FRIDAY 3RD APRIL 2020

nd Govs Urge CBN to Suspend States’ Debt Deductions To meet presidential task force on internal borders’ closure Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governors of the 36 states of the federation have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend all funds'

deductions from states and restructure their debt repayments.

The governors, after a teleconference held on Wednesday under the auspices

of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the suspension of the deductions of debts owed by the states till the end of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The teleconference was the second this week, coming after a similar one on Monday during which they resolved to hold their weekly meetings

via teleconferencing as part of the efforts to check the spread of the pandemic in the country.

The governors also called on the CBN to restructure

all debts owed to the federal government by the states.

They also said they would meet with the Presidential Task Continued on page 9

FIRS Collects N1.11tn in Q1, Records 10.4% Revenue Increase ... Page 5 Friday 3 April, 2020 Vol 25. No 9125. Price: N250

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Despite Pandemic, Buhari Insists on Project Implementation, Salaries’Payment Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday instructed members of the Presidential Committee on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Economy to ensure

that the pandemic does not obstruct the implementation of critical infrastructure projects as well as payment of workers' salaries.

The president gave the instruction while receiving a

briefing from the committee at the State House, Abuja.

Members of the committee are: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief

Timipre Sylva; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam

Mele Kyari.

Ahmed told journalists after the meeting that Buhari issued a directive authorising the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to ensure a flow of funds for

the execution of critical infrastructure projects such as road and rail projects.

Ahmed, who said the president also advised that Continued on page 9

COVID-19: Lagos Discharges 11 More Patients as Cases Rise to 184 FG distributes Jack Ma’s 110,751 masks, shields, overall gowns to states Successfully traces 4,260 contacts Opens accounts for COVID-19 engagements Emefiele tests negative Global cases surpass one million mark WHO asks countries on lockdown to provide for the poor Olawale Ajimotokan, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Martins Ifijeh in Lagos Lagos State Government has discharged 11 more COVID-19 patients, the largest single batch since the index case was admitted on February 27, after their viral loads returned negative.

Governor Babajide SanwoOlu broke the news yesterday on his Twitter handle, @ jidesanwoolu, just as the federal government announced the distribution of 110,751 face masks, face shields and overall gowns donated by the Chinese billionaire, Mr. Jack Ma, to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The federal government has also opened an account for the management of COVID-19

cases in the country.

It, however, urged Nigerians to expect possible astronomical rise in the number of positive cases of the COVID-19 in the coming days as it had successfully located 71 per cent of the 6,000 contacts it was tracing.

By yesterday, the country recorded 10 new cases of the virus, jacking up the total to 184.

However, the 10 new cases, announced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), did not include six new cases recorded in Osun State, and independently announced by the state government, which brought the number of patients in the state to 20.

Akwa Ibom State Continued on page 9

SHIELDING THE ECONOMY...

L–R: Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari; Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, during the presidential briefing on the impact of COVID-19 on the economy in Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui

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

FIRS Collects N1.11tn in Q1, Records 10.4% Revenue Increase

James Emejo in Abuja

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has generated a total of N1.11 trillion as tax revenue in the first quarter of the year, representing a 10.4 per cent increase compared to the N1.04 trillion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2019.

The latest performance came amid the turbulence in the global economic system,

particularly the sharp drop in global oil price occasioned by the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FIRS, in a statement yesterday by its Director, Communications and Liaison Department, Mr. Abdullahi Ahmad, attributed the improvement in revenue generation to a "direct result of blockage of leaks in the revenue flow by the wideranging reforms" instituted by

France, Germany Evacuate 637 Citizens from Nigeria, Other W’African Countries

Chinedu Eze

Germany and France yesterday evacuated about 637 European citizens from Nigeria and other parts of West Africa due to the worsening situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the sub-region.

Air France with Flight Number: AF 0986 touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos at 11.04 a.m local time, from Cotonou with 142 passengers and picked 257 passengers from Nigeria, making it a total of 399 passengers.

It took off to Paris at about 3.00 p.m local time.

THISDAY also gathered that Lufthansa Flight 0575 arrived from Munich, Germany at 12.30 p.m local time but was delayed due to technical hitches and eventually took off by 3.45 p.m back to Munich with 238 passengers.

The two airlifts, it was learnt, were described as

essential flights because they were authorised as emergency evacuation by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

Since the federal government closed Nigeria’s airspace for scheduled international flights in order to arrest the spread of COVID-19 in the midnight of March 23, some countries have evacuated their citizens from Nigeria.

Last week, Air France evacuated 260 Europeans from Nigeria and last Sunday Air Peace evacuated over 270 Israelis from Nigeria to Tel-Aviv.

The Air France evacuation was a follow-up to the first batch of airlift backed by the initial approvals received from the federal government, THISDAY learnt.

The evacuees said they feared a possible spike of the virus’ cases in Nigeria, noting that they had advanced medical system and personnel that would enable them to treat their citizens in case they were infected.

the Executive Chairman of the service, Mr. Muhammad Nami, since his assumption of office in December last year.

The service has an N8.5 trillion target for 2020.

The performance had been enhanced by a massive 568 per cent increase in capital gains tax from N96,408,740.90 in Q1 2019 to N643,935,849.06 in Q1 2020.

It also recorded a 522 per cent increase in collection from the NITDEF, which amounted to N691,206,855.85 in Q1 this year, compared to N111,037,797.16 in Q1 2019.

Similarly, Company Income

Tax (CIT) increased by 135 per cent to N95,733,194,644.91 in the period under review from N40,696,980,658.52 in Q1 2019, while stamp duty collection recorded 40 per cent increase to N4,750,893,578.48, from N3,386,648,663.85 in the corresponding quarter of last year.

In the education sector, FIRS recorded an 82 per cent increase in its collection of education tax, which amounted to N13,123,624,697.40 in Q1 2020, compared to N7,229,644,397.68 last year.

The service noted that both NCS and Non-Import VAT also

increased by 12.4 per cent in Q1 to N63,296,684,819.79 and N266,264,753,625.13 respectively from the Q1 2019 figures of N57,008,866,617.53 and N236,030,481,054.83 respectively.

However, Petroleum Income Tax, Withholding Tax and Personal Income Tax declined in the period under review, a development tax analysts attributed to fluctuations in the price of crude oil in the international market as well as the interregnum witnessed between passing the 2019 Finance Act into law and its coming to effect on February 1, 2020.

Ahmad said: "Since taking the mantle of leadership at FIRS, Mr. Nami has instituted a regime of policy reforms anchored on the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to block tax leaks and motivated members of staff at the FIRS by restoring a number of their statutory roles hitherto outsourced to private consultants back to the staff.

"Moving forward and as ongoing reforms and deployment of more ICT platforms at FIRS take root in Q22020, the service expects a brighter outlook in revenue collections."

CURBING THE PANDEMIC...

L-R: Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Benson Agadaga; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; and Secretary to State Government, Mr. Konbowei Benson, during the signing of Bayelsa State Infectious Disease Emergency Prevention Regulation 2020 on COVID 19 in Yenagoa… yesterday

IATA: Nigerian Airlines Lose 3.5m Passengers, $760m Revenue to COVID-19 NCAA suspends issuance of certificates to airlines, pilots Chinedu Eze International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said Nigerian airlines have airlifted 3.5 million fewer passengers resulting in a $760 million revenue loss since the onset of the disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

The fallout of the setback would endanger 91,380 jobs and $650 million contribution to the Nigerian economy, the associations stated in a statement obtained yesterday

by THISDAY. The pandemic has also prompted the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the issuance and processing of Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and other related certificates to aviation personnel.

IATA, therefore, reiterated its call for urgent action from governments in Africa and the Middle East to provide financial relief to airlines as the latest IATA analysis indicated that the two regions’ airlines have potentially lost $23 billion.

IATA said African airlines lost about $4 billion, while Middle East airlines lost $19 billion, which translates into a drop of industry revenues by 32 per cent for Africa and 39

per cent for the Middle East for 2020 as compared to 2019.

Its breakdown showed that Ethiopia airlifted 1.6 million fewer passengers resulting in a $0.3 billion revenue loss, risking 327,062 jobs and $1.2 billion in contribution to Ethiopia’s economy, while Kenya airlifted 2.5 million fewer passengers resulting in a $0.54 billion revenue loss, risking 137,965 jobs and $1.1 billion in contribution to Kenya’s economy.

IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Muhammad Al Bakri, said to minimise the broad damage that these losses would have across the African and Middle East economies, it was vital that governments step up efforts to aid the industry.

“Many governments in the region have committed to provide relief from the effect of COVID-19. And some have already taken direct action to support aviation, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. But more help is needed. IATA is calling for a mixture of direct financial support, loans, loan guarantees and support for the corporate bond market tax relief,” the association stated.

IATA said it was also starting

to see governments in the region providing some financial and tax reliefs, including deferral of aircraft lease payments by the government of Cabo Verde, an extension of VAT refund payment dates in Saudi Arabia and positive considerations for financial relief from governments across the region including Jordan, Rwanda, Angola and the UAE. “The air transport industry is an economic engine, supporting up to 8.6 million jobs across Africa and the Middle East and $186 billion in GDP. Every job created in the aviation industry supports another 24 jobs in the wider economy.

“Governments must recognise the vital importance of the air transport industry and that support is urgently needed. Airlines are fighting for survival in every corner of the world. Travel restrictions and evaporating demand mean that, aside from cargo, there is almost no passenger business.

Failure by governments to act now will make this crisis longer and more painful.

Airlines have demonstrated their value in economic and social development in Africa and the Middle East and governments need to

prioritise them in rescue packages. Healthy airlines will be essential to jump-start the Middle East and global economies post-crisis,” IATA said.

NCAA Suspends Issuance of Certificates to Airlines, Pilots Meanwhile, NCAA has suspended the issuance and processing of AOC and other related certificates as a result of the increasing spread of COVID-19.

AOC is the approval given to airlines for them to carry on flight operations and NCAA also issues certificates to pilots, engineers, cabin crew and others for them to carry on their professional activities.

In a letter dated April 1 and signed by NCAA DirectorGeneral, Captain Musa Nuhu, told industry stakeholders that aircraft or facility inspections and operational audits paid for by airlines remained suspended until June 30.

It added that no applications or ongoing applications shall be processed during this period for AOC, Approved Maintenance Organisations

(AMO), Aircraft Type Certificate Acceptance, Aircraft Registration and Related Matters, Modifications and Repairs, Airworthiness Certificates, Maintenance Clearance Certificates (MCC) amongst others.

The letter said all existing operators intending to renew their approval certificates and Aircraft Maintenance Clearance Certificates must submit applications and proof of payment electronically, adding that NCAA would conduct desktop evaluations of document and request additional evidence or documents where necessary.

The letter stated that no applications for extensions of maintenance intervals shall be considered during the period, except for essential and emergency flights approved by the Minister of Aviation.

According to the letter, inspections, checks and audits paid for by clients are suspended until further notice.

For the validity of personnel licences, NCAA stated that no new aviation personnel licences would be processed or issued during the lockdown.

"All personnel whose licences are due to expire after April 1 can exercise the privileges of

their licences for an extended period of up to June 30. This applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance engineer, flight dispatchers, aeronautical station operators, air traffic safety electronics personnel and designated examiners.

Medical certificates will be extended for a period of up to June 30," the letter stated.

Meanwhile, the House Committee Chairman on Aviation, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, has appealed to airlines and private organisations within the aviation sector not to abandon their staff in this period of uncertainties occasioned by the pandemic.

Nnaji, who represents Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State, said he was disturbed by the memo issued to its staff by Max Air to the effect that it would not pay its workers’ salaries during the two-week lockdown directive by the federal government.

“The memo, which has now gone viral, further stressed that the state of no-pay would extend if the situation persists and my major worry is that other organisations in the sector may do the same if care is not taken,” he said.

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MNJTF Launches Grand Offensive against Boko Haram, ISWAP Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Following the recent killing of over 100 soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists across the countries involved in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Nigeria, Chad and Niger Republic, MNJTF said

yesterday it has launched a grand offensive against Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

At least 92 soldiers from Chad were killed in the deadliest attack by Boko Haram on the country’s military forces

Improved Gas Supply Pushes Power Generation to over 4,200MW Ejiofor Alike Following the intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in addressing the issue of gas availability to thermal power plants, power supply has risen above 4,200 megawatts.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced an improvement in power generation following the supply of gas to thermal power plants.

The data from the Office of the Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo showed that 4,257 megawatts-hour/hour, was sent out to power users on March 30.

The data noted that the 4,257MWh/h energy was 273.48MW higher than what was generated the previous day.

It showed an improvement in power generation and supply as a result of supply of gas to thermal plants.

TCN had on Monday disclosed that the power sector had in the past weeks continued to experience power supply shortage due to serious gas constraints to most of the nation’s thermal generating stations.

TCN had also explained that gas shortage had restrained optimal generation into the grid and consequently the quantum of electricity transmitted to distribution load centres.

It stated that many thermal power plants could not get gas, adding that the most affected were Geregu Gas Station, Geregu National Integrated Power Project and Sapele NIPP. However, in another update on Wednesday, TCN said the intervention of NNPC had helped in addressing the issue of gas availability to thermal power plants.

This, TCN stated, had significantly improved gas supply to gas generation stations nationwide.

TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said most power plants previously experiencing gas supply shortage had started generating power to the grid.

“If the trend continues, the problem of gas supply to power plants will be resolved in a matter of hours and power distribution companies as well as point load consumers of electricity will be adequately served,” she stated.

penultimate week.

President Idris Derby of Chad had lamented the loss of so many soldiers in the attack that occurred in Boma Peninsula.

"We lost 92 of our soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers. It’s the first time we have lost so many men," he said, after visiting the site of the incident in Lac Province, which borders Niger and Nigeria in an attack that lasted seven hours. Reinforcements were also attacked.

In another confrontation with insurgents by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Gorgi, Borno State last week, 29 soldiers and officers were killed, while 61 others were wounded.

Defence Headquarters said 100 insurgents were killed in the firefight that followed an ambush by the terrorists.

A war update issued by the Acting Director, Directorate of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier-General Bernard Onyeuko, said the massive onslaught was necessitated by the “heinous acts” of the insurgents.

It said the grand offensive was launched to dislodge and rid Lake Chad of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

MNJTF said the troops involved in the massive operation were the Sector 2 MNJTF (Chad Republic), Sector 3 MNJTF (Nigeria) and Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger Republic).

According to him, "MNJTF

has launched a coordinated joint offensive to dislodge and completely rid the Islands (Tunbuns) of Lake Chad of any Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists' presence and activities. The troops involved in this massive operation are the Sector 2 MNJTF (Chad Republic), Sector 3 MNJTF (Nigeria) and Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger Republic).

“It would be recalled that following the sustained onslaught and the decimation of the Boko Haram/ISWAP elements by the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, the criminal insurgents retreated into the Tumbuns of the Lake Chad from where they plan and cowardly attack soft and hard targets.

“These heinous acts

necessitated the contiguous nations of the Lake Chad basin to jointly launch this massive onslaught on the terrorists across the common borders extending into the Northern Tumbuns of the Lake Chad Basin in Nigeria.

"Aside from the combined operations, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole are equally engaged in the conduct of simultaneous blocking operations aimed at decimating those criminal insurgents who are escaping the onslaught at the Lake Chad general area.”

He urged the public to continue to provide credible information on the region’s common enemies to the Armed Forces of Nigeria operating in Operation Lafiya Dole.

ENUGU BATTLES COVID-19...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi; Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmad AbdurRahman; and Director, Department of State Services, Enugu Command, Mr. Obande, during the designation of the State Medical Diagnostic Centre as additional Isolation Centre for treatment of COVID-19 pandemic in Enugu…yesterday

Lockdown: IG Orders Police to Respect Human Rights AI, Falana task FG, security agencies on rights violations Davidson Iriekpen in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed, yesterday warned police personnel against violation of the rights of Nigerians in enforcing the restriction of movements imposed by federal and state governments to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mohammed, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said all police officers deployed in the enforcement of the orders on the restriction of movements must be professional, humane and show utmost respect for the citizenry.

The IG's directive was issued against the backdrop of reports of alleged maltreatment of people suspected to be violating the restriction orders by the police and other security agents.

Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International (AI), and activist lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), also spoke on the alleged rights abuse by security agents with a plea to the federal government to ensure the protection of citizens' dignity.

According to the statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the IG also directed that persons on

essential duties, duly exempted from the restriction orders, should be accorded unfettered access to their places of duties.

He ordered Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure robust anti-crime patrols around vulnerable targets such as markets, shops and medical facilities across the nation.

The statement said: “The Inspector-General of Police, M.A Adamu, has cautioned officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force currently deployed for the enforcement of the lockdown and social restriction orders to ensure that the rights of Nigerians are not infringed upon under any pretext.

"Also, persons on essential duties, duly exempted from the restriction orders, should be accorded due courtesies and unfettered access to and fro their places of duty.

“The IG notes that the global community is now in extra-ordinary times, with the lockdown taking its tolls on every component of our national life. Therefore, all police officers deployed in the enforcement of these restriction orders must be professional, humane and tactful and must show utmost respect to the

citizenry.”

Adamu also quoted as directing command commissioners of police to immediately commence monitoring of police officers deployed in enforcement duties in their areas of responsibilities.

“The IG has equally charged zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) across the nation to ensure adequate supervision of personnel under their watch, as well as due compliance with the standard operating procedure guiding this special task.

“The AIGs and CPs are also to ensure robust anti-crime patrols and surveillance around vulnerable targets such as medical facilities, shops, and markets, residential areas, financial institutions and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) points, amongst others so that criminals do not take undue advantage of the current COVID-19 challenge to perpetrate crimes against the citizenry."

The IG thanked Nigerians for their resilience and voluntary compliance with the social restriction orders and cooperation with the police at all times and urged citizens to continue to observe all precautionary measures issued

by relevant health authorities in order for the nation to defeat the pandemic.

AI, Falana task FG, Security Agencies on Rights Violations AI and Falana, however, tasked the federal government to give clear instructions to security agencies not to abuse their powers and for President Muhammadu Buhari to stop soldiers from enforcing the COVID-19 regulations.

Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Ms. Osai Ojigho, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said the security officials were causing Nigerians more pains than they expected.

She added that while acknowledging the challenges and efforts made by the federal government to fight COVID-19 across Nigeria, there were worries from reports and videos circulating on social media showing violations of human rights.

She noted that violations include tortures, beatings and inhuman treatments by law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring compliance with the lockdown.

“While acknowledging the size of the challenge and efforts made by authorities to fight COVID-19 across Nigeria, we are also concerned by reports and videos circulating on social media showing violations of human rights, that include beatings by law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring compliance with the lockdown,” Ojigho said.

She added that as the nation observes the 14-day lockdown, the rights of citizens must be respected and protected, including the right to health care, security, and access to sufficient food and water.

Falana, in a statement, described the deployment of soldiers to enforce the lockdown as illegal.

He added that the videos of soldiers torturing civilians showed the impunity of the military.

He said: “The several video clips, which captured the unwarranted brutalisation of the people, have been circulating at home and abroad. As usual, the military authorities have publicly defended the rampaging troops by dismissing the video clips.

“In a desperate bid to cover up the atrocious behaviour of the torturers, the military

authorities deliberately refused to conduct any investigation into the complaints of the victims.

“Although, while not denying the authenticity of the video clips of horror, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said that ‘the videos were old clips of past incidents that took place in 2012 and 2013.’

"Assuming, without conceding, that the incidents recorded in the video clips took place in the past, were the culprits identified and sanctioned by the military authorities?”

Falana recalled that based on a similar video clip, which recently exposed a group of policemen who had engaged in the brutalisation of some traders in Lagos under the pretext of enforcing the COVID-19 Regulations, the IG had ensured that the culprits were promptly identified and arrested for the purpose of prosecuting them.

He described the civilised conduct of the police chief as a demonstration of the readiness of the current police leadership to stop the involvement of police personnel in the crude infringement of the fundamental rights of the Nigerians to dignity.

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PAGE NINE COVID-19: LAGOS DISCHARGES 11 MORE PATIENTS AS CASES RISE TO 184 Government also yesterday denied any positive case of the virus in the state as reported by the NCDC, saying all the five reported positive cases had been contacted and they showed no symptoms.

With the discharge of 11 patients yesterday, Lagos State Government has so far successfully treated 19 people at its Infectious Disease Centre in Yaba since the outbreak of the pandemic.

In total, 20 persons have now been discharged in Nigeria.

Giving details on the discharge of the 11 patients, Sanwo-Olu said they had fully recovered and had returned home to their families.

He said: "I am happy to break to you, my good people of Lagos, the news of the release today of 11 more patients from our facility in Yaba.

"They have fully recovered and have tested negative for COVID-19 and have been allowed to return home to their families."

He identified the patients to include two females and nine males, adding that their results came out negative in two rounds of test.

"I want to use this opportunity to, once again, thank our frontline health workers and other professionals for their service.

"Let me reiterate that this is not the time to relax, but to maintain our vigilance because of the community infection that we are beginning to see," he stated.

He said at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state would hoist a flag of victory.

FG Distributes Jack Ma’s 110,751 Masks, Shields, Gowns to States Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Femi Ojudu, yesterday announced the distribution on the COVID-19 protective gear on his Facebook wall, Ojudu Babafemi.

His post was accompanied by a table that gave a state-by-state breakdown of the distribution of the materials donated by the Chinese billionaire.

The table showed that the government distributed 99,642

face masks, 9,999 face shields and 1,110 overall gowns.

The Jack Ma Foundation in China had last week donated a 107-box load of medical supplies to Nigeria.

The breakdown of the distribution of the personal protective equipment shows that Lagos State got the highest share with 27,678 face masks, 2,596 face shields and 165 overall gowns.

This was followed by the FCT with 14,115 face masks, 1,906 face shield and 161 overall gowns.

So far, Lagos and the FCT have the highest numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country with Lagos currently on 98 cases, while the FCT has 38.

Ogun State received 4,375 face masks, 671 face shields and 58 overall gowns, while Bauchi, Edo, Ekiti Osun, Oyo and Rivers states received 1,912 face masks, 291 face shields and 26 overall gowns each.

Other states received 1,500 face masks, 110 face shields and 20 overall gowns each.

The personal protective equipment is to help in halting community spread of the pandemic in the country.

FG Successfully Traced 4,260 Contacts as Cases Rise to 184 The federal government also stated that it had successfully located 71 per cent of the 6,000 contacts of the positive cases it was tracing, representing about 4,260 contacts, adding that the number of cases might rise in the coming days.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, at a press conference by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja, said the projection on the possible rise in COVID-19 cases was based on the improvement in tracing of contacts and testing capacity of the laboratories.

"As contact tracing and testing is being ramped up, more and more contacts will be traced and number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 is expected to rise. Initially, with the tracing of over 71 per cent of the close to 6,000 contacts and improved turn-around time for testing, more positive cases are

expected," he said.

The minister, however, added that there were potent worry about persons, especially those returning through the land borders, who ran the high risk if they were with an infected person for a long time like transit in a crowded bus or car.

According to him, it's important that people restrain themselves to travels that are very essential either by air or by land, national or international.

"In this regard, all Nigerians are advised to stay where they are except if they are returning from a previously arranged journey or business trip," he said.

Ehanire said as part of efforts to bring more stakeholders on board, he met with the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Tuesday where they expressed their readiness to contribute their quota in the containment of COVID-19.

He said government had asked the NMA to plead with their members who wish to serve as volunteers to assist in tackling the disease.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said there had been an unprecedented increase in the number of tests carried in the various laboratories.

He explained that NCDC was able to record the feat of increased number of tests following the activation of two new laboratories in Ibadan and Abakaliki.

According to Ihekweazu, the centre has so far been able to trace 71 per cent of the contacts of the positive cases.

Ihekweazu said the aid kits donated by Jack Ma had been dispatched to all the states of the federation.

NCDC Uncovers 10 New Cases as Tally Rises to 184 NCDC also said yesterday that the number of COVID-19 cases in the country had risen to 184 after it discovered 10 new cases.

Of the 10 new confirmed cases, seven were from Lagos while three were from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Of the 184 cases, 162 are currently being managed, 20

have been discharged while two have died.

Breakdown of the figures showed that Lagos currently has 98 cases; FCT, 38; Osun, 14; Oyo, eight; Akwa Ibom, five; Ogun, Edo and Kaduna four each; Bauchi, three; Enugu and Ekiti have two each, while Rivers and Benue have one each.

FG Opens Accounts for COVID-19 Meanwhile, the federal government has opened an account for the management of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, at the daily media briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, said he was informed via a letter by the Accountant General of the Federation that the account was opened on Wednesday.

Mustapha, who is also Chairman of PTF on COVID-19, stated that although no funds had been credited into the account, the federal government would exercise control over the management of the multi-sectoral engagements on the account and would be able to render account on it.

“I have just received a letter from the Accountant General of the Federation informing us of the account that has just been opened yesterday. Ultimately, no funds have got into any account. Hopefully in coming days we will receive funding for the work of the PTF in terms of the different activities, on multisectoral engagements. That is the one federal government will have control over and at the end of the day will account for it,” he added.

He explained that the account is different from three other accounts opened for COVID-19 engagements in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the United Nations Family.

He said the CBN account was being handled by the Governor of the CBN and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for which they have outlined a steering and technical committee to buy equipment on combating the pandemic.

He said at the end, they would write their report to the donors for the purpose of accountability, while adding that the government and PTF do not have control over the account.

Emefiele Tests Negative for COVID-19 CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has tested negative for the COVID-19.

THISDAY gathered that the test result came out yesterday.

This brought about joy among staff of the apex bank and associates of the governor.

Provide Food for the Poor, WHO Tells Countries on Lockdown World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned Nigeria and other countries implementing lockdown orders to ensure their poor populations have food and other essential items, saying failure to do so might have unintended consequence on the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO also said pending when the researchers find vaccines and cure for the treatment of COVID-19, countries should only choose medicines of public safety and efficacy.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said yesterday that social distancing and lockdown would help slow down the spread of COVID-19 when the citizens, especially the vulnerable ones, have food and other life essentials, adding that if these two were unavailable, the purpose of lockdown may not be achieved.

He said: “Countries are asking people to stay at home and they are shutting down population movement to limit the COVID-19 transmission. These steps can have unintended consequences for the poorest and most vulnerable. I call on countries to ensure these populations have food and life essentials during the crisis. We must minimise the potential impact of this crisis on the food supply chain, and the unintended impact on global trade and food security.

“Governments’ response to COVID-19 should include the one for vulnerable people and those living with disability.

Those living with disability must not be discriminated against in medical decision-making. Their rights must also be protected."

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally has surpassed one million, according to data compiled

by Johns Hopkins University.

More than 51,000 people have died from the disease and at least 208,000 persons have recovered from it.

The number of cases has hit 1,004,533 with 51,563 dead and 210,519 recovered.

The United States surpassed China, where the first known infection was documented on December 19, 2019, as the country with the most confirmed cases of the virus on March 26.

There are more than 234,000 confirmed cases in the U.S., with over 47,000 in New York City alone. At least 5,600 persons have died in the country from COVID-19.

As the virus continues to spread across the U.S., China has reported few new infections locally in recent weeks after imposing extreme social distancing measures for two months.

The country said last week that it planned to ease its restrictions in Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic, on April 8.

Some European countries, including Italy, Spain, France and Germany, have become some of the areas hardest hit by the virus. Italy has reported the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the world at more than 13,900.

In the Middle East, Iran has by far the most confirmed cases of any country in the region with more than 50,000. Israel has reported at least 6,800 cases.

There are an estimated 7.8 billion people on Earth, which means at least .01 per cent of the world’s population is now known to have the virus. Public health experts have warned, however, that the number could be higher, citing testing shortages in some areas and people who may be asymptomatic and unaware they are infected.

DESPITE PANDEMIC, BUHARI INSISTS ON PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, SALARIES’ PAYMENT local inputs be deployed for execution of the projects, added that Buhari said doing so would enable the country to retain value within its economy.

According to the minister, Buhari also directed the immediate payment of workers' salaries and charged the committee to ensure that measures meant to protect the poor and the vulnerable are also put in place.

She said the committee briefed the president on current realities about COVID-19 across the globe, particularly the impact of the virus on the economy.

The minister said the

committee told the president that the health crisis troubling the economy continued to fester.

Also, the committee briefed the president that the lockdown of some parts of the country had continued to result in stunted economic growth and suggestions were made on how to whittle down the effects of the crisis on the economy.

"Well, he has directed that we should make sure that salaries are paid, make sure critical infrastructure like roads, rails are protected (and) as much as possible use local inputs so that we retain value within our economy, and also make

sure that we have measures that protect the poor and the vulnerable.

“This meeting was to brief Mr. President as the situation keeps evolving on a daily basis.

The health crisis gradually expands, affecting states, and so also, the lockdown that has been ordered to help curtail the expansion of the health crisis.

"The consequences of the lockdown are the additional slowing down of the economy and the measures that we need to take to mitigate the negative consequences of the slow trade and businesses," she said.

On his part, Emefiele said

the state of the economy was not as bright as it should be.

According to him, the global pandemic would naturally result in stunted growth, which might culminate in a global recession, adding that the adverse effects of the pandemic would be harsh.

However, Emefiele said what they were trying to do was to see how the situation in Nigeria could be managed in a way that the country would still come out strong at the end of the pandemic.

He said: “The global economy, naturally, like we all know at this time, will naturally, suffer

growth problems and may even lead to recession globally.

"So, we are trying to see what we can do as a country to rescue our own situation so we don’t go the direction many will go.

“It is not going to be easy but we can only assure our people that we are on top of it and that we will resolve it and Nigerians will still be better for it."

Also speaking, Sylva said the economy was not currently in the best condition as a result of the spread of COVID-19.

He added that the continuous fall of the prices of crude oil in the international market virtually every day has further

also received a briefing from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Mrs. Sadiya Farouq, on stimulus incentives from the federal government to support vulnerable households across the states to cope with the expected loss of income and livelihoods in the coming months.

It expressed the governors' commitment to leading the effort through state focal persons in charge of social protection to ensure that palliatives, including food and cash transfers, reach

the most vulnerable population in all states.

Against the criticisms that followed the closure of borders by some states, the forum said governors had discussed the legality or otherwise of lockdowns in other states and resolved to maintain the status quo until Ekiti State governor resolves the matter with the presidential task force on COVID-19.

The communique said the governors would meet again next Wednesday to review the situation in the country and make further decisions.

GOVS URGE CBN TO SUSPEND STATES’ DEBT DEDUCTIONS Force on COVID-19 to resolve the legality of the closure of interstate borders.

In a communiqué issued yesterday by NGF Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governors said after their meeting with the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, on fiscal measures taken by the federal government to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum called for urgent fiscal measures to safeguard the liquidity of states.

According to them, the

measures to be taken to safeguard the liquidity of states include the acceleration of an arrangement to suspend all state deductions and restructure all debt service payments on federal government and CBN-owned debts.

The communique stated: “The forum called for urgent fiscal measures to safeguard the liquidity of state governments, including the acceleration of an arrangement to suspend all state deductions and restructure all debt service payments on the federal government and CBN-owned debts.

“Members also resolved to leverage on the lockdown situations to send essential food items across borders as part of the palliatives so that perishables produced in one state get to states that need them unhindered.

“Members also discussed the legality or otherwise of lockdowns in states around the country and resolved to maintain the status quo until the Chairman and Governor of Ekiti State resolves the matter with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.”

It added that the governors

compounded the crisis.

He stated that the committee would constantly brief the president on the activities of the committee and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Gunmen Kill 29 in Plateau, Sokoto Communities Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Gunmen killed no fewer than 29 persons yesterday in Hukke village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State and Gangara village in Sabin Birni LGA of Sokoto State.

While suspected herdsmen killed seven in Plateau State, bandits killed 22 in Sokoto State.

THISDAY gathered that hundreds of bandits on motorcycles invaded the Gangara community shooting sporadically.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sokoto State Police Command, Mr. Muhammad Sadiq, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said yesterday that upon receipt of the information, the Operation Puff

Adder, and military patrol teams were drafted to the scene.

According to him, efforts made by the bandits to ambush the squad were unsuccessful as the team beat the ambush the gunmen laid for them.

Sadiq added that after a fierce gun duel, the bandits retreated and escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries while one was shot dead.

He explained that the police later discovered bodies of 22 people killed by the bandits.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Ka’oje, had raised a team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC, CSCID), to probe the matter.

Ka’oje commiserated with the families of the deceased, as well as the people and government of Sokoto, and vowed to bring the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to book.

Also less than 24 hours after gunmen killed three persons in Ancha community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, seven other persons have been killed in the neighbouring Hukke village in the same LGA. Spokesman for Miango Youth Development Association, Mr. Lawrence Zongo, confirmed the fresh killings yesterday.

Zongo said the assailants, numbering over 200, also set ablaze over 20 houses belonging to the villagers when they

attacked the village in the early hours of yesterday.

He said: “The fresh attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday. The attackers were more than 200 persons that came this time. During the attack, they killed seven people and all of them were burnt beyond recognition as they also set their houses ablaze. In fact, we counted more than 23 houses that were set ablaze by the attackers before they fled the community.”

The youth leader gave the names of those killed as Izinpa Muntu, Madah Imeh, Jummai Geye, Gado Muntu, Mary Alhassa, Gado Ngulu, and Rigwe Muntu.

He urged the state police

command to establish a station in the district to forestall further attacks on the people.

Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Mr. Ubah Ogaba, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), when contacted, said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Akinmoyede, had visited the scene of the attack to sympathise with the community and encourage them not to take the law into their hands.

Akinmoyede also reportedly assured the people that the police will do everything possible to ensure that the assailants are brought to book.

Meanwhile, Senator representing Plateau North

in the National Assembly, Istifanus Gyang, has condemned the renewed killings in his constituency.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Musa Ashoms, the senator said: “At a time when the entire human race is sober and seeking God in prayers against COVID-19, killer bandits are showing no sense of fear of God or value for human life.

“It is necessary for the police and Operation Safe Haven to rise up to their primary responsibility of securing the lives of citizens both in the cities and rural areas as the lives of rural dwellers matter as much as those in urban areas.”

Tension in Warri as Soldier Kills Man for Flouting Restriction Order Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri Palpable tension enveloped some parts of Warri yesterday as a soldier allegedly killed a 28-year-old man for refusing to stop for check during the enforcement of stay-at-home order in Delta State.

The deceased, Joseph Pessu, was said to be driving towards the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Warri from Ubeji when soldiers enforcing the lockdown directive flagged him down at Ogunnu Flyover bridge for check and identification but he declined to stop.

THISDAY gathered that the said Pessu was initially flagged down by the police at a checkpoint close to Ubeju but he refused and the way and manner he allegedly drove, was said to have aroused the curiosity of the policemen who allegedly called for the support of the soldiers nearby.

Security sources disclosed that the soldiers shot and deflated the tyre but yet he refused to stop until he got to Ogunu flyover area where he jumped from the unmarkedToyota Camry after using his vehicle to block the road.

The victim who ran into a bush in the area was, however, said to have been shot by one of the soldiers who were chasing him.

He reportedly died on the spot.

The soldier who killed the suspect reportedly reported himself to police where he is being detained at the Warri Area Command of the Delta State Police Command.

Following the killing, some youths from Ugbuwangue mobilised to the scene for reprisal attacking two naval personnel who were passing along the expressway on a motor bike.

The naval men were wounded until a security patrol team came to their rescue and moved to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

Top officers from the Nigerian Navy and Army were holding security meeting at the Warri Police Area Commander’s office at the time of filling this report.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to be briefed with details of the incident.

Meanwhile, the state government and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie

Omo-Agege have called for an investigation into the alleged killing.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu in a statement in Asaba said the state government was worried about the report of an alleged killing of a 28-year old man in Warri by security agencies on regular patrol duty.

The commissioner said the state government has sent a delegation to the deceased family to condole with them over the loss of their son.

He stated that the military authorities have been contacted to carry out an investigation into what led to the killing of the deceased.

He, however, called on the people to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands while the government conducts an investigation into the killing.

Similarly, Omo-Agege, has also called for thorough investigation into the alleged killing of Pessu.

Omo-Agege, while reacting to the killing in a statement yesterday, condemned the alleged gruesome killing of Pessu, an Itshekiri youth by men of the Nigerian Army.

Describing the incident as extra-judicial killing, the Deputy Senate President called for the arrest and prosecution of the culprit (s) to serve as deterrent to others.

Omo-Agege, while calling on all citizens of the state to desist from taking the laws into their hands as being reported in some quarters added that he has tasked the authorities to fish out those responsible and punish them in accordance with the laws of the land.

According to him, even if the deceased had flouted the order of the state government to stay at home, the best approach was to apprehend and hand him over to the police for prosecution.

While calling on security personnel to always maintain the rules of engagement as they enforce the lockdown order, he called on youths to exercise utmost restraint.

Omo-Agege in the release had stated inter alia: “I condemn in strong terms the extra-judicial killing of Joseph Pessu by men of the Nigerian Army. And call on the Army authorities to fish out the culprit (s) and hand them over to the Police for prosecution”.

CHURCH TO THE RESCUE...

L-R: Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Pastor David Oyedepo (Jnr) of Living Faith Church Worldwide; and Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, at the presentation of an ambulance and medical items to Ogun State Government to eradicate COVID-19 in the state at the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta...recently

COVID-19: Banks Raise N5.65bn to Kick-start Private Sector Contributions Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has announced that the CBN, on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee, and in partnership with the private sector have come together to form the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19.

Under the plan, it was agreed that banks would contribute monies at four levels.

UBA, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank would each donate N500 million whilst banks such as Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, FCMB, Sterling Bank, Union Bank and Stanbic Bank were expected to donate N250 million each.

Those in the category of banks to donate N100million each include Citibank Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank, Unity

Bank, Wema Bank, Heritage Bank, keystone Bank, Polaris, Providus, SunTrust, Jaiz, Coronation, Nova, FBNQuest, FSDH Merchant Bank and Rand Merchant Bank.

In the category of N50million are the newly licensed banks such as Globus Bank, TAJBANK and Titan Trust Bank.

By this arrangement, members of the banks would have donated an approximate N5.65bilion war chest, towards efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

This whopping amount excludes contributions from the CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

Commenting on the development, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lancelot Ventures Limited and

Director, BOC Gases Nigeria Plc, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, said, “It is a good measure. All should do whatever is necessary to combat the pandemic. Our collective survival is under threat.” An analyst, who craved for anonymity, commended the initiative by the CBN and the banks. According to him, this a major corporate social responsibility that every responsible company operating in the country should be involved in at this time when there is an obvious threat to the collective existence of every citizen, adding that all hands must be on desk to arrest the situation.

Whilst many have applauded the move, others differ in opinion.

National Coordinator of

United Shareholders Front (USF), Mr. Gbenga Idowu, and Nornah Awoh, an activist shareholder said the private sector operators should have been allowed to do something on their own like Guaranty Trust Bank Plc which donated a 110-bed capacity hospital to the Lagos State Government to tackle the challenge.

However, providing clarifications, Emefiele said, “the coalition was created out of the urgent need to combat the unfolding COVID-19 crisis in the country in view of the rate at which the virus was spreading. Although the Federal Government has made giant strides in the fight, it is clear that the private sector needs to step in and support efforts already made”.

Oyetola Signs Osun’s Emergency Prevention Regulations In a bid to enforce the lockdown order with a view to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Osun State, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, signed the Osun Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020.

Oyetola noted that he made the order in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other relevant provisions of Osun State Public Health Law. The law, it was gathered

was aimed at preventing and containing the spread of COVID- 19, anywhere within the territories of the state.

Following the signing of the law, anybody who violates the sit-at-home order will be sentenced to six-month imprisonment or an option of fine upon conviction.

Similarly, under the law, transmission or dissemination of false information regarding COVID-19 is also an offence and attracts the same punishment, just as the promotion of unverified, untested, or

unapproved cures, vaccines or other similar items that purport to cure, alleviate or reduce instances of persons infected with COVID-19, also constitute an offence and offenders upon conviction will be liable to six-month imprisonment or an option of fine.

“The governor may direct the removal of a Potentially Infectious Person, where such a person fails or refuses to go to a place specified for screening and assessment. The governor may direct a Potentially Infectious Person within a Local Area, to

go into isolation for an initial period of 14 days,” parts of the regulations read.

Signing the regulations, the governor said “it has become imperative to go beyond making suggestions and giving directives in order to stem the tide of the spread of Covid-19, save lives, reduce ill health and ensure that the economy in which the people of the State of Osun operate does not become weakened and stretched, I make the following regulations for the good order , safety ,security and public health in Osun State.”

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

11

COVID-19 UPDATE...

COVID-19 UPDATE...

Women’s Rights in Childbirth Must Be Upheld, Midwives Insist The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), has expressed concerned over the violation of the human rights of

women, their babies and their midwives with the introduction of inappropriate protocols for management of pregnancy, birth

FG Regrets Begging US Billionaire for Ventilators The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has deleted a tweet in which it pleaded with American billionaire, Elon Musk, for ventilators to treat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Mr. Yunusa Abdullahi, said in a statement that the tweet was not done with the permission of the minister.

Obiano Asks Tailors to Produce Three Million Masks The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday served out his self-quarantine and directed tailors in the state to produce three million masks for distribution.

Addressing the people of the state, Obiano said after the expiration of the 14-day stayat-home order which began on 24th of March, nobody would move without wearing a mask in the state.

He said he had ordered tailors in the state to mass produce no fewer than three million facemasks.

“We shall soon commence the distribution of three million masks to residents of Anambra State in the 181 communities in Anambra.

MultiChoice Launches Free Online Masterclasses MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has announced the launch of a series of online masterclasses. The masterclasses, which will hold on the MTF portal, will offer exclusive access to practical, industry expert-led skills workshops that provides film and television professionals the opportunity to interact and learn from the best on the continent.

The online masterclasses sessions will kick off with the Produce Like a PRO! masterclass series. This is designed as a 20-module masterclass on production from pre to post which has been recorded to watch on the go.

Comprising 20 carefully crafted modules, the Produce Like a PRO! series is described as the solution to the industry’s need for easier access to training materials. The session will make accessible tutorials and templates to over 25,000 registered users on the MTF portal

The statement read; “An unauthorised post was made on the verified Twitter handle of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The fact of the post is regrettable because of which it is brought down.

“We have made sure our internal processes are strengthened that such doesn’t happen again.

The error is highly regrettable.”

and postnatal care in many countries in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

These inappropriate protocols, according to the ICM, were not based on current reputable scientific evidence and are harmful to the wellbeing of women and their babies The ICM, which represents over one million midwives and 600 country associations in more than 130 countries, insisted that women’s rights in childbirth must be upheld during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“In every country and community worldwide, pregnancy and childbirth are momentous events in the lives of women and families and

represent a time of intense vulnerability. The concept of ‘safe motherhood’ is usually restricted to physical safety, but childbearing is also an important rite of passage, with deep personal and cultural significance for a woman and her family.

“Because motherhood is specific to women, issues of gender equity and gender violence are also at the core of maternity care. Thus, the notion of safe motherhood must be expanded beyond the prevention of morbidity or mortality to encompass respect for women’s basic human rights including respect for women’s autonomy, dignity, feelings, choices, and preferences, including the

right to companionship during maternity care,” the ICM said.

The confederation of midwives also said that a woman’s right to respectful maternity care should focus specifically on the inter-personal aspects of the care received by women seeking maternity services.

It pointed out that a woman’s relationship with maternity care providers and the maternity care system during pregnancy and childbirth were vitally important because those encounters were the vehicles for the essential and potentially lifesaving health services that pregnant and recently pregnant women experienced with caregivers, which have the impact to

empower and comfort or to inflict lasting damage and emotional trauma.

“The role of midwives as guardians of women’s rights to health has been historically evidenced since the Physician, Ignaz Semmelweis, documented the effects of hand hygiene on health in the 1800’s, noting that women delivered by midwives’ clean hands had higher survival outcomes than other patients in his hospital who perished, thereby announcing that hand hygiene, the same core infection prevention and control protocols being deployed to deliver the world from COVID today in 2020, saved lives,” the ICM said.

12

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

COVID-19 UPDATE...

COVID-19 UPDATE...

NNPC Begs Govs to Facilitate Movement of Petrol Tankers Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday called on Nigerian governors to aid the movement of petrol tankers in their domains to avoid a disruption in the supply of the product across the country.

This is coming as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the Petroleum Products Pricing & Regulatory Agency

(PPPRA) to involve the leadership of IPMAN in consultation before any further reduction in petrol pump price.

NNPC, which particularly singled out Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, for doing well in that respect, stated that shocks will be experienced within the system if trucks are not allowed to move from the depots.

A press statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division at the NNPC,

No Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom, State Govt Insists Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Government yesterday denied any confirmed or positive test of the dreaded COVID-19 in the state.

The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong yesterday alleged what he described as a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure.

“All five reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms.”

“Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news.bThe Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement.

“While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation.

“Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing

Dr. Kennie Obateru, in Abuja, quoted the Managing Director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Musa Lawan, as also calling on Nigerians not to store the products in their houses to avoid fire outbreaks.

“NNPC under the leadership of the Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, was appreciative of initiatives like that (Wike’s) and appealed to other governors to rapidly intervene in such situations to avoid shocks in the fuel distribution and supply system across the country” it said.

The NNPC noted that the governor’s intervention, by way of relaxing the stay-at-home order as it affected petroleum

tanker divers, went a long way in restoring normalcy to the fuel supply and distribution system in Rivers state and environs.

The corporation stressed that his timely intervention has resulted in the smooth distribution of petroleum products to Rivers and neighbouring states at the moment.

According to the statement, despite the stay-at-home order, vessels laden with petroleum products were berthing the shores of Nigeria to guarantee products supply continuity, assuring that the question of shortage of petroleum products does not arise at all.

“Everything in terms of petroleum products supply and

distribution across the country has normalised.

“With respect to Port Harcourt, we had a grid lock about two days ago that built up around the Imo River which restricted movement of trucks and loading of petroleum products from Port Harcourt to neighbouring states” the organisation’s management said.

It added: “But as we speak, that gridlock has disappeared and we would like to thank His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike, for personally intervening with his team. Tankers can now go in and truck out petroleum products and deliver to neigbouring states,”.

The corporation appealed to

motorists not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products, especially petrol.

It noted that with the ample supply of the products, there was no need for anybody to stock up the product in jerry cans to avoid the danger of inferno in homes.

Meanwhile, IPMAN has urged the PPPRA to involve its leadership in consultation before any further reduction in petrol pump price.

In a statement circulated to journalists in Abuja yesterday, IPMAN’s National President, Mr. Sanusi Fari, also called on other federal agencies in the petroleum sector to carry IPMAN along in price fixing policy decisions.

from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results.

“Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the five reported cases.

“Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have also appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process.

But in his reaction, the NCDC DG, Ihekweazu has cautioned that this was not the time to make insinuation about the result, adding that out of five results there could be an error in one.

The NCDC DG described the laboratory in Irrua, Edo State where the test was conducted to be one of the best in the country, saying the centre could not have made such error.

FIGHTING AGAINST HUNGER… Wike Lifts Curfew L-R: Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaja Bola Oloko; Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Jacob Ojekunle; of Farm Connect, Mr. Azeez Oluwole; and Special Adviser to Oyo Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Debo Akande, at the Imposed on Port Harcourt representative presentation of food items to Oyo State Government to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in Ibadan...recently

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has lifted the curfew imposed on Port Harcourt metropolis with effect from today (Friday).

The governor also lifted the suspension of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Wike announced the measures in a state broadcast yesterday evening.

He said: “With effect from Tomorrow, April 3, 2020, the 24 hours curfew imposed from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction along Ikwerre Road and Obiri Ikwerre Junction to Ozuoba, Rumualogu and Choba has been lifted.

“All Borders and Markets in the state remain closed.

“Following the interventions of some well-meaning citizens of the state, the suspension of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has been lifted. However, this should serve as a warning to Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers who will

allow markets to be open in their areas.”

He however warned residents of Mgbuosimini-Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to desist from flouting Government directive on closure of markets or be prepared to face unpleasant consequences.

He also said commercial vehicle operators would soon get appropriate directives on their operations in order to maintain social distancing.

Wike stated that his administration is working out palliative measures to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home directive.

He said: “Implementation of palliatives to cushion the effect of recent directives on the citizens will soon take effect.

“International Oil Companies operating in the state should support government by donating towards the containment of the virus.”

He thanked Rivers people for their cooperation and understanding, adding, “The sacrifices we are all making have greatly helped us not to record any positive case since the index case was reported.

FG Enlists 300 Volunteers for Disinfection of FCT The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 yesterday said it had commenced the decontamination of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

The Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, who spoke during a live briefing of the task force in Abuja, also urged officials from the ministry to be alert as they might be mobilised to increase manpower.

After 14 Days in Isolation, Buhari’s Daughter Rejoins Family A daughter of the President Muhammadu Buhari, who went into isolation after returning from the United Kingdom, has completed the recommended 14 days isolation and reunited with her family.

Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, had, on March 19, said her

daughter, who recently returned from the United Kingdom, was in self-isolation.

But a statement issued yesterday by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Aliyu Abdullahi, however, said the President’s daughter had rejoined her family in good health.

“I’m happy to inform you that the young lady in question, Mr. President’s daughter, has successfully completed her isolation period of 14 days and she’s normal, very healthy and well.

“She had since this afternoon rejoined her family; the mother, her

Excellency First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, personally received her.

“The lesson here for Nigerians and other parents to learn is that this is a child with all the privileges one can ever think of having in the country but the parents and the daughter insisted on following the NCDC protocol.”

Atiku’s Son Hopes to Be Out from Isolation Soon Mohammed Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who tested positive for coronavirus, has said he is optimistic about being discharged soon.

Mohammed, who spoke from isolation yesterday in a video shared by his father via Twitter, said though he was traumatised being the first recorded case in Abuja, he is fine now.

He said, “On the 20th of (March), I tested positive for

COVID-19 and I was brought over to the Isolation Centre at Gwagwalada University Teaching Hospital where I have been since.

“I am currently on my 12th day here and I hope to be out soon – perhaps when my next test is taken and the results are favourable. I should be on my way out, hopefully.

“I decided to do this video so that I could speak about my experience to be of help to Nigerians.

“I was asymptomatic in my first few days here and nervous; I had a level of anxiety and a little bit of trauma, especially being the index case here in Abuja.

That was really the main challenge.

“But day by day, I grew stronger, thanks largely to all the goodwill and prayers and support I got from a vast array of Nigerians many of whom I don’t know. My family and friends too and

a whole lot of people.

“I thank God I am well and good.”

He urged Nigerians to avoid fake news because it compounds the issue on ground, lamenting that it was quite unfortunate that residents of his estate were purveyors of fake news.

He thanked health workers and urged Nigerians to pray for them that none of them get infected while treating infected persons.

Deaths from Lassa Fever Outbreak Climb to 185 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded one new death from Lassa fever, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 176 since the outbreak of the disease in January.

This was contained in the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report published yesterday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The report shows that within the last one week, 19 new cases have been recorded while the total confirmed cases in the country are 951 since the last 13 weeks.

Of the 19 new confirmed cases recorded since the past one week, Ondo and Ebonyi states had the highest with six and five cases respectively.

Other states with new cases

are: Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, and Delta.

For the week under review, no healthcare worker was affected.

The distribution of cases across the country also shows that only 10 states have so far not been affected by the outbreak since January.

The states are Zamfara, Niger, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Kwara, Cross Rivers and Imo

and Yobe states.

“Of the 951 recorded cases since January, patients currently being managed in the country are 45.”

The report also showed that since the past five years, the fatality rate of the outbreak is highest this year.

Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic fever, is endemic in some parts of West Africa and is usually pass

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͱ˜ 2020

COMMENT

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

NIGERIA’S LOCK DOWN ON CORONAVIRUS It is time to give more budgetary allocations to the health sector, writes Ayodele Okunfolami

W

hen 34-year- old ophthalmologist, Li Wenliang blew the whistle about a cluster of cases of a flu-like disease that had been treated at his Wuhan hospital in Hubei province in December, he was accused by the Chinese authorities of making false comments and disturbing the social order. It was not until January after Wuhan had been red-faced as the epicentre of the novel coronavirus epidemic that the Chinese government took the outbreak serious.

As coronavirus traversed borders, the World Health Organization began intimating the world on the virus and how we should react.

At the initial stage, besides coding it COVID-19, WHO calmed global citizens and advised governments not to close borders or impose travel bans. When it crossed continents and arrived in the United States, despite just having just about a hundred cases, President Donald Trump kept on downplaying the plague, reassuring investors, businesses and workers that the Chinese virus would disappear in no time.

Was it for economic reasons or its usual dissent on contrary voices that China hushed late Dr Li and his colleagues when coronavirus just budded? Was WHO’s delay in terming it a pandemic the doctor’s way of easing the nerves of his hemorrhaging patient? Did Trump think it was fake news or was it his usual silencing of scientific research as he does with climate change? Did world leaders place the economy ahead of the health of the inhabitants? Or was there indeed no cause for alarm?

I went through this route to wedge the response of the Nigerian government (federal and state), to the pandemic. Was Nigeria prepared?

Did our leaders ignore warnings? Or is it just the phony positivity leaders stage when faced with strange situations like this yet-to-be-contained COVID-19?

Whatever the style of each country’s leadership, this pandemic, like other embarrassments that remain aches that won’t go away, exposed the decrepitation of the Nigerian society. After luckily escaping the Ebola scourge six years ago, a wise nation should have made structural changes to its health facilities, environment and public utilities but we have chosen to remain reprobate. It is not as if the developed nations we benchmark don’t have their issues, but they use such misfortunes, tragedies and disasters to redefine their civilizations. From the Bubonic plague to World Wars to Communism to terrorism to sporting or natural disasters, these nations do not only triumph but they continually make futuristic and sustainable changes to their societies to either forestall impending occurrences or better manage them.

Ebola, Lassa fever and other zoonotic hemorrhagic fevers that perennially beset us should have been opportunities for us to fix the environment and water system. Instead, we encourage people to wash their hands with water from improvised mobile vessels that have today developed legs. How do you tell Nigerians to frequently wash their hands with running water when even government offices don’t have water and highbrow areas still purchase water from water vendors?

We know Corona, like indigenous Lassa, originates from animals nonetheless, government after government use only the ineffective moral suasion on citizens to fight it. Today they are making a show of disinfecting our townships when the cheaper and more sustainable option would have been to regularly come to collect people’s waste.

Instead, the ordinary citizen is left to dispose his waste indiscriminately which in turn breeds these virus carrying rodents. So, after the world has conquered Corona, we will be left with Lassa, monkey pox and that bizarre Benue illness that is no more talked about.

There is yet another pipeline explosion. Unsuspecting citizens that

HOW DO YOU TELL NIGERIANS TO FREQUENTLY WASH THEIR HANDS WITH RUNNING WATER WHEN EVEN GOVERNMENT OFFICES DON’T HAVE WATER AND HIGHBROW AREAS STILL PURCHASE WATER FROM WATER VENDORS?

bought land from presumed official sources, paid regular tenement rates with official receipts to show for it and developed the community with their resources in the absence of government, will now be told by public officials they last saw during elections that their dwellings were illegal.

Were these reoccurring disasters not occasions for urban planning where settlements are paved with standardized addresses attached to each apartment? Contact tracing of the over 4000 people that might have had interaction with corona positive patients would be easier had we standardized addresses.

That is why the lock down is difficult to enforce. Besides the dire economic conditions that has made subsistent Nigerians unable to live beyond a daily income, there is fear that Hunger-20 may kill more than COVID-19. Also, “essential services” can’t be formally defined. One can’t stay home when he has to fetch drinking water from commercial distributors because clean water doesn’t flow from his tap nor the borehole he drilled bring clean water from the polluted ground. The Nigerian is compelled to leave home to buy petrol to power his generator because there is no light. Meanwhile, the overstretched law enforcers need more training in handling civilians as it seems they are more interested in obeying their bosses than in protecting the society from Corona.

And talking about tracing the COVID-19 contacts, practically all of them came through the airports. If international travelers that came through highly regulated settings can’t be traced through their phone numbers, so how have we been fighting kidnapping and other security challenges? People still hawk unregistered SIM cards unchallenged in the open and you expect to trace COVID-19 contacts?

By the way, what was all that 600 and something million naira spent in preparing for Coronavirus if international passengers still walked through our sanitizer-absent airports and get missing in the labyrinth of the larger society? A serious nation should have welcomed them and isolated them straight into hotels or designated accommodations for monitoring instead of putting the self-isolation burden on the returnee.

Saddening is the fact that it appears it is the political elite that are the celebrated victims of this disease. This only unmasks the real dichotomy of the Nigerian society. Not the phantom North-South, ChristianMuslim, PDP-APC divides, but the gulf that sees some people subject to traffic laws while they siren their way through. The gulf that sees some subject to airport COVID-19 protocols while they pass through without check. The gulf that sees some not having the access to tests while they are given priority tests for the virus with the few kits available. The gulf that sees patients quarantined in government provided facilities while they either choose where they would receive preferential treatment or remain in state house to be treated but snub the self-acclaimed world class hospitals, they budgeted billions for. The gulf that sees borders closed but open for their cars to come in. It is their irresponsibility and indiscipline that has made things worse. They are now forced to be treated by doctors they don’t pay in health facilities they don’t fund.

Finally, the Coronavirus pandemic is beyond health but economic, political, security and social. We cannot continue to assume we are immune to climate change and other global phenomena or paradoxically disregard IMF, World Bank, Transparency International, Amnesty International and other global advisories and ratings but embrace WHO’s directives on Corona. It is time to restructure our fiscal order to give more budgetary allocations to the health sector and not to loss-making stadiums that are now converted to isolation centres.

Okunfolami wrote from Festac, Lagos

OSUN AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC Tayo Ogunbiyi argues that the state needs special assistance to confront the viral disease

T

hat Coronavirus, alias Covid-19 pandemic, is currently causing the entire world great heartache, like never before, is an understatement. Since its outbreak in the Wuhan Province of China last December, the mysterious virus has found a foothold on every continent except the Antarctica and killed hundreds of thousands.

Its socio-economic impact on nations of the world is simply astonishing. Many businesses have been shut down, with experts projecting disastrous economic outlook for many nations in the coming months. Thousands of flights had been cancelled while countless money spinning entertainment and sporting events have been postponed indefinitely, and in some cases cancelled out rightly.

Some nations have been on lock down for weeks.

Yet, respite seems out of sight. The United States of America and Italy are currently the global epicenters of the virus, with frightening statistics of havoc being wrecked by the plague in the two countries constantly staring a bewildered world in the face.

In Nigeria, we did not originally bother about the highly infectious disease until a certain Italian imported it to Lagos on February 24th via Milan. Since then, the country has recorded about 180 confirmed cases of the pandemic and two fatalities. Currently, and understandably so, Lagos ranks higher in the

infection ladder, followed by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. As at the time of putting this piece together, Osun State, with 20 confirmed cases ranks next to Lagos and the FCT respectively.

Being the commercial nerve center of the country as well as the first port of call of most visitors to the country, the Covid-19 situation of Lagos is quite fathomable. Same goes for the FCT which is the nation’s federal capital as well as the seat of power.

But why Osun? The state has neither local nor international airports. It has no visible national and international business concerns. It is mostly an agrarian enclave with limited economic activities. So, what is the point of attraction between the deadly Coronavirus and the pastoral state?

Many have ascribed the current Covid-19 plight of Osun to its land borders with neighbouring West African countries such as Togo, the Republic of Benin and Cote d’Ivoire. The governor of the state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, recently laid credence to this line of thought when he claimed that a convoy of vehicles coming into the state from one of the West African countries was intercepted upon a tip-off.

According to the governor, the vehicles had on board about 127 passengers and out of the first 30 that were tested for the coronavirus, three were positive.

Some other 17 persons tested positive.

Sadly, unlike Lagos and the FCT, Osun does

not really have the required human, material and technical resources to successfully combat this deadly pandemic. Like the many others in the country, Osun is currently facing economic challenges whose nature transcends local rationalization. It is, thus, going to be extremely tough for the state to contend with any upsurge in Covid-19 cases.

Presently, Lagos has been adjudged by many to have valiantly battled the virus. Of course, there is nothing accidental about this. Lagos State has sufficiently prepared for the virus. It has been building capacity steadily for any biosecurity threat.

Its biosecurity facility, a level three laboratory, one of the very few in Africa with modern design, can handle very dangerous pathogens.

The state government has been working tirelessly to curtail the virus from spreading. It has made effort in tracing over 2300 people that were exposed to infected persons. This is no mean feat.

The fear for Osun is that it does not rank among the most economically viable states in the country.

In-fact, it is mostly a civil servant’s state with limited economic prospects. Socio-economic activities revolve chiefly around the civil service whose economic activities set agenda for the state’s informal sector.

Consequently, current Covid-19 outlook of the state might further complicate issues for the people and government. Dealing with dwindling state

revenue and unpaid salaries are enough worries the state is struggling to cope with.

This is, therefore, a clarion call to all well- meaning individuals and organisations to urgently come to the aid of the state and by extension its people.

The state has a sizeable aged population, which experts say is most vulnerable to the pandemic.

In as much as it is true that corporate organisations might not really have much to leverage on in Osun in terms of economic prospects, at this point considerations for the preservation of the human life must be far ahead of other contemplations.

In particular, the federal government must stand by disadvantaged states such as Osun and others at this time. Relevant international as well as federal agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) must pay crucial attention to states like Osun to avoid looming health catastrophe.

Also, this is the time for goodhearted sons and daughters of the state to stand up and be counted.

It is quite obvious that the state government alone doesn’t have the capacity to pull this one through.

Therefore, every help surely counts. We must set aside every divisive tendency, no matter how cogent, and stand by the government in this hour of need.

Ogunbiyi, a Public Affairs Analyst wrote via ogunstayo853@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

EDITORIAL RISING BURDEN OF CERVICAL CANCER The authorities should give adequate attention to this major public health concern

T

he most prevalent types of cancer in Nigeria are breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal. But the number of deaths arising from cervical cancer, even at second place, is staggering. Some 26 women die of the disease in the country every day.

Even more frightening, the World Health Organisation’s projects a 25 per cent increased mortality in the next decade in the absence of widespread intervention. The irony is that cervical cancer, unlike other cancers, is preventable.

Cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb) is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. Dr. Marliyya Zayyan, consultant Oncologist at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria noted that all Nigerian sexually-active women are at the risk of cervical cancer. Indeed, a sexually transmitted virus is implicated in most cases of cervical cancer. The virus called HPV, short for Human Papilloma Virus, is passed on during sexual intercourse. Perhaps that explains why the disease afflicts more of those who engaged in early sex, women with multiple sexual partners, in addition to those NIGERIA HAS A who smoke and had POPULATION OF ABOUT their immune system 40 MILLION WOMEN AGED weakened due to poor 15 YEARS AND ABOVE nutrition. According to WHO ARE AT THE RISK OF the WHO estimates, Nigeria has a populaDEVELOPING CERVICAL tion of about 40 million CANCER women aged 15 years and above who are at the risk of developing cervical cancer.

At the early stage, the disease is innocuous as it produces no signs or symptoms. According to authorities, depending on the individual, it can take between five to 30 years for the virus to mature into full-blown cancer. By that time it is too late and already life threatening. As the cancer grows, the tell-tale signs are vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause. Other symptoms of the ailment are pains during intercourse and

watery or bloody vaginal discharge with foul odour. At this stage, the cancer is already at an advance stage where little can be done. In most cases the affected woman dies painfully and miserably.

However, this unnecessary waste of lives ought not be. Cervical cancer can be prevented through screening.

In many western societies for example, cases of cervical cancers had been contained drastically due to universal cancer screening. It is also curable if detected at an early stage and treatment is said to be simple and cheap. There are vaccines for the prevention of the ailment.

B T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

ut the high casualty rate from the disease in Nigeria is more a combination of the state of our health facilities and ignorance. Most Nigerian hospitals and medical centres lack the diagnostic capacity to quickly detect and treat cancer infections.

On the other hand most of the affected women are ignorant low income earners, often located far from health institutions. Even when they live within range of such institutions a good number of them do not have the means to access the medical facilities.

That is why we call on the authorities to embark on campaigns to raise the level of public awareness of this leading killer among women particularly rural women.

The burden of cancer in Nigeria is enormous. We believe that the task of saving its citizens from the scourge remains essentially with government which has to provide both the basic health facilities to combat the disease and to create the enabling environment that can facilitate the collaboration of the private sector in tackling the menace.

Increased awareness and increased funding for health care initiatives - by government, donor agencies, and development partners – would drastically curtail the incidence of this silent killer. Indeed, the government should incorporate cervical cancer screening programme into the primary health care while treatment should be subsidised. The vaccine for cervical cancer should also be incorporated into the immunisation plan. By so doing, we can contain the incidence of cervical cancer and turn attention to the more virulent variants of cancers.

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IT’S TIME TO REPOSITION BAYELSA STATE

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ne key observation that has caught our attention which no one is talking about is the failure of Governor Douye Diri not to have given Bayelsans the benefit to know the financial state of affairs of the state. The amount of money that he met in the coffers of the state ought to have been made public in order for us to hold the out -going Dickson administration accountable because in the first instance there was a law enacted by the state House of Assembly for compulsory savings and he equally instituted what was then called Transparency briefings that was held monthly. This was to make public the monthly income and expenditures of the finances of the state. This was laudable and we commended this though only if it was altruistic.

Now on every transparency briefings Bayelsans were made to understand that certain amount of money are kept in an account for any eventuality as the case may be, and based on that we believed that for eight years that the Dickson administration served Bayelsans the state would by now have funds kept somewhere for the raining day. The raining day which we believe has come already with the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world economy coupled with the oil war between Russia and the Saudis which has pummeled oil prices far below budget estimates that will drastically affect the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee monthly disbursement to states and local governments, it becomes imperative for the government to be jubilating.

It would have been apt for the sake of transparency and accountability for Gov Douye Diri to have addressed Bayelsans and tell them the amount of money saved by the administration of Gov Dickson and how he Gov Diri would intend to use the funds to serve the people of Bayelsa.

To our surprise nothing of such has been done and we also believe nothing of such is being contemplated in the near future. Failing to highlight the revenue profile of the state is counter-productive and anathema to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

One thing that has given away the tardiness of the management of the so-called savings if at all there was any in the first place is the governor’s rush to obtain the car loan of about N3billion within 14 days of his inauguration. Even the loan now looks more of a not well thought out priority, when it was glaring that disbursable income from the FAAC is being impacted by the steep slide of oil price as a fallout of disagreements between Russia and other OPEC members and the coronavirus pandemic. If there was any savings the government would have used from such funds to do their purchase; so simply there is no money anywhere as savings and the government must explain whenever they receive our request for the information for the people of the state to know. So far the state received for October 2019, November 2019, December 2019, January 2020 and February 2020. If we may ask, what happened to the allocations for the months of November 2019 and December 2019 before he was sworn in

February 14th, 2020? Yet a loan of about N3b was hurriedly collected without letting Bayelsans know the financial state of affairs in the state which negates the principle of transparency and accountability.

The revenue stream to the state are basically transfers from FAAC and IGR and with oil price crashing FAAC will shrink considerably, until oil prices rebound. IGR could be significantly impacted as well going by the global business slowdown. Therefore you cannot take a loan to fund comfort and pleasure and this is what the governor has done. The governor must know that loans must be taken to fund projects that will generate revenue or to fund infrastructural projects that will open up the state for business to thrive. The governor’s comfort and that of his cabinet must wait and the people’s welfare must come first.

Now the impending conflagration on the national economy will certainly affect Bayelsa like every other state. Bayelsa cannot be immune. The impact on the state would be severe basically due to the over reliance on the federal allocation and partly the internally generated revenue. The state lacks industrial base, and a weak IGR that is corruptly managed has set in motion for the state to be in for a rough ride.

This is no time for complacency. The governor must be proactive and hit the ground running. This is the time for fresh thinking and a new approach to governance.

Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South-South Reawakening Group

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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Police Raid NUJ Secretariat in Adamawa, Arrest 12 Journalists

Daji Sani in Yola

Despite the fact that the lockdown declared by the Adamawa State government exempted workers on essential duties, police personnel from the state police command yesterday raided the secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state and arrested 12 journalists.

The state Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Ishaka Donald Deden confirmed the arrest of the 12 journalists who were waiting for any update on COVID-19 in the state He said the 12 journalists arrested were innocent and were taken to the police station.

“The police stormed the NUJ secretariat at about 6 p.m. to arrest 12 journalists on assignment because they were supposed to brief the NUJ on the updates of COVID-19 and the economic situation of the general public in the state.”

Deden said he was very shocked to see three trucks loaded with armed policemen coming to disrupt the peace of the journalists who were on assignment waiting for any update from the disease control centre.

He said the policemen said the journalists were violating the state government’s pronouncement

on lockdown of the state.

Deden lamented that the NUJ secretariat is not a place they sell alcohol but a situation room, where journalists gather to cross-fertilizer ideas after

sending their reports.

He said it was an embarrassment to the journalism profession, adding that the police commissioner is enjoying the patronage and media reportage

from journalists.

Deden said he was making consultations with the national headquarters of the NUJ to give the police total blackout.

Meanwhile, the spokesman

of the state police command, DSP Suleiman Ngoruge said the journalists were arrested because they did not comply with the directives of the state government.

Lekki Port Receives $221m China Harbour Equity Investment Eromosele Abiodun In a development that shows faith in the huge potential of the Nigerian economy despite the global economic meltdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) has received the infusion of $221,047, 248 (N83.997 billion) equity funding from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), one of the shareholders of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Project, currently under construction at the Lagos Free Trade Zone, Ibeju Lekki.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, in Lagos at the end of the board meeting held via teleconferencing.

According to him, “I am pleased to confirm that the Lekki Port has received the $221,047,248 equity funding from China Harbour Engineering Company.

The payment was received on March 30, 2020.”

Dabiri said the equity injection was coming at this time when the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which shows the deep commitment of CHEC to the success of the project, which will greatly contribute to fast-tracking the timely delivery of the project and bring about economic prosperity to Nigeria

as a whole.

Speaking further, the chairman also announced that the Board of Directors had approved the appointment of Du Ruogang as the new Chief Executive Officer for Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL) with immediate effect.

Ruogang, while accepting the appointment, noted that he would collaborate with all key stakeholders, including the lenders, insurers, EPC contractor and government regulators, to ensure the smooth and successful development of Lekki Port.

In his new role as the Chief Executive Officer, Ruogang is expected to oversee the overall business planning, development and management of the company.

Ruogang, the chairman added, has robust experience in port investment, financing and operation, and holds double bachelor degrees in engineering management and industrial design from Tianjin University, China, adding: “He has been with CHEC since 2007.

“In addition to the appointment of Du Ruogang to the board of Lekki Port, other directors appointed are Sajen Aswani, Wu Di, Lu Yunpeng and Xu Huajiang while Mohan Vaswani and Joseph Sanusi resigned from their positions on the board.

NUPENG Threatens Strike over Sacked Refinery Workers The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) has threatened to commence an industrial action following the decision of the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) to sack over 175 causal workers.

The workers said nothing would stop them from going on strike in the next 48 hours if PHRC failed to rescind its decision.

The Port Harcourt Zone of NUPENG said it would stop the operations of all tanker drivers, petrol station workers and others if PHRC refused to recall the sacked workers.

The zonal Chairman of the union, Mr. Mina Samuel, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, described the action of the PHRC as insensitive.

He said it was unfortunate that the company chose a period others were protecting the rights

of workers across the world to sack its employees.

Samuel said it was unthinkable that workers would suffer such while struggling to survive the COVID-19 lockdown.

He said: “The Port Harcourt Zone of NUPENG may be forced to come out of its shell as a result of PHRC management action, to withdraw the supply of petroleum products within Port Harcourt Zone if the PHRC fails to reverse its decision with immediate effect.

“Consequently, the Port Harcourt Zonal Council of NUPENG is by this notice giving PHRC management 72 hours from today, the 2nd of April 2020, to direct its contractors to withdraw all termination letters issued to all NUPENG members in their employment. Hence, we advise that Port Harcourt Refinery management engage the union once normalcy returns to the state if need be.

GIVING BACK TO THE SOCIETY...

L-R: Managing Director, Foods Division, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc (FMN), Mr. Devlin Hainsworth; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal; and Group Chief Operating Officer, FMN, Mr. Boye Olusanya; at the official handover of food products donated by the company to the state, as part of its commitment to mitigate the impacts of lockdown of the state...yesterday

Kogi Gov Investigates Assault on Ex-beauty Queen by Commissioner Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has ordered an accelerated investigation into the alleged battering of a beauty queen, Elizabeth Oyeniyi, in the state by the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Abdumumini Danga.

The commissioner allegedly assaulted, beat and raped Oyeniyi over a piece of advice to provide succour for the people of his community during the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 Danga was said to have been infuriated by the lady’s post on

her page and considered it very insulting to his personality.

The victim explained that the commissioner sent his boys after her, and her son and sister, alleging that the boys abducted three of them to the commissioner’s house.

“The commissioner beat me and my sister and inflicted injuries on us in the presence of my son.

He locked us up and in the night, he raped me severally,” she alleged.

In a video clip going viral on social media, Oyeniyi alleged that the commissioner wanted to kill her and vowed not to return to Kogi State for now.

Meanwhile, the state governor has ordered accelerated investigation into the allegation.

A statement issued yesterday by the state’s Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, said the governor was shocked on hearing the news and subsequently ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.

“The governor hereby assures the accuser and accused as well as the public that the whole truth will be uncovered and justice will be served appropriately,” Fanwo stated.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Kogi State

Government has been drawn to the allegations of assault, battery and other serious crimes levied against Abdumumini Danga who is a serving commissioner in Kogi State.

“It is alleged that he is involved in the alleged abduction and assault of a woman which allegedly occurred in Lokoja recently.

“The state Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is an avowed advocate of the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens, and especially within the boundaries of our dear state, is shocked by these accusations.

Army Introduces Locally-fabricated Mine-resistant Vehicles 14The Nigerian Army has introduced locally fabricated Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPV) into the ongoing war against Boko Haram in the Northeast.

The vehicles, which were built by the engineers at the military counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast (Operation Lafiya Dole) were commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai.

Speaking at the

commissioning of seven new vehicles and a vehicle recovery truck on Wednesday, Buratai who was represented by the Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, said the vehicles would boost the fight against terrorism in troubled Northeast.

He said the seven MRAPV were the third in the series, insisting that the homegrown technological innovation was a major drive to restore normalcy to the north east.

He explained that the materials used in constructing the platforms were sourced from the theatre except for the bullet-resistant glasses that were bought from Kaduna.

The COAS also assured that such innovations would be sustained. He said: “As at today, the theatre has produced locally some MRAPVs in three variants.

They are the Champion, the Invisible and the Conqueror.

The theatre has also undertaken the conversion of gun trucks

and tractors to armoured Gun Trucks All Terrain.

“In the same vein, ‘fire eaters’ with armoured plating were made to provide local protection for troops while in harbour and in defensive positions.”

The Commander 107 Division Equipment Support, Brig.

General Babatunde Alaya, revealed that the vehicles were constructed to improve mobility and protection for troops prosecuting the counterinsurgency operations.

PDP Rejects N123.5 Pump Price, Insists on N90 Per Litre Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday rejected the April 1 tweaking of fuel price from N125 to N123.5 instead of “the appropriate N90 per litre canvassed by Nigerians.”

The party described the reduction of pump price by N1.50k as offensive, fraudulent, a further display of cruelty and insensitivity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the plight of Nigerians, particularly as the country battles

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, insisted that the correct pump price fuel is between N80 and N90 per litre given the slump in the price of fuel and crude oil in the international market.

It said any price beyond that is completely unacceptable, as it amount to fleecing Nigerians.

PDP further berated the APC administration for attempting to delude Nigerians by tweaking

the cost decimals to create a misleading impression of price reduction while fleecing the unsuspecting public.

It also challenged the APC and its administration to explain how they arrived at the pump price of N123.5 instead of the appropriate price of N90 per litre despite the fall in international price.

The PDP asked the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to disprove Nigerians by immediately publishing the full prevailing

landing cost, the prevailing three percent depot cost, the three percent trucking cost as well as the retail outlet admin cost and show why the pump price should be above N90 per litre.

According to the statement, “It indeed smacks of heartlessness that the APC, its leaders and cronies in the government circle are rather manipulating fuel costs at this critical time when other governments across the world are seeking ways to mitigate the economic hardship being faced by their citizens.

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

NPA Engages States over Stoppage of Cargo Movement Says Nigeria wrongly listed among countries with closed ports Eromosele Abiodun In a bid to prevent further congestion at the Lagos ports following the blockade mounted by several state governors around state boundaries to restrict movement and holt the spread of COVID-19, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said it will engage the state governors through the presidential taskforce on the pandemic to ensure such containers are allowed to move freely.

The Managing Director of the NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman stated this yesterday during her inspection of terminals in the Lagos ports.

According to her, “I am also going to raise the issue after my inspection with the respective state governors and also ensure that this is raised at the highest level through the presidential taskforce.

I think that as responsible leaders where you understand that indeed

there is certain economic aspect of your states that are tied to linkages in the ports, we should be responsible and allow these corridor to function efficiently while securing the lives of your citizens, providing the necessary protocol all Nigerians against any threat but recognising that these corridors that are economic corridors around the port operations needs to be sustained in a secured environment.”

Also, as a way of addressing the port congestion, she said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has agreed to fastrack the clearance of over 1,500 overtime containers.

She said the NCS has already inspected 400 of them and are being moved to the federal government’s overtime cargo warehouse at Ikorodu “We have discussed with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and they have given approval for 400 containers to be cleared

and moved out of the port to the federal government overtime cargo warehouse at Ikorodu. That is the same across the board for all terminals. Why we are calling on all consignees to come out and collect their cargo, they should also be mindful that some of these

cargo that are considered overtime are been moved to Ikorodu where they will be auctioned in line with the guidelines stipulated by the NCS”.

She also berated certain organisations linked to the International Maritime

Organisation (IMO) for listing Nigeria among the 70 countries that have shut down their ports due to COVID-19.

“I am curious as to what agency will list Nigeria among countries that have shut their ports. I think entities should

be held accountable for wrong listing and false information because the shipping companies are very much aware that the Lagos port is operational; vessels berthed yesterday and they have been berthing every other day,” she explained.

Opposition Parties Kick against FG’s Method of Sharing COVID-19 Palliatives BATTLING THE PANDEMIC...

Trained fumigators during the inauguration of fumigation of Langtang North LGA of Plateau State...recently

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned the method which the federal government has adopted to share stipends to vulnerable people, describing it as a joke, a political trick and a bogus attempt to loot scarce resources in these trying times.

Last Wednesday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, commenced payment of cash transfer to the vulnerable Nigerians as lockdown takes effect.

CUPP in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said the method would not achieve the desire to reach out to millions of vulnerable people, adding that failure to reach the genuine vulnerable people is a recipe for uncontrollable social unrest, hunger and violence.

According to the statement, “With an estimated 10.6million people in the government social register, and given the president’s directive that each person should get two months’ payment, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development began sharing cash to the people. How many thousands of poor people will this woman use her hand to share money in such a way to

achieve the essence of reaching out to the most vulnerable people? Does she expect to tell Nigerians that she shared over N200 billion only by cash? Can the federal government convince the citizens that this money got to the real poorest of the poor in the communities?

“Was this money not shared to political party members as some of those seen in videos and photos were expensively dressed and could not have qualified as the very vulnerable group? Was there any mechanism of monitoring these officials who the government has given N200 billion cash or did they have direct instructions on the number of people to pay and the amount to remit to the pockets of the individuals in the presidential villa?

“So how can there be accountability with this method?

How is she selecting those she is giving this cash to? So if she shares the money to a few hundred people, who will reach the remaining millions that are in need of this palliative? How can the federal government be directly involved in sharing money when we have local government areas, traditional rulers and Town Unions that can help reach the poorest of poor assuming the government needs to have a sustainable and effective way of distributing the cash?”

NANS Berates US over Death of Nigerian Student Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the United States of America over the alleged professional misconduct of some health personnel of the country, which caused the demise of a Nigerian Student in the country, Effiong Bassey, to COVID-19.

NANS, therefore, called on the federal government to evacuate all the Nigerian students in the country to avert further avoidable deaths due to alleged racism.

The students said they were saddened by the event that led

to the death of Bassey, who died due to alleged laxity of the US health personnel, describing this as a breach of bilateral trust and diplomacy between Nigeria and the country.

The NANS’ position was contained in a statement made available by its National Vice Chairman, Raymond Ojo, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday.

The statement said: “It saddens our heart to read of the death of one of us in the diaspora, Effiong Bassey, who passed on as a result of sheer negligence of health workers in the US. “It is totally embarrassing to

read of the death of Bassey, who was meant to be a graduate soon, and whose death occurred as a result of lack of proper care and medical treatment.

“Despite the fact that those suspected of contracting coronavirus are meant to be given proper and adequate medical treatment, health workers in the US, based on reasons best known to them, failed to allow Bassey undergo the necessary tests as he had requested, an action which led to his failure to get the necessary medical treatments, which eventually led to his death.

“This was particularly

saddening and obviously against the vision of the founding fathers of the United States who believed that all men were born free and equal.

“This action in entirety was condemnable and shows the level of discrimination and non-chalant attitude of these health workers to persons of colour.

“This action brings to the fore the memories of the dark days of segregation even though the policy has ended about five decades ago.

It is a reflection of the rising tide of racial division in a country seen as the leading advocate of freedom and inequality.

HEDA Wants Openness in Management of Donor Funds Federal and State Governments have been enjoined to ensure transparency in the management of the over N30 billion donated by different groups and institutions towards the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

A coalition of several civil society organizations in Nigeria, under the leadership of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), urged all the tiers of government to ensure the funds were disbursed in an

open and transparent manner.

The Chairman of HEDA, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, said in the statement that was signed by 25 other civil society organizations: “We appreciate all the contributors and donors in the emergency funds and materials in response to the pandemic. The best that can happen is accountability.

No one should be encouraged to profit from the current human misery. We urge all government Ministries, Departments and Agenciess and special task force to uphold procurement

and operational standards and policies in procurement, awards and payments of services and distribution of materials.”

The coalition also said the outbreak of COVID-19 has exposed the helplessness of millions of poor Nigerians especially in a time of adversary.

Members of the coalition include but not limited to Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Women Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre (WARD-C), Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER),

Civil Society Network Against Corruption, (CSNAC), HURIDAC, Green Peoples Environmental Network (GREPNET), Nigerian Human Rights Community, (NHRC), COPEAIDS Foundation, a health-concern rights group, Civil Society Coalition for Mandate Protection, (CSCMAP), HELP Center for Development, amongst others.

Suraju said the coalition is monitoring the donations and would do a technical evaluation of the governments’ disbursement and expenditure in the nearest future.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

family in the country to perform the prayer chain from April 6 to April 7.

The CAN statement referred to a memo the association issued yesterday and personally signed by the President of CAN, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, to all heads of religious blocs that made up the association and leadership of the body from national to state level, which said that the prayer chain would be observed

from 6am on Monday to 6am of Tuesday next week.

“It is expected that each church should divide all the congregating families into groups. Prayers are to be led by each family for a maximum period of 30 Minutes each.

It said the church faithful should pray to God for forgiveness of sins and for His mercies upon the country.

The CAN also said that prayers should be directed at asking God

to heal our land and cleanse the country from this pandemic and other sicknesses and diseases that are lurking around.

It also commented on the current suffering in the land: “The leadership of our local churches and our government would be caring enough in making palliative provision available for those who may find provision of food difficult for their families because of restriction of movements or shutdown

Seven Days after, UCH CMD Tests Negative CAN Urges Christians to Hold 24-hour Prayer over COVID-19 Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo, who last week tested positive to COVID-19 has tested negative.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the hospital, Mr. Toye Akinrinlola, made the disclosure in a statement issued yesterday.

The statement read: “I have the pleasure to announce that the repeated test of the UCH CMD,

Prof. Otegbayo, has returned negative. He had earlier tested positive to the COVID-19 last Friday.

“Prof. Otegbayo had on Sunday personally said in a statement that he tested positive for COVID-19, and admonished all those who had contact with him to go on self-quarantine.

“However, his samples were taken again on March 31, 2020.

Today, at about 3.00p.m., the result came out negative.”

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on churches to participate in a 24 hours prayer chain against the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic in the country, A statement issued yesterday by the Special Assistant (Media and Communications) to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, CAN enjoined every Christian

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020

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POLITICS

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

Breaking New Grounds Amidst Scarce Resources Ismail Omipidan highlights the efforts of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Pain to secure the future of the state by diversifying its economy

I

n Osun, we may not have all the billions, but we are surely getting our priorities right. In spite of the paucity of funds, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has so far kept faith with the vision of the founding fathers of the state to sustainably build an ‘Ipinle Omoluabi’, State of the Virtuous.

Since coming on board about one year ago, the Governor has demonstrated that he not only understands and appreciates the peculiar needs of an average Osun person, but also passionately interested in growing the State from where his predecessor left off.

Rather than reeling out excuses, he has since begun fulfilling some of the promises he made to the citizens of the State during the electioneering, despite the distractive litigation that lasted about eight months.

His creative way of managing resources, priotising salary of workers, pensions and gratuities of retirees, and having control on the State’s expenditures is largely responsible for the administration’s ability to regularly shoulder these obligations and still build roads, schools, hospitals, in addition to interventions in other critical sectors of the economy. And he is doing all these amidst glaring lean resources the State is contending with.

It is on record that his decision to construct, renovate and revitalise 332 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) at a go, one per ward, is unprecedented in the history of governance in the country. This fact was confirmed by no less a personality than the immediate past Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole. Although this is a project that would have probably taken many leaders at least four years to complete, Governor Oyetola, in just three days, inaugurated 25 PHCs out of the 175 already completed.

In the last one year, the governor has touched virtually all the sectors, with his imprints everywhere without neglecting any section of the State to the admiration of all, including those who initially were skeptical about his leadership style in the build up to the governorship poll.

For instance, apart from carrying on with all the major road projects it inherited from the previous administration, such as OsogboGbongan, Osogbo-Ikirun, OsogboIlesa road, and Ife-Osogbo road among others, it has constructed 10 new roads. In collaboration with the Federal Government, it has also began work on the Osogbo-Iwo road.

Additionally, only recently, it again commenced massive road construction across the three senatorial districts of the State. The 54.3km road will cost the State the sum of N5,245,729,794.95.

The state will expend N1,569,734,774.00 for the construction and rehabilitation of Ada-Igbajo 13.15km road, while N644,734,203.03 will be expended in fixing the 2.87km AkindekoAwosuru link road via Adejumo street, with a spur to Oremeji, Akinlade street, Adewale Street. It

His creative way of managing resources, priotising salary of workers, pensions and gratuities of retirees, and having control on the State’s expenditures is largely responsible for the administration’s ability to regularly shoulder these obligations and still build roads, schools, hospitals, in addition to interventions in other critical sectors of the economy

Why Edo State Government Must Disclose Obaseki’s COVID-19 Status Christopher Osa-Uwagie demands that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State concludes his personal COVID-19 procedure transparently

A

s an interested party and concerned indigene of Edo State, I am working with a NonGovernmental group, Association for Monitoring and Implementation of COVID-19 Policies in Edo state. While, we abhor politicisation of issues concerning human life, we can’t close our eyes to a deliberate campaign of dishonesty in Edo State government’s handling of COVID-19 issues.

The head of the government, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has now exceeded the recommended 14 days in self-isolation, making his health status and fitness a subject of speculation and point of concern.

Therefore, as Protem Coordinator, I am constrained to say that, “across the globe today, in the face of the unprecedented public health crisis and social upheavals caused by the coronavirus disease, governments, irrespective of level, have put aside political concerns and united to offer leadership and direction to their people in a transparent, accountable and organized fashion.

“We are afraid that the Edo State Government, by its recent actions, is sadly not following this example.

“Over two weeks now, Governor Godwin Obaseki has withdrawn self from public view, only to surface days ago in a contrived broadcast where he appeared disheveled and made questionable claims on the preparedness of the state as the number of confirmed cases climbs higher.

“When he rightly embarked on this self-isolation after exposure to the virus in meeting with other government of-

ficials who tested positive and disclosed his forwarding of sample to a competent laboratory for test, this responsible decision and transparent disclosures were praised by all, including this campaign organization, in addition to expressed support.

“However, rather than continue on this path of responsible action and transparency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his administration have deviated, turning his testing and result into the subject of official secrecy, while sanctioning the execution of deliberate acts of misinformation and general dishonesty.

“In an instance, on the 26th of March, Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s media aide, announced to the public that a ‘rapid test’ had shown his principal, Godwin Obaseki, to be negative. However, two days ago, possibly in reaction to this politicallydriven statement, the NCDC, through its verified social media channel, specifically Twitter, issued a rebuttal, declaring to the public without equivocation that “there is no validated rapid diagnostic test kit for COVID19.”

“Quoting its statement directly, the NCDC said, “These rapid test kits can provide false results: Do Not Use [the emphasis that of the agency, and a demonstration of its strong discouragement of the rapid tests].

“This leaves us with two conclusions on Obaseki’s choice of a rapid test that has been dismissed by the health agency responsible for the management of the viral disease and Crusoe’s hurried declaration of the same.”

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

also has a loop to WAEC road.

Also, a sum of N1,656,963,889.47 will be expended on the rehabilitation/complete overlay of 25.8km Army Barack (Ede) - AraEjigbo township road, just as N835,138,000.54 will be expended on the rehabilitation and complete overlay of 8.10km Moro-YakoyoIpetumodu-Asipa- Ife/Ibadan expressway junction road.

The rehabilitation/complete overlay of 4.38km Ereja RoundAbout-Ereguru-Isaare-Oke Oye-Sabo (Irojo)-Ilesa/Akure expressway junction will also cost N539,158,927.91. Interestingly, this particular road projects will be funded through a ‘ContractorFinancing Project’ under the Alternative-Project-Funding- Approach (APFA).

Education is on the front burner of Osun’s Development Agenda. It is the administration’s resolve to provide adequate, qualitative, affordable and functional education for all our children.

Immediately the administration assumed office, it commenced infrastructural, academic and capacity interventions in the public schools, including schools with persons living with disabilities, Life Academies for technical and vocational education and tertiary institutions. These interventions involve renovation of buildings, provision of instructional materials and training and re-training of teachers for optimum performance.

In response to the demands of the people, the governor is also reviewing the state’s education policy.

While receiving the report of the Prof. Olu Aina-led review panel, the governor noted that the need to review the education policy was informed by the people’s demand, saying the government would ensure full implementation of whatever that will improve the lots of the people and protect the future of its children.

In order to secure the future of the State of Osun, Governor Oyetola is applying wisdom to diversify the Osun economy through investment in Agriculture, ICT, Culture and Tourism and Mining sectors.

The State convened an Economic and Investment Summit in 2019 attended by over 1,000 local and international participants, including investors, business moguls, among others . The Executive Order for the establishment of Osun Investment Promotion Agency was signed at the event.Twenty-two investors and business czars signed Memoranda of Understanding in critical areas with the State at the Summit, especially in agriculture, mining, infrastructure and economy. The objective is to make Osun the commercial hub of the South West. And so far, the State is reaping the benefits of the Summit. For the first time in the history of the State of Osun, it netted in a N100 million, just for signing of an MoU, from a company which showed interest in the mining sector.

The story of the State of Osun in the one year of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is not only about breaking new grounds, but a clear pointer that tomorrow will be better.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020

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PERSPECTIVE

Ahmad Lawan’s Advocacy on COVID-19 Mon-Charles Egbo, Print Media Aide to the President of the Senate submits that the leadership of the Senate has been proactive in dealing with the pandemic

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ur humanity is facing perilous times. Nigeria is today united with the other countries in grief occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

The country is literally on a standstill.

There is confusion everywhere. Palpable fear has enveloped the air. Another economic recession is imminent. It might even lead to depression if not properlymanaged. The signs are very obvious.

Nobody is certain about what happens next. Every second or minute comes with unpleasant news that triggers feelings of anxiety and despair amongst the citizenry.

Communication management is on its lowest ebb. There are conflicting and vague public information. There is acute shortage of purpose-built infrastructure to contain the spread. And sadly, Federal Government is already embattled with the highest level of trust deficit. The citizens view the leadership as being grossly-insensitive.

Sense of empathy which is synonymous with responsive governance is seemingly lacking in government of the day. Once again, no one knows what happens next as scary headlines dominate the media.

But in all these, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, is not as over-whelmed as others in authority. He is rather challenged, optimistic and committed to the oaths he took at inauguration both as a representative and as a presiding officer.

By words and deeds, Lawan demonstrates that the good of the people is the ultimate essence of governance, and also that the legislature primarily connects the people to everything that good governance offers.

In short, he has left no one in doubt as to his conviction that a parliamentarian must at all times and circumstances, be seen to be the real voice of the people. And this he has diligently and excellently exhibited. Be it in relation to laying the foundations for national economic recovery and prosperity, fighting insecurity and every other index of good governance, the Ahmad Lawan-led senate is unquestionably people-oriented.

Except for partisan sentiments or limited knowledge, Lawan is outstanding in his signed-up task of standing in the gap for the masses through dispassionate and humane leadership. It is such that the 9thsenate and by extension the national assembly, today is unarguably an effective advocate of the people, especially in this trying moments.

Aside his several previous and sustained interventions, Senator Lawan had an emergency meeting with some critical stakeholders towards dealing with these peculiarities of the moment, particularly the socio-economic impacts. He expressed deep concern that it is not just about restriction on movement or lock down, but federal government should urgently provide meaningful palliatives for particularly the poor, given that virtually all micro-economic activities are grounded, resulting to shortage of food and escalating fears with inherent capacities at even aggravating the situation.

According to the senate president, “our prayer is that we are able to overcome this menace of COVID-19 in good time because it is really taking a toll on our lives. If we have to eventually shut down our country, then as a government we must be prepared to have some relief for the most ordinary people. As a government, we must find our own money to fund something for our people, because the United States of America that is talked about or the British Parliament is because this involves public funds. I’m not seeing anything at the moment targeted at providing some relief.

If we lock up Nigeria today, then we will wake-up trouble, because the majority of our citizens go to the market every day

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Time to Rethink and Reset Anthony Kila

before they can get something to eat. So, you lock them up in their houses with a threat of disease and without food. We need to have something, a plan of some sorts, in addition to making sure we don’t lock up the farmers market for example, where people can easily go and buy something, and of course pharmacies.

We need to have some kind of supplies to people, I don’t know how we can achieve this, but we have to be ingenious. This is a time to think deep and wide, to provide for our people, in order for us at least to deal with this challenge at the moment.”

Lawan equally assured that the national assembly would reconvene before April 7, 2020 date, should there be need to offer to the executive, additional necessary supports, especially possible review of the 2020 budget. In the end, there was approval for release of N5bn for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC and N10bn for Lagos State economic stimuli packages, as part of overall containment strategies.

It would be recalled that among others, the Lawan-led senate had passed several legislations in this regard, of-which the federal government has implemented just a few of them. Those already attended to include the presidential address, travel and flight bans, restrictions on large gatherings, tighter border controls, mandatory 14-day quarantine. Federal government is yet to implement the legislative directives on the urgent need for improved coordination in operations by those on the front line of managing the crisis as well as establishment of more testing and isolation centres in all the states of the federation.

Even when Nigeria had not been invaded, Lawan proactively summoned the Health Minister to ascertain the level of preparedness of the country in the case of eventual outbreak, and also possible areas of further intervention by the national assembly. Again, he undertook a working tour of the isolation facility in Abuja where he urged the federal government to as a matter of deliberate policy, commence sustained funding of the NCDC, for effectiveness. Meanwhile in a show of exemplary leadership, Lawan directed that his colleagues who recently returned from overseas trips, especially the highrisk countries, should immediately go for medical tests for necessary actions. Then as a direct interim measure, the senate graciously donated half of its March salaries to combating this calamitous situation.

Elsewhere and deeply worried by the unfortunate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national economic projections, Lawan passionate appealed for the World Bank’s assistance to Nigeria.

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Dear Readers, Today’s epistle is not addressed to any named individual but to all of us so that each of us can take this time to rethink and reset.

Being alive today means being part of something that perhaps has never occurred in the history of humanity: A truly global phenomenon affecting every corner of the earth at the same time. As you read this missive you would observe that almost everyone you know in the world, wherever they are on the planet are voluntarily practicing or involuntarily affected by acts of self-isolation, social distancing, quarantine, lockdown or curfew.

We are all forced to slow down the pace, cancel events and activities, suspend our desires and obligations, courtesy of the scary coronavirus. I do not subscribe to the popular dictum “every disappointment is a blessing” but I do agree that as adults when we stumble we must look back to review what led to the fall.

Looking back or even just around, two of the clearest items that litters the floor upon which we now lay are our limits and vulnerabilities. Of all the talk of and race to artificial intelligence, drone warfare and technology, super power and leading forces, no country in the world, no scientific community has a clear answer to prevent, cure and control this virus.

No leader has come up with a clear, concise and coherent mode of dealing with the pandemic that all can look up to and share as the very best practice.

We are all learning as we go along.

The best answer we have so far is the simple but precious command: “touch less and wash more”. That is in the realm of science and politics.

In the spiritual kingdom, not one preacher, prophet or seer saw this trouble coming to the world. Amaz-

Clearly, we are on our own as we cannot blindly and automatically rely on science, politics or religion to definitely and by its own lead us to saftey. We must keep watch and intervene.

In reality it has always being like that, the only difference and novelty is that coronavirus is making it obvious to more of us.

During this period of low paced home staying, we have a chance to rethink what matters to us and reset how we lead our lives. Humans are the only beings that tend to adapt environment to needs instead of adapting needs to environment

ingly, not one of them even dreamt or guessed a situation where people from all over the world or even parts of the world or even people in just one country in the globe will be forced to stay at home. I mean no one saw a vision of all the streets of Lagos or that of Delhi deserted or my mother staying at home on Sunday! In the face of the pandemic, and just when it is most needed, spectacular healing seems to be on hold. The best our religious fathers and mothers can do for self and for all is to pray then touch less and wash more like the rest of us. No clear added value.

Clearly, we are on our own as we cannot blindly and automatically rely on science, politics or religion to definitely and by its own lead us to saftey.

We must keep watch and intervene.

In reality it has always being like that, the only difference and novelty is that coronavirus is making it obvious to more of us.

During this period of low paced home staying, we have a chance to rethink what matters to us and reset how we lead our lives. Humans are the only beings that tend to adapt environment to needs instead of adapting needs to environment. We are the only ones that prioritise aesthetics over ethics and spend more on entertainment that on essentials. These are part of the reasons why we seem willing to give more money to footballers and singers than to doctors and policemen. It is part of why we seem more interested in listening more to actors than to teachers.

Now that it is clear to more that when the chips come down, we are on our own, the rational thing to do is to use this period low paced home staying to reset our relationship with the rest of the world.

From politics and governance, we must demand for a new ratio of our budgets. Some of us have being shouting for decades on the need to prioritise education and healthy in public spending and in our societal order. This should be a time to fashion how to propose, implement and monitor such new priorities. Personally, I will make the amount that goes to education and health the top two in all public spending.

We need to rethink the process of training doctors and other health practitioners in our society. Here is a radical but highly held personal proposal: Doctors and maybe nurses should be trained for free and even paid during their training. We should deliberately make provision to train more than double the number of health practitioners we think we are going to need, with a clear ambition of becoming an exporter of health practitioners.

Our mode of operating both in the private and public sectors need to change. Now that we have been forced into staying at home and operating from afar, we need to consciously embrace digitalisation of all process, decentralisation of authorities and devolution of powers.

Our corporate leaders have started to lead the way by making substantial donations to relief funds, their acts should remind we the people who to applaud next time we go to an event: Politicians or Professionals.

Join me if you can @anthonykila to continue these conversations.

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FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ APRIL 3, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 15.80 % 17.10 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

14.50 % 10 % 10.50 %

M A R C H S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

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

2 7 , 2 0 2 0 461.82 % 0.29 % -12.02 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE -4.02 % YEAR TO DATE -4.02 %

EXCHANGE RATE N361/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes Qatar Responds to COVID-19

Qatar Airways said it has continued to take steps in response to the COVID-19. The airline said its robust measures include amending its flight schedule, working with governments to take people home, and introducing new policies to ensure the health and safety of staff, and maintainingitsvitalcargooperations.Inaddition,theairlinesaidithas continued to support the State of Qatar’s efforts to manage the virus outbreak, and has acquired and transported 500,000 test kits, which willarriveinDohatoday,andwilldonatethesetolocalhealthservices.

QatarAirwaysGroupChiefExecutive,HisExcellencyMr.AkbarAlBaker, said:“AtQatarAirwayswecontinuetoworkhardtotakepeoplehome totheirfamilies,whilealsoensuringrobusthealthandsafetypractices tolimitthespreadofcoronavirus.

“We are adjusting our flight schedules on a daily basis, and since the outbreak of the virus we have stepped up our already robust hygiene practices. In these efforts, we do not work alone – I am grateful for the support we have received from local and national governments and entities, whom we are working in close partnership to overcome this pandemic.”

Qatar Airways said it has also continued to temporarily hold flights to severelyaffectedcountriesduetoentryrestrictionsimplementedby manygovernmentstopreventthespreadofcoronavirus.

The airline would place a temporary hold on flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from 1 April 2020, Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)from4April,andBarcelonaElPratAirport(BCN)from5April,with theintentiontoreinstateflightsinlinewithareturntoregularconditions.

QUARTERLY MEETING

L-R: Chief Audit Executive, Access Bank, Yinka Tiamiyu; Managing Director/CEO FSDH Merchant Bank, Hamda Ambah; Ag. Chief Audit Executive, Dare Akinnuoye; and Chief Audit Executive, Wema Bank, Adekunle Onitiri, at the 45th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks held in Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Experts Predict Tougher Times Ahead for Aviation Sector Chinedu Eze In addition to financial losses that have been incurred by airlines, aviation agencies and support service providers in the aviation industry, experts have expressed their view on what would happen to the industry post COVID-19.

Speaking with THISDAY, the CEO of Aglo Aviation, a consultant company, Tayo Ojuri, said the virus has had adverse effect on the aviation sector, adding that things may get worse because recovery would be slow and sluggish as other sector would also be stuttering financially.

Ojuri, said Nigerian airlines would find it extremely difficult to pay the salary of workers in

AVIATION April.

“How can we keep these airlines operating for two months after resumption of flights?

Passenger travel will deepen.

People will still be skeptical so there won’t be that traffic and international airlines, which are the feeder to domestic airlines would not be there.

“They will start, not with the same zeal. Their operation will not be fully-fledged,” Ojuri said.

The aviation consultant said poor flight operations would affect ancillary services like catering, adding that the airlines would inevitably cut down staff.

He also noted that low crude

oil price would affect government’s spending, noting that with government being the biggest spender, it would also affect the aviation industry because less number of people would travel as there would be poor liquidity.

“Government may likely review its budget again but low price of oil will affect not only government revenue but the money in circulation and cities like Port Harcourt, which is driven by oil and gas activities will be affected adversely.

“So such passenger traffic that used to come from Port Harcourt, which is one of the three triangles, will drop. GDP is low, debt ratio is high and the cost of dollar is also high,” he said.

Ojuri, noted that airlines would spend more money on maintenance, spare part and training because of the recent naira devaluation.

“But government support can revive the airlines but government is also struggling, but government can give the airlines waivers.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) can give airlines waivers on landing and parking and passenger service charge. But aviation will come up again, but this will be enhanced if Nigerian carriers begin to seek for fruitful partnerships, strategic and quality partnership, which will enable them to secure funds from Continued on page 22

NPA Suspends Fees, Says Port Operations Continue Eromosele Aniodun Following appeal by stakeholders in the maritime industry and in line with global best practice, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently directed all terminal operators to suspend all applicable terminal storage fees on consignments, also known as demurrage for an initial period of 21 days.

The NPA also stated that the gesture was in recognition of the pressure that the COVID-19 pandemic imposes on businesses and the responsibility imposed on the authority to relieve this burden on its customers.

The NPA in a statement issued by its General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Com-

MARITIME munications, Adams Jatto, added that the measure was part of its bid to attain the objective of the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business Policy.

According to the NPA, “The authority recognises the financial implications of these policies on the terminal operators and will consider a shift in our operational charges to ameliorate the situation of stakeholders.”

This is just as the NPA recently announced that it has donated Agura Hotels, Abuja, as isolation centre for COVID-19 after consultation with other shareholders.

“The NPA as majority shareholder of the Agura

Hotels, Abuja, in consultation with other shareholders, have agreed to donate the 130-bed fully furnished hotel as isolation centre for COVID-19 in Abuja.

“This is a social responsibility initiative aimed at supporting efforts of the Federal Government to contain the spread of the virus in Nigeria. The authority encourages all Nigerians to follow all advisories issued by the National Centre for Disease Control and be confident that Nigeria shall overcome.”

In a related development, the NPA announced that import and export operations would continue at the ports in Lagos, despite a curfew declared on the state by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Consequent to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that Lagos seaports, (Apapa and Tin can Island Ports) should remain open in the duration of the two-week lockdown of Lagos State, the Nigerian Ports Authority hereby assures all stakeholders that arrangements have been made for operations at the ports to continue without hindrance.

“Safety procedures, which will guarantee the wellbeing and security of stakeholders and staff have been put in place and all are advised to kindly comply with directives of port officials, “the NPA said.

“All other government Continued on page 22

S’African Airways Acting CEO Retires

South Africa Airways’ acting Chief Executive Officer, Zuks Ramasia, hasretiredfromherpositionasthehelmsmanofthecarrier,tenmonths after her appointment. According to a report by fin24.com, Ramasia, wouldenterintoearlyretirementfrom14thApril,2020.

“TheBoardofDirectorsatSouthAfricanAirways(SAA)announcedthat it has accepted the request from Ms Zuks Ramasia, SAA Acting CEO, for early retirement. Her last date of employ will be 14 April 2020,” the statementread.

Theboardsaiditwouldannouncean,“interimsuccessor,”induecourse.

The national carrier entered into business rescue in December 2019, it recently announced it would suspend flights throughout the 21-day lockdownperiod,whichkicksoffonThursdayatmidnight.

SeveralotherairlinessuchasComair’sBritishAirwaysandKulula.com andFlySafairhavesimilarlysuspendedtheirflightsfortheperiod,Fin24 previouslyreported.ThenationallockdownwasannouncedbyPresident CyrilRamaphosa,inanefforttoslowdownthespreadoftheCovid-19 disease,whichisnowapandemic.

Ramasia, has spent 27 years at the airline, and was appointed acting CEO in June last year, after Vuyani Jarana resigned. Ramasia started hercareeratSAAasacabincrewmemberin1992,andtookupherfirst managementpositionin2000,thestatementread.Ramasiahasalso previously held the position of head of SAA global operations control centre.BeforetakingontheroleasactingCEO,Ramasiawasthegeneral managerofoperations.

Ramasiaisknownforhercontributiontothe“thefightagainstwomen discriminationandgenderinequality”inaviationindustry,SAAsaid.

Ethiopian Airlines Counts Losses

EthiopianAirlinesplanestoucheddowninAddisAbabaandNairobithis week–notcarryingpassengers,butmasksandtestingkits.

Those supplies were being used in the battle against coronavirus in Africa,butforEthiopianAirlinesChiefExecutiveTewoldeGebremariam, hauling cargo is also a strategy to keep the continent’s biggest carrier aboveground.

“Rightnowwehaverefocusedourenergytimeandresourcesoncargo operationasyoucansee,wehaveten777freighterslikethisandtwo737 freighterssoweareusingthemallovertheworldtheyareworking24/7.”

TheCOVID-19pandemichasbeenfinanciallydevastatingfortheglobal aviationindustry.

The International Air Transport Authority (IATA), said African airlines lostaround$4.4billionafterthousandsofflightswerecancelled–and EthiopianAirlineshasnotbeenimmune.

“Imeanlikewehaveareductionoflike30percentinpassengertraffic.

Inthelasttwomonthswelostarevenueofa190millionUSD.” Most African carriers, Ethiopian Airlines excluded, were struggling to turnaprofitevenbeforethecrisis.

“Unfortunately in the next couple of months of three months we will seealotofairlinecasualties.Sothatisvery,verysad.”

“The work at the Enugu airport would have been completed in a few weeks time, but the workers have to leave to be with their families in view of the social distancing protocol” Minister of Aviation,

Senator Hadi Sirika

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BUSINESSWORLD EXPERTS PREDICT TOUGHER TIMES AHEAD FOR AVIATION SECTOR international investors that will become part of their management. “For example, airline X may continue to have its chairman but those who are bringing the new funds may provide the CEO and the Chief Finance Officer. “But there will continue to be room for growth because of our population. Nigerian airlines do not have surplus funds like the mega carriers in the United States and in Europe, so while these airlines will draw from their surplus funds to rebuilt their operations, some of the Nigerian airlines may go under but the existing ones will re-strategise,�

Ojuri said.

Also, industry consultant of the Etimfri Group, Amos Akpan, said with the current COVID-19 shut down, while airlines are not earning income, their fixed costs are still running. “Fixed expenses are the costs airlines bear whether they are flying their aircraft or not. Just before the lockdown the traffic was low causing the airlines to operate at loss; that is, income per flight was less than the cost of operation.�

NPA SUSPENDS FEES, SAYS PORT OPERATIONS CONTINUE agencies responsible for smooth operations in the ports are enjoined to be at their respective duty posts to discharge their functions in line with the presidential directive of maintaining operational functions at the Lagos ports. “The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority assures all stakeholders of its commitment to facilitation of trade in Nigeria, �it added.

Following the coronavirus crisis that has made it virtually impossible for goods to be cleared on time at the nation’s seaports, custom agents in the country had recently called on the federal government to direct shipping companies and terminal operators to immediately halt demurrage charges and taxes to avoid friction at the ports.

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the umbrella body of customs agents in the country, Mr. Iju Tony Nwabunike, had made the plea in a recent letter addressed to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

NIMASA, NIWA Donate N60m to COVID-19 Fight Stories by Eromosele Abiodun As part of their contribution to the fight against the spread of COVID-19, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has donated N50 million and 20 ventilators.

Also, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu, has announced that NIWA has donated N10 million to the fight against the pandemic in the country.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who made this known in Lagos, said N30 million of the N50 million would go to the federal government Committee on COVID-19, while N20 million is to aid the Lagos state government’s effort to control the spread of the virus.

Equally, NIMASA has volunteered its six fast intervention vessels to be committed to facilitate transport logistics support in the maritime sector, just as volunteers from the agency would be deployed to join first responders from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Lagos and other states in managing the spread of the pandemic.

The ventilators, NIMASA stated, are equipment that assist patients in breathing, a process sometimes referred to as artificial respiration, which are basically needed at this time to help fight the disease.

The NIMASA boss said: “The coronavirus pandemic is upon humanity. It came suddenly upon a virtually unprepared

Senior Correspondent

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT)

world, and demands drastic actions from all and sundry to contain the virus and salvage our common humanity. “We are concerned about the effect of the pandemic on the socio-economic life of the country, especially at a time NIMASA, Nigeria’s maritime industry regulator, is driving a Blue Economy campaign, to make maritime a key part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic diversification agenda.�

He added: “The agency has also volunteered four fully equipped brand new ambulances, four Hilux trucks

and four 36 seater coaster buses to support and facilitate land based logistics in the Federal capital Territory, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Kaduna States. “Other medical equipment the agency donated to enhance the fight against the COVID 19 in Nigeria include, 60 Beds, 20 Patient ICU Monitors, 20 Oxygen Concentrator, 10 Infusion pump, 10 Syringe pump, 20 Oxygen giving set, 10 Suction machine and 100 set of personal Protective Equipment PPE. “This is our little contribution to aid the robust efforts of the

Federal and State governments to fight the virus. It is our token of love, concern for Nigerians and a gesture of appreciation to the authorities’ proactive measures in this collective fight against a common enemy.�

On his part, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of NIWA, Tayo Fadile, in a statement, said the agency was worried about the ravaging impact of the virus.

He stated that NIWA, as part of her corporate social responsibilities, has donated the sum of N5 million to the NCDC and another N5 million to the Lagos State Government

(LASG). “This will help government fight the killer virus with more vigor and determination. The management also urged all Nigerians to obey government’s directives on COVID-19, as the only way to restore sanity and ensure safety and well-being of everybody in the country,� the statement said.

He disclosed that the MD of NIWA has directed that NIWA’s infrastructures such as ferry terminals, dockyards, river ports, jetties, watercrafts, barges and tug boats nationwide should be sanitised and the highest level of hygiene maintained.

CSR-IN-ACTION

L-R: Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director/CEO GTBank Segun Agbaje; and Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, during the handover of the 110 bed isolation center at Onikan to the state government by GTBank in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

‘Port Operations Vital in Containing COVID-19’ The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has added its voice to calls made by other maritime industry stakeholders on the need for the federal government to keep essential services, including the seaports and cargo operations going during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

SAN Chairman, Mr. Val Usifoh said in a statement in Lagos, that the association was concerned about the implications of shutting down the ports and/or not allowing ships to berth and operate.

He said: “If cargo inflow is halted in any way, this will have immediate repercussions on the country’s provision of basic items and necessary input for the few industries still surviving, including small and medium scale enterprises. “The social consequences

in Nigeria will be huge. Not only will millions of people working in the informal sector most likely lose their source of income but also the likelihood of massive lay-off of staff employed in the formal economy, while there will be shortage of basic necessities.�

He also said keeping the ports open during the pandemic would ensure continued revenue stream for the government through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), “especially now when cash is needed.�

He said in other West African territories, ship agencies were considered essential services and have been given, “key service� approval to remain open. “Shipping carries 90 per cent of world freight movements, therefore interrupting that flow

has dire consequences for a nation like Nigeria which is reliant on imports of essential items including drugs, chemicals and raw materials,� Usifoh, who is former Chairman of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), and also former Chairman of the Port Industry AntiCorruption Standing Committee (PIACSC), said.

He, however, commended the federal and state governments for “doing their best� to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. “The latest order by President Muhammadu Buhari that cargo ships that have been at sea for more than 14 days be allowed to berth is helpful because it will allow vessels waiting over the past month or so on Lagos waters to berth and discharge. “The bottleneck is that with the low level of deliveries out

of Lagos ports as a result of well-known challenges, not much impact will be made on the berthing delay and cargo throughput,� he said.

Usifoh, assured stakeholders that major shipping lines and their agencies in the country are open to providing essential services including seamless online transactions to shippers. “All shipping companies are complying with the directives of relevant authorities including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with regards to measures aimed at containing the COVID-19 pandemic, while ensuring essential services to their customers,� he added.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had last week called on governments across

the world to keep maritime trade moving by allowing commercial ships continued access to ports worldwide and by facilitating the rapid changeover of ships’ crews.

UNCTAD Secretary-General, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, explained that as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, the global maritime transport industry is playing a critical role in the response.

Kituyi said commercial shipping remains critical to moving the world’s food, energy and raw materials, as well as manufactured goods and components including vital medical supplies, “which are sorely needed at this time, and items that are necessary for the preservation of many jobs in manufacturing – without which modern society cannot function�.

NNPC Appoints Allianz, Custodian Assets’ Underwriters Ebere Nwoji

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

NEWS

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has appointed Allianz Nigeria and Custodian & Allied as lead underwriters for its insurances in 2020/2021 business year.

Custodian & Allied will lead its oil assets and liabilities cover for the period, while Allianz Nigeria will lead its non – oil assets cover during

the same period.

The appointment, which took effect from April 1, 2020, would last for one year and terminate on March 31, 2021.

Worldmark Insurance Brokers and Hogg Robinson Nigeria were retained as insurance brokers for the country’s oil corporation insurance risks.

The appointment followed the submission of bids by different underwriters and

brokers, last year.

Custodian, a leading insurance company with extensive experience in oil and gas underwriting has at various times in the past led the consortium.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, had said selection of brokers and insurance companies for coverage of its assets and nonassets risks for the 2020/2021

business year would be strictly based on track record and service excellence.

Kyari, had further said the evaluation and selection process was transparent and accountable in keeping with the corporation’s Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda.

He had assured that there would be a level playing field

for all the bidders to guarantee the emergence of the best among them based on their respective track record and commitment to excellence.

He stated that NNPC was desirous of engaging reputable and competent brokers that could provide unparalleled and exceptional valuation and insurance services to sustain its drive for excellence service delivery.

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NEWS

COVID-19: Foundation Calls for Sustained Standard Stories by Chinedu Eze Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), an independent, non-profit, international organisation has called on aviation industry players around the world not to relegate safety in the system, despite the challenges posed

by COVID-19 pandemic.

The foundation regretted that the virus pandemic was having an overwhelming effect on aviation and represented the biggest strategic shock to the global aviation system since international air travel began, but noted safety should still be taken with the seriousness it deserves.

The foundation in a document made available to all aviation operators around the world, said the Covid-19 impact on the sector was unimaginable and unexpected.

The body pointed out that the forecast of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest projection, which showed that 2020 passenger revenue could fall by $252 billion, or 44 per cent from last year’s level, also called

for concern.

It, however, said in spite of the pandemic, the global aviation system was still functioning as air traffic control towers and en route centres continued to guide aircraft to their destinations, while airports remained open and operating, albeit reduced capacity.

It said: “In the midst of crisis, safety must still prevail.

It is essential to maintain high safety performance in continuing operations, in reduced operations and, hopefully sooner rather than later, in increasing operations as carriers begin bringing aircraft and service back online.

“The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating effect on aviation and represents the biggest strategic shock to the global aviation system since international air travel began. Whereas we need to acknowledge that the crisis is first and foremost a human tragedy, and everyone’s first priority is to ensure their own family’s safety, we also need to understand that our world

as we know it will not be the same even after the virus is contained.

“Never has there been such a critical time to bring together the world’s aviation community for the protection of our people and our operations…Together we must establish a broad industry set of guidelines of ‘good things to do’ in an increasingly fragmented and complex situation, recognising that financial pressures will be acute and that there are no limits to the benefits of sharing information and learning.

FSF observed that the current crisis had compelled some airlines to shut down operations, while others continued to run on reduced schedules.

It noted further that cargo operations, air traffic control, airport and ground services now became critical elements in society’s efforts to overcome the crisis, stressing that all these changes were putting a massive strain on the system and generating clear business, operations and safety risks.

As COVID-19 Grounds 7000 Aircraft Worldwide

International Airlines

Chinedu Eze

‘How to Stop COVID-19 Without Shutting Airports’ A United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed Flight Dispatcher and Ground Instrument, Mrs. Victoria Jumoke Adegbe, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review the continued shutting down of airports and other economic activities as a way of curbing the spread of COVID - 19.

The Aviation Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Insel Networks, argued that continuous lockdown would spell doom for the airline industry. She canvassed for the destruction of the screening trays at airport terminals, a development, she said provides fluid contact from one passenger to another. She proposed a ban on the use of such trays,

which she noted provides contact during check in.

She suggested the use of disposable trash bags to be placed at screening point and trashed after use.

“The solution may not be a total lockdown when airlines are grounded and the passengers are stranded all over the world There is need to look at some things around the airport including automatic terminal doors, which opens on own accord without passengers touching any handles. Then you get to the screening point.

“Here you put your carryon in a tray for screening while you pass the screening machine empty handed. Then you pick the tray containing your personal effects, take

possession of your items and the tray is picked by the officials to be used by someone else. You check in, board, not touching a single person, not assisting anyone to carry any bags for security reasons; no hugs or kisses,” she added.

She attributed the spread of the virus to the use of the trays, saying most often passengers don’t touch themselves in flights.

“It is the trays. Here is the solution. Throw out all the trays, better still, burn them all. Use disposable trash bags placed at screening points where you put all your items inside and trash them yourself when done. I believe that’s just what we need to do,” she said.

Air Cargo Demand Slumps in February The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released February 2020 data for global air freight markets. The report showed that demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometers (CTKs), decreased by 1.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

Adjusting the comparison for the impact of the Lunar New Year, which fell in February in 2019, and a leap year in 2020, which meant an additional day of activity, seasonally-adjusted demand was down 9.1 per cent monthon-month in February.

By February, the negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on air cargo demand were becoming visible. The month witnessed several significant developments, which included

that manufacturing production in China, one of the world’s largest air cargo markets, dropped sharply due to widespread factory closures and travel restrictions.

Also global export orders fell to a historically low level. The global Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) is in contraction territory, with all major trading nations reporting falling orders and significant cargo capacity was lost as a result of airlines reducing passenger operations in response to government travel restrictions due to COVID-19, severely impacting global supply chains.

Cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometers (ACTKs), dropped by 4.4 per cent year-on-year

in February 2020. This was subject to the same distortions as the non-seasonally adjusted demand numbers.

“The spread of COVID-19 intensified over the month of February, and with it, the impact on air cargo. Adjusted demand for air cargo fell by 9.1 per cent. Asia-Pacific carriers were the most affected with a seasonally-adjusted drop of 15.5 per cent. What has unfolded since is a story of two halves. The disruption of global supply chains led to a fall in demand. But the dramatic disruption in passenger traffic resulted in even deeper cuts to cargo capacity.

And the industry is struggling to serve remaining demand with the limited capacity available,” it stated.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that airlines may burn through $61 billion of their cash reserves during the second quarter of 2020, while posting a quarterly net loss of $39 billion.

IATA also revealed that over 7000 aircraft have been grounded worldwide due to the pandemic.

The global body said the analysis was based on the impact assessment it released last week, under a scenario in which severe travel restrictions last for three months.

It explained that under this scenario, full-year demand falls by 38 per cent and full-year passenger revenues drop by $252 billion compared to 2019. It added that the fall in demand would be the deepest in the second quarter, with a 71 per cent drop.

Meanwhile, new data compiled Cirium, travel data portfolio company has shown that over 7,000 aircraft have been stored since the coronavirus lockdown globally.

The company noted that as with most things with the coronavirus, developments have been coming fast; news and advisories seem to change every day - and that appears to be holding true even with airlines.

According to new information from data and analytics firm, Cirium, over 7,000 aircraft from global airlines had already been stored to ride out the rest of the coronavirus outbreak.

As countries continue to close their borders and travellers opt to stay home, significant portions of fleets have already been grounded.

Since last week, the number of grounded aircraft grew by 800, according to Cirium, which now reports 6,639 aircraft in storage globally last week.

For Boeing aircraft, Cirium stated that 2,542 aircraft were grounded, including the previously grounded 737 MAX aircraft - 1,671 narrow-body and 871 wide-body aircraft.

Altogether, each variation of aircraft breaks down as follows: 8, 536 Boeing aircraft and 2,608 Airbus aircraft grounded globally, which include 1,837 narrow-bodies and 771 wide-bodies. The number of aircraft in storage breaks down as follows: It noted that the aircraft are stored all over the world at around 600 locations. For British Airways, that means predominantly at its base at London Heathrow for its widebodies, as well as Manchester and Cardiff.

Its narrow-bodies - specifically A321s - are, for the most part, in Glasgow. Meanwhile, for Virgin Atlantic, most of its aircraft are in Bournemouth, Glasgow Preswick, Glasgow or London Heathrow.

Last Monday, Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline announced that it was completely ending commercial operations until at least June. While it’s still flying some aircraft for repatriation and humanitarian efforts, but by Wednesday last week, all commercial flights were had been suspended.

There are indications that the pace at which airlines are parking their aircraft would continue for the weeks and potentially months to come. During parts of April, Virgin Atlantic only expects to operate six aircraft at a time.

In Nigeria, Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero, Dana Air, Ibom Air, Max Air, Azman and Overland Airways had stopped international, regional and domestic operations, due to low demand and concerns over the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Consequently, the eight local carriers have parked about 77 planes in Lagos, Abuja and other airports.

Air Peace, which has the highest fleet of 27 aircraft, has over 3,500 workers; Arik Air has parked seven planes and has about 1,800 workers, according to findings; Aero has over 850 employees and has four planes in its fleet as well as a functional hangar where routine aircraft maintenance is carried out on a commercial basis for other airlines.

Dana Air has about 630 workers and grounded about nine planes throughout the period of the lockdown; Max Air, which has functional private charter and Hajj business outfits, possesses 14 aircraft in its fleet with over 600 employees, while Azman has parked five aircraft.

Overland Airways has also parked seven planes, while Ibom Air owned by the Akwa Ibom State government has over 200 employees and has parked three airplanes.

However, Aero after suspending its operation has prepared itself to operate humanitarian flights for the federal government in the fight against the spread and treatment of cases of coronavirus.

Also Air Peace on Sunday engaged in charter service and airlifted Israeli citizens living in Nigeria to Tel-Aviv, while it also conducts local chatter service.

The CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi told THISDAY that although the airline grounded its fleet, but its engineers have kept the equipment on maintenance preservation so that they would remain active until they would be put in operation again.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a circular on that, directing the airlines and other aircraft owners to engage in routine maintenance of their equipment during the grounding of flight operations.

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Burden of Managing State-owned Airports The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is faced with the challenge of managing unprofitable airports built by state governments, which further depletes its revenues, writes Chinedu Eze

R

ecently there have been reactions that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is facing the challenge of extending its personnel, expertise and resources to take over and manage about three additional airports built by state government that are out rightly unprofitable.

Some senior officials of the agency spoke to THISDAY and provided a background to the development.

According to these FAAN officials who pleaded to remain annonymous, many states built airports without considering the economic implications. Sometimes they just decide to build airport to ease the movement of the governor, his executive, members of the house of assembly and senior officers of government.

In addition, they vote huge amount of money, which in order of priority would serve the state better if more hospitals, schools, water scheme or mechanized agriculture were explored. But the choice to build an airport is always the desire to satisfy the upper segment of the citizens in the state who take all the decisions.

Then after the airport is built, the state government would realise that building an airport is one thing, but maintaining it is another.

It would realise that the cost of maintaining the airport in five years could come up to the same amount used in building it.

Realising that they would not be able to fund it, the governor of the state would start wooing the federal government, possibly through the Minister of Aviation, or the Ministry itself and during the Federal Executive Council meetings, he would use the access to talk to more key people at the centre.

Then one day, the FAAN Managing Director might receive a message that he has been directed to take over the management of one particular airport.

Generally, FAAN is usually made to believe that it is for national security that it is given the custodian of managing the airports. The state that handed its airport to the agency would not fund the maintenance.

THISDAY learnt that the state built airports under consideration that FAAN could be called to take over are four, situated in four northern states.

Ego Trip Many Nigerians believe that building airports by some state governments is engaging in ego trip because they knew the airports would not generate any revenue.

Industry experts have frowned at the huge amount of money that should be deployed to provide critical infrastructure like water, roads, health institutions and schools are “dumped’ in unprofitable ventures that only serve few highly placed individuals, while essential amenities that would serve majority of the population are lacking.

The stakeholders also noted that many existing state airports, after gulping huge resources are not even functional because they don’t receive regular flights and they are also not well maintained because of the huge cost of maintenance.

States that already have their own airports include Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Delta, Bayelsa, Warri (managed by private concerns), Taraba and the states that are already building airports include Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Anambra, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Ebonyi.

Some of the projects have already gulped huge resources from the states’ coffers.

Industry stakeholder with the Etimfri Group, Amos Akpan, said most state governments in Nigeria do not need an airport in their short and medium term development programmes and argued that they should use the money earmarked for airport development to provide infrastructure that is within the global basic minimal indices of development. “In doing so, the state government would have deployed the commonwealth of the state for the benefit of the greater number of the people of the state,� he said.

Akpan, disclosed that an airport that would

Bauchi Airport accommodate double isle aircraft like Boeing B747 and 787 or Airbus A340 would cost about $1 billion (N360 billion) inclusive of at least three gates, terminal facilities, warehouses, perimeter fencing, and a four thousand meters runway. “It will cost about N50 million per month to maintain its operational status. This level of cost is the reason we see most state airports in yet-to-be completed status. They are opened for services while the other phases of the construction will be on going,� he said.

Akpan, noted that the Delta state government has taken the best option by the concession of their airport to private investors and private management, remarking that this was possible because it is one of the few state airports that have prospects that could attract private investment. “Let me re-emphasise that while airport is one of the indices of development, it is not on the top of the list among the basic minimal indices even within the transport sector for our states. “The indices of development applicable to a defined territory with defined number of human residents include availability of drinkable and usable water in every home or compound; accommodation for every unit of family; accessible basic health care for every citizen and family unit; opportunity for every resident to acquire elementary education that can be used as baseline to further gain the skills to ply a trade and ability for the residents of the state/territory to afford two meals a day,� the industry consultant said.

He noted that to meet the above basic indices,

So the government should take a very strict decision that any state that builds an airport that FAAN will not take it over.

States will ďŹ nd how to run the airports.

If FAAN is providing services they should be paid

the government of that state must choose and execute projects that will lead to the provision of those basics minimal infrastructures first.

Financial Burden THISDAY learnt that FAAN basically generates huge revenue from the Lagos and Abuja airports. Few years ago FAAN’s aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport hovered around N5.5 billion monthly. The total revenue it earned from other airports was put at N15 billion which was N45 billion per annum.

This is the amount of money that is used to maintain FAAN’s 22 airports, after deducting 25 per cent that compulsorily goes into the federal government coffers. Now the agency would soon be managing additional three to four airports built by the states in which the states would not be defraying the cost of their maintenance.

FAAN officials who spoke to THISDAY said that this explains why the agency is finding it difficult to upgrade most facilities at the airports under its management because it is forced to take up the burden of funding the maintenance of airports the state governments shouldn’t have been built in the first place or if built should be managed and maintained by them.

Liabilities Industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe, told THISDAY in an interview in Lagos that it is very sad that most of these state owned airports are liabilities. “The only airport built by a state government that is not a very serious liability, is Owerri airport. But if you check what Owerri airport is earning it is not enough to sustain it. There are only two airports in this country that are doing well, Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Abuja. “Abuja earns 18 per cent of FAAN’s total revenue. But that is just enough to sustain Abuja, not enough to spend on any other airport. The only airport that generates from where you can take money is MMIA Lagos. “But if you were to leave the funds generated

by MMIA Lagos to be spent on Lagos, our Lagos airport would have been a different thing all together. But what they earn they immediately begin to spend on all other airports. They have all their staff there, they have to do maintenance, they have to keep them running because people will always abuse them if nothing is happening. But all other airports are liabilities.�

Aligbe, said apart from the state owned airport in Asaba and Uyo, none of the other

state owned airports is generating enough revenue to maintain them. “I do know that it is not FAAN that is asking for these airports, it is political pressures. These state governors, they will start the project, announce that they are bringing development to the people, there will be a fanfare and they will refer the airport project as dividends of democracy but these are liabilities of democracy because they spend so much resources on them and they have no idea what these airports will do in the future. “Some of them build and say it is for hajj operation, which is conducted once or twice and after that the airport is dead. Nothing will be happening there; maybe you are lucky, one flight can come in or you have executive flight flying into the airport for one function or the other and after that they go and that is all the airport will see. “Yet, FAAN must keep their staff there, keep maintaining the terminal, and doing everything that is necessary. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which is the regulatory authority, must have oversight there. “The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) must have their staff at the control tower. These are all liabilities. So FAAN is bearing so many liabilities and the parastatals are bearing so much liability on these state built airports. “So the government should take a very strict decision that any state that builds an airport that FAAN will not take it over. States will find how to run the airports. If FAAN is providing services they should be paid,�

Aligbe said.

The Belujane CEO said many airports built by the states were indebted to FAAN, but because FAAN is a government agency it cannot take a decisive decision of withdrawing its services from those airports, which would automatically ground the facilities as hosts to flight operations. “FAAN belongs to the government, employees are government employees, so they cannot say no to the executive when the executive says take over this airport and the executives do this under pressure. “Before ever FAAN should be made to take over any state owned airport, the National Assembly should come in because I think we need a very stringent law. “Those who are looking at the budget, who are approving federal budget, they should say FAAN should not acquire this airport or that one. Or the people who are handing over to them must say this is what they will contribute annually in running the airport and if they don’t provide it; then FAAN will not run the airport for them,� Aligbe added.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Abule Ado Explosion: APM Terminals Sustains Operations, Haastrup Calls for Commits N100m to Covid-19 Battle Relocation of Apapa Tank Farms Stories by Eromosele Abiodun

The Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup, has appealed to the federal government to create a plan for the relocation of petroleum depots, otherwise called tank farms, from Apapa.

Speaking against the backdrop of the March 15 explosion at Abule-Ado, Lagos State, which claimed 23 lives and displaced more than 500 people from their homes, Haastrup urged the federal government to take urgent steps to avoid a repeat of the catastrophe by moving tank farms away from residential and crowded areas.

“We are concerned about the preponderance of tank farms in Apapa, which is a port area and a high density town. With more than 60 tank farms operating in the area, the ports, the workers and residents of Apapa are sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

“We pray it does not explode, so we appeal to the Federal Government to urgently see to the relocation of these tank farms to avert a future carnage,” she said.

She also said in addition to bad roads and the absence of truck parks in Apapa, the large number of tank farms and oil depots has contributed to traffic congestion in the area.

“Tank farms should normally be located several miles away

from the city and from the port area for safety reasons,” she said.

Haastrup, also called for more efficient traffic management system in Apapa to enhance the movement of vehicles while ongoing construction work lasts.

She advised the Federal Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Government to open up inner roads to allow for free flow of traffic.

The STOAN chairman also advised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to concentrate more on trade facilitation, rather than revenue generation to clear congestion at the ports.

She called for the streamlining of government agencies at the port and the reduction of congestion at the port gates as a result of multiple checks by various government agencies.

“We observed that the volumes of containers handled at the ports have continued to witness geometric growth, while the supporting port infrastructures, especially the port access and Customs clearing processes, have continued to be a drag on the efficiency of the ports. Since the first quarter of 2019 into the first quarter of this year, volumes have been growing by 20 per cent as a result of the closure of Nigeria’s land borders. The unanticipated growth has posed a major challenge to container terminal operators.”

COVID-19: INTELS Donates Isolation Centres at Onne Port In support of the efforts of the federal government to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, INTELS Nigeria Limited has donated two facilities to the Port Health Services (PHS) of the Federal Ministry of Health to serve as isolation centres at the Onne Port, Rivers State.

INTELS General Manager, Legal and Corporate Services, Amaopusenibo Mike Epelle, while handing over one of the centers, said the isolation centres, located at both the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) and the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT), Onne Port, were donated by the company to quarantine sick persons and any suspected case discovered by the Port Health Services on visiting vessels.

“We have not recorded any case of the COVID-19 infection here at Onne Port so far but that is not to say that we should become complacent. We commend the Federal and Rivers State Governments’ efforts aimed at protecting the public health.

“These isolation centres are part of our own support to complement the efforts of the government to stop the spread of the disease,” Epelle said.

He also said INTELS was following strict work place safety measures outlined by relevant authorities including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Port Health

Services in ensuring the safety of its workers in its areas of operations in Onne, Warri, Calabar and Lagos.

Epelle said: “INTELS is committed to the wellbeing of its staff. Health and safety of all the workers and visitors to our facilities remain a major priority in our management policy.

“Accordingly and in line with best global practices, we have initiated the creation of policies, guidelines and procedures targeted at preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease in our facilities.

“Our workers are well educated on the safety measures to adopt at all times as advised

by WHO and NCDC. Those who can work remotely have been asked to work from home while only essential duty staff are required to be at their duty posts under the strict observance of requisite safety measures.

“Minimising contact among workers, clients, and customers by replacing face-to-face meetings with virtual communications and implementing telework is key and that is what we have been able to achieve, in addition to implementing other measures.”

The South-south Zonal Coordinator of Port Health Services, Mrs. Ibitein Benebo, who received the keys to the isolation centres, thanked INTELS for the donation and assured of judicious use of the facilities.

APM Terminals Nigeria said it is maintaining continuity in its operations in Apapa and Onne Ports in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as it has earmarked N100 million to support efforts of the federal government in curtailing the spread of the virus.

The port operator said it has adopted stringent measures in line with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that the supply chain remains uninterrupted and availability of essential supplies is maintained in the face of the pandemic.

The Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen.

According to him, “As an essential service provider, all terminal operations are running normally and we urge importers to continue taking delivery of their containers to enable the fresh discharge of incoming cargo.”

He said APM Terminals Nigeria has contributed N75million towards the United Nations in Nigeria basket fund and is committing N25million on community awareness through radio, social media as well as fliers to sensitise the Apapa community on how to curb the spread of

the pandemic.

The United Nations in Nigeria basket fund aims to mobilise resources to boost the efforts of the government in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. In coordination with the government, the UN is mobilising funds that will ensure adequate essential health equipment needed for testing, quarantine and medical care, including equipping of temporary hospitals/quarantine centers and designated emergency centers.

“As part of the private sector support in addressing the pandemic, APM Terminals’ support will enhance the UN support to the country’s preparedness and provision of healthcare support to those afflicted by the virus.

“The contribution will go

towards increasing acquisition of ventilators and other lifesaving hospital apparatus that are urgently needed to aid the healthcare response towards the pandemic.

“No one is immune nor invulnerable from this disease.

We urge all to adhere to the guidance from government in order to curb the spread of this pandemic. In this time of need, APM Terminals is honored to discharge its duty to the nation.

“The well-being of our community remains of paramount importance to us. Through our contribution to the UN basket fund, we will play our part in strengthening the country’s capacity to respond” Ahmed said.

FOR SECURED WATERWAYS

Representative of the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and General Manager, Security, Olumide Omotoso (left), and the Leader of Delegation, Research Team from the Kofi Anan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Ghana, Col. Albert Ulrich, during a working visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos...recently

AYM Shafa Supports Fight against COVID-19 AYM Shafa Limited, one of the leading players in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, has announced that it is providing funds to support the government of Nigeria in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant impact on the country’s population and economy.

The funding, it said in a statement, was in collaboration with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) alongside

other players in the oil and gas industry.

“The joint intervention initiative will assist the government in equipping isolation centers across the country and providing ventilators, test kits, coveralls, medicines, ambulances and other essential medical supplies.

“It will also significantly enable the government to give the much-needed support to the poor and vulnerable in these difficult times.

“Over 100 confirmed cases have been reported across the country, with most cases in the commercial city of Lagos and the country’s capital city, Abuja.

“Despite the rate of its spread, we can overcome this pandemic if we work together and support each other. We commend the work of the government in battling the pandemic’ said Chairman/CEO of the company Yakubu Maishanu.

AYM Shafa, he added, would

continue to key-in into the collaborative initiative of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the NNPC to support the government’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maishanu, further advised Nigerians to strictly adhere to precautionary and preventive guidelines - stay at home, social distancing, hand washing, and good hygiene- given by the government and medical experts.

Customs Seizes N20.6m Poultry Products The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja has announced that its operatives have intercepted and destroyed poultry products worth N20.6 million.

Acting Controller of the unit, Usman Yahaya, in a statement issued in Lagos by the unit’s

Public Relations Officer, Jerry Attah, explained that the seizures, which came in 2,154 cartons in seven different vehicles were made in two separate operations within one week.

Yahaya, stated that his men have sustained round the clock patrols while keeping to safe distance rules in line with

COVID-19 prevention techniques.

“These seizures, which we made within a week is a strong message to smugglers and trans border criminals. They should not be deceived into concluding that we are away from our duty posts. As usual, we are on duty and will continue to surprise smugglers with seizures and

arrests any time they dare us.

“These seizures were contained in seven vehicles that were quickly abandoned by the drivers who fled on sighting our officers. We had to improvise means of driving the vehicles to our premises because the smugglers ran away with the keys,” he said.

Group to Raise N1bn for Community Development The Ogoni Liberation Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, focusing on the development of Ogoni environment and its people, has called for the support of national and international donors as it prepares to raise N1 billion in funding for the development of Ogoniland.

Convener of the movement, Douglas Fabeke, said the fund was critical to the restoration of the region from its current state of disrepair.

He said the funding was targeted at actualising business and economic resurgence in the region.

“We are poised for business and economic change, the advancement of education, global peace support and community development. We already have our plans mapped out and they are in line with the late Ken Saro Wiwa’s fellowship programme for

peace ambassadors and leaders, “he added.

Fabeke said to achieve restoration, there is a need for equitable partnership, corporate collaboration and critical support of investors and stakeholders in and outside Ogoniland for the movement’s course.

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INTERVIEW

Onyekpere: Budget Framers Have Consistently Violated Fiscal Responsibility Act The Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, has been a vocal advocate for fiscal discipline. In this interview with Ndubuisi Francis, the senior lawyer whose interventions on macroeconomic issues have in over a decade put government officials on their toes, laments that the framers of national budgets have consistently neglected Section 19 (f) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), which would have provided the compass for navigation in a period of economic emergency which COVID-19 exerts. Excerpts:

T

he federal government has unveiled a number of measures in response to the impact of the COVID-19.

These include cutting the capital component of the 2020 Budget by 20 per cent, reduction of oil benchmark price from $57 per barrel to $30 as well as a proposed reduction in recurrent expenditure by 25 per cent, among others. What is your take?

The decision to cut capital expenditure in the 2020 federal budget by 20 per cent and the recurrent expenditure by 25 per cent was inevitable considering the plunge in oil revenue.

The drop in crude oil price from the $57dollar budget benchmark to about $25 per was not anticipated by the crafters of the 2020 federal budget. But this should not the situation. The crafters of the budget have consistently failed, refused and neglected to accompany the budget with a Fiscal Risk Appendix as provided in section 19 (f) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).

Apriori, the Fiscal Risk Appendix evaluates the fiscal and other related risks to the annual budget (including the revenue framework) and specifies measures to be taken to offset the occurrence of such risks as well as measures to be taken when the risks crystallise. Thus, this decision made in a rather knee-jerk manner should have been subjected to empirical simulations, projects and analysis at the design stage of the budget. The federal government cut should concentrate on administrative capital while boosting developmental capital. Administrative capital refers to capital investments to enhance the bureaucracy and the smooth running of government whilst developmental capital refers to investments that impact on the overall quality of life, ease of doing business, etc. of the majority of Nigerians. These include roads, hospitals, education facilities, power sector investments, etc There has been a spike in inflation rate in the past few months. What does this tell about the economy?

The spike in inflation rate shows that the economy is still in the woods. Progressive economies are built on single digit inflation rate of less than five percent. Monetary policy is one the greatest influencers of economic development and progress. It is one field that many developing nations including Nigeria are yet to come to terms with. With a Naira that is unduly tied to external development in an economy that adds very little or no value, the inflation rate is bound to skyrocket. But it need not be so if the proceeds of our foreign earnings are properly managed and infused into the economy through dollar certificates instead of the current practice of creating new money, not backed by value, as a means of infusing the foreign exchange earnings. This creates and induces excess liquidity. This is not my idea; neither is it new or novel. This is the position in Obasanjo’s National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy blueprint. Unfortunately, the managers of the economy, over the years have not summoned the courage to implement this wonderful recommendation.

Our foreign reserves have suffered a steady decline in recent months, just as the Excess Crude Account (ECA) has been depleted. With little or no fiscal buffers, is there a real cause for alarm with the current global economic emergency foisted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

There has been a lot of misinformation on the Excess Crude Account especially when otherwise informed commentators state that it has no legal backing. It is established by section 35 of the FRA which states the clear conditions for its accretion

emergency and oil price drop continue. Do you align with this school of thought?

If the Nigerian economy continues on its present trajectory, it will slip into recession. The fall in oil revenue will also likely lead to a drop in non-oil revenue. Oil revenue accounts for over 90 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings needed for import of raw materials and intermediate products used in local industries, from which government generates corporate tax, import duties, etc. If the reduced price of crude oil hits these firms through unavailability of foreign exchange, recession will follow. This is coming against the background of the COVID 19 pandemic that has already led to closure of schools, social outlets, reduced air transportation and if it escalates, the economy will grind to a halt.

Onyekpere and withdrawals. Also, since the coming into force of the FRA in 2007, all federal Appropriation Acts contain provisions which mandate the saving of any sums accruing over the benchmark price. So, the dire financial situation which Nigeria finds itself was avoidable if and only if the federal authorities had implemented the provisions of the FRA in saving the excess over the benchmark price, over the years in the Excess Crude Account while only accessing same when the price of crude oil drops for 3 consecutive months below the benchmark price. Such withdrawals from the ECA should only have been for augmentation to bring the respective federal and state budgets to the position they would have been if the price of crude oil did not fall. Proceeds of ECA was not designed to be a slush fund to be used by the executive without appropriation as currently practised. The combination of a depleted ECA and dwindling foreign reserves to just about 8 months of import cover is a clear red flag to show that the economy has been dangerously mismanaged. Yes, it is right for the alarm bells to be ringing. Nigeria has been feeding from hand to mouth. This is beyond the COVID 19 pandemic which only exposed the soft underbelly of the mismanagement. Nigeria needs knowledgeable persons to run its economy. The managers of the economy cannot continue to occupy space without introducing innovations and new ideas.

The economy cannot continue to be managed on a trial and error basis whilst we expect wonderful results.

The CBN has come up with a cocktail of initiatives to battle the economic impact of Coronavirus. Do you think these measures are adequate and timely?

The policy and fiscal interventions of the Central Bank of Nigeria appears to have been made in good faith to reflate the economy and to prevent business collapse to ameliorate the hardship faced by Nigerians. The policy measures include the immediate cut on interest rates of all applicable CBN intervention facilities from nine per cent to five per cent per annum for one year, effective March 1 and the creation of N50 billion targeted credit facility for small and medium scale enterprises as well as households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be a great challenge in determining who qualifies for this facility. It further includes the extension of the period of grace given businesses for the repayment of the loans by one year on all principal facilities, particularly intervention loans, effective March 1, 2020. Also, there is a

facility of N100 billion loan in 2020, aimed at supporting the health authorities to ensure laboratories, researchers and innovators work with global scientists to produce vaccines and test kits in Nigeria to prepare for any major crises ahead. But the crisis is already here with us.

However, there is a danger in CBN’s continued doling out huge sums of money, not backed by appropriation or any legal framework, beyond claims of being empowered in the CBN Act, to different causes in the economy. The first and unequivocal issue is that the money being spent or allocated by CBN to these challenges is taxpayer’s or public money. It does not belong to the CBN governor, board, management or staff.

The second issue is that these CBN interventions now run into trillions, not a few hundreds of millions or billions. It could not have been the contemplation of the CBN Act that CBN should be the one to determine how to spend such humungous sums, what to spend on as well as being the approving authority. Probably, this could have been justifiable for relatively small sums of money. The third issue is that previous interventions especially the aviation and power funds virtually did not achieve their objectives as their design was faulty.

The 1999 constitution is clear in sections 80 and 81 that public resources cannot be spent without legislative approval. The beauty of such legislative approval as seen in the Barracks Obama American Presidency interventions during the earlier global crisis is that the enabling law sets clear benchmarks and parameters for accessing the fund, repayments and determining success and it is transparent and accountable to the tax payer. Pray, where are the reports of previous CBN interventions? In the public domain? The measures so far taken by both by the federal government and the CBN are inadequate to stave off the crisis. The expectation is that the federal government, through President Muhamadu Buhari should decide and create an intervention fund, to be funded from a plethora of funding sources including the CBN. He should exercise leadership and present the appropriate bill to the National Assembly for approval. Unfortunately, the President is missing in action and you cannot compare his style with that of President Donald Trump and other world leaders who lead from the front since the COVID 19 crisis hit America and the world.

Many analysts have expressed apprehension that the Nigerian economy might slip into another recession, if the current global

Many analysts have blamed the failure of the government to diversify the economy for the current hysteria over the impact of Coronavirus following the drop in oil prices. What is your view?

Diversification of the economy has been the mantra of previous and the present administration.

It has been a convenient catch phrase without the administrations taking any concrete and targeted steps towards the diversification process. Pray, how can you diversify an economy that lacks the basic electric energy to drive agriculture, industry, service delivery and an efficient bureaucracy? Beyond diversification, we have not even expounded the frontiers of the oil and gas economy through local refining for domestic use and exports as we still import fuel; there are no petrochemical complexes to take advantage of the other components of crude oil beyond petrol and diesel. Pray again, how do you diversify the economy when the leadership in all arms of government refuse to patronize the quality products of local industries as shown in the recent National Assembly car acquisition fiasco? For instance, the automobile industry should have started contributing substantially to our growth through targeted interventions and patronage. We need to build an economy where the President, Senate President and Chief Justice drive made in Nigeria official cars. We need to establish a Nigerian vehicle fund to make available credit for the purchase of locally manufactured cars at single digit interest rate. The diversification of the economy should go beyond the mantra and utilise local capacity in research institutes to kick start technological drives in different sectors from agriculture to industry, education and health, etc.

Research institutes are not established for mere atavism; their funding should be tied to deliverables which improve the economy in different sectors.

Trade, industrial, fiscal and monetary policies should be used to drive growth in new sectors beyond oil.

The Senate has approved a $22.7 billion foreign loan at a time debt service is becoming increasingly difficult due to dwindling revenue. How do we reconcile this?

Nigeria’s economy had already been mismanaged before the COVID-19 intervention. The country was using over 50 per cent of her earnings to pay back debt in the last three years and now another humungous $22.7 billion is being added to the $85 billion debt. At current available revenue in the reduced oil benchmark situation, Nigeria may be using about 65% of her earnings for debt servicing. When existing debt is added to the new borrowing in a drastically reduced revenue scenario, your guess is as good as mine as to where this will lead the Nigerian economy. It is not too late for the National Assembly through the House of Representatives to reject this loan and free Nigeria from impending debt slavery.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 08038901925

Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi: A Survivor’s Story

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Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi: A Survivor’s Story Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi is the Executive Director of Stand to End Rape Initiative, an NGO that provides support services to survivors of sexual violence. She also leads policy advocacy and behavioural change communication towards issues of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria. Upon her return to Nigeria recently from the UK post-Commonwealth event, nothing prepared her for the brutish way her next few weeks would turn. As a responsible citizen, she self-isolated and last month she tested positive to COVID-19. She had to inform those she came in close contact with to get tested.

Already lined up in her kitty were interviews, a contract worth millions, and a fantastic consultancy job to boot. She lost them all! Just this week, she was declared free of the virus after gruelling days of pain, uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Although she lost golden opportunities due to her health circumstances, Osowobi has boldly declared herself a ‘Survivayo’, a coinage of her name and survivor and we couldn’t agree more. The reason is simple- life has thrown her so many lemons and she has taken it in her strides, emerging victorious each time.

In an earlier interview with MARY NNAH, Osowobi, now in her late twenties and also a rape survivor, who defied stigma, revealed that her mission for the past five years has been to break the culture of silence on sexual violence as well as build capacity of institutions to prevent and respond to cases of sexual and gender-based violence

Y

ou were named by Time Magazine in 2019 as one of the 100 people shaping the future. How did that make you feel?

At first I was surprised as to how people who are not within my continent were actually following my work and perceived the impact of what we were doing and want to celebrate that. I was also excited because this means that we can put our work in more global space. And that people can get to know more about Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative and what we do and we can receive support.

When I got the news, it was a good thing but it was also a responsibility because it meant that now that the world is aware of my work. I have to do much more, I can’t let people down because a lot of people are now looking up to me. I don’t really know what I did to deserve the recognition. I’m just doing what I love to do and doing my life’s purpose. I am just ensuring that any woman who experiences violence does not have to keep quiet about it and that she can receive help. I am also ensuring that my own children and even the generation of now don’t have to experience it. So, I can’t say that this is one thig that I have done to deserve it. I just know that for almost six years now, I have just been in my corner doing my work with all the people working at STER Initiative. We are just contributing to a better society. So, if the world feels we should be celebrated for that work, yes, we are grateful.

I felt more excited for the fact that someone such as Barrack Obama to actually tweet that he is proud to see me on that list, is amazing, I can’t really explain how I feel. It means that the world is watching what we do. And besides, I am an Obama Foundation leader. What that means is that Barack Obama has a foundation that recognises the potentials of young Africans who are creating change, building businesses that are impacting lives, innovating, and just young people doing great stuff.

I am one of the 200 people in Africa who were chosen in 2018 as an Obama leader.

What informed your decision to go into advocacy on issues of sexual and gender based violence?

I had sort of experienced sexual violence myself and I read a lot of stories online about violations that happened but I couldn’t see any information about how the survivors in those cases got through the whole experience. The name of the abuser was always protected. So, it was like the society was protecting the abusers and shaming the abused. So, I started writing

Osowobi

about what sexual violence is and how our inaction and actions have actually contributed to it. I realised that it was not just enough to be writing, so I started providing direct support to survivors, engaging in community outreaches, campaigns and speaking to people on how they can use their platforms to create awareness on such violence and then help us change the gender norms that contribute to violence against women and girls. That’s how I started.

I used to run a blog at a time I was living in New York and because there was time difference, I felt that even if I tried to tweet at my own time, Nigerians might be in traffic or sleeping at that time, so I decided to be writing a lot of contents on my blog. I will wake early in the morning or stay up at midnight and publish and the go to bed and when I wake up, I will see a lot of comments and people saying, “This and this happened to me”, and all that. Or, “Can you tell me more about this situation? And that was how I was pushing my contents, using my blog and a lot of twitter engagements. I was tweeting a lot with my own personal account at a time, using the hashtag #StandtoEndRape and a lot of people were just retweeting and asking questions because it was very new at that time and we still had a lot of culture of silence on the social media then. I was using my content to break that silence and helping people to unlearn and learn new things. And I eventually established my NGO in 2014. So, the interest started from my rape experience during my NYSC. Now, what exactly is rape or sexual violence, as you call it? A lot of women can’t really draw the line and so they don’t even bother to pursue a case of rape even when they are victims We have the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, though it is only applicable in a few states in Nigeria. That Act kind of expands on the definition of the criminal and penal code.

A person is said to raped if he or she

penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with any part of his or her body or anything else without the consent of the other person. Before the criminal and penal code, we can only prove rape through the vigina but we cannot prove it through the anus, which meant that men cannot be raped by that definition but this kind of expands what rape is. The fact that someone violates your body sexually without your consent is a rape; even if they used an object in your mouth, vagina or anywhere against your consent, is rape. There is something called “Rape and Beg” where people be like, “please, please, let me just touch the tip” and you are like “No, no” only for the person to go ahead and use his sexual organ or anything to touch the tip of the vagina; that’s sexually violating your body; that’s rape! But because our culture sort of have normalised the behaviours, so some things do not count as rape. You are in a relationship with someone or married to someone and the person says no to any sexual contact and you feel that because we are married or that I am dating you, I have the right.

No! Every human being has autonomy, whether in a marriage or a single people.

That you are married does not take out your human right. So, a lot of women do not even understand what rape is in the context of even within a marriage or even within a relationship. It is just basically anyone at all, whether woman or man taking your body without your consent. In which case, a married woman can be raped by her husband.

To what extent have you taken your work?

We have done a couple of events outside Nigeria because we are trying to get the global space to look into violence against women and girls but again, our target audience have always been Nigerians and so a lot of our works have been in Nigeria in terms of policy advocacy. We were part of the youth group that was pushing for the passage of the VAPP Act. It was a bill at a time but now that it has been passed into law, it is an act. We have also been leading advocacy on the sexual harassment in the tertiary educational prohibition bill; we have also supported other civil society organisations to push for the gender and equal opportunity bill, though that has been rejected a number of times but we are constantly working with different stakeholders to push for policies that better the lives of Nigerians because when a policy is in place, whether you are man or woman, you get to benefit from the outcome. So, we work across the country even though we are physically based only in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

What has been the impact of your work so far?

The impact has been great. If you look at six years ago, you could hardly find people on social media come up and say I have been raped and mothers reporting the cases of raping of their children. Everyone wanted to keep it quiet and protect their family names. But today you have mothers reaching out and fathers reporting cases of rape. We are breaking the culture of silence on sexual violence and that is a big shift from six years ago when we started our work. Now, people can openly say it anywhere that they have been raped. We are moving gradually to a place where we can now have mothers holding their own sons accountable for rape. So, the impact for us is one survivor who is able to come forward and say I have been raped and they can get help. They don’t have to die in silence.

What has been the most challenging thing you face trying to achieve your aims?

A lot cultural beliefs, a lot of people still try to shut cases down, a lot of bias by the police and lack of effective mechanisms.

Our criminal justice is still very weak; working with police has been the bitter-sweet experience; sweet because we have had great police officers who use their capacity to further protect the rights of survivors.

Bitter because we have some police officers who have seen it as a business opportunity to negotiate for out of court settlements and to ask Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for money for mobilisation, money to seek the Directorate of the Public Prosecution advice; like every step of the process they request for money.

Another challenge is that it is a legal frame work and as you know the onus to prove rape is on the victim. And a case against rape is a case against the state. The state has to stand in court on behalf of the survivor and that is a bit problematic because survivors should be able to choose who represents them in court but instead, the state gives them a prosecutor and if he shows in court or does not, nobody is able to hold them accountable. But if the survivors or CSOs were able to get lawyers to represent clients in court directly, that would really help the system. And even where they have lawyers, if cases are taking up to two to three years for us to get justice, of course every survivor will get tired.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Nail-biting End to Ultimate Love

Ayoola Sadare Roksie wins Ultimate Love show

Stories by Vanessa Obioha The first season of Ultimate Love came to an abrupt but nail-biting end last Sunday.

Earlier scheduled to run for eight weeks, the show only aired for seven weeks due to the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

Notwithstanding, fans of the show tuned in on Sunday afternoon to watch the grand finale and shared their expectations on the microblogging siteTwitter.Throughout the duration of the live broadcast, Ultimate Love was the number one trending topic on Twitter in Nigeria. That was good news for the organisers, MultiChoice Nigeria which aimed at making a positive statement with the dating reality TV show. As its first home-grown reality show, it hoped that the love concept would attract more viewers.

Ultimate Love saw 23 contestants enter the Love Pad for a chance at love. One of the contestants Uche, however couldn’t start the scheming and pressure of the show and voluntarily exited.The 22 contestants eventually paired with their prospective partners.

Each week witnessed the couples interaction with the season’s counselor Aunty (played by Adesuwa Onyenokwe), tasks and games, as well as the dreaded part of the competition: nomination. The contestants were made to nominate each other on the Sunday live show, afterwards the names of the nominees as well as their nominators were announced by this

season’s hosts Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Oluwaseun Olaniyan.

The live nominations usually sets off a series of drama. From accusations to confrontations, the process puts contestants under pressure.

For the seven weeks the show aired, viewers followed the contestants in their love journey, watched them bicker, argue and find love.

They were also captivated by their various cultural task presentations of different parts of the country. Each week, viewers had the opportunity to save their favourite couple in the show.

One by one, the least voted couples were ticked off until the final week where seven couples were left in the game: ObiEbi, PreshDavid, Roksie, DoubleChris, Bolar, Iykeresa and Chivia. By Wednesday of the final week, two couples ObiEbi and PreshDavid were eliminated from the show.

The remaining contestants waited with bated breath on Sunday as their fates were finally revealed.

Chivia was the first to be evicted, followed by DoubleChris, then Bolar.The coveted title of being the show’s first winner was now down to Roksie and Iykeresa. After much anticipation, Roksie emerged the winner of the game. An excited Kachi sprang up and threw his cap away while his beau Rosie hugged Theresa and Iyke. Winning the show automatically fetched the couple a N5 million cash prize but

they would have to commit to the relationship.

Kachi was asked by Olaniyan to express his commitment to Rosie which the former did, vowing to love her as they leave the four walls of the Love Pad. Apart from the cash prize, the couple would have to stay in love for a period of 90 days and ready to settle down. Should they meet this requirement, they are entitled to N10 million lavish traditional wedding.The last prize which is a well furnished home will only be redeemable after the couple had lived together for 12 months.

In the long run, the journey to ultimate love has only started for the couple.Viewers will be observing how they would navigate the cultural differences. Rosie is a preschool teacher from Ogun state while Kachi is a serial entrepreneur from Imo state.There is also the extended family to consider. Will they respect the couple’s decision to stay together? Indeed, the coming months will be interesting for this couple who had a rocky start in the beginning. Rosie has already settled for David Wilson and was so sure they would be paired together. She would later be disappointed by the young chap who chose PreshTalker, one of the contestants that joined the show a few days after it premiered.

A heartbroken Rosie was left with Kachi. At first, Rosie resisted Kachi’s affectionate gestures but with time, the young man found a way to her heart and melted the ice caging it.

Ultimate Love to a large extent was a good show that brought to fore different issues faced in a relationship.Couples had the opportunity to talk about trust, understanding and their sexual lifestyle with Aunty and other professionals.

The show organisers also used the platform to promote the diverse Nigerian cultures and the traditional way of courting a woman. From giving contestants portmanteau loaded with cash and other gifts, to romantic gestures such as serving their partners breakfast in bed or writing love letters.

Of all the gifts promised the winning couple, the promise of a N10 million lavish traditional wedding seems a bit overboard.

Traditional marriage is one of the recognised marriages in Nigeria but what happens if the couple decides to have a white/church wedding? At least, most women dream of walking down the aisle in a white flowing wedding gown. Will they have to rob a bank to meet the standards of their traditional wedding?

Of course, the couple would immediately assume a celebrity status as winners of the game, and as such, must live the hype. But wouldn’t such grandeur defeat the main objective of the show? For couples to find lasting love?

Who knows,the couple might be content with the traditional wedding.The coming months will definitely give us a clearer picture of the direction of Roksie’s love story.

MultiChoice Nigeria Pledges N400m to Creative Industry MultiChoice on Wednesday, April 1 announced its commitment to safeguard income of cast and crew of various productions affected by COVID-19. The leading entertainment and media company pledged N400 million to support the creative professionals whose works are halted by the government’s directive on social gatherings.

The commitment was part of a wider support package for the country’s fight against the global pandemic. Totalling N1.2

billion, the company will give cash support of N200m and N50m to the Federal and Lagos State Governments respectively, donate 10,000 certified test kits to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Public Service Announcement COVID-19 prevention tips in English, Pidgin, Ibo, Yoruba and Hausa languages as well as approved inventory worth over N550m highlighting the NCDC’s COVID-19 Helplines and PSAs on more than 10 channels across DStv and GOtv.

“We are doing this because we recognize the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on Nigerians and the economy. We hope our contributions to NCDC, the Federal and State Governments, alongside other donations, will go a long way towards effective management of the outbreak,” said Chairman MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN).

The CEO of the company John Ugbe added that “the creative industry salary payment of up to N400 million will offer a

much needed financial reprieve for producers, actors, and technical talent currently contracted to MultiChoice Nigeria, whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the pandemic.”

The company said that the intervention, in line with its values as a responsible corporate organisation and leader in the media and the creative sector is aimed at supporting the authorities in fighting the pandemic and reducing its attendant impact on Nigeria’s national economy.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

COVID-19: An Artist’s Lockdown Diary

BOOK REVIEW

Yinka Olatunbosun reports on how a Nigerian visual artist and a trailblazer in An Agonising Read Arts in Medicine who currently resides in the United States of America for a fellowship, Kunle Adewale, is working with a positive attitude in the face of the mandatory lockdown, away from his family in Nigeria Before Nigeria’s confirmed cases of persons infected with COVID-19 soared from units to hundreds, many developed countries of the world had been battling with the deadly outbreak while adopting partial and full lockdown in major cities or across the entire country. Within the past week, over 20 art events and exhibitions were cancelled or postponed indefinitely in Lagos alone.

The United States of America has become the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, recording complete shutdown of museums and galleries, cinemas and theatres and that had been replicated in many countries of the world in compliance with the global advisory issued by the World Health Organisation regarding social distancing. Even the dynamics of art reporting had changed from event-based to human interests.

To inspire other artists and Nigerians in general, Kunle Adewale shared his personal account of how the lockdown has impacted his work and life as an Atlantic Fellow of Equity in Brain Health at Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco. Adewale is a development practitioner, an artist by profession and a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nigeria with specialization in Painting and Art History. He studied Civic Leadership from Tulane University New Orleans (USA), Arts in Health for Helping Professionals, Charlotte (USA) and Arts in Medicine at the Arts in Health Research Intensive from University of Florida (USA). Kunle is a certified artist in Understanding Arts and Dementia (University College London, UK) and in Medicine and The Arts (University of Cape Town, South Africa).

He told THISDAY Art Weekend how COVID-19 became morereal to him as a state of emergency was declared in San Francisco.

“People were rushing to buy foodstuff, toiletries, grocery stores were being emptied within a short time. Local and international flights were cancelled. A total shutdown of religious and social gathering, schools were closed, restaurants and other bars were not spared either. It seems everything was cancelled and social distancing became the order of the day,” he said.

He said that having a positive disposition is the best way to cope with the lockdown.

He believed that this is one of the most interesting times to be alive and that in spite of the scary news, there is hope for humanity.

“In the midst of it all I choose praise over panic, faith over fear because I believe this is not a permanent challenge, it shall be over soonest. The government of United States of America is doing their best to bring everything under control. Kudos the healthcare workers who puts their lives out there to save affected persons. They are the real heroes. Everything seems like a sci-fi movie,” he said.

At the Global Brain Health Institute’s program, All Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health are provided with innovative training in brain health, leadership, and dementia prevention to a broad array of promising leaders from various professions, including medicine, science, business, law, journalism, social science, and the arts. Through their works, the fellows are expected to emphasise local and global health inequities that need to be addressed by practitioners and policymakers, with the goal of transforming local communities around the world.

Apart from hand washing, Adewale emphasised the need for social distancing as one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of the virus.

“While observing social distancing, we are connected occasionally via zoom for

Yinka Olatunbosun

Adewale

classes and meetings. It’s been interesting but challenging because we are missing the physical human experience in the program but this is best decision for now. I’m also working on my solo art exhibition here in the United States, opening reception date is April 30. I’m not seeing the possibility of that event, so we will shift the date till everything is fine. In the meantime, I have been putting finish touches to my work, working on the catalogue, facilitating online art sessions for Americans.

“I’m currently working on a partnership with Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada to design and facilitate a virtual therapeutic art for seniors living with dementia and those living with cognitive impairments. More so, I’m working with my team in Nigeria to organise a global art in health challenge #ArtResponds to COVID19”. It is our collective responsibility as creatives to use the arts as a leverage to connect, educate, inspire hope and social change in our communities, especially in unprecedented time like this,” he revealed. With over a decade of experience as an artist and educationist, Adewale founded ‘Tender Arts Nigeria’ in 2013, a social enterprise and non-profit organisation which aims to positively impact children, youth and adults, with a focus on therapeutic arts, art education, talent development, community development and civic engagement.

Despite being separated from his family in these challenging times, he has been encouraged by their cheerful attitudewhenever he called. However, he pointed out that it is important for the world to unite across racial differences to fight another great threat to life which is hate. Hate is the reason why people stigmatize others.

“This time is for more empathy and compassion, spreadingmessage of hope, inspiring courage and resilience. This is the time to stand together and not be divided or play blame game. If you can’t offer succour or support in times like this, just stay silent and don’t spread hate,” he said.

Adewale said artists should take advantage of this period to use their works to pass messages of hope and encouragement.

Recently, the popular American singersongwriter, John Legend shared a video of his e-concert for fans to cheer them up.

Adewale said such artistic gestures could go a long way to help people develop the right mental disposition.

“Arts can be a powerful force for mental health, emotional and social wellbeing of people, artist can create works that helps people to experience inner peace in the midst of COVID19 storm. They can also offer emotional support by facilitating virtual therapeutic art sessions for people Just like the healthcare workers who are busy day and night to save more lives out there, I think as creative people our role is to complement the works of these healthcare practitioners. Hope for humanity lies in our collective efforts,” he said.

He has impacted over 15,000 beneficiaries through his art programs in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and USA. He currently leads the largest Arts in Health Network on the continent of Africa through the ‘Arts in Medicine Fellowship for Students and Professionals in Arts and Health’, located in Nigeria.

His community-based projects have been supported by U.S Department of State, Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, U.S Consulate Lagos, and endorsed by International Child Arts Foundation, Washington D.C, United Nation Information Center, Society of Nigerian Artists, Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Lagos State Ministry of Sports Youth and Social Development.

In 2014, Kunle was nominated for Global Teacher Prize by the Varkeys Foundation (UK). In August 2015, Kunle had the honor of meeting United States President, Barack Obama through the Mandela Washington Fellowship Award for Young African Leaders. He has also been specially recognised by National Museum of African Arts, Smithsonian Institution Washington DC and The Arts Council of New Orleans. This year, as a result of Kunle’s impacts in the field of arts in health globally, August 2 was proclaimed by the Mayor of Cincinnati (USA) as the official ‘Kunle Adewale Day’.

There are some books that leave a sour taste in the mouth. Michael Owhoko’s book titled, “Feminism: The Agony of Men” is just one of those. It all began with the title which to a large extent does not reflect a rounded view of the concept of feminism. Without unnecessarily seeking to raise dust, feminism has been a misunderstood subject for many including some self-acclaimed feminists. The result is that there has been different shades of feminism.

But what seems to connect all the shades of feminism is the call for equal opportunities and rights as humans. This view is grossly condemned by the author in this book.

The author argued that it is a divine arrangement to make women not have the same rights as men. Today, there are lots of fundamental rights enshrined in the laws of many countries.

And the rights that many women may have taken for granted today which had been fought for by leading women of substance- some of whom had even earned prison terms and bad names for pushing their relevance beyond the kitchen.

Today, girl-child education has improved and many parents are no longer afraid to invest in their female children’s education because they would end up in a lockdown situation once married. There are increasing number of men who support their wives in their careers, unashamed to stand behind the women as they take public offices and steer the difficult wheels in their various organisations.

Owhoko’s tone is bitter throughout the 95-paged book. His argument is that feminism is ruining many marriages. On the contrary, many known feminists are enjoying blissful marriages. Chimamanda Adichie, Michelle Obama and Beyonce Knowles-Carter are very vocal feminists to cite as examples. In addition, there are many male feminists who have joined the women in advocating for equal opportunities based on their experience of how women had been largely undermined by prejudice in their careers.

Throughout the book, Owhoko cited examples of non-exemplary women who have displayed arrogance and infidelity in their marriages. He wrote about how financially independent women are disrespectful of their husband’s headship. The reality is that many women in marriage ventured into it with the hope that their family head will be responsible for the economic well-being of the home. To their shock, they end up being breadwinners and their husbands find it difficult to show support by condescending to do the domestic work such as cooking, washing, laundry while the wife spends long hours at work and in traffic.

The truth is the author has released what can be described as a piece of literary poison for young men who may be venturing into marriage. While it is true that men and women are not equal in marriage, it is important for any writer to emphasise on how love can shatter the barriers to bonding, understanding and mutual respect rather than paint feminists or women generally as potential rivals to a man’s headship in the home.

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METRO

…Your city life in print

Enugu Govt And The Fight Against Covid-19 Pandemic Dr. Stanley Nwatu

T

he outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic took the world unawares. Nobody saw it coming, not even the medical experts, religion prophets, prophetesses and herbalists, who have before now laid claim to power of clairvoyance.

The deadly virus is not a respecter of anybody, age, religion and status. It is ravaging the world. Not spared in its speedy spread and deadly effects are the developed countries of the world with the best of medical facilities. In short, Wuhan in China where it originated from has the best of medical facilities and experts.

Some have accused the Chinese of conspiracy and have questioned why the pandemic has not spread to the cities of Benjing and Shanghai all in China the way it has spread across the globe. That is by the way for now.

It is no longer news that Corona virus is in Nigeria. It is here with us. What is news now is the increasing number of victims and the concerted efforts being put in place by the governments at various levels, individuals and organisations to tackle the spread of the deadly scourge that has no cure yet.

Some weeks ago there was social media scaremongering that a 70 year-old woman who returned from London and suspected to be a Corona virus patient was admitted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu.

The rumour, which spread like a wild fire on social media platforms created panic and fear among Enugu residents and people. Enugu State Government and management of ESUT Teaching Hospital rose to the occasion not only by managing the patient’s condition professionally, but ensured that test was conducted on her which result came out negative.

This prompt response and handling of the 70 year-old woman’s case by the Parklane Hospital Enugu was an indicator of the proactiveness, commitment and readiness of Enugu State Government to control and contain the spread of the global deadly virus. Eventhough after the incident, a London-based lady who claimed to be the woman ‘s daughter covertly took to social media to condemn the efforts of the Enugu State Government and the Parklane Hospital management in the handling of the woman’s case, but failed to disclose that this was the same woman that was allegedly rejected by medical personnel at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku Ozalla Enugu, upon hearing that the she just returned from London some weeks ago.

It would be recalled that even before the outbreak of the lassa fever which claimed many lives in Enugu’s neighbouring states, Enugu State government has put several measures in place across the state-owned health institutions to ensure prompt handling of the disease in the state. That was why the state was able to swiftly and professionally handled the lassa fever disease, when it tried to rear its ugly head in the state sometimes ago.

As the spread of the deadly Covid-19 takes its toll on Nigerians in the last few weeks, Enugu State government has upped her proactive and bold steps in ensuring that the virus didn’t take the state unawares. Apart from the Enugu State Government executive council’s approval for immediate release of N330 million Naira for proactive, preventive and management measures against the spread of the virus, the state government has ordered the closure of schools, markets, ban of all social gatherings, provides dedicated phone numbers to report suspected cases and other activities that will help ameliorate the spread of the pandemic.

Not done yet, the Enugu State Governor,

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi during his inspection of one of the isolation centres in Enugu State

The Enugu Diagnostic Hospital that will now serve as one of the isolation centres in the state

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has approved the immediate provision of Group Life/Group PersonalAccidentAssurance Policy for all medical doctors in the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the assurance package is also extended to all doctors in the State Ministry of Health and all other health workers.

Other beneficiaries, according to the statement, include fire fighters, staff of Enugu State Emergency Management Agency and all those involved in other essential services.

Prof. Ortuanya added that Gov. Ugwuanyi is hopeful this goodwill will inspire higher commitment and productivity amongst the beneficiaries.

In a related development, the governor has directed the Presidents General of all Town Unions in the state to mobilize volunteers and town criers in their respective autonomous communities to enlighten residents of their communities on adherence to the protocol for prevention of COVID-19 transmission with effect from Thursday, March 26, 2020.

The Presidents General were further directed to interface with the Enugu State Multi-sectoral Rapid Response Team, through the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, for collection of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Corona Virus disease, for use by the Volunteers and Town Criers.

According to Prof. Ortuanya, the state government has also made provisions for logistic support to the Presidents General, the various Town Criers for this assignment.

It is good to know that already complementing the state government’s efforts through sensitisation, enlightenment and awareness campaign against and about the pandemic, its symptoms and preventive measures at the healthcentres, homes, churches, communities, markets, villages and others at the grassroots level are the 17 local government chairmen, 260 councillors, supervisory councillors, local government health personnel, community leaders and others.

They have been distributing buckets, soaps, hand gloves, facial masks and some food items to the people with the emphasis that Corona virus is real and prevention is better than cure.

Eventhough Enugu has recorded only two confirmed cases of Corona virus, Enugu State government is not relenting in its proactive

measures/ moves against the spread of the deadly pandemic.

While some State Governments and their media hirelings have been busy showcasing their social media Isolation Centres that are niether here, nor there, Enugu State government, apart from being among the first state to establish a standard Isolation Centre has scored another first with the provision of Group Life/ Group Personal Accident Assurance for all medical doctors in the State Teaching Hospital Parklane, Ministry of Health and all health workers in the state.

What a timely decision and motivation for the medical personnel and health workers who will mostly bear the brunt of pandemic when the chips are down. There is need for other states to emulate Enugu State Government by making provision for Life Assurance for the medical personnel in their states at the critical time of the pandemic palaver. This will motivate the medical and health personnel to put in their best in handling the delicate and deadly situation when the need arises. It will bring out the best in them. Not done yet, the State Government has taken delivery of two brand new additional ambulances and one incident vehicle it purchased to support the state’s response to the covid-19 pandemic.

The State Government has also on March 31, 2020 by 6pm commenced the strict implementation of the closure of boundaries, markets and inter-state transportation, with the exemption of those on medical emergency services, those dealing on food items, water, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and other basic items of daily domestic needs. This was in line with the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s address to the people on his government’s planned measures to contain the spread of the virus in the state last week.

Also on April 1, 2020, the Enugu State Government approved the use of the ultra-modern Enugu State Medical Diagnostics Centre as additional Covid-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre.

The State Government announced the activation a fully functional Coronavirus Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre equipped with modern facilities at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu.

These decisions were contained in a statement released by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, shortly after Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led a combined

te team of top government officials and heads of security agencies in the state to monitor the le level of compliance with government’s order, cl closing the markets and boundaries as well as in inspect some health facilities in the state.

According to the statement, the state governm ment equally activated a brand new hospital at G G.R.ANsukka to serve as Covid-19 Isolation and Tr Treatment Centre for Enugu North Senatorial Z Zone.

Prof. Otuanya further disclosed that the State G Government has taken over and commenced ex extensive reconstruction of the former Colliery H Hospital, Enugu to expand the state capacity for C Covid-19 Isolation and Treatment, noting that it is collaborating with the local government ch chairmen to identify and designate Isolation C Centres in their respective LGAs to ensure their pr preparedness in the event of possible spike in th the Covid-19 burden with the state.

With all these proactive measures put in place by the Enugu State Government which is in lin line with the international best practices, it is ba baffling to see some residents and indigenes of the state, who have not abide by the simple d directive of social distancing, asking on social m media platforms, how prepared is Enugu State G Government to battle convid-19 in the state?

So Some of them instead of being supportive of go government’s proactive measures to contain th the pandemic in the state, have for political re reason tried to drag the governor’s name to the m mud by alleging that he organised his birthday pa party in Government House Enugu on March, 20 20, 2020 at the peak of the Convid-19 palaver.

To buttress their false claims, they have been bu busy circulating the governor’s surprised birthd day cake from some friends at a brief meeting in Government House on that day.

As usual there was no birthday bash for the go governor organised by him or people as being fa falsely peddled by these enemies of the state. It is kn known over the years that Governor Ugwuanyi ha has always celebrated his birthday in a low-key m manner at the orphanage and elderly homes.

Th That was what he did on that day. Ugwuanyi is not a hedonist or an insentitive leader. He is a leader, who has always cared for humanity.

Meanwhile for those who have been especially on the social media platforms, how prepared is En Enugu State Government to tackle the menace of Covid-19, as we can see from all indications an and indices, there is no doubt that the State G Government is battle ready.

Not even the recent misrepresentation and m misinterpretation of the unruly and mischievous ac actions of some nurses of ESUT hospital, Parklane En Enugu on social media platforms, which the m management of the hospital and the leadership of the nurses union have refuted is enough to ru rubbish the concerted and condemnable efforts of the state government in combating the spread of the virus in the state. But one thing that is ve very clear is that the state government cannot d do it alone. The total co-operation and comm mitment of Enugu residents, people, churches, or organisations and most importantly the medical pe personnel are highly needed to contain and co control the spread of the virus in the state. The pe people are expected to altruistically complem ment government’s efforts by simply sticking to the corona virus’ precautionary measures of so social distancing, regular hand washing, use of sa sanitizers often, staying at homes and others.

Enugu people should realised that as Februar ary 24, 2020 Italy has five confirmed cases of C Corona virus, with no death record. Italian go government issued a stay-at-home order, but th the people disobeyed.

Dr. Stanley Nwatu, a retired medical expert w wrote from Maryland, Enugu.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾

ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͮ

POLSCOPE

LIFE

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

COVID-19: Myriads of Matters Arising

N

o subject matter has ever engaged the world like the notorious Coronavirus, alias COVID-19. Not event the first and second world warwould have held the world this bound.

This is essentially so because there is no corner of the four pillars of the earth where COVID-19 has not inflicted its punch and pain.

For over three weeks, the issue of the COVID-19 plague has practically seized the front pages of the nation’s newspapers. There is no Television house that has not made the issue a running and dominant discourse. This is all because it is a matter of life and death.

It concerns everybody, irrespective of class, age colour, status, creed or even political affiliation. What else can matter when life is at stake?

In two weeks I have read so many and even too many literature on and around the deadly virus, perhaps enough for a doctoral programme on any subject.

So, here are some matters arising, in no particular order: The 14-Day Lockdown Last Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari, finally addressed the nation on the raging COVID-19 pandemic. Many have hailed the presidential address as one of the best so far from our taciturn president. In the speech, he ordered a 14-day lockdown (restriction of movement) in two states (Lagos and Ogun) plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The lockdown began midnight of Monday, March 30 in Lagos and Abuja. Ogun State pleaded for a few more days to sufficiently prepare for their own lockdown. In Ogun State, it starts today.

A few business endeavours (Food-related, pharmacy/health, electricity, telecoms, media,petroleum product dealers) were exempted from the “No-movement” order.

In four days, staying at home is almost getting worse than being in prison. Boring, dull and drabby. And there are ten more days to go, “in the first instance”!

Surviving the 14-day lockdown will be an instructive test of the resilience of Lagosians, nay Nigerians. And a very big price to pay to stay alive. Nigeria, I dare say, revolves around Lagos.

Staying at home has been reduced to a bitter pill for many because of the twin issue of cash flow and electricity supply.

The lock-down order has further exposed the level of poverty and depravity in the land.

It makes a loud mockery of all the jargons around the issue of GDP and all such warts.

Many people just do not have money in their pockets or purses, no matter what the NBS says about the GDP. What percentage of Nigerians are meaningfully engaged either in the formal or informal sectors? Many are damn poor and wretched! Surviving a day, without the opportunity for daily hustling is a herculean challenge. It will only get worse after the pandemic wears out, what with many huge job cuts that are bound to follow.

Then comes the notorious issue of electricity supply. The irregularity of the supply has made the stay-at-home order nightmarish.

Without electricity, many homes in many neighbourhoods are like dungeons, with poor ventilation, darkness and choking smell of urine and filth. How can people sit tight in such homes for 14 days without developing other variants of the virus we are running from?

Many families are expending the little cash they have on buying petrol or diesel to power the generators so the children can have some minimum comfort.

What is even worse? Many of the filling stations are not selling fuel, despite the assurance by NNPC that they have enough product to last us for sixty days. Petrol is getting scarce. Yes, the price of petrol has been reduced twice in the last three weeks, but it is not readily available.

Here is a situation encouraging people to workfrom home. So without electricity supply, how are we supposed to really work from home? Or what kind of work gets done without electricity? Gosh, how many rivers do we really have to cross in this endless search for nationhood?

But what about the cantankerous noise of the generators with various tempers and cries? The arising cacophony can make one run mad, literally. I watched a short video of a middle-aged woman bemoaning, with tears, the no-light situation. How does government

But who is recording all the donations?

And who will give account at the end of the day? Already, the presidential taskforce on COVID-19, including the NCDC are denying knowing anything about how the donations are being organised and disbursed?

And that reminds me, why have we not seen donations from the churches and mosques?

Are these not the same MoGs (Men of God) who have and fly private jets, flaunting their riches? Why are they slow in partaking in this feast of donation? RCCG had donated some beds, sanitisers and facial masks, but it alllooks too paltry. These are the same churches and mosques who do not pay tax despite the huge cash depots they have become. It is curious that some of the churches are yet heckling their members to ensure that they pay their tithes and offerings online, whether they physically come to church or not. Hmmmm, all I would say is that a friend in need is a friend indeed.

The Fear of Death The fear of death is perhaps more lethal than death itself. Too many times, anytime I coughed or sneezed more than twice in the house this period, everybody turns at me with the look of “ what kind of cough is that? Is that symptomatic of… (they fear to mention COVID-19)…. And we will all laugh.

Even me, I fear sometimes when I sneeze, whether “the thing” has come. Sometimes, psychosomaticism sets in.

But hey, were we not ever coughing or sneezing before the advent of coronavirus?

As a routine, my wife has subjected the entire household to a standing regime of drinking a cup of hot and pepperish agbo (boiled mixture of different leafs, spices, back of some fruits etc.) every morning. “ I cannot come andshout”, she’d say, after serving each cup. We have been obedient.

We don’t want to die. And we shall not die!

Buhari

expect people to really remain at home 24 hour per day for 14 days with epileptic power supply and expect them to be alive or normal thereafter?

Food Distribution and Data Base When the Governor of Lagos State, BabajideSanwo-Olu announced that part of the palliatives his government has put in place will be to supply food items to 200,000 families during the lock-down period, my whole worry was how he was going to choose and find the so-called vulnerable and poorest of the poor families. The real poorest of the poor do not have addresses. Neither the nation nor the state has any data base of its citizenry/ residents respectively. It is virtually a nation of no records.

Right from the Obasanjo time, under the late Sunday Afolabi as Internal Affairs minister, the country has been nibbling over the core issue of getting every Nigerian into a unified and reliable data base. Till date, we are still on it!

So, how’s either the Federal Government or the Lagos State government going to locate and identify prospective beneficiaries without necessarily falling back on the membership register of a political party?

I hear some persons have been contacted to send names and telephone numbers of “vulnerable people” in their neighbourhoods to a certain committee”. Who will do the calling of the various numbers? Where will they be met? Somebody mocked the system when he tweeted that if NEPA officials can reach everyhousehold with their “crazy bills”, government should be able to get to every homestead with the food packs. I am afraid, we are not that organized.

Without sounding pessimistic, it is bound to be a clumsy arrangement. Already, I learnt those who came with such food supplies to Amuwo-Odofin LGA of Lagos State were almost mobbed on Tuesday, making them to flee with the food items back to base. Does government have the data base of the senior citizens of the land?

At the federal level it is always a whimsical approach. Those in the corridor of power selfishly and whimsically decide who should benefit from such gestures. Were it not so, I would have, at least, once heard that my dear people of Orogun in Ughelli LGA of Delta State got such government gestures like N-Power , tradermoni, or a slice of that $322.5m recovered Abacha loot that was allegedly shared, in July 2018, to the poor people of this country. Not one person got in the entire Urhobo land, let alone, my Orogun clan. Or are we not part of Nigeria?

Which statistics or record guided the distribution, if it was ever really distributed?

How do we run a country like that?

Even now, I fear that both the Lagos State and Federal Government gestures on food supply will go the odious way of the old and it may not get to those for whom they are meant.

Where do we go from here?

Police and Excess Zealotry I had listened to one of the briefing sessions given to security men on the enforcement of the lock-down order. The one briefing had emphasized the need for the security operatives to be of utmost courtesy in dealing with the members of the public. That they should resort to minimum force only if the persons is recalcitrant. But what did we see? Many, not all, police officers have seen it as another avenue to brow-beat the citizenry to bribing their way out. Some of them have resorted to extorting members of the public who were found outside. Some even went destroying and breaking a drinking bar.

Some patrol vans had even harassed and attempted to arrest people jogging in the morning. Perhaps, they can disperse young men playing football on the street on account of not observing the social-distance rule. But what is wrong in jogging within one’sneighbourhood?

The Huge Donations The community spirit of Nigerians has been activated in rising to the occasion of combating the invasion of COVID 19. The mega businessmen have been tumbling in huge sums in a competitive manner in such away that unless it is up to a Billion Naira, you do not seem to have measured up to standard. And many are the Billions that have come in. It is interesting that many of the banks have been doling out N1billion each with UBA topping the pack with N5 billion for Nigeria and the rest of Africa. In an economy where majority cannot live without daily hustle, a billion naira seems to be flying with a near valueless wing. That is why a comedian (MC Jollof), in a short video clip, made a wry mockery of the N200million donated by a frontline politician, asking him to send his account number so they can return his paltry donation to him with “Instant Payment”, since he has chosen to abuse the “big man” status usually accorded him.

It is interesting that the cabinet ministers have donated 50% of their March salaries, just as senators have donated their March salaries, and the House of Reps members, their March and April Salaries (even though many Nigerians are angry with them for their insensitivity in distributing their 2020 modelCamry Cars in the face of this crushingpandemic), all to tackle the menace of mankind. So much is heaping in, even as more is needed.

Videos, Videos and more Videos Gracious God, I can’t count the number of short videos I have watched since the outbreak of this pandemic. Majority of them fill us up with fears, confusion and panic. I cannot forget the grim image of a huge array of dead bodies in coffins lined up in Italy. Where over 428 persons had died in one day, with comments that Italy has run out of coffins and even space to bury the dead, with no storage spaces anymore. They are resorting to cremation which takes an hour per corpse. So,only 24 corpses can be cremated a day, while over 400 are dying. What a world!

Gosh… it chilled my blood. This is not to talk of the pictures and unprocessed literature from all over the world, on COVID-19. But none has been assertive in finding a cure or showing the way out.

Have you noticed that we have ben spending huge sums on internet data? What with the idleness occasioned by the lockdown. So the phones are the silent faithful partners that help us while away time. And with that, the data merchants are smiling to the banks, while we groan in our corners. I am tired of all the videos, except the ones that typically make me laugh, as Nigerians are sure to make a huge joke out of even what is killing the entire world.

All These a Conspiracy?

I have been perplexed for days now, afterlistening to a report by Gravitas on what appears like a conspiracy theory that seeks to make a sense of all that has been ravaging the world. In summary, the theorists tend to argue that the COVID-19 pandemic is all a calculated attempt by China to overtake America’s economy. The argument querieshow and why the virus broke out in the littleknown Wuhan, sparing major Chinese cities like Beijing or Shangai which have the world’s most dense population. It argues that China put the whole world in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and is now the one offering Ventilators to the world, as it has opened many factories and production of ventilators, facial masks, sanitisers etc., have begun in earnest across many cities in China, as it has recovered from the lockdown.

The whole world is now looking up to China for “rescue kits and materials”, costing billions of dollars. Thetheory supports the argument further with the content of a book, “Unrestricted Warfare” published by two Chinese Generals in 1999 on how China is determined to use even con ways in overcoming America in global economic rating.

So, are all these tons of deaths and crush all about who leads the economy of the world?

If true, I’d eternally give up on the world.

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 • T H I S D AY

33

34

T H I S D AY Ëž

ÍąËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Experts Call for Increased Collaboration against COVID-19 Hamid Ayodeji One of Nigeria’s leading risk and strategic management firm, Conrad Clark, recently converged stakeholders and experts in risk management and health sector to fashion out modalities and prepare for crises in a more preventive than curative direction.

A statement at the end of the forum held online, noted that while medical practitioners are trying to get thoughts together on what could be a reliable remedy to the COVID-19 pandemic, every possibility was analysed and given the weight it deserved in reputable medical laboratories, with little attention to the network of interaction in the society.

It pointed out that in the engaging webinar, it was revealed that winning the war against a pandemic was not a responsibility of medical pundits alone, but a joint responsibility to manage the resultant crisis and prepare for subsequent eventualities.

Former Commissioner of Health, Lagos State, Dr. Jide Idris, in his presentation, discussed the lessons that ought to have been learnt from the deadly Ebola virus that threatened human existence between 2013 and 2015. “The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge.

While countries with advanced healthcare systems struggle in the fight against it, the effects on countries with weaker health systems, including Nigeria and other parts of Africa where cases are growing, will be significant,�

Idris said.

As a former health commissioner, Idris was directly engaged in the country’s fight against Ebola epidemic in 2014.

The epidemic claimed the lives of key medical experts in Lagos State, and there were massive economic losses across West Africa. “Ebola taught us painful, but valuable lessons. Today, as our fellow healthcare leaders confront

COVID-19, we share those lessons and recommendations to strengthen the response. “2018, under the Global Security agenda, there was a joint external evaluation where every country that signed into this agenda should be able to self-examine itself to establish their preparedness. “Nigeria signed on and had a score of 40 per cent implying that we were totally unprepared.

As a country, we scored low in the following critical areas: Legislation, leadership and Governance, bio Security and Medical Counter Measures. “In 2019, following a global initiative, a global index score for Nigeria was arrived at after accessing 195 countries with Nigeria scoring 96 positions. Nigeria scored very poorly in prevention, detection and reporting, rapid response health System, Capacity, Medical Counter Measures and risk measurement, which is worrisome,� he disclosed.

Buhari

MARKET INDICATORS

Access Bank Supports Fight against COVID-19 Access Bank Plc has disclosed that it is one of the organisations at the forefront of the interventions deployed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bank in a statement yesterday, said it played a major role in the formation of The Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID), a task force instituted to ensure the minimisation of the impact of Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

The bank donated N1 billion to facilitate the building of 1000bed isolation centers across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

The building of the test and isolation centers would be in phases. The first phase of the

project is the construction of additional testing and isolation centers, in Lagos (Yaba and Gbagada), Enugu, Kano, Port Harcourt, Borno, and Abuja.The next phase of the project will see the construction of additional centers in more states of the federation to enable early detection and testing of suspected COVID -19 cases as well as treatment of confirmed cases.

Speaking on the Bank’s activities, the Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe said, “In our characteristic manner of offering ‘more than banking,’ Access Bank is at the forefront of the fight

against COVID-19. Through our various projects, we are looking to support the government and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) by providing facilities that can serve as both testing and isolation centers. “Despite the strides being made, we implore all Nigerians to adhere to stipulated social distancing guidelines, and practice regular hand washing as directed by the World Health Organization.

We are positive that we can beat the spread of the virus, if we all comply with the safety measures as advised by the NCDC and WHO.�

Endeavor Entrepreneur Appoints CEO into Global Network Oluchi Chibuzor Endeavor Entrepreneur, has appointed the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Migo, Ekechi Nwokah into its growing global network. He joined other selected entrepreneurs leading six companies from six countries.

Endeavor is a mission-driven, global organisation leading high-impact entrepreneurship movement and currently operates in nearly 40 growth markets throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America.

Ekechi Nwokah, Migo’s founder and CEO, spent his formative years in Nigeria with

passion for computer science.

After receiving his PhD in Computer Engineering, he spent over 20 years building distributed software systems and was also a visiting professor at Purdue University in Indiana, USA. Commenting on the appointment, he pledged to leverage Endeavor’s extensive network globally, saying, “Endeavor will be a significant value add for the company as we expand.�

Formerly known as Mines, Migo is a cloud-based platform that partners with banks, mobile operators, retailers and payment processors in emerging markets to provide credit to underserved consumers. Companies like banks,

telecommunications operators and merchants integrate Migo in their apps and Migo underwrites customers to provide them with a digital account and credit line.

The customers can use this credit line to make purchases from a merchant or withdraw cash without the need for point-of-sale hardware or plastic cards. Along with Migo, Endeavor Nigeria supports 14 entrepreneurs who lead 9 companies in Nigeria; companies in the Endeavor Nigeria network span various industries, including financial technology, renewable energy, healthcare, film production and distribution, and retail.

NUPENG Distributes Sanitisers, Safety Gears to Members Ugo Aliogo The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has distributed hand sanitisers, safety gears to tanker drivers and other vulnerable members at various operational locations.

According to a statement jointly signed by the National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union care-

fully engaged a pharmaceutical company to produce the sanitiser specifically for its members in Nigeria.

The statement explained that the sanitisers come in 10 litres transparent jerry cans to serve as refill for dispensers with other safety kits, such as hand gloves and mouth masks, “which we had already distributed across to all our zonal offices in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Warri and Lagos.�

It explained there are 154 petroleum loading depots across the country, adding that presently there are 120 of these numbers in active operation.

According to the statement: “Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG has about 300 places across the country that serve as their Stop-Over-Point for resting and recreation, we will be distributing these items to all these places too.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

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

11,007,422.79

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

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ÍŻ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $16.87 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $22.61 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), ZaďŹ ro (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

35

T H I S D AY ˾

ͱ˜ 2020

MARKET NEWS

COVID-19: FBNQuest Identifies Sectors to Benefit from Lockdown Goddy Egene As the world economy continues to suffer the impact of the COVID-19, FBNQuest Research has identified companies that would emerge from the crisis stronger.

According to FBNQuest, mobile telephony is a winner in the midst of the challenges brought by the COVID-19 and lockdown of many economies.

This implies that in Nigeria,

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Africa Plc are favoured.

FBNQuest said Amazon has made itself very useful by transporting medical supplies on behalf of governments (such as the United Kingdom).

“As we sit at home under varying degrees of lockdowns, it delivers the orders that some of us would previously have fulfilled by visiting stores.

Mobile telephony is another

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

winner as we are obliged to make use of conference calls and video conferencing for routine conversations with colleagues and clients that we often held face-to-face in the office. The handful of United States corporations capitalised at more than $100 billion (led

by Alphabet, Amazon, Apple and Facebook) are set to grow in influence and reach. It will be more difficult for governments to rein them in on the grounds

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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of their perceived monopolistic practices or poor conduct such as failing to close down terrorist or socially harmful sites,” it said.

Another area is the banking sector as the research said: “ebanking has received a boost from our being confined to our homes. The loser is likely to be cash transactions for health reasons and for practicality. We may well maintain the habit of paying for goods and service by card. The Central Bank of

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Nigeria (CBN) cash-lite and financial inclusion programmes appear healthier in this light.”

FBN Quest explained that the oil sector was another area the current trend would impact.

“Governments of oil producers have to adjust with fiscal retrenchment too, Nigeria being one of many examples. Developed countries may be tempted to adjust but have signed treaties and made policy pledges in the name of renewables. The

O F

cost of filling up the tank has nosedived where pricing is set by the market. Those segments of the airline industry that survive will feel that, once government closures of airports are lifted, they will be able to rebuild their businesses,” it said.

Meanwhile, trading at the stock market closed on a bullish note yesterday as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.1 per cent to close at 21,121.20.

0 2 / 0 4 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

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36

˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Friday, April 3, 2020 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Fell 2.2%

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Yesterday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index fell 223bps to close at 881.82 points following declines recorded in MTNN (-5.7%), GUARANTY (-1.5%), and ZENITH (-3.5%).

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϰϱ͘Ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ Ticker

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

ĂƌŐĂŝŶ ,ƵŶƟŶŐ ŽŽƐƚ ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϭй dŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŽŶ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŶŽƚĞ ĂƐ the All-Share Index marginally rose 10bps to 21,121.20 ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ in DANGCEM (+9.9%), LIVE^dK < (+9.4%) and '> yK^D/d, ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚͲ ly, YTD return eased to -Ϯϭ͘ϯй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ േϭϬ͘ϴďŶ ƚŽ േϭϭ͘ϬƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŵͲ proved as volume and value traded rose 65.6% and 62.1% to 255.5m units and േϮ͘ϵďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĂĐƟǀĞ stocks by volume were ZENITH (100.8m units), GUARANTY (34.2m units) and FBNH (29.0m units) while ZENITH

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GUARANTY

;േϱϵϲ͘ϬŵͿ

and DANGCEM ;േϮϵϴ͘ϮŵͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ĐŚĂƌƚ͘

Across sectors, performance was bearish as 4 of 6 indices under our coverage lost while the Oil & Gas index closed ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ &Z-ICT and Banking indices lost 3.0% and 2.2% ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ sell-ŽīƐ ŝŶ MTNN (-5.7%), FBNH (-5.1%), ^^ (-4.4%) and ETI (-3.7%). Similarly, ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ͕ ĚĞƉƌĞͲ ĐŝĂƟŶŐ ϭ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϴй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ in E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^

1 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 2 Airtel Africa PLC 3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC 5 Nestle Nigeria PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Access Bank PLC

-2.23%

-39.9%

-11.8%

92.80

-5.7%

32.0%

-11.6%

-14.9%

298.90

0.0%

19.0%

0.0%

0.0%

(-9.3%), ,KEz&>KhZ

(-

8.2%), t W/ (-3.9%) and KZE Z^dKE (-ϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ ŽŶͲ

were DANGCEM (+9.9%), >/s ^dK < (+9.4%) and GLAX-

gards. Despite today's ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ŽŶ Ă ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ŶŽƚĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ƌĞĞůƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐƌƵƉƟŽŶƐ ĐĂƵƐĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ coronavirus pandemic.

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

0.5x

9.2%

23.5%

9.3x

13.1x

5.4%

10.7%

3.6%

-1.4%

8.6%

-41.8%

-40.8%

31.6%

5.5%

2.5x

0.8x

16.2%

40.3%

5.2%

-40.9%

-41.2%

23.8%

3.4%

1.7x

0.4x

25.6%

60.5% 7.5%

0.0%

3.5%

-48.0%

-48.0%

95.4%

25.7%

13.3x

13.3x

9.2%

9.9%

5.5%

-9.6%

-9.6%

21.6%

11.7%

10.9x

2.5x

14.3%

9.2%

5.50

-4.3%

3.2%

-45.0%

-45.5%

17.8%

1.6%

1.8x

0.3x

11.8%

55.3%

4.85

-2.0%

2.6%

-32.2%

-32.6%

16.2%

1.6%

1.9x

0.3x

20.4%

52.0%

3.70

-5.1%

2.2%

-39.8%

-43.1%

10.3%

1.0%

2.6x

0.2x

6.8%

38.9%

22.50

-9.3%

1.4%

-61.9%

-61.9%

9.6%

4.2%

11.2x

1.1x

8.9%

9.20

0.0%

2.3%

-39.9%

-33.3%

50.3%

23.4%

9.2x

0.4x

8.9% 10.8%

544.50

0.0%

2.7%

-17.2%

-8.0%

16.2%

9.6%

3.0x

0.4x

7.6%

33.1%

23.90

-1.6%

1.6%

-41.7%

-40.3%

27.3%

4.1%

3.4x

0.8x

12.6%

29.3%

15.7x

0.6x

6.6%

20.20

5.5%

1.4%

2.5%

2.5%

3.6%

1.3%

5.00

-6.5%

0.7%

-47.4%

-47.4%

-114.4%

-7.5%

3.90

-3.7%

0.8%

-40.0%

-40.5%

13.2%

0.8%

1.3x

0.2x

17 Fidelity Bank PLC 18 11 PLC

1.70

-2.9%

0.8%

-17.1%

-15.8%

13.4%

1.5%

1.7x

0.2x

160.90

0.0%

1.0%

8.8%

8.8%

24.1%

10.9%

6.5x

1.5x

5.2%

15.3%

55.05

0.0%

0.8%

-1.0%

-1.0%

19.1%

13.5%

9.5x

1.8x

5.4%

10.5%

8.90

0.0%

0.5%

-34.6%

-36.4%

19.6%

11.6%

5.3x

1.1x

12.1%

18.9%

0.65

0.0%

0.4%

-34.3%

-39.3%

19 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 20 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 21 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

25 Sterling Bank PLC 26 UAC of Nigeria PLC 27 Custodian and Allied Insurance 28 Presco PLC 29 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 30 Total Nigeria PLC 31 Oando PLC 32 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Wema Bank PLC 35 Ardova PLC 36 Continental Reinsurance PLC

4.5x

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

76.3% 11.8%

1.6%

9.90

0.0%

0.3%

-55.0%

-52.2%

-5.7%

-3.6%

0.0%

0.4%

-24.5%

-24.5%

4.9%

2.6%

11.8x

0.6x

6.7%

8.5%

1.45

-3.3%

0.4%

-21.6%

-20.3%

9.2%

1.1%

1.6x

0.1x

9.7%

61.4%

0.9x

-7.5%

1.11

0.9%

0.3%

-44.2%

-41.6%

10.0%

0.9%

2.9x

0.3x

2.7%

34.1%

6.50

-3.0%

0.3%

-24.4%

-27.0%

-9.6%

-4.1%

1.8x

0.4x

9.8%

54.8%

5.60

0.0%

0.3%

-6.7%

-6.7%

13.6%

5.3%

5.7x

0.8x

8.0%

17.4%

36.45

0.0%

0.2%

-23.3%

-23.3%

15.9%

6.4%

9.2x

1.4x

5.6%

10.9%

6.60

0.0%

0.3%

10.0%

9.1%

8.4%

1.2%

8.0x

0.8x

96.30

0.0%

0.2%

-13.2%

-13.2%

8.8%

2.0%

12.5x

1.1x

2.05

0.0%

0.1%

-48.6%

-48.6%

14.5%

2.6%

0.9x

0.1x

16.5%

5.8%

11.8x

2.0x

8.50

0.0%

0.1%

-34.4%

-34.4%

22.05

0.0%

0.2%

10.8%

10.8%

12.5% 14.5%

11.5%

0.49

2.1%

0.1%

-33.8%

-27.9%

9.0%

0.9%

13.80

0.0%

0.1%

-23.8%

-23.3%

5.1%

1.4%

70.00

0.0%

0.2%

30.1%

30.1%

17.1%

11.2%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-12.1%

-3.8%

1.75

0.0%

0.1%

-11.6%

-11.6%

10.3%

2.8%

4.00

0.0%

0.0%

-18.4%

-18.4%

4.0x

0.4x

6.1%

1.1x

6.4x

7.6x

1.2x

2.7%

-7.0%

0.7x

13.2%

49.4x

1.8%

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

100.8

-3.5%

0.70

9.4%

GUA R A N T Y

34.2

-1.4%

4.80

9.1%

FB NH

29.0

-5.1%

F LOUR M ILL

20.20

5.5%

T R A N SC OR P

13.4

0.0%

UN ION D A C

0.26

4.0%

UB A

13.4

-2.0%

WEM A B A N K

0.49

2.1%

F ID ELIT YB K

12.2

-2.9%

1.11

0.9%

NB

10.8

-9.3%

0.21

0.0%

A C C ESS

10.1

-4.3%

0.0%

UC A P

4.1

-0.5%

0.0%

FCM B

3.0

-3.3%

0.35

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

NB H ON YF LOUR

P ric e 22.50 0.90

Value

P ric e C hg %

-9.3%

Z EN IT H B A N K

1111.9

-3.5%

-8.2%

GUA R A N T Y

596.0

-1.4%

298.2

9.9%

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

5.00

-6.5%

D A N GC EM

M TNN

92.80

-5.7%

NB

244.2

-9.3%

FB NH

3.70

-5.1%

M TNN

126.1

-5.7%

A C C ESS

5.50

-4.3%

N EST LE

112.7

0.0%

WA P IC

0.25

-3.8%

FB NH

109.2

-5.1%

ET I

3.90

-3.7%

UB A

65.6

-2.0%

55.9

-4.3%

41.1

5.5%

IN T B R EW

2.0%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

GLA XOSM IT H

10.95

15.7%

1.5x

LIVEST OC K

T ic k er

25.2% -11.0%

9.9%

A B CTRA NS

8.5%

12.5%

128.40

UN ION D IC ON

8.0% 113.3%

Z EN IT H B A N K

LA SA C O

58.4%

22.70

P ric e

ST ER LN B A N K

6.4% -56.2%

0.0%

37 Beta Glass PLC 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

K^D/d, (+9.1%) while E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ (-9.3%), ,KEz&>KhZ (-8.2%) and INTBREW (-ϲ͘ϱйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐͲ

3.4x

15 International Brew eries PLC 16 Ecobank Transnational Inc

D A N GC EM

advanced ƌĞůĂƟǀĞ ƚŽ ϭϵ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

765.00

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 14 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

T ic k er

0.2x recorded in the previous trading session as 7 stocks

4.6%

P/BV

-3.5%

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϰdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ

12.2%

P/E

17.30

er, up 2.4% following gains in DANGCEM (+9.9%).

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

ROA

11.00

versely, the /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĞŵĞƌŐĞ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

ROE

128.40

8 United Bank for Africa PLC 9 FBN Holdings Plc 10 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 11 Lafarge Africa PLC 12 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

Price Change Index to Date

881.82

22 Unilever Nigeria PLC 23 Guinness Nigeria PLC 24 FCMB Group Plc

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g

Current Price

Z EN IT H B A N K

11.00

-3.5%

A C C ESS

C OR N ER ST

0.58

-3.3%

F LOUR M ILL

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

37

MARKET NEWS

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Posts 48% Growth in Profit to N600m Goddy Egene Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc (CHI Plc) has recorded a growth of 48 per cent in profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended December 31, 2019, despite the challenging operating environment. The insurance firms

recorded improvement in all performance indicators.

It posted growing written premium of N8.691 billion in 2019, showing a growth of 27 per cent compared to N6.864 billion, while net earned stood at N4.945 billion, up from N4.273 billion in 2018. Net commission paid

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

was N1.679 billion as against N1.799 billion the previous year.

Management expenses rose 16 per cent to N2.067 billion, compared with N1.778 billion. Understanding profit jumped 51 per cent to N1.828 billion, from N1.207 billion.

CHI Plc ended the year with

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 01Apr-2020, unless otherwise stated.

profit before tax of N711.474 million, indicating an increase of 33 per cent compared with 534.438 million in 2018, while PAT grew from N406.71 million to N600 million in 2019.

CHI Plc recently floated a right issue to raising additional capital of N1. billionfresh capital of about

N1.057 billion.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the CHI Plc, Mr. Eddie Efekoha, expressed confidence that right issue would be successful because the shareholders believe in the company.

“We have shown commitment

to shareholder value creation and paid dividend time and again. The company is one of the most consistent dividend-paying publicly quoted firms amongst listed companies generally, and particularly in the insurance sector.

We enjoin the shareholders to exercise their rights in full,” he said.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

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 110.15 113.67 -24.82% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 6.47% Nigeria International Debt Fund 297.72 297.72 -4.74% 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 7.07% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.47 2.52 0.22% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED 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 12.14 12.50 -20.77% ARM Discovery Fund 300.35 309.40 -13.05% ARM Ethical Fund 24.84 25.59 -14.57% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.53% 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 83.96 84.55 -12.61% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.97% 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 0.07 0.06 7.24% Paramount Equity Fund 9.60 9.98 -22.49% Women's Investment Fund 104.28 105.04 -5.63% 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 6.39% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 91.80 92.17 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.47 98.93 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 4.67% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.80 0.81 -13.60% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.33 1.33 -0.14% 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 N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1,303.78 1,305.42 0.98% FBN Balanced Fund 128.85 129.63 -12.24% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 100.11 101.26 -23.07% 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 1.00 1.00 7.01% Legacy Debt Fund 3.72 3.72 1.87% Legacy Equity Fund 0.93 0.94 -18.35% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 1.13% 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 N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 4.81% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 114.27 115.05 6.89%

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 5.20% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.07 2.10 -5.71% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.05% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 136.65 137.03 -4.77% 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 1.12 1.14 -3.97% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,130.28 1,130.28 2.87% 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 1.24 1.26 2.24% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.31 11.34 0.78% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.90% PACAM Equity Fund 0.87 0.88 PACAM EuroBond Fund 84.14 86.16 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 109.92 110.76 -11.16% 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 1.03 1.03 2.68% 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 -5.46% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 1.77% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -15.17% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.98% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -14.50% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.53% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -15.03% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 1.46% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% 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 N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 8.85 8.95 -13.93% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.08 11.18 -4.67% Zenith Income Fund 23.27 23.27 4.66% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.02%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.20 120.83 52.49

-66.85% 1.45% 0.85%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.00 73.93 54.76

7.10 75.48 55.77

-19.47% -20.07% -25.73%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund 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 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.34 3.22 9.72 10.30 165.00

2.38 3.30 9.82 10.50 167.00

-33.93% -45.29% -19.33% -0.83% -11.61%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.69

17.60%

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.

38

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM

INTERNATIONAL

Global COVID-19 Death Toll Passes 51,000 Within & Beyond the

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

Spain records 10,003, US 5,607

More than 998,000 people have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease worldwide as the death toll exceeded 51,000 while about 208,000 patients recovered.

The coronavirus pandemic death toll in Spain passed 10,000 yesterday, as the country reported its highest single-day number of deaths since the outbreak began, with the total rising by 950 to 10,003 among 110,238 infections.

The United States - the world’s hardest-hit country - recorded a total of 5,607 coronavirus deaths, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. It has confirmed more than 234,000 cases of the disease.

Meanwhile more than 500,000 infections from the disease have been diagnosed in Europe, over half the global total, according to a tally by AFP from official sources at 1000 GMT Thursday.

The continent has recorded 508,271 cases and 34,571 COVID-19 deaths, compared to global figures of 940,815 and 47,836 respectively. The worst-hit countries are Italy with 13,155 fatalities and Spain with 10,003 — both have more than 100,000 confirmed infections.

However the true number of cases and deaths is likely far higher as many countries are only testing cases that require hospitalisation.

COVID-19: Putin Orders Russians to Stay Off Work in April President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered Russians not go to work for the rest of April to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Putin gave the order in a nationally televised address in Moscow. Russia has reported

more than 3,500 cases of the new coronavirus, while senior officials have warned that the actual number of cases is probably much higher.

This week marked the beginning of a nationwide quarantine period, in which

Russians working at jobs not considered obligatory for the functioning of the country were advised to stay home.

Supermarkets, pharmacies and certain state services have continued to operate during the quarantine.

Togo Declares State of Emergency over COVID-19 President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo has declared a three-month “state of emergency” and curfew aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.

The tiny West African nation of eight million has so far recorded 36 confirmed infections and two deaths from the disease.

Gnassingbe said in a televised address late Wednesday that

the unprecedented move was “proof of the gravity of the situation that we face”.

He said a curfew would be in place for an indefinite period from Thursday between 7pm and 6am.

A 5,000-strong unit of security agents was being set up to tackle the pandemic and a fund worth $650 million (600 million euros) was aimed at cushioning the

economy from the impact of the crisis, the president said.

Gnassingbe’s family has ruled Togo for over five decades.

The current leader took over after the death of his strongman father in 2005.

Gnassingbe, 53, claimed a fourth-term at an election in February that the opposition claimed saw widespread voterigging.

Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour Curfew in Mecca, Medina Saudi Arabia imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina on Thursday, extending measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,700 people in the kingdom and killed 16.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement there were some exceptions, including for essential workers and in order for residents to buy food and access medical care.

Cars in those cities’ residential

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districts may only carry one passenger to limit the virus’ transmission, it said.

The country of 30 million has taken drastic steps to contain the disease, halting international flights, closing most public places and suspending the year-round Umrah Pilgrimage.

On Tuesday, it asked Muslims to put plans for the annual hajj pilgrimage on hold pending more clarity about the pandemic.

Restrictions on movement have tightened, with entry and exit

to Riyadh, Mecca, Medina and Jeddah heavily restricted.

Some neighbourhoods in Mecca and Medina were already under full lockdown, but in the rest of those cities, the curfew was previously from 1500 to 0600.

The eastern oil-producing province of Qatif, where the kingdom’s first coronavirus cases were reported last month among Shi’ite Muslim pilgrims returning from Iran, has been on lockdown for nearly four weeks.

Philippines Ambassador Dies of COVID-19 The Philippines’ ambassador to Lebanon died of coronavirus Thursday, a statement said, one of only 16 recorded deaths in the country since the start of the pandemic.

The Philippines’ department of foreign affairs expressed its “deep sadness” at the passing of Bernardita Catalla, which it said was the result of “complications arising from COVID-19”.

Catalla had been very active in recent months organising the repatriation of some of the tens of thousands of Filipino domestic workers hoping to

leave the country.

A severe currency crisis in Lebanon has had a major impact on foreign domestic workers, who no longer have dollars to send home and can be restricted in their freedom of movement by an archaic sponsorship system.

Catalla’s death and three other fatalities reported by the health authorities on Thursday brought to 16 the number of people confirmed to have died from the virus in Lebanon.

The official number of cases stood at 494.

Coronavirus Stimulus Rooz/IslamiCity

Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve (Quran 10:62).

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has put our collective well-being and the world’s economy in survival mode. As the threat becomes more widespread, people are scrambling to find ways to protect themselves, their loved ones and their businesses.

The cause for concern is justified, but are we really looking for the “cause of concern” and strive to address it accordingly?

The vast majority of the local and global news we hear, share and exchange is relating to the negative aspects of this virus + some basic hygiene etiquette and preventative measures which protects us at a “physical level” only.

Many important issues and solutions are lost in the panic and uncertainty, however, there are great opportunities for those who are optimists and engaged in constructive thinking.

So here are a few from the uncountable number of “Good News / Opportunities / Interpretations” driven from the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19): Social Distancing and Self-Quarantine Social distancing and self-quarantine could also potentially result in having cleaner air, less harm and cruelty to the animals and the environment, and those forced to all forms of slavery, human trafficking, prostitution, gambling and many damaging interaction done under the label and disguise of sport, entertainment, education, success, and progress.

How timely is that? …It is possible to hide behind work, talent, status, wealth, material possessions, beauty, race, culture, tradition, ideology, ...but not behind time.

All of our experiences are uncountable opportunities to look within ourselves and make the necessary adjustments that lead and refine our mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Recognizing and attaching accurate meaning to cues in situations and environments is the critical first step to accomplish what’s needed in those circumstances.

We should reflect, introspect, evaluate, repent, purify and rectify.

Purification of the self leads to a vision that sees through and beyond the limitation of the material world. The seen world in all its vastness, much of which is still undiscovered, is small in comparison to the unseen reality.

The degree to which the unseen is witnessed is dependent on the extent of the clarity of the heart. The more we search within ourselves, the more we enhance our vision of the world beyond ourselves. We grasp that beyond the surface of the apparent, lies the hidden reality: the essence of who we truly are and what we are called upon to be.

And this is our fundamental purpose - to redirect our allegiance from the creation to “ The Creator and Sustainer of all the worlds”. Righteousness manifests itself from secure faith, sincere devotion to our Creator’s Beneficial Guidance, which translates in service to humanity and all of creation. The earlier we awaken to this realization, the better for us.

We are defined by what and who we are on the inside, rather than by what we own and who we are on the outside. Every situation in life is a great opportunity to express our choices of … who we really are, what we truly value, what and who we align ourselves with, what we consider as our purpose, and what we deem to be our responsibility.

For indeed, by the passing of time, humanity is in a state of loss except those who align their lives with “The Creator’s Beneficial Guidance of Goodness, Love, Truthfulness, Justice, and all the Virtues Qualities.”

In the final analysis, it is between the individual and the Creator; ...it was never between one’s self and anyone or anything else anyway.

Cleanliness, Hygiene, Health and Fitness There is more to cleanliness, hygiene, health & fitness than meets the eye.

Our physical health is greatly dependent on our spiritual health. Even a small spiritual defect can cause grievous physical harm. The healthier the spirit, the greater its ability to correct or overcome physical shortcomings.

This is so true that even in many instances that involve physical healing, prescriptions and drugs are considerably more effective if they are

accompanied by the patient’s strong will and determination to cooperate [and become well].

We are more than our physical bodies, we are spiritual beings on a human journey. Equal, if not more emphasis, and greater care and attention should be laid upon the lasting and fundamental aspect of our being than our finite part of it.

The virus and disease of corruption, injustice, self-obsessed interests and vain desires, hate and prejudice, and other evil trails are more harmful, poisonous, destructive and lasting than any physical illness.

The spiritual practice/fitness (focusing on kindness and goodness, charity, forgiveness, justice etc.) is an excellent purification for the body, mind and soul resulting in holistic well-being. The purer we are, the more content and fulfilled we are. This is even more pronounced in times of trials and uncertainty as we are experiencing these days.

The supremacy of mind over matter is a phrase much used, but the greatest factor in the estimate of reality is the supremacy of the spiritual over the material. The material is ephemeral and relative, whereas the spiritual is eternal and real.

The human being that descends can become the greatest of the great if he/she purifies, repents, rectifies and strives to become an effective instrument of constructive change by creating a reality that reflects the noblest and virtuous intentions, transforming the self and transferring the wisdom.

We’re in it Together!

All creation is a unified, interconnected system within the Divine purpose. What benefits one is to the good of the other, and what harms one is to the detriment of the other.

All of our actions have an impact on ourselves as well as our surroundings. We can and should never be indifferent to the consequences of our actions, for responsibility is central to being human.

For centuries we are witnessing a reversal of values, an increased blurring of ideologies and beliefs, and alteration of truth through mass sedation misconstrued to simulate free will, where massive illusions of pretended choices and seeming comforts with deceptive benefits mimicking the soul’s happiness.

An increase and open display of ignorance, arrogance, corruption, bullying, greed, and many shades of evil at the individual, national, and global level. Leading to unjust wars, false interpretations and glorification of military, entrepreneurship, and foods of addictive, needy, orphans and vulnerable people, slaves, and refuges in dire need of help, justice and compassion. … And now the coronavirus has made us taste, and collectively experience a similar fate and hopefully awaked in addressing our collective human needs/RIGHTS irrespective of one’s race, ethnicity and ancestry, gender, language, physical strength and wealth. … AND YES; Civilizational strength is determined by the proper care and treatment of those vulnerable.

Our sanity, humanity and well-being depend on our compassion, justice, love, and values that nurture, protect, and promote human dignity, human rights, and the integrity of all animals, the environment and creation at large.

Without balancing this need and nurturing the potential for excellence of each member within creation, what we may consider a measure of strength, success, progress, becomes an optical delusion promoting collective tribulation.

As “Saadi Shirazi” the poet has so beautifully and truthfully mentions: “All human beings are members of the same body, created from one essence. If circumstances bring suffering to one member, the others cannot stay at rest. If you are unsympathetic to the misery of others, it is not fitting that they should call you a human being.”

None may fully accomplish this task, but such a striving is in itself liberating and provides the basis for inner peace. Blessed are they who consciously live with due consideration.

Reliance, Security and Control.

It is in times of pleasure and challenge that we discover the vulnerability, weaknesses and strengths that we need improve.

Pleasure and the pain expose things that we need to deal with. God uses these trials to refine us. When we recognize this Divine purpose, every moment becomes more meaningful.

There are different levels of certainty that can only become shaped and visible when we are tested. We all will be tested according to our capacity, which is beyond our personal consciousness of the self.

39

FRIDAY APRIL 3, ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

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

Son Set for Military COVID-19 Update: Training during COVID-19 Shutdown Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker Son Heungmin will report to a marines boot camp later this month to fulfil military service duties, a report announced yesterday.

All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul’s 600 000-strong forces – who face off against North Korea’s army of 1.3 million.

But Son was spared a careerthreatening stint as a conscript when South Korea took gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, earning the team an exemption.

The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks’ basic training and around 500 hours of

community service.

The 27-year-old’s Premier League season ended even before the coronavirus outbreak spread to Europe when he broke his arm against Aston Villa on February 16, and Spurs said he returned to South Korea for “personal reasons”.

Son will report to a marines boot camp on the island of Jeju on April 20 for his basic training, an industry source Son told the South’s Yonhap news agency.

He posted images online Wednesday of himself exercising on what appeared to be a large balcony, skipping and stretching.

The Premier League is postponed until at least April 30 because of the pandemic and is likely to be delayed even longer when the English game’s stakeholders meet today.

Relive Great Sporting Moments this Week on GOtv As live sporting activities globally are suspended due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, sport fans do not need to worry as they can relive a host of great sporting highlights showing this week on GOtv. According to a statement from the pay TV channel, the highlights - which includes Athletics meet, Premier League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Olympics and Wrestling classics - will be broadcast on SuperSport Select 1, 2 and 3 to GOtv Plus, Jolli and GOtv Max subscribers, and on SuperSport Select 4 and SuperSport Select 5 exclusive to GOtv Max subscribers.

“Viewers can re-watch legends such as Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, Maria Mutola of Mozambique and Elana Meyer of South Africa among others showing their sporting prowess at the Olympics in Olympic Games Memories. The programme airs from 7:55am on 2 April on SuperSport Select 1.

“Live through again some

of football’s best moments including goals, upsets and controversies in Football Countdown. It airs on 3 April from 6:30pm on SuperSport Select 1.

“Football fans can reexperience great recent matches from the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League on SuperSport Select 2. The 2019/2020 encounter between Barcelona and Eibar will be shown on 2 April at 9am, while the thriller between England’s Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich of Germany will be broadcast on the same day at 6pm.”

The incredible comeback at Anfield will take centre stage on SuperSport Select 2 when the 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final game between Liverpool and Barcelona is aired on 3 April at 2pm. In the same vein, highlights of the 2004/2005 UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan, dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul”, will be broadcast on the same channel at 10pm.

Dennis, Okereke Win Belgian League Title as Season Declared Finished

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Nigerian duo of Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis and David Okereke are waiting to be crowned champions of Belgian Jupiler following the decision of the country’s football chiefs to cancel the rest of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league’s board of directors made the decision yesterday and have made a recommendation to the general

assembly.

In a statement, the league said: “The board of directors unanimously decided that it was not desirable, whatever the scenario envisaged, to continue the competition after 30 June.”

Dennis who made his Super Eagles debut in the 2-2 friendly draw with Ukraine on September 10 last year and his Club Brugge are to be named league champions on April 15 when a working group decides those to be relegated

Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis (left) and David Okereke waiting to be declared champions after Belgian football authorities declared the Jupiler season finished...yesterday and promoted. Dennis was introduced into the Nigeria versus Ukraine game as 82nd minute substitute for Samuel Chukwueze.

Brugge were 15 points clear of second placed Gent and have just one more game to play before going into the playoff to decide the winner of the season.

The Belgian league normally goes into a playoff system after 30 games to decide champions and European places.

When Club Brugge are

declared champions, they will automatically qualify for the UEFA Champions League while Gent will go into the ChampionsLeague qualifiers for next season.

Nigeria forward Emmanuel Dennis, a key member of the Brugge’s team has now picked up his second league title with the club. He first won the title with the club in the 2017/2018 season.

Okereke on the other hand joined Brugge from Italia Serie B outfit, Spezia last summer.

Tokyo 2020: Nigerian Athletes to Continue to Enjoy IOC Scholarship Grants The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC, Dr. Thomas Bach, has commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee Athletes Commission for their initiative in creating awareness on the Covid-19 pandemic, using the voices of Nigerian athletes.

Bach revealed that Nigeria was the first country to do that and encouraged other NOCs to emulate the move.

The video of the Nigerian athletes’ message was used on social media platforms by Athlete365 and the Olympic Channel.

Dr. Bach made this disclosure at a conference

meeting that included 200 athletes representatives, IOC Executive members as well as IOC Athlete Commission members and the Olympic Channels.

Nigeria was represented at the meeting that took place online by the Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Athletes Commission, Olumide Oyedeji.

During the virtual meeting, the Nigerian Representative asked about the fate of athletes currently on IOC scholarship grants and for other upcoming athletes that may need to receive scholarship grants to support their training and qualification.

In his response, the President appreciated the NOC and the Nigerian Government for the hospitality accorded him during his visit to the country which he called a memorable one.

He said that all athletes currently on Olympic scholarships will continue to enjoy the benefit until the Olympic Games while further windows will be opened to consider upcoming athletes.

Bach also assured Nigeria that discussions are still ongoing for the Nigeria Olympic Committee through the Athletes Commission to benefit from the Adecco programme in a matter of

three months.

The Athletes Career Programme relates to the Athletes 365 initiative with Adecco and the plans to assist the athletes in both their active days and in retirement, using the Athletes Commission channel.

In conclusion, Bach, however advised the athletes to remain focused in their training and preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which will take place in the summer of 2021.

He promised that the IOC will continue to work with the various International Federations to realize the remaining qualification series.

Abedi Pele: How Late Marseille Boss Inspired Me, My Sons to Greatness Former Marseille Ghana and Olympic Marseille midfielder, Abedi Pele Ayew, has extolled late Chairman of the French top division, Pape Diouf who died this week from coronavirus. Diouf was the first victim of the disease in Senegal.

Diouf was not only the first black top-flight chairman in elite European football, but before that an agent and journalist.

One of the players he managed to greatness was Abedi Ayew Pele who played for Marseille in the 1993 Champions League Final against AC Milan In a condolence message he wrote for Diouf in BBC Sports yesterday, Abedi insisted no words were

enough to describe how the are your school reports? I want greet me.’ late Football icon turned him to see them before you even “This is somebody who and his children- Andre and Jordan to excellent footballers.

“There is no amount of words to describe Pape Diouf.

At this particular moment, all I can say is that Pape was a father, a senior brother, and then a manager.

“He managed my children Jordan and Andre. He took them to Marseille at the age of 14.

“Everybody is saying that I’ve got wonderful children - they are well-respected and disciplined in the society - but it was not me who did that; it was Pape.

When he took them to Marseille and they were at the academy, the first thing he Abedi Pele Ayew (right) and his teammates celebrating would ask them was, ‘where winning the UEFA Champions League in 1993

was more than everything to us - and to me especially, because he saw me growing up and achieving great things in Marseille and beyond.

“So, it is a very difficult moment for us and it’s sad.

In the nineties, when I got to Marseille, Pape was a journalist, writing for one of the biggest newspapers in Marseille. He was somebody who was respected all across French sport. And he was always very close to the team Marseille “He was someone who saw a career for me in football and managed me to success.

“After the Champions League finale in ‘93, when he was my agent, he said to me, ‘you are the black Maradona.’

Because I was voted the Man

of the Match in that particular game.

“And he said, ‘Africa will always be proud of you. You are the black Maradona.’

And I kept those words close to my heart.

Pape was bigger than any words. He was intelligent, he was kind, he was loved and he loved people.

“He was a great personality.

And unique. You could not have two of him.

I hope and pray that, after all this virus saga, Marseille will try to organise something for Pape.”

The UEFA Champions League. Cup winner with Marseille prays the Covid-19 allow the football world to celebrate the passage of Pape Diouf.

Friday April 3, 2020

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Presidency to Soyinka â&#x20AC;&#x153;Perhaps Wole Soyinka may write a play on the coronavirus pandemic after this emergency is over. In the meantime, we ask the people of Nigeria to trust the words of our doctors and scientists - and not ďŹ ction writers - at this time of national crisisâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The presidency calling the bluďŹ&#x20AC; of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

KINGSLEYMOGHALU GUEST COLUMNIST

Seven Ways to Fix Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Crisis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leadership is not about a title or about a designation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about impact, influence, and inspiration.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Robin S. Sharma Author of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Monk Who Sold His Ferrariâ&#x20AC;?

T

he Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the world as we knew it. By the time this is all over and, hopefully, treatment and vaccine developed, economies will lie prostrate, globalization will be in retreat, and governments may rise and fall. Leadership and its responses have been tested from Beijing to Rome, from Seoul to Washington DC, and from Abuja to Pretoria. Well beyond the roving virus, Nigeria has long been afflicted with its own, pre-COVID ailment: a scarcity of leadership combined with a preponderance of toxic politics that has left us a broken country. The economy has long been anemic.

Poverty reigns. Sectarian agendas, distrust and conflict, promoted by individuals in positions of authority, have prevented our country from becoming a nation with any unity of purpose. Boko Haram has waged war on us, undefeated, for the past decade.

How will we select our leaders in the post-COVID world, seeing how we have for decades failed to invest in our health system? Nigerians are so poor they refuse to stay at home to protect their health because absence from their daily hustle is equal to death from hunger. No electricity.

No running water to wash our hands.

And in many parts of the country, â&#x20AC;&#x153;social distanceâ&#x20AC;? is a strange joke. The physical and communal warmth in our cultures will brook no interference from COVID. Some imams and pastors, steeped in conspiracy theories, remain completely obliviousness to public health and science by insisting on holding worship congregations.

Leadership determines the progress or failure of nations. It is a sacred responsibility.

We have a choice to seek its real emergence in the Nigerian polity in a proactive manner, or to wallow in short-term thinking and activity, going around in circles and ever remaining an â&#x20AC;&#x153;under-developmentalâ&#x20AC;? state. Here are seven ways we can fix our leadership crisis.

First, we need to be clear in our minds about what leadership really means, what we should have but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Leadership is the ability to inspire, motivate, and mobilize a unit of human beings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; family, organization, institution, state or country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to make steady and measurable progress. This ability is strongly linked with vision. To inspire and mobilize, the leader must have a clear destination in mind. Where are we coming from? Where are we going?

Where do we need to get to, and how do we get there? What values, ambitions and strategies to attain those ambitions will drive this journey?

Without this worldview, a strategic ambition placed in the context of domestic and external realities, a country like ours can exist, alright. We have plodded along

Awolowo for a while now, â&#x20AC;&#x153;survivingâ&#x20AC;?, frequently on the edge of the precipice but (so far) always pulling back from the brink. But this pattern wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the 100 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty anywhere near prosperity. Instead, we should be thriving.

This is the difference between becoming the â&#x20AC;&#x153;black Chinaâ&#x20AC;?, on the one hand, and the strategic war-game scenarios in Western intelligence agencies that â&#x20AC;&#x153;an implosion of a country of 200 million people will unleash a flood of refugeesâ&#x20AC;?, on its region and the world. In one scenario, we take our destiny in our hands and create the future we want. In another, we are a problem that the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic thinkers worry about.

Leadership also calls for an ability to manage risk. As a summary of Dr. Ben Carsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take the Riskâ&#x20AC;? puts it: â&#x20AC;&#x153;No risk, pay the cost; know risk, reap the rewardâ&#x20AC;?. Choices have to be made, and all choices have consequences. Sound, informed, strategic choices lead to progress.

The complacent worship of the familiar, the gods of small things like crude-oil dependency, the pursuit of ethnic and religious hegemony in a plural and secular state, lead only to poverty and conflict.

Second, we must now make our politics a real leadership selection process. It is increasingly obvious that the current contradictions of the Nigerian state cannot be sustained for much longer. Something will have to give. Who has the vision, the capacity and the competence to lead Nigeria into the 21st Century as a modern, prosperous and stable nation? This is the central issue we must address, as our politicians joust for power in 2023.

Third, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next political leadership should emerge through a process of negotiated consensus, and then placed into an electoral process in all or the leading political parties. This is what happened in 1999. It is not ideal, but the times call for it. Our politics has become so broken in the past decade that, left to itself, and with â&#x20AC;&#x153;democraticâ&#x20AC;? outcomes determined mainly by financial inducement, it is unlikely to produce the leader Nigeria

needs now. Realistically, this negotiation needs to take place within and across the political parties, ethnic blocks, civil society, traditional rulers, elder statemen including our former presidents, youth, and gender.

While, for now, the APC and the PDP are the dominant parties, we cannot write off the possible emergence of a strong third force combining â&#x20AC;&#x153;new breedâ&#x20AC;? with disaffected members of the old order.

Fourth, the role of equity and justice in nation-building must be frontally addressed.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to do so without compromising the emergence of competent leadership.

The unique political positioning of the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria since the civil war 50 years ago, and the need to achieve true national reconciliation from that trauma, is an important factor in the future of Nigeria. Candidates from the major ethnic groups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani -- and a Niger Delta minority, have been voted into office by every part of Nigeria, the Igbo Southeast included. But Nigeria has yet to elect an Igbo as its president.

Beyond the sad reality of its ethnic geo-politics, what Nigeria needs most is good, competent leadership. That possibility abounds in every part of our country, including the Southeast. But, given Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quest for nationhood and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already frayed existence, the opportunity exists to kill two birds with one stone. Even more fundamental is the imperative of a new constitution that returns Nigeria to a true federal structure. Without a constitutional restructuring of Nigeria, the country has no future, as economic progress and political stability will remain elusive. Our next national political leadership selection must squarely address these related issues of national equity and constitutional reform.

Fifth, fixing Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership crisis requires that the middle class, intellectuals and youth consciously engage in politics.

Ideas rule the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at least in the parts of it that are making real progress.

Our independence struggle and postindependence politics were led by intellectuals and professionals from the middle class. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello wrote tomes to express their ideas. Today, philistines and â&#x20AC;&#x153;mumullectualsâ&#x20AC;? have largely replaced thinking people as leaders. If we are to secure the future of our children, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle class must reclaim its surrendered space and retire from its self-inflicted political apathy. That future is threatened by weak economic management and a return to debt slavery. Our youth should take its future in their own hands. They should (a) join political parties and engage in structural politics, as opposed to just activism or an ineffectual obsession with social media; (b) register to vote and vote in elections, regardless of distractions and obstacles; and (c) run for office where they have the relevant qualifications and experience.

Sixth, electoral reform is job number one in Nigeria today. Without it, we have a democracy in name only, a hollow ritual.

The recommended negotiated consensus

towards new political leadership in 2023 must include extensive reform of our electoral laws and institutions before the end of 2020.

Finally, reading is essential for leaders, because leadership can be learned from reading and from training. I recall my interview on CNN Television on this subject some years ago. The program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reading for Leadingâ&#x20AC;?, anchored by the inimitable Richard Quest, interviewed global business and economic leaders on how reading made them better leaders. As Admiral James Stavridis (rtd), former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and until recently Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University writes in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bookshelf,â&#x20AC;? his book on leadership, reading is essential for good leadership because it helps us evaluate ourselves (â&#x20AC;&#x153;what would I have done in that situation?â&#x20AC;?), allows us to think deeply about who our heroes and role models are, sharpens our written communication skills, and improves our leadership skills.

We have excellent leadership in the Nigerian private sector, but we need much more of that leadership caliber in the public sector in order to create the enabling environment for mass wealth creation. Nigerian corporations train their staff in leadership to a far greater extent than the public sector. The Central Bank of Nigeria in my time was a major exception.

We invested heavily in leadership and other training for the staff and management, and I hope it has remained so. My leadership vision was shaped in the reserve bank by such rich executive education programs in leadership as Harvard Business Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making Corporate Boards More Effective,â&#x20AC;?

Harvard Kennedy Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leading Economic Growth,â&#x20AC;? and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Global Strategic Leadership.â&#x20AC;?

Leadership training should be more institutionalized in the civil service. Rare for an African country, Ethiopia has a civil service university. Political parties should have their officials and candidates trained in leadership at home and abroad. In early 2019, I concluded consultations on my planned presidential run with a visit to my old boss at the United Nations, the late former secretary-general Kofi Annan.

When I mentioned this matter of leadership training and preparedness for aspiring or serving political leaders as we chatted in his office in Geneva, the sage diplomat smiled. With a twinkle in his eye, he gave me advice: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t call it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leadership training,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kingsley.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;African politicians donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe they have anything to learn from anyone. What you do is to invite them to a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leadership conference.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wisdom.

Three gbosas to â&#x20AC;&#x153;leadership conferences!â&#x20AC;? t,JOHTMFZ .PHIBMV B GPSNFS EFQVUZ HPWFSOPS PG UIF $FOUSBM #BOL PG /JHFSJB BOE B QSFTJEFOUJBM DBOEJEBUF JO JT UIF $POWFOFS PG 5P #VJME B /BUJPO 5#"/ B OPO QBSUJTBO DJUJ[FO T NPWFNFOU GPS FMFDUPSBM BOE DPOTUJUVUJPOBM SFGPSN

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