FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Analysts Give Tips on Economic Recovery as Nigeria Exits Recession GDP grows by 0.11% in Q4 James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos Analysts yesterday called on the federal government to implement the 2021 budget to boost infrastructural

development, ensure policy consistency and proper management of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to sustain the gradual recovery of the economy. The advice came on a

day the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its ‘Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report - Q4 & Full Year 2020,’ released yesterday, showed that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a

positive growth rate of 0.11 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2020 (Q4 2020), successfully lifting the economy out of recession. The economy had slumped

into recession last year, the second in five years, after two consecutive quarters of contraction. The economy entered into a recession last year when growth contracted by 3.62

per cent in Q3 and grew by -6.10 per cent in Q2. According to the NBS, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 0.11 per cent (year-on-year) in real Continued on page 9

NAFDAC Approves AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use... Page 8 Friday 19 February, 2021 Vol 26. No 9448. Price: N250

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Security Agencies Intensify Search for Kagara KidnappedVictims Abducted pupils, others identified Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna The search for the 42 people, including 27 pupils that bandits kidnapped on Wednesday

from Government Science College, Kagara in Niger State continued yesterday with the reinforcement of security operatives on the trail of the abductors.

A statement by the Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba, a commissioner of police, said the police had deployed additional tactical, investigative and intelligence

assets, including police aerial helicopter, in support of the rescue effort. It said the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Mr. Usman

Adamu, is coordinating the search-and-rescue operation in collaboration with other security agencies. The statement quoted the Inspector-General of Police, Mr.

Mohammed Adamu, as saying that the police, the military and intelligence agencies were conducting a massive Continued on page 47

Watch Your Utterances, Abdulsalami Cautions Govs, Warns against Civil War States' helmsmen demand prosecution of criminals To dedicate part of ECA to security Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe The Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC) and Nigeria’s former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has cautioned state governors to be more temperate in their utterances in order not to instigate civil unrest in the nation that is on the edge of an inter-ethnic conflagration. He spoke yesterday on ‘The Morning Show,’ the flagship breakfast programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, and called on the federal government and Nigerians to ensure that peace reigns in the country so as to avoid another civil war. Abdulsalami, in his second

intervention to douse tensions arising from ethnic conflicts that have aggravated the security challenges facing the nation, said the circumstances that led to the civil war from 1967 to 1970, were similar to ongoing occurrences, adding that tackling insecurity must be the priority of the government to avoid another civil war. The former head of state’s admonishment came two days after he called on Nigerians to stop trading blame and focus on ending the current ethnic clashes, which he described as unfortunate. Abdulsalami at a press conference in Minna, capital of Niger State, on Tuesday, had expressed concern that the clashes are adding to the challenges of insurgency, Continued on page 9

Defence Minister under Fire over Call for Self-defence.. Page 5

THE GOVS… L-R: Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) during the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja…yesterday

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Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Defence Minister under Fire over Call for Self-defence PDP, ACF, CAN slam Magashi

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday berated the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), for asking Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits. Magashi, speaking against the backdrop of the abduction of 42 people, including pupils from the Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State in the wee hours of Tuesday, had told reporters in Abuja that the bandits were having a field day because they knew people in communities they attack would not fight back. He told Nigerians to resist the attacks by bandits and stop running away like cowards. Reacting, the spokesman of the ACF, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, said the minister’s comments demonstrated his insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians. He said: “If he was quoted correctly, the minister ought to withdraw it. He also owes Nigerians and particularly, the victims of these terrorists' acts an apology for such comments are insensitive and demonstrate a complete misinterpretation of our plight as lawful citizens. “If soldiers armed to defend us are yelling and running helter-skelter from Boko Haram and bandits, what does he expect ordinary unarmed mortals to do?” The Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayap, slammed Magashi for his comment.

He stated: “The twist of words by many government officials in the past few weeks showed that those in government know what is happening, but do not like it when citizens speak out. “For example in Kaduna State, the governor who was angry with people for challenging him when he said he paid killer herdsmen to stop killings in Southern Kaduna, is now saying he will not negotiate with bandits, which was the same problem some of us had with his approach.” He added that if leaders pay attention to what Nigerians are saying, “we will not wait till we have lost many innocent lives to bandit before we start talking about the right thing that ought to have been done." He, however, welcomed the self-defence advocacy by many Nigerians, adding that those who made the proposal have been accused by the government of fuelling the crisis. “Thank God, the Minister of Defence himself is now saying what we have been saying. These bandits are not spirits; our people, therefore, should not wait for police or military whenever these evil groups attack them but instead defend themselves,” Hayab said. The PDP demanded the sack of the minister for asking unarmed Nigerians to confront and defend themselves against armed aggression by bandits and terrorists. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party described the statement by the minister as reckless, irresponsible and a confirmation that the Buhari administration has surrendered to outlaws

and has no determination to fight them. PDP said it was unthinkable that a government would describe unarmed victims of armed aggression of terrorists and bandits as “cowards” while those elected and given the necessary resources to defend them hide in the comfort and safety of their offices in Abuja. "Such disposition to security, a statutory responsibility of government, goes to validate apprehensions that our nation is indeed descending to a failed state under the Buhari presidency, where the government can no longer

perform its duties while unarmed citizens are left to confront bandits and warlords," the party stated. It said given the silence by the Buhari presidency, it showed that the comment by the minister represented the disposition of Buhari and his security team towards protecting Nigerians. PDP explained that such statement by the Buhari administration, at the time it ought to be scaling up its security strategies to guarantee the safety of all Nigerians, have been emboldening bandits, terrorists and kidnappers to escalate their atrocities against the compatriots.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has supported the call by the National Assembly for the declaration of a state of emergency on security. Also, a former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has listed how Nigeria can restructure its security architecture through a bipartisan approach within 10 days. Secondus, at the inauguration of the party’s electoral committee in Abuja called on the National Assembly to do the right thing that will bring peace and security in the country before, during and after elections.

"We have been overwhelmed in this country with insecurity. I called on the president to wake up. I call on call the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security," he stated. Ekweremadu called for a bipartisan approach to addressing the security crisis. He urged party loyalists, the media, civil society and well-meaning Nigerians to put narrow political, partisan, ethnic, religious and sectional interest aside and seize the opportunity of the ongoing constitution amendment to immediately pull the nation back from the brink.

SEEKING RECONCILIATION… Former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki (left), and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Walid Jibrin, during the PDP Reconciliation & Strategy Committee’s meeting with members of the BoT in Abuja…yesterday

NLC Declares Strike in 18 States over Minimum Wage Issues 14-day ultimatum to airlines

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday directed workers in all the states where the national minimum wage of N30, 000 is yet to be paid to immediately proceed on strike. Although it did not name the states yet to honour the minimum wage, NLC said about half the 36 states of the federation were yet to conclude negotiations on payment of the minimum wage. However, THISDAY checks showed that Kwara, Imo, Osun, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Gombe, Rivers and Ogun States are among those yet to fully implement the new

wage bill as of October 2020. The NLC also demanded a downward review of the template used in determining the pump price of petrol to stave off an imminent hike in the cost of the commodity following the rising price of crude oil in the international market. In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC), the union urged the federal government to reduce the cost of gas sold to electricity generating companies to $1.5 cents as a means of driving down electricity tariffs. NLC resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the management of Turkish Airline and Caverton

Helicopter to reinstate all sacked trade union executives and desist from further anti-union actions. NLC warned that it would take drastic action against state governments that have refused to pay the new national minimum wage and minimum pension, whose benefits have been eroded by the escalating inflation in the country. In the communiqué jointly signed by NLC President, Dr. Ayuba Wabba and General Secretary, Mr. Emma Ugboaja, NLC said: "The NEC also resolved to view the refusal to pay the new national minimum wage by state governments as demanded by the law as an

act of criminality, betrayal of the oath of office sworn by state chief executives and a dangerous adventure in anarchy. "The NEC-in-Session directed all states where the national minimum wage of N30,000 is yet to be paid to immediately proceed on industrial action." The union rejected deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry as long as it is import driven, saying that it negatively impact on the welfare of the working-class family and the masses. It called on the federal government to rehabilitate local refineries as a sustainable solution to

incessant increases in the pump price of petrol. On the report on electricity tariffs, the NLC urged the federal government to immediately address the conditions within its control that are driving up electricity tariff. It demanded a review of the power sector privatisation programme, since the law provides for one every two years. "The NEC also calls for the reduction of the cost of gas to $1.5 cents and also the scrapping of the use of US and Nigeria inflation rates to determine the cost of gas to Gencos," it stated. In the case of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),

accused of trampling on workers' rights, the NLC resolved to mobilise workers to picket the national headquarters of the CAC for three days. The NEC also resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the management of Turkish Airline and Caverton Helicopter to reinstate all sacked trade union executives and desist from further anti-union actions. It called on banks to desist from imposing unrealistic revenue targets on their employees. It also tasked the federal government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

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NAFDAC Approves AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the emergency use of AstraZeneca as COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. AstraZeneca, from India, is one of the two vaccines received by Nigeria and forwarded to NAFDAC for scientific study. The other one, Sputnik, developed by Russia, is still being studied by the agency. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, at a press conference yesterday Abuja said the agency had evaluated the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for Nigerians. She said the vaccine could be stored in two to eight degrees Centigrade, adding that three more vaccines are being evaluated. According to her, the evaluation of AstraZeneca shows that the vaccine is effective against the United Kingdom variant of the virus, which has been reported in Nigeria while the South African variant has not been reported in Nigeria. She also said the agency was reviewing over 30 herbal medicines for listing. Adeyeye said: "NAFDAC received the AstraZeneca/ Oxford COVID-19 vaccine dossier from Serum Institute of India on February 10, 2021. “The NAFDAC Vaccine Committee commenced the expedited review immediately and the members of the committee have worked assiduously to ensure that the review was done as planned. “The recommendation for Emergency Use Authorisation was based on rigorous scientific considerations." While explaining the process of the vaccine evaluation, Adeyeye said from phases two and three conducted, COVISHIELD was found safe and well-tolerated in adults above 18 years of age. "The incidence of solicited,

unsolicited AEs and SAEs was comparable in the study control groups. No causally related SAE was caused by the study vaccine," she said. On the vaccine quality, she stated that the active substance is manufactured and controlled by Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SIIPL), adding that a GMP certificate and manufacturing licence issued by the India National Regulatory Authority (NRA) has been presented and found to be authentic and valid. The NAFDAC boss added that the multidose (2 doses or 10 doses) vial is stored at two to eight degrees centigrade, while one dose (0.5ml) contains 5 x 1010 virus particle. According to her, stability data showed that the AstraZeneca vaccine has a proposed drug product shelf life of six months. The use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, a recombinant ChAdOx1 adenoviral vector encoding the structural surface glycoprotein (Spike protein) antigen of the SARS-CoV-2 was given an approval for Emergency Use Listing by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday. The WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL) assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and is a prerequisite for COVAX facility vaccine supply. It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines. The EUL will allow Nigeria to receive the first batch of the vaccine from COVAX facility within weeks subject to approval by NAFDAC. Adeyeye also spoke on the rollout plan for the vaccine, saying the agency has initiated multi-stakeholder collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), UNICEF, GAVI, WHO and Ministry of Health. She added that the agency

Buhari: Peace in Niger Republic Must Matter to Nigeria Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday stressed the importance of Nigeria being interested in peace in the neighbouring Niger Republic. According to him, peace in the Niger Republic must matter to Nigeria, being its very close neighbour. Buhari, in a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, commended the country’s outgoing President Mahamadou Issoufou and his government for keeping to their country’s constitution with respect to run-off polls scheduled for February 21. The president, while receiving in audience former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who is ECOWAS Head of Mission on the elections in the Niger Republic congratulated Sambo on the first round of the elections, which produced no

clear winner, thus compelling a run-off set for February 21. Buhari said: “Neighbourliness, whether national or individual, is very important, as the peace of your neighbour, or lack of it, may also affect your own well-being.” He wished the Republic of Niger, Sambo and his team the best of luck, as the run-off polls hold at the weekend. Sambo said campaigns had been peaceful thus far, as the contending political parties had intensified efforts at sealing deals and alliances for victory. In the first round of the election, Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, former minister of interior and foreign affairs, led with 39.33 per cent of the votes, while former President Mahamane Ousmane polled 17 per cent. Both scores fell short of the required 50 per cent for outright presidential victory.

has adopted traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This is to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and to ensure there is no diversion. She said the focus was to use a holistic approach for the immunisation or delivery of the vaccines and monitor

any Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI). "The multi-stakeholder technical working groups have been meeting to address different issues, from access to distribution to traceability (track and trace) of the vaccines, to the monitoring of adverse events following immunisation," she said. Adeyeye added that the agency will be using its

recently launched Med Safety App for active pharmacovigilance of the vaccines in collaboration with sister agencies. According to her, the App is free, and millions of healthcare workers can download it free for Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting. In-country training on the use of the App has begun for the healthcare givers, she

stated. In addition, NAFDAC plans to use the traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This is to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and to ensure there is no diversion and create a reliable and predictable supply chain, she said.

SUPPORT FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT… Interim Administrator/CEO, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Eﬃong Akwa (left), and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, during the presentation, by the commission, of ﬁve waste management trucks to the governor in Asaba…yesterday

Buratai: Terrorism May Persist for Next 20 Years Senate screens ex-service chiefs Deji Elumoye in Abuja The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin (rtd) and the erstwhile service chiefs yesterday explained why security challenges facing the country could not be surmounted during their over fives year tenure as security chiefs. This is just as the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), claimed it may take Nigeria 20 more years to crush the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the North-east geo-political zone. The former military helmsmen who appeared for screening as non-career Ambassadors before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs attributed their inability to solve the myriad of security problems facing the nation to logistics and insufficiency of funds. First to appear before the committee chaired by Senator Mohammed Bulkachuwa was Olonisakin who attributed the problem to the nation's over 1,000 forest reserves that are not well managed and secured by the respective state governments. According to him, the problem at hand requires well- galvanised national approach for it to be surmounted since it is more of an asymmetric cum

hybrid warfare as against the conventional ones that can easily be confronted and defeated. His words: "I want to say that the solution to insecurity is multi-pronged. We talk about conventional warfare and asymmetric warfare. We are talking about hybrid warfare where everyone is involved. It is not about kinetics. “Kinetics gives only a 35 per cent success rate in any war we are fighting. It is a national approach that must be properly galvanised for us to actually surmount the insecurity. I will say three years ago, I conducted research on the forests in the country. I realised we have over 1,000 forest reserves. I sent the team to Kenya. They went to Kenya and brought out a paper and I said then, three years ago that our next crisis will be in the forest. "Some governors were invited and we told them because most of the forests are the prerogative of states. The states took over all the forest reserves. I told them that we have to protect the forests. We have to send troops to protect the forests”. Also advancing reasons for the unabated problem of insecurity in the country particularly the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, Buratai while appearing before the committee

reiterated that it may take the country 20 years to eliminate Boko Haram Insurgency. He said: "Unless certain things are done, this insecurity will continue because the truth must be told it may take another 20 years for the country to surmount the problem of Insurgency and that is the truth." According to him, the Boko Haram insurgents through indoctrination are winning more and more communities to their side, aside from the problem of ungovernable spaces in the area and across the country. His words: "My state (Borno), is an epicentre, where this indoctrination has penetrated so deep. They (insurgents) have won the communities to their side. That is why they (communities) keep Boko Haram. So, it is complex, it requires a whole of government approach to solving this, military action or activity is just one aspect. One mistake that we have been making is that only the military can solve this. It is not. There are political, social, economic aspects that need to be addressed. "Development should be progressive, there should be road everywhere, there should be employment, schools, hospitals all over. Yesterday ( Wednesday),

I counted five Local Government Areas in Borno State that do not have a good access road to those places. In North-west, North-central, there are so many ungovernable spaces, which the insurgents are penetrating. The places don't have schools, hospital and so on and education is very fundamental. The story was not different when the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Sadique (rtd); former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok - Ete Ibas (rtd) and former Chief of Defence Intelligence l, Air Vice Marshall Mohammed Usman (rtd) also appeared before the Committee. Specifically , the former Intelligence Chief identified lack of synergy among the various security agencies, as one of the reasons for the lingering security challenges the country is facing. Usman told the committee that the military was in possession of an intelligence report on the planned kidnap of Dapchi schoolgirls in February 2018 but the information was not well managed. After the screening of all the five nominees, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bulkachuwa, said the committee will submit its report to the Senate at plenary next week.

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PAGE TEN WATCH YOUR UTTERANCES, ABDULSALAMI CAUTIONS GOVS, WARNS AGAINST CIVIL WAR banditry and armed robbery in the country. However, in his latest intervention, Abdulsalami also advised state governors to watch their comments on the crisis to avoid inciting unrest. But the governors, rising from an emergency meeting yesterday in Abuja blamed the worsening insecurity on porous borders and illegal proliferation of arms in Nigeria. They also demanded prosecution of criminals without consideration for ethnic or religious affiliations. The former head of state warned that the ethnic conflict that has pitted Southerners against their compatriots from the North would not bode well for the country, if not arrested. He said: “People who are old enough recollect what happened during the civil war. What were the things that led to the civil war? People from different states were being attacked, killed, and their property was destroyed, and people started migrating to their states of origin. And this is what is happening now. “You would see that in the southern part of the country, Northerners are migrating back to the North and our brothers from the South in the North are now in fear and are preparing to go back to their states. “The people in the North are feeling that they are being attacked as it happened in Ibadan and other parts of the country, which is why I think we are reaching a point of no return. We must live together.” According to him, urgent steps are needed to stop the migration as a way of not inflaming tempers in other parts of the country. “You can see that some people are migrating from

parts of the country back to their states where they feel safer. God forbid this would take us back to 1960s where we had problems that resulted in the civil war,” he added. He regretted that Nigerians have not learnt from past mistakes of inter-tribal wars and urged the governors to take responsibility for securing lives and property as well as promoting dialogue. Abdulsalami stated that although the governors are in a difficult situation, it is their responsibility to guard their states. According to him, ethnic disharmony is rearing itself all over the place. “You could see where the herders are being chased from some of parts of the Southern states and their cattle are being killed. Certainly, this heightened tension in the country,” he said. On how state governors can contribute to ensuring peace and stability, he urged them to ensure that their states are secured for both indigenes and non-indigenes and to also be mindful of their public utterances. “Governors must make sure there is law and order in their states and they should watch their utterances because what they say is what people would take it as an order. They should not say anything that would be misread,” he stated. He also called for dialogue among the people where crimes are being committed, saying: “If someone is committing a crime, they should be arrested and prosecuted. And it is their responsibility to secure the lives of all Nigerians who are living within their state.” Abdulsalami added that the NPC is consulting with the federal government on how to

reduce insecurity in Nigeria. He said: “The government of the day whether at the state or federal level, we are discussing with them and advising them what steps to take so that peace can reign in our country. And on the part of the population, we are mobilising them and sensitising them to play their own role in giving peace a chance and be each other’s keeper and also to realise that there is strength in our diversity. “In terms of what an individual can do, it is to make sure that we liaise with the government and help with providing intelligence.” Reacting to the clamour for the creation of state police, he said state governments should think through their decisions before creating one. He said: “When there is a necessity to have state police, so be it, so that the states can have control on their authority so that as the chief security officers of their states, the governors would be able to deploy where they feel there is a need for security. But this cannot be done in haste; we must sit down and look at the pros and cons. “When we were growing up, there were state police, but now people are afraid they would use state police to intimidate political opponents and I think it is neither here nor there.” He advised the new service chiefs to look into the welfare of the troops, the utilisation of weapons and all equipment under their care and proper utilisation of the troops under their command. The former military ruler also stressed the need for a gathering of intelligence through human and equipment intelligence. “I believe all the service

chiefs and generals and officers are capable people once they can properly look after, I am absolutely sure they would do well,” he said. He also pleaded with the kidnapers of Kagara pupils and parents in Niger State to release their captives unhurt. He said: “On behalf of all Nigerians, I sympathise with the parents of all those children who have been kidnapped. It is very sad and unfortunate, and I appeal to all these kidnappers to let God touch their mind and let them stop what they are doing. You kidnap someone and demand money; what are you going to do with that money? In your conscience would you enjoy that money?”

Govs Demand Prosecution of Criminals Governors yesterday blamed the spike in insecurity in the country on porous borders and the illegal proliferation of arms in Nigeria just as they demanded the prosecution of criminals without consideration for their ethnic or religious affiliations. The governors, who promised to dedicate part of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to security, also rejected the ethnic profiling of crimes in the country, while restating their commitments to protect lives and property. Addressing journalists after their meeting in Abuja, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said: "Governors are concerned about border management in the country. We have received a number of calls from our colleagues that these crimes are associated with

the porous borders in the country and we are concerned about the importance of strengthening the ECOWAS trans-human border protocol in order to address the movement of cattle across borders. "We also, believe that the porosity of our borders is responsible for the proliferation of light weapons and this has led to disagreement between farmers and herders in the violence we witnessed. Most of the people are seen to be carrying AK-47 arms. " He added that the governors are also concerned about synergy among the mainstream security agencies and states’ security institutions or local security arrangements that emanated to respond to the current situations like the vigilante groups, civilian JTF, and Amotekun. Fayemi said there was the need for them to synergise so that they would not take laws into their hands taking into accounts the fundamental human rights of those who may be innocent of crimes in their jurisdictions. According to him, the forum has provided some financial support to victims of the conflicts in Oyo and Ogun States. Fayemi said the governors had impressed it on their people that crime and criminality should be prosecuted without ethnic, religious or any other colouration. "Governors are totally opposed to ethnic profiling of crime. Knowing what has transpired in other parts of the world, whether we are talking of the way youths were profiled in Germany leading to the World War, or we talking of the way Tutsi were profiled leading to the genocide experienced in Rwanda, we do not believe

that crimes are associated with a particular ethnic group," he said. He stated that the governors condemned any attempt to profile any ethnic group on account of a particular crime. He said the governors also condemned the proliferation of fake news and the abuse of social media. He implored both the mainstream media organisations as well as individuals to apply restraint in how issues relating to the security of lives and property are reported. Fayemi said the meeting also reviewed the challenges of resourcing for military institutions and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of new services chiefs, whom they pledged to work with. "On our part, we are prepared to support the dedication of portions of the Excess Crude Account and the Natural Resource Development Fund and the Economic Stabilisation Fund to providing the necessary equipment for the military and other security institutions to address immediately the impunity associated with all of the crimes and the criminality that we have highlighted in this briefing," he added. He stated that the governors also expressed their interest in strengthening the judicial system so that they can accelerate access to justice for victims of crime and criminality. The governors, Fayemi said, also reviewed the need to strengthen the National Livestock Transformation Plan as the traditional approach to grazing was no longer sustainable and the country should come up with a modern approach to livestock management.

In his contribution, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said with food prices soaring, there was a need for the government to boost the increase in local supply. But he added that this cannot be achieved until insecurity issues are adequately addressed. He said: "With positive GDP figures it could be said that the economy is technically climbing out of recession but in reality, we would need to see figures for Q1, 2021 to determine if truly we are on the growth path. "The slight uptick in GDP figures in Q4, 2020 could be largely attributed to the ending of lockdown and increased growth in sectors that have benefited due to lockdown such as information technology and communications." Also, speaking with THISDAY, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, warned that policy missteps such as wrong handling of the impending petrol price increase, unrest in various states and wrong information management could erode the gains already recorded. He stated: "What this growth implies is that we are gradually coming out of recession and we are witnessing increased activity

in the economy, majorly from increased importation activities, increased inflow through the I & E FX window and activities have started picking up after lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic." He said the Nigerian economy had demonstrated its ruggedness by the positive outcome in Q4, coming out stronger, particularly against economic predictions. Gbolade attributed the performance to consistency in policy implementation to drive growth.

ANALYSTS GIVE TIPS ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY AS NIGERIA EXITS RECESSION terms in the fourth quarter of 2020 (Q4 2020), representing the first positive quarterly growth in the last three quarters. However, the full year 2020 GDP report showed that the economy contracted by 1.92 per cent compared to positive growth of 2.27 per cent in 2019. The positive growth recorded in Q4 was a reflection of the gradual return of economic activities following the easing of restriction of movements and limited local and international commercial activities in the preceding quarters, the NBS stated. According to the agency, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, real GDP growth is 9.68 per cent, indicating a second positive consecutive quarter-on-quarter real growth rate in 2020 after two negative quarters. In Q4, however, aggregate GDP stood at N43.56 trillion in nominal terms, compared to N39.09 trillion in the preceding quarter. Real GDP stood at N19.55 trillion compared to N17.82 trillion in the preceding quarter. The performance was also higher when compared to the N39.57 trillion recorded in Q4 2019, representing a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 10.07 per cent. The NBS added that the current growth rate was lower relative to the growth recorded in Q4 2019 by –2.26 percentage points but higher

than the preceding quarter by 6.68 percentage points with growth rates recorded at 12.34 per cent and 3.39 per cent respectively. In the quarter under review, average daily oil production dropped to 1.56 million barrels per day (mbpd) from 1.67mbpd in Q3. This was also lower than the daily average production of 2.00mbpd recorded in Q4, 2019 by -0.44mbpd and Q3 2020 by –0.11mbpd. Growth was largely aided by the non-oil sector that accounted for 94.13 per cent of GDP while the oil sector contributed 5.87 per cent to growth in Q4. Also, at the full year, the non-oil sector recorded 91.84 per cent contribution to GDP while the oil sector accounted for 8.16 per cent. The agricultural sector grew by 3.42 per cent in Q4 compared to 1.39 per cent in Q3. But the sector's contribution to growth in real terms dropped to 26.95 per cent in Q4 from 30.77 per cent in the preceding quarter. Its contribution in 2020 stood at 26.21 per cent. Manufacturing, which grew by –2.75 per cent in the period under review contributed 8.60 per cent to GDP compared to 8.93 per cent in Q3 and 8.74 per cent in Q4 2019. Its annual contribution stood at 8.99 per cent in 2020. Analysts Call for More Investment in Infrastructure,

Others But despite the positive performance, analysts warned that the economy is not completely out of the woods, urging the federal government to further stimulate output growth, among others. They cautioned that though the growth estimates were a welcome development as it has further proved the resilience of the economy, more work needed to be done to sustain economic recovery. In separate interviews with THISDAY, the analysts stated that the federal government’s intervention may be needed in key areas to drive growth, especially in agriculture and IT which are currently the growth drivers that should be supported. Senior Economist/Head, Investment Research & Strategy, Greenwich Merchant Bank, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, welcomed the development, saying exiting recession will boost investor's confidence. He said: “The next step is for the government to see how they can achieve a growth rate that is above population growth rate so that it can be an inclusive growth and more people in terms of welfare are positively impacted.” On his part, Managing Director, Kairos Capital, Mr. Sam Chidoka, said key sectors responsible for the exit from recession should be supported to achieve a higher growth rate.

“If you look at the numbers published by NBS, two sectors helped pull us out of recession. One would be agriculture with about 3.4 per cent growth and the second would be ICT with about 14 per cent growth. “So, it is clear and we can see what contributed to our GDP growth and it is for us to pay more attention to this sector of the economy if we want to see growth continue. “In the last quarter, ICT actually grew by 16 per cent and this quarter grew by 14 per cent, meaning that there is a capacity for the ICT sector to grow maybe by 20 per cent. So, we need to try and do all we can to make that sector grow,” he added. He, however, noted that insecurity was affecting the agricultural sector. He said: “Now that NAFDAC has approved one of the vaccines for Nigeria, we need to do our best and try to begin to vaccinate people so that we can open the economy fully. “We also need policy consistency that makes it possible for people to look at sectors of the economy and seek to make long term investments and not just portfolio investments. “So, if we are able to deal with the COVID-19 issues better, security and reduce policy somersault in certain sectors, we would begin to see the kind of growth we should have as a country.”

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COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

ANYIM: MORE TO LIFE THAN POLITICS Ikeddy Isiguzo pays tribute to Pius Anyim, former Senate President at age 60

ould life start at 60 for former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim? The indications so suggest. For a man who first became a Senator at 37, made Senate President at 39, and voluntarily did not seek re-election to the Senate at 41, Anyim has shown that the tides and waves of life can be turned to one’s advantage at different points on the stretched spectrum that life can be. He is re-starting that life with packs of experience. He is a new Anyim rooted in his principles about getting things done. Anyim hardly speaks, works behind the scene, and belies the depth and breadth of his grasp of issues with affinity to privacy. He is an unusual politician, one who has shunned the din and dithers of politics for his practice, law. He is bereft of the attributes of politics, among them noise, especially when there is nothing to say. Anyim’s silence has often been misconstrued as timidity. He opts for salience in speech and pitch, points that are often lost on opponents. While many have dwelt on duplicity in contending for a Nigerian President of Igbo origins in 2023, Anyim brought clarity to the issue during his World Igbo Congress lecture at Gregory University, Uturu last December. The case was for an Igbo President from the South East, the only zone in the South that had not produced the president. He listed the political and social capitals of South East presidency if the 2023 presidential election were to reflect equity, justice, and the imperatives of building a nation where every part is wielded into place by a sense of belonging. In his Uturu lecture, “Identifying the political interest of the Igbos of the South East geo-political zone in Nigeria and strategies for its actualisation”, he narrowed the issues and navigated them to an anchor that stripped every beclouding. Pius’ birth on 19 February 1961 did not elicit much excitement. His mother had six other male children who never lived beyond two years. Pius has three sisters. The young Pius was expected to continue the “ogbanje” circle that was held responsible for the earlier deaths. He survived to the delight of his parents. In a life fraught with daunting challenges, he missed school sometimes because there was no money to pay his fees, went hungry for most of his school days, hawked bread, worked in a brewery but remembers that the Almighty God was ever present through his mother, elder sister, and other benefactors, especially after his father took a fourth wife and left the challenges of fending for the children to each wife. His education at Ishiagu High School, Federal School of Arts & Science, Aba, and Imo State University where he read Law, finishing in 1987, left him with a thread of enduring lessons about life. The National Youth Service Corps programme, with

HE LISTED THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CAPITALS OF SOUTH EAST PRESIDENCY IF THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WERE TO REFLECT EQUITY, JUSTICE, AND THE IMPERATIVES OF BUILDING A NATION WHERE EVERY PART IS WIELDED INTO PLACE BY A SENSE OF BELONGING

Directorate for Social Mobilisation, a federal government agency, in its Sokoto office, pointed him to a career in the Civil Service. The National Commission for Refugees (NCR), was his next destination after a stint at the Abuja headquarters of the Directorate for Social Mobilisation. At NCR, he headed the Protection Unit. Few noticed Anyim’s first arrival on the political scene by his election under United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), to the Senate in 1998. He was just 37! The phase passed with General Sani Abacha’s demise. The election strengthened Anyim’s convictions that the Almighty God ordered the ways of humanity once one was attentive to His voice. Unknown, without resources for politics, his victory was at the expense of more experienced politician. “I act with the belief that the Almighty God is behind me,” Anyim told a journalist in his remarkable humility which he exhibits in his relationships, not minding the high offices he has held. “When I won a senate seat in 1998, God made it possible. I heard His voice clearly asking me to contest,” Anyim states in his biography that is in the works. “He made things possible again in 1999, when I later became Senate President ahead of more known politicians.” Anyim could easily be credited with laying the foundation of the structure and frame of the National Assembly. Anyim has had his political battles. He brushes them aside as collaterals for venturing into politics. He can fight but prefers to speak only when it is necessary. He acted in the same way in his most recent tiff with his State Governor Dave Umahi. “His allegations against me were too weighty to be ignored otherwise I would have kept quiet,” he said. Away from politics since his departure in 2015 as Secretary to the Government of the Federation under President Goodluck Jonathan, Anyim is reluctant to discuss politics whether of today or tomorrow in any meaningful depth. He retorts that answers to the questions are in his coming book. Again, Anyim discharged the responsibilities of his office as SGF with uncommon patriotism and diligence. How does the quiet family man feel at 60? Gratitude to the Almighty underlines every answer. From the vagaries of his earlier life, he never knew he would attain the heights he has. Will he run for President in 2023? Anyim would give a certain answer when he hears from that clear voice that told him to run in 1998. Anyim, you are one of a kind. Congratulations on your birthday. rIsiguzo, a major commentator on minor issues, wrote from Abuja

FAROUQ AND THE KWARA AMAZONS

The Kwara Amazons are worthy ambassadors of the conditional cash transfer scheme, writes Josiah Nkemdirim

n many a Nigerian family, the women have been in the vanguard of promoting the education of the children. More than most men, it is the women who are preoccupied with mentoring the children to acquire life-long skills and visions, such as would guarantee selffulfilment and progress. Recently, as the story goes, some selfless women in Kwara State, rather than lavish their receipts from the federal government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), on personal gratification such as clothing and perfumery, chose to invest in the education of their children. For a graphic illustration of the noble action of the women, it is apposite to reproduce a twitter post credited to Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman. His words: “Since 2017, a group of 25 women in Agidingbi and Onila communities in Irepodun LGA have been contributing money to build their communities’ schools because they never had one. I visited the communities today…”. Continuing, the Governor tweeted: “I’m really inspired by the actions of these women. They have, over the years, taken a fraction of the money they received from the federal government’s Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme and contributed it to building schools in their own communities. “This is a testament that President Muhammadu Buhari’s social investment programmes are working and impacting lives”. What these Amazons of Agidingbi and Onila have done will continue to resonate among many communities not because it is trail-blazing but for the sheer patriotism and sense of responsibility, at a time when many people are preoccupied with lascivious and epicurean lifestyles. Who says that they could not have simply folded their hands while waiting for the government to “do something”? The action of the Kwara Amazons reminds me of the communities in Igbo land, South East Nigeria who, at the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, tasked themselves, through

thrifts and various levies, to either rebuild schools that were destroyed during the war or indeed, build new ones from the scratch. Till date, those schools stand out, many aptly named “Community Secondary School”, as a lasting tribute to the ‘never say die’, ‘can do’ spirit of the Igbo race. The great women of Kwara State, through their edifying educational project, remind us of that post-war effort in Igbo land. In celebrating the women of Agidingbi and Onila in the Irepodun LGA of Kwara State, we are also celebrating the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme of the federal government which provided the pedestal for the savings. In the nature of things, it will not be surprising if non-beneficiaries are not aware of the scheme. Admittedly, there are also people who would only be interested in whatever shortcomings that may be recorded in the course of prosecuting the scheme. But if the message and legacy of the women of Agidingbi and Onila are anything to go by, the Conditional Cash Transfer, could stand out as one of the enduring legacies of the Buhari Administration. The National Cash Transfer Programme which involves the release of a monthly stipend of N5, 000, to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerian households, mostly in rural communities, was introduced by the federal government in 2016, in partnership with the World Bank. The primary objective, as stated in the Ministry’s portal, is to fortify social safety nets and establish a social protection system in Nigeria. The Ifelodun LGA Amazons are part of the 7, 069, 629 individual members of the 1, 414, 983 households that have benefitted from the programme in 37, 628 communities of 4, 716 Wards, from 487 LGAs of 33 states of the Federation. Paradoxically while the salutary impact of the CCT, as demonstrated by the Kwara Amazons is trending, questions are being raised over the transparency of the CCT. In fact, the same skepticism applies to the entire Social Investment Programme of the federal government. Of course, the people

deserve to know how public funds are being utilized. That they are asking questions can be attributed to a number of factors. First, for the most part, the target of the CCT, the poorest of the poor, the hoi polloi, are not media favourites like politicians and celebrities, among whom are high profile criminals. Who would have known about the Kwara Amazons but for the professionalism of Channels Television? Yet, if we dig deep, we will find many Amazons of the Kwara type, who are doing great things, impacting lives and setting high moral codes, in different parts of the country. Second, there appears to be some dissonance between the states and the federal government, regarding the CCT programme. Either the states are lethargic or they are being politically mischievous by not acknowledging the effort of the federal government towards an inclusive empowerment process that captures the less privileged. Third, it goes without saying that if you do not blow your trumpet, no one else is going to blow it for you. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs will be surprised to know that not many members of the public are aware that the database for the Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs) is generated at the state level and domiciled at the State Ministries of Planning. Nor are they aware that the federal government had signed MOUs with all the states of the Federation when the programme started in September 2016; that is, three clear years before she became a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In other words, though this is a Buhari Administration Initiative, state governments should take ownership of it and raise red flags if their people are being short-changed. Stretched further, it simply means that responsibility for this programme should be shared between the federal and state governments. Admitted that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, established less than two years ago could be experiencing some “teething problems”, the share magnitude of its responsibilities demands the establishment of a communications strategy that treats the

beneficiaries of its many humanitarian and social investment programmes, not just as numbers but indeed, as active players in the developmental process. That is precisely the statement that the Kwara Amazons have made. Today, it is possible to put a face or faces to their effort. Had it not been for the visit of the Kwara State Governor, the fact that these women had all along received the stipend would not have been known. And it is just possible that not all of them, like their compatriots elsewhere, receive their stipend electronically since many of the targeted beneficiaries of the CCT dwell in rural areas typically lacking banking and telecom facilities. Incidentally, the very laudable N-Power programme of the federal government, has suffered the same fate: despite the fact that the programme has been re-invigorated through its adroit management by the zestful Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, public cynicism is likely to remain high until a conscious searchlight is beamed on the over 1000 disengaged beneficiaries who have successfully transited as entrepreneurs, in their own right. While this could be regarded as a drop in the vast entrepreneurial canvass, it is nonetheless a significant watershed towards stimulating and sustaining a culture of self-employment and entrepreneurship. Besides, it goes to reinforce the fact that, as a social safety net, the N-Power programme has reduced the number of youths who would otherwise have been available for recruitment by criminal gangs. Sadiya Farouq owes the Kwara Amazons some gratitude and incentive for serving as worthy ambassadors of the CCT; for providing empirical evidence of the positive impact of the Social Investment Programme of the federal government. If any individuals or groups deserve national recognition, honours or awards, these are the ones. And, I so, move! rNkemdirim, a media analyst and social critic, wrote in from Abuja

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EDITORIAL

A DELUGE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES More care should be taken in licensing new universities

he recent approval by the federal government of additional 20 private universities ordinarily should be a welcome development since it brings the total number of such institutions to 99. But there are genuine concerns by critical stakeholders on the implications of proliferation of these institutions of higher learning in our country. There are also several pertinent questions particularly about private universities and they include: What are the standards required to establish one? Who is accrediting the courses? What are the minimum infrastructure MOST OF THESE requirements? PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES While the ARE UNLEASHED ON federal government can continue to NIGERIANS WITHOUT CONCRETE AND REALISTIC license any qualified person or group to HUMAN RESOURCE run a university, it DEVELOPMENT PLANS is more important to pay attention to the worrisome state of these academic institutions. The proliferation of private universities, according to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), bodes ill for the system because standard is being compromised. “Most of these private universities are unleashed on Nigerians without concrete and realistic human resource development plans,” said ASUU president, Biodun Ogunyemi. “So, they poach on academics in older universities to attract them mostly as visiting, part-time and adjunct lecturers. The few permanent lecturers in most of these private universities are employed under conditions that are not labour friendly.” In as much as we are not opposed to the idea of private universities, we agree with the summation of ASUU about standard. We abhor the current cynical approach to education in Nigeria and that explains why we have been calling for a total overhaul of the sector. That of course will go beyond the universities, private or public. There are many more questions to pose but the main worry stems from the fact that the sheer incompetence in tackling the

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problems in the existing public universities is being waived by this reckless recourse to all manner of low-standard private universities. Lecturers who can’t hold their own as senior lecturers in respectable universities are being hired as professors and even vice chancellors in some of these universities. The same thing that happened with the banks when we had close to a hundred of them is now happening with universities. Ordinarily, the increase in the numbers of universities need not be a matter for alarm if several other questions are posed and answered satisfactorily, namely: Are there adequate and equal numbers of high quality technical colleges? Are there competitive ‘community colleges’ supported by, and relevant to, needs of local authorities for training locally required personnel? Are local communities involved in monitoring the quality of the culture of learning, quality of favourably remunerated teaching and administrative staff? Are local primary and secondary schools endowed with quality staff, infrastructure, teaching material and innovative teachers? The large numbers of universities must be matched with ensuring high quality teaching and learning within their precincts. And it must be matched by needs. The late Tanzanian President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere once argued that since the vast majority of Africans work in the agricultural sector, and since room for training youths are severely limited in pyramidal tertiary educational sectors, it is vital to invest the largest percentage of budgets for education in providing very high quality pre-primary and primary schools so that the products can creatively transform rural economies with their inventions and local manufacturing and processing activities. That there is an urgent need to revamp higher educational institutions to satisfy the demands of today is no longer in doubt. Universities in advanced countries and elsewhere are platforms for problem-solving, viable and result-oriented academic inquiries. Ours must not continue to lag behind. We must do away with the notion that anybody with some money can own universities. That is not the way to develop any society.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciﬁc publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

FROM KANKARA BOYS TO KAGARA ABDUCTION

he growing menace of student abductions in Nigeria especially in the North, reflects the growing strength of criminal gangs – bandits – perpetrating nefarious activities and the weakness of the federal government and its security agencies. Kidnappings which are quite prevalent across the country today show that the nation’s fragile security status is under serious threat. Sadly, in the past few months, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States respectively have become a haven for bandits to perpetrate their nefarious activities. These bandits kill and kidnap at will despite the enormous police officers and soldiers deployed to the affected states. The latest ‘Kagara abduction’ is coming less than three months after gunmen abducted more han 300 students of Government Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina State. The Katsina students were later freed after negotiations. The ‘Kankara schoolboys abduction and now the Kagara abduction are reminiscent of the 2014 kidnapping of almost 300 schoolgirls in the northeastern town of Chibok. Unfortunately, the persistent and renewed attacks on innocent civilians in the name of ‘banditry’ has made many

citizens to still live in fear and apprehension of further attacks by these evil men. Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, recently said Kidnapping, especially by bandits, has become a booming business in the country. He noted that bandits who, hitherto, engaged in cattle rustling graduated to kidnapping on realising that they could make thousands or millions of naira as ransoms. Lives are lost on a daily basis while people live in agonizing tension. This current dangerous trend shows the desperate search for new ways of obtaining money, because it appears these abductions are not likely to end any time soon. Sadly, banditry and other causes of insecurity in the country have been allowed to degenerate into a complex situation with terrifying territorial implications. The impact of banditry on both commerce and daily life has been devastating with thousands killed and tens of thousands displaced in the north-west. These bandits terrorise villages with impunity. Observably, with the continued and renewed attacks, Nigeria’s security operatives appear to be outnumbered and under equipped to combat the current challenges. Also, the absence of an effective and strategic community policing

plan which is capable of addressing these security challenges has continued to pose a serious threat. One would recall that the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was believed to be a major step towards ending insecurity in Nigeria. The President Buhari-led administration repeatedly vowed to tackle terrorism, insurgency and insecurity but things have not changed. The public’s confidence in the administration has faltered. The federal government must intensify its counter-banditry efforts towards tackling the current situation. There must be concerted efforts to tackle these armed terrorist-bandits, not only in Northern States but across the country. Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, said his dialogue with bandits has significantly reduced killings in his state, while Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, said the bandits should not be forgiven for taking arms against the country. In all of this, Northern governors should come together, reason collectively, coordinate their policies and action plans in dealing with banditry decisively. r"MBP "CJPEVO "MBPKPTIVB !HNBJM DPN

NO (FACEBOOK) NEWS IN AUSTRALIA

s of midnight (Australia) Facebook has blocked many sources of news for their users. A number of sites simply report “no posts” and thus no news feed. Although the actual newspapers have their own sites that are still available and will continue to be many people get all of their news from Facebook and so are at the moment uninformed. The Facebook pages that are blocked also concerningly include state Police, health sites and even the Bureau of Meteorology. At this stage, the spread seems overly broad with commercial and charity pages blocked from new postings, perhaps any site that says “News”. The Australian government is enacting legislation that would require digital companies, including Facebook and Google, to pay for news content. Although the majority of these news stories can be obtained from their home sites the blocking of any media and news reporting by anyone is very worrying. It could be that this is Facebook’s way of saying that if you want us to pay for your journalism then we are not going to play and going away. If news, especially reliable, researched and accurate news is to be developed then anyone who uses it should pay for it in some way, as I and many do with a subscription to several physical and online newspapers. I will be following this story although apparently not by Facebook posts. r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

Interrogating the Soft Landing for Retired Military Service Chiefs and Understanding the Buhari Persona Magnus Onyibe uses the recent appointment of former service chiefs as ambassadors as basis to focus on certain character traits of President Muhammadu Buhari

iven the pattern of events in the past six years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s stewardship as president and Commander-ln-Chief of The Armed Forces of Nigeria, it is easy to conclude that Mr. President is a Fulani irredentist and an apologist. That’s simply because the media is awash with complaints that most of those appointed into critical public offices by president Buhari have been skewed or heavily weighted in favor of the Hausa/Fulani to the exclusion of the two other major tribes (particularly the lgbo and to a lesser degree Yoruba) as well as other minority tribes numbering over 250 that make up our country . Those who hold that view, aver that such mono ethnic dominance tendency is more pronounced in the security architecture of the nation with members of a particular tribe and faith being at the helm of practically all the critical security agencies. And that’s on top of the fact that they are also in charge of other critical organs of the government including the leadership of the legislature and judiciary at the centre . But would it not be glib talk to just label President Buhari, a Fulani irredentist without interrogating or conducting a basic psychological analysis to decipher the reasons that our president tends to be exhibiting a predisposition that portrays him as selfish , clannish, ethnic, nepotistic and even a religious bigot? Is the fact that he defended the Fulani back in the days when following a deadly conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Oyo state , then retired army general, Buhari had to travel all the way from Kano to lbadan for a show down with then governor of Oyo state Lam Adesina, (1999/03) enough to draw the harsh conclusion that President Buhari is a Fulani apologist? Is it also fair or justifiable to adjudge him to be beholden only to the Fulani simply because he is the life patron of Miyetti-Allah, the umbrella association of herdsmen who are predominantly Fulani and currently in the centre of herders and farmers conflicts erupting all over the country? It is pertinent to point out that although he took the above referenced actions , President Buhari also defends the military and the judiciary with similar fervor. Does that make him a military and judiciary apologist or irredentist too? Even those he calls his friends and allies also get the kind of protection that he provides for the Fulani and by extension, herdsmen. Does that make him a nepotist ? Clearly, it is the protective tendencies often exhibited by mr president towards those that he shares affinity with such as the Fulani and other members of his constituents-the military ,acolytes and fellow party members that have earned him the negative appellations such as irredentist and apologist. In reality and to be fair, president Buhari should not just be referred to as Fulani irredentist because by his antecedents and if same logic is applied, he can also be termed a military apologist and a leader who turns blind eyes to the failings of his acolytes and devotees because he feels duty bound to do so. That’s partly evidenced by the fact that he demurred for a long time from firing the military service chiefs, even after the call by a cross section of the Nigerian public for their sack had reached the highest crescendo. While all the earlier listed labels attached to mr president such as selfish, clannish, religious bigot may not be easy to prove , one toga that sticks on him like

second skin is that President Buhari is a tribalist. That’s because as a person , he appears to be wired to recognize and reward only those known and loyal to him. And owing to their loyalty, the people or groups that he helps , protects or supports are regarded as his tribesmen and women. That attitude to leadership would not

have been such a bad trait, if the number of Nigerians outside his clan that are within his orbit were not so very limited. But as things currently stand , reflective of his personal lifestyle, President Buhari’s circle of friends is very small. As such , his actions and inactions as president in the nearly six years period that he has held sway in Aso Rock Presidential

Journalists’ Estate Road Arepo, an Image Booster for Abiodun Emmanuel Olorunda-Otaru appreciates the gesture of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for bringing development to residents of Arepo

he approval and award of contract for the reconstruction of Journalists’ Estate Road, Arepo, by the current Ogun State government, under the able leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, comes with high enthusiasm and laudation. The first construction of the road from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the estate was done by former governor Gbenga Daniel. The road became bad few years after, due to imperfect work and no drainage done by the contractor. During the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the reconstruction of the road was equally awarded to a contractor but was not executed, for reasons best known to both the Amosun administration and the contractor. The road became a nightmare to the teaming population of Arepo community, especially during raining seasons. As at today, apart from the flagship Journalists’ Estate, there are over 20 other adjoining estates, whose population is growing exponentially, which has become an asset to any discerning politician. Perhaps, Governor Abiodun, in fulfilling his campaign promises to the citizens, has commendably seized the opportunity to identify with the infrastructural development of the Journalists’ Estate and Arepo writ large, first with this modern road. According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, “this is a high priority project and has a nine months construction period. The 2.35km road which is 13 metres wide, 1m by 1m covered reinforced drainage and stone pavement when completed, would be

fully illuminated with street light, lay byes, and other exotic road furniture”. The commissioner assured that Governor Abiodun prioritized the road project because when completed it would provide relief for the road users, especially during raining seasons. This is democracy with human face. Governor Abiodun deserves accolades for this project that was neglected and abandoned by his predecessor. The Journalists Estate Residents Development Association (JERDA), comprising Journalists from almost all media houses in Nigeria and other residents, are appreciative of this gesture, and would support him to succeed, and like Oliver Twist, believe that this partnership would bring more other developmental projects to Arepo as a whole. For example, a pedestrian overhead bridge across the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway to Arepo bus stop will be needed to avoid unnecessary accidents /deaths. When the history of the Journalists’ Estate development is written, his name will be etched in gold as a partner and mentor with Journalists’ welfare. With this project, the governor can count on the support of the large Arepo community for his second term in office. The history would also be very kind to former Governor Olusegun Osoba, during whose tenure the first in Africa Journalists’ Estate was established by Journalists. The veteran Journalist former governor gave all the needed support for the estate. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Villa attest to the belief that our President may be afflicted by what l would like to term-tunnel vision miasma. Which basically means that Mr Pesident may only be applying the optics of loyalty in his assessment of issues, allocation of power or in dispensing favor. In order words, the main criteria of appraisal of issues by Mr. President is likely to be mainly from the prism of loyalty. And l arrived at the conclusion above based on the psychological analysis (though l lay no claim to being a psychologist or psychiatrist) that l have conducted relying on trend analysis of president Buhari’s public actions and utterances . So, the outcome of my assessment, is that all the myths about our President being an ethnic jingoist and religious bigot have been shattered. And a new vision of who he truly is, in my opinion has just crystalized. My new vision of Mr. President has been defined or influenced by a myriad of factors, but the chief of which is the current soft landing that he has accorded the recently retired military service chiefs, by proposing them for ambassadorial appointments. So, by and large, any keen follower of Buharism that adjudges President Buhari to be a tribalist, would not be far from the truth. But the Nigerian leader is not a tribalist of the hue that is restricted to the narrow prism of his clan or state of origin. That is to say that the tribalism of our President goes beyond tongue and place of origin. It is much wider than that as it extends to the orbit of fellow human beings irrespective of the tongue, tribe and creed of those with whom he has developed a comfort zone. Based on the above precept, President Buhari’s tribe members are those that he demands absolute loyalty from, it does not matter whether they are Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba or lgbo. In like manner , he pledges his loyalty to them too-in terms of offering his protective backing through thick or thin. My finding is that once he develops a bond with anyone or group , they become his tribesmen and women. It is a sort of informal and unwritten commitment of sorts that makes members of mr president’s inner circle look like cult members, with him as a consigliere as the Italians like to refer to godfathers. A bond which in an uncanny way is writ large, in my considered opinion. That’s why the average Buharist is likely to be blinded to all his shortcomings, just as he too sees them as blue eyed princes/ princess for whom he provides protective shields against their adversaries. The notion is a validation of the thinking by a good number of Nigerians that tend to have the belief that President Buhari practically turns blind eyes to the atrocities committed by his devotees . To substantiate the hypothesis above, let’s assume that the military is a tribe. Given his unflinching support to the service chiefs that just retired , after being on the job for about five years which is unprecedented, would President Buhari also be tagged a military tribalist for choosing members of his tribe (military) to serve as ambassadors after dithering from sacking them over a long period of agitation for their replacement by Nigerians? At least two of the five service chiefs are not from the Hausa/Fulani stock - Abayomi Olonisakin is Yoruba from Ekiti state, while Ibok Ete-Ibas is Efik from Cross River State. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

Kudos to PDP Leadership for Lifting Suspension on Members Representative Onoﬁok Luke, Member of the House of Representatives, representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium federal constituency commends the ladershio of the Peoples Democratic Party for lifting the suspension on six members of Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline.com the party in the House

Is this America? Four Days Without Electricity, Gas, Water

laments the prevailing natural disaster which has disrupted essential services in parts of America

lmost 3.6 million Texans, such as myself, family, neighbours and friends, have been without power supply (electricity), gas and water — or a combination — since Monday February 15, 2021 to today February 19. Again, exposing how feeble and relatively weak the power of humankind or any country really is in the vortex of nature’s climactic changes and dynamism. If you cannot charge your phones and you cannot cook or warm a meal, the perilous decline to the imaginations of what approximates a contemporary ‘state of nature’ begins to form in reality and in your mind. Also, it is necessary to underscore the point that the all critical catalyst of modern civilization has been and remains electricity. Somehow, the politics of culture wars have come into play to distract from having someone accountable and responsible for the failure to “winterize” the independent Texas Electricity grid to enable it to withstand winter storms such as Uri. The first person who should be responsible and accountable for the dangerous failures to protect and provide forTexans, our Governor, Greg Abbott, usually a gentleman, has lost credibility by claiming, falsely that the very small 12% of renewable and clean wind mill energy was the reason why Texas (which pulled itself out of the national grid) has failed to adequately protect its citizens. So far, 17 persons have died. The echo-chamber of the Republican Party, FoxNews channel, has not relented in the twisted, misleading and atrocious propaganda. “It seems pretty clear that a reckless reliance on windmills is the cause of this disaster,” Tucker Carlson falsely claimed —- as much as his colleagues on Fox and a battalion of Republican activists who foolishly and shamelessly allege that liberal Democrats (yet to be enacted) ‘Green New Deal’ is responsible for the failure of Republican Governor, Republican State Representatives, Republican Speaker of the State House, all two Republican federal Senators. and a majority of members of the Texas delegation to the United States House of Representatives to exercise basic oversight over an agency they

empowered called the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). It is the operator of the state’s power grid; used by about 90% of the state. For at least four days, millions turned to the ways of rural quietness set in frigid, wintry temperatures usually seen in the colder regions of the world. It’s very cold for us in Texas when the weather drops to 10 degrees. Around Houston, the weather is usually 67-78 degrees; almost like Nigeria’s. The overwhelming power of climactic changes and disruptions, equally, expose the reality of the limits of electrical charging as the dominant centerpiece of social interaction! February 15, 2021 was emblematic of these existential realities. It allowed, or may be better put, it compelled most of the recent immigrants from Nigeria and other parts of Africa where the naked absence of light/power/electricity form the daily, weekly, monthly and in some cases and communities, fill the 12 calendar months of living in deprivation and darkness! Without any idea of when and if a fix will ever come. Thankfully, in these parts, restoration and return to normalcy for at least 55% of the affected should be in place within the next 200 hours!

For at least four days, millions turned to the ways of rural quietness set in frigid, wintry temperatures usually seen in the colder regions of the world. It’s very cold for us in Texas when the weather drops to 10 degrees. Around Houston, the weather is usually 67-78 degrees; almost like Nigeria’s. The overwhelming power of climactic changes and disruptions, equally, expose the reality of the limits of electrical charging as the dominant centerpiece of social interaction! February 15, 2021 was emblematic of these existential realities. It allowed, or may be better put, it compelled most of the recent immigrants from Nigeria and other parts of Africa where the naked absence of light/power/ electricity form the daily, weekly, monthly and in some cases and communities, ﬁll the 12 calendar months of living in deprivation and darkness

his must be one of the most heart warming news of my political career, this year. Since the tumultuous events that culminated in the emergence of principal officers of the House of Representatives left in sour taste in the mouth of many erstwhile political allies, many of us have laboured in the background making every effort possible to bring about genuine reconciliation that will move out great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I was particularly pained because the strain in relationship with some colleagues left a lot of room for mischief makers to exploit. Without the openess and camaraderie that usually attends exchange between friends and team members, suspicion and hatred takes over. The PDP members in the House of Representatives found itself in a quagmire that hampered its ability in many instances to play its expected role as the main opposition party more vigorously. In many instances, we were like someone

The action of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party is commendable as it will further strengthen the party to play its role of opposition effectively and give members of the party a strong sense of belonging. I commend the party leadership, the NWC, the governors, the Board of Trustees, and party elders for demonstrating sincerity in reconciling the different interest in the party to ensure a stronger and more viable opposition. The PDP has always shown leadership at a critical moment. With this, everyone should be confident in the Harmonization Committee led by Governor of Sokoto State, HE. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to work to ensure harmonious relationship among PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly. I hereby congratulate my colleagues, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwani, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Addul-majid who have been readmitted into the great party, PDP

trying to clap with one hand. As Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, I am so very pleased with the decision of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to lift the suspension on seven of its members in the House of Representatives. The party had suspended the House Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and six others in July 2019 following disagreement arising from the emergence of the Minority Leadership. All well meaning members of the PDP must join the leadership of the party welcome them back to the fold. The action of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party is commendable as it will further strengthen the party to play its role of opposition effectively and give members of the party a strong sense of belonging. I commend the party leadership, the NWC, the governors, the Board of Trustees, and party elders for demonstrating sincerity in reconciling the different interest in the party to ensure a stronger and more viable opposition. The PDP has always shown leadership at a critical moment. With this, everyone should be confident in the Harmonization Committee led by Governor of Sokoto State, HE. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to work to ensure harmonious relationship among PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly. I hereby congratulate my colleagues, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwani, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Addul-majid who have been readmitted into the great party, PDP. As a loyal and commited member of the PDP, I reaffirm confidence in the party and believe that with actions like these the party will continue to grow stronger and Nigerians will continue to believe in the party as a solution to the daunting challenges that confront our nation. It is instructive to note that each Representative who has been readmitted into the party is strategically positioned to play a game-changing role as the party prepares to reclaim lost ground, particularly the central government. I have no doubt these colleagues will work as hard as they normally do to restore the PDP to its rightful place.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

ͯ Ͱ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 4.50 % 4.75 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

6% 7.50 % 9.50 %

574.05 % -0.51 % -3.72 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE -14.36 % YEAR TO DATE -14.36 %

EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes

Obi Congratulates United Nigeria Airlines

FormerGovernorofAnambraState,MrPeterObi,hascongratulatedthe FounderofUnitedNigeriaAirlines,ObioraOkonkwo,astheairlinelaunched its operations. UnitedNigeriaAirlineshad,onFebruary12,2021,madeitsinauguralflight fromthedomesticwingofMurtalaMuhammedInternationalAirport,Lagos to AkanuIbiam International Airport,Enugu. Speakingthroughhismediaoffice,ObidescribedOkonkwoasanentrepreneur who, through the United Nigeria Airlines, will make positive contributions toNigeria’seconomy,bywayofjobscreation,transportationservicesand othercorporatesocial responsibilities. ObicalledonOkonkwoandthemanagementoftheairline,toalwaysmaintain goodstandardofservicetothepeople,whileprioritisingthesafetyofhuman lives intheiroperations. Healsourgedthegovernmentandotherwell-meaningNigerianstosupport various entrepreneurs who areinvestinginto theeconomy. He further called on Nigerians to pursue entrepreneurship, saying that a booming private sector in any nation is an indication that the economy is doingwell.

EXPANDING HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

L-R: First Vice President, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigerian, Dr. Adesola Kayode; CEO, Josmol Group of Health Technology Company, Dr. Joseph Olowe; Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Adetunji Adenekan, and President, AGPMPN, Dr. Ugwu Odo, during the launch of DoktorConnect and Lifepro for e-Health service delivery, in Lagos...recently

IATA Introduces Travel Pass to Resolve Border Crises Chinedu Eze In order to enable free flow of movement across borders and to put an end to the impasse occasioned by restriction of airlines by countries due to COVID-19 pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced new travel pass. Recently the federal government and the United Arab Emirates had a spat over the introduction of Rapid Antigen Test (RDT), which has prompted Emirates Airlines to stop all outbound flights from Nigeria and also stopped Air Peace from operating to Sharjah in UAE. The objective of the IATA traveling pass is to have a com-

AVIATION mon guideline on international airline operation. IATA noted that the issue was that governments need to be confident that they are mitigating the risk of importing COVID19 to re-open borders without quarantine and restart aviation. To resolve this issue, IATA recommended testing, which it said has been proven to be the safest and most effective method to achieve this, adding that passengers are willing to get tested to travel. “But both passengers and governments need to have confidence in each passenger’s verified COVID-19 status,” the body stated.

To resolve the problem IATA has given certain conditions, which include that passengers need accurate information on test requirements, where they can get tested or vaccinated, and the means to securely convey test information to airlines and border authorities and it is the authorised government agency that should provide this information to the passenger. IATA said the airlines need to have the ability to provide accurate information to their passengers on test requirements and verify that a passenger meets the requirements for travel and government needs to be able to verify the authenticity of tests and the identity of those presenting the test certificates,

while the laboratories need to be able to issue certificates that will be recognized by governments. “To address these challenges IATA is launching a combination of four modules that are interoperable and open access. “These include registry of health requirements, which enables passengers to find accurate information on travel, testing (and eventually vaccine) requirements for their journey; registry of testing/ vaccination centers, which enables passengers to find testing centres and labs at their departure location which meet the standards for testing/vaccination requirements of their Continued on page 22

OPS Bemoans Rising Inflationary Pressure Dike Onwuamaeze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have expressed concern over the upward trend in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which climbed to 16.47 per cent in January 2021, the highest since May 2017. They noted that the trend could increase unsold stocks of goods, have profound implications for entrepreneurs and the larger investing community and also hamper the capacity of firms to do business profitably and deliver value to their shareholders. They also stated that the rising inflationary trend was largely driven by the persistent food inflationary pressures, which hit a record high of 20.57 per cent, the highest level since 2009, when the CPI series began. The Director General of the LCCI, Dr. Muda Yusuf, stated pointedly that higher

ECONOMY prices would translate to increased production costs for manufacturing companies, with consequent impact on their bottom-line since it is not in all situations that higher input costs can be transferred to consumers. Yusuf said that core inflation, which captured prices of non-food commodities and services rose to a three-year high of 11.85 per cent in January 2021, due to price increases in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel component and transportation component, adding that the depreciation of the naira’s exchange rate and the foreign exchange liquidity challenges were major drivers of core inflation pressures. He observed that rising food prices would constrain most low and middle-income households to spend more on food commodities, with little amount to save and invest, warning

that unresolved persistent rise in food prices would worsen Nigeria’s poverty situation and push more Nigerians below the poverty line. Yusuf said: “Rising domestic prices mean deepening negative real returns on investment securities such as treasury bills, bonds, etc., even as yields on these instruments are unattractive relative to emerging market peers.” He, however, advised government authorities at national and sub-national levels to take measures to ease logistics costs in the economy and also address security concerns in the country, due to its scale of importance as far as food production is concerned in Nigeria. He emphasised the need to stabilise the foreign exchange market in order to reduce liquidity concerns and associated uncertainties and disruptions in the economy. On its part, MAN, stated that

the rising and high inflation rate in the country has compounded the travails of the manufacturing sector. It said its members have been reeling under the combined effects of COVID-19 pandemic, deteriorating infrastructure, high regulatory compliance cost and tax obligations since the past four quarters. The Director General of the MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the, increase in inflation was a threat to the envisaged economic recovery and the growth of the industrial sector. “There is also the rise in food inflation which will compound the high cost of living and the disposable income of the average Nigerian. The resulting weak consumer spending will worsen the high stock of unplanned inventory that the manufacturing sector is confronted with,” he added. Ajayi-Kadir advised the Continued on page 22

Red Star Express Shows Resilience

Afteraturbulent11monthsofcontendingwiththeeconomiceffectsofthe COVID-19 pandemic and the events that plagued the Nigerian business environment, Red Star Express Plc said it is hopeful about the future as it is graduallymakingprogress inits financial performance. This was reiterated by the Chief Executive Officer of the company during a recentinterviewinLagos. AccordingtotheChiefExecutiveOfficer,RedStarGroup,Dr.SolaObabori, the company experienced a drop in its financial performance due to the pandemic.“RedStarexperiencedadropinitsfinancialperformancebetween AprilandJune2020duetotheglobalpandemic.Althoughthebusinesspicked up from July onwards with the company recording profits but not enough to offsetthelosses earlierexperienced. “The#ENDSARSprotestcausedabriefsetback,withthecompanylosingas muchas10workingdays.Thefestiveseasonpresentedachanceforrecovery whichthecompanytookadvantageof,withmanydeliveriesbeingfulfilled,” headded. Speaking further, he reiterated Red Star’s commitment to employees its employees. Asopposedtowhatwasobtainableinsomesectorsoftheeconomy,Red Stardidn’tlayoffstaff,hesaid. “Despitetheeconomicchallenges,thecompanydidnotlay-offstaffduring and after the lockdown. Salaries continued to be paid and operations ran as normal,albeitwithminoradjustments. “The company also recorded success in acquiring new assets including 17 trucks (40 and 45 tons) and several operational vehicles. Investments alsoincludedimprovementinthecompany’stechnologicalarchitectureto enhanceTracking/Visibility,AutomationandPackageSecurity,”headded.

ISAGO Aligns with ICAO’s Manual

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 10th edition of the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) Standards Manual is nowavailable. Thestandardsandrecommendedpracticescontainedinthelatestedition havebeenupdatedtoalignfullywithcorrespondingguidelinesissuedbythe International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ISAGO is a standardised andstructuredauditprogramforgroundserviceproviders(GSPs,ground handlingcompaniesoperatingatairports)thataimstoimprovegroundsafety byreducinggrounddamageandaccidents/incidents.Reliableauditreports are made available to airlines for use in managing their ground operation risks, while GSPs on the ISAGO registry benefit from a reduction in the numberofrepetitiveauditsrequiredbyindividualairlinesand/orairports. IATA applauded the ICAO ground handling initiative and welcomed the opportunity to assist states and airports in achieving the goals set by the provisions inICAO’s Manual onGroundHandling(ICAO Doc 10121). “FullyaligningtheISAGOStandardswithICAO’sManualonGroundHandling (ICAODoc10121)ensuresthatGSPsontheISAGOregistryapplythesame globalbestpracticesingroundoperations,includingatthesamelevelrequired ofairlinesandairportsforthemanagementofsafety,”saidCatalinCotrut, IATA’s DirectorAuditPrograms. ISAGO now includes the audit of passenger, employee health and other requirements that reflect the new operational circumstances brought aboutbytheCOVID-19pandemic. This also includes state- and industry-developed best practices and guidelines so that GSPs can specifically address these pandemic related issues/requirements.

“There are a lot of people who have been in business and they do politics, so I don’t se that as a problem” Chairman, United Nigeria Airline,

Dr Obiora Okonkwo

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD IATA INTRODUCES TRAVEL PASS TO RESOLVE BORDER CRISES destination and lab app, which enables authorised labs and test centers to securely send test results or vaccination certificates to passengers. Contact travel app introduced by IATA enables passengers to create a ‘digital passport’, verify their test/vaccination meets the regulations and shares test or vaccination certificates with authorities to facilitate travel. This can also be used by travelers to manage travel documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout the travel experience. Commending the IATA travel app, industry stakeholders said it could be used by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to break the impasse between Emirates Airlines and the federal government, which they said has become a diplomatic row. Earlier this month, the federal government had banned Emirates for 72 hours for the airline’s introduction of RDT, which it insisted passengers must be tested four hours before the departure of their flight.

OPS BEMOANS RISING INFLATIONARY PRESSURE government to implement a number of measures so that its efforts to speedily revive the economy would bear desired results. He said the government should intensify efforts at stabilising the consumer price level through growth in agricultural output and diversification of the Nigerian economy in other to guarantee stable prices for agricultural and manufactured goods. “Also, there are quite a number of moribund industries in the country that should be resuscitated to boost output and thereby reduce prices.” “Government should also partner with the MAN to accelerate the success in the resource based industrialisation initiative of the association,” he said. The director general of MAN also claimed that it was evident that there was a strong relationship between manufacturing sector growth and inflation rate, just like exchange and interest rates.

Group Business Editor

NEWS

FG Awaits $1.2bn Loan Approval to Implement Critical Agric Initiative James Emejo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Kwasari, has said all appeared set for the implementation of the much-awaited Green Imperative project to modernise and introduce mechanised agriculture going forward. Agricultural mechanisation which is a major priority of the federal government to boost the sector is effectively captured in the $1.2 billion green imperative agreement recently signed between Nigeria and the government of Brazil for the production and deployment of 10,000 tractors to be assembled in the country. The agreement also has a component to the implementation of the livestock roadmap to among other things, quell the incessant farmers-herders clashes. According to Kwasari, the loan request is currently before the National Assembly, adding that an earlier borrowing request by President Muhammadu Buhari to the lawmakers was initially stepped down to allow for the amendment of the 2020 budget. He said: “This project has

been in the making for quite some time and we have reached a point where we are completely ready for its take-off.” Speaking to reporters in Abuja, the presidential aide said the agreement would address the twin issue around agricultural modernisation and mechanisation as well as agro-processing. Giving further update, he said

the project involves a borrowing that would inject Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of €995 billion ($1.2 billion) that had been structured financially to allow the federal government use its bilateral negotiation to secure interest rate financing that is below three per cent per annum. The agreement also comes

have sold the risk and reinsured this loan in the international insurance market,” he said. He said the programme will be private sector driven adding that all the service centers to be established across the across the country will be owned and operated by private entrepreneurs who will have the responsibility of servicing the loan.

New Cashew Project Targets $10m Investment Opportunities The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) West Africa PRO-Cashew Project to develop the cashew agro industry. The project is expected to catalyse up to $10 million investment opportunities, create jobs, strength public and private partnership, improve trade as well as cashew farmers’

productivity in the value chain. It will also help to achieve the targeted increased production capacity from 260,000 Metric tonnes in 2020, to 350,000 metric tonnes by 2023, and processing capacity from 15 per cent in 2020 to 35 per cent by 2023. The minister said the initiative will also improve productivity, expand the national hectareage of the crop and achieve national food and nutrition security He further listed other benefits to include, revenue generation, foreign exchange earnings and

wealth creation for the economy. He said the federal government’s focus was to continuously and sustainably develop the commodity for export, adding that since the 1990s, cashew had increased the Nigeria’s GDP ranking as the second non-oil export foreign exchange earner. He said the commodity generated about $500 million for the country in 2018, providing livelihood for about 300,000 to 500,000 families mostly youths and women in Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja during the

signing ceremony and interactive session with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) West Africa PRO-Cashew Project, Nanono, he emphasised the need for the USDA West Africa and other stakeholders to achieve set objectives as this would help the country formulate the right programmes, guide future interventions and woo investors to grow the value chain. He said: “Currently the national production capacity of cashew in 2020 was 260,000MT on 100,000ha of land. Average

yield was 600kg/ha as against the global average of 1.230kg/ ha.” The programme will also develop a 10-year strategic plan for Nigeria cashew project. Managing Director, USDA West Africa PRO-Cashew Project, Mr. Jeans Francois Guay, further explained that the project was a five-year project implemented by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), an international development organisation headquartered in Washington, DC.

FAO Boosts MDAs’ Capacity on Credible Data Dissemination The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said it is determined to reinforce the competences of federal government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to generate, analyse, store and disseminate credible and timely data. Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes), Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said 38 participants from MDAs in Kano, Cross River, Lagos States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

are involved in the second phase of data training exercise. Speaking during the programe in Abuja, Suleiman, who was represented by FAO Project Focal Point, Mr. Alphonsus Onwuemeka, pointed out that the aim of the programme was to strengthen institutional capacity, improve data and information systems for better policy planning. According to him, the training,

with the theme: “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for improved Data and Information Systems for Policy Planning and Tracking the SDGs in Nigeria,” will expose the participants to the use of Open Data Sources Kit (ODK), technology as well as cost-free- R-package and python software for data generation and analysis. The FAO representative said emphasis was on the skills of trainees on the use of tools in

Capital Market Editor

IFAD Reappoints Houngbo President

Comms/e-Business Editor

Oluchi Chibuzor

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Member States of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have reappointed Gilbert Houngbo as President for a second term at its annual Governing Council meeting. This according to the UN’s body was a strong show of support and recognition for the leader who has successfully showcased the

Obinna Chima

with a long gestation period of about $15 years for repayment. However, he said the financing had been structured such that the loan would be reinsured to remove the burden of payment from the federal government. “This removes the risks of this loan from sitting on our sovereign guarantee because we

data analysis on statistics. Also, speaking at the occasion, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Zubairu Abdullahi, stated that data collection was important to manage resources to ensure sustainability. He said the ministry was particularly interested in generating data that everyone could utilise. According to him, Africa

was looking onto Nigeria for its data needs, adding that it cannot afford to disappoint. Essentially, the training-oftrainers’ project was designed for data and statistics units’ staff of federal and state participating MDAs on data generation and analysis. The project aims to reinforce the competences of the National MDAs to generate, analyse, store and disseminate credible and timely data and information.

to scale up is more urgent than ever. “Today it is COVID, yesterday it was a tsunami, and we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. The threat from climate change and extreme weather will not diminish, and we should prepare. “No rural woman or man should ever be in a position of having to sell his or her meagre assets – or be forced to

migrate – in order to survive” The statement noted that under Houngbo’s continued leadership, IFAD aims to double its impact by 2030 and offer a life out of poverty and hunger to millions more people, adding that the goal was to ensure 40 million people per year increase their incomes by at least 20 per cent by 2030, which is double what IFAD currently achieves.

Goddy Ogene Emma Okonji

Nume Ekeghe

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

importance of long-term rural development as a key solution to the global challenges the world is currently facing. According to a statement issued by IFAD, even with more ambitious agenda at the heart of his second mandate, and a particular focus on technological solutions, innovative financing models and new private sector partnerships, IFAD would continue tackling hunger and poverty

and address the devastating impacts of climate change, youth unemployment and most recently COVID-19, leading on the ground to ensure no one is left behind. Commenting on its reappointment, Houngbo, who has been IFAD’s President since 2017, said, “With the pandemic still devastating rural areas and the projections for increased poverty and hunger, the need for IFAD

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Air Peace Promises Superior Travel Experience Stories by Chinedu Eze The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide has said the new Embraer E95-E2, which was recently delivered from Brazil, were uniquely configured to offer superior travel experience to Air Peace’s customers. Olajide, who made this known in an interview, explained why the airline chose the E195-E2 aircraft model, which is a 124-seat capacity state-of-the-art jet with impressive economic performance. “Now, why have we introduced the E195-E2? The E2 is a brand new aircraft, super-efficient, an aircraft that is for the future and even now. “This is because a lot of money will be saved as regards the operating cost, there are savings on fuel, bearing in mind the high cost of aviation fuel

in Nigeria. These aircraft coming into the country will help lower operating cost. “The performance is awesome. A lot of Nigerians who hitherto were apprehensive of travelling by air, can now be rest assured. This is the plane for them. “Once onboard this aircraft, you will feel transported to a world of luxury and comfort and most importantly, safety. This is what Air Peace represents. This is the Air Peace Experience,” she added. Describing the cabin configuration, Olajide said, “The interior is excellent. The staggered seats that we have in the Business Class are second to none. Furthermore, there is an innovation with the table- it has an iPad holder”. She emphasised that Air Peace wants the Nigerian flying public to experience the enhanced comfort,

increased privacy and beauty offered by the brand new E195-E2, which is considered the best in its segment. Olajide, revealed that one of the strong points of the plane was its advanced fly-by-wire system which enables the aircraft to adjust seamlessly through turbulence in such a way that the passenger is oblivious to it. Embraer’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Francisco Gomes Neto, had in describing the new aircraft acquired by Air Peace, said: “The E2s are really fantastic airplanes. Your engineering people are going to love the technology. Your crew is going to love flying them. Your accountants are going to love the operating economics, and your passengers are going to love the stunning interior, especially those sitting in business class with the staggered seat layout.”

‘How Customs Tariff, VAT Waivers Will Help Airlines’

Buhari Chinedu Eze

NAAPE Calls for Dialogue with Employers over Labour Issues The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on employers of labour in the Nigerian aviation industry to embrace dialogue, rather than resort to sack of employees in a period of global crisis. The union said employers, especially airline operators should abide by the terms of the employment contracts as much as possible, even in a crisis period. These were parts of the communiqué issued at the end of the symposium organised by the NAAPE with the theme: ‘Labour Relations in a Pandemic: Challenges to Employer and Employee,’ in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, recently. The communiqué was jointly signed by the President and General Secretary, NAAPE, Abednego Galadima and Comrade Olatunji Sekoni, respectively. Participants at the oneday symposium said social dialogue between employers and employees would go a long way to create a win-win outcome for an organisation. The communiqué also

appealed to employers in the period of pandemic to endeavour to ensure safety at work and comply with the Employee Compensation Act, stressing that once there is adhered to, mistrust, which usually exists between employers and employees would be erased. Participants further charged the governments at all levels to ensure quick mediation in labour cases within the industry and charged it to proffer stable policies that would ensure growth in the sector. Besides, they canvassed for adequate training for aviation personnel, especially pilots and engineers, whom it described as critical workers in the sector, adding that it behooved on the government and employers to ensure support funds, improved health care services within the airport and reduction in airport charges for workers. The communiqué added, “Participants thanked the government for supporting airlines with palliatives and requested for more government support particularly in accessing forex, owing

to the enormous losses the airlines suffered. “Also, participants emphasised the need for employers in the aviation sector to maintain and always ensure the sanctity of all Labour Laws and the fundamental human rights of workers, especially the right to belong to a union.” In his opening speech, Galadima said it was necessary to bridge the existing gaps between pilots, engineers on one hand and airline operators in the industry with the aim of promoting a harmonious relationship between the two. Galadima stated that NAAPE, the umbrella body of pilots and engineers in the industry was working assiduously with airline operators to ensure the return of some of its members placed on ‘leave without pay’ by their employers due to the pandemic. Galadima lauded the federal government for the recent palliative released to business organisations in the industry, but appealed for increased interventions from the government for the sector in order to make it stronger.

ACI Confers Award to Abuja Airport The Airports Council International (ACI) has conferred the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja with the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award. A letter from the office of the Director-General of ACI, dated February 15, 2021, directed to the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, said that the

airport was bestowed with the award based on the recommendations by users of the facilities in Abuja, especially the passengers. “During this most difficult and challenging of years, your customers have spoken and recognised the successful efforts of your team in providing a superior customer experience under trying circumstances.” ACI also said Amadeus,

the global travel technology company, which it recently renewed its partnership with would deliver the ASQ Awards to the agency. It said Amadeus supports airports in improving travel experiences for passengers all over the world and its continuing strategic partnership came at a time when it had never been more important for airports to listen to the voice of customers.

On January 28, 2021, when Air Peace received its first brand new aircraft from Embraer, the Chairman of the airline, Allen Onyema used the ceremony to let Nigerians know what the Buhari-administration did for the aviation industry. He told his audience about the waiver government gave the domestic airlines on Customs Tariff and VAT, which was an Executive Order on exemption of Customs tariffs and VAT for the commercial operators. The waivers are expected to save airlines estimated N3 billion to N5 billion annually and such money could be ploughed to other areas like training, he estimated. Air Peace Chairman while delivering a speech during the ceremony to receive the new aircraft in Abuja, had explained how the airlines worked with the Ministry of Aviation to secure the Executive Order from President Muhammadu Buhari and its many benefits. “The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Chairmen of Senate and House Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi and Hon. Nnoli Nnaji and Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) worked assiduously to help aviation industry secure the waivers. “I especially thank the President of Nigeria for making it possible. Today as this plane has come in we are not going to pay customs duties on the plane and 12 others that will come after it. “Senator Adeyemi, and Hon. Nnaji, we owe all of you a great deal for this feat. What we at AON did was to present those challenges that have been bringing down airlines in Nigeria and we moved to meet the National

The waivers are expected to save airlines estimated N3 billion to N5 billion annually and such money could be ploughed to other areas like training

Assembly Committees on Aviation, and they said the best place to do this is to use a legislation to do it. We met our Minister who took it upon himself to make sure that these things were removed to enable airlines prosper in this country,” he had said. He gave kudos to Sirika who pushed the request through the National Assembly and the Presidency and ensured that the Executive Order was signed by the President. Former CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi told THISDAY that the waiver could save the aviation industry about N3 to N5 billion annually, depending on the level of transaction in that particular year, if effectively implemented by the Nigerian Customs. He said that the waiver could be up to five to seven per cent of the cost of aircraft engine, for example, which could be purchased for $5 million and the airline would pay up to 5-7 per cent of that amount. Sanusi also explained that the airlines may not gain directly from the waiver on VAT but it will bring down the cost of air ticket, which could serve as incentive for more people to travel by air because airlines collect the money from passengers and remit them to government. “If Nigerian Customs Service implements the waiver well it will save the aviation industry between N3 billion to N5 billion annually, but VAT will not save airlines anything but it will reduce the cost of tickets. “This will enable airlines have more cash flow. So if Customs waivers is fully implemented the industry will benefit but right now it is not being implemented well,” he said. Speaking on the benefits of the waivers, the Director of Engineering, Ibom Air, Lukeman Animaseun, told THISDAY that the waiver would save Nigerian carriers a lot of money, lamenting about how the taxes eroded the finances of Nigerian airlines in the past, stating that Customs still demand some taxes from airlines on aircraft spares and equipment, explaining that what airlines pay now could not be described as duties but they still pay some kind of taxes to Customs. “There is zero duty on imported spares and aircraft but we still pay some kind of tax, which is 1.5 per cent of the cost of the spares you are importing. This one is not Customs duty or tariff, but it is a kind of tax; so we still pay. “So if you buy aircraft for $50 million and you pay 1.5 per cent of that amount as tax that is a huge some. But that will be more than double if you pay 5 per cent duties on it. But I hope that Customs will follow the Executive Order signed by the President and exempt airlines from paying those taxes,” Anumaseun said. It was Customs’ failure to abide fully with the Executive Order that prompted the House Committee Chairman on Aviation, Nnaji to call on Customs to respect the new government policy of total exemption of duties on imported aircraft and spares, he said. “The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation has condemned the continued collection of import duties on imported commercial aircraft and spare parts despite the President Muhammadu Buhari’s executive order exempting them,” Nnaji had said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

As More Airlines Enter Aviation Industry Chinedu Eze writes on the implication of the entrance of United Nigeria and two more airlines that billed to join the domestic air travel market this year

here are key facts that could be confirmed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and industry analysts. The first is that Nigeria needs more operating aircraft and secondly is that with the current economic situation, not many can afford to travel by air and thirdly is that despite the low purchasing power, air travel remains the safest choice of movement in the country because of insecurity and poor road infrastructure. Figures emanating from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) indicate that since the reopening of flights after the COVID-19 lockdown last year, there has been progressive increase in passenger traffic on the domestic routes. It is also projected that passenger traffic would continue to rise as more people prefer to travel by air and availability of more aircraft will eventually knock down the fares and make air travel affordable to more Nigerians. Limited Fleet Since 2017 domestic airlines have experienced depletion of operating aircraft, which has contributed to high fares, as fewer aircraft struggle to meet the demand of travellers. It has also given rise to flight delays and cancellations, as airlines operate tight rotation because one aircraft operates more flights and when there is AOG (aircraft on ground), airlines find it difficult to meet their advertised schedule. This causes delays and flight cancellation. The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo ,said paucity of operating aircraft in Nigeria, among other reasons, prompted him to establish the new airline. He said the airline would be based in Enugu, just like the defunct Sosoliso, which recorded very successful and profitable operation till the tragic accident that swept it off the airspace. Okonkwo, who spoke to journalists during the inauguration flight of the airline from Lagos to Enugu, said the airline would do well because there still exists a vacuum in the market, as he was optimistic that more Nigerians would choose to travel by air. “Well, we can see that there is a gap in this industry and we have not made any mistake to make Enugu aviation hub. Enugu state government will give us encouragement. We have been driven by service; service in to the industry; service to mankind. “Our short-term plan is to consolidate. You can see we have a base in Enugu. And we have to consolidate, establish all our routes and then work about expanding. It might surprise you to know that we have full load in all the routes we have operated this morning. Today is the first day of our service so that is good and it shows what will happen,” he said. Another airline that is processing its Air Operator Certificate (AON) and which is believed would start operation this year, is NG Eagle. The new airline, which last week brought in new aircraft painted on its livery (it has been confirmed that the two aircraft were taken from Arik Air fleet, two Boeing 737-700 by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria), wants to join the market to create jobs and increase the aircraft fleet in the country. Reacting to this development an insider told THISDAY, “One of the major objectives of establishing this new airline is that we want to rescue jobs, we don’t want the aircraft (in Arik Air fleet) to be wasted. “These are new generation aircraft. So we have to rehabilitate them and create a new airline. This airline will employ at least 500 Nigerians. It will engage at least 60 pilots; it will engage

Chairman, AON, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina

engineers and other Nigerians. “So we need to establish the airline in order to add to the industry. The industry needs more aircraft, it needs to create more jobs and there is indication that 2021 will be a great year for aviation because more people will travel by air.” Another airline that many industry observers are expecting to obtain AOC this year is Green Africa Airways. Green Africa Airways Ltd is a Nigerian start-up based in Lagos, Nigeria, which was founded in 2015, and has yet to commence flights as of 2021. The Founder and CEO of Green Africa, Babawande Afolabi, has expressed optimism that soon the airline would start operation. But industry analysts have observed that the airline had stayed too long in the process of obtaining its AOC. This year will make it six years it has been in that process. Although its activities have been published widely in the media, which heightened expectations. But beyond the media coverage, there have not been many milestones about the airline, except the recent introduction of its cabin crew uniform. It was Green Africa Airways that advertised order of 100 Boeing 737 MAX and after the two tragic accidents involving the aircraft type and its subsequent suspension of operations, the airline indicated that it would acquire other aircraft types. THISDAY however learnt that the airline since 2015 had indicated interest to operate with B737 NG, later it opted for B737 MAX, later it contemplated operating with Airbus A220 and recently it is romancing with the idea of operating with ATR aircraft. An insider told THISDAY that the airline has names of global industry players, but it needs local representative with deep home touch if it wants to succeed in Nigeria. “The problem they may have is governance structure. They need strong corporate governance. They also need somebody with local knowledge. I was glad when I heard they employed industry veteran as head of training. That is very good. They need to have

such local experience,” the insider told THISDAY. But there is unconfirmed report that Green Africa, which raised most of its capital from hedge fund, may be moving to Ghana. This is because the investors believe that Nigeria is inclement to investment due to frequent change in policies, lack of rule of law and unpredictability. But a source close to the airline in Nigeria said the airline “is not moving anywhere;” that it is rooted in Nigeria. Surviving Many industry stakeholders said that if the airlines have good plan they will survive, noting that there will be stiff competition, which will drive down airfares and when airfares to the benefit of customers. They noted that the airlines are facing myriads of challenges beyond their control. Chief among these challenges include the high exchange rate, high cost of aviation fuel and inadequate airport infrastructure like the airfield lighting, which forces out airlines from many airports in the country from 6:30 PM. But justifying new airlines coming to join the market, the Managing Director, Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan said new airlines coming on board was a sign that investors are seeing the potential offered by the aviation sector. “Before you analyse whether there is growth in passenger traffic, you need to offer flights to existing traffic waiting to be served. Note the direction of the schedule the new airlines are offering. They are filling a gap. Nigerians want to travel direct between cities within the country without coming to transit in Lagos or Abuja; to change aircraft and incur long waits. “Shuttle flight services and hub and spoke seem to be getting revived. Suitable aircraft types are deployed. With 30 passengers you break even operating a direct flight from Enugu to Kano with ATR-42, which is comfortable and modern with good speed. “Traders, students and corporate flyers have been waiting to be served on these routes instead of going to Lagos and

Since 2017 domestic airlines have experienced depletion of operating aircraft, which has contributed to high fares, as fewer aircraft struggle to meet the demand of travellers

Abuja to wait for 24 hours. There are 40 to 70-seater modern aircraft that are suitable for these movements. The airlines do not need to buy a lot of fuel per trip as these aircraft burn low fuel per trip. Less number of cabin crew, quick turnaround time from stations because it’s simple to dispatch,” Akpan said. He noted that for those airlines still insisting on operating with 148-seater aircraft that burns approximately 3200 liters of fuel per hour on a 25 or 45 minutes flight, they have to reconsider their modules. “Stay trim in budget, reduce cost, offer regular, frequently available schedule. Keep to time, be polite, get the maintenance team that understands that you are a flying company not maintenance and repair company. “Air travel within Nigeria has not been fully exploited; there are rooms for more airlines depending on your business model. Finally, operators are beginning to realise that the type of aircraft they deploy on specific routes matters to their company’s financial results,” he added. The Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Cargo Limited, Seyi Adewale said in business there are low seasons and airlines must strengthen their sales and marketing initiatives and campaigns aggressively. “It’s at this time this strategic business unit (SBU) can pull their weight and prove to the operations and engineering SBU of their positive impact to the overall business. It’s more like a challenge! I expect this SBU to develop special products, promos etc in support of capital and cash flow. “If well crafted, the airline load factor will surely improve during this off peak period and could evoke customer loyalty during peak season. Lastly, I believe that airlines in Nigeria need to partner with hotels more, whereby their flight schedules are placed at their Reception Desk with seamless connectivity to the airline for ticket purchase, hotel pickup, flight change and this could be easily done through ICT capability enhancement. Passenger Trafﬁc Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that there is discernible passenger growth in the domestic market, remarking that flights to South South destinations like Uyo, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Asaba record high load factor at least in the past five months and it is the same with flights to South East destination of Owerri and Enugu. This is corroborated by the Airport Manager of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi who told THISDAY that since the heavy Christmas season passenger traffic to the airport has remained high, disclosing that the Owerri airport records the highest domestic passenger traffic in the country currently. She said that the airport serves Abia state, Imo, Anambra, part of Rivers and part of Ebonyi states. “We are the highest in domestic passenger traffic in Nigeria. The traffic has been stable since after Christmas and we enjoy a lot of advantages because of the location of the airport and its clement weather, even during the harmattan season,” she said. Also the Airport Manager of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama, said that there is rise in passenger traffic at the airport, from 1000 passengers a week in 2019 to 6000 to 7000 passengers a week in 2021, adding that six flights operate to the airport daily. So for the airlines to survive they must find ways to make more Nigerians to travel by air and also they must review their fares and make their in-flight service more satisfying.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Air Peace’s 13 E195-E2s: Continental Game Changer Stanley Olisa

n January 28, 2021, the trajectory of Nigeria’s aviation sector, and in fact that of continental Africa, experienced a stride of no mean feat as West Africa’s foremost airline, Air Peace, in its characteristic show of strength, blazed the trail by taking delivery of the first ever E195-E2 aircraft in the whole of Africa, from the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, Embraer. The aircraft, nicknamed Profit-hunter, with registration number 5N-BYF and the name Helen Ekwusi Onyema, is the first of 13 E195-E2s which Air Peace had ordered in 2019 from the Brazilian aircraft manufacturing giant, with purchase rights for 17 of the same aircraft model, totaling 30 jets which will, over time, dominate Nigerian and West African skies, connecting various cities and solving the air transportation challenge of Africans. The airline is expecting the second E195-E2 jet in February 2021. The acquisition of E195-E2 aircraft is historic for two major reasons- it signals the outset of a new era for Nigeria’s aviation, an era of Nigerian skies being littered with brand new airplanes as Air Peace’s principal goal is to replace its current Boeing 737 fleet with 30 brand new E195-E2s, which offer a superior travel experience to the passengers. Another reason the acquisition is historic is that it will create a new flying experience for Nigerians and Africans generally. With this brand new aircraft and others lined up for delivery at specific times this year, Air Peace is perpetuating its position as one of the vibrant leaders in Africa’s aviation space, while giving Nigeria ample representation in the global aviation terrain. When people talk about the E195-E2 aircraft, some tend to confuse it with the ERJ 145, probably because both are Embraer jets. But they are very different, and Air Peace already has 8 ERJs which the airline uses to service certain underserved and unserved routes both locally and regionally. The ERJ 145s are 50-seat capacity jets operating under the subsidiary ‘Air Peace Hopper’. The E195-E2, on the other hand, is a 124-seat capacity aircraft, comparable in size to your regular Boeing 737. It has a dual configuration of 112 Economy seats and 12 Business Class seats in a staggered

design that offers enhanced comfort, greater legroom, and increased privacy. The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, during the aircraft reception ceremony in Abuja, described the E195 as “a state-of-the-art aeronautical machine with all the trappings of comfort and luxury”. Air Peace is the launch customer for the E195-E2 in Africa, an aircraft that has been described by aviators and aviation aficionados as the newest, most efficient, and most comfortable aircraft in the segment. The Nigerian airline is also the global launch customer for Embraer’s innovative premium staggered seating configuration. Air Peace, since flagging off scheduled commercial operations in 2014, has never relented in making large inroads which put Nigeria’s aviation sector in the limelight with its consistent milestones in form of aircraft acquisition, route expansion, strategic CSR interventions, etc. Considering the consistency of Air Peace’s landmark achievements, Nigeria may not be far from earning the enviable title of ‘King of African Aviation’. This is not easy to attain but with Air Peace’s sustained

footprints, it is feasible. Acknowledging how Air Peace’s acquisition of brand new aircraft is in tandem with Federal Government’s plans, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, described the aircraft delivery as a step in the right direction. Sirika said it was in line with the federal government’s roadmap for the aviation industry, adding that the use of brand new aircraft by Nigerian carriers will bolster airlines’ profitability as it would reduce operating costs, especially costs of maintenance and fuel. Air Peace’s decision to invest in the E195s was taken after duly reviewing the aircraft’s features vis-à-vis the airline’s fleet expansion concerns as well as its route expansion plans, and how the aircraft can help drive sustainability and profitability. Onyema said: “The E195-E2 is the perfect aircraft to expand our domestic and regional operations. We are aware of the aircraft’s impressive economic performance as well as its unique configuration, the major reasons we placed an order for this aircraft. It is also a historic feat as Air Peace will be the first to operate this

aircraft model in the whole of Africa. “The E195-E2 aircraft will further help us actualise our ambition of connecting not just the whole of Nigeria, but the entire African continent while feeding long-haul flights from our Lagos hub. The acquisition will enable us to deliver on our ‘no-city-left-behind’ initiative, which is underpinned by our goal to reduce the air transportation burden of Africans”. The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, explained the rationale behind the acquisition of E195E2: “Now, why have we introduced the E195-E2? The E2 is a brand new aircraft, super-efficient aircraft; it is an aircraft that is for the future and even now, not just for the future. “This is because you are going to save a lot of money on the operating cost, you have savings on fuel and you know fuel cost is very high in Nigeria. Those kinds of aircraft coming into the country will be able to help you lower your operating cost. The performance is awesome. “A lot of Nigerians that are scared of travelling by air, this is the plane for you. Because when you are inside this aircraft, you will feel nothing. That peace which we represent, this is the plane that is going to give you the height of it because it is just super. The interior is excellent. “The staggered seats that we have in the Business Class are one to die for. Not just that, even in the Business Class, there is an innovation with the table that the passengers use, it has an Ipad holder”. Embraer’s President and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, described the new aircraft type acquired by Air Peace: “The E2s are really fantastic airplanes. Your engineering people are going to love the technology. Your crews are going to love flying them. Your accountants are going to love the operating economics. And your passengers are going to love the stunning interior, especially those sitting in business class with the staggered seat layout. That innovation is an industry first, and we’re so pleased that Air Peace will showcase it to the world and, of course, that you’re the first airline in Africa to fly an E-195-E2”. The delivery of E195-E2 is a gamechanging industry milestone and an outstanding achievement for Air Peace, an airline that stands for Nigerians and has shown reliability across all fronts. -Olisa, S. wrote in from Lagos

MDXi to Promote Energy Efficiency, FG Shifts 2021 Petroleum Summit Environmental Sustainability to June Emma Okonji MDXi, a carrier-neutral data centre is focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emission in its quest to promote sustainable development. Speaking during a recent interview, the Chief Operating Officer at MDXi, Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji, stated that “In January 2021, MDXi recorded 100 per cent availability of supply from the national grid through the Eko Electric Distribution Company (EKEDC). “This excellent availability record meant the company did not have to run any of our four heavy duty generating sets, thereby saving a huge amount of carbon emissions, and contributing our own quota to the environment. The availability means stability of all facility equipment and more peace of mind for our customers aside from the added benefit of reducing carbon footprint.”

According to Adegbiji, the company started to reap the full benefits of its green power initiatives embarked upon some years ago with an investment of close to $1 million in direct connection of its Lekki Data Centre to the national grid in order to enjoy 100 per cent power availability from the grid. Since it launched in 2015, MDXi has operated carrier-neutral facilities and harnessed MainOne’s network footprint not only to interconnect all major network and content providers in the West African sub region, but also enable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and virtual network operators connect to the data centers to provide services to hosted customers. The organisation has a focus on deliberate action and a commitment to doing what is right even though it comes at a high cost. Obtaining 100 per cent of its power supply from the national grid due to

private investment implies the company can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, even before construction commenced, the organization ensured that the data center was positioned in a location with access to the national grid, Adegbiji said. “As a market leader in Data Centre solutions, MDXi ensures that energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is a major aspect of our centers, like the upcoming Lekki 2 and Sagamu Data Centres and the new Appolonia Data Centre (Accra), which received its Tier III design certifications and will be ready for commissioning in a couple of weeks,” Adegbiji added. There are ongoing efforts to explore additional green initiatives such as utilizing solar to generate power for the additional MDXi data centre facilities located in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, Adegbiji said.

Peter Uzoho The federal government has postponed the 2021 edition of the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) to June. The summit will now hold in Abuja from June 6 to 10, 2021, instead of the March 28 to April 1, 2021 earlier scheduled. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who announced the new dates during a special broadcast programme published on the ministry’s social media platforms, said the current global pandemic necessitated the change. “We have had to reconsider the dates in light of the current global pandemic”, Sylva said. The theme of the summit: “From Crisis to Opportunities: New Approaches to the Future of Hydrocarbons,” aims at charting the way forward for Africa’s oil and gas industry in the

post-COVID-19 pandemic era. “While it has been a challenging year for the oil and gas industry due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis also provides us with the opportunity to re-define our industry for transformative moments. “Let us all, therefore, come together under the platform of NIPS 2021 in our quest to return to the attractive industry performance that lifted the entire economy over the years,” Sylva added. The Managing Director, Brevity Anderson, the producers of NIPS, Mr. James Shindi, said, “economies are going through challenging times and one of the sectors that has witnessed significant challenges is the oil sector, globally and in Africa.” Shindi posited that the evolving economic situation and challenges could provide an opportunity for African oil producing countries to explore how economies can

be diversified away from reliance on oil; maximise the local value-added of the oil; increase cross-border trade and investment between African countries and engender creativity through expanding deployment of renewables in the power sector. The scope of NIPS 2021 has been expanded to incorporate the latest industry trends and topical issues that are at the forefront of every energy leader’s agenda. It has also become the platform for industry players for the public and private sectors to interact, transact and develop agenda for government and support Nigeria’s role in galvanising other global players in addressing challenges in the industry. With the full backing of the federal government NIPS has over the past three editions, witnessed the highest level of attendance by top decision makers, industry leaders and all stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

As Ghost of Fuel Subsidy Removal Lurks Around The benefits of the fuel subsidy removal far outweighs the pains associated with the expected rise in petrol pump price due to the upswing in crude oil price, writes Obinna Chima

he rising cost of Brent crude oil and its attendant implication on petrol price in the country appears to have resuscitated the age-long debate over fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria. Once more, there has been divergent views about this policy which until it was phased out last year, was a thorn in the flesh of successive governments in the country. For instance, the federal government had disclosed that the nation spent N10. 413 trillion on fuel subsidy between 2006 and 2019, even as the country consistently grappled with low revenue generation over same period. But the federal government last April bowed to long-standing pressure to restructure the downstream segment of the Nigerian oil industry through the removal of fuel subsidy, following the significant drop in the price of crude oil last year, due to the coronavirus. The government had said it would no longer be paying for under-recovery or subsidy on petrol. Owing to that, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had announced that petrol prices would henceforth be determined by market forces. It had explained that the new price regime with its cost-reflective nature was expected to help to improve product availability and attract investments to the sector as marketers now have increased margin. Since then, the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) has been giving monthly guidance on petrol prices through price modulation method, meaning that when crude price goes up, petrol price would go up, and when it comes down, petrol price would follow suit. However, the policy did not go down well with the marketers expressing concerns over the government’s continuous meddlesomeness with petrol pump price, which they believed should be allowed to float. They had argued that such model was not in tandem with the principle of market forces that takes into account, the basic market fundamentals. So far, in 2021, crude oil prices have continued to surge largely on the back of production cuts from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies. Although, the recent revision in global oil demand by the IEA casts some shadow on the sustainability of this trend, the current position implies increasing landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a report by CSL Stockbrokers Limited revealed. Beneﬁts of Fuel Subsidy Removal The International Monetary Fund (IMF) that had over the years been vocal about the need for the country to end the fuel subsidy regime, in its recently Article IV on Nigeria released last week, welcomed notable reforms undertaken in the fiscal sector, including removal of the fuel subsidy. Also, analysts at CSL Stockbrokers reiterate that the removal of the subsidy on petrol remains a critical free-market reform. “In our view, and we believe it is beneficial to the finances of the government and the overall economy,” the Lagos-based firm added. To the Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, the removal of subsidy would boost investments in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry. Rewane said subsidy removal would encourage investments in private refineries such as the Dangote Refinery, the BUA Refinery, among others springing up in the country presently. According to him, petrol subsidy would free revenues for the government to provide essential services and at the same time boost investments in the downstream sector. “Investments will increase. It will boost

NNPC Mega Station Abuja

investments in private refineries such as Dangote Refinery, while those who will buy our dilapidated refineries will also come,” he added. The Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc and former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Mustapha Chike-Obi, Nigeria can no longer afford the subsidies that it had been paying, Also, the Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, said fuel subsidy removal would give operators the opportunity to recover their costs, adding that it would in the long run, encourage investment and create jobs. A stakeholder in the sector and an independent marketer, Mr. John Agidigan, had that under a deregulated environment, prices are expected to rise and fall in response to the volatility of demand and supply. According to him, the new deregulated regime would always ensure the availability of the product in the market at affordable price based on the supply, adding that this regime was better than what obtained in the past when Nigerians had to contend with extreme scarcity and its attendant challenges such as long queues at fuel stations. Another stakeholder in the downstream sector, Aggrey Koleijo, stated that same market forces that brought about price reduction not long ago were still same factors responsible for the hike and can still ensure a reduction, depending on the demand and supply activities within the industry. However, the federal government had reiterated its position that subsidy on petrol has gone and would never return, maintaining that the cost of petroleum products would henceforth be determined by the vagaries of the international crude oil market. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had stressed that incurring further costs on under-recovery has now been stopped permanently. According to her, “Specifically, in relation to the extractive industry, we took the opportunity to remove fuel subsidy that has been a significant drain on our resources and on the economy. “This we have been able to do by adopting a price modulation mechanism and the government has removed fuel subsidy provision from its revised 2020 budget and also from the Medium Term Economic Framework (MTEF) for 20212023. We don’t have plans to incur any expenditure on fuel subsidy.

“What that means is that the price of refined products (petrol) will be determined by the global price of crude oil, so the price will keep changing according to how the global market operates.” The Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said Nigeria was no longer in the business of fixing fuel prices, adding that global oil price crash had made removing the subsidies inevitable. “It is about the survival of our country. There are certain things that the country can ill-afford at this time,” he said. In his contribution, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, had disclosed that the federal government was able to save over $400 million following the removal of its fuel subsidy policy in 2020. The NNPC boss said he does not expect that the policy which had over the years drained the country’s scarce resources would be returned even when crude oil price rebounds. According to Kyari, the federal government would deploy the amount saved to the development of critical infrastructure in the country. He explained: “As you aware, the Minister of State for Petroleum resources has made policy statement based on presidential directives on the issue of fuel subsidy. Also, the PPPRA has issued guidelines on the process for monitoring the pricing of petroleum products in the domestic market going forward. “My personal view is that subsidy should be removed, and the funds deployed to areas of the economy particularly road infrastructure and education that need funds. Fuel subsidy is a misallocation of resources and it benefits mainly people who don’t need it; the rich. “What we need is investment that upgrades the general good of the society and provide access and opportunity for social mobility for the poor. I do not foresee the return of subsidy when oil price rebounds. Just by removing subsidy in the 2020 budget, the nation is able to save over $400 million. The savings would be better deployed to education or upgrade of the critical infrastructure in the country.” According to Kyari, ensuring energy security is one of the cardinal agenda of the President Buhari administration. Furthermore, he said closely related to energy security was the rehabilitation and expansion of the local refining capacity. He said the NNPC has continued to support initiatives towards the actualisation of zero import of refined products by 2024, adding that the corporation

has adopted a three-pronged strategy. This includes – revamp, restructure and encourage. Short-term Pain But following the rising price of crude oil which hit a 13-month high of $63 per barrel this week, Nigerians have been advised to prepare their minds for a higher regime of the pump price of petrol. Sylva said a high cost of petrol will be inevitable and urged Nigerians to be ready to bear the pains of the impending new price regime, due to rising crude oil price. Sylva, noted that while government revenue has improved following the rise in crude oil price, the gains cannot be frittered on subsidy payment. According to the pricing template of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the landing cost of petrol is over N179 per litre, while the expected Open Market Price (OMP) is about N202 per litre. However, the product is still being sold for between the N162 and N165 per litre price band. However, Sylva urged Nigerians to prepare for the pains of the increase, saying that it cannot all be pleasure always. He said: “Since we are optimising everything, NNPC needs to also think about the optimisation of product cost because as we all know, oil prices are where they are today, $60. “As desirable as this is, this has serious consequences as well on product prices. So, we want to take the pleasure and we should as a country be ready to take the pain. Today the NNPC is taking a big hit from this. We all know that there is no provision in the budget for subsidy. “So, somewhere down the line, I believe that the NNPC cannot continue to take this blow. There is no way because there is no provision for it. As a country, let us take the benefits of the higher crude oil prices and I hope we will also be ready to take a little pain on the side of higher product prices.” Indeed, the federal government must ensure that it does not bow to pressure to reintroduce the policy which was a major avenue of fiscal leakage in the past. Fuel subsidy savings could be utilised in the provision of essential social needs such as access to free education, quality healthcare services, especially at a time when the health sector is under serious strain, infrastructure development, boost the country’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, among others. These, would be crucial to the improvement of living standard and the quality of life of the average Nigerian.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Abiola Laseinde: Recognising IT Experts Across Nigeria

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COVER

Abiola Laseinde: Recognising IT Experts Across Nigeria Mrs. Abiola Laseinde is an entrepreneur with a silent portfolio as the CEO, Edniesal Consulting Limited. She is currently making waves with Nigeria’s first Chief Information Officer award, honouring the unique but rarely recognised IT personnel in Nigeria. She tells REBECCA EJIFOMA how CIO awards became a reality within few months, and the urgency to develop full grown African IT

hen Abiola Laseinde was growing up as a young girl, she had many dreams. One of her dreams was that if she remained focused, tenacious, and resilient she would break and create new records globally. So, after completing Law School, her career got off the ground as the Company Deputy Secretary for West Africa at Cadbury Plc; then in PZ, as the Company Secretary, Corporate Services Director, before her voluntary retirement in December 2019. Laseinde responded to questions in politely assertive tone right at her Ikeja office where her massive shelf was adorned with voluminous books and plaques well displayed behind her seat. She explained how in March 2020 – the month of COVID-19 appearance in Nigeria – it dawned on her that the Chief Information Officer (CIO) award is her one unique quest on earth. Interestingly, the maiden CIO awards, with over 300 entries, honoured successful and outstanding senior IT experts that have achieved milestones in the course of delivering their roles, especially during the heat of the lockdown across the country. The Edniesal boss believes that CIOs have set a benchmark of hard work and have transformed sectors globally. “Edniesal Consulting Limited is an enterprise governance firm helping our clients interpret their business objectives, products and services a lot better within a tight and favourable governance context. “While we were busy minding our business doing this enterprise governance work, we were inspired to organise Nigeria’s first CIO Award. It came to us as an unusual inspiration in March 2020 during the lockdown,” she said. The CIO boss soon came to terms with the fact that although COVID kept everyone at home, there are certain people who have made it possible for us to continue our work seamlessly. She said: “These are the senior executives of our companies, that is the IT executives.” And for the first time in the history of Nigeria, IT executives were celebrated in the maiden edition of the CIO award 2020 despite the lockdown. In her words: “The CIO award is all over the world, in fact, in the US, we just got to know when we started ours that almost every state organises its own CIO awards where the senior chief digital officers, the chief technology officers, the CIOs, and the senior IT managers are celebrated and it goes really big.” Reflecting, the CEO was more impressed by the emulative dedication of her team. “We were blessed to have a fantastic team of stakeholders who believed in that vision. We got partners from PWC, Ernst and Young, Dell, Microsoft, Access Bank. In less than five months we organised this award. The process started in June while the company was established in March 2020.” Another interesting part for the organisers was the panel of jury, which comprised senior top executives from different endeavours like the country manager of Microsoft, the country manager of IBN volunteered their time and resources to help Edniesal access the nominations it received for the CIO awards. Truly, at first, the lawyer and her team were oblivious of CIO awards done in other clans. “Initially”, she recalled, “the idea was just to organise an IT award, which fits into what we do. As I said in the beginning, we are an enterprise governance firm, consulting with our clients and interpreting their business objectives. Edniesal has an ultimate vision to showcase the excellence behind IT innovation as a country as well as Africa.”

in the country. Truly, the CIO awards came through one man; it was executed through many. She continued, “If you look at CIO awards you would ask who really is the brain; you would find so many people. You would almost say where did these people come from because we allowed the project to take a life of its own. We were spreading our tentacles and people with good intentions came back with results and it just blossomed.” She harped on, “So we need SMEs to think about collaboration, blossom, embrace enterprise governance.” After the technical framework, the organisers were said to narrow the 300 applicants to 120 then to about 80/70 and eventually the 20 winners across different industries.

Laseinde

Values Laseinde, 45, grew up in Lagos State with her mother and five siblings. According to her, her mother instilled the value of independence, critical thinking, and survival in her right from a tender age. This is evidenced in her track records from Lagos for to Benin, Edo State to study Law in Ekpoma in Edo State and her position as the CEO of Edniesal. “Although my mum is late now, I had a terrible background. While I was in school, I was trading, selling, cooking, doing okrika (fairly used clothes), and studying law. It was tough. I used to hate my mom, like ‘when will this woman let me rest’, but we had to fend. Yes, I loved school from day one. My mum didn’t go to school, but she appreciated the fact that her children wanted to go to school. “She would say this your expensive course you have to work for it; ‘Either you drop out now and work for two years,’ I would say God forbid. What about all the people I’m competing with? If I’m not first, I’ll be second,” she chuckled. “You know childish thinking. I told my mum I would do anything and that is how I worked with my mum to go to office as a child”. From that moment, everything Laseinde saw was a business opportunity. “I sold even matches (she giggled). I’m an extremely busy person; it’s just something I can’t help. Everywhere I am, even when I’m abroad I’m thinking of what to bring back to sell; it is just in me. And during lockdown my kids were selling meat pie around my area. They grumbled, but I ensured they did.” Indeed, her mum’s discipline has impacted her life for good. As she continues to work her fingers to bones, she listed, “I was the Secretary General Council for PZ up till December when I retired. I wanted to focus on SMEs; I wanted to help them with enterprise governance. I didn’t know COVID was going to happen, but in an

enterprise the last thing you would want to do is put governance structure because you think it is expensive.” Passion for SMEs Laseinde is passionate about SMEs, too. “That is what I have done all my life, and I felt like why don’t I go and serve these guys (SMEs) that think that having a little board is expensive, tell them things like you can put up a board you don’t have to pay board members but you leverage their resources?” Although Laseinde was enviably the Secretary Director for PZ, she adds, “My eyes were just on the calling. So, I bailed out in December after giving them the notice on what I want to do and I want to enjoy myself. Then training them that was what I set up Edniesal for, train them to say compliance is easy in Nigeria. I tell them, I have done it, you don’t have to give a bribe. Cadbury taught me that you can have a normal relationship with regulators”. According to the lawyer, all she wanted to do was Edniesal, until God dropped CIO awards idea. “You should have been there at the awards ceremony; the winners were celebrated, and we have fantastic feedbacks.” Interestingly, there were no monetary compensation, the award was solely a global recognition. “Because you can imagine some of the names I dropped; they are international organisations that are partnering us. So, they leverage that. The technical work that went into it was per excellence as Ernst and Young handled the technical aspect.” Following this, the entrepreneur outlined some strategies for SMEs to employ just like Edniesal; “it is collaboration,” she chipped in, as she enthused how this technique worked for them in transiting seamlessly from just doing their mere day-to-day SME consulting job to being able to organise a first-of-its kind award

Next Level for CIO Laseinde is sure about the next level. “We are going to take IT innovation to Africa; we are launching the CIO club Africa. We launched it at the awards ceremony and now we are going to start the conversation and have the inaugural meeting, then take the conversation because “We need to develop full grown African IT”. “The best talents in IT are here in Nigeria, Africa. The SMEs are taking over because of IT. They are faster and agile; they are able to do a lot more. IT is really the foundation and CIO awards is about developing African IT starting from the centre of everything Nigeria, so that is what this CIO awards is about,” she expressed passionately. Having seen the success of CIO 2020, it seems partners are already asking for more. “Our partners were already asking when we are starting in 2021 because they want to be part of it. People are already believing in it.” She also mentioned that the CIO awards is not just built around certain individuals; it is taking a life of its own. “It won’t always be there because we have launched the CIO Africa. We are already looking at going to Ghana CIO awards. It can be anywhere in Africa, and we have partners who trust us in the first edition till subsequent ones.” In Laseinde’s views, CIO awards is a poll now for experts technocrats. She hinted on what should be done to encourage youth in IT, “The government should create a platform to let them express their ideas; buy what they are offering; recognise them for the value they are creating. Don’t just look at them as youths that are restless, the most successful fin techs in the world are Nigerians.” Proudly, the CIO boss has done a number of certifications to her credit. She is a chartered secretary (qualified to act as a government official in Nigeria); Chartered Arbitrator; Member of NBA; served in International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) as the PRO of Lagos State Chapter from 2014 to 2016; former chairman of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) from 2015 to 2017; and Member of the Association of Sustainability Practitioners of Nigeria. Combining Career, Homefront According to the industrious Laseinde, she is married to Mr. Adewale Laseinde, and blessed with two boys – David and Daniel. With ease, she combines home and work, and gets a perfect finishing. “I tend to organise my time and activities. Priority for family; priority for God, then I lean on my support system a lot; I love collaborating.” Indeed, Laseinde is versatile, yet down to earth. She continues in her drive to see SMEs thrive while using the CIO awards to take IT experts to the next level in Nigeria, and Africa.

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Adeboye Celebrates 40th Ordination Anniversary

˾ ÏÎÓÍËÞÏÝ ÓÎØÏã ÓËÖãÝÓÝ ÏØÞÜÏ Stories by Mary Nnah As part of activities to celebrate the 40th year ordination of Pastor E.A. Adeboye as the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), the church through its Christian Social Responsibility arm, His Love Foundation (HLF) recently, dedicated a Kidney Dialysis Center at the Pastor Enoch And Folu Adeboye Intensive Care Unit at The Health Centre, RCCG Camp, Mowe, Ogun State. The Dialysis Center which was built and equipped to bring critical healthcare solution closer to the people for the benefit of humanity in general and the host community in particular, is also driven by the mantra of RCCG to touch people’s lives, with emphasis on improving standards of living by providing good education and health through infrastructural development. The event had in attendance representative of Ogun State Governor, Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr Tayo Lawal; Senior Special Assistant on Health, Dr. Ololade Kehinde; Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to Ogun State Governor, Pastor Remmy Hassan; Abeokuta North Local Government Chairmanship Aspirant and Media Consultants to HLF, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo; The Conti-

Adeboye Celebrates 40th Ordination... Pastor Idowu Iluyomade (ﬁrst right) with other stakeholders at the event

nental Overseer Africa 1 and National Overseer Nigeria of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Joseph Obayemi; Intercontinental Overseer on Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) Pastor Idowu Iluyomade and other senior pastors in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Adeboye became the G.O of the RCCG ministry on January 21, 1981, and still holds the position till present. Pastor Adeboye who was represented by Pastor Joseph Obayemi, Continental Overseer Africa 1 and National Overseer Nigeria, said he has a lot to be grateful for after so many years of leading this ministry. He stressed the importance of the church’s Christian Social Responsibility arm as being what the lord Jesus Christ demands

of the church, adding that the church will not relent on its efforts to impact lives positively by providing spiritual and physical support to everyone irrespective of where they are from in Nigeria. He believes that the availability of a Kidney Dialysis centre within the location will prevent unnecessary deaths arising from inadequate medical infrastructure around the area and to the glory of God, many lives will be saved and added to God’s kingdom. He re-emphasised the need for everyone to be closer to their creator as the surest way to live a happy life. Pastor Adeboye further thanked His Love Foundation team lead by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Special Assistant to the G.O on CSR,

for making the dream a reality. Pastor Idowu Iluyomade while responding said ,“The RCCG through its CSR arm has been very concerned about the loss of lives due to inadequate healthcare facilities in the country which makes Nigerians spend over 3billion dollars annually on health-tourism seeking state of the art health facilities in countries like India and the UAE. “His Love Foundation, a charity arm of the Church, has been supporting healthcare delivery in the country from inception through interventions that guarantees quality health care through provisions of diagnostics centres, laboratories, pharmaceuticals, kidney dialysis and ambulance services.“

‘BeMoreResponsivetoYearningsofNigerians’,ClericTasksFG The Pastor, New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Rev AmosAchi Kunat has appealed to the federal government and governments at all levels in general, to be more responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians. Speaking at a press conference heralding the 60th anniversary activities of the church, Kunat said that as a church, New Estate Baptist has always prayed for the intervention of God in the affairs of the nation; for the success of its political leaders and for peace in the nation. He however stressed that it was pertinent that the government did all within its power and muster all resources available to it as well as employ the services of Nigerians across the different spectrums of life to find lasting solutions to the economic and security problems confronting the nation before they assume a dangerous curve. He expressed delight that Nigeria’s experiment with democracy has for 22 years ran uninterrupted, adding, “this is something to be thankful to God for because as a church we believe that we as a people will thrive best in all our endeavours under a democratic environment that allows people to freely aspire and develop their God given abilities to live the good life under the guidance of God and good governance. “However, we are not unmindful of the fact that our democracy has not gained the expected traction that allows for the free rein of dividends that are the hallmarks of democracy

L-R: Director, Quality Assurance and Servicom, University of Lagos, Prof. Grace Otinwa; Chairman, NEBC at 60 Anniversary Committee, Deacon Bola Balogun, and pastor in charge of NEBC, Rev. Amos Achi Kunat during the press conference

to flourish in our environment. We are more than ever before faced with multifaceted challenges that have made this experiment to be questioned”. The cleric enumerated some the challenges in the nation’s recent history to include economic, socio-cultural and insecurity occasioned by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, farmers/herders’ killings, and kidnapping as well as unsecured highways making travel within the country a major concern to the people. On the political front, he further appealed to the government of the day to be fully committed to the deepening of its democratic experiment by ensuring that all the sections and regions of the country are given a sense of belonging. “Everything possible must be

done to restructure the polity through constitutional means to ensure that every region of the country is equally catered for. “Devolve more powers to the states and local government councils as well as allocate more resources to them to enable them cope with the responsibilities of modern day challenges and governance. “Our security agencies need to be decentralised for better impact at the grassroots level given the present security challenges threatening the fabrics of our nationhood”, he added. For its 60th anniversary, the church has lined up a series of events spanning the whole year to celebrate this great occasion in her life. The celebration formally commenced on February 14, 2021

with a Celebration Service at the church premises featuring a presentation of the history of the church, cutting of the anniversary cake, musical ministration and a sermon by Pastor Kayode Pitan of the RedeemedChristian Church of God (RCCG), a former active member and Sunday School teacher in NEBC, among others. Other activities include to mark this year’s anniversary include SME Grant Competition for young entrepreneurs and business persons from NEBC Family Churches; Community-based Projects; Education Conference for teachers of targeted schools; Donation of IT Equipment to selected schools within the Surulere community; and Music concert by NEBC family churches among others.

Kemi Ogunkoya Accepted into Forbes Business Council Top leadership development strategist; founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rellies Works, Kemi Ogunkoya, has been admitted into The Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organisation for successful business owners and leaders worldwide. The best-selling author is well-known for her expertise in leadership development and helping organisations enjoy Kemi Ogunkoya accepted into seamless leadership transitions Forbes Business Council. and executive onboarding. Founder of Forbes Councils, Scott Gerber, while welcoming Ogunkoya said, “We are honoured to welcome Kemi Ogunkoya into the community, our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.” In her remarks, Ogunkoya said, “I am honoured to have been invited to such an exclusive group of global leaders, I am particularly delighted with the opportunities this platform will bring to our organisation, Rellies Works and that of our client companies, we shall continue to drive the agenda for transformative and effective leadership development in the corporate scenes and beyond in Africa and globally.” Ogunkoya was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of her experience, a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honours. The Forbes Council Is an Invitation-Only Community for Successful Business Owners and Leaders. Other phenomenal leaders from Nigeria accepted into Forbes Councils include Dr Sam Adeyemi, Olakunle Soriyan, Lanre Olusola, Janet Adetu and Remi Duyile. Ogunkoya is the creator of The Dozen Model for raising futuristic leaders, a model that has been adopted by numerous corporate organisations and political structures for effective leadership development. She has received several awards, including the Role Model of the Year 2020 and The Eloy Awards Female Entrepreneur of The Year 2020, She has been recognised by the African Chamber of Commerce and Industry for her role and contribution to youth development in Africa.

AREAi Gets TCCF Grant to Stimulate Community Recycling Eﬀorts

The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has recently awarded a grant of $85,000 to a non-governmental organisation,Aid for Rural Education Access initiative (AREAi), towards implementing a plastic recovery programme to promote community recycling efforts and boost the economic empowerment of women and environmental awareness across Nigeria. The grant provided to the organisation would be used to curb plastic pollution in six states across the federation through recovery and repurposing of 600 tons of PET Bottles in 12 months. This is in line with the organisation’s pioneering initiative, EducationInBottles, which seeks to convert plastic waste into modular bricks for the provision of community learning centres for out-of-school children, particularly girls. Beneficiaries of this TCCF funding to AREAi will include over 60 communities in FCT, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara and Oyo States where periodic recycling activities will take place and over 300 women will be recruited as waste pickers and sorters in these communities. These female waste collectors will be adequately trained on financial literacy and environmental safety practices, equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and empowered through a trash-for-cash recovery scheme. Recycling stations would be instituted across these states with public recycling bins also distributed to strategic locations to drive effective recycling processes and activities in the various communities. Extending his gratitude to The Coca-Cola Foundation for the grant awarded, Gideon Olanrewaju, Founder of AREAi said: “I would like to thank The Coca-Cola Foundation for providing us with this funding support at this crucial period. “Our organisation is passionate about how plastic waste can be recovered and diverted away from drainages, landfills and gutters. “Through this support, we have been provided with the opportunity to promote recycling across communities which would no doubt allow us to advance our mission to repurpose plastic bottles to impact thousands of lives through our initiative projects”.

As part of the initial phase of plastic waste collection, AREAi provided selected schools across with waste recycling bins to aid eﬀective community-level recycling

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

I Am Laycon Offers No Ringside View Stories by Vanessa Obioha Since his emergence as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown season last year, the Laycon brand has been emotionally and mentally associated with humility, affability, and tenacity. The writers of ‘I AM Laycon’, the first Showmax original Nigerian reality TV series, laboriously kept to this message in the five-episode series. Fans are likely not to see anything mindblowing or entirely new about their icon: he is the humble guy who never forgets those who stood by him before BBNaija; he is the easy-going and carefree guy who embraces fans; he is still music-driven and motivated. But in all of this is a young guy who is still figuring out how to travel the new road of fame. Almost everyone has one or two pieces of advice for him. We catch a glimpse of this from the first episode when he is mulling over his relationship status. As if in a hurry to address the elephant in the room, his controversial affair with Erica, the disqualified housemate of the season, rears up — and perhaps, to avoid fuelling another drama, her name is deliberately muted. His older brother and personal manager Yomi, who nearly stole the spotlight, offers him advice on how to handle his feelings regarding his ex-girlfriend. It is not the only time Yomi will offer his counselling services for free. In the last episode, he convinced Laycon to go on

Iyke Bede After his breakout single ‘Baby’ was released in March of 2019, fans of singer Joeboy anticipated his debut, fulllength album. His follow-up extended play (EP) ‘Love and Light’ failed to quell fans’ hunger for new material and inadequately showcased his core strengths and weaknesses. His new album ‘Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic’ swiftly addresses this shortcoming. Opening with ‘Count Me Out’, Joeboy introduces the listener to his journey into stardom and his authenticity amid criticisms. The track subtly hints at the delay of the 14-track album. Thriving on floaty harmonies, the track is annoyingly short at 1:48 minutes. Notwithstand-

Laycon

a blind date. The league of advisers stretched from his brother, his team, his record label owner, fellow

housemates down to the King of Ipokia, a small town his mother is linked to. The only time Laycon wears the counsellor’s

Joeboy’s Debut Album is Beautiful Magic ing, it mirrors the calmness marked on the album art where Joeboy sits on a boulder on a beach at early sunset. This tranquil theme is maintained throughout the album in varying degrees. With playful melodies and sonorous harmonies, Joeboy sails through the entire playlist with little turbulence. This logic especially holds on tracks such as ‘Focus’, ‘Police’, and ‘Number One’. Although his comfort zone lies within the district of vocalizing and penning catchy lyrics, the crooner explores genres away from afrobeats and R&B however subtle their influences. On ‘Door’, he brilliantly switches from a highlife tinged arrangement to showcase a rock ‘n’ roll side using electrifying guitar riffs.

Joeboy

On ‘Consent’, he flirts heavily with house music and renders the genre like a natural. Other genres explored include clas-

sical, funk, and reggae. The album reveals how afrobeats is fast changing to accommodate a global audience.

How Bassey Prepared for His Character in La Femme Anjola Actor and singer Nonso Bassey has always wanted to work with Mildred Okwo, so when the opportunity arrived to feature in ‘La Femme Anjola’, the upcoming feature from the director, Bassey embraced it. The ‘Battleground’ star revealed how he prepared for his character Dejare Johnson in a recent chat. “I wanted to be as honest and authentic as possible,” he said. “I did some research on stock trading to get into the mind of a power broker. Also, on growing up in a middle-class family in Yaba in the 80s and 90s to understand the context of Dejare’s social background. I took

cap is when he is advising Vee, a friend and fellow housemate, to stay focused on her music career. His pursuit for music is sprinkled all around the first part of the series. We see him attending singer Joeboy’s video shoot, recording in his bedroom with Echo, a friend and producer, and working with recording producer Pheelz in the studio. ‘I Am Laycon’ attempts to highlight the grass-to-grace journey of the artiste born Lekan Agbeleshe. The title sequence gives a hint of this, navigating visuals from Lagos’ lowbrow communities to the city’s highbrow areas. While not too visually striking, the series manages to sustain one’s interest till the end credit. It does this by expanding Laycon’s story world, bringing in friends, family and fans to advance the story of an underdog artiste balancing life and fame. The series is not void of queer moments. It is difficult to ignore the characters’ amateurish acting, particularly when they drift their eyeballs away from the camera, giving a hint of taking instructions from the director. The looks of surprise from the characters are also unconvincing. Nonetheless, it manages to squeeze in a little dose of humour with the badinages between Laycon and his friends. ‘I Am Laycon’ offers no ringside view of the BBNaija winner’s life but will certainly elicit admiration from fans, especially, news about his debut album.

Nonso Bassey as Dejare Johnson in La Femme Anjola

a few saxophone lessons because Dejare not only played the sax but it was a special part of his relationship with his father. So that bit wasn’t just a technical

addition, it was emotional and also psychological. The director, Mildred and I had many long late-night calls discussing and building the character. We both were full of ideas, questions and opinions. I was nervous, excited and scared to death. But I was ready to do the work.” As the lead character, Bassey who played alongside Rita Dominic spoke of the actress in lofty terms. In the crime thriller, his character is entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse when he meets and falls for a mysterious woman Anjola (Dominic) who is apparently out of his reach. Having donned different

characters in his acting career, Bassey found a common ground between him and Dejare. It was in his love for family: “He comes from a close-knit family who fight and reconcile with each other,” and his yearning for more. “I believe he was looking for something he couldn’t quite explain. He had the perfect job, a great apartment, and a beautiful woman but he wasn’t satisfied with his status quo.” He added that Dejare made “’questionable choices that I, and anyone really, can learn from and not get into deep trouble.” Preparing for the character somewhat took a toll on him.

This brew of different genres, highlighting them in such a way as to not overshadow afrobeats, helps the album gain a ‘glocal’ appeal. Thus, helping Joeboy to expand his smorgasbord of musical offerings. His sounds and lyrics also borrow a leaf from other local acts. For instance, ‘Better Things’ and ‘Oh’ are highly reminiscent of Tekno and Niniola sounds respectively. But like every great work of art, flaws abound, even if it is not immediately evident. The generic ‘Sugar Mama’ takes the cake in this instance. It certainly wouldn’t be missed if omitted. Not necessarily a bad song, it lacks the magic that defines other tracks. Thematically, the album

evinces life, career, and love. It follows the cycle of finding true love, overcoming obstacles and reaffirming commitment. However, the label’s choice of ‘Lonely’ as the lead single wasn’t tactical. It lacks the torque required to push the album at an aggressive pace. Not even its semblance to Akon’s track of the same title would put it on replay. Instead, the infectious ‘Celebration’ anchored on pure afrobeats sounds should have taken that strategic spot. It is the album’s shining star. With a great deal of consistency in messaging, experimentation with sounds, and lyricism, Joeboy is not only stuck between somewhere beautiful and magical, but he also discovered and laid claim to it.

JerryPay Makes Waves with New EP Nigerian music writer and performer based in Paris, France, JerryPay is on a whole new level. Since the release of his six-track EP ‘Sun Beneath the Sea’ last year, the sensational afro-pop singer has been inundated with accolades. The cocktail of sounds on the EP includes ‘Red Bible’, ‘9490’, ‘Celebrity’ among others, sampling dancehall, soul, reggae, and Africa highlife. It is released under his management Half Evil Music Monks. Born as Austin-Jerry Akingbolu, the dreadlocked Ekiti indigene who began his music career in Lagos with the

JerryPay

single ‘Unfinished’ is poised to become the next big thing in the entertainment industry.

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ETRENDS

LiVE! Lounge Delivers Unique Intimate Experience onValentine’s Day

Mary Nnah

It was an evening of love, laughter, and intimate moments on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the Valentine’s Day experience which took place at premium entertainment venue LiVE! Lounge. Situated right in the heart of Victoria Island, the indoor & outdoor restaurant and lounge was transformed into a love haven with an exquisite aesthetic befit-

ting for the occasion. Spread across two sections, the lounge accommodated dual scenarios simultaneously, with the patio serving as a perfect love garden and the indoor area presenting more warmth and sensual atmosphere for guests who swarmed the venue to celebrate and experience golden moments with their significant other. On arrival, guests were welcomed with drinks and served the special curated

‘The Therapist’ Set for Release March 26th Genesis Pictures, an affiliate company to Genesis Deluxe Cinemas Limited and a member of Genesis Group has unveiled the official poster and first teaser for the upcoming Nollywood drama titled,“TheTherapist” set to debut at all cinemas nationwide on March 26, 2021. Executively produced by Onome Odometa and produced by Esse Odometa for Hedge Productions and directed by Nollywood’s budding filmmaker, Kayode Kasum. The forthcoming movie stars Rita Dominic alongside, Chidi Mokeme, Anthony Monjaro, Michelle Dede, Saeed Balogun,Tope Tedela, Shaffy Bello, Toyin Abraham amongst others. Set in modern-day Nigeria, the plot centres on Eloho Odafe who loses everything in a divorce to her abusive ex-husband.

Reduced to a penniless and desperate woman, Eloho decides to help unhappy women seeking to divorce their abusive and unfaithful husbands. “TheTherapist”addresses culturally relevant concepts ranging from love, betrayal, deceit, marriage and law. As

this enthralling drama unravels, it leaves everyone with the big ask, what happens when a woman is on a quest to change everything. Watch the captivating drama that unfolds in this Nollywood movie premiering on March 26, 2021 across all cinemas nationwide.

Valentine’s themed 4-course delicacy. The menu which reflected the phases in a journey of love included; Courtship made up of “Mixed Green Salad Cucumber, Cherry Tomato, Sweet Corn, Avocado, Cashew Nuts, Almonds & Onions”, First Kiss “Yam Croquette and Grilled Baby Calamari”, Rapture “Brine Chicken Breast Served with Mashed Potatoes with Grilled Vegetables and Gravy” and the dessert; Sweet Surrender “Heart Shaped Red

Velvet Cake”. The celebration peaked with a special performance by saxophonist John Dave & violinist, and Khemmie Strings who rendering seamless transitions of classic love tunes and rhythms while guests were treated to complimentary bottles of wine, and a consummating air of nostalgia and intimacy. Premium Beer brand; Heineken added an extra romantic touch to the evening by handing out fancy fresh roses and

Lekzai Releases First Oﬃcial Single Ogunyomi Olalekan Sunday popularly known as Lekzai has released his first official single “Prayer of a Hustler (POH)” on the stables of Lekzai Records. The banging POH hit crooner hails from Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government, Ogun State and studied Business Administration at Lagos State University, where he graduated from in 2018. Lekzai started his music career as a back up artist in church and later became an artist manager, and he manage few artists in the industry before delving into his own career. According to the artist, he has come to stay and takeover the music industry with his new banging motivational hit, which was produced

Lekzai

by Olumix and Mixed &

Mastered by Zaddy T.

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Expert Shares Insights on Importance of Financial Literacy Rebecca Ejifoma The Managing Director PWAN Stars, Bamidele Adewole, is an experienced investment adviser, consultant and personal finance coach. With a large amount of knowledge in financial literacy, he shares some investment strategies for additional earnings, savings and investments while harping on the need for financial literacy. According to the financial expert, the formal educational system leaves a lot to be desired, as majority of Nigerians do not earn enough to have a surplus for savings or investment. “If you know better, you will surely do better and the system meant to impart knowledge in people from an early age – the formal education system has not particularly lived up to expectation,” he added. With his imposing profile, the chartered stockbroker said in his over 16 years of experience in investment advisory, investment banking, corporate finance and financial strategy and financial analysis, “I have realised that there

is a long way to go in towards financial literacy for the average Nigerian. “The formal education system has its place in societal development. So, this is not to undermine the value it brings, but it certainly has its shortcomings, many of which are typically overlooked,” adding that lack of financial education has left many Nigerians battling for survival with poor money management habits. For Adewole, the reality is that a large portion of the problems we face as adults can be traced directly or indirectly to our individual financial situations. Many may not admit this, but personal relationships and even marriages suffer significant damage, due to one financial challenge or the other. He explained: “The issue is not limited to the fact that these problems exist, but the reality that our school system has not effectively put in place structures aimed at educating children about personal finance matters. “The average Nigerian is new to the concept of investing. Those who have some information about investing end up making bad

Bamidele Adewole

investment decisions. The MMM crash of 2017 is a testament to the fact that the average Nigerian mistakes Ponzi schemes as an investment.” While stating that almost every week more Ponzi schemes get on board in the Nigerian market and gain traction fast, he said this is so because of a general lack of information on what real investment looks like. In his views, he blamed the school system for the lapses. “The school did not prepare people for

money management or investment and that is why many Nigerians can’t spot Ponzi schemes from afar.” The financial expert bemoaned that young Nigerians continue to struggle because they are not prepared for life and the financial commitments that come with it. “People do not know how to raise money, start a business, invest in stocks or real estate, and it shows why many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet once unfavorable economic

conditions set.” The investment adviser highlighted that majority of Nigerians do not have a saving plan and they do not have any asset to fall back on in case of financial crises. He added: “People go from paycheck to paycheck; many get into trouble with any health crisis or emergency. We can’t improve the quality of our lives without improving the quality of our financial education. “Majority of the scripts we learn from our parents growing up can’t help us create the sort of life we desire. You have to unlearn and relearn a lot of things to thrive in this economy.” In his journey as an investment adviser, real estate developer and financial analyst, Adewole helps upwardly mobile Nigerians put together an investment portfolio capable of achieving their financial goals and objectives. He has helped young Nigerians make wise investment decisions for attaining financial freedom. “I strongly believe that we need to close the gap between the average Nigerian and financial literacy. Even though the edu-

cational system may not have equipped us for this, we can’t continue feeling like a victim,” he suggested. It was to give the average person an uncommon advantage in the world of investment and financial management that the expert wrote, “The Smart Investor’s Guidebook- Investment Strategies That School Never Taught You”. “Imagine if you know how to get started investing your income for an impressive return on investment. Think about how the quality of life will improve when you develop empowering money habits and begin to grow your income. You can get a copy of the book and have it delivered to you by going to https:// bamiadewole.com/smartinvestorsbook/ Adewole is actively on social media with @Iambamidee on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) chartered tax practitioner and chartered securities and investment analyst (UK).

Valiant, NUPENG Resolve Row, Settle Sacked Workers’ Beneﬁts in Full The lingering impasse between the indigenous offshore drilling company, VALIANT Energy Services West Africa Limited and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) that seemed protracted has finally been settled. This was disclosed early in the week via a communique made available by the Commercial Manager of VALIANT, Mr Yele Fafowora. The row was sparked by the laying off of 39 oil workers last year by VALIANT following the global downturn in the oil industry as series of lockdowns by countries were implemented to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, after series of deliberations with NUPENG, an agreement was reached on October 16, 2020 between Valiant and NUPENG over the terminal benefits that will be payable to the workers. To this end, Valiant as a responsible corporate organisation, met all obligations of the agreement and paid in full all outstanding severance benefits due to the NUPENG members. In spite of this, NUPENG at the time, still expressed dissatisfaction with VALIANT on matters outside the provisions of the agreement, which had been fully met by VALIANT. So, rather than acknowledge the resolution of all matters with the payment of all outstanding monies, the impasse between both companies lingered. With the continued impasse, a virtual reconciliation meeting brokered by the Department of Petroleum Resources was held on January 19, 2021. At the meeting, all the grievances were heard by all parties and were amicably resolved. NUPENG further acknowledged receipt, in full, of all outstanding severance benefits from VALIANT due to its members, the disengaged

workers. The management of VALIANT and NUPENG both agreed that the whole matter was regrettable but there was a collective resolve to work together in peace and harmony. Comrade Williams Akporeha, representing NUPENG, agreed that social dialogue remains the best path to dispute resolution and looked forward to a smooth working relationship between the labour advocacy group and VALIANT in the future. On its own part, VALIANT restated a continued, unflinching commitment to the welfare of its workforce – “a practice that is deeply enshrined in the corporate culture of the firm,” according to Fafowora. He added, “VALIANT has the reputation of a responsible corporate entity that has held the welfare of its staff in high regard, always performing its statutory staff obligations in a timely manner. “Again, he alluded to various forms of support VALIANT had offered the previous administration of NUPENG, describing the just-ended face-off as regrettable but optimistic of a cordial relationship with NUPENG going forward. “The relationship had always been cordial until this recent challenge. These disengaged members of staff are some of the best hands across the industry but the incident happened in response to the pandemic. We can’t fault anybody for that. “Our work environment and culture at VALIANT have always been great, and I’m sure, if given the opportunity again, every laid off staff would love to re-join the company, Fafowora quipped. Along with Akporeha and Fafowora, the witness to the reconciliatory meeting, Mrs

Joyce Odafe-Atebe, representing DPR, also joined in signing the communique. Over time, VALIANT has offered best-inclass solutions to International Oil Companies (IOC), drilling wells in various water depths across multiple energy hubs. With a proven track record of safe and reliable delivery, VALIANT has established itself as a distinguished indigenous firm with extensive in-country operational experience. Over the last three years, the company has successfully drilled 16 offshore wells for some of the largest IOC’s with a 100 per cent Nigerian crew. As such, Valiant continues to be a strong advocate for Local Content in the Oil and Gas Industry by giving opportunities to capable Nigerians and organising training programs to broaden the skills and competencies of the local workforce. VALIANT is a 100 per cent Nigerian owned multi-oil services platform established in 2013. Behind it is a Nigerian management team with more than 25 years of expertise in oil and gas operations in Nigeria, the Gulf of Guinea and the Mauritania-Senegal-Gambia-Bissau-Conarky (MSGBC) Basin. Valiant, NUPENG Resolve Row, Settle Sacked Workers’ Benefits in Full The lingering impasse between the indigenous offshore drilling company, VALIANT Energy Services West Africa Limited and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) that seemed protracted has finally been settled. This was disclosed early in the week via a communique made available by the Commercial Manager of VALIANT, Mr Yele Fafowora. The row was sparked by the laying off of 39 oil workers last year by VALIANT following the

global downturn in the oil industry as series of lockdowns by countries were implemented to stem the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, after series of deliberations with NUPENG, an agreement was reached on October 16, 2020 between Valiant and NUPENG over the terminal benefits that will be payable to the workers. To this end, Valiant as a responsible corporate organisation, met all obligations of the agreement and paid in full all outstanding severance benefits due to the NUPENG members. In spite of this, NUPENG at the time, still expressed dissatisfaction with VALIANT on matters outside the provisions of the agreement, which had been fully met by VALIANT. So, rather than acknowledge the resolution of all matters with the payment of all outstanding monies, the impasse between both companies lingered. With the continued impasse, a virtual reconciliation meeting brokered by the Department of Petroleum Resources was held on January 19, 2021. At the meeting, all the grievances were heard by all parties and were amicably resolved. NUPENG further acknowledged receipt, in full, of all outstanding severance benefits from VALIANT due to its members, the disengaged workers. The management of VALIANT and NUPENG both agreed that the whole matter was regrettable but there was a collective resolve to work together in peace and harmony. Comrade Williams Akporeha, representing NUPENG, agreed that social dialogue remains the best path to dispute resolution and looked forward to a smooth working relationship between the labour advocacy group and VALIANT in the future.

CAN Urges Christians to Pray against Insecurity Vanessa Obioha The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Lagos Branch has called on Christians in the state to gather and pray against the level of insecurity in the state. In a statement, the Chairman, Lagos State CAN, Bishop Stephen Adegbite stated that it is imperative that Christians

seek God’s face in the upcoming Interdenominational Divine Service (IDDS), as the country grapples with different challenges. “The situation in the country makes it imperative for Christians to gather and pray. The level of insecurity in the land which has continued to generate palpable tension in

almost every state of the federation is such that it requires God’s people to seek his face for divine solution. “While we will continue to unequivocally demand good governance and other deliverables that will make life meaningful and comfortable for Nigerians from governments at all levels especially the federal government in this case, what is

equally expected of us as we are charged in the scriptures is to ‘watch and pray’ hence the need for this solemn assembly which will afford us the opportunity of lifting our voices to God who has the capacity to make all things wrong right.” Slated for Saturday, February 20, IDDS is an annual ecumenical prayer programme which

has been a central part of CAN, Lagos Branch calendar and it draws thousands of Christians from every part of the state under one roof. This year’s edition is themed ‘ANew Beginning, A New Dawn and ANew Glory’. Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, cabinet members, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and

the Judiciary arm and many religious leaders of different blocs of CAN will be present at the service scheduled to hold at LAWNA Territorial Headquarters of The Apostolic Church. The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Samuel Uche will be delivering the homily at the service as the guest preacher.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

UnravellingFailingDemocracies In this book titled,“Nigeria: Democracy Without Development”Omano Edigheji lends his voice to the global conversation on failing democracies. Yinka Olatunbosun writes some excerpts from the review by Hussaini Abdul

orldwide, democracy has been under significant critical interrogation – both in the advanced and new democracies. From the US Capitol hill siege to the EndSARS movement, there is a question on the integrity of democratic systems. The interrogations are informed by increasing right-wing populism, inequality and poverty, slow economic growth and shrinking civic space. No time has democracy been this interrogated since the end of the Second World War than it is now. Dr. Edigheji has through his new book, Nigeria: Democracy without Development, How to Fix Itjoined this global conversation albeit from a different perspective. Having established that democracies have failed globally, he examines thepeculiarities of Nigerian state in the democratic discourse. Using institutional and development lenses, his book addresses the important problematique of the paradoxical relationship between democracy and development in Nigeria. It examines what the author considered the root causes of democratic failures in Nigeria and argues that Nigeria lacks the internal organisational structure and ideological orientation to promote inclusive sustainable development. While recognising the importance of the normative values of democracy including rule of law and civil liberties, the author argued, passionately that they are not sufficient conditions for human development, which should be the essence of democracy. Therefore, democracy is failing in Nigeria because it has continually dashed the hope and developmental aspirations of the people. In the words of the author, the twenty years of democracy in Nigeria has been “marked by increased poverty, inequality, unemployment, underemployment, insecurity, ethno-religious divisions, increased corruption and continued dependence on oil as a major source of government revenue and foreign exchange.” The failure of democracy to guarantee posi-

Book Cover

tive development outcomes is attributed to poor political leadership and weak institutions driven by the absence of developmental elites and state capture through non-merit-based recruitment of both political leaders and civil servants. Fixing these development challenges will therefore require responding to the challenges of weak leadership and weak institutions.

The book is structured into five chapters, excluding the preface, which introduces the book, and the postscript where the author shared his dream for Nigeria. Politics in the country is thus believed to be devoid of loyalty, honesty, integrity, ideology, principles and intellectualism. To buttress these points, the author examined some of the negative attributes of the system –

AWBLaunchesPodcastSeriesforWorkplaceSeries Yinka Olatunbosun On February 10, a new podcast about Workplace Violence titled, “She Thrives’’ was launched by the African Women on Board (AWB). The African women-led independent non-profit organization isdedicated to reshaping the future for African women and girls globally by mainstreaming their voices and fast-tracking their trajectory into the leadership roles of the future. The series which is partly funded by Ford Foundation is an important part of the organization’s initiative named “Violence Against Women in the Workplace.” It features stories from women who have faced violence within their workenvironments and perspectives from thought leaders. The 10-episode series which premiered on Wednesday, February 10 on BEAT 99.9 FM is also available on Podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more. Subsequent episodes will also air at the same time for nine weeks. The virtual launch of the podcast series had in attendance women drawn from corporate organizations, film industry and international nongovernmental organizations. According to the Program Manager, Inem King “The primary objective of this podcast is to inform the public about the existence and prevalence of workplace violence against women, and detail its adverse ef-

Dr Nkiru Balonwu

fects on women, businesses, societies and economies. It also serves as a springboard for recommendations to relevant stakeholders whose policies, regulations and rules can mitigate this menace.” The Chair, AWB, Nkiru Balonwu in her remarks that preceded the podcast session said that organizations are often the reflection of the leaders. “This podcast was created to confront this culture of looking away; to sensitize the public and policymakers about how widespread workplace violence against women is and its effects on women and our society. It was created so women could come out and say, ‘Here’s what I’ve faced and I’m tired of facing it.” She further

described workplace violence as a “systemic problem.’’ This was corroborated by CEO, MTN, Benin Republic, Uche Ofodile who said that most companies claim to have sexual violence policies and even parade whistle blower hotlines. “The person who is leading the organization determines how effective the policies are and their implementation,’’ she said. She observed that many organizations turn the blind eye to this unprofessional behavior thus making the workplace unsafe for the women. The first episode of the podcast featured the story of a former female marketer at a bank who was overwhelmed by the advances from male customers with deep pockets and the culpability of the organization that she worked with. Some of the guests include Chidinma Lawanson, Country Head, Mastercard Foundation; FolasopeAiyesimoju, GMD, UAC of Nigeria Plc; Nicolette Naylor, International Program Director, Gender, Racial and Ethnic Justice; Regional Director for Southern Africa at Ford Foundation; UfuomaMcDermott, Filmmaker & Actress. The podcast will help stakeholders such as women, men, workplaces, regulatory bodies and policymakers to better understand and tackle violence against women and create policy models that can be applied to workplaces across the continent.

including godfatherism, lack of internal party democracy, corruption, ethno-religious divisions and mobilisation. Others include neglect of the health sector, poor governance and lack of comprehensive development vision and conflict and insecurity that pervade the country. Chapter four analyses the institutional deficits of Nigerian democracy. Using the examples of South-east Asia and Nordic countries, the author observed that the state institutions have become a structural liability to democracy. The years of corruption, quota system and lack of merit in public service recruitment and leadership recruitment has perverted the system, increased the cost of governance, corruption and undermined job-security and professionalism. As a result of these anomalies and decay, the system is unable to attract its best and brightest. The author however puts out that developmentalism is largely driven by technocratic public policy and requires a bureaucracy that is competent, professional, disciplined and efficient. In the last chapter, the author provides strong recommendations on how to build a shared prosperous future through a democratic developmental state. Some of the key recommendations include diversifying the economy through industrialisation and manufacturing, building the political, technical and organisational capacities of the state and enhancing bureaucratic efficiency. The striking point of this book is the attempt to boldly call out the ruling class for the escalating crisis of democracy while drumming for a reorientation toward developmental nationalism. For a country that has been badly divided through years of divisive politics, where nationalism has become an anathema under the weight of globalism and internecine contentions, this is quite a timely intervention. Nevertheless, this is an important piece of work for a strata of Nigerians – politicians, academics, policymakers, journalists, civil society organizations and students. It is a lucidly-written piece of work, passionately presented and neatly produced. The intersperse of history and quantitative data makes this work compelling for all students of the Nigerian political economy.

Artpedia Nigeria Launches New Gallery Space Yinka Olatunbosun Artpedia Nigeria is set to launch a new gallery space at Lekki Phase I with a group art exhibition “The Persistence of Time,” featuring top Nigerian contemporary artists. The show which opens on Saturday, February 20 runs till Friday, April 30. “The Persistence of Time” is a showcase of 28 paintingsfrom the gallery’s expansive collection featuring artists such as Ada Godspower, Elizabeth Ekpetorson, Frederick Idele, Ikechukwu Ezeigwe, Habeeb Andu and Sejiro Avoseh. The title of the exhibition taps from the iconic painting of Spanish artist, Salvador Dalí, one of the remarkable artists of the Surrealism art movement named “The Persistence of Memory (1931).” In consonance with the movement, the show presents a school of artistry that has been shaped by time through individual experiences and social events — and distinctively marked by the capricious forms and precise reflections of the unconscious mind. The exhibition is a walk through the socio-political connotations of Avoseh who is easily identified for his style of fusing collage and painting techniques. The hasty yet measured brushstrokes of Elizabeth Ekpetorsonwho logs time and allows its resulting elements such as emotions and reactions to fuel her artistic production. It is almost always a prerequisite in

many art shows to create a concept that introduces a completely fresh meaning and sense to a collection. The exhibition, “The Persistence of Time” explores the influence of time in artistic innovation. This is reflected in the interconnectedness of the 28 randomly selected and displayed artworks by six artists who have independently produced each body of work at different times, dating from 2017 to 2021. It also realizes other subthemes totaled as creative inspirations and range from sociopolitical influences to identity that indicate the actuality — accurately serving as a repository where evidences of the now will be stored for posterity. Established in November 2020 by Onomen “Nomzky” Onohi, an avid collector of art, this exhibition will be the first in the Artpedia gallery space, officially launching it into the art community and sector.

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Governor Zulum’s Uncommon Magnanimity Chiamaka Ozulumba

or Dr. Lu’ubatu Aliyu, her joy knew no bounds when God sent an angel, in the person of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, to her rescue. Aliyu was among 23 students awarded scholarship to study medicine by the Isa Yuguda administration in Bauchi State in 2012. Four years after she finished her studies at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, she didn’t have anything to show for all her efforts. Her trouble started when upon graduation there was no news on how to offset her unpaid fees of US$8,000 because the succeeding government in the state did not meet her financial obligations. For this reason, her certificate was withheld by the university. She was completely shattered, despondent and devastated. Luckily for her, last October, by divine intervention, Governor Zulum intervened on his trip to Egypt. Even though the governor’s trip to Egypt had nothing to do with the student as he was in Cairo to enter agreements with institutions towards ongoing construction of a new teaching hospital in Maiduguri, he could not ignore the case when it was brought brought to his attention. The Charge d’Affaires, of the Nigerian Embassy in Cairo, Mr Bashir Ibrahim Ma’Aji, who explained what transpired, said that succour came the way of Dr. Aliyu when the governor came to Cairo on official assignment last October, and in his usual and causal discussion with him, he asked him about the challenges Nigerian students were facing in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The envoy said he quickly seized the opportunity to inform the governor about the plight of Dr Lu’ubatu Aliyu, who had graduated and passed her medical studies in Egypt but could not get her result due to financial

From right: Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Cairo, Mr Bashir Ibrahim Ma’Aji, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama presenting medicine degree certificate to Mrs Lu’ubatu Aliyu, 23-year-old student from Bauchi State 3rd right) whose unpaid fees was cleared by Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zullum, after Ain Shams University, in Cairo, held back the certificate for four years... on Tuesday in Abuja

difficulties and also the failure of her sponsor. He added that instantly, the governor agreed to offset Aliyu’s fees. According to him, “Aliyu completed her studies about four years ago, but due to the challenges from her sponsor, she had to leave the certificate for about four years. And luckily for us, last October, Zulum was in Cairo on official assignment. And in our usual discussion with him, he asked us about the challenges Nigerian students faced in the Arab Republic of Egypt. We appealed to him to come to the rescue of Dr Lu’ubatu Aliyu, who has graduated and passed her medical studies in Egypt but could not get her result due to financial difficulties and also the failure of her sponsor. “The governor graciously accepted the appeal of the embassy and sent us a total sum of $8,000 to facilitate the collection of

her result,” Ma’Aji said. Last Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, ceremonially presented Dr Aliyu with her degree certificate. The presentation, which was done in the presence of Ma’Aji, saw encomiums being poured on Governor Zulum for his magnanimity. The minister said resolving the certificate issues of Aliyu highlighted the very positive things that Nigerian embassies, missions and diplomats were doing to assist distressed Nigerians in foreign countries. He also said the situation showed her level of determination as she persevered notwithstanding the difficult challenges that she faced. “So, here, we have a Nigerian sister of ours who had some difficulties getting her certificate and the embassy was able to be proactive. We extend our gratitude to Zulum, for his very timely and very generous intervention to help

the Nigerian Embassy to address the situation,” Onyeama said. “So, we also commend you for not giving up and it is a thing of great joy that you have been able to get this degree certificate from Ain Shams University, a reputable university in Egypt,” Onyeama said. On her part, Dr. Aliyu expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the Nigerian Embassy and Gov. Zulum for the assistance in ensuring she became a certified medical doctor. “Alhamdulillah! I will like to thank His Excellency, Governor Zulum. Your Excellency, thank you very much. Today, you have stopped the entire waiting for my collection of certificate, the MBBS certificate. “I really appreciate what you did to me and I will never forget this effort Sir. I pray the Almighty Allah to restore peace in Borno and the entire nation, Nigeria,” Aliyu said.

Pius Anyim Pius: Still Impacting His Milieu @ 60 James Ume He is no less a child of providence, wielding influence with alluring humility and exemplary focus. He has spoken and continues to speak to both regional and national uncertainties and fears with courage and conviction. He has demonstrated with his life’s trajectory that law, spirituality, politics and philanthropy fundamentally address transformation of the human condition for good. To-date, he unabashedly maintains this unique philosophy and footing. Little wonder, the famous American poet and essayist Maya Angelou observed that, “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” Angelou’s captivating insight into the existential challenges that confront great personalities fundamentally captures the life story of Nigeria’s storied politician, former President of the Senate, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, exemplary bridge-builder and foremost humanist - Chief, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON, fondly called the gentle giant. As he turns 60 today, his high vision of humanity and deep belief in Nigeria, quest for justice and positively impacting society have Anyim grown even bigger. The enthralling odyssey of Senator Anyim seen him play an elder statesman’s role for the PiusAnyim further goes to validate the enduring common good and sustainable development of wisdom that the human journey guided by Ndigbo and Nigeria as a whole. As a known and faith often leads to beautiful destinations. An tested bridge builder, his relationships are truly unwavering sense of loyalty and duty, rigorous national - even as higher political responsibilities professionalism, stern discipline, demonstrable beckon. Anyim was born on 19 February 1961 in integrity and almost a child-like faith in his beloved God had activated and enlisted those Ishiagu, a dominantly Catholic community in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi mysterious principles that guide progress. Five qualities arguably match his famed State. He attended Ishiagu High School (St. big frame - generosity, simplicity, warmth, John Bosco), the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba and later, Imo State University, philanthropy and wit. Highly detribalized and a deep man of faith, Uturu (1983–1987). For his Youth Service he his broad-minded style of inclusive politics has served as the Co-ordinator, Youth Mobilisation

Programme in Sokoto State. In 1992, Anyim became the Head of Protection Department at the National Commission for Refugees, Abuja, a job that included provision of legal services and political protection for refugees. In this capacity he traveled to various parts of the world. As the political impulse flowered, in 1998, he joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and won a Senate election. However, the death of General Sani Abacha on 8 June 1998 nullified the result. During the transitional regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar he joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and again ran successfully for election to the

Senate in 1999. Anyim took office in the Senate in May 1999, and was elected President of the Senate inAugust 2000, after Chuba Okadigbo had been impeached. He creditably held the office until May 2003. With remarkable foresight, he did not seek reelection in 2003 - correctly reading the political barometer at the period. He was appointed by former President, Goodluck Jonathan to head the Centenary celebration of the proclamation of Nigeria as a nation by colonial Britain. In January 2010, he led a delegation of 41 eminent Nigerians that called on President Umaru Yar’Adua to urgently transmit a letter of his incapacitation to the National Assembly to salvage the nation’s democracy from danger. This willy-nilly led to the Senate passing a resolution on 9 February 2010, to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan Acting President. In May 2011, he was appointed as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by President Jonathan. Chief Anyim has bagged the following qualifications and honours: LLB. Honours 1987 (Nigeria), BL. 1989 (Nigeria), LLM. 1991 (Nigeria) etc. He holds a National Honours of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) second highest National Honour in Nigeria. In his Ishagu community, state, region and beyond, Senator Anyim’s kindness and succour to his kinsmen and wider citizenry are boundless Presently, Anyim is the management partner of “Prestige Law Resource Partners” a fully integrated and multi-dimensional business law practice. He is happily married and blessed with three children and indisputably continues to impact his milieu. t6NF XSJUFT GSPN "CVKB

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METRO

…Your city life in print

Campaign for Better Regulation through PIB Undoubtedly, the nation’s oil sector requires regulatory, governance and fiscal legislation that would guide the exploration and exploitation of the nation’s hydrocarbon deposits in a profitable manner. Nume Ekeghe reports that to achieve this, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and others, especially host communities, have intensified the clamour for the Petroleum Industry Bill given the benefit it portends for Nigeria

he Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is meant to regulate the entire sphere of the industry has struggled to see the light of day despite its introduction to the National Assembly over

16 years ago. The clamour for this has persisted due to a number of factors including the agitations by the Niger Delta people for a fair deal in the mining of their mineral endowment often referred to as the Black Gold. The host communities have also come out strongly to advocate for a better deal. While some of them have called for 10 per cent equity shareholding in the three companies that would emerge from the commercialisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, others seek the scrapping of the Niger Delta Development Commission, contribution of 10 per cent operating expenses of oil companies to the proposed Host Communities Development Trust Fund and the direct payment of lawful benefits to host communities and families. Critical Challenges It was in response to this and other issues that the Minister of state for Petroleum Timipre Sylva and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Melee Kyari, said the country needed the PIB like yesterday. Sylva noted that apart from the COVID-19 pandemic and its induced economic recession, the oil industry is faced with other critical challenges. According to him, “several nations have announced their intent to comply with the Paris Agreement 2016 and adopted climate change policies by 2050 or 2060. This means that the usefulness of fossil fuel (crude oil) will diminish significantly. Indeed UK, South Korea, China, Brazil and some other nations fall within this category. “Global financing of fossil fuel projects have also been affected with many investor nations and other major players within the financial ecosystem have reiterated their intention to stop funding projects fitting this description in 2025. “This will inevitably impact the ability of industry players to access the needed funds with which we will bring assets into production and by extension reduce government’s revenue ordinarily.” Kyari on his part lamented that the oil industry has not seen significant investments and developments since year 2000 till date. “When we started the journey to PIB in 2000 through the Oil and Gas Reform Committee, that was the beginning of uncertainty in the industry. Since 2000 till this moment, I can also confirm that the industry has not seen significant investments and developments. “The reason is very clear. We have stagnated and that stagnation we need to exit it like yesterday. Twenty years ago, the topmost companies were oil and gas companies but today the topmost company is a supermarket. “In more than 30 years to come, we will still be resource dependent in the sense that it is a developing country and we have 70 per cent of our population below 30 years of age. The PIB will bring us back into reckoning to take advantage of the resources that we have today so this country can make progress.” Public Hearing Already, public hearings in the Senate and House of Representatives have been concluded. Organised by the National Assembly Joint Com-

Sylva

mittees on Petroleum - Upstream, Downstream and Gas - the Senate sessions ended on a peaceful note after stakeholders made their point, while that of the House of Representatives witnessed a free-for-all by opposing factions of host community associations. At the upper chamber, Senate President Ahmad Lawan sent a strong message to those who may be out to play the spoilers’ game in the determination of the National Assembly to pass the PIB. To him, the PIB is a task that must be done. He said that the passage of the Bill was long overdue. He said that the 9th National Assembly is eager to pass the PIB and ensure maximum befit for the country in particular and industry players in general, before crude oil loses its savour to new technology in renewable energy. Arguably, according to him, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has experienced several shocks and challenges over a long period as a result of outdated laws. He said that the challenges include those dictated by global practices, the persistent calls for the deregulation of the downstream sector, the agitation of the oil producing communities and the unbundling of the NNPC, which necessitate urgent legislative reform. “It is estimated that with the evolving of new technologies, fossil fuel may be less attractive if not of no value in the next 20 years. It is therefore time for us to make maximum benefit of our fossil fuel reserves through this reform before it fades away.” To him, the haste by the National Assembly to get the Bill passed is not far-fetched. “As legislators, we will strive to deliver a Bill that will enhance the growth of our oil and gas industry, modernise our fiscal system and enhance competitiveness, while creating harmony for all stakeholders. “This is a promise we have made and that we shall achieve. Nigeria must have an Oil and Gas Industry that benefits its people. Equally, our Oil and Gas Industry must be competitive. We must create a sustainable investment climate, where business in the sector will flourish,” he added. Reservations In spite of the hopes that the existence of a robust and dynamic legislation like the PIB is required to shore up the revenue if the country and cater to the positive interests of investors and Niger Delta stakeholders, IOCs have expressed reservations to the passage of the the bill “in

Buhari

its current form.” The IOCs, represented by the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCI), at the session acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Federal Government to enact the all encompassing legislation, but warned that the law may reduce Nigeria’s global competitiveness. “We fear that if the PIB is passed in its current form, it will not meet the government’s objectives of making Nigeria the leading destination for oil and gas investment and the recent scarcity of investment - only $3bn out of $70bn (representing 4 per cent) in Africa - will continue,” chairman of the OPTS, Mike Sangster declared. The OPTS boss insisted that the lack of competitiveness was caused in part by the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, with overall project costs and operations costs being 69 per cent and 42 per cent higher than the global average respectively. “Nigeria’s Government Take also remains high and uncompetitive, exceeding that of most comparable prolific basins, Sangster lamented, while advocating that that “a PIB, which safeguards existing projects and introduces competitive terms, is required to fully utilise the country’s resources for the benefit of all Nigerians”. Demand by Host Communities On their part, the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, insisted on 10 per cent equity share holding in the three companies to emerge from the commercialisation of the NNPC. The National President of HostCom National, Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi, said: “After 60 years of marginalisation and bearing the brunt of the negative impacts of exploration and exploitation. Today some states have started discovering and enjoying their natural resources but the oil producing states and HostCom are not envious of them therefore our position is sacrosanct. “It will be very absurd and economically very illogical to deprive HostCom the right to equity share holding in both the establishment of the NNPC Limited, the Commission, the Authority and the Boards. Rather than attempt to sell performing equity as stated in the 2020 PIB, no equity/asset is performing more than our Oil and Gas reserves. This quest to take over complete control of all our National assets by a very unpatriotic few has to stop.” Tamaranebi later told reporters that the provi-

sion that oil companies should contribute 2.5 per cent of their operating expenditure to the Host Community Development Trust Fund should also be increased to 10 per cent. For the President, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Funmi Ogbue, the provision that oil companies should contribute 2.5 per cent of their operating cost to the host community development trust fund is exorbitant in view of other taxes they are already saddled with. “WIEN believes that 2.5 per cent is too expensive. WIEN posits that a total of not more that one per cent consistent with other statutory provisions like the Nigerian Local Content Act 2010 should replace the current figure captured in the PIB.” Objectivity However, for Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) led by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, objectivity is key. According to Rafsanjani, every player in the sector has the right to seek protection for their interest but “the most important thing is to put their requests on the table, objectively look at them critically and figure out if it is borne out of selfish sentiments or an act of progressive advice to help the government sustain the business profitably”. He noted that while the PIB is over 20 years old, passing the Bill is one thing while the content of the bill is another, adding that “If the content of the bill is based on principles that enshrine fairness, transparency and accountability in the sector, then, there is nothing to worry about. “If the bill is based on the national interest which includes the survival of the business community, then they can ignore selfish sentiments and go ahead and pass the bill. You can never please everyone at the same time”. However, he insisted that the only challenge is to ensure that the people to administer the provisions of the PIB when passed into law would not usurp it for selfish interest rather than the collective interest. He said: “There are models all over the world on how people/countries are managing the sector in their country, it is not rocket science to learn that and implement, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Norway to mention but a few. “There is need to get the sector out of the political office holders’ influence else the sector will continually be managed to serve one purpose which is a drain pipe for the political class to fund frivolities in governance.”

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POLSCOPE

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Lateef Kayode Jakande: The Passage of a Legend

Governor’. It was for a good reason; far from the ‘Road Master’ tag some sitting governors of today wear “like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief”. He was full of developmental ideas. Nothing distracted him. Not even politics and its shallow considerations. That, I am sure, was why the Gen Abacha junta chose him as the Works and Housing minister. And as a minister, he made indelible marks. The now over-prized Banana island in Lagos was his project. The Lugbe and Gwarimpa estates in Abuja were his handiwork. And in all of these, Jakande had no flat in Ikoyi, Banana Island, Victoria Island, or Abuja etc. He sure typified the phenomenon of a perfect servant leader. His selflessness was legendary.

s a young reporter on Politics in The Guardian On Sunday Newspaper at the time, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande had, unknowingly, rescued me several times, from the hands of my no-nonsense editor, Kingsley Osadolor, (now a presenter of Good Morning Nigeria, NTA) before whom you must not appear without a story idea, at the weekly editorial meetings. Whenever the field was dry, and the threat of appearing before Osadolor “story-less” was imminent, I often rushed down to Ilupeju, where Jakande lived all his life and died last week; and one was sure to leave there with more than one story idea. He never would turn a journalist away on account of being busy. All he would ask would be patience. And you really need to be patient. On more than three occasions, I had slept in his house because when it is my turn to see him, it would have been too far into the night that it would be foolhardy trying to cross Oshodi, on your way home, especially without a car, those days. As a reliable news source, I became a regular face in his household. In those days, the simple one-storey building had the sitting room upstairs; it was a long, somewhat narrow space fitted with fabric-wrapped couches which were fully arranged from one end to the other. A few ordinary chairs were fitted in-between the couches, to sit more persons. The floor was just covered with a carpet, not a rug, let alone designer tiles. On a typical evening, everywhere would all be so filled up. Jakande had his own specially built throne-like chair, where he sat, with a lower chair on his right hand. The chair beside was the one the visitor has to seat to (in a very low tone) present his/her case or request; and the issues were a legion. He didn’t need to know you. Everybody was welcome and given a chance to see him. He knew no tribe nor religion. There were no fierce security men, just “ordinary” friendly aides who manned his gate. Every day, Lagosians thronged his home, too soon wearing out the hairy fabrics on the settees. On Sundays, people came as early as 5am, taking number, which will form the order of seeing Jakande. Whether he immediately gave you what you asked for or not, nobody left Jakande dissatisfied. He gave tips on what to do on issues outside his powers. When he became a minister, an alternative space, like a small hall had to be built beside his house where he attended to people. He was such a patient listener.

alone a former governor. Everything appeared plain and almost rustic. He was one politician who never or very rarely wore agbada. Jakande was always set to go with his Buba and Sokoto. He had explained to me, then, that it was a resolve he took when he was imprisoned along with late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was perhaps too simple to a fault. Patently ascetic. It is the simplicity that made him refuse to stay in Government House as a Governor of Lagos State. He shuttled between Ilupeju and Alausa, everyday, as a governor. Even when he also became a minister, he refused to take up the official residence offered him. He remained in Ilupeju. That simplicity almost got him into trouble. When he was appointed the Minister of Works by late Gen Sani Abacha, he, along with other ministerial appointees were requested to come over to Dodan Barracks for a meeting with the then Head of State, Gen Abacha. Jakande had driven in his old milk-coloured Toyota Crown car, which had been refurbished many times. He had an official 504 wagon car with a few security operatives, functioning like an outrider, driving ahead of him. When the two-vehicle convoy got to Dodan Barracks gate, the gate was opened for the 504 wagon and soon as they sighted the old Toyota Crown following, the security men slammed the gate, causing Jakande’s driver to almost hit it. The car was taken for that of an interloper. Such gawky cars are hardly seen in government grounds. The security operatives in the 504 Wagon had to specially “clear“ Jakande to get into the Barracks. He drove that Toyota Crown for nearly 15 years before it was changed.

SIMPLICITY Perhaps, one of the things that struck me first was his simplicity. The ambience in his home was as simple as he was. The one-storey building was rather ordinary. There is nothing in or around the house that suggested the home of a ‘Big Man’, let

Action-Packed Leader That he was full of zeal and energy to work is no longer news. He was 49 when he was elected as the first civilian governor of Lagos State. He was always raring to go, when the call was for development. He had literally started running

Jakande

even before hitting the ground. He was faithful and fanatical to his Blue Print on how to transform Lagos. There was no time for these obfuscating shenanigans we see among political leaders of today. In just four years, yes, four years, Jakande rose stoutly to the challenges facing the states, and he ticked all the boxes of a good and responsive government. On housing, he built nine low-cost housing estates. They are littered all over Lagos and branded by Lagosians as Jakande estates. The estates are in Iponri, Alaka, Abesan, Iyana Ipaja, Lekki ( Maroko), Iba, Mile 2, Ojokoro and Meron. On Education, he built over 200 primary schools, doubled the number of secondary schools and permanently terminated “afternoon school” in Lagos. It doesn’t matter if the opposition described many of the schools as “human poultry”. Teaching and learning took place in those classrooms! He built the Lagos College of Education, built the Lagos State University, Ojo (which I hear is to be now named after him) Jakande it was that also started the building of the Alausa secretariat, fitted with the Round House, as the office of the governor. He was practically restless with a strong obsession to build and expand Lagos. All these were done at a time of less money. He was not a university graduate, but could very prudently manage the state’s resources for the overall good of the people of the state. And when he won the second term, he had hardly been sworn in when he initiated the Lagos metroline scheme, with a French company, Interinfra. That was in 1983. France, had itself just introduced the metro line three years earlier. Jakande was determined to make Lagos become like parts of Europe with the metro-line project. But the 1983 coup came and the scheme was canceled by the military government led by this same President Muhammadu Buhari. 38 years after, Lagos is yet struggling with how to return to the metro-line project! It is no surprise that he was nicknamed ‘Action

His Politics He was a successful politician. He is the last but one surviving 19-member class of 1979 governors. I think it is only Jim Nwobodo of the old Anambra State that is yet standing. With a background in journalism, Jakande was society-conscious. There was never a scandal around or about him. He was a progressive, an avowed Awoist. He aped the Awolowo philosophy like a devotee. Little wonder he was often referred to as Baba Kekere (small Awolowo). He was a member of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He shone brightly as one of the five UPN governors between 1979 and 1983. In 1993, he became a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and worked closely with the late Chief MKO Abiola leading to the victory of the latter at the famous June 12, 1993 presidential election. When the poll was annulled by the Gen Babangida junta, Jakande kept faith with the progressives, as NADECO, until Abacha took over on November17,1993. Jakande had joined the Abacha cabinet, allegedly after consulting with the SDP leaders, many of whom believed Abacha would handover power to Abiola, after the polity ‘stabilised’. Sending core-progressives like Jakande, Ebenezar Babatope late Olu Onogoruwa, they argued, would be to ensure that the plan was neither aborted nor hijacked by a third force. They were all deceived, with even more dire consequences to their political image and career. Onogoruwa was not only sacked for daring to disown some Decrees with ouster clauses, his son got killed. He later had stroke and died rather miserably. Many condemned Jakande et al for betraying the June 12 course, especially when he refused to resign when it got clear that they were merely being used by Abacha to gain public appeal. That, sadly, marked his last political adventure. In all, Jakande’s image looms big and tall. His memory is flavoured with sweet smelling savour all over Lagos, nay Nigeria. He is what many politicians are not. May the soul of the respected journalist, developmental politician and self-respecting statesman rest in perfect peace.

Who will Call Gov Bala Mohammad to Order? I was, in a way, shocked that an elected governor could speak unabashedly the way Governor Bala Mohammad of Bauchi State did recently. The occasion was the closing ceremony of the NUJ press week in Bauchi State. Gov Mohammed had defended the Fulani herdsmen who carry AK-47, saying they are doing so for self defence, having had their cattle rustled many times in the past. The reckless statement had generated more than vexatious reactions across the country. I listened to the speech, so the question of being quoted out of context, does not arise. Thankfully, his SSAMedia, Mukhtar Gidado, who issued a tepid statement days after the outburst seeking to explain away the statement, failed to redeem his principal. To boot, the Bauchi State Chairman of MiyettiAllah, Sadiq IbrahimAhmad has commended Gov Mohammed for speaking in their favour. So, Gov Mohammed argues, like Sheikh Gumi, an Islamic scholar, that herders took up arms after they were brutalized. They failed to say who brutalized them. Why did they

Gov Bala Mohammed

not report to the police? Were the herders brutalized in Ondo forests or Delta highways as to justify the havoc they (herders) are committing all over the place? He went further to declare that nobody owns the forest in any part of Nigeria. Quoting certain sections of the Nigerian constitution, the Bauchi governor maintained that the governors of the South West who are asking criminal Fulani herdsmen to leave their forests, are wrong; adding that “the man most wrong is Governor Ortom of Benue State”. With people like Gov Mohammed

in leadership position, Nigeria will never be united nor be governed by justice. How many people have the herders killed in Benue State without any punishment to the killers? How many communities have been burnt down by the herders? How many persons have now been displaced in Benue? He expects Ortom to never condemn it? It is perhaps even more painful knowing that this same governor was a senator and a former minister (of FCT). What kind of laws did he help in making? So Mr Mohammed, because the Fulani herdsmen have suffered cattle rustling they are entitled to carry arms? Ok, who gave them the AK 47 they are bearing? Are they licensed to bear arms? How did they source them? Does this confirm the allegation that the AK 47 these herders carry around actually came from the Nigerian army and the Nigeria Police? Mr Bauchi Governor, is Nigeria no longer governed by law? Should every victim of one crime or the other now resort to taking the laws into their hands

by carrying arms for self defence? Pray, what do we have the Police and other security agencies for? The AK 47 borne by bandits and kidnappers are also for self defence? Was this governor not part of the Northern Governors’ Forum that condemned open grazing and criminality among the herders? How come all these while, he had never spoken against all the crimes being perpetrated by Bandits in the north and kidnappers, rapists and killers in the south? What Gov Mohammed has done is to further lionize the criminals masquerading as Fulani herdsmen by his unguarded blurt. Does he not know that many of these so-called criminal Fulanis are not even Nigerians as they can only speak Fulfude and pidgin French? It is a shame that there is such a public office holder in the name of Bala Mohammed. As a father, he will never blame his erring child even in the face of obvious faults and infractions. Is he not aware that some Fulani herdsmen have been terrorizing the south and parts of the north? Did the same bandits not just abduct 42 persons

in Government Science Secondary School, in Kangara, Niger State, carry the same AK 47 rifles? Does he not listen to news? Is he not aware how they have seized the forests and people can’t go to farms anymore, drawing from the power of the AK 47 meant for ‘self defence’? Has he not seen videos of savage killings and rape of abducted people who could not pay ransom? Is he just blinded by ethnic smoke or is he callously wicked and insensitive and irresponsible? How dare he say, “Nobody owns any forest”? Which law is he quoting from? I suspect he is deliberately confusing the issues to escalate tension so as to deepen and thicken the nation’s fault lines. For the records, not all Fulani herdsmen are criminals. Nobody has said so. But there are criminals among them. It is those criminals among them that are targets of the offensives down south. Nobody is asking northerners to quit the south or vice versa. But nobody will tolerate bands of criminals in the name of ethnic protection! If there are Yoruba or Ibibio criminals in Bauchi State, Mohammed should smoke

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ FEBRUARY 19, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Sanwo-Olu Pledges to Double Investments, Youth Devt Oluchi Chibuzor The eight Lagos State Economic Summit (Ehingbeti 2021) came to a close yesterday with the organisers and participants departing with actionable resolutions to chart a new course of physical development and economic growth for the State. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged that the learnings and recommendations emanating from the summit would be developed into a policy framework to forge a new action plan and implementation that would bring the envisioned future of Lagos to reality. The three-day event with the theme: “Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone for the Next Decade”, was largely held on a virtual platform, but some sessions held physically. Over 11,000 people in 10 countries participated in the event,

with an average record of 5,500 participants globally attending sessions daily. Sanwo-Olu, in his closing address said the state government has started to look into the future and was ready to implement resolutions that would make Lagos adaptable to the new culture of business, which is driven by technology. The Governor said Lagos took lessons from the disruption of economic activities created by the COVID-19. He said: “As we have now successfully come to the end of this eighth edition of the summit, it is imperative to emphasise that the conversation must not end here. “We must take the learnings and the conclusions from this Summit and use them to forge a plan of action and implementation that will ensure that the future we are envisioning for Lagos State comes to fruition.

“We have learnt, from the emergence and spread of the pandemic, that we can never be too prepared. So much has changed in the past year, humbling our confidence in the ability to predict and forecast what the future holds. “The big lesson is that, we must deepen our scenario planning capabilities, as national and subnational governments, and as corporations and business entities. We must plan for every eventuality, including the next pandemic, which will eventually happen in the near or distant future.” Sanwo-Olu said Ehingbeti, since year 2000 when it was first introduced during the administration of former Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had become a tool to re-invent Lagos. He said the summit has become a platform for conversations about where Lagosians want the city to be headed, and how to fast-track the journey.

Sanwo-Olu

MARKET INDICATORS

Sigma Harps on Investor Education Nume Ekeghe As businesses in the country grapple with the economic uncertainty occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, Sigma Pensions has advised investors not to panic. The organisation also stressed the need for investor education in order to ensure a diversified portfolio. The Chief Investment Officer, Sigma Pensions, Mr. Pabina Yinkere, gave the advice while speaking at a webinar titled: “Big Future, Little Steps: The Power of Diversification,” organised by the firm yesterday. According to Sigma Pensions, the webinar was organised with the aim of educating attendees on skills/actionable advice from professionals on personal finance diversification, choosing investment instruments and pension fund diversification. In his presentation titled, “Hedging pension funds against market volatility,” Yinkere, noted

that 2020 was a peculiar year, especially for investors, as the financial markets were impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. He said: “When you are faced with a volatile market, do not panic; read the situation well, understand what is going on (and) where necessary, reduce risks.” He also advised investors dealing with market volatility to, “Cushion portfolio with assets that give accrual income and look for opportunities in the chaos,” adding that, “there is gold in dirt.” The Sigma Pensions chief investment officer, who pointed out that volatile assets are usually considered riskier than less volatile assets because their prices are expected to be less predictable, encouraged investors to pay close attention to the management of their pensions. He added: “With over 15 years of experience, our clients have relied on our exceptional service, right from managing their

contributions to transitioning to a delightful retirement life.” “Also we have a highly professional investment team, providing competitive investment returns irrespective of economic conditions, timely, secure, seamless multichannel access to your account statement and other requests, at the touch of a button through various digital and self-service options.” In her contribution, the VP, Global Markets at Parthian Partners, Mrs. Ola Oladele, stressed the importance of investing, noting that while all investments provide rewards in one form or the other: “For each type of investment, there are always risks.” She cited inflation which, according to her, has greater risks for debt than for investments in equities. The financial expert advised investors to always ensure that their portfolios are sufficiently diversified in order to minimise risks of unexpected

Promasidor Imports Pregnant Jersey Breed Cows Raheem Akingbolu As part of its efforts to boost local milk production in Nigeria, the Ikun Dairy Farm Limited (IDFL), a joint venture between Promasidor Nigeria Limited and the Ekiti State Government have announced the arrival of the first batch of pregnant Jersey cows from a minimum pre-ordered pool of over 500 heifers from the United States of America. The move was an addition

to the biological pool of 192 indigenous and cross breeds available on the farm. According to a statement, the Ikun Dairy Farm Limited through the partnership with immeasurable support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was working to ensure that more of these breed of cows arrive Nigeria in the coming weeks, thereby making the dairy farm a model of backward integration in the sourcing and use of local raw materials for milk production.

“But for logistic reasons, which is hinged on airlifting, the farm, would have taken delivery of at least 500 Jersey breed cows. “Current milk production from the animals on Ikun Dairy Farm is being utilised by the calves, as the farm tries to ramp up volumes in preparation for processing. “Meanwhile, the company has also embarked on the adoption of out growers for milk collection as supplement to IDFL direct milk production,” the statement added.

Premier Plantation Supports Ekiti on Agribusiness Premier Plantations Limited, a subsidiary of Nosak Group has said it is making investment in the cassava value chain in Ekiti state. According to a statement from the company, the initiative was to support investment in agribusiness and the youth empowerment drive of the administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi. It pointed out that as a youth engagement programme with the theme: ‘Ekiti Youth, Let’s Talk,’ powered by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with

the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Project Manager, Premier Plantations Limited, Boniface Iyen lauded the governor’s agribusiness initiatives, “which has attracted private investors to spotlight Ekiti State as a centre for agro-allied operations.” It added: “Premier Plantations Limited is focused on the establishment of 6,000ha cassava plantation to support Nosak Group’s 150,000 liters per day cassava to ethanol processing factory at Ipao-Ekiti which will require about 1,200 tonnes

of cassava per day for processing. “With this volume, we will set up an out-grower scheme in collaboration with the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA) aggregate for small holder cassava farmers to provide feedstock for the operations of the refinery.” Iyen, said the plantation has a potential to create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for the people of Ekiti State. He added: “Nosak Group will explore other opportunities in the cassava value chain to impact on the youth in Ekiti State”.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2021

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $63.04 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $62.48 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͷ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

FBNQuest Projects 2% GDP Growth for Nigeria in 2021 Goddy Egene The research team at FBNQuest has projected that Nigeria’s economy would expand by two per cent on the back of a modest fiscal stimulus and targeted private investment. The team predicted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s (NSE) All-Share Index would rise by 20 per cent while in the fixed income market, yields would rise by three percentage points

to between 10 and 11 per cent by the end of the year. The FBNQuest Research team made the projections in its 2021 outlook report released recently. With the theme: “Tentative emergence from the shadow of COVID-19,” the outlook report captured the firm’s view on the Nigerian economy, socio-political environment and traditional asset classes (fixed income and equities) against the backdrop of the economic contraction

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

that followed the COVID-19 pandemic which started last year. The report noted that the second term of Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has been “hijacked” by COVID-19, with a sharp decline in oil prices and unprecedented lockdowns spurring a recession in 2020. According to the report, Nigeria’s government, unlike its counterparts in many advanced economies, has limited ammunition to catalyse a robust recovery

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

in 2021. The report also highlights that the combined monetary and fiscal stimulus amounts to just 4.0 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), compared to over 10 per cent of GDP in large economies such as Brazil, Turkey, the United States, Canada, and Japan. As Nigeria comes to grips with the challenges brought about by COVID-19, the report cited the speedy passage of the federal

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

budget for the second year in a row and the end of fuel subsidy payments as positive reforms. However, it said the insecurity in many parts of the country and the slow pace of oil sector legislative reforms are negatives for an economy desperate for strong and inclusive growth. Nevertheless, FBNQuest expects low interest rates in the United States and an average Bonny Light Crude price of $56

O F

per barrel to support Nigeria’s economic recovery in 2021. With regards to asset prices, FBNQuest projected another positive year for equities in 2021. The team explained that lower yields and the elevated liquidity available to domestic institutions which buoyed stocks in 2020, would continue into 2021, albeit with less dramatic impact, as domestic institutions are swayed by dividend yield offered by bank stocks.

1 8 / 0 2 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

United Capital Approves N4.2bn Dividend for Shareholders Goddy Egene

of United Capital Plc has shareholders for the year 70 kobo per share, is 40 per notification to the Nigerian approved the payment of ended December 31, 2020. The cent higher than the 50 kobo Stock Exchange (NSE), the The Board of Directors N4.2 billion as dividend to dividend, which translates to paid the previous year. In a investment banking firm A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 17- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Feb-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

said the dividend would be paid after approval by shareholders.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 159.03 160.62 -1.69% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.06% Nigeria International Debt Fund 354.93 354.93 -11.03% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 114.34 114.34 0.20% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.30% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.44 3.60 -3.10% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.52 19.07 2.10% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 395.18 407.09 -1.30% ARM Ethical Fund 35.35 36.41 4.86% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.21 -1.49% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 -6.52% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.05% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.03 2.03 -40.15% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.19 2.23 -14.70% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.24% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 130.66 131.55 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.69 108.69 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.26% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.17 1.18 -2.41% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.48 1.48 -6.72% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.27% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.54% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,155.15 1,157.40 -3.76% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,344.33 1,344.33 5.74% FBN Balanced Fund 185.18 186.53 -1.33% FBN Halal Fund 109.91 109.91 4.23% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.49% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 123.48 123.48 3.03% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.62 123.62 3.03% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.15 153.99 0.64% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,857.83 3,909.32 2.73% Coral Income Fund 3,326.77 3,326.77 1.86% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 1.72% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.72% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 128.24 128.77 19.15%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.32% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.70 2.77 17.88% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 156.22 156.73 0.53% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 5.24% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.62 1.65 7.34% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.20 12.32 -0.32% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.60 1.62 1.55% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.16 111.78 -0.25% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 128.87 131.64 10.37% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 0.87% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 -1.93% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.64% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -0.42% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.59% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -1.15% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.19% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -3.99% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 0.82% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.61 111.61 0.48% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.38 1.40 1.22% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 0.79% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 0.82% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.40% United Capital Eurobond Fund 117.99 117.99 0.77% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.10 -0.57% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.00% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +2349031100041 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.28 12.41 3.60% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.57 13.69 11.10% Zenith Income Fund 24.16 24.16 0.76% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.76%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.42 52.63

0.56% 0.44%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.36 122.88 97.09

13.46 122.88 98.92

1.05% 0.94% -2.29%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

3.95

3.99

4.27%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.81

5.89

2.06%

Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

17.46 1.00 19.03

17.56 1.00 19.23

6.72% 0.91% -7.20%

177.08

179.08

-19.81%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 • T H I S D AY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FG, States Resolve to Deal with Troublemakers Pledge adequate security for all States now to pay compensation for damage for targeted attacks Deji Elumoye in Abuja The National Economic Council (NEC) yesterday rose from a meeting in Abuja, with a resolution by both the federal and the 36 state governments to arrest and immediately prosecute those fomenting or promoting trouble. The council, consisting of all the 36 state governors with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presiding stated that it took that the decision to arrest the rising insecurity in the country. The NEC in its resolution read to newsmen by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Kebbi State counterpart, Senator Atiku Bagudu, also resolved to protect Nigerians wherever they reside notwithstanding their

ethnic background. States are also to henceforth pay compensation for damages and reconstruct destroyed homes during targeted attacks. The NEC said concerted efforts would be made henceforth towards the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of crime while both the federal and state governments should ensure the safety of all Nigerians, wherever they reside, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional status. It urged both the federal and state governments to recommit to "the protection of all residents of all states, including non-indigenous communities and religious and ethnic minorities within state jurisdictions." It resolved that in

collaboration with federal authorities, there should be the commencement of "the reconstruction of destroyed homes and payment of compensation where appropriate by state authorities for damage to property and livelihoods sustained during targeted attacks on communities within their jurisdictions." On the security situation in the country, NEC canvassed the establishment of a mutual framework for addressing the protection of vulnerable communities, especially ethnic and religious minorities. The governors reaffirmed their commitment to national unity and pledged among other things, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of crime, to collaborate with federal authorities to reconstruct

destroyed homes and pay compensation where appropriate for damage to property and livelihoods during targeted attacks on communities, as well as the unequivocal condemnation of manifestations of hatred, hate crimes and related violence against communities. Other resolutions of NEC include: ensuring that deceased victims of violence are accorded dignified burial rites; the immediate public and unequivocal condemnation of all manifestations of hatred, targeted violence and other hate crimes against ethnic, religious and minority groups; ensuring that local security initiatives – whether they are state government law enforcement agencies or local vigilante groups or

the community policing programme of the Nigeria Police Force – are inclusive and are composed with due consideration given to adequate representation of non-indigenous/minority resident communities; ensuring that all state, local and communal security initiatives operate according to guidelines consistent with state legislation and the constitution; and that state governments have statutory jurisdiction over forest reserves and will seek federal support for efforts to eradicate forest-based crime. The NEC meeting also included a presentation of the strategy for the realisation of President Muhammadu Buhari's vision to bring 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by the Presidential Economic

Advisory Council (PEAC). The meeting is to set up a technical committee of NEC, comprising three governors and representatives of the federal government to look at details of states' involvement and how their concerns could be addressed in the presentation and the implementation of the strategy. Also at the meeting, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made a presentation on the need to expand voter access to polling units across the country. The NEC, thereafter, resolved to support the commission's bid to convert polling booths to full-fledged polling units and work out the details of doing so at the state level.

FAAC Shares N640.3bn to FG, States, LGs for January Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), yesterday distributed a total sum of N640.310 billion to the federal, states and local governmentsas allocation for the month of January The distribution was carried out via a virtual conference, according to a statement released last night by the Director of Information at the Ministry

of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Dodo Hassan. Of the N640.310 billion shared, including cost of collection to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the federal government received N226.998 billion; states received N177.171 billion,; the local government councils got N131.399 billion, while

the oil producing states received N26.777 billion as 13 per cent derivation. Cost of collection/transfer and refunds accounted for N75.966 billion. A communique issued by the FAAC at the end of the meeting indicated that the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) for January, 2021 was N157.351 billion as against N171.358 billion distributed in the preceding month of December, 2020, resulting in

a decrease of N14.007 billion. The federal government got N21.950 billion of the N157.351 billion VAT revenue, the states received N73.168 billion; local government councils got N51.218 billion, while cost of collection for FIRS and NCS accounted for N11.015 billion. According to the communique, the distributable statutory revenue of N482.958 billion received for the review

month was higher than the N437.256 billion received for the previous month by N45.703 billion, from which the federal government received N205.047 billon, states got N104.003 billion, and local councils got N80.162 billion. The sum of N28.777 billion was for 13 per cent derivation while cost of colllection/ transfer and refund stood at N64.951 billion. The communique also

revealed that Companies Income Tax (CIT), and oil and gas royalty, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Excise Duty recorded marginal to significant decreases. While import duty increased only marginally, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) recorded considerable increase. The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as at February 18, 2021 stood at $72.412 million, the communique added.

PDP Lifts Suspension on Elumelu, Six Other House Lawmakers Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday lifted the suspension placed on seven of its members in the House of Representatives. The party’s reconciliation committee, headed by a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also met with the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) as part of the party's reconciliation efforts. The PDP in July 2019 had suspended the House

Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwani, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Addul-majid for perceived anti-party activities. In a statement yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the the lifting of the suspension was based on the recommendations of the various committee set up on the issue.

The party charged the lawmakers to be loyal to the party and obey its directives in line with its constitution and vision of its founding fathers. The party added that it would continue to recognise the PDP Caucus of the House, led by Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and charged all PDP lawmakers to continue to participate in the activities of the caucus. The PDP urged the lawmakers to ensure a

stronger and more viable opposition that speaks with one voice in the legislature. It also directed its Harmonisation Committee, led by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, to meet with its members in the House with a view to ensuring harmonious relationship among them. Meanwhile, in continuation of its reconciliation process, the Saraki committee yesterday met the BoT, led by Senator Walid Jubrin.

Saraki told journalists after the meeting that "we are going to reach out to everybody. Everybody matters; everybody has a role to play. As I said yesterday that we started the process with the former president, former governors and deputies. "Today we met with BoT, former leaders of the National Assembly, and will meet founding members next week. "Hopefully, we are having a session with women and youths. We will bring

them together for issue of reconciliation and more participation." The BoT chairman expressed support for the reconciliation committee to help reconcile all aggrieved members. “We trust Senator Bukola Saraki. We know he is the kind of person that cannot be bought by anybody. So, we will fully support him will continue to give him our support 100 per cent,” he stated.

It was also gathered yesterday that the bandits had asked for N300 million ransom to free their captives but THISDAY could not confirm the claim from security sources. The state Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, had earlier vowed that his government would not pay any ransom to the bandits.

(Bakin Kogi), Siyiko, Kokki, and other adjoining villages, all in Gurmana ward of Shiroro LGA. Co-Convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Mr. Sani Kokki, told journalists that the attack took place on Wednesday night while the state was still grappling with the shock of the abduction at Kagara. According to him, the gunmen, who were heavily armed, stormed the villages in large numbers. He said the attacks, which lasted for hours, claimed at least one life with two persons injured. Kokki stated that one person was shot in the eye while the other was shot around the armpit. Those who sustained injuries have been taken to Kuta General Hospital for treatment.

SECURITY AGENCIES INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR KAGARA KIDNAPPED VICTIMS search-and-rescue operation to free the 47 abductees. The IG, who spoke in Niger State, reassured the nation of the irrevocable commitment of the police and other security agencies to the safe rescue of those abducted. It stated: "The IG notes that a joint massive search and rescue mission involving the police, the military and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing to ensure that all abducted persons are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families. "To give impetus to the rescue operation, the IG has ordered the deployment of additional tactical, intelligence and investigative assets of the force, including four units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) attached to Operation Puff Adder II. "One unit of police Special

Forces, personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and the Force Criminal Investigations Department and one police aerial surveillance helicopter have also been deployed." The statement said the state command commissioner is harnessing all the deployed resources and working in sync with the military and other law enforcement agents in ensuring an intelligencedriven, focused and resultoriented ground and aerial surveillance in the rescue operations and to bring the perpetrators to book. Adamu, while calling for calm, enjoined members of the community to provide the force and the security community with information that can assist them in freeing the victims and arresting the kidnappers.

Names of Abducted Students, Teachers Revealed. Meanwhile, a list credited to the Niger State Ministry of Education yesterday revealed the identity of the captives. According to the list, pupils abducted are: Jamilu Isah, Shem Joshua, Abbas Abdullahi, Isah Abdullahi, Ezekeil Danladi, Haliru Shuibu, Mamuda Suleiman, Danzakar Dauda, Abdulsamad Sanusi, Bashir Abbas. Others are: Suleiman Lawal, Abdullahi Adamu, Habakuk Augustine, Idris Mohammed, Musa Adamu, Abdulkarim Abdulrahman, Abubakar Danjumma, Abdullahi Abubakar, Bashir Kamalideen, Mohammed Salisu. The rest are Yusuf M Kabir, Isah Abdullah Makusidi,

Polineous Vincent, Lawal Bello, Mohammed K Shehu, Mubarak Sidi and Abdulsamad Nuhu. Also, teachers that were abducted were identified as Hannatu Philip, Lawal Abdullahi, and Dodo Fodio, while the non-teaching staff are Mohammed Musa and Faiza Mohammed. Others abducted include Christiana Adama, Faith Adama, Maimuna Suleman, Nura Isah, Ahmad Isah, Khadizat Isah, Mohammed Mohammed, Aisha Isah and Saratu Isah. However, the Information Officer of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Jibrin Kodo, told THISDAY last night that the ministry was not behind the publication of the names. "We don't know where they got the names from; we are yet to release any names," Kodo said.

Again, Gunmen Kill One, Abduct 10 in Niger Barely 24 hours after the abduction of pupils, teachers and family members from the college, gunmen again attacked some communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, killing one person and abducting no fewer than 10 people. The villages attacked include Sarkin Zama, Lagbe

FRIDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

TRIBUTE

Democracy, Nationhood, According to Anyim Okey Ikechukwu Today marks the 60th birthday of former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim. Since his stint as SGF, he has been rather quiet; occupying himself with a Foundation that is dedicated to mentoring and nurturing young people of all walks of life on leadership and the virtues of responsible followership. But it is all being done without fanfare. "Values," he once told his group, "define our humanity and it is on values that societies rise or fall. The values of development are different from the values of decay and those who do not follow the path of development constitute part of the developmental problems of any environment in which they find themselves. I would not like you, as leaders of tomorrow, to go astray in this all-important journey of life" Encomiums are pouring in from all sides. So are hagiographies in the media waves. So, as Anyim is no longer in government and as we are now in a new regime that has been with us for about six years, let us use his ideas about leadership accountability, democracy and national development, as articulated on this page shortly after the 2014 democracy day. Writing under the title," The Development and National Transformation I Mean," he started his attempt to explain the deeper objectives of the government he was serving by saying: "It is now two weeks since we all celebrated Democracy Day. Within the intervening period Nigerians have had time to digest and react to the Mid-Term Review Report, through which the Government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan government gave us an update on policy and governance issues under the Transformation Agenda. We recall that on May 29 Mr. President said: “Democracy is as much a result as it is a process and today’s event invites us to reflect on both the processes and results of our thriving democracy. There is evidence of stronger democratic institutions. There is even stronger evidence of an evolving culture of better consultation, better stakeholder input and better mass buy-in on all major issues of national development.” And Anyim added: "These observations, which some people may not have noted on the busy day of the celebrations, are incontrovertible." My question here, following President Jonathan's/ Anyim's remarks is: can we say the same of our situation under the APC government of today? Continuing, Anyim said: "...it is within the context of making our democracy a reality for the generality of Nigerians that the administration made a Mid-Term Performance Review Report a central marker of Democracy Day proceedings. The primary purpose was to enable everyone see the progress made so far in implementing the policies, programmes and projects encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda (2011-2015). The facts are evident: the economy has recorded an impressive GDP growth and we surpassed our annual targets in 8 out of the 14 broad areas of the Transformation agenda. Also, it is partly because 57.14% of the sectoral targets were met that Nigeria’ global ranking by GDP has improved from the 44th position in 2010, to the 36th. Thus the question is should a government, in the name of a false sense of modesty, deny its achievements? Our answer is no. On the other hand, should we downplay our challenges and give Nigerians the impression that all of the nation’s problems are now solved? Again, the answer is no." Fast forward to 2012, we are exaggerating achievements and denying (not just downplaying) challenges. He went on: "The introduction of substance into the national Democracy Day celebrations was a deliberately designed intervention, with the aim of raising public awareness about the activities of government. It was our hope that in giving full account of our stewardship in the last two years, and that by acknowledging our present challenges; we can also explain the responsibilities and expectations that these times demand from the government, and indeed every citizen, so that we can all unite to build the society of our dreams…. Many commentators have observed that it will henceforth set the tone for all subsequent Democracy Day Celebrations in Nigeria. It is very likely that May 29 will henceforth be both a day dedicated to reflections on the meaning, gains and sustainability of

Anyim democracy and an occasion to, in the words of Mr. President (Jonathan), “think about how to sustain our collective resolve to face the future together as one people, guided by the principles of consultation, mutual respect and equity. That is the only way to gird our loins for the distance ahead, because democracy is more of a journey across wide terrains than an arrival at some secluded waterhole.” Anyim said, further: "...the time has come for us to see the need to engage every [citizen] in a conversation for national development. This will enable us separate cheap propaganda and political mischief from the real issues of governance. It will also enable us distinguish between the fundamentals of democracy and the incidentals to democracy. These are the two components of democracy, or the pillars without which the taste of democracy is lost. The fundamental principles of democracy include personal liberties, popular participation, respect for the individuals’ rights, provision of equal opportunities, majority rule and minority rights, etc.; and these principles of democracy find expression in basic human freedoms. Protection and enjoyment of these freedoms guarantees human worth, which inspires the confidence to not only aim at the optimum in life but also the agility to protest and defend abuses of personal rights and social interests. The incidentals to democracy, on the other hand, are what is popularly referred to as democracy dividends in this clime. In ordinary language this means the good products of democracy. It is important to emphasize that this product of democracy can only be good if it is indeed, a product of a free society with popular participation. It must not only be verifiable but must also be subject to satisfaction of the populace." So, how are we faring today, in both the fundamentals and the incidentals of democracy? "The policy thrust of this (Jonathan's) administration therefore is not only to deliver democracy dividends but also to make it good in accordance with the best principles of democracy. This explains the emphasis on consultation and dialogue, process and procedure, clear and need-driven projects conception, open and competitive procurement process, equitable distribution of social amenities,

diligent planning and execution strategies, checks and balances, rule of law; and extensive expansion of civil space together with respect for citizens’ right, among others. This is the only way we can take democracy beyond the mere form and focus on the content, which is actually a way of life that combines good governance with economic efficiency. The important point I wish to make here is that we should henceforth bear in mind that May 29 should no longer be just a day dedicated to a series of ceremonies in remembrance of the fact that an elected government emerged in Nigeria after nearly two decades of military rule. We should now have it at the back of our mind that it is, as President Jonathan said, “a day for stock taking and for the renewal of vows by governments at all levels to deliver good governance to Nigerians: that is the reason the administration is taking accountability and service delivery beyond the conventional idea of just enumerating specific projects. We wish to encourage Nigerians to also focus on the importance of a forward looking “service environment” created by sound policies and governance strategies. It is no accident that the Mid-Term Report has clear targets, unambiguous performance indicators and all of which are under close monitoring via Ministerial Performance Scorecards. On May 29 Mr. President said: “As a people, our goal in deepening our collective democratic experience is to build a community of equals, wherein everyone has responsibility for the wellbeing of all. Our life together imposes on us all the responsibility of being protectors and guarantors of our joint patrimony. The leader must protect the democratic space, allow the people to exercise the duty of making free and informed choices and then protect and safeguard those choices, in order to build a lasting democratic community.” I reaffirm that assertion, but with a caveat. The caveat is that it is the duty of every Nigerian to make suggestions on how to move the country forward. It is also the duty of every Nigerian to join the discussion and help to monitor the performance of government, as this is a democratic right and duty of every citizen in relation to any elected government. When, on May 29 President Jonathan said,

“our commitment and our resolve to ensure that the practice of democracy goes beyond the claim to free choice, to include the overarching roles of credible persons and institutions that do not manage the political space as predators”, he was pointing to the fact that only such people and institutions can guarantee the political space for all. But creating such people and such institutions requires the cooperation of all. They must enjoy the goodwill and partnership of all Nigerians, if they are to succeed. Our current national challenges are part of the overall process of our political evolution and national development. There is no need to present them as unheard-of tales, or overdramatise the occasional odd twists of social cohesion, as the challenges are already being overcome. The president used the occasion of the last Democracy Day celebrations to remind us all: “democracy thrives amidst the greatest disagreements, spurring dialogue and eventually galvanizing consensus and a common focus.” He also used the occasion to remind us that we have to consistently reaffirm our oneness, as we did when we flagged off “100 years of togetherness as a united political entity defined by discussion, consultation, mutual respect and commitment.” Looking at our national history, our shared experiences, our profile in the world, the progressive deepening of our democratic experience and the greater maturity of our democratic institutions and practices, I can boldly say today, as the President said on May 29: “We are on the final stretch to eventual democratic stability and maturity, as evidenced by the greater synergy between the institutions of state. This is a tribute to our collective resolve, because those who fought for our current democracy can look back today and say: “yes, we have fought a good fight and there is something to show for it”. Well, looks like we took very elaborate backward steps since after the above statements of Anyim. In terms of self-motivated accountability, he said: "This government was under no pressure, or compulsion, to give a Mid-Term Report. The Democracy Day celebrations would still have been considered a success without it. But what would have been the content of that event? What would the Administration have offered Nigerians, beyond speeches and ceremonies? What would have given them an anchor to hold unto and march along with Government as partners, if Mr. President did not present a report card and invite them to assess him and make suggestions; being that they are actually the masters we are in office to serve? Government gave a Mid-Term Report because it was felt that the time had come to say “enough of empty ceremonies and let us stand before those who gave us this job with a performance record they can evaluate and comment upon.” This is what will deepen and strengthen our democracy. When, also on that day, the President said: “It is therefore in the spirit of our democratic enterprise that I am making the public presentation of the mid-term report of my transformation agenda, knowing that I have to give account of my stewardship to my fellow citizens, who elected me their President” he spoke from his heart. When he said: “This is my own modest way of contributing to the deepening of our democratic experience, as I stand before you in the service of our fatherland”, he was also telling Nigerians that anyone of can one day stand in this same position because he is standing there today through the inconceivable Grace of God." In concluding, Anyim said: "My fellow Nigerians, let the conversation on our nationhood, the dividends of democracy and the march to a greater Nigeria continue. As we constantly take stock and move forward, I urge you all never to forget that we remain one nation with a great promise; even as that is being fulfilled before our very eyes." I will add: As we say happy birthday to Anyim Pius Anyim on his 60th birthday, and as we recall that he became senate president while not yet 40 years of age, that the thoughts he shared on this page seven years ago about consultation, equity and true national development stand out as admonishing observations for a government that has done, and is still doing, a lot to undermine the unity and stability of the Nigerian State.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Suspected Herdsmen Kill Seven in Edo Communities Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have reportedly killed no fewer than seven persons, including farmers in Edo State. The gruesome attack was said to have been carried out yesterday at Ugboke, Oshodi, Okokodo, Ariyan and Yoruba camp situated in Ovia NorthEast Local Government Area of the state.

According to Mrs Janet Ighodaro, an indigene of the area, “ the suspected herdsmen took over the popularly known Yoruba camp located in Ovia North-east as a base to launch attack on the various communities in our state.” Ighodaro said she was lucky to escape stray bullets flying around as she ran for safety to take refuge with her family in Benin, the state

capital, explaining further that the suspected gunmen shot sporadically killing and leaving seven dead. Four of the victims, she said “were returning from their farm when they were shot and killed on the spot.” She lamented that the gruesome attack on the camps and communities was reported to the police, adding that security presence in the

locality was zero. Ighodaro stressed that the policemen who arrived the area yesterday only stopped at Okokhua community, and insisted that they would not to go further. According to her, the policemen rather instructed the affected communities to bring the dead bodies to them at Okokhuo. She therefore, called on

security agents to come to their rescue as a matter of urgency. Reacting yesterday, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chidi Nwabuzor confirmed the incident and said all efforts were being made to arrest the perpetrators. Nwabuzor said: “The State Police Command is aware of the incident that happened within the jurisdiction of Ekhiadolor

Divisional Police Command. The DPO and his operatives visited the crime site and evacuated the bodies and moves are on to ensure that place is calm and lives return to normalcy. “Also, the Police are carrying out investigation to effect the arrest of the criminal herdsmen who perpetuated the dastardly acts. The command is bent on using every legal means to fish out the criminals.”

Yoruba Leaders Behind Igboho’s Eviction of Criminal Herders, Bandits, Says Fani-Kayode Backs call for Nigerians to carry arms Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, yesterday said Yoruba leaders were behind Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho on his eviction of criminally-minded Fulani herdsmen and bandits, perpetrating killings and other vicious crimes in the South-west. He has also thrown his weight behind the call for Fulani herdsmen to be licensed to carry AK-47 rifles to protect themselves and their cows, saying it would also afford other Nigerians to do the same. He made this disclosure, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital yesterday after holding a meeting with Igboho at his residence. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Fani-Kayode said he was at Ibadan to visit Igboho, stressing that he has immense respect for the Yoruba activist. The former minister said Igboho had demonstrated to the world that Yoruba people are not cowards. “We are not people that can be killed, pillaged, raped and those that perpetrate these crimes are in our community. I have come to express my appreciation and solidarity with somebody that had done the right thing without violating any law in this country. That is very important,” he explained. Fani-Kayode said it would be right and proper for the Yoruba leaders to show appreciation for the lives Igboho had saved and for his evicting the people that were committing crimes. Fani-Kayode said the second purpose of his visit was to also let the people to know about Igboho’s message of peace and unity. “That is to say he has nothing against the Fulani people. He has everything against criminals that come to our forests in this part of the country to come and kill. Those are his enemies and our collective enemies. That is what he is fighting against, to protect our people. There is nothing unlawful in that. It is important to reiterate that message. We must build bridges,” the former minister said. According to him, “a good friend of mine, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed we served together as ministers - he said a few days ago that Fulani herdsmen should be

given the right to carry AK-47. “Now, I disagree with that, but that was his opinion and like I told him, he is entitled to his opinions and he can voice it. “If you go by that principle, then it makes absolute sense that if Fulanis are allowed to carry AK-47 to defend their cows and their lives if they feel threatened, then it is also logical for members of the local communities, farmers and each and every one of us should also have that right to defend ourselves against killer Fulani herdsmen and against those that are coming to kill us and rape our women. He stressed the need for everybody to work for the progress and unity of this country, adding however, that there must be equity and fairness. “In him (Sunday Igboho), we see strength and somebody that is ready to work with anybody in any government, governors and anybody in the federal government that is reasonable and rational and want to help us to get rid of these murderers that are in our forests. It is really a very terrible thing that is going on. I want to express my appreciation and solidarity that we are with him and to let him know that we will never abandon him. I don’t come in my own team alone, I come to represent many people in the South West, both leaders and followers. I am also here to express my sadness that his home was burnt by unknown persons,” he explained. Fani-Kayode noted that Igboho did not retaliate or point fingers, stressing that he is a man of peace that simply wants peace for his people. “He wants liberation and liberty for his people and he is ready to work with anybody that believes in the same thing. Finally, my understanding of our discussion is that he would do all that is possible to support and assist the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde. The governor is my very good friend. What happened in Shasha market recently was terrible and many people were killed. I saw it and I was there. Had it not been for the effort of the governor, in terms of going to the community, working through the night to ensure that the violence did not continue, it would have been worse,” he added.

INTENSIFYING RESCUE EFFORTS…

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello (left) , and President Muhammadu Buhari, during Bello’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...recently

Junaid Mohammed Dies at 73 Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A former member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic and also a social critic, Dr. Junaid Mohammed is dead. Aged 73, Muhammed died last night at Kwanar Dawaki Isolation Centre in Kano as a result of health complications. He was said to have been tested of COVID-19 but found to be negative, according to a family source.

When THISDAY visited his residence in Kano last night, his step son, Mr. Sule Idris confirmed to THISDAY that “Yes, Baba is dead and his remains will be brought back here for funeral and burial. According to him, “We have already started mourning our father. He died at Kwanar Dawaki but not as a result of COVID-19 because he was tested and found to be negative”.

His remains will be taken to his residence at Lamido Crescent in Kano on this morning (Friday) for funeral. The late Mohammed was a medical doctor who studied in the former Soviet Union when he specialised as a neurosurgeon. Mohammed later left medical practice and joined politics and contested under late Malam Aminu Kano’s political party, Peoples

Redemption Party (PRP). He was one of the leaders of the party and also a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic. Mohammed was known as a popular critic of many administrations in the country and will be remembered for his stand on issues of national interest. He left behind one wife and five children.

Police Parade Suspected Killer of Nasarawa APC Chairman, 27 Others Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday paraded one Yunusa Alhaji Yusuf for allegedly killing former Chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the late Philip Tatari Shekwo. The police in the state also paraded 27 other suspected criminals along with the alleged killer of Shekwo, who allegedly committed different criminal activities in the state, ranging from armed robbery, kidnaping,

cultism, among others. The late Shekwo was reportedly abducted from his residence in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, around 11 p.m. on November 21, 2020, and was later found dead on November 22, 2020, near his house in Lafia. However, the state Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, while parading the 28 suspected criminals in Lafia yesterday, said: “The police, at about 16:30hrs, while working on credible intelligence, arrested one Yunusa Alhaji Yusuf (aka Nunu)

in Obi Local Government Area, as well as one Yusuf Alhassan of Azara in Awe LGA. “A small bag containing charms and cash (N450,000) were also recovered from the suspects as exhibits. Preliminary investigation revealed that the money found in their possession was ransom collected before releasing a kidnapped victim in neighbouring Taraba State.” Longe stated further that Yusuf has been on the wanted list of the state Police Command for his alleged involvement in the

killing of Shekwo. However, the commissioner told journalists that investigation was ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) over the alleged involvement of Yusuf in the killing of the former Nasarawa State APC chairman. Longe also gave a breakdown of the total number of suspects arrested by the state police command to include 11 suspected armed robbers, five suspected kidnappers, three suspected cultists and nine other suspects.

Yoruba Leadership Group Names Ipinmisho Publicity Director A former Editor of the Sunday Times, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho has been named the Director of Publicity of The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI). The appointment made yesterday by the Management Committee of the group, was announced by the group’s President, Mr. Olusegun Ahmadu, during a virtual meeting of the committee. According to Ahmadu, the appointment was made to improve the group’s media presence and enhance its timely

response to issues and events. Established in Ibadan in 2017, TYLPI (www.tylpi.org) is a non-political, non-religious, socio-cultural Think- Tank of Yoruba intellectuals, professionals and entrepreneurs with the goal of generating the best ideas for building a self-sustaining and contemporarily managed Yoruba nation within a just and equitable Nigerian state. Ipinmisho, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE) is from Ogidi in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State. He was the Editor of

the Sunday Times (19982004) and Head, Corporate Communications, Federal Housing Authority (2007-2017). He is currently the Chief Executive of Ambienceblue Communications Limited, an integrated marketing communications company based in Abuja. Ipinmisho, a community development enthusiast, was the National President, Ogidi Development Union (2006-2015) and currently the DirectorGeneral of the widely acclaimed Ogidi Day Festival.

Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Kick against Amnesty for Bandits Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), has

berated Kaduna-based Muslim Cleric, Sheik Abubakar Gumi over his recent call on government to grant amnesty to bandits terrorising some

Edo Govt Not Ceding Any Land to Herdsmen, Says SSG Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Government has said that it will not cede any part of its land for grazing cattle in the state. In a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie, said that the government’s position on the matter is clear and has not shifted since it insisted that it would not cede its land to herdsmen. According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false media reports claiming that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has agreed to provide grazing land for herders in the state. “Our position on the matter of

grazing land is clear and has not shifted, which is that there is no free land for grazing in Edo State. Grazing is an economic activity just like poultry and piggery or any other agricultural enterprise. The Edo State Government will not cede any land in the state for grazing.” “The governor has continually warned against the politicising of security issues,” he added. Ogie noted that some political actors are trying to instigate the type of killings witnessed in some states in the country just because they are embittered by the heavy loss they suffered in the political space. He continued: “Thankfully, their plans have failed because of the pre-emptive actions taken by Governor Obaseki and the security agencies.

states in the Northern part of the country. The leaders in a statement jointly issued yesterday by Mr. Yinka Odumakin (South-west), Chief Guy Ikoku (South-east), Senator Bassey Henshaw (South-south), and Dr. Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt), frowned at the statement made by the cleric during his appearance on a live television programme, asking for amnesty for bandits whom he said are fighting against the injustices Nigeria has done to the North. The leaders argued that it is the Fulani and the core North that are doing pure injustice to the rest of the country. It stressed that part of those

injustices must have been electing President Muhammadu Buhari twice as President in spite of his scant regard for the sensitivity required of a multiple country like Nigeria. The statement disclosed that the country for “almost six years has been soaking all manners of lopsidedness, nepotism”. According to the leaders, as part of the injustices to the north, Fulani herdsmen have been killing people with reckless abandon in all parts of Nigeria with the administration defending them and giving them soft landing with the open bias of the president.

‘’Fulanis are daily pouring into Nigeria to change our demography and Nigeria is doing more in Niger Republic than Nigeria at the moment with resources from non-Fulani areas,” the statement added. The leaders wondered if the injustices Nigeria has done to the North are so much that the bandits are doing what they are doing to the rest of the country, while Buhari is looking the other way. “We want to know from Gumi if the Hausas are protesting the injustices Fulanis are doing to them and the rest of Nigeria or if it is Nigeria that is doing any injustice to the North.

The group insisted that the main injustice in Nigeria is what it described as the shrewd federalism that allows the North to be in almost total control of oil and mineral resources in the Niger Delta and the VAT from other parts of the country to the disadvantage of host communities. The southern and middle belt leaders cited the Nigeria Ports Authority in Lagos and most of the agencies in charge of oil and gas as some of those in control of the North, saying “This is one of the major reasons SMBLF is in court to challenge the lopsided arrangement.’

Herdsmen’s Crisis: Bring Back Nigeria from Brink, Bode George Tells Buhari that President Buhari should Segun James A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to provide leadership and unite Nigerians. He noted that the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, especially across South-west, can only be stopped with the ban on open grazing. Speaking at a press briefing titled: ‘We Must Withdraw From The Brick’, George expressed worry that governments at all levels are fast losing grip on protecting lives and property, adding that this is not the time for ethnic or sectarian jingoism. He said: “This is the time

demonstrate a rallying unifying leadership to bring all our people together. Surely, this is not the time for ethnic or sectarian jingoism. “This is the time for healing. This is the time to mend the broken places and rectify the pervasive wrongs. Our people have been living together in peace and harmony for more than 100 years even before the colonialists imposed the rule of gunpowder. “The widening spread of banditry, the reckless shedding of innocent blood, the bitter murderous clashes between farmers and herdsmen, the loose brigandage, have virtually made all corners of our society insecure, vulnerable to the rule of the cudgel and machete.

Bauchi Govt to Demolish Building Stashed with Ammunition, Dangerous Weapons Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Bauchi State Government has ordered for the immediate demolition of the building where about 204 rounds of live ammunition and other dangerous weapons were found in the Bauchi metropolis. The ammunition was discovered in a four bedroom building located in Anguwan Mahaukata within Bauchi metropolis noted for its notoriety in harbouring dangerous boys popularly called ‘Sara-Suka’. THISDAY checks revealed that the state government immediately ordered for the demolition of the building while the ammunition and other weapons discovered have been

evacuated by security agencies that led the operation. Meanwhile, the state Police Command has arrested four people in connection with the ammunition found in the building. The suspects, including two house agents, according to the command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, were arrested on February 14, 2021, at about 6p.m. at Kofar Dumi area of Bauchi State by a police patrol team. The police spokesman stated that the four suspects arrested were Muhammed Sanusi, Abba Sa’idu, Yakubu Ahmed, and one Sa’idu, all residents of Bauchi.

HERDSMEN’S CRISIS ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Darius Ishaku; and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, during the meeting of Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja…yesterday

NACC: Biden’s Friendly Administration will Boost American Investment in Nigeria Dike Onwuamaeze The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has stated that Nigeria would leverage on the friendly disposition of President Joe Biden’s administration to boost Americans’ investments in the country and enhance its participation of Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA). The NACC made these revelations yesterday in Lagos

during a press conference that was addressed by the National President of the NACC, Mr. Toyin Akomolafe, to inform the general public of the programmes lined up for the celebration of the chamber’s 60th anniversary. Akomolafe, who unveiled the anniversary’s logo, disclosed that the NACC runs an embassy assisted programme, which is directly supervised by the United States of America’s embassy, to prepare Nigerian SMEs on the core processes

of participating and enjoying the benefits of the AGOA. The programme enjoys the participation of Nigerian banks. He said: “The chamber is an AGOA Resource Centre. AGOA is an initiative of the United States’ government to open up a preferential window of export opportunities to selected countries in Africa. “This window of opportunity helps in assisting our members with information and training on export procedures and standards, etc. in exporting

non-oil and agro-allied products to the United States.” A Board Member and Chairman Programmes Committee of the NACC, Mrs. Adebola Williams, said during the press conference that the chamber is “trying to ensure that a lot of our members, especially the SMEs, are involved. We want to ensure that we maximise the opportunities that still remains in the next five years and ensure that our members take the full benefit of what the AGOA offers.”

Ex-Customs Boss, Abdullahi Dikko Dies Former Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Abdullahi Dikko is dead, THISDAY has learnt. Dikko was the Comptroller-

General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) between August 2009 and August 2015. He left office after President Muhammadu Buhari assumed

office. A member of the Association of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), who does not want to be named,

confirmed the incident last night. Abdullahi joined the Customs in 1988. He was born on May 11, 1960 in Musawa town in Katsina State.

Akeredolu Dissolves Cabinet, Adopts Indigenous James Sowole in Akure Ahead of the next Wednesday inauguration of his second term in office, the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has dissolved the State Executive Council. The governor also approved the adoption of an ‘Indigenous Anthem’ yesterday, which projects the tradition and culture

of the Yoruba ethnic group. Akeredolu announced the dissolution of his cabinet yesterday during a valedictory Exco meeting at the governor’s office in Akure. He pointed out that the outgone cabinet members were very supportive for almost four years Akeredolu said they had worked together as one,

and the interest of the state had remained paramount throughout their services to the state. Meanwhile, the State Executive Council (SEC) also yesterday approved the adoption of an Indigenous Anthem, which projects the tradition and culture of the Yoruba ethnic group. Akeredolu, who made

the announcement at the commencement of the SEC meeting, said the anthem would henceforth be sung immediately after the National Anthem at official and public functions. The Yoruba Anthem was rendered by the cultural troupe of the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and sang by all members of the SEC.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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No Plan to Increase Fuel Price in February, NNPC Clarifies Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has ruled out any increment in

the ex-depot price of petrol in February 2021 despite the rise in the price of crude oil in the international market. The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division

Another Mobile Policeman Shot Dead, Rifle Carted Away in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri Four gunmen yesterday in Uvwie, near Warri in Delta State, killed another mobile policeman and carted away his AK-47 rifle. The incident, which occurred on ever busy Airport Road in Uvwie Local Government Area, caused pandemonium in the area. The latest killing occurred barely four days after four policemen attached to ‘Operation Puff Ader’ were killed in Agbor. Just last Sunday, a mobile police Inspector on escort duty was also mowed down in the premises of a popular Pentecostal church in Ughelli, Ughelli North LGA of the state and his rifle carted away. Just like the Ughelli incident,

the gunmen went away with the AK-47 rifle of the policeman killed yesterday, apparently targeting his gun. Sources told THISDAY that the deceased policeman was in company of another colleague when the incident happened. It was learnt that the said colleague fled the scene leaving the slain policeman to his fate. “They were two policemen standing on the road when the gunmen arrived in a Toyota Camry, pulled besides them and shot the one closed to them. Immediately they shot him, his colleague fled, apparently to save his life. “The gunmen took the deceased AK-47 rifle and sped off. It was like a movie. The incident didn’t take up to three minutes,” an eyewitness said.

of NNPC, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated this in a statement yesterday, explaining that the decision was to allow the conclusion of ongoing engagements with the organised labour and other stakeholders on an acceptable framework that will not expose the ordinary

Nigerians to any hardship. NNPC, however, urged petroleum products marketers not to engage in the hoarding of petrol in order not to create artificial scarcity and unnecessary hardship for Nigerians, assuring that it has enough stock of petrol to keep

the nation well supplied for about 40 days. It further called on relevant regulatory authorities to step up monitoring of the activities of marketers with a view to sanctioning those involved in products hoarding or arbitrary increase of pump price.

It recalled that the nation’s downstream sector was deregulated in March 2020 with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, stating that the prices of petroleum products would be determined my prevailing market forces.

WORK-IN-PROGRESS…

L-R: Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; and the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, during the inspection tour of the ongoing construction works at ESUT Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, Igbo-Eno, Enugu North senatorial district… yesterday

House Summons PRODA DG, Board Chairman over Alleged Procurement Deception NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory on Ebola Disease Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, to produce the acting Director General of Project Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Mr. Fabian Okonkwo, and the suspended Board Chairman of the Institute, Mr. Daniel Onjeh, over alleged procurement deception, staff victimisation and management crisis rocking the institute. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Nasir Ahmed, gave the directive during an investigative hearing held yesterday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The House had on February

10 resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the institute, after a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Henry Nwawuba. Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Public Procurement to investigate the allegations by inviting Onu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement and PRODA Management to appear before the committee. Against this background, senior Staff of the agency billed to appear before the committee yesterday, failed to turn up for the hearing, a development which infuriated the committee.

Buhari Appoints Orji Executive Secretary NEITI Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji as the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). He succeeded Waziri Adio, whose non- renewable fiveyear single term as executive secretary, ended yesterday. The Director Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Willie Bassey, in a statement issued yesterday stated that the appointment is for a single term of five years in accordance with the provisions of Section

12 (2) (a) and 6 (3) of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Establishment) Act, 2007. Orji’s appointment takes effect from today, Friday, February, 19, 2021. Until the appointment, Orji was the agency’s Director of Communications and Advocacy. He began his career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and also worked with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) where he managed several donor-funded projects. He holds MSc degree and PhD in Political Economy and International Development from the University of Abuja.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Following the declaration of Ebola Virus disease outbreak in Guinea and Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that it has initiated a number of response activities, including a public health advisory. The NCDC said in a statement issued yesterday night that it has an existing multi-sectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases

Working Group (EVHDWG). This group coordinates preparedness efforts for EVD and other emerging viral haemorrhagic diseases. The statement said that EVHDWG has carried out a risk assessment on the possibility of transmission of the virus to Nigeria. It said: “Given the proximity of Guinea to Nigeria and other West African countries as well as other indicators, Nigeria has been placed at moderate risk of an EVD outbreak.

“The outputs from this risk assessment are being used to initiate preparedness activities in-country”. NCDC explained that several measures have been put in place to prevent and mitigate the impact of a potential EVD outbreak in Nigeria. According to the statement, a National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) operating from NCDC’s Incident Coordination Centre (ICC) is on alert mode. “We have a team of first responders on standby, ready to

be deployed within 24 hours in the event of an EVD outbreak in Nigeria. We have also established testing capacity for EVD at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory. The NCDC will continue working with states to strengthen preparedness activities across the country”. NCDC noted that the Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health has scaled up screening at points of entry, adding that it will also scale up risk communications and other activities.

US Supports Nigeria’s Dairy Industry, Announces Training Programme for Stakeholders Benneth Oghifo andSegun James As part of efforts to encourage the Nigerian dairy industry, the United States Government has approved the first shipment of pregnant Jersey breed dairy cows from the US. The cows have arrived at the Ikun Dairy Farm belonging to

Promasidor Nigeria Limited and the Ekiti State Government. The Ikun Dairy Farm, a joint venture of Promasidor and the state government, plans to produce 10,000 litres of milk daily, and will take delivery of two additional shipments of dairy cows from the United States over the next couple of weeks. These shipments will provide a

better breed of cows for the rapidly growing Nigerian dairy industry, which will aid the diversification of the Nigerian economy. The Counselor for Agricultural Affairs at the US Mission to Nigeria, Gerald Smith, noted that the introduction of US dairy cows would boost local milk production and contribute significantly to ensuring sustainable food security

in Nigeria. Smith explained that the successful cattle shipment was as a result of the strong partnership among the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Mission in Nigeria, the Ikun Dairy Farm, and senior officials of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Buhari Appoints Commandant of NSCDC, Nominates Controller for NCoS Michael Olugbode in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the new Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This follows the retirement from service of Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, the immediate-past occupier of the position. According to a statement issued yesterday by the Director

(Press and Public Relations) to the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Manga, “Ahmed Audi emerged the top best candidate out of those who went through the transparent selection process initiated by the Ministry of Interior through the Board to ensure that the most suitable among the topranking officers in the service was appointed to replace the out-going commandant-general of the NSCDC.” Manga revealed that President

Muhammadu Buhari has also nominated Haliru Nababa as the new Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), subject to the confirmation of the Senate in line with the provision of the new Act establishing the Nigerian Correctional Service 2019. He said the Minister of Interior and Chairman, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), Rauf Aregbesola,

while congratulating the new appointees, called on them “to ensure the full implementation of the mandate of their services as well as to ensure synergy with other security agencies in the country with the view to providing efficient internal security services and citizenship integrity for Nigerians and foreigners alike in line with the policy thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.”

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

NEXIM Bank Eyes N1.2tn Balance Sheet by 2022 Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM), has declared that it had arrested the declining trend in its operational performance, improving in key financial indices, with a target to post a N1.2 trillion balance sheet

size by 2022. From a performance of N67.73 billion in April 2017 to N158. 84 billion posted by the bank as at January 31, 2021, its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Abba Bello, is upbeat that with continued positive performance, increased strategic partnerships for lines

FG Bars Doctor-trainees from Joining Unions 1,021 doctors, dentists take professional oath Onyebuchi EzigboinAbuja The federal government has stated that henceforth, it will not tolerate any act of indolence or engagement in industrial action by trainee-doctors, who are on one year internship programme in hospitals across the country. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 1,021 foreign trained medical and dental graduates organised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Chairman of the council, Prof. Abba Waziri Hassan, said House Officers are not allowed to join unions or associations during the 12 months period of their training to enable them concentrate on their training. He also warned that the government would not tolerate any House Officer engaging in any illegal practice or act. Hassan charged the interns to abide strictly by the code of conduct

during their one-year internship. According to Hassan, “One of the rules is that they should not belong to any union, labour association or engage in an industrial action during the oneyear training. “By law, they are not supposed to join any association until they are fully registered as doctors. For now, they are on probation and should not belong to any union or join in any strike. Anybody who is caught will be brought before the council, and if found guilty, will be sanctioned. The person may be barred from practice.” The council boss said one of the implications of the transfer of supervisory role to MDCN was that it would instill more discipline and ensure that doctors on internship would no longer be compelled to join others in the incessant industrial action thereby deviating from the set objective of the programme.

Strange Illness Forces Benue Govt to Shut School Benue State Government has shut down a secondary school, Vaatia College in Makurdi, the state capital following the outbreak of a strange illness. At least nine students have been reported paralyzed following the outbreak of the strange illness and some have been hospitalised at Madonna Hospital, a private clinic in the state. The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Joseph Ngbea who confirmed the outbreak to Channels Television said some of the students have been discharged while few others are still hospitalised. “The report of the unknown disease got to me through my Director of Public Health and we went to the Teaching Hospital where three of the students were on admission and what we saw, there was no paralysis. What

we saw was Parasis – weakness of the limbs. “Many of them were walking with a wobbling gait. We looked at the possible causes because this country is almost certified free of Poliomyelitis. “So, when we go there, it was confirmed that it was not Poliomyelitis. What we are looking at is ‘Golemba Syndrome’. It is a weakness that starts from the limbs upwards,” he said. The commissioner said the causes are multi-factorial and can be as a result of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Doctor Ngbea, however, allayed the fears of the likely spread of the disease to other schools, considering that students of the college who may have siblings at other schools have been sent back to their families as the school remains closed.

APC Membership Registration Exercise a Good Development, Says Chieftain A former chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, Col. Olayiwola Falabi (rtd), has said the best thing that as ever happened to All Progressives Congress (APC) is the membership revalidation and registration exercise. This is to give members of the party a sense of belonging, and to authenticate their membership status in the scheme of things. Falabi stated this shortly after his APC membership registration at unit 3, ward 4, Oke-Ola, Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of the state. According to him, the membership registration exercise now authenticate further his membership of APC and those

of his followers in Irewole Local Government Area of the state. He said the ongoing membership registration exercise is more reasonable when people called it revalidation scheme of the APC. Falabi maintained that with the present arrangements, APC and SDP alliance and coalition have again been concretised the more to enable the party attain greater heights in Nigeria. Speaking in the same vain, the immediate past Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Prince Aderemi Abass who accompanied Col. Falabi to the ward 4, unit 3, Oke-Ola, Ikire, where the event took place, described the exercise as a right step in a right direction.

of credit and the push for the recapitalisation of the bank, a N1.2 trillion balance sheet will be achieved by 2022. Bello, who briefed journalists in Abuja, noted that since the emergence of the current management, the bank achieved a profit of N1.09 billion in 2018, N2.13 billion in 2019 and N1.28 billion in 2020. He however revealed that after a loss of N567 million in 2017, the bank posted another even bigger loss of N8.03 billion in 2016. He attributed the profit decline in 2020 to the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on businesses, which necessitated the interest rebate and moratorium extension

granted by the bank to its customers. Bello stated that NEXIM Bank introduced an aggressive debt recovery and proactive loan workout measures, leading to an increase in overall recoveries from only N200 million in December 2016 to N4.76 billion and N$750, 000 between January 2027 and January 2021. According to him, assets worth about N7 billion are also currently up for sale. Assuring that the bank would keep cleaning the balance sheet and improve in risk management practices, he added that loans granted from 2018 were performing 100 per cent.

He observed that this was a major departure from the huge non-performing loans (NPLs) in the past, which have now dropped by over 51 per cent. The bank’s interventions, he disclosed, have sustained over 11,000 jobs between 2018 and now and generated exports of about $200 million. Bello regretted that the bank in its 30 years of existence generated a sum of $1.3 billion, out of which $200 million was under the current management which took over in 2017. According to him, the $200 million came largely from the trading of Nigerian exports, noting that the major focus is to support the small and

medium enterprises (SMEs). Bello, who assured that NEXIM’s focus is to move Nigerian exports into the global value chain, expressed satisfaction that the bank has met virtually all obligations to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) which blocked lines of credit due to a default in servicing facilities under previous managements. On intervention funds, Bello stated that following the high-level of confidence in the current management, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released N50 billion to the bank in February 2018 to implement the Export Development Programme.

OBEYING COURT ORDER…

L-R: Chairman, CAP Plc, Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia; Company Secretary, Ms. Ayomipo Wey; and the Managing Director, Mr. David Wright, at the court-ordered meeting in Ikeja, Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

No Group will Gain Undue Advantage from New Pollinggroup, Units, INEC Insists region or religion. on The Arise News Channel “These polling units we Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe

The Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Festus Okoye, has reiterated that the plans to create new polling units across the country would not benefit only a certain ethnic

He said INEC was still in consultative stages engaging all stakeholders on the reasons why they plan to create new polling units, noting that this was borne out on the increase of 34 million new registered voters and the static number of polling units which presently stands at 119, 973 nationwide. Okoye stated this yesterday

Morning Show, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers. He said: The establishment of additional polling units does not confer any advantage on any section of the country or any state. The issue of assess to polling units is a nationwide problem, and that is why we want to create a nationwide consensus.

plan to expand will still be located within the registration areas of what we call the electoral wards. So, it doesn’t not give any advantage to any segment of the country because it is nationwide. “What we intend to do is to make sure that persons with disabilities can go to the polling units and vote without any distraction.

Dredgers’ Activities: Ajah Community Petitions Sanwo-Olu, Seeks Task Force Deployment Landlords and residents of Tunde Afolabi Street, a residential area in Ajah area of Lagos State, have petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on the illegal and reckless activities of sand dredgers in the community. The residents accused the sand dredgers of using their trucks to destroy roads, disrupt movements, and instill psychological trauma on landlords and residents of the street, adding that the operators are

daily frustrating the Sanwo-Olu’s urban renewal programme. The petition, filed on behalf of the association by its solicitor, SkyFall Partners and signed by Cookel Oke George, urged the government to deploy the state’s special task force and KAI Brigade to curtail the excess activities of the dredgers and their trucks in Ajah especially on Tunde Afolabi Street. While lamenting the refusal of the dredging operators to obey an

earlier directive to cease operation until a suitable parking arrangement is made for them, the association said the recklessness of the truck drivers is endangering lives and property within the estate. The petition reads: “Sir, these dredgers were adequately informed to cease operation and so shall it be until they have put in place adequate/proper parking arrangements for all the tippers serving their interest.

“Sadly and most regrettably, the sand dredging operators have deliberately refused to shut down their sand dredging operations. They have religiously breached the above action point reached. Their actions have frustrated the administration’s effort to free the Ajah interchange and achieve enduring peace as canvassed by the Hon. Commissioner for Transport and the Hon. Commissioner for Physical Planning.”

Yoruba Group Decries Shasha Crisis Sunday Okobi A coalition of Yoruba groups in the Diaspora, Yoruba One Voice (YOV), has expressed concerns over the breakdown of security in many South-west states, calling for the massive deployment of security forces in the region, especially Oyo State, where many innocent citizens were recently killed and displaced in ethnic conflict in Shasha area of the state.

In a statement issued by the coalition and signed by its SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Sina Okanlomo, YOV said it strongly condemned the violence and provocation in Shasha, adding that the incident might have been deliberately designed to subdue the Yoruba nation. According to YOV, the Southwest region has been largely peaceful because the Yoruba people are accommodating and friendly, adding that: “The spate of

hostilities and unwarranted attacks against us (Yoruba) clearly show that our affable trait is being taken for granted.” Okanlomo stated further that the Shasha market crisis, like every other ethnic conflict, has the potential of snowballing into another brutal riotous conflict like the civil war. While urging for a swift homegrown solution to wanton killings in Yorubaland, the YOV

leader called for a public panel of enquiry to probe the Sasha incident, just as he urged the six governors in the zone to develop an immediate and long-term blueprint on security. YOV, which has membership on six continents and 176 countries, also said there was the need to assess the basis of existence among the various tribes in the country, adding that: “We are entitled to our rights.”

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

Army, NAF, Police Battle IPOB in Imo Operation The 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, near Owerri, Imo State capital, has confirmed an ongoing joint military and Police operation in Orsu Local Government Area of the state and its neighbouring communities following, what it described an intelligent report of the existence and establishment of illegal camps allegedly built by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) set up by Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Confirming the joint operation, the Public Relations Officer of the brigade, Lieutenant Babatunde Zubairu said that available

CHANGE OF I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBOYE GBOLAHAN now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBOYE GBOLAHAN GEORGE. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ISMAIL ADETUNJI OLUWAMUYIWA. now wish to be known and addressed as LAMIDI ISMAILA ADETUNJI. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

intelligence reports revealed that some unknown armed men suspected to be members of the ESN have built illegal training camps in the areas with the intention of causing breach of security and destabilising peace in the area. He said in an effort to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order, the group of security operatives including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Police stormed the area to raid these illegal camps. Zubairu noted that the men are applying professional rules of

Court Grants Bail to 63 Obigbo Residents Detained by Army, DSS, Police Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja A human rights and advocacy research group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) said yesterday that 63 residents of Obigbo in Rivers State detained

CHANGE OF

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEGBUNWA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBOI BLESSING. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAWEPO ABOSEDE MAIRA. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADESHINA ABOSEDE MAIRA. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MOSES LYDIA OLUWASEYI. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UNEGHE LYDIA OLUWASEYI. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MRS BESSIE ODEH OSAGIE, now wish to be know and addressed as MRS BESSIE ODEH OKORO. All former documents remain the same, the general public and Edo state hospital management board should take note. I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOYENI ABIOLA OMOTEOGO. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMOYENI ABIOLA ADENUGA. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known as CECILIA ITORO EDET now wish to be known and addressed as ITORO CECILIA OLORUNSUYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. I, formerly known and addressed as OBONYILO PHILIP PHILIP. now wish to be known and addressed as OBONYILO PHILIP OCHEOLA. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as SULE OSENI now wish to be known and addressed as SULIAMON OSENI. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note. I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULRASAQ BARAKAT ADEJOKE. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GBOTESHO BARAKAT ADEJOKE. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known as NKANTA, WILLIAM NFREKEOBONG OBOT NKANATAH and JOSEPH FRIDAY KALU. Now wish to be known as WISDOM-NFREKEOBONG HAROUN ABRAHAM. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as EMILY UNYIME GABRIEL now wish to be known and addressed as EMILY UNYIME AGAPE . All former documents remain valid. General public take note. I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPHINE UDOCHUKWU EMENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UCHE - OBASI JOSEPHINE UDOCHUKWU. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known as OMONIJADE EDNA MERIT now wish to be known and addressed as MAKINDE EDNA MERIT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKORO VINCENT CHINEDU now wish to be known and addressed as CHRISTIAN CHINEDU VINCENT KINDNESS. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

That my name was wrongly written severally as MICHEAL OGIGBOR EGBE, MICHEAl EGBESEMWINGIE both in my International passport and my banks. But wish to be known and addressed as OGIEGOR MICHAEL EGBE. All former documents remain valid. GTB, UBA, ACCESS BANk and the general public should take note.

engagement as military helicopters have been deployed to the area in search of the illegal camps. He however pointed out that civilians and residents of the area are not in anyway harassed in the ongoing exercise as the operation is not within residential or business area but inside bushes and forests where the camps are located. He, however, urged residents of the area to go about their lawful duties as the exercise is only targeted at hoodlums who are hell-bent on destabilising the existing peace enjoyed in Imo State.

This is to notify the general public that the marriage between MRS OAKFOR TAMUNOSIKI ANNA and MR OKAFOR IFEANYI MCDONALD has been dissolved on the 20 July 2018.

in three facilities belonging to the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police in Abuja, have regained their freedom. A statement by the group said the release of the detainees followed the consideration of their bail application filed on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 before an Abuja Grade 11 Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse. The group also released pictures of the 63 young men granted bail. “Their abduction and confinement clearly amount to unspeakable illegality and unconstitutionality”, it said. The statement added that the freed victims were part of over 400 innocent and defenceless Obigbo residents, including over 60 girls and young women abducted between October and November 2020 at their work places or on their way home from work or while engaging in other lawful social activities. Intersociety said the release of the 63 abductees was made possible through the efforts of Mr. ER Okoroafor, a British citizen of Igbo nativity and international human rights lawyer. Army Spokesman, BrigadierGeneral Mohammed Yerima, had in a chat with THISDAY denied that the young men were detained in any army facility.

Osun Govt is Responsible, Responsive, Says VSF Victims Support Fund, the Nigeria Foundation that provides interventions to support victims of terrorism and insurgency as well as support to agencies involved in the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria, has lauded the Governor Gboyega Oyetola-led government in Osun State, describing it as a responsible and responsive government deserving of strategic interventions and partnerships. The Victims Support Fund Taskforce on COVID-19, at the official commissioning and handing over of a 4,000-litre solar-enabled borehole as well as hygiene and sanitation facilities to three post-basic schools across the three senatorial districts of the state, also lauded the Osun State government for the proactive way it has managed the Covid-19 pandemic before and since an index case was confirmed.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Learn the Unlearning Process - 2

Tom Bassanoof Phd/IslamiCity

(continued from last week) Introduction

This paper reveals some of the factors that inhibit and block people’s desire to unlearn human-made religious aspects. Resisting unlearning generated by fear and anxiety related to admitting the limitations to spiritual knowledge and practices that hindered tribal leaders or many people from accepting Islam. Muhammad (PBUH) While Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) contemplated the existence and the hereafter, the angel Gabriel asked him to read! Since the Prophet was illiterate, he replied, “I am illiterate,” the angel recited Sura 96, Verse 1 “Read! In the Name of your Lord, HE has created (all that exists.)” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his tribe, and most Arabian tribes were monotheistic (Takoosh, 2009, p. 273). Still, according to many Verses in the Holy Quran, Arabs believed in the unity of Allah. For example, Sura 39, Verse 38 stated that if you had asked Arabs before the time of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) “Who created the heavens and the earth?” they would indeed say, “Allah.” Furthermore, Sura 31, Verse 25 indicated if you had queried them, “Who created the heavens and earth?” they would indeed say, “Allah.” Despite knowing Allah the Almighty and their annual pilgrimage to Makkah, the leaders of the Arab tribes declared war and coordinated their efforts to eliminate the message of Allah. At the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Arab leaders posed relentless resistance to learn, unlearning Satanism’s practices, and learn the right path to Allah Almighty. The Arab leaders’ opposition was triggered by the fear of losing power and prestige since Islam treats all people equally regardless of title, wealth, position, color,

or birthplace. Additionally, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) endured hostilities initiated by other tribes and by his uncle, according to Sura 111, Verse 1 “Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab and perish he! Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion (Abu Bakr) escaped from Makkah to Medina. They avoided being captured by the nonbelievers, and they sheltered in a cave. For subsiding the fear of his companion, he said to his companion (Abu Bakr): “Be not sad (or afraid). surely Allah is with us” (Sura 9, Verse 40). During his time in Medina, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) focused on teaching authentic Islamic manners and abolishing ignorant behaviors. His focus was on discovering and unlearning the naive, arrogant process and adopting Islamic behaviors. According to Sahih Muslim 1661, Book 27, Hadith 61, the companion, Abu Dharr, argued with another companion whose mother was non-Arab; Abu Dharr addressed the latter and said, “Your mother was a non-Arab.” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expressed his disappointment, with a voice of dissatisfaction, he said: “Abu Dharr, you are a person who still has (the remnants) of ignorance in him, they (your servants and slaves) are your brothers.” Prophets faced prosecution and suffered resentment for guiding their people to Allah’s right path and learning unlearning Satanism’s practices. Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) rejected his people’s religion at a young age, and his people tried to burn him alive. Prophet Musa (PBUH) rejected Pharaoh’s religion. He feared for his life, and he stayed out of Egypt for eight to ten years. Prophet Isa (PBUH) faced a conspiracy for killing him, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced a similar plot for killing him. All these plots failed, and the Holy Quran stated, “they were plotting, and Allah too was planning. and Allah is the Best of the planners” (Sura 8, Verse 30).

Ten Principles for Those Seeking the Path of Allah Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali/SuhaibWebb/IslamiCity Principle 1: Have a sincere, unwavering intention. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “each person will be rewarded for what he intended” (Muslim). This calls for determination in the heart to continuously act or to abstain from something only for God’s sake. A sign of having sincere intentions is that one does not change his resolve for fleeting reasons; what is done for God, the Truth, should not be forsaken to please His creation. Principle 2: Work purely for God, (the One) without partners or associates. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “worship God as though you see Him, but if you do not see Him (know that) He sees you” (Muslim). A sign of working purely for God is to not accept anything except the truth, and to see everything else besides the truth as vain and fleeting. As the prophet (PBUH) said, “Let the slave of the dinar perish” (Bukhari). One should also beware of falling into doubtful matters. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Leave what is doubtful for what is not doubtful” (Tirmidhi and Nasa’i). Principle 3: Align one’s desires with the guidelines and rulings of the Shari`ah (Islamic law). Be patient in times of hardship and difficulty, when struggling with personal desires, and in avoiding sinful acts and pleasures. Whoever practices this regularly reaches a state whereby he is in his sleep as if he were awake [worshipping], in his mixing with people as if he were in seclusion, in his fulfillment as if he were hungry, in his pride as if he were humiliated, and in talking to others as if he were silent. Principle 4: Base one’s actions on following [the prophet’s way and scholarly opinions], and not on innovation. This prevents the following of one’s own desires and becoming proud of one’s own opinion. Surely, a person who takes himself as his own ruler will not succeed. Principe 5: Have high ambitions, and do not procrastinate. It is said: “do not leave today’s work until tomorrow,” because actions are built on each another; and whoever is content with a lower [status] will be deprived of a higher one. Principle 6: Be aware of one’s incapability and insignificance. This is not referring to laziness in worship or lack

of productivity in work. It is about realizing that one is not capable of doing any action without support from God, the Most Capable, and Most Generous. This awareness is also manifested in viewing other people with respect and reverence, for people are means and helpers of one another on the path to God, the Exalted and Most Bountiful. Principle 7: Have fear and hope, and do not be sure that your good deeds are accepted until you have witnessed this [on the Day of Judgment]. One should have hope not because of the good deeds themselves, but because God Himself is the Most Benevolent and Generous. Principle 8: Be consistent in one’s wird (regular litany of worship), for the one without a wird does not have additional source of support from God. With a wird, the soul opens up in public and private; it becomes more mindful of the rights of others; it increases in loving and hating for others what it loves or hates for itself. Also, having that wird makes one work more for God in order to please Him, just as a person would love that God does for him what he finds pleasing. Principle 9: Be constantly observant of your actions and do not stray away from the remembrance of God even the blink of an eye. For the one who is always observant of his heart for the sake of God, and does not let other than God enter his heart besides, is one who has truly found God, experienced His Benevolence, and has reached ‘ilm al-yaqeen (certain knowledge). This is manifested in seeing God as the Enabler or Mover of everything that remains still or in motion around us. One’s mindfulness then increases from there until he recognizes that God is the Sustainer of everything, so His interaction with the creation is characterized by the best of manners. (Exemplifying this), the Prophet said: “My Lord taught me good manners, and He gave me the best of manners.” Principle 10: Know what one should be occupied with, both internally and externally for whoever thinks that he is not in need of obeying [God and His messenger] is a broke man who is in opposition to God’s words: “...Say ‘If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you’ “ ( Quran 3:31) This is the foundation upon which have been built castles like no other.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

EFCC Uncovers Internet Scam Training Centre, Arrests 27

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have uncovered another training centre for the grooming of internet fraudsters.

The ‘academy’ located in the Arab Contractors area of Mpape Hills, a suburb of Abuja, was discovered when operatives, acting on intelligence, stormed the base yesterday and arrested 27 internet fraud suspects. EFCC had discovered an

internet fraud academy in the Bwari axis of Abuja, where 10 suspects said to be learning the trade of cyber trickery were arrested. A statement issued yesterday

by the EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, indicated that the coordinator of the Mpape centre, said to be 30-year-old Emmanuel Clement, and his ‘students’ were mostly young

school leavers, including ladies within the age range of 18 and 25 years. The statement titled, ‘EFCC uncovers another internet fraud training centre in Abuja’, said,

“Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Venza car, 30 mobile phones and one laptop. They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Stop Blackmailing S’Court, Metuh Warns Anti-graft Agency Davidson Iriekpen Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow the apex court the liberty to adjudicate on matters before it rather than blackmailing it for ulterior motives. This is even as the PDP stalwart who recently returned from a medical trip to the United Kingdom, accused the anti-graft body of sponsoring publications in the media with the sole intent of influencing the highest court in his corruption trial. In a statement made available to journalists yesterday, Metuh vowed to resist any attempt to pronounce his guilty before trial, adding that his ordeal is nothing short of persecution. The statement read: “My attention has been drawn to publications sponsored by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in a renewed media trial in my case, this time aimed at blackmailing and influencing the Supreme Court on the matter. “Such media trial and agendasetting by the EFCC compromised the processes at the High Court and led to a judgment that has been found to be overtly biased. “I, therefore, wish to state, without any equivocation, that I will no longer allow a government agency created to chase criminals to continue to use me as a guinea pig for political persecution, particularly as we are now before the Supreme Court.

“I am aware that this attempt to blackmail and arm-twist the Supreme Court is being engineered by certain elements in the EFCC, who often whisper that they are acting on pressures from above. These same people had claimed that they were being threatened by the former Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu to use all means to silence me. “The prosecution counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir from Gombe State, had boasted in open court on several occasions, but particularly on the last day of my cross-examination, that I will be sent to jail and no appeal can overturn the judgment. “A cursory look at the judgment of the court of the first instance reveals importation of lies earlier peddled by the EFCC upon my arrest and outside of the courtroom and which were never presented as evidence in the course of the trial. It is quite revealing that such lies found themselves as the content of the judgment. Does it mean that the EFCC as part of writing the judgment read by the court? “Since the quashing of the judgment of the trial court by the Court of Appeal, agents of the EFCC have been harassing and threatening me. “Now that the matter has been filed before the Supreme Court, these same EFCC agents have started going around boasting about the composition of the panel, the judgment it will deliver and even giving the date it will be delivered.

Kano to Conduct Compulsory HIV, TB Tests for Staff of Bakeries, Food Vendors Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (CPC) yesterday pledged to conduct compulsory HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis tests for staff of restaurants, eateries, bakeries and other food processing companies in the state. The acting Managing Director of the council, Mr. Bappa Babba Dan-agundi, said the motive behind the test is to make the state free from contaminated consumables capable of destroying public health. He told journalists in his office yesterday that the exercise would commence by March 2021, stating that any food vendor who tests positive to any of the infections would be compelled to leave for safe public health. “All food producing companies must obtain health certificates to ensure that their staff members do not have

tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases that could be transmitted to people. “Also, this health certification will be extended to eateries. All management of eateries must ensure that their staff members are medically certified and free from the diseases mentioned earlier,” Dan-agundi noted. He regretted that many residents had contaminated infections through contaminated foods affected by the vendors, assuring the state that the council would launch the health certificate operation where record of all operators in the food distribution and production industry would be captured. The acting managing director emphasised that the registration is free of charge, insisting that the council will not hesitate to shut down any outlets that compromise standard and regulations.

CURBING DRUG ABUSE…

L-R: Executive Director, Global Initiative on Substance Abuse, Mr. Martins Agwogie; Lead Convener, Drug Free Arewa Movement (DFAM), Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf; and wife of the Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs. Asia Ahmad El-Rufai, during the second annual conference on DFAM drug and substance abuse in Abuja...yesterday

Miyetti Allah Defends Mohammed, Berates Ortom, Akeredolu A Fulani socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani, has hailed Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, for stating that herdsmen carry AK-47 rifles to defend themselves. The association, in its reactions to the governor’s comment, which has been greeted with wide criticisms, said Mohammed’s intervention on the ongoing farmer/herders’ conflict was simply to state the obvious devoid of the current “politicisation.” In a statement by its National Secretary, Mr. Saleh Alhassan,

Miyyeti Allah described Mohammed as the only voice among his peers in the North that has risen in defence of pastoralists being persecuted across Nigeria. The statement titled: ‘His Excellency Abdulkadir Bala Mohammed – Executive Governor Bauchi State: The gradual emergence of a courageous northern leader,’ also carpeted Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom over alleged perceived hatred for the Fulani race. It also alleged Ortom’s achievement in office since 2015

was his “obnoxious” anti-open grazing law in the state. The group also attacked Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, accusing him of being behind the creation of Amotekun allegedly unleashing terror on herders Ondo and Oyo states. Miyetti Allah said: “Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Executive Governor of Bauchi State has gradually emerged as the only lone voice among his peers in the North to come out openly in the defense of the Fulani pastoralists that are being persecuted across many states

through enactment of negative obnoxious laws against their means of livelihoods and the issuance of illegal eviction notices from their places of abode against the constitutional provisions.” The association stressed that Mohammed has refused to be like Ortom whose only achievement in the rising of ethnic militia and gang leaders that have been vising mayhem of killings in his state, and whose only evidence of dividends of democracy to his citizens was the creation of obnoxious anti-grazing laws.

Don’t Take Laws into Your Hands, Ooni Warns OPC The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, yesterday cautioned members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) against taking the laws into their hands. The traditional ruler urged the group to be law-abiding. Ooni gave the advice when he received members of the OPC, led by its President, Prince Osibote in his palace. The traditional ruler described the association as a great promoter of Yoruba tradition, ethics and principles.

“Do not involve yourself in extrajudicial practices that could create more problems than we are trying to solve,’’ he admonished. The Ooni advised members of the association to unite and avoid acts that could result in factions. “For the sake of the sweet memories of your late founder, Frederick Fasehun, I am appealing to all of you to have a rallying point so that you can be united. “You can have several

leaders all over, what I am appealing for is unity of purpose and common interest toward developing the Yoruba nation. “If you know the meaning of the name ‘Oduduwa’, you would place it high above all forms of selfish interests. “I urge you all to be conscious of your words and actions, because the people out there are watching,’’ he said. Earlier, Osibote, who said that the OPC “is made up of responsible persons,’’ said he

believed “in the one Nigeria’ project’’. “I have told my followers and I will like to state it again unequivocally that I am only interested in the peace and development of the Yoruba race. “I am not a politician and would never be involved in politics. “We have come to greet our baba (the Ooni) to receive his blessings and also assure him that we will continue to support him,’’ Osibote said.

Senate Moves to Halt Revenue Leakages on Medical Tourism Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Senate has commenced moves to block revenue leakages from medical tourism with the consideration of a bill that would reduce the number of Nigerians traveling to other countries for medical care. The bill entitled: “Federal Medical Centres (Establishment) Bill, 2021” sponsored by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, passed through the second reading at plenary yesterday.

Leading debate on the bill, Senator Ahmed said the absence of a legal framework for the regulation, development and management of Federal Medical Centres to set standards for rendering health services was responsible for hindering the provision of intensive, effective and efficient health care services to the people of Nigeria. According to her, “this has led to a number of challenges in the health sector

including but not limited to under-funding, weak facilities and infrastructure, poor motivation of health workers, low budget, weak accountability, conflicts with the political structure of the states and industrial strikes which has led to inadequacies, shortcomings and weaknesses which hinder effective health care delivery services.” She noted that the passage of the bill will “reduce the number of Nigerians who have to go to other countries

for medical care.” The Senator lamented that, “an average of 20,000 Nigerians travel to India each year for medical assistance due to the absence of a solid healthcare system at home.” She further noted that the piece of legislation would also sufficiently address remuneration of the employees of the Medical Centers which in turn would check the exodus of doctors and nurses to other countries.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS D’Tigers Beat Rwanda to Maintain Impressive Run

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

2021 AFROBASKET QUALIFIERS

To conclude the series against Mali Today

Nigeria’s D’Tigers continued their dominance of African basketball yesterday with another emphatic

64-51pts win over Rwanda at the ongoing 2021 FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers in Monastir, Tunisia.

The win which was hard fought came on the heel of a solid defensive display in the second half against a stubborn Rwandan team who led for the better part of the game. It was all about Keith Omoerah who led the scorers chart clocking 13pts and 6 rebounds while debutant Abdul-Malik Abu came off the bench to contribute 9pts, 3 rebounds and 1 steal as D’Tigers reaffirmed their dominance on the continent. Rwanda who will be

hosting the next Afrobasket Championships came out smoking in the first half outscoring Nigeria 22-14, 9-16 to head into half time with a 31-30pts advantage. D’Tigers turned up the heat and brought their experience to bare in the second half with some impressive defensive and offensive work to neutralize their opponent (14-10, 20-10) and close out the game. Chima Moneke continued his fairy tale run with the team scoring 8pts, 8 rebounds and 4

steals while Ike Iroegbu dropped 9pts and caught 7 rebounds. In his post-match conference, stand-in Head Coach, Mfon Udofia, praised his team for their resilience. He told journalists that the victory was a pointer to the overall quality of the team with the bench contributing a total of 3 points and 8 assists. “It’s a tale of two halves. We came out after a slow start; we picked it up, settled down, got stops and got the win,” observed the Nigerian Coach.

One of the most experienced players in the team, Ben Uzoh said he never expected Rwanda to just roll over and give the team an easy passage. “Every time we take to the court, especially here in Africa, everybody wants to give us their best shots. Hats off to the way Rwanda played in the first half, but hats off more for us for regrouping during the half time and coming out to really play Nigerian basketball. I am glad we came out victorious,” he concluded.

D’Tigers’ Chima Moneke during the game with Rwanda... yesterday

Super Eagles Drop One Place in February FIFA Rankings Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles have dropped one place from 35th to 36th in the latest February rankings released by FIFA yesterday morning. The three-time African champions were also leapfrogged by Morocco to be ranked fifth in African standings. There were no changes in the top three places as Senegal retain the top spot in Africa while Tunisia and Algeria also maintained the second and third positions. The Teranga Lions are 20th globally on 1558 points with Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles are 26th on 1503 points. Eagles who are going to restart the AFCON 2022 qualifiers next month against Benin Republic and Lesotho accrued a total of 1474 points. Interestingly, the just concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Cameroon meant for players plying their trades in the various leagues in the continent, played

a role in deciding the current standings. This was why winners Morocco moved two places up while runners-up Mali made the most progress climbing three places up. Elsewhere, third-placed Guinea and quarter-finalists Congo also moved a place up. At the global level, 2020 team of the year, Belgium, remain at the summit of world rankings with 1780 points. Their three immediate chasers – France (2nd), Brazil (3rd) and England (4th) – retain their respective rankings. Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Italy completed the Top 10 of world football. Hosts of the next 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, boast a striking 1391 points over the course of a year to finish fifth in Asia and 58th in the world. The next FIFA/CocaCola World Rankings will be published on 8 April 2021.

Wikki FC Players Involved in Auto-crash Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Players and officials of Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi State escaped death by the whiskers yesterday morning as the bus conveying them to Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, for this weekend’s NPFL Match-day 11 fixture with Dakkada FC was involved in an accident. Secretary of the club, Mallam Abdullahi Ibrahim who confirmed the incident to newsmen in a telephone interview disclosed that the accident occurred at Hawan Kibo in Plateau State. According to him,” Yes one of the tyres of the bus burst and the vehicle was engulfed by fire. Fortunately the vehicle did not somersault and all the players and other occupants were able to escape through the

windows of the bus. No one was hurt but the players and the occupants are in shock.” He explained further that the bus left Bauchi at about 4: 00 am on Thursday and was moving smoothly before the accident. Malay Ibrahim further revealed that the kits and other belongings of all the players and officials in the bus were completely burnt as they could not retrieve anything from the burning bus. “Thank God no one is hurt but the players are in the deep shock. Most of them escaped the burning bus through the windows. “We have spoken with Plateau United FC officials to assist us with a bus to convey the players and officials back to Bauchi,” the club secretary who is the Marafan Ciroman Bauchi revealed.

Super Eagles players are looking forward to moving up in the next rankings after playing Benin Republic and Lesotho in AFCON 2022 qualiﬁers

TURKISH WOMEN’S CUP

Ihezuo’s Winner Sends Falcons Flying over CSKA Moscow Ladies Nigeria to play Uzbekistan and Equatorial Guinea next African champions Nigeria earned a 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow Ladies yesterday in their opener to the ongoing Turkish Women’s Tournament in the city of Antalya. Chinwendu Ihezuo netted the only goal of the match at the Emir Sports Complex as the Super Falcons showed real gusto and enthusiasm in their first match of any kind since being eliminated in the race for a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics

16 months ago. Petite forward Francisca Ordega was outstanding in a game the nine-time African champions dominated play and created a hatful of chances. It was a first call for new Head Coach, Randy Waldrum who signed his working agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation 24 hours before the encounter. Nigeria capped Germanybased midfielder Patricia George

and Spain-based Antoniette Payne, also a midfielder, in a match that Waldrum expressed his pleasure with the overall performance of his charges. “I am pleased with the performance considering that the team has not been together for over a year. “We did quite well in the first half and for me, it was great getting a result in this first camp and outing with the team. We somewhat lost our

way a few times in the second half, but on the balance, we did well and can only get better,” stressed the coach. The Super Falcons now countenance potentially tougher duels against the Women’s National Team of Uzbekistan and Equatorial Guinea, with the Uzbeks in line for Saturday morning while the Nzalang National (two-time African champions) lie in wait on Tuesday morning.

E U R O PA L E A G U E

Ndidi, Iheanacho, Olayinka in Action as Leicester Held by Slavia Prague Wilfred Ndidi and his Super Eagles teammate, Kelechi Iheanacho were in action as Leicester City held Slavia Prague to a 0-0 draw away, in their Europa League first-leg round-of-32 clash on Thursday night. Also in action was Peter Olayinka who saw 90 minutes of action for Slavia Prague. While Ndidi played the full duration of the game Iheanacho was brought on for Jamie Vardy in the 64th minute.

Elsewhere, Joe Aribo scored the opener as Glasgow Rangers snatched 4-3 away victory against Royal Antwerp FC. However, it was night of teeth gnashing for returnee Victor Osimhen and his Napoli teammates as they suffered 0-2 defeat at Granada. Samuel Chukwueze who returned to Villarreal’s line up for the first time since first week of January was however an unused substitute as his Spanish La Liga team went to Salzburg to grab a 2-0 victory

in the Round of 32 first leg. In Portugal, Bukayo Saka saved Arsenal blushes as he canceled Benfica’s advantage. The game ended one-all. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his Manchester United side are out to correct last season’s Europa League mistakes after they took a huge stride towards the last 16 by thrashing Real Sociedad 4-0 in Turin. United, among the favourites for the competition after dropping down from the

Champions League, were beaten by Sevillain one of three cup semi-final defeats they endured last season. Bruno Fernandes was once again in inspirational form, scoring twice as Solskjaer’s side dominated a poor Sociedad. Fernandes took advantage of hesitant defending to open the scoring in Turin and then stroked in from the edge of the area for a second - which was awarded by VAR after he was initially flagged offside.

Friday February 19, 2021

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MISSILE

ACF to Defence Minister

“He also owes Nigerians and particularly, the victims of these terrorists’ acts an apology for such comments are insensitive and demonstrate a complete misinterpretation of our plight as lawful citizens” – Spokesman of ACF, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, asking the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Magashi, to apologise to Nigerians for asking them to defend themselves against bandits.

DONALDDUKE GUEST COLUMNIST

America and a Lost Africa

merica lost Africa for four years under Donald Trump. The Joe Biden Administration can regain it. Essentially, the United States should resist the temptation to compartmentalise the world into neatly convenient areas of descending strategic interest to it. The Trump Administration was a past master at that game. Its ideological war with China privileged the Indo-Pacific region over all others. Incidentally, the region was known as the Asia-Pacific before the Americans decided to rename it, in order to bring in India as a counterweight to China. (Hence the “Indo”). A new strategic geography was created almost overnight. The rest of the world had no choice but to live with this imagined creation and readjust its own priorities. Japan, South Korea, Australia and the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations suddenly found themselves to be a part of the Indo-Pacific. True, the geographical concept of the Indo-Pacific precedes the Trump ascendancy, but his political construct of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific was a thinly-veiled attempt to contain China. After the Indo-Pacific came the European Union. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation bound Europe existentially to America, except that Russia was in no mood to give up its historical dominance of eastern Europe. The Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked the limits of transAtlantic power in Europe, the American invocation which had sought to write Russia out of contemporary European history simply because the Soviet Empire had dissolved. Thanks to the successful American invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and regime change in Libya, the Middle East receded from American priorities, except for Syria, where Russian and Iranian intervention upheld the Bashar

Biden al-Assad regime against the sustained Western assault on it. The North, Latin and South Americas formed the next tier of interest to the United States. Physical proximity does not guarantee foreign policy visibility. Neither Canada nor Mexico threatened America militarily. The only challenge was the demographic one: the steady arrival in the United States of illegal immigrants from impoverished neighbors. The Trump dispensation went to work on securing borders. Then came Africa. It did not have a China to question the primacy of the United States. It did not have a Britain or a Germany that had produced the historical template for the United States of America. Unlike the Middle East, it did not have a religious community extensive enough to pose the challenge of a clash of civilizations with a largely Christian but ultimately secular United States. And

Africa lay nowhere close to America. Hence its place at the bottom of the American strategic barrel. In the American imagination, Africa was compartmentalized out of its geographical identity as a world civilization. By that term, I mean a continent where human history began, where humans held on to their agency as historical actors in spite of the colonial Scramble for Africa, and where thinkers and activists participate in the unfolding of global history to this day. It is that Africa which America should re-engage after the hiatus of the Trump years. The key to that re-engagement lies in China. This point is made trenchantly by Rand Corporation senior political scientist Michael Shurkin in a recent article. “Seeing Africans as Africans and not pawns in some great game paradoxically could go a long way toward strengthening the United States’ position in its competition with other powers,” he argues, “especially if it translates into engagement with, and investment in, African economies and institutions in ways that are not limited to and transparently about countering Chinese moves.” Shurkin lays out the demographic stakes on the table. Africa’s share of the global population stands at 17 per cent, he points out, and it is projected to grow to about 25 per cent by 2050 and 40 per cent by 2100. Four sub-Saharan African countries are projected to be among the ten most populous nations in 2100, among them Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. America, by contrast, is projected to be inhabited by 424 million people. Even assuming that China continues on its growth strategy till then, would it not make sense for 424 million Americans to recognize Africa’s demographic strength, economic potential and political weight in international affairs at that time in the future? If so, the effort to build bridges

with Africa should begin now. The Biden Administration needs to shift Africa out of America’s China strategy. Africans are not interested in the global balance of power between the United States and the People’s Republic of China because they do not wish to have to choose between friends. China’s economic links with Africa are welcome, particularly in the realm of infrastructure and connectivity. Equally so, however, are American investment, technical know-how, and strategic heft. Everywhere in this world, Chinese are a fact of economic, political and strategic life. That fact cannot be wished away. Equally, however, Americans are a cultural fixture of African life. I cannot think of a single African nation where the majority of citizens hate and reject the American way of life. The heady mix of personal, economic and political freedom that the United States promises -- although it does not produce that combination always for all its citizens -- is a lodestar of the African sky. Africans admire China for its economic progress and its sparkling ability to preserve law and order. America seems messy by contrast, but its political freedoms show a way out of the mess. Africans, who love prosperity and freedom in equal measure, are neither pro-Chinese and anti-American nor the other way around. Africans are pro-African. So should the United States be. China does not ask Africa to choose between it and America. Nor should America. Africa was known once, in the most racist of ways, as the Dark Continent. It became the Lost Continent under Trump. Under Biden, it could become a part of the world regained for America. Africans welcome the new dawn. Let the sun shine now. r%VLF JT B GPSNFS (PWFSOPS PG $SPTT 3JWFS 4UBUF

Smith’s Westbrook, Nigeria’s EbonyLife Collaborate on Film, TV Slate Andreas Wiseman

Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios is teaming up with EbonyLife Studios, one of Nigeria’s leading content companies, on a slate of co-produced film and television projects each connected to the African continent. The deal is the first of its kind for Westbrook in Africa. Under the partnership, the companies will produce at least two series and one film, including the below projects: Dada Safaris is an ‘Afropolitan’ dramedy series. It follows four best friends who, after finding themselves at personal and career dead ends, take a leap to the wild side when one of them inherits her late husband’s long-forgotten family-owned safari lodge and invites her friends to join her newfound purpose- renovating

and relaunching the business. In The Gods, a pair of married Cambridge professors set out to find answers to a surge of natural disasters, but find seven long forgotten African gods instead. Enlisting the help of two divine African children who can communicate with the immortals, the unlikely team must find the secret behind the awakening of the gods before the world as they know it is forever changed. Are We Getting Married? is a comedy feature set in the U.S. and tells the story of the daughter of an embarrassingly wealthy Nigerian family who falls in love with a nerdy but charming African American from Atlanta and their decision to get married. While the couple hopes for an intimate ceremony, their parents have other ideas, and they are faced with the option of either standing their ground or

agreeing to have the big Yoruba by way of Atlanta wedding they never wanted. As we revealed last month, Westbrook’s recent expansion includes an international pact with Israel’s Euphoria producer Tedy Productions. EbonyLife has previously struck deals with studios including Netflix and Sony Pictures TV. Westbrook Studios SVP, Head of International TV & Film, Eli Shibley, said: “As we set out to focus our initial slate of international content for the studio business across a diversified set of key territories and regions, the creative energy and world class artistry coming out of Africa is absolutely undeniable. We are thrilled to be working with a best-in-class producer like Mo and her EbonyLife team to tell stories that uniquely celebrate African characters and perspectives and resonate with fans of great film and television

around the world.” “We all dream of lofty goals becoming a reality, then one day those dreams come true,” added EbonyLife CEO, Mo Abudu. “I’m proud to announce that our vision of EbonyLife Studios being in partnership with Will and Jada’s Westbrook Studios is now real. Westbrook‘s goal is to create and curate powerful and inclusive content. This is completely in line with our vision at EbonyLife – to tell global African stories from our perspective. Together, we will be developing a slate of projects that reflect our shared goals. We are beyond excited!” Westbrook’s TV projects include the recently announced Amend: The Fight for America, a six-part docu-series about the Fourteenth Amendment, and a two-season order for Bel-Air, the dramatic reboot of Will Smith’s iconic The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air from Peacock.

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