28 states in Nigeria while Rivers accounted for the most deaths at 765 deaths which was 32percent of the total number while

Lagos followed with 323 deaths. Due to the unrest in the South-South, Nigeria lost about 400,000 barrels of oil to crude oil theft which amounted to at least N4.8 billion in 2015 and by 2019, Nigeria had become the world’s oil theft capital having lost about N1 trillion to oil theft. Currently, Agriculture banditry has become the order of the day as farmers have become slaves in their own farmlands and are being forced to make payments to gain access to their farmlands hence, putting a price on their

lives rather than on their farm produce which by extension has led to the current spike in food inflation being felt nation-wide. The easy availability of ammunition through illicit means has fostered armed robberies and kidnappings across the southern part of Nigeria. The NYA which is now Crisis 24 risk report from 2017 compiled from an analysis of a data base of over 19,000 kidnapping incidents worldwide identified Nigeria as being the country with the highest number of incidents in Africa for 2017. What’s the solution/way for-

ward? If we must go beyond the insecurity and dangers associated with arms trade and movement, the government must be ready to improve and invest in border security, economic empowerment, active intelligence gathering, better community policing as well as stronger ammunition controls policy. Also, transformation of these policy measures into action plans would go a long way in reducing the crisis of inflation which has a direct impact on the pace of the country’s current recovery rate as well as the security condition of the country currently.

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Roads infrastructure and funding challenge in Nigeria

igeria has, approximatel y, 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 kilometres of roads. Of this number, 34,000 kilometres belong to the federal government and these are the class of roads called federal highways in the country. The condition of these roads is so poor that only about 35 percent of the network is motorable. A trip through many of these highways, especially those in the southern part of the country, confirms to any traveler that the roads are merely highways to hell. It is pertinent to point out that there are efforts at addressing the country’s N3 trillion out of $15 trillion global infrastructure gap. Besides budgetary allocations, there have been interventions from direct foreign investment (DFIs). The infrastructure tax credit initiative is another of such interventions. The Sukuk funding for road construction which recorded 132.25 percent over-subscription in 2019 is yet another intervention. The second tranche of the N100 billion of the fund was meant to fund 28 road projects across the country. This included the dualisation of the Lokoja-AbujaBenin; Abaji-Lokoja; Kano-

Maiduguri; Oyo-Ogbomoso and Benin-Shagamu roads and the rehabilitation of the EnuguOnitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt roads. Despite these efforts, the roads remain death traps and highways to hell. And the reasons are not far-fetched. It is no secret that the cost of either constructing or maintaining a kilometer of road in Nigeria is extremely high when compared to other African countries. A report by an Abuja-based Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) based on an earlier study by the World Bank estimates the cost of constructing a kilometer of road at between N400 million and N1billion. The budgetary allocation for the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the 2020 budget, for instance, was N262 billion. In 2019 fiscal year, the ministry of Power, Works and Housing had budget allocation of N428.4 billion. This is higher than the N127billion for Power and the N262billion for works and housing in 2020 put together by about N39billion. Placing these numbers side by side with the 200,000 kilometres of roads in the country makes roads infrastructure funding in the country a huge joke, meaning that poor funding and lack of commitment to the maintenance of existing ones are reasons for the poor condition of highways in Nigeria. To understand how poor fund-

ing and high cost of road construction impacts on roads infrastructure in Nigeria, there is need for a comparative analysis of two highways that have similar history. We recall that, in 2013, the Federal Government awarded contract for the reconstruction of the 127- kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at N167 billion which was equivalent to $1 billion at the time in terms of naira exchange rate to the dollar. In the same year, a similar contract was awarded for the 1,028-kilometre Lagos-Abidjan road project. The Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) which awarded the contract estimated this project to cost between N167 billion and N240 billion. “The six-lane ECOWAS project is expected to connect five major cities in the region namely Lagos, Nigeria; Cotonou, Benin Republic; Lome, Togo; Accra, Ghana and Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire. In other words, the number of kilometers to be covered by that project is 8 times higher than Nigeria’s LagosIbadan Expressway project; and the cost per kilometer is far lower than that of Nigeria. At N240 billion projected maximum cost, the cost of ECOWAS road project per kilometer is N234 million while the sixlane Lagos-Ibadan Expressway contract awarded by the Federal Government at N167billion costs N1.3billion per kilometer. And that was eight years ago.

In our view, the message all these scenarios send to Nigerians, particularly the N262billion budget for the country’s highways that need attention to be given at N1billion or more per kilometer, is that the highways will continue to be in poor condition. Another message we see in all these is that no particular region in the country—Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba—is marginalised because most roads in the country, especially in the southern part of the country, are in deplorable condition. But the situation becomes more worrisome considering that even the N262billion budgetary allocation is not for works alone, but also housing. Added to this, the whole allocation will never be 100 percent released which explains why Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains a perpetual construction site. It is noteworthy that the neglect given to roads infrastructure in Nigeria is reason the transport sector in the country is under-performing. It also explains why the contribution of the sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) has been on downward trend. In the same vein, poor state of roads has impacted businesses negatively, resulting in low productivity of workers as immeasurable man-power is lost to traffic congestion on daily basis. It also serves as a hot-bed for the twin evils of armed robbery and kidnapping.

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Perspective International Women’s Day: Women will be left behind in the digital world MARTHA OKPEKE Martha is an Associate Director at Mediacraft. She can be reached via martha.o@mediacraft.ng

e are “determined to advance the goals of equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of all humanity.” Ever since this profound declaration at the Beijing Conference (Fourth World Conference on Women) in September 1995, societies have made remarkable progress in gender equity. Today, women have continued to pull their weight across different sectors: manufacturing, medicine, banking, education, entertainment, sports, fashion, politics, agriculture, transportation, space exploration, etc. A Bloomberg study published in 2019 showed that in the decades after the Beijing Conference, gender inequality has reduced noticeably across the world in some key areas. Though in some other areas, progress has been slow. In terms of literacy, the gap between male and female has narrowed by about 41percent, according to the Bloomberg report. In management position, the gap has narrowed by 38percent while in political leadership, the gap has narrowed by 28percent.

Nigeria has also made progress in terms of a gender balanced workforce, though recent job data by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that of the 39 million females in the labour force, 12.4 million are unemployed compared to 9.6 million of unemployed males from a 42 million pool. For instance, many multinationals and big corporates now have a large number of females in their workforce up to management and board levels. Multinationals like Stanbic IBTC Group, Olam, Interswitch, and MTN pride themselves as equal opportunities organisations where male and female employees have an equal chance to climb as far up the leadership ladder as their skills and talents will take them in those organisations. As Nigerian women continue to challenge the male dominance across key sectors of the economy, education has been the most potent tool used. Education has been pivotal in driving much of the progress made in gender parity globally. This is not surprising because productivity levels in any society is directly proportionate to the skills and talents available to it and education helps unlock these talents. Thus, it is unsurprising that as more and more women became educated it became easy for them to exploit opportunities in the labour market as well as in other endeavours. The Bloomberg study showed that “globally, nearly 83 percent of adult women were literate as of 2016,” compared with the “61percent” figure from the 1970s. In Nigeria, the education gap between genders is closing fast. In fact, in many regions of the country today, bar the North Central and South-South regions, more females are in

schools than males. As we celebrate this progress in gender equity, however, we must be mindful of a real and present threat to further progress in the coming years and decades. In the digitalization universe, with virtual reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and the internet of things dictating socio-economic relationships, now and into the future, women are already sidetracked and disadvantaged. And except this is focused on and addressed immediately, we may just find that 20/30 years from now, in a fully digital world, gender inequality is back to pre-Beijing conference period or even worse. Then, women will be faced with exclusionary and biased policies, regulations, and poor earnings. Globally, women are not adequately represented in the digitalization drive. The number of women in the science and technology job pool is low and shrinking. According to US Bureau of Labour Statistics, “Women make up only 28percent of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).” This is the reality globally, including Nigeria. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, recently lamented the poor representation of women in the scientific research sector, which he said was responsible for “a lower publication rate, less visibility, less recognition and, critically, less funding” for women. “Without more women in STEM, the world will continue to be designed by and for men, and the potential of girls and women will remain untapped,” Guterres warned. A research has shown that by 2030, more than 60percent of jobs globally will be STEM based. That is less than 10 years away.

To tackle this lopsidedness, it is imperative to address the root cause. The enrollment figures in science and technology subjects or courses in schools are disproportionate in favour of males. Across the world, “Engineering and computer science — two of the most lucrative STEM fields — remain heavily male dominated. Only 21percent of engineering majors and 19percent of computer science majors are women.” In Nigeria, the figure is even lower. Despite the increase in female enrollments in schools in the country, several surveys, including data by the National Bureau of Statistics, have shown that only about 20percent of engineering and technology first degree holders are women and far fewer girls are taking up STEM courses in secondary schools. Now is the time to challenge this to ensure women are not sidetracked and shortchanged in the new digital society. The private and the public sectors must partner to institute policies and introduce exciting initiatives that will encourage more girls to like STEM courses. The Interswitch Group’s Interswitch SPAK initiative, which is inspiring and rewarding secondary school students, especially girls, to take up STEM subjects, is one initiative that could be replicated and scaled up across the country. In the immediate, scholarships, grants, mentorship, and easy access to lucrative jobs for female scientists would help refocus attention. In the long term, a total restructuring of the education system, teaching methods, better welfare for science teachers, engagement of more female science teachers to inspire the girls, building of top-class science and tech facilities, and most importantly cultural reorientation are required.

The 21st Century Capitalist’s Dilemma (2): A Sparking Perspective (In conversation with Uzoma Dozie – The Chief Sparkler)

CHINASA (‘NASA) KEN-UGWUH

am particularly excited to write this article for two reasons – first is, I am an ex-Diamond (proudly so) and secondly, would like to share my perspective of my interactions with Uzoma and what I refer to as his ‘Un-Nigerian-ness’. Uzoma Dozie was the last Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Nigeria. He is the founder of Sparkle, a mobile-first platform for Nigeria’s retail sector, using technology to power financial inclusion, at scale. Uzoma runs angel investment and mentorship platform, Black-Knights and also the tech-focused TV show TechTurks, where he interviews leading entrepreneurs and digital pioneers. It was one of my conversations with Uzoma that inspired the topic of discussion. He had challenged the “all talk and no action” attitude of some of the businesses in our environment in the area of social impact. I worked in Diamond Bankfor 4 years, and it was an interesting experience. Interesting because it refreshingly surpassed my expectations of what working in an indigenously owned organisation would be, following a 5-year stint with an international bank. I was however pleasantly surprised at the quite “Un-Nigerian” culture that Diamond Bank displayed and I, personally, attribute this to Uzoma’s unpopular perspectives – i.e. not the typical Nigerian Business Leader’s perspectives. He was that CEO/MD that demystified the role because you were not too junior to share a great idea with him and he would listen, keenly so. More importantly, he backed

his talk with action, and so when he declared the Bank would go paperless, he ensured it was a habit that became second nature – if you wanted Uzoma to sign something, then it would not be on paper. There were many other such of these experiences that made me refer to him as “Un-Nigerian”. To give a bit of context, my awareness of people with typical Nigerian views in Corporate Nigeria was laced with prioritisation of hierarchy over value, and more talk than action. So, it was of course, shocking and refreshing at the same time, to find quite the opposite in a wholly-owned Nigerian Bank. Don’t get me wrong, it didn’t mean that Uzoma was soft, in fact, his expectations in terms of performance, which he ardently drove were always of exceptional standard. He encouraged innovative thinking, and this was demonstrated in his digital and retail vision for the Bank. My capitalist impressions of Uzoma were formed on the basis of these high expectations in terms of numbers that impacted the bottom-line. There was one key differentiator however, Uzoma genuinely cared about people – he demonstrated empathy and as Niyi noted during the interview – empathy does not mean soft. Quite vividly, I recall when I was leaving the Bank and went to see him – he was trying to resolve a branch staff ’s request to work from a branch closer to her place of residence because she was pregnant and had some health challenges. Her Branch Manager had however, reportedly declined. Uzoma was bewildered as to why the manager would decline the request, in the face of evidence that the staff was in dire straits and more so, a high performer. He just couldn’t’ understand the seeming lack of empathy. That’s how seriously he took people issues.

So, when Uzoma came on the Show to discuss Stakeholder Capitalism over Shareholder Capitalism essentially, ‘people over profitability’ – I wasn’t surprised to hear his balanced view. He summed this view up by sharing a portion of Abraham Lincoln’s quote that says “‘You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong”. This quote was so poignant for me and Niyi, because, right there was the nexus between capitalism and socialism – one cannot really exist without the other. My interpretation is that seeming capitalism aggression is a requirement for the survival of the masses. When asked how his organsiation is dealing with the profitability versus people prioritisation amid the pandemic, Uzoma said: “When we started Sparkle, we were going to do two things, we were going to make money from doing good and we were going to protect the environment”. He noted in addition, that Sparkle operated a paperless policy, and prior to COVID, employees already had the flexibility to work remotely. He went on to share some of the additional steps they had taken as an organisation to protect people and the environment - from using solar energy and strategically fostering female inclusiveness in the Tech space. Even more profound, was his response to the question about the acceptability of using money from illegitimate sources for social good. Uzoma’ statement, which easily summed up the entirety of the conversation that evening was as follows: “Capitalism is hunger. In some instances, you have to be completely capitalistic and do socialism much later. Right now, it’s more socialism and less capitalism.” As noted in my last article, my conversa-

tion with both Uzoma Dozie and Adeniyi Adenubi was illuminating. Both business leaders who happen to be in the Financial Services sector agreed that at the end of the day – “Balance” between capitalism and socialism is what is optimal. Indeed, ‘Balance’ is what sums up Martin Luther King’s views on the subject which I will be closing with below: “Capitalism forgets that life is social. And the kingdom of brotherhood is found neither in the thesis of communism nor the antithesis of capitalism, but in a higher synthesis.” For me, the higher synthesis is the healthy balance of capitalism and socialism. On that note, please visit www.socialconscience. africa or www.africabusinessradio.com to listen to the full conversation and follow my Instagram handle @with_nasa. I remain, yours conscientiously, ‘Nasa Chinasa Ken-Ugwuh (‘Nasa) is the Founder and Anchor of the Social Conscience with ‘Nasa (SCwN) radio talk-show on Africa Business Radio (ABR) also curated as podcasts on multiple platforms. She works full time as a Social Development consultant with a global professional services firm.

Uzoma Dozie – Founder & Chief Sparkler, Sparkle

Sunday 07 March 2021

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Perspective Ikpeazu’s Ngwa Road: Men at work GODWIN ADINDU Adindu is the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency

gwa Road? Old Aba men would remember their Ngwa Road with some mixed nostalgia. This was a household name, a place of fairy tales where men stuck few pennies into their pockets and went to work after working hours. It was a place that accommodated the fallen nature of man, where carnal instincts took pre-eminence over the spiritual, where morality was outlawed. Ngwa Road! Here, men went to work to seek for fun and pleasure and wives lost their husbands to Ngwa Road. Youths, with hot blood in their veins, gathered few pennies and went to work to become men. It was the vogue of the day. This was when men were men. Ask De-Okey Ugboaja. But, there is a departure. Men are currently at work in Ngwa Road but not for your familiar, old-time work that men of yester-year did after working hours - the popular part-time work with old women,

retiring from the oldest profession. The saying was that: akwara nkawanka eziga ya Ngwa Road. (When a whore becomes old, she’s sent to stay and hibernate at Ngwa Road). Thus, Ngwa Road earned the social construct of being the home of Aba old women brand of sex workers. And men went to work at Ngwa Road. “It is true. This place became a sprawling ghetto, Aba’s version of Ajegunle in Lagos, and a Centre for sex trade, “declared His Royal Highness, Eze Sunday David Emejiaka, Osimiri the third of Ohazu Ancient Kingdom. Today, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s men are doing a different kind of work, a work of cement and concrete, not your usual open and close - money for hand, back for ground. Ikpeazu’s cranes, bulldozers and caterpillars are at work at Ngwa Road. Governor Ikpeazu has come to change the narrative. Ngwa Road is one of the roads that have remained impassable for over twenty years. It belonged to the lamentation of the Aba meltdown, the Aba song of decay. But, the time of cleansing has come! “The area had the largest concentration of people living below the poverty line. You could see seven to eight people living in one room. The place was, and is still is, a melting pot of human activities. But it was abandoned for over twenty years now,” a highly elated Eze Emejiaka declared. Today, happily, Governor Ikpeazu’s men are working under Heartland Civil Engineering Limited to reconstruct the boundary road. Massive construction work is in progress. A big and solid drainage line is being constructed from the west end into the Aba River. The bulldozers are at work excavating the old asphalt and placing thick

layers of laterite. There is quality work being driven according to specification. “This is the first time we are laying a solid foundation for the take-off of Abia. Abia State is just taking off now in all aspects, education, commerce, infrastructure, name it. Governor Ikpeazu has laid foundation in every aspect of our political life,” intoned the Ngwa Road Monarch. Coming immediately after the commissioning of Osusu Road, the solid work going on in Ngwa Road has suddenly raised the opinion poll for Governor Ikpeazu.” Today, those who were criticising the Governor are now saying that he is the best thing to happen to Abia, that he should stay beyond 2023,” the monarch continued. “Now, I use to remind them of their words. They have swallowed their words. Indeed, the narrative has changed and the commentaries have changed. Governor Ikpeazu has suddenly become the Tom-boy of the Aba people. His capacity to conquer the intractable infrastructure quagmire of Aba has swung the polls and there is a widespread endorsement. Ngwa Road is a boundary road that separates the Aba city from the natives. The place is Ndiegoro village. But, after annexing the land, the Whiteman moved the natives living in the city area to the Ndiegoro village areas and nearby villages like Akoli, Iheorji, Umuogele, Umuagbai and Amaufuru. But, Ndiegoro (Ngwa Road) is the first village. “That was how the area became a Centre of the highest population and highest concentration of people in the whole of Aba South. It later witnessed a large influx of many low income groups from all over Igbo land including Calaba

people. That was why the area was called Ama Nmou(Calaba Compound), “ disclosed Eze Emejiaka. Indeed, when I visited Ngwa Road for two days this week, I did not see the old whores of fairy tales. I saw traders and buyers struggling for space on the abandoned road. Then, it was good to be part of the men at work, to be part of the new social transformation. I joined men in the work of the re-engineering of the old city. We moved the cement cast as it cascaded from the roller into the wooden casement. Governor Ikpeazu is sweeping the streets of Aba and creating a new world order. This is a continuation of a vision he initiated a day after his inauguration in 2015. He immediately launched the construction of seven roads in Aba and Pioneered the use of rigid pavement technology in road construction. The vision of regaining the lost glory of Aba also led to the establishment of the Aba Urban Renewal Agency which was driven by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji. It was an overall exercise in recovering of the original map of the ancient city and ensuring that things were done in orderly and procedural manner. It was a real and tough exercise of political will and the result was that, for the first time in a long while, Aba residents felt the presence of government around them. Today, Ikpeazu’s are at work in Ngwa Road. By the time he is done, Ngwa Road, certainly, will become another wonder of the Ikpeazu administration and fall in the same league with Umuola Road, Ukegbu Road, Eziukwu, Osusu, MCC, Kamalu.... Roads and et all. The paradise lost is about to be regained.

Common baby making mistakes to avoid

ABAYOMI AJAYI, MD/CEO Nordica Fertility Centreinfo@abayomiajayi.com.ng,

f you want to raise your odds of babymaking success, there are a number of steps that you need to take. To start off, it is important to know when to conceive. When is the best time for you to get pregnant? Generally the best time to conceive is during your fertile window. Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release an egg, which travels down the fallopian tube and survives for 12-24 hours. You can get pregnant if the egg gets fertilized with sperm; the chances are highest within 24 hours of ovulation and one day beforehand. But because sperm can live for three to five days in the reproductive tract, it’s also possible to get pregnant by having sex in the five days leading up to ovulation. What this means is that you can conceive up to five days after intercourse because five-day-old sperm can still fertilize a newly

released egg. Now to the big question - how do you find your fertile window when you are trying to conceive? Many women tend to follow the textbook rule that ovulation occurs 14 days after the first day of their period—but the reality is that cycle lengths vary, and ovulation doesn’t always occur at the same time each month. You may think you can detect ovulation symptoms. If you’re in tune with your body, you may notice that you have an increased clear egg-white-like vaginal discharge a few days before ovulation. But many women miss this, and some mistakenly think their normal discharge is a sign of ovulation. Instead of guessing, use an ovulation predictor kit as it can give a more accurate answer. Will cutting down on sex to save your partner’s sperm—or only having sex during ovulation— make getting pregnant easier? The answer is no, abstaining too much can also throw off conception. While abstaining from sex can increase sperm count, it can also decrease sperm motility. The real issue is that it’s easy to miss your fertile period if sex is limited only to when you think you’re ovulating, because you may believe that you’re ovulating when you’re actually not. However, having sex too often can also cause potential problems. If it’s for reproductive purpose alone, having sex multiple times a day or even every single day could cause what can be describe as “burnout?” You may begin to view sex as little more

than a pre-ovulatory chore, and when you’re most fertile, one or both of you may not be interested in having sex, resulting in a missed opportunity. When to have sex to conceive is debatable, but in the morning may be your best bet, or, specifically, after the man gets a good night’s rest. When he’s sleeping, his body regenerates the sperm lost during the day. Variety is the spice when it comes to sexual positions but you may wonder if it is those positions that will dispense sperm closer to the cervix, that seem more favorable even though there’s no evidence to back up the theory. Regardless of how you get down to business, sperm are present in the cervical canal just seconds after ejaculation. That means your favorite position gives the best chance to get pregnant. Bottom line is that sex should not be uncomfortable or awkward. After ejaculation, sperm swims out, goes directly into the cervical mucus and into the fallopian tubes. This happens in a matter of seconds, regardless of the position during intercourse. You may think that lying on your back with your hips elevated for 20 minutes after sex will help ensure that every last sperm gets a fighting chance, but this belief has no scientific foundation. However if you like to, you may choose to relax after sex, but really you don’t need to “wait” for sperm to make its way inside. Conception results from sperm fertilizing the egg in the reproductive tract, which could happen up to six days after having sex.

From there, the fertilized egg will travel to the uterus and implant in the uterine lining to begin the pregnancy. So how long after sex does implantation occur? It is usually around 6- 12 days. Some women notice implantation symptoms like light spotting or cramping, while others don’t (both situations are normal). After two or three months of trying to conceive it’s easy to get frustrated. That doesn’t mean an immediate appointment with a fertility specialist is in order. Even under ideal conditions, perfectly fertile couples can take several months to become pregnant. If you’re under 35, with regular menstrual cycles and no underlying health issues that might affect fertility, you can wait up to one year. Most couples should wait one year before seeing a fertility doctor—but in some cases, it’s best to make an appointment sooner rather than later. If you’re 35 or older, you should see a fertility specialist after six months of trying without success. Often, when you are trying to conceive, you focus so intensely on your reproductive health, you neglect your overall health. Life becomes all about cervical mucus, sperm count, and doing the deed. But it’s important to pay attention to your health in general because issues like weight, smoking, stress, and medications can affect fertility too. Before trying to conceive, it’s a good idea for both you and your spouse to have a medical checkup to discuss any issues that may affect fertility or pregnancy.

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Sunday 07 March 2021

Politics We will not allow PIB to pass if it gives undue power to a Minister - Gbillah Mark Terseer Gbillah is the member, representing Gwer-East/Gwer-West Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives. He was the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources in the 8th Assembly. In this exclusive interview with JAMES KWEN, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker spoke on a variety of national issues. Excerpts: The National Assembly just resumed from Yuletide break. So, what should be the expectations of Nigerians from the parliament? et me correct the expectation of the media and Nigerians to always say what do they expect? No, they should tell us what they expect us to deliver. Give us deliverables. Nigerians should start to take their destiny into their own hands. They elected us. They should come together and say these are what we expect you to deliver for us. They should stop waiting for us to give them an agenda. That is not the expectation of a democracy. Perhaps, all of us in the National Assembly which is a fact might not have the same level of patriotism or understanding of why we are there. Some of us might be there just for political benefits. Some probably for political ambition but the mission which we have been sent to is the highest call in the land to represent our people and deliver on the mandate for the benefit of the people. So, the people should start to rise up to begin to demand what they expect from the National Assembly. That said, I want to assure Nigerians that for those us and I am speaking for myself and some of those that I know that are committed to the development of this country, because some of us appear to be partisan and are too concerned about not disturbing their party reputation instead of looking at the national call. There is a lot to be done with regards to the issue of our economy. We can assure Nigerians that we will continue to defend our democracy, continue to defend their interests and well being and fundamentally their security. The primary role of government as enshrined in the Constitution is the welfare and security of the people and these are two cardinal points we are going to be focusing on and as members of the opposition we are going to hold this administration and leadership in the House and the Senate accountable for whatever decisions that are not taken in the interest of the people. There are several issues: Constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Electoral Act, all gear towards these fundamental issues because the welfare of the people has to do with proper leadership and representation. That is where the Electoral Act comes in, that is where the PIB comes in - to be able to get the resources that will enhance the welfare and well being of our people. When it comes to security, it is a Constitutional matter which we want to start to address. One of which I want let you know, we are trying to find a bipartisan approach to and that is the issue of bearing arms. It has come to a point in Nigeria where we need to realise that we should stop deceiving ourselves and stop playing the os-

just a decision taken at leadership level of those which is headed by the APC. This is what I always have an issue with, when the leadership does not realise that we are all equals. We only elected them and gave them that privilege to lead. They are not better than us, they are not our bosses.

Mark Terseer Gbillah

trich, Nigerians need to be licensed to carry arms. Our security agencies will never be capable of defending us the manner in which our security system is structured. Bandits and herdsmen are running rampant in our communities and then they expect us to sit down and watch? After all, our statues already indicate we should defend ourselves but do you defend yourself with sticks against people who are heavily armed or with cutlasses? Let us be realistic. So, we are going to look at legislations that really impact on these issues of insecurity for the benefit of the people. When a Bill relating to issue of bearing arms came to the House, there were so many arguments that if allowed, the arms will be misused for criminal activities? You see, this is always the problem with Nigerians. We think more negative and never look the other way. It is the same thing with the State Police. We look at the negative; we don’t look at the positive. There is never a situation that is perfect even now that

we are not licensed to carry arms are there no crimes? Even it is seemingly getting worse? So, for me that is not an excuse. These are the things that stop us from moving forward as a country. All the supposed concerns are about what the negative aspect could be, instead of looking at the positive and looking at examples from other parts of the world where these things are but still are restricted. We can put a control, that’s why we said you should not just go and buy it, it is licensed. It will go through an approval process. We will know the status of the person; we will know which area you are, if you are under siege in that area with herdsmen. We will know it is licensed, it is traceable, we can trace every fire arms. These are ideas I am starting to mention on how to manage fire arms. You know who is licensed, their details, their finger print, their National Identity Number (NIN). You know the rounds of ammunition they use. If a crime is committed somewhere, that is why we should have Forensic Department that can trace these rounds to a par-

ticular gun that they came from. You just made mention of party interest and that reminds me, recently the National Assembly postponed resumption simply because of APC membership registration. Do you think it was right for the entire activities of legislature to be shutdown just for internal party affairs? That was an embarrassment and a disservice to the nation and the people who elected us, who have issues bordering on life and death which they expect us to look into. Unfortunately, because the leadership of both Chambers is headed by the APC, they are abusing that privilege at will but I believe that it will come to haunt them as a party when they are displaying to Nigerians their disregard for the issues at hand. What stops us from going on with our activities while they continue with their registration? Why do they schedule registration at the time when they knew that matters of state are critical to be attended to? None of us, and I am saying as a member of the House was consulted when that decision was taken. It was

At the last Public hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the House of Representatives, host communities rejected the 2.5% host community funds and demanded for 10% and they alleged that they were not consulted in the drafting of the Bill hence their interests are not protected in the piece of legislation? With these concerns and even those of the oil companies and other stakeholders, should or will the House go ahead to pass the Bill or make amendments? First of all, you know that I was the immediate past Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream. I was a member of the PIB Ad-hoc Committee in the 8th Assembly and did an extensive job on the House Bill that we brought. Unfortunately, this administration because of whatever agenda they have refused to approve that Bill which was robust and covered extensively these issues. Of course, there is no perfect Bill, it is always better to pass it; then make certain amendments. But, you can see now in this present Bill that is sponsored by the executive that they did not do proper consultation before allowing executive bills of this nature to come to the House. It behoves on us now, not just the two-day public hearing, we need to, and I’m advising the Committee headed by Rt. Hon. Monguno to advise the leadership of the House, we need to consult extensively with these host communities even if it requires going around those communities to see for ourselves the degradation of their environment, the abject penury, to appreciate why that 2.5% is not enough. I personally do not believe 10% is enough and just for the sake of equity, I can speak to assist them. I’m not from the Niger Delta; so, I’m not saying this from a point of bias. I’m saying this from a point of experience. My experience in that industry has made me privy to the level of squalor in which these people live when they are around so much wealth, what drives the economy of this nation; there is no benefit to them for it. It is totally unfair. As much as we are in a hurry to pass this Bill which has been largely the fault of the executive, we should make sure a proper analysis of the situation of the host community is done to stem every restiveness. If we shove this down their throats, we are only giving recipe for anarchy in the future; work will still not go on. You have to carry the host communities

Sunday 07 March 2021

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Politics along. It has to be to their satisfaction so that when work commences, everybody is carried along and everybody is happy. So, I agree with the agitations, 2.5% is not enough and the executive should ensure that they do not have any ulterior motives. These issues that border on oil companies are all issues some of us have with the amount of power they want to still retain with the Minister. This is one of the fundamental issues I believe they have with our own Bill (8th Assembly) and we will not allow anything to pass that gives undue power to a Minister with regards to our national resource. During the debate on the general principles of the 2021 Appropriation Bill, you raised concerns about non-adherence to the Fiscal Responsibility Act by MDAs and in the revised 9th House Legislative Agenda, there is a proposal for the amendment Act. Can we know the status of the planned amendment of the FRA? The Act as we speak, is in the process of amendment but the area which I was talking about with reference to Appropriation is already a subsisting legislation that is always abused by this administration. It gives limit to the ratio of GDP percentage to debt ratio that the government can take and adopt in each year’s budget. The administration keeps flaunting it, keeps giving us explanations as to why they are exceeding that threshold. It said 3% and yet, they keep exceeding it in terms of the debt GDP ratio that they want to take every year and the law clearly stipulates it should not be more than 3%. In the last two years I think it has been 3.6% and they keep giving reasons for it. There is no reason you can give for breaking a law. It’s just like saying, oh! Sorry, I killed somebody because of this or that. Does the law allow you to kill somebody? So, it all bores down to this administration’s lack of adherence to the law, the Constitution and due process. Several courts pronouncements have been ignored by this administration. You flaunt the law and believe you are running a government? You know we’re just running a dictatorship and banana republic where laws don’t matter. So, this aspect of Fiscal Responsibility is something that has always been ignored by this administration and it is something that in the National Assembly we are not enforcing obviously for political reasons which is unfortunate. With regards to the FRA, second amendment is important to ensure that it has efficacy and it is important to point out that till date, the Commission has still not been constituted by this administration which does not also show any commitment to fighting corruption. That means you are not allowing them to do their job of checking your expenditure and your fiscal discipline which is their job. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came into office on the tripod of security, war against corruption and economy. So, on the issue of corruption, a recent report by the Transparency International ranked Nigeria 149 out of 183 countries surveyed for the 2020 Corruption Perception Index. Does this show the administration is being defeated in the war against corruption?

talking about. You see how Nigerians are misguided. When they were doing #EndSARS protests, some were doing #EndNASS pay. Even if you wipe out the entire National Assembly budget every year, the Presidency will still have 98%. The issue the media should really highlight is to bring to the knowledge of the people to rise up and demand accountability and support the National Assembly that is given the job to help check the executive. The executive is part of the campaign of calumny against the National Assembly to always pitch us against the people so that the people don’t realise they’re the problem. National Assembly is not the problem of this country. I always want to point out to Nigerians to take note of the fact that under this administration, corruption, has taken a new dimension that will make the 16 years of the PDP government look like a joke. I am saying this as somebody who came in as an APC member who was hopeful that the promises of our party at that time were true, only to come in to notice that they appear to have paid lip service and it was just a manifesto promise that they were not serious to enforce. Why do I say that? In this administration, there were several issues about funds from the NNPC which all Nigerians know is headed by Mr. President as Minister, issues of corruption between the Minister of State then and the Group Managing Director (GMD) we heard nothing about it till date. Several contracts issued to Julius Berger, inflated beyond normal engineering estimates, all facilitated from the Villa-Abuja-Kano road, the second Niger Bridge, LagosIbadan Expressway, several examples abound. There are transactions going on in the subsidy regime with no records of where those monies are going. Remittances expected from many revenue generating agencies do not seem to be tallying with what is expected. So, I’m not surprised, Transparency International used different parameters to arrive at that index. It’s unfortunate when the Presidency always rebuff Transparency International instead of looking inwards to see what they can do. These parameters that were given, have they come out to defend each of those parameters that what Transparency International found out is not true? They should stop deceiving themselves. What is factual is factual; there is nothing that can be said about it. So, with regard to corruption, obviously this administration has failed. When they leave and when Nigerians vote them out, the revelations of monumental issues of corruption that will be found in this government will be mind-boggling to Nigerians. The fundamental issue Nigerians should know is that corruption resides with the executive and the over-bloated incompetent civil service that we have as a country. Let me give you the numbers, every year, the budget of the National Assembly is just 1.2% of the entire annual budget of this country. The budget for judiciary is about 1% or 0.9%. The executive every year sits with about 98% of Nigeria’s budget and funds that are supposed to be administered by the Presidency and the Ministries headed by these civil servants I was

There was this call by the Governor of Ondo that armed herdsmen should live the forests in his state and that raised a lot of concerns even from the Federal Government. What do you have to say about that and other security issues? I am happy that even members of the APC, as you know the Ondo State Governor is an APC member, have started to feel unfortunately that which we have been feeling in Benue State. A situation where we in Benue were crying out and they turned it to a party matter, criticising our governor as if it was a partisan issue. Fortunately, now they can feel the pains we are feeling. So, the Ondo State Governor should be commended for rising to show leadership against the interest of his party which is clearly shielding these herdsmen because we have groups, let me call them out, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and whatever names they call themselves who have been admitting the responsibility for certain attacks and they are still walking around the streets. So, his ultimatum was completed justified. People should stop talking about the Constitution and freedom of movement. Yes, that is guaranteed in our Constitution but first and foremost, that should not be to the detriment of other people. You don’t go around killing people and you said the Constitution allows you to move around. Welfare and security are the priority and when it comes to issues of security, the Governor has every right to issue such directives to secure his people first and foremost. Then the statement made by other Fulani groups across the country is unfortunate and have you heard the Presidency? The Presidency was quick to respond to what the Governor said but have you heard them respond to that statement made by that Fulani group that was warning people, giving the Governor an ultimatum before they start attacking people? I’m not sure I have heard any response to that yet. What kind of government do we have at the moment? Do they think this is a Fulani nation? This is not a Fulani nation. This is a secular and detribalised nation protected by the Constitution and unless, this government starts to rise up to its responsibility and hold all people accountable, regardless of whether they’re the President’s kith and kin, then we will never make progress. The Governor’s statement was in order and there was nothing unconstitutional about that; if there are people that are harming your people, you have every right to ensure that they leave your territory.

Intra-party politics: PDP scores bull’s eye on Govs Mohammed/ Ortom reconciliation

orried by the gale of defection of its quality members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general election, the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) moved fast enough last week to reconcile two of its governors that were on war path. It is no longer news that within a space of months some PDP chieftains across the country had dumped the party for the APC, a development that is giving a serious concern to the leaders of the umbrella association. Moved to stem a dangerous development from degenerating, the PDP decided to bring Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (North East) and his Benue State (North Central) counterpart, Samuel Ortom to a round table to embrace each other after a bout of slanging match between them in the last few weeks. After they had fired several verbal missiles at each other over insecurity, Governors Mohammed and Ortom embraced each other in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, signaling end to bitterness. That was internal politics at best. The altercation between the two governors on the platform ridiculed the party in the eyes of Nigerians. Mohammed had recently lashed out at South West governors for what he called the mishandling of the Fulani and herders’ crises rocking the country, also tagging Ortom as the worst manager in the Fulani security matter. He also said that Governor Ortom’s lack of foresight had triggered the current negative perception of Fulani herders across the country. The

be warming up to curry the favour of Aso Rock Villa. Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri initiated the reconciliation efforts. After a closed-door meeting at Wike’s private residence in Port Harcourt, the governors insisted that their arguments were for the good of the country, not to cause an ethnic crisis. While the face off lasted, many Nigerians had wondered why Mohammed was being more APC than the PDP, the platform on which he was elected in 2019. The leadership of the PDP, particularly Governor Wike who appears to be a rallying point in the party, waded in to ensure the standoff does not bruise the party more than necessary. It would recall that Mohammed had defeated an APC governor in the 2019 gubernatorial election in a dramatic way, and his early days in office were characterised by all manner of allegations and distractions from the opposition in the state. Recall also that it was in his state that Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the House of Representatives in the 8th National Assembly, dramatically dumped the PDP, alleging many things against the governor. Why he should be seen to be defending the President rather than align with his counterpart on a serious and threatening security issue in the country left many Nigerians tongue-tied. For Ortom who has changed political camps a number of times, moving from PDP to APC and back to the PDP, the seat of power in Abuja may be sleeping on guard when it comes to the issue of protection of lives and

Bala Mohammed

Samuel Ortom

Bauchi State governor had further said that the herders were forced to carry AK47 and other guns in order to protect themselves from rustlers. The enraged Benue State governor had responded with comments laced with more bile. He called Governor Mohammed a “terrorist”. And things began to degenerate; but, the party quickly waded in to halt the conflagration. Although it would appear that Governor Mohammed was countering Ortom on behalf of the Presidency, whom the later had accused of complicity in the orgy of killings across the country by herdsmen in particular, observers wondered the motivation of the governor, resulting in speculations that Mohammed may

property of citizens. Ortom has borne the brunt of herdsmen onslaught in the North Central. He has lost count of number of people of his state that had been savagely murdered by herdsmen. He has also lost count of orphans, widows, widowers and internally displaced persons occasioned by unwarranted attacks by invaders. Ortom has not hidden his feelings over the handling of insecurity by the Federal Government, and has severally called out the President over his silence towards the murderous activities of herdsmen in his state. With the 2023 general election in view, the PDP would not tolerate a divided house, hence the deft move to reconcile the two governors.

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Sunday 07 March 2021

Politics State police: Northern governors’ request re-enforces agitation for restructuring

Iniobong Iwok

espite the worsening state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria, which has grossly affected social and economic activities in the last one decade, majority of the governors of the region have always developed cold feet over the idea of a state police. For whatever reasons, the region’s influential leaders like President Muhammadu Buhari and his political associates have also shown little interest in the idea of state police, just as their opposition to the idea of a wholesale restructuring of the country. This has been in contrast with governors of the South; especially the South-western states who have always spoken in support for the creation of state police as a way out of the security challenges bedeviling the country. The South Western governors have even moved ahead to establish the region’s security outfit called Amotekun, despite opposition from Northerners and the federal government. They have always argued that Nigeria was a federal state, insisting that as chief security officers of their respective states they had a duty to initiate measures to safeguard their indigenes amid the spate of insecurity across Nigeria. So, the decision of the NorthEast governors last Wednesday to join their counterparts in the South to demand for state and community police was received with mixed reactions among political watchers. The governors had recommended the need for community policing and sub-regional outfits to compliment the efforts of the military and other federal security agencies in addressing insecurity. They were Governors of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno. The decision was reached at the 4th meeting of the North-East Governors Forum. Observers say that the decision though late was long overdue in view of the prevailing security situation in the region. It however, re-enforces their longstanding view that restructuring of the country and state police were the way out Nigeria’s security problem. It has become obvious that the security agencies have been overstretched, need support, while the Federal Government cannot do it alone. Nasir El-Rufai, governor of Kaduna State in the North West geopolitical zone, has always believed in restructuring. He had in 2018 headed a committee on restructuring at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari and his party. Although the

report has since been submitted with recommendations, implementation has been the major problem. Many chieftains of the ruling APC have also been clamouring for restructuring. Recall that some South West Leaders of the party had some time ago made some moves to push for the implementation of the party’s official paper on restructuring. Some of the party’s chieftains, including Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, Tajudeen Olusi, and Yomi Finnih, had visited the President at the State House to discuss the report of the panel. They reminded the President that the reports had been endorsed by the APC and the National Executive Council (NEC), urging him to forward the report to the National Assembly. They had wanted some of the recommendations to form part of the constitutional review being embarked upon by the bicameral legislature. It was their belief that such would help douse ethnic tensions that are rising across the country. Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State governor, recently captured part of the reasons Nigerians are calling for restructuring. “I am frustrated in my state. Many governors are frustrated in their states too. We are called chief security officers only in name; but we have no control over the coercive instruments of state. We’re all frustrated; we are almost helpless,” he said. The security situation in the north has escalated within the last one decade due to clashes between farmers and herdsmen, and the murderous activities of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram. Events have escalated and assumed a frightening dimension within the last five years with assorted violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery. According to the United Nations

Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), an estimated 640 civilians were killed in the North-East in 2019 in the tenth year of the Boko Haram conflict as a result of fighting between security forces and the insurgents. While in several instances civilians were the primary targets by the terror group. The organisation further revealed that an estimated 27,000 people, including 37 aid workers, have been killed since the onset of the conflict in 2009. A recent report by Amnesty International says that more than 1,100 people were killed in rural areas across several states in the North in 2020. Last week, seven states in the region shut down schools due to increased cases of abduction of school children. Media reports say that about 768 students were abducted by bandits within the last 78 days. “I believe that collective setbacks can be a breeding ground for us to grow as a nation and move forward. But it is not just bringing solutions; is about having the political will to implement, to make it work. “So, state police have advantages and disadvantages. The problem for me is the political will by leaders to implement what we want; otherwise it would seem you are just scratching the surface without any result,” Mike Omotosho, former national chairman of the Labour Party, said. According to him, “Either restructuring, state police- all require political will. We can still be great. We need a leader, who can think, bring ideas to solve our problem, not one that would be looking at election results.” Omotosho further said that the country was in need of selfless leaders who should be committed to initiating the necessary changes and reforms, and appointment to get it out of the doldrums. According to him, “Such a leader as president does not necessarily have to be too brilliant but he can

bring intelligent people to work with him; bring innovative ideas and change the state of the country and way of doing things. “Agitations, for whatever, have always been there; the key point is if we want to make change? For instance, we have been making noise about corruption. What have we done about it? “In Japan, once you are found to be corrupt, you hang yourself. In China, you are killed. In Europe you are convicted. But here we celebrate them and they contest for public office and further enrich themselves.” Currently, the value of human life has become gravely degraded in the North, especially the NorthEast. News of violent crimes have become a daily occurrence and hardly scare the citizenry anymore. As tension continues to rise, observers think the governors have taken a bold step; they stressed that part of the solution lies in each state or region having some form of independent policing to complement the effort of the different security agencies in Nigeria. They argued that such has become inevitable and would be realised in a matter of time, pointing to the move by different geo-political zones and states to set up security forces, such as Eastern Security Network, Amotekun, Hisbah, among others. “You know some of these governors, despite the threat they face they still would not say the right thing because they don’t want to offend the man in Abuja. But I think this is a bold statement from them. “Is it not obvious that the Federal Government has failed in tackling this crisis? The security forces need some form of support. In a normal situation we should not be debating this, because Nigeria is a federal state,” political analyst, Wale Ogunkoya said. Recently, an advocacy group, South East, South-South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN) said

that the restructuring of the country holds the key to solving the security challenges in the land. Speaking to the media, President of the group, Hannibal Uwaifo said until the Federal government identifies the root cause with boldness and sincerity, the fundamental flaws that are so critical in the foundation of the country; the numerous challenges faced by Nigeria can never, and will never be resolved. “These retrogressive factors are mainly responsible for the intractable security situation we find ourselves in today due to the faulty structure of the nation. Our borders are very porous and manned by corrupt and uncommitted security personnel. Postings are done on ethnic, religious and deceitful quota considerations,” Uwaifo said. According to SESSPN, “Personnel are posted to what is often referred to as ‘juicy’ areas and positions to raise money for their benefactors by extorting the helpless public and oftentimes, outright stealing of government revenue. The system is unable to respond due to the faulty structure oiled by nepotism, religion, and tribal considerations, leading ultimately to opaque governance, the bane of our society. “Security challenges persist because the security agencies are uncoordinated; ill-trained personnel are deployed to areas they do not fit in or cannot function maximally due to ethnic, religious and corrupt considerations. The critical intelligence work needed to be done for effective operations or counteroperations are lacking due to noncommitment and criminal negligence.” However, some stakeholders also say it would be dangerous for regional security groups to carry arms, while warning of its implication. Speaking to the media recently, Emmanuel Umohinyang, president THE Centre for Leadership and Justice, said regional security outfits in the country were not ripe to bear arms. Umohinyang said giving arms to the newly formed Amotekun and other non-conventional security could cause havoc to the society. “We have complained about the Amotekun in the South-West and you have also seen how Amotekun has descended to the arena. They ought to have been a solution but they have become a problem now. “The same thing is applicable to the South-East. Thank God we opposed the idea by some governors that some of these states’ security outfits should be armed. “One can only imagine what would have happened now. Even when they are not legally armed, the havoc they have caused with other weapons is there for everyone to see,” Umohinyang said.

Sunday 07 March 2021

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Politics Alliances, permutations herald 2023 in Oyo REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

he political battle towards the 2023 general election have begun in Oyo, the pacesetter state with alliances, permutations and decampment from one political party to the other. With more than two years to the elections, political gladiators in the state have already hit the ground running and planning ahead. Of note in the state is the opposition working to dislodge the government of the People’s Democratic Party from power. Although, the present government came to power through coalition of four top governorship candidates, Seyi Makinde of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Senator Femi Lanlehin of Action Democratic Congress (ADC); Sharafadeen Alli of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the alliance has allegedly collapsed. Then the trio of Lanlehin, Alli and Ayorinde were persuaded by a former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja to jettison their individual ambitions and support Makinde who defeated Adebayo Adelabu of the APC in the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial election. During the merger, there were some agreements reached with the trio and others who worked for the governor’s success in the election. It was allegedly agreed that the PDP takes a larger percentage, followed by ADC, ZLP and SDP, of all positions across board. Months after, the duo of Lanlehin and Alli quitted the coalition, accusing Makinde of not honouring the terms and agreement of the coalition. But Ayorinde decided to stay put and still much visible in the present administration. As the coalition seems to have gone down the drain, the two candidates involved, Lanlehin and Alli, had since joined the opposition APC in the state. While many of their members followed them to the broom party, some joined the PDP. To this end, ahead of the 2023 election, there has been serious politicking with members decamping from one party to the other. There have been too many permutations. One of such got fulfilled in Ibadan last week, when ZLP collapsed its structure in APC. At a meeting attended by its stalwarts, the party announced its migration to the APC after the structure of the ZLP was collapsed. The gathering also included members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mega Party of Nigeria and other loyalists of a former governor of the

Seyi Makinde

state, Rashidi Ladoja. Party chieftains who attended the meeting held at Samonda in Ibadan included gubernatorial candidate of the party, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, his Deputy Kola Olabiyi and Bimbo Adepoju. Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting, Chairman of the party, Kola Olaniyan said that party members have been duly informed about the decision, saying that the party has tested the two major political parties in the state but decided to move to APC. “We have informed our members of the decision. We have collapsed the structure of the party and we have moved to APC,” he said. Olaniyan insisted that one of the reasons for moving to the APC is due to the alleged failure of Governor Makinde to honour the pact with the party leaders a few days to the 2019 gubernatorial election. Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Adeolu Akande said with ZLP joining APC, the redemption of Oyo State has started. He stated that with their pull out from the PDP coalition, the redemption of Oyo State has started. Akande, a professor, commended the defection of former governor Rashidi Ladoja’s political family to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akande said he was happy with their defection, adding that “Oyo is back on the part of redemption.” “I am happy with the joining of APC by loyalists of our Baba, Rashidi Ladoja. My joy knows no bound with their defection and I must say that they are welcome. “For me, joining us at this point in time means a lot. I will like to urge our people to accept them with open arms. This period of registration offers a lot of opportunities. They are welcome. And I believe our people are receptive. They are waiting to receive them

Femi Lanlehin

in their various wards and local government areas. “With loyalists of Senator Ladoja joining the likes of Alao Akala, Akin Oke, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Senator Soji Akanbi, Alake Adeyemo, Abu Gbadamosi, Kunle Sanda, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Fatai Ibikunle and a host of other political bigwigs, who else that matters in the politics of Oyo State is outside the APC fold? Indeed, the redemption of Oyo State from the present political aberration has started.” Speaking on the issue, Oyo APC blamed Governor Makinde for the final collapse of the coalition arrangement upon which he got to power in 2019 as the opposition party stated that the governor deserved sympathy in view of the rate at which he was allegedly being deserted by disappointed political gladiators midway into his four-year tenure. Its Caretaker State Chairman, Akin Oke, saluted the courage of all political gladiators who, together with their teeming followers, decided to pitch their tent with the broom party in what has been described by informed pundits as “master stroke against the confused PDP government in the state”. “It has again been confirmed that Oyo state is a divine project which is destined for success despite the setback suffered in 2019. Now that virtually all the major coalition partners have deserted Gov. Makinde on account of his failure to honour agreement made voluntary and also his inability to perform in office as a worthy successor to Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, attention has shifted to APC and this is understandable. “Meanwhile, we can sympathise with Makinde and the remnants of his political household over their loss of touch even before time. With the kind of power, influence and resources

Sharafadeen Alli

available to an average governor in Nigeria, an average state helmsman who loses so many supporters, allies and benefactors in a few time in office, deserves the pity of all and sundry even though the case of Makinde was self inflicted and predictable.” The leadership of Oyo APC however, assured politicians from the camps of Rashidi Ladoja and ZLP that their joining the APC was a right decision taken and which would not be regretted as “it was a necessary step to arrest the slide in participatory democracy and good governance being foisted again on the state by the PDP administration of Makinde. “We welcome our brothers and sisters from ‘Bodija’ as well as the heroic decision to collapse the entire structures of the ZLP into that of the APC in Oyo state in an unprecedented way. This bold step shall be reciprocated positively as we make bold to state that nobody shall be discriminated against as regards whether they are old or new members. It is even good that this is happening at the time our dear party is carrying out a nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise. “The leadership of Oyo APC has instructed our field officers in all the 4,778 Polling Units across the state to accommodate all the new members and get them registered accordingly while we would soon meet major gladiators on the need to fully integrate everyone into the progressive family which is not even new to most of them. The process of rescuing the Pacesetter state from charlatans has begun in earnest and no well meaning stakeholder or member of the society will be left behind,” the statement concluded. But in a twist of event, a Chieftain of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the state, Wole Abisoye and some members of the party have refuted the recent media report that they left the political

platform and joined the APC. The ZLP stakeholders described the report as untrue and misleading. At a meeting in Ibadan, leadership of the ZLP insisted that majority of its members have joined the ruling PDP. They therefore, pledged their loyalty to the Seyi Makinde-led PDP government in the state. The meeting, presided over by Abisoye, former state chairman of ZLP also had in attendance former local government chairmen, stalwarts and other party faithful across the 33 local government areas. Chieftains of the ZLP, who also attended the stakeholders’ meeting included: Sulaiman Adedokun, Raimi Jalaruru, Suberu Ademola, Olasunkanmi Okunlola, and Dele Ladoja Others were Okunola Saheed Ademola, Kunle Oduola, Raheem Oguntade Idris, Bola Olaniyi while chairman of Governor Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola was also present at the meeting. Debunking the statement that ZLP has been collapsed into the APC and members of Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s political group have also joined the opposition party in the state, Abisoye said nothing could be farther from the truth He clearly stated that their political leader and former governor of Oyo State, Ladoja is no longer a card carrying member of any political party. Talking about claim of other group that their moving to APC has the blessing of Ladoja, Abisoye warned that nobody should drop the name of Ladoja for their selfish goals. According to him, “when APC senators from Oyo state at various times approached Senator Ladoja to join their party, he (Ladoja) made no commitment but rather left the matter to be decided by the leaders of the ZLP.”

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Tell Me Your Story, Woman of Africa: Empowering African Women

OMOY LUNGANGE

hroughout the continent, history shows that the African woman gives meaning and purpose to her home, community, and country. She is the heartbeat, pumping vital blood into the family system by setting the spirit and tone of the home. In most cases, it is her — our African mother, wife, sister, and daughter who provides all that is required to put body and soul together within her community. She plays such incredible roles and soul-saving functions, mostly indiscreetly. For instance, when children are hungry and the men lose their sources of livelihoods, everyone turns to her, and relies on her for support. In times of poverty, wars, and natural disasters, she has to be almost frighteningly strong in order for the family to survive, for she is the one who is left with the children to raise, who has to make it somehow or other. And mind you, there are still so many of us living that history. Currently across Africa, the overall situation for women is still very Kemi Ajumobi Associate Editor kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: Desmond Okon Osaromena Ogbeide LongJohn Deborah Designed by Aderemi Ayeni

bleak, and although, they are the backbone of the continent, they have less access than men. For instance, Africa falls behind in closing the gender gap within education. Threequarters of all Africans between the ages of 15 and 24 who are HIVpositive are women. In most African countries, adult women are still legally minors, and therefore unable to own or inherit land and other property. Violence is still affecting millions of African women and girls, and it goes beyond beatings. This includes forced marriage, dowryrelated violence, marital rape, common cultural practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting; sexual harassment, intimidation at work and in educational institutions; forced pregnancy, forced prostitution, and the list goes on. Personally, I envision a future where more women and young girls across Africa are equipped to become leaders who partner with their male counterparts, to reduce poverty and transform their communities from the inside out. Africa is vast! There are a lot of positive things taking place in the continent but they are not portrayed enough in the media, and access to technology globally has opened up new worlds and allowed us to transcend the limitations of our existences. This is to say, we can use technology as another mean to help our girls and our women to share their own stories through the use of broadcast media, social media, video, film, and other educational materials to reach the public inside and outside of the continent.

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Sunday 08 07 March Sunday March2021 2021

The Relevant Woman

KEMI AJUMOBI Being relevant is crucial, staying relevant is work, You constantly upgrade yourself and engage your intellect. It means you are ahead of others because you are informed. Ignorance becomes alien when information is gathered. The relevant woman is conscious of her environment, She is determined to be a blessing and avoids value lacking involvement. Her life is uniquely carved out for distinction and fulfillment, She is not involved in squabble, she avoids embarrassment. She understands her calling--- She is focused! She balances work and home---She is committed! She is known in the city because her works speak for her---She is industrious! She stands before Kings and not mere men---She is distinguished!

The Relevant woman can tolerate mediocrity thus far, It therefore means as women, more is expected so we can conquer. Not trying to rub shoulders with men---absolutely unnecessary! But proving our onions and getting what we deserve by merit not pity or gender. There comes a time in a woman’s life when time is of essence, From when she discovers to when she actualizes, it is called process. She might have been down but when she gets up, she remains up! She positions herself for greatness, she becomes relevant! It has nothing to do with where she is coming from, It is more about where she is going to. Distractions here and there yet, her eyes are fixed on the ‘mark’ There is no stopping her; she is on her journey to relevance! The more you work at your

w eakness, the strong er you become. The more you see yourself beyond your today, the clearer your tomorrow becomes. The more you strive to be a success, the closer you are to actualization. The more you move at the right speed towards the right direction, the surer your destination. The more you ignore negative criticism, the brighter your chances of excelling. The more you imbibe the ‘can-doit’ spirit, the more optimistic you become. The more positive you become, the more your understanding is enlightened, And when your understanding is enlightened, you are closer than you think, Closer to what? you ask…Closer to becoming who you always wanted to be. Yes you can!

Sunday 0708 March 2021 Sunday March 2021

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Jollof Rice and Chicken MEALS TO ENJOY BY IMMACULATEBITES

his jollof rice and chicken is an easy yet tasty one-pan meal enjoyed in West African countries. It’s bursting with flavors from the tomato sauce, paprika, scotch bonnet, and the juices coming off from the wellseasoned chicken thighs. Serve it over regular nights or as a main course during the holidays! INGREDIENTS JOLLOF RICE • • • • • •

2 tablespoons (28ml) oil 1 medium onion ½ teaspoons (0.46g) dried thyme 2 teaspoon (10g) minced garlic 2 cups (370g) uncooked rice (I used basmati rice) 8 ounce (224g) canned puree

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tomato sauce 3 cups (720ml) chicken stock or water 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika 1 teaspoon (2g) white pepper ½ -1 teaspoon (1g-2g) chicken bouillon ½ pound (226.8g) or more vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans) scotch bonnet pepper or hot pepper (optional)

CHICKEN THIGHS • • • • • • • • •

2 ½- 3 pound (1133.98g-1360.77g) chicken thighs , about 5-6 2 teaspoon (10g) salt 2 teaspoon (4g) onion powder ½ teaspoon (0.46g) dried thyme or oregano 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika ½ teaspoon (1g) white pepper ½ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper ½ t e a sp o o n ( 1 g ) c h i cke n bouillon powder (you may replace with salt INSTRUCTIONS

CHICKEN THIGHS •

•

Wash chicken thighs, wipe with a paper towel. Combine spices and mix well. Sprinkle both sides with a generous amount of the spice blend. Or you may use salt and pepper or your favorite spice mix. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet or Dutch oven or oven-safe pot/pan. Brown chicken on both sides for about 3 minutes each. Be very careful with the chicken, it

shouldn’t burn. JOLLOF RICE • •

• •

•

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees F (176C). Put the rice into a large bowl, cover with cold water, and use your hands to wash the grains. Tip the water out then repeat twice until the water runs clear. Remove from the pan and set aside. Remove excess oil from the pan and leave approximately about 2-3 tablespoons oil. Add onions, thyme, garlic, and

•

sauté until soft but not golden, about 2-3 minutes. Then add rice and stir for another 2minutes. Gently pour tomato sauce, and add all the remaining ingredients: chicken stock, paprika, white pepper, salt, and bouillon EXCEPT the vegetables. Add the chicken back and bring to a boil. Place in a pre-heated oven and cook for about 20 minutes then throw in the vegetables and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Remove let it cool and serve.

Quotes in Celebration of International Women’s Day

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Sunday 07 March 2021

Politics How National Assembly’s weak oversight role encourages poor governance in Nigeria Dozie Emmanuel, Abuja

n recent times, security in Nigeria has so degenerated to a worrisome point that it has affected all strata of the economy. From North to South, East to West, terrorists, bandits, killer herdsmen, armed robbers, kidnappers and even ritualists are having a field day killing helpless and hapless Nigerians, especially women and children. The unfortunate part is that this spate of general insecurity has continued without any sign of abating. Despite efforts by security personnel, insecurity in Nigeria still looms large to the chagrin of every Tom, Dick and Harry. President Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 general election because Nigerians were optimistic that as a retired army general, he could easily deploy his military experience in quelling any form of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, if voted into power. But the reverse has been the case as security situation in the country has continued to nose-dive five years into the Buhari’s administration. Prominent Nigerians have been voicing out, even proffering solutions on how general insecurity can be tamed. But those who summoned the courage to speak have always been constantly suppressed, oppressed and intimidated. For instance, in March 2018, at the maiden convocation ceremony of Taraba State university in Jalingo, the former Minister for Defence, Theophirus Danjuma, a retired army general called on Nigerians to rise and defend themselves against ethnic cleansing. He said the unnecessary killings, which was a target to ethnic cleansing on the people of Taraba and Nigeria at large must stop, calling on the people to “rise and defend themselves against the killers.” The former army general had said Nigerians were being slaughtered by deadly gangs because the armed forces were not neutral. He said security forces instead helped the assailants by providing them with cover. According to him, “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people, if you depend on the Arm Forces to protect you, you will all die. “This ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba, and it must stop in Nigeria. These killers have been protected by the military, they cover them and you must be watchful to guide and protect yourselves because you have no any other place to go. “The ethnic cleansing must stop now otherwise Somalia will be a child’s play. I ask all of you to be on your alert and defend your country, defend your state.” Similarly, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Obadiah Malaifia on August 10, 2020 speaking during a programme on Nigeria Info 95.1FM, Abuja said repentant insurgents informed him that a governor from the north was their commander, a statement that caused a stir among Nigerians, with the Northern Governors

Ahmed Lawan

Forum asking the security agencies to investigate the allegation. “I have reasons to believe that my life is in danger and that some powerful political forces want to silence me forever for speaking the truth, for speaking on behalf of the Holy Martyrs- of thousands of innocent children, women, elderly and youths that have been killed in our beloved country,” Malaifia revealed. As expected, the Presidency used the Department of State Service (DSS) to harass and intimate the former deputy governor of CBN. His lead counsel, Pius Akubo (SAN), described his client’s constant and frequent invitation by DSS as open and unjustified persecution because of where he comes from in Nigeria, claiming that many other Nigerians had said more than what Malaifia said and they went away scot-free, adding that it was a clear case of outright minority persecution. After the beheading of 43 rice farmers in Zabarmari community in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists in December 2020, the House of Representatives invited Buhari to come and explain the security situation in the country. The House took the decision following a motion sponsored by Ahmad Jaha, a member representing Damboa/Chibok/Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno State. Nigerians were, however, thrown aback when the president suddenly declined to brief the joint session of the National Assembly less than 24 hours he was due to address the lawmakers. The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami put up an argument that the National Assembly has no powers to invite the president. But Tope Akinyode, a constitutional and human rights lawyer, insisted that the National Assembly has the powers to invite President Muhammadu Buhari. “I want to state that within the precinct of the Nigerian Constitution, it is a joke to assume that the National Assembly cannot summon the President. Not only can the National

Femi Gbajabiamila

Assembly summon the President, an ordinary committee of either the Senate or House of Representatives is empowered by law to summon the President. What the National Assembly cannot do is to issue a warrant against the President if the President fails to obey the summons. “By virtue of Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly can summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence before it over any matter that the National Assembly can enact legislation,” he said. According to him, “The point to make is that the National Assembly has the power to enact laws in respect of the armed forces. By that token, the President who chiefly administers security issues in Nigeria can be summoned by the National Assembly and even committees of the National Assembly for questioning.” Over the years, the nation’s lawmakers have failed woefully in this core responsibility of oversighting, especially the executive arm of government. It is even worse in the current 9th Senate, which goes with the sobriquet ‘Rubber Stamp’ because of their willingness to do the president’s bidding (endorse whatever the President sends to them or look the other way when the president should be called to order). A good number of their resolutions last year, including a call on the president to sack the service chiefs were completely ignored. The current crop of lawmakers is generally perceived to have compromised in their legislative duties in so many ways. They cannot bark as well as bite, which is dangerous to the nation’s democracy. So, the question now is: Where does this weak oversight by the lawmakers leave an average Nigerian who is daily exposed to all kinds of danger? The simple answer is unending abduction of school children in the north. Although the members of the National Assembly have always expressed shock at the level of destruction by terrorists, kidnappers and militants, they have not been able to get the Presidency to go beyond

screaming each time the criminals strike. Admittedly, weak oversight is not the sole reason why insecurity is looming large in every part of the country, but it has indeed contributed in no small measure. Jide Ojo, a public analyst, was of the view that bad governance has given birth to unemployment and poverty, adding that it is the major reason insecurity has become a huge challenge. He said bad governance or misgovernance was largely responsible for the level of insecurity, but pointed out that if the lawmakers had done well with their oversight function, they might have exposed this injury much earlier. Ojo explained that under the circumstance we found ourselves, these lawmakers cannot dare to impeach the president because a good number of them are government contractors and were helped by Aso Rock to become whatever they are at the National Assembly. According to him, “That is just one of the many reasons. It is not that alone. Whatever we want to say, the issue of insecurity is lack of good governance not just oversight. Oversight is part of it, but if there is good governance, if people have jobs, if there is no poverty, you don’t have this kind of crime. Not that any society is free of crime, but you don’t have this scale of abduction and insecurity. “Just like Buratai said during his screening for non-career ambassadorial position, that some local governments in Borno State have no access to road. The fact that people graduate and have no job, wake up and have no food. The society of the world where people are paid unemployment benefits, they know what they are doing. The reason is to prevent their people from taking to crime. But situation where we are now, the entire social register for Nigeria is 3.6 million and that is just like a drop in the ocean, because if you compare the number of people who need this support to cushion the effect of poverty and high cost of leaving. The point is that we have bad governance or mis-governance and that largely what is responsible

for the level of insecurity. I do agree, however, that if our lawmakers have done well with their oversight function, maybe they would have exposed this injury much earlier. But they are also part of the problem; don’t forget that situation whereby the lawmakers are only interested in their own selfaggrandizement, they close their eyes to the suffering masses. “That is the aftermath of what we are reaping now. There is no good neighbourliness and no care to the vulnerable again.” “Under the circumstance we found ourselves, the president cannot be impeached. The point is that even if you impeach him, do you think that will solve the problem? Let me break it down further, we have a friendly National Assembly that cannot dare to impeach the president. Assuming without conceding that they even want to attempt it, it cannot sail through because all of them have been compromised. You are just talking of a legislative arm that does not do thorough oversight and if they have been very thorough, they would have exposed it. A situation where you have lawmakers doubling as government contractors, it will be difficult to impeach the president,” he further said. “You saw what happened with the NDDC probe when the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs said that it was the lawmakers that corner most of the contracts. The National Assembly is complicit. So, how will a complicit National Assembly turn around to say they want to impeach the president? Even if the president is impeached, it still does not solve the problem. The problem is not for the federal government alone to solve; it goes beyond that. There are 36 states governors and 774 local government chairmen. What are the governors and chairmen doing? So if you want to impeach the president for non performance, then you have to impeach all the 36 states governors and 774 local government chairmen. But beyond that, look at what has happened with the change in service chiefs, Nigerians were clamouring for a change and there was a change in the service chiefs, yet there was abduction two weeks into their coming in,” Ojo said. It, therefore, comes to reason that weak oversight by the lawmakers is partly responsible for the ugly security situation overwhelming the country. Huge amount of money has gone down the drain in our MDAs due to poor oversight. There is also no accountability and transparency in budget implementation because our lawmakers more, often than not, compromise. Sadly enough, most of the job openings in government ministries, departments and agencies are being cornered by these lawmakers, who have slots. Moreover, our lawmakers used their influence and position to corner most of the government contracts, which are paid for but are not executed. By and large, corruption is not just at the heart of this lingering insecurity, it is actually fueling it.

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TRAVELOGUE

Chaos and tranquility: Tale of two Nigerian cities

IFEOMA OKEKE here are certain factors that propel people to move from one city to another beyond the idealism that the grass is greener at the other side. One of such factors is economics. People move to seek better jobs or engage in more profitable businesses. Other reasons could be social welfare. While Lagos remains a city of infinite fantasy for many living in rural communities, it’s interesting to also realise some are eager to move away from the very talk-about boisterous Lagos State to other cities with beckoning serenity and ambience that guarantee comfort and security. Their reasons may not be farfetched. Rather than join the hustling Lagosians who wake up so early, get stuck in traffic, deal with lawlessness in major roads and crowded spaces all in a bid to make money; these people prefer a serene environment that could help them live healthier and longer. Such people seek to live in a society of benignity and equanimity. One of such persons is Akpan, a taxi driver who plies major routes in Calabar. His story is quite compelling. I had seen him from a distance in the hotel compound where I had lodged for some days. Without hesitation, I walked up to where he was, leaning slightly against his red Toyota Camry. It was another lonely evening; so, I came down for some fresh air. Good evening Sir, I said loudly as I approached him. ‘Evening Madam’, he replied with a grin. Do you need a ride to somewhere, he asked. No sir, I just wanted to say hello, I replied, smiling back at him. After exchanging pleasantries, Akpan and I were engrossed in an interesting conversation. According to Akpan, he grew up in Lagos but after his secondary education, he had no money to further his education, he decided to try his hands in other things. Akpan started out as a bus conductor on the Lagos Island route, after two years, he saved up enough money to buy his own bus. Akpan said he was realising between N25,000 to N35,000 daily but he said despite the fact that he was a bit comfortable with the amount of money he was making, he never felt fulfilled living in Lagos. For him, the struggle to wake up so early to catch the early morning passengers, the stress getting on major roads as a result of traffic snarls, the touting and oppression by touts popularly called ‘Agberos’ were things he despised. For him, Lagos was not the ideal place for him. So, he decided to save up more money, and after two years, he sold the bus, got two Toyota Camry

cars and relocated to Calabar. He decided to put the two cars into Uber. While he drives one, the other is driven by a trusted friend of his who gives Akpan returns of N30,000 every week. Akpan is happily married with a daughter and he says he is happier and feels healthier since he moved to Calabar. “Life in Calabar is peaceful. No traffic, no crowds, no fuel fossils stemming from worn-out trucks or trailers, endangering my life. I wake up at 7am and by 7pm I come home to my family. I enjoy driving in Calabar because the roads are good. What more would I have asked for?” Akpan said. Many other people like Akpan have had to make a decision to leave Lagos just to enjoy a saner and environment. Life in Calabar Residents of Calabar tell BusinessDay that life in Calabar may not be a bed of roses as there are still challenges with getting a ‘dream’ job but one thing that the city offers is a serene environment. Mary Okon, a woman who sells roasted plantain and fish by the road side at Ekorinim Industrial Estate told BusinessDay how she had struggled to raise her children and paid their tuition fees at the University of Calabar with proceeds

and market women. Damilare Okunola, a frequent visitor to Calabar told BusinessDay that the people of Calabar are welcoming and are always willing to help, as this is peculiar to Nigerians. “It is rare to see the locals fight each other. They are willing to help even when you do not understand their language,” he said. “I think there is poverty in Calabar because there are certain things I experienced with some of the locals when I visit. This was not just once; it was on, a few occasions. The ‘Skolombo’ boys are children on the street in Calabar, just like you have

from her roasted plantain and fish. Okon whose graduate daughter now sells with her said despite all the money she spent training her daughter, she is yet to get a good paying job in Calabar. She hinted that despite the lack of white collar jobs, the locals are content with their little businesses some of which include road side food vendors, tailors, carpenters, traders

the Almajiri in the north. They move around and feed on leftovers from people, but people generally mind their business in Calabar and it is quite peaceful here,” Okunola said. Speaking on security, he said that Calabar is quite secure because people can walk freely at night without fear of being attacked by anybody. “Calabar has places that look like parks where people can sit and eat.

It is not unusual to see two or three persons under the trees at night at 9pm or 10pm in Calabar. It is a way of life. If it is in Lagos and someone is coming behind you at night, you may be scared or worried that you could be attacked but in Calabar, the place is safe,” he said. Okunola who hinted about some places he visited to include Atimbo, the cultural centre close to Atimbo, Mary Slessor and main market, observed that most people sell accessories in the market unlike Lagos where people hawk. BusinessDay’s visit to Calabar showed that the locals sell clothes, phone accessories and push trolleys in the market and the practice of hawking is not as popular as it is in Lagos. The Calabar people have a common local delicacy, which is plantain and fish with sauce. The taste of the sauce in Lagos seems to be different from what you have in Calabar. Low transport fares Transportation fare is quite affordable in Calabar than it is in Lagos. A distance covered in Lagos that a commuter could pay as high as N200 a fare using a commercial bus, can be covered at a cost of N50 only in Calabar. Transporters make use of a red coloured mini bus or cab in conveying passengers from one destination to another. Green layouts The 20-minute ride from the Margaret Ekpo International Airport to Dannic Hotel, Ekorinim

Industrial Estate, Off Murtala Mohammed Highway Calabar, couldn’t have been more pleasant with lovely layout of trees on both sides of the road, forming green natural canopy as the leaves of the trees overlapped. The layout of these trees found on major roads made the city beautiful and attractive locations for relaxation. A visitor who identified himself as Chima described Calabar as a green city. He said: “Before I came to Calabar for the first time, I had heard that Calabar was a green state. So, my impression was that right from the airport in Calabar, I would see green pastures but I was very impressed with the trees that I saw on the roadside. I saw trees everywhere and this is somewhere you can relax. Tree planting is something the previous administration was deliberate about. “There are places people can relax. We see people at intervals just eating, drinking and having a good time. This impressed me, unlike Lagos where you are required to pay an amount to relax in serene places. “In Lagos, if you are not paying, someone is coming to harass you, if you are not being harassed, the shades are not good or something is wrong about the place. Calabar is like Abuja in this regard. Abuja also has so many parks where you can just relax.” Poor ILS at Calabar Airport The good roads and infrastructure in Calabar seems to be missing at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar. One would expect that the infrastructures at the airport would also be of international standard, but sadly this is far from reality. There is a problem with the Instrument landing system (ILS) at the airport. Passengers booked to travel from Calabar to Lagos on Friday 19th to 25th of February, 2021 had all their flights cancelled as flights could neither take off nor land at the airport as a result of poor visibility and harmattan haze accentuated by the degraded state of navigational and landing facilities at Calabar airport. Air Peace and Ibom Air had to divert passenger flights to Uyo airport during this period due to the poor navigational facilities at Calabar airport. Conclusion Aside its airport, Calabar is a city in Nigeria that is not in a hurry. It is like a beautiful belle who is so content with herself and whose beauty beckons at everyone who desires comfort, leisure and ambience of quietude. The gift Calabar has for Nigerians and foreigners is its greenery, which makes the air crispy and healthy. You wish to retire in a beautiful, serene environment? Come to Calabar.

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Feature

How Governor Abiodun battles farmers-herders clashes in Ogun There’s hardly a day without security issues raising dust in the country. In Ogun the farmers and herders skirmishes are a pain in the governor’s neck, writes INIOBONG IWOK

gun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun recently inaugurated a peace committee and backed it up with a donation of patrol vans and motorcycles to security operatives in the state. The reasons for these are not farfetched. Herders-farmers clashes have in recent time inflamed Ogun State, particularly in some remote communities in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas. The clashes have left human casualties on both sides. It also led to the destruction of farms, cows and other valuable property. The incident, which started in Oha Farm Settlement in ImekoAfon Local Government Area of the state when one Dele Olowoniyi was hacked to death by suspected herdsmen in the midnight of Saturday, February 6, 2021, has spread like a wild fire to other communities such as Owode-Ketu, Asa, Igbooro and Agbon Ojodu, all in Yewa North LGA, where no fewer than 13 person lost their lives. Property including houses, cars, farms and motorcycles were also destroyed. Lamenting the incessant killings in his constituency, a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Yewa North 2 State Constituency, Wahab Haruna called both the state and federal government to beef up security in the areas prone to farmers-herders clashes in the state. “Ketu Area of my constituency has often witnessed violence attacks stemming from disputes between the herdsmen and the farmers,” Haruna noted. On his part, the Sarkin Fulani in Ogun State and the Zonal Coordinator, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Kabiru Labar, told the Ogun State government delegation during a peace mission to Kara Cow Market in Abeokuta, that his members were killed in what appeared as reprisal attacks. He added that scores of cows and markets were also killed and destroyed during the attacks. Labar, while absolving his members of carrying out attacks and destruction of farms and farm produce in the host communities, attributed the attacks to foreign invaders from the neighbouring countries. He added that the attacks were meant to turn farmers against legitimate herders in the state. Mission to calm frayed nerves As part of first step towards finding a lasting peace between farmers and herders, the Ogun State government’s delegation and representatives of security agencies em-

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari receiving Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun when the latter went to brief him on the recent herders-farmers clashes in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.

barked on what it termed as ‘Peace and Confidence Building Mission’ to the affected communities and some neighbouring towns. The delegation comprising Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Information and Strategy, Afolabi Afuape and Waheed Odusile respectively, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Retired AIG Sola Subair, Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-ethnic Affairs, Hadi Sanni and representatives of security agencies, visited Ibeshe, Ilaro, Oja Odan, Ebute Igbooro, Eggua, while a whistle stop visit was also paid to Igbogila and adjoining communities. The delegation equally visited the palaces of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi. Speaking at the Palace of Olu of Ilaro, Afuape, noted that though

the farmers/herders clashes was a national problem, the state government was seriously looking at ways of finding enduring solutions to the challenges. “Government is not happy with what is happening in this area. Government is not happy with what is going on in this part of the state. We have come on the instruction of the governor to see what can be done to address this crisis. I must stress the need for peaceful co-existence among all our people, irrespective of where they come from. Though this crisis is a national issue, government is putting security plans in place to secure the lives of our people in this area,” Afuape stated. Corroborating Afuape’s position, Odusile appealed to the people not to take laws into their hands, but to allow the security agencies and the traditional rulers handle the situation. While calling for peaceful coexistence among the indigenes and

people from other ethnic groups, Odusile disclosed that an all-inclusive stakeholders’ meeting had been scheduled to hold to find solutions to the problems. During an interview session, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Sola Subair (rtd.), said a Joint Security Task Force that would be stationed in the affected areas would take off immediately, just as the Amotekun Corps would begin operations to complement the taskforce. Abiodun’s assurance of adequate security Governor Abiodun, during his on-the-spot assessment tour of the affected villages, said a Special Task Force(STF) comprising of soldiers, Police, Operatives of Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and hunters had been assembled and would be deployed to their communities for surveillance and provision of security to the res-

L-R: Governors: Bello Muhammed Matawalle (Zamfara); Rotimi Akeredolu; Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Umar Ganduje (Kano) and Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger) at the beginning of the Stakeholders’ parley on Farmers/ Herders Conflict organised by Ogun State Government in Abeokuta

idence. The governor also assured the people of compensation for those who lost property and support for others who lost loved ones. He added that the hospital bills of the injured would be picked by the state government. Stakeholders’ peace parley As parts of efforts to find lasting solution to the farmers/herders clashes in the state, the state government had on Tuesday 16, 2021 organised a stakeholders’ parley. The meeting was attended by some governors including Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum and Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello; Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) and Abdulahi Ganduje (Kano). Other critical stakeholders at the meeting included traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of Meyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), All Farmers Association and heads of security agencies. Speaking at the meeting, Governor Abiodun said it was high time urgent and pragmatic steps were taken in settling the farmers-herders clashes to guide against it snowballing into an unstoppable crisis. He wondered why people who had lived together for years now turn against one another. “It has become worrisome that people who had co-existed peacefully for years are suddenly at each other’s throat on account of sources of livelihood. From time immemorial, herders and farmers have peacefully cohabited and have continued to find joint solutions to their mutual challenges, occasional frictions and misunderstandings, while sorting these differences amicably,” Abiodun said. While assuring that no stone would be left unturned in securing the people, the governor maintained, “Our first priority in Ogun State is the safety of lives and property of everyone in our dear state irrespective of the circumstances of their birth or religious leaning. Let me restate that we will not compromise”. “There is a need for collective action between all of us, whether as native farmers; cattle owners; herders; local community leaders; security agents, to rid our dear State of these criminals. “We must use the opportunity of this parley to tell ourselves the truth, not necessarily by apportioning blame, but definitely we must come up with more practical and viable recommendations that will further cement the peaceful coexistence that we have always had in Ogun State,” Abiodun added. On his part, the Ondo State gov-

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ernor and Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu warned that the southwest governors would not allow foreigners occupying the forest reserves illegally to perpetrate crimes and breed insurgency in the region. Akeredolu said the southwest was learning from the festering cases of insurgency in other states in the country, stressing that criminality must be jointly fought. He added that it had become important to identify ways to reinforce and foster peaceful coexistence between the people in the southwest and the northerners who have been living in the region for ages. Akeredolu highlighted the commercial gains and advantages of keeping cows in a designated area instead of moving them around from one region to another, urging the herders to reflect on the business opportunities that the situation was offering. He vowed criminals illegally occupying forest reserves in the southwest will be flushed out, adding that those who are interested to do legitimate business in the forest must be registered. The Governor of Kano State, Abdulahi Umar Ganduje attributed the farmers-herders clashes to encroachment, poor education and poverty among the herders, calling for the stoppage of moving cattle from the north to the south. Ganduje described the crisis as an economic issue turning tribal and religious, calling on the federal government to assist herders transit from pastoral to modern ranching. Governor Abubakar Sanni-Bello of Niger called for sincere actions to address the problem before it takes a new twist, noting that setting up of ranches was the best way to stop the crisis. His Zamfara State counterpart, Bello Muhammed Mattawale, recalled the activities of bandits in his state, regretting the loss of lives and destruction of property from the clashes. The Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu submitted that though Nigerians have rights to live in any part of the country, there must be ways of identifying them and regulating their activities for peaceful co-existence. The Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, expressed the Council’s supports for steps taken by the government in solving the crisis. The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle cautioned the Miyetti Allah leadership to guide their utterances in the media, while the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, alleged that a lot of arms and ammunitions had been brought into Yewaland by foreign pastoralists. He drew government’s attention to the Imeko Forest Reserve which he said has been turned into a hideout by criminals. He said the development had exposed people living in the area to serious attacks by armed herdsmen. He lamented that farmers in the area had suffered huge losses, which might not be recoverable on time except they got help from the government. The President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of

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Feature

L-R: Oba Benjamin Olanite, Onimeko of Imeko; Alhaji Kabir Labar, South West Coordinator, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Hon Jamilu Akingbade and Eselu of Iselu, Oba Ebenezer Akinyemi at the inauguration of the Peace keeping Committee on Farmer-Herders Relationship held at the Governor’s office, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Nigeria, MACBAN, Mohammed Kiriwa, represented by the National Secretary, Uthman Ngelxema, noted that the crisis was caused by foreign herders as their Nigerian counterparts have always lived in peace with host communities. The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Ogun, Segun Dasaolu, revealed that there had been strong collaboration with some herders who have lived in the southwest for decades, adding it was time to combine forces to tackle the menace. Rounding off discussions, Governor Abiodun said the Federal Government needed to take a second look at the ECOWAS Treaty, as it was meant for people and not cattle movement. He added that a treaty was expected to be signed between the herders and the state government on what has been discussed and agreed on how to go about it. 20-man Peace Committee inaugurated As a follow up to the stakeholders’ parley on the herders-farmers crisis, Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Saturday, February 20, inaugurated a 20-man Peace Keeping Committee on the farmers and herders clashes in the state. Inaugurating the Committee headed by a former House of Representatives member, Kayode Oladele, at the Obas’ Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun mandated members of the panel to determine the cause of the ethnic clashes in Yewaland, the losses and recommend how to forestall recurrence. He gave the committee comprising state security chiefs, traditional rulers, lawmakers, government officials, representatives of Fulani herdsmen and farmers, four weeks to submit its report. The governor equally noted that while the committee’s assignment takes immediate effect, his government would roll out palliatives to the victims of the clashes to cushion the effects of their losses.

He added that some victims displaced due to the crisis would be provided with shelter. “The first assignment will be to determine what really happened. What happened? What happened that disrupted the peace we enjoyed in this state and in that particular area for so long? Because it is in determining what happened that we will ensure such will not repeat itself again. “After that, we now look at what has it cost us? What have we lost? So, this committee must determine what it has cost us. “The Committee will determine how we ensure this does not happen again. After the submission of report which must be within four weeks, I am hoping that this committee can even finish the assignment in two weeks. “Then, the committee will now proceed to be a standing committee that will ensure that peace and harmony continue to reign within all of us,” Abiodun stated The governor also disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari, at a meeting, had recommended Ogun Model on the resolution of farmers and herders clashes, to other states in the country. Responding on behalf of the committee, a member and lawmaker representing Imeko/Afon State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Jemili Akingbade, applauded the governor for the quick action and responses. He promised that members would carry out its assignment diligently. “Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the committee will perform beyond expectation,” Akingbade assured. Miyetti Allah, Fulani Community express confidence in Abiodun’s Peace Committee The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani Community in Ogun state, expressed confidence in the ability of the state’s Peace Keep-

ing Committee on Farmers/Herders’ conflict set up by Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in the state, in resolving the protracted crisis. The South West Chairman of MACBAN and Sarikin Fulani in Ogun state, Muhammed Kabir Labar, gave this position on Monday, March 1, in his remarks at the inaugural meeting of the Committee, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. He declared that his association had “strong belief ” in the ability of the Kayode Oladele led 20-man committee at getting to the roots of the clashes between farmers and herders, and proffer permanent solution towards maintaining peaceful coexistence of people in the affected areas. Labar urged all the affected communities affected in Yewa North and Imeko-Afon Local Government Areas, to remain calm and cooperate with the committee members towards ensuring that it succeeded in its mission. “Our belief is that the committee is working perfectly in conjunction with all the stakeholders towards ensuring that we get results and that the conflict is totally resolved. “We are calling on all the communities affected to remain calm and that the committee will get to them in its fact-finding mission and relay such to the state government as well as all the other agencies involved, so that we can continue to enjoy the peaceful coexistence that we had in the past. “Our belief is firm in this process and by the special grace of God, we will have achieved a peaceful resolution”, Ogun Sarikin Fulani stated. Earlier, chairman of the Committee, Kayode Oladele had disclosed that the state government was not unaware of the degree of damages, loss of properties and lives recorded on both sides, declaring his committee would not shy away from faithfully discharging its responsibility towards ensuring that peace and tranquility return to the state.

Oladele, however, disclosed that the 20-man committee had been divided into four other sub-committees to enable it complete its assignment within the time frame given to it by the state government. According to the chairman, the first sub-committee will be saddled with the responsibility of finding the root causes of the conflict, while the second committee is to determine the levels of damage and compensation to the victims. Abiodun hands over patrol vehicles, motorcycles to JSIS On March 2, Governor Abiodun handed patrol vehicles over to the Joint Security Intervention Squad (JSIS) to secure lives and property in Ogun state against further attacks by suspected killer herdsmen. JSIS, constituted by the state government in response to the recent farmers-herders clashes, had its members drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, Department of State Security Service (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The 10 operational vans and 20 motorcycles equiped with communication gadgets to enhance operations were received by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of JSIS Operations, DCP Ahmed Abdullahi, at a ceremony attended by the security chiefs in the state. Abiodun charged operatives of the special taskforce to make optimal use of the equipment for the protection of the people of the state, hinting that personnel of the South West Security Networks (SWSN) code named “Amotekun” would soon be deployed to reinforce JSIS. He emphasised that equipping the taskforce with necessary working tools was more important than setting it up. The governor, however, admonished the people of the state to stop ascribing crime to any ethnic nationality, but rather address and treat criminals with the appropriate provisions of the law.

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Sunday 07 March 2021

TheWorshipper ‘To make the needed impact, the church in Nigeria must speak with same voice’ The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), recently inaugurated the Ikola-Ilumo Chapter in Ipaja area of Lagos State with the purpose of further expanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. The chairman of the Chapter, Reverend Solomon Oluniyi disclosed that evangelism, ministers’ welfare and reclaiming the land from Satan’s encroachment are the three areas the chapter’s administration is focusing on. Excerpts by SEYI JOHN SALAU Now that you have been inaugurated, what are your plans for the chapter? ctually, we have three goals; the first one is evangelism so that the unsaved might be saved. The second is ministers’ welfare; this is the fellowship of ministers of God at the grassroots. The general take is that ministers at this level are not poor but our situation can improve. So, we want to put programmes and projects in place that can improve the general wellbeing of ministers. The third goal is the liberation of our land. Cultism, witchcraft, gambling, pornography are on the increase. All the vices of the new world order are on the increase, but we still believe God can get these things out. We can get people out of these vices, and that is the real focus of this chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and right from after our inauguration, these are the things we are working on. Evangelism, salvation of people on the streets, ministers’ welfare, our welfare on the job and snatching our land from encroachment of the devil are the goals. Is that in unison with the state PFN’s goal? Definitely! In actual fact, our province is always very mad at any minister discovered to be using diabolical powers in the ministry. I have been given strict warning that when such people are discovered, such must be dismissed from the fellowship. What if the person continues practising even after being dismissed from PFN or do you have powers to close a church? Their dismissal is the number one

thing after that the higher authority will take other steps. Either to correct such person, if it is someone you can still bring back and restore, we do that or if it is someone that cannot be brought back, he would probably be excommunicated and he will be on his own. The state knows how to do that but we at the grassroots, ours is to expose them. PFN is very serious on the married life of a minister, PFN frowns at polygamy, bigamy, or monogamy with girlfriends outside. PFN frowns at you if you cannot manage your family or bring your children under control. We correct that in trainings. If after those corrections you still remain adamant, we don’t condone that, we expose it. It is discovered that sin thrives in secrecy. If the sin is covered, it thrives; we have discovered it happens in some places, that is why the church is losing its impact in the nation. What if the said preacher is entrenched in the act? If this is somebody that is entrenched in these things and he does not want to turn around, then it will be probably excommunication from the fellowship, he will be on his own. The state and the state authority know better on how to deal with such issues but at this grassroots level our responsibility is to identify such and not to harbor it. PFN is very strict on some issues. Covering such a person makes you the principal person helping that sin to thrive. We have seen that is what happens in many denominations and that is why these things keep thriving and when they thrive they make the church weaker and weaker. That is why the church is losing its impact in the nation today. The church cannot

Oluniyi

make a decree or a statement, unlike in those days. In those days a minister will stand up and say this is how Nigeria must go and everybody must go that way, even under the military government. Today, where is the voice? How are we sure these ministers you are talking about are called because the economic downturn has turned some people to ministers? The issue of calling is another thing entirely but this is my take on that; if you are called, these demand we want to be placing on ministers will be easy for you, it would be difficult if you are not called, it won’t be easy at all. Even among ministers, there is going to be a falling away of some because that is what the end

time actually demands; so, we are prepared for that. That Ilumo PFN has a good number of ministers now on our inauguration day does not mean we might necessarily continue like that, we pray it continues. We pray our numbers increase but those who are not called will soon fall away because they won’t be able to keep up with the pace. If you faint in the days of adversity, your strength is small. So, the day when ministers must realise their calling and the demands of their callings has come. If you are truly called, you’ll meet up with the demands of your calling. If you are not called, you would fall by the way side, it is just as simple as that. Let us start the race, let it gather momentum. If you line up ten people to do a marathon, is it all of them that will get to the end? No, but the strong, the trained, the equipped will get there, those who are not equipped will fall by the way side, that one is very sure so the same thing happens in the race of the call of God. It is expected that many will fall by the way side. How do you advise the president of Nigeria as a grassroots Christian leader who is seeing what someone up there may not see? Many of the top ministers we can describe as radicals have given necessary advice to the president; may be, the president himself has sealed up his mind and not ready to take advice from anybody. I don’t think that our president has a true picture of what is happening at the grassroots and if he has, it means the president has a difficult agenda apart from leading this country to a land of glory. In that instance, it is difficult for somebody like me to pass advice to the president. What if your assumption is

wrong? If my assumption is wrong, then the president would have acted on the good advice he has been given in the past. Our vice president today is a respected minister of God but is he allowed to operate and function in that office? These are the questions we should ask ourselves. So, rather than advise the present president, what I will advise we ministers to do is to start a warfare for this nation, especially as it concerns 2023 transition. No advice is likely going to work any longer for this present government. I cannot see it work. The church voted for Buhari, if the church had known there is a hidden agenda, the church wouldn’t have voted for him. The pursuit of that hidden agenda is so vehement that advices are not even listened to at all. So, why give more advice? Let the church enter into its closet again. We have done it before and it worked. Why can’t we do it again? That is the weaknesses of the church. God does not need anybody to take up arms. Even when Gideon wanted to go to war with 300,000 men, God said no, I don’t need you. If 300,000 men win the war, they will arrogate glory to themselves. He said I need only 30,000 men and the 30,000 should not carry arms. I will fight the battle, you just do what I say and God fought the battle and He won. The church today cannot make a statement in insurgency, on terrorism, on kidnapping. The church has lost a lot of ground and we seem not to realise it. Ministers at the grassroots, let us wake up and face this problem head-on. I love something about God and that is the fact that He works with remnants, He doesn’t need anyone to take up arms.

CPAN congratulates newly elected PFN president, Wale Oke SEYI JOHN SALAU

he Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) has congratulated Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the presiding bishop of Sword of Life Ministry, Ibadan, on his election as President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). Until his election, Oke was the vice president of the Christian body. CPAN in a statement signed by its President, Gracious Akintayo, described Oke as a dedicated Christian leader committed to the expansion of the gospel and growth of the body of Christ, noting that his election as PFN president is a testament to his selfless service to kingdom work and a call for more service. “No doubt, your election to the exalted position of President of PFN, a respected Christian body in Nigeria,

Wale Oke

is an evidence of your dedication and commitment to the expansion of the gospel and the growth of the body of Christ on earth,” Akintayo said. While praying God to give him all he needed, including guidance and wisdom to excel as president of PFN, CPAN appealed to Bishop Oke to use his good office and tenure to work towards ensuring a united body of Christ in Nigeria with harmonious relationship. Oke is the President and founder of The Sword of The Spirit Ministries International with the headquarters located in Ibadan City, Oyo State, Nigeria. For over thirty years he has conducted mass crusades all over Nigeria with crowds of hundreds of thousands people in a single service. He also conducts a prayer and intercession programme at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria tagged ‘The Nigeria Turning Point’.

This programme has brought millions of people together to pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria. In 1989, after ten years of itinerary work all over Nigeria and various parts of the world, Oke founded the Christ Life Church which has grown exponentially having over two hundred branches located all over Nigeria. The Sword of The Spirit Ministries under Wale Oke has also established a strong ongoing work in the United Kingdom, Russia and the U.S.A. In November 1991, All Nations for Christ Bible Institute awarded him an honorary doctorate under the auspices of Oral Roberts University for his outstanding contributions to world evangelism. Recently, he was awarded the prestigious Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s (FRCN) award for outstanding contributions to religious harmony and human development.

Sunday 07 March 2021

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TheWorshipper Inspiration With Rev. Yomi Kasali

info@yomikasali.com

his is that part of the year that I love and dread at the same time, Feb 28 is my birthday and I look forward to the day with mixed feelings yearly. The reason I dread the day is because returning calls, mails, texts, and greetings take majority of my time and the reason I love the day is simply because of the gifts, attention, and parties I attend on that day. Forgive me for my carnalities…lol.

Sunday was my birthday Yesterday was great and as usual, I had to reply many messages until very late into the night. Then I remembered you; my wonderful Inspire Family that will be looking forward to reading from me today so that they may be Inspired towards right living. My thoughts today are slightly going to be about how best to celebrate Birthdays or should I say the Best Wisdom to apply as you grow older. Everyone reading this today will celebrate a birthday this year or have celebrated theirs in the last 59 days of this year. The Bible tells us how best to Celebrate Birthdays in the book of Psalms 90 v 12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Wow! This looks very simple and easy to do until you look at the scriptures again. It takes a Teacher (The Lord in this case) to teach us how to number our days or celebrate our days so that we may apply our Hearts unto Wisdom. The Older you get, the Wiser you should become not more Unwise. I see many people celebrate birthdays in

Be thankful and grateful: I want you to be grateful to God always for seeing a new year even if your goals aren’t attained and you haven’t achieved your dreams. The gift of life is precious and be Grateful to God who is the Giver. Be aspirational and hopeful: The Future is always more important than the past so be highly Purposeful and aspirational about the future. No matter what today looks like, write down your dreams for the next 12 months and what you aspire to achieve, be optimistic and hopeful about the future.

very unwise ways, yet they are believers. Let me share some Wisdom Tips on how to Celebrate your Birthdays in the future from the above scriptures. 5 Wisdom tips on how to celebrate birthdays Be reflective and meditative: You should spend the early hours to reflect on the last few years so that you may

Ashimolowo moves to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in BAME community Ngozi Okpalakunne

n order to encourage acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, head of KICC recently inaugurated a Vaccination and Immunisation Committee. In a statement made available by the church, the newly inaugurated committee would spearhead community efforts in inspiring the BAME community to take the vaccine. According to the release, Ashimolowo was said to be distressed over a report released by the Royal College of GP’s which claimed that vaccine uptake was extremely low within the BAME community at just about 2 percent compared to the total vaccinated population. While reiterating the fact that the church has not endorsed any particular medication or vaccine, the statement emphasised that it was only concerned about dismissing the myths about the vaccine. The statement reads: “The Committee comprised medical experts and specialists on the matter from within the KICC global church community. As a Global Ministry we believe in providing our members,

and those who follow our ministry, with accurate and balanced information that will help inform their decisions on critical life matters such as vaccinations. “We firmly believe that vaccination may be the single most important health-promoting initiative available to mankind. We believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives. And we also believe that each person should make an informed decision, rather than an emotional one based on myth.” It further stated that, “We are not endorsing a particular medication or vaccine, but we are attempting to dispel the myths and establish the facts. The Church has an obligation to empower its local and wider community with the knowledge that is requisite to make informed decisions.

Ashimolowo

More importantly as people of faith, we live our lives based on the timeless truth and wisdom of God’s Word and hope that we will allow the Spirit of God to lead and direct in this matter, as in every other area of our lives.” Enumerating reasons people should not reject COVID-19 vaccines, the statement said evidence abound to show that people of BAME background are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and as such taking the vaccine will help reduce this risk. It further stated that COVID-19 is a serious and lifethreatening disease, over 500 times deadlier than Influenza (flu) and at its peak COVID-19 caused more than twice the number of deaths from all cancers in the UK. According to the statement, “COVID-19 can have serious long-term consequences such as chronic lung problems and heart diseases; its vaccination reduces your risks of severe infection and the need for admission to Intensive Care Unit; evidence is becoming available that vaccination will prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and the vaccine is safe and effective. It has the approval of UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).”

know how to take the next steps in the coming years. You should Reflect not Regret! The reason people are afraid of Reflecting is because of Regretting so they run away from the bitter truth in their past and refuse to learn from their past errors. I reflected and came to realise some of the mistakes I made in the last 12 months and I certainly have learnt from it and will not do the same.

to Best Celebrate Birthdays. Unfortunately, most people focus on this and ignore all the other points mentioned above. This is where you dress up, go out, party with friends and family, eat and drink, dance, and club etc. I am not against this, but it is simply the last on my list of things to do on How to Celebrate Birthdays. I hope you’ve been Inspired and Thank you all for wishing me a very Happy Birthday Yesterday. Drop me a note of acknowledgment and encouragement and also follow me on my Social media handles below:

Be prayerful and faithful: You must NOT lose faith in God as you start the new year. Ensure you are Prayerful and Faithful about your Hopes and Aspirations above (number 3). There are many people who are hopeful and aspirational but not prayerful and faithful to God, they place their trust and faith in gold, manmade connections but not God.

Instagram: @yomi_kasali Twitter: @yomi_kasali Facebook: www.facebook. com/revyomikasali Youtube: www.youtube. com/revyomikasali

Be around friends and family: This is the last on my list of Wisdom Tips on How

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

Be Inspired!

NEWS

Chigaemezu Regina unveils ‘Becoming Phenomenal’ ahead Int’l Women’s Day IFEOMA OKEKE

s Nigeria joins the world to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Chigaemezu Regina, founder, Dare Women for Change Initiative and Convener of the Women’s group, Capacity Building Network, unveils her new book, ‘Becoming Phenomenal: Every Woman’s Guide To Developing Unmatched Confidence’. The book is designed to help women who desire to be more and do more but are faced with the challenge of how to start and dare their fears. It aims to identify the limiting lenses that hinder women from harnessing their potentials and leading her through the pathway of becoming phenomenal, while developing irresistible confidence as a means to sustaining her journey to relevance. Regina, a Women Capacity builder, said: “Working with girls and women as an advocate for development and empowerment, I have found that beyond the untold lies the society sold to us as girls, we grow into women, only knowing mostly conscious of our inadequacies and limitations. And hence, limit our becoming to wives and home keepers. “Another striking thing I have found out is that the few who desire to become more than home keepers are scared

to stretch their abilities and lack good knowledge on how to start. Unlike the male folk growing up, were sold super powers, girls were taught otherwise and grew into women who relegate to societal decision over their lives and becoming. Fortunately, this was not my situation as my late mother prepared my mind on the pathway to becoming my best version and seeking for opportunities to express my gifts and brilliance.” She explained that her late mother believed that ‘Nwanyi bu uru’ meaning “A woman is an Asset” and this informed her philosophy of life to give her daughters nothing but the best and never stopped average but ensured they all reached a level of self-consciousness and a degree each before the thought of companionship. “In my work with girls, I have seen how the lack of accurate in-

Regina

formation has negatively affected their thoughts on Becoming. The invincible bickering created amongst growing girls by the significant adults in their lives makes it a struggle for independent thinking. She said through Dare Women For Change Initiative, she had interacted with young girls in various communities, learning about their fears regarding and walking the path to what they desire to become and how to become more. “I have had the opportunity to enlighten, educate and mentor these girls on the journey ahead, and for them to see positive and possibilities in their dreams and ambitions for life. I have also made them realise the endless possibilities that come with being Self-Aware of oneself and aspirations through programmes like ‘Reachout to Five Girls Campaign’, in which girls in communities were thought Self-awareness. I have also partnered with Dignified Womanhood Platform as a mentor to its girl child ambassadors in Owerri Imo-State.” Regina’s new book is inspired by her late mother’s Life philosophy to champion renegotiation of the place of women in society and also debunk the gender stereotypes, “the lies society sold to us as girls and women, one of which is; it is over ambitious to dream big as the major aim of womanhood ends in becoming a wife and tending a home.

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Sunday 07 March 2021

Travel An escape atop hill

W OBINNA EMELIKE

ow! Easter is here again, but with the current economic realities in Nigeria today and safety concerns, occasioned by the pandemic, traveling far for Easter holiday is almost out of the reach of many. As well, overseas vacation is out of it because of the stress of Covid-19 test or vaccination, coupled with the high exchange rate, exorbitant airfare, soaring hotel bills, even shopping that offers less with more naira abroad. As holiday makers’ purchasing power keeps diminishing, the situation makes domestic destinations handy. One of the domestic destinations that will enthrall you with so much fun and value for money offerings this Easter is the Idanre Hills Resort, a world-class hospitality outfit and tourist centre in the rustic town of Idanre in Ondo State. The resort is an additional excitement in the town famous for the Idanre Hills, a breathtaking landscape that also provides a window to the town’s colourful history. Built on the foot of the hills and spreading across five kilometres, the hills resort is well-apportioned and fitted with a blend of sophisticated and traditional African motifs. It compels attention with its impressive, imposing outlook, serenity, extraordinary nature and world-class facilities that combine to make the resort first of its kind in Nigeria. From the resort, adventurous guests can dare the tallest of the hills, which rises about 300ft above sea level for a bird’s eye view of the alluring and enchanting picturesque conference of undulating rocky ranges and mountains of Idanre Hills. On offer are various

Idanre Hills Resort-one of the tree houses main

Idanre Hills Resort-well laid bedroom

accommodation options stylishly designed, and colourfully furnished with visitors in mind. On a visit, guests have the option of choosing from the tree houses, houses on the rock (Ile oriota), which are all fully serviced apartments and in three-bedroom and two-bedroom en suites categories).

Idanre Hills Resort-well laid bedroom

Apart from being creatively crafted and exuding a blend of African and continental motifs, the accommodation options feature tastefully fitted amenities for the pleasure of the guests. There are beautifully dressed female butlers attached to the apartments to ensure 24 hours service

for guests. Besides the comfort of the room, a unique experience awaits guests at the swimming pool, restaurant, finger bar, lounge, and spa for a special massage. There is a game arcade for children and adults alike, while a stroll along the walk way is beneficial, especially to lov-

ers. The resort also has a reception, where guests are first received and given a treat of the resort’s traditional welcome (Ekaabo) treat. It consists of a sit out area, mini theatre with stage, game facilities such as table tennis, snooker board and a number of traditional games. Also of interest to discerning guests are: an outdoor stage and a VIP stage, children’s playground, sit out area atop the rocky ranges, kiosks for traditional cuisines and snacks, office complex and ‘Wadii’ for plaiting hair. Idanre Hills Resort also lends itself to eco-tourism scenery, which is boosted further with naturally enticing and breezy environment that allows for exploration of the outdoor elements and aesthetics of the resort. Since it opened its door to the public, visitors to the town are now guaranteed a choice of overnight stay where they would be treated to the best of contemporary and African entertainment packages as part of the services on offer. The intrigue of the resort is that it was once a dumpsite, but was recovered and turned into a world class resort in a record time of 90 days. However, the management and the hospitable people of Idanre beckons on lovers of Mother Nature, adventure seekers, and tourists alike to visit this Easter to experience breathtaking views of the hills, enjoy the best of accommodation offerings at the resort, and also mingle with the locals if they wish. Moreover, apart from hosting the resort, the ancient town also hosts a lot of guests all-year-round on expeditions, tours, cultural outings, especially the MARE Festival. The festival, which is held every November, is a must-see as it is devoted to promoting Idanre Hills with mountain climbing as the top highlight of the festival activities.

Goge Africa launches Twin Towns project

n line with its commitment to developing and promoting tourism across communities in Nigeria and Africa, Goge Africa Worldwide Limited has launched its Twin Towns project, designed to connect communities based on shared values and heritage. The pilot communities are Badagry (Lagos State) and Bonny (Rivers State). The project was made public during a visit by the Goge Africa team and a group of youths from Bonny, who were part of the participants at the recently held tourism training session by Goge Africa in partnership with Nigeria LNG, to the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Isaac Moses, chief executive officer, Goge Africa, explained that though both towns are separated by about 500 kilometres, they have a lot in common, including the fact that both seaside communities served as embarkation ports during

the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Besides, both communities share a lot of features in trade and tourism assets, which need to be further developed and promoted. “Historically, both towns were among the earliest to welcome the British and embrace Christianity; they were and still are both renowned for their rich cultural heritage,” said Moses, adding that “with these striking parallels, Goge Africa is happy and proud to be the bridge that is about to connect both communities.” Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, permanent secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended Goge Africa for facilitating the human capital development of the participants as they look forward to a future as ambassadors of domestic tourism. “The organisers have put a lot of thought into this and the least we can do as a ministry is to support them, because it is our mandate,”

Adedoyin-Ajayi said. “We (Rivers and Lagos] are not in competition. We have a duty to promote both destinations equally; when visitors come to Lagos, we

can tell them to visit Bonny and vice versa, or any other parts of Nigeria for that matter. Though we might belong to different states or ethnic groups, at the end of the day we are

Dignitaries at the launch of Goge Africa Twin Town project

all Nigerians.” Nneka Isaac – Moses, managing director, Goge Africa, said that the Twin Towns project was initiated as part of a two-week tourism training programme in Lagos for 20 youths from Bonny Kingdom sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. During the two weeks training, the team toured Badagry where they were exposed to some of the tourist attractions of the community with a view to exploring the similarity between Badagry and Bonny. Some of the spots visited included: Badagry Heritage Museum, Brazillian Baracoon, Mobee Family Slave Relics Museum, Vlekete Slave Market and premises of the first-storey building. Also visits were paid to the Akran of Badagry, Mobee of Badagry, and Wawu of Badagry in their respective palaces. In Topo community, Baale welcomed the team with the aweinspiring Zengbeto performance.

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Art 2021 Women’s Day

Celebrating top women in the arts

OBINNA EMELIKE

n Monday, March 8, 2021, the world will be commemorating the International Women’s Day 2021, a day set aside to celebrate the women folks for their contributions to the development of the society, as well as, to create further awareness on their challenges, rights and inclusion in leadership positions globally. This year’s celebration is on the theme: ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.’ In line with the theme Achim Steiner, administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), noted that, “This year’s International Women’s Day is like no other. As countries and communities start to slowly recover from a devastating pandemic, we have the chance to finally end the exclusion and marginalization of women and girls. “But to do that, we need immediate action. Women must have the opportunity to play a full role in shaping the pivotal decisions being made right now as countries respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic – choices that will affect the wellbeing of people and the planet for generations to come”. However, BDSunday is celebrating the International Women’s Day by spotlighting top Nigerian women in the arts. Below are some of the amazons in no particular order: Nike Davies-Okundaye No doubt, Nike DaviesOkundaye is a household name in the African arts landscape. She is one of the internationally acclaimed female artists from Nigeria, who has made astounding strides in textile, visual arts and mixed media painting in the global arts scene. An Amazon in her own right, Nike is the woman behind the Nike Art Empire with galleries, art shops and training centres across Nigeria and the world. There is hardly any important museum in the world that does not have Madam Nike’s work. She is an artist of many parts - she drums, directs plays, dances, paints, and trains young adults to do all of the listed. In 2019, she celebrated her 50 years of promoting and exhibiting traditional and contemporary African art across the world. She is not relenting in her passion for art, African heritage and culture, hence worthy mention in this year’s International Women’s Day celebration.

Nike Davies-Okundaye

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Peju Alatise

Mercy Johnson

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Born on September 15, 1977, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian novelist, writer of short stories, and nonfiction. She considers herself a feminist and is committed to the wellbeing of the female folks across the world with her writings. “I think of myself as a storyteller, but I would not mind at all if someone were to think of me as a feminist writer... I’m very feminist in the way I look at the world, and that world view must somehow be part of my work”, she said in an interview. Adichie is on the list because of her blossoming writing career. She published a collection of poems in 1997 (Decisions) and a play (For Love of Biafra) in 1998. She was shortlisted in 2002 for the Caine Prize for her short story “You in America” and her story “That Harmattan Morning” was selected as a joint winner of the 2002 BBC World Service Short Story Awards. In 2003, she won the O. Henry Award for “The American Embassy”, and the David T. Wong International Short Story Prize 2002/2003 (PEN Center Award). Her stories were also published in Zoetrope: All-Story, and Topic Magazine. Her first novel, Purple Hibiscus (2003), received wide critical acclaim; it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction (2004) and was awarded the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book (2005). Her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), named after

the flag of the shortlived nation of Biafra, received the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. In 2014, Half of a Yellow Sun was adapted into a film of the same title directed by Biyi Bandele, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. She published The Thing Around Your Neck in 2009. In 2010 she was listed among the authors of The New Yorkers “20 Under 40” Fiction Issue. Adichie’s story “Ceiling” was included in the 2011 edition of The Best American Short Stories. Her third novel, Americanah (2013), was selected by The New York Times as one of “The 10 Best Books of 2013”. In April 2014, she was named as one of 39 writers aged under 40 in the Hay Festival and Rainbow Book Club project Africa39, celebrating Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital 2014. In 2015, she was co-curator of the PEN World Voices Festival. In March 2017, Americanah won the “One Book, One New York” programme. In April 2017, Adichie was elected into the 237th class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the highest honours for intellectuals in the United States, as one of 228 new members to be inducted on October 7, 2017. Her most recent book, Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, published in March 2017, had its origins in a letter Adichie wrote to a friend who had asked for advice about how to raise her daughter as a feminist.

Bolanle Austen-Peters

Bolanle Austen-Peters She is the daughter of Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. While many thought she would continue in the family craft, she followed arts; her passion. Today, the lawyer turned artist, theatre guru and art entrepreneur is a voice to reckon with in the Nigerian art scene. In 2003, she founded Terra Kulture, the Nigerian arts, education and cultural organisation. She created the Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP) in 2013. Through BAP, she furthered her passion for theater production with stellar plays such as SARO the Musical, which received a number of accolades and reviews from the BBC and Sky news. Since then, BAP has produced five additional commissioned plays. In December 2014 and April 2015 BAP Productions produced SARO the Musical at the Muson Centre involving music, drama and dance. Austen-Peters further produced a Broadway-style musical production titled Wakaa The Musical from December 30, 2015 to January3, 2016 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. BAP Productions’ Wakaa the Musical was the first Nigerian musical to be staged in London’s West End, playing at Shaw Theatre from July 21-25, 2016. She produced Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, which premiered in December 2017. Beyond world class theatrical performances, she produced 93 Days, a feature film on the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, which premiered on September 13, 2016 in Lagos. One of her remarkable feats was on March 26, 2017, when she opened Terra Kulture Arena, the first purpose built private theater in Nigeria, which she conceived and built. Austen-Peters worked as a Consultant to the Ford Foundation Lagos and helped raise millions of dollars for the Museum through Arts and Business Council. Sandra Mbanefo Obiago Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, a social activist, art collector,

and filmmaker. She runs SMO Contemporary Art, which specialises in showcasing contemporary art in non-traditional exhibition spaces, focusing on established and emerging artists based in Africa and the Diaspora. SMO holds cutting edge art exhibitions, which showcase masters and exciting new talent expressing their creativity through art, performance, film and new media. SMO is experienced in organizing symposia, conferences, training and events, which provide a platform for the creative industry to inspire and strengthen humanity’s aspiration for the good society. Peju Alatise Peju Alatise is a household name in the contemporary African art. The foremost Nigerian female artist, who holds a degree in Architecture, is a mixed-medium artist, poet and published writer whose interdisciplinary work has garnered attention on the global art stage. She is known for her largescale, sculptural works tackling contemporary themes most recurring of which is gender and its associated politics. With her works, Alatise transcends barriers and questions status quo in her country and Africa at large. Her guts is commendable and obvious with the passion she addresses social, political and gender-related issues as her primary subject matter, through artistic work that also captures the joys and pain of womanhood in modern-lifeAfrican traditions. Alatise is a 2016 fellow at the Smithsonian Institute of African Art. She has participated in several international solo exhibitions and her works are in private and institutional collections around the world. Horses, one of her works, and a triptych piece of artwork, sold for over £30,000 at Bonhams, the foremost British art auction house in London, a few years ago. At 2014 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, her work was generally adjudged to be the standout piece created in response to the kidnapping of 234 Chibok girls. It featured a series of panels of anonymous Nigerian girls using the Ankara fabric. It was titled, ‘Missing’. Again, she was among the three Nigerian artists, who helped the country to rewrite her story at the Venice Biennale’s 57th edition in Venice, Italy, which Nigeria participated for the first time since the 122 years history of the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, also known as the Olympics of the art world. At the exhibition, Alatise

mirrored the future with her installation tagged, ’Flying Girls. The installation was eight life-sized sculptures of girls with wings and birds in midflight. As well, the Nigerian female artist was announced as the 2017 recipient of the highly coveted FNB Art Prize at the 10th installment of the FNB JoburgArtFair. TY Bello Toyin Sokefun-Bello, better known as TY Bello, is one of Nigeria’s most recognized artists. She came to public attention in the early 2000s as a member of the music group Kush. Beyond music, she has also built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost photographers and is a member of the talented photography collective Depth of Field. Her evocative portraits never fail to rouse strong emotions and have made her one of the most applauded and keenly sought after portrait photographers in the country. Indeed she has the unique distinction of having photographed three sitting Nigerian presidents. TY Bello organizes an annual photography exhibition to raise funds for orphans in Nigeria. She is also the director of Linka-child, an NGO dedicated to proliferating information on orphanages in Nigeria and seeking sponsorship on their behalf. In July 2011, TY Bello was honored by the non-profit Communication For Change organization in a five-part documentary film series titled RedHot. Mercy Johnson Since 2004 when she played the role of Jane in the movie, The Maid, Mercy Johnson has become a household name in the Nigerian movie industry and wining thousands of fans across Africa. Her performance in that movie paved way for her into getting more roles in movies such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America, War in the Palace, and many more. In 2009, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award ceremony, and then Best Actress award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in the comedy movie Dumebi the Dirty Girl. In December 2011, she was listed as Google’s most searched Nigerian celebrity, a position she also held in 2012. From April 1, 2017 till date, she has been the senior special assistant (SSA) to the Kogi State governor on Entertainment, Arts and Culture. She has featured in over 100 movies, most of which in leading roles, nominated in over 17 awards and has won over seven of them.

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Foods that make you happy Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

et us admit it that millions of Nigerians are currently living in the hardest of times. The increasing challenge of insecurity is one clear and present danger. Almost on daily basis precious lives are lost through unrelenting Boko Haram terrorism, banditry and kidnapping for ransom. Add these to the economic downturn as reflected in massive job losses, high rate of food inflation, decrepit infrastructure and political instability and you get to understand why happiness has become a scarce social factor. In spite of all these the choice is yours to make yourself happy, because no one else can! Of note is that the ways towards achieving this is in the foods we eat combined regular exercise. All these assist to boost the production

BAT amplifies sustainability progress with launch of ESG Week

he British American Tobacco (BAT) has launched a dedicated week aimed at highlighting its goals and achievements around its enhanced Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) ambitions. Across its digital channels, the company will devote the entire week to sharing its sustainability story with the outside world. In 2020, the company announced its new corporate purpose to deliver A Better Tomorrow by reducing the health impact of its business, putting sustainability front and centre. Since March last year, BAT has recorded a number of achievements, notably its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the 19th consecutive year in the Index series and what’s more, being the only tobacco company to be so honoured. Other achievements by the company are the launch of the industry’s first ever Human Rights report; its award of an ‘A’ score for climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and its recognition as a Diversity Leader by the Financial Times in its inaugural Diversity Leaders report. Some of the ambitions the company announced in 2020 are increasing its non-combustible products to 50 million by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and accelerating other existing environmental targets to 2025, and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic and making all plastic packaging recyclable by 2025.

of the hormone called serotonin. So, what is it? According to Dictionary.com serotonin is a “neurotransmitter, derived from tryptophan, that is involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes.” Similarly, MedicineNet describes serotonin as a “neuro-transmitter that is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Serotonin is also key to mood regulation; pain perception; gastro-intestinal function, including perception of hunger and satiety; and other physical functions.” Furthermore, serotonin is linked to digestion, blood clotting and bone density. But its most important function in terms of what makes us happy is in regulating mood. Some scientists even refer to serotonin as the “happiness chemical,” because higher serotonin levels increase feelings of well-being, of confidence and belonging. Serotonin in the brain is thought to regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood. Low levels of the chemical have been associated with depression, and increased serotonin levels brought on by medication are thought to decrease arousal. Nausea: Serotonin is part of the reason why you become nauseated. Let us begin on a happy note because once we are excited and in a good frame of mind, we can achieve most of whatever we choose to do. It is interesting, isn’t it? To note that the foods we eat could have positive effects on our mood. Foods that make you HAPPY! One fruit rich in serotonin is avocado. Other food items that have positive effect on your mood are: Dark chocolate, green tea, Greek yogurt,

chicken, chicken noodle soup and bananas. O yes, bananas boost serotonin. Leafy greens facilitate the release of energy. Walnut boosts omega-3 brain nutrients. The protein content in peanut butter is a source of tryptophan, which increases serotonin levels to help one relax.Epson salt has calming effects on your body. Oats ease depression. Cayenne pepper relieves depression. Water hydration eases depression and release more energy. Green smoothie is an energy booster. Almonds-rich in magnesium boosts the production of serotonin. Plantains, pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, and tomatoes contain high amounts of tryptophan which is a building block to creating moodboosting serotonin. So if we consume produce rich in tryptophan, our bodies can make more serotonin. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are involved in the synthesis of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been found in many patients who have depression or decreased attention, concentration, and memory. As for exercise, while walking clears the mind and boosts the free flow of hormones, smiling releases the happy hormone, serotonin. Let us go into specifics about some of the above-mentioned foods: Walnuts Of all the nuts, walnut has the highest level of Omega-3 fatty acids which have great anti-oxidant activities. For instance, it has melatonin which boosts its nutritional value and even makes it easier for people to sleep. Good enough, walnuts are in season as we speak. Don’t complain that they

are expensive, or that when you drink water after chewing it you get some bitter taste. The same chemicals that give you such taste are your health boosters. Banana Good old banana makes us happy all because it is high in vitamin B6 which is required for the synthesis of the neuro-transmitters; serotonin and dopamine. They have positive effects on our nervous system. Popcorn The good thing about popcorn is that it triggers the production of serotonin. It is a good type of carbohydrate because it is low in fat and easy to digest. On the other hand, high-fat carbohydrates take longer time to digest. Popcorn is cheap and available is it not? So, go for it. Orange The question is why orange? The answer is because oranges are packed full of Vitamin C which has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression. That is much unlike aspartame the artificial sweetener that has been linked to mood problems. Instead of sugary, packaged fruit juice go for the natural varieties especially orange. Crayfish Simply put, crayfish is one of the ‘happy foods’ because it is high in selenium, the absence of which causes depression. Unlike canned tuna fish which has lost its Omega-3 fatty acid, crunchy crayfish is a natural mood booster. Go for it! Now, let us consider foods that strengthen our bodies against debilitating diseases. Combine laughter which is the

Sunday 07 March 2021

best medicine! According to HeathGuide, “as children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.” This is well said. Did you know that laughter boosts immunity, lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes your muscles and prevents heart disease? Laughter is good for your health because it relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infectionfighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. It triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter protects the heart as it improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Laughter burns calories. Laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

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

Commentary

The new face of slave trade in Nigeria ZEBULON AGOMUO

n the days when slavery was in vogue, buyers and sellers met at the market square where price haggling took place. The product, usually human beings who had been chained on their feet and neck, watched helplessly. Although that type of business has ceased decades ago, a new version of it is playing out in Nigeria. Unlike in the past when the haggling of prices and transfer of the “cargo” was not televised to the full glare of the whole world, today, the type that is happening in the 21st century Nigeria is shown live as the transaction is taking place. The recent abduction of 27 pupils and 15 workers of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State by armed bandits is another demonstration of the dilapidated state of security in Nigeria and the Nigerian state’s failure to secure the lives and ensure the safety of her citizens. According to news reports, the bandits had demanded N500 million to release the abducted students and workers held in a forest that connects Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger and the Kaduna states. Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi led negotiation with the bandits. The Kagara incident came nearly two months after the heinous abduction of about 400 students of govern-

ment secondary school, Kankara, Katsina State, by bandits. Like what transpired in the slave trade era, where influential people in society sold other people to foreigners mainly for monetary reward, the mass abductions going on in the North could not have been possible without some fifth columnists. One of the Kagara students’ abductors, who refused to accept N2.7million offered to him as ransom for the 27 abductees (who were still held in the kidnappers’ den at the time of going to press) said the person that gave them the “business” was feeding them with government’s plans. “You think I don’t know what you people are doing? I can tell you how many security vehicles are in Kagara as we speak,” the negotiating terrorist said. He further said: “It is with the help of the people of the city that intruders can overrun the city. Don’t you know that? The person who gave us this business is there among you. He is there with you. Wherever you go, he’s watching you.” That this absurdity is happening with government endorsement is heart-rending. Some of the bandits who carried out the abduction in recent times in Kankara, Katsina State and Kagara, Niger State, have become media celebrities. Although government had claimed that no ransom was paid, many Nigerians scoffed at that claim. Events

that followed the release of the boys showed that hefty ransom was paid, but the real amount of money has remained controversial as the Katsina State government and the terrorists have bandied different figures. It beats the imagination of many Nigerians that there is no record of any official inquest, arrest or prosecution relating to the abductions. In today’s Nigeria, terrorists are operating without let or hindrance across the country. They attack villagers daily and keep Nigerians in perpetual fear and trepidation. A large population of Nigerians living in Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and the Katsina States are exposed to insecurity from the activities of bandits. Nigerians are worried that the increasing recognition and attention being given to the terrorists by government and the justification of their heinous activities by the likes of Gumi have sent a message that they are above the law. It is our considered opinion that the terrorists must be seen for what they are- criminals- that take advantage of the country’s security and institutional failures to terrorise the populace and enrich themselves in the process. They must not be “treated with kid gloves”. Today, the lives of Nigerians are being negotiated in the bushes and forests across the country. Kidnappers and bandits have taken over the highways where they lay siege to innocent travellers. But the major concern is

that the abduction of school children in parts of the north has become so rampant that students, teachers and other staff in schools that are located in remote parts of states where insurgency is high, now live in constant fear which also affects the quality of teaching and learning that go on in those places. Relatives of kidnapped victims watch their loved ones on the video while government agents haggle the ransom. What a traumatic experience! When Governor Masari of Katsina posed with some leaders of bandits during the negotiation for the release of the abducted 400 Kankara students, he never thought about what such an appearance could do to the psyche of a Nigerian child. When Sheikh Gumi sat comfortably and engaged in handshake with murderers in the name of negotiation, he forgot that he was enhancing the profile of terrorists and unwittingly encouraging the enlistment of other young Nigerians into the group. When some state governors and senators address press conferences to call for amnesty for the terrorists, it means that criminality pays in Nigeria. This is indeed, a desperate moment in the country. We urge the Federal Government to take the bull by the horns and silence the terrorists permanently. After all, that is the contract it signed with the people when it was voted into power in 2015.

Sports

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PACE Sports announces commencement of 2021 HiFL season

Stories by ANTHONY NLEBEM ollowing the resumption of sporting activities in the country, all is now set for the commencement of the 2021 season of the Higher Institution Football League (HiFL). The league is set

to commence in April with qualifying rounds involving over forty University teams alongside a host of other exciting activities. Speaking at the International press conference on Thursday, the Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing Ltd, Mr Sola Fijabi said preparations

are in top gear to ensure that lovers of football in the country enjoy the best of collegiate football this season. “ The 2021 football games will commence in April with the qualifying rounds. We have had a series of consultations with our partners, the Nigerian

University Games Association (NUGA), sponsors and other relevant stakeholders across the board and we are glad to have come to a consensus that we can go ahead with the 2021 football season. We have also studied international football games and how they have been able to pull off the games despite

Podium finish possible in Tokyo- Ezinne Kalu

’ Tigress pointguard, Ezinne Kalu believes the team can go all the way to win a medal at the Summer Olympic Games. In a chat with NBBF media from her base in France, the 2019 FIBA Afrobasket Most Valuable Player said with the right personnel and positive attitude from her team mates, a podium finish in Tokyo is possible. Fresh out of the 10 days intensive training camp in Atlanta, she revealed that expectations are high for the number one team in Africa. “What do I expect from the girls? They need to show up, come to the training camp locked in, be focused, give 100 percent and really buy in because the Olympics is a huge platform and I feel like we can really do something special”, Ezinne said. She acknowledged that getting a medal amongst the top 12 teams in the world

will not come easy, hence the need to put in the works. “For us to do something special, we have to do the work. We have to do the necessary things to really succeed just like how we do for the world cup and Afrobasket”.

“Every camp that we have, we know that this is the time for us to get serious, this is time for us to really put the work in. I don’t expect anything less from my girls”, the Landerneau of France player said. Known for her high work

rate on the court, in 2020, she was voted Guard of the Year France (1st Division), 1st Team All-Imports France League, 1st Team All-French Player as well as a member of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament All-Star starting 5 in Serbia.

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the restrictions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. With this, we were optimistic that we have a strategy that will lead to a successful season” Fijabi said. Other activities for the action-packed and exciting season will include the HiFL E-games, Masterclass series 2.0 and a host of other digital engagements. “Beyond the physical games, we have other activities that will keep our fans engaged as we create value. Feedbacks on the Masterclass Series with StanbicIBTC for the 2020 season showed that we were able to build the capacity of a lot of young people that joined the webinars. The HiFL Egames, a virtual collegiate football tournament, was another innovation that ensured that our fans did not miss out on the lack of physical games for the 2020 season due to the lockdowns. We hope to sustain the momentum even as we resume play on the field” Fijabi explained. In his remark, the President, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto commended the organisers as he declared the readiness of the schools to host the games in line with Covid-19 protocols. “We once again congratulate the organisers on finding new and inventive ways to connect both

Sunday 07 March 2021

our students and the larger school community via innovative ideas in 2020 and remain optimistic of a more holistic engagement this year as schools all over resume academic activities”, Hamafyelto said. Speaking at the event, Head, Content and Partnership at PACE Sports, Mr Ikechukwu Nwaguru said that HiFL is attracting more partners locally and internationally even as the league hopes to expand its offerings. “We sincerely appreciate our sponsors, StanbicIBTC for their continuous support. Also, the league recently signed a sponsorship deal with NIVEA Men and Minimie for the new season as we take the league to the next level. We are glad to have NIVEA Men join our growing family of partners and sponsors who are committed to developing the Nigerian youths and collegiate sports” Nwaguru said. The qualifying rounds would take place between April and May 2021. Draws for the round of 16 will take place in June and run through September. The HiFL Super Four Finals rounds off the season in September in Lagos. It would be recalled that physical games could not be held for HiFL due to the lockdown and extensive restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ronaldo’s departure changed my play – Benzema

arim Benzema has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has allowed him to take on a different role in Real Madrid’s attack. Benzema has scored a goal in every 1.7 games across all competitions in the two-anda-half seasons since Ronaldo made a €100million switch to Juventus. But in their nine campaigns together at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema was instead finding the back of the net once every 2.2 games. And the 33-year-old has now acknowledged that he had to sacrifice certain parts of his game for Ronaldo’s benefit - not that he has any regrets over the matter. “Cristiano’s departure allowed me to play a different role. He scored 50 goals every year and you had to adapt to his game,” he told El Pais. “He is one of the best in the world and I was happy by his side.” Nine of the 18 trophies Benzema has won in his 12 years in Madrid have come during the two separate managerial stints of Zinedine Zidane.

Of his compatriot, he added: “He is an older brother for me, he is always there to advise me.” In a wide-ranging inter-

view, Benzema also opened up on his boyhood sporting heroes, explaining: “In football, it’s Ronaldo, the Brazilian. “I admire Mike Tyson because we both came from the bottom and we went up little by little. We never had it easy, nor did they give us anything.”

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Yahaya Bello: Making the difference on Security

ove or hate his persona or even his style of governance, there is no denying the incontrovertible fact that here in the increasingly unsafe nation state of Nigeria, he stands head and shoulders today, above his peers. That is precisely in the seemingly intractable battle against all forms of insecurity. Call it terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, or whatever else it would metamorphose into, his administration is battle-ready to curtail or rein in theirhorrendous acts of criminality. One is talking of course, of no one else but Nigeria’s youngest state governor, the nononsense politician called Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. Some critics call him a political gadfly while others see in him, a young leader with the courage to make the difference when it matters most. As the avatar, Nelson Mandela once rightly noted: “It’s easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone.” In Bello’s candid opinion, he views Nigeria’s multi-faceted challenges as hurdles on a race track, to be scaled over, or more like stepping stones to take us to greater heights, not to confound us. But that takes the strong wings of both courage and creativity for the leadership eagle to fly in the direction of people-oriented governance. And taking note of the fact that security, and a strong one at that, forms the firm foundation on which to build the house of democracy, Bello took off on a strong note. That was after being sworn in as Kogi State governor on January 27, 2016, taking over the baton of leadership from Captain Idris Wada. He did that by hosting a high-profile team of top technocrats, as seasoned professionals drawn from a wide security spectrum, to provide a roadmap for Kogi State. It was code-named the “New Direction Blueprint”. Members of the team took note of one unique geographical feature of Kogi state as one that shares borders with eight states including Niger, FCT, Benue, Anambra, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti. Protecting such a confluence state that serves as the economic heartbeat of the country was not going to be a tea party. Realising the bitter fact that the incubus of insecurity has been with us for decades he decided to learn from the hands

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi: of history. He found some vital information from some researchpapers traced to the early ‘70s not long after the civil war, up till the ‘80s. The critical questions resurfaced: What were the forms of insecurity back then? In which parts of the country did they take place? What were the root causes back then and more importantly, how were they tackled? These included of course, the Maitasine riot that ravaged Kano, the intercommunal crises such as the ones between the Aguleri-Imuleri as well as the Ife-Modakeke communities. According to Wikipedia, “Nigerian criminal gangs rose to prominence in the 1980s, owing much to the globalization of the world’s economies and the high level of lawlessness and corruption in the country.Organized crime in the country includes activities by fraudsters, bandits in northern Nigeria (such as looting and kidnappings on major highways), drug traffickers and racketeers”. Incidentally, Kogi State was not spared of some of these waves of wanton crimes and criminality before Bello took over. For instance, between 2011 and 2012, the Boko Haram terrorist group had the audacity to create a cell in Kogi state, which masqueraded as a factory for manufacturing IEDs. But it served as training camp for the heartless killers. Not left out was the spate of kidnappings across the gateway state. The Kogi Central Senatorial District recorded 167 kidnapping cases, while Kogi West Senatorial District recorded 42 and Kogi East recorded 39between the period of January to June, 2016.

Amongst the places that fell easy targets to these miscreants were mosques, churches, banks, private residences as well as offices of security operatives.It is on record thata total of 16 bank robberies were recorded across Kogi state between 2011 and 2015 with millions of naira brazenly stolen. With unchecked bravado theyattacked the office of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) specifically in Lokoja on September 25th, 2015, leaving three people dead! Some of the affected banks included First Bank, Kabba (November 19, 2011); First Bank, Aiyetoro-Gbede (December 19, 2011) ; First Bank, Ankpa ( April 25, 2012); and First Bank Ajaokuta (September 27, 2013). That of Unity Bank took place on April 25, 2012. In fact, First Bank and Mainstream Banks were simultaneously robbed and ravaged in Kabba on October 1, 2014. In the words of Nelson Mandela, Bello must have learnt that “courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” So, with the determination to make the desired difference, Bello knew that he needed to think outside the box to succeed.The battle against all forms of insecurity in the state was no longer going to be business as usual. Subsequently, his administration went into a pragmatic partnership with the military to clip the wings of the ‘Darusallam’ terror group operating on Kogi-Nasarawa border. Men of the Nigerian Army from the 177 Battalion, Lokoja and local vigilantes funded by the Kogi State government led the onslaught to rescue over 100 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 180 kidnappers operating within the deadly camp. And after several hours of gun-battle their camp was reduced to ashy rubbles! In effect, the establishment of the Kogi Vigilante Service (KVS) has therefore, become a paradigm shift and for. According to the governor, a multi-pronged approach against insurgency, well calculated and taken one at a time would eventually bring the efforts to fruition.The approach includes economic prosperity, sound education, military might and a reorientation of the enduring values of the nation seen as a family. Credible records have shown that with the

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

zero-tolerance on insecurity, Kogi state had minimal incidents of robbery in 2017 as against 1,213 instances for that of the most criminal state in the same year. And in the First Quarter of 2020, Kogi state overtook Lagos, the commercial nervecentre of the country as the state with the highest inflow of investment, receiving about $1 billion in various investments, according to NIPC. Governor Bello believes, in sync with the general consensus that national security is a desideratum, sine qua non for economic growth and development of any country (Oladeji and Folorunso, 2007). With the country having a youth population of 80 million (according to the National Bureau of Statistics), representing about 60 per cent of the total population with a growth rate of 2.6 per cent per year, and an average annual entrant to the labour force at 1.8 million between 2006 and 2011, we surely need a sustained security for the economy to thrive. But what really matters is not “the absence of threats or security issues, but the existence of a robust mechanism to respond proactively to the challenges posed by these threats with expediency, expertise, and in real time”. As Mar t i n Lut h e r K i n g Jn r w i s e l y posited:“Courage faces fear and thereby masters it. But cowardice represses fear and is thereby mastered by it”.That precisely is what Governor Yahaya Bello has amply demonstrated, which shows that courage eventually pays off. He is therefore, well deserving of all the accolades he is currently getting in the determined battle against insecurity in the confluence state. Other state governors should borrow a fresh leaf from his laudable efforts.

Impunity: A show National Theatre shouldn’t host

IKEDDY ISIGUZO Isiguzo is a major commentator on minor issues

o agreements matter in Nigeria? It depends on who you are dealing with, a lawyer said without losing a breath. Does it matter if it is a business agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria? Lawyers would be at their best answering the questions on 18 March 2021 at the Federal High Court, Lagos. Our National Theatre is the matter, not venue, of the contention it does not deserve. Who owns it? Who does not own it? Should a common property with known ownership be in dispute? The court would decide this matter that has travelled several roads since it began nine years ago. It dates more years back. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo the dilapidated National Theatre was put up for concession. The process stalled. A new drive began in 2012 and was deemed concluded when the Attorney-General of the Federation signed off on the concession agreement on 3 May 2017. TopWideApeas Consortium won the concession and was duly announced the concessionaire

for the development of the fallow lands surrounding the National Theatre Complex to an ecofriendly grand mini-city housing two five-star hotels, water theme park, arts and entertainments arcades, office complexes, shopping mall and a high-rise car park, as well as providing appropriate connections to the Lagos light rail Metro Blue Line station planned for the National Theatre Complex. TopwideApeas Consortium says it raised nearly $2biillon USD as a total investment portfolio for these projects. Not a dime of the money was required from the government. Instead TopWideApeas was to pay billions of Naira in annual concession fees and taxes during the duration of the concession. It posted the concession bond requirement of N1 billion. The other gains were thousands of jobs that would be generated during a construction period of over four years and new jobs to manage the facility. According to the concession agreement, all developments are to be handed over to the Federal Government in good and operating condition at end of the concession period. The project was already being tagged a signature project of the Buhari Administration. The preservation of the National Theatre, our cultural edifice, one of the most famous landmarks of Nigeria, the epicentre of the monumental 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture, Festac, the global event that brought cultural troupes of black people all over the world to Nigeria, was on its way. Nigerians so hoped. Statutory responsibility for the concession was vested on the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, which had in May 2013 issued to the Minister of Tourism and Culture a letter of “No Objection” for “the

development of complementary facilities to the National Theatre via Public Private Partnership, PPP, Procurement.” BGL Limited was ICRC’s Transaction Adviser. At the very strong request of senior officers of the National Theatre and the involved government agencies, TopWideApeas Consortium assumed the extra responsibility for a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrading of the Complex to synchronise with the planned new structures with the agreement that upon completion of the rehabilitation, the National Theatre would be handed over to the Federal Government for continued management by the Board of the Complex. The agreement increased the construction costs. TopWideApeas did not object. Curious, new matters issued thence. Jadeas Trust staked its interests over the failed Obasanjo exercise. It sued the Federal Government. With all the processes concluded, the Minister for Information, Culture & Tourism Alhaji Lai Mohammed’s formal presentation of the contract details to the Federal Executive Council was stood down thrice due to the Jadeas Trust Vs. FGN court case. The case was subsequently resolved. TopWideApeas now initiated the final move for the Minister of Information to get the final FEC approval – the latest drama surfaced. By December 2019, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Minister for Information, Tourism & Culture (Lai Mohammed), Access Bank Plc and Herbert Wigwe representing the Bankers Committee were among defendants in a case TopWideApeas filed. The other Defendants were the Board of the National Theatre, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, and Attorney-General of the Federation. The case was adjourned to 18 March 2021. TopWideApeas

lawyers’ motion for interlocutory injunction to restrain any interference with the subject of the suit is equally pending. These did not stop CBN and the Bankers Committee, acting on a supposed authority of the Federal Executive Council, to on 14 February 2021 assume control of the theatre. A similar lawlessness on 12 July 2020 had vast media coverage. Beyond the legal matters, what is the interest of CBN in spending N25 billion in a project that the private sector has willingly taken up, at a time government is borrowing to meet its routine obligations? Who would manage the theatre after the CBN investment? What is the worth of agreements that have sailed through the testy routes of government approvals? TopWideApeas has been on this project for nine years? Is there the ease of doing business agenda that the government promotes? At a time of droughts in investments, why would government agencies turn against those who are committing their resources to Nigeria? What is the challenge with the TopWideApeas concession? Why would the government and its agencies not be willing to subject themselves to the law? Interests in the National Theatre are global. TopWideApeas Consortium that raised the $2 billion for the project has partners from the United States, Russia, and the European Union. How would they understand how business works in Nigeria? Are we concerned that prospective investors – some could be connected to the ones involved in the National Theatre – could be watching the outcome of these tentative steps that have kept the business in the cold for eight years? The National Theatre cannot continue hosting this show of impunity.

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