THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2020

President Rejects States’ Plan on Unilateral Takeover of Discos CBN, others seek solutions to distributors' indebtedness to banks

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has foreclosed the possibility of the federal government backing a unilateral takeover of the 11 electricity distribution

companies (Discos) by state governments following the poor performance of the Discos since the power assets were handed over to the private sector in 2013, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

Buhari made his position known in a response to the recommendations of the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad hoc Committee on Ownership Review of the Discos and Power Sector

Review.

The committee was headed by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.

The president’s response to the el-Rufai-led committee’s report also coincided with

moves by stakeholders, led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to address the liquidity crisis in the power sector and avoid the possible takeover of the Discos by banks they are indebted to.

NEC had mandated the elRufai committee to investigate the ownership structure of the Discos and to establish the equity shareholding of the Continued on page 9

$48m Crude Oil Lost to Vandalism in Six Months, Says Kyari ... Page 6 Thursday 18 June, 2020 Vol 25. No 9201. Price: N250

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Buhari Calls for Knowledge Sharing among Nations to Battle COVID-19 FG bars non-travellers from airports Private hospital in Jos shut as 17 staff test positive Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday appealed to the international community

to promote a platform for knowledge sharing from the output of science and research to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also ahead of the planned

resumption of flight operations, the federal government has banned non-travellers from the airports and also advised persons coming to pick or drop travellers to remain

inside their vehicles until the travellers exit the airports’ entrances.

The president, in his presentation during a virtual Extraordinary China-Africa

587 new COVID-19 infections detected

Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, said Nigeria would support and be part of any joint and collective action plan at both the regional and global levels to tackle the

COVID-19 pandemic and its fallout.

The summit was co-hosted

by Chinese President Xi Continued on page 10

Obaseki Perfects Defection Plans as APC Crisis Worsens Edo gov holds meetings with PDP colleagues, Secondus Giadom contends APC leadership with Ajimobi I'm yet to decide my next moves, says Oshiomhole Uzodinma heads Edo guber primary committee

Nseobong Okon-Ekong in Lagos, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was busy yesterday putting finishing touches to his plans to pursue his re-election bid on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obaseki, who resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, hours before the Court of Appeal affirmed the suspension of the party's National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, held a series of meetings with his PDP colleagues and the party's National Chairman, Prince

Uche Secondus.

APC leaders were also busy trying to subdue the raging crisis in the party in the aftermath of Oshiomhole's suspension as the party's Deputy National Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom, laid claims to the leadership of the party.

Giadom, who was later suspended, broke ranks with some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), who had late Tuesday picked one of Oshiomhole's zonal deputies, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, to hold the fort for the embattled chairman.

Giadom anchored his claim to the party's chairmanship on a March order of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Continued on page 9

Buhari Directs Four Ministers to Develop New Template against Insecurity... Page 5

CONNECTING WITH THE WORLD...

President Muhammadu Buhari during the 'Virtual China-Africa Extraordinary Summit on Solidarity against the COVID-19 Pandemic,' from the State House, Abuja...yesterday godwin omoigui

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NEWS Buhari Directs Four Ministers to Develop New Template against Insecurity

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Sultan condemns govts’ inaction Masari, NSA, IG, others meet, vow to end killings Police arrest leader of Katsina protesters Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja, Francis Sardauna in Katsina and John Shiklam in Kaduna President Muhammadu Buhari has directed four ministers in charge of security to evolve new strategies aimed at containing the security challenges confronting the country.

Besides, the president yesterday dispatched security chiefs, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno, to Katsina State, rocked by a wave of protests over the insecurity in the state, to find lasting solutions to the deteriorating security challenges bedeviling the state and North-west in general.

Ministers of Defence, Police Affairs, Interior and Information and National Orientation met yesterday in Abuja to begin work on the presidential assignment.

The worsening security situation in the country has of recent attracted attention from both political, religious and community leaders who have called on both the federal and state governments to urgently address the activities of criminal cartels.

In his intervention yesterday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jamaatu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, condemned the incessant killings by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits across the country.

The sultan, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, also blamed the spate of killings, kidnappings and banditry on governments’ inability to stop the carnage.

The four ministers are to deal with the security challenges in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto States and other parts of the country.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said Ministers of Defence, Maj. Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi; Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Interior; Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, and Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, met for three hours in compliance with the president's directive.

Magashi said they resolved to drive the presidential directive to achieve "the end-state of putting the country back on the track of normalcy, especially the states facing daily incursions of banditary and terrorism."

He said they reviewed the banditry and killings in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States with a view to articulating fresh policy that could combat the insecurity in the area.

The defence minister added that the military would redouble efforts to decimate the bandits for peace to reign in their operational axis.

Magashi said the interministerial meeting would hold every fortnight.

On his part, Dingyadi assured Nigerians of effective interministerial and inter-agencies collaboration as deliberated at the meeting.

He said such collaboration was in tune with the presidential directive to evolve new operational guidelines for implementation by security

agencies involved in antibanditry and anti- insurgency operations.

Mohammed said the meeting focused on how to deploy crisis communication strategy to end banditry in the country.

While reiterating the essence of information sharing and synergy among security agencies with a view to flushing out criminals, Mohammed rallied support for government's efforts at battling insecurity.

He explained that the strategic security meeting fulfilled its intended purpose as directed

by Buhari.

Sultan Condemns Govts' Inability to Tackle Insecurity The sultan has condemned the incessant killings by Boko Haram insurgents and bandits across the country.

The sultan, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, also blamed the spate of killings, kidnappings, and banditry on governments’ inability to stop the carnage.

However, on the day the sultan made his intervention, the federal government intensified efforts to address the security siege by criminal cartels as the NSA led other top security chiefs to Katsina State to find lasting solutions to the deteriorating security challenges bedeviling the state and North-west in general.

The visit came a day after protesters marched on the streets of Katsina, the state capital, over the worsening insecurity in the state.

The police, yesterday, however, arrested the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Mr. Nastura Sharif, in connection with the protests in Katsina.

The sultan, in a statement yesterday, urged both the federal and state governments to wake up to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians as enshrined in the constitution.

The sultan, in the statement by the Secretary General of the JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, released to journalists in Kaduna, also enjoined Muslims to pray for God’s intervention to stop the unending killings and other related matters in the country.

He condemned the rising menace of rape across the country and called on the government to protect the female folks against gender-based violence.

The statement said: “The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and JNI’s President-General, is in utter shockwave over the unfortunate repeated incidences of loss of precious lives and wanton destruction of property arising from well-coordinated attacks of armed bandits, Boko Haram terrorist groups and rapists. “These repeated calamitous scenarios would have been avoided had the government risen to the occasion, we

LINING UP BEHIND AJIMOBI...

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (South-south), Chief Hillard Eta; National Secretary, Mr. Waziri Bulama; National Women leader, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar and National Organising Secretary, Mr. Emma Ibediroh, during a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the party to reaďŹƒrm the choice of Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the acting national chairman of the party, in Abuja... yesterday nonetheless as always condemn the repeated brutal acts in their entirety; especially the lackadaisical attitude of relevant security agencies that seemed to be overwhelmed, despite repeated calls by concerned and well-meaning Nigerians for decisive action. “We implore the government to take all genuine calls, concerns so raised and recommendations proffered so far, even from perceived and/or alleged antagonists in good fate, in order to move the country on the path of glory – human security, as development in whatever guise, is utterly incomplete without security."

On rape, the JNI stressed the need for government's swift intervention through legislation so as to facilitate the trial of suspects.

Masari, NSA, IG Meet, Vow to End Killings Monguno yesterday led other top security chiefs to Katsina State in a bid to find lasting solutions to the deteriorating security challenges bedeviling the state and North-west.

Among the security chiefs on the entourage of the NSA were the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu; Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Rufai Ahmad; the DG Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi and the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, Air Vice Marshal MS Usman.

The delegation, on arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua airport, went straight into a meeting with the Governor, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari.

The visit of the top security officers came against the backdrop of the protests that rocked the state capital over rising spate of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous activities.

The protesters had demanded the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari and Masari for their inability to tackle the insecurity.

Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting that lasted for over one hour, Monguno called on local communities to provide intelligence on the activities of criminals to enable security agents end bloodletting in the area.

He said: "The president

directed me to lead this team to find solutions to the insecurity challenges in the north western part of the country.

"We had an open frank discussion with the governor on the recent happenings in the Katsina State and other states in the north-west.

"What I saw on the ground is very disturbing; obviously we need to have collective efforts of both local communities and the security agents. We need to build confidence to win the trust of the local communities.

"You will recall the National Security Strategy, which was launched some few months ago by the office of the National Security Adviser, we emphasised on human security being the centre peace of the National Security Strategy of 2019.

"We are going to look into these areas that have specified the national security strategy to bring to an end the current threat facing not just Katsina State but even Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi and others."

The NSA noted that they had discussion with the governor on the causes and possible solutions to the problem.

According to him, the Buhari administration has spent more

on security than predecessors since the country returned to democracy in 1999.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested the leader of the Katsina protests over their demonstrations against the massive killings in the North.

Sharif’s arrest was announced in Kaduna yesterday in a statement issued by the group’s Director of Operations, Mr. Aminu Adam.

Adam said Sharif was arrested by the police after “the peaceful protest�.

He said: “After the protest ended peacefully, the Katsina State Police Commissioner, Mr. Sanusi Buba, invited us to his office for an interaction during which he told us that the Inspector General of Police wanted to see Sharif. “The commissioner handed us to a team of policemen, headed by the OC (Officer in Charge), Federal Operations Bureau (FOB), who led us to Abuja. “We drove from Katsina to Abuja with the police team in a white bus and a hilux. “However, on getting to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, they told us that Sharif is under arrest for the protest and they put him in detention.�

Telecoms Subscriptions Rise to 190.8m Emma Okonji Subscriptions across all telecommunications networks have maintained a steady growth pattern in one year, reaching 190,806,067 in April.

This represented a marginal increase by 0.80 per cent or 1,523,271 as against the 189,282,796 recorded the previous year.

The latest data, obtained from Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) website yesterday, shows that in the past one year, there has been a proportionate increase in the number of teledensity, which is

measured by the number of active telephone connections per 100 inhabitants living within an area and is expressed as a percentage figure.

However, the data revealed a sharp drop in the number inward porting from 16,046 in March 2020, to 7,148 in April.

According to the statistics, in June 2019, the number of telecoms subscriptions was 174,024,116 with a teledensity of 91.17 per cent, but the figure rose in July to 174,950,011 subscriptions with a teledensity of 91.65 per cent.

Last August, the figure rose again to 176,897,879 subscriptions with a teledensity of 92.67 per

cent and jumped in September to 179,176,930 subscriptions with a teledensity of 93.87 per cent.

The figure continued to rise in October 2019 to 180,386,316 with a teledensity of 94.50 per cent and in November 2019, telecoms subscriptions rose again to 182.7 million with a teledensity of 95.7 per cent.

In December 2019, it reached 184,699,409 with a teledensity of 96.76 per cent, before rising to 186,023,609 in January, with a teledensity of 97.45 per cent; 187,435,841 in February, with a teledensity of 98.19 per cent.

According to the NCC statistics, the total number of subscribers

that ported from one network to another, in search of better service quality, decreased.

Airtel had only 2,246 incoming porting in April this year, as against 5,594 incoming porting it had in March. 9Mobile, which recorded the highest number of incoming porting, had a total of 3,829 porting subscribers in April as against 8,225 incoming porting it had in March.

MTN had only 985 incoming porting in April as against 1,965 in March while Globacom, which recorded the least number of porting, had only 88 incoming porting in April as against 262 the previous month.

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$48m Crude Oil Lost to Vandalism in Six Months, Says Kyari NNPC intensifies search for hydrocarbons in Niger, Kwara, Kogi Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director, Mr. Mele Kyari, yesterday put the value of crude oil lost to pipeline vandalism in the first six months of 2020 at $48 million.

He also said while 54 million litres of petrol is evacuated daily from depots, NNPC does not know the daily local consumption of the product.

Kyari spoke in Abuja at a hearing on "Exiting Petroleum Subsidy: Ensuring Self-Sufficiency in Domestic Refining of Petroleum Products," organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream).

He, however, said the nation's loss to vandalism was lower when compared with the past, adding that in 2018 and 2019, the loss to pipeline vandalism stood at $825 million and $725 million respectively.

The reduction in vandalism, the NNPC boss said, was due to the increased surveillance by security agencies.

According to him, pipelines are being destroyed within townships, not in the bush, with the connivance of security agents, security contractors and community leaders.

He explained that the corporation has decided to hand over the pipeline security completely to the security agencies "as it is their work to secure government property."

On daily local consumption of petrol, Kyari said: "We don't know how much petrol we consume daily in this country, but we know how much of product is taken out of depots."

According to him, this

year, around 54 million litres of petroluem products are evacuated from the depot daily, but the consumption is somewhere below that.

He added that the NNPC has no knowledge of the amount of products transported through Nigeria's borders to neighbouring countries.

"It is impossible to know; nobody declares it, and therefore as it crosses, it goes.

There are open borders across the West African sub-region.

It is impossible to stop cross border supply of products. “No amount of policing or control that anyone can put in place that can stop that," he stated.

The NNPC, he added, is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilise forex market so that marketers will access forex at market rate and get fuel at market price.

He said the only way to stop smuggling of petroleum products was to remove subsidy so that the market price could be stable.

"Today, in our effort to ensure price stability in collaboration with the rest of the world, our daily crude oil production is at 1.48 million barrels per day," he added.

Kyari also stated that the federal government deliberately shut down the three refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt for two reasons.

"One is business decision.

There is such a condition that we can only extract 70 to 80 per cent of the value of a crude. It is needless to operate it when you know you will lose 20 per cent of the value.

"Second is that we cannot even guarantee crude oil supply to these lines. From Escravos to Warri and then to Kaduna; Bonny to Okrika, the

FG, States, LGs Share N547.3bn for May Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) yesterday shared N547.309 billion among the three tiers of government as allocation for May. A statement by the Director (Press) in the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hassan Dodo, said from the shared amount, which included Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain and Excess Bank Charges recovered, the federal government received N219.799 billon; states, N152.436 billion; local government councils got N114.095 billion while the oil producing states received N37.021 billion as 13 per cent derivation.

The statement noted that cost of collection/Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) refund/allocation to North East Development Commission (NEDC) was N23.958 billion.

Gross Revenue available from VAT for May was N103.873 billion as against the N94.498

billion distributed in April, resulting in an increase of N9.377 billion.

A breakdown of the VAT distribution saw the federal government taking N14.490 billion, followed by states with N48.301 billion while local government councils got N33.811billon. Cost of collection/FIRS refund/ allocation to NEDC got N7.271 billion.

The distributed Statutory Revenue of N413.953billion received for May was higher than the N370.411 billion posted in the previous month by N43.542 billion, during which the federal government received N191.580 billon, states got N97.172 billion, local councils-N74.915 billion, and Derivation got N33.599 billion while cost of collection was N16.687 billion.

The statement showed that revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), import duty and VAT recorded increases while Companies Income Tax (CIT), oil royalty and excise duty declined.

pipelines are very old. Some are 30 to 40 years old, and have not been replaced, and all the activities of the vandals that happen every day, if you put them under pressure that they are designed for, you cannot guarantee required crude oil supply except they are replaced," he said.

He blamed the problem on the failure to carry out proper turn around maintenance on the refineries.

"We have not done proper maintenance in the last 30 years, and the cumulative effect is that even when you start it today, it cannot be run optimally.

"You cannot do anything except you replace the pipeline and the cost of replacement is very high. To replace pipeline

from Escravos to Kaduna, you need at least $2 billion, and we don't have that kind of money," he added.

According to him, the best two refineries, Warri and Port Harcourt, are only producing a little above 25 per cent of their capacity when they were running in 2018.

He said, except for Port Harcourt refinery, which will be partly funded by the federal government because there is provision for it in the 2020 budget, the two others would be fixed by third-party financing.

In his speech, Chairman of the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Senator Sabo Mohammed, said the time was right for

government to stop fuel subsidy.

NNPC IntensiďŹ es Search for Hydrocarbons in Niger, Kwara, Kogi Also yesterday, Kyari said the NNPC had intensified search for hydrocarbons in parts of Niger, Kwara and Kogi States.

Kyari in Minna, Niger State, said during a visit to the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, that studies conducted in-house and by other experts across the globe had shown prospect of finding hydrocarbons in the Bida basin.

"Significant progress is being made in the ongoing exploration of inland basins,

with a realistic and achievable level target of growing the nation's reserve to 40 billion barrels by 2023. Nigeria's present oil reserve stands at 39.9billion barrels," Kyari, represented by the Group General Manager (GGM) Frontier Exploration Services, Alhaji Abdullahi Bomai, stated.

Kyari explained that the exploration covers eight local government areas in Niger State, including Mokwa, Lavun, Gbako, Bida, Katcha, Agaie, Edati and Lapai, with two other unnamed LGAs in Kwara and one in Kogi State.

Bello commended NNPC for embarking on the oil exploration in Bida Basin, which he said would improve the economic base of not only the state but the country.

BORNO NEEDS YOUR HELP...

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum (left), and Minister of Humanitarian Aairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, during the governor's visit to the minister, in Abuja...yesterday nan

INEC Rules out Extension of Deadline on Primaries for Edo Election

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Amidst squabbles by political parties over the election of their gubernatorial candidates for the September 22 governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday warned it will not extend the deadline within which all political parties must hold their primaries.

It also warned that 6p.m. on June 29 remains the deadline for all political parties participating in the Edo State governorship election to submit the names of their candidates.

INEC’s Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, gave the warnings yesterday during a meeting with security chiefs to adopt the security code of conduct for all security personnel covering the governorship election.

He said: "All political parties interested in fielding candidates for the election are reminded that they must conclude their primaries for the nomination of

candidates in the next 10 days.

"The deadline is Saturday, June 27, 2020. I must stress that the date is firm and fixed.

There will be no extension of the deadline. While the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates will be the sole responsibility of political parties, our officials will monitor the primaries as required by law.

"Already, the commission has published the date and mode of primaries for each of the 15 political parties that indicated their intention to participate in the election.�

He added that there will be no extension of time for political parties that fail to submit the names and other details of the candidates that emerge from their primaries using the dedicated portal created by the commission.

On the eligibility of candidates to contest the governorship, Yakubu said: "Arising from our experience in managing the nomination of candidates for the last two governorship elections in

Bayelsa and Kogi States, it is important to draw the attention of political parties to the four mandatory requirements for eligibility of candidates for governorship elections enshrined in Section 177 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

"A candidate nominated by a political party must be a Nigerian citizen by birth; must have attained the age of 35 years; must be a member of, and sponsored by, a political party; and must be educated up to at least school certificate level or equivalent.

"Adherence to these clear constitutional provisions is compulsory in order to avoid the unnecessary litigations that follow the nomination of candidates, some of which are still pending before the courts.

"In fact, one of such cases involving the attempt to substitute an ineligible candidate by one of the political parties was determined only yesterday by the Supreme Court in favour

of INEC. On the security arrangements for the election, the INEC chairman said: "As we approach the governorship elections, the commission and security agencies will play a critical role.

"We should remain proactive during the party primaries, electioneering campaigns, voting and eventual declaration of results. We must safeguard the process and protect all those involved as voters, INEC officials, observers, the media and even some of the unarmed security personnel deployed in the polling units. Doing so requires our professionalism and neutrality."

The commission had said 15 out of the 18 registered political parties had their intention to conduct primaries to pick their governorship candidates.

It added that by the timetable and schedule of activities issued by the commission on February 6, primaries for Edo State governorship election would take place between June 2 and 27.

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PAGE NINE OBASEKI PERFECTS DEFECTION PLANS AS APC CRISIS WORSENS Court.

THISDAY gathered that the PDP governors held a virtual conference with their Edo State counterpart ahead of his joining the party any time from now.

THISDAY gathered that the virtual conference Obaseki had with his PDP colleagues was chaired by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, who is also the Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

According to sources privy to the meeting, the PDP governors assured Obaseki of soft landing and also addressed his fears.

It was also learnt that the PDP NWC met outside the national secretariat of the party in Abuja to discuss some of the issues regarding waivers to the Edo State governor and how to smoothen his admittance into the party.

The source said the PDP NWC might inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a new date for its governorship primary, which must fall within the June 27 deadline approved by the commission for political parties to choose their governorship candidates.

The source said: "According to plans, a waiver will form part of the agenda of the NWC meeting and it is when all these are concluded that Obaseki will join the party."

But before he met with the governors of the main opposition party, there were moves to make Obaseki to reverse his resignation of his membership of the APC. It was learnt that some party leaders pressured him to reconsider his decision in view of the fact that Oshiomhole who allegedly masterminded his disqualification from the race for the APC governorship ticket was out of the way.

The moves to prevail on Obaseki to reverse his resignation from APC, it was gathered, was part of the reason Giadom announced himself as acting national chairman and cancelled the APC screening that disqualified Obaseki from contesting the APC governorship primary.

THISDAY gathered that this

was part of the reasons the Edo governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, were yet to disclose their new party.

But the National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the South-south, Mr. Emma Ogidi, in his interview with ARISE NEWS Channel, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY yesterday, still expressed optimism that Obaseki would join the party within the week.

He was, however, not categorical that Obaseki will be given an automatic ticket as he kept saying that due process would be followed because PDP is a party of due process.

As at press time, Obaseki was still meeting with the Secondus in Abuja.

Also in attendance at the meeting, which was holding at the Abuja residence of the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, were Tambuwal and other top leaders of the party.

APC NWC Suspends Giadom as Battle for APC Leadership Rages Giadom, who had earlier arrived the national secretariat of the APC at about 10 a.m, while addressing the press, had declared himself the authentic acting national chairman of the party based on a subsisting court order.

He challenged Tuesday's decision by the NWC that made Ajimobi the acting national chairman of the party.

In deciding on Ajimobi, the party had said: "Guided by advice from the party’s legal department in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, will serve as the party’s acting national chairman."

Following Giadom’s declaration, the NWC of the party summoned another emergency meeting, attended by 16 members, and suspended Giadom from the party.

It directed the South-south zone of the party to nominate another party member to fill his position.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, the National Vice

Chairman (South-south), Mr. Hillard Etta, explained that the NWC reaffirmed Ajimobi as the acting national chairman of the party.

He added that in dealing with the appeal court order suspending Oshiomhole, the NWC resorted strictly to the constitution of the APC in filling the leadership vacuum.

Etta stated: "In the event of the inability of an officer of the party, the constitution is invested with the process of replacement and so according to the constitution of the party, the NWC re-affairms the deputy national chairman (South) as the acting national chairman of the party. And in his absence as also enshrined in our constitution, the National Vice chairman of the party from the zone of which the national chairman hails from and in this case, the South-south, acts on behalf of Ajimobi."

Etta's position confirmed THISDAY exclusive report yesterday that with Ajimobi being unable to discharge the function of his office due to his being hospitalised, Etta will be mandated to run the party in the interim.

The NWC also constituted a seven-man election panel for the Edo primary election, scheduled for June 22, while the election appeal is scheduled for June 24.

Etta noted that the primary election committee is headed by Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma as chairman; Senator Ajibola Bashiru as the secretary while Alhaji Abdullahi Abas, Hon. Ibrahim Sabo, Hon. Ocho Obioma, Hajia Amina Muhammed and Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye are members.

He added that the primary election appeal is headed

by Prof. Mustapha Bello as chairman, Dr. Kayode Ajulo as secretary while Hon. Umar Ahmed, Nasiru Ibrahim Junju and Hon. Rasaq Bamu are members.

The NWC said it had also complied with a high court ruling, which declared Hon. Igo Aguma as the party’s acting chairman in Rivers State, pending when new congresses would be held to

elect party executive members at the ward, local government and state levels.

Etta stated: "It is also noted that Chief Victor Giadom had resigned to contest as deputy governor of the party in the last election and that the party has no recollection that the South-south zone of the party had represented him.

Therefore, the NWC has now asked the South-south of the party to present a member of the party to fill this position."

He added that 16 members of the NWC attended the meeting, adding that while 13 attended physically, three others joined the meeting online.

Those that attended the meeting were: the National Secretary, Mr. Waziri Bulama, Etta, Hon. Emma Eneukwu; National Vice Chairman, South-west, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana; National Vice Chairman, North-west, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir; National Vice Chairman, North-central, Alhaji Suleiman Umar Wambai; National Organising Secretary, Mr. Emma Ibediro and the National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala.

Others were: the National Welfare Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari; National Treasurer, Alhaji Adamu Fanda; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello; National Auditor, Paul Chukwuma; National Women Leader, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma; National Youth Leader, Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar and National Disabled Leader, Misbahu Lawan Didi.

Earlier, while addressing a press conference at the party's national secretariat on Wednesday, Giadom had said he staked his claim to the party's chairmanship based on a subsisting order of FCT High Court of March 16, 2020, by Justice S.U. Bature.

He noted that the order could not be immediately effected at that time because of the temporary reprieve Oshiomhole got from the Court of Appeal on the same date.

Giadom said: "However, having removed the temporary

reprieve yesterday by the Court of Appeal and considering the fact that we cannot allow for a vaacum, I most humbly inform you that I have assumed office as acting national chairman of our great party in compliance with the order of the court.

"I therefore, most humbly, solicit the support of the entire leadership and members of our great party in achieving this very important responsibility. I want to assure all party members that the All Progressives Congress will obey court orders/judgments as to bring sanity to our great party. Time for selective compliance with court orders and judgments is over.

"As your acting national chairman and presiding officer in the NWC, we therefore cancel the decision of the screening and appeal committees of the former chairman of the party on the Edo primary. This is in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that forbids anyone who is interested in a cause to be a judge in that same cause. " He said it was a brazen rape on the rule of law and the constitution of Nigeria for Oshiomhole to preside and select committees in respect to the governorship primary in Edo State being a key player in the crisis in that state.

He added that whatever role the former chairman was given to play in that process by the APC Constitution, it cannot override the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria, which governs all everyone.

"We, therefore, ask all aspirants in the governorship primary to report for fresh screening between today and tomorrow. I call on all aspirants to remain in the All Progressives Congress as we guarantee fairness and justice to all concerned. The schedule and time for each aspirant shall be communicated," he added.

Giadom also directed the Deputy Organising Secretary of the party, Hon. Muhammad Ibrahim, to immediately resume office as the acting national organising secretary in compliance with the judgment

PRESIDENT RE JECTS STATES’ PLAN ON UNILATERAL TAKEOVER OF DISCOS states.

The committee was also mandated to carry out a forensic audit of the bank accounts of the Discos.

Though the power distribution firms have since gone to court to stop the forensic audit, THISDAY gathered that the committee also recommended the takeover of the power assets by the states, but Buhari rejected the recommendation.

In a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, and addressed to el-Rufai and the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. James Momoh, Buhari instead recommended proper regulation of the power sector by NERC. The letter, dated June 5, 2020 and with reference number: SH/COS/08/1/A/1171, is entitled ‘Re: National Economic Council (NEC) Ad hoc Committee on Ownership Review and Analysis of Discos and Electricity Sector Review.’ THISDAY obtained a copy of the letter which said: “Further to the enclosed letter GH/ KD/S of April 27, 2020 on the above subject, kindly be advised that His Excellency,

the President, has: (a) noted with appreciations the final report of the NEC ad-hoc committee on ownership review and analysis of the Discos and the electricity sector.

However, state governments, under the auspices of the National Economic Council, cannot unilaterally change the ownership of Discos without the endorsement of other shareholders, FGN and private investors, through the appropriate board resolution.�

According to the letter, Buhari also “directed therefore, that NERC reviews and where applicable, develops an implementation plan for the regulatory actions suggested in the reports from the NERC Committee and Power Working Groups, and that quarterly updates on implementation by all actors be provided to the president, and NEC through the vice president shall also be briefed quarterly.�

The letter added that Buhari “directed that to ascertain the fair shareholding of all electricity distribution companies, NERC submits upon completion, its forensic audit and Regulatory Asset Valuation report and revised shareholding structures as of December 31, 2019 with

the accompanying board resolutions for His Excellency’s considerations.�

The president asked the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, as well as the Ministry of Power to work with the NERC and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the forensic audit, from which the commercial structure of the federal government interventions in the Discos under the Presidential Power Initiative could be worked out.

In addition, he directed the NEC’s ad hoc committee to cease further communications with any of the federal government’s agencies in the power sector, to enable the NERC to undertake its regulatory job.

Momoh had explained in another letter to Buhari that it opted to undertake the forensic audit of the Discos on account of various reported cases of market infractions.

Momoh stated that the audit will be funded by the World Bank and United Kingdom’s Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) on a 50 per cent apiece basis.

CBN, Discos Move to Avert Banks’ Takeover

of Power Assets Meanwhile, a Technical Committee on Payment Discipline of the CBN has met with Discos, banks and key federal government agencies in the power sector to address the sector’s liquidity challenges and prevent the possible takeover of Discos by creditor banks.

Sources privy to the meeting held in Abuja, told THISDAY yesterday that at the meeting, the Discos informed the CBN that a larger chunk of the government’s promises to them prior to the 2013 power privatisation exercise has not been met, hence their reported low operational performances.

The source noted that the Discos complained about the lack of a cost-reflective tariff, settlement of electricity debts owed by government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) and N100 billion subsidy to them.

They explained that the government promised them a debt-free balance sheet, in addition to concessioning the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for efficiency, but did not keep to the promises.

According to them, the government has largely implemented divergent policies,

which have also affected their operations.

They listed some of these policies to include the removal of collection losses from the 2015 MYTO 2.1, inconsistent implementation of minor reviews, cancellation of the CAPMI and replacing with the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) initiatives, removal of fixed charges from electricity tariff and capping of estimated billing, which they claimed was done haphazardly.

THISDAY gathered from one of the sources that officials of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Ministry of Power, NERC and NBET attended the meeting. “Even the banks were there – three banks were sent by the Bankers' Committee to represent the banks and they have realised that if they take over the Discos, they are taking over the same problems that the current operators are facing. “So, the CBN directed that its committee work with the Discos, NERC and others to come up with recommendations or blueprint . These recommendations have to be in three buckets of immediate, short-term and long-term solutions,� the source added.

of the Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/733/2018, which removed the former National Organising Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ibediro, since 24th of September 2018, saying this is to ensure strict compliance with the rule of law.

I'm Yet to Decide My Moves, Says Oshiomhole Oshiomhole has said that he has accepted the court’s verdict, which upheld his suspension, even though he is yet to determine his next moves.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today yesterday, Oshiomhole noted that his next line of action will be determined by his lawyers based on legal advice. “We thank their lordships, they have given their judgment.

In our democracy, the court is an independent arm of government. “When they hand that judgment, it is not for you to pick whether you will obey or not. I accept their judgment in good fate. “My lawyers will advise having studied the judgment, what the next line of action will be. So at this point, I will just thank their Lordships for their judgment and look forward to my lawyers on what should be the next line if there should be another next line of action,� he said.

When asked if he would instruct his lawyers to appeal the ruling of the appellate court on his suspension, the embattled APC chief neither confirmed nor opposed the question.

Rather, he stated that his next move would not be discussed on national television.

He said: “What I do next would be based on my legal advice and my lawyers will act on that. I don’t think I need to communicate that through the television. It’s a relationship between a lawyer and his client.

And I think we should leave it at that.�

Reacting to the decision of the party’s NWC to disqualify Obaseki from participating in the APC primary election on June 22, Oshiomhole said there was no going back on the decision.

While pleading for peace among members, he advised Giadom against parading Continued on page 10

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THURSDAY, ͚΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

Supply Chain Disruptions Push Inflation to 12.4% in May Analysts urge FG to boost food production, forex supply James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos Supply chain disruptions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have pushed the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is used to measure inflation rate in the country, to 12.40 per cent in May, a level last seen in August 2018.

The headline index increased to 12.40 per cent in May compared to 12.34 per cent in the preceding month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

The NBS attributed the 0.06 per cent hike in headline index to increases in all the parameters that determine inflation.

According to the CPI figures for May, on a month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.17 per cent, representing 0.15 per cent rate higher than the 1.02 per cent recorded in April.

The composite food index rose to 15.04 per cent year-on-year in May compared to 15.03 per cent in April.

On a month-on-month basis, food increased by 1.42 per cent in May, up by 0.24 per cent points

from 1.18 per cent recorded in April, the statistical agency noted.

Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 10.12 per cent in May, up by 0.14 per cent when compared with 9.98 per cent in April.

Essentially, the uptick in food inflation was fuelled by the increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, oils and fats, fruits, fish and meat.

On the other hand, core inflation rose as a result of the highest increases in prices of pharmaceutical products, medical services, repair of furniture, hospital services, passenger transport by road, motor car, bicycles, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, passenger transport by sea and inland waterways, paramedical services, motor cycles and hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment.

However, the urban inflation rate increased to 13.03 per cent (year-on-year) in May compared to 13.01 per cent in April while

the rural inflation rate increased by 11.83 per cent in May from 11.73 per cent in the preceding month.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.18 per cent in May, up by 0.12 points from 1.06 per cent recorded in April. The rural index also rose by 1.16 per cent in May, up by 0.18 points from the 0.90 per cent recorded in the preceding month.

Owing to this development, analysts have reiterated the need for the federal government to urgently increase intervention support for productive sectors of the economy amidst the increasing threats posed by rising inflation.

Experts said the government must particularly boost the agricultural sector because food inflation appeared to constitute the main challenge to inflationary pressures.

Speaking in an interview with THISDAY, an economist and senior faculty member, Lagos Business School, Mr. Bongo Adi, called on the government to invest in additional food storage facilities nationwide to curtail food

inflation.

He said:“On the food inflation, I think it is the season record we always record during this time of the year and there is nothing we can do about that. But If we had good storage infrastructure, we would have opened up our food reserves to be used to bridge the demand and supply gap in the market.�

Also, Prof. Uche Uwaleke of the Nasarawa State University, said the rise in core inflation, which had been single digit for many months and has now crossed the 10 per cent psychological threshold, should be of particular concern for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to the former Imo State Commissioner for Finance, "It doesn't take much to predict that inflation rate will be too close to or even exceed the current MPR of 12.5 per cent before the Monetary Policy Committee's next scheduled meeting in July.

"Inflation rate above 12.5 per cent would translate to negative real return, which is inimical to attracting much-needed

investments."

A former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said there should be further supply of foreign exchange to the banks and BDCs in order to reduce the prevailing scarcity in the market.

However, he noted that inflation rate was not likely to revert to 12 per cent because of the current exchange rate of the naira to dollar, which is currently at N445 at the parallel market.

In addition, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said the government must work to ramp up production after the lockdown to prevent the country from sliding into another recession.

He added that though the recent interest rate cut by CBN remained a welcome move, "but this needs to trickle down into the real sector."

An Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at University of Port Harcourt, Anthony Onoja, commended

CBN's policy efforts at curtailing inflation, stressing that this had been positive.

Head of Research at Afrinvest, Mr. Abiodun Keripe, said the slow pace of economic activities following the gradual easing of the lockdown could have fuelled an increase in the headline index for the month under review.

He said:“The numbers are rising as expected. The economy is currently in a partial reopen and business activities are picking up at a slow pace but relative to what we saw in April and March and I believe that is what is responsible for the increase we are seeing in the numbers now. “Core inflation sort of moderated the first time since February by about five basis points on a month-on-month basis but on a year-on-year basis, it was up by about 14 basis points. We can attribute that to the fact that for this month, not a lot of spending on nonessential items but then it may just be momentarily and when we progress to the rest of the year, that might likely pick up.�

alone someone who claims to be in acting capacity. “No individual has the power to do that. It is only the NWC of the party that has such powers.

However, in this instance, the NWC lacks the power to reverse what has already been done. If that were to happen, it means that people who went through the process will go to court to seek redress. It is like having a properly constituted examination body that sets an examination for candidates, scores them and releases results only to go back to disclaim the scores. Of course, the students have a right to challenge that decision.�

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday, stated that Oshiomhole's suspension would not diminish his chances, adding that "there is no cause for alarm."

Ize-Iyamu, in a WhatsApp message, noted that his chances remain bright as his campaign is recording daily endorsements by influential leaders and members of APC and beyond.

According to him, "Even today, Wednesday, June 17, one of the three aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee to participate, Hon. Osaro Obaze, stepped down his ambition and declared support for me. All his followers will now be joining forces with ours across the state.

"Earlier in the week, the House of Representatives Caucus of Edo APC also endorsed my aspiration as well as candidacy and pledged support. We are

proud and honoured to say that we are getting a lot of support everywhere. We look forward to the primary."

On Oshiomhole’s suspension, Ize-Iyamu said: "In my view, there is no cause for alarm. It is a legal issue and the party is already making moves to address it. The court of appeal made the decision based on a purported suspension of the national chairman at his ward in Edo State. But the leadership of the ward has already clarified to all that it never made the decision. They have a signed document passing a vote of confidence on the national chairman. I strongly believe that when all of these are presented to the court, the case will eventually be ruled in favour of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole�.

Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nimkong Nadam Lar, told journalists yesterday in Jos that two persons with suspected case of COVID-19 were admitted in the hospital for different ailments but they were later discovered to be COVID-19 patients.

He said: “Of the two patients, one died. The hospital has been closed down for safety of the public health. As of today, 198 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Plateau State, but 113 of them have been treated and discharged. The state has so far recorded five deaths, while 29 health workers have been infected by the virus.�

But the hospital in a statement said a COVID-19 patient who absconded from one of the state hospitals was admitted for an unrelated illness, and that the patient had denied any history of contact with a COVID-19 patient as well as any history of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.

A statement by the hospital said: “The patient was managed for two days in our facility before we discovered the true state of affairs from the state Ministry of Health. The patient was immediately evacuated by the Ministry of Health officials to the isolation facility and the hospital fumigated. “A screening of primary and secondary contacts revealed that a number of our staff were also

positive for the virus. They are also being attended to by the state Ministry of Health officials. “In line with the state protocols, the hospital services have been suspended for two weeks and the entire facility closed for fumigation. We hope to resume normal services to the general public immediately after the expiration of the mandatory two weeks."

OBASEKI PERFECTS DEFECTION PLANS AS APC CRISIS WORSENS himself as the national chairman of the party.

APC to Convene NEC Meeting Soon Ajimobi yesterday said the NEC meeting of the party would soon be convened to resolve all contentious issues.

Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Bolaji Tunji, said: "A meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), would be called soon to resolve all contentious issues. “We should therefore let peace continue to reign until we call the NEC meeting and take a position on the way forward."

However, lawyer to a contestant for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC, Mr Michael Akinleye, has warned the NWC

of the party not to recognise Ajimobi as acting national chairman of the party because Ajimobi is not qualified to be so named.

The law firm of Octodas Attorneys, in a letter sent to the NWC of the APC yesterday, warned the committee that a suit asking that the court orders the APC to fill the vacant position of deputy national chairman (South) in accordance with the party’s constitution has not yet been decided.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti, on February 12, 2020, is praying among other reliefs that the office should be filled in accordance with Article 20 of the APC Constitution 2014 (As Amended).

The lawyers said until the case is determined, Ajimobi’s

purported appointment as deputy national chairman (South), and now as acting national chairman of the party is a nullity.

Giadom Lacks Power to Cancel APC Screening, Says Spokesman However, the APC spokesman has punctured the claim by Giadom that he has the power to upturn the outcome of the party’s recent governorship selection process in Edo State.

Speaking on the phone with THISDAY, Issa-Onilu said Giadom lacked the power to take the kind of decision ascribed to him.

He said: “A substantive chairman of the party can’t make that pronouncement, let

No Cause for Alarm, Says Ize-Iyamu One of the APC governorship aspirants in Edo State, Mr.

BUHARI CALLS FOR KNOWLEDGE SHARING AMONG NATIONS TO BATTLE COVID-19 Jinping, South African President and African Union (AU) Chairman, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Senegal President and co-chair of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Macky Sall.

A statement by the president's media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari implored the summit to be united to contain the virus, which he said knew no borders.

The president advocated the deployment of unity of purpose to fight the pandemic which he said had threatened livelihoods, and the society to its root, reiterating that humanity must be at the forefront of the pursuit of common prosperity. ''As we face a common pervasive and invisible enemy, it is important that we all remain united to save our shared humanity, because this virus knows no borders. ''The fight against a global pandemic that continues to take so many lives, threaten livelihoods and challenging the very fabric of societies, requires enhanced cooperation and worldwide solidarity. ''I seize this opportunity to reiterate the need for this summit to put humanity at the centre of our vision for common prosperity. ''We must learn lessons and share knowledge from research, as we develop more creative, responsive and humane health systems, improve crisis

management protocols and support each other in the battle against COVID-19,’’ Buhari said.

He commended the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Gutteres, for launching COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for low and middle-income countries to address health emergency, social and economic consequences of the crisis and also strengthen the recovery efforts of most vulnerable countries.

He also commended the leadership of the World Health Organisation (WHO), for its advice to Nigeria, which he said enabled the country to make necessary moves to enlighten its people on steps to take to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.

Buhari acknowledged Chinese support to Nigeria which has tremendously strengthened the effort to combat COVID-19.

The president provided an update on what his administration had done since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. ''From the onset of the pandemic, we in Nigeria instituted strong surveillance and infection prevention as well as control measures and made provisions to strengthen our testing capacities. ''Several well-equipped treatment and isolation centres were set up across the country to increase bed capacity.

''In the spirit of international collaboration, medical experts in Nigeria participated by video link in learning and experiencesharing exercises organised by experts from various countries, including China,'' Buhari said.

The Chinese president told participants that the summit was convened to discuss a joint response to COVID-19 and renew fraternity with Africa.

Jinping told the summit that the world must mobilise resources and do whatever it takes to protect lives, assuring them that China will do all it can to support procurement of supplies and send medical experts, among others.

The Chinese president explained that China and Africa account for almost one-third of the global population and pledged to increase support for Africa.

Jinping, the statement added, promised to make $2 billion available in two years to support WHO in the fight against the pandemic.

FG Bars Nontravellers from Airports The federal government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has banned non-travellers from the airports and also directed persons coming to pick up arriving passengers to remain in their cars until

travellers exit airports’ entrances.

FAAN made this known yesterday as part of the new protocols for the resumption of flights amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAAN, in a tweet, said: “Nontravelling passengers will not be allowed into the airport terminal buildings. People coming to pick up arriving passengers are advised to remain in their cars until passengers exit the gate. Stay safe.�

FAAN also urged travellers to wear face masks, maintain two metres distance and arrive at airports at least three hours before flights to ensure proper checks.

The federal government had stated that cvil aviation authorities would determine the resumption of domestic flights in the country.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, had on June 1 said that “the aviation industry is requested to start developing protocols to allow for domestic flights to resume anytime from June 21 onwards."

Private Hospital Shut in Jos A private hospital in Jo's, Rayfield Medical Services Limited, has been shut down after 17 of its staff tested positive for COVID-19.

587 New COVID-19 Infections Detected The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) yesterday confirmed 587 new COVID-19 infections, which pushed the number of cases in Nigeria to 17,735.

It has recorded 14 new COVID-19 related deaths, raising the tally from 455 to 469 in the last 24 hours.

The NCDC gave the breakdown of the new cases, which showed that Lagos recorded 155 new cases, Edo 75, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 67, Rivers 65, Oyo 56, Delta 50, Bayelsa 25, Plateau and Kaduna 18 each, Enugu 17, Borno and Ogun 12 each, Ondo seven, Kwara four, Kano and Gombe two each, while Sokoto and Kebbi one each.

It said: "Nigeria has recorded 17,735 cases of COVID-19. 5,967 persons have been discharged, while 469 persons have died."

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020

POLITICS

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

‘Since 1999, Nigerians Refer to State Legislatures as Rubber Stamp’ Kemi Olaitan holds a discussion with Hon. Abiodun Muhammed Fadeyi, Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly on the N22.5 billion loan approved by the House for Governor Seyi Makinde, the activities of the House and the Executive Order signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on financial autonomy for state legislature and the judiciary

Fadeyi

W

hat are the activities of the Oyo State House of Assembly in the last one year?

The activities of the legislative arm of government in Oyo state since inauguration has been hectic. Hectic in the sense that we have been trying to ensure that we do our work as we should do it as lawmakers.

I am sure that you are aware that the major thing we are here to do is to make laws for the good governance of the state apart from our oversight functions. That is what we have been doing in the last one year. We have been up and doing to ensure that bills brought in by the executive or private members bills are treated in such a way that we can beat our chest to say that we have done a good job at the end of the day. The activities of the house have been very hectic despite the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

We have been up and doing.

Recently, the House of Assembly approved the sum of N22.5 billon loan for the executive arm of government. Many people see the haste in approving the loan as a sign that the House has become a rubber stamp for the executive arm of government. What is your take on this?

Since the inception of democratic rule in 1999 till date, Nigerians have been referring to state legislature as rubber stamp. I am not surprised if they say that. The most important thing is that when the executive sends in a letter requesting for a loan, what we usually do is to scrutinize it. We look at the essence of the loan. In governance, there are two things to it, some loans are meant for consumption, others are meant for development of government policies, be it in health sector or infrastructural development or energy sector, it could be in the area of agriculture.

This particular loan that you are talking about was tied to infrastructural development of the state. As a responsible House, when we went through the letter, we came together and said, ‘why delay it?’ We never hear that when you put honey in someone’s mouth, he spits it out.

Have you heard of such? The government is trying to build new things in my state- motor parks, the Iwo Road interchange bridge and many others, so there is no reason for me or the House not to give such a request accelerated approval. Are you aware that the only overhead bridge we have in the state was built by the administration of Major General David Jemibewon (rtd), while the second one was built by the administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi at Mokola?

This new one that is coming out in Iwo Road, the interchange bridge and other infrastructural developments will attract investors into the state. Now, if you are coming from the North and you are approaching Ibadan through Iwo Road, have you ever been held down in a traffic jam there? The more reason that the new government said we need to do something about it. That area has been redesigned and that is what the money is meant for.

And just recently in the cause of celebration of his first year in office, Governor Seyi Makinde, flagged it off, if you go there now, you will see the signpost. As a lawmaker representing my people in Ona Ara, and I hear such thing that they want to do, so, I will turn the executive down that I am not going to allow it, who does that? Come to think of it, even at the federal level, are they not approving loans for President Muhammadu Buhari? So, we should be careful of what we say that the legislative arm is a rubber stamp. They did not say that they want to use the money to build hotels for the lawmakers.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed the Executive Order on financial autonomy for state legislatures and the judiciary. Of what impact do you think that will be to the state houses of assembly?

The Executive Order seeking financial autonomy for state houses of assembly is a beauty for democracy. It is a good thing in the right direction, vis-à-vis what the legislative arm of government has been turned to as ‘rubber stamp’. Truly we are not rubber stamp. If you come here and see what we have been doing, you will appreciate us. The President has done well, whether the decision he took at this point in time to sign the Executive Order 10 is political or otherwise is left to him, but he has done his own as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The question is, is it implementable? That is why I query the timing. Is it political or not?

The financial autonomy for the state houses of assembly is beyond just independence. The major part of it is the financial aspect. If the President signed the autonomy for us, it is okay, we like it, but is it implementable?

Now, you know that the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) said that it is not implementable.

Why did the President not sign when the oil of this nation was booming or when things were okay? Why is that it is now during COVID-19 that the President is signing it? We welcome it wholeheartedly as lawmakers. Politically they know the game they are playing. It is like when you dash somebody a ram, you need to release the rope. If you want to give us autonomy, it is better to give us when the economy is okay.

Let us be realistic with ourselves. It has been signed, but don’t forget that the National Assembly has passed it into law during the tenure of the last National Assembly, but the President refused to sign. So, why is he coming through with an Executive Order? I have a copy of that bill that was passed by the National Assembly.

There is a contradiction somewhere. Whoever, advised the President to sign the autonomy is up to something better known to him.

But, for us at the state level, we thank the President. We appreciate him, because whether we like it or not, what is obtainable in Lagos might be different from what is obtainable in Oyo or Zamfara. I want us to look at it from that angle.

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

DISSENTING VOICE...IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Deceitful Propaganda for Zoning in Enugu Akpa Francis, a public affairs analyst interrogates the current succession plan into public offices in Enugu State, which excludes people of Greater Awgu cultural group from the zoning arrangement

T

here is no doubt that the phrase ‘zoning arrangement’ in Enugu state has become a tradition that has been deceitfully planted in the minds of Ndi Enugu without concrete evidence to back it.

I’m not in any way in doubt that people have been bandying the phrase ‘zoning arrangement’ in Enugu, but at this point I want to demand harmless answers to these questions: Assuming there was a zoning arrangement in Enugu State in 1999, can we be told where the decision was taken?

Who are these Enugu elders/ political actors involved in the zoning arrangement meeting and discussion?

If we get answers to these questions, then Ndi Enugu will set up a committee that will pay the political actors a visit. Thank God most of the 1999 political actors are still alive and healthy.

I have personally discovered that those who are propagating zoning in Enugu State haven’t been able to name those at the meeting and the venue where this decision was taken.

According to their zoning sermon, they claim that the governorship position will rotate between the three senatorial districts in Enugu State. The question is, what happened to the four cultural groups in Enugu State which include: Nsukka Cultural group, Agbaja Cultural group, Nkanu Cultural group and Greater Awgu Cultural group?

Historically, His Excellency Okwesilieze Nwodo and His Excellency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi are from Nsukka Cultural group. His Excellency Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and His Excellency Chimaroke Nnamani are from Nkanu Cultural group, His Excellency C.C. Onoh and His Excellency Sullivan Chime are from Agbaja Cultural group. What happened to Ndi Awgu (Greater Awgu) Cultural group? Are they not part of Enugu State or are they not fit to produce a governor of Enugu State?

If Agbaja and Ndi Awgu cultural groups are lumped into one senatorial zone, that does not vitiate their specific cultural identities. There are four cultural groups in Enugu state and this is a verifiable fact that cannot be denied.

The politics of the South-east has been dominated by cultural groups. Why will Enugu state’s case be different. Is it because Ndi Awgu are involved and nobody is talking about cultural groups?

Let me remind us that in 2003, when Nnamani was seeking for his second tenure in office, Dr. Godsmark Ugwu, Hon. Fidel Ayogu, Chief Peter Okonkwo amongst others from Nsukka senatorial zone contested the election against Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani.

During 2007, Hon. Fidel Ayogu, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi and Chief Okey Ezea and others contested the governorship election against Barr. Sullivan Chime from Agbaja cultural group.

In 2011, when Barr. Sullivan Chime sought for a second tenure in office, notable Nsukka politicians like Chief. Ikeje Asogwa, Dr. Dan Shere and Chief Okey Ezea contested.

In the 2015 governorship election, Sen. Ayogu Eze, Professor Onyeke O. Onyeke, Hon. Eugene Odo, Hon. Chinedu Onu from Nsukka Cultural group and Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu from Ndi Awgu cultural group also contested against Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who later won the election.

Similarly, the 2019 general election also had its own events.

If there was a zoning arrangement as they claim, why do people of Nsukka cultural

Ekweremadu group always contest for governorship?

During the 2019 election, Hon. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ezeilo from Agbaja cultural group was selected for deputy governor position, same group that produced an outgoing governor (Barr. Sullivan Chime) what happened to Ndi Awgu, can’t we produce a deputy governor also?

Nsukka cultural group has produced two governors, Agbaja cultural group has produced two, Nkanu cultural group has also produced two, Awgu cultural group has produced no governor of Enugu State yet. It’s time for Ndi Awgu to produce a governor of Enugu State. Justice demands that Ndi Awgu should be given a chance to produce the governor of Enugu State in 2023, so we can all live in peace. It’s totally unfair for anybody outside Ndi Awgu to talk about contesting for governor in 2023.

Or should Ndi Awgu begin to seek for its own State? In the choice of Ministers from Enugu State since 1999 till date, nobody has considered Onye Awgu fit to be nominated for as a Minister! How long will this injustice continue?

If at all there was a ‘gentleman’ zoning arrangement, it must be equitable and justified for equal representation.

For us to truly talk about equity, fairness, unity and good conscience in Enugu State, Ndi Awgu should be given the chance to produce the governor of Enugu State in 2023.

This brings to mind the recent campaign of calumny being sponsored against prominent Greater Awgu politicians, notably former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. This is coming even when Ekweremadu, who currently represents Enugu West senatorial district, has not told anybody that he wants to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

Assuming, he wants to contest, is it not his right to do so, given the examples of persons highlighted above from Nsukka cultural and other cultural zones who contested every governorship election from 1999 till date?

Or are they afraid of Ikeoha’s intimidating political credentials?

Let it be known to those championing the dirty campaign against Ekweremadu, including some misguided (and sponsored) elements from Greater Awgu that no one can erase what Providence has written and what will be, will be. As mere mortals, our prayer always should be that the will of God be done in our lives. It should therefore be clear in their mind that they are wasting their time because no amount of such misguided and ill-informed dirty campaign will stop any son of Ndi Awgu who wishes to exercise his political right from doing so.

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COMMENT

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

GAMBARI AND OUR ASO ROCK

Oghogho A. Obayuwana writes that the Chief of Staff is cut out for the job

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his is not one of those window dressing pieces that we have become accustomed to in this part of the world, more than being my humble attempt to call forth some tucked in facets of the persona of the recently appointed Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is well known that Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari brings on board an intimidating resume that doesn’t need any more unveiling. He not only comes across as a well-trained diplomat but also a grand old technocrat. He is courteous, respectful and very civil, devoid of the usual airs that you find with men of his ilk.

Over the years (and more intensely between the years 2009-2016), I was a steady recipient of his publicly presented papers, besides my scholarly, intellectual and political discussions with him both here in Nigeria and elsewhere especially in places such as New York, Addis Ababa and Abuja. The exchanges had been largely oiled by many of such things including the fact that he was a proponent of concentricism as a foreign policy tool. That is a discussion for another day.

Today, attention is called to his recent appointment vs the polity!

What does the man still have that the nation has not already seen? I thought for instance, that he demonstrated remarkable courage when he flayed the decision of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to stay away from the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2009, describing it as a diplomatic blunder, something too costly for Nigeria which at the time was bidding for a seat at the UN Security Council. Gambari who was the in the New York headquarters of the global body as undersecretary-General, blamed the decision on improper advice by Yar’Adua’s aides. Today, he is now one such aide and a very senior one at that!

As an illustrious patriot, his had been a leading voice on the high need for a “national rebuilding�, “national way forward�, “national reformation� or “national reconciliation� (the type desirable in Nigeria).

Poring over professionalism in national development, he had at different times decried the lack of visionary leadership, gamesmanship and statesmanship in Nigeria, following this up by continuously drawing attention to the Nexus between education, development, unity and democratic transformation of Nigeria.

In one such instance where he presented a paper to a professional group, he postulated among others: “Professionalism as a concept speaks first and foremost to excellence. Built into excellence are merit and standards that underpin quality at its best. A true professional is not only a person of great technical competence and managerial ability, even (being) political savvy-but also a standard bearer of civic values and integrity�.

In the same vein, at many other fora, Gambari bemoaned what he called “narrow ethno-regional calculations that had become so integral to national territorial administration and economic governance� which he lamented had now “flung the gates open for mediocrity to triumph in the national life, in the process�.

His maturity in handling sensitive matters is another sterling quality.

This was quite palpable when for instance, he received in October 2017, the self-assessment report in his capacity as Chair of the African Union (AU) Verification Team-being a panel of eminent persons raised to

IT MAY VERY WELL BE THAT HE WANTS TO LEAN CLOSE TO PRESIDENT BUHARI AND TELL HIM CERTAIN HOME TRUTHS WHILE SERVING HIM. AT 75, HE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE

ascertain the level of readiness of the ECOWAS standby Force.

Although Covid-19 is the rage of the moment, Prof Gambari had by March 2016, came to certain conclusions on the way Africa should be handling China affairs. At the inaugural conference organised by Yale University, through its MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, in collaboration with Leading business schools in China and on the African continent, Gambari as chairman of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, sued for greater awareness of “cultural clashes� in the course of forging a reinvigorated Sino-Africa partnership, with the impression being created that local sensitivities are being ignored and that African partners are not viewed as true equals.

He was of the opinion that “African countries need to develop individual, sub-regional and regional strategies promote greater environmental responsibility and environmentally-friendly technologies� while working against corruption in all its forms.

Gambari has since hit the ground running, resuming on May 13, 2020, and immediately getting involved in a virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. And as reported, he paid a courtesy visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) shortly after that first e-cabinet meeting. The latter activity indicates that a new chapter in inter agency cooperation and intra bureaucratic services collaboration is being opened. Well, this is his turf. After all, Gambari had met his peace and reconciliation objectives in missions such as Darfur and Myanmar!

Professor Gambari once chaired the Niger Delta Peace Committee.

When he was resigning from that Committee in July 2008, he wrote to President Umaru Yar’ Adua at the time: “My appointment has attracted what appears to be a well-orchestrated and relentless opposition from some quarters, institutions, groups and individuals.�

Today, even with the smear campaign, he wouldn’t be needing to write such a memo for he has come full cycle to know how to call Aso Rock “shots� as a backroom boss. Although, it may very well be that he wants to lean close to President Buhari and tell him certain home truths while serving him. At 75, he has nothing to lose if he does that.

His experience and exposure means he can easily reach out. This, being a plus for the presidency as he takes the reins of what may be his public service twilight gift to fatherland.

Now, the misgivings hovering around the circus of columnists and critics all the more rightly or wrongly, shape the public opinion of him.

But it is up to Gambari to conduct the brief of his business with his principal more quietly than hitherto, with the expected gravitas and sensitivity, such that those of us who knew him to a certain degree could say: Ah! Yes, we told you, that his artistry did not just come about because he is from Ilorin and dark skinned with a slightly marked cheek, or an unrepentant Mohammedan or that he could speak softly over hard matters, and all of that, but because truly, the deeper values of his resume’s condiments, stick fittingly to him.

Obayuwana is a former Foreign Affairs Editor of The Guardian, now with the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States

THE FARMER’S BEST FRIEND

Ă’Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂœĂžĂ“Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂŽĂ™Ă˜Ă? Ă—Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă? Aniebo Nwamu

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ven as farming is just starting in most parts of the north, my farms in the southeast have since received sufficient doses of the “medicine� necessary for bountiful harvests. At just N5, 000 per 50kg bag, fertiliser comes handy to those of us who plant on not-so-fertile soil that therefore needs to be nurtured. In this planting season, one commodity that is most valuable to Nigerian farmers obviously is fertiliser. Unlike us part-time farmers, many uninformed agriculturalists are oblivious of how fertilisers get delivered to them so cheaply these days. When I asked a few of them in my village how they were able to get fertiliser at just N5, 000 a bag, the answer I got was simply “government�. But which government? They didn’t know!

In a way, they’re right. For the past three years, the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) programme has made fertilisers available to us with much ease.

No longer are they imported and sold for N10, 000 or N12, 000; only a small fraction of raw materials is sourced from Morocco, and the finished products leave the blending plants now scattered in the agricultural belts of the country and are delivered to agro-dealers and state governments. They take the finished products from the blending plants and retail to the farmers.

In the 1990s, the media was awash with stories about fertiliser scams, as the products were diverted and sold to non-farmers who resold them at exorbitant prices. The ugly trend has since been silenced by the transparent process instituted about 15 years ago while Dr Akinwumi Adesina was agriculture minister. Until recently, the persisting problem was that the price of imported fertiliser remained out of the reach of many -- even the subsidised fertilisers

couldn’t go round.

The PFI has been the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s success story. And it runs smoothly. When the president spoke of food security, in his Democracy Day address to the nation last week, he couldn’t have forgotten to pay glowing tribute to the PFI for delivering “significant quantities of affordable and high-quality fertilizers to our farmers�, for reviving 31 blending plants, and creating “a significant number of direct and indirect jobs across the value chain�. Food-induced inflation has reduced and economic activities across the agriculture value chain have been stimulated. There is efficient supply chain and improvement of logistics management as well as stimulation of product innovation and development through use of expertise in producing scientifically recommended formulae adaptable to the needs of the Nigerian soil.

The barely seen power behind the PFI has been the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the agency given the responsibility of implementing the programme. That is to say, NSIA funds PFI. The story began in December 2016. In the president’s 2017 budget address, he formally approved the commencement of the Presidential Committee on Fertilizer Initiative (PCFI) under the chairmanship of Jigawa State governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. The committee included representatives from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the leadership of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), and the NSIA. NSIA was to source and procure the raw materials, contract with fertilizer blenders to blend the products under a contract blending arrangement, sell the fertilizer through the blending plants and

receive proceeds for the fertilizer sale. The price of the product was set by the presidency.

PFI’s annual revenue is a little more than N100bn and its costs are slightly more. So far, 31 blending plants have been resuscitated and accredited. In three years, PFI has delivered an average of 7 million 50kg bags of NPK 20:10:10 annually -- and it targets 12 million bags in 2020. Over 1, 000 agro-dealers have been accredited. Government has been enabled to save foreign exchange that would have been expended on fertiliser subsidy or used to import bags of fertiliser.

Under the PFI business model, the four constituent raw materials required for production of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser are sourced and then blended locally at accredited blending plants to produce fertiliser for delivery at N5, 500 per 50kg bag. It has now been reduced to N5, 000 effective April 2020.

The four constituent raw materials required for the blending process are Urea, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Limestone Granules (LSG). NSIA helped to restructure the deal for importation of DAP and MOP (38% of inputs) from Morocco; about 62% of raw materials by weight, LSG and Limestone, is sourced locally.

A cumulative total of 946,264 MT of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser was produced from 2017 to 2019 under the PFI programme; 917,178 MT has been sold.

This year, NAIC-NPK Limited (a special-purpose vehicle through which the NSIA operates) has imported the constituent raw materials required for the blending of 600,000MT (12 million 50kg bags) of NPK fertiliser and has also commenced the sourcing and ordering of constituent raw materials required for the blending of the 400,000MT (8million bags) of NPK fertiliser under the other programmes.

Production is gearing up ahead of the 2020 farming season.

The accountability status of NSIA led by Mr Uche Orji ranks second to none of all federal agencies. On its website (www.nsia.com.ng) | Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority - NSIA I find reports of PFI’s audited financial statements from inception in 2017 to date. I see the qualitative and quantitative accounts of NSIA’s stewardship regarding all assets under the PFI: raw materials imported, sales made through accredited agrodealers, reports of quality control at blending plants and so on.

The much-respected PricewaterhouseCoopers has audited the accounts of PFI from inception. Records show that, between 2017 and 2019, it invested N95bn and plans to invest N140bn in 2020. All 31 plants are audited regularly by internal and external auditors to ensure compliance with approved standards.

There are strict controls over how raw materials and finished products are handled: Involved is a joint security task force supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Movement, storage and general handling of raw materials and finished goods are monitored by appointed collateral managers who ensure quality, consistency in weight and mixture per bag of NPK 20:10:10 to avoid adulteration or under-bagging. To ensure further quality control, the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, was hired to conduct random tests on each batch of finished products. The price per bag at the gate of every PFI-accredited distributor is monitored – it has remained N5, 500 until April 2020 when it was reduced to N5, 000.

Nwamu, an entrepreneur, is the CEO of Eyeway.ng

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

EDITORIAL ASO ROCK SECURITY BREACHES The President should put his house in order

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he investigation ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari into the ugly brawl at the State House involving his personal assistant and security personnel attached to the First Lady, has once again highlighted the in-fighting in his government.

Although the Presidency has downplayed it as a ‘minor’ incident, it is nonetheless very disturbing, especially when gunshot was reportedly involved. Besides, these frequent domestic bouts at the villa involving members of the president’s household do not speak well of his administration and our country.

It is all the more disturbing because this is a recurring drama. In recent years, there have been reports of the president’s wife, cousins, nephews and their children engaging in verbal brawls and throwing tantrums within the precincts of the Villa. In some instances, these family members also record and post videos on the social media in a bid to score advantage over one another. That nobody has been called to order encouraged the latest controversy, following the arrest of some security personnel that had dragged the Inspector-General of NOT ONLY IS THE Police to a fight for PERSONAL SAFETY OF turf among members THE PRESIDENT AND of the president’s KEY STATE OFFICIALS AT immediate family.

STAKE, SUCH RASCALITY The security of the presidency as SENDS A NEGATIVE an institution is of SIGNAL TO THE WORLD vital importance.

A situation in which there is free abuse of fire arms and shootouts in the vicinity of the seat of power is a grave national security issue. Not only is the personal safety of the president and key state officials at stake, such rascality sends a very negative signal to the world about our country. Even in banana republics, security personnel do not allow private disagreements among occupants of the seat of power to degenerate into open

confrontation.

We have had previous presidents and their families and personnel in the Villa without such disgraceful eruptions. Irrespective of whatever investigations the president may have ordered, we are dealing here with clear domestic lawlessness and lack of discipline among security and administrative personnel at the Villa. The nation minimally expects the president to rein in his family and staff and also effect a drastic overhaul of the security protocols in his office and residence. Most importantly, there should be a clear demarcation between the spheres of authority of the presidential household and the officialdom of the Villa.

I 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

t is a shame that at a period the spate of violence across the country has prompted several critical stakeholders to express serious concerns, members of the president’s family are carrying out their petty rivalries in a manner that constitutes a threat on national security. We understand that the embarrassing fiasco which led to the arrest of some security personnel is already being probed. But what is in the public domain is in itself a scandal. Nigerians now know that while their movement is being restricted by President Buhari to contain the spread of COVID-19, members of his household have been gallivanting all over the country.

We do not expect that the report of the investigation into the unfortunate Villa incident would be made public. But it is important that appropriate lessons are learnt. One, Mrs Buhari should rein in the impulse to frequently squabble with government officials in public. Two, the president must understand that he subverts himself by allowing members of his own family to behave as though above the law. Three, the presidential villa is a hallowed ground that should not be desecrated by the antics of some power mongers.

Finally, since the responsibility for whatever happens at the villa falls on him, the president will do well to put his house in order.

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HISTORY: Beyond Dates And Events

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istory is no longer just a collection of dates, locations and events, it is a provocation, a reality, and a justification. History becomes a rallying call if not a war cry but what is the history of any event?

An initial problem with interpreting history is that it is fluid based on who is telling the story and even how much of the story is known. Rodney King’s story became a turning point in history, not just because he was telling the truth but it was supported by video evidence. Australia is a country with a positive reputation and is seen to be a friendly and open society. One example of the problem with viewing history was when the Prime Minister Scott Morrison proudly said ‘… There was no slavery in Australia’ (June 11) but he was quickly corrected.

Slavery is illegal in Australia as it is in most countries but the semantics that slavery didn’t exist because the indigenous people who were placed on farms as ‘workers’ and ‘domestics’ and didn’t get any pay apart from a roof and food weren’t slaves is surely flawed as this is just legalized slavery. Semantics do not change the truth and nor should they be used to attempt to change history.

Another sad story of the mistreatment of history also comes from Australia where a mining company Rio Tinto blew up, legally, an indigenous site with rock paintings approximately 46,000 years old. When history can be destroyed so easily so can the lessons from history. We must learn from history and be honest about what has happened.

As a white, middle class person, I have no real knowledge or understanding of the issues involved on the ‘Black Lives Matter’ beyond the obvious: Black Lives do Matter, the treatment of people of different colors is different, the police are meant to protect them from danger but sometimes, and more frequently in the USA, they are the danger. My only experience of prejudice and a trivial one is the differences between Catholic and Presbyterian communities in a small country town, probably based on the stories from when the families lived in Ireland in the 1850s.

Social groupings were still fairly separate even in the 1960s and it influenced employment opportunities and who were meant to be your friends. One of the rallying posters from World War One asked ‘Daddy, what did you do in the great war?’ and the basis of the question applies just as much now in the war against racism and violence. Most people support equality but won’t take up the opportunity to walk although they should make a statement in some way, kneeling, wearing a badge, donating to charities and writing to their elected representatives. In the end it will be the words spoken or written into laws that will make the changes although actions will prompt this change.

History will record this year as dangerous because of the COVID-19 virus, disgraceful because of the death of one man, embarrassing because of President Trump but what I want it to record is that finally change occurred to stop racism and violence.

I will wait, I will stand and kneel, I will hope.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Boys Are Also Sexually Abused

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ale victims of sexual assault are largely neglected in our society. Majority of sexual assault are perpetrated by the men, but the real fact is that one out of every 10 men is a victim of sexual assault either by a man or by a woman. Males are being abused in our society and it’s not being addressed because our society fails to see that men can be victims of abuse, men find it difficult to seek help and support even at a very tender age.

Whenever rape is mentioned, what usually comes to the mind of people is a man taking advantage of a woman. Why does no one care to talk about male rape? About sexual victimization? Why are men expected to just remain calm and pretend as if they enjoy being abused? Children are being abused every second; right under our nose, just like the case of a 12-year-old boy in Abuja who was sodomized by a pharmacist with the National Hospital Abuja, but was lucky for his mother to have noticed that something had gone wrong, who probed and got details of how the evil was done. Kudos to operatives of National Agency for the prohibition of Trafficking in Person’s (NAPTIP).

Another incident is the case of a four years old boy who was being abused by a 24 years old maid identified as Esther. She was arrested by the police in Rivers State. Esther’s secret act was disclosed to the doctor when the boy was taken to the hospital due to the pain the boy had started having in his private organ.

A lot is happening in our world, males are being sexually assaulted every second, people are beginning to talk about it but a lot still need to be done. These boys and men live through the years with memories that leave them disturbed and that’s if the rapist even let them live. There is no excuse for sexual abuse, anyone can be a victim, let’s be vigilant and sensitive to happenings around us, no one can be trusted.

We call on the authorities and Nigerian Government to help curb the menace. This is a wake-up call to parents to protect their boy-child too because the perpetrators are everywhere, we are not to leave them with female or male caregiver without proper attention and monitoring.

Let’s protect the boy-child, boys are also sexually abused.

Grace O.Abu, Program Assistant, Women & Children’s Safety Program Cal-maji Foundation

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Building Strong Channels for Sustainable Growth Mary Nnah writesthatlikemostNigerianbrands,9mobileispartneringdealersinvarious states to help get their products closer to customers

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s a famous saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.�

Drawing from this wise saying, it can be inferred that the partnerships a business develops across its various value chain will have implications for both growth and sustainability.

As a business, a mix of options abounds for getting your products across to final users. This may be directly through corporate outlets or indirectly through wholesalers, retailers or franchised and non-franchised dealers.

However, with a population of over 180million, 36 states and a federal capital territory and a vast land mass of 923,763 km2 to cover, it is not surprising that most Nigerian brands partner dealers in various states to help get their products closer and across to their customers. This is often through a well-oiled distribution network.

This network of dealers has direct access to the brand, get the products directly and then service wholesalers and retailers.

This explains why dealers and distributors are an extension of the brand and enjoy unfettered access to information and updates pertaining to the brand. They also provide the critical human touch through personal relationships with customers that help to build loyalty and ultimately promote increased sales turnover. Therefore, it is pertinent that brands support this vital stakeholder group to be successful as this will translate to better business outcomes for both parties.

The imperative of this symbiotic relationship was recently demonstrated by 9mobile at its annual Channel Partners Conference 2020 as it converged with its channel partners in Lagos to dialogue and synergise further for the future with an appropriate theme, ‘Facing the Future Together.’ While speaking at the 9mobile Channel Partner Conference, the CEO at Corporate Shephards Limited, Mr. Idorenyen Enang, stressed the essence of good partnership between a brand and its dealers.

Idorenyen Enang said: “Collaboration is very essential, there is absolutely no way you won’t win if everyone contributes their strengths to the common goal. Win-win is about winning together. The strength of partnerships is what makes things work and guarantee enduring success. It is clear that taking the future calls for more collaboration.�

Brands are increasingly realising that it is not just enough to have channel partners, it is also important to equip them with the right tools and resources that help them become stronger and more efficient businesses, more knowledgeable about the brand and become top sellers.

This was equally underscored at the 9mobile Channel Partner Conference by the Director of Sales at 9mobile, Mr. Oluwatosin Olulana, while commenting on the telco’s business outlook for 2020. He assured partners that, “there will be more focus on simpler propositions, staying through to our promise of delivering better service in terms of data quality and pricing. With the recent expansion of our 4G network, we have increased capacity, which means that we need to do more in terms of deployment.

There is a huge potential that we can take advantage of, and we are very optimistic about meeting our expectations this year�.

Another noteworthy point in this discourse is that brands are better off when they welcome feedback and input from partners in shaping key business decisions. Communication as we know it is a two-way street, and it is important that brands listen and get valuable feedback from their distribution networks.

This valuable feedback system has been

9mobile CEO, Alan SinďŹ eld

a strong part of the culture at 9mobile. In her remarks at the 2020 Channel Partner Conference, the Business Development Director of Vas2Net Technology Limited, Mrs. Teniola Stuffman said, “our deliberations have been very constructive and l like that the introduction was very focused. It is a step in the right direction for us and I have the confidence that with what we have heard we are expecting 2020 to be much better. There are some demands that we have made, and the brand has promised they will respond and there are some commitments from our own side as well.� “It is teamwork and if we are both collaborating well, we should be able to achieve our target by the end of the year.

Sustainability is very key, and the element of focus makes it obvious that we are all on the same page. Also, the fact that all concerns have been taken to mind is very key,� she stated further.

Another partner at the conference, the Managing Director of Sonite Communications Limited, Dr. Olajide Samson said, “9mobile has been resilient despite all the challenges and have come out stronger with a formidable management team who are receptive to the needs of its partners. They are innovative and proactive to the aspirations of dealers and customers. 9mobile is a company with a bright prospect�.

The event clearly highlighted why today’s brands must create opportunities

for interactions with their channel partners so as to learn of their challenges first-hand and identify what support they need to be more effective. These stakeholders can be most successful when they feel valued and know that the brand appreciates that their contributions impact the overall bottom-line of the business.

The Managing Director, Clickatell, Samson Isa, restated the long history of his partnership with 9mobile as well as their supportive disposition. “It is one of the telcos that is customer-centric. They are concerned about the profitability of our partnership. We are here to strategize on our partnership, look for more opportunities for growth and align with the network’s business objectives. “One of the things I appreciate about the management team of 9mobile is their honesty. 9mobile is constantly exploring better financing options to strengthen the business fundamentals, while prioritising network improvement, pricing strategy and improved service quality. I am convinced that we are on the right track and that 9mobile will bounce back strongly and do very well in the telecommunications market�.

The new CEO of 9mobile, Alan Sinfield, re-emphasised the rationale behind the Channel Partners Conference while highlighting the company’s resolve to foster value-driven relationships among its channel partners. “The idea behind this conference is to converge

with our channel partners and dealers to create the energy and momentum that we need to grow in 2020 and beyond. We have fixed the challenges we had in the past, and now we are in the right trajectory to succeed,� he said. “We have started on the right footing with the deployment of our infrastructure and 4GLTE across the country. We have also slashed down our prices, and people have realised that 9mobile is the preferred network. We have also created this new demand that will favour our partners and sales dealers," he added.

The telco chief further outlined some unique customer propositions of the network. "We have the cheapest and best quality service.

We also have a well-trained and effective customer care team that is second to none across all our touchpoints. We want to reassure Nigerians and our customers that we have more competitive products and services with the best value at the most affordable rate. “We recognise that we need our partners and dealers to grow, and the reason we are sitting together with them today is not only to share our plans and vision but also to hear from them and strengthen our relationship,� he said.

With the expected trickle-down impact of 9mobile’s 2020 business plans on the operations of its channel partners across the country, stakeholders are confident of better performance outcomes in the year.

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

PERSPECTIVVE

ENSPHCDA: Delivering Ugwuanyi’s Vision for Quality and Affordable Healthcare to Rural Dwellers

By Nkemdilim Udeh On assumption of office in 2015, Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, made it clear that his vision was to take good governance and development to the rural areas to touch lives at the long-neglected and abandoned grassroots.

After a lot of tinkerings and proper plannings on the issue, Ugwuanyi swung into action to touch the lives of the rural dwellers, especially the children with good healthcare system, good roads, electricity, security and others.

To deliver qualitative, affordable and efficient healthcare to the rural dwellers, who are in vast majority and resides in a very wide and stretched land mass in the state, Ugwuanyi saw that it was only the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA) that have the mandate and capacity to fulfill his vision for the people.

Ugwuanyi then quickly moved into action by repositioning and strengthening the ENSPHCDA. Some of the far reaching steps and decisions taken by Ugwuanyi’s administration to strengthen the capacity and effeciency of the ENS-PHCDA included amendment of the law establishing the Agency to give it relative autonomy and the constitution of a technocrat board to supervise the activities of the agency.

The Governor also appointed a seasoned, vibrant and health-passionate expert in the person of Dr. George Ugwu, as the new Executive Secretary of the Agency.

Dr. Ugwu who was a former Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) also served as Associate Dean and Consultant at the College of Medicine University of Nigeria before his appointment by the Gov. Ugwuanyi.

To ensure effective and healthy operation of the agency, Gov. Ugwuanyi relocated it agency to a befitting and well-furnished office complex with generating sets and well-furnished conference room.

The required N100million counterpart fund to enable Enugu State participate in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund of the Federal Government was also graciously paid to the Ministry of Health.

With these massive supports and revitalisation of some existing Primary Health Care (PHC) centres by the Ugwuanyi-led administration, the governor had pushed the little known agency that had before now struggled to meet its mandates, to that which is the centrepiece of the health sector service delivery in the state.

Within a year, the management of the agency aligning with the governor’s vision had overturned every known poor previous record and performance of the agency to make massive improvements and breakthroughs. The agency has rapidly improved its programmes, especially the day-to-day running of the Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, setting of three special therapy feeding centres (centre for acute management of malnutrition) to tackle infant/child malnutrition as well as routine and continuous immunisation exercises.

On immunisation, which is a cardinal function of the agency; the state government had set-up State Task Force on Immunisation (TFI) headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo, to ensure 100 per cent mobilisation and coverage of all routine and special immunisation exercises.

The abysmal record of 63 per cent of coverage per exercise about a year ago has been upturned to 100 plus per cent coverage per exercise. This was attested to by the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi and others who were beneficiaries of the exercise.

The national PHCDA, WHO and other partners had applauded the Governor Ugwuanyi, the State TFI team, the governor’s wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, who is also known as Polio Immunisation Champion, the executive secretary and the entire PHC workers for the renewed zeal and result-oriented immunisation programmes in the state.

These routine and special immunisation exercises included that of pneumonia, measles, tetanus etc as well as Polio and recently added

Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi showing care to Enugu children during the second round of the 2018 maternal, newborn and child health week in Uwani Health Centre, Enugu recently. Behind her in black suit is Dr. George Ugwu, executive secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENSPHCDA)

Meningitis A which was flagged off by the Governor at Abakpa Health Centre.

Ugwuanyi’s administration had through the agency added additional two days for mop-up in areas that failed to achieve 100 per cent target in each immunisation carried out in the last one year to ensure that no child was left out in the statewide vaccination/immunisation.

According to the executive secretary of Agency, Dr. Ugwu, “this time the Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days we just-concluded and other special immunisation have always been very successful. I can categorically say we recorded 101 per cent, even exceeding the numerical mathematical 100 per cent each immunisation. ``Our national supervisors, partners and other stakeholders were so impressed with the success and vast reach of our immunisation teams during immunisation exercises recently. The national supervisors were particularly impressed with our overwhelming and steady improvement. “They lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his uncompromising support to healthcare matters especially vaccination exercises.’’ Ugwu, however, said that part of the success could be attributed to the renewed enthusiasm among local government vaccination officials/teams to compete with each other and to outperform each other in their reach and target of the children to be immunised.

The ENS-PHCDA boss, however, thanked UNICEF, WHO, and other partners for their trainings and technical supports towards the huge success of the various immunisation exercises.

However, in a bid to reposition the agency and its PHC workers on maintaining target on routine and special immunisations, Ugwuanyi has ensured extensive and continuous training and retraining of PHC workers within the state and at the national level. Meanwhile, stipend payment for immunisation and other programmes of the agency had been enhanced and paid timely.

Mr. Thomas Agbo, Local Immunisation Officer in-charge of Enugu North Local Government Area, attested that Ugwuanyi’s commitment in the payment of the stipend was a huge incentive for immunisation officers and field workers. Agbo said the governor and the executive secretary had added fresh impetus and zeal in the way immunisation was being carried out in the state. ``The stipend given to the field immunisation officers on time has been a great motivation for them to carry out the immunisation willingly and religiously,’’ he said.

Mr Jude Nweze, Ward Focal Person for Immunization in Okpuje-Okutu Ward in Nsukka LGA, said: “Immunisation field workers and their supervisors were happy over the prompt

and regular payment of their stipend. “Recently, the state government through the agency carried out comprehensive training and sensitisation of all the PHC workers in case definition, temporary isolation/holding bay and quick referral as well as local contact tracing for cases of COVID-19 pandemic, especially as the virus has entered community transmission stage. There had been series of training and re-training of the PHC workers at four levels – state, senatorial, council area and ward, by various health professionals within the state and national through direct contact or virtual (Internet) training platforms. The agency also made the training on virtual meetings and workshops through their android phones or computers mandatory to adapt to the new life-style of maintaining social distancing as demanded by COVID-19 prevention protocols.

In a nutshell, the sterling performance and achievements of the ENS-PHCDA in the last one year include moving into a new office complex at No. 30 Coal City Garden Estate, G.R.A., Enugu, as required by National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for state participation in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Although, it still maintains its office at No. 28 Okpara Avenue, as Annex Office, because the new office cannot accommodate its entire staff presently at its Head Office, taking over the supervision and oversight in November, 2019 of all the staff of LGA PHC departments, including 518 public Primary Health Care facilities in Enugu State and their staff as part of the efforts to reposition Primary Health Care in the State in line with the National Policy on Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR), developing in December, 2019, State-specific Minimum Service Package (MSP) for PHC in Enugu State, developing the draft Operational Guidelines for PHC in Enugu State and to satisfy part of the requirements for the state to participate in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Others were developing the draft Regulations for PHC in Enugu State, securing approval to post some relevant staff from different MDAs to the agency in order to strengthen human and institutional capacity of the Agency, developing the maiden edition of the 2020 Annual Operational Plan for PHC in Enugu State in order to provide a road map for the effective implementation of PHC activities in the State, facilitating the setting up of the State Task Force on Immunisation (TFI) with Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, as the Chair Person, facilitating the constitution and inauguration of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency Board

by Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, as a requirement for PHCUOR and BHCPF, carrying out successfully the National Immunization Days Plus (NIPDs) in July, 2019, with 96% coverage, conducting two rounds of Outbreak Response (OBR) in Uzo-Uwani LGA between August and November, 2019, with 98% coverage of target population, introducing in December, 2019, Measles second dose, into Routine Immunisation schedule with 98% coverage of target population, conducting successfully Meningitis (Men-A) Vaccination Campaign in December, 2019, with 99% coverage of target population, which was graciously flagged-off

by His Excellency, the Governor, conducting Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days (SNIPDs) in January, 2020, with 100% coverage of the set target, carrying out National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) Campaign in January, 2020, with 100% coverage of the set target, commencing the implementation of the Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (I-MOP) in the State with the completion of State and Local level training.

Further implementation of the programme was stalled by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and its associated consequences, carrying out successfully in January, 2020, in collaboration with U-TOLF, 2018 second round of Maternal and Newborn Child Health Week (MNCHW).

This was massively supported by Her Exellency, the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi who is exceptionally dedicated to the health of the rural dwellers, especially the women and children.

Following the approval of His Excellency, The Governor of Enugu State, the agency, in collaboration with the Accountant-General of the State, is facilitating the opening of Bank Accounts by public PHC facilities in the State as part of the BHCPF requirements and to ensure proper accountability. Establishing, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and UNICEF, three (3) Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) sites in three (3) recently revitalized health centres at Abakpa-Nike, Obollo-Afor and Oji-River for the three senatorial zones of the State.

These designated centres are meant to address the problem of acute malnutrition among under-5 year-old children as well as eliminate or reduce the adverse consequences of malnutrition in children. The agency has formed three monitoring and supervision teams for the purpose of monitoring and supervising PHC workers across the 17 LGAs and 518 public PHC facilities in the State. t6EFI XSPUF GSPN *OEFQFOEFODF -BZPVU &OVHV 4UBUF

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T H I S D AY ˾ JUNE 18, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S

A S

MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A T

REPO 8.83 % 9.83 %

CALL 1-MONTH

8.50 % 8.5 %

J U N E

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

1 1 , 2 0 2 0

S & P INDEX INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY

S&P 518.85 % -0.62 %

1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

EXCHANGE RATE 11.42 % 7.83 %

N361/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Nokia 5.3 Smartphone Debuts in Nigeria

HMDGlobal,thehomeofNokiaphoneshasannouncedthatNokia5.3is availableforpurchasefromSlot,3CHub,Finet,Pointek,Spar,Jumiaand Kongastoresinthecountry.

Thesmartphonefeaturesaquadcamera,theQualcommSnapdragon665 MobilePlatformandthesignaturetwo-daybatterylife.TheAI-powered quad-camerahelpscapturetheperfectshotnomatterwhereyouare,even indimlight,thankstoNightmode.Wide-angleandmacrolenseshelpyou capture close-ups, or wide, scenic shots. And with its large 6.55” screen, theNokia5.3helpsmakethemostoutofstreamingyourfavouriteshows and playing games all day long.The Nokia 5.3 has a durable yet stunning, Nordic-inspired design, comes with Android™ 10 and gives fans faster accesstoGoogleAssistantviathededicatedbutton.

General Manager, West, East and Central Africa, HMD Global, Joseph Umunakwe, said: “For a smartphone at this price point and with a lot of firsts, the Nokia 5.3 is definitely unique. Our goal with the Nokia 5.3 was to give fans a robust device, which allows them to both create and enjoy contentinadifferentway.

“BringinganAI-poweredquadcamera,aswellasbeingthefirstNokiaphone tousetheSnapdragon™665MobilePlatform,theNokia5.3isanexciting opportunity for us to bring an entertainment and creative powerhouse tomorepeopleacrosstheworld.”

MEDIA BRIEFING

Zoho Launches CRM Solution

L-R: Babaloja of Ikeja Computer Village, Mr. Adeniyi Olasoji; Iyaloja, Mrs. Abisola Azeez; Iyalaje, Ms. Busayo Fabanwo; Treasurer of the computer market, Mr. Nofiu Akinsaya and Coordinator, Food and Drinks Association of the market, Mrs. Osundain Oluwasein, during a media briefing organised by the computer market leaders in Lagos...recently

Mixed Reactions Trail Amendment of Broadcasting Code Stories by Emma Okonji Some stakeholders have reacted to the recently amended National Broadcasting Commission Code by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

They also called on NBC to rather seek policies that would incentivise and not punish local content creation and technology service delivery in the broadcast industry.

Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise working to advance digital rights and inclusion in Africa, condemned the recently amended National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code released to, “make provision for local content, increased advertising revenue, and restriction of monopolistic

TELECOM behaviour in the broadcast industry.”

Chief Executive Officer of Paradigm Initiative, Mr. Ggenga Sesan said: “The Commission has by this amendment, laid down unfavorable conditions and requirements for the just budding PayTV Industry in Nigeria, placing unfair and unrealistic burdens on local content producers and by extension, the economy.”

According to him, “While we are yet to get an official definition from the Commission for ‘Web/Online Broadcasting’, it is clear from the new provisions that certain clauses will affect the development of the sector.

“The compulsion to prevent exclusive rights to content on PayTV platforms is archaic and regressive, to say the least.

“Apart from it being a blatant affront to the freedom of copyright holders to use and license their work as they wish, it also chokes innovation in the streaming television business.”

The NBC mandates that all persons wishing to operate web/online broadcasting services in Nigeria must register with the Commission. However, there is no public record of the Commission’s consultation with these stakeholders in making these amendments, Sesan said, adding that the internet space in Nigeria is developing and innovation is to be encouraged.

“Policies like this can greatly

discourage the development of technology and technologybased services thereby creating an unfavorable environment for the kind economic growth that is relevant in this age,” he said.

He explained that with the new realities faced by Nigeria as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, government policies should not only desist from hampering nascent technologies but must in fact, encourage and incentivise same.

“The amendments to the NBC Code do not incentivise innovation in the broadcast and television industry and therefore, we join voices with other stakeholders to call upon the NBC to re-engage Continued on page 22

Internet Penetration Rises to 138.7 Million The total number of internet subscriptions recorded across mobile, fixed wired and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as at April 2020, reached 138.7 million.

This is however, as broadband penetration, which drives internet access and connectivity, dropped from 39.90 per cent in March 2020 to 39.58 per cent in April 2020, according to the latest statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator.

According to the statistics, both broadband and internet penetrations maintained a steady rise in figure in the past one year, until broadband penetration slide to 39.58 per cent in April this year, from 39.90 in March this year.

While internet penetration is

TELECOM the population of the percentage of people that are connected to the internet through various devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers, and through various technologies like Mobile GSM, Fixed Wired and VoIP, but broadband penetration is the high transmission capacity obtained from fibre optic cables that drives internet connectivity.

The NCC statistics, which was obtained from its website, showed that the bulk of internet connectivity came from the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology, which is being offered by GSM operators like MTN, Globacom, Airtel, 9mobile, ntel, including core Internet Service Providers

(ISPs) like Spectranet, Swift Network, Smile, 21st Century among others.

From the statistics, the total internet subscriptions from a combination of mobile GSM, Fixed Wired and VoIP, reached 119.9 million in April 2019, but the figure rose to 123 million subscriptions in May 2019, before dropping slightly to 122.7 million subscriptions in June 2019.

The figure, however, picked up again in July 2019 to reach 123.07 million subscriptions, before sliding again to 122.98 million subscriptions in August 2019.

But in September 2019, the figure increased to 123.2 million subscriptions, with a subsequent increase to 123.6 million subscriptions in October 2019.

The subscription dropped

slightly again in November 2019 to 122.9 million subscriptions before climbing again to 126.1 million subscriptions in December 2019.

In January 2020, internet subscriptions maintained a steady growth to reach 128.7 million subscriptions and another increase to reach 132.01 million subscriptions in February 2020.

In March 2020, the figure rose to 136.2 million subscriptions and it recorded another increase to reach 138.7 million internet subscriptions in April 2020.

The NCC statistics however, stated that broadband penetration dropped in April 2020, to 39.58 per cent from 39.90 per

Zoho,aglobaltechnologycompanyhaslaunchedBigin,apipeline-centric CRMsoftwaredesignedspecificallyforsmallandmicrobusiness(SMB) owners.

‘Bigin by Zoho CRM’ was been designed to provide a simple solution for smallbusinessestokeeptrackoftheircustomersandimprovecustomer relationships without having to worry about high costs or complicated features.

Speakingabouttheproduct,Zoho’sCountryManagerforAfrica,Andrew Bourne,said:“Smallbusinessesaretheheartandsoulofourcommunities and with business owners struggling more than ever right now, our goal is to bring world-class customer relationship management technology toeverysizedbusinessatanextremelyaffordableprice.

“We created Bigin to help small businesses achieve maximum growth with a minimal learning curve. Using the product, small businesses can stop relying on dozens of spreadsheets to manage customer activities and instead move to a CRM that is easy to use and allows them to focus ongrowingandbuildingstrongcustomerrelationships.”

Biginisapipeline-centricCRMsolutionfocusedonsmallbusinesseswhodo notneedanelaborate,end-to-endCRMapplication.Theproductincludes: 30-minutesetup:Biginallowsuserstogetupandrunningwithin30minutes multiplepipelinesforcustomeroperations.

Digital Will Enhance Entrepreneurship’

Anauthor,MorenikeAdebayo,hassaidtheadoptionofdigitalofferswomen, especiallyinNigerialikeotherdevelopingcountries,moreopportunities.

ShesaidthisatthesecondeditionofDigitalRightswebinarserieshosted incollaborationwithDigitalSENSEAfrica,DomainNameSystem([DNS] Women–Nigeria)andNaijaAgroNet,withthetheme:‘WomenandRights inDigitalEra.’ Adebayo, who is also an activist and social entrepreneur, who dwelt on thesub-theme:“NigerianYouth,WomenandRightsinDigitalEra”noted thatinacountrythathasverylimitedrepresentationforwomeninpolitics, themilitary,andlawenforcement,“itisalsorefreshingtoseethewomen’s rightsmovementfindrefugeinonlineplatforms.”

Shecitedforinstancethatsocialmediahasbecomethetraditionalchannel forpressuringlawenforcementtobringsexualoffendersandmurderers tojustice.

“Seetherecent#JusticeforUwaand#JusticeforTinamovementsseeking justiceforTinaEzekweandVeraUwaliaOmozuwa,forinstance,”shesaid.

MorenikepointedoutthattechnologymostlythroughtheInternetseems to be shaking the traditional hierarchies that have subjugated Nigerian womenasawholeforcenturies.

“Socialmediahasalsospearheadedalarge-scalesocietalshiftinbeliefs aroundrapeandvictimhoodthroughhashtagssuchas#SayNoToRape,” shesaid,callingformoreinfrastructuredeploymentinruralcommunities acrossthecountry.

“The proposed target of 120,000km of optical fibre cable network deployment in the country, is of key interest to the Commission because it is vital to the advancement of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and the fourth industrial revolution is rested upon ICT” Executive Vice Chaiman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),

Prof. Umar Danbatta Continued on page 22

T H I S D AY ˾ JUNE 18, 2020

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BUSINESSWORLD MIXED REACTIONS TRAIL AMENDMENT OF BROADCASTING CODE its process of amendment by opening dialogue between itself and the key stakeholders who would be affected by these policy directions,” Sesan further said.

Reacting to public outcry over the amendment of the National Broadcasting Code, during a recent press conference in Abuja, the Acting Director General of NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, explained that the intention behind the amendment was to promote the noble principles and objectives of broadcasting in Nigeria as enunciated in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“The current amendment aims at to reposition Nigerian broadcasting industry and to make it more responsive to emerging realities in the broadcasting ecosystem.

“The Principal amendments are in the area of Promoting Local Advertising Industry; Creating a boost in the content production sector; Making Local Sports attractive as international content; and Discouraging anticompetitive behaviour.”

INTERNET PENETRATION RISES TO 138.7 MILLION cent penetration it recorded in March 2020, after maintaining a steady growth penetration since June 2019.

In June 2019, broadband penetration was 33.31 per cent and in July 2019, it rose to 33.72 per cent, before climbing to 35.10 per cent in August 2019 and 35.40 per cent in September 2019.

In October 2019, broadband penetration deepened further to 37.87 per cent and in November 2019, broadband penetration decreased slightly to 37.71 per cent before climbing again to 37.80 per cent in December 2019.

In January 2020, broadband penetration increased to 38.49 per cent and in February and March 2020, it further increased to 39.58 per cent and 39.90 per cent respectively, before sliding slightly to 39. 58 per cent in April 2020.

In order to deepen broadband penetration in the country, the federal government came up with its first National Broadband Plan (2013-2018), with a target to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration by December 2018.

NEWS

NCS Seeks Research, Innovation Funding to Boost IT Stories by Emma Okonji The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) practitioners and interest groups is seeking for research and innovation funding that will spur technology research in the country.

While appreciating the efforts of government and other stakeholders of the progress Nigeria has made in promoting and supporting IT development, NCS noted that a lot still needed to be done in the area of IT research, which the Society said would help increase Nigeria’s rating in the future.

President of NCS, Prof.

Adesina Sodiya, who made the position of the group known said: “The position of Nigeria in various world rankings in ICT development, digital readiness and broadband penetration is still not acceptable to Nigeria Computer Society. In other specific emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) implementation and general digital smartness, it is obvious we still need to make significant progress.

“Certainly, we need to improve IT development capacities and capabilities in other to scale up with technological giants countries like Singapore, USA, China, Japan, UK South Korea and so on.

“It is obvious that the key

ingredients to leapfrog IT development in this country are research and innovations.

Recently, the NCS constituted a committee to assess the impact of the adoption of 5G technology on the nation. “The committee recommended the need for rigorous and extensive research on 5G technology and its adoption.”

NCS has been championing IT development for over 40 years. Currently with over 20,000 members in both private and public sectors, NCS

remains at the centre console of IT development in Nigeria.

Citing the recent introduction of Innovation Development Fund (NIDF) by NCS to provide necessary supports for developmental research and innovations in Information Technology, Sodiya listed specific thematic areas of consideration to include: Connectivity (5G Network); Virtual Reality and Environment; System Automation and Design; Digital Economy; Robotics; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity;

Internet of Things and Smart City; e-Health and e-Agriculture; Software defined everything, among others.

According to him, the Innovation Fund has further been extended to provide solutions, tools and technology to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic, which will cover Contact tracing; Vaccine development; Diagnostic tools; Enforcing social distancing; Misinformation about COVID-19 pandemic; Decision support systems; Enforcing wearing of mask; Tracking

of the COVID-19 pandemic; Treatment monitoring; Projection of cases and mortalities; Drugs development; Heavy workload of healthcare workers, among others.

The NCS Innovation Development Fund (NIDF) is expected to support individuals in private or public organisation willing to conduct developmental research and innovations in Information Technology, while seeking for the collaboration and support of both private and public individuals and organisations.

NCC Building

Zoom: Free Users May Lose Encryption Protection Zoom has announced that those who use its video platform for free will no longer have encrypted calls.

Zoom is considering end-toend encryption of the data of all free users of its platform for security reasons that would enable it comply and work with local law enforcement agencies as well as the FBI in the event that Zoom would be used for malicious reasons.

Although the online platform has given security as the reason for its planned action, some industry players are of the view that the change may compel Zoom to begin to ask for information from free users and give them the same encryption as their paid users.

The reasoning behind the development, according to the company, is that they want to

be able to comply and work with local law enforcement agencies as well as the FBI in the event that Zoom would be used for malicious reasons.

Those who use Zoom for free merely need to provide an email address, therefore not providing adequate information in order to help verify the identity of somebody.

The new rollout would only provide end-to-end encryption to individuals with full verifiable accounts, a source close to Zoom said.

Worried by the new development, industry analysts said Zoom could ask for the same information from their free users and give them the same encryption as their paid users.

They were of the view that the new initiative from Zoom seemed more like a market-

ing tactic than a compliance concern, a development, they said, could be worrisome.

They were also more concerned that the development could force small businesses who may not be able to pay for using the Zoom platform, to start considering using other communication platforms for their online meetings.

Reacting to analysts fears that Zoom may soon begin to charge free users of its platform, the company said it would continue to use encryption technology on its platform for all users.

AES 256-bit GCM encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption standards used today, is currently enabled system-wide and is available to all users – both free and paid.

“Regarding contacting law enforcement, Zoom only

responds to valid law enforcement requests. When we receive a request for information, Zoom’s policy is to comply only if the request follows a valid legal process and there is proper jurisdiction.

“Zoom’s policy precludes responding to requests where there is inadequate legal process, for example when authorities lack jurisdiction or when requests are overbroad.

“Zoom does not eavesdrop on users’ meetings. We also do not let law enforcement listen into meetings. Any reports to the contrary are categorically false. “Zoom does not proactively monitor meeting content and we do not have backdoors where anyone — including employees — can enter meetings without being visible to others via the meeting

participant list,” Zoom said in its response.

It added: “As for end-to-end encryption, this is still a work in progress. We are currently listening to feedback from child safety advocates, civil liberties organisations, encryption experts, and law enforcement, and will provide an updated white paper incorporating this feedback soon.”

The Zoom platform, which has been in existence for some few years, but not used by many organisations and businesses, suddenly became the trusted online platform where organisations hold online video conferences and meetings, following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, from Wuhan in China, which compelled global economies to lockdown.

Stakeholders Intensify Battle against Fake Products Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

Operators in the e-Commerce sector have continued to battle against fake products.

Speaking about the advantages of e-Commerce, a merchant who trades on Konga, Jumia and other e-commerce sites, Mr. Bode Akinwale, said globally, one downside of e-commerce journey in Nigeria has been the struggle against sub-standard or fake products.

“Not a few customers have, at one time or the other, had to cry out when an eagerly anticipated order arrives and it

turns out to be fake or in some cases, is quite significantly different from what was ordered online.

“E-commerce enthusiasts have attributed this worrying phenomenon to the rise of the marketplace in Nigerian e-commerce. To better situate this phenomenon, it is worth retracing its origins,” Akinwale said.

According to him, to become a merchant on any reputable e-commerce platform, you must be ready to meet up with standards or face blacklisting.

Other stakeholders said the problem was in the standards applied by other players in the e-commerce industry.

Today, virtually every Nigerian, if given a chance, has one thing or the other to sell. Go to Instagram and you will see the overwhelming rise in sellers on that platform, with several of them selling fake products, they said.

They were of the view that the source of items sold on e-commerce platforms, vary from one seller to the other.

Two prospective sellers of the

same product may get their supply from widely disparate sources, which makes it difficult to ensure at the end of the day that what gets shipped to the customer is of the highest quality.

Akinwale said during the three years he had spent as a merchant on the Konga platform, he has seen many of his colleagues penalised, blacklisted or shut down totally from the platform for selling sub-standard products.

“I have also been penalised twice for failing to meet up with

a delivery timeline but never for the quality of the goods and products have I made available on the website,” Akinwale said.

He added, “The Nigerian market is filled with adulterated brands. Worse still, it is difficult to distinguish these fake, substandard or adulterated brands from authentic ones.

“It is even worse when you have to buy these items from an open-air market. A friend once bought a supposed pack of skimmed milk only to get home and find that what was in the pack was garri.”

23

T H I S D AY ˾ JUNE 18, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Awasthi: Digitalisation Will ATU, Ericsson Sign MoU to Accelerate ICT Growth in Africa Yield Higher Productivity The Chief Executive Officer of Spectranet, Mr. Ajay Awasthi, in this interview, speaks on the importance of building customer relationship that will enhance business growth, and how digitalisation of operations will yield higher productivity in business. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

T

he lockdown as a result of COVID-19 pandemic presented huge opportunities for telecom and e-commerce companies as virtual communication and online transactions became the order of the day. How is Spectranet adapting to the new opportunities?

The lockdown presented more challenges than opportunities. Spectranet being a 24x7 service provider, the challenges are pretty much unique and related to ensuring site uptime in remote corners, ensuring call center operations with strict distancing rules, attending to customer complaints in their premises. All this needs to be done while ensuring safety of our people. Cost of operations has gone up significantly as urgent network upgrades have to be done to ensure un-compromised customer experience while browsing. We have also seen an upsurge in call center volumes with customers enquiring about where to renew. This means deployment of more manpower. In spite of the challenges, team Spectranet, with its utmost commitment to customer service excellence, has fared well in countering these challenges in double quick time.

In terms of traffic, what has been the performance of your network?

The data traffic in the network has increased over 30 per cent. While this is a happy situation, the sudden increase in traffic poses a challenge in terms of keeping up with the quality of service. In order to ensure that our customers experience is not compromised, Spectranet has acted fast and invested significantly to enhance capacities on the access and backhaul network.

What are the major areas or products you have received the largest traffic on your network?

The traffic for Video applications like Netflix and You tube, has shown a significant increase and so has the FaceBook related traffic. Also, we have observed trends wherein the traffic during night time has started overtaking the daytime traffic. We are happy that our Mega Value Plans offering anytime data plus free and truly unlimited night time browsing, are becoming a big hit with our customers.

Did you experience challenges like refueling your base stations or movement of your essential staff from law enforcement agencies, during the period of total lockdown?

Telecom being one of the essential services, the law enforcement agencies have been extremely cooperative. This has helped us in keeping the vital operations like re-fueling of cell sites, carrying out repair and maintenance work going without any hindrance.

What lessons can we learn from the current situation as businesses and as a country?

This pandemic has completely changed the way we work used to be done and transformed how companies engage and interact with their customers. Digitalisation is the way forward. It is not only more cost-efficient but also act as a turbo charger for productivity. Critical to add that a move towards digitalisation will also need robust framework for data security and privacy related concerns.

Recently the exchange rate was adjusted, how did that affect your business?

Devaluation of naira has certainly increased the cost of doing business. All the dollar denominated capital expenditure (Capex) has

Awasthi

suddenly got inflated by the devaluation.

Similarly, cost of importing modems and other devices have increased. The devaluation is going to put significant financial burden on smaller operators.

Checks showed that Spectranet customers are largely corporate bodies, but these entities were not opening offices with most staff working from home during the lockdown. Did you experience spike in traffic?

Spectranet has a fair mix of enterprise, retail 4G LTE and Home Fiber (FTTx) customers.

While the traffic from enterprise customers has reduced, we have seen an upsurge in traffic from retail customers. Overall, the data traffic in the network has increased over 30 per cent. While this is a happy situation to be in, the sudden increase in traffic poses a challenge in terms of keeping up with the quality of service. In order to ensure that our customers experience is not compromised, Spectranet has acted fast and invested significantly to enhance capacities on the access and backhaul network.

What strategies is Spectranet putting in place to maintain your market share?

This pandemic has completely changed the way work used to be done and transformed, how we engage and interact with our customers. Digitalisation is the way forward. It is not only more cost efficient but also act as a turbo charger for productivity. Being a technology company Spectranet has been investing heavily in building up digital channels. The pace of digitalisation needs to be hastened up now.

Going forward, what is the fate of Tier 2 operators in the country?

Spectranet by virtue of its robust network with industry leading uptime figures, excellent customer service and an extremely strong brand, will continue to play its role as a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Our recent diversification into FTTx an WTTx based fixed line services has further strengthened the position of the brand as number one in the industry. We will continue to invest in cutting edge technologies to offer high speed broadband in Nigeria, at par with international broadband standards.

The recent devaluation of Naira, though, has put additional financial burden on the company, but it has certainly increased the cost of doing business. All the dollar denominated CAPEXes have suddenly got inflated by the devaluation. Similarly, cost of importing modems and other devices have increased. The devaluation and scarce availability of Foreign Exchange (FOREX) is going to hamper expansion of operations in a significant manner for smaller operators.

Stories by Emma Okonji

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to help fast track roll out of technology across the continent.

According to ATU, a specialised agency of the African Union in fostering the growth of ICT in Africa, The MoU would support the growth of ICT as a critical infrastructure for the 21st century and help set the foundation for social and economic progress in the continent. In the understanding, the two organisations look towards promoting global and regional coordination and harmonization of spectrum usage to encourage economies of scale and maximize the affordability for all users in Africa.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU in Nairobi, Kenya, the Secretary General of the ATU, Mr. John Omo, said: “Our collaboration with Ericsson is geared towards connecting, innovating and transforming the continent into a knowledge economy.”

He noted that it was imperative for economies across the continent to become more competitive, agile, open and innovative in order to leverage

on ICT innovations to transform African nations into smart economies.

Lauding the partnership with ATU, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, Mr. Fadi Pharaon, said: “Our collaboration with the African Telecommunications Union will focus on spectrum management strategies. Leveraging our global experience working on spectrum management, we aim to share global best practices that will ensure efficient use of scarce resources and allocation of new spectrum. This will yield societal benefits that will enable a more connected and knowledge-based society in Africa.”

The move comes at a time when Africa continues to experience an unprecedented growth in mobile broadband, with traffic, subscriptions, and ownership of devices growing at exponential rates. The continent has emerged as one of the strongest adopters of innovation, with a rapid rise in usage of technology and smartphones.

According to a November 2019 Ericsson Mobility Report, by 2025, sub-Saharan Africa mobile broadband subscriptions would increase to about 70 per cent of mobile subscriptions, with increased 4G coverage and

uptake being the main engine.

Driving factors behind this shift include a young and growing population and availability of lower priced smart and feature phones.

According Omo, “Developing countries today face the prospect of robust economic development given that mobile communications users now greatly outnumber those using fixed line telecommunication services.

With radio spectrum a limited resource, the number of services and users that can be accommodated in any given part of the spectrum, remains limited, even in the digital world. Therefore, the harmonised and globally aligned frameworks as envisaged in the partnership between ATU and Ericsson will assist African countries in spectrum management activities that will facilitate cost efficient roll out of ICT.” The MoU is expected to support the growth of ICT as a critical infrastructure and help set the foundation of social and economic progress in Africa. It is designed to promote global and regional coordination and harmonisation of spectrum usage to decrease cost of technology by increasing economies of scale and maximising the affordability for all users in Africa.

Content Provider Hosts Services in Nigeria Data Centre Summview, a Paris-based provider of end-to-end turnkey solutions and multimedia content to millions of users throughout Europe and Africa, has announced a strategic decision of the company to host its services in Rack Centre, in Nigeria.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Summview, Mr. Denis Pagnac, said: “Summview as a service provider and technology provider bridging telecom and media to its customers has great plans for expanding its product portfolio and adding additional value onto services it provides for our existing and new clients, in particular

enabling the acquisition and routing of TV, radio channels and channels packages from Africa to the rest of the world and vice versa.

“We chose Rack Centre to expand our business in Africa since we needed a company that matches our levels of customer service and understands the need for reliability.

We investigated the market and Rack Centre has proven superior customer service and commitment to excellence.”

Also, Managing Director of Rack Centre, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Summview keeping good company in joining our breadth and depth of quality

customers; we are confident that Summview and its customers will continue to enjoy the excellent range of carrier neutral services that Rack Centre offers.

“We will be providing Summview Tier III Constructed Facility Certified quality with a direct connection to the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, over 35 of the major carriers and ISPs and all five undersea cables serving the South Atlantic coast of Africa.

“With every country on the Atlantic coast of Africa directly connected we offer Summview and its customers’ unequalled low latency connectivity and performance in the region.”

9mobile Increases Market Share The recent statistics on telecoms operators released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that 9mobile has recorded some improvement.

The NCC figures for the month April, showed that the number of voice subscribers on the network has risen to 12,568,088 from 12,123,185, indicating that the telco has added 444,903 new subscribers.

Previously holding 6.1 per cent in March and 6.5 per cent in February, 9mobile now has 6.6 per cent. This is as the telco maintained its lead in incoming subscribers’ porting for the fifth straight month, beginning December 2019 when it received 8,613 subscribers from the other operators.

Incoming (Inward) Port-

ing means the number of numbers ported from another service provider’s network into a service provider’s own network.

9mobile received 5,516 customers from other operators in January 2020, 5,371 in February, 8,225 in March and 3,829 in April to underscore its determination to reclaim its pride of place, especially in the youth market and mobile money space amongst other critical territories in the telecoms consumer market.

9mobile’s repositioning efforts got a boost from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) which approved a $230 million loan facility to help it attain its long-term growth plans in 2019.

It embarked on the expansion of its 4G LTE deployment to more Nigerian cities

earlier in February as part of efforts to continue offering superior quality services to its customers. Some of the benefits of the expanded 4G LTE include a low latency rate for high-speed connectivity and planned redundancy to minimize downtime impact.

The telecoms company also recently appointed a substantive CEO, Alan Sinfield, who had worked in emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Sinfield had promised to use his experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. He said he would build on the existing strong foundation to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector.

24

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍś, 2020

Imperative of N250bn Bond for Ogun Tunde Otegbeye

I

t is pertinent to begin by drawing memory from the ugly past in our dear state, especially as it pertains to how public funds were sourced and expended on white elephant projects.

In September 2012, the immediate past governor, Ibikunle Amosun, wrote to the Ogun State House of Assembly, requesting to be granted permission to obtain N7.5billion loan from five banks.

The loan, which Amosun called ‘internal loan’, was to be used in financing the construction of eleven major roads across the state. The loan request was debated by members of the House in a motion tagged House Resolution 114/2012 before it was granted.

Also in September 2016, former governor Amosun requested for the approval of the Ogun State House of Assembly to access N14.16 billion budget support facility from the Presidency, to enable his government to meet its financial obligations to workers, pensioners and other stakeholders.

The House Speaker, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, who read the governor’s letter during plenary, averred that the government had considered suitability of the facility “due to continuous drop in the monthly allocation from the Federation Account.�

Amosun, in the request, had said the loan repayment would be spread over a period of 10 years at a single digit interest rate.

He then asked the House to authorise the state’s Executive Council through the Finance Commissioner to ensure the successful completion of process of receiving the note issuance from the presidency for the loan facility.

He also stressed that the facility would be serviced from the statutory allocation due to the Ogun State Government.

Despite all this, however, the Administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, which succeeded the Amosun administration on May 29, 2019, met deplorable state of roads across the state, indicative that the first loan might not have been utilised for its purpose as Governor Abiodun also inherited huge arrears owed the state’s workers, pensioners and stakeholders alike. Indeed, a demoralised workforce was the first challenge

Abiodun

that Governor Abiodun had to tackle upon assumption of office and he was forced to explore his contacts in the country’s business community to source loans to restore sanity in the state’s civil service and to ultimately achieve stability for his own government.

In the midst of this challenge, the new Governor was overwhelmed by decayed infrastructure, including projects that were hurriedly constructed and hastily commissioned in the twilight of Amosun administration without regard for civil engineering procedures.

On assumption of office in May 2019, the Abiodun Administration met a whopping financial liability of N221.55 billion, excluding over N200 billion in contractor liabilities.

The N221.55 billion financial liabilities as at May 2019 comprise: Domestic loan of 107.6billion; External loan of N32.2billion; Gratuity of N51.04billion; Contributory Pension of N26.20billion; and Leave Bonus of N4.51billion.

Details of contractor liabilities are currently the subject of the Contract Review Committee which will publish its findings on completion of the review.

The questions then were, how will the incoming government source money to pay all these liabilities left by the Amosun administration and how would the civil servants who had worked many of their productive years not be able to get their gratuity and entitlements when they retired

as there was no provision made for them?

During the one-year administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, a total of N15 billion had been paid on these loans inherited from the previous administration. With this level of financial burden coupled with the level of recurrent expenditure, especially staff payroll running into billions of naira per month, in addition to the level of contractor liabilities which were spent on projects with no visible and clear economic benefits that generate revenue, it is clear that government must establish a long term financial plan for infrastructure that would drive the state’s economic revival and place the state well for revenue generation while implementing reforms to reduce recurrent expenditure.

The first step among many initiatives towards an efficient and sustainable financial management for the state was the loan restructuring and refinancing proposal approved by the House of Assembly on March 25, 2020, even as the world battles with the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic which has led to shut down of business activities and supply chain disruptions with significant reduction in federal government statutory allocations and internally generated revenue.

Some of the loans obtained by Amosun between 2015 and 2017, as contained in Governor Abiodun’s letter dated March 17, 2020, are Restructured Term Loan (FGN Bond) of N55, 405, 175, 055.11, obtained in 2015; Salary Bailout to State Government and Local Government of N9, 779, 580, 234.86 and N9, 139, 628, 430.00 respectively obtained in 2015.

Others are: Infrastructural Loan (Excess Crude Account) of N10, 000, 000, 000.00, obtained in 2015; Special Socio-Economic Development Intervention Loan of N20, 000, 000, 000.00 obtained in 2017 and Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme of N5, 000, 000, 000.00, obtained in 2017.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed that granting Governor Abiodun’s request would allow the government to meet the shortfall in the price of crude oil at the international market.

Swift reforms initiated to boost revenue, which include renewed Land Use and Amenities Charge; reorganisation of the Ogun State Signage & Advert Agency; ongo-

ing transformation of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service and implementation of digital initiatives in revenue generation and payments, were also implemented to help diversify revenue base as well as block leakages, while enhancing robust financial transparency and accountability.

It is important to point out that the Road Refund Programme of the federal government had since been discontinued with effect from the end of the first term of the Buhari administration.

A whopping sum of about N10 billion was paid as financial charges by the immediate past administration of the state from the two road refunds paid by the federal government.

The two Road Refunds were paid through Federal Government Treasury Notes. The first tranche issued on December 28, 2018 for N15.02 billion, was discounted by the immediate past administration in January 2019 for N10 billion paying a whopping ‘charge’ of N5 billion while the second one for N22billion was discounted for N17 billion, thereby parting with another interest of about N5 billion.

It is important for the state to develop a robust financial plan which will cater for short, medium and long term financial requirements of the state in the foreseeable future.

By its very nature, bank loans are short term and expensive and can only cater for recurrent spending. It would be unwise to fund long term infrastructure projects with short term bank loans. As infrastructure projects tend to boost economic activities and generate revenue for the long term, global best practices and conventional wisdom suggest that these long term infrastructure projects are best funded with matching long term bond instruments and financing structures with up to 7-year maturity, relatively lower interest rates and improved regulatory oversight and accountability to ensure judicious utilisation of the funds.

-Otegbeye wrote from Ilaro, Yewa South, Ogun state NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

How Samsung’s Welding Centre is Empowering Nigerians Edet Okon

N

igeria is rapidly advancing on its path towards an industrial economy. This will position the country as a manufacturing hub for the West African region. This growth is supported by a young population that is rapidly acquiring skills in order to meet the demands of industrialisation.

As growing demand for workers in the manufacturing industries increases, certain skills are commonly sought after by employers.

Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), the local subsidiary of leading Korean shipbuilder, Samsung Heavy Industries, has consistently been providing these skills to a young generation of Nigerians.

SHIN operates the Lagos-based SHI-MCI yard, Africa’s leading integration and fabrication shipyard. The yard has constructed vessels for the oil and gas industry, including the Egina FPSO, the world’s largest floating production storage and offloading vessel now active in the Egina oil field. In order to produce high-quality work to international specifications, SHIN recognised the need to invest in the training of its employees in valuable skills such as welding which are key to economies based on manufacturing.

Welding in Nigeria Despite the high demand for welding

skills by Nigerian companies, there are few local training schools. Nigeria’s need for welders is also driven by the ever increasing demand for energy.

Nigeria is a currently a major energy producer and will continue to increase its production in the coming years. This is also attracting increased investment in local infrastructure for the local oil and gas industry. It is strategically important for Nigeria to match the skills of its population to the future needs of the Nigerian economy.

The oil and gas industry is a significant user of steel and other metals and will be increasingly supplied by local providers.

Only by training welders now will there be enough welders for industries such as shipbuilding, construction and manufacturing.

SHIN’s Welding QualiďŹ cation Centre Demographically, Nigeria has one of the world’s youngest populations. This is a competitive advantage, but a young country also needs education to drive economic growth. Recognising the human potential of Nigeria, SHIN established a Welding Qualification Centre (WQC) in Tarkwa Bay, Lagos. As the provider of Nigeria’s only international welding certification, SHIN believes in nurturing home-grown talent in order to power Africa’s industrial future.

Accredited by the International Institute of Welding (IIW) as an “Approved Training Body�, the WQC offers certified courses in international fillet, plate and tubular

welding. Since it was established 530 students have graduated from the WQC as qualified welders.

Established in order to support SHIN’s shipbuilding projects, the WQC is now an ongoing asset to Nigeria’s vocational training system. The centre has facilitated the transfer of Korean knowledge and skills to Nigerian students. Korea has been a leading shipbuilder for decades and has achieved economic success by harnessing manufacturing as a platform to support the growth of more developed industries. With the help of Korean and Nigerian trainers, the WQC strives to deliver international welding qualifications to students to they can work on projects for international clients.

Success stories As part of this training initiative, many success stories have appeared. One such journey is the story of Godwin Oghenegueke, who has inspired many young Nigerians. Godwin was one of the first participants in SHIN’s free welding training courses. He initially started his career working at the SHI-MCI yard as a cleaner but went on to become a certified welder.

Godwin was complimentary of the openminded nature of the programme saying, “some people came in as helpers and now they are assistant managers, scaffolders, welders, operators or riggers.�

The cost of education can be a barrier to many as Godwin noted, “I would not have been able to afford this training

without Samsung’s help. I know of many lives which improved thanks to the project.

Samsung has equipped my life with so many skills [‌] Everything about me has changed.�

Besides Godwin, Chinonye Okonkwo has also been an inspiration as one of the first certified female international welding specialists from Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria’s training program. She is now a welding training coordinator at SHI MCI yard, Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria.

Modern Nigeria for tomorrow’s youth The international culture of SHIN is composed of many different nationalities.

Nigerian WQC welding trainer, Hadisa Olayinka shared his experience of working alongside Korean colleagues. The Korean WQC supervisors are different he says, because in a shipyard work must be closely monitored – not just for efficiency but also for safety reasons. For this reason it’s important to ensure people are motivated to do their best and bring the right “attitude towards the job�. Olayinka continued by saying that, “they don’t want to simply use you, they want to know about your personal life and how they can help make an impact.� SHIN’s WQC is a concrete example of how educational investment can create success stories like Godwin’s and Chinonye’s as more young people benefit from Nigeria’s evolution into a truly sophisticated regional manufacturing hub.

-Okon writes from Warri, Delta State

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

IMAGES

L-R; Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Permanent Secretary; Georgina Ekoma Ehuriah and Comptroller General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Ja’afaru Ahmed during the inauguration of new 59 Operational vehicles at the Service headquarters in Abuja...recently

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L;R; Kayode Akinkugbe, a son of the late Emeritus Professor Oladipupo Akinkugbe; widow, Prof. Folasade Akinkugbe; Mrs Ronke Akinkugbe, daughter in-law and her husband, Olumide Akinkugbe, at the residence of the late Emeritus Professor Oladipupo Akinkugbe, in Ibadan...recently

Director-General, Nigeria Disease Control Centre (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu (left) makes presentation to the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives on how the funding received by NCDC for COVID-19 is being utilised for the public health response in Nigeria, at the National Assembly in Abuja...recently

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Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (left) receiving his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the latter’s visit to Government House, Uyo...recently

L-R: Secretary to State Government, Mr. Konbowei Benson; Bayelsa State Representative NNPC Retail Limited, Mrs. Chinyere Wobunwo; Chief of Sta Government House, Chief Benson Agadaga and General Manager, External Relations (Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Mr. Igo Weli, during the Handover of Medical Equipment in Support of Bayelsa State Government Eorts to Combat the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, held at Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha’s Banquet Hall, Yenagoa...recently

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Minister of Foreign Aairs of Nigeria, Georey Onyeama (right) and, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard during the visit of the ambassador to discuss issues on bilateral relations between both countries, in Abuja...recently

26

T H I S D AY ˾ JUNE 18, 2020

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Investment in IYCF: Nigeria’s Untapped Smart Development Plan Global experts have stressed that investment in infant and young child feeding does not only improve the health and nutrition of children, but aids human capital development. Martins Ifijeh writes on the need for Nigeria to take advantage of this to address gaps in human and economic development in the country

D

uring the 2019 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meeting held in Washington DC, United States in April, world leaders raised alarm over growth challenge by the global economy, stressing that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was in fast decline in many countries of the world, including Nigeria where the 2.10 per cent reported for Q1 2019 declined to 1.94 per cent in Q2 2019; amounting to -0.16 per cent drop.

But to address this, the Managing Director of IMF, Christine Lagarde was quick to call on countries to make smart investment plans. She believed investments in the ‘small boats’ were some of the smartest ways to economic prosperity with high return on investment assured. To her, investment in ‘small boats’ means investment in the poor and middle class.

Investment in Human Capital Development Low in Nigeria Among countries most affected by the lack of investment in ‘small boats’ is Nigeria. Its human capital development index is still at the lowest ebb when priority areas of the government are examined. The country channels high budgetary allocations to infrastructural development far more than human capital. In the 2020 National Budget, Power and Transportation take lion share of the allocations.

On specifics, the indices from the two areas used in accessing human capital development; health and education, showed that the country is still worse off. For instance, Nigeria has the second highest under-five death indices globally, and currently has the highest number of out of school children in the world; a figure, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has put at 10.5 million children.

Invest in Nutrition to Grow Economy The immediate past Chairman, Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, also at the Spring Meeting in Washington DC, mentioned that one of the smartest moves by Nigeria will be to invest in the nutrition of children, adding that its return on investment of one dollar equals 16 dollars and would in no small measure take the country out of poverty on the long run.

According to him, investment in nutrition will not only improve the health of infants and young children, but will play a major role in how much these children will do well in school, in career as adults, generally on human development, as well as change the country’s economic index positively, overtime.

He said: “The impact that will come from investing in the nutrition of children of under five in Nigeria cannot be ignored, especially since these children will later in life run the economy, as this investment now will determine if they ca successfully run the economy or bring it aground.”

On the reverse, poor nutrition has been shown to impede cognitive and physical development, which translates to decreased learning ability, reduced productivity in adult years, increased healthcare costs, and generally leads to poverty.

African countries lose an average of eight per cent of their annual GDP due to malnutrition.

Micronutrient deficiencies alone result in a 1.5 billion dollars loss in Nigeria each year, according to the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.

On the flipside, every dollar invested in nutrition in Nigeria has an average return of nearly 16 dollars. These figures leave little doubt of the economic potential of nutrition. If the country is to compete in the global economy and supercharge the potential demographic dividend, it will need to ensure its children are well nourished.

IYCF improves health and mental wellbeing of children

Scaling up such proven interventions could help Nigeria reach the World Health Assembly (WHA) target of reducing stunting by 40 per cent by 2025 and adding 29 billion dollars to the Nigerian economy.

The Sorry State of Nigeria’s Malnutrition According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Nigeria has the second highest number of malnourished children in the world, just second to India, and way ahead of Somalia, Syria and other war-torn countries, as well as those with weaker economic strength.

The survey also showed that Nigeria has the highest number of stunted children under age five in sub-Sahara Africa with 37 per cent of all children stunted, 18 per cent wasted, while 29 per cent are underweight, thereby making malnutrition the factor responsible for more than 50 per cent of under-five mortality in Nigeria.

It is this sorry state that Senator Tejuoso described as a timebomb waiting to happen if the country’s levels of government refuse to scale up nutrition intervention across board.

Improving Nutrition through IYCF Programme The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said one of the effective programmes in addressing nutrition issues in the country is through the Infant and Young Child Feeding and programmes associated with it, which the Nigerian government and all state governments of the federation have signed on to. It says promoting evidence-based IYCF, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, feeding a diverse diet of nutritious foods and breastmilk from six to 23 months of life, feeding malnourished children with specialised food regime, were some of the interventions needed in addressing malnutrition in the country. Carrying out IYCF programme involves facility-based IYCF counselling for pregnant women and mothers with infants less than two years of age, facilitated by health workers; community-based IYCF counselling for pregnant women and mothers with infant less

than two years of age, facilitated by community volunteers; and community-based meetings with fathers of infants less than two years of age and grandmothers, facilitated by community volunteers.

If this is adequately funded and implemented to the letter, it is believed it will help in reducing the malnutrition burden in the country.

Effect of Nutrition Investment to Infants and Young Children Research has shown that women who get adequate nutrition during pregnancy, give exclusive breastfeeding to their new born for six months, as well as ensure adequate feeding until their baby clocks 1000 days of life, are more likely to have children who will do well in school, have healthier living, and are able to face the rigours of adulthood, while becoming assets to their immediate society and the nation at large.

A study by the American Society of Nutrition has established a link between adequate nutrition before a child’s fifth birthday and the child’s high intelligent quotient.

The study also says a well-nourished under-five year old child would develop a high cognitive prowess and physical capacity to add to a country’s GDP through proper learning and decision-making abilities, while a malnourished child may grow up to become suboptimal adult with under-performing economic abilities later in life.

A report by Orphan Nutrition, a humanitarian organisation showed that a deficiency in one nutrient may lead to a deficiency in another nutrient.

For example, deficiency in iron, magnesium and zinc can cause anorexia and thereby result in reduced intake of other important nutrients such as protein. Low lipid intake can also affect the absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D. It also showed that zinc and protein deficiencies can retard bone growth and development, putting a child at risk for long-term complications.

Lack of Political Will, Major Hurdles to Investment While most political leaders, no doubt, believe in providing democratic dividends to their societies, they often prefer to invest in areas with tangible (physical) concerns, like building roads, schools and bridging, and donating sewing machines, among others, whereas investment in nutrition suffers because the immediate impact may not be visible to their electorates whom they plan to meet for validation of their re-election bid or general acceptance in the society.

Push for Government Intervention With various researches showing that investments in infant and young child feeding can turn around the economic fortune of any society, it is a no brainer for any government, whether, federal, state or local, which truly hopes to improve the quality of life of its people, not to give priority budget allocation to nutrition of its young ones.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child which Nigeria signed into, recognizes the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. The right also ensures government takes appropriate measures to, among other things: reduce infant and child mortality, combat disease and malnutrition, among others.

While the federal government in 2016 budgeted a surprising, yet embarrassing N2 million for nutrition in the entire country, it however improved in 2017 to N1.2 billion, even though only about half of the figure was actually released. Almost same figures have been released since the last two years without significant increase, even though it says it hopes to become one of the strongest economies by 2030, if the Economic and Growth Recovery Plan (EGRP) of the federal government is to go by.

Same lack of will has been seen among states who pay little attention to the nutrition of its under-five, while other sectors, with less bearing on the human capital development gets centre stage.

Is the country ready to make smart investments to improve its economy? Time will tell.

T H I S D AY ˾ JUNE 18, 2020

27

HEALTH

4 in 5 Nigerian Employees at Risk of Mental Disorder, Study Shows Martins Ifijeh A survey carried out by a technology firm, WellNewMe and the Dennis Ashley Medial Clinic (DAMC) have shown that four in five employees in Nigeria are at risk of mental health issues.

The survey which was carried out among 6,800 employees aged between 20 to 60 years and spread across Nigeria looked at risks of Nigerian workers developing mental health issues in the workplace.

Sharing thoughts on the survey, the Principal Clinician at DAMC, Dr. Oge Ilegbune said the process involved the use of an online questionnaire on WellNewMe’s health risk assessment platform, where the responses were analysed by algorithms and recommendations made to each individual based on the risk factors.

Ilegbune said: “Each survey in the series includes core questions, and as well as modules of questions on specific topics

relating to certain areas including the strong relationship between physical and mental wellbeing was often overlooked in Nigeria.

An individual is in good health only when there is a balance between the different elements of well-being. Being physically fit but mentally or emotionally unwell translates to poor health and a need to seek medical attention. Unfortunately this is still poorly understood in our society.

Healthcare practitioners have a lot of work to do in educating

individuals and organizations that a much needed balance is required to achieve complete good health.”

“The survey revealed that four in five of all employees, (79 per cent) had an increased risk of developing mental health issues, and while the risk was evenly split amongst the two genders, it decreased with the age of the employees. Study also showed that eight per cent of Nigerian employees had an increased risk for developing depression, which

is double the actual incidence rate currently recorded and making Nigeria the country with the highest caseload of depression in Africa, according to WHO.” According to the co-Founder, WellNewMe, and Director with DAMC), Dr. Obi Igbokwe, “Stress is often one of those conditions when left unchecked can have a significant impact on an individual physical and mental state, and sometimes render them incapable of performing an optimal level

at work. Because, there are no checks for stress, it often goes unnoticed but still gets reflected in the company’s bottom line.

Besides it being damaging to employees health, it can be a silent killer for a business of any size.”

On her part, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Founder, Green Oaks Consulting, Dr. Chinwe Obinwa, said: “The result of the survey should be of concern to all organisations including small businesses in Nigeria.

Foundation, Nigerians in Diaspora Partner to Support Sickle Cell Patients Martins Ifijeh The Brain and Body Foundation (BBF) and the Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Washington, D.C. Chapter are collaborating to bring awareness and medical support persons living with sickle cell disease in Nigeria in celebration of this year’s World Sickle Cell Day. In a statement made available to THISDAY recently to mark this year’s World Sickle Cell Day, the Executive Director, BFF, Dr. David Ajibade, said the commemoration was a chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of those living with sickle cell disease.

He said: “In addition, in difficult times such as those in which we find ourselves, it is even more important to come together and support each other, drawing attention to those who are more at risk. We have put everything in place to ensure we reach out to as many people as possible with available resources.”

“Our goals at commemorating the day are two-folds; Firstly, to create awareness by letting people know that sickle cell disease is not a death sentence and that

it is possible to live free of the symptoms of the disease, and in many cases, even recover from its complications if they are equipped with the right knowledge and tools.

“Secondly, to provide patients (ages sisx months to 18 years) and their families with the actual nutrients that will strengthen their immune and other systems, thereby helping them recover from the damaging effects of SCD,” he said.

On his part, the President, NIDO, Washington DC chapter, Abayomi Anumashaun said June 19 will be a day of unity and purpose for the sickle cell community, and NIDO Washington Chapter. “We are proud to work with BBF to increase awareness about SCD and its impact on individuals and their families in Nigeria,” he added.

SCD is a global health problem affecting millions of people around the world. It is estimated that approximately 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria every year, while about 40 million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the sickle cell gene.

COAG Calls for Re-evaluation of National Sickle Cell Disease Control Programme Rebecca Ejifoma A sickle cell advocacy group, the Cells of a Generation (COAG), has called on the federal government to re-evaluate the National Sickle Cell Disease Control Programme, one of the targets for African member countries of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In a letter sent to the Minister of Health, Dr. Ehanire Osagie, on Monday and signed by the organisation’s President, Sharon Browne-Peter, tagged; “The WHO proposed a sickle cell disease strategy for the African region in 2010”, the group said the proposed strategy is to increase individual and community awareness of SCD and strengthen planning, prevention, reduce disease incidence, morbidity and mortality, and improve quality of life.

“The target for implementation was in view of 2020 but due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, there has been no word from the WHO for a re-evaluation of the African Region’s Sickle Cell Disease Strategy,” Browne-Peter said.

Explaining further, she noted that even though her organisation’s efforts were key to ensuring

people with SCD live longer and more fulfilling lives, as well as creating consciousness among our populations about this disease, the government still remains a most fundamental and strategic driver of these objectives.

She added: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health has taken the centre stage in recent matters. Hence, there is now a clarion call to re-evaluate our health care system.”

The national guidelines on the control and management of SCD was created in 2014 in line with the WHO’s directive.

Browne-Peter said: “SCD is still a terrible disease that takes thousands of lives each year and is currently being passed on from generation to generation at alarming rates across the country.

“It is important that the government revised the national guideline for the control and management of SCD to accommodate and reflect the recent developments that had occurred in the last six years with regards to the condition.”

Now, COAG’s recent focus has been on genetic counseling through animated information education communication (IEC) materials known publicly as The Didi Project.

L-R, Group Managing Director, Drugfield Pharmaceutical Limited, Olakunle Ekundayo; and Chief Executive Officer, Tiptop Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbenga Falabi, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Drugfield and Tiptop, held in Ogun State recently

Stakeholders Advocate ‘Newborn Screening’ for Sickle Cell Disorder in Nigeria Sunday Ehigiator In commemoration of the annual World Sickle Cell Day, the coalition of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) nongovernmental organisations have tasked the legislative arm of government to implement the ‘Newborn Screening’ procedure policy in order to tackle the burden of the disease in Nigeria.

They made this call recently through a jointly-signed statement by all parties to the coalition, and made available to THISDAY. According to the group, Nigeria is believed to be the sickle cell disorder capital of the world.

It said: “With an estimated population of 200 million and a 50 million prevalence of the ‘hbAS’ genotype, we significantly surpass other African countries in the prevalence level of the sickle cell gene.

“Nigeria currently accounts for 50 per cent of the 300,000 global SCD births annually and with an estimated annual population growth rate of 3.25 per cent, this burden is only set to significantly rise in the coming decades. These unsettling statistics highlight that we are in an uphill battle against time.

“Whilst Nigerian researchers, organisations and analysts have invested time, funds and immeasurable resources to make considerable strides, consistent implementation has always fallen short. “Attempts to legislate away technical and financial challenges for SCD have also not worked.

States, including Kaduna and Anambra states, have enacted laws to guide genetic compatibility and counseling in marital institutions with little success.

“The National Assembly is also considering a similar

bill with added powers for accrediting NGO’s working in the space. However laws that work towards reducing the burden of SCD are always welcome, implementation is nearly impossible given that decisions on marriage and children are deeply personal and attempts to compel individual decisions infringe on human rights.

“Instead, legislation needs to focus on the implementation of the much-discussed ‘newborn screening’ policy, for SCD across Nigeria to ensure children are quickly tested for hereditary disorders.”

The coalition consists of Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF), Crimsonbow Sickle Cell Initiative, Genotype Foundation, Tony May Foundation, and Noah’s Ark for Sickle Cell Foundation.

Others including, Nirvana

Sickle Cell Initiative, Avo Eri Health Foundation, Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, Couple and Kids Sickle Cell Initiative, Soulage Foundation, and Disability and Sickle Cell Organisation in Nigeria, however suggested policy consideration for urgent interventions for people living with SCD. Over the years, the coalition have run strategic activities aimed at addressing the shortfall in awareness, the steady rise in the burden of the disorder as well as the poor standard of health care for people with the disorder. Some of these activities include awareness campaigns, genetic counseling, and provision of medical interventions, bone marrow transplant surgeries, blood donation drives, promotion of newborn screening, mental health support and provision of socio-economic benefits including health insurance.

Sanofi Announces Five Winners of AfricaTech Healthcare Challenges Sanofi, a biopharmaceutical company, has announced five winners in the finals of AfricaTech Healthcare Challenges 2020. The finals held online on Thursday, June 11 and sawMobihealth International, a Nigerian startup and telehealth platform, emerge as winner in its category of challenge. The challenge on ‘How to help healthcare systems leapfrog from manual to smart logistics solutions at point of care’ was aced by Mobihealth International which is Africa’s first fully integrated telehealth electronic medical records and video app.Its mission is to use telemedicine to provide people indeveloping countries with ac-

cess to quality healthcare services in the most cost and time effective way, anytime, anywhere.

A total of 11 startups pitched their projects before an online jury and audience at the live virtual event. Early in the year, Sanofi called on startups and techpreneurs across Africa to submit applications to its four healthcare challenges. 268 applications were received from 34 African countries, based on five criteria: project maturity, early results, relevance of the solution, market potential and business model, as well as the skills and expertise of the team.

At the end of the finals, the jury, composed of experts internal

and external to Sanofi, announced the five winning startups: The first challenge was ‘How to support patients with a digital health book in order to access information and make decision’ was won by EYONE, a Senegalese startup which offers ashared medical file where patients have access to their medicalrecords in real time everywhere and are connected to 35 online health professionals that have partnered with the startup.

Kenya’s MamaPrime won the third Challenge titled ‘How to improve financing and impact of innovative health solutions in Africa’. MamaPrime is a health fintech company that

enablesmothers and their families to prepay for their prenatal and postnatal care and child wellness services in installments throughout their pregnancy.

Two winners emerged from the ‘ Sanofi Espoir Foundation: How to improve maternal and neonatal health in sub-Saharan Africa’ challenge. They were Teheca, a Ugandan startup whichconnects new and expectant mothers to qualified nurses for at home post- natal checkups and supports by using low cost and low-tech solutions; and the University Agency Innovation(from Cameroon) which is a hub of scientific, technological and enterprise-based innovations.

28

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

IFC, Zenith Bank to Support SMEs with $100m Omolabake Fasogbon The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group has announced an investment of up to $100 million in Zenith Bank Plc to help increase support to clients and companies whose cash flows have been disrupted by challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IFC’s loan to Zenith Bank is its first investment in Africa through its COVID-19 fast-track financing support package, according to a statement from the multilateral institution revealed.

It stated that the funding would help Zenith, an existing IFC client and Africa’s sixth largest bank, overcome challenges resulting from ongoing, limited access to foreign currency, working capital, and trade funding.

Zenith will support dozens of

businesses in Nigeria’s health, pharmaceuticals, food, and trading sectors, allowing them to strengthen operations, maintain employment, and access critical imports of goods, commodities, and raw materials during these challenging economic times.

Commenting on the partnership, Group Managing Director/ CEO of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said, “IFC’s support is essential and will help us respond to challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It will allow us to support compelling export initiatives and trade financing for critical goods and materials, especially for the medical and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Our partnership with IFC is strong and we are committed to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements.� “IFC’s loan to Zenith is part of its $8 billion global fast-track

financing package, announced in March to support business activity and preserve jobs in the face of COVID-19. Close to 300 clients have requested support globally.“The closure of borders, shutting of businesses, and reduced global trade related to COVID-19 are affecting Nigeria’s economy and others across Africa, with the World Bank predicting Africa’s first recession in 25 years,� the statement added.

On her part, IFC’s Country Manager in Nigeria, Eme Essien Lore, said: “IFC’s support for Nigeria’s banking sector will help keep the wheels of Nigeria’s economy turning at a time when it is facing a major challenge from COVID-19. Our experience from past shocks, including the global financial crisis in 2008, has taught us that keeping companies solvent is key to saving jobs and limiting economic damage.�

MARKET INDICATORS

Report Reveals Impact of NSIAmanaged Presidential Fertilizer Initiative Peter Uzoho åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) which took off in 2017 has contributed significantly to the transformation of the agricultural sector in the country, a report has disclosed.

According to the report, prior to the PFI, Nigeria’s fertilizer industry was in comatose, with only five blending plants operating below 10 per cent of installed capacity.

The mandate of PFI was to make high quality fertilizer available to Nigerian farmers at the right time and at an affordable price, and to revive the ailing fertilizer blending industry so that Nigeria could achieve food security.

THE WHISTLER stated that the involvement of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) as managers of the initiative have changed the dynamics

for the President Muhammadu Buhari administration which hoped to diversify the economy away from oil into agriculture.

Having been invited to serve as programme operator and fund manager, the NSIA subjected the PFI to its own governance processes which ensured accountability and transparency at all stages of the procurement, production, and sale processes.

The PFI is operated under a governance system that subjects its operations to regular audit

by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a reputable audit firm. Disclosures on the programme are made on the project in NSIA’s audited financial statements which are published annually on its website following rigorous internal audits and periodic reviews by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The PFI’s business model, according to insiders, involves sourcing for and procurement of four constituent raw materials

required for production of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer.

Of the raw materials sourced, 37 per cent of the input are imported, consisting of DAP from Morocco and Muriate of Potash (MoP) from Russia while the remaining 63 per cent of the raw materials, mostly Urea and limestone granules, are sourced locally.

The raw materials are blended locally at accredited blending plants nationwide to produce the fertilizer for delivery at a target price of N5,500 per 50kg bag (now N5000 per bag from April 2020).

Financial statements on the NSIA website indicate that since the inception of the scheme in 2017 up to 2019, N107 billion has been invested in PFI while another estimated N114 billion is billed to be invested in 2020 - on items that cover raw materials, logistics, contract blending costs by third party blenders among others.

Sigma Pensions Boss Outlines Path to Economic Growth Nume Ekeghe The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Pensions Limited, Mr. Dave Uduanu, yesterday said the successes story in the Nigerian pensions industry can be replicated to other struggling sectors to achieve a broader economic growth.

He said reforms that brought about the success in the pension industry that should be replicated include adequate capitalisation, good corporate governance, the right policies, and a renewed interest in enhancing domestic investments.

Uduanu, who spoke at the digital dialogue organised by BusinessDay, noted that one sector that has continued to struggle is the power sector which he said needs adequate capitalisation.

He added: “On the power sector, I think one of the things we have seen is that we have players who are not well capitalised and

therefore overleveraged so they are struggling. “One of the things regulators must do beyond the technical assessment is also the commercial assessment. But more importantly is to encourage players and companies who are already successful to either come into this sector or to back entrepreneurs coming to this sector with capital. “I think well capitalised operators would be very important and we have seen that happen in banking and in pension.�

Speaking further, he said: “We need to encourage our companies to achieve scale and it is important because we have a lot of fragmentation in some of these industries and we have companies that have achieved scale and they can become national and regional leaders. “We can see what Dangote is doing in the area of cement and also what Nigerian banks are doing. We can also have Nigerian insurance and pension companies

dominate the local environment and then go regional. “So, it is important to encourage domestic investors. We always talk about foreign investors and we don’t give incentives for domestic investors to come in.�

Furthermore he said: “The last point is again on boards with strong corporate governance standards.� “What is needed is a combination of well capitalised operators, domestic operators who are building businesses of scale and also, we need to encourage companies to build strong corporate governance standards.�

Also speaking on the success recorded in the pension industry, he said: “Today, we have about $30 billion of pension assets and with 8.5 million contributors and more importantly, we have about 256,000 retirees who receive their pensions regularly and I can say unfailingly before the 24th of every month.�

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

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

11,007,422.79

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

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ÍŻÍł Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $35.09 a barrel on Monday, compared with $35.06 the previous Friday, 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

29

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ 2020

MARKET NEWS

NSE All-Share Index Gains 0.17% as Market Rebounds Goddy Egene The stock market rebounded yesterday following gains recorded by Nestle Nigeria Plc, Access Bank Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc as investors swooped on the shares and seven other stocks.

The bargain hunting in the 10 stocks lifted the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) by 0.17 per cent to close at 24,972.82, while market

capitalisation added N21.9 billion to be at N13 trillion.

Nestle Nigeria Plc led the price gainers with 10 per cent trailed by Cadbury Nigeria Plc with 8.0 per cent. Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc chalked up 4.3 per cent. The flour milling last April raised N30 billion series 13 and 14 Commercial Paper (CP) under its N100 billion CP programme.

The company had said the CP would to strengthen its bal-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

ance sheet, while it continues to focus on its strategic objective of sustaining its market leadership position within the foods and agro-allied space.

After successfully the funds, the CP was recently listed on the FMDQ Securities Exchange and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to the FMDQ the Nigerian CP market had remained a viable option for corporate entities looking to raise funds to meet shortfalls in their

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

working capital needs, as well as other short-term expenditures. “As with previous papers issued under the programme and like all other securities listed, quoted and traded on the FMDQ Exchange platform, the Flour Mills CPs shall be availed market visibility through FMDQ Exchange’s website and systems; transparency through their inclusion in the FMDQ Daily Quotations List; governance and continuous information

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

disclosure to protect investor interest; amongst other benefits derived from the preferred admission to FMDQ Exchange,� the exchange said.

Meanwhile, WAPIC Insurance Plc and Transcorp Plc were also among the price gainers, garnering 3.0 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.

Conversely, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc led the price losers with 9.9 per cent, trailed by Neimeth International

O F

Pharmaceuticals Plc with 9.5 per cent. NPF Microfinance Bank Plc shed 9.0 per cent, while AXA Mansard Insurance Plc went down by 9.0 per cent. AIICO Insurance Plc and UACN Property Development Company Plc lost 8.2 per cent and 8.0 per cent in that order.

However, activity level improved as volume and value traded rose 32.7 per cent and 70.8 per cent respectively to 266 million shares and N2.7 billion.

1 6 / 0 6 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

30

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Mutual Benefit Assurance Grows Profit by 214% to N3.6 Billion Goddy Egene Underwriting firm, Mutual Benefits Assurance Group Plc, has recorded an increase of 214 per cent in profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended December 31, 2019. Details of the audited results showed that gross premium written

rose 18 per cent from N15.841 billion in 2018 to N18.697 billion in 2019. Gross premium income grew by 16 per cent to N18.122 billion compared with N15.635 billion in 2018. Net premium income stood at N15.772 billion, indicating a growth of 13 per cent from N13.962 billion.

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

The company ended 2019 with underwriting profit of N5.354 billion, up by 77 per cent from N3.059 billion, while profit before tax stood at N3.754 billion, up from N1.381 billion in 2018.

PAT grew fast by 214 per cent to N3.612 billion compared with N1.149 billion.

The Chairman of Mutual Benefit

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 16Jun-2020, unless otherwise stated.

Assurance, Akin Ogunbiyi, recently assured its customers and partners that it would meet the industry recapitalisation requirement for its life and general business.

According to him, the group has been able to recapitalise its subsidiaries: Mutual Benefits Niger; Mutual Benefits Liberia,

Mutual Benefits Microfinance Bank and believe that Mutual Benefits Life and General Insurance will not be left out.

Speaking on the company’s five years strategic plan set in 2017, he said it been achieved to over 60 per cent, explaining, however, that the recapitalisation process has slowed

the plan, but however assured that the strategic plan will commence at the end of the recapitalisation process.

He said the company was committed to prompt claims payment to policyholder, noting that the company would continue to grow both its top line and bottom-lines.

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 112.67 111.33 -24.76% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 2.85% Nigeria International Debt Fund 310.26 310.26 -1.70% 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 0.93 0.94 3.20% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 10.23% 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 6.50% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.64 2.70 7.37% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.48 14.92 -5.46% ARM Discovery Fund 338.58 348.79 -1.98% ARM Ethical Fund 30.29 31.20 4.14% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.50% 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 94.70 95.36 -1.44% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.97% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.04 2.04 13.45% 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 5.42% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 97.44 97.66 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 104.24 105.49 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 3.95% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.91 0.92 -2.34% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.43 1.43 7.27% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 4.03% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 4.35% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,223.04 1,233.18 5.59% 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 1,293.50 1,294.78 6.46% FBN Balanced Fund 146.43 147.49 -0.27% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.02% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 115.78 116.73 0.30% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 116.12 117.07 0.09% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 117.88 119.35 -9.41% 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 4.65% Legacy Debt Fund 3.77 3.77 3.14% Legacy Equity Fund 1.08 1.10 -4.40% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.11 1.11 2.35% 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 3,027.48 3,061.40 1.50% Coral Income Fund 3,174.30 3,174.30 15.79% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 5.24% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.94% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 119.62 120.33 11.60%

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 4.60% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.25 2.29 2.87% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 9.76% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 143.58 144.13 0.12% 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 1.22 1.24 4.53% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,131.40 1,131.40 4.92% 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 1.39 1.41 13.68% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.91 11.97 5.72% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.08% PACAM Equity Fund 1.05 1.06 PACAM EuroBond Fund 106.51 108.78 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 116.50 119.43 -3.45% 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 1.02 1.02 4.69% 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 0.13% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.12% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -0.57% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.13% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 0.43% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.54% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -0.23% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 0.08% 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 -4.70% United Capital Bond Fund 1.81 1.81 4.58% United Capital Equity Fund 0.65 0.66 -8.19% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.94% United Capital Eurobond Fund 115.37 115.37 3.15% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 -2.39% 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 10.30 10.43 0.25% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.04 12.16 3.65% Zenith Income Fund 23.46 23.46 5.48% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.56%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.50 115.50 52.96

-63.85% 3.11% 1.75%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.84 89.99 68.75

8.94 91.84 69.96

1.59% -0.49% -0.41%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.92 4.20 11.52 11.78 182.88

2.96 4.28 11.62 11.98 184.88

-17.68% -28.73% -4.93% 13.25% -2.78%

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.

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THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Thunderstorm Kills Three FRSC Officials in Ogun Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta Tension ran high in Ilese, a community near Ijebu -Ode in Ijebu North East Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State yesterday, as three officials of the Federal Road

Safety Corps (FRSC) were struck dead by thunderstorm.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10am.

Eyewitnesses told THISDAY that the tragedy occurred while it was raining.

They were said to have

EFCC Re-arraigns Adoke on Money Laundering Charges The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), on money laundering-related charges involving about N400million.

The ex-AGF was re-arraigned alongside an Abuja-based businessman, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

THISDAY gathered that the re-arraignment was necessitated by a petition by the anti-graft against the first trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako.

It was gathered that following the petition, the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, re-assigned the case to Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The case marked, FHC/ ABJ/CR/39/2017, contained seven counts, with six of them relating Adoke.

The two defendants were earlier arraigned on February 8, 2020, before Justice Binta Nyako, but the case was later transferred to Justice Ekwo.

The transfer of the case to Justice Ekwo necessitated the re-arraignment yesterday.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges again when they were read to them.

EFCC alleged in the charges

been struck dead by the thunderstorm while working at the FRSC’s office located at Old Toll Gate, Ilese community.

It was gathered that the thunder struck while the FRSC officials were planning for the early morning parade within the vicinity of their office.

A senior official of the FRSC in the locality who spoke

with THISDAY but opted for anonymity, said there were about 12 officials in the office when the thunderous lightning occurred.

When contacted, the FRSC Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Florence Okpe, also confirmed the incident, but declined further comments.

Okpe, who promised to

issue a statement later in the day, said that until the corps’ Sector Commander, who had hurriedly gone to Ilese to ascertain what transpired returned, she would not be able to give a clear statement on the incident.

At press time, men of the state’s special security outfit, “OP MESA”, had cordoned

off the entire area, chasing onlookers away and preventing journalists from taking pictures.

Also, traditional worshipers, famed as Sango adherents, had joined other FRSC officials at the scene of the incident, in a bid to perform some traditional rites on the corpses before they are released to government officials for burial.

that they committed the money laundering offences involving over N400million in Abuja in September 2013.

In the counts concerning Adoke, he was accused of among others, receiving the dollar equivalent of N300million from Abubakar, paying the dollar equivalent of N367,318,800 to one Usman Mohammed Bello, and allegedly using the sum of N300million, which was alleged to be part of the proceeds of unlawful activities, all in violations of various provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

Adoke was also accused of making “structured cash payments, in 22 tranches” amounting to N80million, another of such structured payments in 13 tranches summing up to N50million into his Unity Bank account.

The commission alleged that the funds were not only part of the proceeds of unlawful acts but they also exceeded “thresholds outside a financial institution” and that the payments were done with the intention of concealing the origins of the funds contrary to section 15(2(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same law.

TACKLING INSECURITY...

L-R: Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu; Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; and National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), when Monguno led security and intelligence chiefs to discuss security situation in the Northwest, at the Government House, Sokoto...yesterday

House Queries N475bn Spent on N-Power in Four Years Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts yesterday queried the sum of N475 billion allegedly spent on the N-Power scheme between 2016 and 2020.

When asked to give account of the amount expended so far, against the claim by the agency that the sum of N474,961,312,112.42 was expended on N-Power since

inception, the Assistant Director (Admin), Nsikak Okon who spoke on behalf of the N-Power National Coordinator, disclosed that the sum of N421,525,909,355 was expended so far.

Okon however observed a typographical error on the last page of the submission, adding that it was supposed to be N421,575,909,355.

He said, ‘’What happens is that if you look at October 2016, it was supposed to have

terminated October to December 2016 but we had it scrolled to 2016 total giving us N56 billion. 200,000 young Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 35 were employed in the first batch of the scheme which started in June 2016, while payment commenced in December 2016.

In 2016, the total sum of N3.356 billion was spent, adding that the sub-total was not stated in the documents presented to the Committee.’’

He added that total of 300,000 participated in the second batch which commenced in June 2017 thereby bringing the total to 500,000 spread across 774 Local Government Areas of the country.

When asked to present the list of all the beneficiaries, the N-Power official noted that he had printed the list of beneficiaries from three states namely: Abia, Adamawa and Akwa Ibom while others were being awaited.

Canada Donates 2020 UTME: Anambra, Edo, Delta, Ekiti Candidates $750,000 to Fight Gender Scored Highest, Says JAMB Violence in Nigeria

The High Commission of Canada to Nigeria has announced a donation of $750,000 to help women’s rights organisations ramp-up efforts to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.

The commission lamented that cases of rape and molestation increased in the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

Announcing this via Twitter, yesterday, the commission said: “Canada is pleased to announce an additional $750K for its Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria project.

“The commission will partner with Action Aid Nigeria to help women’s rights organisations ramp-up efforts to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which has worsened during

COVID-19.”

The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, said a total of 717 rape cases were reported nationwide between January and May this year.

Adamu said out of the 717 cases, investigations had been concluded in 631 cases with the suspects already in court.

He said the investigation was still ongoing in the remaining 52 cases.

The police boss further disclosed that 799 suspects were arrested in connection with the cases.

He noted that the restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the surge noticed in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

Dan Foster Dies Sunday Ehigiator Popular Nigerian-American broadcaster, Dan Foster has been reported dead.

According to a source, the veteran broadcaster died in the afternoon of yesterday, Wednesday, June 17.

Dan Foster is reckoned

among those that changed the face of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria, especially in Lagos from the early 2000s.

His voice was a huge part of the Nigerian radio for decades.

Aside his voice, he was also known for his playful style of message delivery and acts of kindness.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the states of origin of 13 candidates with the top 10 best results in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The candidates are from Anambra, Edo, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun states.

Incidentally, all the candidates applied to study engineering.

Acording to the examination

body, five of them desire to attend University of Lagos while two of them listed Covenant University as their first choice.

Two of the candidates plan to attend Obafemi Awolowo University; two also applied to attend University of Ilorin while one applied for Kwara State University and University of Ibadan.

The candidate with the highest UTME score in Nigeria

is Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes from Anambra State who scored 365 over 400.

Nwobi Okwuchukwu David, also from Anambra State, came second with 363.

Two candidates – Ojuba Mezisashe Shalom and Elikwu Victor Chukwuemeka – from Edo and Delta states respectively, shared the third position with a score of 359.

At 358, Adebola Oluwatobi Paul from Ekiti State took the

5th position while Gboyega Oluwatobiloba Enoch, also from Ekiti State, took the 6th position at 356.

Ojo Samuel Oluwatobi from Ondo State and Utulu Jebose George jointly share the 7th position with a score of 355.

Osom Akan Awesome from Akwa Ibom took the 9th position with a score of 353.

Four candidates shared the 10th position with a score of 352.

FG Pays N9bn Insurance Premium for Health Workers Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has paid a total of N9 billion to fourteen insurance companies as group life insurance premium for health workers that are engaged in the fight against the spread COVID-19 pandemic disease in Nigeria.

This was confirmed to THISDAY yesterday by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who said that the federal government considered the contribution of health workers in the current effort to contain the pandemic very critical and is ready to provide for their

welfare.

Ngige said: “The federal government has paid N9 billion to 14 insurance companies for group life insurance for all health workers in the federal public health institutions and there is also a top-up for some categories of the health professionals.”

The federal government also said that it has paid N4 billion to health workers in the federal teaching hospitals and federal medical centres in the country as part of the implementation of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding it entered into with unions in the health sector.

NDDC Reopens Headquarters after Pandemic- induced Shutdown Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it would re-open its head office in Port Harcourt today (Thursday) after a two-week lockdown to allow for the fumigation of the premises.

The lockdown was in obedience to public health directives from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, following cases of COVID 19 infections.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Corporate Affairs of the commission, Mr. Charles Odili, said only staff

from Grade 14 and above and those on essential duties would resume.

“Staff on other grade levels are to remain at home pending directives from the federal government,” he said.

The statement, however, said the Acting Managing Director,

Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, and the Acting Executive Director Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, would operate from the new headquarters building at the Eastern bye pass, Pot Harcourt.

He further said the commission would not be open to visitors.

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24 HOURS...

W’African Ministers Propose Phased Reopening of Borders Ejiofor Alike withagencyreports West African government ministers have proposed re-opening borders between their countries in the first half of July and allowing in travellers from other countries with low or controlled levels of COVID-19 spread by the end of July.

Countries across the 15-country ECOWAS trade bloc have

imposed varying levels of travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many shutting their borders entirely.

Reuters reported that the new proposal, contained in an ECOWAS summary of a virtual meeting last week of foreign ministers and trade ministers, called for coordinated efforts to re-open cross-border trade that has been crippled by coronavirus

restrictions.

It said a first phase consisting of opening up domestic air and land transport should be implemented this month. Many governments in the region have already begun to do so.

A second phase, involving the opening of land, air and maritime borders within the

region, should happen by July 15 at the latest.

A third phase, involving the opening of air and land borders to “countries with low and controlled levels of COVID-19 contamination rates”, should occur by July 31 but will depend on the evolution of the pandemic, the report said.

The ministers’ recommendations will be presented to ECOWAS heads of state at a forthcoming summit, it said.

African governments have struggled since the start of the outbreak to strike a balance between containing the virus and maintaining the day-to-day economic activities that millions

of their citizens depend on to survive.

African countries have registered relatively few cases compared to hotspots elsewhere in the world, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned last week that the pandemic was accelerating on the continent.

Military Kills Two Armed Herdsmen, Recovers Rifle in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Two persons were killed, another injured and one AK47 rifle with 20 rounds of ammunitions recovered when troops of the joint military Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), reportedly engaged suspected armed militia herdsmen in fierce gun battle at Gyungwu Amua Village in Guma Local Government Area (GLGA) of Benue State, on Tuesday The confrontation between the OPWS and the suspected militia herdsmen happened barely two days after the same military troops reportedly arrested one local militia leader popularly known as Alhaji Audu from Olegeje community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State and recovered one

Ak47 rifle and 60 rounds of ammunitions from him during a communal clash in Agatu.

The armed herdsmen, according to a local source, allegedly stormed the village from Nasarawa State to launch an attack on the community.

Another source who gave his name as Hedejume Abur told our correspondent on phone that a distress call was put across to the troops of OPWS when the armed herdsmen numbering about seven were sighted in Gyungwu Amua Village at about 7:30pm on Tuesday planning to attack the village.

“Immediately we sighted the armed herdsmen, we quickly alerted the troops who swiftly responded and went towards their direction to lay ambush for them.

FG Eyes N163bn from Concessioning of 10 Roads Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has disclosed that the federal government has concluded plans to concession 10 major highways across the country to private investors.

Fashola made the disclosure yesterday evening when he appeared before the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Works.

He stated that the concessioning of the roads that is titled “Highway Development and Management Initiative,” would enable private sector’s investors to carry out the development and management of the road networks, which the government would no

longer perform due to paucity of funds that hindered roads development in the past.

The minister disclosed that the first phase of the project would attract a capital investment of N163.323 billion at a cost of about N16 billion per each of the 10 roads and create not less than 23, 322 jobs.

The affected roads include Benin-Asaba, Abuja-Lokoja, Kadun-Kano, Onitsha- OwerriAba, Shagamu-Benin, Abuja -Keffi - Akwanga, KanoMaiduguri, Lokoja- Benin, Enugu-Port Harcourt and Ilorin – Jebba roads.

The investors, according to Fashola, would provide streetlights, toll plazas, rest areas, conveniences and weighbridge stations.

Insurgency War Displaces 10,000 Farmers in Chad Basin

Michael Olugbode inMaiduguri

The Managing Director of Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA), Abba Garba, has lamented that Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east region has displaced no fewer than 10,000 farmers within the Chad Basin.

Garba, who spoke to journalists yesterday in Maiduguri, further decried that the terrorists also destroyed farming equipment and infrastructures worth billions of naira belonging to CBDA during their siege on the Basin.

He said the CBDA remains the largest casualty of Boko

Haram terrorism in the country, with its projects in Marte, Ngala and other parts of the region completely grounded and equipment totally vandalised.

Garba, who spoke on the planned return of the CBDA to the vandalised and subsequently abandoned projects in the Chad Basin towards enhancing food security in the Northeast region and the country in general, lamented that most of the registered farmers who were displaced in 2014 when the terrorists struck their project sites are living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the various camps in Maiduguri.

GARLAND OF HONOURS...

L-R: Past District Governor, District 404B2 Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Adewunmi; Second Vice President, Lagos Apex Lions Club, Mrs. Adefunke Owonifari; District Governor, Mr. Wesley Kafidiaya; Region 6 Chairperson, Mrs. Blessing Umebali; Second Vice District Governor, Mr. Kayode Oshinuga; Club President, Lagos Apex Lions Club, Mrs. Cynthia Saka; and Zone 6B Chairperson, Mr. Marce Anyanwu, during the presentation of an A ‘ ward of Competent Leader’ to Umebali at the Region 6 Mark of Excellence Award ceremony in Lagos...recently

Family, Church Hold Evening of Songs for Ibidunni Ighodalo Rebecca Ejifoma It was an evening of hymns, psalms and candlelight as families and the Trinity House Zion Lagos honoured the former beauty queen and wife of their pastor, the late Ibidunni Ighodalo, yesterday at the Trinity House Zion, Lagos State.

The service for Ibidunni, who died at the age of 39 years in the

early hours of Sunday, June 15, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, went live on all the social media handles of the church – @Trinityhouseng on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook at 6pm with a melody “Great are You, Lord”.

Other soulful gospel interludes that rented the hall included: “I’m No Longer Slave to Fear,” “It Won’t Be Long, We’ll Be

Leaving Here,” “In Christ Alone”, “Oceans”, “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life”, “Le Yi Jesu Ko Se Ni Tan O”, “It is Well”, “Comforter, That’s Who You are to Me”, “Fear Him, Ye Saints and You Will Have Nothing Else to Fear”, and “A O Fe Ko Lo”.

Ace gospel artistes like Buchi, Igeh, Wale, Chigozie, Derby, Alaba, the Trumpeter from Covenant

Harvest Church, and the Trinity House Zion Choir, among other solo and group singers from presented special renditions.

In the congregational thanksgiving prayers led by Pastor Ayo Adenioluwa, who read Psalms 89 from 1 to 4, prayers of mercies were made for the late Ibiduni, her children, husband and family.

US Condemns Killing of Civilians in Nigeria By Boko Haram, ISWAP Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The United States government yesterday condemned what it described as the “brazen killings of civilians” by terrorist groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-east as well as armed bandits in the North-west and North-central parts Nigeria.

It said the federal

government was not doing enough to halt the killings and must rise up to the occasion by protecting Nigerian lives and property and general security around the country.

A statement issued by the US Secretary of State, Mr. Michael Pompeo, and made available to journalists by the Department of State deplored the recent killing of civilians in Nigeria.

“We condemn the recent

senseless and brazen killings of civilians in northern Nigeria.

In recent weeks, suspected ISIS West Africa militants launched multiple attacks in Borno State, killing more than 120 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. On June 9, unidentified armed bandits attacked a village in Katsina State, killing dozens”, it said.

The statement noted that “these horrific crimes follow

the shooting of a pastor and his pregnant wife on June 1 and the killing of an imam, local village head, and several civilians on June 5 in the course of intercommunal violence in Taraba State.

“Tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in Nigeria in recent years to violent attacks by terrorist groups or criminal gangs, in inter-communal violence, or due to their religious beliefs.

House Demands Details of Beneficiaries of School Feeding Programme Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts yesterday resolved to summon the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr. Yemi Kale, to appear before it and tender

records of payment and details of the 9 million children benefiting from the school feeding programme initiated

by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2016 The Committee also resolved to probe the N494 billion budgeted from inception for the school feeding programme.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Wole Oke,

frowned at the breach of the Public Procurement Act and demanded for relevant authorisations from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), such as the budgetary approvals for the scheme fright from its inception, as well as the lists of schools, locations and month by month, year by year details of allocations and expenditure.

Oke also directed the Special Assistant to the President on Home School Feeding Programme, Mr. Dotun Adebayo, to furnish the House with details of the cooks, states, locations of the benefiting schools as well as the over 9 million children in 84,000 schools across the country that have benefited from the programme.

FG Knocks Atiku over Alarm on Debt Profile Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has come under criticism from the federal government for portraying an apocalyptic scenario about the country’s debt profile.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Minister of Information and

Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, likened Atiku’s prophetic submission to one anchored on a false premise.

Mohammed said although the federal government is open to constructive criticism, such must be based on verifiable facts rather than conjectures and innuendos. ‘’There is no doubt that former

Vice President Atiku Abubakar loves our country and wishes it well, otherwise he would not have sustained his serial quest for the country’s highest position. One can only hope that his resort to the use of such words as ‘precipice’, ‘foreclosure’ and ‘economic ruin’ does not reflect anything but best wishes for the country at this

time,” Mohammed said.

The minister punched hole in the figure of Nigeria’s debt to revenue ratio of 99 per cent in the first quarter of 2020 quoted

by Atiku, saying it was not in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, where the former vicepresident claimed he got it from.

Ëœ ͚΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

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THURSDAYSPORTS

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

COVID-19: Kwara Bans Opening of Football Viewing Centres Kenya govt bars football fans from watching EPL in bars Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Government late Tuesday nightbanned the opening of all football viewing centres across the 16 local government councils in the state.

On Tuesday, the state recorded 17 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the tally of confirmed cases to 168 while 100 patients have been discharged after they twice tested negative.

The ban according to the government is to prevent the viewing centres from becoming a window for the transmission of more Covid-19 in the state.

THISDAY checks also revealed that the development might not be unconnected with the recent commencement of Spanish La Liga and German Bundesliga. Even the English topflight, the Premier League restated yesterday evening with two games.

Our correspondent’s visit to some of the football viewing centres in Ilorin on Monday revealed that hundreds of football fans were seen watching La Liga matches without observing an important health protocol like social distancing.

A Government House statement issued in Ilorin yesterday signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Spokesman of the Covid-19

Technical Committee, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye warned that viewing centres are not permitted to open for business as usual. “The government is aware that the English Premier League will commences Wednesday (yesterday) June 17th. This is to state clearly that viewing centres are not allowed to open under any guise during this pandemic. “Doing so will actively promote the spread of the virus, endanger people’s lives, and further stretch public resources to the limit,� observed the committee.

The statement further said: “The government fully appreciates and apologises for the inconveniences this restriction means for some businesses and football enthusiasts. However, it has a duty to ensure that lives are protected. This cannot be compromised. “The government similarly warns against mass gatherings (crowded weddings, clubbing and partying) of any kind at this time. Violators shall come under the full weight of the Kwara State Infectious Diseases Regulations 2020,� the statement further warned.

The Kwara government, meanwhile, has directed that all motorcycles and other items seized during the lockdown be released to their owners without

Samuel Chukwueze is targeting a UEFA Europa ticket with Villarreal next season any preconditions. “We commend the security agencies for their good work during and after the lockdown.

They did and are still doing a great job, and the government is grateful to them. “The seizure of motorcycles and other items at that time was a lawful way of enforcing compliance with safety measures,� the statement added. “Following the relaxation of the lockdown, however, the

government hereby directs immediate and unconditional release of those motorcycles and other items to their owners so as not to worsen the socioeconomic hardships that the pandemic has already imposed at global, national, state, and individual levels.�

Similarly, Kenya’s government spokesperson, Cyrus Oguna, shattered the hopes of football fans who had wanted to watch Premier League matches in bars

last night.

The Premier League returned after a 100-day absence because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fixtures are been played behind closed doors as one of a host of measures to prevent any further spread of the virus.

The government spokesperson said bars would remain closed in adherence to safety measures, and added that it was better to miss a match than die from coronavirus.

He urged football fans to be patient.

Mr Oguna said a committee tasked with overseeing government response to the pandemic was looking into the possible effects of reopening bars.

On Tuesday, the health ministry extended opening hours for restaurants until 19:30 local time.

Mr Oguna tweeted his advice to football fans.

La Liga: Chukwueze Sets Sight on Europa Ticket Bayern Put Alaba at Crossroad over New Deal Samuel Chukwueze whose assist to Carlos Bacca gave Villarreal the lone goal victory that earned the Yellow Submarines maximum points against Mallorca on Tuesday night has set his eyes on a UEFA Europa ticket.

With just nine games to the end of the 2019/20 La Liga season, the Super Eagles winger is optimistic that Villarreal have a realistic chance of qualifying for next season’s European competitions.

Speaking on La Liga TV on Tuesday night, Chukwueze who was being modest in his aspiration was short of saying Villarreal will qualify for the UEFA Champions League as just three points separates his club and Real Sociedad on 47 points and fourth on the log. “This is just the restart

of the league, three months without playing, from now we are just recovering from the pandemic, I think we played well, maybe next game will be much better,�

Chukwueze told La Liga Television.

He said he felt so happy with victory over Mallorca and now looking forward to finishing the season with at least a Europa ticket. “I feel so happy, more will come. We need to look forward because we want to reach the Europa League. “That is our dream and target, if we keep on playing like this we will reach the Europa,� enthused the pacy winger.

Up next for Chukwueze and his teammates is a trip to the Nuevo Los Cårmenes Stadium, where they will face Ramon Azeez’s Granada on Friday, June 19.

Napoli Beat Juve to Win Coppa Italia Napoli stunned Juventus when they won 4-2 on penalties to claim the Coppa Italia on Wednesday after the two sides played to a 0-0 draw behind closed doors. Napoli

stunned Juventus when they won 4-2 on penalties to claim the Coppa Italia on Wednesday after the two sides played to a 0-0 draw behind closed doors

David Alaba could be one of the biggest names available on the transfer market this summer after it has emerged that Bayern Munich are open to selling him.

The left back has one year left on his current contract at the Allianz Arena - meaning he could leave on a free transfer come the end of next season.

So far, Bayern have failed to agree a new contract with the 27-year-old - despite negotiations having been ongoing for more than a year.

And UK’s Telegraph reported yesterday that the German giants could choose to cash in on their star this summer to avoid losing him for nothing in a year’s time.

David Alaba...may leave Bayern Munich this summer

Paris Saint-Germain are one of the clubs who would be keen on Alaba with the French outfit expected to face stiff competition from top Premier League sides.

Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola, knows Alaba extremely well - having managed

him for three years at Bayern before leaving for City.

Meanwhile, Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp, has faced Alaba multiple times while managing Borussia Dortmund in Germany and came up against him last season in the Champions League

for Liverpool.

Chelsea are reportedly after a new left back - with Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell linked with a move to Stamford Bridge at present.

Along with his sheer quality, Alaba’s versatility makes him a desired option for any top European side. The Austria international can play at left back as well as centre back and in midfield.

Alaba has played an integral role once again for Bayern this season - featuring 36 times in all competitions. He played the full duration of their 1-0 win at Werder Bremen on Tuesday - a result that saw them clinch the Bundesliga title for an eighth-straight season.

UEFA Champions League to Return August 7 Europe’s football governing body UEFA announced yesterday that the Champions League will return on August 7, with the quarterfinals, semifinals and final to be played as a knockout tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

It is going to be completed with an eight-team minitournament.

The season’s tournament was in the round of 16 when it was suspended on March 11 due to the COVID-19

pandemic.

The four remaining round of 16 second legs will resume on August 7-8, and will take place either at the home team’s stadium or in Portugal.

The quarterfinals will run from August 12-15, the semifinals on August 18-19 and the final will take place on Aug. 23. All matches will be single elimination.

For the quarterfinals, semifinals and final, they will be split between Benfica’s

Estådio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Sporting CP’s Estådio JosÊ Alvalade.

The EstĂĄdio do DragĂŁo in Porto and the EstĂĄdio D. Afonso Henriques in GuimarĂŁes will host the four outstanding round of 16 second legs, if required.

Also, UEFA announced on Wednesday that the Europa League will follow a similar course as the Champions League.

The remainder of the round

of 16 matches will be played on August 5-6 at venues still to be determined, with the Inter v Getafe and Sevilla v Roma ties – which had their first legs postponed in March – featuring just one match to determine which teams advance to the next round.

The Europa League quarterfinals, semifinals and the final will be played as a knockout tournament in Germany between August 10-21.

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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MISSILE Ango Abdullahi to President Buhari “We demand an immediate and comprehensive improvement of our security in the North. We are tired of excuses and verbal threats which criminals laugh at, and our fellow citizens see as a clear failure of leadership” – Convener of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Professor Ango Abdullahi, accusing President Buhari of failing to tackle the high rate of insecurity in the north.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Ibidun Ighodalo: A Purposeful Life O

n 2nd October 2017, I used the metaphor of a cow with wooden leg to illustrate the story of Nigeria in a presentation titled, “A Nation on the Edge: Which Way Nigeria?” at ‘Platform Nigeria’. It is a programme of the Covenant Christian Centre hosted annually

by Pastor Poju Oyemade in Lagos. The question I posed at the session was: What exactly do we mean by Nigeria?

In answering the question, I began by citing examples of negative people who by then had seized the public space and were disturbing the peace of our country. I defined the essential Nigeria as represented by change agents who deploy their talents and resources to make a difference in our world.

One of the few people I referenced that day was “my beautiful sister, Ibidunni Ighodalo who, despite her own disappointments, continues to put smiles on the faces of other aspiring mothers by deploying her personal resources to pay for their In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment.”

It was therefore with shock and sadness that I learnt of Mrs Ighodalo’s passage on Sunday. As I commiserate with Pastor Ituah and other members of Ighodalo and Ajayi families, I encourage them to take consolation in the fact that the deceased achieved at 39 what many fail to accomplish in several lifetimes. And she left indelible footprints.

I vividly recall my first encounter with the then Miss Ibidun Ajayi in 2005 at THISDAY corporate headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

She had come to seek my counsel, at the instance of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo to whom I am like a younger brother. Here was this young and beautiful woman, innocent looking and evidently very shy, talking about event management business in a totally different way. As she shared what she had done and how she intended to grow her business with me, I was impressed. From that moment, we struck up a friendship that lasted till her death at the weekend.

While it is still difficult to come to terms with the fact that Mrs Ighodalo is no more, we must cherish her memory as an industrious woman who, right from early twenties, created a business that exploited a Nigerian marketplace niche and grew it to become one of the biggest names in event management in Nigeria today. But that was not what defined her. The wife of Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo once described the late Mrs Ighodalo as a ‘wounded healer’ and for me, no description could be more apt, given her inspiring story.

First, the process leading to her marriage in 2007 came with the challenge of doctrinal rigidity that made Pastor Ituah to leave the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Five years ago when we met outside the country at an event she planned, the late Mrs Ighodalo shared with me what she went through during that period. Then years went by after her marriage and she was unable to conceive. After being told by doctors that the only way she could have

Late Ibidun Ighodalo

babies was through assisted reproduction, she went through 11 agonizing IVF treatments during which she conceived once. And then she lost the baby.

How we respond to adversity varies from person to person, but the late Mrs Ighodalo taught us that we all have choices to make: either we allow circumstances to dictate and embitter us or we focus our energy on helping others who may be going through similar challenges so we can derive joy from their happiness. It takes a special strength of character to choose the latter which often comes with enormous burden. Because, as one writer explained, it “doesn’t mean that we don’t feel pain, anger or frustration, but it’s finding the courage to reclaim our power and grow from the experience.”

That exactly was what the late Mrs Ighodalo did. We can glimpse from her recollection of that difficult season in her life and what she eventually made of it: “This period of delay also came with pressure and a lot of insensitivity from people to our situation. I also had to deal with the emotions, pain and the roller-coaster hormonal imbalance that comes with all sorts of treatments. Thankfully, I am married to an amazing man who has been there for me through all the procedures; unflinching in his support. Along the journey, I have met women who only needed one round of a treatment I had done nine times. The only thing holding them back was either the lack of finance or the psychological support needed to get through it. It was at that point I decided to stop thinking about myself and start trusting God to help these couples fulfil their dreams of having their children... I was ready to do my part to get rid of the stigma attached to childlessness. I wanted people to instead see couples-in-waiting as blessed mothers and fathers of nations! Upon thinking about the weight of this dream, I started out feeling a little reluctant especially when I thought about the privacy we might lose. However,

when I thought about the unending joy it would bring to people’s lives, it seemed to me that it would be worth the sacrifice.”

Letting go the negativity that holds people back from fulfilling their destiny could not have come easy, especially in a patriarchal society like ours where married women endure humiliation and stigma when there is a delay in conception. But as Mrs Ighodalo also admitted, she kept her peace essentially because she had a husband who genuinely loved her. Pastor Ituah must have assured his late wife that it is God who gives children and that she was not less a woman by virtue of the circumstance over which she had no control. He also supported her in the choice she eventually made to be a blessing to other women.

The Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation (IIF) was launched in 2016 with a first batch of 28 couples who were offered financial assistance and other critical support to receive fertility services from reputable clinics. At the end, there were 15 successful treatments, five confirmed pregnancies and a delivery that turned out to be a set of twins. At the prompting of her husband, they also decided to adopt two children thus lending their star power to a culture of adoption that we need to encourage more in our country.

But finding solace in the struggles of others and helping them while still facing your own pressures and pains is never an easy option. That is what define great people.

With her foundation, which hopefully will endure, the late Mrs Ighodalo did much more than bring joy to families. She made a far bigger statement. In building a compassionate society, there are roles that government must play and there are also roles for individuals. While Nigerians complain about the failings of government, and are adept at pointing fingers, only few believe in taking up worthy causes that entail making sacrifices for others outside their immediate families. For instance, in many other countries, Almajarai children would be in school rather than treated like eccentric relations who must be kept out of view when receiving important visitors.

Even if the government failed them, they would have been accommodated under school adoption programmes being sponsored by people in the society. This, of course, is an issue for another day.

The death of Mrs Ighodalo is a personal loss for me. But this tribute is not personal.

It is to remind us of the responsibility we all bear if we must change this society.

Yes, there are several ‘important’ issues I could have written about today. There is the never-ending drama at the villa between the Office of the First Lady and Office of the President with gunshots now being added to the mix. There is the disqualification (from contesting primaries) of a governor by the ruling APC under whose ticket he rose to power. Following the Court of Appeal judgement which affirmed the suspension of the APC National Chairman, we now hear of an acting chairman who will be acting

for an acting chairman at a period two other persons are laying claim to the same office! I am also aware of those who may want me to wade in on the controversial Naira Marley concert in Abuja which held only because management of the charter flight company thought they were transporting a minister and not “a bunch of useless people.” And with many states in the north becoming what Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed once described as ‘bandit territory’, the situation has degenerated into a shouting bout between the presidency and the Northern Elders Forum. Incidentally, I am currently in Katsina, the new epicenter of the violence. I arrived yesterday after a grueling eight-hour road trip from Abuja to interrogate the killings that have shattered the peace of the people in a state I fell in love with more than a decade ago.

However, while the foregoing issues are important, there is a compelling lesson in the life of Mrs Ighodalo that should remind us of our own obligations as citizens. The concept of wounded healer used by Mrs Yemisi Ashimolowo to describe the deceased was coined by Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung. It is based on the understanding that some who experience pain can also feel the beauty of healing by reaching beyond themselves to help other people overcome their burdens. In establishing a Foundation so that other women could be enriched with what she cherished, the message from the late Mrs Ighodalo is for each one of us to know that we can grow beyond personal disappointments to impact our society.

Nations don’t develop by accident. They develop because there are men and women who are determined to leverage their talents, resources and energy to empower the community--people who think less about themselves and more about the collective good. Instead of complaining about how things could have been or should have been, such people reflect on everything they can be grateful for and strive to make the world a better place for others. We need more citizens like the late Mrs Ighodalo who used her experience to identify a need in our society and cared enough to make the requisite sacrifices for others so they could enjoy what she couldn’t. Because of that, she will live forever in the hearts of many.

Her death at such a young age has indeed brought home the message in the poem by Robert H. Smith. I commend it to the APC desperadoes whose obsession with 2023 has blinded them to the reality of Nigerian condition as I commiserate with Pastor Ituah and bid his beloved wife goodnight: The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour.

The present only is our own, So live, love, toil with a will, Place no faith in Tomorrow, For the Clock may then be still.

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