FRIDAY 29TH MAY 2020

DJ Cuppy Hosts Apple Music’s First Radio Show in Africa Peter Uzoho One of the leading companies in the world, Apple Music, is launching its first radio show in Africa on Sunday with DJ Cuppy as its host.

The streaming platform announced yesterday

that “Africa Now Radio with Cuppy,” whose real name is Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola would debut on Sunday and would feature a mix of contemporary and traditional popular African sounds, including genres like latest African sounds,

be it Amapiano, Afrobeats, Highlife, Alte, House, HipHop, Afrobongo or Kuduro, and more.

Apple, in a statement, said listeners would hear the latest and greatest African artistes and new forms of African popular music, which fuse

traditional and contemporary sensibilities, morphing into hybridised sonic fragments connecting all corners of Africa.

Cuppy, the Nigerian-born DJ and music producer, would host the weekly onehour show, which would be available at 9.00 a.m. EDT.

“The show represents a journey from West to East and North to South, but importantly a narrative of Africa then to Africa now,” Cuppy explained in a statement.

African music and artistes have found success outside

of the continent and onto the pop charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom in recent years.

Acts like Drake and Beyoncé have borrowed the sound for their own songs, Continued on page 10

Buhari Has Performed Creditably, Says Presidency... Page 5 Friday 29 May, 2020 Vol 25. No 9181. Price: N250

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COVID-19: FG to Engage 800,000 Volunteers to Sensitise Communities Task force submits report to Buhari on Sunday 182 new cases bring total to 8,915 with 259 dead Our Correspondents The federal government is to engage 800,000 volunteers nationwide to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers and spread of COVID-19, the

National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, said yesterday in Abuja.

He added that another 880 people were trained on sample collection, packaging and

transportation.

And faced with an upsurge in the number of cases and shortage of bed space, the government is considering repurposing hotels and schools to serve as quarantine and

isolation centres for COVID-19 patients.

Nigeria recorded 182 new cases of the virus yesterday, bringing to 8,915 the total number of persons infected.

Announcing this last night,

the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 111 new cases of the disease, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 16, Akwa Ibom 10, Oyo eight, Kaduna and Delta six each, Rivers five,

Ogun and Ebonyi four each, Kano three, Plateau, Gombe and Kebbi two each, while Kebbi, Bauchi and Borno have one each.

Continued on page 10

CBN Cuts MPR to 12.5%, Upbeat Nigeria Will Head Off Recession Disburses N107bn in intervention funds Emefiele calls for gradual reopening of economy Obinna Chima, Nume Ekeghe in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), yesterday caught market analysts off guard as it resolved to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as interest rate by 100 basis points, from 13.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent.

It also expressed its confidence that given the measures being put in place by both the monetary and fiscal authorities, the country would head off the recession that had been predicted by multiple institutions.

The committee, however, left

other monetary instruments unchanged, including the cash reserves ratio and liquidity ratio at 22.7 per cent and 30 per cent respectively.

The reduction in interest rate came despite mounting inflationary pressure.

The last time MPC adjusted MPR was in March 2019, when the rate was reduced from 14 per cent to 13.5 per cent.

Speaking at the end of the meeting in Abuja, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who read the committee's communiqué, expressed confidence that Nigeria may escape a recession if concerted efforts are sustained to stimulate output.

Continued on page 10

FG Moves to Save Adesina’s Job, Rejects Fresh Investigation... Page 8

ON THE GLOBAL STAGE...

President Muhammadu Buhari during the United Nations Virtual High-Level Meeting on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday godwin omoigui

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

Buhari Has Performed Creditably, Says Presidency

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The presidency yesterday gave the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari a positive rating, five years after it came into power.

In an assessment released to mark the fifth anniversary of the administration, it said the president had made notable impacts in all spheres of the country since he came to power.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement to commemorate the one year of the president's second term in office, which comes up today, said the administration, acting on its campaign promises, launched into action from May 29, 2015 had brought change in the areas of security, economic growth and anti-graft war.

He said: "Between May 29, 2015, when it was inaugurated for the first term, and now, the Buhari administration has made

salutary impact in almost all the facets of Nigerian life.

"The government swept into office on the wings of change and that change has been wrought in nearly all phases of national life. Where the lofty goals are yet to be attained, it is work in progress, and eyes are firmly fixed on the ball. No distraction.

"The three umbrella areas on which government based its interventionist agenda are: security, reviving the economy (with particular emphasis on job creation, especially for youths) and fighting corruption. In these three areas, where we are today cannot be compared with where we used to be."

Adesina, who attached documents containing activities of the government, gave a few details of the performance of the government in the statement so far.

According to him, "By May 2015, insecurity had badly fractured the fabric of the nation. No one could wager

that the country would survive the next month, not to talk of another year.

"Bombs went off like firecrackers, insurgents ran riot round the country, other forms of crime and criminality held sway. Life was nasty, brutish and short.

"Over five years, the battle has been taken to insurgents and criminals. And they are being extinguished by the day, and very close to complete extirpation.

"The economy, long dependent on a mono product - petroleum, is being retooled, refocused,

with diversification as a task that must be accomplished.

Agriculture has been given a fillip, manufacturing has got a shot in the arm and solid minerals are contributing a large chunk to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country is very close to food security,

with rice, beans, maize, millet, and all sorts of grain no longer imported. We now eat what we grow.

"On the war against corruption, no quarter is asked and none is given. Commit the crime, do the term. No retreat, no surrender."

Kyari Explains Oil Production Despite Market Glut Targets $10 production cost per barrel Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday explained that it would not shut down production as a result of the glut in the international oil market due to the danger of losing market share when prices rebound.

NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Mr. Mele Kyari, who spoke during a virtual engagement with editors, noted that the national oil company had succeeded in sustaining operations despite disruptions and slow economic activities worldwide.

He said NNPC, dissatisfied with the very high cost of production per barrel in the country, was working assiduously to ensure that cost does not exceed $10 per barrel.

According to him, the corporation was embarking on more operational and fiscal discipline in its activities as a result of the economic downturn brought about by a number of factors, especially the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that despite the unprecedented crisis in the international oil market, the company ensures that operations are sustained across the business value chain, with employees working remotely and supporting the delivery of the corporation’s business objectives.

However, the GMD lamented that in spite of all the corporation’s efforts, the country’s revenue flow had been greatly impacted by the fall in the price of oil by about 65 per cent, thus affecting the corporation’s liquidity position and the anticipated remittances to the federation of about N1.27 trillion from April to December this year.

He explained that low demand and uncontrolled supply sent global storage to tank top with about one billion barrels and refineries output cut due to

demand fall, with netback value of crude for long-haul journeys to China declining to $1.05per barrel on April 1, 2020, due to low price and high freight cost. “NNPC has, however, maintained steady production in order not to lose market share in the event of crude oil price recovery. “Instead, NNPC has taken aggressive capital allocation to prioritise low-cost oil production and additional measures to ensure cost discipline across, including renegotiation down of contracts and other business obligations, thus saving 40 per cent of proposed budget and cost,� he said.

On inland basin exploration, Kyari disclosed that NNPC had sustained exploration activities in the Benue trough (Gongola, Benue, Nasarawa), Chad, Bida, Sokoto as well as Anambra basins. “Due to the success of the inland basin exploration campaign in the Gongola basin and the recent discovery of large volumes of hydrocarbons in the area straddling Gombe and Bauchi states (Kolmani Area), NNPC has planned to deploy more resources to ensure the monetisation of the resources and stimulate economic activities to supplement national growth aspirations,� the GMD said.

While giving an update on the ongoing NNPC refineries rehabilitation, Kyari said Port Harcourt refinery had been awarded to Tecnimont SPA, Italy (TCM) - the representative of JGC, the Original Refinery Builders (ORB), which he said has completed inspection and integrity tests on the facility.

For Warri refinery, NNPC boss noted that the corporation has appointed NETCO/KBR as Owners Engineer (OE) for PHRC and WRPC rehabilitation, while activities at Kaduna Refinery Phase 1 inspection would commence in quarter three of 2020.

QUALITY HOUSING‌ L-R: Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during the inauguration of Ikate Elegushi Apartments in Lekki, Lagos‌yesterday

Tambuwal Mourns as Bandits Kill 74 in Sokoto Vows to fish out killers

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday vowed to deal with bandits that killed 74 people in the state.

No fewer than 74 people lost their lives when the bandits attacked Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari and Katuma, all in Sabon Birni Local Government of Area of the state on Wednesday night.

According to an eyewitness, "The bandits, estimated to be in their hundreds, stormed the villages on motorcycles, shooting sporadically, which led to the death of not fewer than 74 people."

In his reaction to the attacks, Tambuwal commiserated with those who lost their loved ones.

"Yesterday, I received with rude shock and maximum displeasure the killings of many citizens of Sabon Birni by bandits.

"This development is most discomforting considering the fact that myself and the entire security architecture of the state had on Tuesday visited the area and had fruitful discussions with the traditional leaders and other stakeholders on how to nip this unfortunate incidents in the bud. “Nonetheless, under my watch, no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act

are brought to book," he said.

The governor assured the people that the state government was working closely with the federal government and the security apparatus in the state to find more ways and means to halt this development. “As we work concertedly to tackle this problem, I commiserate and console, once again, the resilient and peace-loving people of Sabon Birni and environs.

"These losses of lives and destruction of property are not yours alone but that of the entire people of the state. “I, therefore, on behalf of the government and good people of Sokoto State, crave your indulgence to remain patient and continue to cooperate with the government. Insha Allah, we shall overcome these travails,� the governor explained.

Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the attack, saying the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Sani Kaoje, has ordered the deployment of more mobile policemen in the areas.

Kaoje urged the people to remain calm, saying police in collaboration with other security agents would continue to protect them.

He urged the people to provide police with information that would help in identifying

criminals in their communities.

The police had last week foiled a similar attack by bandits, killing two of the gunmen.

Coalition Asks Buhari to Save State from Attacks Meanwhile, a coalition of concerned Sokoto citizens has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently save the people of the state from consistent bandits’ attacks.

The coalition also appealed to Tambuwal to save his people.

Professor Nasiru Gatawa told journalists in Sokoto yesterday that between January and now, more than 20 deadly attacks had been unleashed on the people of the zone, in which over 270 lives were lost.

Gatawa said: "We have eight local governments in the zone, which includes Gada, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Illeila, Isa, Rabbah, Sabon Birni and Wurno local government areas.

"Part of each of these local governments is under the control of bandits whose heinous activities have crippled social and economic activities, which has led to loss of hundreds of lives and property running into billions of naira in the zone.

"The most terrorised local

government in the zone is Sabon Birni where bandits operate freely and in a broad daylight for several hours with little and in many cases no help from the government.

"Each of the 11 wards under Sabon Birni Local Government Area has parts of it under the total control of bandits whose permission and consent the villagers need to conduct a wedding or naming ceremonies or even have a market day.

"As we speak today, even the local government headquarters of the eight local governments in the eastern zone of Sokoto State are in total fear.

"The situation is getting so serious that even Sokoto metropolis cannot boast of being safe from the attacks of bandits because the activities of these bandits are gradually expanding to villages a few kilometres to Sokoto city.

"On the eve of Sallah, suspected bandits attacked and killed a prominent businessman in Ummaruma, a village not far away from Sokoto city."

He, however, appealed to the federal and Sokoto State governments to direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and SEMA respectively to immediately provide support to the victims of the attacks.

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FG Moves to Save Adesina’s Job, Rejects Fresh Investigation Obasanjo rallies former African leaders Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government has intervened to checkmate a plot by the United States and other non-African shareholders of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to deny the multilateral agency's President, Mr. Adesina Akinwunmi, a tenure renewal.

Nigeria rejected the US' call, already supported by Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, for an independent panel to probe allegations of wrongdoing against Adesina by some bank staff, after AfDB president had been cleared by the bank's authorities.

Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, also weighed in on the issue, urging former African heads of government to intervene to save Adesina’s job.

The board of the bank has also clarified that Adesina has not been asked to step aside and dismissed reports of a governance crisis in AfDB. In a letter addressed to the Chair of the Board of Governors of AfDB, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said the fresh investigation being demanded by the US and its allies was outside the laid-down rules, procedures and governing system of the bank and its Articles as they relate to the Code of Conduct on Ethics for the president.

In the letter entitled: "Re: Ethics Committee report and decision of the Chair of the Board of Governor on whistleblowers allegations against the president of the bank," Ahmed said Nigeria had been closely following the matter, including the conclusion and submission of the formal

report of the Ethics Committee and the decision of the Chair of the Board of Governors, Minister Kaba Niale of Côte d’Ivoire.

According to her, the federal government welcomes the conclusion of the Ethics Committee and the decision of the Chair of the Board of Governors that cleared Akinwunmi.

Ahmed said: “The Ethics Committee has conducted and completed its work following the rules, laws, procedures and guidelines as laid down by the Resolution of the Board of Governors. That resolution calls for the Ethics Committee to submit its report, and supporting documents, to the Chair of the Board of Governors. “The Chair of the Board of Governors followed the laid-down rules, procedures, guidelines, and the governing laws of the bank, and ruled appropriately that she concurred with the report and conclusion of the Ethics Committee that dismissed all allegations against the president.�

She added that the call for an “independent investigation� of Adesina is outside the laid-down rules, procedures and governing system of the bank and its articles as they relate to the Code of Conduct on Ethics for the president. “As Board of Governors, we must uphold the rule of law and respect the governance systems of the bank and if there is any governance issues that need improvement, these can be considered and amendments proposed for adoption in line with laid down procedures,� she said in the letter to the board chair.

The federal government noted that the re-election of Adesina as AfDB president originally planned to be held on May 28, 2020, has now been postponed to 25-27 August 2020, adding that Adesina is the sole candidate for the election.

According to the minister, Adesina has delivered impactful programmes and impressive results at the bank.

Reeling off Adesina’s achievements in the last five years as AfDB president, the federal government said one

of his major accomplishments was securing a general capital increase of $115 billion, the largest ever in the history of the bank. “To fight the Coronavirus pandemic, he led the bank to develop a $10 billion Crisis Response Facility for Africa.

Dr. Adesina also led the bank to launch a $3 billion 'Fight COVID-19' social bond, the largest US dollar-denominated social bond ever in world history. “The African Union has

endorsed his candidacy for re-election, following his endorsement by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments,� the Nigerian minister stated even as she commended the action taken by the Chair of the bank’s board, who is also the Minister of Finance of Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria urged that the bank’s process be followed “to protect and preserve our bank.�

In his intervention, Obasanjo, in a letter to former African leaders proposed a joint press

statement to support the laiddown procedures embarked upon to evaluate the allegations against Adesina.

Obasanjo said: “I, therefore, propose that we all collectively issue a press statement to support the laid-down procedures embarked upon to evaluate the allegations against the president of the bank and to recommend that the Board of Governors, as well as the Ethics Committee of the bank, should firmly stand by their process and its outcome.

THE FIGHT CONTINUES...

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, at the inauguration of the 300-bed Isolation and Treatment Centre at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City‌ yesterday

Ize-Iyamu: Indirect Primary Will Fuel COVID-19 in Edo Party's 18 LG chairmen oppose direct primary option Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe The main challenger to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming election in the state, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has cautioned against the adoption of indirect primary in the June 22 primary election of the party in the state.

Ize-Iyamu, who belongs to a faction of the party loyal to the APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, said yesterday that indirect primary would fuel the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

APC National Working Committee (NWC) had chosen direct primary as the method to be adopted for deciding the party's governorship candidate in the state, a move that has degenerated into a controversy in the state, especially with an objection from the Obaseki camp.

Yesterday, chairmen of the party in the 18 local government areas of the state, who belong to the governor's faction of APC, rejected the endorsement of Ize-Iyamu as the consensus candidate of Oshiomhole's faction of the party and pushed for indirect primary to select the party's governorship candidate.

Ize-Iyamu, while featuring on the Morning Show, a programme

on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, also described opposition to Obaseki's secondterm bid as self-inflicted.

He accused the governor of alienating APC leaders after he was elected governor.

According to him, Obaseki would be “miserably defeated� if he defects to the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said: “The indirect option also means he (the governor) would mobilise members from every ward to Benin City, which is more dangerous and it appears they don’t know the implications of an indirect primary. “The party has the right to decide on what type of primaries we should have. It would be strange for a participant and an aspirant to dictate the rules. The reality is that it is the National Working Committee (NWC) that has the constitutional power and authority to organise primaries.

And the primaries could either be direct or indirect. “For me, whatever the national says, we would abide by it. Those that are with Governor Obaseki have tried to propose that because of the COVID-19 situation, the indirect primaries would be a preferred option to the direct primaries. And the direct primaries would mean that about 500,000 would converge on the state and that would be

dangerous. But I think that they are misleading the public. “APC members in Edo are not up to 500,000 and this primary is only for APC members. In fact, even the general election in Edo State, nobody has won the governorship election with 400,000 votes. So, when you suggest you can get over 500,000 people, you are just being mischievous.�

He said Obaseki’s decision to alienate himself from the party leadership the moment he got into office was the root of his problem, adding that the governor is only dragging Oshiomhole into the crisis because he has chosen to be neutral and not support any candidate.

Ize-Iyamu also accused Obaseki of using the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to blackmail Oshiomhole to hand him the party’s ticket on a platter.

He said: “By using the Governors’ Forum and other groups, he has tried to blackmail the national chairman and the leadership of the party to hand over to him the ticket which has never been done. Even his colleagues who are doing the second term would tell you they went through the primary process. So, basically, the problem is self-created. And everything he has been doing

since is geared towards that direction. “Recently, I heard he constituted a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the state hospital. Funny enough, why wait to just some days to a primary election before that is happening and you are talking about something you have been part of as a member of the state executive council when Oshiomhole was governor of the state. “The project you are talking of was discussed when you were a member of the executive. And based on the finding we have, even the 75 per cent upfront payment, which the commission is quarrelling with, you were the one who suggested it in the Exco meeting to ensure that there was no inflation based on foreign exchange escalation. “And throughout this period, you have been governor, I am aware that you have approved projects and upfront projects that is above 60 per cent, which means if you want to use the procurement law that states it should not be above 25 per cent as you have said, you have also breached the law. And yet just because you must deal with those who are not ready to support you, you have pretended to set up a commission of inquiry that can even indict you in your

past and present.�

He cautioned Obaseki against defecting to PDP if he loses the APC primary, noting that he would suffer a miserable defeat if that happens. “If Governor Obaseki loses and he decides to go to PDP or any party, it is his right and he can do so. But I want to say that as of today, APC is very well accepted in Edo State.

"The leaders are people who are very well grounded in their localities and if he goes outside APC, I think he would suffer a very miserable defeat,� he stated.

LGA Chairmen Reject Ize-Iyamu’s Consensus Candidacy APC chairmen in the 18 local government areas of Edo State yesterday faulted the endorsement of Ize-Iyamu as the consensus candidate of the Oshiomhole faction of the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The chairmen, in a statement yesterday, also rejected APC NWC's decision to adopt direct primary to pick the party's candidate and advocated indirect primary as a replacement.

They restated their position that Ize-Iyamu is not a member of the party in the state, as he

had left APC in 2014 to contest the governorship election on the platform of PDP in 2016, which he lost.

The statement was signed by Hon. Henry Ashofor (AkokoEdo); Comrade Odion Olaye (Egor); Mr. Mike Anakaso (Esan Central); Hon. Ogbejiele Idogei (Esan North-east); Hon. Monday Osoh (Esan South-east); Mr. Ehikioya Onaburerkhalen (Esan West); Hon. Zakari Z. Ozizi (Etsako Central); Sir Sunday Adogah (Etsako East); Mrs. Ezolome Rabiat (Etsako West) and Hon. Sylvester Odia (Igueben).

Others are Kelvin O. Egharevba (Ikpoba-Okha); Hon. Godwill Alabi (Oredo); Benjamin Oghumu (Orhionmwon); Hon. Etinosa Ighodaro (Ovia NorthEast); Mr Peter Ajayi (Ovia South-west); Zuberu Kasim (Owan East); John Ojeikhoa (Owan West) and Mr. Justin Omoruyi (Uhunmwode).

They criticised the waiver granted Ize-Iyamu to vie for the APC's governorship ticket, noting that not only has he not met the conditions for such a waiver, but whatever he procured was gotten from the wrong body, NWC, as it is the National Executive Committee (NEC) that is empowered by the party’s constitution to grant a waiver.

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PAGE TEN DJ CUPPY HOSTS APPLE MUSIC’S FIRST RADIO SHOW IN AFRICA while performers like South African DJ Black Coffee as well as Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Mr. Eazi — all with roots in Nigeria — continue to gain attention and have become household names.

Apple Music’s announcement came the same week Universal Music Group said it was launching Def Jam Africa, a new division of the label focusing on hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa.

The label said it would be based in Johannesburg and Lagos, but planned to sign talent from all over the continent. The deal is said to be worth seven-digit figure.

Cuppy, the celebrity DJ daughter of Nigerian billionaire, Mr. Femi Otedola, is unstoppable. By this deal, Cuppy is bringing the world to Africa as she is now the face and voice behind Apple Music’s new radio show called ‘Africa Now.’ Apple Music is a global music platform with 60 million listeners from over 160 countries worldwide and over 30 countries in Africa alone. “Cuppy will be DJing all genres of African music weekly whilst entertaining the listeners with interviews between her fellow artiste friends.

"Cuppy has been on the rise and in her DJ and music

producing career earning important endorsements.

Her deal with a global giant like Apple is indeed for her a crowning endorsement,� the statement added.

Cuppy was quoted as saying she was excited about the radio show.

She said: "I’m excited not only to play music but showcase the vast array of talented artistes cultivating the music scene on the continent!

"There are so many rich textures and sounds in Africa and the time is now for the world to embrace our diversity.

Each and every week I’ll be bringing a dynamic guide to discovering and celebrating the biggest and best sounds from

across Africa, the Motherland.

It will be entertainment at its best, Cuppy style!"

On the debut episode, Nigerian producer, Kiddominant - known for producing African hits such as Davido’s “Fall" and AKA’s "Fela In Versace� - joins Cuppy via FaceTime.

He told Apple Music about his new single 'eWallet' featuring South African superstar rapper, Cassper Nyovest, and taken from his forthcoming debut album due for release in the second half of 2020.

South African actress and 'Queen Sono' lead character, Pearl Thusi, called in to share her favorite African proverb

and current favourite African song.

Cuppy played the best and hottest African music throughout the show and finished off with a personalised 10-minute DJ mix of tracks from Africa Now playlist.

Africa Now Radio with Cuppy would air weekly on Sundays. The first episode would be on Sunday, May 31st at 6.00 a.m in LA; 9.00 a.m in NY; 1.00 p.m in Abidjan; 2.00 p.m in Lagos and London; 3.00 p.m in Johannesburg and Paris; and 4.00 p.m in Nairobi only on Apple Music at apple. co/AfricaNow. Cuppy was born in Lagos.

Moving to London at 13, while attending school, Cuppy’s

parents gifted her iPod, which she filled with Nigerian music so she could always keep a part of the home. Falling in love with music, she taught herself how to DJ at 16. She has been chasing her calling ever since. She does this on the decks as a DJ, in boardrooms as a music businesswoman and even behind the mic as a producer and vocalist.

In 2014, Cuppy graduated with a degree in economics from King’s College London.

She had already started DJing as a teenager and built a reputation as one of the foremost DJs in Africa when also in 2014, Cuppy was selected as a DJ at the MTV Africa Music Awards.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS CHANNEL, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, the Chief Executive Officer of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said: “My initial thought was that MPC was going to retain all the benchmark rates and that if they were going to adjust any of the rates, they were going to adjust the cash reserve ratio. “At 27.5 per cent, it denies the banks the ability to lend.

So, by adjusting MPR from 13.5 to 12.5 per cent, as long as the banks don’t have the liquidity to lend, that objective may not be achieved. “My thought is that given the uptick in the inflation rate, given the pressure on forex rate, monetary policy would now have to balance the need to cement the economy and I think they are using a lot of development finance initiatives by granting concessionary loans to several sectors of the economy. “So, the challenge I have now is that without the appropriate liquidity, the banks would still not be able to lend because the primary objective of bringing down MPR is to ensure the banks drive credit into the system, but with CRR at 27.5 per cent, where would the banks get the liquidity to lend.�

He urged MPC at its next meeting to consider reviewing CRR. "With the high CRR, it would

be difficult for the banks to accede to the expectation of the central bank that MPR would lead to an increase in credits in the system,� he added.

The Head of Research, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Mr. Abiodun Keripe, said cutting MPR would not have so much impact on the economy because its transmission effect was low. “As a result of that, a lot of people are not going to be bullish and the market would be very bullish on the back of 100 basis points. “The outcome of this meeting signals that the economy is facing the risk of recession and some monetary policy stance is being taken. By and large, I don’t think this would have so much impact on the economy,� he stated.

Prof. Uche Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University and former Imo State Commissioner for Finance, described the decision by MPC to cut the benchmark interest rate as a demonstration of CBN's sensitivity to the need to stimulate the economy and enable it to withstand the negative impact of COVID-19 as well as the drop in oil revenue. “Having signalled an intention to adopt an accommodative stance in favour of growth, CBN should put in place measures to ensure that it translates to lower lending rates by the banks to the real sectors of the economy,� he added.

shortages seen in some European hospitals. “In the event of overflow, we can require hotels and school dormitories to be prepared for level 1 (Quarantine) and level 2 Isolation (of COVID-19 positive with zero or mild symptoms), to free hospital beds to be dedicated to level 3, (moderate to severe cases) and level 4, (high dependency and intensive care unit). “I, therefore, call on activists and philanthropists to work with state governments in concerted steps to scale up non-pharmaceutical measures and beef up infrastructural assets for isolation and treatment in their states. “Though we are in the community transmission phase of the response, easing social restrictions is desirable, but only if we can meet up with expectations that will not allow a spike in infection rates. This is what has led certain countries to reintroduce lockdowns. We are reviewing the health sector-specific advisories on re-opening the economy.�

PTF to Submit Report to Buhari on Sunday

CBN CUTS MPR TO 12.5%, UPBEAT NIGERIA WILL HEAD OFF RECESSION Emefiele said the apex bank had so far disbursed a total of N107.45 billion out of the N100 billion health sector intervention fund, the N1 trillion for the agricultural and manufacturing sectors as well as the N50 billion for households and SMEs. He emphasised the need for the federal government to gradually work towards reopening of the economy in line with the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and advice received from medical experts.

He added that efforts must be directed at saving not only lives but also livelihoods.

According to him, reopening the economy would enable the resumption of economic activities necessary to stimulate growth, hasten the pace of recovery and restore livelihoods, particularly to the vulnerable.

He based his optimism in the measures so far implemented to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the economy as well as recent improvement in crude oil prices and reduced pressure on the government's reserves.

He said: "The performance of the loan to deposit ratio policy, which was introduced in July 2019, showed that total credit increased by N3.1 trillion or 20.45 per cent, with manufacturing, retail and consumer loans, general commerce and agriculture, as major beneficiaries.

"The committee recognised that under the N100 billion

healthcare sector intervention fund, the bank has approved and disbursed N10.15 billion for some projects, for the establishment of advanced diagnostic and health centres and the expansion of some pharmaceutical plants for essential drugs and intravenous fluids.

"As part of the N1 trillion intervention targeted at the agric and manufacturing firms, the bank has further disbursed N93.2 billion under the real sector support fund to boost local manufacturing and production across critical sectors. This consists of over 44 greenfield and brownfield projects.

"The bank has also approved N10.9 billion to 14,331 beneficiaries under the N50 billion targeted credit facility for households and SMEs out of which N4.1 billion has been disbursed to 5,860 successful beneficiaries. The committee directed management to reach out to the banks to encourage them to disburse the funds to the priority sectors of the economy, so as to stimulate aggregate demand and create more jobs in the country."

MPC also urged the government to remain focused on the implementation of the revised 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework as the basis for sustainable fiscal policy.

On prices, the committee expressed concern about the heightening inflationary

pressure attributed to a combination of monetary and structural factors.

It said while price stability remained the bank's primary mandate, it expressed the need for a balanced approach in supporting growth in the face of rising domestic prices.

The committee also urged the federal government to continue exploiting options of partnership with the private sector to fund investment in infrastructure as this would aid employment generation, support production and boost output growth.

It reiterated the potentials for both direct, foreign and domestic investments to support growth in key sectors of the economy, including Nigerian auto manufacturing, aviation and rail industries.

The committee also said on the backdrop of the various stimulus packages and increased credit at lower interest rates, the impact of the COVID-19 would be relatively less severe than had earlier been expected and the reversal in growth deceleration would become more optimistic.

The committee commended the bank's role in the effective oversight of the banking system evidenced by the relative stability in key financial soundness indicators and systemic resilience of the banking sector in the face of severe external shocks.

On the choice before the committee, MPC observed

the weakening of the global macroeconomic environment due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 and drop in crude oil prices, which have resulted in negative output in most economies.

MPC also felt that the logical expectation is that to ensure that the global economy reverses from the recession timely, policy makers must take actions that would necessarily stimulate growth and recovery.

On the decision by MPC to loosen monetary policy, Emefiele said holding MPR constant might slow down the trajectory of the weakened economy compared with a loosening stance, thereby slackening output growth.

He said whereas MPC was concerned that excess liquidity engendered by loosening might overshoot the economy's absorptive capacity and accelerate inflationary pressures, it felt that given the slow rate of acceleration of inflation, the accommodative stance would stimulate aggregate demand and supply in the short term However, reacting to MPC’s decision to reduce MPR by 100 basis points, some analysts who commended the apex bank, said for the move to be effective, there was a need to also slash CRR. According to them, reducing the rates and still holding on to CRR may not make the desired impact the apex bank was hoping to achieve in the economy.

COVID-19: FG TO ENGAGE 800,000 VOLUNTEERS TO SENSITISE COMMUNITIES It said the virus had claimed 259 persons.

Meanwhile, PTF said it would on Sunday submit its next report to President Muhammadu Buhari, explaining that it would inform his decision on the next phase of measures to be taken in the gradual reopening of the economy.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing by PTF, Aliyu said the over 800,000 community engagement partners would be drawn from all the 774 local government areas of the federation to sensitise the public about the community spread of the virus and disseminate life-saving messages.

Aliyu said PTF would engage the partners for the campaign using existing community structures to disseminate messages to the grassroots.

The partners include National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Red Cross, UNICEF, NYSC members, National Council of Women Societies, Jamaatul Nasri Islam and Yar'Adua Foundation.

He said: ''The volunteers are all Nigerians who live in the communities and have been trained to engage and educate community members in their local languages and dialects. “Our overall goal is to ensure that everyone has the information they need to protect themselves. The volunteers will be risking their lives for the greater good of Nigerians by providing the basic information we need so that we can change our behaviour and stop the spread of COVID-19."

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the ministry had produced videos and radio jingles on general information on COVID -19, use of face masks, burial protocol, testimonials by COVID-19 survivors and mass gathering.

He said the jingles were currently running on 10 television channels, while the jingles were also running on 40 radio stations nationwide.

The minister added that the aggressive and sustained campaign on the social media had gained traction as in the

last five days alone, some of the videos posted had been viewed over 1,068,614 times.

FG Trains 880 for Sample Collection Nationwide NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chike Ihekweazu, stated that the initial challenge of the agency was on the collection and transportation of samples.

The centre was also faced with the challenge of leakage of samples.

He said to surmount the challenge, the agency had trained 880 people on collection, packaging and transportation of samples.

Ihekweazu explained that NCDC also targets to have one testing laboratory in each of the 36 states.

FG to Repurpose Hotels, Schools for Isolation Centres The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, stated that hotels and school dormitories would be turned into isolation centres to accommodate COVID-19 patients due to

shortage of bed space, if the upsurge in the number of cases continues.

He, however, said the situation in Nigeria would not “experience horrific scenes of bed space shortages seen in some European hospitals."

He said: “We are, not surprisingly, worried about the increasing number of COVID-19 confirmed cases; first because every life matters, but also because of the capacity of our health system to cope. “Nigeria presently has over 112 treatment and isolation centres in the 35 states and FCT with over 5,000 beds, but not all states have made it up to at least 300 beds prescribed for isolation and treatment. “I had the privilege of commissioning one such centre yesterday, a repurposed hospital in Benin City, Edo State, with 300 beds, including ICU and an Edo State-owned PCR testing laboratory. We need to continue increasing bed capacity to match the probable number of patients, so that we do not experience horrific scenes of bed space

PTF has said it would by Sunday submit its report to the president to make a Continued on page 42

TOP GAINERS CUTIX MAYBAKER CHAMPBREW UPL NEIMETH TOP LOSERS ETI IKEJHOTEL UBA

NGN NGN 0.17 1.88 0.30 3.39 0.08 0.91 0.70 7.85 0.09 1.03 NGN 0.60 5.45 0.11 1.15 0.45 6.75 OANDO 0.05 2.64 FIDELITYBANK 0.11 1.89 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,000.00 Volume: 348.211 million shares Value: 3.433 billion Deals: 7,148 As at yesterday 28/5/2020 See details on Page 39

% 9.9 9.7 9.6 9.6 9.5 % 9.2 8.7 6.2 5.7 5.5

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COMMENT

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

NIGERIA: IN THE NEXT 36 MONTHS

Reforming the presidency should be an important component of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the government, write Ejeviome Eloho Otobo and Oseloka H. Obaze

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ver before the first ballot in the 2019 presidential elections was cast, some members of Nigeria’s leadership elite, across the political spectrum, were already signaling their intention to run for the presidency in 2023. It seemed as if the President’s term, when re-elected, would be for 48 weeks rather than 48 months. Today marks one full year since the re-elected President Buhari was sworn in for a second term. This article outlines some of the major issues, which will preoccupy public policy making and other likely developments in Nigeria in next 36 months.

Most likely, Nigeria might witness a deterioration of her fiscal, foreign exchange and debt situation; growing incidence of poverty; heightened criminality linked to unemployment and impunity; and probable fiscal insolvency of some states. Other key developments will include electing a new president; with luck and assertive military valour, the overcoming of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province insurgency; and growing public awareness of, and insistence on, strict adherence to constitutional norms on protection of life.

Nigeria’s deep-seated economic challenges have been simmering for a while; but the dramatic fall in global oil prices triggered by a confluence of factors including COVID-19 pandemic, has laid bare the vulnerability of Nigeria’s dependence on oil. While Nigeria’s economy is nominally diversified with oil now accounting for less than 10 percent of gross domestic product; oil, nonetheless, still accounts for nearly 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings and 60 percent of government revenue.

Hence, the overarching challenge is that even if the federal government were to ramp up its domestic revenue generation capacity to the African average of 17-20 percent of GDP; Nigeria has no immediate substitute for oil as a major foreign exchange earner. Diaspora remittances to Nigeria, though huge, remain largely informal and quite mercurial.

Since the end of the civil war in 1970 – some 50 years ago – successive Nigerian governments have relied on two major resources or tools for governance: military force in the political realm, and oil in the economic realm. The use of the military to address public policy issues, even as their structural causes are political or economic in nature, has become the default feature of public policymaking. This has led to overstretching the capacity of the military in domestic operations. Of the various security threats confronting Nigeria presently, the lone crisis that required military force is combating the terrorism of Boko Haram and Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP). Thus, Nigeria now seems to be suffering from the law of diminishing marginal utility in its reliance on military force and dependence on oil. As we approach 2023, a trenchant debate is unfolding as to which geopolitical zone should produce the next president. On one side are those who argue that the next president must come from the same part of the country as the current incumbent, insisting that the principle of rotation is not in the 1999 Constitution. On the other side are those who argue that there is no clause or principle in the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that the same region or geopolitical zone is entitled to produce the next president. These two equally valid assertions could drive the country in a wrong acrimonious, direction. The cast of probable presidential aspirants may be classified into three categories: the plausible, the pretenders, and the perspirants.

Given Nigeria’s long unfulfilled national aspirations, Nigeria’s attentive public has growing expectations concerning the attributes of the next president. These include broad national outlook; ability to communicate frequently and honestly with the public; willingness to be accountable to the people, parliament, and the press; abjuring patrimonial claims to leadership and crass partisanship; upholding constitutionalism and rule of law; and commitment to free, fair and credible elections.

On the last point, it bears emphasis that the 2023 presidential elections will transcend just electing a candidate to occupy Nigeria’s highest political office: lt will be more of a referendum on democracy in Nigeria.

The report of European Union Observer Mission cast a harsh spotlight on several shortcomings of the 2019 general elections, which INEC has promised to remedy. Equally important, all presidential aspirants

WHILE THE KILLINGS BY PASTORAL HERDSMEN HAVE GRABBED THE HEADLINES, THEIR FORCIBLE SEIZURE AND OCCUPATION OF FARMLANDS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY IS HAVING A CORROSIVE EFFECT ON THE PROTECTION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS, SENDING UNAMBIGUOUS WRONG SIGNALS BOTH TO FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC INVESTORS‌ ENDING AND REVERSING THIS INSIDIOUS PRACTICE OF FORCIBLE SEIZURE AND OCCUPATION DESERVES PRIORITY ACTION

must refrain from any form of conduct that undermines the integrity of the electoral outcome. Given that the presidential elections are scheduled first in every election year, how the presidential elections are conducted in 2023 will determine whether Nigeria’s electorate will have the confidence and enthusiasm to vote in the follow-on elections in 2023. The frequent resort to the Supreme Court to adjudicate electoral disputes does not only burden the Court unduly, but has unwittingly converted the apex court into an electorate college, thus diminishing the value of the popular vote.

Electoral legitimacy is a core value and pillar of good governance.

Yet much else rides on performance legitimacy. Action will be needed in three critical areas. First, is reforming the machinery of government.

This goes beyond the implementation of the rather limited number of recommendations in the White Paper on the Oronsaye Report.

Precisely because the presidency is at the “central nervous system of the government�; reforming it will be an important component of improving the functioning, efficiency and effectiveness of the government.

Dwindling fiscal resources are an additional impetus for undertaking wide ranging public sector reforms. Meanwhile, Nigerians are hopeful that the recent ranking appointment in the presidency might yet bring the desired reforms within the presidency and signal the resolve for broader and deeper public sector reforms.

Second, in Nigeria’s emerging post-oil-economy, three major drivers of prosperity will include: respect for property rights which is the fulcrum of any market economy; science and technology capacity which is essential to participating in, and penetrating a variety of, international supply chains, including promoting value addition; and effective governance, which ensures stability. While the killings by pastoral herdsmen have grabbed the headlines, their forcible seizure and occupation of farmlands in various parts of the country is having a corrosive effect on the protection of property rights, sending unambiguous wrong signals both to foreign and domestic investors, especially in the agricultural sector. Ending and reversing this insidious practice of forcible seizure and occupation deserves priority action. During the 2019 presidential elections, only one candidate underlined the importance of protection of property rights. This should become a shared priority among all political leaders.

Third, in so far as the wealth of nations depends critically on the creativity and ingenuity of its people, the responsibility to protect the life of every citizen matters a great deal. Sadly, citizens’ lives are being lost due to state actors’ over-reach. Last April, the National Human Rights Commission announced that it had “eight documented incidents of extrajudicial killings leading to 18 deaths� between March 30 and April 13-- the first two weeks of the COVID-19 related lockdown. These killings involved military, police and the correctional services personnel.

Since there were only 10 deaths by COVID-19 in Nigeria during the same period, Nigeria earned the dubious distinction, in the world, of having more deaths by security agents than COVID-19 at any point in the fight against COVID-19. This reality underlines why Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agents should be re-oriented, through an enhanced security sector governance reforms programmes. Closely related to ongoing geopolitical-based security sector restructuring, the demands for national restructuring will need to be addressed.

In looking forward to the election of the next president in 2023, Nigerians may do well to remember what President Umaru Yar’Adua said in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president of the United States: “Obama’s election has finally broken the greatest barrier of prejudice in human history�. This raises the heady question: Can Nigeria overcome her regional, religious, and ethnic barriers in choosing its next president?

Otobo is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Global Governance lnstitute, Brussels, Belgium while Obaze is Managing Director/ CEO, Selonnes Consult, Awka

THE NIGERIAN CHILD AND EDUCATION Daniel Ighakpe urges all to invest in children’s education

“All children, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, have the right to quality education� - UNICEF ccording to data, Nigeria is a ‘country of the young,’ with around 43 per cent (almost half the entire population) currently under the age of 15. Nevertheless, a survey conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicates that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, even though primary education is officially free and compulsory.

This constitutes a serious problem for the country.

Knowing the future impact of having a population largely filled with uneducated children, this menace will (if not properly curtailed), reduce the world’s largest Black nation to a hub of vulnerable children with no access to quality education.

A good education prepares children to cope successfully with life in today’s society. It equips them with academic skills, including the ability to read and write well and to do arithmetic. Moreover, it affects their interaction with others and helps them build up wholesome standards of morality. Also, as

A

human society becomes even more complex, a good education takes on greater importance.

Many people feel that the main purpose of education is to earn money. Yet, some educated people are unemployed or do not earn enough to meet basic needs. Some parents may therefore think that it is not beneficial to send a child to school. But schooling does more than prepare someone to make money. It equips children for life in general.

However, even for children who attend school, there still exist some problems that can hinder the child from receiving proper education. These problems include: overcrowded classrooms which make learning difficult, absence of suitable learning facilities due to poor funding, a poorly remunerated and therefore unhappy teaching staff, and so on.

Therefore, it is important that parents take an active interest in what their children are learning at school.

They should get acquainted with the teachers, especially at the beginning of each term. They could ask for the teacher’s advice on how the children can become better students. The teachers may thus feel appreciated and be motivated to make a greater effort to meet the educational needs of the children.

Regarding the problem of high number of

out-of-school children in Nigeria, it is important to first of all consider and address the factors that contribute toward their high number. Such contributory factors include the acts of terrorism especially in the North-Eastern part of the country, where the highest number of out-of-school children are found.

As a result of acts of terrorism in that area, many schools have been destroyed, thousands of teachers have been killed, and insurgency and acts of terror have dampened the enthusiasm of children to go to school, and embedded in parents the fear of sending their wards to school.

Furthermore, economic barriers, as well as socio-cultural norms and practices have contributed to discouraging attendance in formal education, especially for the girl-child. Poverty, early marriage, cultural and religious misconceptions or misrepresentations, and teenage pregnancy also act as barriers to girl-child education, especially in the North.

Parents sometimes send their sons to school but not their daughters. Perhaps some parents think that it is too expensive to educate their daughters and believe that girls can be more useful to their mother by staying at home all day. But illiteracy will handicap a daughter. A UNICEF publication stated:

“Study after study has demonstrated that providing education for girls is one of the best strategies for breaking the hold of poverty.� Educated girls are better equipped for life and make wiser decisions, thus benefiting all in the family.

In some places children are deprived of formal education, and then handed over to someone to learn a trade. Sometimes these children are exploited. Learning a trade is a good thing, but they would be more likely to avoid exploitation if they first received a basic education and then learned a trade.

Other factors that contribute toward the problem of out-of-school children include poor implementation of government policies on education, corruption, unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, inadequate funding for the education sector, poor provision of educational infrastructure at the basic education level, among others.

If these problems, along with the problem of terrorism in the North, the economic barriers, etc., are addressed, then we may begin to see a drastic reduction in the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Ighakpe wrote from Festac Town, Lagos

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EDITORIAL 21 YEARS OF UNBROKEN CIVIL RULE Leaders could do more for the wellbeing of the people

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or the first time in 21 years since the advent of the current democratic experiment, today is not a public holiday. To honour the memory of the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by the military, the late M.K.O Abiola and the sacrifices he made, President Muhammadu Buhari last year proclaimed June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria. May 29 used to be marked annually as Democracy Day. After all formalities which conferred official recognition on June 12 as the new date, the Presidency said: “May 29th will only be handover date and working day. By the Act amended and signed by Mr. President, May 29 is no more a public holiday. June 12 is now a public holiday and the country’s Democracy Day.” Even though May 29 is no longer a public holiday, it does not make the day less significant as the country marks 21 years of unbroken democracy. Despite all the challenges WE MUST REMIND OUR of recent years, that ELECTED OFFICIALS ON we have kept the THE NEED TO FOCUS military at bay and ON THE PEOPLE, THEIR offer some windows SAFETY AND WELFARE; to freedom of expresTHE OPTIMAL ALLOCATION sion and other civil OF SCARCE RESOURCES liberties are worthy of celebration.

AND THE EFFECTIVE However, the IMPLEMENTATION OF democracy we POLICIES FOR SERVICE practice is still underDELIVERY developed, crude and deeply flawed. Elections are almost always fought like wars – riddled with tensions, violence, mass rigging, thuggery and intimidation in a polity obsessed with ethnicity, religion and regions. Leaders, mostly inept, are routinely imposed through large-scale malpractices while the use of money to buy votes has become the order of the day.

At the heart of the euphoria for democracy is the belief that people would be better governed and more

prosperous. Sadly, after 21 years of unbroken rule by elected civilians, the lot of the average Nigerian has not improved in any profound sense. For all its wealth –human and natural- Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is among the lowest in the world. With the majority of citizens living on less than two dollars a day, the poverty level remains high while jobs are in short supply for the teeming young population.

T 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

he state of many basic services such as education, health as well as the road infrastructure is dreadful and decrepit; the health of millions is suspect while a demographic crisis is looming large on the horizon. A significant number of Nigeria’s 200 million people has no access to power, with small and big businesses mostly dependent on generators. The security situation is even more treacherous. Racked by a seemingly intractable Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and rendered millions homeless aside other cocktail of crime and criminality - from kidnapping, armed robbery, herdsmen-farmers’ conflicts, cultism to general banditry--Nigeria has become a nation besieged.

A recent report on fragile states index (FSI) categorised Nigeria as the 14th most fragile state in the world. It is an indication of the current challenges for which all stakeholders must come together in the effort to remedy the political and socio-economic conditions that are dragging the country down the slope.

On a day such as this, therefore, we must remind our elected officials, at all levels of government, on the need to focus on the people, their safety and welfare; the optimal allocation of scarce resources and the effective implementation of policies for service delivery.

Until we begin to do all these and more, Nigerians will find it difficult to maximise their potential and our democracy will continue to be imperilled.

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FINTIRI: One Year Of Expectations And Frustrations

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n May 29th, 2020, Adamawa State Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri marks one year in office. The government came to power on the back of intricate politicking, strange political alliances and diverse interests while promising to deliver an 11-point agenda aimed at making life better for the Adamawa residents. It is therefore very tricky to assess the government’s performance in its first year.

However, it is politically incorrect to overlook an evaluation that may better help and guide the government’s decision making, going forward in Adamawa complex socio-political environment.

Pundits had predicted Fintiri to hit the ground running and deliver on his most critical promises. Surprisingly, the governor did not beat expectations nor hit the bullseye, though he performed excellently in some areas.

The immediate dilemma of Fintiri’s administration was the time it wasted in the politics of compensating various political interest groups and economic factors that brought it to power. Fintiri inherited a state with poor finances. The Fintiri government has excellent policies, programmes, and well-setup ministries led by well-educated commissioners.

But sadly, the government is slow in the implementation of its promised 11-point agenda.

Fintiri may have underestimated the enormity of his

agenda which focuses on education, civil services reform, healthcare, environment, security, water supply, agriculture, women and youth development, revenue generation, infrastructure, commerce and industries. Addressing these wide-ranging issues is a tasking mission. It is like an attempt to carry the camel and its loads; that requires a knowledgebased approach and new thinking. The underutilization of the human capacity at his disposal including commissioners, special advisers and seeking advice from other stakeholders is among the reasons the Fintiri government has been unable to effectively get the ball rolling on its touted agenda. The commissioners and aides are expected to lead by initiating innovative ideas to attain the agenda. But has this been happening? Do the commissioners have a free rein to share and actualize their ideas with the governor? Are the commissioners preoccupied with the ‘weight’ of their pockets and political future? Most times, government policies and programme suffer setbacks if overshadowed by personal interests and unnecessary politics. For instance and sadly, Adamawa’s politics of tongue and faith is slowly rearing its ugly heads, while the government poor communication strategies are not helping matters.

The next one year is very critical for Fintiri; it will make or mar him politically. This is because by 2022, Adamawa’s usual politicking towards 2023 elections will become a

distraction to him. If he must achieve his set goals, Fintiri needs to do three things.

First, an honest reality check on himself and his government’s direction. He may compare his public image and common people perception while he was acting governor from July 16, 2014 – October 1, 2014 with his public image and common people perception now as a substantive governor.

Second, he should reflect on the path to his 2019 victory at the polls - the high-wired politics driven by wide divisions in the Adamawa All Progressives Congress (APC); his victory over then incumbent Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow of the APC by 376,552 to 336,386 – a slim margin of 40,166 votes. Can he still attain such a feat today? Will he still command such an edge in the next three years? Though, in politics, three years is like a pregnant woman. Lastly, and most importantly, Fintiri needs to find ways to effectively utilize his performance today to strengthen his stand in Adamawa and the national politics of tomorrow. Fintiri’s government is still budding and has another three years to make things right. Nonetheless, we cannot overlook a candid assessment of his performance in his first year. Using his own agenda, on a scale of 10, Fintiri can be rated seven out of 10 in workers’ welfare, security and local government autonomy, while four out of 10 in the rest of the items on the agenda.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa State

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POLITICS

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

Reappraising Ugwuanyi’s Five-year Stewardship Amid COVID-19 Louis Amoke, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State draws attention to the governor’s vision to realise the dream of the founding fathers of the state

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ushing further a transformational vision of Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi continues to deploy special focus and an intimate understanding of his turf to address key human development, infrastructure, economic and sundry challenges and perhaps not surprisingly, is indeed changing the Enugu story.

Ugwuanyi took over the mantle of leadership of Enugu State five years ago, precisely on May 29, 2015, when the country was in recession as a result of drastic drop in the crude oil prices in the international market.

Consequently, the state was confronted with paucity of funds coupled with inherited debts and other huge wage bills to be serviced.

The nation’s economic challenges adversely affected the state’s allocations from the federation account, to the extent that there were limited funds to attend to development issues and other sundry needs of the public.

Enugu’s purse grew leaner as federal allocations dwindled to an all-time low - a source of worry the past governor of the state, Barr. Sullivan Chime acknowledged during the thanksgiving Mass to commemorate the end of his administration.

The situation was so bad that 27 states, excluding Enugu State, could not pay workers’ salaries, let alone embark on capital projects. The governors resorted to bailout funds unlike their predecessors who had access to the excess crude oil funds which enabled them to execute sundry capital projects.

Despite all these challenges, Gov. Ugwuanyi remained undaunted and focused in his vision to build Enugu State of the founding fathers’ dream, where everybody irrespective of class, religion or political association is given equal rights to dividends of democracy, in a peaceful and secure environment.

His vision was to lead the state out of the economic crunch and rekindle the confidence of the people, especially the lowly and long neglected in the rural communities, in a viable, participatory democracy.

The neglect hitherto suffered by the majority of the state’s population in the rural areas was overbearing and created a hydra-headed imbalance in the distribution of democracy dividends between urban and rural inhabitants.

It was a winner-takes-all scenario, as concentration of development projects in Enugu metropolis became the only barometer to assess performance of a government in the state.

In his inaugural address, Gov. Ugwuanyi, as a grassroots-politician, promised to pay special attention to rural development because the majority of the people reside in the rural areas and deserve a sense of belonging, peace and reward of good governance.

Five years down the line, the governor has vigorously and religiously pursued this lofty vision, closing the urban-rural imbalance in the distribution of basic amenities. Consequently, his administration has constructed/ rehabilitated over 600 kilometers of road across the state, mostly in the rural areas.

Gov. Ugwuanyi has ensured an enduring peace in the state, a cherished feat that has made it possible for the state’s political leaders to unite and

forge a common force for progress and rapid development. One is therefore proud to say that peace is now synonymous with Enugu State.

In the same vein, the state workers are singing praises and dancing on the streets of Enugu, in appreciation of the governor ’s exceptional love and

Fine Jurist, Gentleman and a Good Man Ben Obi, a Senator states clearly why Justice Garba Musa Nabaruma, who passed on recently deserves a place of honour in the annals of the Nigerian judiciary

I

was very sad on hearing about the demise of Honourable Justice Musa Garba Nabaruma. I received the news of his unfortunate death with rude shock. He was a complete, perfect jurist with a touch of gentility both in mien and character.

The Nigerian legal system cannot be complete without mentioning his immense contributions towards enriching its jurisprudence, especially his audacious pronouncements on electoral cases that later became a veritable legal precedence in the Nigerian legal system .

I recall with nostalgia, how my long legal battle to reclaim my stolen mandate as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria received judiciary pronouncement when Justice Nabaruma, as head of the election petition tribunal alongside other eminent jurists, gave an unassailable judgement declaring me the rightful winner of the 2003 senatorial election to represent Anambra central. This judgment alongside that of Senator Joy Emordi were the first of its kind across the nation in our current democratic dispensation.

That landmark judgement followed suit with his audacious ruling on the 2003 Anambra governorship election petition, were he once again, set another remarkable precedence by restoring the mandate of the rightful winner in the governorship election, and in the process removed a seating governor, after painstakingly going through the petition that took years to conclude. It takes a man of boldness, courage and character to do such, at a time it was

considered a ‘no go area’ in our nascent democracy.

Those judgements, aside proving that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, they became a moral boaster for the judiciary in the dispense of their judicial functions.

The current independent and power of the judiciary to annul, restore back stolen mandates, without fear or favour was first exercised by Justice Nabaruma, giving other judges the latitude to follow in that stead in our current democratic dispensation.

Interestingly, Justice Nabaruma served as chairman of many election petition tribunals, and all his judgements were never reversed in any of the appeals, an evident of his thoroughness in carrying out his cases. He was indeed an impeccable jurist.

The judiciary, all lovers of democracy should be grateful to Honourable Justice Garba Musa Nabaruma for being a pace setter in the Nigerian legal system.

Sadly, his death is coming at a time when people of his caliber are required to stand out and fight in uplifting and entrenching the much needed reforms in the Nigerian judiciary system.

It is my earnest prayer that God almighty comfort his family, friends and indeed all of us whose path crossed together with his during his sojourn on earth.

My condolence also go to the government and people of Yobe State, may God comfort those affected by his demise, especially his immediate family who are now left to mourn him.

commitment to their welfare and for the existing cordial government-labour relationship.

The most recent experience was the workers’ “Thank-you” visit to Ugwuanyi for being the first governor of the state, since the inception of democracy in 1999, to pay them the minimum wage without rancour.

Beyond this, workers’ salaries are paid on the 23rd of every month and pensions are also paid regularly with or without receipt of statutory allocations from the federation account. Again, Enugu has remained consistent with the payment of the “13th month” salary to workers as Christmas bonus.

There is no doubt that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s rural development policy coupled with his uncommon leadership style has indeed dignified him as a great asset to the people of Enugu State, who in gratitude overwhelmingly reelected him with an unprecedented 95.54 percent of the votes cast, the highest in the history of the country.

As the governor was in a hurry, hitting the ground running to fully actualize his administration’s promises after reviewing the public sector for optimal service delivery, the world was hit with the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which brought the socio-economic life of the people and governments to a standstill, forcing government structures across the globe to review their policies and development agenda and focus on health.

Despite this, Ugwuanyi’s administration responded swiftly and expediently to contain the spread of the virus in the state and ensure that the effect of the pandemic does not adversely affect the people and the state’s development programmes. His administration immediately approved and released N350 million to the State COVID-19 Multi-Sectoral Rapid Response Team to tackle the health challenge. In spite of the pandemic’s obvious adverse economic effects, state workers have continued to receive their full salaries, palliatives are being distributed to the less privileged while various degrees of welfare packages were approved for the health workers as incentives to battle the virus.

As Isolation and Treatment Centres for COVID-19 were established and fully equipped in the University town of Nsukka and the ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu, the ultramodern Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre in Enugu, completed by the Ugwuanyi administration, was also equipped and designated as isolation and treatment centre to enhance the state’s preparedness and capacity to fully tackle the pandemic should the disease escalate.

In furtherance of all this, the state government is presently carrying out a massive reconstruction and construction of new structures at the Colliery Hospital Enugu, now designated as an Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre. Importantly, Gov. Ugwuanyi has continued to keep wake at night and also visit state’s boundaries to monitor and enforce Presidential directive on 8pm-6am nationwide curfew and inter-state movement restriction order.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020

19

PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM

AMERICA

chido@usafricaonline.com@Chido247

Biafra, Messiahs Versus Transactionalists It is the weekend of the formal declaration of the defunct Republic of Biafra and Chido Nwangwu posits that Biafra’s duality of meaning, has come to shape, the political-economics and social tendencies of the Igbo

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his is the weekend of May 30, the date of the official declaration of the former Republic of Biafra: the Land of the Rising Sun. Biafra holds a duality of meaning to the Igbo and other Nigerians.

To the Igbo, it was both the highest point of their expression of creative genius and existential ingenuity of the Igbo, Annang, Ibibio, the Efik, and other constituent parts of the People’s Republic of Biafra. It saw the Biafrans prove that technological competence and ingenuity are possible for any community, nation, or race that perseveres.

The Igbo and their fellow Biafrans also proved that after the 1967-1970 Nigeria Biafra War, that the serial and chocking incapacities and inability to move the needle of technological innovations in Nigeria prove that our problems are not in our stars or in our genes, but rather environmentally induced. Especially by lack of visionary leadership. Chinua Achebe, the Prophet, and father of African literature, was right: calling the leadership critical towards achieving development.

Say what you may against the Head of State of Biafra, General Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, he mobilized and conscientized the collective sense of duty and dedication of the highest intellect to see Biafra through a path of thunder and tempest.

He has a permanent place in historical consequence; in my opinion, as not only the greatest Igbo that has ever lived, but one of the most charismatic figures in history! Hence, no matter how many times, nor how many ways his detractors yell words of derogation or write mountains of malice and lies against him, he is etched in the hearts of an overwhelming majority of the Igbo nation.

I recall the high honor of riding with General Ojukwu and Dr. Chuba Okadigbo to the launch of Ojukwu’s controversial book, ‘ Because I am Involved’ at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Chuba, former political adviser of the President of Nigeria [Alhaji Shehu Shagari], I was working for Dr. Chuba’s publications as Assistant Editor of Africa & The World Journal and the Platform Magazine in 1988 to 1990.

I interviewed Ojukwu three times; one at his house in Lagos and twice in the U.S. One thing is certain: the ideological children and grandchildren of Odumegwu Ojukwu, of Chinua Achebe, of Gen. Effiong, of Christopher Okigbo, of Wole Soyinka, have kept a message of national identity, unapologetic zeal and unbowed resilience regarding the 1967-1970 war.

Especially, those who swear “citizenship” under the golden yellow colors of the Land

The Igbo and their fellow Biafrans also proved that after the 1967-1970 Nigeria Biafra War, that the serial and chocking incapacities and inability to move the needle of technological innovations in Nigeria prove that our problems are not in our stars or in our genes, but rather environmentally induced

of the Rising Sun! Biafra.

Biafra has another side. It was a crushing of the highest level of what was possible and shattered it to smithereens. It is a metaphor that even the best of hopes are restrained on the canvas, military, and consorted opposition.

Biafra’s duality of meaning, in my view, has come to shape, the political-economics and social tendencies of the Igbo. The impact of these events and their twists and turns have led me to the theory of the duality of the Igbo outlook post-1970. I will classify into two major tendencies that permeate the Igbo political and business behavior.

First, there is the messianic Igbo.

Second, there is the transactionalist Igbo.

The messianic Igbo looks forward to salvational leadership in the mold of the great Nnamdi Azikiwe, Michael Okpara, and Ojukwu. They target vehicles of agitation which define the Igbo interest as they best know how, such as IPOB. The Messianic Igbo strongly believes that the best way forward optimizes the gifts and resources across the southeast of Nigeria is to establish a new Republic of Biafra. On the other hand, the transactionalist are focused more on search of economic space and frontiers of business and enterprise from Aba [my birthplace] all the way to Guinea Bissau. They do not seek restrictive borders; they create transnational corporations with operational headquarters in the city or country of their activity while their beloved homeland is crying for investments. The transactionalists are more likely to join organizations that are pan-Nigerian and pan-African.

I have tried to study the preWar[1967-1970] Igbo history and experience. I have followed and read a dozen books and hundreds of articles on the Nigeria-Biafra War. I have followed the legitimate issues and concerns about the marginalization of the Igbo [1970-1978], and especially 2015 to date the presidency of retired General Muhammadu Buhari.

Somehow in unique Igbo-speak both the messianics and the transactionalists find convergence in pursuit of the core and cardinal Igbo principles: fairness, equity, equal justice, and a level playing field for all. I believe it will serve the interests of everyone to consider the escalating demands against Nigeria’s 1914 colonial borders as imposed and implemented under The Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern regions by the British soldier of raw materials and minerals named Lord Lugard. I hear the familiar demands approximating the historical agreement at Aburi in Ghana, as reflected in the official minutes, dated January 4-5, 1967. I hear the cries of some young men and young women whose siblings and parents were murdered in the routine killing and genocidal slaughter of the Igbo and the ethnic groups/communities who constituted Biafra. I hear a demand on all those who profit from the militarized impositions of a perpetual, non-negotiable “national unity” since the 1960s to date, circa 2017. It seems to be a demand against domestic agents and foreign corporations whose actions have turned the once evergreen Niger Delta into a decimated, polluted environmental nightmare. I hear a demand for economic security and against 10 years of unemployment after graduation. I hear, loud and clear, a stand against discrimination in admissions and employment.

An Omoluabi Governor at 60 Tunde Oladunjoye highlights the sterling managerial attributes of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State

W

hen Prince Dapo Abiodun was, on the occasion of his 59th birthday, sworn-in as the Governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019, he made some solemn pledges in his inauguration speech.

In the seventh paragraph of the speech delivered before a mammoth crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, the new governor said: “You will always find in me, the conduct of Omoluabi expected of Omo Teacher! I will govern with character. I will serve you diligently and sincerely. I will make your interests the core of governance. I will neither personalise nor abuse the mandate. I will not betray your trust”.

The above pledge has been repeatedly and consistently demonstrated and fulfilled by the governor in the course of his 365 days at the helms of affairs in the “Gateway State.” In fact, it should be taken for granted that anyone who aspires to occupy public office at any level in Ogun State should come aboard with such characteristics of nobility.

Ogun State is not only the “Gateway State” of Nigeria in terms of maps and geography, it is actually and undeniably the pathfinder to Nigeria in many areas too numerous to recap. Journalism berthed in Nigeria with the publication of Iwe Iroyin in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Founded on December 3, 1859, by a missionary, Henry Townsend. It was published bi-weekly, in Yoruba and English language and ran for about eight years, specifically from 1859 to 1867.

Furthermore, Ogun State has led the nation in almost every facets of human endavours, producing the only Nobel Laureate in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka. The greatest music legend to have come out of Africa, Abami Eda, Anikulapo-Kuti; Fela’s mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria; Dr. Tai Solarin, Prince Bola Ajibola, Sir Mike Adenuga, Chief Adeola Odutola, Hubert Ogunde, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Basorun MKO Abiola, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Ernest Sonekan, and many more, are all from Ogun State. Therefore, it is expected that the person in the exalted office of the state will be a personification of Omoluabi, as pledged by Dapo Abiodun, the Royal Prince from Iperu.

On assumption of office, people expected the new governor to follow the ‘established precedent’ of a new governor immediately preoccupying himself with overturning what his immediate predecessor did. Rather, Prince Dapo Abiodun decided to set up committees to look into gray areas. These contentious areas include last minutes employment and award of contracts by the immediate past administration, appointments of permanent secretaries and general managers of statutory bodies, last minutes loans and incurred financial obligations, abandoned and ongoing projects, crisis in tertiary institutions, and so on and further on. In fact those who were very agitated and expectant of drastic, it not

His policy of “inclusiveness” was also unique. It was a clear, rare and deliberate policy position by the Governor that the politics of winner-takes-all cannot augur well for the political space of Ogun State. Of course, the “inclusiveness”, naturally, did not go well with some politicians. That has not been the practice

vindictive actions, described the Governor as “slow”, and his government as a “government of committees”.

Yet, Dapo Abiodun trudged on with the royalty and nobility in him taking the lead. About seven months in the saddle, the “Omo Teacher”decided to regularize and accommodate into the civil service, the over 1,000 workers hurriedly employed by the immediate past administration in its twilight.

The Guardian newspaper in a report filed by Bukky Olajide from Abeokuta on January 23, 2020 reported that: “speaking at the swearing-in of eight newlyappointed permanent secretaries in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun noted that despite some flaws noted in the appointments and recruitments, his government has decided to be magnanimous as a people-centred administration and not to be vindictive.”

He speaks further: “Let me state that we appreciate the recommendations of the Review Committee, comprising eminent retired public servants, that the appointments and recruitments were fraught with non-adherence to the principles and laid-down traditions of the public service. But in line with our administration’s commitment to equity, fairness, justice and inclusiveness, we will not engage in any action or policy that may be viewed as vendetta, rather, we will call on all to continue to put in their best for the service delivery to the people of Ogun State.”

“Despite some flaws, we have upheld all the appointments of the permanent secretaries made in the twilight of the last administration.”Abiodun however cautioned against lobbying by civil servants to attain unmerited position, saying all the new permanent secretaries got their appointments on merit. “I never met any of these new permanent secretaries before. I had no private discussion over who to choose. If you merit it under my watch, you will surely get your promotion as and when due,” he said.

There was palpable tension among the workers last year, when in August Governor Abiodun set up a committee led by a former Head of Service, Dipo Odulate, to look into the appointments and promotions approved by Amosun between February 1st and May 28th, 2019.

Amosun had in April appointed 18 Permanent Secretaries, barely a month to the end of his administration and also approved the recruitment of over 1,000 workers into the state’s civil service, while he promoted about 5,000 others.

Walking his talk further, Abiodun in February, 2020 ordered the payment of seven-month salaries of the said workers recruited. The lucky officers who had been unsure of their fate, rushed out of their offices singing and dancing to express their joy on the good news.

The the State Head of Service, Amope Chokor, said “the development would further affirm that workers’ welfare was a priority and of utmost importance to the governor.” In fact, the workers way-laid the convoy of the governor on his way to the office the following day after the government decision was announced. They swarmed and sang the praises of the governor to high heavens and did not budge until the governor came down from his vehicle to address them.

His policy of “inclusiveness” was also unique. It was a clear, rare and deliberate policy position by the Governor that the politics of winner-takes-all cannot augur well for the political space of Ogun State.

Of course, the “inclusiveness”, naturally, did not go well with some politicians.

That has not been the practice.

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

20

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020 •T H I S D AY

21

T H I S D AY ˾ MAY 29, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

REPO 15 % 15.63 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

16 % 17 % 18 %

M A Y

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

2 2 , 2 0 2 0

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

509.53 % 0.15 % 0.58 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 9.42 % YEAR TO DATE 5.90 %

EXCHANGE RATE N361/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes NACCIMA Appoints Nuka AfCTA C’ttee Scribe

CARING FOR THE NEEDY

L-R: Member, Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA), Mr. Ray Haruna; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Diaspora/Foreign Affair, Mr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu; Director, Strategy/ Programmes, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), Mr. Kenny Adenugba, and Member, OWIT, Dr. Regina Inem, during the donation of palliatives to some residents of Orisunmibare, by NIDOA in Lagos recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Unease as Commercial Flights Slowly Restarts Chinedu Eze Airlines that have started flight operations in Europe and some Asian countries are presently facing what some industry observers described as teething problems.

The major challenge is the lack of consensus on the appropriate protection for passengers and the implementation of government directive by airlines, even as they struggle to make passengers feel safe.

Reports indicated that passengers are not entirely satisfied with the level of protection offered by some airlines, while striving to uphold government policies.

According to reports, British Airways passengers complained

AVIATION during a flight on Monday about packed flights in Europe and passengers without masks.

But a spokesperson for British Airways defended the airline, saying, “We follow all the guidance from the UK Government and global health authorities, including Public Health England and the World Health Organisation.

“We have taken several steps to greatly reduce contact between customers and crew, and personal protective equipment is available to them.

“Like other forms of transport we are keeping vital links open - repatriating customers

and ensuring key supplies like medicines and food are flown in. Our teams are doing an amazing job.”

Reports also indicated that British low-cost airline, EasyJet announced plans to keep the middle seat empty within banks of three seats to ensure social distancing on its flights, while passengers would also be required to wear masks and no food would be served and disinfectant wipes would be available for passengers Similarly, Irish budget airline, Ryanair, said passengers and crew would be required to wear face masks or face coverings, and pass temperature checks, while Aer Lingus said face masks are compulsory for both passengers

and staff, and would be until at least the end of August, adding that social distancing is encouraged, but not required on board aircraft.

Taking a cue from what is happening in Europe, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has insisted that passengers must wear masks and airlines must check the temperature of every passenger, use sanitisers and also observe social distancing when checking in passengers.

Before airlines would resume operations in Nigeria, NCAA said they must demonstrate how they would protect the passengers and would have to certify each airline before it resumes operation.

‘Nigeria Lacks Technical Competence to Benefit from Cabotage Act’ Eromosele Abiodun With the Cabotage Act that gives preference for Nigerian seafarers to operate vessels doing business on the nation’s territorial waters now in force, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Temisan Omatseye, has said Nigerian seafarers lack the requisite technical competence.

He said the international oil companies (IOCs) have upped their operations in a bid to attain safety leaving the indigenous participants in oil supply logistics behind. Omatseye made the submission during an Instagram Live programme in Lagos.

“The Cabotage Act has

MARITIME been passed but we have an unfortunate situation because shipping is capital intensive and requires a lot of long term funding. Over the last 15 years, IOCs have upped the scale of their operations. So, you previously had Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) that went there but the IOCs have moved from DP1 to DP2 because of safety issues.

“The new category of vessels is more expensive and it requires specialised skills for operations. Onboard a DP1 you would have two or three captains, one maneuvering the vessel, one maneuvering the DP and another onboard but these require specialist skills. We don’t

have the manpower to run such operations in Nigeria,” he said.

Omatseye, who is also a former President of African Shipowners Association (ASA), said Nigeria’s Cabotage Act is strong and progressive but the challenge has been the implementation.

“The issue of waivers is one of the challenges Nigeria’s shipping sector is facing. We talked about cessation of waivers in one year but this has continued because we don’t have the capacity to support that,” he added.

Noting that Nigeria would continue producing oil in the next 15-20 years, he opined the nation could take advantage of the long-term contracts with IOCs. “Based on the assets required

by these IOCs, there should be a plan in place for acquisition and writing off these assets over the 15year period. What this does is to reduce the rate, reduce the payment and it also allows you to develop capacity in the industry within that period.

“The problem we have is lack of synergy. The oil companies are running their operations while the regulator in the maritime sector is playing catch-up.

“Anytime the regulator increases the heat on the IOCs, they slow down production and blame the regulator for it. So, the regulator is eventually called to stop doing the enforcement by the government because it would be slowing down the government’s revenue,” he said.

TheNigerianAssociationofChambersofCommerce,Industry,Mines andAgriculture(NACCIMA)hasappointed Mr.NwiabuLegborsiNukaasSecretary oftheNACCIMAAfricanContinentalFreeTradeAgreement(AFCFTA) Committee.

Theappointment,whichmakeshimthearrowheadoftheprivatesector voiceonAfCFTAinthecountry,isforaninitialtermofoneyearandtakes effectfromMarch10,2020.

Theletterofappointment,whichwassignedbyDirectorGeneral,NACCIMA ,Mr.AyoolaOlukanni,furtherlistedMr.JhaniIbrahimaschairmanofthe committeewhilePrinceDavidIwetaisthevice-chairman.

OthermembersofthecommitteeincludeMr.AdeAdefeko,Professor JonathanAremuaswellasOlukanni.

The letter read: “NACCIMA sincerely looks forward to the pleasure of continued partnership and collaborations with you to our outlined programs for the capacity building of our members, association and Nigeria.“ However,reactingtohisappointment,Nuka,whoisExecutiveDirector, NigeriaPrivateSectorAlliance(NiPSA)toldTHISDAYthatheisprepared toworkforthebettermentoftheprivateandpublicsectorinNigeria.

He also extended his appreciation to the leadership of NACCIMA for thehonour.

HeaddedthattheestablishmentoftheAfCTAcommitteefurtherindicated that,“theOrganisedPrivateSectorinNigerianowhasitsownAfCFTA structure to engage, educate and empower the business community andotherprivatesectorentitiesonissuesofAfCFTA.”

Boeing May Sack 7,000 Workers

Boeingplanstonotifyabout7,000employeesthisweekthattheirjobs wouldbeeliminatedaspartofa10percentcompanywidestaffreduction thattargetstheaerospacegiant’scommercialaircraftbusiness.Flight GlobalreportedthatthelayoffnoticefollowedBoeing’sannouncement lastmonththatitwouldreduceits160,000-strongglobalworkforceby about10percent,or16,000staffers,duetothecoronavirusdownturn.

AccordingtoBoeing,thereductioncouldhit15percentofitscommercial aircraft workforce. The company has already approved voluntary separationsof5,520workers.

Thisweekitwouldnotifyanother6,770employeesthattheirjobshave been eliminated, Boeing chief executive, Dave Calhoun, said in a May 27,lettertoemployees.

Thecompanysaiditwould,“provideallthesupportwecan”toaffected workers,includingseverancepaymentsandcareertransitionservices, hesays.

The initial 6,770 layoffs “represent the largest segment” of Boeing’s planned staff cuts, but “several thousand remaining layoffs will come inadditionaltranchesoverthenextfewmonths”,saysthecompany.

Boeing’s non-US operations are also “working through workforce reductions”.

“The Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on the airline industry means a deep cut in the number of commercial jets and services our customerswillneedoverthenextfewyears,whichinturnmeansfewer jobsonourlinesandinouroffices,”Calhounwrites.

Inresponse,Boeinghassaiditwouldcut787productiontosevenfrom 14 aircraft monthly by 2022 and slash 777 output to three from five aircraftmonthyin2021.Itintendstobuild737Maxatarateof31aircraft monthlyin2021,downfromapre-groundingoutputof53Maxmonthly.

Latin American Airlines May Go Under

LATAMandAviancaareLatinAmerica’sfirstcarrierstofileforbankruptcy protection amid the pandemic, but are unlikely to be last considering the slow pace at which the region’s governments have implemented financialassistanceprogrammes.

Colombia’s Avianca, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month, and Santiago, Chile-based LATAM, which filed in the early hours of 26 May, said their virus-reduced operations would continue amid the bankruptcy protection process. Bankruptcy, they add, will allow them to restructure debt and prepare for the day when airtravelacrossSouthAmericareturnstosomesemblanceofnormalcy.

Avianca Holdings is one of 39 companies named in a joint bankruptcy filing with the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New Yorkon10May.OthersincludedAviancaEcuador,AviancaCostaRica, TampaCargoandTacaInternationalAirlines.

“We are developing a programme for an economic stimulus package, all inclusive. We have met to map out ways of getting stimulus for the sector. The Minister presented a very good case on this with the Vice President” Director General, NCAA,

Captain Musa Nuhu

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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Joels: Nigeria Requires Comprehensive Tax Reform Lead Partner, Stransact Partners and Stransact LLP, Eben Joels has been a constant feature in Nigeria’s professional financial services space since 2009. In this interview, he speaks about his career trajectory and how the coronavirus has affected Nigeria’s economy. Adedayo Adejobi brings the excerpts:

W

ith the crash in the price of crude oil, Nigeria’s growing population and the current pandemic, what do you think should be the focus of the federal government?

There is a common adage that the wise will never let a crisis go to waste. We already have many crises. Before coronavirus, the unprecedented level of uncontrolled violence in Nigeria - armed herders, armed robbers, kidnappers, politicians, police, and area boys, etc. Everyone unleashes violence on the harmless, and we all go about our lives as if this is normal. There is no country in the world that has the level of violence that we have in Nigeria unless those ravaged by ongoing wars. The coronavirus is just another crisis among several crises that the average Nigerian lives with. And if you are asking me for solutions, what use will anything I say be? There is a common truth that there can be no active learning where either the teacher or the student is not willing. If we believe Fela Anikulapo that government is the teacher, it is clear that they are not ready to play their part.

Sometimes, it looks as if there is no government. There can be no development where those at the helm of affairs see their role as a lucrative job- that requires spoiling their offices. We can only develop if those going into government have a mindset of service and value they will add to the office.

This is the time for those who mean well for Nigeria (not those who seek to enjoy the spoils and prestige of office), to come together and agree on a comprehensive vision for the country we all want to see in a few years. Humans have proved that prosperity is not contingent on natural resources. The greatest resource required to create wealth is right-thinking people.

Luxemburg, Switzerland, Norway, these countries were not always wealthy. At a time, they were very poor too. But it took some good governance and the right strategy and not even the latter discovery of natural resources to turn them around.

Japan and South Korea are some of the richest in the world today. These nations got rich by developing their people to provide services and manufacture for the rest of the world. Nigeria should have a proper service economy. That is the future. But the bedrock of a proper service economy is wage and hour reforms. We need to respect and install a proper national minimum wage that includes the housemaid.

Do you think Nigeria’s emphasis on increasing taxes, as we have seen in the last few years, is a viable strategy?

I always try to avoid discussing tax administration and strategy in Nigeria.

No matter what you say, there are small minds that will think you are posturing for a job. When we stuck our neck out to say that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) consultants have no right to look into the books of taxpayers, everyone treated us like a pariah. Today, the new FIRS chair is singing the same song. We have always believed that the better strategy is to expand the tax net to bring in more taxpayers. You will be shocked to find out that apart from civil servants and members of the organised private sector, the word “tax� is alien to many Nigerians, especially many politicians. I believe very strongly that we should have a more comprehensive tax reform that allows every individual to render some accounting to the federal government every year. The current model where individuals pay all their taxes to states and only incorporated business pay to the federal government is part of the reason why we do not hold the government at the center accountable the way we should.

Yes, increasing taxes is not the ideal. We can bring in more people to pay taxes.

We can restructure taxes. We can have a proper inheritance tax to stop those who stole money from passing all of the stolen money to the next generation. There are

Joels

many things we can do.

Can you share the experience of how you are settling into the life of entrepreneurship in America and giving leadership to Nigeria operations?

First, I do not think I have left Nigeria.

I grew up here and have lived all my life in Nigeria until I left for law school four years ago. I had no exit plan because I was not planning an exit. However, I knew from talking to certain elders that it was in my interest to keep a low profile, and that was why I left for law school- to avoid screaming at the deaf.

I will only get more frustrated and put me in more danger. In the last two years, we have incorporated Stransact LLP as a Certified Public Accounting firm in New Hampshire. The firm focuses on helping African companies set up and succeed in the United States, which is still the world’s largest economy. We also now have Joels Law Office as a secondary practice, and we provide comprehensive one-stop tax, legal, accounting, and business solutions. Yomi Salawu leads our practice in Nigeria. I continue to assist our clients as best as I can. Technology has made the world a small place.

Before you left Nigeria, your company was known speciďŹ cally for training tax managers and training on ďŹ nancial reporting. You also organise conferences and seminars in Ghana, UK and across the world. Do you still do that?

Those who knew me from my university days know that I particularly enjoy organising seminars, conferences, and professional events. I still do this. We are currently working on our vehicle, Knowledge Company LLC, to provide knowledge brokerage services for emerging companies. We are conveniently located in the greater Boston area to channel evolving thoughts on business problems from Harvard and MIT- two of America’s premium learning institutions. We think, as Africans, we are better able to tailor foreign ideas and solutions for the continent. We are planning on a Nigerian subsidiary for this business, and our focus will be on sourcing and polishing talents for businesses.

Lastly, let us talk about Stransact, Nigeria. How do you plan to remain competitive in the near future considering the number of big four ďŹ rm alumni that have similar practices?

We are actively working on becoming a member firm of an international network that is devoted to the middle market. We believe that this gives our clients access to superior resources that can create a business advantage. We are currently part of the TIAG/TAG alliance of global firms, but full membership of a network, especially one that is a market leader in technology, is the right tonic that we can use to spur the middle market in Nigeria at this time.

Cargo Operation as Revenue Earner for Domestic Airlines Chinedu Eze There have been clamour for Nigerian airlines to become fully engaged in cargo delivery as alternative source of revenue generation, since passenger service suffered under the COVID-19 lockdown.

Since the lockdown that led to the suspension of commercial flights, cargo delivery has been going on and many airlines that have strong cargo market augmented their earnings at the time airlines forced their personnel into leave without pay, while others lay off their staff.

Some industry operatives who spoke to THISDAY said over the years, Nigerian airlines have not developed the cargo market; so most farm produce and others are being moved by road, as Nigeria does not have well developed train system.

Sometimes goods spend three days on the road from the northern part of the country to the south.

THISDAY spoke to cargo specialist and the President, Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokoma, who said that there is a huge market for Nigerian airlines in West and Central Africa but this market is being exploited by foreign carriers.

Nwokoma, said many countries in West and Central Africa depend on Nigeria for their everyday product needs and what the international courier company, DHL does is that it used Lagos as a hub.

It would bring cargo needed in the sub-region with large, wide body aircraft and then redistribute the cargo to neighbouring countries with smaller airplanes, noting that this would have been a potential market for Nigerian airlines. “Cargo operation is not a business you just jump into. You have to plan it and there should be synergy among Nigerian airlines if they want to go into cargo airlifting and that will be key to their survival post COVID-19. That will be thinking out of the box,� he said.

Nwokoma said Nigeria has agricultural produce that are perishable goods but are allowed to waste every year because of the inability to take them to the market of demand overseas.

He noted that many agricultural produce in Nigeria are needed at the international market, a huge potential which he said remains unexplored. “Most of the African countries in West and Central sub-regions rely so much on

We have to fully implement the ease of doing business to ensure that those perishable goods are not delayed. We have 16 agencies at the airport and if everyone must inspect the goods they will spoil before you move them

Nwokoma

Nigeria. Countries like the Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and others have Nigeria as their key source of products; so Nigerian airlines can harness this opportunity and supply the needed goods to these countries from our country. “You may not know that yam and mango are in very high demand in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, Thailand, different parts of Asia, Americas and Europe. Nigeria is the highest producer of yam and cassava in the world. “But Ghana is known to export mangoes to Europe. If you go to the big stores in UK you buy mangoes exported from Ghana.

But Nigeria has the highest variety of mangoes in the world and can produce mango juice with different tastes. These are unexplored market where Nigerian airlines can prosper,� he said.

Nwokoma also noted that Nigeria could revive the meat factory in Bauchi state where hundreds of cows could be killed and processed and distributed to other parts of the country by air. This would cut off the several abattoirs with unhygienic conditions where cattle are slaughtered daily.

There are key things that are needed for Nigerian airlines to benefit from this huge potential cargo market.

Nwokoma said they have to work together. Government has to remove the bottlenecks at the airports where there are about 16 agencies that must insist on inspecting export produce and because they are largely perishables, by the time the agencies finish their inspection, which may take days, the goods are destroyed.

He advocated for one-stop inspection whereby little time would be wasted on inspection and the goods would be moved. “We have to fully implement the ease of doing business to ensure that those perishable goods are not delayed. We have 16 agencies at the airport and if everyone must inspect the goods they will spoil before you move them. “The airlines should be more focused but above all, we have to have sophisticated packaging, quality control and make sure that our packaging is acknowledged globally. When these are done, I assure you we have unlimited international market for our agricultural products,�

Nwokoma said.

He insisted that the major setback to cargo export in Nigeria is the bottlenecks at the airports, noting that once they are streamlined into one stop inspection process, goods will spend less time before they are airlifted to various destinations.

Industry operators describe the latent cargo export and distribution market in Nigeria as multibillion business that is waiting for exploitation.

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

23

Okunowo: Lots of Nigerians Financially Excluded General Manager, Sales and Distribution, Paga, Arike Okunowo, in this interview says the company which is licensed to undertake mobile money operations has made it possible for payments in urban and rural areas in Nigeria. Chinedu Eze provides the excerpts:

Y

ou know the lockdown has been hard on everybody and businesses apart from the network providers and perhaps pharmaceutical companies.

So what has been the impact of this COVID-19 lockdown on your company?

The service that we provide is an essential service and people will want to do one financial transaction or the other. Yes, I would say it had a little impact, but most importantly Paga was able to provide solution even in the communities. With the lockdown we had our agents who were in their communities being able to perform transactions, help their community members to send money to their loved ones. And also those of them that require people to send money to them were also able to receive money. So it was more like helping to move around the palliatives at least in cash form. And also people needed to pay for their bills, PHCN, pay TV subscription, Paga agents are on ground to actually help solve problems for people. So, while you are you are on lockdown you still had access to live life a little bit and not allow COVID-19 just takeover everything. So we were just on ground and in place to help people still continue to make their lives possible even with all of the issues on ground.

With mobile agents being an essential service, what efforts have Paga put in place to reduce the risk of cash handling at agents’ outlets?

You know the COVID-19 has made people to be even more aware and hygiene has become very important. So the first thing we did was to sensitise our agents and teach them how to sell safely. All of the things that the government has been trying to pass on, we just took the message and helped to pass it on to our agents, teaching them that selling at a safe distance is very key and making sure that their hands are clean by sanitising them after counting money and using their facemask and all of that. So, we did a lot of training, even did short videos and sent to them so that we could sensitise them. And in going forward, it wasn’t just sensitising alone, we provided facemasks for them and sanitisers that they can use while doing their transactions. And we keep educating them on that.

So how did you manage those agents who were unable to open their outlets?

How was the coordination and communication with them?

The interesting thing and the good thing about Paga agent business is that your customers do not always have to come to your outlet. So, our agents have another product where their customers are registered with them and those customers can transact on their own. And while those customers are transacting on their own, our agents are still working. So, most of them that couldn’t open probably because their outlets are far from where they leave, or communities where they leave, as long as they can earn a little business in their community, the customer that they had registered, they are also reaching to them to transact on their own. So as those customers are transacting on their own, the agents are also earning money. So, our agents were not totally off earning money, they were still earning a living even with all of the COVID issue.

As the economy reopens what is Paga doing to empower its agents to return to normal business?

As the economy is reopening gradually, we are also sending out messages to our agents, just like we have been doing during the COVID-19. So, we haven’t stopped, we keep sending out messages sensitising them on how to sell safely, on how to maintain

in terms of patronage?

During the lockdown we saw patronage at the agent point, especially payment of bills because that was mostly what people were doing during lockdown. And some people also cashing out but cashing in wasn’t as much because economic activity was reduced. But then we saw over 300 per cent increase in the number of people that registered to use Paga on their own, like the online activities that you mentioned. So we saw a huge positive impact in the number of people who are now confident and comfortable to wanting to use online services and Paga services.

Would you say there is a huge potential in the market in Nigeria for Paga now?

There is a very huge potential, like I said before there are still so many people that are financially excluded both the mass and even the high-end people that per say. So the good thing about Paga is that we cater for every aspect of the population of Nigeria.

In the mass market there are still a lot of potentials. There are lots of communities that still have to travel wide and far before they can access financial services. There are so many communities that they still keep their monies under their beds. These we can actually help to include in the financial state and even those that are already banked, there is a solution for them even on Paga. So, whether you are banked, whether you are unbanked, or whether you are under banked, Paga has a solution for you. So there is are lot of opportunities, there are lots of things that Paga can still do in the Nigerian space.

Okunowo safe distancing with their customers. We are sending out short videos and picture on how to maintain safe distancing, and not allowing customers crowd their outlets. And we are also driving mass awareness around the customers and we also encourage our agents to reach out to their customers. Because they have access on their platform, they can send out mass messages to their customers as well while we are also doing that sensitisation.

And then we are also reaching out to a lot of people, that had reached out during the lockdown that they also want to be agents. So we are also reaching out to them to finalise their onboarding process and just keep the business and everybody going.

You recently announced some strategic partnerships with Visa and Pin Al Cohorts, what is this partnership about?

We all know Visa is worldwide, so this partnership is going to open a world of opportunities for our agents and even merchants that accept payments on Paga, such that anyone that banks with a bank that has Visa product on them will be able to transact at any of our merchant point.

So, it is more like making our agents to be able to accept any kind of transaction. like anyone coming in, once you have a Visa able bank then you can transact with that. It is a bigger opportunity for our network. And for the Pin Al Cohorts partnership, it will open the opportunity for us to interact with the subsidiaries of Ping Hang; it is one of the largest financial institutions in the world.

So now that Paga has been chosen to be a part of that, it means we will be able to take a lot of learning from the success of Pin, we will be able to work with some of their subsidiaries and in doing so we are able to even bring on more value added services to our agents, clients and customers. So it is like creating a world of opportunities for every customer of Paga.

How are you relating with Remita, what is the partnership like?

With Remita, I would say one thing that comes to mind for me, it is more like Paga is now able to help the federal government to expand the payment points for their bills.

Because Remita is where the federal government payments are made. So now with the partnership with Paga, with the 0ver 25,000 Paga agents that we have around, then people that needs to pay federal government bills now have a whole lot of places closer to them in their community where they can pay the federal government bills. It also reduces the burden for some people that already have the fear of digital payments. So, with the agent point, people can actually still go there and make their payments by themselves or make their payments on their Paga App by themselves. So it is like making life possible, simplifying federal government payments and just making it easy for people to access payment points and make their payments when it is needed and very quickly as well.

I know you have been expanding your network in Nigeria, with the COVID-19 impact, many people have lost jobs, will you be willing to take in more people or increase the agents you have in Nigeria?

Paga’s purpose in Nigeria is to allow people to have access and use their money. The economy is so large and the market is still so large that there is still a need for that. In the communities that we have had Paga, it has really made a lot of difference for them.

There are communities that prior to when Paga agents were set up there, they had to travel lots of distances before they can have access to financial services. But once Paga was there it added to the economic activity of their community. This is because it is now easier for you to access and use your money.

So we will keep growing and expanding the network because we want to keep allowing people that access and use of their money and also making life easy for people. It is what we are here for and we are not going to stop until we make sure that the impact is really felt and people happy, people have easy access and they are able to use their money the way they want to use it.

When you look at online banking in Nigeria, some people due to skepticism haven’t embraced it. Now during this lockdown did you see more patronage or how would you describe the situation

For you to increase your market share you have to sensitise the citizens in terms of campaign, how are you doing it?

In terms of campaign, we are doing a lot of marketing activities both digitally and currently we are already doing billboards all over the place. We are also always engaging with our customers, sending messages, newsletters, getting people to understand what Paga can do for them. At the agent level, we always have like what you call small meetings where we can sell the need for people to take on the agency business.

Because right now if anybody tells me that, ‘I lost my job and I don’t have anything to do’. I will tell him that you have got you debut; Paga agent business is there, where you can just plug in and start making life possible for your community. And as you are making life possible for your community you are also making life possible for yourself.

So a lot of sensitization is going on and as the years goes on people will see more of Paga out there. This COVID situation kind of slowed everybody down but as we go in we will see more of Paga out there.

Going into the rural areas, how do you see the market in the rural community?

Just like I said, even during the COVID-19 lockdown we still had people being able to send money to their relatives from wherever and they will be able to cash it out at their own point. So people living in the cities are able to send money to any of their relatives with a phone number. You just need the person’s phone number, you send it to the phone number, the person walks up to an agent and uses a code to cash out at the agent’s point. You might think it is only from the city that money is sent to the rural, you may be surprised that a lot of money is flowing in the rural. A lot of them also come into the cities to buy product that they need to take back. They are able to send money via Paga, so it is both ways.

So Paga is there to ensure that payments and money moves both ways, person to person payment and it is seamless. You can access your money at any time and then you can use it easily.

24

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020 •T H I S D AY

From infrastructural development to human capital and from the decaying health sector to poor road networks, the Bala Mohammed led administration in Bauchi State came to power with an ambitious “My Bauchi Project”.

The idea of the administration is to redress decades of dislocation, underdevelopment, poor governance, inept and unaccountable systems—so that Bauchi State would be properly repositioned on the path of progress, infrastructural and human capital development.

In the last 12 months, the administration of Bala Mohammed, despite dwindling financial purse and a global pandemic that have altered its plans, so many successes have been recorded in the areas of roads, schools and hospital constructions, expansion of water systems, improving access to health care delivery, youth and women empowerment among others.

For instance, the administration recognises that without roads, an agrarian society like Bauchi will never realise its full potentials and trade, commerce and full society will be in jeopardy. Moreover, there will be no incentive for investors to come. Thus, in its determination to provide the muchdesired dividends of democracy, Government wasted no time in commencing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical urban roads; that have immediate impact in enhancing traffic flow in Bauchi city and Azare. Similarly, some carefully selected state roads that provide vital inter local government connectivity are also receiving concerted attention.

In Bauchi metropolis, two bypasses were identified and awarded and have now been completed, namely: The Design and Construction of 6.2Km Sabo Kaura to Jos Road, was awarded at the cost of N2,230,774,265.99; Which is alos 92 percent complete.

The Design and Construction of 4.4Km Gombe Road by-pass to Tirwun, along Maiduguri Road at the cost of N2,581,199,115.19, which has now been completed.

The 1.1Km Muda Lawan Market dual carriage road and the 1.8Km Yakubun Bauchi Quarters link road is also 90 percent complete.

In Azare, two contracts for the design and construction of strategic township roads, namely: the 1.8 km Tafawa Balewa Road and the 1.5 km Hospital which were awarded at the cost of N1,019,107,285.24 are now completed.

Two major roads were also awarded; one in the southern senatorial district and another one in the Central Senatorial District. These are: The design and construction of the 16Km Sade - Akuyam Road which links Darazo and Misau Local Government Areas; awarded to Messrs Habibu Engineering Nig. Ltd at the cost of N3,067,463,000.00, which is 90 percent complete and the design and construction of the 58.4 Km Yelwan Duguri - Tora - Badaran Dutse - Birim - Bajama - Kundak

- Wurno Road linking Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas, awarded to Messrs Triacta Nig. Ltd at the cost of N8,906,577,723.00, which is also 50 percent complete. Both contracts have completion periods of 18-months and fifty percent down payment have been made to the contractors.

In the aspect of water, the administration inherited the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project (NUWSRP3), a World Bank supported Project which is expected to resolve the water supply challenge of Bauchi metropolis for the next one decade. However, at the inception of the administration, it was found out that the speed with which the Project was being executed was unbelievably slow. Government mustered the political will to kick-start the project and approached the World Bank, to make time-line adjustments to accommodate delays in take-off. The Government also strengthened supervision of the Project by re-constituting the Board of Directors of the Bauchi State Urban Water and Sewerage Corporation. With these measures taken, the Project is now on course.

While the project goes on, government is executing a contingency measure to improve the water supply situation in the metropolis.

Measures taken included the reactivation of boreholes-based water schemes of Barkumbo, Lushi, Rafin Zurfi and Zango/Gudum. Others are the overhauling of one (1) No. 1,500KVA generating set at Gubi Water Treatment Plant, the rehabilitation of the 800mm diameter transmission mains from the Treatment Plant at Warinje reservoir and attending to leakages within the distribution network.

The administration has in the last 12 months constructed 13 new community water supply schemes, rehabilitated 160 hand pump boreholes and installed 48 solar motorized water supper schemes, among other projects embarked upon to alleviate the problem of water supply that had bedeviled many of the communities before the inception of the administration.

To cater for the needs of its population of more than seven million, government came up with an ambitious plan for the New Bauchi city. This is a massive Housing project secured by the administration in collaboration with Family Homes Fund, a subsidiary of the Federal Ministry of Finance. It involves the construction of 2,500 Housing units of 3 and 2 Bedrooms in the State, to be distributed accordingly: Bauchi 1,500 units; Azare 350 units; Misau 250 units; Ningi 200 units; Dass 100 units and Jama’are 100 units.

The ground breaking foundation laying ceremony has since taken place and construction sites handed over to the contractors across the six emirates council of the state.

The project enjoys a four-year re-payment moratorium with a tenor of 12 to 15 years. When completed, the city will have its infrastructure, worship centres, shopping areas, schools, filling stations, a dedicated hospital and police station.

In the areas of health, steady progress is being made towards equipping each of the 323 electoral wards in the state with at least one functional primary health care centre. In this regard, ability to create the trust environment with our development partners has yielded great dividends.

• In collaboration with UNICEF, 43 PHC facilities across the state were renovated.

• In collaboration with the World Bank, under the AF-NSHIP, a total of 203 PHCs, spread across 10, out of the 20 local government areas in the state, have been upgraded and stocked with medical consumables and payment of staff bonuses aimed at enhancing supervision by local government primary health care departments.

• The complete rehabilitation and re-equipping of a minimum of one General Hospital in each of the 20 LGAs, aimed at extending quality healthcare services to the doorsteps of the people • Introduction of highly competitive welfare packages to doctors, pharmacists, nurses and indeed all health workers; aimed at redressing the gross imbalance in the doctor-patient ratio, a factor that has had serious adverse effect on healthcare delivery in the state

25

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020 • T H I S D AY

• Aggressive public enlightenment campaign resulted in 1.4 million children under the age of five years and 300, 000 women being vaccinated, during the 2019 Maternal and New-born Child-health Week • The administration is re-negotiating the Quadripartite Partnership on Primary Healthcare with a clear determination to eliminating performance deficits such as lack of reliable data, fragmented management structure, lack of accountability and insufficient resource allocation which collectively, constituted serious impediments to its actualisation, within the stipulated timeframe • Payment of N333m counterpart contribution to development partners The Government’s strategy is to provide palliative measures, in the short run while hoping that the efforts of the DISCOs will eventually translate to reliable power supply, in the long run. Towards this end, Government has taken steps to settle debts owed to the discos before it came on board last May. Other measures taken by the Government include: • Procurement and installation of transformers in several locations all over the state • Restoration of electricity to communities that had been yanked off the power grid and consequently, thrown into darkness, for over two years, due to the disruption to the high- tension lines serving those areas.

• Settlement of the inherited contractual liabilities, or the electrification of some areas in Alkaleri LGA. In the aspect of youth empowerment, the Bala led administration resolved to address the huge social crisis engendered by unemployment and other issues, from the outset. In addition to making education affordable, the Government resolved to promote vocational education as an effective panacea to joblessness and social vices. Some major achievements in this area include: • Training of 500 unemployed youths in the following areas of skills acquisition: welding/fabrication of farm tools; animal traction; goat/sheep rearing; poultry production and information/communication technology (ICT). Other areas are handset repairs, computer engineering/repairs and MS Word operations. They also received training in hair dressing, tailoring, petty business, furniture production and fish farming. This was done in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund, ITF. • Training of 45 ex-convicts in various forms of skills acquisition. This was done in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of His Excellency, the Executive Governor • Sponsorship of youth with disabilities, to participate in para soccer and athletics locally • Active promotion of private sector collaboration in sports promotion and sponsorship; a very good example being the MOU between the state government and Hyland Williams Consulting LLC/ BERACKIA International Ltd, Muslim Maigari & Co, to provide consultancy services for youth and sports development and the establishment of a sports academy in the state • 350 out of the 1,000 commercial tricycles promised by the administration have been procured and delivered as substitute; which is aimed at empowering youth in place of the banned commercial motorcycle business in the state.

The administration’s resolve to revitalize the educational system was the brain behind some key decisions taken to redress the indolence that was the order of the day.

For instance, on WAEC exams; of the 36 States in the country, Bauchi State consistently maintained the 31st position. Of every 100 children that enrolled in primary school in the State, only 3% reached tertiary level of education. At a mind-boggling population of 1.3 million out-of-school pupils; the highest number in the country. Unacceptably high rate of truancy among staff pupils, dilapidated

school buildings and other educational infrastructure, governance deficit in school administration as some secondary schools operated without official bank accounts as well as N612m unpaid WAEC registration fees were some of the anomalies that retarded the education sector for decades.

The Bala led administration have introduced some pragmatic measures such as construction of 238 new classroom blocks, renovation of 406 classrooms and school furniture worth N5 billion, a joint work between Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and the state universal education board SUBEB—2017-2018 intervention.

Currently, the administration has accessed additional N3 billion UBEC funding after paying its counterpart funding—2018-2019 intervention. providing more access to the numerous out of school children, addressing WAEC racketeering, promoting teachers’ welfare, reviewing schools’ curriculum, introduction of biometric registers for teachers, enhancement of teachers’ capacities etc., were some of the measures taken by the administration.

In the area of agriculture, the Government has kept faith with its pledge to fast-track agricultural revolution in the State with the following as key components: * Targeting and developing five high potential value chains: Rice, Sesame, Sorghum, Groundnuts and Ruminants. The intention here is to ensure food security, job creation and attracting private investments * Improved access to inputs by re-structuring and reviving the Bauchi Fertilizer Blending Company, Bauchi State Agricultural Supply Company and engaging private sector participation in the supply of quality inputs and farming implements * Ambitious expansion in the number and skills of Extension Services Workers from the less than 15 that it inherited to, at least, 2000 highly trained hands, in the next three years * Enhanced crop and livestock productivity through the introduction of smart crops, improved high-yield crops, etc. * Ongoing negotiation to achieve a public private sector intervention urgently required revamping the Galambi Cattle Ranch; Gubi and Madangala Dairy Farms, The Bauchi Meat Products Company and other closed factories. The value addition generated is expected to create high-paying jobs and their multiplier effects for our teaming youths * Recent breakthrough with a private entrepreneur who is investing more than N5 billion in the establishment of a rice mill with the capacity to produce 600 tones of rice On the aspect of workers’ welfare, the Bala led administration in keeping with his campaign promises and his inaugural speech, “My Bauchi Project”, one of the very first actions of Bala Mohammed, on assumption of office, was to commence payment of arrears of gratuities and pensions.

Personnel emoluments/entitlements were heartlessly abandoned by the previous administrations; that is, despite receiving a whopping N65 billion in bailout funds, from the Federal Government. To show his unflinching commitment to the process, the Governor by-passed the biometric verification of affected persons and approved the commencement of payments, before the verification exercise was concluded.

The Government has set aside N200 million monthly, to service the arrears of N29 billion inherited from the Mohammed Abubakar Administration, while meeting current obligations.

On the recent Coronavirus pandemic that sends humanity to shiver, Bala Mohammed being the first citizen of the state to test positive for the virus has shown commitment by galvanizing the citizens of the state; so that through shared responsibility, the citizens could play a role in ending the virus.

That approach has changed the narratives; Bauchi as at May 27th has only 24 active patients of Covid-19, down from nearly 232 cases.

THE FOREGOING ACHIEVEMENTS ARE JUST FEW OUT OF THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF GOVERNOR BALA MOHAMMED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AS EVIDENT IN SOME OF THE PICTURES BELOW:

On going construction of Buzayw Water Reservoir

GOV, BALA WITH USAID OFFICILAS IN ABUJA

Alh Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Former SGF (L), with Gov Bala Mohammed during the Gadau retreat

Governor Bala Abdulkadir inspecting supplied Keke Napeps in Bauchi

Gov Bala exchanging banters with former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Inspecting procured water pipes for Gubi Dam Rehabilitation and expansion project Dunkurmi PHC Misau 2

Dunkurmi PHC Misau

Constructed classroom block at Gida Dubu, Bauchi

CONSTRUCTION OF BYE -PASS GOMBE ROAD TO YAKUBUN BAUCHI QTRS

Bauchi commissioner for works inspecting Yelwan Duguri Burga bridge

Completed Yelwan Duguri Burga Birdge

26

T H I S D AY ˾ MAY 29, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Rising to Gas Supply Challenge in COVID-19 Era Eromosele Abiodun highlights the effort by Accugas, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, to meet the gas supply needs by GenCos during the lockdown ordered by the federal government to curb the spread of COVID-19

W

hen the COVID-19 outbreak became a national concern, many Nigerians were worried about the prospects of surviving a lockdown without a reliable and stable supply of electricity. In particular, the availability of gas to supply the electricity generating companies (GenCos), as well as the capacity of the national grid to deliver sufficient electricity were critical concerns.

Indeed, they had reason to worry. Nigeria has an installed electricity generation capacity of 12,500MW. About 87.5 per centof this capacity is generated by gas-fired power stations. Nigerians feared that the unprecedented lockdown could disrupt gas supply and consequently, electricity supply to millions of households and critical businesses such as hospitals and mobile network operators.

The Unsung Heroes Four weeks into the lockdown, it was clear that electricity supply to households exceeded initial expectations. This was due to efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in tackling some recurrent constraints within the value chain. Also worthy of note is the contribution of some gas producers, who braved the challenge of COVID-19 to ensure that gas was available for power generation – and through this, helped to sustain electricity supply to Nigerians.

Just before midnight on May 1 2020, data released by Nesistats, an organisation that collates and releases data on power supply in Nigeria, indicated that 4,227 MWH/ Hour of electricity was generated on that day, a 317.34 MW increase compared to the previous day.

On the downside, however, a potential 2,422.5 MW was not generated due to the unavailability of gas. According to Nesistats, the power sector lost an estimated N1,833,000,000 on May 1 2020 due to constraints from insufficient gas supply, transmission and distribution infrastructure.

While gas supply constraints remain, there have been some gas suppliers who have been able to rise to the challenge and who have continued to perform well throughout the lockdown, providing a reliable and stable supply of gas to GenCos. From commencement of the lockdown on March 29th, Accugas, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy,for instance, has supplied an average of 114mmsf/d of gas to its customers daily. The portion supplied to its grid-based power customers, including the Calabar NIPP located in Cross River State, has enabled 470MW of electricity to be generated for the national grid. Prior to the lockdown, during the month of Feb 2020, Accugas supplied a daily average of 81.7mmscf/day of gas. Based on this, Accugas has been able to increase its output of gas by almost 40 per cent during the lockdown to meet the increased demand of its Genco customers, who have, as a result, been able to increase their supply of electricity to the national grid, helping to make up for the shortfall from other Gencos who have been gas constrained.

To illustrate what the company is doing at this time of national emergency to assure sustained gas supply for power generation in Nigeria and its plans going forward, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Savannah Energy, Andrew Knott, said: “Power is an essential service for any country. In Nigeria, we are responsible for the provision of gas supplies to providers of over 10 per cent of the country’s current power generation capacity, a responsibility we take very seriously. In this time of global uncertainty, it has been widely reported in the local press that many companies have struggled to supply gas-for-power in recent months, which has led to significant

power outages in country. In stark contrast, Savannah, working closely with our principal customer Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) – who we thank for their strong cooperation – has increased our gas production levels by 34 per cent.

“We continue to expect to increase production levels further during the course of this year as we add new customers, such as First Independent Power Limited, who we announced earlier this year. Savannah is, and will continue to be, the partner of choice for customers seeking reliable gasfor-power in Nigeria. Across our business we will continue to work collaboratively with our key stakeholders (employees, customers, governments, communities and our supply chain) to navigate our way through the challenges and opportunities raised by the current period of economic uncertainty. I believe we have the right management team, corporate culture and purpose that will ensure we manage to do this successfully. I would like to take the opportunity to thank these stakeholders for their continuing support.”

Over the years, Accugas has been a committed supplier of gas for domestic consumption – power generation and industrial consumption. This is due to the company’s unique business model, which is focused on the development of

We are in discussions with a number of prospective offtakers that are eager to sign on to our reliable and sustained gas supply to help drive their business growth

onshore non-associated gas (“NAG”), rather than producing gas as a by-product of oil production, as many other gas suppliers do in Nigeria.

According to Knott, “Our company is heavily invested in the development of onshore gas strictly for domestic use. Our infrastructure is dedicated to providing gas for power generation and industrial consumption. We are one of the biggest producers of non-associated gas in Nigeria and the only company which has a business model specifically focused around developing gas fields and processing gas for domestic consumption.”

Accugas’ supply of gas is reliable because its gas production is not dependent on crude oil prices. Considering that the company produces NAG, the business does not suffer significantly from global crude oil price volatility. “When you are supplying gas from a non-associated gas field like we are, then the reliability of that gas is much higher than associated gas which is very contingent on how many crude oil wells are producing at any point in time,” Knott explained.

Massive investment in the development of NAG in Nigeria including its distribution infrastructure has been helpful in contributing to sustained supply of gas to off-takers especially at a time of national emergency.

So far, Savannah Energy and its subsidiaries, including Accugas, have invested over $1.2 billion dollars in upstream non-associated gas production, midstream gas processing and a 260km gas transportation and distribution network traversing Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

Accugas’ capacity to deliver gas at short notice has indeed set the company apart from its peers in the industry. The company, for example, has spare capacity at its gas processing facility, which is able to process up to around 200mmscf/day of gas. Accugas can also leverage relationships with other suppliers to deliver gas to off-takers.

Recently, the company revealed its plan to expand its operations to support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and reduce the cost of doing business. Knott stated that the company “… plans to extend its reach to industrial demand centres in close proximity to its existing infrastructure. To support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and reduce the cost of doing business, switching power

generation fuel from liquids to gas results in as much as 30 per cent savings which goes straight to the bottom line.”

“We have proven ourselves to be a dependable source of gas supply. We are in discussions with a number of prospective off-takers that are eager to sign on to our reliable and sustained gas supply to help drive their business growth,” he said.

The Domestic Gas Market Nigeria’s domestic gas market is struggling to capitalise on the potential of its sizeable gas reserves, even though some big-ticket projects are emerging in the country such as the Assa North-Ohaji South plant.

According to the Petroleum Economist, “The vast majority of Nigeria’s huge reserves remain untapped. Proven reserves total 200trn ft3 with a further 600trn ft3 of estimated unproven reserves, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The Department of Petroleum Resources told local news media in April that Nigeria’s total gas production stood at around 1.2bn ft3/d of which 41 per cent was exported and 48 per cent was used domestically – leaving 11 per cent to be flared.”

Historically, much of the gas produced from oil fields onshore and offshore has been flared and the situation in recent years has not improved significantly. This is despite the establishment of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme in 2016 aimed at encouraging the use of gas for power.

This situation brings into sharp focus the efforts of indigenous and international oil companies who have invested billions of dollars for domestic gas consumption and power generation.

After Covid-19 No doubt, Covid-19 has impacted not just the energy sector, but the totality of the socio-economic and political landscape of Nigeria. The broader consequences of COVID-19 have not yet been fully understood and it is difficult to accurately measure them at this time. However, what the lockdown has highlighted is the critical need for a reliable and stable supply of domestic gas for power generation, as evidenced by companies such as Accugas who have proved their reliability during the current crisis.

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T H I S D AY ˾ APRIL 17, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

As BDCs Set to Resume Forex Sales Hamid Ayodeji

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele and President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe have in recent weeks, analysed the illicit business of currency speculators and the danger it poses to the economy and naira stability.

Both leaders have also warned the currency speculators about the looming danger for their trade if they refuse to retrace their steps as they will incur losses estimated at over N 10 billion in the next few months as the CBN prepares for BDCs return to the forex market after nearly six weeks of absence due to the Coronavirus pandemic and need to protect operators.

Emefiele even went a step further appealing to industrialists patronising the parallel market to stop such practices in the interest of the economy and for the sustainability of their businesses, failure which they will equally record same huge losses like the currency speculators.

Like in 2016 currency crisis, the market got a major relief after the BDCs’ began getting dollar allocations from the CBN. That same scenario will soon play out as the CBN team and ABCON Management begin to count days for the BDCs return to the market.

The CBN has come to realise that BDC operators can be the difference between naira recovery and depreciation during volatile and uncertain times.

That’s especially true now that the local currency has come under intense pressure that is purely driven by speculative demand for the dollar. The BDCs are essentially operators that help get dollars to the end users no matter where they are and have for decades proven time and time again their relevance in stabilizing the naira.

Gwadabe said the CBN-licenced BDCs will soon start full operations as the apex bank will soon reopen dollar sales to operators.

According to him, with the CBN’s planned lifting of moratorium on dollar sales to BDCs, reopening of the airports for air travels, global ease on restriction of movement are positive indications that dollar flows to the economy will soon improve.

He said the naira has been exchanging at N461 to dollar at the parallel market but will be upbeat once dollar sales to BDCs commence.

He said: “The return of over 5,000 BDCs to the forex market will add great strength to the naira and lead to major capital losses for forex speculators. It happened in 2016 and will happen again in 2020.

“The return of the BDCs will immediately boost Naira recovery and put the enemies of the economy to shame. We are committed to the CBN’s exchange rate stability and will take all necessary steps within set rules and regulations to keep the naira stable,” he assured.

Gwadabe said the return of BDCs to the forex market would help chase away speculators, curb rising inflation, boost productivity and employment, enhance price discovery, enhance market transparency and competitiveness.

Aside positive developments in the global economy, the CBN has taken action to address the risks facing the naira, which will lead to rapid recovery for the local currency.

For instance, the recovery in the Chinese manufacturing sector and opening of the Asian tiger ’s economy after months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic have raised the country’s crude oil demand, many of which will be bought from Nigeria.

Such purchases will boost Nigeria’s dollar earnings.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe

Besides, Nigeria has secured emergency $3.4 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). This fund will not only support Nigeria’s financial sector and address balance of payment hitches, but has boosted foreign reserves and financing to the budget for targeted and temporary spending increases.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have reached about $37 billion, which represents enough buffers for the CBN to deal with any act of illegal economic behaviour like hoarding, speculation, conversion of local assets among other illicit financial activities.

Gwadabe also added that the OPEC measures on sustainable price stability are commendable as many governments across the world have agreed to oil production adjustment targets and continued collaboration with all their partners, a move that will benefit Nigeria.

He also said the naira rate review and assurances by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to foreign investors that want to repatriate their funds from the country are positive for the naira continued recovery.

According to him, ABCON is issuing their reopening guidelines to all

its members nationwide to include on-boarding on the queuing crowd ticketing management application by all members known as ABCON 360°QSM portal with over 80 per cent members registered nationwide so far.

“We are also updating all regulatory obligations during the lockdown, fumigation of members’ offices/markets, distribution of second phase of face mask nationwide to our members. There is also the provision of wash hand basins, sanitizers at our distributions centres while members are to explore school fees, mortgage, subscription payments as one of their allowable scopes during post COVID-19,” he said.

The ABCON boss said the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the naira was not as bad as seen in other African countries’ currencies.

Amid huge capital flow reversal driven by risk-off sentiment, currency rates of African countries show that the South African rand is the worst hit, down 20.6 per cent year-to-date.

Gwadabe explained that while an adjustment of the Nigerian naira from N360/$ to N385/$ broadly reflects the 6.6 per cent weakness observed in the official market, it must be noted that currency depreciation at the unofficial

market is much deeper, currently at N461/$.

But looking ahead, the outlook for the naira is expected to remain relatively strong on the back of growing foreign reserves at over $37 billion, increasing global demand for crude oil, rising commodity prices and rising global trade.

Emefiele has warned domestic and foreign investors against patronising the unofficial market, saying it was helping to overheat that market.

Dollar sales have since resumed following a phased easing of the lockdown but foreign investor currency demand is yet to be met, analysts say.

Emefiele, has warned firms and individuals against patronising the parallel market, popularly called the black market.

He warned them to stop using black markets for foreign currency exchange, adding that patronizing the parallel market is helping to overheat the foreign exchange market.

“I know some of you are involved, stop now. By going to the parallel market, you are helping to overheat that market. Not only that, you will lose money because you would have bought it at a price that is not realistic.

I can tell you that you are going to lose money. But we have seen your account already.

“We are appealing to you, please stop and let’s do what is right, what is legal, so that Nigeria can continue to be a good place for you and to live in,” Emefiele appealed to businesses patronising parallel market.

Going further, he said, “We are taking note of some of you and I can tell you, go ahead and do your business, nothing will stop your forward, your forward will be at a committed price, we are going to provide more liquidity in the market so that people can stop going to the parallel market. Don’t go there because it is not good for you. But be patient, it’s going to be orderly’’.

Gwadabe assured that ABCON’s Executive Council under his leadership would continue to promote transparency and efficient market dealings while commending the CBN Management for its progressive policies and achieving stable exchange rate that aligns with its price stability.

SWIFT Networks Supports Vulnerable Persons in Lagos Raheem Akingbolu Swifts Networks Limited has distribut¬ed palliative items to help alleviate the suffering of the poor and the vulnerable in the society during the ongoing lockdown over the coronavirus pandemics as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The items, which included food

items, hand sanitisers and face masks were said to have been distributed to over 10,000 people, within the environs of its Victoria Island and Ogba, Ikeja offices.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Managing Di-rector, Swift Networks Limited Charles Anudu, was quoted as saying that the company had to be its brother’s keeper, particularly

during difficult times like this.

According to him, considering that more than 80 person of Nigerians struggle daily to put food on their tables, a lot of people were further challenged and severely con¬strained by the lockdown.

Anudu stressed: “Thus, we felt it was also our responsibility to extend a helping hand to the

most vulnerable in our society.

“The distribution was supervised by personnel from relevant security and health agencies, with recipients also educated on the need to regularly observe safety measures like washing of hands, using hand sanitizers, use of face masks, personal hygiene, social distancing and hospital visit if they feel unwell.”

ViacomCBS Networks Africa, Youtube Collaborate on Africa Day Raheem Akingbolu To celebrate Africa Day this week, ViacomCBS Networks Africa and YouTube in partnership with Idris Elba recently hosted an “Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home”.

A statement jointly issued by the two organisations, explained that the programming event was aimed at raising funds to help children and families in Africa that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All proceeds raised from the benefit concert campaign would be donated to support food and health needs for those most impacted on the continent.

The Africa Day Benefit Concert At Home was a 2-hour special streamed and broadcast to millions of viewers in Africa and around the world on MTV channels and on the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel.

Hosted by Idris Elba, the show brought together a star-studded line up of some of the hottest names Africa has to offer.

Viewers saw superstars such as Burna Boy, Sho Madjozi, AKA, Diamond Platnumz, Sauti Sol, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, STONEBWOY, Teni, Angelique Kidjo, and many more.

Elba said: “Taking a moment to shine a light on African arts

to benefit the African homeland and its people. A continent of this size should find a way to dig deep and stand up for one another at a time like this. It’s important for the future and history will not forget.”

The statement also quoted the Managing Director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at YouTube, Alex Okosi, to have stated that, “Music is a powerful tool that connects Africans and this Africa Day concert is a great way to bring people together and support a great cause. We are honoured at the opportunity to bring the power of YouTube to support

this great initiative.”

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President for ViacomCBS Networks Africa Youth, Music & Entertainment Channels commented “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the livelihoods of millions across the continent and is going to require a massive collaborative effort if we are to make it through. ViacomCBS Networks Africa is proud to partner with YouTube and Idris Elba as we lead the efforts for immediate food and health assistance on the continent at the Africa Day Benefit At Home concert. We are coming together as Africans to take care of our own.”

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THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

Oluebubechukwu Nwokeoma: Promoting Reading Culture in Children

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COVER

Oluebubechukwu Nwokeoma: Promoting Reading Culture in Children In Nigeria, the International Children’s Day is marked on May 27 as against other nations that celebrate the day on different dates. However, despite the disparity in dates, the objective is the same; a day set aside to celebrate children. It was on that premise that the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989. This year, CHIEMELIE EZEOBI puts 11-year-old Oluebubechukwu Nwokeoma, the library prefect of Dominican School in Lagos, on the spotlight. Her passion to inculcate the reading culture in children recently saw her drive a campaign to get book donations from groups and individuals to boost the school’s library. Her campaign pulled in about 130 books to the school library, a move that propelled other individuals to follow suit with their own donations

F

or most preadolescents or tweens, their needs are simple given that they are at that stage of human development following early childhood and preceding adolescence. Although same holds true for Miss Oluebubechukwu Nwokeoma, an 11 year-old pupil of Dominican Nursery and Primary School Library in Mafoluku, there is an extra fire burning in her to impact her world. Daughter of Punch Newspaper’s Joel Nwokeoma and News Agency of Nigeria’s (NAN) Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, her love for reading comes as no surprise.

One can adjudge that her youthful quest to promote reading culture among children stems from the fact that an environment where reading is valued, promoted and actively encouraged, breeds great scholars.

As the library prefect in her school, she recently took on a larger than life task of attracting a donation of 130 books from a group to the school library, a move that propelled other individuals to follow suit with their own donations.

It was in a bid to promote reading culture that Clever Clogs Books in partnership with PEA Foundation, fulfilled Nwokeoma’s desire as her pet project was aimed at improving the collection of books in the school’s library.

On the day of presentation last year, the elated school authorities and pupils had mounted a guard of honour for inspection, showing how important that book drive was for the school at large.

Meanwhile, the originator of the pet project, Nwokeoma said she was spurred to take up the pet project of providing books for the library due to insufficiency of books to read, adding that the project would provide her friends and pupils in the school more books to read.

According to her, the next project is to refurbish the school library and provide more shelves and chairs as well as equip it to a 21st century library. To do this, she is banking on the support of family and friends. While appreciating the donors, her school and parents for the success of the project, she appealed to the pupils to handle the books with care.

Seeing the success of the book donation drive, as at last year, books still poured in from the friends of her father even after the launch. According to Joel Nwokeoma, a good friend and development work colleague, Majiri Oghene Bob Etemiku called to say he was sending 19 copies of his exciting story book, Mamud and the Moringa Tree, all the way from Benin City as his own contribution to the #bookdrive for the library project.

He said: “Recall that over 130 books in different subjects were donated by

Nwokeoma

Clever Clogs Books in partnership with PEA Foundation last week at an elaborate event at the Dominican Group of Schools premises. “Friends have been supporting this ennobling project to enhance the reading culture by donating books. Let’s make our children leaders by helping them to read well and wide. Give them books to read and eradicate ignorance.�

About International Children’s Day The International Children’s Day is the day dedicated to celebrate children

and it’s on this day that tributes are paid to children while affirmations about their well-being are brought to the front burner. Originating from Turkey on April 23, 1920, it would later be adopted in the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland in 1925.

According to Wikipedia, Children’s Day was first celebrated worldwide in October 1955, under the sponsorship of International Union for Child Welfare in Geneva. This was after the idea of a Universal Children’s Day

was mooted by Rubab Mansoor grade 8 and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954.

First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children.

However, Nigeria annually marks the day on May 27.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍˇËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

COVID-19: NIMASA Classifies Dockworkers, Seafarers as Essential Workers Eromosele Abiodun In line with the newly endorsed protocols by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has designated seafarers and dockworkers as essential workers who should be exempted from travel restrictions.

The exemptions are contained in a new guideline developed and published by the agency to support essential services in Nigeria’s shipping sector.

The guideline states that the jobs of dockworkers at the country’s seaports, terminals, and jetties are essential to the national economy and, therefore, they should be granted passage between their places of abode and the seaports/terminals and jetties to perform their duties.

NIMASA in the guidelines declared that seafarers are on essential duty and as such exempted from the curfew and travel restrictions, which may hinder necessary movement for crew change.

It directed companies employing the services of seafarers to provide special and dedicated means of transportation to convey the seafarers, adding that such transport system must be disinfected within the recommended minimum hours. Specifically, the guidelines provided for the mandatory use of facemasks within all terminals and jetties, mandatory temperature check on all staff before access to terminals, and denial of entry to persons who present temperature above 38°C. Also, it made it mandatory for all employers to develop risk assessments and safety intervention guidelines for all personnel

and operations in the areas of vulnerability within their maritime operations that can be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including cargo handling, access control, and rostering procedures. “Dock labour employers are also to devise methods of ensuring that dockworkers absent from their duties for issues relating to COVlD-19 are quarantined and compensated for the suspension of earnings they suffer as a consequence. “Furthermore, all dock labour employers are to ensure that buses deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic carry a 50 per cent maximum capacity in line with federal government directives, and all passengers wear facemasks. “Such buses must have hand sanitisers for all drivers’ and passengers’ use and be frequently disinfected, “it stated.

Oyo/Osun Customs Generates N20bn in Four Months Kemi Olaitan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜ The Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mrs. Uche Ngozi, has said the command generated revenue of over N20 billion into the coffers of the federal government in the first four months of this year.

The federal government gave the command an annual revenue target of N62.8billion in 2020.

The Customs boss while addressing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital recently, said apart from ensuring that government fiscal policy was enforced and local production encouraged, the Command seized over 35,000 litres of petrol, and 3,465 bags of rice between March and April, 2020.

According to her, “we are proud to inform the public that through these difficult months of dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic, we have worked tirelessly as a service to ensure that our borders are secure and smuggling activities are reduced to the nearest minimum. “We combed the bushes day and night to ensure that government fiscal policy is enforced.�

She further disclosed that within the same period, the Command made a seizure of 180 bales of second hand clothing from a train operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) with duty paid value of over N13 million.

While stating that no fewer than 63 persons were arrested in connection with the smuggling of prohibited items into

the country, the Controller noted that the total duty paid value for all the seizures is N97million.

She said the arrest and interception of the prohibited items is coming several weeks after the federal government closed Nigerian borders, explaining that men of the Command carried out their anti-smuggling activities with utmost professionalism. “Within the period under review, we have made 72 seizures and detentions. We have carried out enforcement and anti-smuggling activities with utmost professionalism, caution and intelligence gathering. “We urge the public to cooperate with the Nigeria Customs Service in the implementation of government fiscal policies to help improve the economic and social welfare of the nation,� she said.

DPR Postpones Implementation of New Registration Fee for Industry Training Peter Uzoho The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has announced the postponement of implementation of new registration fees for oil and gas trainings in the country till further notice.

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of DPR, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, disclosed this recently, during a webinar session organised by the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), with the focus on “The Nigerian Oil and Gas Landscape: A World of Opportunities for Investments and Partnerships�.

Auwalu, explained that the postponement was necessitated by the current economic hardship being experienced by businesses and individuals including oil and gas trainers and trainees, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the department had raised the fees and was about implementing before the pandemic struck, leaving everyone struggling for survival.

The director pointed out that the subsisting registration fees had been in place for over 10 to 13 years, hence the upward review, adding that the agency was going to maintain it till after pandemic.

“How can we review the registration fee under this COVID-19. We all know, the current registration fee is over 10 years old--we have been carrying it for over 10 years and we reviewed it actually higher because every regulation that spends over 10 years is supposed to be reviewed, the economy has grown. “But due to COVID-19 we stand down the implementation of new fees. This fees we are charging is almost 13 years if you check back but we still maintain it because we need to really encourage and not to add to the burdens.

AXAMansard Offers Free Motor Insurance Cover to Customers Ebere Nwoji AXA Mansard Insurance Plc is offering a two weeks free motor insurance cover on all renewals of its comprehensive motor insurance policy to its customers According to the company, the two-week free cover, commenced on May 1, 2020 and would run till December 31, 2020.

AXA Mansard Chief Executive officer, Mr Kunle Ahmed, in a

statement to this effect, said upon renewal, customers would pay for 11 and half months whilst cover will be given for 12 months.

He added that the prorated premium for the two weeks was to be deducted from the amount to be paid as premium.

Explaining the reason for the offer, Ahmed said: “We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many Nigerians beyond just their

physical or mental wellbeing. To provide support to our customers during this unprecedented time, the company has decided to subsidise the premium payable by our motor insurance customers, whilst they get the full benefits of the cover purchased.’ He said AXA Mansard offers a variety of motor insurance options that fit customers’ needs as a woman, man or parent.

MARKET INDICATORS 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 AS AT WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2020

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $29.03 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $29.75 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

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MARKET NEWS

Seplat Chairman Assures shareholders of Sustainable Growth Goddy Egene The Chairman of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, one of the leading Nigerian independent oil and gas companies, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, has said the company remains a resilient business that generates significant cashflow from low cost production base.

Orjiako, who stated this while addressing shareholders and other stakeholders during

the company’s 7th annual general meeting(AGM) in Lagos, noted that the company was focused on delivering shareholder returns through regular dividend distributions and capital growth.

According to Orjiako, amidst the current headwinds occasioned by the prevailing coronavirus pandemic and low oil prices, Seplat would continue to maintain strict financial discipline over investment decisions, while also embedding high standards

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

of corporate governance and transparency; strong commitment sustainable business; and effective management of risks with a strong HSE culture. “I believe that Seplat has an important role to play throughout the energy transition that is set to occur in the years and decades ahead, not least through the impact we can have by scaling up our domestic gas supply business and displacing imported diesel fuels that are being burned for

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power generation and helping Nigeria benefit from the social and economic multiplier effects that reliable and affordable power availability can bring,� he said.

Against this backdrop, Orjiako said Seplat plans to position itself for an ambitious next phase of growth which would see the expansion of its footprint in terms of energy business activities, a plan to pursue offshore assets acquisition, as well as opportunity driven entry

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

into different geographies.

He added: “Looking forward, one of the main challenges facing the independent exploration and production (E&P) sector is to remain relevant as the world makes the transition to a lower carbon future. “The oil and gas industry face considerable challenges given that oil in particular plays such a significant part in today’s energy supply mix, with demand for the commodity still growing.

O F

A key part of my role as Chairman of the Board is to steer the Company through these transitions. “The board believes that such a corporate transition would require a different kind of organisational structure, people skills set and mentality to compete well in the expanded space. In view of this, over the course of 2020 we will be reviewing the current organisational and systems structure.�

2 8 / 0 5 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

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40

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Q1: Dangote Cement Records N249bn Revenue, N88bn Profit Goddy Egene Dangote Cement Plc has posted a strong performance in the first quarter (Q1) ended March 31 2020, with revenue rising to N249.182 billion, up from N240.157 billion

in the corresponding period of 2019. Profit Before Tax (PBT) appreciated by 11 per cent, from N78.96 billion to N88.06 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) of stood at N60.592 billion, compared with N60.254 billion in 2019.

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

Dangote Cement sold a total volume of 4.0Mt in Nigeria while Pan African sales accounted for 2.28MT. Commenting, Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement, Michel Puchercos, said the resiliency of the management

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 27May-2020, unless otherwise stated.

and staff of the company led to the delivering good results despite the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have proactively deployed all

recommended measures to protect the health and well-being of our employees, customers, suppliers and communities. As such, we have implemented several rigorous protocols in all our operations across the continent.

We are closely monitoring all markets according to the guidance provided by the authorities in each country. We continue to provide superior services and deliver high quality products to our customers.

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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.94 0.95 4.55% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 9.96% 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 6.54% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.63 2.68 6.70% 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 100.00 100.00 5.86% Anchoria Equity Fund 99.87 100.20 -2.06% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.20 1.20 5.00% 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 14.80 15.25 -3.38% ARM Discovery Fund 342.14 352.46 -0.95% ARM Ethical Fund 30.10 31.01 3.51% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.55% 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 96.67 97.35 0.62% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.29% 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 N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.31% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 97.47 97.69 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 105.92 106.19 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 4.20% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.92 0.92 -1.24% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.41 1.41 5.80% 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 1,277.62 1,279.03 5.23% FBN Balanced Fund 147.32 148.41 0.34% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 112.07 112.79 -2.81% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 112.64 113.35 -2.81% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 119.29 120.73 -8.33% 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 5.43% Legacy Debt Fund 3.76 3.76 2.81% Legacy Equity Fund 1.08 1.10 -4.58% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.10 1.10 2.06% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,095.14 3,131.30 3.79% Coral Income Fund 3,166.01 3,166.01 15.49% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 5.94% 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 5.13% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 120.81 121.42 11.40%

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 4.49% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.29 2.33 4.44% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 9.83% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 143.21 143.77 -0.14% 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 1.23 1.25 5.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,127.16 1,127.16 4.55% 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 1.40 1.42 14.01% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.02 12.07 6.55% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.35% PACAM Equity Fund 1.06 1.07 PACAM EuroBond Fund 95.64 97.83 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 118.24 121.30 -8.49% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.72% 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 3.43% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 3.05% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -1.69% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 3.46% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -0.74% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.45% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -1.83% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 2.30% 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 1.15 1.17 -4.71% United Capital Bond Fund 1.80 1.80 3.91% United Capital Equity Fund 0.64 0.66 -8.53% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.84% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.75 114.75 2.59% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.06 -2.90% 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 10.49 10.62 2.08% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.17 12.29 4.76% Zenith Income Fund 23.50 23.50 5.65% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.91%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.50 114.44 52.79

-63.85% 2.22% 1.42%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.75 92.69 68.59

8.85 94.61 69.83

0.55% 0.20% -6.99%

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

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.29

16.90%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020 • T H I S D AY

41

42

FRIDAY, ÍşÎ Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Governors to Meet AGF over Financial Autonomy for States’ Legislature, Judiciary Chuks Okocha in Abuja The governors of the 36 states of the federation have resolved to dialogue with the federal government over President Muhammadu Buhari's Executive Order 10, 2020, which seeks to compel the implementation of financial autonomy for states' legislature and judiciary.

In a communiquĂŠ yesterday by the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governors also resolved to endorse the development of a three-month plan on the reopening of the economy by the National

Economic Council (NEC) Sub-committee that would interface with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

In the communiquÊ, the governors said: "Through the NGF Legal Committee comprising the Governors of Sokoto, Plateau and Ondo states will engage with the Attorney-General of the Federation to reflect on the implications of the recently passed Executive Order 10, 2020 on governance at the sub-national level.�

In Executive Order 10, Buhari had directed that all monies due to the states’ judiciary and legislature be deducted from the Federation

Account as a first-line charge and credited to their accounts should come governors fail to comply.

Other issues discussed at the meeting by the governors include deliberation on the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

According to the communiquĂŠ, Fayemi briefed his colleagues on the coordination of activities with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, multilateral and bilateral partners, and the private sector through the Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) that are targeted at improving the COVID-19 response of state governments.

The communiquĂŠ said: "We received brief from Ebrima Faal, Senior Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Nigeria on the $1 billion COVID-19 crisis facility and update from Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation on activities of the CACOVID." It said NGF thereafter resolved to "interface with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning on the $1 billion COVID-19 crisis facility approved for the country at the request of the federal government by the African Development Bank (AfDB), to embark on the delivery

of projects that will meet the needs of Nigerians during this period, in such areas as health emergency assistance, agriculture, and food security."

It added that the meeting resolved to continue engagements with CACOVID to consolidate interventions on the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians who have lost their means of livelihood as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The governors also resolved to endorse the development of a three-month plan on reopening of the economy by NEC sub-committee that would interface with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

NEC sub-committee comprises the governors of Delta (chairman), Ekiti, Lagos, Anambra, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau states and the FCT Minister.

The governors, through the NEC Ad-hoc Sub-Committee on COVID-19 comprising the governors of Kaduna (Chairman), Kebbi, Ebonyi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Edo, and Jigawa states, would interface with the Economic Sustainability Committee chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to incorporate the contributions of state governments into the Economic Sustainability Plan as a national response to the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19: FG TO ENGAGE 800,000 VOLUNTEERS TO SENSITIZE COMMUNITIES decision on the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Chairman of the task force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said at the briefing yesterday that the report would be submitted after concluding its assessment on the impact of the measures put in place for the control of the spread of the virus.

He said it would be left for the president to make further decisions after receiving the report and further recommendations.

Mustapha added that the Federal Ministry of Health has held a virtual conference with the traditional medicine practitioners on how to find a cure for the virus.

He said the issues discussed covered intellectual property rights protection, need for non-disclosure agreements and funding opportunities for research and validation processes.

The SGF denied media reports that three remedies from the traditional medicine practitioners had been shortlisted for validation.

He said such could only be done after diligent process and as might be advised by the relevant agencies.

He also condemned reports of the continued refusal by medical institutions to receive and treat patients for fear of COVID-19.

Mustapha explained that this has resulted in unfortunate and avoidable fatalities, adding that statistics has shown a drastic drop in the percentage of attention being paid to other ailments not related to COVID-19. ''This situation is made worse by the fact that federal tertiary institutions have been mentioned among those rejecting patients for fear of COVID-19. This is not acceptable. We are saddened by this development,'' he said.

FG Refers Madagascar Herbal Mixture to Agencies for Analysis Ehanire also said he had forwarded the Malagasy herbal drug to three agencies of the Ministry of Health and also to the Ministry of Science and Technology for analysis.

"The Madagascan herbs have been received at the Ministry of Health, and were found to consist of two varieties; one labelled to be for prevention and the other for treatment.

Samples have been given to three agencies of the Ministry of

Health and also to the Ministry of Science and Technology," he added.

Ehanire explained that the process for certifying new preparations for use in Nigeria included toxicological and efficacy tests and clinical trials.

Similarly, the minister said proposals for the trial of local remedies for the disease had been sent to the relevant research and testing agencies for scientific evaluation.

According to him, the government would investigate all genuine efforts to find homegrown solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSN Kicks as Stakeholders Back Planned Reopening of Schools Meanwhile, health experts such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have kicked against the federal government’s plan to reopen schools, saying the decision is ill-timed and capable of slowing down the fight against the pandemic, stakeholders in the education sector have backed the federal government’s plan.

Speaking with THISDAY yesterday, the President of PSN, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, said the COVID-19 infection rate was still climbing, noting that it would be difficult for children to strictly adhere to physical distancing and other protocols put in place for the prevention of the virus.

He said: “We know the government cannot shut down schools for too long. So, it is understandable it is mulling the idea of resuming through a plan to stagger the time between morning and afternoon classes, but the question we must ask the Ministry of Education is when it is planning to implement this. “Opening schools now will be a mistake and will be dangerous for our fight against COVID-19 because infection rates are still climbing. We should open in a manner that is safe. In other climes where infection rates are coming down, their governments are reopening schools first with the postgraduate students resuming. “If you see what is happening in New York even till now, you will understand we need to tread carefully. In New York, schools have not reopened yet and when they do, they intend to start with the most senior postgraduate students and then ensure social distancing protocols.�

He recommended that the

government should wait until September before reopening schools.

The immediate past National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacist of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Albert Kelong Alkali, said the government must not jump the gun to regain lost grounds.

He added that it must first ensure teachers and communities were adequately trained on health protocols, coupled with the obvious reduction of COVID-19 cases before reopening.

He said: “We must be careful because children are not like adults. Many adults are not even adhering to physical distancing not to mention children. The government can start with the senior students, say by July, and then in September ask the younger pupils or students to resume.�

But the President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Anselm Izuagie, said the education system had been disrupted, adding that there's a need to reopen schools so as to end the session and begin a new one. “So, if dividing the system into morning and afternoon sessions will meet the social distancing guidelines, so be it, provided other parameters are met to ensure that proper hygiene is maintained in schools, because if COVID-19 gets into the school system, it will be colossal," he stated.

He explained that all precautionary measures taken to ensure that the society is safe should be transferred to the school to protect the health of all.

On his part, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Chief Yomi Otubela, said the association supported the plan to introduce morning and afternoon sessions, adding that the resumption time should be staggered also.

He, however, said the measure could only be applicable to public schools as most private schools have smaller class sizes.

He noted that other safety measures should be maintained like the restriction of movements during the break to the corridors.

He added that the hygienic measures and equipment used during the Ebola period are still in use in most private schools and have become a culture in schools and among students.

Kogi Govt Rejects NCDC’s Claims of Two Cases in the State Kogi State Government has rejected the claim by NCDC that the state has recorded two COVID-19 cases.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Audu, yesterday disagreed with the claim, saying Kogi is still free of the disease.

Audu said tests not authorised by the state government would be resisted.

In a statement issued in Lokoja, the commissioner explained that the state has developed the full testing capacity and conducted hundreds of tests, which returned negative.

He said the state had also continued to insist that it would not be a party to any fictitious COVID-19 claims which is “why we do not recognise any COVID-19 test conducted by any resident of Kogi State outside the boundaries of the state except those initiated by us.�

He stated that any attempt to force the state to announce a case of COVID-19 would be rejected.

However, when asked to explain the circumstances surrounding the confirmation of the COVID-19 index case for Kogi State, Ihekweazu told journalists yesterday in Abuja that there was nothing unusual about the procedure adopted in pronouncing the results from the patients' samples from Kogi State.

"There is actually no dilemma in the two cases; they followed the normal process. The patient was referred from the Federal Medical Centre to the National Hospital, Abuja.

"This is a normal referral pathway when you have a case.

I don't have any influence over the physicians in the National Hospital. They suspected COVID-19, based on the clinical symptoms of the patient, asked for a test and it came out positive. The individual lives in Kogi State. In public health response, it is based on where you live because that is where your contact is. So, this is not controversial in any way.

Standard practice was followed and once the results came out the state epidiomologist was informed that he has to follow up on the contacts. The state has to do contact tracing around the patient. It is the state responsibility to do that contact tracing and we hope they do it," he said.

‘Test Kits Now Sold in Black Markets’ NCDC boss raised the alarm over what he described as a growing black market on rapid diagnostic test kits.

He cautioned Nigerians to adhere to the health advisory by WHO on the use of molecular laboratory for efficient testing.

He said: “It is important that as we open our industries, we really think about the measures that we advise everyone to carry out and leave testing for the purpose for which it is there. “There is a growing black market on rapid diagnostics test kits in Nigeria. We have to be careful in what we buy, how we use it and how we interpret the results that they provide.�

NDDC Shuts down Head OfďŹ ce as Director Dies Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has shut down its head office in Port Harcourt and directed its workers to self-isolate for 14 days following the death of the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Ibanga Bassey Eteng.

The Chairman of Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Odiari Princewill, also died on Wednesday night and was buried yesterday at Port Harcourt Cemetery by the officials of the State Rapid Response Team on COVID-19 clad in personal protective equipment.

Though no official statement has been issued by NDDC on the cause of the death of the executive director, the commission has shut down its headquarters directed staff to go on two weeks self-isolation.

The commission, in a memo signed by Silas Anyanwu and circulated to all directorates and departments, also directed the decontamination of offices and premises of the headquarters.

The memo reads in part: "I am directed to inform all staff that management has approved that the commission be shut down for two weeks, from today, May 28, 2020.

"Consequently, the Head, Security is by this memo, directed to work out modalities to ensure safety and security of the commission, while the Director, Administration is requested to fumigate and decontaminate the entire offices and premises in the headquarters during the period.

"Meanwhile, staff are to go into self-isolation for two weeks as they await further directives."

The commission also suspended a press conference to be addressed by its acting Managing Director, Prof.

Kemebradikumo Pondei, today.

NCAA Releases New Protocol for International Flights Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday released a post-COVID-19 pandemic public health protocols for Nigeria-based crew operating international flights.

Under the protocol, flight crew must now wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and observe Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures for the duration of the flight.

The protocol also states that the flight crew would not be quarantined but undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19 every 14 days at a cost to the air operator upon return to Nigeria.

However, flight crew members who test positive for COVID-19 would be taken to a treatment centre for further management.

In a letter with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/120, dated May 27, 2020 and signed by the Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu, to all operators, airports and other service providers, the agency said the new protocol, which was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health, replaced the current practice where Nigeriabased flight crew members who operate international flights are quarantined for 14 days upon their return to Nigeria.

The letter was made available to journalists in Abuja by Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. James Odaudu.

The letter said Nigeria-based airlines/aircrew wishing to conduct flight operations outside the country should ensure orientation and sensitisation of crew on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures as per training and guidance from public health authorities.

The airlines should also "ensure they have adequate stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), minimum 70 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitisers and Universal Precaution Kits (UPK) onboard aircraft before the flight,� among other safety guidelines.

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS

Malami: FG Can Withhold Allocations of States Flouting Autonomy of Legislature, Judiciary Alex Enumah in Abuja The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), yesterday stated that with the Executive Order 10 issued by the President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal government could through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation withhold the allocations of any state that fails to honour the autonomy of the two other arms of the state government.

The Special Assistant to

the AGF on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu, said in a statement that the minister spoke yesterday in Abuja at a Radio Nigeria programme, ‘Politics Nationwide’.

The new Executive Order was issued to the provision of section 121(3) of the constitution which guarantees the financial autonomy of the two arms of government at the state level.

Malami noted that the Executive Order 10 was aimed at ensuring constitutional compliance, complementing existing legislations, ensuring

and enhancing operation, enforcement and application of legal provisions as well as providing necessary supervision required for enforcement.

He added that it would help to ensure inter-agency coordination in the process of implementation of the provision of section 121(3) of the constitution.

According to him, the federal

government can, in its bid to enforce the constitutional provision, ask the AccountantGeneral of the Federation’s office to withhold the allocations of states that refused to comply with the constitutional provision.

He said, “The Executive Order is therefore a necessary tool for the purpose of bringing to effect such autonomy by way of assigning certain

responsibilities, both institutional and otherwise necessary for the purpose of enforcing the autonomy.

“By way of example, therefore, if the federal government wants to withhold the resources of a state government that refuses to comply with the constitutional provision relating to the autonomy of state legislatures and judiciary, then the federal

government may require the services of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

“Similarly, if the government wants the state legislature to be part of the process relating to appropriation, for example, agreement must be reached on the need for the state legislature to be alive to their responsibility.”

Major Shake-up as Navy Redeploys 33 Rear Admirals, 77 Commodores Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigeria Navy yesterday announced the appointment and redeployment of 110 senior officers to various positions and commands.

A naval headquarters in a statement said the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, approved the exercise.

The major redeployment affected a total of 110 senior officers, consisting of 33 Rear Admirals and 77 Commodores.

Details of the shake-up showed that Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed is the new Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, formerly Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters , was reappointed to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Administration.

Rear Admiral Matthew Emuekpere, formerly Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, moves to Naval Headquarters as Chief of Naval Transformation.

Rear Admiral Ahamefule Eluwa who was a Directing Staff

at National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos, resumes as Admiral Superintendent, Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre.

The re-organisation also affected Rear Admiral Segun Adebari who has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Director of Plans from Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.

Rear Admiral Abubakar Al-Hassan, formerly Director of Development, Defence Headquarters ,has been appointed as Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot, while Rear Admiral Francis Isaac is the new Navy Secretary at Naval Headquarters.

Rear Admiral Abdullahi Adamu, the immediate past Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordnance Depot, moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Search and Rescue, while Rear Admiral Maurice Eno, who was the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, has been posted to Defence Headquarters as Director of Development.

Famous Sports Writer, Lawyer, Fasade Passes on Famous sports writer, lawyer and legislator, Mr. Oladipo Fasade is dead.Announcing his passage in a statement issued yesterday, Prince Henry Odukomaiya, said the Fasade died peacefully in his Lagos residence on May 15, 2020 at the age of 86, and will be buried today, May 29, 2020 at No.2 Oba-Nle-Aro Avenue, Ilupeju Estate, Lagos.Born on September 24, 1993 at Ijero-Ekiti, the octogenarian plied his sports journalism trade at the Daily Times. Armed with a strong West African Examination Certificate (WAEC), supported by a General Certificate of Education (GCE) in advanced level in three subjects, which he obtained from Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, and Lagos City College, Yaba, respectively, Fasade would soon become a reference point in sports reporting.He later studied law at the University of Lagos and thereafter proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and upon completion, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1970, barely two years after marrying his lovely wife, Yetunde.

While at the University of Lagos, Fasade participated actively in students’ unionism

and was one-time president of the institution’s student union government.He later launched himself into mainstream Nigerian politics, particularly the politics of socialists ideology and was an avowed member of the then Action Group.He was one of the founding members of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) where he contested the Ilesha-west constituency seat in the old Oyo State House of Assembly and won and became the representative of the constituency from 1979 to1983.

While at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Fasade became chairman of the judicial committee and one of the leaders of the UPN.

PROVIDING ACCESS TO COMMUNITIES…

L-R: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State, Mr. Augustine Nnamani; member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Hon. Cornelius Nnaji; Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu; Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, during the inauguration of the 13-km Nike Lake Junction-Harmony Estate-Amorji NikeAdoration Pilgrimage Centre-Orie Emene road in Enugu... yesterday

Again, Buhari Calls for Debt Cancellation at UN-backed World Forum Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told a virtual forum of world leaders backed by the United Nations (UN) that only debt cancellations can give developing countries reliefs from the devastation caused

by COVID-19, Tagged “HighLevel Event on Financing for Development in the Era of

COVID-19 and Beyond,’’ the forum was convened by Canada, Jamaica and the Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Gutteres, and attended by over 50 world leaders.

At the meeting, Buhari who said the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic had altered global events, renewed the appeal for debt cancellation for African countries, insisting that the only hope of reprieve for humanity is

global solidarity.

According to him, this global solidarity can only be demonstrated through debt forgivenesses by developed countries and international financial institutions to “needy countries’’ especially in Africa.

This is coming as Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said the federal government was expanding access to water, sanitisation and hygiene

facilities as Nigeria’s most effective weapons against the spread of the pandemic.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari told the forum that such magnanimity by developed countries would assist African countries in reversing the devastations caused COVID-19 to the human race.

DHQ: No Date to End Insurgency War Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday declared that there was no scheduled date to end the decade-old war against insurgency in the North-east.

It also debunked claims contained in the report of the international human rights group, Amnesty International (AI).

It maintained that the reports of the organisation that Nigerian military detained and sexually abused children within the theatre of war in the North-east, were tissues of lies.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Coordinator of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche, said there was no mathematical

end to the war.

“There is no time that there will not be casualty. I cannot say but that the casualty figure will be reduced, yes.

“There is no mathematical end to the war. The Bible says the heart of man is desperately wicked. We will get there.

I assure Nigerians that the situation would be normalised”, he said.

He further stated that “there is no place where you give a date for end of war. Active war will end but other criminalities will continue”.

On the Amnesty International’s report, Enenche said there was no truth in the report.

“Why is it that every time we are recording success, they will come up with their report?

PDP Raises the Alarm over Buhari’s Fresh $5.5bn Loan Request Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over President Muhammadu Buhari’s fresh loan request of $5.5 billion from different international financial institutions.

The party said that with the

volume of foreign loans being accumulated by the administration, the nation and her people have been placed on the international auction market.

In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the main opposition party berated

the president for his decision to take a fresh $5.513 billion (N2.1 trillion) loan, in addition to an earlier $22.79 billion (N8.5trillion).

According to the PDP, the administration did not have operable repayment plans for the loans, a situation it said, could totally compromise the country’s

fiscal integrity and open her up for economic annexation by foreign creditors.The party recalled that the government had recently secured another N850 billion from the capital market, adding that it is regrettable that the administration has been going cap in hands to shop for more foreign loans.

IG Appoints New CPs for Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Bauchi, Seven Others Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Oladipo Fasade

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate posting and redeployment of new commissioners of police for 11 states.

A statement issued by Force PRO and Deputy Commissioner

of Police (DCP), Frank Mba, said CP Undie J. Adie is to preside over Osun State Police Command while Babatunde Kokumo is the new CP for Edo State command.

Others are Lawal Jimeta Tanko for Bauchi; Philip Sule Maku for Ebonyi State; Ahmed Maikudi Shehu for Gombe State

and Bolaji Amidu Salami for Ondo State.

Other commissioners affected in the new posting include Joe Nwachukwu Enweonwu for Oyo State; CP Eastern Port is Evelyn Peterside; EOD is Okon Etim Ene; Airport Command is Bello Maikwashi; while Olukolu Tairu Shina is for Anti-Fraud

Unit (FCID Annex Lagos).

The Inspector-General of Police charged the newly posted officers to ensure they consolidate and advance the gains of their predecessors particularly in the implementation of communitypolicing, crime prevention, public security, public safety and general crime fighting.

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17 Firms Jostle to Monitor Utilisation of $312m Abacha Loot Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government has said no fewer than 17 organisations have indicated an interest in monitoring the spending of nearly $312million repatriated Abacha loot.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of

Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), had confirmed the receipt of $311,797,866.11 of the Abacha assets repatriated from the United States and the Bailiwick of Jersey.

He had in a statement said the funds would be expended on projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Road

and the Second Niger Bridge.

However, in its bid to ensure transparency and probity in the utilisation of the recovered fund, the federal government yesterday opened bids for consultancy service to monitor the implementation of Abacha loots.

The consultancy service is

to undertake the monitoring of the implementation of the tripartite agreement on the sharing, transfer, disposition, repatriation and management of the Abacha 111 forfeited assets.

Some of the firms include: Triump Oil and Gas Limited, International Action Centre, GPM Associate; Phenai Penal

Consult Limited/ Africa in Foundation Infrastructure, Cleen Foundation, and Olotu Lekan F. & Co. Others are Anti-Corruption and Research Base Data Initiative, Public and Private Development Centre, Arewa Community and Social Development Network in

Nigeria, Quadrante, IBLF Global, PPP Advisories Consortium, Restitution Impact limited and Urban Projects Prospect Integrated Services Limited.

The rest are: Centre for Social Justice, Foundation for Public-Private Partnerships, Nigeria and Global Society for Anti-Corruption.

House to Investigate Alleged Destruction of Bayelsa Communities by Military

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives at the resumption of plenary yesterday resolved to investigate alleged invasion and destruction of communities in Bayelsa State by the Nigerian military.

The House directed its relevant committees to investigate the actions and report back to it within six weeks for further legislative action.

This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled: ‘Urgent need to stop the regular invasion and destruction of communities in Bayelsa State by the Nigerian military’, which was sponsored by Hon. Preye Oseke and members of the Bayelsa Caucus.

Moving the motion, Oseke noted that as a result of the problem of pipeline vandalism

in the Niger Delta region, late President Umaru Yar’adua Administration commissioned a Joint Military Task Force which was stationed to protect oil installations, personnel and curb the menace of pipeline vandalism in the region.

He said the House is aware that the invasion and destruction of a community is now the pattern adopted by the L-R: Medical Director, Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr. Adeniyi Odubiyi, Deputy Medical Director, Dr. Abimbola Okudero; and representative Nigerian military in Bayelsa State of the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Alhaji Ahmed Olalekan, during the presentation of whenever indigenes from these communities are suspected to Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos...recently have carried out any act against oil installations.

He expressed concerns that the operation has further heightened the fear in the people of the community with the information that the military Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja for Labour and Employment, and other materials that will be in Nigeria. will return to burn down the While speaking on the cost Mr. Festus Keyamo, said the needed for the takeoff of the special community as has been done The federal government yesterday government has commenced public works programme. implications of the programme, to several communities in the said N46.2 billion has been voted preparations for the flag-off of Keyamo used opportunity to the minister said the federal Niger Delta region. for the payment of the 774,000 the programme immediately real out the composition of the government had already allocated committees that would help to N46.2 billion to pay participants people to be engaged under the the rains are over.

He said the president has asked implement the extended special in the public works programme special public works programme.

Speaking at a press conference the ministry to draw up a budget public works programme across across 774 local government areas in Abuja, the Minister of State that would cover cost of equipment the 774 local government areas in the country.

SAVING LIVES...

FG Approves N46.2 bn to Pay Beneficiaries of Public Works Programme

FG Worried over Brazil’s Status as New Epicentre of Pandemic Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has raised the alarm about the emergence of Brazil as the new global hotspot of coronavirus after latest figures have shown that the South American country is the second country with the highest cases of the disease in the world after the United States.

The Chairman of Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha expressed this concern yesterday at the PTF press briefing in Abuja.

He said the significance of the Brazil case resided in the similarities between Africa and South America, which called for caution.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, noted that the concern of Nigeria about the spike in COVID-19 cases in Brazil, which accounts for

419,000 confirmed cases of the world’s over 5.8 million cases and over 26,0000 deaths was because of the similarity in the weather between both countries.

Before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the attitude of many people leaving in tropical weather was that the risk of contracting coronavirus was low as the virus could not survive in hot conditions.

The PTF Chairman recalled that as January 13, when WHO formally declared COVID-19 a pandemic, there were just 7,818 infections globally.

Out of that number 7,736 was in China, while the remaining 82 cases were in 18 countries of the world .

Nigeria did not have an index case until February 27. The pandemic has killed more than 356,722 people in about 251 countries.

Yoruba Monarch Commiserates with Family, Others over Orunsolu’s Death

Peter Uzoho

The Adunni of Yorubaland, Delta and Edo states, Chief Sarafa Tunji Ishola, has commiserated with the family of the late Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Liadi Ayinde Orunsolu, and other members of the Muslim community over the passing on of the cleric.

In a condolence message issued yesterday and personally signed by him, Ishola said the late Orunsolu was a titan during his 98 years on earth, adding that he would be remembered over a long time for the significant role he played in bringing together all Muslim communities in Egbaland.

“Sheikh Liadi was also a key factor in the unity and cooperation that have prevailed among the Muslim communities in Ogun State and Yorubaland.

At the time of his death, he was the President of the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State.

“A man of peace, profound knowledge and immense wisdom, his contributions to inter-religious harmony is noteworthy. Successive administrations in Ogun State have benefited immensely from his frank, honest and fatherly contributions. There is no gainsaying that he will be greatly missed by the entire people of Ogun State,” Ishola said.

Abiodun to Mark Birthday, One Year in Office in Low Key Peter Uzoho Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said he will be marking his 60th birthday and his one year in office today in a low-key manner due to the COVID-19 realities.

The governor however expressed deep appreciation to friends and well-wishers who, he said, had demonstrated, through calls and enquires, goodwill and desire to be

part of the celebrations as he approaches double milestones on Friday, 29 May, 2020, adding that he will be marking his first year in office as well as the attainment of 60 years of age.

Abiodun in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and signed by him, thanked God for His benevolence on him, the good people of the state for trusting him with the mandate and the tremendous support for

him in office, as well as his numerous well-wishers for their affection.

According to him, “in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and the guidelines to combat the dreaded virus, a low-key approach has been adopted to mark the two events”.

He said whilst a number of completed projects across the state had earlier been earmarked for formal

inauguration to mark his first year in office, this has now been put on hold.

He said in its place, the ongoing activation of completed projects for immediate use and benefits of the people of the state that commenced on Wednesday will continue, saying, in addition, inspection of other on-going projects, with strict compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines, will also proceed.

Gunmen Kidnap Nasarawa CAN Chairman Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Nasarawa State, Bishop Joseph Masin, was kidnapped on Wednesday by gunmen in

his residence in Lafia, the state capital.

This was disclosed to journalists by the immediate past State Secretary of CAN, Elder Yohanna Samari. According to Samari, “unknown gunmen stormed the

resident of the CAN’s chairman at Bukan Sidi in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital and took him away to an unknown destination on Wednesday between 11pm and 12 midnight.”

The State Commissioner of

Police, Mr. Bola Longe, confirmed that the abductors of the CAN’s chairman took him away on motorcycles.

Longe added that the police were on the trail of the kidnappers to ensure his immediate release.

House Investigates Mysterious Deaths in Bonny Island Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the mysterious deaths that have reportedly claimed about 13 lives within a few days in Bonny Island of Rivers State.

The House ordered the investigation following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved

by Hon. Dagogo Farah at the emergency plenary held yesterday.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker recalled that few weeks ago, there was incidence of large quantities of dead fishes around the Bonny-Andoni shores and several other communities in the Niger Delta region stretching up to Ondo and Akwa Ibom States, which had been brought before the House for urgent attention.

Farah said: “Less than six weeks later, mysterious deaths is occurring in Bonny Island in Rivers State, and is reported to have claimed about 13 lives in a few days.”

The lawmaker added that officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) collected samples in Bonny Island for testing to

determine what was responsible for the strange occurrence, which some defined the symptoms to include loss of the sense of smell, taste, fever, weakness, vomiting and stooling.

Farah stressed that these symptoms exhibited by the victims are not exactly the same as those of COVID-19, as it neither presents cough or respiratory issues.

NGO Shares Face Masks to Ogun Community A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), After My Heart Global Foundation Inc, Nigeria branch, has admonished Nigerians against stigmatisation of discharged coronavirus patients.

The Administrative Head of the NGO in Nigeria, Mrs. Erhumwunsee Osaretin, who gave the admonition while giving out face masks to the Aiyetoro-Makun

Community people in Sagamu, Ogun State, on behalf of the NGO, charged the people to use the face masks regularly and to wash it daily. She told them that the face mask is not for fashion, which they can keep in pocket or handbag or only for occasionally use but meant to be worn when in public, to prevent and protect them against coronavirus.

Erhumwunsee said the NGO picked Aiyetoro community as first phase for the face masks distribution because the global NGO, which is into welfarism for the people, especially the vulnerable and less privileged, to save people’s lives, believes that Aiyetoro people should be reached out to first to save them from exposing themselves to

coronavirus pandemic.

Similarly, the National Director of the NGO, Engineer Akhigbe Matthew Adodo, while responding to some of the community people who had requested for money rather than face masks, reminded them that the NGO was in the community to give out the face masks and also to sensitise them of the need to stay safe.

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FRIDAYSPORTS

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

Shanghai Offer Ighalo Option on How to Remain with Man Utd till January Insist he signs new two-year deal until 2024 to allow his extended stay Femi Solaja with agency report Chinese Super League club, Shanghai Shenhua, have given Odion Ighalo the option of signing a new two-year deal worth ÂŁ400,000 a week with

them until 2024 for him to be granted his wish to remain on loan with Manchester United until January.

This latest option on the table for the Nigerian international, appears to have foreclosed any

Premier League Clubs Agree to Restart June 17

FIXTURE’S’ Wednesday, June 17 Man City v Arsenal Aston Villa v She Utd Friday, June 19 Aston Villa v Chelsea Bourn’moth v C. Palace Brighton v Arsenal Everton v Liverpool Man City v Burnley Newcastle v She. Utd Norwich v South’pton Tottenham v Man Utd Watford v Leicester West Ham v Wolves

with Sportsmail previously reporting that Tottenham vs Manchester United could be set for that slot, but the first full round of fixtures will start on Saturday June 20, with matches staggered across the weekend.

The restart date leaves Premier League managers with just three weeks to get their squads ready for the eagerly-awaited kick-off.

After the English top-flight was suspended in early March, it leaves clubs with plenty of work to do to get their squads as match-fit as possible following over three months away from the game.

Clubs only returned to small group training again last week, in line with the Premier League’s return-totraining protocols and UK Government guidelines on social distancing.

Premier League stars were only allowed to work in groups of five as clubs look to keep training as safe as possible ahead of the top-flight’s resumption.

But yesterday morning, training looked a more familiar site as contact was allowed again between players after Phase Two of Project Restart was given the green light.

Newcastle were the first team to publish pictures of their first-team stars in contact training on Thursday.

The European Tour season is set to resume in July with a six-week ‘UK Swing’ tournament and run to December.

The British Masters in Newcastle from 22-25 Julyis the first of six events, two of which will be at Celtic Manor.

Later in the year, the Scottish Open is set to run from 8-11 Octoberwith the Tour’s flagship PGA Championship event the following week at Wentworth, while other tournaments are to be revealed.

The DP World Tour Championship ends the season in Dubai from 10-13 December.

The European Tour was suspended on 8 March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, the Tour said the return of tournaments was subject to “stringent safety and testing protocols�.

Keith Pelley, European Tour chief executive, said: “We have taken a measured approach in reassessing our schedule, informed every step of the

way by our medical advisers and government guidance. “As golf’s global Tour, diversity is ordinarily one of our biggest strengths, but in this instance it has become one of our biggest challenges. “Initially, therefore, playing in clusters, in one territory, is the best option in terms of testing, travel and accommodation.� “Pelley also thanked sponsors and organisers for showing “flexibility and understanding of the current global situation�.

The English Championship in Hertfordshire is set to clash with the rescheduled first major of the year, the US PGA Championship, which has been moved to 6-9 Augustand is being held at Harding Park, San Francisco.

The six-week ‘UK Swing’ event will see ÂŁ500,000 from the European Tour being distributed equally between local charities of tournament hosts and charities chosen by the leading 10 players in a mini Order of Merit run across those six tournaments.

Premier League clubs have agreed to restart the season in just three weeks’ time in what is a huge breakthrough for their Project Restart plans.

The Premier League has desperately been trying to finalise plans to get the season back underway again following its suspension at the beginning of March amid the coronavirus crisis.

June 20has been lined up as the first round of fixtures following the Premier League’s resumption although Manchester City vs Arsenal and Aston Villa vs Sheffield United are set to go ahead on Wednesday June 17.

These two matches are the ‘games in hand’ for these four clubs, which will take all 20 Premier League teams up to 29 fixtures for the season.

Another game may be played on Friday June 19,

PREMIER LEAGUE

talk about a permanent switch to Old Trafford.

According to Sky Sports yesterday evening, this is the latest on the ongoing talks over whether he will remain in England on loan to finish the 2019/20 season or leave to head back to China.

The loan deal Ighalo signed in January is due to expire in the next 48 hours. It was originally to end with the Premier League season but the coronavirus pandemic that caused global sports to be grounded since early March has now extended the season beyond expectations.

The restart of the EPL has been scheduled for June 17.

The Nigerian forward is currently under contract until 2022 in Shanghai but the club are desperate to top his deal up with a further two years

before they allow him to stay - and potentially impress - in the Premier League.

Ighalo has only started three games for United - making a further five appearances off the bench - but already has four goals to his name.

With his contract currently ending this weekend, there is some confusion over where he goes next, with reports earlier in the week claiming he would be unable to return to China until October.

It was stated that travel restrictions on foreigners returning to China - which includes around a third of Chinese Super League footballers - could remain in place for months to come, despite the new season starting in June.

Shanghai Shenhua are believed to be ready to bring in a shortterm replacement for Ighalo should he not be able to return,

Odion Ighalo ...offered option on how to remain at Old Trafford

giving Manchester United a boost in their attacking department for the coming months.

Just before the news of this fresh option came, the former Watford forward had appealed to his parent club to allow him

finish the season at Old Trafford.

Talks on a permanent switch fell through as United appears not willing to pay the ÂŁ20million price tag demanded by the Chinese club for a 30-year Old Ighalo.

Sheffield United players and n their first close contact practice yesterday after Premier League club’s were given all-clear to resume full training

Real Madrid Offer Man Utd Four Players for Pogba Switch European Golf Tour Set to Real Madrid have reportedly Diaz - could be an avenue to played since Boxing Day, but the ground running at the offered four players, including sign the 27-year-old, according has used the period in which Bernabeu, and had a two-year Resume with ‘UK Swing’ James Rodriguez and Martin to UK’sThe Sun, though United football has been suspended loan at Bayern Munich from Odegaard, to Manchester insist their player is not for sale. to recover and get back to full 2017-19.

United in an attempt to sign Paul Pogba.

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has long been an admirer of the French World Cup winner Pogba, who has missed most of this season with a series of ankle issues.

However, Madrid are still keen on signing him and feel a swap deal - also involving Lucas Vazquez and Brahim

The report details that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to get Pogba reintegrated in the starting XI when football resumes again.

Solskjaer wants to pair Pogba with January arrival Bruno Fernandes in the centre of midfield, with both training this week.

Pogba has only played twice since September and has not

fitness.

Madrid are reportedly keen to land key targets this summer but due to the effect of the coronavirus crisis on clubs across Europe financially, the LaLiga side are looking at swap deals as a means of securing transfer targets.

Rodriguez, who was signed from Monaco after a successful 2014 World Cup, has never hit

Meanwhile, Odegaard was signed as a 16-year-old in January 2015, but has only made two first-team appearances at the club and is currently at his third club on loan in Real Sociedad, after previous spells at SC Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem.

Attacking midfielder Vazquez came through the youth academy at Madrid.

Keswick Retires as Arsenal Chairman Sir Chips Keswick has retired as Arsenal chairman after seven years in the role.

The 80-year-old - a lifelong Gunners fan - has been on the board of the club since 2005 and became chairman in 2013, replacing Peter Hill-Wood.

Arsenal say they will move forward with the current board of Stan and Josh Kroenke, Lord Harris and Ken Friar. “It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football

club,� said Keswick in a statement. “Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future. “I made my plan to retire at the end of this season clear to the board, before the global health crisis we are now experiencing. “The club is in safe hands with Stan and Josh, the board and the executive team. I know Arsenal will emerge strongly from this situation and I look forward, like all our supporters around

the world, to seeing the team in action as soon as possible.�

Stan and Josh Kroenke said: “We would like to express our immense gratitude for everything Sir Chips has done for Arsenal Football Club as a board member and chairman of the board over the past 15 years. “His extensive business knowledge and experience coupled with his deep love of Arsenal have made him the perfect chairman. It has been

a privilege to work with him and he will always be a very welcome visitor when we return to playing matches at Emirates Stadium.�

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTOPHER SIMON, now wish to be known and addressed as AGWU CHRISTIAN SIMON. All former documents remain valid.

My correct date of birth 10th day of August 1989.. The general public should please take note.

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Coalition to Buhari “Each of the 11 wards under in Sabon Birni local government area has parts of it under the total control of bandits whose permission and consent the villagers need to conduct wedding or naming ceremonies or even have a market day” – A coalition of concerned Sokoto citizens led by Professor Nasiru Gatawa appealing to President Buhari to urgently save the people of the state from consistent bandits’ attacks.

ENIOLABELLO ENI-B

eniola.bello@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1956

Nigeria’s Democracy Beyond Its Crown Year

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n this day in 1999, amidst pomp and pageantry, General Olusegun Obasanjo took the ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ an end some 16 years of brutal and bloody ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱŘŗ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱŗşŜŖǯȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱŘŗ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ age to be independent and responsible, if ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȁ ȱ ¢ Ȃǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱŘŗ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ

ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŘŗ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ trust her to be responsible and independent, ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŘş ȱ ¢ȱŗşşşǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Dzȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ¢ ǰȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ DZȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ Dzȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ £ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ

Buhari

¢ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŗş ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱŗŘŖŖȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŘŖ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ from the North, personnel for infantry/ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŗşŜŖǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǯ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the situation until the northern elements ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ

¢ȱŗşŜŜȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Dzȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ

ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of military institutions sited in the north, ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ

ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ ¢ȱ Ȯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ȯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Dzȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ £ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ also rooted in the Hausa Constabulary, ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Dzȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȁ Ȃȱ ȱȁ £ ȂDzȱ ȱ Ȭȱ ȱ ǰȱȁ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ Ȃǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ been plenty of motion on the desirability of ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȬȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Dzȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Ȃ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱĚȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱȮȱ

ȱ ¢ȱȬȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ

ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ parts and redistributes same, using some ȱ DZȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ řŜȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱęȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ the nation state, Nigeria needs to return to ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ nation’s founding fathers implemented in ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ŗşşşǰȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȬȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ǰȱ Ƿȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Ȃ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ begin to realise its possibilities, so that ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¡ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱŘŗ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ¢ ȱĚȱ ǯ

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