BusinessDay 14 Jun 2020 by BusinessDay

Estimated billing: Nigerians in tale of woes …recount plight in DisCos’ hands

When APC killed joy in Edo on freedom day

We were rejected by hospitals for fear of coronavirus - Patients …We are being careful – Health practitioners

Setting your business to thrive without you

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Vol 1, No. 316

Nigerian Democracy: Gains and pains 21 years after Citizens are now politically aware and that is a plus - Analyst A nation suffocating its citizens – Ikokwu No progress, peace without restructuring - Adebanjo

N300

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I am very sad at what is happening in Nigeria Adebanjo

Atiku 2023 reaffirms my opposition

L-R: Bashir Jamoh, director-general, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Chief of the Naval Staff, when the NIMASA DG paid him a working visit at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

Netflix inks multititle partnership with Mo Abudu 22

Covid-19: Why we dread school How rapists murdered sleep in Nigeria FG needs to go beyond condemnation, threat resumption now - Parents Citizens blame loss of values, internet Ayade, C/River governor, says further delay can be dangerous See page

exposure, others for upsurge

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Cover

Nigerian Democracy: Gains and pains 21 years after ZEBULON AGOMUO AND CHUKA UROKO

hen on May 29,1999 the military junta led by Abdulsalam Abubakar made good its promise of handing over power to a democratically elected government, quite a good number of Nigerian young men had visions while the old folks dreamed dreams of a peaceful and prosperous future. It was a very colourful event at the upscale Eagle Square where Olusegun Obasanjo took over the reins of power from the military, promising to end all forms of executive arrogance and impunity that defined the old order that typified several years of the military in power. For a country which Mother Earth endowed generously with both human and material resources, expectations were high that an Eldorado was on the way to be nurtured and sustained by petro-dollar that was flowing like stream into the national coffers. But all that did not happen. Instead, it has been 21 years of shattered dreams and aborted expectations for which Nigerians are jittery, citing poor management of available resources, reckless spending, executive arrogance and impunity, legislative rascality and the treachery of the judiciary which have all combined and conspired to bring about pitfall, not windfall, from governance. Democracy has been redefined, readjusted and redirected to benefit only the political class, their cronies, family and friends to the detriment of the rest of the people from who power to lead and to govern is derived ab-initio. Be that as it may, political analysts insist that democracy still remains the best form of government, more so for a country like Nigeria that has had the ugly experience of military dictatorship of the Sani Abacha hue that did not stop at only his jackboot rule, but also dipped his hand deeply into the vault. “Yes, we have seen the very bad and ugly side of democracy in Nigeria, but we can still point to a couple of gains we have made from coming out of military rule. Over the years, we have had political enlightenment. Today, an average Nigerian, literate or illiterate, is politically aware and that is a plus,” Sabinus Makinde, a political scientist told BDSUNDAY on phone. He added that unlike a military regime, democracy has afforded Nigerians the opportunity to exercise their right, explaining that citizens are today at liberty to question or contest government policies they consider unfavourable to them as individuals or a collective. Michael Asaolu, shares this view, pointing out that democracy has ensured that no matter how powerful or power-drunk the president of the country is, he still has to lobby if he has an unpopular policy or national decision to make. This, he said, allows for checks and balances in government. “In a military rule, all the state

Buhari

Lawan

Gbajabiamila

governors take orders from the head of state different from what obtains in a democracy where the governors are not tied to the apron string of the president. Each governor is answerable more to the people and the state’s House of Assembly than to the president,” Asaolu noted. Nigeria runs a presidential system of government which has been described as too unwieldy and too expensive because of the large retinue of political office holders and their aids—special and senior special assistants/advisers who also have their offices with a considerable number of staff. However, there is still something positive in all of this. Democracy has helped to create jobs for many Nigerians beginning from the preparation for election to the conduct of the election and eventual setting up government. “This is one form of income redistribution and it is one of the positive sides of democracy. A legislator, for instance, needs a cook, a gardener, two or three drivers, and a few office staff. He also sets up a Constituency Office where he employs a couple of staff. All these people earn income and invest same in the economy of the country,” Makinde noted. An average politician in Nigeria would readily beat his chest that the country has done well having recorded 21 years of unbroken democracy. But analysts dismiss this as a small prize for a country with the largest black population in its 59 chequered years since independence in 1960. “This is a small prize, indeed, but it’s one worth celebrating all the same,” noted an analyst who did not want to be named, noting further that “the larger 59 years of Nigeria’s existence are those of mixed feelings and everything in-between. The verdict is that Nigeria is capable of being much more and better than she has become. The country is a giant with feet of clay.” “The recent xenophobic attack on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa points to the poverty of development the country continues to suffer. Otherwise, why would young Nigerians flee their own country in such large numbers to hostile environments if all were well at home? “Significantly, what are those

saddled with leading the country doing at the moment to lift her from the stagnation that has characterised her since the military truncated her march to progress six years after independence?” the analyst queried. Some Nigerians are so disgusted with the way and manner democracy is practised in Nigeria that they would rather return to the parliamentary system of government which was practised in the country post-independence in 1960. Ogaga Ifowodo, a poet and political activist, was quoted as saying that, “there is a radical need to go back to the old parliamentary system of governance from which Nigeria started its independent life as a country, as it is more effective and cheaper to run than the bloated presidential system currently being practiced.” According to him, the need to return to the parliamentary or prime ministerial system, which is far more cost-effective and ultimately more flexible and dynamic, should be part of any discussion of restructuring. “The fact that elections are local and governance is shared (the executive is part of parliament) reduces some of the more egregious problems of the presidential system, especially in a poor country with weak or nonexistent social institutions,” he said. The consolation Nigerians have had over the years is in the saying that the worst democracy is better than the most benevolent military government. Otherwise many Nigerians have argued that most of the infrastructural achievements recorded in the country were done during the military regime. A country where people sigh repeatedly and have sad stories to tell each time they discuss the affairs of such a nation is not salutary. That was the view of a cleric, who insists that the country has fared badly in the last 21 years. “We see all the important bridges across the country today; great buildings and many others that were built by the military. The power sector that has become a mess these days were well run many years back. Now that they have been privatised, the country has become worse off. Everything that was left behind by the military has been destroyed. “If you ask me, I would say that we were supposed to be doing

better now, with the technology and everything that is in our favour. You are in the media; where is Daily Times today? It was civilian administration that destroyed it. That was a few years ago. Just name other great achievements Nigeria has recorded in the last 21 years apart from the liberalisation in the telecommunication sector that puts phones in our hands, making communication easy? For me, it has been a sad story all the way; a regret indeed,” the cleric said, asking not to be named. Since 1999, insecurity has continued to dog the country. The situation got worsened with the advent of the Islamist Sect, Boko Haram, which has since given rise to other insurgent groups, terrorising Nigeria. Since 2009, when the activities of the sect became pronounced, thousands of Nigerian citizens have been killed in their bloody campaign. Anthony Ezenna, a lecturer in a polytechnic, wondered what gain Nigerians could be pointing to. He said that by his own estimation, “Nigeria is dangerously collapsing in our very eyes.” “What gain do you think the parents of Leah Sharibu, or parents of those girls abducted from Chibok in 2014, who have remained in the enemy camp till this moment, would see in the civil rule that is in place in Nigeria today? What do you think would be the assessment of the family of the Adamawa CAN chairman, who was beheaded by the insurgents, or relations of those mindlessly murdered by the rampaging Fulani herdsmen across the country; or those kidnapped, raped and murdered by bandits within this period? “What can the Nigerian masses point to as the benefit in the last 21 years? Their lifestyle has negatively changed- job losses, insecurity, high level of poverty, and the country has been severely torn apart because of divisive style of leadership. For me, it has been from fire to frying pan,” Ezenna said Chima B. Onuoha,a professor of management with the University of Port Harcourt, believes that Nigeria has fared badly in the last 21 years in the area of checking poverty. He said: “According to The World Poverty Clock, Nigeria is the world’s headquarters of extreme poverty. “In a report released in May 2018, Nigeria had 87 million poor

people, replacing India with the population of 1.3 billion people and with only 73 million people who are extremely poor. In a recent report (May 4, 2020) released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 40.1percent (or 82.9 million) of Nigerians are extremely poor. “The NBS in the same report put the urban poverty index at 18.04percent while the rural poverty rate is estimated at 52.10percent. A report about five years ago showed that there were 112 million poor people in Nigeria. The point I am making here is that poverty rate is even decreasing though at a sluggish rate. There are no reasons it shouldn’t be too low. After all, China was able to pull out over 700 million of her people from poverty in less than three decades.” In his assessment, Guy Ikokwu, a lawyer and member of inner caucus of pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said that there was nothing to celebrate about democracy in Nigeria, rather the people should discuss antidemocratic policies of government that have subjected the nation to decades of degradation. Ikokwu said that a nation with so much human and natural resources should have reason to celebrate, but regretted that leadership failures had subjected the nation to the poverty capital of the world. He stressed that Nigeria would have got it right if June 12 election which had a Muslim-Muslim ticket, of a presidential and vice presidential candidates from the South and the North respectively, and supervised by an electoral umpire from the East, was not annulled. The Ohaneze chieftain maintained that Humphrey Nwosu the then chairman of federal electoral commission n(FEDECO), introduced option A4 to make the electoral system credible, pointing out that the mistake made by annulling that election reduced Nigeria to a totally degraded nation. “We can see what is happening all over the world, the protests going on in the United States of America as a result of violation of Human Rights. We can liken Nigeria to a nation with its knees on the necks of its citizens. So, some Nigerians are no longer breathing, while others are waiting to be buried,” he said. “In COVID-19, a lot of citizens can not earn a living, with so many people killed of hunger more than the pandemic has even killed. There is nothing to celebrate. What we should be talking about is impunity day, anti-democracy day or anarchy day,” he said. Ayo Adebanjo, elder statesman and Afenifere leader, said that without restructuring there would be no peace in the country. “What is there to celebrate? I think we can celebrate being alive to see this day. The government that is ruling us is not for the common man but for themselves. Our demand is clear that the country must be restructured now; anything less the government is just wasting time. Restructure the country back to federalism, let every region be autonomous then we can be in peace; any other thing cannot work,” Adebanjo said.

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News June 12: Adegbenro calls for special recognition for Rewane, Tinubu, others Iniobong Iwok

n entrepreneur, A d e j a r e Adegbenro has called on all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and beyond to accord his maternal grandfather, the late Alfred Rewane and other symbols of democracy, both alive and dead constant recognition through honour and immortalisation. The Ogun High Chief, who is also a grandson to former Premier of the defunct western region, the late Dauda S. Adegbenro made the call in Lagos where he said Pa Rewane and others like him deserved prayers for their roles and sacrifices that led to the entrenchment of a civil rule in Nigeria. It was during the process of attempts to actualise the unjustly annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election by retired General Ibrahim Babangida that a lot of prodemocracy activists paid the supreme price. The election was believed to have

Adegbenro

been won by the late MKO Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). The younger Adegbenro, who reminded that his mate rnal gra ndfath er, Rewane, and others like him paid supreme price for their love for a self-rule, asserted that, “Nothing can be too much to be done for their remembrance

as heroes and martyrs of democracy in this country,” expressing the delight that their memories, luckily still remains ever green in the people’s mind. Recall that the late Rewane was the financier of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), that fought the military to a standstill but was later

assassinated by unknown gunmen suspected to be agents of the state. Th e i n t e r n a t i o n a l businessman from two political families said while the martyrs deserve immortalisation, the living heroes/heroine also deserve honour, respect and recognition, warning however, that the tree of democracy nurtured with sweat and blood should not be allowed to derail through undemocratic conducts. Other martyrs and heroes of democracy asides Rewane were Bashorun MKO Abiola , his wife, Kudirat Abiola, Abraham Adesanya, Suliat Adedeji, Solanke Onasanya, Lam Adesina and Adekule Ajasin, among others. Among the living ones are Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dan Sulaeman, Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Ayo Adebanjo, Ayo Opadokun, Professor Wole Soyinka, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd), Yinka Odumakin, his wife, Joe, Balarabe Musa, Wale Oshun, Col Umar Dangiwa and Sheu Sani.

Covid-19: Methodist cleric advocates compulsory test for people from 50 years UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia

s the number of coronavirus infection keeps rising every day, the President Vision Af r i c a I n t e r n a t i o n a l , Sunday Onuoha (Bishop of Methodist Chur c h, Nigeria) has advocated for compulsory tests nationwide for people between the age of 50 and above. Onuoha , who made the call on the sidelines of increasing cases of COVID-19 recorded in the country, said through this, people infected by the virus could be easily identified on time while isolation and immediate treatment of the patients would commence. The Co-Chair, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, called on the Federal and State governments to as a matter of urgency and public safety heed the call, while advising that it was the only way further spread of the virus could be checked. He added that the spread had reached its alarming rate as

people are now leaving in fear of discerning those with the virus. Onuoha also reminded government at all levels of various predictions made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) concerning number of persons estimated to die in Africa if the virus should hit the continent badly, noting that Nigeria could avert such from happening if the call for a nationwide testing of persons from 50 years and above was heeded. He pointed out that most countries of the world that were out of the woods nipped it in the bud by carrying out compulsory tests for the aged. Re c a l l t h a t a t t h e weekend, Bishop Onuoha had coined a new name for coronavirus through a question poser, “Who Are You Wary Of ?” “Ama ndi Ana’eze”. The question was borne out of the fact that it is hard to discern if a close family member, mother, father, son, daughter has the virus because it does not show on the face.

Flying Doctors launches facility for Ondo 2020: Why Akeredolu deserves re-election - Industrialist emergency evacuation of Covid-19 patients KORETIMI AKINTUNDE, Akure

head of the July 20 All Progressives Congress (APC) primary and October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, the Convener of Ibi Giga Ambassadors, Alex Ajipe, has appealed to the National Leadership and members of the party in the state to support the re-election of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to enable him consolidate on the gains of his first term in the interest of the state’s future. Ajipe, an industrialist, made the appeal at a political forum in Akure, the state capital, against the backdrop of the political manoeuvring currently playing out ahead of the governorship poll in the state, explaining that the Akeredolu’s re-election would further engender socio-economic growth and development of the state. According to him, majority of Governor Akeredolu’s projects are set up to secure future for generations yet unborn in the state. He maintained that it would remain unforgettable, the governor’s

Akeredolu

unprecedented efforts at opening up the state for e c o n o m i c p r o s p e r i t y, developing infrastructure in terms of roads and classrooms construction as well as massive investments facilitated by his administration as anchored at Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, Ore. “If I should talk about Mr. Governor’s achievements, I can talk from now till tomorrow. When you see a project like Ondo State afforestation is for the future of this state, Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub is now a reality which has silent opposition,” he said. Ajipe, who is also the manager of Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub and CEO of Klick Konnect International, spoke on how leadership qualities of Akeredolu should

be appreciated as the race for the 2020 polls gets tougher. “Second term agenda (of Aketi) is an agenda of everybody; is everybody’s project. Aketi is not a comedian; he has shown he means business of good governance. “Aketi has gone beyond appellation; Aketi is no longer an alias; Aketi is now Movement. “He said Ondo state must be accessible from Lagos, from Abuja and the East, today we can see that vision is being actualised; you can access Ondo State now and the ease of doing business here is huge,” he said. Ac c o r d i n g t o h i m , “Generations yet unborn will remember Governor Akeredolu with OndoLinyi Industrial Hub. Aketi has proven enemies and opposition wrong. Nobody has accused of nonperformance.” Recall that Ibi Giga Ambassadors group is one of the numerous political groups with Ondo State lawmakers who raised N35million, out of which, a cheque of N22.5million was presented to Akeredolu to obtain the APC 2020 governorship Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ahead of the July 20 primaries.

CHUKA UROKO

edical science in Nigeria was, on Tuesday, taken a step higher as Flying Doctors Nigeria, the premier air ambulance and medical emergency evacuation company in West Africa, unveiled the latest addition to their catalogue of medical equipment, the isolation pod (Isopod). The isolation pod, better described in the medical field as the biological isolation transport unit, is a temporary shelter used to provide medical isolation for patients with infectious diseases. They are capsules primarily used to provide isolation when

transporting patients by either air or land. The Isopod is designed to enable an efficient air transfer of patients with highly contagious diseases, like the COVID-19, while ensuring absolute safety of both the medical and aviation crew. “This is another example of our innovative and forward-thinking mien as an organization,” Jibayo Oyedele, Medical Director for Flying Doctors, noted at the private unveiling of the new product. “ F r o m t h e conceptualization of the business over a decade ago, to our remarkable success over the years and now the availability of the Isolation pod, our focus

has always been to ensure that exceptional healthcare services are available to people in their locations of choice,” he added. Oyedele assured that with the Isolation pod, they were able to evacuate and transport COVID-19 patients to their preferred destination to access medical care without the risk of crossinfection to the medical and aviation crew. He explained that patients who have tested positive for infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 can only be transported where there is a barrier between the healthcare providers and such patients. Such transportation process will also require extensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE), from evacuation to arrival and admission. He noted further that there is also an emotional trauma caused by fear and loneliness as the evacuee is mostly always transported without any family member or friends close by. This has also significantly hampered the evacuation of foreign nationals resident in Nigeria who are desirous of returning to their home countries, or some other locations, to get preferred medical care.

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Sunday 14 June 2020

News

Abia First Lady makes case for more focused, resultoriented action to stop gender-based violence

June 12 election Nigeria’s most defining moment - Gani Adams

UDOKA AGWU, UMUAHIA

Iniobong Iwok

kechi Ikpeazu, wife of the governor of Ab i a St a t e and president of Vicar Hope Foundation, has condemned the current spate of sexual violence and child sexual abuse occurring in the various parts of the country, describing them as inhuman and barbaric. Ikpeazu, while speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, expressed concerns about the deterioration of moral values in some quarters and that on a daily basis, women and girls around the world are still experiencing harassment and violence of all forms and types. “I call on Nigerians to begin to take greater actions as individuals and groups, it’s not enough to tweet, Facebook, and share pictures on Instagram. We need to identify the foundation of these problems and start solutions from there. There is the need to strengthen the family circle and moral background of people; there is the need for our country and government to create a broad-based policy that offers greater access to psychological care and counseling; the law enforcement and the justice system need to be streamlined for speedy investigation and trial of cases. “ Re l i g i o u s a n d t h e traditional institutions need to get involved because some of this is happening under their noses. There are known cases of identifiable

L Nkechi Ikpeazu

paedophiles, and child rapist in our communities, and these people should be labeled and extra care taken around them. The first line of defense for rapist and child abusers are the parents of potential victims. They need to watch out for danger signals and do more to protect their children,” she said. The Abia first lady noted that the violence and the raping are exacerbated because victims and their families are reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement agents and the justice system, adding that this development makes it difficult to have closure in a lot of cases or to punish perpetrators in order to serve as deterrence to others. “There is a culture of silence in our society that protects perpetrators. Victims are often reluctant to step up and speak out about their sad experiences.

They are afraid to confront their abuser. Some families prefer to hide such barbaric acts,” he said. “As president of Vicar Hope Foundation, I have championed several cases of abuse with the objective of assisting the victim to get Justice. In more than half of the cases, either the family or the adult victim will back out. I had a case in Aba, a woman whose husband had battered many times up to the point that she had miscarriages. She invited Vicar Hope Foundation to intervene and save her from her violent husband. She sent several pictures of the horrendous injuries her husband had inflicted on her. However, when the team from my organisation, FIDA and the police arrived to rescue her, she hid away. She later sent an SMS to apologise for what she described as ‘wasting our time’.

Ex-Odu’a CEOs eulogise departed colleague, Omotosho …Say, his tenure remains reference point for remarkable achievement REMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan

emi Omotosho, a former Group Managing Director of Odua Investment Company Limited, who died on June 5, 2020, has been eulogised for his worthwhile contributions to the growth and development of the conglomerate, the collective patrimony of the Western States of Nigeria. Omotosho had served as the sixth Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company between 1998 and 2004. While mourning the passing of Omotosho, three surviving erstwhile Group Managing Directors of the company, Olu Mogaji, Olufemi Adewumi and Adebayo Jimoh described his death as

shocking and devastating. A statement made available by the trio, said that the deceased came to the Odu’a Group with a rich background in corporate business management; and he succeeded, in the short space of his directorship of the company, to improve on what he met on ground in Odu’a. “It is praiseworthy that his tenure remains a reference point for remarkable achievement in the group”, they said. They also described Omotosho as a seasoned administrator and a man of many parts whose tenure witnessed significant human capital development. According to the statement, “Recently, when the Board of Directors of Odu’a decided to constitute a body of Past Group Managing Di-

rectors, for purely advisory purposes, Sir Omotosho, as usual, played an exemplary role in the work of the body. “Always a delight to listen to; Sir Omotosho, a very intelligent man for that matter, had a powerful debating skill to convey his views with cogent, logical points at every forum. He had a knack for details and ‘could sell snow to the Eskimos in winter’. “Sir Omotosho was a grassroots man, not only in his home town, Aiyedun-Ekiti, Egbeoba, his Local Government Area, but also in Ekiti, his state of origin. It was he, who facilitated the location of Wema Bank branch in Aiyedun and the First Bank in the town. This was besides many other development projects, including human capital growth, in the locality”.

eader of pan-Yoruba group, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams has described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s history. Adams, in a statement by his media Adviser, Kehinde Aderemi expressed joy that part of the dreams of the OPC, under his leadership, had been realised with the celebration of June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day. He, however, regretted that despite the sacrifices of the activists and pro-democracy groups, a lot needed to be done for democracy to take firmer roots in the country. Adams said the country would get better with better practice of true federalism, adding that federating states should be geared toward achieving the best for the people at the grassroots. He said this could be

achieved through healthy competition among the federating units, including the government at the centre, states and local councils. Adams noted that it was good that democracy is evolving, calling for more attention to be paid to deepening democratic norms. “The struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate given freely to the late MKO Abiola in a free and fair election then was a long and hard battle. “Those of us that are alive today still remember those moments with a lot of regrets,

Gani Adams

and surprises,” he said. Adams said most political leaders had lost touch with the people at the grassroots, adding that the lesson of June 12 election was indeed a lifetime for everybody. “It took 27 years after the brutal annulment of the freest and fairest election for the Federal Government to honour and recognise the late MKO Abiola and several Nigerians that paid the supreme price,” Adam said. Adams further stressed that the outbreak of Covid-19 had restrained OPC from celebrating the annual June 12 symposium, adding that the group remained the only formidable group that had been celebrating the June 12 anniversary since 2001. “To the glory of God, OPC has been a vocal voice requesting for the authentication of June 12 as the official Democracy Day. “So, whether our effort is being recognised today or not, it is on record that we are part of the success stories of this democracy,” Adams added.

UNAN marks World Environment Day …Urges Lagos to enforce waste disposal laws Ngozi Okpalakunne

agos State government has been urged to enforce laws that will ensure proper waste disposal so as to prevent blockage of channel water caused by solid wastes. A statement signed and made available by the Secretary General of the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), Ganiyu Owolabi also stressed the need for the state government to take seriously the mitigation measures against flood as it will increase the risk of coronavirus this rainy season. To mark this year’s World Environment Day, the statement explained that UNAN

embarked on a clean-up exercise in Ikosi, Ketu area of the state. “The clean-up exercise took place at a major canal in Onakoya Street, Ikosi, Ketu in Lagos. This Community was selected due to incessant flood especially during the rainy season which has caused extensive damage to homes, properties and led to other health challenges. “United Nations Association of Nigeria used the World Environment Day to orientate the dwellers of Onakoya Community of the need for proper waste collection and disposal. “Stakeholders in Onakoya Community which include landlords and dwellers appreciated the laudable initiative taken by UNAN. With

the support of stakeholders within the community, the clean-up exercise was successful and plastics, pet bottles and other solid wastes blocking the water channel were removed for easy water passage,” it added. However, the association in the statement appealed to Nigerians to prioritise recycling of plastics, pet bottles and other solid wastes because of their dangerous effect on the environment. “We also enjoin manufacturers and the bottling companies in Nigeria to give incentives to customers to encourage recycling and proper waste disposal as well as to avoid the hazards associated with the use of plastics, nylons and pet bottles to the environment,” the release stated.

L-R: Busola Oladujoye, Kogbe Oluborode and Adebayo Adenike, members of the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), during clean-up exercise in Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, organised by UNAN to mark this year’s ‘World Environment Day’.

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News

New police commissioner takes over at eastern ports, braces up for challenges Ignatius Chukwu

new commissioner of police has taken over in Po r t H a r c o u r t to oversee eastern ports. She is Tamunoemi Evelyn Peterside, who continues where Kogi State-born Yunusa Ogwuche stopped. Since Ogwuche stepped aside on May 23, 2020, after 35 solid years in the police, leaving behind applause and glorification by the eastern ports community, speculations have been rife on who would be favoured to step into his big shoes. The answer came in the latest postings that picked on Peterside, who once served in the eastern ports before proceeding elsewhere. Peterside has her tasks cut out for her. The first may be to find the charisma to carry the officers and men along without rancour. The port security community testified that Ogwuche excelled in this. One officer described him as the commissioner that does not shout. Some said they did not know officers can be made to deliver all the time without shouting. The next may be interagency cooperation in the eastern ports, something

that went very high under her predecessor. The open rivalry between the port police and the Customs and others rather changed for good as each agency found time to visit the other and learnt to resolve whatever differences amicably. On this, the Customs Comptroller in the zone, Awwal Baba Mohammed said: “We seek cordial work relationship with the police, all to support the economy.” The third could be the need to maintain adequate security in the zone in the face of rising threats from youths, community rebels and infiltrating persons as the eastern ports begin to boom again. The BUA section of the Port Harcourt Port was shut down in 2019 because of insecurity. The matter led to crisis with the Nigeria Ports Authority which recently resolved the situation. The NPA headquarters said on the day Ogwuche was retiring that his tenure handled the situation effectively. The new CP Eastern Ports seems equal to the bill as she said she was there to take the command to the next level. While taking over in a brief ceremony, Peterside promised to improve on the existing cordial relationship between her predecessor

and the stakeholders so as to achieve sustainable development through Community Policing as directed by the Inspector General of Police. Abubakar Adamu. She commended the retiring CP for maintaining peaceful relationship with relevant stakeholders in the Eastern Ports Command. Earlier, Ogwuche advised the new not to ignore the community members and others who may have something to contribute in the overall peaceful coexistence in the Eastern Ports Command. Like a home coming, the new CP once serve in the Eastern Ports Command as an Area Commander (ACP) some years back. She joined the Nigerian Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintend of Police (ASP) in 1988. She is expected to bring her pedigree to bear on her new task as she had attended various national and international courses. A 1984 English Literature g r a d u a t e o f Ah m a d u Bellow University (ABU) with Masters in Education Management from the Rivers State University, the new CP expected to draw a programme that would sustain the gains of the recent past and reach new goals.

There are growth opportunities in digital journalism - Aigbogun Anthonia Obokoh

r a n k Ai g b o g u n , publisher and chief executive officer, BusinessDay Media Limited, has said there are growth opportunities in digital journalism in Nigeria and across the world. While research has shown that digital journalism has opened up new opportunities for news to be explored from many angles, Aigbogun noted that since the advent of digital technology, a lot of changes are happening in the world of journalism. “The transition has been made possible by digitalization and good journalism must be paid for and only good journalism would save journalism,” Aigbogun said during a webinar on ‘Journalism in the Digital Age: Essential Skill Requirements’ organised recently by the School of Media and Communications (SMC), PanAtlantic University, Lagos. The publisher, in his presentation titled ‘Journalism in the Digital Age: Myths and Realities’, said that the digital era has made it easy for journalists to specialise in any aspect of the profession. “ A journalist may not know mathematics, but in

today’s journalism where data journalism is given priority, any journalist that cannot talk about data or ratio has no place in journalism today or tomorrow,” he said. “The reality of journalism in a digital age is increasing popularity of citizen journalism and the rise of solution journalism,” he added. The media expert emphasized that there are intersections of journalism and technology, especially some forms of technology that are becoming almost the life blood of journalism in today’s world. According to him, there is also an evolution of talents in the newsroom. He noted that the valuation for newspaper is still traditional. In the face of today’s journalism, the publisher noted that fact checking, research, explainer, and multimedia storytelling are in the lead. “The most important innovation to succeed in the digital age is to migrate from advertising revenue to reader revenue, those that have succeeded today are those that have moved advertising revenue to reader revenue,” he said. “The truth of the matter is the advantage of digitalization in the scale that it offers has not been fully leveraged

or taken advantage of,” he stressed. On the way forward for publishers, Aigbogun noted that there is a change in consumer behaviour around the world and newspapers are trying to align and follow their audiences. “We are going after them providing them our services in whatever form they choose to consume. Certainly at a fee and not free,” he said. “If in 2020 a publisher is not charging for digital content, such publishers should not be publishing, let alone journalism because they are headed on a part that goes nowhere. That is the reality,” he emphasised. However, he advised publishers to look at pay walls, stating that media organisations can increase their subscribers revenue by creating pay walls. Earlier in his opening remark, Ikechukwu Obiayan, executive of the School of Media and Communications (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, commended efforts by some Nigerian media organisations to migrate to digital journalism. He advised journalists to learn and be better equipped for journalism in the digital age.

Kyari gives marching orders on cost of crude oil production …As expert lists factors responsible for high cost Olusola Bello

L-R: Tamunoemi Evelyn Petetside, new CP Eastern Ports, taking over from Yunusa Ogwuche.

Mudiame Foundation supports media practitioners, canvasses for better welfare IFEOMA OKEKE

u d i a m e Development Fo u n d a t i o n has provided support for over 35 journalists across the country as part of efforts to address the impacts of Covid-19 on journalists. Th e f o u n d e r, Su n n y Eromosele while reaching out to the journalists selected from print and broadcast

media houses in Nigeria, insisted that there was need for the Federal Government and media employers in the country to prioritise welfare of journalists. Eromosele, who decried recent sack of journalists across media outlets in the country as well as poor payment of salary in the media, said his Foundation was forced to act knowing the roles journalists play in the development of society.

“Today, we have been able to support some journalists from The Guardian, Vanguard, ThisDay, BusinessDay, Pilot, Leadership, Arise TV, AIT, Au t h o r i t y Ne w s p a p e r, Silverbird TV and some state FM stations. “We are disturbed about the challenges journalists face in the country and as a foundation, we have to act because we focused on empowering a better society,” Eromosele stated.

he issue of high cost of producing a barrel of crude in Nigeria again has come to the fore with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) saying that it would take decisive action against any company that may decide to maintain any cost above $10 a barrel or unit by 2021. Mele Kyari, managing director of NNPC, had said the price was possible and alleged that some of the contractors included spurious costs in the jobs they presented to oil companies. He warned that companies that cannot bring their production cost to $10 per barrel at the end of fiscal 2021 should close down. He said companies must learn how to be efficient, costeffective and do away with expenditures that are not necessary, stating that there are costs embedded into projects by contractors that are not realisable. According to him, the expectation of the industry is that the price of crude oil would be stable at about $42 a barrel by the end of the year. The NNPC boss, who spoke on ‘the Impact of COVID-19 on the Nigerian oil and gas – the way forward’ at

a Webinar conference organised by National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), said that $10 per barrels cost of production is now the expectation of the industry by end of 2021. This he said is realisable as new cost structures are being put in place at the moment. “Our vision is S10 per barrel, more efficiency in the industry, more cost consciousness, and realistic cost. The ultimate thing is cost reduction,” he said. Currently, the cost of producing a barrel of crude oil in the country is between $17 and $30 depending on the terrain a company operates. He bemoaned the apparent lack of efficiency among the operators and stated that it would not be business as usual as the industry is now focused on the cost that will give more revenue. “Operational inefficiency will no longer be tolerated while technology adaptation for cost efficiency would be a major factor driving cost down. NNPC and its partners would pursue this aggressively. The situation where a company produces a barrel of crude oil at $93 is not acceptable. This means such a company is depending on revenue generated by others to survive,” he said However, among the rea-

sons contractors tend to pad contracts include the contracting circle, which means the time it takes to approve the contracts by the government which is a major issue to the contractors. The contracting circle in Nigeria has just been reduced to about six months now. This exercise usually takes about 36 months from the beginning of the contract to time of execution. The NNPC, through National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), has done great works over the years in the area of reducing contracting cycle which used to be a major factor responsible for high cost of production, stressing that the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) achieved a six-month contracting cycle. Other factors that contribute to increasing the cost of contract according to Roland Ewubare, NNPC’s chief operating officer (COO), Ventures and Business Development include terrain peculiarity which is also an important factor in determining cost, issues such as pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, among others peculiar to the Nigerian terrain that drive up crude oil production cost in the country.

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Sunday 14 June 2020

NewsFeature

Covid-19: Why we dread school resumption now - Parents KELECHI EWUZIE

any parents in Nigeria appear to be in a dilemma at the moment. They are caught in-between the desire to see their children go back to school as soon as possible and the fear of the children contracting the dreaded coronavirus (Covid-19), which was the reason for shutting down schools across the country since the month of April. Some of the parents who spoke with BDSUNDAY said Though, the parents expressed concern that this year’s academic calendar may have been altered, which by implication, would prolong the children’s stay in school when schools eventually reopen, they also expressed fear that rushing to reopen schools may lead to trading the lives of their children for knowledge acquisition. BDSUNDAY findings show that one of their major fears is the ability of schools to abide by the protocols stipulated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and most importantly, the ability of pupils to restrain themselves from mingling dangerously with one another. But Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River State, believes that Nigeria could be waiting for eternity, advising that schools should reopen as the coronavirus may have come to stay. He said that what was needed to be done was to fashion out ways of living with the pandemic. A mother, who simply introduced herself as Kate, a banker, said: “The major concern I have, which I think is the same fear many parents nurse, is how to get the children to observe what has become a sort of stereotype- don’t touch your face, your nose; don’t touch another person, maintain a distance and wash your hands regularly. Even if schools provide all the necessary things expected of them, enforcing compliance may be a little bit difficult.” According to Kate, “I read a report a few days ago that despite all the warnings and instructions on the protocol to adopt by worshippers, some of the people were so excited on seeing their brethren that they began to hug one another and shaking hands. If it is so with adults, I cannot be sure that the children will be controlled if they should be told to go back to school today. The coronavirus is real; make no mistake about it. So, what would it profit a parent to endanger the life of a child or by implication a whole family by clamouring for school reopening? I think, for me, life is first.” Margret Uponi, another parent and CEO of Maribet Consult Limited, told our correspondent that

“Children are highly asymptomatic and could contract COVID-19 from even teachers that use public transport. The children that get infected in school may then expose their parents and other children that are highly vulnerable.” Uponi said that it is still very unsafe to expose children either in public or private school, adding that both government and school owners need to be deliberate in the process of reopening school. According to her, “There is really no hurry for now. The older ones in terminal classes specifically can be engaged online to complete the session and write their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) examinations digitally from all over the world. The students in higher institutions can also be engaged virtually as well. Unfortunately, our public Universities are on strike as we speak.” She however, noted that for Nigerian Private Universities that understand how to apply the effective use of Learning Management System, the period of school closure can afford them the opportunity to extend an online teaching to their students at an affordable fee. “This is also the time that Open University was supposed to be functional. Unfortunately or fortunately, COVID-19 has helped us to reveal our very many inadequacies. Only few of our universities are ready, a few private schools are doing their best as they see that necessity is the mother of invention,” she said. Uponi was quick to add that if the schools were to resume today, she would not send her children back to school; a view she believed to have been shared by many of her friends. “COVID-19 is real and it’s ravaging anyhow. We need to take personal responsibility. Better be safe than be sorry.” Niyi Akinnaso, a concerned public analyst in an article titled, ‘How schools may reopen gradually’, opines that “Knowing what we

know today about the behaviour of the COVID-19; the incredulity of many Nigerians about the virus; and the non-compliance of most Nigerians with the World Health Organisation (WHO)-supported mitigation measures established by the NCDC, it will be foolhardy to think of reopening schools earlier than September. Neither the science nor the data of COVID-19 in Nigeria today leads us to think of reopening schools soon.” Akinnaso reiterated the fear of many parents over school resumption as many schools lack the infrastructure for maintaining physical distancing and washing hands with soap regularly. According to him, “Parents, teachers, and students often come from different parts of the country to many of the nation’s schools, especially in the cities. With the confession of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 that Nigerians are refusing to show up for testing, who knows what many

At every stage in life, there is a time when you have to be in class and when children miss that delicate phase, it becomes very dangerous

of them will bring to the schools, if they were reopened while the infections are spiking without an end in sight?” “As for the universities, the idea of online learning is nothing more than self-deception on the part of government and many universities in the country, because neither the infrastructure nor the trained personnel is available in most public universities. Even in private universities, such as Elizade University, which boast of successful online classes during the ongoing pandemic, the percentage of students who are able to participate effectively ranges from 30 to 70 percent,” Akinnaso said. The fears expressed by parents concerning school resumption is not however, lost on some school owners, who believed that though private schools may be ready for resumption, that cannot be said of public schools. A school proprietor, who spoke to BDSUNDAY on condition of anonymity, said in preparation for school resumption in July or any time, she had already ordered electronic sanitising machine, washing bucket with tap, soaps, temperature reading machine and have equally advised parents on their own part to be safety cautions prior to resumption. “We will fumigate the school premises. As long as we keep personal hygiene as we should. Feed kids with healthy food. I am 100 percent sure all we go well. We will stagger their play time,” she said. She however, observed that the elite parents are not comfortable sending their kids to school now. Their kids are not affected by this pandemic like the average low income parents. Their online learning is 100 percent going on, because they can afford whatever it takes. “It’s tough though, but that’s where we are now. Even till September, the number of Covid-19 cases is unlikely to reduce. We might as well move on with pre-

cautionary measures until maybe vaccine will show up hopefully,” she said. Yomi Awelewa, a lecturer with the University of Lagos and father of two children, hopes that when all measures are put in place, he can then allow his children resume. He pointed out that since the Federal Government plans a phased opening of school, it will help ensure that the process is gradual and not too cumbersome for schools. He further noted that children’s academic future should not entirely be put on hold because of the pandemic, “July 13 is a tentative date for resumption. So, let wait and see what will happen,” he said. Ben Ayade, Cross River State governor, however, strongly believes that it is wise for the kids to go back to school with their nose masks and face shields. The governor, who advised the Federal Government to reopen schools, spoke while unveiling a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) production plant in the state. According to him, Cross River State has strong commitment that children would not continue to stay at home because “the more they stay at home, the more the moral decadence; the more the indiscipline and the more they become very lazy to go back to school and get started.” “Obviously, the coronavirus has come to stay with us and the reality is that countries that had to resume schools have had to contain with rising cases of the virus. How long are we going to wait as a country? Perhaps, we have to adopt a new lifestyle that would integrate COVID-19 as part of our lifestyle,” Ayade said. According to him, “At every stage in life, there is a time when you have to be in class and when children miss that delicate phase, it becomes very dangerous. I think it is wise for the kids to go back to school with their nose mask and face shield. When you get to school, you drop the mask and wear the shield only to class to allow you for more ventilation and better breathing.” “I think Cross River State would want to see that the school starts for sure. Because we care, and we would want to support our public schools with free provisions of PPEs, which is limited only to nose mask and face shield. The state is investing in mass production of face shield and nose mask because it has become obvious that PPE has become more critical. Without the PEEs, our health workers would be at risk. Therefore, there is need for the production of PPEs. This would be the first and major shield production here in Nigeria and I think that the Federal Government would be encouraged to resume schools,” the governor added.

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BDSUNDAY 7

NewsFeature How rapists murdered sleep in Nigeria AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE

t appears these are dangerous times for Nigerian girls and women of different ages as rapists seem to be more vicious and on the loose in society. Rape has now become a common phenomenon that occurs worldwide, and it is also a social crime that has been committed severally in many societies, even in the civilised world. Gone are the days when the fear was only about young girls. Today, nobody of the feminine gender is spared. Girls of two months old, one year, young girls, old women and very old women are falling victim of rape. In the past few weeks, the media have been awash with mindboggling reports of savage attacks on girls and women, irrespective of their age, by men and young boys of ‘no conscience’. Few days back, reports made the round about the rape and eventual death of Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year old 100-level Microbiology student of the University of Benin, which took place in a church in Benin City, Edo State Capital, while she was reading. Also, there were reports about the rape and murder of Barakat Bello, a 19-year-old student of the Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training, Ibadan, Oyo State, in her father’s house, and Joy Adoki, a 400-level student of the Department of Management Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, who was raped, murdered and buried in a shallow grave by her assailant. Aside these, news also made the round about the rape and murder of one Queen Igbinevho, the pregnant wife of a politician in Benin City, Edo State, and it was reported that her attackers were said to have gained entrance into her home through the ceiling. These were aside the rape case of Tina Ezekwe, and the reported rape of a minor in Jigawa state. Available data suggests that in some countries, one in five women report sexual violence or being raped by fathers and intimate partner. This cuts across diverse age range of victims from toddlers and children to even older victims of 70 years old, with over 70 percent of the victims under 19. Many people have wondered why cases of rape continue to spike despite lockdown. Many say that the rational thing should have been a sharp drop in the incidence since the lockdown has made it possible for randy men to stay home with their families. Reacting to the paradox, Kazeem Agboola, a public affairs analyst, said: “There are men that were used to patronising brothels and prostitutes, or those who hang around with girls and ladies after work hours. They never go home straight after closing from their place of work. They always give excuses of hold up or extended assignments, meetings in the office. With the lockdown, curfew and

the shutdown of hotel and brothel activities, such men are now being forced to stay home willy-nilly.” According to him, “And because they have become obsessed with such habits, they begin to look ‘inwards’. They not only abuse their legitimate wives, they begin to abuse girls around their environment at every slightest opportunity.” Agboola further explained that some boys that used to have access to loosed girls on the streets, schools, and other social places no longer see such “free donors”, they now pounce on vulnerable girls and women around them. “Don’t forget that the lockdown has given some youths all the time to browse all manner of things on the Internet. In fact, according to some stories, some of the youths are now learning how to rape women and girls on the Internet. They join such cult groups online, and they want to physically put such things into practice. Chances are that if not the lockdown; if they had been in school or engaged in their studies, they would not have had the time to roam the net and picking dangerous ideas,” he further said. Supporting this fact, Pauline Tallen, minister of Women Affairs, said at the media briefing held on Monday, 8th June, 2020, that it has been brought to her attention that the rising incidences of Sexual and Gender-Based violence could also been traced to violations by fathers and intimate partner abuse, which according to her, were as a result of some measures taken by the Federal Government to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic. “One of such is the lockdown, where victims were locked in with their abusers, with no respite in sight. This was further made worse as SGBV interventions were not classified under essential services. We thank all members of Civil Society Organisations, who took it upon themselves to save the lives of these victims at the peak of the lockdown,” she said. The minister however, said that the theme of the 2020 Day of the African Child ‘Access to a ChildFriendly Justice System in Africa,’

further strengthens the advocacy to demand for justice for those who have lost their lives and those who have lost their dignity as a result of violence meted out to them. “We remember today with pains in our hearts the rape of the 12 years old girl by 11 men in Jigawa State and the rape of a 4 years old girl by her school teacher.” “Rapists are on the loose in Nigeria today due to the rising intake of alcohol and drug abuse among youths, idleness, pornography exposure, psychological disorder, and bad company, among youths,” Justina Olusi, a counselor in one of the secondary schools in Lagos, said. According to her, today’s youths are being bombarded by modern influences seen in the internet, watched in pornographic movies and television in addition to sex novels and books, which they read freely. Olusi, who also blamed gaps in parental upbringing and teaching of morals in homes for the delinquencies among youths, said many parents hardly spend time with their children at home rather many of them prefer making ends meet to keeping ample eyes on their wards. “This is why many children are left in the hands of house maids, nannies and other care givers, who in most cases end up harming the children’s behaviour rather than making them. On the other hand, exposing younger generation to immoral movies puts youths under pressure to go into sex by all

means. As a result, young ones are always under pressure to experience sex, and in some cases, end up in raping their female counterparts,” Olusi stated. Speaking on the role Nigeria’s justice system plays in putting an end to rape, Ikenna Ugwu, a father of three daughters, told BDSUNDAY that many cases of violence against girls and women often go unpunished as many suspects are not being prosecuted or jailed. “Nigeria’s weak law enforcement creates an environment where rapists go free. In most cases police in Nigeria seems to contribute to the culture of tolerance for sexual violence against women. In this part of the world, policemen are fond of treating rape victims as though they are the offenders, and in some cases the police accuse the victims of consenting to sexual intercourse with rapists,” Ugwu said. On her parts, Gloria Oke, a mother of four said: “Inappropriate dressing that often exposes the part of body that ought to be covered from public view, ends up luring the opposite sex, and compels them to have lustful thoughts that may eventually lead to rape.” Presently, the rise in cases of rape against girls, women and underage has been generating concerns among governments at all levels, civil society groups and concerned individuals President Muhammadu Buhari during the national broadcast to mark Democracy Day, June 12th, 2020, said that he was particularly upset at recent incidents of rape, especially of very young girls in the country. According to him, the Police are pursuing these cases with a view to bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to swift justice. “I assure all our women of this administration’s determination to fight gender-based violence through the instrumentality of the law and awareness creation. Nigerian women remain a particular treasure to the nation, and that this administration has continued to give them a place of pride in the affairs of our country,” Buhari assured. Meanwhile, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has called for the establishment of special courts to try sexual offenders.

Julie Donli-Okah, director-general of NAPTIP, who spoke at a media briefing in Abuja last Wednesday, said the special courts will allow for speedy trial of all persons accused of rape. She however, expressed concerns over the non-adoption of the Violence against Persons Act by state governments, stating that such states are inadvertently promoting sexual violence in their domain. However, in what seems like a step in the right direction, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly has started the process of enacting a bill titled, ‘Rape and Insurgency Victims Stigmatization (Prohibition) Bill 2019’, to protect victims of rape against any form of stigmatisation in society. The bill, which scaled second reading during the last Wednesday’s plenary session, provides for the prosecution and punishment of any person or group of persons who stigmatises such victims. Mohammed Musa, the senator, who sponsored the bill, said if passed into law, the bill would encourage victims of rape to testify in court and also ensure their re-integration into the society. Musa, who described the condition most victims of rape are exposed to as traumatic, blamed the ‘ineptitude’ of the Nigerian justice system. “The justice system in Nigeria is incredibly inept such that when a rape victim goes to the police to report and the policeman or woman tells the victim to go and sort it out at home as it is a domestic case, and the consequences of such act is that the victim is left at the mercy of the society without any protection. “We are all living witnesses to the upsurge of the criminality of rape and the destruction of lives being perpetrated by those coward criminals in our communities, coupled with the fact that our country has an extremely low conviction rate for rape and sexual abuses despite the increase in violence against women in recent years,” he said. BDSUNDAY gathered that Ahmad Lawan, Senate president, has referred the bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative work. The Committee, which is chaired by Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC senator– Ekiti Central), is expected to submit its report to the Senate in four weeks. Earlier, the House of Representatives had voted against a motion seeking to recommend castration as punishment for rapists. At the plenary two Thursdays ago, the House rejected the motion which was earlier recommended by a member, James Faleke, who moved the motion against the backdrop of rising cases of sexual violence in Nigeria. Analysts have urged government to go beyond mere threat and rash of condemnation to ensuring that the issue of rape is addressed once and for all.

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Towards a better Nigeria

Frank Aigbogun

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ecently, precisely on June 12, we celebrated National Democracy Day. This is quite significant from many perspectives. First, it signals the official recognition of June 12 as a milestone in our political landscape. Second, considering that we have had twenty-one years of unbroken democratic experience since 1999, it could be safely affirmed that democracy is steadily becoming an entrenched political culture here. Third, the supreme price paid by many Nigerians over the annulled June 12 election is not in vain. Fourth, our country could be a better place, if we all chose to play our role rightly. Certainly, we have not really had it so smooth since independence in 1960. But then, no nation ever really has it smooth. The most

developed nations of the world today equally had their evolving phases, but they were resolute and focussed on their preferred destination. Thus, every Nigerian has a role to play in moving the nation forward. There is no point in passing the buck. We should stop the blame game. We must all have a rethink about the future of our nation. If some are building and others are pulling down, the building will definitely collapse. No matter what happens, this is the only country that we can call our own. Politics, religion and ethnicity should not be used as platforms to divide us. It doesn’t matter where we are, we can get to where we ought to be if we are determined to build a stronger and better nation. We can do it. We have the potentials. We have the resources. All we need is a strong resolve to start afresh. Let nothing diverts or deters us from this noble course. That we have remained as one indivisible entity for almost 60 years in-spite of all odds is quite impressive. With steady economic growth, a stable democratic government and broad support from development partners, the Nigeria of our collective dream and aspiration could be attained. To consolidate democracy, restore a functioning economy, and promote sustainable economic growth, we need to strengthen the various organs of government and other institutions of governance.

We must keep focusing; keep doing the right things for our country. We must do all we can to escape the condemnation and damnation of history and posterity. We cannot be the people and the generation that gave up even as others fought to save their own countries. Nigeria is our country, it is the one we truly own. Let us be united in saving our nation. Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose. All levels of government must become more committed to the welfare of the people, especially through the provision of basic infrastructure and amenities that would make life better for the citizenry. Perhaps, this may reduce the pressure on the people for daily survival. For the progress of our nation, it is imperative to raise a critical mass dedicated to restoring the destiny of Nigeria by living above corruption, fighting corruption and conquering corruption. When every Nigerian is ready for positive change and truly live for such, our collective aspiration for a better country would not be disillusioned. Against the backdrop of a growing population of idle youths, especially in the northern part of the country, we need to come up with a clear-cut youth policy that will channel the youthful vigour of our youth into proper use. If not, the army of the unemployed youths in the country could constitute a time

bomb, waiting to explode anytime. The renaissance of June 12 must be a lesson for us on the need for national cohesion. We should not allow needless tribal and ethnic sentiments to keep dividing us. If we do, we would only be making a mockery of our 60 years of nationhood. Individuals and organisations with influence and means should educate the masses on the imperative for national unity, harmony and cohesion. Lee Kuan Yew, architect of modern Singapore, visited Nigeria a few days before the military struck on Saturday, January 15, 1966. His visit was in connection with the Commonwealth Conference held in Lagos on Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. His conclusion about Nigeria in 1966 is contained in a book he wrote in 2000 titled: ‘From Third World to First’. In the book, he concluded thus: “I think their tribal loyalties were stronger than their sense of common nationhood”. Years after the iconic leader made that remark, can we in all honesty say we have overcome tribal prejudices? One would like to close with the enduring words of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States of America: “Even though this is late in an election year, there is no way we can go forward except together and no way anybody can win except by serving the people’s urgent needs. We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together”.

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News Feature Estimated billing: Nigerians in tale of woes

…recount plight in DisCos’ hands …It is heartless …NERC to blame

SEYI JOHN SALAU igerians have continued to reel under the excruciating pain of estimated bills roll out on monthly basis by electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) despite feeble threats by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to check the rip off. “Our plight did not just start during this Covid-19 period; it has been a long-drawn battle between the Disco in charge of my area and many of their customers. I fret as I see huge bill for electricity that was net consumed. In April, during the lockdown, we thought they were not going to bring bill, but they did, even doubling the already high bill. I think it is sheer wickedness for individuals to just sit down and dish out bills that can cause their customers heart attack,” a woman, who identified herself as Bisi, said. Another consumer who resides in Surulere area of Lagos State described his experience as heart-rending. “I live in a 3-bedroom apartment in Surulere. When I parked into the flat in 2010, I discovered that the meter was faulty and I alerted the DisCos undertaking office at Jibowu. I was put on estimated billing system which has turned out a huge rip off in the last four years,” the customer said, pleading anonymity. According to him, “From the first year in the apartment, my monthly bill rose from N10,000 to sometimes N25,000 or N28,000. All complaints to the office at Jibowu proved abortive. I had to write an official letter to the Marina head office of the

company. On request, a two-man accessor team was sent to my apartment. Consequent upon their report, the bill was pegged at N10,000. I made a case for a pre-paid meter. I am still on it till date.” He further said. The customer complained that rather than stick to the N10,000 monthly bill, the DisCo has since reverted to the former ultra-crazy billing. Even during the April lockdown, when other DisCos announced rebate for their customers, Eko Electricity sky-rocketed my bill to above N22,000. When I rushed back to the Jibowu office, my marketing manager said there was nothing she could do. Honestly, if I calculate the money I had paid for epileptic power supply in the last four years, I could get a second-hand car (Tokunbo). That is my ordeal,” he further lamented. Recall that in the heat of the lockdown, some DisCos had

announced a rebate for their customers for the month of April as a way to cushion the effect of the lockdown. The NERC had also in February 2020 issued an order- Transitional Capping of Estimated Bills by DisCos. The order placed a cap on estimated bills that can be issued to unmetered customers. The Commission had said that the order cancelled the Estimated Billing Methodology Regulation as a basis for computing consumption of unmetered customers by DisCos, capping the maximum bill an average unmetered customer can pay at N1,875. But observers have accused the NERC of behaving like a toothless bulldog- always barking without biting. “I think there is collusion between the DisCos and the NERC. Otherwise, I do not see why the Commission cannot enforce the

rules it made. I read the other day that it had concluded plans to sanction seven DisCos. I am anxiously waiting for that day when this will happen,” Rufus Olatunji, a businessman, said. A resident of Agbado-OkeOdo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Alomosho area of Lagos, told BDSUNDAY that he has suffered terribly in the hands of Ikeja DisCos. “I don’t have a meter. What they do is, after allocating bill to those with meters, they now pile the heavy balance on some of us without meter under estimated billing, in order to realise their targeted revenue from the area. Whereas those with meter may pay, say, N3000, they will give me a bill of N10,000. I complain every month but nobody listens,” a customer who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. He said he blames the NERC for the excesses of the DisCos. “If you say you are a regulator and people are being duped in the name of ‘crazy’ bills, and they are shouting, why have you kept quiet? NERC has continued to issue threats, but threats alone cannot solve any problem. They need to take action to prove a point. We cannot continue to do things as if we are not human beings,” the consumer further said. Recall that the House of Representatives had in October 2019 passed a bill to criminalise estimated billing of electricity consumers by distribution companies. When the proposed law is concurred with by the Senate and assented to by the President, it will become criminal for service providers to issue estimated bills, also known as ‘crazy bills’, issuance of which would attract either a one-year jail term or a fine of N1million or both.

The proposed law would also compel a distribution company to provide prepaid meter to an applicant within 30 days, while barring the DisCos from disconnecting the consumer after the 30-day period within which meter should be installed. The Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill 2018, which Gbajabiamila, then as Majority Leader, presented in the Eighth National Assembly, was re-presented in July 2019. The bill is titled, ‘A bill for an act to amend the electric power sector reforms Act to prohibit and criminalise estimated billing by electricity distribution companies and provide for compulsory installation of pre-paid meters to all power consumers in Nigeria and other related matters.’ Meanwhile, the NERC, last Tuesday announced it had issued notice of intention to commence enforcement action against seven DisCos over their failure to comply with its Order 197/2020 on capping of unmetered residential (R2) and commercial (C1) electricity customers. According to the Commission, the affected DisCos are Benin, Enugu, Ikeja, Eko, Kano, Kaduna and Port Harcourt. The electricity regulatory agency gave the information about the enforcement notice through its official Twitter handle, @NERCNG. The order was to ensure consumers in the two categories, who do not have electricity meters installed for them by the DisCos, were not disconnected from the electricity supply grid. The DisCos were given 14 days beginning from June 4, 2020, to explain why they should not be sanctioned over their alleged non-compliance.

COVID-19: SMEs to leverage Jumia anniversary to boost sales Star Lite expands product offering SEYI JOHN SALAU

umia Nigeria CEO, Massimiliano Spalazzi has urged manchants on the Nigerian ecommerce platform to leverage the company’s 8th anniversary as catalyst for boosting sales and grow their businesses on the back of the lingering COVID-19 lockdown across the country. Spalazzi made the call during Jumia’s annual Sellers’ Conference held virtually to maintain social and physical distancing protocols. “This is an unprecedented time for a seller to be online,” he said. According to Spalazzi, Jumia achieved a milestone in the month of May by recording daily highest number of sellers with at least one sale across the full year. He opined that the e-commerce platform also recorded the daily highest number of buying cus-

tomers across the full year, and recorded the highest number of daily individual products purchased on its platform since the beginning of the year. “What I have listed means that more people are actually coming on the platform at a faster pace than expected and buying all sorts of products and varieties across categories,” Spalazzi said. Speaking further on the company’s 8th anniversary themed ‘Stronger Together’, Spalazzi opined that it is considered to be one of the biggest annual commercial events in Nigeria and will hold between June 22 till 15 July. According to Spalazzi, the realities enforced on the global economy by COVID-19 makes e-commerce a veritable channel to boost businesses and the Jumia anniversary campaign will be a catalyst for sellers to raise

the bar on sales to the next level. Spalazzi emphasized that the Jumia anniversary also provides another opportunity for the company to serve the needs of its consumers who want to shop more in complete safety from their homes. Omolola Oladunjoye, the chief commercial officer for Jumia Nigeria, said manchants should key into the chain of promotional activities during the Jumia anniversary campaign to boost their businesses. “We advise you to list your best and fastest selling products that fit into current trend and season; make your pricing very competitive and upload as many assortments as possible including high-quality images and detailed descriptions and also stock up enough so as not to miss out on the sale uplift,” said Oladunjoye.

with launch of new 45cl bottle

tar Lite, Nigeria’s first lite beer brand recently unveiled a new bottle size to expand available options for its consumers to deepen market share of Star lite brand. The new 45cl bottle which promises the same refreshing and 100% natural taste was revealed to consumers via an Instagram Live session. “The new product SKU maintains Star Lite’s promise of a crisp refreshing taste; however, with the new bottle consumers will get to enjoy social moments for longer as it contains lower alcohol,” said Olaoluwa Babalola, the brand manager, Star Lager Beer. According to Babalola, the brand used the hour long IG Live session which was hosted by BigMoNaija, to help consumers

connect with one another, share experiences and have a good time amid banter and laughter. Emmanuel Oriakhi, the marketing director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said Star remains one of the most recognized beer brands in the world and the category pioneer in Nigeria. According to him, the brand is well known for its affinity with sports and entertainment and continues to cater to a wide range of consumers, especially since the inclusion of Star Lite and Star Radler into its brand portfolio. “It is beyond Impressive what we have been able to achieve with this launch. As a company we are always in the forefront of leading and shaping trends based on our knowledge of our consumers,” said Oriakhi.

10 Inside Lagos

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Lagos drives research in tech innovation with $600,000

...assures delivery of Pen Cinema Bridge JOSHUA BASSEY

s part of efforts to making Lagos the fortress of digital enterprise and technology-driven hub, the state government has instituted $600,000 start-up funds to drive research and development. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statewide address on June 12, to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, said his administration is encouraged to institute the fund because it is keen at leveraging innovation and technology to deliver its vision of “Greater Lagos” with the goal to attract more investments. “With the current trend in the globe, we are keen on making Lagos the fortress of digital enterprise, an urban hub of technology-driven creativity, innovation and commerce, which in turn becomes a magnet for domestic and foreign investment. To this end we have set up the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), with

Ongoing construction of Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, Lagos.

start-up funds in excess of $600,000, to drive investment in research and development of tech-focused solutions across the six pillars of our administration’s THEMES agenda ,” said Sanwo-Olu in his address beamed live on state-owned television station, LTV on Friday. In the address titled

“greater leap towards a greater Lagos”, the governor said in line with his promise to the people, his administration the last one year has concentrated effort in effective traffic management and transportation in line with its THEMES agenda. He said: “Considering the pivotal role of transportation as a major driver of

socio-economic activities, our goal is to develop a reliable intermodal system of transportation. Consequently, we are investing in waterways and a light rail system as long overdue alternatives to our roads.” This, he said, informed the commissioning of eight new state-of-the-art ferries on February 4, 2020, to kick-

start expansion of the Lagos ferry services, with resultant increase in the number of commuters on the state waterways. The governor also said that the plan to construct the 4th Mainland Bridge was equally on course, as the state recently shortlisted eight out of the over 30 firms that expressed interest in the project, adding that “in the coming weeks and months, you will certainly hear more on this allimportant project.” Efforts, he noted, were also ongoing in making the roads better, as several have been rehabilitated while others are at various stages of completion. Sanwo-Olu listed the Oshodi-Abule- Egba BRT corridor, the Pen Cinema Bridge, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the AgricIshawo Road in Ikorodu and the four junctions’ improvement projects at Allen Avenue, Maryland, Ikotun and Lekki among others as projects that will soon be ready for public use. He added that more projects have been slated for commissioning in the

coming days, including the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for the Bus Reform Scheme at Ikeja and Oshodi Bus terminals; Oshodi Abule-Egba BRT corridor; Oyingbo bus terminal; concrete jetty with shoreline protection and waiting shelter at Baiyeku in Ikorodu; Fadipe/Salami/Eyiowuawi/Odubanjo streets in Shomoli; Alhaji Akinwunmi street in Mushin and Adagun-Imeke-IworoAjido-Epeme road in Badagry local government. In the healthcare sector, Sanwo-Olu listed the commissioned two Mother and Child Centers (MCCs) at Eti-Osa and Igando, adding that in the next couple of weeks, the Badagry and Epe MCCs will also be ready for public use. He said “For us, nothing should be spared to give Lagosians quality health care. The compassionate side of our government can best be captured by understanding the life-changing impact of the free medical interventions we have undertaken and continue to undertake to bring succour to ailing residents.”

‘Treat sexual, gender-based Sanwo-Olu goes on Banana Island, seals 34 buildings The special adviser to the Salako said that the govThe state government says JOSHUA BASSEY the action is to engender liv- ernment would not relent in governor on urban developviolence like COVID-19’ able and sustainable environ- enforcing compliance with ment, Ganiyu Ayuba also

i f e o f La g o s State governor, Ibijoke SanwoOlu has called on the Nigerians to treat cases of sexual and gender-based violence like COVID-19 towards stamping out of the society. Ibijoke also urged Nigerian men to replicate the ongoing massive anti-racism protest in United States in Nigeria against gender-based violence to send a strong message against rape and its perpetrators. She spoke while receiving participants at a special AllMale awareness walk organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) in collaboration with Partnership For Justice and Mirabel Centre against rape in Alausa, Sanwo-Olu on Thursday. She said sexual violence against women and girls must be accorded the same level of seriousness with which COVID-19 pandemic is being addressed to demonstrate commitment to end the menace. She commended men of good conscience who have decided to rise up to be counted for a good cause by participating in the awareness

campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of men to join the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. “It is laudable to see men come out to send strong message against rape and ending sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State. I am happy that we are able to do this and I hope this will not be the last time we are going to see men coming out like this. “I pray by the grace of God when we are going to repeat this event, we will have over 20 million men standing behind us. You know how they caused a movement in America where everybody came out; that is the type of movement we want to see here in Nigeria against rape,” she said. The governor’s wife observed that it was disturbing to see the spike in the incidents of rape especially during the COVID-19 lockdown as available data from credible institutions confirmed chagrin information about the menace. “It is sad that while we fight the coronavirus pandemic, an unseen enemy, we still have to deal with issues of rape and other forms of violence against women and children.

agos government has sealed 19 more buildings on Banana Island over non conformity with the physical development planning laws of the state. The latest action on Thursday, June 11, brings to 34 the total number of properties sealed in the highbrow residential estate for lack of building permit and other infractions bordering on the physical planning law of Lagos.

ment not only around Ikoyi axis but other parts of Nigeria’s biggest economic hub. Commissioner for physical planning and urban development, Idris Salako, who led the exercise, said the government would not sit and watch people violate the planning laws to the detriment of the wellbeing of the society. Such, if allowed, would amount to encouraging illegality and disorderliness, he said.

its planning laws so as sustain the growth and development of Lagos. He decried observed encroachment by some developers on the right of way and alignment of the proposed Lagoon Highway and vowed to nip the “unhealthy development” in the bud. The commissioner warned developers contravening the laws to desist forthwith or face prosecution.

warned developers to desist from breaking government seals on sealed properties as such act is tantamount to affront to the authorities and would be met with stiff penalties. The enforcement, a joint exercise involving the ministry of physical planning and urban development, Lagos State building control agency and the special operations team in the Governor’s Office continues next week.

Abule-Ado explosion: NAF immortalises deceased Revered Sister JOSHUA BASSEY

igerian Air Force (NAF) has immortalised the former principal of Bethlehem Girls’ College, Revered Sister Henrietta Alokha, who lost her life in the explosion that rocked the Abule Ado axis of Lagos State in March this year. Ibikunle Daramola, NAF director of public relations and information stated this in a statement made available to the media at the weekend. Alokha died while rescuing her students during the Abule Ado pipeline explosion on March 15, 2020. Daramola said the Chief of

the Air Staff (CAS), Sadique Abubakar, unveiled a plaque in Alokha’s memory and named a newly constructed 500-capacity assembly hall at the Air Force Secondary School (AFSS), NAF Base Shasha, Lagos, after her. Abubakar, who was represented by Lawal Alao, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command (AOC LC), said that Alokha has been immortalised for her selfless efforts in the propagation of learning and service to humanity. The CAS noted that it was appropriate that a facility such as the assembly hall in an institution of learning and character development should be named after someone who had

dedicated her life to educating future leaders. “We remember her for her actions during the Abule-Ado petroleum pipeline explosion which eventually culminated in a fire incident at the Bethlehem Girls’ College. “Reverend Sister Henrietta made the ultimate sacrifice while evacuating her students from the fire caused by the explosion at the school. Her bravery on that day paid off as no student of the college was lost to the deadly incident,” he said. Abubakar said that he was hopeful that naming the assembly hall after her would not only be symbolic but would also continually keep her memory fresh in the hearts of people.

“I am convinced that the story of her heroic act on that fateful day will continue to light a path for younger generations and the ones yet to come on the value of selfless service to humanity. In addition, her sacrifice will also serve as a motivation to officers and airmen/airwomen of the NAF who are presently deployed to various theaters of operation in our country. “I pray for the repose of the soul of Rev. Sister Henrietta Alokha,” he said. Also, the commander 041 Communications Depot Shasha, Nkem Aguiyi, said that there were similarities between Bethlehem Girls’ College and AFSS, Shasha.

Sunday 14 June 2020

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Politics I am very sad at what is happening in Nigeria - Adebanjo Ayo Adebanjo, elder statesman and Afenifere leader, in this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, spoke on June 12, democracy in Nigeria and what needs to be done to move the country forward. Excerpts:

not corruption? If you let me in, I would pay back.

After so many years of agitation, the Muhammadu Buhari administration declared June 12 a public holiday; what does the day mean to you? t is a day Nigerians spoke with one voice. A Nigeria where there was egalitarian society and a society where the people’s votes counted. A Nigeria where there was no discrimination between Igbo and Yoruba; a Nigeria where education was free for all and not for a section of the country and class. June 12 stands for this, where the majority has a voice and say.

Considering what June 12 stands for, what are the progress Nigeria has made so far? Have we made any progress at all? The man there is doing his personal interest; he came into power to revenge; anything June 12 stands for has being reverted. He has proven to us that he is a fake person. In 2007, Afenifere supported him because he was going to restructure the country; in 2011 Tunde Bakare also supported him because he promised to restructure the country. Under this dispensation, he told Tinubu he would restructure the country and Tinubu stupidly agreed to him, when he got there El-Rufai brought the idea down. What has he done about it? How do you know a gentleman? The day he was sworn into office he said he was a democrat; he had only done his wishes and he did so with impunity. In the past six months, you have seen the pressure from former leaders, military, civilians and organisations telling him to restructure the country back to federalism. He just kept mute and pretended he never heard anything. Is that a leader? Look at the budget, the amount you are paying is more than income, is that a budget? How long would you continue with that? Abiola stood for one Nigeria, not for Muslim, Christian or an ethnic group, but one Nigeria. But Buhari does not recognise this, if he does he should not put all the appointments in his village, he should know this is nepotism, ethnicity.

What is your group demanding from Buhari? Our demand is clear that the country must be restructured now; anything less the government is just wasting time. Restructure the country back to federalism, let every region be autonomous then we can be in peace; any other thing cannot work. He does not listen to people I know, you go to court he is already in court, you go to the people he is already talking to, we should pray to God to help us. I have been talking about these issues since 1962, the Igbos are crying, the Ijaws are crying, people are carrying sticks, the Fulani herdsmen carrying guns in Southwest have not been arrested? This is the issue, and you are talking. Ayo Adebanjo

The 1993 election was historic, Abiola won in several states in the North; can we have that kind of election again? No; not even under this administration; those who voted for Buhari are regretting. Yesterday, a plumber came to meet me and said Baba, forgive me for voting Buhari, I did not know things would be like this. I told him to pray to God; it is clear we don’t have a leader. But he honoured Abiola and declared June 12 a public holiday which the previous administration did not do? I don’t believe in that, it is just to deceive Nigerians, we should not be carried away. Has he done what June 12 stood for? It was to deceive the Southwest to vote for him. The way things are, can the common man feed, put food on their table? That is what Abiola stood for. Under this administration, government is negotiating with bandits and armed robbers even in his own village and state. 21 years of democracy, how far have we gone? What is there? I think we can celebrate

being alive to see this day. The government that is ruling us is not for the common man but for themselves. Here is somebody that said he wants to wipe out corruption; Timipre Silva was found guilty under Jonathan’s government the Court freed him; he did not appeal, he sent for him and gave him all his properties back and to crown it all, he gave him appointment in his cabinet with the lawyer who prosecuted him. Can you imagine that? With all the education would you respect that kind of man? But it is happening here. But INEC said they would start using electronic voting in 2021; does that signal a ray of hope? Don’t bother yourself with that because is it not the same people? When the parties are demanding millions before some contest in their party, how can any candidate win the election and not be corrupt? That is to show the mockery of Buhari; he said he did not have money to buy form in 2015; he said that to show how poor he was, hoping that he would change the system, but what is happening? Is that

There is clamour for power shift in 2023 to the South; can that help in resolving these issues? Well, my view is that restructuring is the most important thing for Nigeria for now, any other thing we call it may fail. Restructuring would make everybody equal and we would not give up on this demand. For now, it is the younger people that would suffer, if you restructure; what do I have to benefit: I am already 92 years; we are talking for the youths. No 2023 without restructuring; that is my stand. Anybody that does not want restructuring is an enemy of the country. But Buhari and APC said PDP ruled for 16 years without doing that; why should it be them? Well, he is in power, are we going to bring Babangida or Jonathan back to power to do it? It is the man who is there; if he believes that is what the country wants, he should not give excuses. Should they say that? It is the man that is there, don’t give excuses; we hold him responsible because they promised us that in 2015.

9th House unable to surpass 8th Assembly’s achievements in one year ...Passes 36 Bills, considers 394 motions, received 151 petitions James Kwen, Abuja

he 9th House of Representatives came on board with the disposition to perform more than the 8th House but after one year, in the saddle, the present House’s achievements did not surpass the proceeding achievement in one year, especially in lawmaking. Like the Yakubu Dogara-led 8th House, the current House led by Femi Gbajabiamila also adopted a legislative agenda to be committed to engendering positive change in social justice; sustainable power; environment and climate change; economic growth, development and job creation. The 9th House legislative agenda also set priority on gender equity; education reform; anti-corruption; sustainable agricultural development; food security; security; welfare of IDPs; public health and national budget reform using all the legislative tools of intervention at its disposal.

To meet up with the contemporary challenges, occasioned by the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, the House at it’s one year anniversary, launched a revised legislative agenda identifying 10 key policy areas: Healthcare Delivery; Education; Economy; Security; Agriculture & Food Security; Sustainable Power; Environment and Climate Change; Human Capital Development and Social Investment; Governance; and The Parliament. According to the House, with legislative interventions separated into immediate, intermediate, and long-term action, the new agenda represents its renewed contract with the Nigerian people as it will continue to seek out informed engagement and constructive partnership as Members work to implement the policy objectives they have set out in the new legislative agenda. The House achievements in the core areas of lawmaking showed that over 850 bills have been introduced to the House, and are presently at various stages of consideration with 36 passed.

So far, the House has passed various bills to end estimated electricity billing, guarantee interest free student loans for higher education, provide a better labour environment for Nigerian workers, strengthen agriculture and diversify the economy and provide a favourable business environment for MSMEs among other issues of the nation. Some of these bills include the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill; the Physically Challenged (Empowerment) Bill; National Orientation Agency Act (Amendment) Bill; Labour Act (Amendment) Bill; Finance Bill; Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Bill; Federal Roads Bill, 2019; Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill; the Company and Allied Matters Bill; and the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill, 2020. In line with its promise for national budget reforms, the House ensure that for the first time in over 20 years, the Appropriation Bill was passed in time to return the national budget to a January-December

budget cycle and in a swift reaction to ensure better budget funding and promote ease of business for MSMEs, it passed the Finance Bill in time to accompany the 2020 budget. On motions, the House has in last one year considered a total of 394 motions out of which 393 resolutions were reached. Several of the motions were products of diligently conducted needs analysis to reflect the will of the people, exercise House oversight responsibilities as stipulated in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution. The motions were to address front burner issues in the nation, a few of which are: rising insecurity in several parts of Nigeria in 2019, financial management and improprieties of several ministries, departments and agencies of the executive arm, the need to reactivate abandoned seaports across the country, the extrabudgetary spending of NDDC and their failure to submit their 2019 budget estimates over 13 months past the Continues on page 13

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Politics To move forward in Nigeria, there is need for attitudinal change - Ademola Tade Ademola is the Lagos State chairman of the Inter-Party Advisor Council of Nigeria (IPAC). In this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he spoke on a number of issues, including democracy in Nigeria, June 12, among other issues. Excerpts: Observers are concerned that IPAC is silent on the corruption allegations on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. What is the true position? PAC is an umbrella body for parties, it is an inter-party affair, we are not to interfere in what they are doing; what we do is to give advice if they like let them take, I can only speak for myself. There is so much that is not right, but all the same when you talk they say you are making noise, like if he was there, would he not steal money? I saw Mudashiru Obasa interview with Dele Momodu recently where he gave excuses, that this and money was budgeted for and that money is to be spent. The problem in Nigeria is that we are in quagmire; we don’t know everybody is fighting a critical battle. There must be a shift from the way of doing things, Nigerians need to look at things from a holistic point of view, Nigerians don’t see corruption as bad, if you talk they would say what of you, if you are there what would you do? We hear someone’s car being seized and the next thing he has collected it. Imagine a Senator who was released but not exonerated, the whole leadership of the Senate went to visit him and he was back on the floor. Because they said the judge was not met to go down to the lower Court to deliver the judgment. I heard while in prison he was even collecting salary as a Senator. It is not only political parties that should talk, Nigerians should also speak out. The impression you get from people is that you are just criticising because you are not in government which is bad. It is time Nigerians realised that when we talk and criticised the government it is because of the common good, it should be viewed beyond party lines. We get maligned for saying the trust. Look at this government in Lagos State, during the lockdown they promised to feed the youths, but we saw what happened; there was a video that was circulating on social media where a woman brought food in a small cooler to a centre and she was chased away. This woman was even dressing as if she was going to a party, how many people can she feed with that small collar of food? And we hear the Federal Government is feeding children in their home, imagine that.

What is your take on the INEC plan to use electronic voting since 2021? Are they really ready? Have they amended the Electoral Act to that effect, so they would come that time and say they are not ready? I thought they would test it in the coming elections. Do you know how much would have been saved from the electronic voting; the first thing is give NIM numbers to all Nigerians, from there you know how money people would be able to vote. People who run away from voting in the street because of miscreants would sit in the comfort of their home and vote. Attach a phone to everybody. They would say no light in the villages but the people have light, or how are they charging their phones? The server that they are using in the villages or the telephone mask is not in the village, but they are making calls and using data.

But the House committee exonerated him of these allegations? What do you expect from the House committee? Did they bring an independent organisation to carry out the investigation? Is it a forensic investigation? I did not expect anything from them; you can only get something different when they are not on the same page. You said the people that would do justice have not said anything, but when it is time to use it as a political tool it would

Tade Ademola

come up, for now he may still be a good boy. You need to realise that this is some of the instruments they use in politics; they keep it till the last minute to witch-hunt. There is rumour that the tenure of council chairmen in Lagos State would be cut short; how true this is? The rule says the council chairmen would spend four years in office, the last governor in Lagos State signed that bill into law, if they are going to do anything be young that is going to be a family affair nothing would come out of it. They have 57 councils in Lagos State whatever they do would come to them who would come back and say what you do is unconstitutional? All these take us back to what I said; there is a need for an attitudinal change; that is what we need. Nepotism has eaten deep into us, we need to change our mindset; just because he is from your tribe, you have not benefited anything from his government but you just want him to be there because of that. So let’s take it like a rumour, if the current elected council chairmen are jettisoned and caretaker chairmen installed nothing would happen, there was a similar situation in this state some years back. The government declared June 12 Democracy Day, Abiola was honoured last year. What is the significance of this? June 12 is watershed; it is what some of us suffered while in school, it would have been a day for Nigeria’s unification, but unfortunately this did not happen. Many of the active participants who took part in arriving in that decision are still alive; if you listen to what some of them are saying you would know that it is hunting them. You can’t undo what was done, the honour that was given to him cannot quantify that to him being the president

of Nigeria after the overwhelming votes he got from Nigerians across the country. The honour is a normal thing; GCFR or what they gave him have not undone anything. Nigerians requested for hope and it was denied them. It is like beating a child and you are now giving him a pet in the back. Given credence to June 12, to me, is not significant to the blow that was given to Nigerians. Personally, I lost friends; we can’t bring them back, there are people who cannot be the same from that time because of what they suffered. The ever end loser is the millions of people, the election would have brought unification to millions of people, in essence Abiola defeated Tofa in Kano, Abiola won in most Northern states except one or two states. The problem created by that annulment is still with us, it is giving rise to the agitation for constitutional conference, succession demands they have not solved. 21 years of democracy; what is your assessment of progress so far? We had an open ballot system where you are free to vote for who you like, there was no ballot snatching because there was even no ballot. So what happened? In the 21 century when Big Brother is conducting voting online; Nigeria is still saying go there and there you vote. The national I.D card cannot even be accessed by large sections of Nigerians. Ask INEC how many cards are with them that have not been distributed; what stops them from carrying out the distribution now, rather than wait for the election period? You have them in your offices and you have workers to do it. What stops you? Is this the democracy Nigeria Wanted? What sorts of democracy is this, where the common man cannot enjoy the basic necessities of life, not even good roads?

It appears you have no confidence in the present set up of INEC? It is about their past antecedents, the Yoruba’s would say if a person wants to give you cloth you would first look at the one the person is wearing. Can a man that is not wearing cloth say I would give you cloth? It is the capacity of INEC that people are concerned about; we knew the problem they faced before they were able to use the card reader. Before the Court card said they cannot use it and here we are. The dust over deregistration of parties by INEC is yet to settle, several parties are in Court what is your take? INEC said it had powers to deregister parties, they then went on to delist parties even before the judgment was given, the main judgment would be given soon, but don’t forget that we still have liberty to appeal up to the Supreme Court. Even though the Court said INEC should maintain the status quo, did INEC do that? It had happened earlier where the High Court said they can and a Higher Court said they cannot deregister. For me until all the processes have been followed you can’t say what INEC is doing is right. Why should INEC register a party when they don’t have a party secretariat? They would call us all the time and say they are doing verification, we leave Lagos to Abuja and you see me and they verify, if there are parties like that why should you register a party that doesn’t have a national spread? You ask me to come to Abuja all the time. We have not conducted all the elections, if you say I have not won a councilorship position, how did you arrive at that. Zamfara is a state that turns from one party to another, what if it turns to APC tomorrow are you saying PDP does not exist. Most of these parties that were deregistered are new, we still have the local government elections in several states, but you have not given them a chance to take part in them.

Sunday 14 June 2020

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Politics June 12, Sanwo-Olu and dividends of democracy Samuel Omojoye

n the annals of the country’s political history, June 12 remains a watershed. No matter how hard its antagonists try, for many reasons, June 12 will continue to be a landmark in the nation’s political landscape. On that day, Nigerians expressed a strong resolve to chart a new course for their beloved country by redefining and reshaping the nation’s political setting. Prior to that time, the country’s politics sharply reflected our palpable religious and ethnic divides. But on June 12, all that changed. Chief MKO Abiola, who was the presidential candidate of the defunct SDP, had more votes in the northern part of the country than Alhaji Bashir Tofa, his northern challenger from the defunct NRC. Sadly, the then ruling military junta, led by General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), annulled the result of the June 12, 1993, election, thereby ensuring that the acclaimed winner, Chief MKO Abiola, was unable to claim his mandate. He died in that process. The annulment of the election threw the country into needless chaos and turmoil. Thus, an election that was supposed to cement our unity became an albatross. Cheerfully, the supreme price paid by Chief M.K.O. Abiola and others over the annulled election is not in vain after all. Last May 29, the country celebrated 21 years of unbroken democracy which is quite unprecedented since 1960. It is not just about the stability of democracy, it is about the people having access to the dividends of democracy. Lagos State stands out in this respect, especially under the current leadership of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Using the T.H.E.M.E.S. (acronyms for Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21ST Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security) Agenda as the vehicle to drive its lofty vision of a ‘Greater Lagos’, the Sanwo-Olu Administration is developing a reliable intermodal system of transportation by investing in the waterways and light rail system. The objective is to move people through water and the rail, in addition to roads. On February 4th, 2020, eight new state-of-the-art ferries were commissioned by Mr. Governor, signifying the commencement of full-sale commercial operation. There has been remarkable increase in the number of commuters on the waterways since the launch. Similarly, with the successful completion of the elevated sea-crossing track of the Blue Line Mass transit project, at Marina, Lagos, late last year, construction work has begun on the final phase of the scheme. The project is critical to the achievement of the intermodal transport vision of the Administration. The plan to construct the 4th Mainland Bridge is equally on course as eight out of the over 30 firms that expressed interest in the project have been shortlisted. Similarly, more roads have been rehabilitated while others are at vari-

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

ous phases of completion. The OshodiAbule- Egba BRT Corridor, the Pen Cinema Bridge, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Agric-Ishawo Road and the four junctions’ improvement projects at Allen Avenue, Maryland, Ikotun and Lekki among others would soon be ready for public use. A major highlight of the Government intervention in roads was the commissioning of 31 network of roads at Ojokoro area of the State. Equally, on May 29th, the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for Bus Reform Scheme at Ikeja and Oshodi Bus Terminals, Oyingbo Bus Terminal, Concrete jetty with shoreline protection and waiting shelter at Baiyeku, Ikorodu LG, Fadipe/Salami/Eyiowuawi/ Odubanjo Streets in Shomolu LGA, Alhaji Akinwunmi Street, Mushin LGA and Adagun-Imeke-Iworo-Ajido-Epeme Road, Badagry LGA were all commissioned by Mr. Governor. On traffic management, 1,017 LASTMA officers were recruited and inducted to achieve better flow of traffic and reduction in travel time. In terms of unhindered access to healthcare, two Mother and Child Centers, MCCs at Eti-Osa and Igando, respectively, were commissioned while the Badagry and Epe MCCs will soon be ready for public use. In same vein, the investment of the Administration in up scaling infrastructure in the education sector has led to completion and commissioning of projects such as18 Classroom Blocks at Muslim Junior College, Egbe, 18 Classroom Blocks at Maya Secondary School, Ikorodu, 18 Classroom Blocks at Eva Adelaja Junior Secondary School, Bariga, Block of 20 Classrooms at Bashua Military School Primary School, Shomolu,13 Classrooms at Saviour Primary School, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Block of 20 Classrooms at Ayanleye Memorial Primary School, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA and Block of 6 Classrooms at Ansar Ur Deen, Ibonwon, Epe. Equally, through the EKOEXCEL training initiative, over 4000 primary schools teachers were trained on how to competently utilize technology in teaching.

And the results have been quite amazing as more pupils now register in the public primary schools, while attendance rate has remarkably improved. In the area of housing, four major housing projects were recently commissioned in commemoration of the administration’s one year in office. These include LagosHoms, Igbogbo Scheme with 360 home units comprising 120 1-bedroom, 120 2-bedroom and 120 3-bedroom apartments. Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme, Topo, Badagry with 252 2-bedroom apartments, Courtland Villas, Behind Alhaji Femi Okunnu Estate, Igbohushu, Lekki with 120 units of 4-bedroom Maisonettes and BQs and Lekki Apartments, Ikate-Eleguishi, Lekki Similarly, on January 30, 2020, apartments’ keys were handed over to 492 beneficiaries of the Administration’s maiden rent-to-own housing scheme at the Lateef Kayode Jakande Housing Estate, Igando. It was, indeed, a joyous moment for all the beneficiaries. In the coming months, more housing schemes will be delivered, thereby creating opportunities for more residents to own houses. The good thing about the housing project is that it also has a job creation component as many residents are also earning a living through the projects. To tackle poverty and create wealth for more residents, several empowerment schemes were also initiated by the government to develop the skills of beneficiaries in specialized areas such as bead and soap making, tiling, fashion designing, interior decoration, hairdressing and make-up among others. The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) ‘W’ Initiative, initiated to help women birth their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, is also an integral part of the State’s empowerment programme. It principally seeks to tackle unemployment through job and wealth creation. Recall the LSETF was established to provide financial support to residents of the State with creative business ideas. Through the LSETF, various loans have been given to small business owners and start-ups operating in the State, in a bid to empower them, in line with its mandate to provide access to financial and institutional support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Recently, in a partnership between Access Bank and the LSETF, Governor Sanwo-Olu presented cheque to 794 female beneficiaries of the LSETF. The exercise is a continuation of the LSETF business support policy which has benefited over 11 million individuals since inception. For Lagos, the future, no doubt, looks bright. With more investments in intermodal transport, the prospect of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as well as the possibility of a 4th Mainland Bridge coupled with the coming of more housing schemes, completion of more road projects as well as the Imota Rice Mill among others, the Sanwo-Olu Administration is surely taking a great leap towards the realization of its ‘Greater Lagos’ vision. • Omojoye, a public affairs commentator, wrote in from Palmgrove, Lagos.

9th House unable to surpass 8th Assembly’s ... Continued from page 11 due date, the ecological challenges of several constituencies in Nigeria, issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, among others. For petitions, the House has received a total of 151 petitions all of which have been referred to the Committee on Public Petitions for consideration. Beyond its legislative duties, the House has intervene where necessary, in an effort to ensure a sustainable balance between the interests of employees and employers of labour and in line with section 14 of the 1999 Constitution, the intervened in matters concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad. For instance, on September 6, 2019 the House called for calm following xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, while seeking compensation for Nigerians; and on April 10, 2020, demanded an end to the inhuman treatment of Nigerians in China at a meeting between the leadership of the House and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pinguan. Another area of intervention by the House is the COVID-19 pandemic where individually, Members donated two months of their salaries to the COVID-19 fund, and continue to engage in extensive sensitisation of their constituents on public health and safety protocols, while personally donating palliatives and PPEs for indigent people in their various constituencies across Nigeria. Collectively, the House prevailed on the Federal Government to evacuate, return and quarantine Nigerians stranded overseas due to Covid-19 travel restrictions; directed the Federal Ministry of Education to convert available Federal Government properties across the country for use as emergency care centres and isolation units by the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); sought a 2-month electricity tariff reprieve for Nigerians through the second Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill in order to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As laudable as the achievements of the 9th House of Representatives are, they have not surpassed those of 8th House particularly in the core legislative functions, comprising Bills and petitions. In terms of Bills, unlike the 8th House that passed 68 Bills after one year, the 9th House passed 36 Bills, however the 9th Assembly passed 393 motions more than 8th House with an average of 353 motions passed per year. In the area of petitions, the 8th House received and considered an average of 298 petitions per year while the 9th House has so far received 151 petitions. Edward Pwajok, Chairman Rules and Business Committee of the 8th House at the valedictory session of the 8th Assembly stated that, “in the first session, 685 bills were introduced and 68 were passed”. Pwajok said, “In the second session, 379 bills were introduced and 41 were passed. In the third session, 446 bills were introduced and 94 were passed. In the fourth session,143 bills were introduced and 63 were passed. The total I repeat, 1643 bills that we presented and 352 were passed. “For motions, 1413 were resolved, 1137 were referred to various committees, 17 were withdrawn and 1 was deferred leaving a total of 1588. The House received and lay on the table, 1192 petitions.”

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Politics When APC killed joy in Edo on ‘freedom day’

Iniobong Iwok

he leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), last Friday, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, when the citizens were celebrating their return to civil rule, dealt an unkind blow to its sitting governor, Godwin Obaseki. It was a day of freedom, but the ruling party decided to kill the joy of the governor and his numerous supporters in Edo State. But “the Brutus unkind cut which vanquished Caesar”, was not surprising to Governor Obaseki, who had raised the alarm that the mischievous glances of supposedly unbiased screening panel members gave him an inkling that he was not going to receive a pass mark (justice) from the panel. His disqualification from the governorship primary race by the screening committee set up by national working committee (NWC) of the APC for the September 19 governorship election has continued to generate reactions among political observers and Nigerians. However, for keen political watchers, Obaseki’s disqualification did not come as a surprise judging by events in the state in recent times and the frosty relationship between him and Adams Oshiomhole the national chairman of the party and immediate governor of the state. Recall that last Wednesday after he was screened by the committee Governor Obaseki had declared that he did not expect to get justice from the Screening Committee set up by the party; he had expressed misgivings at the operations of the committee, saying with Adams Oshiomhole dictating affairs of the party, he knew he would not get a fair treatment. “The last time I came here, I asked that Oshiomhole recuse himself from the process in the interest of peace and justice. But as a party man, I have had to go through the screening like everybody else. “Since he is the judge and the jury in this matter, I will just wait for the outcome of the screening. I have given them all the information they need; the controversial certificate from the University of Ibadan has been tendered,” Obaseki had said. It is believed that Oshiomhole facilitated Obaseki’s emergence as his successor against all odds, however, their relationship broke down just shortly after Obaseki assumed office and despite several peace moves, the soured relationship has remained. Oshiomhole is believed to be backing Osagie Ize-Iyamu for the party’s ticket. Ize-Iyamu had contested against Obaseki on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2016 but lost. In the last few weeks, both camps have been engaged in media war. Last week, a Federal High Court in Abuja had restrained the Edo government from proceeding with the probe of the APC chair. Oshiomhole was said to have breached the state’s Public Procurement Law in regards to the upfront payment of 75percent for the construction of the Edo Specialist Hospital. A panel was later constituted by the state government to probe the former Edo governor after a judicial commission of inquiry headed by Justice Oyomire found

Adams Oshiomhole

him guilty of the corruption. Few days after his screening by the committee, the APC published details of Governor Obaseki and five other aspirants’ credentials, which showed that Obaseki had three credits in WASCE, the party therefore, questioned his eligibility to secure a university admission, which required five credits. However, the doubt was erased by the University of Ibadan, as the institution confirmed that the governor indeed attended the institution and graduated from the institution in 1979 with a Second Class Honours (Lower Division). But while presenting his report to the APC national chairman at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, Jonathan Ayuba, the chairman of the screening panel, said the governor was disqualified over defective certificate, saying that his secondary school certificate was not up to five credits. According to him, “In our view of the issues raised, we have concluded that the higher school certificate was defective. “The NYSC certificate – an act of the aspirant taking the party to court – these are some of the issues we have attached and based on the party constitution this has made us to recommend that the above candidate, Godwin Obaseki is not eligible to participate in the governorship election”. Within the last four years, it is generally believed that Obaseki has performed above average in Edo State and stands a good chance of being elected for a second term in office; however, his disqualification by the APC has raised questions if the APC is ready to sacrifice Edo State? Many observers are now asking, “What is APC’s real interest in Edo?” The governor had boasted on several occasions that nobody can stop him from reelection, saying that he deserved a second term to continue the developmental strides he started in his first term, emphasizing that it was not negotiable. “I have said it clearly and I told my cabinet yesterday that the second term for me is not negotiable. I am demanding it because

Godwin Obaseki

I deserve it and I think I have earned it. We need to have it so we can continue what we are doing today. “I want to assure you that this is a fight that we will prevail. We will fight and succeed. If anybody thinks I will back out, he must be day- dreaming because it is not my fight; it is about fighting for the right thing and cause. I am not going to back off because I know victory is sure,” the governor had said recently. Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki has ruled out appealing the outcome of the screening exercise, while denouncing the outcome, saying that it was a huge setback for the APC and what the party stands for. “We had initially asserted that going by the open display and enthronement of illegality by one man in the party that comprises several organs and eminent personalities, there is no way that Governor Godwin Obaseki would get a fair assessment in the run-up to the nomination of candidates to fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election. “It is unfortunate that this open show of shame, illegality and travesty of justice is the brand of democracy which Oshiomhole has reduced the APC into. The situation

It is unfortunate that this open show of shame, illegality and travesty of justice is the brand of democracy which Oshiomhole has reduced the APC into

is quite saddening because this is a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice. “We have therefore, decided that it would be effort in futility to appeal whatever the unjust outcome of the evaluation and screening process of the APC will be, especially when Oshiomhole has declared that he is the Supreme Court and ultimate determiner of the fate and future of our great party,” a statement issued by Crusoe Osagie, special adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, said. Wale Ogunade, an analyst, said he was not surprised that Obaseki was denied a second term ticket by the APC. He said the governor would have taken steps to resolve the conflict with his presumed political godfather before the event deteriorated because of his political interest. According to him, “That is politics for you; every blind man saw it coming. We knew he would not get the ticket of the APC. You didn’t bite the hand that fed you; we saw it coming. “It is just like what happened to Akinwunmi Ambode; he should have learned from that experience. They are the owners of the party, those of you who are players, you play by their rules, and it is only owners like them that can fight them,” Ogunade said. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the APC, Anselm Ojezua, has called for calm among party members and supporters following the disqualification of the state governor, noting that the governor has performed creditably and will be re-elected for a second term. Ojezua said the result didn’t come as a surprise as the governor had alluded to the fact that he will not get justice from the screening exercise. “I want to appeal to leaders and members of APC in Edo State to remain calm. They didn’t say he will not contest the election but that he will not contest under the platform of the APC,” Ojezua said.

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Interview Nigeria lacks political will to implement health insurance - Awosika Ladi Awosika is the chairman of Total Health Trust Limited. Awosika, who has also served as a member of several committees of the Nigerian National Health Insurance Scheme, has over the years been involved in health care financing, development and delivery of the private health care in Nigeria. In this interview with NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE, he spoke on the need for the affordability and accessibility of health care services in the society, issues relating to Covid-19 and appealed to government at all levels to create more awareness on the reality of the virus which is currently ravaging the entire world including Nigeria. Excerpts:

hat is the relationship between health insurance and access to health care ser-

vices? Access to healthcare services is governed by two major factors, physical accessibility and financial access (affordability). Where health care facility is available, are the services there accessible and affordable? In Nigeria, there are 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory. There are 774 Local Governments Areas. In any of the local governments, does anyone have to travel up to one hour before getting to a healthcare facility even if it is a primary healthcare facility, that will determine the level of physical access to healthcare in that environment. Secondly, when a person gets there, is he/ she expected to or able to pay for services at that point? That is where affordability comes in. We all know that we are operating in a society where 80 percent of the people are classified as informally employed with variable income which can be seasonal; that is to say that they can only make money when they harvest their crops. This means that if they are sick they may not have the money to take care of themselves. That is why the world over the past ten years has been talking about universal healthcare service and universal healthcare access to the people of all countries. In progressive environments, you have what is called universal health care which guarantees access to everybody to have a minimum package of healthcare services that is designed for that environment. Healthcare services cover a broad spectrum; it can start from primary health care for basic issues to tertiary and quaternary care such as for treatment of cancer. Each environment should determine what should be the basic package that should be available to every person in that environment, that is what the National health Bill that was passed some years ago is supposed to address. The bill addresses the provision of a basic minimum package of health care services to every Nigerian. It was put in place some years ago, but the implementation has not been holistic. It supposed to guarantee a basic irreducible package of basic health care to all Nigerians. The health care system is in dire state, all the laws and the bills are there, but the implementation has not followed what was put down on paper. So, we have a big problem, we are not delivering adequate health care to our people. Not only that; there are still too much disparity and variation such that the

mines longevity Nigeria is a poor country with huge population. Only three percent of Nigerians are above 65 years of age; meanwhile, about 45 percent to 50 percent are under the age of 35 years. We have a relatively healthy young population, but as they get older, they develop all new diseases, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure and by the time they get to 50 years of age, they are already in trouble. People die any time from 53-54 years whereas in other countries of the world they live above 80 years. There is need for the country to look after the population individually and nationally. Awareness is very important right from the primary school. Children should be educated lifestyle and civic responsibilities; on the need to avoid consumption of too much of sugar and salt. There is also need to have primary health care facility in every environment where people can go regularly to check their health status.

LADI AWOSIKA

level of success in certain parts of the country is different from other parts. For instance, Lagos State is far ahead when compared to other parts of the country and it should not be wholly so. In that case, l am saying that the system has failed the nation. Many perceive the implementation of Health Insurance as an impossible project in Nigeria; what is your take on that? It is not impossible to fully implement health insurance. The problem is the lack of political will. Why should government cut budget on health, meanwhile, willing to spend about N27 billion to renovate the National Assembly building? How long ago was it built that makes it require such major renovation? Is the building more important than the health of Nigerians? We have public buildings that were built before Independence and they are still in good shape. Nigeria is one of the poorest countries of the world but with highest paid legislators. So, we are not serious as a country when it comes to health care. We only pay lip service; we do not walk the talk. Health care is expensive and health is wealth. When a nation puts money in healthcare with proper allocative efficiency, such nation will achieve a high health status for her population either in terms of longevity, mental and physical attributes, that is what drives a productive economy. It is not how beautiful the House of Assembly is that makes the economy of the country. In the 2010 Abuja declaration, it was agreed that African nations

should allocate 15 percent of national budget to health care. As at that time, Nigeria was spending just under 6 percent of the budget on health care but now, a decade later the Health Budget is about 3 percent while at least 4 countries have moved up to 15 percent, so it is a question of political will. What is the way forward? The people should wisen up and demand for quality health care services because it is their right. There is need for infrastructure, education, housing, electricity and other services; these are things that will drive a progressive economy. Governments in a democratic setting should implement policies that benefit majority of the people. How would you describe the attitude of an average Nigerian towards his health status? Everyone wants to be healthy because without it, one will not be able to earn a living. So, it is a matter of choice that makes people do whatever they do. Those who drink whatever concoction they see, do that because they think it will keep them keep healthy. It is a question of awareness and proper information. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about what options the government makes available to the people to make healthcare affordable and accessible. Some people patronise the woman that is hawking remedies because what she is selling is cheap and accessible; some go to the patent medicine store or pharmacy because they believe going to the clinic/hospital will cost them more.

But if healthcare service is generally affordable and accessible no one will want to harm themselves in the name of saving on cost. Many say that health insurance scheme is fraudulent and skewed to shortchange Nigerians? What is your opinion? It is only 3 to 4 million Nigerians that are on Health Insurance Schemes and the population of Nigeria is about 180 million. So, who is short-changing who? Health Insurance is a means where you contribute a small affordable amount order to benefit from a package or packages of healthcare when you need it. So, it is either you are the one contributing or someone is doing that on your behalf and that is how insurance differs in various countries of the world. It is not only one person that makes the contribution; those who are working or earning an income pay while someone else (sometimes the government) will pay for those that are underprivileged or the aged and children. It can be contributory or tax-funded. That is what insurance is all about. Lagos State supposed to have started one, but people still need to be informed and educated on the benefits. Private insurance is working well. It has been severally reported that the life span of an average Nigeria is below 60 years of age; what do you think is responsible and in what ways can Nigerians improve their life span? It is because of our poor health status. Health status is what deter-

Considering the high rate of fatalities as a result of Covid-19 in other countries of the world; how would you assess government effort in tackling the spread of the virus? The government assumes one thing; that everyone is getting adequate information. The question is; how many people have access to radio, television and newspapers? I do not think that 30 percent of Nigerians have access to radio and television because you need power to operate those electronic devices and there is no power in many areas. It is only very few that can afford to buy newspapers. So, there is need to get people informed about the virus. Some do not even know how to wear the face mask because they are not educated on that. When you have no potable water to drink, how do you wash your hands? It is difficult to practise physical distancing in the cities and most people do not even use mask while those who have hang it on their neck not knowing that one can become infected through the nose, mouth and eyes. The local governments have failed in the area of creating more awareness. If it was during political campaign; they will use their vans to draw the attention of the masses, so why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they apply the same method by using their vans and megaphones to draw peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to the reality of the virus and what is expected of them? Lagos State is also ahead in terms of activity relative to other states, but the resources allocated nationwide remain inadequate for mass testing, contact tracing, isolation and treatment.

6 BDSUNDAY 16BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 14 June 2020

COVID 19 SEASON COVID 19 SEASON WAS HER ‘BLESSING’ WAS HER ‘BLESSING’ IN DISGUISE IN DISGUISE ANGELA’S CONFESSION ANGELA’S CONFESSION SHOWS HOW PARENTS SHOWS HOW ENABLE PARENTS INDIRECTLY INDIRECTLY ENABLE AGAINST WOMEN AGAINST WOMEN

to Abuja before anyone woke up. She said allanyone her mum could DESMOND OKON to Abuja before woke up. say omen i nShewas “sorry” when she told said all her mum could say her Nigerian are about it and thanked God nothing omen i n was “sorry” when she told her experiencing happened. Nigerian are about it and thanked God nothing t h e d a r k e s thappened. “I was clearly waiting to hear experiencing times as sexual something when nothing t h e d a r k e s t “I was clearlyelse waiting to hear was violence grows times unchecked. The forthcoming, I told her to mention as sexual something else when nothing was silencegrows of victims and survivors it to my Ibig My mum’s violence unchecked. The forthcoming, tolduncle. her to mention have of been saidand to be enablingit to response that My she didn’t silence victims survivors my bigwas uncle. mum’swant the inhumane misdemeanor, to because mentioning it would have been said to be enabling response was that she didn’t want but the inaction of parents hasto because cause a rift in the family and would the inhumane misdemeanor, mentioning it would contributed to it. bring but the inaction of parents has cause a riftshame. in the family and would Angela (atopseudonym) was onlybring “My heart broke in two that day. contributed it. shame. 12 when she had herwas near-rape remember that to one Angela (a pseudonym) only “MyI heart broke in twoI went that day. Sheher narrated howI remember corner andthat cried,” she said. 12encounter. when she had near-rape I went to one she was nearly raped twice Angela’s first escape encounter. She narrated how bycorner and cried,” she said.wasn’t the her uncles in raped their home last asfirst another uncle of hers she was nearly twice town, by Angela’s escape wasn’t thetried her uncles inshe their home by town, as another uncle of hers triedfour saying that escaped ‘divinelasttaking advantage of her saying that she .escaped by ‘divine taking of her incident. four intervention’ daysadvantage after the previous intervention’ . after the previous Her confession was ignited bydays Explaining that her incident. violator was Her confession was ignited by Explaining that her her violator was and a post by a Nigerian influencer fondling with boobs a post a Nigerian influencer with her and who by said many parents choosefondling masturbating, sheboobs told Women’s who said many shetime, told having Women’s to protect theparents family’schoose name bymasturbating, Hub that this learnt to keeping protect quiet the family’s name by Hubfrom that her this mother’s time, having learnt she when a rape incident silence, keeping quiet when a rape incident from her “bother mother’s silence, happens. didn’t telling her.”she happens. “bother tellinginstead, her.” she took “Growing up, I had a similar case,”didn’t “I told my sister “Growing I had a similar sister she tookhim, Angelaup, reacted to thecase,” post, a“I told the my matter upinstead, and confronted Angela reacted the“One post,ofamythe but matter and confronted prelude to her to story. heup denied and saidhim, that he prelude her story. “One of myme.butdidn’t he denied said doing that he mum’stobrothers tried to rape knowand he was as he mum’s tried tothanks rape me. he she wassaid. doing as he I wasbrothers able to escape to thedidn’t wasknow asleep,” I was todropped escape thanks the atwasAlthough, asleep,” sheshe said.said she’s now ideaable God in mytomind idea God droppedI was in my mind at Although, shethe said she’s with now her that moment. just 12 years discussed matter that moment. I was just 12 years discussed the matter with her(her old at the time.” mum and how she felt she oldAccording at the time.”to her narration, itmum and how she felt she (her mum) handled it wrongly, Angela According to herand narration, handled it wrongly, was Christmas everyoneithadmum) called on parents to liveAngela up to their was Christmas and everyone had called on parents to live up to their gathered. It was a full house. So, responsibilities of protecting their gathered. It was a full house. So, responsibilities of protecting their they had to share rooms with children. they had to share rooms with children. uncles and she was made to stay in “These are the issues. Parents, uncles and she was made to stay in “These are the issues. Parents, one of her uncle’s room, Bernard once someone violates or tries one of her uncle’s room, Bernard once someone violates or tries (not real name). to violate your child, even if the (not real name). to violate your child, even if the “Everything was fine. We prayed person is your blood relative, rip “Everything was fine. We prayed person is your blood relative, rip and slept off. I woke up to the them to shreds. But truth be told, and slept off. I woke up to the them to shreds. But truth be told, sensation someone touchingfor for a while, I logged around sensation of of someone touching a while, I logged around that that my boobs and hands already in feeling of betrayal. Parents, my boobs and hands already in feeling of betrayal. Parents, youryour panties. I made some moves responsibility to your mymy panties. I made some moves so soresponsibility is toisyour kidskids first,first, that he’ll think verge other person doesn’t count,” that he’ll think I’mI’m on on thethe verge of ofanyany other person doesn’t count,” waking up. He stopped for a while she said. waking up. He stopped for a while she said. and then continued again. further stated things and then continued again. SheShe further stated thatthat things “Then I turned and asked could make parents “Then I turned and asked himhimlikelike thisthis could make parents lose lose what was doing. I was child’s trust, adding what hehe was doing. HeHe saidsaid I was a athe the child’s trust, adding that that this this pretty girl, that he wanted to check doesn’t only focus on female pretty girl, that he wanted to check doesn’t only focus on female something and that wasn’t children. something and that he he wasn’t to tochildren. going have with “Some female relatives going to to have sexsex with meme thatthat he he“Some female relatives taketake only wanted to touch me.” advantage of male children only wanted to touch me.” advantage of male children too, too, Angela said escaped harder for male the male Angela said sheshe escaped by byandand it’s it’s eveneven harder for the pretending cooperative,child child to speak up because pretending to to be be cooperative, to speak up because theythey feel feel asked ease herself, ashamed to. Always be haven the haven asked to to go go ease herself, andand ranranashamed to. Always be the from there another room. your to when there’s from there to to another room. ButButyour kidskids runrun to when there’s when told mother trouble. a safe space. Don’t when sheshe told herher mother thethe nextnexttrouble. Be aBesafe space. Don’t day, nothing done. then,cover cover nonsense she said. day, nothing waswas done. By By then, nonsense up,”up,” she said. thethe said uncle hadhad travelled back said uncle travelled back DESMOND OKON

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KEMI AJUMOBI KEMI AJUMOBI iti and Lanre have been married for 7 have years.been He iti and Lanre ismarried a carpenter sheHe is for 7and years. aisnurse. She tolerated a a carpenter and she is lot of his excesses whicha a nurse. She tolerated lothe of was his excesses which included that a womanizer. included that he was womanizer. Not that she could notafight against could not it,Not butthat sheshe believed thatfight areaagainst of his it, but that area ofher his life wasshe not believed worth her stressing lifeover. was not her stressing her life Sheworth was more concerned life over. was more concerned about her She children and did all she abouttoher children didsuffer. all she could ensure theyand didn’t could to ensure they didn’t suffer. Lanre would make money in his Lanre would make money his business and would give hisinwife business to and would givefamily his wife ‘peanuts’ cook for the or ‘peanuts’ to cookShe for had the family or meet few needs. her own meet few needs. had hernever own hustle so she keptShe at it and hustle so she kept at itattitude and never allowed her husband’s to allowed her husband’s attitude to weigh her down. He would go for weigh her down. He would go for days away from home and come dayswhen awayhe from home and come back wanted. back when he wanted. Th e n C OV I D 1 9 s t r u ck , a n d Th e n C OV I D 1 9 s t r u ck , a n d everywhere was on lockdown. He everywhere was on lockdown. He could not go anywhere so he was could not go anywhere so he was compelled to be at home. Unluckily compelled to be at home. Unluckily for him, he had run out of money for him, he had run out of money before COVID 19 began so when it before COVID 19 began so when it hit, his lack of money became more hit, his lack of money became more obvious. obvious. Titi, Titi,who whohad hadbeen beensaving, saving, began began to to take care of the home. She take care of the home. She would would cook, cook,serve serve him, him, and and sometimes sometimes even buy him his favourite even buy him his favourite drink drink to to accompany his meal. She took accompany his meal. She took care care ofofthe thefamily family so so well well that that during during the thelockdown lockdown when when movement movement was wasfirmly firmly restricted, restricted, her her family family

was okay, even her children were doing fine.even her children were was okay, Lanre became remorseful. It was doing fine. aLanre timebecame to reflect and thinkItabout remorseful. was how heto had beenand treating wife. a time reflect thinkhis about Sometimes, even treating when his how he had been hisfriends wife. called him even to ask for money, he Sometimes, when his friends called tell himthem to ask for his money, he would it was wife who would tell him. themHe it was his wife who borrowed changed so much borrowed him. He so much that the wife didchanged not know how that the wife react did not how to positively to know his sudden to positively reactIt to his sudden humble behavior. looked like she humblereciprocating behavior. It looked wasn’t his lovelike butshe she wasn’t reciprocating his love but she had long endured his nonchalant had longthat endured his nonchalant attitude it became her ‘normal’. attitude that it abecame her leaf ‘normal’ . So, turning positive was So, turningshe a positive leaf was something did not know how something to adjust to.she did not know how to adjustthan to. they expected, things Sooner Sooner to than they things began turn up,expected, Lanre got new began to turn up, Lanre got new deals. Those who owed him money deals. Those owedpoint, him money began to pay.who At some he had began to pay.from At some point, had to be away home for he a while to be away from home for a while to create some more furniture. He to create some more furniture. He had left his business phone with his had left his business phone with his wife and though she was still taking wife and though she was still taking care of patients as a nurse, she made care of patients as a nurse, she made time to help her husband attend to time to help her husband attend to his clients. his clients. They would call and place orders on They would call and place orders on the type of furniture they wanted. the type of furniture they wanted. She was so so efficient efficient that thatshe sheeven even She was convinced a client on a furniture he convinced a client on a furniture he felt Lanre might might not not be beable abletotodo. do. felt Lanre Lanre was shocked shocked to to receive receivean an Lanre was alert on his phone where he was. alert on his phone where he was. He called to toask askher herabout aboutititand andshe she He called told him itit was wasaaclient clientwho whowanted wanted told him aa particular particular type typeof offurniture. furniture.

EDITOR EDITOR Kemi KemiAjumobi Ajumobi Email: Email:kemi@businessdayonline.com kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: TEAM: Desmond DesmondOkon Okon Osaromena OsaromenaOgbeide Ogbeide Designed Designedby byAderemi Aderemi Ayeni Ayeni

When Lanre dropped the phone, tears Lanre floweddropped down his It hit When theeyes. phone, him flowed that hedown had been maltreating tears his eyes. It hit a woman despite all he did him that hewho, had been maltreating her, chose not only care atowoman who,todespite all take he did thechose familytoin hisonly time of care need, toofher, not take embraced ofbut thewholeheartedly family in his time of need,his but wholeheartedly business even in hisembraced absence. his business evendid in his The deals notabsence. stop coming, The deals did and not stop coming, it continued Lanre became itbusy continued became workingand backLanre to back. He also busy working back to back. He also ensured he was putting money into ensured he was putting money into Titi’s account and would ask her Titi’s account would asktoher to take moneyand from it daily buy towhatever take money daily to buy she from needsitfor herself and whatever she needs for herself and the family. the family. When he returned, he was happy When returned, hethe wasmiddle happy of to seehe her again. In tothe seenight, her again. In the on middle of he turned the bed the he staring turnedatonhim. the He bedgot andnight, saw Titi and Titi staringand at him. Hetogot up saw immediately went her up immediately and went to her side. As he held her to ask what was side. As he her to askinwhat was wrong, sheheld busted out tears. The wrong, she busted out in tears. The tears continued to flow unhindered. tears continued to flow unhindered. In calming her, he began to cry In calming her, he began to cry too. And as he went down on his too. And as he went down on his knees to apologize, she followed knees to apologize, she followed too. She asked him to stand up but too. She asked him to stand up but he insisted he would kneel, so she he insisted he would kneel, so she was on her knees too. He began was on her knees too. He began to apologize for his wrong doings, to apologize for his wrong doings, hepromised promisednever nevertototake takeher her he forfor granted again. granted again. Shecouldn’t couldn’tendure endureseeing seeingher her She husband cry so she comforted husband cry so she comforted himand andassured assuredhim himeverything everything him wouldbebefine. fine.“We “Wehave have both seen would both seen thatwhen whenwe weare areunited, united,wewecan can that achieve a whole lot. See the way your achieve a whole lot. See the way your businesshas hasturned turned around. God business around. God is is indeeda aGod Godofofmercy” mercy” she said. indeed she said. Theyboth bothprayed prayedtogether togetherand and They renewedtheir theircommitment commitment each renewed toto each other.Now Nowthat thatthe thelockdown lockdownis is other. beinggradually gradually eased, they are daily being eased, they are daily countingtheir theirblessings blessingsand and peace counting peace hasreturned returnedtototheir their home. has home. Indeed,this thisseason season was a blessing Indeed, was a blessing in in disguisefor forTiti Titi and Lanre. Certainly, disguise and Lanre. Certainly, they theywill willnever neverforget. forget.

Sunday 14 June 2020 Sunday 14 June 2020 Sunday 14 June 2020

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FOR25 25YEARS, YEARS,THE THE FOR NIKKI KHIRAN COUTURE NIKKI KHIRAN COUTURE BRAND STILL HAS IT! BRAND STILL HAS IT!

BDSUNDAY17

Coconut Lime Coconut BraisedLime Chicken Braised Chicken

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All you need for this sandwich is two veggies your fridge (i.e, carrot, BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES All you need for thisinsandwich is two and, (leftover a k e t h i s veggies y u m incabbage) your fridge (i.e, carrot, rotisserie roast, rotisserie shredded chicken, curry chicken, a k e t h icomforting s y u m cabbage) and, (leftover at h o m e. Yo u comforting curry chicken, roast, chicken, shrimpshredded and so on). pair at h o mcan e. Yo u it with shrimp bread, rice, and so on). can pairNaan it with Being in existence for 25 years and and accessories, she also does KEMI AJUMOBI potatoes or eat it as is, if you’re a RECIPE Naan bread, rice, makingfor heads turnand with and her accessories, customized she interior KEMI AJUMOBI Being still in existence 25 years alsodecor doesservices weight watcher. potatoes or eat it as is, if you’re a RECIPE ikki Khiran Couture designsheads is trulyturn commendable. She and soft furnishings, while engaging still making with her customized interior decor services • 1/2 cup of veggies of weight watcher. & Lifestyle is a brand is is a graduate of the London providingwhile skills acquisition to ikki Khiran Couture designs truly commendable. SheCollege and softin furnishings, engaging RECIPE • 1 / 2 cup e gagr ri eo st s,o cf a b b a g e , c h o if c ev(c that represents a of Fashion, where she majored budding designers. & Lifestyle is a brand is a graduate of the London College in providing skills acquisition to RECIPE woman in Fashion Technology. Nikki is inspired by fabrics, what c h o i c e (czuchinni, a r r o t s, peppers…). cabbage, that strong represents a who of Fashion, whereDesign she majored budding designers. • 1and half kilos Chicken (soft diverse, who motivated After spending years abroad, Nikki she isshe sees by around colours, in Fashion Design Technology. inspired fabrics,her, what strongis woman zuchinni, peppers…). • 1cup pre-cooked chicken Or • 1and half kilos Chicken (soft jewelries andher, beautiful things. She knows what she motivated wants, at the returned to Nigeria to setshe up Nikki chicken) is diverse, After spending years abroad, she sees around colours, • 1cup pre-cooked Or shreddedchicken chicken breast loves in exotic this chicken) same timeshe feminine, Khiran Couture in 1995, returned to Nigeria to set up Nikki jewelries andbeing beautiful things. places, She knows what wants,beautiful at the and • 1tsp paparika shredded chicken breast • 2tsp Oil inspires greatly which helps her herselfbeautiful throughand her work, the CEO/Creative Director sameexpresses time feminine, KhiranAs Couture in 1995, loves being in her exotic places, this • 1tsp paparika • 1/2 tsp red curry paste (optional) • 2tsp Oil • Salt n pepper of CEO/Creative Nikki Khiran Couture, stunning designers fashion andthrough home. her work, As the inspiresbirth her greatly which helps herin ways expresses herself Director aside • 1/2 tsp curry paste (optional) • red Chicken seasoning cube • Salt n pepper fashion and home. Khiran Couture, aside birth stunning designers in best. ways Owned by Nikky Odu-Khiran,ofa Nikki being a creative entrepreneur, she knows how to do • 2 slices or 1/4cup grated • Chicken seasoning • Salt/ black cube pepper Owned by Nikky Odu-Khiran, beingfashion a creative entrepreneur, unique Nigerian designer, awhose designer and makershe of knows how to do best. • 2 slices Cheddar or 1/4cup grated cheese /mozzarella • Salt/•black pepper unique Nigerian designer, whose fashion designer andtomaker 2limes choice of style cannot be relegated. women’s ready wear, of couture Cheddar /mozzarella cheese • 4 slices Whole wheat bread • 2limes choice of style cannot be relegated. women’s ready to wear, couture • 4 Fresh tomatoes • 4 slices Whole wheat bread • 4 Fresh tomatoes • 3 birds eye chilli (shombo) • 3 birds chilli (shombo) • eye 4carrots PREPARATION • 4carrots • 2green pepper PREPARATION • 2green 1. Stir fry chicken and veggies on • pepper 1 onion 1. Stir fry chicken and veggies onwith salt n • 1 onion low heat and season • 2tsp yogurt low heat and season with salt. n pepper...let it cool • 2tsp yogurt • 1cup coconut milk pepper...let it cool . • 1cup coconut milk 2. Rub 2 slices of wheat or white • Spring onions 2. Rub 2 slices of wheat or white • Spring onions bread toast with butter and fill bread toast with butter andgrated fill cheese with stirfry and PREPARATION with stirfry and grated cheese PREPARATION of your choice ...I like very mild of your choice ...I like very mild cheddar or mozzarella. 1. Add the first 6 ingredients to cheddar or mozzarella. 1. Add theseason first 6 the ingredients to chicken. 3. In a nice hot pan, add a knob season the chicken. 3. In a nice hot pan, add a knob of butter and put in sandwich 2. Sear in a hot pan on both sides of butter and put in sandwich 2. Sear in a hot pan on both sides and press it down a little till the and add in veggies; onions, and press it down a little till the and add in veggies; onions, crust is nice n brown....then turn carrots, peppers, tomatoes. crust is nice n brown....then turn carrots, peppers, tomatoes. around and repeat. 3. Add in the rest of the chicken around and repeat. 3. Add in the rest of the chicken 4. Slice in half on a diagonal or marinade and coconut milk. marinade and coconut milk. 4. Slice in half on a diagonal or pack as is...Enjoy! Season appropriately add the pack as is...Enjoy! Season appropriately add the juice of 2 limes and taste for juice of 2 limes and taste for flavour balance. flavour balance.

BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES

M M

cup or chicken 4. Add 4. 1/4Add cup 1/4 water or water chicken and Cover on to steam stock andstock Cover to steam low on low till the chicken heat till heat the chicken is tenderis tender and sauce is and slightly and sauce is nice andnice slightly thick. slightly Should coat slightly thick. Should the coat the of a spoon. back of aback spoon. tip): the temptation PS: (pro PS: tip):(pro Resist theResist temptation to continue toor add salt or seasoning, to continue to add salt seasoning, flavour isn’t balanced, if flavourifisn’t balanced, add someadd some more or atsp quarter more lime juicelime or ajuice quarter rich tsp rich brown sugar. brown sugar.

Chicken &veggie Chicken &veggie sandwich sandwich Let’s playLet’s a card with veggies play a card with...veggies ...

6 BDSUNDAY 16BDSUNDAY

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FOR25 25YEARS, YEARS,THE THE FOR NIKKI KHIRAN COUTURE NIKKI KHIRAN COUTURE BRAND STILL HAS IT! BRAND STILL HAS IT!

BDSUNDAY17

Coconut Lime Coconut BraisedLime Chicken Braised Chicken

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BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES

M M

Chicken &veggie Chicken &veggie sandwich sandwich Let’s playLet’s a card with veggies play a card with...veggies ...

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Feature

We were rejected by hospitals for fear of coronavirus - Patients

DESMOND OKON igerians have continued to lament their rejection by hospitals and clinics for fear of admitting coronavirus (Covid-19) patients, inadvertently. Some of the affected people that spoke with our correspondents said that in some of the clinics they visited, although the doctors were willing to receive them as there was low patronage and the clinics needed money, they were still held back by the fear that they could be at risk. “I was at a clinic for Typhoid treatment, but the doctor pointedly told me to check other places. He complained that there were no nurses around to take care of me. I knew that was just an alibi to send me out,” a young man in his 30’s said, craving anonymity. Godwin (not real name) told BDSUNDAY: “My uncle’s wife was sick and went for her routine check. But she was not attended to when she got to the hospital. The hospitals are treating everyone like Covid-19 patient.” “The only people they attend to now are pregnant women. I’ve taken an elderly person to a hospital in Alimosho LGA, and after two days, they discharged him, they said they could not keep patients for more than two days,” Godwin further recounts. A young man simply identified as Joel was said to have died recently after he was allegedly refused treatment at a government health facility in Lagos for the fear that he could be a Covid-19 patient. The nurses on duty allegedly said they were not attending to him because “their hands were full”. The young man, Joel, was said to have slumped while playing football with his friends and was rushed to the hospital. His relations complained that had Joel been attended to when they got to the hospital, he would not have died. But the chief medical director of the health facility insisted that the young man was brought-in-dead (BID). But private clinic owners said lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) is the reason for turning back patients for fear of contracting the virus while administering care, especially in instances where the ailment is uncertain. “No one is giving us palliatives like personal protective equipment (PPEs) to be bold to even attend to those who brave it and come. No testing kits. So, we are exposed and patients are turned back when you are not sure of what they are suffering from. Asthmatic patients are dying because nobody wants to get close and administer nebulisers since it presents like Covid-19 respiratory symptoms,” a medical practitioner said.

…We are being careful – Health practitioners

Jide Ofor Akunne, an Optometrist at Ocuville Eye Clinic confirmed that a few patients were turned back by the security after their temperatures were screened and confirmed to be abnormal. “Yes,” Akunne replied, “but not here directly, but from the gate,” he quickly added. He further said: “We’re taking precaution from the gate also. So, the security downstairs checks your temperature when the pandemic was really high. So, they checked the temperature of one or two people that it was really high, so they were sent back. They were not happy, but they were just following instructions. “They were asked to go to the hospital and come back after confirming it was not coronavirus. We’ve sent someone back just ones.” Generally, it is business unusual within the walls of some private hospitals. This is despite economic activities gradually returning to normalcy, following the announcement of a gradual easing of restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of the virus. Private hospitals in Lagos are yet to fully bounce back from the impact of the outbreak as poor patient inflow still persists. Undoubtedly, the unexpected outbreak of the pandemic took the economy aback, reducing cash inflows of companies and leading to job losses. Sources in some private hospitals and clinics recount bitter impact of COVID-19 on their businesses, stating that patients are also afraid of visiting hospitals and clinics over fears of contracting the virus. There has been a reduction in “outpatients and inpatients due to fear of Covid-19. Even some antenatal visits and delivery also minimally dropped,” a source at Inland Specialist Hospital said.

Speaking anonymously, the source explained that outpatients are people that visit the hospital; probably run tests, see doctors, collect drugs, and leave; while inpatients are those with severe cases that need admission in the hospital. Asked what the policy for engaging patients, especially expatriates, was, she said: “The policy or rule is that you clerk the patient with a structured yes or no answer. This will give you a history to arrive at a diagnosis of whether to treat or refer to NCDC. Earlier, prior to speaking with the source, another source (a male) at the hospital, had confirmed that some patients were turned back. “Yes,” he said, “especially all those “Egypt people,” he adds, referring to expatriates. Visiting Nimbus Medical Centre in Ogudu, BDSUNDAY found that the hospital is not in operation currently. The premises were empty, except for the security personnel and three other non-medical staff (two women and a man) found at the waiting room at the time of visit. “We’re not the doctors, nurses, nor management. The hospital has been shut down for a while,” one of the women said when the reporter asked to see the management. It was later found, in a memo dated 12/03/2020 pasted by the entrance, that the hospital has been non-operational since 30 April “for comprehensive overhaul and repairs.” In another memo, the management said it made arrangements with another hospital in Ogudu to accommodate its patients. “Sequel to our letter dated 12th March 2020, on the above; we have made arrangements with Med-In-Specialist Hospital…to accommodate our patients. They have promised to provide adequate

care to the patients that would be so transferred,” the memo reads. While no physical repairs or renovations were seen at the time of visit, the reporter called one of the numbers provided in the memo and the responder confirmed that the hospital is undergoing renovations and currently not in operation. Though no COVID-19-related reason was given for the shutdown of Nimbus, at Peach Care Medical Centre, the pandemic is taking a toll on their patient load which has dwindled over time and increased the hospital’s expenditure. “Patients are afraid of coming to the hospital,” said Onayemi Oluwadare, manager, Peach Care Medical Centre. “It (the virus) has increased our expenses due to safety precautions. We purchase hand sanitizers and facemasks at higher rates and we don’t see patients that much.” Oluwadare said, however, that their services have not depreciated and that they have not relaxed in their efforts to make the environment safe for patients, adding that additional staff has been employed to help with disinfecting the hospital’s environment. Apart from increasing hygiene, general cleaning and cleaning after every patient, Jide Ofor Akunne told BDSUNDAY that most people are usually scared of coming to the clinic and it affected their inflow of patients. “We had a reduction in patients because of the fear of coming to the clinic. Income went down, but we had patients we already had a personal relationship with and follow up on regular basis and we try to convince them that we’re up to par in terms of cleanliness and that they have nothing to fear,” he said. On a normal day at Ocuville Eye Clinic, they have a patient load of about 10 on an average from the

time of resumption and closure which is from 8: 30 a.m. to 5 p.m. But during the lockdown, work hours were reduced to three hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Akunne said sometimes they do not see any patient. Sometimes, they only get one, and at other times, two. He further explained that most of the patients that visited were those who come for routine checks. “The people we see are the people on routine who come to check their pressure for glaucoma. They have a calendar. If you don’t come, their pressure might be affected. So, they usually come. But for new patients, coming up for new problems, we hardly got that,” he said. Both doctors agree that private hospitals need government intervention this period especially in the area of “instruments” that will assist in keeping their staff safe and environment safe for patients as well, because, according to the Optometrist, most of the transmission happens in labs, and hospitals because that is where people who are sick go to. “The health sector pays taxes and remits our adequate revenue. I believe they can also come in to assist because taxes are meant for basic amenities for the citizens. The government can come in to provide PPE. Though we get our own PPE from the company’s personal funds, if the government comes in to support, it would be a great idea,” said Oluwadare, of Peach Care Medical Centre. A case for partnership and what is involved With the increasing number of cases continuing to rattle government at all levels, and thus, exuding a feeling of ineffective and insufficient response among Nigerians, a hand-in-glove work against the virus should not hurt anyone. Lagos State is already which has the highest number of recorded cases is making the first by accrediting three private hospitals COVID-19 cases in the state. Sharing insights on such partnerships, Felix Abraham Obi, senior program officer/health financing engagement officer at Results for Development said it’s imperative for government and private sector to collaborate in dealing with the surge, given that bed spaces in the isolation centres in Lagos and other states are getting filled up due to the rising numbers that outweigh the discharged cases of Covid19. However, Obi stated that there are strict protocols and biosafety measures that must be observed in all Covid19 isolation and treatment centres. “In addition to meeting these standards, setting up treatment centres require investments in addressing gaps and upgrading existing facilities and procurement of requisite equipment needed and we can’t assume that most private hospitals will readily meet these standards,” he said. Further in his submissions, in addition to having the right facilities and equipment that meet the minimum standards, the private health facilities need to have the right number and mix of qualified personnel to treat and care for Covid19 patients.

Sunday 14 June 2020

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Feature Investment wave in Rivers:

$400m foods plant in PH gets boost as FG orders reopening of BUA Terminal

IGNATIUS CHUKWU & GLADYS NWEKE he $400million foods plant in Port Harcourt close to the port has got a big boost. The plant suffered a setback when the BUA Terminal was shut down or decommissioned by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over a misunderstanding.Now,aFederalGovernment order after resolution of the dispute has given breath to the plant. Now, the management of BUA Ports and Terminal, a subsidiary of BUA Group, has described the reopening of its terminals at Rivers port as timely for the ongoing development of best-in-class terminal at the Rivers Ports. This is because the Terminal is to serve not only users of the Rivers Ports but also the recently constructed $400million foods manufacturing complex adjacent to the terminal. Also in jubilation are dockworkers at the Rivers ports in Port Harcourt who have commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his intervention that led to the reopening of the BUA Terminals. The Terminal was shut down in a move challenged by BUA at the time, and decried by maritime stakeholders. The NPA had late last year decommissioned and shut down the BUA Ports and Terminals Limited, operator of Terminal B, Rivers Port, Port Harcourt, for security reasons. The Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, had, while speaking at a stakeholders meeting organised by the NPA in Port Harcourt, said the NPA as a responsible government organisation took the step to save lives and limbs of those working at the terminal. NPA,shehadadded,took thedecision for health and safety reasons after receiving a letter from BUA on security challenges surrounding the quays wall at its terminal. BUA however countered and explained that this challenge was only affecting one of its four berths; and that it only requested the NPA to allow them do the necessary repairs at the berth, but that the NPA rather than grant the request, proceeded to issue a notice of termination without due process and against the terms of the concession agreement. All this seems over. Following the reopening, dockworkers in their numbers took to the docks of Port Harcourt to thank key stakeholders for their timely intervention in the crisis between the BUA Ports and Terminals and the NPA, which halted business activities at the terminal B. Addressing the dockworkers at the rally, a national trustee of the dockworkers’ branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Waite Harry, praised President Buhari for his commitment to due process, which ulti-

mately led to the withdrawal of the notice of termination issued to BUA Ports & Terminals. The government had also directed both parties to resolve all outstanding issues in line with the concession agreement, discontinue the pending arbitration in London, and reopen the BUA terminals immediately. This pending arbitration could have cost the country or BUA hundreds of millions of dollars in judgment losses, hence the decision by the Presidency to reopen the Terminal and stick to due process by following the dispute resolution mechanism as laid out in the concession agreement. According to Harry, this action has saved the jobs of many dockworkers at BUA. “The resolution of the crisis has changed our status from untold hardship faced over the inability of ships to berth at the BUA terminals. “We must also appreciate the Management of BUA Ports & Terminals who continued to support us monthly throughout this period. We are happy that we can now return to our work through this gesture by the federal government, which will also bring economic prosperity to Rivers State and the nation in general. I hope that all outstanding issues can now be resolved by both parties amicably.” Meanwhile, the management of BUA Ports and Terminals has disclosed plans to resume operations at the terminals within the Rivers Ports. The NPA is set to immediately withdraw the Notice of Termination of Concession it had earlier issued BUA in 2019. In a statement in a statement, BUA has expressed readiness to resume operations at the reopened terminal soon. The statement reads, “We are pleased to inform our stakeholders and the public that we have received official communication to the effect

that the notice of termination issued by the Nigerian Ports Authority sometime last year against our Rivers Ports-based BUA Ports & Terminals be withdrawn forthwith. “The ongoing arbitration at the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) be discontinued, and; the BUA terminals be reopened immediately for operations. ”This decision is in line with our earlier and consistent stand that all parties respect the content and spirit of the concession agreement for the facility. “We also want to thank you unequivocally – our dear customers, employees, dockworkers and other stakeholders for your patience, support, and for keeping faith with us throughout this period. BUA remains a law-abiding corporate citizen and is looking forward to working with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority in resolving any outstanding issues and making the Eastern Ports one of the best in the country.” BUA has expressed its most sin-

“

We look forward to kickstarting operations at the BUA Terminals to once again provide the excellent services

cere appreciation to all stakeholders for their successful intervention and mediation. “Their intervention has saved jobs, protected huge investments and prevented potential judgment losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars from being incurred by either the country or our company in the arbitration process at the LCIA in London which is set to be discontinued. ”We look forward to kick-starting operations at the BUA Terminals to once again provide the excellent services.” Closure of our berths by NPA in the form of decommissioning affected stakeholders. Dock workers have been badly hit, thus they embarked on protests. On June 17, 2019, NPA wrote to BUA decommissioning the berths, since then, there have been no vessels calling our berths (5, 6, 7). Dock workers are paid by tonnage; so if they do not have vessels to attend to, they do not have income. They would simply be out of action and would naturally become restless in the port area. They want the NPA to allow ships to berth here. Background In 2014, BUA observed that some hoodlums went underground to cut the pipes. They said they reported to the landlords, the NPA. Arrests were made. Nothing much was done. Soon, they did it again, this time cutting the steel beam at the middle of berths. This can make the berth not to be very stable, though the beams are not the main pillars carrying the berths but they are supports. BUA stated that the hoodlums were not after BUA. Later arrests were made at nearby Abonnema. The suspects were prosecuted but BUA lost the case because they did not have the position of owners since they were mere tenants and the owners (NPA) did not show any interest. They lost the case in February 2019.

BUA now wrote NPA requesting for approval to repair the berths but the next thing they said they saw was that NPA decommissioned the berths that they were not safe for operations. Under normal circumstances, they should write to request details such as cost and scope of work and time needed. They would either approve or not approve, but they simply decommissioned the berths and thus stopped them from working. It appeared that the objective of the landlords was to stop BUA from operating, and nothing was said about repairing the berths or partnering with them to get the place treated. The next step was never allowed to take place. The decommissioning did not state what next or how long, BUA sources had said. Vessels were waiting at sea with demurrage. They had 14 ships waiting that were carrying gypsum, wheat, bulk malt, POP, Caustic Soda, Tallow, PET Coke, PMS, Fish, AGO, Bitumen, and Containers. This was a huge cost to consumers because everything eventually would pass to consumers. Port charges cause high costs to imported goods. BDSUNDAY gathered that there are 103 dockworkers and 78 regular workers in BUA Port Harcourt. All they said they needed was to repair the vandalised beams and start work. Now, that wish has been granted. BUA said its relationship with the NPA was cordial, though many kept referring to whatever personal matters that may have existed between topmost persons in both the NPA and BUA years past. Maybe, there s break in communication, they said. There was strong appeal to resolve the matter. The appeal got wide attention and the House of Reps waded into it, held public sitting in Port Harcourt, and reported to the FG. Now, President Buhari is being commended for stepping in and demanding cessation of hostilities. The Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, to whom the NPA reports is also a Port Harcourt boy, a keen person eager to revive the port Harcourt economy through a revived port system. The importers and manufacturers in the region also want the port fully operational. They too formed a lobby platform to press for action. They too called for urgent resolution of whatever matters between BUA and NPA. BUA co-concessionaire in the place, PTOL has been under pressure to handle all vessels which have queued up. This has pushed up their revenue base as they met their 2019 target only by half of the year. This has continued to be so, according to management of PTOL when giving their operational outlays.

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Perspective

Atiku 2023 reaffirms my opposition UCHE OKWUKWU

n 2019, it was in the interests of the greatest number of Ndigbo that I urged our people to support President Muhammadu Buhari whose tenure constitutionally would end in 2023. That was the only foreseeable way Ndigbo could ascend the presidency of the country in 2023. There was no basis for anybody to urge Ndigbo to support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid in 2019 because he would naturally, as an ambitious man, remain in power beyond 2023 if he won the election. That was my number one reason for endorsing Buhari. Secondly, Atiku is a Fulani, Muslim and northerner. Supporting him made no sense since we already had sitting President Buhari who is also a Fulani, Muslim and northerner. Thirdly, Buhari’s policies and programmes were sympathetic to the aspirations of Ndigbo in the long run. He supported hard work and self-discipline in private and public lives. He supported indigenous participation in Nigerian economy, especially in agriculture and production. He also supported power shift to the south in 2023. On all counts it was in our best interests to support Buhari to finish his tenure in 2023. But the likes of Nnia Nwodo, suspended President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, who opposed me never gave any reason for their support for Atiku’s presidential ambition in 2019. Their only reason was that Atiku was willing to give money to some political elites in Igboland and the south; and that Buhari was not willing to bring out money. The recent outburst of Atiku’s son, Adamu, that his father would contest for Nigerian presidency in 2023 reaffirms my objections. Today, if you place Nwodo’s stance side by side with mine you can decide for yourself whose action served the best interests of Ndigbo. Time will reveal Nwodo’s real intentions and history will vindicate me. Time will reveal the real intentions of every Igbo leader, mine as well as others. But I wish Ndigbo luck. I also wish Atiku luck while inviting him to the boxing ring. What I can assure anybody who cares to know is that Ndigbo are conscious today. That outburst by Atiku’s son was an eye opener for them Igbo people are not naïve or daft as some people like Nwodo think. They will reject Atiku at the polls. There is no way he can win majority of lawful votes in Igboland. I select my words when I say lawful votes because you can get votes through intimidation, financial inducement and rigging. The votes he got in Igboland, I can authoritatively state, were through corrupt processes because the greater number of Ndigbo declared unequivocally their support for Buhari. In some places violence was deployed and Buhari not only lost the election

Uche Okwukwu but was even denied the statutory 25 percent. But we thank God that he got votes in majority of Igbo states like Imo, Ebonyi and Abia. He also got sizeable votes in Rivers and Delta States. If we step up our mobilisation we’ll do better in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress, APC. Adamu is his father’s anointed political heir apparent and custodian of treasury. Where his father is not running in 2023 for any reason, he will sponsor Adamu to run for the presidency. Atiku will not even sponsor Peter Obi, his VicePresidential candidate in 2019. He will also not sponsor Ben Obi who was his Vice-Presidential candidate in 2007. We don’t have a stake in his political programmes, which do not protect the Igbo interests in the short run, in the long run and in the very long run. It is important Ndigbo are reminded that we are dealing with Atiku who is in his 70s. If he ascends the presidency in 2023, he would be ascending the presidency at 75 years to leave in 2031 at 83 years. What stake do we have in him? That is simple science. And it is important we put it on record that his son’s outburst is a betrayal of the trust some unsuspecting Igbo leaders reposed in him. They supported him believing he would do four years and hand over power to an Igbo man in 2023. I had warned such leaders that Atiku would do no such thing. Secondly, the unsuspecting attitude of these leaders might be as a result of their lack of information on Atiku’s antecedents. What his son said confirms

my 2019 position that we were better off supporting Buhari. Let Ndigbo judge if they have informed leadership in Nwodo or a leadership steeped in selfish interest while blind to the larger Igbo interests. Ndigbo condemn Atiku’s interest for 2023. We insist the presidency must move to the south. First, it must come to the southern part of Nigeria. Then to the Igbo irrespective of where such Igbo comes from. When it comes to the south we shall appeal to our Yoruba brothers and sisters to concede it to us. Atiku should at this moment hands off. He has nothing new to tell us he forgot in the presidency when he was Vice President for eight years. The Vice President is almost like the president. He was a very powerful Vice President in charge of the economic council of Nigeria. In that capacity he supervised the privatization exercise. Let Atiku tell us what he forgot in Aso Rock and we shall tell him that he had the opportunity to implement or take it. President Olusegun Obasanjo was attentive to him. But all the advices he gave Obasanjo were meant to benefit him rather than the country. Let him tell us the decisions he took as Vice President that uplifted Ndigbo from the level they were to another level. The answer is no. He did nothing. When was he a great friend of Ndigbo? Ndigbo must know that their friend is Buhari who has done a lot in road construction and the power sector. He gave key appointments to Igbo sons; appointments like Ministers of Labour and Productivity, Transportation and Foreign

Affairs. Nobody has done more for us in agriculture. Today we have the Abakaliki rice. The Nigerian military and paramilitary are buying their vehicles from an Igbo auto manufacturer. The military and police are also buying their boots from Aba; thereby supporting the Aba economy and creating employment for our teeming youths. But let Atiku tell us what he did in the eight years he was Vice President that favoured Ndigbo. Look at the respect Ndigbo have in APC. Nobody has flung Igbo ministers into prison for stealing as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), did. We had serving Senate President Adolph Wabara who was arrested and put on trial by the very PDP we voted for. Chuba Okadigbo was impeached and disgraced as Senate President on trumped up charges by PDP. Evans Enwerem, first Senate President under President Obasanjo, was also ignominiously removed from office by his own PDP. The whole idea was to shake the confidence Nigerians have in Igbo leadership. But the APC continues to treat our sons who are two-term ministers with respect. I am precisely talking about the indefatigable Ogbonnaya Onu, full Minister of Science and Technology, who enjoys the confidence of the ruling party. Geoffrey Onyeama is the Minister of Foreign Affairs; nobody has treated him with indignity. Onyeama is respected worldwide. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, full Minister of Transportation, is highly respected. Senator Chris Ngige, two-time Minister of Labour and Employment,

is not only respected but widely consulted by the APC leadership. It was the public space allowed Ngige in the party that he leveraged on to forge a vibrant nationalism in postNnamdi Azikiwe Igboland. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of Central Bank, is one of the longest serving governors because Nigerians in APC backed Buhari to retain him. As a party, the APC never used violence to win elections in Igboland. It allowed those duly elected to be returned. No Igbo governor is physically attacked, injured or kidnapped. That tells you the respect it has for democracy and rule of law. But the PDP kidnapped and detained Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State. It is on record. That singular incident halted a lofty economic transformation project from which the state never recovered. Having pillaged Anambra, the destroyer had the effrontery to list Professor Chinua Achebe for a national award. The revered Achebe rejected it; citing the barbaric destruction of his home state of Anambra by the PDP as reason. Not minding that we gave PDP our votes from 1999 to 2011, the party saw to it that all the TrunkA roads in Igboland were abandoned. The Owerri-Port Harcourt Road was abandoned till Governor Amaechi of Rivers State built it. The Enugu-Port Harcourt Road was abandoned. The Okigwe-Owerri Road was abandoned. The OwerriAba Road was abandoned. Our airports were abandoned. The Second Niger Bridge was never built. The abandonment of these critical infrastructures translated into a disproportionate high carnage on our roads with laden containers falling on commuters. Ndigbo must boldly stand up and reject the PDP. The party will never ever concede the presidency to us. It is inherent in its character to deprive us access to power and state privileges. So the earlier we do away with it the better. I urge Igbo governors on the platform of PDP to move to APC. Let them come together for synergy: “Anyukoo mamiri onu ogbaa ofufu,” (when you urinate together it foams). We can’t be directing our urines to different directions expecting them to foam. Ndigbo, particularly Anambra people, must ensure that the APC wins in the 2021 Anambra gubernatorial election as it will brighten our chances to occupy the presidency in 2023. We must use our joint resources to engage the ruling APC and see if we won’t secure the presidential ticket in 2023. The party will take us seriously when we’re together than scattered. Our Igbo sons and daughters in the party must meet and forge a strong leadership capable of leading us into the Promised Land through negotiation. Fifty years after the war is a long time to wait. Dimm Uche Okwukwu is Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Email: uokwukwu@ yahoo.com. Phone: 080 3708 7483.

Sunday 14 June 2020

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BDSUNDAY 21

Perspective Fighting unconventional enemies conventionally is not a piece of cake

AYO AKANJI Akanji is a foreign policy analyst and writes from Abuja

symmetric warfare against terrorism is one of the most difficult, challenging and complex wars of modern times. Fighting unconventional enemies conventionally is not a piece of cake. It’s not the kind of war that cannot be completed within the shortest duration of time. One needs to understand the enemy, its strategy and tactics. Besides, unconventional enemies have no rules of engagement. Unlike professional armies, they don’t care about putting innocent non-combatants in harm’s way. For example, terrorists don’t care about using innocent civilians as human shields. This frustrates the ability of a conventional army to confront them directly in order to avoid risking the lives of innocent non-combatants. Therefore, a conventional army is very careful that, while it’s fighting the terrorists, it pays attention to the rules of engagement to protect noncombatants. Since 2010, terrorists in Nigeria have been targeting noncombatants or soft targets. A conventional army will not open fire on a school building crowded with children in order to flush out the terrorists holding up inside the building. These are some of the complex challenges of asymmetric warfare. Against this background, it’s not easy for critics to understand the complexity of asymmetric warfare, let alone appreciate the major successes recorded in significantly downgrading the military capabilities of the Boko Haram terrorists. In the aftermath of the cel-

ebrated annihilation of Boko Haram and its splinter group--the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), by forces of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a lot has happened. The military coalition was set up in 2015 by four countries bordering the Lake Chad: Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Benin Republic. The Area of Operation (AOR), sector two, a Chadian territory, hitherto a safe haven for the terrorists, experienced sustained firepower from the Chadian forces after 98 Chadian soldiers were killed in a devastating attack on a military base in Boma by BHT/ISWAP elements. Torrent of videos of Chadian soldiers and photo ops of long-serving General and Chadian President Idris Derby, donned in

Commander of the overhauled MNJTF in 2015, later appointed Chief of Army Staff COAS. By a curious twist of fate, he’s overseeing the onslaught with sister agencies. Correspondingly, the Chad onslaught gained huge traction in Nigeria, where neophytes masquerading as security analysts commented on the operations, dragging personnel, the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces and her Commander-in-Chief in the mud. Escalation of this fake news triggered a swift clarification from the Chadian embassy in Abuja. The Embassy reacted thus: “... Misleading videos and images dating back to 2015, with dubious origins have been circulated on the web and in some online or print media… the Embassy commends the spirit

“National security is a serious matter and I do not think it is proper to discuss such details in a public forum.”

—Indian PM Narendra Modi military camouflage, was shared on social media, by Chadian troops. The videos trended for days as they launched an offensive against the BHTs/ISWAP bases in the Lake Chad region codenamed “Operation Boma’s Wrath”, in coordination with the governments of Nigeria and Niger, under the auspices of the MNJTF. MNJTF background The military task force’s origin can be traced to 1994, when it was solely a Nigerian force during the regime of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, with a mandate to “thwart banditry activities and to facilitate free movement”. Four years on, Chad and Niger joined to checkmate cross-border security challenges in the Lake Chad region, headquartered in Baga. By 2012, the MNJTF added counter-terrorism operation to its Concept of Operations and it was agreed by member states that a Nigerian officer, would command the Force, deputised by a Cameroonian and Chadian as Chief of Staff until the degradation operation is successful. Ironically, then Major-General Tukur Y. Buratai was appointed

of mutual understanding, regular consultations and active solidarity never reached in the past”. It is important that those versed in the multidimensional and complex nature of asymmetrical warfare should lend their voices, as a matter of national enlightenment, to highlight the differences between a successful military operation from public relations stunts. Expounding facts viz-a-viz its trajectory and ensuring that unsuspecting members of the public aren’t misinformed on such critical matters of national cohesion is of utmost importance. With this in mind, one understands how insecurity keeps springing up in the Lake Chad region, although contained by the patriots who make the bulwark of the Nigeria Security Services. The nexus between the inflow of dangerous weapons into the hands of nonstate actors needs to be critically evaluated. The Lake Chad region, once the economic base of trade between north and sub-Saharan Africa, was almost turned into a haven for terrorism, trans-border crimes, etc. On assumption of duty, President Buhari embarked on a tour of

member countries that belong to the MNJTF. The strategic intercession reasserted the relationship with these countries, allowing for a coordinated regional strategy. President Buhari has been an advocate calling global attention to the import of recharging the 2,400km lake which requires $50 billion to restore the livelihood of the 0ver 20 million people, who are besieged by hunger and are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Nigeria, with the support of the multilateral financial institutions (African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and World Bank), announced $467 million in concessional loans. A high-level conference in Berlin had 17 UN Member States, the European Commission, put together (UN Central Emergency Response Fund and UN Peacebuilding Fund), a comprehensive response to the Lake Chad crisis, announced $2.17 billion in grants. All of these show commitment to addressing the long term needs and build resilience for the millions affected. To begin with, intelligence gathered from the security agencies pointed to the fall of Ghadafi in 2011 that led to deadly conflicts and mayhem across the Sahel region. Highlighting these facts, UN scribe, Antonio Guterres noted: “Libya has been a centre, a cancer for arms export and fighters export … and the most worrying impact is of course with the Sahel and Lake Chad. And more and more of these things are interlinked”. The flow of these weapons was compounded by major conflicts in West and North African countries, notably Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire and now Libya and Mali. The Sahel region is as large as Europe. To beef it up, currently, there are approximately 5000 French troops deployed to this region alongside the Joint Force and the Sahel Alliance G-5 countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger – with the sole aim of degrading the threat of terrorism. It must be noted that vast areas around the country, especially in the northeast which formed part of the terrorists’ caliphate were liberated from their firm grip. Eighteen local government areas once annexed by the terrorists are now populated by their origi-

nal habitats, freedom of tens of thousands of Nigerians regained. A report prepared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) reviewing the security situation in the country, established that proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a global phenomenon, arising from conflicts across the globe. Of the 857 million weapons in circulation, 10 million small arms and light weapons are estimated to be in Africa, of which one million are in Nigeria. The Franco-British-led Western intervention in Libya, the turmoil that followed the insurrection against Col. Muammar Gaddafi allowed for the easy flow of significant quantities of fighters and weapons from Libya into the Sahel and over 70percent of these weapons found themselves in Nigeria. By the same token, the Nigerian government has been retooling the Nigerian Armed Forces and Security establishment in an unprecedented manner, with fearsome artillery, delivery of military hardware on a gargantuan scale, towards ensuring that the Nigerian contingent’s armouries be weaponised maximally. Consistent situation briefings from the Coordinator - Defence Media Operations, Major General John Eneche show how the Air Task Force, ATF sustained firepower complemented the ground troops blitzkrieg against the enemies of the state, decimating their strongholds. The ATF component of the operation has debased over 33 locations, neutralised 1,015 terrorists including over 26 top commanders, with 84 collaborators arrested. The sustained firepower invariably has led the Nigerian forces dominating the theatre of operations leading to terrorists’ commanders surrendering; one of such is the twenty-five-year-old, field commander who marshalled the twin operation, one south of Diffa, Niger Republic twenty-five terrorists were killed, the other in Baga where 50 BHT fighters met their waterloo. As the Nigerian military orchestrates its counterinsurgency operations, support and cooperation from all Nigerians would be pivotal in consolidating the victories recorded.

Preventing another Uwa and Barakat’s tragedy Continued from back page in age are more likely to be married and with experience, not likely to be unduly exposed to such risk. Age characterisation of rape victims show which age group is more likely than others to be raped and where increased social control mechanism and increased guardianship should be mounted. Our study also shows the age distribution of rapists and who they are likely to be. Youths (18-35years) constituted 43.5% of the rapists while those between 36-55 years constituted 30.2percent of the offenders. Our study unveiled the identities of rape offenders as family members, fathers, neighbours, teachers, pastors and Alfas. We

described all these as familiar foes because majority of the rapists are known to the victims. Very few are total strangers. We have observed similar trend in our research on fraud, kidnapping and robbery. Our study implies collapse of moral community and the limits of trust in social relationships between the neighbours, parents, families, associates and friends. Is rape a Nigerian phenomenon? No. Rape is a global problem. According to World Population review 2020 data, 97percent of rapists in the USA walk free. Only 9percent get prosecuted and 3percent end up in jail. Rape is ubiquitous in all facets of our national life but I have seen mothers whose sons raped other persons’ daughters blocking justice. Some settle it because they

are from the same village, ethnic group, social status, unequal power relations or same society while the victim is ridiculed by her tormentor. People of low social economic class are more likely to be victims because they lack the money to prosecute and the criminal justice system is unhelpful to their course of seeking justice. Justice is for the highest bidder when police asks victims’ relations to ‘mobilise’ before commencing investigation and build distrust of victims in the system. They may even advice the victims’ family to take money and take care of their daughter! However, calling for death penalty or what is called stricter punishment for rapists however, misses the point. The Criminal Code Act prescribes a punishment of life imprisonment for anyone

convicted for rape with or without canning. Attempt to rape receives fourteen years imprisonment. It is not the want of laws, it is behaviour of the criminal justice system. How are ‘genuine’ rape victims treated by police and in the courtroom? Are we not revictimising rape victims and emboldening the offenders? What quantum of evidence does a victim need to provide in defending a rape case? Going forward, trust is fast eroding and there is a limit to which people should trust relatives, neighbours and third party parents with their children. We don’t need new laws; we need the criminal justice system, its actors and interest groups to enforce and apply existing laws and punishment on convicted rapists to get justice for victims of rape.

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Arts Emeka Udemba; master of diverse art media Stories by OBINNA EMELIKE

or many decades now, the global art scene has been impacted positively by the creative ingenuity of African artists. From Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, the continent is a warehouse of sheer creativity. However, one of the forefront artists that are representing the continent at home and abroad is Emeka Udemba, an enterprising Nigerian artist who has mastered his craft long ago with impressive appeal across the globe. Udemba, who describes himself as a multi-disciplinary artist, is truly multi-talented with rare skill of working across many art media and forms. The Fine Art graduate from University of Lagos is a master of painting, photography, video, installations, and performances. Udemba’s works investigate imaginary worlds and rethink the boundaries of the archetypal. He is always drawn to the idea of integrating different art forms to achieve what he calls the ‘total experience’. Also, he believes that the end determines the medium. “I am very open to the choice of medium based on the particular project, concept, theme, and idea that I am engaged with”, he says. He also employs very unique techniques in his paintings by embedding strips of paper, a practice he describes as “add-ons” and that derives

Ngozi Omeje, Kofi Agorsor, others feature in 24th Arthouse Art Auction

from his interest in the appropriation of images, information and print materials, articulating his concern regarding the politics of social, economic and geographic classification and stereotypes. Another intrigue about Udemba is that he is both a home and diaspora artist as he is currently based between Lagos and Freiburg in Germany, where he runs a thriving art studio. Looking at some of his famous works, he maximizes the creative input and also facilitates wholesome experience for viewers. World White Walls, his installation at the 2002 Dakar Biennale offered total experience by exploring and addressing migration, identity, politics and other topical issues. Tools of Conflicts was another exciting work by the

artist. The work, a solo exhibition, presented by Arthouse in 2015 showcased Udemba’s works across drawing, photography, painting, installation and video, amid offering the viewers ‘total experience’. In November 2019, Udemba was in Nigeria for a solo exhibition titled ‘A Question of Being’. The exhibition, which was curated by SMO Contemporary Art, marked the opening of the new Temple Muse flagship store in Victoria Island Lagos. Through A Question of Being, Udemba presented “the vibrancy of hybrid cultures” referencing race, history, memory, gender, time, and beauty. He also experimented with rich colors, transparencies, words, printed paper, and textures to create multilayered portraits, which take

a critical look at the emergence of vibrant multi-cultural communities and how hybrid identity affects our sense of belonging. Describing Udemba, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, founder and artistic director of SMO Contemporary Art, said he is an artist of Nigerian descent, who has spent the past 25 years working in his studio in Freiburg, Germany. “Through his paintings and installation, he touches on the issue of global migration and the need for people to be confident in their race, ethnic roots, and culture, and “not to let ourselves be defined by the strangers’ gaze, but to celebrate the diverse colors of all humanity.” “I believe Emeka Udemba’s work provides a powerful and insightful next step in the

exciting journey of presenting the best of global creativity in the beautiful, multi-functional spaces Temple Muse has to offer”, Obiago said. Over the years, Udemba’s works have been recognized, appreciated and rewarded amid many awards, grants and residencies across the world. Some of his exhibitions and awards include recent projects at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, a project grant with the Prince Claus Fund in the Netherlands and a project grant from Siftungskunstfonds in Germany. The artist still shuttles between Nigeria and Germany with plans to institute projects as a legacy for his art in Lagos Nigeria. His works are in private collections, public spaces and museums across the world.

his year, the 24th edition of Arthouse Contemporary’s Modern and Contemporary Art Auction is taking place online from June 9 – 15, 2020. Featuring works from both modern and contemporary artists, across drawings, paintings, mixed media, prints and sculptural works, the auction presents almost 100 lots of artworks; including works from notable modernist masters like Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ben Osawe, Akinola Lasekan and Abayomi Barber, whose pieces are regular features in the history of auction. For the contemporary art section, the artists featured include; Peju Alatise, Rom Isichei, Alimi Adewale, Chike Obeagu, Gerald Chukwuma, Sokari Douglas Camp, Jerry Buhari, Eva Obodo, Victor Ekpuk, Duke Asidere, Ben Osaghae, Chidi Kwubiri, Sam Ovraiti, and Ngozi Omeje (who features at the auction for the first time), among others. There are also print works from Yinka Shonibare, David Dale, Uzo Egonu and Ben Enwonwu. Other featured works include those by international artists such as Ablade Glover, Kofi Agorsor, Dominique Zinkpe, Armand Boua, Kofi Setordji, Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou and Camara Amadu Gueye. In support of COVID-19 related aid, works by Muraina Oyelami, Lemi Ghariokwu, Jimmy Nwanne and Solomon Wangboje are being auctioned under the charity sale segment.

Netflix inks multi-title partnership with Mo Abudu to develop content for Nigeria ...Abudu to create two Nigerian original series, multiple Netflix branded projects OBINNA EMELIKE

etflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service provider, and Mo Abudu, acclaimed Nigerian content producer, have entered into a groundbreaking multi-title partnership that will continue growing the company’s investment in Nigerian content. Under the partnership, Mo Abudu, through her production company, EbonyLife, will create two Netflix Original series, as well as, multiple Netflix branded films and a series that have been licensed to the service. A major highlight of the partnership will be the onscreen adaptations of literary works by two criticallyacclaimed Nigerian authors: a series based on contemporary author, Lola Shoneyin’s bestselling debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives and a film adaptation of Death And The King’s Horseman, a play

by 1986 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature, author, poet & playwright, Wole Soyinka. “Mo is at the forefront of creative storytelling in African television. Her passion for creating high-quality, riveting multi-genre films and TV shows that capture the imagination while showcasing the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture is evident in her impressive body of work,” says Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix’s lead for Original Series in Africa. “We are thrilled about this first-of-its-kind partnership in Africa that will bring some of Nigeria - and Africa’s most iconic storytelling to screen. We look forward to supporting Mo as she brings all these diverse Nigerian stories to the world.” “As a Nigerian storyteller, my biggest motivator has always been to tell authentic and untold stories that resonate with every person, regardless of where they’re from in the world while showcasing our culture, heritage and cre-

ativity,” says Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Media. “This unprecedented partnership is testament to the Netflix’s investment in African storytelling and we at EbonyLife are grateful and excited about the opportunity to work together with the Netflix teams led by Dorothy and Ben

to deliver a slate of unique and riveting stories from Nigeria over the next few years for Netflix audiences around the world”, she adds. The film adaptation of Death And The King’s Horseman will be among the newlylicensed Netflix branded films. One of the films will premiere

on the service in 2020. “We believe that more people deserve to see their lives reflected on screen and for that to happen, we need to make sure there’s a wide variety of content that caters to our members’ diverse tastes,” says Ben Amadasun, Netflix director of licensing and coproductions for Africa. “Our members around the world have been enjoying some of the licensed titles from EbonyLife like The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, Castle & Castle and Fifty. I’m excited to continue our licensing partnership with the addition of Netflix branded films titles that will grow the variety of quality Nigerian stories on our service.” Further details on the two Netflix original series and the slate of Netflix-branded projects that will be licensed from EbonyLife will be shared at a later date. Commenting on the development, Wole Soyinka says, “In a creative industry which, even in pioneering countries, is

so male dominated, it is always a delight to see robust challenges offered by the female gender, and of attestable quality. Mo Abudu’s incursion into this arena as film and television producer has been especially stimulating. It becomes part of one’s sense of achievement, if one has contributed, however minutely, to the creation of an enabling environment.” As well, Lola Shoneyin, another author, notes, “I was thrilled when Mo contacted me about making a show out of my novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. I’d turned down so many offers but this one felt right. It was an opportunity to see my work in the hands of a woman who pursued excellence in Africa in the same way that I did. I grew to trust her very quickly, so when she told me about the possibility of working with Netflix, I was overjoyed. Soon, people everywhere will have access to the story of Baba Segi. And that is more that I could have asked for as a writer.”

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Travel Low key trails the once-thriving Martyrs Day Obinna Emelike

n June of every year, over two million people from across the world congregate at Namugongo Shrine, about 16 kilometres from Kampala, the Ugandan capital; a gathering acclaimed to be the largest Christian pilgrimage in Africa. They journeyed several kilometers from different destinations to Namugongo To w n s h i p , o u t s i d e K a m p a l a . S o m e ev e n t re k ke d for weeks to reach the holy shrine. Among them are Catholic faithfuls from around the world and tourists who gathered in Uganda to celebrate Martyrs Day, where more than 22 Catholics converts and at least 20 Anglican converts were executed 124 years ago on the instructions of King Mwanga of Buganda. The pilgrims gather at the shrine’s basilica built at the spot where the majority of martyrs were burnt to pray as the Catholic martyrs were canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964 and are regarded as saints. As well, the shrines pavilion with a huge seating capacity of over a million offers the pilgrims opportunity to honour and pray to God through the intercession of the 22 Uganda Martyrs. But the sheer beauty of

the shrine and the tranquil environ are big draws for pilgrims and visitors alike. Supported by 22 copper pillars; over 100 feet long, the imposing giant structure of the shrine built in form of an African hut is worth seeing. As well, its wooden doors depict the history of the Martyrs, while inside, it seats 1,000 people arranged in a circular form. However, while Martyrs Day is a public holiday in Uganda, it has overtime become significant to the countries tourism because of the foreign exchange it generates from visitors and pilgrims in the first week of

June every year and almost across the month. From Namugongo Township, the host city, visitors spill over to Kampala, while many extend their visits beyond pilgrimage to wildlife and city tours across major destinations in the country. The tourism industry, especially hotels boom in business during the celebration as the influx of guests often cause scarcity of room amid consequent increase in rates. With nearly a million visitors at the shrine, the local craft industry, logistics, transportation and tours services are usually in busi-

ness every June. Sadly, the Uganda tourism is counting losses this time as the annual moneyspinning Martyrs Day held in low key because of the ravaging impact of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Due to the pandemic, the celebrations were restricted to the dioceses with not gathering at the shrine. A c c o rd i n g t o F r . P h i l i p Odii, national director of Communications at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, said this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martyrs Day was celebrated in the various dioceses with limited congregations.

As well, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala, presided mass commemorating the martyrs at the Namugongo shrine. The mass was broadcasted live on TV, radio and Facebook. Acknowledging the unprecedented situation leading to the cancellation of the annual celebrations, the Archbishop has since led the faithful in a novena to the Uganda Martyrs. During the novena, Ugandans committed to the intercession of the Martyrs, the sick, caregivers and “those working to minimise the impact of COVID-19.” “This year, when the entire world is hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and so prompted to adopt new norms like social distancing, the Uganda Episcopal Conference made the historic and momentous decision to suspend public celebrations of the Solemnity of the Uganda Martyrs Day at Namugongo,” explained the Kampala prelate. Also, the Church of Uganda, which also celebrates the Anglican Martyrs on the same day, at a nearby shrine, cancelled the celebration. However, Lilly Ajarova, chief executive officer, U g a n d a To u r i s m B o a r d , believes that tourism will boom again after covid-19.

African destinations meet to plan growth, sustainable future for tourism

ecovery and resilience were the central themes as the members of the World Tourism Organization’s Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) met for the 63rd time today. Reflecting the extraordinary circumstances, the meeting was held virtually, bringing together Ministers of Tourism from across the region with representatives of the African Union, the West African Monetary Union and from the private sector, to plot a united course towards a stronger and better tourism sector. Held as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) leads the global restart of tourism, the meeting enjoyed the virtual presence of 140 participants from 30 countries, including 24 Ministers of Tourism. They were joined by representatives of 10 international organizations and by members of the UNWTO Affiliate Members network. Priorities were given to plans for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential. As well as, addressing the immediate challenge posed by COVID-19, discussions also focused on the key areas of UNWTO’s Agenda for Africa, a roadmap designed to guide the sector in

sustainable growth up to 2030. The priorities include enhancing Africa’s tourism Infrastructure, boosting air connectivity, eas-

ing visa facilitation, ensuring the safety and security of tourists, investing in the development of human capital development, and

improving the image of Africa to the rest of the world. Speaking at the virtual meeting, Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary general said: “Africa’s tourism potential is undeniable, as is the potential of tourism to drive inclusive development across the continent. The steady easing of travel restrictions, first within nations and then across international borders, will allow the many social and economic benefits of tourism to return. If tourism’s restart is managed in a responsible and coordinated manner, harnessing the power of innovation and entrepreneurship, then it can transform millions of lives and help protect and preserve Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.” If tourism’s restart is managed in a responsible and coordinated manner, harnessing the power of innovation and entrepreneurship, then it can transform millions of lives and help protect and preserve Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage, the secretary general said. Joining Pololikashvili for the 63rd meeting of the CAF was the group’s current chairman Roland Chitotela, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Arts, Zambia, and the African Union was

represented by its Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid. All participants welcomed the latest initiatives designed at growing African tourism announced by the SecretaryGeneral, including the Brand Africa marketing competition and a fresh emphasis on showcasing African gastronomy and using this as a new market for sustainable tourism and job creation. In the run-up to the meeting, UNWTO’s Member States took part in an online survey through which they were invited to share their thoughts on how the UNWTO Agenda for Africa can be utilized to accelerate recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and build resilience for the future. Participants expressed a strong desire to see the top five key areas of the Agenda for Africa prioritized in order to support swift and sustainable recovery. These priorities are: unlocking growth through investment and through effective public-private partnerships; promoting innovation and technology; visa facilitation and enhanced connectivity; advocating for Brand Africa, and fostering greater resilience, including through enhanced safety and security for tourists.

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Travel

Where you can travel after coronavirus lockdown Stories by IFEOMA OKEKE

s much of the world emerges from lockdown, would-be travellers are starting to look for the ideal post-coronavirus holiday destinations. While travel is unlikely to return to normal for some time - the Foreign Office still advises against all but essential trips, and British quarantine rules will apply on return - a few destinations are preparing to welcome visitors from the UK. Iceland A remote location and tiny population shielded Iceland from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and swift government action brought the country’s small outbreak under control. From 15 June, it is hoping to kick-start its tourism-dependent economy by offering visitors exemption from a two-week quarantine if they take a coronavirus test on arrival. Sample itinerary: The Luxury Arctic Travel Company offers tailor-made trips combining fivestar accommodation and a taste of Iceland’s wild side. Itineraries can include 4x4 and snowmobile adventures, helicopter tours, glacier trekking and horseriding - or a more genteel sojourn at the Blue Lagoon. More on Iceland: The Week Portfolio’s guide to the Golden Circle Madeira Visitors to the Portuguese island of Madeira can avoid quarantine by presenting a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours be-

fore arrival - and from 1 July, tests will be offered free to all arrivals. Sample itinerary: At the far western fringe of Europe, Madeira could easily pass for Brazil with its densely forests, dramatic beaches and subtropical climate. The yearround balmy climate made it a traditional destination for those seeking a sedate place to winter, but a thriving adventure sports scene is attracting a younger crowd. The brand new Savoy Palace hotel, with its five restaurants and 360-degree rooftop bar, is an opulent base. More on Madeira: 72-hour guide to the best of the Portuguese islands

Italy Despite the seriousness of its Covid-19 outbreak, Italy opened its border to visitors from the UK and EU on Wednesday, becoming the first European country to do so. It does not require tests or time in quarantine for incoming visitors. Most attractions, including the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are open and restrictions on travel between regions have been lifted. Sample itinerary: For those who might be anxious about crowded budget airlines, Air Charter Service can arrange private flights from London Biggin Hill, Luton, Stansted or Farnborough

to a range of Italian cities. Return flights to the VIP terminal at Milan Linate on a six-seater Citation CJ2, plus three nights at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como is available from £4269pp, based on six people travelling More on Italy: The Week Portfolio’s pick of Italian villas, lakes, grand hotels and gastronomy Maldives It’s hard to think of a better post-pandemic destination than a cluster sun-drenched islands, many hundreds of miles from the nearest city. And, after this week’s government U-turn, they’re looking considerably more attractive.

Plans to impose visa fees, charge for testing on entry and require a minimum two-week stay have been scrapped, in favour of a system in which visitors will have to present a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued in the fortnight before travel. A handful of resorts have remained open during the outbreak, offering a luxury lockdown experience for a lucky few - the rest are expected to start reopening on 1 July. Sample itinerary: The Raffles Maldives, on Meradhoo private island (pictured, top), is offering 10% off its best room rate, as well as daily breakfasts, a spa treatment and guided snorkelling tour to guests staying for at least three nights before the end of September. More on the Maldives: The Week Portfolio’s reviews of LUX* South Ari Atoll, the St. Regis Vommuli, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Mirihi Island Private cruising Full-size cruise ships are unlikely to ply their trade for some time yet, but for those with deep pockets - and a desire to holiday with only their closest friends and family - Aqua Expeditions offers a very different sort of voyage. Its small, super-luxurious river cruisers and expedition vessels, with 15 to 20 cabins, are available for private charter for tours of the Amazon, Mekong and Indonesian Spice Islands. A four-night cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam costs £2,825 per person, based on 32 sharing, including fine-dining, premium wines, excursions and private guides (a saving of 10 percent on the usual price for individual travel).

Emirates offers flights for passengers to 29 cities, resumes transits through its Dubai hub

ollowing the UAE Federal Government’s announcement to lift restrictions on transit passengers services, from 15th June Emirates will offer passenger services to 16 more cities on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. With travel restrictions remaining in place in most countries, customers are reminded to check entry and exit requirements before their journeys. Flights to the following cities will be available for booking on emirates.com or via travel agents: Bahrain, Manchester, Zurich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, New York JFK, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Hong Kong, Perth and Brisbane. In addition, from 8th June Emirates will offer flights from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad for travellers from Pakistan who wish to connect onwards to other Emir-

ates destinations. With this latest announcement, Emirates will be offering flights for passengers on the back of its scheduled cargo operations from Dubai to 29 cities, including

existing flights to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne and Manila (from 11th June). Customers can book to fly

between destinations in the Asia Pacific and Europe or the Americas, with a convenient connection in Dubai, as long as they meet travel and immigration entry requirements of their destination

country. Working closely with the UAE authorities, Emirates continues to take a measured and phased approach to flight resumption and rebuilding connections between Dubai and the world. Health and safety first: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. Travel restrictions: Customers are reminded that travel restrictions remain in place, and travellers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries.

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CapitalMarket Unity Bank’s board rewards shareholders with N3.4bn profit in FY19 TELIAT SULE

hareholders of Unity Bank Plc heaved a sigh of relief last week when the board of the second tier bank announced its performance for 2019. The bank announced a profit after tax of N3.38 billion for the financial year 2019 last week. The performance, when compared with the year before, was a milestone in view of the fact that about the same time in 2018, the bank posted a loss after tax of N7.7 billion. The transformation agenda the bank’s board and management have pursued in the last few months has started to pay off. Gross earnings for the year rose by 29 percent to N43.59 billion in 2019 up from N34.65 billion in the previous year. Interest income rose by 22 percent to N35.95 billion from N29,51 billion in 2018. Interest income came mainly from loans and advances to customers which earned the bank N21.89 billion in 2019, and thus accounted for 61 percent of the bank’s interest income. In 2018, Unity Bank realised N17.64 billion as interest income from loans and advances extended to customers, accounting for the same weight of that year’s total interest income. Other sources of interest income were treasury bills where the bank made N9.53 billion in 2019 as against N8.52 billion in

2018; and bonds, bonds (amortised cost) which generated N3.9 billion last year compared with N2.99 billion in the previous year. Unity Bank did not earn much from interbank transactions as its interest income from placement with banks amounted to just N632 million in 2019, as against N361 million in 2019. Nevertheless, the interest payment to banks constituted the bulk of its interest expense. This is because out of the N19.45 billion interest expenses it paid in 2019, the ex-

pense due to banks was N10.12 billion, representing 52 percent of the total interest expense. Net operating income was N23.2 billion in 2019 compared with N13.16 billion in the previous year. The total operating expenses fell to N19.6 billion down from N20.7 billion in 2018. Two segments of its expenses were responsible for this decline. Personnel expenses were reduced to N9.4 billion last year in contrast to N10 billion in the previous year. Admin expenses fell to N5.2 bil-

lion down from N5.9 billion during the reference period. The reduction in personnel cost implied that 156 workers exited the bank in 2019 when the bank’s total workforce was 1,578 as against 1,734 in 2018. Employees mostly affected earned between N2.8 million and N3.5 million annually. The level of employees had 547 in 2019 whereas in 2018 there were 656 of them in the employ of Unity Bank, meaning that the bank axed 109 of its staff within this cadre. Thirty eight staff of

the bank who earned between N5.5 to N6.5 million annually also left the system in 2019, just as 6 among those who earned N3.6 to N4 million left the system last year. The north central and north east accounted for the bulk of its risk. With N73 billion in north central and N16.77 billion in north east, those two geopolitical zones held N89.8 billion, or 84 percent of its risk assets out of N106.9 billion total risk assets the bank had in 2019. During the year under review, risk assets allocated to the north east increased by 1,408 percent while those allocated to north central rose by 140 percent when compared with their levels in 2018. The news of its return to profitability was immediately noticed by investors as its share price gained 9.62 percent last week to close at N0.57 per share as against N0.52 per share, and thus emerged as one of the top performing stocks last week. The bank donated N39.16 million to the needy through its CSR activities in 2019, far higher than N13.4 million it donated in 2018. Among the beneficiaries of its CSR projects were the Osun State Millennium Development Goals Programme, Local Government Staff Pension Board Training, ASSIFFI Local Intervention Program, Cash Management Accident Victims Support, and Almighty God Compassion Care Home.

Nigerian bourse records N10bn transactions in second week of June TELIAT SULE

quity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by 58 percent to N9.88 billion last week as against N23.6 billion in the previous week partly due to the number of trading days which was reduced to four as a result of the Federal Government’s declaration of Friday June 12,2020 as a Democracy Day. Another contributing fact was low investor sentiment in the market. As a result, the number of deals fell to 16,616 last week compared with 22,911 deals in the previous week. Last week, 1.1 billion shares were traded last week as against 1.46 billion shares in the previous week. It should be recalled that in 2019, the Nigerian government declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day for the country in honour of Nigeria’s fairest and freest presidential election held on June 12 1993 which was won by the late MKO Abiola but was annulled by

the military regime headed by the former president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). The All-Share Index(ASI) closed at 25,182.67 points last week, an improvement over 25,016.30 points in the previous week, implying that the ASI gained 166.37 points last week which translated to 0.67 percent week to date gain; -0.34 percent month to date loss; 18.23 percent quarter to date gain, and -6.18 percent year to date loss. Other sectoral indexes in the positive territory year to date are the NSE Premium Index, 5.96 percent; NSE Insurance Index, 7.90 percent, NSE ASeM Index, 3.74 percent; NSE Afri Div Yield Index, 6.51 percent; NSE Lotus Islamic Index II, 0.36 percent, and the NSE Industrial Good Index which gained 10.92 percent year to date. Daily analysis of the transactions last week showed that investors bought 230.49 million shares on Monday June 8 worth N2.17 billion in 4, 621 deals. At the end of the trading that day, 96 stocks were

traded as 31 equities advanced in prices, 11 shed prices while the prices of 54 stocks remained unchanged. The volume of equities traded on Tuesday was higher at 268.7 million, but value of transaction fell to N1.12 billion even as 96 stocks were traded. More stocks made it on the losers’ chat with 22 stocks shedding different amounts and only 13 stocks gained, while 61

stocks had their prices unchanged. On Wednesday June 10, market participants traded 266.6 million shares worth N3.18 million in 3,978 deals. There was no victor nor vanquished as out of 94 stocks that were traded, 19 apiece gained and lost, while 56 had their prices unchanged. The last trading day of the week saw investors trade 337.1 million shares in 3,880 deals. 98 stocks

were traded but in reflection of the market sentiment, only 16 equities gained, 17 lost while 65 had their prices unchanged. By volume the financial services dominated the activity chart for the week. Investors traded 814.2 million shares worth N7.18 billion representing 73.8 percent and 72.8 percent of the total market volume and value. The oil and gas sub sector recorded 66.8 million shares worth N143 million in 1,044 deals. The consumer goods recorded 57.8 million shares worth N1.02 billion in 2,559 deals. in other segments of the market, investors traded 767.768 units of ETPs worth N5.6 billion last week, as against 288,122 units traded in the previous week worth N3.9 billion in 9 deals. Similarly, government’s bonds numbering 1,002 units worth N971,140.42 were traded in 9 deals in contrast to 2,785 units worth N3.11 million traded in the previous week in 6 deals.

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BrandsOnSunday SPOTLIGHTING BRAND VALUE

Nigeria: What visions; what priorities? Daniel Obi

h y do s ome Nigerians not show the same overwhelming patriotism as average American, Briton or Israelite do about their countries? Big question but perhaps this is simply because, many Nigerians are disconnected from Nigeria’s visions, if any. Many citizens of other countries know where their countries are headed to economically and politically and they make conscious efforts to key into that movement. But, get on the street in Nigeria and randomly ask about 10 Nigerians what Nigeria’s visions are; the answers will startle you. Therefore, the inability of average Nigerian to know the visions and goals of the country in the short or long term produces different behaviours most of which are anti-state. For instance, an average American knows that the country wants to be a dominant player in socio-economic and political affairs of the world. An average Israelite is conscious of state protection. India is playing big role in medical tourism. Germany is known for durable products. China under its ‘One Belt, One Road’ is expanding its diplomatic efforts to protect its economy and its industries are keying into this move and UK is conscious of strong economy. By watching a film or through personal interaction, an American citizen, no matter how poor he/she is content being an American than a citizen of any other country. In films, which mirror true lifestyle, actors would clutch their national flag while fighting or dying, indicating a strong belief in their country. This is in spite of corruption, killings and other vices in US and similar countries as found in Nigeria. “Between 85 to 90percent of America’s poor are ‘patriotic.’ They would rather be citizens of their country, for instance, than of any other country on Earth, and they think America is a better place than most other places in the world”, writes Francesco Duina in zocalopublicsquare.org. According to Duina, many view the United States as the “last hope”—for themselves and the world. Their strong sense is that the country offers its people a sense of dignity, closeness to God, and answers to most of humanity’s problems. In some cases, even children prevail on their parents to do the right things, even things as “minute” as obeying traffic rules. That a child calls the police on the parent, without emotions, for break-

ing traffic rules is a testimonial of attachment to the right values in society. It is also a belief that a sane society is the handiwork of all citizens. In those climes, there is silent but persistent tactic of indoctrination of children into believing in their state and equally becoming good citizens. “The fundamental goal of public schooling here in the United States is the same as it is in China: To indoctrinate children into becoming good citizens — that is, citizens who conform and submit to authority,” says Jacob G. Hornberger in his article ‘Public-School Indoctrination in China … and Here’ published in Future of Freedom Foundation site. Also, America, UK or Israel would do almost everything to protect their citizens at home and in foreign lands. Israel in 2011 freed 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, in exchange for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit who was captured by Hamas in 2006. This means a lot for an average Israeli. Contrastingly, an average Nigerian would rather “check out”, given the opportunity, than stay in the country. The ‘checking out’ Nigerian does not feel protected; secured neither does he know the direction of the country to key into such plans. Surprisingly, sometimes, news of massacre of people in Nigeria goes as if it is normal life. What the Nigerian also encounters almost every day is the story of so-called leaders starching multi-billion naira into their private accounts, and most times

and, through structured communication and body languages of the leaders where Nigeria wants to be in the next 10 to 20 years no matter the political party in power without prosecution. The average Nigerian also observes the allocation of multibillion naira to politicians against meagre sums for developmental projects. For instance, in 2020 revised budget, N27.7bn was allocated for renovation of the National Assembly and about N115 billion was for Nigeria’s legislators. Whereas, health sector that supposed to cater for Nigeria’s 200 million population received only N25.5bn. This is not different for education allocation. What therefore, is Nigeria’s vision; what do we want to be known for? This lack of attention to the state gives rise to disobedience

to traffic by motorists in front of law enforcement officers, bribery among officers, stealing of electric cables meant to transmit public light, malicious and cruel killing in the name of religion, kidnapping for money, stealing of babies and selling same to other parents for ransom. What is observed almost daily in Nigeria is total conflict against the state. A country like America does not only indoctrinate its children early enough in believing in the country with its motto ‘In God we trust’, but a country of freedom. The total protection, provision, caring, education and liberty the country gives its citizens, generates in the citizens allegiance to the state. That is why a child with confidence in the state, will invite police for his/her parents for what the child considers offensive against state or his liberty. But in a country like Nigeria, a child first believes in his family. With family’s poor indoctrination, the child sees the state as enemy, which does not care for him. This is why state properties are stolen and vandalised with many families welcoming such attitude as normal. Families now literally encourage their children to steal from the state. The stealing continues till adulthood as rules such as driving against traffic or driving past red light are broken with reckless abandon. Today, some people are billionaires just for being politicians without owning industries and no questions are asked about the sources of such instant wealth. This confuses a growing child. Without questions asked when child grows up he/she behaves

in similar manner. Circle effect. At the end, everybody wants to milk the state since there is no commonality among the people to protect the state. In this scenario, the police, judiciary and other institutions that are supposed to ensure orderliness have since joined in the malfeasance. The common man watches the big man enjoy plea bargain over corruption issues while the poor man is jailed. That breeds lack of confidence in the state, and what you have at the end is no nation but a group of people living in bordered area. Today, there is just too much indiscipline in the land and this has not enhanced national development. No nation can build state brand this way. Nigerian citizens watch with amazement how Nigeria’s peers such as Malaysia, Singapore and others are making steady progress; leaving Nigeria behind. This is not pleasing to such citizens. While everybody shares in this blame, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Alani Akinrinade, squarely blamed leadership for the problems of Nigeria. Today, there is no sectorfrom education to health, and to manufacturing- that is operating optimally. What is Nigeria’s vision? In a report, Akinrinade said that if the leadership of the country had been spot on, by now Nigeria would have been “where the Asian Tigers are”. Akinrinade, in a recent interview in Channels Television, said that “especially since 1970”, the leadership of the country has been nothing to write home about. Many stakeholders have called for restructuring of the country for effective governance. They believe that perhaps, the states or regional autonomy will guarantee faster development. Others call for state police to achieve discipline in society which will translate to progressive development. While the debate for these suggestions is on-going, Nigeria’s leadership must make conscious efforts to integrate citizens in the visions of the country. The citizens need to understand, through structured communication and body languages of the leaders where Nigeria wants to be in the next 10 to 20 years no matter the political party in power. It is then that the citizens would begin to understand their country and key into such plans. Obviously, it is lack of that collective vision that is promoting sectional and militants’ interest. Nigeria needs to show its citizens, no matter where they reside, that they matter. That would promote a sense of belonging in the nationhood.

Sunday 14 June 2020

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BDSUNDAY 27

SundayBusiness Self employment using FIIRO products innovations! Food & Beverages With Ayo Oyoze Baje

ith the recent revelation by the World Bank that the unemployment rate in Nigeria, especially as it affects the youths has escalated to 23.9%, investment in agriculture has been touted as the most sustainable way out of the wood. In this wise, it has become necessary to let the job-seeking Nigerians realize that they could capitalise on research findings and products by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, FIIRO, Oshodi to become gainfully employed. Over the years the Institute has put the results of its R&D at the disposal of interested Nigerians, using technology transfer services to enable them exploit such results for better living ad economic benefits. Towards this end, it transfers the process technologies

of its ready-for-commercialization projects to the public, through scheduled training courses, technical assistance services, acquisition of machinery and equipment and licensing. The technologies for which training courses are organized includes: Mechanised cassava flour production,mechanisedproduction of fufu, cassava chips and pellets production, palm wine bottling and preservation, edible mushroom production, cassava-wheat flour composite bread production, and dry milling of grains and legumes. Others are Instant pounded yam flour production, fruit juice extraction, Zoborodo drink production, and essential oils extraction (from lemon grass, eucalyptus and citronella leaves). other technological breakthroughs which Nigerians can delve into for both food security and employment/wealth generation are:Cassava-wheatflourcomposite bread production, mechanized production of gari, lafun, fufu and starch from cassava roots, production of glucose syrup from cassava starch, production of noodles from cassava, mechanised production of cassava flour, production of cassava chips and pellets, soy-ogi production from local cereals, fortified with soybean (a weaning food for infants as substitute for imported baby food), production of potabale alcohol from palm wine and other fermentable worts. In a similar vein there are other areas of agriculture and its allied products that job seekers could be trained in are the: production of

table vinegar from fermented palm wine, preservation and bottling of palm wine, improved traditional fish and meat smoking techniques, production of brewer’s malt and malt beverage from sorghum, production of ale from sorghum malt, production of livestock feed antibiotics, development of composite flour from local cereals and wheat for confectioneries baking, production of ethanol from cassava peels, detoxification of cassava starch for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and edible mushroom production. Research and Development (R & D) Projects Th e I n s t i t u t e ’s r e s e a r c h projects have relevance to the technological and economic problems of the Nation. They are initiated in-house in pursuance of the Institute’s mandate and as a demonstration of its problemsolving posture. Such projects are in consonance with the set objectives of the Institute and are embarked upon after thorough investigations of the desirability through market research and enquiries. Results are documented and can be obtained by interested individuals. Those that have high potentials or commercial prospects are transferred to entrepreneurs. Biotechnology R & D Projects Soy-Gari Production Gari is a cassava product that serves as a staple food for most Nigerians. It is in the form of tiny granules which can be consumed directly, or after soaking in water, with or without any supplement. In order to make it more nutritions,

its protein level could be raised from about 1% to 10% by enriching it with soy beans. The Institute successfully carried out research into the production of a high protein gari using soybean. This will reduce the incidence of protein deficiency diseases among the consumers. Detoxified Cassava Starch Production The biggest shortcoming of cassava starch is hydrocyanic acid, which limits its use in industries especially the pharmaceutical industries. Detoxification is the process through which it is removed and the starch becomes safe for use, not only in the textile industry but also in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Production of Glucose Syrup from Cassava Starch The production of glucose syrup from cassava starch using glucoamylase which was obtained by solid state fermentation of rice bran with the fungus Aspergillus niger on laboratory scale has been established. The enzymic hydrolysis of cassava starch gave a glucose syrup which has a pH 6.0’ specific gravity 1.0’ total reducing sugars 30.4%, total solids 80% and dextrose equivalent 38%. Glucose syrup is a sweetener used industrially in Nigeria, for example in the food, soft drink and confectionary industries. The establishment of a process for conversion of cassava starch to glucose syrup would enhance the local capability of glucose syrup production. Soy Dawadawa Microbiological, biochemical, chemical and nutritional studies

have been carried out on this food condiment made from soy and locust beans. Other studies on it include investigation of enzymes of significance in the fermentation processes,fermentationequipment and control system for optimization and scale up of traditional fermentation technology. Production of Clarified Fruit Juice The production of clarified fruit juices from mango, apple, banana, pawpaw, cashew and guava using locally produced pectinase enzymes have been successfully established at pilot scale level. The biochemical and microbiological safety of bottled clarified juices were analyzed and found satisfactory. The pH of the fruit juices were in the range of 4.0-4.8 and the sugar level 8-150 brix. The bottled clarified fruit juice have a longer shelf life compared to cloudy juice. Edible Mushroom Production Mushrooms belongs to the family of fungi and are found growing on dead wood and other decaying organic matter. They are rich in protein, vitamins and mineral salts, and may serve as a substitute for fish or meat. Mushrooms are of two types: the edible and the poisonous. FIIRO through research breakthrough has been able to demonstrate the possibility of producing edible mushroom commercially.

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

Enugu State eyes soaring digital economy with e-YES Obinna Emelike

or the first time in a long while, a Nigerian state is rethinking dividend of democracy and offering empowerment opportunities to those who truly need it, particularly the unemployed youths. Of course, the youth constitute almost half of the Nigerian population and engaging them productively implies more productivity, positive impact on the gross domestic product (GDP), and most importantly, reduction in crime and restiveness. It is against this background that the Enugu State government set up the Enugu Youth Empowerment Scheme (e-YES), an innovative initiative aimed at empowering thousands of youths living in the state with training in digital skills, starting with 300 youths in the first batch. As well, the forward-looking government invented e-YES in recognition of the place of technology and digitization, which are obviously the new currencies in the world today. The scheme is an initiative of the Enugu SME Center, under the Enugu Human Capital Development Loan Program, and as it rolls out, thousands of youths are expected to be trained and empowered with digital skills in

areas such as: advertising , digital marketing, internet promotion, SMS marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), PPC, and analytics. Others skills in the scheme include: mobile advertising, email marketing and content marketing. The scheme, according to the Enugu SME Center, is open to all Enugu State youth taxpayers who have completed their NYSC programme and are interested in acquiring digital skills. But the intrigue of the initiative is that the state is guaranteeing the participants training loans, certificates and possible jobs in the

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State

private sector to repay the loans. “Upon completion of the training, some participants will be placed into jobs, and within 6-10 months are obligated to pay back the cost of the training. This way, they can not only contribute to the economic development of Enugu State and Nigeria at large”, but funds can be recycled to train other youths, the Enugu SME Center said. Speaking on the initiative, which is part of his critical human development projects, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, executive governor, Enugu State, declared, “Our com-

mitment to helping people and businesses thrive is reflected in our World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking, which moved from 27th to 3rd”. In line with his principal, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser, SME Development Head, Enugu SME Center, added that, “We are in the business of improving and enhancing the quality of life of the people so that they may, in turn, impact others”. Explaining the rationale for the training and the potential of the skills, Chilo-Offiah said that they are high-income skills that would enable trained youths to thrive in today’s digital-first world, become innovative entrepreneurs and strategic valuable assets to Enugu State and the international community at large. According to the Special Adviser/SME Development Head, Enugu SME Center, “Technology will continue to drive change in the workplace, and for one to be a game-changer, one must be able to use technology to solve everyday problems. With this initiative, the Enugu SME Centre is giving the youth an edge, starting now”. However, to ensure the anticipated result, Enugu SME Center has engaged certified and experienced trainers with affiliation to the Digital Marketing Institute of Ireland; a globally recognised digital training body, to equip the

youths with the gainful digital skills. One of the trainers is Wild Fusion Digital Centre, a Nigerianbased digital and technology company. Speaking on their readiness to deliver quality, Abasiama Idaresit, CEO, Wild Fusion Digital Centre, noted that the outfit has an international certification and validation to deliver quality digital marketing training among hundreds centres around the world. “We have trained over 4,000 students since 2014, who are gainfully employed and delivering value to their employers”, Idaresit explained. He stated that “some participants will be provided jobs in the private sector while others will go on to become entrepreneurs providing service for SMEs & MSMEs across Nigeria and the globe. Being that we live in a digital age, it is easy for someone to provide service for a company irrespective of geographical location and earn foreign exchange while still residing in Enugu state. This initiative will leverage this as well”. The e-YES is on and offering youths opportunity to jumpstart careers in the digital world and technology, hence the Enugu State government through the Enugu SME Center is calling on youths from the state, who are desirous of empowerment, to take advantage of the scheme.

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Sunday 14 June 2020

Sunday Business

Setting your business to thrive without you

ne reason many people start a business is to make their money work for them. If that’s your motivation, then this article is a must-read for you. To make money work for you a reality, you need to introduce systems into your business operations. The structure you create will ensure that your business can run in your absence. Below are a few steps you can take to build a sustainable business. Aim for Zero Touch Setting up your business to run in your absence frees you to diversify into other markets and have time for family. Even if you are still actively involved in your business now, you should set your mind on building it to thrive without you. To do this, you must first structure your business. You may have started your business as a side hustle to augment your income, support your partner or survive when in-between ‘jobs.’ However, if you have served and are still serving people through your business and even have a market to provide value for, then this means that you have a business that you should structure to thrive. No matter how small your business is now, don’t lose sight of the big picture. Don’t be content with the result you have gotten so far. Work towards setting your business to operate without your direct involvement. This goal can be achieved with the right structure, systems and people. In the subsequent parts of this 5-part series, I will show you how to set up your business to run in your absence. Define your ownership structure There are two types of structure: a business structure and a structured business. A business structure refers to the legal standing of your business. What kind of business are you running? Is it a sole proprietorship? A limited liability company, an NGO or a partnership? Defining and articulating the type of business you are running will help you put the right system in place, especially when it relates to taxes and certifications. You should consider where your business is at the moment and your goals for the future and determine the type of ownership structure that will be suitable. A sole proprietorship may be useful in helping to make decisions fast and to take on all the risks and profits, but it may rob you of the benefits of the funding and expertise that partnership can provide. In the same way, a partnership may provide you with more money; but might also leave you to face the hassle of managing different people and the risk

of being bought off of an organization you helped to set up. Therefore, without much ado, you need to decide on the approach you find suitable to you best that serves your purpose. You could hire an external consultant as a sole proprietor and ensure that you have a watertight agreement when you are going into

“

You need to hire the right talents that will use the systems you have put in place to deliver the projected business goals. Without the right expertise, the best systems and structure are useless when applied to grow your business

partnership. In the same vein, if you are starting, first things first! You need to go and register your company bearing in mind to choose the right structure that suits your business. Opening a bank account is equally an essential part of this step. You cannot scale or automate your business if it is not a recognised legal entity. There are too many opportunities for growth that you will miss out on if you do not regularise your organisation’s standing with the appropriate regulatory authorities. Build sound operational structure The second type of structure is referred to as a structured business. This structure comprises your tripod of success – People, Processes and Technology. All three must seamlessly complement one another. Set up the systems that support the operational relationship between people, processes and technology. The purpose of the tripod is geared towards achieving the strategy and financial goals of an organisation. A business system comes alive through your processes and procedures. This operating system is the engine that powers, connects, controls, guides and balances the network of activities within an organisation. It facilitates a seamless workflow and provides the building blocks that support the achievement of overall organisational goals. Setting the right structure in place is the best way of making sure your team have the right tools to work with, know the steps to take to get any result and are delivering their best on the job. No matter how small your business is,

you need to set up the right structures to grow, and not wait until you are big before setting it up. A winning mindset as a startup is to start running your business as though it is an established organisation. The first step to implementing this philosophy is by institutionalising your processes and procedures. Begin with the end in mind. Start documenting your activities in such a way that any new employee can read, model and implement the same steps you took to replicate your success. Then analyse, measure and repeat the process. Hire & transfer competence Your people are your greatest asset. If you desire to grow your business and meet your financial goals, then you must pay attention to the quality of your recruits. Focus on the professionalism, competence and experience of the team you hire. Make sure you employ the people who can fit into the culture of your organisation. You need to hire the right talents that will use the systems you have put in place to deliver the projected business goals. Without the right expertise, the best systems and structure are useless when applied to grow your business. What you must not do is to recruit based on sentiment; put your money where competence is! When you have a team, identify and groom exceptional employees that have demonstrated capability, reliability and integrity and commitment to their training. Start with their mindset shift, then skill and expertise transfer so that they can run the business in your absence. Subsequently, enforce the use of your documented standard operating procedure and processes for carrying out your business operation. Maximise technology Finally, use technology to leverage productivity. Technology will help you also monitor your staff activities and make your operations to be more efficient. Be clear on the type of technology you need as not all technology is for every industry. Choose what works for you, then document and automate the steps for every activity and monitor progress. These days, there are industry-specific software and technology that you can use to speed up your production and service delivery. Some will help you automate your business and free your team up to focus on the other aspects of your business. Investment in such technology saves you time and money. It is crucial to prioritise this need for a time when the company can afford to invest in technology. Many small business owners still think that a website is for big brands, but that’s not true. Having a properly designed website is your access to the global market where the world trades. When properly designed, your website transforms into a powerful tool that can help simplify your sales, marketing and CRM process. Maximise it! But if you don’t have the means to acquire one now, leverage on the free social media platforms to create an online presence for your brand. Sign up to our newsletter on www. startupdoctor.ng for more real-life business solutions. Don’t forget to send your business questions to ask@startupdocor.ng, let us solve them together right here on the Startup Doctor Business Clinic every Sunday. I would love to read from you. To your continued success. Keep sparkling! Muna Onuzo The Startup Doctor

Sunday 14 June 2020

C002D5556

BDSUNDAY 29

SundayBusiness Understanding housing arbitration rules in mortgage business

y the nature of the Nigerian property and mortgage market where owning a home through mortgage is not given, buyers scarcely bother themselves with understanding the risk in taking a mortgage loan and defaulting in paying back the loan. That explains why terms like arbitration in mortgage business means so little to people looking for homes to buy. In other economies where the mortgage system is fully developed and functional, it is almost the only means of owning homes. In Nigeria, homeownership is largely through individual or household savings from very low income. Though it is on a very low scale, people still take mortgage as a source of housing finance in which case they are involved in a form of business transaction that has to do with borrowing and lending. Like in any other business transactions and, indeed, human and commercial relationships, disputes are inevitable. Frequently, in a mortgage business, cases of default arise that need legal interpretation and settlement. People who want to buy homes, especially those that apply for mortgage loans and even tenants in landlords houses ought to know that there are rules

which protect and also expose them in the event of a dispute on a property which mortgage has been taken. In Lagos State, for instance, a good number of residents who want to own homes have applied for the state’s mortgage scheme called Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (LagosHOMS) which has been modified into Rent-to-Own housing scheme by the current administration in the state. But that initiative which was the brain child of the Babatunde Fashola administration served as a model mortgage scheme where the rules guiding mortgage loan were well spelt out even though those rules were violated in some cases. In anticipation that disputes would arise with the full operation and enforcement of its tenancy law which was put up as an accompaniment of the mortgage scheme , the state government launched its homeownership scheme along with housing arbitration rules. The launching of the arbitration law, the mortgage scheme and the tenancy law were a step towards the homeownership scheme while the scheme is a step towards homeownership with minimum stress. Housing Arbitration Rules are aimed to take care of likely and/

or anticipated disputes from the implementation of a mortgage scheme. The objective of arbitration rules is always to provide for fair, impartial, speedy, cost-effective and binding resolutions of disputes arising from the mortgage transactions under this mortgage scheme. Under the rules, each party in a mortgage transaction will have a reasonable opportunity to present his case and to respond to that of the other party. The arbitrator and the parties are expected to do all things necessary to achieve that objective. Supo Sasore, former Chief Judge and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, explained at a housing forum in Lagos that homeownership mortgage scheme and housing arbitration rules of the state were milestones by the state government. Sasore who was the chairman of the committee set up by the state government to draft the housing arbitration rules for the state recalled that the committee was set up to formulate policies for the implementation of the mortgage scheme. “The rules are to be read in conjunction with the Lagos State Arbitration Law 2009, hereinafter called the Arbitration Law 2009 or any other law agreed to, and the Deed of Mortgage entered into by the disputing parties with

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

common expressions having the same meaning. “Words that are not defined by the Arbitration Law 2009 or the Deed of Mortgage shall be given legal meaning”, he says, adding that after the arbitrator has been appointed under these rules, the parties may not, without the Arbitrator’s agreement, amend the rules or impose procedures that conflict with them. He cited Article 1 of the Rules which says the Arbitrator shall have the power to resolve all disputes arising from the mortgaged property or the Mortgage Deed in a fair and just manner, adding that, subject to the agreement of the parties, the agreement to arbitrate under these Rules is mandatory and irrevocable. Request for, and commencement of arbitration as contained in Article 2 of the Rules stipulates that a party to a mortgage under this scheme who, in accordance with the Mortgage Deed wishes to have a dispute resolved under

these Rules shall deliver to the executive secretary of the Lagos Court of Arbitration a written request for arbitration setting forth the facts that have given rise to the reference to arbitration. The Rules make provisions for award of costs by the Arbitrator, and subject to any agreement between the parties, the cost of arbitration shall be pegged at two percent of the value of the purchase price to be shared in equal part by the parties. The Rules add that subject to any agreement between the parties, the Arbitrator shall have the discretion to award the proportion of the cost to the costs of the arbitration that each party shall bear. It stresses that, in allocating costs, the Arbitrator shall have regard to all material circumstances including that have led to the incurring of the substantial costs and whether or not it was successful and the degree of success of each party.

SAPIENCE: Rethink How to turbo-charge your business with through turbulent times (Part 8)

Toluwanimi Osinowo

info@cantab-associates.com Obinnae-mail: Emelike Lesson 3: Re-dimension your competitive advantage our business is not about you. Your business does not exist to perpetuate its own existence – it exists to improve the welfare of someone else. You are in business to serve. To care for your customers in the same way you would like to be cared for to seek their wellbeing and welfare. Re-ordering your priorities in this light means that you have to move away from a profit-centered business model. The aim of your business is not profit - profit is ultimately a consequence of your business. This then leads to a paradox – the way to make good and sustainable profit is NOT to have profit-making as your aim! We must be honest with ourselves here - retaining profit as a motivation but prioritizing customer service as the means to your profit is not the same thing as reorienting your mindset. Remember that our true motivations and reasoning will be tested and eventually leak out

into everything we do. The better approach is this –genuinely seek to bring true delight to others and then watch the rewards come in. This approach also leads to another unusual conclusion – the way we view competition. Step back and consider for a minute what competition in business means to you. For most businesses, they compete with other businesses for the resources of their customers.Competing with other businesses for the pool of profit held by a group of potential buyers whether that is called market share, share of wallet or even share of mind, it all boils down to the same thing. Our aim is to get something the customer has and we want to get it all for ourselves or at least get more of it than our neighbour. This concept of competition is self-centered and self-referential and is inevitable when you have a profit-centered business model. In this view of competition, the customer is not truly the focus – their pockets are! This is a very important

distinction, even though it is a subtle one. Traditional business thinking is that this kind of competition is good for the customer and indeed it can be. This is fundamentally because another business wooing your [potential] customergets you to behave in ways that may be beneficial to the customer, but this is not a guaranteed outcome. If you are going to turbo-charge your business through any type of situation, you will need to ascend in your thinking. And that means approaching the idea of competitiondifferently. Remember you have now redefined your business and reordered your priorities (see previous parts of this series)– this is the basis for re-dimensioning your competitive advantage. If you truly have the customer’s best interests at heart and there is another business that is providing greater benefit to the customer than you in an overlapping area, what should your reaction be? Any reaction other than joy would suggest that your customer’s best interest is not your core motivation. Yes, you might be disappointed that your business was not the one to provide the better product or service or even envious of the other company (if you are honest) but you should

be happy for the customer. At this stage, the other business is not your competition. They are simply achieving your own objectives better than you. How you react depends on your underlying thinking. Since you are in business to benefit and serve another person and they are doing this better than you, it would only be sensible to seek to learn from them – this should be the first impulse. Not learning how to beat them but understanding how the thinking and behaviour of that business led to such results. Whatever you do next, these lessons will pay off greatly. In learning from them, you will also learn about them and this will help decide what your next steps should be. There is a wide range of things you can now do based on this unique approach and the lessons learned. You could decide to co-operate with them - for example, if they have a much better product than yours and the cost of re-engineering your processes is simply too high then you can decide to work with them in some way. Maybe insert yourself into their distribution process - this may require a deft touch and some diplomacy but has the potential to be very rewarding and to lead to the emergence of a collaborative

ecosystem that provides much more value to the customer. Another option is to improve on what they are offeringbased on what you learned from them. In this case, this improvement is not out of spite but using the lessons to better serve the customer. You could copy them - this is one of many maneuvers you can make around them.Here, you could take the same principles and even the same product concept and apply it to another area or to another set of customers. The list of possibilities is endless. What you formerly saw as black and white competition has now become this multi-coloured set of interactions that advance your agenda of bringing true delight to the customer. Dr. Osinowo is a thinker and teacher: coaching high-potential leaders, advising organizations and originating breakthrough ideas. He is the founder of CANTAB Associates and the pioneer of SAPIENCE which is both a philosophy and methodology of thinking. He previously worked in the London office of the leading global strategy consulting firm Bain & Company. He studied Medicine at the University of Cambridge where he was a Cambridge Commonwealth Scholar. He can be reached for your questions and comments. e-mail: info@cantab-associates.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toluwanimiosinowo

30 BDSUNDAY

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Sunday 14 June 2020

TheWorshipper

COVID-19: Religious leaders must show understanding with government - Omonaiye Pastor Gabriel Omonaiye, medical director, God’s Goal Hospital, Ojo, Lagos, in this interview urges religious leaders to see the continuous closure of worship centres as no form of persecution, but mission to save lives. Excerpts by SEYI JOHN SALAU Is Nigeria winning the war against the pandemic considering the daily figures from the NCDC? es.Ithinkwearewinning; we must commend the government and health workers for what they have been able to do so far. There is what is ideal, what we have wanted it to be and there is a reality even the so-called developed nations of the world, some were even overwhelmed that they even had to seek help from outside. I think Germany had to send a plane to evacuate patients from Italy, in US too so many people have died; so, this is something that came up suddenly though we have our own fault too; like the health capacity of the nation had suffered over a long period of time. But if you look at the number of people that have been treated and been discharged and you look at the number of people that have died compared to the population of the country and compared to the projection I think the country is doing very well. Many Nigerians are still going about their normal businesses without observing the necessary precautionary measures; could that be a result of our level of religiosity? Talking about the attitude of some people, they really need to be educated and the step is really to repent because some people are wired that way like Thomas in the Bible. Until they see someone that is infected or somebody

Pastor Gabriel

they know personally that died they won’t believe, which is a bad thing because so many people are not observing the protocols like putting on of masks, avoidance of unnecessary visit. So, many people are not helping so this is one of the fact why more and more people are getting infected. Government has a big role to fill and even the citizens too have an important role to play, people should observe

social distancing, wash their hands regularly, avoid unnecessary visit and use mask. People still travel from one place to another despite the lockdown and it’s unfortunate some people don’t even believe the existence of coronavirus. Things and journeys and that are not really compulsory can be avoided for now. Instead of making telephone calls, text messages or WhatsApp messages some will still prefer to

Anxiety mounts as churches set to reopen in Lagos after weeks of COVID-19 lockdown ...reopening Churches portend good signal ...God-factor could be best option SEYI JOHN SALAU

s churches in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial city get set to reopen on Sunday June 21, after weeks of COVID-19 lockdown, there is a growing concern among worshippers who have greeted the news with mixed feelings. For many of the worshippers in Lagos, reopening churches at a time when the number of daily confirmed cases is rising calls for caution both from the government and religious leaders. This is so, because the war against COVID-19 is not yet over. Sola Idowu of The Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church, Lagos disclosed to BDSUNDAY that there is need for more vigilance as churches set to reopen following government easing of the lockdown. “Imustconfessthatthereopening of the Churches at this time for me comes with mixed feelings. So, it is greeted with mixed feelings because

it is not going to be like the Church of pre-COVID-19. We would need to do more in terms of preparation for each worship service. “We hope to manage the anxiety of worshippers as they come to worship, making sure that worshippers are well encouraged from the word of God,” Idowu stated. According to him, as churches reopen its doors to worshippers, especially in Lagos, religious leaders in the state must ensure strict adherence to all the guidelines of the Federal Government and the modifications by Lagos State government. Idowu further opined that church leadership must make sure that social and physical distancing are fully observed, while provision of soap, running water and alcohol based hand sanitizer are all available to everyone. “Making sure that the auditorium is well maintained in terms of hygiene and cleanliness,” he said. Joseph Ojo, the Archbishop of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC)

Lagos disclosed to BDSUNDAY that easing the lockdown is a good omen for the country and the economy, and the spiritual health of the Nation. Ac c o r d i n g t o h i m , t h e government has done all it could in managing the pandemic. “They have used up their human science and methodologies to no avail. They have succeeded in managing the real and the imaginary,” said Ojo. The clergyman stated further that it was a mistake to have excluded God in managing the COVID-19 crisis from the onset. “Now, the difference will be clear because the ministers are in a better position to educate people how to conduct themselves both in public and in their homes,” said Ojo. On the Lagos State directive to reopen worship centres on June 21, Ojo stated that reopening of Churches portend good signal and that government has realised the God-factor could be the best option in managing the pandemic, insisting that light will definitely shine out of the tunnel.

go and visit people physically, some of them are carriers without even knowing, and in the process they might have infected others. As a pastor and medical practitioner; how do you interpret the Lagos State government position on the continued lockdown of religious centres? As a Christian without looking at the dynamics of the pandemic, I have wanted the church to remain open after all, the Bible says that we should not forsake the gathering of one another, and because of the abundance of blessings in the presence of God. So, I would ordinarily could have wanted the church to remain open but considering the problem of COVID-19 and the increasing number of cases that are being discovered in Lagos on daily basis I will support the stand of the government of Lagos State but for now let the places of worship still remain closed. What timeline are we looking at here? Well, it’s difficult to say exactly when but what I think most likely will happen is that when the number of new cases that are being discovered begin to reduce then the government may say okay it’s time for churches, mosques and so on to reopen. The other thing too is that churches need to put in place certain protocols that will ensure that when they open, members will not be infected. So, the decision of the government to still close

churches and mosques I don’t see it as a persecution rather I see it in the interest of the worshippers because if you go to church or mosque and you get infected then it’s a problem for the church, mosque or whatever faith that the individual happens to belong to. Then again the availability of resources in terms of isolation centers, hospitals and facilities that can take adequate care of severe cases of COVID-19 is against the population of Lagos and the fact that we don’t have enough of medical resources as needed. God forbid if we have a big surge on our hands; so my appeal will be to Christians and people of other faith to understand the government for the time being. Considering the level of spread in Lagos and other states; what would be your advice to those religious leaders who have been pressing that churches open for spiritual intervention? As for spiritual intervention you can pray at home or online. So, for our religious leaders we want to appeal to them to be more understanding and give the government necessary support. If church members or mosque members become infected I’m sure as a pastor or Imam you won’t be happy to lose one or more of your members. To avoid evil death so I don’t see it as persecution, I think religious leaders should show more exemplary behaviour because one of the things expected of them is to be prayerful and patient.

BSN breaks translation record after 54 years SEYI JOHN SALAU

h e Bi b l e S o c i e t y o f Nigeria has broken an over 54-year-old Bible translation record with the completion of three New Testament translations in a record time of five years. The Society had set a period of 12 years for the completion of a Bible translation project, which it has never achieved since it was founded in 1966, but has been able to complete the Epie, Ogbia New Testaments in five years and Okun New Testament within four years and three months. In a statement signed by Benjamin Mordi, manager, Media & PR, the Society’s latest two full Bibles, Kalabari and Okrika, which were dedicated in 2018, took over 40 years each to be completed. According to the statement, the Old Testaments of the Epie, Ogbia and Okun Bibles are

currently in advanced stages of completion. The Society has so far spent ₦161.87 million on the Epie and Ogbia Bible translation projects, while the sum of ₦47.85 million has been spent on the Okun Bible translation project. However, 12 translators have been working on the Epie and Ogbia projects that were started from the scratch with the development of the orthography of the two languages, three translators were engaged for the Okun project. The Epie and Ogbia Bible translation projects started in 2015, while Okun was added in 2016. Plans are on to dedicate the New Testaments of these languages later this year. The Epie and Ogbia Languages are spoken in Bayelsa State, while Okun is spoken in Kogi, Kwara and Ekiti States. However, according to the BSN, seven other Bible translation projects in different Nigerian Languages are ongoing

Sunday 14 June 2020

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BDSUNDAY 31

Sports

UEFA to decide future of football in coming days

ANTHONY NLEBEM

he time is fast approaching for UEFA to finalise their plans for the Champions League and the Europa League. Two video conferences have been planned for Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 18, in which the following points will be addressed: There will be updates on how and where this season’s Champions League and Europa League will take place, with FIFA still not ruling out the possibility of the final in Istanbul. Talks will also include the situation of next year’s Champions League and Europa League qualification stages and group stages whilst trying to conclude the 2019/20 Women’s Champions League. The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification group stages will also be discussed, as well as the Financial Fair Play Regulations. The main items on the agenda for the first day of meetings are: *UEFA Champions League and Europa League from the round of 16 onwards.

*UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League 2020/21 qualification rounds, play-offs and group stages *UEFA Women’s Champions League 2019/20 from the quarter finals onwards *UEFA Youth League 2019/20 and the schedule of remaining rounds*Updates on international competitions *Venues and fixture lists for EURO 2020 *UEFA EURO 2020 play-offs and reprogramming of group stages for the UEFA Nations League 2020/21 * European Under-21 Championship 2019/2020* European Women’s Under 17 Championship and European Under-19 Championship fixture lists and formats *Resumption of FutsalThe main points which will be discussed on the second day of meetings are: *FIFA 2022 World Cup qualification group stage draw · Club licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations*UEFA Heading Guidelines

Football managers will be better prepared to handle pandemics in future - Kanoute ANTHONY NLEBEM

ormer African footballer of the year, Frederic Kanoute, believes major football leagues in the world will be better prepared to handle a pandemic like Covid-19 in the future. Football, as well as other sporting events, came to a standstill following the coronavirus outbreak, but things are beginning to return to normal after more than three months of a global lockdown. And Kanoute is hopeful about the future of football. “It wasn’t only football that suffered but it affected life in itself worldwide,” Kanoute, now the LaLiga ambassador, told reporters in a video conference on Monday. “The world will be more cautious and prepared in case it happens again. But of course, football will remain football and overcome this kind of challenge, as it has in the past. “We may think in the next month or two, football is going to change without fans in the stadiums. In that perspective, it will change, but I hope it won’t be for long.” Kanoute, former Tottenham Hotspur striker, believes football authorities will be better prepared in case of another pandemic. “The approach to combat such things will change in the future with better preparation, plans and through new technologies in place to handle such challenges,” the Mali international pointed out. The La Liga resumed with a derby clash between Sevilla and Real Betis derby on June 11. The game is the first of the 110 matches left to play during this campaign with broadcast innovations that include virtual stands, virtual fan audio and new camera angles.

Kanoute believes it is the best possible start to the LaLiga with one of the greatest derbies in the world. “It is the best derby in the world, at least the best derby I played,” Kanoute said. “I have played many derbies in London. The passion around a game like this one for Sevilla, I never felt elsewhere.” “I’m glad LaLiga resumes with a game like this, which for me is exceptional.” Barcelona are on 58 points and head the LaLiga table by two points from Real Madrid with Sevilla (47) in third. “It’s very difficult to compete with the top two clubs in the LaLiga,” Kanoute said. “Real Madrid and Barcelona have big budgets and they have bigger squads and high quality players where they can rotate. So at the end of the season they arrive fresh.” Spanish clubs on top With a sizeable number of European League titles – nine – in the last 15 years, Kanoute said Spanish clubs were the strongest in the continent. “The EPL is a very strong league as well,” he added. “Liverpool won the champions league last year and I think it will be a tough competition this year. “Personally, I love the LaLiga because of the style of football they play. That’s the reason I moved there 15 years ago. “There is something special about the LaLiga because they emphasise on a style which is a little bit to dominate possession and a little bit more to be technical, and be less straight forward. “The EPL is also now taking more and more of this type of play where you have to be a little more clever on positioning on the pitch and the possession of the ball as well.”

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The Kilishi metaphor of our wasted innovations!

he tragi-comic scene could have been a clip from a new Nollywood blockbuster movie. But it was as real as looking straight at the wavy lines on your sweaty palms. The event took place recently at the Senate chamber. Professor Hussain Ibrahim, the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), listed kilishi production as an outstanding achievement for the agency in 33 years! That was while briefing the Senate committee on science and technology. Shell-shocked, Senator Ekwunife, the Committee Chairman asked him: “Your core mandate is to develop local materials. Can you tell us the local raw materials you have developed in the areas of health, brewery, construction, science, and technology, or agriculture? Just give us the synopsis of what you have developed or generated for local industries. Tell us about your breakthrough.” But the professor insisted that kilishi, a locally spiced roasted meat, made popular in the north and savoured by travelers up North was indeed a scientific feat. The gale of laughter, mixed mashed with outrage that greeted his response tells us part of the parlous picture of the utter neglect of several scientific inventions, either left to rot away at the pilot stage in our research institutes, or never mentioned by the Ministry of Science and Technology. As a concerned citizen one has made similar suggestions to the powers-that- be back in 2002, 2003 and 2004.Related essays in this regard included: “The challenge of local inventions, 1 and 2,” (Daily Times of Oct. 18 and Nov.1, 2002); “Using our best brains I and 2,” ( Daily Times, July 18 and August 1, 2003) and “Turning brain drain to economic gain” (Daily Times, July 23, 2004). One of the recent ones was: “Making the Best Use of Our Best Brains” while the other came as “Maximizing the Potentials of our Young Inventors”. The aim, as usual was to draw the attention of our policy makers to it and do the needful. But who has listened to me? Unfortunately, it was taken with a pinch of salt. In retrospect, let me repeat the first two paragraphs of “Making the Best Use of our Best Brans” thus: “This piece goes out as a passionate appeal to the residency to con-

sider constituting a Presidential Committee on Impact Creativity. The aim is to bring together the creative works of our inventors, innovators, top scientists/technologists, thinkers, artists and geniuses-both at home and in the Diaspora- to maximally benefit the technological and economic landscape of the country. “The time has come for sustainable synergy between the Ministries of Science and Technology, Labour and Productivity with the assistance of External Affairs to identify, highlight and articulate pilot projects of Nigerian inventors for mass production for the benefit of Nigerians “Pragmatic partnerships with the private sector should be encouraged. Such exists in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, China and even Brazil where there are deliberate polices for massive funding of researches and their implementation.” That was some three years ago. Perhaps, Prof. Ibrahim needs to be reminded that only recently, a young Nigerian, Emeka Nelson invented a machine that transforms waste into petrol, kerosene, diesel, tiles and roofing sheets. He shouldalso be informed that another young Nigerian engineering student, Ekomobong Finbarr has built a solar powered keke tricycle. Ekomobong, an undergraduate of Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, built the tricycle for his final year project. That was precisely back in 2016. Not left out is the inspiring tale of Muhammad Ibrahim Baba, who last year beat 600 international participants in Beijing to win the Excellent Paper on environment. Baba who graduated with First Class from the University of Dutse has now graduated as overall best student in China Hohai University for Masters. In a similar vein, another Nigerian-born mathematics guru, Idris Ahmed has developed 4 patented devices, and currently works as the Lead Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover cyber security department. Dr. Idris works on the engineering of Formula 1 cars and Jaguar. He’s a CEO and a lecturer too. Similarly, a few years ago, four teenage girls, Duro-Aina Adebola (14), Akindele Abiola (14), Faleke Oluwatoyin (14) and Bello

Eniola (15) dazzled Nigerians with their invention of a urine- powered generator at the Maker Faire Africa Exhibition. For it to work, urine is put into an electrolytic cell, which cracks the urea into nitrogen, water, and hydrogen. Eventually, 1 Liter of urine gives you 6 hours of electricity! Talk about the benefits of recycling what we term as a waste. Other young Nigerian students at the Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH have come up with yam pounding machines and cowpea threshers. Little Pamela from Plateau state has invented a device which could be used to cook and dry. It is named Multi Energy Dual Purpose Device. While Collins from Abia state produced a solar-powered digital DC to AC inverter, his colleagues from other states have produced a power generating device by wind and the prototype of fuel generating machine. In a similar vein, 25-year-old USbased Nigerian, Jessica Matthews, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Uncharted play, invented a powergenerating football called SOCCKET ball. It is already on sale in New York and the cost is equivalent to what people pay for a solar inverter. As patriots, who believe in the greatness of ‘One Nigeria’ we are proud to be associated with names of Professors Philip Emeagwali, Gabriel Oyibo, Samuel Achilefu, Babajide Alo and Ayodele Olaiya. They ring a loud and crisp-clear bell in the hallowed halls of creativity, globally. Others include Col. Oviemo Ovadje (Retd), Jelani Aliyu, Brino Gilbert, Shehu Saleh Balami, Saheed Adepoju, Seyi Oyesola, Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Kunle Olukotun and Sebastine Chinonye Omeh, to name a few. But while the products of their creative ingenuity are positively impacting on the global economic scene, far beyond our shores, their home country, Nigeria has not benefited much from their immense intellectual resources. Yet, the fault is not theirs but that of our policy makers. For instance, Emeagwali is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the

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

Internet. For his feats he was awarded the prestigious Gordon Bell Prize normally reserved for 18 scientists. Currently working on super computers, he explains that for every three barrels of crude oil in any place only one barrel can be extracted. But he has been able to use super computers to see the inside of oil fields with greater accuracy. With such he states that if only one per cent more oil is extracted it pays for itself as it amounts to billions of dollars! But has Nigeria, an oil-producing country leveraged on his great discovery? The answer is obvious. On his part, Gabriel Oyibo, the Kogi State-born engineer, mathematician, researcher and physicist has done what Albert Einstein could not achieve for thirty years! In 2002 he successfully solved the Grand Unification Field Theory. His finding shows that one could go through 0 to 3 in a four dimensional space time, or go through 0 to any number. For that he was allegedly nominated for the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2002 and 2003.He is an expert that the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Massachusetts Institute of Technology has gained from. But has Nigeria recognized or utilized his technological breakthroughs? I am afraid, not. In a similar vein, Nigeria has not benefited from Prof. Samuel Achilefu’s invention. His is the ground-breaking development of a set of high-tech, cancer-visualising goggles which assist surgeons to see cancer cells in real-time while operating on patients. It won him the prestigious St. Louis Award in 2014.

Preventing another Uwa and Barakat’s tragedy

OLUDAYO TADE .Dr. Tade, a sociologist, writes from Ibadan (dotad2003@yahoo.com)

ribal rapists in the past two weeks have competed to outperform one another in their sinister career of not only having unlawful carnal knowledge but also gruesomely eliminating two of their victims from mother earth and plunging their immediate families and national community into mourning mood. These organised criminals unleashed violence on promising teenagers and terminated their dreams of becoming successful while turning two decades of parental investments into losses of monumental proportion. Away from COVID-19 pandemic and its associated complexities, sadness envelopes the national space as promising young girls were eliminated unjustly by ‘familiar foes’. This has been our experience from May 27 in Edo State, where the life ambition of 22-year old Uwaila Omozuwa was made unrealisable by gang of rapists and murderers, to the pacesetter State

where Barakat Bello (18years), suffered similar fate in her house on June 1, 2020 to Lagos State in Ajah where a 12-year old girl was gang-raped by four masked men; and not forgetting, the 11-men arrested in Jigawa State for serially raping another 12-year old girl! The experiences of girl breadwinners raped while hawking pawpaw and sachet water on the street of Ekiti and Ogun States, respectively, show how the public and private spaces have become deadly for the girl-child. Note that many rape cases go unreported while those reported may also not have entered police records. We are now confronted with motivated sexual predators in the absence of effective social control mechanism. Rape is one of the sub-topics taught in our contemporary social problems, crime and delinquency, and deviance, deviation and society courses at undergraduate and graduate levels at the Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan handled by the Criminology unit. In this intervention, I examine contextual factors which accounted for the incidences. I also share insights from our study on rape in Nigeria to assist law enforcement agencies in their investigation and guide parents on who not to trust with their children. I argue against death sentence for rapists being advocated in certain quarters and in its place, push for diligent prosecution and timely administration of justice in rape cases. For me, this holds the key to

reduce the menace and strengthen the silent voices of other victims to speak. Crime occurs according to routine activity theory (RAT) propounded by Cohen Lawrence and Felson Marcus when three elements converge in space and time: an attractive target (girls), motivated offender (the rapist) and absence of capable guardianship (police, parents, significant others). RAT tells us that our life routine exposes us to crime victimisation when monitored and mastered by criminals. Put in other way, a predictable routine provides opportunity for criminality especially when the target is attractively unprotected. Uwa was said to have a predictable routine of collecting keys and reading in the Church and would be alone. The church seems not to have anyone guarding the structure during her reading time. Barakat’s attackers knew that the parents would be away at certain time and her younger sister would go for Quran lesson. She would be alone with no help considering the detached nature of her house in the community surrounded with bushes. The 12-year old in Ajah was attacked when the father went out to buy fuel and the attackers came in through the fence not through the entrance gate where we learnt people were working. The Ondo hawker was raped around

7pm when market was sparsely populated. In the scenarios, the girls are attractive target to the motivated offenders (the rapists) without anyone to prevent it (a capable guardian). For the rape to occur, the rapists mastered the routines of their victims and ensured that guardianship was nil before they accomplished their criminal intentions. Identity concealment is important where victim is likely to know the offenders. While the rapists in Lagos raped their victims masked, the murderers in Uwa and Barakat’s case may have decided to silence their victims with death owing to possibility that the victims might know them and reveal their identities. Sadly, all the raped victims share similar low socioeconomic status which increased their susceptibility. In our recently published paper on rape (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91705), we examined newspaper coverage of rape between 2012 and 2016. We analysed 331 reported cases. Of this number, 96percent (319) were female victims while the rest were male victims of rape. Thirty-three percent of the female victims were aged 1-10; those between 11-20 years constituted 46.1percent of the victims; while victims aged 21-30 were 8.4percent. The percentage of victims reduces with increase in age. This is understandable because those advanced

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