FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2021

5.01% 2nd Quarter GDP Growth Excites Nigerians Buhari lauds economic managers Rewane, others say economy not out of the woods

Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, James Emejo in Abuja; Nume Ekeghe and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos

The second quarter (Q2) 2020 Gross Domestic Product

(GDP) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday that showed a 5.01 per cent jump in growth, compared with the 0.51 per cent recorded in Q1 2021, triggered excitement among

Nigerians.

This indicated a silver lining that the country may be returning to real growth after adjusting to inflation and population growth.

The GDP growth recorded

was the highest quarterly growth since 2014.

Owing to this, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed excitement over the development.

Also, the Special Adviser

to the President on Economic Matter, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, attributed the GDP performance to some interventions put together by the federal government to reposition the economy

after the devastating effects of the COVID-19.

But analysts which included the Managing Director of the Financial Derivatives Company Continued on page 8

CAN: Nigeria's Security Architecture is Compromised... Page 5 Friday 27 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9636. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N

Buhari Elated as NNPC Breaks Jinx, Declares N287bn Profit, First in 44 Years Directs timely publication of corporation’s audited accounts Explains how feat was achieved Kyari: Before PIA, Nigeria’s oil industry was in bad state Cuts timeframe to recoup investment in Dangote Refinery from five to three years

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday hailed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for declaring a Profit after Tax (PAT) of N287 billion for the year 2020, the first in its 44-year

history. Buhari stressed that NNPC's losses were reduced from N803 billion in 2018 to N1.7 billion in 2019.

This is just as the corporation yesterday attributed the historic profit it recorded in its 2020 Audited Financial Statement Continued on page 8

Plateau Violence: Doctors Suspend Strike Due to Overwhelming Emergencies

Hospitals in dire need of blood, says Red Cross Situation is engulfing, NMA claims

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Worried by the increasing medical emergencies orchestrated by the recent violence in Jos and other parts of Plateau State, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Jos University Teaching Hospital branch, has recalled members

to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike action “on compassionate ground” to enable them attend to the rising emergencies arising from the violence.

However, giving a more vivid picture of the situation on ground was Red Cross, Continued on page 10

A SOUVENIR FOR THE GENERAL...

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (R), presenting a souvenir to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya, during a courtesy visit by the COAS to the Government House in Ilorin, yesterday. The army chief commended the Governor for his proactive steps and support for the security agencies.

Finally, Bandits Release Tegina Islamiyya School Pupils... Page 42

2

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

3

4

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

5

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 08033506821, 08097777322

THIRD QUARTER NIREC MEETING IN ABUJA...

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Sultan of Sokoto and Co-chairman Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Musterpha; President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Olasunpo Ayokunle and Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; during the 2021 third quarter council meeting of NIREC in Abuja...yesterday

Again, NNPC Set to Deduct N215bn from September FAAC Raises contribution to joint account in July by N20bn Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is once more set to deduct about N215.3 billion from its contribution to next month’s joint Federation Account.

The aforementioned amount is a combination of N175 billion value shortfall or subsidy and N40 billion Joint Venture (JV) cost recovery.

In a document obtained

by THISDAY yesterday detailing the national oil company’s presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting which held between 18th and 19th of August, the data showed that NNPC paid N67.280 billion to the joint account in July, in contrast to the N47.162 billion in June.

The July payment was about N20 billion higher than that of June.

Furthermore, in January, net revenue to FAAC was N90.8 billion; N64.161 billion in February and N41.184 billion in March. Also, it was zero in April; N38.608 billion in May; N47.162 billion in June and N67.280 billion in July.

Year-to-date, the document showed that the NNPC has only been able to make a contribution of N349.254 billion to the three tiers of government with a huge deficit of N1.115 trillion.

But added to JV cost recovery and priority projects, the document revealed that total distribution made by the corporation in January was N195.624 billion; it was N191.194 billion in February, and it hit N224.589 billion in March. Additionally, it decreased to N156.366 billion in April, but again rose to N320.315 billion in May and was N295.396 billion and N270.405 billion in June and July respectively.

Overall, NNPC’s crude oil lifting of 8.66 million barrels (export and domestic crude) in the month recorded 19.84

per cent decrease relative to the 11.58 million barrels lifted the previous month.

In the same vein, the NNPC presentation to the joint committee showed that Nigeria maintained 1.554 million bpd Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production cut during the month.

Crude oil export revenue received in July 2021 amounted to $12.95 million, equivalent to N4.97 billion,

while domestic gas receipts in the month was N6.8 billion.

In addition Nigeria NLG (NLNG) feedstock was valued at $54.09 million during the period out of which $44 million was received during the month, the difference being Modified Carry Agreement (MCA) obligations, gas reconciliation and credit notes.

“Out of the value shortfall of N143, 286,281.752.62, the sum of N103.286.281, 752.62

was applied on the gross domestic receipts before arriving at the net receipt of N67.28 billion in order to make funds available for JV cost recovery to sustain the existing production level.

“The balance of N40.000.000.000.00 will be deducted in subsequent months.

The July, 2021 value shortfall of N175.317.701.294.80 and outstanding balance of N40,000.000,000.00 will be

deductible from the August 2021 proceeds due for sharing at the September, 2021 FAAC meeting,” the NNPC stated.

Last month, the corporation continued its regime of deductions from the federation account withholding N117.4 billion from the three tiers of government.

At the time, the total subsidy retention on petrol since this year had hit a total of N608.808 billion since

the full return of what the government terms underrecovery in February this year.

In June, the NNPC told the nation that Nigeria was losing about 42 million litres of petrol to the activities of smugglers across the country’s borders, increasing Nigeria’s estimated daily consumption of 60 million litres to 103 million litres, thereby worsening the subsidy payment regime.

CAN: Nigeria's Security Architecture is Compromised Sultan, Fayemi, others seek national dialogue on peace, unity FG pledges collaboration with religious, traditional rulers Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has again lamented the deteriorating security situation in the country, saying her security architecture has been compromised.

However, as part of activities marking its 45th anniversary celebration, CAN enjoined all Christians and non-Christians to observe a day of fasting and prayers nationwide against the menace of insecurity, economic predicaments and erosion of moral values.

This is as the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar III, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently convoke a national dialogue to discuss the peace and unity of Nigeria.

Similarly, the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has urged all stakeholders in the polity to join hands in finding a common understanding and compromise that would proffer lasting solution to the killings, attacks social disharmony in the country.

In the same breath, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha,said federal government would support

religious and traditional leaders to promote peace and unity in the country.

CAN, in an address delivered by its Assistant General Secretary and chairman of the planning committee of the 45th anniversary celebration, Mr. Biodun Sanyaolu, accused the federal government of mishandling the insecurity situation in the country by refusing to deal decisively with the Boko Haram terrorists, militant herdsmen and bandits He said: "It is reprehensible that the security architecture of the country has been compromised. Terrorists are operating with impunity wherever and whenever they wanted. Our security agencies are giving us the impression that these terrorists, those operating in the northwest are named bandits by their friends and sympathisers.

"It appears there is a conspiracy and deceit going on with the Boko Haram, herdsmen and bandits. I was just sharing this with one of brothers before this meeting.

I believe there is a way out if the government is sincere.

"When the attacks on our members began, it was only CAN that was crying out until they began to attack their fellow Muslims. Several

thousands of our members were killed including the late CAN Chairman in Michika Local Government of Adamawa State.

"Today, Leah Sharibu is a face of the persecuted Christians in the country. Her only offence was her refusal to disown her faith. She was forced to join about 120 abducted Chibok schoolgirls, whose lives are being wasted in the den of the terrorists," he said.

The Sultan, who spoke at the third quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) on Thursday in Abuja, warned that if urgent steps were not taken to reverse the trend, more people might be consumed by the activities of insurgents.

According to Sultan, the dialogue meeting should have in attendance traditional leaders, community leaders and religious leaders, as well as opinion leaders – people drawn from the political and business sectors and other persons, who matter in the affairs of Nigeria.

"Things are getting worst in Nigeria by the day especially, the security situation.

Unfortunately, our military and intelligence agencies seem not to be doing enough to bring an end to the killings.

"It's important we sit together and discuss the issues that concern this nation. Most times, we meet at NIREC, discuss issues and arrive at conclusion. Unfortunately, people would go about and be doing otherwise, particularly preaching hate and violence.

"We must be truthful to one another. What is so difficult in the President organising a dialogue that would have in attendance impressive participation of the traditional rulers, opinion leaders, market leaders, elder statesmen and every person that has something to contribute?

"We should look ourselves eyeball to eyeball and tell ourselves the truth. We shouldn't be afraid of such conversation again because things are deteriorating.

Dialogue is the best approach, because whatever cannot be achieved through dialogue will remain unachieved with violence".

Mustapha, who gave assurances that President Buhari was not only fully aware of the insecurity situation in the country, but committed to bringing it to an end, contended that the present administration was doing everything possible to bequeath a safe and prosperous

nation to the government.

"In fact, Mr. president is very concerned about the level of insecurity in the country and the the high cost of living.

He is, however, working on how to resolve these issues in the shortest possible time."

"The President will continue to give all necessary support to religious and traditional leaders to promote peace and unity in the country.

I can assure you that the President is doing everything possible to bequeath a safe and prosperous nation to the next one.

"The President is very concerned about the level of insecurity and the high cost of living in Nigeria. He is working on how to resolve these challenges in the shortest possible time," he said.

Also, the CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, accused President Buhari of being sentimental and bias in his handling of insecurity and governance in the country.

He further alleged that the president was practicing "double standards," by choosing which killings to react to and those he maintained silence from, as highlighted in the reference to the recent killings in Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States.

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

6

NEWS

SANWO-OLU AT ‘BOS MEETS BUSINESS’...

L-R: Managing Director, Goodware Stitches Limited, Mrs. Matilda Taiwo; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and CEO, Musbolat Fashion, Mrs. Taiwo Folusho during the 7th Lagos Corporate Assembly ‘BOS Meets Business’, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday

Another Court of Coordinate Jurisdiction in Kebbi Reinstates Secondus Party adopts Saturday for NEC, October National Convention date still feasible Atiku: I’ve been away to study at Cambridge Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis took another interesting turn late last night as Justice Nusirat. I. Umar, a vacation Judge of the Kebbi State High Court has restored the embattled National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus to his position.

The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Party, Elder Yemi Akinwomi, had assumed leadership of the PDP in acting capacity, following a restraining order on Secondus by a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, forcing Akinwomi to suspend indefinitely, the already scheduled National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the party.

But regardless of the latest development, the party has insisted that the National

Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party would hold Saturday, adding also that the national convention would still hold in October as earlier recommended.

A former Vice President and presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who surfaced at the Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting yesterday, however, offered excuses for his long absence from the party, saying he away at the Cambridge University for a Master’s degree in International Relations.

However, in a suit brought before her in Birinin Kebbi, the state capital in case KB/AC/ M170/2021, Justice Umar said she was satisfied after reading the affidavit of the respondents that an interim order should be granted on the purported suspension of Secondus pending the determination of the case.

NBC Queries Channels TV over Ortom’s Anti-Buhari Interview Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has queried Channel Television for broadcasting a programme on Tuesday that had Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State as guest.

The query titled: ‘Notice of Infraction,’ dated August 24, 2021, was addressed by the Director-General NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah to the Managing Director of Channels Television.

In the letter, the NBC rebuked Channels Television over the failure of its anchors to properly interrogate Ortom, who was alleged to have made inciting, divisive and unfair comments on the peak hour Sunrise Daily programme.

This, the agency said was in violation of some provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Ilelah, who cited the infraction of some sections of the Code subsequently directed the television station to explain within 24 hours of the receipt of the letter why it should not

be sanctioned.

The NBC stated that Channels Television violated during the airing of the programme, Section 1.10.4, Section3.1.1, Section 3.3.1 (b), Section 3.3. 1 (e), Section 3.11.1 (a) and Section 3.12.2 respectively.

Section 3.11.1 (a) says that the broadcaster shall ensure that language likely to encourage or incite to crime or lead to disorder is not broadcast, while Section 3.12.2 says that the broadcaster shall not transmit a programme that incites or is likely to incite violence among the populace, causing mass panic, political and social upheaval, security breach and general social disorder.

While appearing on the programme, Governor Ortom had criticised the present administration and described President Buhari as the worst when it comes to handling of security matters.

He also alleged that the President had a subtle agenda to ‘Fulanise’ the country by treating the alleged attacks carried by suspected herdsmen with kid’s glove.

"An order of this Honourable court granting leave to the first respondent (Uche Secondus) to continue exercising all the constitutional powers of the office of Chairman of PDP (second defendant) as enshrined in both 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and the Peoples Democratic Party's constitution pending the hearing and final determination of applicant's motion on notice. " Three concerned members of the party, Yahaya Usman, Abubakar Mohammed and Bashar Suleman were the claimants/applicant in the case while Secondus and the PDP were the defendants/ respondents.

Secondus was suspended on Monday by a Degema High Court in Rivers State. The restraining order was given

by Justice O. Gbasah.when contacted on the new order last night, Secondus in a brief chat with THISDAY, confirmed that he had secured the stay order from the Kebbi State High Court.

However, addressing newsmen after the NWC meeting, yesterday, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, the

leadership crisis between the deputy national chairman for south, Akinwonmi and the deputy national chairman for north, Senator Suleiman Nazif was over and the party was more than united than before.

But he said the NEC of the party would hold this Saturday, while the October national convention date was still feasible .

Also, confirming the October national convention date, Akinwonmi said the national convention would elect new NWC members.

"PDP is not dead. When they see us hugging ourselves, they will know that the PDP is not dead," he said, while also commending the Chairman of the BoT, Walid Jibrin, for acting swiftly to resolve the leadership crisis in the NWC between himself and Nazif.

He said, "I thank the BoT chairman for his tireless efforts.

We invited the BoT chairman to our NWC meeting and he observed our meeting. I am a man of peace. Our national convention will hold in October as earlier directed by the expanded BoT. Our NEC will hold on Saturday.

"We will conduct our convention and have brand new officers. I am a child of circumstances. Let us work together. I have health challenges.

I am a PDP to the core. I have not left for any other party and in unity we shall succeed. I have not left for any other party."

Jibrin, while speaking, said the meeting of the Board of Trustees was summoned to ensure that sanity returned to the party, recalling what happened in the last BoT meeting that necessitated yesterday’s meeting He explained that the PDP NWC invited him to attend the reconciliation meeting where he saw Akinwonmi and Nazif embraced each other and supported him.

On his part, Atiku, who explained away his long absence from the party said, "I was away. I went to school. I went to Cambridge, where I read Masters in International relations.

I thanked former President Obasanjo for recommending me to Cambridge University" He commended the NWC for settling down to resolve the power tussle and the BoT for providing leadership, saying, “Now, we are in opposition.”

Former Senate President and PDP Reconciliation Committee Chairman, Dr Bukola Saraki, commended the BoT chairman for calling the meeting and for Akinwonmi for accepting to lead the party at this moment.

He also commended the NWC for resolving their leadership crisis, stating that the speed with which the party resolved its crisis would show Nigerians that the PDP was ready to lead the country.

Meanwhile, the PDP governors after their meeting last night in Abuja, have supported the NWC and BoT for NEC on Saturday and national convention in October Chairman of the PDP governors and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwul said the decision was in line with the earlier position of the governors and the expanded BoT of the party.

Interestingly, however, the National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Umar Tsauri, had hinted earlier before a Kebbi court restored Secondus, that embattled PDP chairman would assume his office whenever the court order that restrained him was vacated.

Abba Kyari: DIG Egbunike Panel Submits Report to IG Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Joseph Egbunikeled panel set up by the police high command to investigate the allegations of fraud levelled against suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, yesterday submitted its report to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Baba.

The panel was constituted on August 2, 2021. The setting up of the panel was sequel to an indictment of Kyari in a case involving a notorious internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas aka Hushpuppi, who was involved in $1.1million scam of a Quatari businessman in the US District Court of California.

The court had ordered the arrest of Kyari, who denied that Abbas paid N8 million to him

to effect the arrest of a rival in Nigeria.

Following the indictment, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) served the court processes on the Nigeria Police.

A statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police, said the InspectorGeneral of Police, Usman Baba, "received the report of the NPF Special Investigation Panel (SIP) investigating the alleged indictment of the erstwhile Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), DCP Abba Kyari by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)".

The report was submitted by the Chairman of the SIP, DIG Joseph Egbunike, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

It said DIG Egbunike while

presenting the report, thanked the IGP for the confidence reposed in him and members of the panel to conduct the probe.

He noted that the panel commenced investigations immediately it was inaugurated on August 2, 2021 and the report submitted was the outcome of "a painstaking, transparent and exhaustive investigative process". He said the report presented "contained the case file of the probe, evidences and findings as well as testimonies from DCP Abba Kyari and other persons and groups linked to the matter".

The IG, who commended the panel for the work done stated that the essence of the probe was to carry out discrete investigations into the allegation levelled against the officer to enable the force leadership be appropriately

guided in its decision-making processes. "The IGP assured that a careful and expeditious review of the recommendations would be undertaken by the Force Management Team and thereafter forwarded to appropriate quarters for necessary action(s)".

He reiterated the commitment of the force to ensuring justice for all.

It would be recalled that the Police Service Commission (PSC) had suspended Kyari following the recommendation of the IG pending the submission of the Egbunike panel even as it set up an in-house committee to prepare ground for the receipt of the panel report from the IG. Force Headquarters had also replaced Kyari with DCP Tunde Disu as the new head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

7

8

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT 5.01% 2ND QUARTER GDP GROWTH EXCITES NIGERIANS Limited and a member of the President’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, have warned that the economy was not yet out of the woods.

According to the NBS, the GDP grew 5.01 per cent (year-onyear) in real terms in the second quarter of the year (Q2 2021), compared to the -6.10 per cent recorded in Q2 2020.

This marked three consecutive quarters of growth following the negative growth rates of -6.10 per cent and -3.62 per cent in Q2 2020 and Q3 2020 year-on-year respectively.

The statistical agency pointed out that the Q2 2021 growth rate was also higher than the 0.51 per cent recorded in Q1 2021 year -on -year, indicating the return of business and economic activities near levels seen prior to the implementation of COVID-19-related restrictions.

According to the GDP report for Q2, the "steady recovery observed since the end of 2020, with the gradual return of commercial activity as well as local and international travel, accounted for the significant increase in growth performance relative to the second quarter of 2020 when nationwide restrictions took effect."

Year-to-date, real GDP grew 2.70 per cent in 2021 compared to the -2.18 per cent recorded in the first half of 2020, the NBS added.

Nevertheless, the statistical agency further noted that quarter-on- quarter, real GDP grew by -0.79 per cent in Q2 compared to Q1 2021, reflecting slightly slower economic activity than the preceding quarter due largely to seasonality.

In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N39.12 trillion in nominal terms, higher than the N34.02 trillion in Q2 2020, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 14.99 per cent. It showed that Real GDP stood at N16.69 trillion in Q2.

According to the report,

the nominal GDP growth rate recorded in Q2 was higher than the -2.80 per cent growth recorded in Q2 2020 when economic activities slowed sharply at the outset of the pandemic.

Furthermore, the NBS report showed that nominal growth rate was also higher than the 12.25 per cent growth recorded in Q1 2021.

Daily average oil production stood at 1.61 million barrels per day (mbpd), which was -0.10mbpd lower than the 1.72mbpd recorded in Q1 and -0.19mbpd lower than the 1.81mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2020.

According to the report, the oil sector contributed 7.42 per cent to total real GDP in Q2 compared with the 9.25 per cent seen in Q1 and 8.93 per cent in Q2 2020 while the non-oil sector contributed 92.58 per cent to GDP in real terms.

Agriculture's contribution to GDP grew to 23.78 per cent from 22.35 per cent in Q1.

A further breakdown of the figure showed that real contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP in Q2 stood at 8.69 per cent, lower than the 9.93 per cent in Q1 and 8.82 per cent in Q2 2020.

The contribution of trade to GDP increased to 16.66 per cent from 15.61 per cent in the preceding quarter as well as 14.28 per cent in Q2 2020.

Also, the information and communication sector contributed 17.92 per cent to GDP in Q2 compared to 14.91 per cent in Q1 and 17.83 per cent in the previous year.

Also, Dipeolu said the challenges facing the country could be tackled through robust adoption of technology, pointing out that the potential solutions ranges from improving the delivery of education using digital contents, deepening financial inclusion, through the expansion of digital payment systems especially for the distribution of social benefits.

According to him, “We have

had to resume our efforts to tackle poverty in order to achieve sustainable growth, while using vaccinations and pharmaceutical interventions to fight the spread of the virus.

While the pandemic presents challenges to governance, it also provides opportunity for public private sector collaboration beyond rhetoric and dialogue.

Buhari Hails Q2 GDP Performance President Buhari who was excited about the GDP performance also hailed the managers of the nation's economy for a job well done and further expressed optimism about the country's future.

The president in a statement

by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, urged the economic managers to continue with the positive development by touching the lives and pockets of the average Nigerian.

The president expressed optimism that recent reforms and efforts such as the conclusion of the Marginal Fields Bid Round, the renewed focus on gas development (including the NLNG Train 7 project, and various pipeline construction projects) as well as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), would attract new investment to the oil and gas sector, and create conditions for more robust levels of growth in the future.

“It is gratifying to note that various policies of the administration, aimed at boosting agricultural production,

improving the business environment, and investing massively in infrastructure, are beginning to yield fruit.

“Equally gratifying is the complementary news of the steady decline in the rate of inflation, over the last few months.

The positive effects of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), which helped fast-track the country’s exit from the COVID-induced recession of 2020, continue to be evident, as some of the sectors driving the Q2 2021 growth have benefited or are benefiting from government-led interventions.

“The successful roll-out of vaccines and COVID-19 protocols has also helped to reduce pressures on the healthcare system and the need

for a lockdown,” he added.

Projecting into the future, the President assured Nigerians that there were much to be optimistic about, adding that investments in agriculture and infrastructure would continue, just like ongoing efforts to achieve a significant improvement in the security situation across the country.

He added: “There is no doubt that a more secure environment - which the security agencies are working hard to achieve - will spur and energise the shoots of economic progress being seen and felt in the country."

Analysts Warn Economy Not Out of the Woods Continued on page 10

PDP BOT MEETING...

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar (middle) flanked by Secretary, PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Sen. Adolphus Wabara (left) and former National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Bello Haliru (right) at the PDP BOT meeting in Abuja... yesterday

BUHARI ELATED AS NNPC BREAKS JINX, DECLARES N287BN PROFIT, FIRST IN 44 YEARS (AFS) to the adoption of costcutting measures, which hit about 30 per cent in the last two years.

However, president has directed the corporation's management to ensure timely publication of its audited accounts.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement quoted Buhari to have said the directive was in line with an earlier pledge by the federal government to publicly announce the financial position of NNPC. Buhari, who doubles as Minister of Petroleum Resources, disclosed that the profit was made possible by the prudent management of the country’s resources.

Buhari said, “I am pleased to announce the declaration of Profit after Tax of N287 billion in year 2020 by the NNPC. This is sequel to the completion of the statutory annual audit exercise for year 2020.

"The NNPC losses were reduced from N803 billion in year 2018 to N1.7 billion in year 2019 and the eventual declaration of net profit in year 2020 for the first time in its 44-year history.

“This development is consistent with this administration’s commitment to ensuring prudent management of resources and maximisation of value for the Nigerian people from their natural resources.”

The president said to take NNPC to the next level, he had directed that all the financial statements of the corporation must be promptly released.

He congratulated the NNPC board for a job well done.

The president stated, "I have further directed the NNPC to timely publish the audited financial statements in line with the requirements of the law and as follow-up to our commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability by public institutions.

“I congratulate the board, management and staff of the corporation and look forward to greater value creation for the Nigerian people.”

For the first time since its establishment, NNPC, in June and October, respectively, last year, made public its Audited Financial Statement (AFS) for 2018 and 2019. It noted in the documents that were released five months apart that it had achieved a 99.7 per cent reduction in its loss profile from a whopping N803 billion in 2018 to N1.7 billion in 2019.

Although, a number of the corporation’s over 20 subsidiaries recorded losses, the general administrative expenses of the national oil company witnessed a 22 per cent decrease, from N894 billion in 2018 to N696 billion in 2019.

Some of the corporation’s subsidiaries, which posted improved performance in its last audited results, included the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC), which recorded N479 billion profit in 2019, compared to N179 billion in 2018, representing a 167 per cent increase. In addition, the Integrated Data Sciences Limited (IDSL) recorded a N23 billion profit in 2019, compared to N154 million in 2018, representing

over 14,966 per cent increase, while the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) recorded N14.2 billion profit in 2019, compared to N9.3 billion in 2018, representing 52 per cent increase.

NNPC Explains How Feat Was Achieved Meanwhile, the NNPC has attributed the N287 billion profit recorded to its adoption of cost-cutting measures.

The Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, told journalists at the headquarters of the company in Abuja that the national oil company had adopted drastic changes in the way its business was conducted before now.

Kyari, who spoke alongside board members of the corporation, who were also joined virtually by the Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, explained that the efforts of the corporation to embrace transparency and accountability encouraged by President Buhari, had started paying off.

The GMD said he attempted to bring in a new perspective in the running of the national oil company and built on what he met, ensuring more efficiency by automating the company’s processes and systems as well as choosing wisely what to invest in.

Added to those factors, the NNPC boss stated that the corporation had also been focusing on staff welfare, saying happy workers would ultimately deliver on the objectives of the

company.

“The first principle of course is elimination, that is, you don't buy what you don't need. And we simply stopped buying what we didn't need. Also, during the particular fiscal year 2020, whoever we engaged on all our contracts, we insisted on cutting costs by at least 30 per cent.

“This worked and we were able to pull down most of our procurement costs by 30 per cent. We saw the opportunity to be much more efficient by automating our systems and processes and that made us faster and also ultimately it reduced so much of logistics costs that ordinarily would have been additional costs to our business,” he noted.

He admitted that although there's more work to be done, he remained proud of his team at the corporation, maintaining that history had been made by the NNPC. According to him, the NNPC has now turned the corner from being a loss- making business that would look to improve on its performance especially under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“This is a very proud moment for us, because to our shareholders we're no longer declaring losses. As a matter of fact, just like last year as we moved from loss level of N803 billion in 2018, we reduced it to N1.7 billion in 2019.

"And in the 2020 fiscal year, we're making profit after tax of N287 billion. This is no doubt a huge progress, but by no means sufficient,” he said.

On the changes made by the corporation, he said: “There are

very drastic changes to the way we do our business. One is to cut cost, to be more efficient, and also to ensure that this company is transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people."

Earlier, Sylva praised the NNPC board and management over the feat.

He listed other similar achievements in the last few months as the passage of the PIA and the historic publication of the NNPC 2018 and 2019 accounts last year.

Meanwhile, Kyari has said the PIA had replaced some regulations enacted in 1969, which were already archaic.

Kyari said the oil and gas industry was in a bad state before now.

The GMD, who spoke on a national television programme yesterday, credited the success of the new law to a clement legislative environment, which had aligned with the executive arm of government.

Kyari stated that because of the fiscal uncertainty that made the environment uncompetitive, of the about $50 billion new investments in the oil and gas, which came into sub-Saharan Africa in the last five years, only $3 billion came into Nigeria.

He said investors were not sure what would happen if they brought their money to invest in Nigeria.

“Therefore, it is absolutely a new opportunity for the NNPC and its subsidiaries, because, henceforth, they have to justify their existence, as there will not be any patronage from the government or access to the resources of the state,” he stated.

Kyari argued that the energy

transition did not mean that the world was eliminating crude oil completely, but projects would be done in such a way that carbon effects on the environment would be reduced close to zero.

“What the PIA is trying to do is to make Nigeria a much more attractive and clement business environment for people to put their monies into, while focusing on the development of gas in the domestic and the spot markets,” he maintained.

The NNPC helmsman, who also spoke on the corporation’s acquisition of 20 per cent in Dangote Refinery, further reduced the timeframe within which to recoup its about $2.7 billion investment from five years to about three years.

He said, “What I see is that there are a lot of misunderstanding around the NNPC proposed acquisition of 20 per cent of equity in Dangote Refinery. What is not obvious is that, first, the Dangote Group does not want the NNPC to take this equity.

“But the NNPC is just jumping in to take this equity.

Again, no resource-dependent country, like Nigeria, will agree to allow such monumental project, with energy security implications, which has connection with fiscal security, to take place without having a seat on its board.

“Refinery is a very lucrative business. The government believes it can recoup its money within three years. Nobody is going to take government money to put into this project if not for the fact that it will benefit the people.”

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

9

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

10

NEWS

70% of Nigerian Youths May Soon Become Ex-convicts, Says EFCC Anti-graft agency records 33 convictions in 24 Hours Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said more than 70 per cent of Nigerian youth might soon become ex-convicts if the present high rate of their involvement in cybercrime was not stopped.

This is as the Benin Zonal Command of the agency, yesterday, secured the conviction of three cyber criminals before Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing to 33 the number of internet fraud convictions recorded by the zone within 24 hours.

The Ilorin zonal commander of the EFCC, Mr. Usman Muktar, while speaking with journalists on the state of the nation, decried the high rate of cybercrime among youths and enjoined every stakeholder in the country to discourage the youths from internet fraud.

Muktar, who said the EFCC had witnessed an increasing number of arrest of Nigerian youths in cybercrime in recent time, charged parents to ask their children questions about sources of their wealth.

"When your children, who are in schools stopped asking you for money for upkeep or driving expensive cars, parents should ask questions. Unfortunately, some parents support these youth in internet fraud. They say it's oyinbo money. How does that turn to be your money?", he asked.

He lamented that free money from cybercrimes led to the use and sales of hard drugs and drug abuse, saying all hands must be on deck to save the situation.

Muktar added: "Corruption among elected political office holders is also a cause for concern.

People should ask questions about projects and quality of work/projects. It would make them sit up. Such programmes

like TV/radio documentaries, write ups, whistle blowing etc should be encouraged as we call on media to join in the anti-corruption fight."

The commander warned fraudsters to desist from engaging in acts of corruption and steer clear of the three states under his command, saying, the “eagle eyes” of the Commission was widely open and ready to catch any corrupt individual, anytime, anywhere.

He described the media as a crucial partner in preventing corruption, economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.

"The task of fighting economic and financial crimes is painstaking and broad-based and should be embraced by all strata of the society with the media serving as channel of communication and enlightenment.

"Commission depends greatly on the media to achieve success in the anti-graft campaign, especially, as it affects the prevention mandate, which is hinged on Section 6 of the EFCC Establishment Act. “Without a doubt, the media is a critical stakeholder in the anti-graft war. With your pen, you could make or mar the fight against corruption. The media’s potential to inform and educate the people is crucial for us.

"We believe that on our own, we cannot win the war against corruption without a buy-in by the people. This is where the support of the media comes in. We need the media to help sensitise the people on the ills of corruption and economic crimes”.

Still on cybercrime, the Zonal Commander stated that, “The Command, which covers Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi States is engaging relevant stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders, Civil Society Organisations, CSOs and the youths with a view to sensitising them on the inherent dangers of corruption.

My Command is certainly not

going to be a safe haven for cyber criminals,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Benin zone had on Wednesday August 25, 2021 secured 30 convictions before Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The convicted internet fraudsters were arraigned separately on one count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretences.

They are Okei Morrison Onome, Ejiro Nwaju, Oki Alex Efe, Omoghene Gift, Collins Odinaka, Onyue Martins Ifeanyi, Azubuike Christian, Achiever Effiong, Adeniyi Michael Femi, Eze John Paul, Akinayomide James, Adejube Isaac Oluwadunsin, Isaac Phillip, Ibrahim Olalekan Olagoke and

Paul Obinna Thomas.

Others are Damilola Michael, Umoru Mosuru, Dotun Ogunboye Olaleye, Adekunle Joshua, Elliot Igunbor, Ezomo Junior, David Oluwatobi, Ereoman Emmanuel, Oyetunde Victor Temitope, Nurudeen Abiodun Imole and Adeboye Victor.

The charge against one of them read: “That you Adebuje Isaac Oluwadunsin on the 5th day of August, 2021 at Ondo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of one Michelle Orton a white woman and citizen of the United States of America in your Samsung S8 and email address cryptohackweb@gmail.com to gain advantage for yourself

and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b)(i) and (ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(iv) of the same Act.” Three sureties who were arraigned for perversion of justice were Lewis Ogenkhene, Ughoshe Adolphus and Osazuwa Efosa Robertson.

The charge against Ogenkhene read: "That you Lewis Ogenkhene (m) on or about the 15th day of September, 2020 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did knowingly make a false statement to Detective Ajisafe Wasiu, an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of the exercise of the duties of his office,

which statement is untrue in any material particular and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2)(b)of the same Act.” All the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, when they were read to them.

The prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, Austin Ozigbu and Ibrahim Mohammed, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced the quartet of Imole, Olagoke Ibrahim, Odinaka, John Paul, Adekunle Joshua to three years imprisonment with the option of N500, 000 fine each.

NIGERIAN BREWERIES VISITS UGWUANYI...

L-R: Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the state and the new Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc (NBL), Mr. Hans Essaadi, when the NBL boss paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

5.01% 2ND QUARTER GDP GROWTH EXCITES NIGERIANS But speaking to THISDAY, however, analysts who welcomed the positive GDP, noted that it doesn't indicate that the challenges confronting the economy were over.

They, therefore urged the federal government to remain focused on infrastructural development, stimulate private sector investment as well as provision of favourable policies to further enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

Also, they stressed the need to implement policies to help regain lost grounds in all sector of the economy following the damage inflicted by the COVID-19.

They also emphasised the need to address the current state of insecurity and as well as boost foreign exchange availability for the manufacturing sector which remains key economic

development.

Rewane, said it was not yet time to pump champagne as the GDP result was a base year effects comparing a, "period when there was no activity to when there's now activity."

He said though the impact of the GDP performance would be limited, the government needs to stimulate private investments and boost public spending to strengthen the economy.

According to Rewane,"We shouldn't start bringing the champagne glasses yet because it's too early. its good news but the impact is limited at this time."

"So we need private investment in addition to government spending.

"And government spending cannot do it alone. Government spending cannot achieve what we need to achieve."

He added, "Therefore, private investment is a function of confidence. What are we going to do to endear the conference of investors? And that's the big question that we have to ask.

"We need confidence of investors will depend on how we behave ourselves in the investment community."

In his contribution, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said, the growth, "does not mean we are out of the woods."

He added: "About this time in 2020, the entire global economy was shut down, and so was the economy of Nigeria.

"So that we have a year-onyear growth of 5.1 per cent shouldn't be seen as all uhuru.

"We need to be looking at the lost opportunities in all sectors

during and after COVID-19, only then, we can say we are out of the woods."

Also, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade said: "The Nigeria economy is trying to bounce back in an unprecedented manner year- on- year."

He said that the implementation of favourable policies by government particularly in agriculture, mining, manufacturing had started paying off with efforts to tackle insecurity also yielding some positive results.

He noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)'s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) and other government agencies intervention in key sectors were redefining the agricultural value chain.

He added that the resilience

of investors in various sectors of the economy contributed to the positive performance.

Also, the Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc and President of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) Mr. Mustapha Chike- Obi applauded the federal government over the latest GDP performance.

Speaking yesterday in an interview on Arise News Channel, Chike-Obi said: “ This is good news, no matter where you are you need to start progressing from some place.

People are going to tell you we started from a low base, but the fact that we can grow by five per cent from any base is very encouraging. So, I think this is very encouraging.

“Government policies have helped and incentives given by government has helped. So, this is good news and situate this

with the fact that inflation has moderated at the same time. It is still quite high, but it has not been rising in the last report.”

He also stressed the need to sustain the growth trajectory with expansionary policies.

He also advised the government to address the security situation of the country.

On his part, the Managing Director, Kairos Capital, Mr. Sam Chidoka, who spoke in an interview with THISDAY said: “We may argue that it is base-year effect because at Q2 2020 we were at -6 per cent, but I maintain that it is good news and it is in the right direction.

“Any growth is good for the economy as we need to be outstripping population growth so we need to be growing at the minimum of about four to five per cent continuously for the foreseeable future.”

PLATEAU VIOLENCE: DOCTORS SUSPEND STRIKE DUE TO OVERWHELMING EMERGENCIES Nigeria, which on Thursday called on spirited members of the public and good Samaritans to donate blood to victims of the attacks, because the state’s Specialist Hospital was in dire shortage of blood and could no longer cope with demands.

On its part, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Plateau State chapter, has also expressed concern over the rising traffic at hospitals' emergency units and mortuaries in the aftermath of the violence, describing the situation as overwhelming.

President of NARD, JUTH branch, Dr. Nanpon Nalda, said his members, who had been on

strike for the past weeks had been recalled to the hospital “on compassionate ground” to enable them attend to emergencies.

"In view of the current situation, I reached out to the NARD leadership for a compassionate waiver for ARD JUTH to attend to emergencies.

The indefatigable NARD President in consultation with other NARD leadership has graciously approved this waiver for our members in JUTH to attend to emergencies arising from the ongoing crisis in Jos. "While we call on government to live up to its responsibility of protection of lives and properties, we assure of our unwavering

commitment to offering health services to them," he said.

Also, Head, communications, Red Cross Nigeria, Mr. Mafeng Mark, in an S.O.S message to the public, urged everyone that was fit and capable to donate blood by immediately visitingthe various hospitals attending to the victims.

NMA, in a statement on Thursday by its chairman, Dr. Innocent Emmanuel, decried the current security situation in the state, where people are attacked, injured and murdered in cold blood in their homes, and their farmlands and other means of livelihoods completely destroyed, describing it as terrible.

"The Plateau State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association is saddened and disillusioned by the persistent and vicious acts of inhumanity currently ravaging the society and exerting a great toll on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the masses across the state.

"The innocent, armless, accommodating and committed citizens of the state have continued to live under the perennial unsavoury reality of perpetual terrorism manifesting as kidnappings for ransom, rape, maiming and killings as well as threats of total annihilation.

“On a daily basis, people are kidnapped from their houses

and living with the fear that same will happen the next day elsewhere or in their neighbourhood unabatedly, with huge sums paid as ransom.

"This worrisome and sad turn of events is severely bleeding the resources of the people and ultimately wrecking the economy of the state in general, resulting in further increase in the sufferings that have characterised the life of ordinary citizens, who abinitio have mostly been living below, at or only slightly above the poverty line.

"The NMA frowns exceedingly at the unabating and wanton destruction, injury

and killings,which are one too many. The people deserve better from their leaders as every life is indeed sacred, and the right to life, a fundamental human right of every Nigerian citizen, which should be guaranteed by the government.

"We express deep concern as the victims of these unwarranted attacks continue to populate our hospitals' emergency wards and mortuaries," NMA said, calling on the government and the security forces to genuinely commit themselves to doing more to prevent further incidences rather than taking reactive measures.

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

11

NEWS

Ortom to Garba: Your Language Use Exposes Quality of Your Leadership Accuses president of stoking crisis in Benue to declare emergency rule Says Buhari should answer to questions raised and not attack critics Alleges President's spokesman was high on negative substances President, not Benue gov spreading division, hate, PDP posits Chucks Okocha in Abuja and George Okoh In Makurdi The last may not have been heard in the brickbats between the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and the Senior Special Assistant as the governor, yesterday, said the language often employed by him in engaging people has exposed the quality of the leadership he represents.

Ortom said he was not oblivious of plans by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to stoke crisis in the state just so it could declare a state of emergency, all because he would not change his position on the anti-open grazing law.

He, however, called on the Garba to let President Buhari respond to some of the critical national questions raised during his recent interview with the Channels Television as against the resort to personality attacks, adding that the author of the statement, Mallam Shehu Garba, must have been high on negative substances.

Ortom noted that he read the statement, which was supposed to be the presidency’s response to the issues he raised, bordering largely on the worsening security situation across the country, but that the tone showed the quality of Presidency Nigeria currently has, because “they abandoned the message and went for the messenger.”

In the same stroke, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said against the resort to shifting blame, the Buhari Presidency was the one responsible for spreading division and hatred among Nigerians and not Ortom, as claimed in the Garba statement.

According to Ortom’s statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase, it stated, "To describe as ‘undistinguished’, the career of a man, who has held many key positions at the state and national levels, proves that those, who penned the piece were under the influence of some negative substances.

"For the information

of Garba Shehu and his cohorts, Governor Ortom rose to become a Local Government Chairman, State Publicity Secretary of National Centre Party of Nigeria; State Treasurer of All People’s Party, State Secretary as well as State Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Auditor of PDP, Minister of the Federal Republic and now a two-term Governor.

'The governor spoke the minds of most Nigerians on specific areas of failure of the Presidency and its complicity in the heinous crimes committed against citizens by armed Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists. Instead of taking the governor on those points, Shehu went chasing vain and mundane matters in a desperate attempt to malign the governor”, the statement stated.

The governor also demand an apology from the Presidency for accusing him of stirring ethnic tensions and calling for genocide, saying the Presidency has never hidden its hatred for Ortom, and that its latest outing only confirmed that fact.

"We are aware of the presidency’s plot to cause crisis in Benue and make the state ungovernable and declare a state of emergency.

Whenever each of their plans fails as it happened with the impeachment attempt on the Governor before the 2019 elections, they resort to cheap blackmail.

'They accuse Governor Ortom of making a law to chase Fulani out of Benue, a claim that lacks substance and only goes to prove that they have not read the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state. They can’t justify their narrative that Governor Ortom hates Fulani, when some of his appointees are Fulani.

"The Presidency must realise that no amount of blackmail and media attack can discourage the governor from speaking against the injustice and pain the present government has caused Nigerians. No amount of sponsored smear campaigns

against the governor can force him to repeal the law on open grazing of cattle in Benue State.

"We advise the Presidency to focus on ending the killing of innocent Nigerians, fix the economy as it promised and stop the stinking corruption under their watch.

"They can’t run away from their responsibility. They were brought to power to serve the country not to oppress the people and suppress their freedom of speech. They are on record to have publicly promised during their campaigns before the 2015 elections that they would respect the rights and freedoms of Nigerians if elected.

Sadly, what the people of this country have got from the current government is the opposite of that promise.

"Governor Ortom stands by his words that this is not the first time a Fulani man is President of Nigeria, and also that it is the first time the country has been divided on ethnic lines with lopsided appointments in promotion and celebration of nepotism, marginalisation and open repugnance of other Nigerians. At no time in the history of this country have impunity, blatant disregard for laws, sectarian as well as ethnic differences, been fueled by the government as we now see.

"The agenda of the present administration is to Islamise

and Fulanise the nation like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Kunle Olawunmi and other patriotic Nigerians have rightly said."

He urged the good people of Nigeria to call the Presidency to order before it destroys Nigeria, saying, “If nothing is done fast to avert the impending disaster, armed herders, bandits and other terrorists will one day take over Aso Rock Villa and those occupying the Villa at the moment will willingly surrender to them and flee from the country.

"No day passes without reports of herdsmen and other terrorists killing defenseless Nigerians in parts of the country. The number of displaced people has risen to millions, yet, the Presidency wants everyone to remain silent while the country burns.

"Governor Samuel Ortom will not keep mute! Let it be on record that while the Presidency deliberately destroyed Nigeria, someone spoke against the evil."

The statement, which claimed the governor believed in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr, ended by citing one of King’s famous quotes: “If peace means accepting second class citizenship, I don't want it. If peace means keeping my mouth shut in the midst of injustice and evil, I don't want it. If peace means being complacently

adjusted to a deadening status-quo, I don't want peace. If peace means a willingness to be exploited economically, dominated politically, humiliated and segregated, I don't want peace.”

On its part, the PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, recalled how the Buhari Presidency has been planting seeds of discord in the country with hate language, divisive tendencies and unconcealed nepotism, to the extent that our nation has become widely divided along all fault lines.

The PDP said Nigerians have not forgotten how President Buhari, ahead of the 2011 general election, declared that “if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood”.

In addition, the PDP also said Nigerians could recall how the President tagged those he believed did not vote for him; how he described citizens as “dot in a circle,” as well as the hate language that attracted sanctions by Twitter.

"It is rather alarming that instead of taking steps to address the killings in Benue state as well as the worsening insecurity, carnages, banditry, terrorism and imminent humanitarian

crisis in the country, the Buhari Presidency is thinking of Rwandan Genocide while exposing its deep-seated detestation for Governor Ortom.

"Governor Ortom is a highly principled and forthright leader, who is loved not only in Benue, but also across the nation.

The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency responsible should any harm come to him or his family members.

"As a party, the PDP demands that the Buhari Presidency should come clean on its handling of insecurity in the country.

This is particularly against the backdrop of its manifest failure to battle and rout out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and marauders that have taken over our highways, forests, pillaging communities and killing Nigerians on daily basis," the PDP said.

The PDP said under Buhari’s lethargic regime, bandits and terrorists have become so emboldened that they now attack military formations, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where they killed and kidnapped officers for ransom.

It therefore called on Buhari to rein in his aides, wake up from his slumber and decisively address the worsening insecurity in the country under his watch.

ICPC, FRSC Arrest 15 Road Safety Officials over Extortion of Motorists Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Fifteen officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were yesterday arrested through a joint security operation led by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for allegedly extorting monies from motorists on highways across the country.

The officials were arrested on August 12, 2021,p simultaneously in Adamawa, Gombe, Ondo and Osun States, respectively with the extorted money on them

during the enforcement of the sixth phase of ‘Operation Tranquility’ by officers of ICPC, FRSC and the Department of State Services (DSS).

A joint statement by ICPC and FRSC said the operation, whose aim is to bring an end to extortion of motorists and other unwholesome practices by some FRSC officials, resulted in the arrest of seven officials along the Jimeta Township Routes and Yola Expressway in Adamawa State.

Some money was recovered from them as

they were raided while extorting motorists.

Also, the members of Operation Tranquility arrested four FRSC officials in Gombe State, along Gombe township routes while four others were arrested within Ikare township routes in Ondo State.

The team noted that the officials would sometimes enter vehicles belonging to motorists to negotiate and collect the bribes to avoid being seen by passers-by as well as employ the services of local government revenue collectors as agents to cover their illicit acts.

It was also found in the course of the operation that two patrol teams in Adamawa and Gombe States respectively, were not involved in any corrupt act as they were caught under surveillance checking documentations and ensuring road worthiness of vehicles.

"All those arrested have been granted administrative bail by the commission, however further investigation activities are still on-going to ensure that those culpable are appropriately punished", it said.

Constitution Review: House Mulls Stripping SIEC of Power to Conduct LG Elections It’ll guarantee councils’ autonomy, says Wase Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has said it was considering stripping State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) the power to conduct local government elections in the ongoing constitutional review.

Chairman of the Committee and Deputy

Speaker of the House, Hon. Ahmed Wase disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, when the International Republican Institute and Youth Leaders from all registered political parties paid him a courtesy visit, saying the review would guarantee the political and financial autonomy of Local Government administration

in Nigeria.

He added that the House was considering empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) constitutional power to conduct local government elections in order to have uniform elections in the country.

"I want to inform you that what we are trying

to do in the constitutional amendment is to make sure that the financial autonomy is there, the independence of the local government is there.

"We are trying to achieve that by all standards. In terms of the tenure, we are trying to take it away from the states and take it back to INEC so that we have a

uniform system in terms of the election," he said.

Wase said everyone was aware that prior to 1999, the country had a unified system and even after 1999, the tenure was three years, adding theatrical government autonomy was apt and the country had good governance.

He was of the view that

60 per cent of the challenges facing the country today would be resolved if there was good governance at the local government level, saying, "I want to believe that the President is with you on this 100 per cent.

That is in tandem with what the present government wants to do in giving good governance at that level."

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

12

NEWS ANALYSIS

Alleged $75bn FDI Loss: Energy Sector Blackmailers Goofed Philip Ukpe Just 48 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari signed his administration’s towering, flagship Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2021 into law (now the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA), on August 16, following its passage by the National Assembly, shadowy forces have gone to work to instigate crisis, smear and impugn the integrity of the nation’s energy sector managers.

PIA provides a comprehensive legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework framework for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, the development of host communities and an impressive swathe of other related matters.

President Buhari immediately appointed Timipre Silva, Minister of State, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to head the implementation steering committee.

Perhaps, the transformational implications of that bold, visionary executive action may have given spoilers the jitters and activated a serious, blackmail-tinted plot to create suspicion, distrust and disruption within the ranks of the key agencies that currently manage that strategic sector.

On August 18, an article in THISDAY Newspaper, authored by a certain Jones Edwin, without a specific affiliation, purporting to write from Houston, Texas, US, made two specific allegations against NAPIMS. NAPIMS - the National Petroleum Investment Management Services is a Corporate Services Unit (CSU) in the Exploration and Production (E&P) Directorate of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) charged with the responsibility of managing Nigeria government's investment in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

The publication basically ascribed the author’s alleged retardation of deepwater projects in Nigeria to the leadership of NAPIMS and by extension NNPC, hence, the loss of opportunity to attract FDI of about $75 billion to Nigeria. It also curiously alleged the contractual engagement of Messrs. Contraco as an agent of NAPIMS for the lease of 10 flats at 27b Queen’s drive, Oyinkan Abayomi close, Ikoyi, Lagos.

What is deducible is that certain interests are better served by the old subjective processes and order.

But it is crystal clear that adopting best practices in industry operations serves the overall interest of Nigeria and the NNPC, far better.

On Friday, August 20, this same spurious, page-length balderdash titled, “How NNPC’s NAPIMS Contributed To Nigeria’s Losses In $75bn Foreign Direct Investment,” was also published in the LEADERSHIP Newspapes.

Some dislodged demons were clearly on the war path.

The shadowy author cleverly credited the source of his tale to oil professionals who attended the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas. But then it is on record that all senior industry management including the MDs of the IOCs were in Abuja, meeting to resolve some of the protracted issues affecting the industry. This scenario specifically exposes the false tattle tales of the author.

From the content of the publications, it was also immediately apparent that the hatchet writer lacked proper knowledge of the workings and processes of upstream operations and investment - the highly specialised industry niche he was hired to sow disruption in. A cursory fact-check quickly establishes that his claims were not only false, malicious but patently unfounded.

For one, investment in the upstream oil and gas sector requires certain key fundamentals to be met. Topping the list here are fiscal regime certainty, contractual terms clarity and enabling business environment. The upstream business, specifically deepwater project development requires heavy upfront capital investments running into billions of dollars and usually with lengthy pay-back period. The complex nature of the projects and sophisticated extraction technology deployment make this an imperative.

Secondly, the operational uncertainty placed in the market by the protracted development of the PIA (PIB then) since the year 2000 had stalled investments in Nigeria and slowed down project developments. International Oil Companies (IOCs) had already paused projects like Bosi, Bolia-Chota/Nnwa-Doro, Bonga North et cetera while awaiting the new

Buhari PIA and its accompanying fiscal terms.

Thirdly, the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract (PSC) (Amendment) Act, 2019 significantly changed the fiscal terms under which most of Nigeria’s offshore blocks were assigned and PSCs executed. The Act was a significant change in outlook for the investing IOCs and its implementation conveyed a significant change to the assumptions they had made in placing investments into Nigeria at the detriment of similar opportunities elsewhere.

Subsequently, IOCs deferred the long-delayed projects and sought the renegotiation of the PSCs (stabilization clauses) in some cases.

For instance, some of the partners officially notified NNPC of the suspension of projects like Owowo Project,and suspension of works on the FPSO Firenze which was to be used in the Abo field redevelopment, and all discussions on Bolia-Chota/Nnwa-Doro stalled completely.

More, while this market uncertainty persevered in Nigeria, COVID-19 morphed into a global pandemic in early 2020 and the global response triggered severe constriction of energy demand.

This spawned extreme pressures both on IOC balance sheets and on external funding for oil & gas projects. Fitch’s Oil & Gas Global CAPEX report 2021 suggests that Global Oil & Gas Capital expenditure shrunk 25% in 2020 for IOCs and 48% for independents.

Consequently, several projects were put on hold, not only in Nigeria, but globally, while energy companies with weak balance sheets went under and several have not recovered. In this fluid environment, with IOCs struggling for survival, no projects could be started in Nigeria.

It was perhaps providential for Nigeria that NLNG had taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) in December 2019 as this would surely have been delayed if that decision was deferred to early 2020.

It was during this uncertain and turbulent business climate that Mr. Bala Wunti assumed duty as GGM NAPIMS, in March 2020. In sync with the new leadership of NNPC ably led

by Mallam Mele Kyari, the immediate task was not to secure project funding that was globally unavailable at that time but to ensure that NNPC itself survived as a viable entity.

Having successfully navigated the worst period and with global energy demand recovering, the new challenge is the changing energy demand patterns fueled by energy transition trends (Decarbonization). It is indisputable that securing long-term financing for oil projects is getting more and more challenging today.

But significantly, under adroit guidance of the GMD NNPC Kyari, NAPIMS has managed to secure progress on major capital projects in the deepwater even before passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Some of the notable positives include kickstarting the Owowo Project Development activities evidenced by resumption of Field Development Planning activities. NAPIMS has also secured the early renewal of OML 118 PSC/lease and restarted the Bonga North Project activities and BONGA Southwest/ Aparo Project (BSWAP) with other deepwater partners pursuing renewal of their PSCs/ leases to enable them resume project activities.

Of crucial importance here is that President Buhari’s assent to the PIA has gone a long

Kyari way in incentivizing the market appetite for oil projects. IOC’s restarting projects before the passage of the PIB and lease renewals is attributable to the personal interventions and hard work of NNPC Management, under Mele Kyari and NAPIMS, in the face of very challenging market indices.

However, circumspect industry observers note that Mr. Wunti, both in his past role as the Chief Strategist of the corporation and GGM NAPIMS and the current GMD, have worked assiduously to resolve a lot of protracted disputes that lingered for so long.

These include the settlement of OML 118 dispute which was described as a ‘watershed moment’ by all the IOC parties in the dispute’s paves way for the unlocking of over 1bn of oil in the block, up to 1 TCF of gas, unprecedented partner alignment, foreign direct Investment inflow of almost $10 billion, contract lifecycle revenue of over $50 billion that will create energy security and shared benefits for both the investor and nation.

Then there is the settlement of OML 130 dispute production which unlocks gas revenue to the tune of about US$225mn in the short term, and US$510mn in the long run. Further, the OML 143 deal which is the first agreement in Nigeria that fully separates gas development from oil production that unlocks 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas for power generation and domestic industries with a potential impact of over $600m.

With these huge accomplishments that happened in the midst of COVID-19, the fortunes of Nigeria’s upstream sector - in particular the deepwater terrain - clearly would never be the same again. Against this background the hatchet writer’s allegation, or reference to ‘fleeing investors’ becomes even more curious and improbable.

It is noteworthy to recall that on Mr. Wunti’s resumption in March 2020, one of the priority tasks he took was the emplacement of a robust business continuity plan that ensured strong collaboration with industry players to guarantee seamless oil production and national energy security throughout the period.

During the period, Mr. Wunti’s prominent support to the NNPC GMD, to rally upstream players to deploy one of the most successful COVID-19 intervention programmes in the country cannot be easily forgotten. Medical consumables, logistics facilities, temporary and permanent healthcare facilities, worth over N21bn, were deployed across the nation.

Going forward, the two other fallacious allegations by the paid hack are on the socalled appointment of CONTRACO NIGERIA LIMITED by NAPIMS to lease10 flats at 27b Queens Drive, Oyinkan Abayomi Close, Ikoyi, Lagos and stalling of deepwater projects by NAPIMS leadership.

A simple fact-check will disclose that NAPIMS does not have any agency contract with Contraco Limited on the lease of 10 flats at 27b Queens Drive, Oyinkan Abayomi Close, Ikoyi, Lagos as alleged by the publication.

NAPIMS does not have any contract with the company. For the records, Messrs. Contraco Limited submitted a proposal for sale of a property on 22 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi to NIPEX (a division of NAPIMS) on June 18,

2021, and this offer was never considered by NAPIMS as it was not part of the procurement plan of the organization.

On the alleged stalling of deepwater projects by NAPIMS leadership, this is neither substantiated nor supported by facts. Some of the deepwater projects which are the subject of deliberate misinformation include - PREOWEI Project (PRP), BONGA Southwest/ Aparo Project (BSWAP), BONGA North Project (BNP), OWOWO Project (OWP) and NSIKO Project (NSP). The facts concerning development of some of the deepwater projects referenced in the article speak for themselves.

PREOWEI Project (PRP): PREOWEI development, conceived as a tie-back concept to the EGINA FPSO. PREOWEI was on fast-track to achieve FID in Q4 2019, but the contractor suspended all activities following the passage of the Deep Offshore Inland Basin PSC (Amendment) Act in December 2019, citing business impacts due to the passage of the amendment. This was prior to resumption of the current leadership of NAPIMS in March 2020.

However, NAPIMS has worked with industry partners to ensure that a steady production state is achieved on EGINA. BONGA Southwest/ Aparo Project (BSWAP): The BSWA project was conceived following the commissioning of BONGA Main in 2005. The objective of the project is to develop 3.2 billion barrels of oil. This development opportunity has gone through 2 previous unsuccessful cycles of tenders starting 2007. This highlights the complexity of balancing commercial, technical and regulatory considerations required for Upstream capital investments/Projects.

BONGA North Project (BNP): This development opportunity has suffered series of reframing as standalone as well as tie-back to the existing BONGA FPSO for over a decade.

NAPIMS is driving several initiatives that will accelerate the project execution. These include the empowerment of the Joint (NAPIMS/ Operator) Working Group concept and deployment of resources and processes to support the unique tendering environment.

OWOWO Project (OWP): NAPIMS worked on the NAPIMS/ DPR/ Operator JWG to conclude the OWOWO Field (OMLs 139/ 154) Unitization agreement within a record 3-months timeline. The development was on course to achieve a First Oil within 36-months from a Q4 2021 FID. But NAPIMS’ partners suspended all activities following the passage of the DOIBPSC (Amendment) Act in 2019, directly citing the impact of the Act on their investment models.

NSIKO Project (NSP): The available oil and gas resources in NSIKO and neighboring UGE Field makes standalone developments uneconomical considering development costs profiles in deepwater. NAPIMS in a bid to resolve technical challenges facing the development proposed a Joint Development Concept between NSIKO and UGE development opportunities.

One thing is clear, the NNPC, NAPIMS and federal government at large must be on their guard as even more disruptive attacks by corrupt, frustrated forces of regression go on further offensives. r6LQF B DP DPOWFOFS PG *OJUJBUJWF GPS 1FBDFGVM /JHFSJB XSJUFT GSPN "LXB *CPN

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

13

14

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021

COMMENT

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

TWO CORONATIONS AND ONE WEDDING The coronation of Tsola Emiko as the Olu of Warri is well deserved, writes Dele Olowu

E

verywhere we turn today in Nigeria, we encounter pain and distress. Our lives seem to be unusually denominated in the currency of malevolence, banditry and widespread alarm. A torrent of local and national mishaps leaves our consciousness numb from pain-fatigue. It could be a group of school children kidnapped here; or some public infrastructure collapsing in a remorseless inferno; while the deathless Boko Haram mows down our soldiers in a hail of villainous bullets. Last week was different. Nigeria sang from a new hymn sheet!

Two coronations and one wedding, all of them high profile, took place in our country, providing considerable cultural excitement, as well as serving to divert many of us from our familiar agonies. In Kano, Yusuf, President Buhari’s son got married to the daughter of the Emir of Bichi who himself was also formally given his staff of office as Emir. The third big event was the coronation in Big Warri of a 37-year-old Tsola Emiko as Atuwatse 111, the 21st Olu of Warri.

The Marriage of President Buhari’s son might have been strategically muted hence its limited exposure in the media; the coronation of the Emir of Bichi attracted the customary social and political bigwigs but as an event it broke no new grounds. The coronation of the Olu of Warri however seemed to be an entirely different experience. Olu Atuwatse 111 is himself a figure of romance and history and perhaps carries a unique flavor with him to the throne. Here is why. He is only 37 and his credential as a youth, guarantees him a fund of support not available to any other Olu before him. He is the youngest Itsekiri Olu ever and arguably one of the youngest monarchs in the entire Nigerian federation today. In a season when there has been an increased clamor for youth empowerment, the emergence of Atuwatse 111 should enjoy considerable resonance.

But Atuwatse did not from the start, come to the throne at the head of a tumultuous welcoming party. He had to fight his way up. Or as he might prefer to put it, destiny provided the stairway to exaltation. After the 20th Olu of Warri, Ogiamen Ikenwoli passed away last December, there was a tussle for his replacement. While one group supported the emergence of Tsola Emiko, who is the eldest son of the 19th Olu, Atuwatse 11, the other led by Ayiri Emami, the traditional prime minister thought differently. Onyowoli the eldest son of the 20th Olu instituted a legal action challenging the emergence of Tsola Emiko as the new king.

All that nastiness, though somewhat customary in pre-transition Royal exchanges, has now been put behind.

And the coronation itself was a smart event profiting distinctly from its media savviness as well as from a quaint understanding by the Olu of his place in history. Many have commented positively on the cuteness of the coronation ceremony, with some even suggesting that this level of loud excellence ought really to be associated with well managed nation states. This applause is perhaps well deserved. The Itsekiris have tended to loom large in politics and public affairs partly because of their early contact with Europeans and the cohesion wrought by their monarchy.

The Itsekiri tongue is one and has no dialect. Thus in spite of the early tussles, in the end with one voice they seemed to rally behind the Olu. However, even though the Itsekiris are one, the coronation was probably not just an Itsekiri affair. It was the Olu’s show and reflected his urbane upbringing. The coronation was backed by a coterie of solid professionals who seemed to have shown their gifted hands at every

OLU ATUWATSE 111 HAS FORGIVENESS IN HIS HEART. BUT HISTORY WILL ALSO NUDGE HIM TO LOOK MORE HEARTILY AT HIS NEIGHBOURS AND EXTEND THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP ACROSS HISTORIC DIVIDES

turn. The melange of entertainment was diverse, sensitive and reflective.

I was quite surprised by the inclusion of Laz Ekwueme in the repertoire but when the Olu himself led a chorus, it became evident that Warri was on the cusp of a creative rebirth. Dismayed by what I sometimes noted as the increased coarseness of the Warri social exchange, I had joked that if Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar were to be staged at the Memorial Hall Warri on any given weekend, attendance would be scanty. The nite clubs would instead be more bountifully attended!

Refinement is in recess in the oil city. So I thought. Now thanks to the coronation I regret my prognosis. The Warri Choir is alive and well and is amply supported by a royal impetus.

But by far the most outstanding character of the Warri coronation was the decisiveness of the Olu, his consciousness of history and the rapidity with which he stamped his authority on proceedings. He did not require a season of apprenticeship. When he spoke, he spoke as one who had been doing the royal chores for eternity! His speech was moving and accomplished and the themes were well chosen. The speech had no ghost as I understand, it all came off the royal stylus. Forgiveness was central and even though some have objected to the overtly Christian tone, the speech was reconciliatory and welcoming. The new Olu is evangelical and evidently believes in the power of curses. In his first speech he revoked the curse placed on the federal government by Olu Erejuwa who was deposed by the NCNC-led regional government in 1964. His first official function was to reverse this curse.

Atuwatse 111 has not surprisingly enjoyed a centrality in the unfurling of these events; he has summoned spirituality and deployed history to great effect. But history unfurls in devious and surprising ways. The same family implicated in the banning of Erejuwa in 1964 has now also produced the regent, Prince Emmanuel Okotie Eboh. All through, this Regent stood as a pillar of support and has ensured that Olu Atuwatse prevails against all odds.

The Olu of Warri has the distinct good looks of his father, who then known as Godwin Emiko, was my classmate at Hussey College Warri. Sports was an undying craze and Godwin Emiko was a mildly successful athlete. He had a bullying presence and occasionally intimidated even athletes of higher worth. Olu Atuwatse 111, his heir, will not lack resolution. He has forgiveness in his heart. But history will also nudge him to look more heartily at his neighbors and extend the hand of friendship across historic divides. When his father, Atuwatse 11 died in 2015, a fiat of controversial provenance was one of the weapons deployed to prevent the son from succeeding the father. It was a narrow ethnically driven law, provoked by in-house animosities. The trap crafted to ensnare him turned out to be futile. He must profit from that experience and use an emergent largeness of heart to build new bridges between the Itsekiris and their neighbours.

The coronation speaks richly of local indigenous capacities and of the new edge skills which the new Olu can summon to transform his people. But we must becalm our perspective. Kings are only kings.

They can inspire and mobilize. But they cannot cause a coat of paint to be applied on the city hall. Yet those who have kings worship them.

Those who do not have kings, curse them but envy them all the same.

Still we must face tomorrow with a heart of hope.

Olowu wrote from Abuja

ELIGIBLE CUSTOMER REGULATION SUSPENSION Sunday Oduntan argues that no regulated market is sustainable where participants create their own rules

A

recent article titled “Investors battle electricity regulator over policy suspension” caught my interest in many ways. Whilst the concerns of the author are misplaced, it is compelling to set the records straight on the issues brought forward in the said publication.

Notably, it is true that the Eligible Customer Regulation 2017 (the “Regulation”) is derived from the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005, which gives the Minister of Power the authority to declare the commencement of the eligible customers regime. The regulation further empowers the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to administer the regime to wit: receiving applications for eligibility customer status, considering/reviewing such applications and granting approval where the stipulated conditions have been met by such applicants.

The regulation which was made in 2017 and became effective on November 1, 2017, created a framework for certain categories of electricity consumers to contract for power purchase directly from the generation companies rather than through the traditional electricity market route which involved the entire electricity value chain: Generation Companies, Nigerian Bulk Trader, Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Distribution Companies.

By Section seven of the regulation, the category of electricity consumers who can apply for eligible customer status to participate in the regime are as follows: a customer or group of end-use customers registered with the Commission for the purpose, whose consumption is more than 2 MWh/h over the course of one month, that is connected to a metered 11kV or 33kV delivery point on the

distribution network of a distribution licensee under a distribution use of system agreement with such distribution licensee for the connection and for the delivery of electrical energy; a customer or group of end-use customers registered with the Commission for the purpose, that is connected directly to a metered 132kV or 330kV delivery point on the transmission network under a Transmission Use of System Agreement for the connection and for the delivery of electrical energy; a customer or group of end-use customers registered with the Commission for the purpose, whose consumption is more than two MWh/h over the course of one month, that is connected directly to a metered 33kV delivery point on the transmission network under a TUoS Agreement, and has entered into a bilateral agreement for the construction, installation, and operation of the distribution system used to connect the customer to the 33kV delivery point, with the distribution licensee, licensed to operate in the location where the customer and the 33kV delivery point are located; and a customer or group of end-use customers registered with the Commission for the purpose, whose consumption is more than two MWh/h over the course of one month, that is directly connected through a metered delivery point, to the generation facility of a generation licensee it intends to purchase electrical energy from and has entered into a bilateral agreement for the construction, installation and operation of the distribution system used to connect the customer to the generation facility with the distribution licensee, licensed to operate in the location where the generation facility and the customer are located.

Furthermore, Section 9 of the regulation requires that applicants for eligibility status shall post a Letter

of Credit or Bank Guarantee in favour of the market operator in accordance with the market rules to cover market administration charges, TUoS charge and DUoS charge and other charges as may be approved by the commission.

Summarily, the conditions that must be satisfied by an applicant for eligible customer status are: meeting the requisite energy demand/usage requirement; proof of excess capacity by the GENCOs to supply energy to the eligible customer; payment of requisite charges and fees to exist; procurement and submission of requisite documents; and need for eligibility declaration status by NERC on the eligible customer upon fulfilment of the requisite requirements.

Sadly, in a sweeping attempt to mislead the unsuspecting readers, the author in reference merely mentioned in passing that “According to sources, the template of the policy indicates that electricity consumers, who feel dissatisfied with the services of the Discos in their area, can request and receive alternative electricity distribution services from any of the available eligible customer vendors in their area if their power requirement is over two Megawatts.”

As contrasted in the preceding paragraphs, this sweeping attempt by the author is shallow, and misleading, as it fails to reference the conditions which the stakeholders must fulfil before NERC would approve eligible customer status for them as required by the regulation. This is particularly so as the author indicates the reason advanced

by NERC according to Dr. Usman Abba Arabi as follows “…What is happening is that there were a lot of illegal connections. A lot of connections that were not approved by the Commission. This Eligible Customer thing was suspended pending when these issues are sorted out....”

Additionally, the article deliberately fails to state in clear terms that the stakeholders behind it (though named), had not met and fulfilled the requirements for NERC to grant them eligible customer status.

It however proves that they, in collusion with the GenCo, have indeed committed an illegality by declaring themselves eligible customers and contracted bilaterally outside the extant regulation.

This illegality is of course punishable under the law.

Flowing from the above, and to further clarify, there were so many misgivings in the article in reference, whilst the minister did issue a directive to the Commission, declaring the commencement of the eligible customer regime and specifying the class or classes of end-use customers that would constitute eligible customers in compliance with Section 27 of the ESPRA, the fact is that till date, no company has met or fulfilled the conditions stipulated in the regulation for the assumption of eligible customer status. Hence, available records indicate that NERC has not approved any application for eligible customer status.

It is clear that NERC has been unduly lenient with the stakeholders behind this article because, over the last four years, as they blatantly and brazenly disregarded, refused, and neglected to comply with several directives from NERC to follow the due process under the regulation to obtain the requisite NERC approval. These companies proceeded to arrogate the powers of NERC to themselves by vesting in themselves eligible customer status and continued the unlawful and illegal operations over the years unperturbed.

Oduntan is Executive Director, Research & Advocacy Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors

15

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021

EDITORIAL

SCOURGE OF FOOD CONTAMINATION There is need for public enlightenment on food preservation

T

he recent death in Sokoto State of 24 members of the same family after consuming poisoned food should alert Nigerians to this growing danger. The incident, according to Ali Inname, Commissioner for Health, occurred in Danzanke village, Isa Local Government Area of the state when a fertiliser popularly known as ‘Gishirin Lalle’ in Hausa was used as a food seasoning in place of salt. “Regrettably, the entire family who ate the meal lost their lives except two female members who merely tasted the food and are currently responding to treatment,” he said.

While we commiserate with the family of the deceased persons, authorities in Nigeria must pay attention to food poisoning. Available reports indicate that at least 200,000 persons die annually of food poison in Nigeria. Indeed, hardly any day passes without reports of some families dying after eating food that may have been contaminated through improper processing, preservation, and service. Since the causes of most of these deaths were MANY FOOD PRODUCTS never accurately deterSOLD IN THE OPEN mined, it is becoming increasingly clear that MARKET ACROSS some of them could THE COUNTRY ARE REPORTEDLY PRESERVED have been avoidable.

For instance, many WITH DANGEROUS food products sold CHEMICALS in the open market across the country are reportedly preserved with dangerous chemicals. When you combine that with low level of literacy, the danger is high.

Two years ago, there was panic over beans, a popular staple food. The worry came as result of the public health implications of misapplied chemicals on food consumers. A video had gone viral on how some retailers were using Sniper, a powerful insecticide, to preserve beans before bagging it for sale. The practice is reportedly commonplace, often used to eliminate or

Letters to the Editor

protect beans from weevils’ infection. It has also been established that other food items like banana, plantain, corn, sorghum, apples, and vegetables are improperly preserved or hurriedly ripened with dangerous chemicals.

S T H I S DAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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 SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGED ENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

RECTOR-SHIP OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC AUCHI

I

niper, a dichlorovinyl, available across the counter, is a dangerous chemical used for killing bugs and insects. Indeed, the Director General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, (NAQS) Dr Vincent Isegbe said sniper is injurious to health, if applied as a pesticide. “Sniper in beans is a material equivalent of death in pot,” he said. “So, it may not be an exaggeration to say that sniper in beans is a weapon of mass destruction.” Calcium Carbide, another dangerous substance used by welders, is also often used by many retailers in the ripening of banana and plantain and other produce for quick money.

There is therefore the urgent need to find an enduring solution to ensure that the food we put on the table meet some minimum standards. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other regulatory agencies must ensure proper public awareness on the right use of chemicals. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) must be well positioned to live up to its responsibilities. The Agriculture Ministry itself could do a lot better by ensuring that useful and relevant information - from planting to harvesting and preservation - is passed on to farmers and retailers many of whom are unaware of the risks.

As we have reiterated several times on this page, given the alarming rate at which people, including sometimes a whole family, die after meals, there is need for public enlightenment on the danger associated with some of the food items we consume. It is also important that people be alerted on the safe keeping of household items that could be injurious to their health and the safety of their families. Addressing this challenge will require continuous sensitisation, especially in the rural areas.

write to call the attention of the federal government to the rector-ship of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State. Following the death on Friday October 3, 2020, of Dr. Momodu Sanusi Jimah, the former rector of the polytechnic, there are ongoing efforts by the government of Nigeria to fill the vacant position, with several persons jostling for the seat even though they may not be qualified.

To fulfil the requirements of equity, competence, social justice and geo-political balancing, the candidate for the position should be a PhD holder, an indigene of Edo State and an experienced administrator.

I appeal to the government to appoint an indigene of the state to the post and call on His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President, to ensure the right thing is done. This is especially because the last rector could not complete his tenure due to his untimely death. The tenure of Dr. Jimah began on March 5, 2018 and was to run until March 5, 2022, a period of four years, but he died just a little over two years into his tenure.

Auchi Polytechnic was established as a regional institution in 1963, and was taken over by the federal government in 1994. It is one of the first four polytechnics established in Nigeria. It is a citadel of high academic standards and excellence, and boasts a list of distinguished alumni. It has consistently placed first among the polytechnics in Nigeria and is the second in Africa. The polytechnic currently awards Bachelor’s degrees in affiliation with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. It should thus be headed not only by an experienced PhD holder and administrator but by a person who is acceptable to the host state, preferably an indigene. It is only when the people take ownership of the appointment that they will give the incoming helmsman all the cooperation required to succeed.

Amos Imasuen, Benin City

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NDA ATTACK

T

he recent happenings at the elite military training school is bewildering and it has made me a sad man. Just imagine Sandhurst Training School in England taken over by the IRA or West Point in America taken over by the Taliban.

That was the feeling I got from the story. There has been a lot of back and forth and outbursts but the pertinent part is to ask questions. Before that, my commiserations to the families of the departed and especially to the wife of one of the officers that had been expecting a child since 2017. Now that she finally got pregnant the husband had been brutally murdered. It is a shame on Nigeria.

Now my questions: Why did the terrorist come in through the back and the least secured area? I understand that the patrol do not normally visit the area the terrorist went through because it was not considered a security threat. Secondly I ask, Is there an alarm warning system in the NDA? What is the calibration threshold of response?

This is because, if they shot sporadically as claimed in various dailies and there was no warning system going up, then there is a problem.

Also is the area of attack covered by the CCTV camera and is it stored in the cloud platform? Also what is the layered security firewall protocol in the Academy and most importantly, what is the estimated response time for an attack on the NDA? If there was no response at all to the attack then it is shocking. At least there is a five minutes estimate response time threshold in military installations. I think Nigerians demand to know these answers.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

WHAT, NO MORE WATTS?

T

he passing of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts marks the end of his great drumming career. His “evening job” with a blues band has seen him travel the world and bring joy to so many.

A lesson for all is that there are few limits to what we can do, even as we age, reach our retirement age and in his case keep working for a few more decades.

Keep drumming in Heaven.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

16

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

17

18

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021

POLITICS

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

AUTOGRAPH

Why Peter Obi May Not Be President Nseobong Okon-Ekong regrets that a track record of performance in office does not matter in Nigeria, otherwise, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and former Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party wiould be a beautiful bride, strongly desired to replicate what he did in Anambra on a national scale

W

hile some Nigerians think it is preposterous to have a mutual agreement that can ensure an unimpeded handover of the Nigerian presidency to an Igbo man or woman in 2023, the din of voices calling for a president of South-east extraction keeps growing louder like deafening chatter from the ever boisterous Onitsha Market.

For the cheerleaders of Igbo Presidency, the rest of Nigeria, particularly Northern Nigeria is unjustifiably filled with funk about what the Igbo man can do with power. The longstanding conspiracy against the Igbos is that they will split Nigeria, despite the fact that Igbos fought a 30-month war to own a country called Biafra, they lost. But Igbos are not the only Nigerian ethnic group to take up arms against the federation.

Major Isaac Adaka Boro did. He declared a Niger Delta Republic which lasted for 12 days in the 1960s.

By some measure, the Bolo Haram insurgents are, as well, secessionisst as they have boldly declared war against Nigeria in a bloody pursuit of their avowed ultimate goal of an Islamic Republic.

Lately, ethnic separatistism has become a pastime. The ambition of many youths to lord it over a kingdom of sorts have been fired by the quick rise to fame of Gani Adams, the sturdy carpenter from Mushin who became generalissimo of the Yoruba nation.

So, Igbos are not the first and may not be the last Nigeeian ethnic group to seek self determination. That being the case, what, exactly is the offence of the Igbo man against Nigeria, apart from the botched attempt to create Biafra?

Why is the rest of Nigeria so scared of an Igbo in the political saddle of Nigeria?

It certainly is not about being President of Nigeria. Or is it? Are the Hausa/ Fulanis afraid of the enthronement of the kind of nepotism foisted on Nigeria

by President Muhammadu Buhari? Are there other reasons for the conspiracy to keep Igbos away from the Nigerian presidency? For some of these reasons, which are not clear, there is a need to continue to push lies about the Igbo presidency. It is not as if an Igbo man can also be the Vice President while his kinsman is President. We are not talking about Ohaneze Ndigbo here.

No! An Igbo can’t be Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives. They have been all of these at different times. It is the Office of the Executive President of Nigeria that has eluded them, so far.

Igbos of Nnamdi Kanu’s generation are all hot-headed and willing to shoot from the hip. But what an elder sees from his seat, a youth may not see even if he climbs the tallest palm tree. Now, Kanu’s Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has stampeded Ralph Uwazuruike’s Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) into the background, blackmailing him to merge with IPOB under curious circumstances.

Kanu has browbeaten everybody. His boys force people to stay at home in the South-east, whenever they chose.

Any elder who does not worship at the feet of Kanu is deemed a traitor of the Igbo cause. Kanu may not know that everything is for a time and a season.

The transient authority he commands today is coveted by some of his boys, who will push him aside one day, when they find the nerve.

Kanu and his boys did not see the bodies of Igbos killed in the pogrom in

the North arrive the railway station in Enugu. Kanu and his boys do no know that people committed suicide in Igboland, the day the then Col. Olusegun Obasanjo received the instrument of surrender from ‘Gen.’ Phillip Effiong. Kanu and his boys care nothing about the humongous casualties and losses their method of agitation for Biafra may incur.

To keep their head above the stormy waters of the Biafran struggle, Igbo elders have learnt to be circumspect on matters concerning Kanu. They have been cowed to walk with their tail between their legs, lest Kanu’s boys destroy their country homes and declare them persona non grata in their ancestral home.

The IPOB generation know nothing about the resilience of the Igbo spirit, that rose like the phoenix from the ashes of defeat after the civil war to build a personal and regional fortune in less than three years! From a mere 20 Pounds that each Igbo man was given to start a new life in 1970, the East Central State won the Gold Gong in the National Arts Festival of 1973; Chief Augustine Ilodibe, owner of Ekene Dili Chukwu Transport and Chief Onwuka Kalu had bounced back

into reckoning as multi-millionaires!

Since then Igbos have been irrepresible! They came back from the war, subjugated, depleted and systematically engineered to remain under, but they fought back tooth and nail for their rightful place in commerce, in industry, in the civil service, in education. Nine years after the war, an Igbo man, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, was elected Vice President. A couple of years after, the leader of the Biafran secession, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was pardoned and returned to the country. He even sought political office on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Alhaji Aliko Dangote may be acknowledged as the wealthiest African, but there are many boys in their early or late 30s from Anambra State who are not on the stock exchange, but can buy out Dangote.

That is what the Caliphate and their apologists in the South are afraid of-an Igbo man with the combined control of business and politics.

And they find collaborators in some, not-so-smart Igbo men who like Esau prefer to sell their birthright for a meal of Jacob’s porridge. If we were in a country were a sparkling track record of

Has anyone seen Peter Obi laugh? I mean real laughter from his soul; enjoying a good joke? He is too seriously engaged with the business of how Nigeria can get out of the woods. He doesn’t know how to make light of things like Obasanjo or put his legs up on a stool, poking his teeth with sticks like President Muhammadu Buhari, while the country burns. He has no sense of humour, even if its morbid

performance in office mattered, Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and former Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be a beautiful bride, strongly desired to replicate what he did in Anambra on a national scale. But that, as Americans say, ain’t happening!

The first predictable reason is that Igbos are a greedy lot. Zone the presidency to the South-east and all manners of cockcroaches will creep out of their dark crevices to be crowned King of Nigeria! None of them will be willing to get out of the way. While they are at their best cut-throat fight, a wild card entrant will slip through their porous ranks and lift the crown. There are the Governor Hope Uzodinma types who betray the collective good for personal gain.

The Nigerian political class does not like intelligent people. They put their nose in the air when a suave, urbane and educated contestant appears on the scene. How does Peter Obi hope to win among a people who hate deductical analysis? Obi cannot be trusted to join in the heisting of the commonwealth.

What manner of politician leaves the kind of money he left in the coffers of Anambra State-USD86 billion and N9 billion in liquid cash! Obi can be President in Mars or another planet, certainly not in Nigeria. He will ruin the party for the political rogues. Who wants a killjoy?

Once upon a time, Obi had the best chance to strengthen his political hold with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); the party that gave him the platform to govern Anambra. Instead of consolidating the South-east like Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu did with the South-west; using ACN, he turned his back on APGA and became President Jonathan’s campaign manager in the South-east. It was a tactical error for a long distance runner in politics. He is still struggling to explain himself to a people who saw APGA ‘as their own.’

Another cardinal sin that will keep Peter Obi out of Aso Rock Villa is that he is a one woman man. How does he manage all the pretty angels who are on his case with Kaya Mata? If he can’t keep a harem of women from all Nigerian ethnic groups like his political associate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar or former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he can, at least, be as discreet as former President Goodluck Jonathan. But Obi is the one-woman and church going type.

That is not good for his reputation in Nigerian politics.

Has anyone seen Peter Obi laugh?

I mean real laughter from his soul; enjoying a good joke? He is too seriously engaged with the business of how Nigeria can get out of the woods. He doesn’t know how to make light of things like Obasanjo or put his legs up on a stool, poking his teeth with sticks like President Muhammadu Buhari, while the country burns. He has no sense of humour, even if its morbid.

Obi goes to political rallies to talk germane issues of nation building. Who does that? Political campaign rallies in Nigeria are colourful shows to sing, dance and abuse opponents; that’s all.

The Nigerian political class want a president who is on their leech like a suspended dog; someone with a baggage of corruption they can pull back when he barking too hard. But Obi is as clean as a whistle; or so it seems. He is not known to ever be on a spending bazaar; so who is going to queue behind him, when free spenders are out to buy votes?

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021

19

PERSPECTIVE

Buhari’s ‘Animal Farm’ and Terrorism at the NDA

Why Buhari Should Inaugurate Senate-Screened NDDC Board

In the wake of the renewed tension that has enveloped the Niger Delta and the clarion calls by eminent groups from the region for the inauguration of the 2019 SenateChido Nwangwu finds fault with President Screened NDDC Board, Duke Okporua urges President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged nepotism and Muhammadu Buhari to write his name in gold by honouring ethnocentric impositions being perpetrated by his his commitment of June 24, 2021 to inaugurate the Board upon completion of the forensic audit

administration

T

he political fable and satire, Animal Farm, by the gifted writer George Orwell was published in 1945. It is an engaging read. I think it’s one of the most accessible works of literature, political science and philosophy.

For admirable style and context, it is based on the events of Russia’s Bolshevik Revolution and the betrayal of the cause by Josef Stalin. The novel characterizes a group of barnyard animals who overthrow and chase off their exploitative human masters (zoo keepers) on order to establish an egalitarian society of their own. Over a period of time, the animals’ intelligent and power-loving leaders, the pigs, undermine and subvert the revolution. There was self-serving seventh commandment for the animals which stated: “All animals are equal.” The emergence into power by the pigs led to their formation of a dictatorship even more oppressive and heartless than that of their former human masters. The pigs amassed more power and in a self-serving twist of that commandment concluded that “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others….”

In terms of that historical long shadow of accountability, reckoning and legacy, Buhari and his insular clique have shown over and again, from their apologetically tribal, densely sectarian and heavy preference for certain geopolitical zones, that “some animals are more equal than others.”

The latest proof can be deducted in this very important point made by Nigeria’s controversial musician, activist and artiste Eedris Abdulkareem regarding the August 24, 2021 brazen attack on the very significant and symbolic Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) headquarters in Kaduna, the heartland of the “core northern Nigeria.” The city of the erstwhile “Kaduna mafia.” Here’s Eedris: “Let’s assume NDA is located in any of the Igbo states and such attack took place.

By now the Army will be burning down Igbo villages and killing Igbos.” Some have since the past 20 years called and tagged the courageous singer all manner of names but he’s on point, here.

Even for the most passionate defenders of the President, they see Eedris’ factual context. Especially those who want to engage in honest discussions and debates.

There’s no reasonable dispute of the manner of siege set upon the South-eastern Igbo states of Nigeria — especially, the uniquely eager and decisive push and giddy instinct to occupy and subjugate by the police and members of the Armed Forces. Or in Buharispeak, to speak to them in the language they

understand….

Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) took on Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to President Muhammadu Buhari on the escalating insecurity, violence and divisive tension all over Nigeria on Tuesday August 24, 2021 on Channels TV Lagos.

This was the same day “bandits/unknown gunmen” attacked the iconic Nigeria Defence Academy. He simply told Shehu that regardless of what he says or claims that “Nigerians know better. They just have to look around the country. They know that this government is failing to secure them…. The people on the streets know the truth and so are those in towns and cities. People in the North know that what he (Shehu) is saying is not true.

We still have millions of people living under the influence of Boko Haram. The numbers change, towns and cities change. Today they are in the hands of our troops, tomorrow, they are in the hands of Boko Haram…. The bottom line is that President Buhari came at a time that Boko Haram was the only security threat in the country but today, there are multiple threats. There is also a threat to national cohesion. It does not appear that the administration thinks that is a problem to fix. We are drifting apart from each other, creating enemies out of each other, we are telling Nigerians living in one part of the country to leave and it doesn’t appear that that is a concern to the administration. Three things are basically wrong with this administration.It doesn’t have a thinking capacity. It is living in denial, it doesn’t believe that the magnitude of this problem is real and so they don’t appreciate the fact that there is interconnection between their weakness and the opportunism which crime is feeding into.”

Primarily, as a governance assessment issue and matter of operational reality, one of the biggest problems Nigeria’s President, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, will face long after he leaves office will be the issue of his nepotism and ethnocentric impositions.

Essentially, his different strokes for different strokes biases. When very critical sections and productive members of the federation in any society are treated and signally and brutally “told” that they deserve only to play in the supporting, second-class category for the same country their grand-parents championed its freedom from colonial overlords, it’s a major mistake and offensive position. They don’t need IPOB or BOPI to sing redemption songs of freedom and equity.

I remember it was the late, great poet and freedom fighter Maya Angelou who wrote that, “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”

I believe that ethnic prejudice and religious bigotry have combined to weaken both the present and the future of Nigeria!

Despite the doublespeak by some political contractors and messengers of lies and hangers on around this embattled but parochial presidency, I can only hope that someday soon — before it’s too late — Nigeria’s president Buhari will awaken to the path of grace and true statesmanship by simply treating all Nigerians fairly and no section and group “more equal than others.” Is that too much to ask?

-Dr. Nwangwu is the Founder & Publisher of USAfrica magazine (Houston) and USAfricaonline.com

A

s a frontline grass root and Civil Society Movement in Nigeria, we reiterate our call on President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that was screened and confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 5th of November, 2019.

The NDDC Governing Board was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2019. However, after the nominees were screened and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on the 5th of November 2019, Mr President asked that the inauguration of the Board be put on hold pending the completion of the forensic audit, for which an Interim Management Committee was appointed for the NDDC. The Federal Government announced during the inauguration ceremony of the IMC that the Senate-Confirmed NDDC Board will be inaugurated after the forensic audit.

President Muhammadu Buhari has already nominated a Board for the NDDC in October 2019 whose members were vetted by all relevant agencies of the federal government following which they were screened and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on November 5 2019. They are only now waiting to be inaugurated. Mr President has restated his intention to inaugurate the Board on the completion of the forensic audit by the end of July 2021.

In a recent and renewed statement to the press for the people of the Niger Delta region in particular and the entire Nigerian people in general and signed by its leadership –we stated as follows: “That Mr. President who is known both locally and globally as a man of unquestionable integrity and honesty, should fulfil his promise on the inauguration of the already screened and confirmed board of the NDDC.” We wish to remind Mr. President that on the 24th of June 2021, while receiving a delegation of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), he promised in very clear terms that he would inaugurate the already screened and confirmed board of the NDDC on conclusion and receipt of the report of the forensic auditors.

The president said: ‘‘Based on the mismanagement that had previously bedeviled the NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July, 2021. I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board will be inaugurated” On Monday, August 9, 2021, the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio, confirmed that the Forensic Audit Report is now ready and would soon be submitted to President Buhari.

We hereby call on him to live up to this

promise and inaugurate the board immediately and without delay, now that the report of the Forensic Auditors has been concluded We firmly believe that inaugurating the 2019 Senate screened board will put to shame those who are in doubt of President Buhari’s sincerity, commitment and sleepless nights in surmounting the challenges of moving Nigeria to the next level.

We align ourselves and our members with the calls, demands and peaceful agitations of youths, men and women, political and traditional leaders and civil society organisations in Nigeria, that the inauguration of the already screened board of NDDC will promote and sustain peace, equity and fairness, transparency and accountability, good governance and rapid development and transformation of the Niger Delta Region, and douse the tension of militancy as well as curtail the menace of insecurity in the region.

We pledge our total support and loyalty to Mr. President in his determined efforts and sleepless nights in making Nigeria an egalitarian, just, equitable and prosperous nation, bound in freedom, peace and unity, far better than he met it in 2015.

We also pledge our solidarity with the President in the fight against terrorism and banditry and his zeal to improve the economy, provide infrastructure and make life more meaningful to the Nigerian people.

The earnest inauguration of the NDDC Board will ensure fair representation of the nine constituent states, accountability in the utilisation of the NDDC funds, checks and balances and due process in the Commission in compliance with the NDDC Act. -Duke Okporua is a member of the Executive Council of Mass Movement Against INJUSTICE and Marginalizaion in the South-south

RETRACTION We inadvertently carried a story in our Tuesday 24, 2021 edition page 20 titled “Ohakim vs Amuchienwa: A New Age Frenemies” where we erroneously described Ms. Chinyere Amuchienwa as a Political Associate of former Imo State Governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim. We have since discovered that Ms. Chinyere Amuchienwa was not a political associate of Dr. Ohakim as stated in the said publication. We regret any embarrassment or distress this description may have caused Ms. Chinyere Amuchienwa.

We hereby retract the offensive publication and apologise to Ms. Chinyere Amuchienwa who we hold in high esteem .

Editor

20

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

21

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

A U G U S T ,

S & P INDEX

2 6 ,

2 0 2 1

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

10.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

563.54%

1/4 TO DATE

5.73%

N410.88/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.00 %

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

0.29%

YEAR TO DATE

-15.92%

*AS AT LAST WEDNESDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

4.90%

Agusto & Co: Elevated CRR Level Moderated Banking Industry’s Performance, Liquidity Position in FY 2020

Eromosele Abiodun The Nigerian banking industry would have recorded a return on average equity (ROE) of 31.6 per cent if not for the aggressive implementation of the cash reserve requirement (CRR) policy in 2020, Agusto & Co. Limited has said.

In its flagship 2021 Banking Industry Report, the rating agency said the elevated CRR level moderated the banking industry’s performance and liquidity position during the

year under review.

The report reviewed the banking industry structure, financial condition, the regulatory environment in addition to the macroeconomic environment and its impact on the Nigerian banking industry.

Specifically, Agusto & Co in the report stated that assuming the sterile CRR were invested in treasury securities at 5 per cent, N482 billion would have been added to the Industry’s profit before taxation.

This, they argued, would

have increased the Industry’s return on average equity by 11 per cent to 31.6 per cent in the financial year ended 31 December 2020.

According to Agusto & Co, “The CBN’s policies targeted at lowering interest rates have persisted especially given the dire need to stimulate the economy following adversities created by the pandemic. However, given the need to moderate inflation amidst efforts to maintain a stable exchange rate, the cash

reserve requirement was increased and standardised to 27.5 per cent for both merchant and commercial banks. The standardised CRR was implemented alongside discretionary deductions. As at FYE 2020, the Industry’s restricted cash reserves exceeded N9.5 trillion and translated to an effective CRR of 37 per cent.

“It is noteworthy that Nigeria has the highest reserve requirement in subSaharan Africa. South Africa,

Kenya and Ghana all have CRR’s of below 10 per cent.

We believe the elevated CRR level moderated the Industry’s performance and liquidity position during the year under review. Assuming the sterile CRR were invested in treasury securities at 5%, N482 billion would have been added to the Industry’s profit before taxation. This would have increased the Industry’s return on average equity (ROE) by 1110 per cent to 31.610 per cent in the financial year ended

31 December 2020.”

Agusto & Co. added that the reliability of business continuity measures was tested in 2020, considering the movement restrictions that lasted for months.

Most banks, Agusto & Co. stated, showed resilience through innovative measures including remote work arrangements and upgrade of network infrastructure to accommodate higher traffic Continued on page 22

With ICT Compliant Officials Transferred, Over 5,000 Applications Allegedly Abandoned at Ikoyi Passport Office Chinedu Eze More than 5000 passport applications have been abandoned at Ikoyi Passport Office since the resumption of issuance on June 8, 2021, THISDAY has learnt.

THISDAY also learnt that everyday applicants throng to the office and leave without positive response from the Nigerian Immigration Service officials.

One of the applicants who wished to renew his passport told THISDAY that a lot of scramble and scheming go on everyday he visited the office.

Ikoyi is the busiest passport office in Nigeria, which processes average of 15,00020,000 monthly, while Festac and Alausa offices produce about 50 per cent of that figure of about 7,500 to 10, 000 passports monthly.

But THISDAY gathered

that since the resumption of passport issuance in June, the Ikoyi Passport Office has not been able to process up to 7, 000 passports monthly.

Senior Immigration official abreast of events at the office told THISDAY that a lot of restructuring has taken place in Ikoyi Passport Office and many officials who are ICT compliant have been posted out and replaced with former field officers who don’t have

the skill to effectively manage the production systems.

“They are now learning on the job and this is causing so much delays. They locked up the applications of many Nigerians who requested for the passports from that office.

Many of them are renewing and others are requesting for new passports. There are over 5000 of them. But the problem is that the good hands that have been doing it before have been

transferred. Now, if you want your application to be attended to, you have to meet certain officials and negotiate with them so that yours will be part of the few that will be attended to,” the official told THISDAY. The who do not want their name in print for fear of been persecuted told THISDAY that since the current Passport Control Officer (PCO), Lima Abdullahi took over in June 2021, many officials from the

production department and others have been transferred from Ikoyi Passport Office.

This, they revealed, has hampered passport production and given rise to delays never experienced before in that Ikoyi office.

“The system is destabilised.

There is a kind of anarchy going on in the Ikoyi Passport Office right now. If you go to Festac and Ikeja offices you will see Continued on page 22

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, A U G U S T 2 6 , 2 0 2 1 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 11.150 FGNSB 11-SEP-2021 12.364 FGNSB 12-SEP-2021 12.175 FGNSB 10-OCT-2021 11.244 FGNSB 16-OCT-2021 10.296 FGNSB 13-NOV-2021

Price

Yield

BILLS Change (%)

MATURITY

OTC FX F U T U R E S

Discount Yield

Change (%)

100.34

3.30

-0.01

NTB 9-Sep-21

2.80

2.80

0.00

100.41

3.30

0.00

NTB 16-Sep-21

2.96

2.96

0.00

101.07

3.31

0.00

NTB 30-Sep-21

3.27

3.28

0.00

101.09

3.31

0.01

NTB 14-Oct-21

3.59

3.60

0.02

NTB 28-Oct-21

3.90

3.93

101.48

3.32

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

NGUS SEP 29 2021 420.93

2

NGUS OCT 27 2021 422.38

3

NGUS NOV 24 2021 423.83

0.00

4

NGUS DEC 29 2021 425.28

0.00

5

NGUS JAN 26 2022 426.73

C Ps MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%)

UNCP CP III 27AUG-21 VAAG CP I 27AUG-21 TTNG CP II 31AUG-21 SIBP CP I 2-SEP21 NBRP CP XIII 2-SEP-21

4.41

4.41

-0.01

10.39

10.39 -0.01

4.75

4.75

-0.01

4.29

4.29

-0.01

4.97

4.97

-0.0

22

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, ͰͮͰͯ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

AGUSTO & CO: ELEVATED CRR LEVEL MODERATED BANKING INDUSTRY’S PERFORMANCE, LIQUIDITY POSITION IN FY 2020

TOTAL on digital channels.

“These arrangements also provided support during the mandatory curfew elicited by the civic unrest that followed the #EndSARS protests in October 2020. Indeed, the pandemic brought to the fore, technology’s crucial role in deepening financial services as some banks recorded

as much as a 50 per cent increase in digital banking transaction volumes. However, these gains were limited by the CBN-induced reduction in bank charges, which took effect in January 2020. As a result, electronic banking income declined by 27.3 per cent, accounting for a lower 13.2 per cent (FY 2019: 21.1%)

of non-interest income, “the report stated.

According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about an extraordinary test for the global community.

It added, “Although the global COVID mortality rate stands low at about 2.2 per cent, casualties increased from less than 3,000 in December

2019 to about 3.9 million as at 30 June 2021. Nigeria’s mortality rate stood comparably lower at about 1 per cent as at the same date. However, the local economy had its fair share of pandemic-related adversities.

However, leveraging lessons from the 2016/2017 economic recessions, the Nigerian banking industry was better prepared

in 2020.

“Proactive measures in the form of forbearance granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, enabled banks to provide temporary and time-limited restructuring of facilities granted to households and businesses severely affected by COVID-19.

There was generally a cautious approach to lending in the

Industry, given difficulties in the operating environment.

Although gross loans and advances grew by 12 per cent, loan growth was negative when the 19.3% naira devaluation is considered. Underpinned by the forbearance and proactive measures adopted by banks, the NPL ratio improved to 6.6 per cent (FYE 2019: 7.6%).”

Court Remand 4 Guinea National over Attempt to Export N22.3bn Elephant Tusk Eromosele Abiodun A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on yesterday, Ordered the remand in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), five persons, who were accused of trying to export N22.3 billion worth of Pangolin scale and Elephant tusk.

The five accused persons include: four Guinea national and a Nigerian.

Officials of the NCS arrested three of the accused who were present in court yesterday in

Lagos early this month.

The accused who were identified as Troare Djakonba, Muyribein Bereye, Mohammed Berete, Sediki Berete (Guinean) and Isiaka Musa were arraigned before Justice Tijjani Rigim of the Federal High Court, Lagos on a four-count charge.

However, Muyribein Bereye and Sediki Berete were not in court as they were said to be on the run.

But counsel to Nigeria Customs Service told the court that effort was ongoing to ensure their arrest

and are made to answer charges in Court.

Meanwhile, all accused persons were arraigned on a four count charges bordering on collecting, loading, transporting and attempting to export N22.3 billion worth of Pangolin scales and Elephant tusk.

The charges brought against them in court were read in Manike language, a Guinean dialect by a translator. They however, pleaded not guilty to all four charges.

The trial Judge, Justice Tijjani

Rigim, ordered that the accused remain in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service until September 1, 2021, when a counter application for a bail application filed by the defense counsel is filed by NCS. Justice Tijjani Rigim adjourned the case till September 1, 2021, to allow the NIgeria Customs Service file a counter bail application.

Briefing newsmen after the arraignment, Counsel to the Nigeria Customs Service, Smart Akande said all necessary application would be filed before

the adjourned date.

Akande said the five accused persons were supposed to have been arraigned in court on August 18, 2021 but was stalled by the absence in court of a translator.

The Comptroller General of NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) had on August 4, 2021, said officials of the service arrested three persons with different kilograms of Pangolin scales and Elephant tusks worth N22.3 billion in Lagos.

While displaying the seizures

to newsmen in Lagos, Ali said the 17,137.44 kilograms of Pangolin scales (196 sacks), 870.44 kilograms of Elephant tusks and 4.60 kilograms of Pangolin claws were evacuated at a location on eastern side of Ijeoma Street, Lekki, Lagos State after proper examination.

He also said extensive collaboration yielded credible intelligence that triggered swift and comprehensive actions by the Customs Intelligence Unit and Headquarters Strikeforce” Akande added.

Sahara Group Provides 21% of Energy to Nigeria, Says Buhari Peter Uzoho President Muhammadu Buhari has commended energy conglomerate, Sahara Group for hitting the landmark celebration

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

of 25 years in business and for providing 21 per cent of power to Nigerians.

“I am particularly enthused that you provide about 21 per cent of power to Nigerians and distribute 15 per cent, and going forward, Sahara Group has a vision to investing in gas development for energy, data tech and monetisation, infrastructural development and in bringing energy to life

in a responsible and smart way wherever energy is consumed,” the President wrote in a letter addressed to Sahara Group, dated August 26, 2021.

Sahara Group is a dynamic leader in Africa’s upstream, downstream, midstream, power and infrastructure sectors and employs almost 5,000 employees from different nationalities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The company continues to lead the charge towards energy transition, environmental sustainability, energy security, and access to clean energy in Africa. Buoyed by its vision to light up Africa, Sahara operates the largest privately owned power business in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the letter, President Buhari said it gave him, “profound please to rejoice with Sahara

Group,” noting that the transition of Sahara from a modest enterprise which began as a trader in petroleum products into a conglomerate was heartwarming.

“This is very inspirational to our teeming youths in the country, and an example anywhere,” the President said.

Stressing that Nigeria was proud that Sahara Group came from its loins and expanded

beyond Africa into Asia, Europe and the Middle East, President Buhari said it was commendable that Sahara had deployed transformational energy initiatives to become a business with proud African heritage.

“May your dreams come true, Nigeria remains proud of you,” the President stated in the letter that he personally signed.

WITH ICT COMPLIANT OFFICIALS TRANSFERRED, OVER 5,000 APPLICATIONS ALLEGEDLY ABANDONED AT IKOYI PASSPORT OFFICE orderliness. Ironically those working there learnt from the Ikoyi office. Many Nigerians like to obtain their passports from the Ikoyi office because of the efficiency, which has now become a thing of the past.

The legacy past officials who headed that Office left behind has been shattered; there is no more schedule in passport processing, no schedule and no passport for production,” the official told THISDAY. Informed source also told THISDAY that many applicants who came to check whether their passports were issued learnt that their files were missing.

“If you complain to some

officials they will tell you that you see them so that they will look for it for you or they will refer you to somebody that will ‘assist’ and with knowing look, you will be motioned to go to him. So despite all the things they said that there wouldn’t be physical interface in the process of getting your passport, you cannot obtain your passport by following that official channel of submitting your request through the Immigration portal. Sometimes they tell the applicants to start afresh through regeneration of applications, ”the official said.

But spokesperson of the Ikoyi Passport Office, Grace

Udu dismissed the allegations against the Ikoyi Passport Office and told THISDAY that the major reason that there was delay was because many applicants did not have their National Identification Number (NIN), which is compulsory for the issuance of passports.

After the suspension of issuance of passport in order to clear the backlog for about four weeks, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) resumed issuance of passports on June 8, 2021 with the conditions that passport application processing to collection would be standardised to take a total of six weeks.

The NIS had promised that there would be zerotolerance stance to all forms of touting adding that no applicant would be made to pay any illegitimate fees.

The Nigerian Immigration Service said, “Security operatives – seen and unseen – have been embedded in all passport offices. They will wear body cameras. They will detect and report any form of solicitations, inflation, improper communications, extortion, diversion, hoarding and other corrupt practices. Those caught will be dealt with according to the law.

“An ombudsman has been created for members of the

public to receive complaints and reports on officers trying to deviate from prescribed guidelines and subversion of the process.

“Applicants will have no basis for further communication with officers, other than to complete their application process and leave the venue.

The date for the collection of their passports or any challenge to the application will be communicated to them. The technology for the efficient running of this system has been acquired.”

Contrarily, eyewitness told THISDAY that these new directives have been negated at the Ikoyi Passport Office.

23

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Nigeria’s Ravenous Ports On average, container traffic at the Nigeria’s seaports stands at 822,868 annually. With N7.5 million required to clear and transport a 20-foot container, shippers pay a whopping N5.1 trillion to have their cargoes yearly. The revelation that Chinese shipping lines and their agents in Nigeria have introduced double charges on the handling of groupage containers means that the country’s ports have become prohibitively expensive. Eromosele Abiodun writes

W

hile it is a well-established fact that international shipping is quite complex and intricate, managers of the Nigerian maritime industry have made the task even more complicated, leaving stakeholders wondering whose interest is being served.

The issue of shipping charges readily comes to mind. For several years now, operators and shipping companies have engaged in a battle of wits on what operators see as the arbitrary and exorbitant cost of clearing goods from the nation’s seaports.

Last year, customs brokers operating at the Lagos ports declared war on terminal operators and shipping companies over the N4 billion demurrage that accrued as a result of a shelved industrial action by truck drivers. Also, early last year, truckers shunned the lifting of cargoes at the ports in protest over alleged extortion by security agencies, the result being the accumulation of over N4 billion as demurrages and storage charges that importers had to offset.

THISDAY investigations revealed that N668 million in demurrage was incurred daily through the duration of the industrial action, which translated to N4 billion. The humongous amount resulted in a running battle between clearing agents and importers, on one hand, and the service providers, on the other. While the clearing agents were calling for waivers over the strike period, the terminal operators remained indifferent. According to a manager in one of the container terminals in Lagos, the terminal operators eventually collected the demurrage that accrued during the period.

The cost of doing business in Nigerian ports ranks amongst the highest in the world. Indeed, the country’s ports are notorious for high demurrage charges resulting from delays in the cargo clearing process; high insurance premium of vessels coming to Nigeria and trucks conveying containers to and from the ports, and higher shipping and terminal charges.

This is aside the total freight cost estimated at between $5 billion and $6 billion annually, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

According to the World Bank in its 2017 Annual Ease of Doing Business Report, Nigeria was ranked 145 among 185 countries, while Mauritius, at 32, was ranked the best in Africa. From the report, Trading Across borders, an indicator for measuring a country’s ports’ effectiveness ranked Nigeria very low at 183 out of 185 countries.

Also, figures released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showed that averagely, container traffic at the nation’s seaports, comprising of Lagos Port Complex, Tincan Island Port, Delta Port, Onne Port, Rivers Port and Calabar Port, stands

at 822,868 annually.

THISDAY findings from customs agents revealed that it takes about N7.5 million to clear and transport a 20-foot container laden with cargo worth N41.11 million ($100,000) imported into Nigeria from China.

Of this amount, about N6.3 million, representing 82.1 per cent, is paid to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as Import Duty, Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), Port Development Surcharge and Value Added Tax (VAT). Shipping companies are responsible for 13.8 per cent of the port cost (N997,000); terminal operators 1.8 per cent (N217,000); transporters 1.1 per cent (N91,500) and clearing agents (N88,000).

This means that about N6.11 trillion is required to clear the 822,868 containers annually, while the shipping companies’ charges stands at N838.112 billion annually.

CHINESE INVASION

An evolving development, which clearly shows that things are not about to get better, is the emergence of Chinese Shipping Lines and their agents operating in Nigerian ports.

Inquiries revealed that they are taking advantage of the chaos in the sector to rip off Nigerian shippers through collection of double charges on handling of groupage containers, while also causing unnecessary delays in cargo delivery.

A groupage container is a situation whereby two or three consignees come together and put their cargoes into a single container as a full container load.

Two days ago, Nigerian shippers raised the alarm that local shipping agents have added a lot of charges against the consignees, which was far and above the cost of the cargo itself.

Recently, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), through the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), the operational arm of the Nigeria Port Process Manual (NPPM) domiciled under the Council, secured the released of three consignments detained by a Chinese Shipping Company, COSCO Shipping Limited, after one year of delay. The company to the consignee reportedly waived storage charges worth N1.9 million.

The President of Shippers Association Lagos State, Rev Jonathan Nicole lamented that it takes three months to move groupage containers from the ports for unstuffing at the warehouse, and yet, nobody pays the importers for delays not caused by them.

In a statement, Nicole also raised alarm

about the threat of capital flight, saying that most of the Chinese shipping agencies carry out clearance of groupage containers with additional cost to be paid in foreign currency.

Nicole said, “It is confirmed that one aspect of ripping off Shippers and Importers in Nigeria is through groupage shipments.

Freight charges are paid fully from Port of Loading to Port of Destination in foreign currency. No hidden charges are transferred to the Consignee whether or not there is trans-shipment from another port during transit.

“On arrival, the Shipping Lines Agents notifies the consignees who have the Original House Bill Ladings indicating their own cargo to come and pick up their cargo after unstuffing. In some cases, the local receiving Agency delays in receiving the Containers for up to 1 or 2 months.

“After receiving the containers and unstuffing at their warehouse, the consignees are informed to come and pick their cargo.

Within this period, the local agent puts in a lot of charges against the consignees far and above the cost of the cargo. It is even cheaper to clear the container direct if all the consignees agree.”

He added, “The Master Bill Lading is normally consigned to the ship’s local agent while the House Bill Ladings shows owners of each cargo in the Container. We have more Groupage issues mainly from the Chinese shipping agencies handling groupage Containers in Nigeria.”

The SALS boss noted that most successful big importers in Nigeria today started with groupage shipments.

According to him, back in the days, the Nigerian Ports Authority had warehouses inside the ports and containers are moved directly from the ship or stacking areas to the warehouses for unstuffing.

“We really do not understand why it takes 3-months to move groupage Containers from the Ports for unstuffing and nobody pays the Importers for delays. There is no aspect of clearance of groupage containers to attract additional cost to be paid in foreign currency.

It should stop.

“On storage charges, the bills must be commensurate with the number of days the cargo was stuffed in the warehouse and not the arrival date of the vessel. The consignee should not be subjected to excessive transfer charges from the designated Port to the receiving warehouses,” he said.

“All charges relating to the shipment of

the cargo were paid upfront before shipment.

It is like someone travelling to England via Lufthansa Airlines. All freight paid and passengers luggage marked London. The transshipment therefore is Frankfurt. Luggages meant for final destination are loaded into the aircraft for final the destination.

“The owners of cargo are not expected to pay additional cost for handling. It is the same thing with Groupage cargo. In considering the difficulties in the Nigerian clearing systems, simplified methods must be put in place to curtail excessive charges on shippers.

“Alternatively, Importers should be paying Freight charges in Nigeria Currency to Ship owners. We have a right to protect our sovereignty. Afterall, we are one big family,” Nicole said.

Also speaking, the NSC Coordinator of NPPM, Mr. Moses Fadipe, said COSCO Shipping Limited held three containers belonging to a Nigerian shipper from March 2020 and was only released in June 2021 after the Council intervened.

He described the dispute between COSCO Shipping and the consignee as an impediment to cargo clearance processes, which NPPM frowns at.

Fadipe said “We found out that they acted arbitrarily being the stronger party in the transaction and this made them liable for all storage and demurrage charges during the period in question.

The intervention by the officials of PSTT yielded positive results for the consignee to take delivery of his consignments after a long period.”

According to him, the shipping company should have deviced a means to recover the debts owed initially by the consignee rather to place lien on the consignments for a longer period.

SHIPPERS COUNCIL’S CRUSADE

In a bid to put an end to the persistent wrangling between customs agents, importers and the negative impact excessive charges is having on the economy, the NSC embarked on a mission to get the shipping companies to cut down charges.

Initially, the move yielded results as the NSC and shipping companies in late 2020 agreed to sign a landmark agreement to reduce charges.

However, the agreement was never signed.

Analysts and stakeholders had applauded the effort, positing that the Nigerian economy will be the ultimate beneficiary.

The former Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Hassan Bello, early last year told THISDAY that he was hopeful the agreement will be signed.

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

24

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Concessionaire Formerly Takes Over Asaba Airport Chinedu Eze The Delta State government has formerly handed over the Asaba International Airport to the Asaba Airport Company Limited, the company that won the concession bid.

In a brief ceremony the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Patrick Ukah, who represented Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa said the six months transition period had ended.

He said the state government was happy about the concession model, which the federal government and other state governments have been studying to copy.

After receiving the handover documents, the Chairman of Asaba Airport Company Limited, Mr. Adebisi Adebutu said the transition had been fantastic and seamless, adding that so far it was a fantastic relationship.

Adebutu assured that in the concession agreement and partnership the government would benefit, the people would benefit and the objective for the enterprise would be realised.

The SSG was accompanied by a number of advisers

including Senior Policy Adviser, Professor Slyvester Monye, the man who drove to concession to fruition.

On the Asaba Airport Company Limited team were the Executive Director Business Development/ Government Relations, Okey Nelson Moore, Executive Director, Finance, Mr. Eyo, Group HR, Tayo Akinpelu, Group Project Manager, Ola Oluwa, Managing Director, Asaba Airport company, Christophe Pinnick and General Manager Operations, Linol Thorne.

The Concession agreement, which was signed in February 2021, would run for 30 years.

Prior to the ceremony the concessionaire has positioned to make the airport to wear a new look. Car parks lights, which were nonexistent, had been installed and 120 staff employed and trained to put the airport in full operation.

Passengers enjoyed a free wifi within the arrival and departure halls.

For the first time, the concessionaire has been able to attract a Ground Power Unit (GPU) to the airport through Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO, the

handling company.

The concessionaire had paid one N1 billion to the state government when the agreement was signed, and would pay an annual fee of N100 million, while the agreement subsists.

The Asaba Airport Company Limited, the concessionaire is a consortium that has technical partners which include Air Peace as the anchor airline and MRO operator, Multifreight Cargo and logistics for cargo and logistics centre, Rainoil Ltd and Cybernetic Ltg to develop tank farm and supply Aviation fuel, Arbico construction company to build business park, hotel and convention centre and Quorum Aviation Ltd to develop private jet and helicopter terminal of the airport.

According to the Managing Director of the new company, three airlines - Air Peace, United Nigeria Airline and Aero are currently operating into the Airport, adding that Air Peace would increase its daily flights.

He said Ibom Air, Dana Air and Arik have indicated interest to operate into the airport.

FG to Partner Hungarian Coy for Aircraft Manufacturing in Nigeria The federal government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary to establish an assembling plant and begin to manufacture in Nigeria from start to finish before the end of the Buhari administration.

The Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika, expressed the interest when he paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.

He said: “If we venture we them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing, ”adding that the Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for military training, has an aerobatic manoeuvre and is made of fully composite materials high strength and

very lightweight.

Aerobatics is the practice of flying manoeuvres involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight.

Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport.

Sirika further said he was very satisfied with the features and more than willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in Nigeria, saying one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft is that it uses normal car petrol and outperforms any training aircraft of its kind.”

The Minister who was at the facility on the invitation of the company, said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer would be subjected to

further analysis to verify the market and government willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.

He emphasized that the local production of aircraft in the country would facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power as it will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.

According to him, the present administration has created an attractive environment for international investors in Nigeria, especially in the aviation sector, with the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap, which places emphasis on public private partnerships.

Dana Air Official Bag Security Consciousness Awards Dana Air and its Chief Security Officer have been awarded Best Security Conscious Airline and Best Security Conscious Chief Security Officer at a Security Conference and Awards ceremony organised

by International Institute of Professional Security in Abuja.

According to the Director General of the Institute, Dr Tony Ofoyetan, ‘‘we commend the awesome efforts of Dana Air in ensuring passenger safety and comfort over the years in the Nigerian airspace. ‘’In recognition of Dana

Air’s safety and security record, and the efforts of her Chief Security Officer, Mr. Edwin Ossai, the institute is giving an award of excellence as the Best Security Conscious Airline and the distinguished Security Personnel Awards respectively.’’

The airline’s Abuja station Manager, Ms. Anthonia Aneke while receiving both awards on behalf of the airline and the Chief Security Officer, said, Dana Air is resolute in ensuring the safety, comfort and security of its passengers. ‘’We appreciate this

award and this surely encourages the entire team to keep up not just the efforts and achievements thus far, but the eagle eye views with which we have ensured the safety and security of our customers.’’

The award is the second security excellence award that the airline is receiving from the institute. The first was in 2015 Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with a mixed fleet of 9 aircraft and over 36 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Owerri.

As Air Peace Expands Operations to More Destinations

Marketing Executive, Adekunle Aileru; Cabin Services Manager, Florence Opia; Ground Operations Manager, Ayodeji Adeyemi and Captain Chijioke, all of Air Peace at the inaugural flight ceremony of the airline to Douala, at the Douala International Airport, Cameroon… recently Chinedu Eze

S

ince the past 30 years Nigerian airlines have been major operators in the West Coast destinations, including Central and West Africa. Before the incursion of the Chinese into the West African market, Nigeria businessmen and women held sway in the sub-region, providing goods and services to the growing market in the cities in West and Central Africa that till today Nigerian made products like Milo, Bournvita, Indomie and Nigerian electric cables remain household items in many parts of the sub-region.

So the destinations in the sub-region have remained veritable and robust market for Nigerian carriers from the days of the Nigeria Airways Limited to the time Bellview Airline held sway to the time Virgin Nigeria Airways survived on proceeds from the West Coast and the foray of Arik Air to all major cities in West and Central and farther to Angola.

What is significant about these destinations is that there is always Nigerian community yearning for Nigerian carriers to connect them so that they could be taken home regularly.

That was also what happened on Thursday last week when Nigerian residents celebrated the inaugural flight of Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Air Peace when it landed at the Douala international airport amid heavy downpour.

Not deterred by the rain, excited Nigerians and Cameroonians waving Nigerian/Cameroon flags welcomed the Nigerian carrier with so much excitement and fanfare.

The President of Nigerian Community in Doula region, Mr. Bartholomew Okwuja who expressed so much happiness at the decision of Air Peace to start flight service to Douala said direct connection between Nigeria and Cameroon was a dream come true and regretted the challenges Nigerians and others face trying to come to Nigeria by road, by sea or by air.

He said there is security threat on the road, on the water, the fear of drowning; conceding that some people had lost their lives going to Nigeria through the waters. He also said that it was very costly flying to Nairobi or Addis Ababa and connecting flight to Nigeria for a destination, which a direct flight can do for 40 minutes.

“Air Peace flight to Douala is going to solve so many problems for us, making our journey to be fast. You know as a businessman, time is money. And once you get something that can enable you to save your time, automatically you are saving money and you are making more money. So it is already a good step forward between Nigeria and Cameroon.

It is not only we from the South even the Cameroonian people that are going to do business will also use the same route to make sure that they get what they want on time, safe and in peace.

“Do you know that there are a lot of challenges, like passing through the water, it is a horrible thing? So many people are being drowned in the water, boats being destroyed and so on and so forth. It has been horrible. On the road as well, a lot of accidents take placed and bandits can attack travellers. But I think now with Air Peace that is available, the problem is already solved. And we want to thank God. It is a very good initiative, wonderful, fantastic.

I cannot imagine how to put it.

“It is a big victory that we have one of our own airlines coming here, we can go home without passing through other countries. And as you know, it will boost trade, investment tourism for both countries. As you know, Doula is the economic hub of the republic of Cameroon, just the way Lagos is to Nigeria. So it is a big win, win for both countries,”Okwuja said.

Addressing the dignitaries and others who welcomed the airline at Douala airport, Air Peace Ground Operations Manager, Mr. Ayodeji Adeyemi said the airline was delighted to launch flight service to Douala.

“I feel excited that today, Air Peace, West Africa’s largest carrier, is making its entry into Cameroon from Lagos, Nigeria. We are delighted this launch is happening, as we believe both countries will benefit enormously from it in the areas of employment creation, promotion of tourism, facilitation of a seamless movement of people and other forms of economic value.

“Air Peace is famed for its no-city-left-behind initiative, which is driving our route expansion.

The extension of our wings to Douala is resultant from our vision to create affordable and safe air travel for Africans, with our signature hospitality, connecting various cities across Africa, especially the West Coast, thereby fostering socio-economic integration.

“Air Peace is committed to excellence and we’re bringing this excellent service to Cameroonians.

The airline has recorded tremendous feats in just seven years and now operates 19 domestic routes, six regional routes and two international destinations (United Arab Emirates and South Africa) with a varied fleet of 28 aircraft, including three ultramodern Embraer 195-E2 airplanes,” he said.

Adeyemi also disclosed that the airline has plans to start other international routes, such as Houston-USA, Mumbai-India, Guangzhou-China and London.

“We’re constantly reviewing our route network to reflect the needs of the flying public,” he added.

The Nigerian Consul-General to Cameroon, Mrs. Efe A. Clark-Omeru who cut the cake to usher in Air Peace into Cameroon, said that the airline’s flight service to the Central African country would reinforce the cordial relationship between the two countries and open more business opportunities for citizens of both nations.

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

25

26

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, ͰͮͰͯ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Piracy War: NIMASA on Track, Needs Stakeholders’ Encouragement, Say Shipowners Eromosele Abiodun Chairman, Shipowners’ Forum, Mrs Margreth Orakwusi has stated that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is track as far as the war against piracy is concerned.

Orakwusi said all the apex maritime agency needs now was a push, necessary support by stakeholders to enable NIMASA succeed in this national project.

In an interview with newsmen in Lagos, she observed that there has been cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Transportation through NIMASA and the military on the fight against piracy, adding that this is what stakeholders have been advocating for.

She said the deep blue project assets acquired by the agency and the accompanying training programme was a good development since it was Nigerian citizens that are being trained and not foreigners.

She said, “The training cuts across all the armed forces including the Police and Department of State Service (DSS) also, there’s this cooperation between the

Federal Ministry of Transportation through Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the military and that’s what we’ve been advocating for that agencies should come together to arrest whatever situation we’re facing and in this project, we can all see it happening. I’ve looked at the nature of their training and I’m satisfied. Some pirates have been convicted under the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, though coming late but cheers us up and gives us that confidence that we can now go back to the sea with full force”.

Orakwusi recalled that the issue of piracy has been a recurring one and did not just start, adding that what stakeholders need was to appreciate the efforts made so far by NIMASA and encourage them.

She added, “Remember this problem has been there for many years so we need to appreciate the efforts made so far and encourage them and as stakeholders, we should contribute our quota and be able to advise them when things are not working so”.

WACT Onne Boosts Operations with Six Additional RTG Cranes APM Terminals’ West Africa Container Terminal Nigeria (WACT) has taken delivery of six more state-of-the-art Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) to enhance service delivery at its terminal at the Onne Port, Rivers State, effectively consolidating its position as the best equipped port terminal in Nigeria’s eastern ports.

The new addition brings the total number of RTGs at the terminal to 14. The terminal also has four Mobile Harbor Cranes, and several other cargo handling equipment including Reach Stackers, terminal trucks and empty container handler.

The Managing Director of WACT, Naved Zafar, who was on hand to receive the new RTGs alongside other senior management staff of the company on Tuesday last week, said the new cranes will increase yard capacity, improve vessel operations at the terminal and fast track the delivery of cargo.

He said, “For the terminal operator, a crane is like a baby.

Naturally, we are very happy to welcome this baby to the APM Terminals/WACT family. We already have eight RTGs and it is good to see that these six additional RTGs have arrived in good time for proper testing and commissioning. We have been recruiting new operators, and have trained them very well, so they are very ready and excited to operate these cranes.”

Zafar said the new cranes were acquired as part of an investment of USD100 million upgrade of the terminal.

The upgrade, according to him, includes the acquisition of additional Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes, Reach Stackers, terminal trucks and trailers and an empty container handler.

The upgrade, he added, will also include the deployment of reefer racks with a 600-plug capacity, as well as expansion of the current yard, new workshop and a new terminal gate complex.

“The eastern Nigeria market

is projected to grow. Therefore, it is important that infrastructure keeps pace with the projected volume growth. This is why APM Terminals is investing over USD100 million in WACT for new equipment and yard expansion, so as to keep pace with market growth and better serve our customers in East Nigeria and beyond,” Zafar said.

Also speaking, the Commercial Manager of WACT, Noah Sheriff, said the six new RTGs will increase the overall terminal capacity and improve service delivery for both liner and landside customers.

“One of our challenges currently is high yard density due to high import volume, so these new arrivals will give us the opportunity to continue handling the strong volume growth we have seen throughout this year,” Sheriff said.

He said volume growth at the terminal is as a result of WACT’s ability to provide premium services to its customers.

“If you can recall, we changed our quayside mode of operations last year from ship gear to Mobile Harbor Cranes and this year we are transforming our main yard from reach stacker to RTGs operations.

“Our e-commerce capabilities coupled with the ongoing upgrade project, which are key milestones in our transformation journey, has undoubtedly set us apart, as we offer products second to none in the east Nigeria market,” the WACT Commercial Manager said.

Appreciating the role of collaboration evident in the progress of the upgrade project, Senior Project Manager OF APM Terminals, Rutger ten Thij said a dedicated engaged project team is working with several global contractors to realize the different critical milestones in this ambitious project.

“Teamwork is the keyword for proper timely handover from all the new assets to operations, ”Thij said.

She called on traditional rulers particularly those in riverine areas to come to the assistance of the government in the fight against piracy by providing the right intelligence that can lead to the arrest of criminals.

Orakwusi said, ”I call on the traditional rulers especially those of them in the riverine areas and where these pirates take off from to provide the right intelligence. When they were kidnapping our people, they were being kept in com-

fortable camps. The traditional rulers should wake up to their responsibilities and help this nation to succeed in the deep blue project.”

On her assessment of the deep blue project after its launch, she said with the efforts so far, the psychological effects alone was capable of draining the pirates and sea robbers, one of the reasons such efforts should be encouraged.

She called on the media to be patriotic and be careful

about their reports because of the possible harm that could be done to the Nigerian economy.

She said, “At times I get upset when I read reports from the people that are not in this country, we should all be very careful and stand up for Nigeria. I know some businessminded individuals that based on what they’ve been reading about Nigeria they have fled to other African countries. I once had a visitor and I know what it took me to convince

that person to stay. I would also challenge the press to highlight those few things that’ll attract foreign investors into the country to create employment. We read about companies relocating to other African countries but have we thought about the job losses, revenue loss and all that. It has a ripple effect so we should try to project our image in a positive light. In my own opinion, they (NIMASA) are on track but I think we the stakeholders need to push them forward.”

EMPOWERING FAMERS…

L-R: The Country Director, Mercy Corps Nigeria, Mr. Ndubusi Anyanwu; Managing Director/CEO, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Yemisi Edun; The Chief of Party, Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity, Mrs. Margarita Aswani and Divisional Head, Agribusiness, FCMB, Mr. Kudzai Gumunyu, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank and Mercy Corps for the empowerment and uplift 500,000 farmers in the Northeast zone of Nigeria held in Lagos...recently

Shippers’ Council Collaborates with FRSC, Harps on Safety Standard Eromosele Abiodun The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime has affirmed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to address the issue of the quality of articulated trucks used in the maritime sector as a complement to FRSC’s efforts to make Nigeria’s highways safer.

Jime stated this when the Federal Road Safety Corps top echelon led by the Corps Marshal; Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi paid a courtesy visit to the agency’s Headquarters in Lagos.

The NSC boss who expressed

appreciation for the visit said, “Today is another amazing day to me, as I am delighted and feel honoured to welcome the Corp Marshal/CEO of the Federal Road Safety Commission to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

It is also gratifying to note that you came from Abuja, on the special visit, to welcome me as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Council.”

“Within the Council’s mandate as Port Economic Regulator and Trade Facilitation Agency, we identify critical issues challenging the performance of our nation’s logistics sector and the growth of our international trade. In response to them, the Council

has identified collaborative partnerships with relevant government agencies and Organized Private Sector as Key to solutions”, he added.

He noted that NSC and FRSC have recorded great strides in the on-going collaboration.

This, he said, is evident in the collaboration on development and operations of critical transport infrastructure, particularly the Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) and Vehicle Transit Areas(VTAs).

“The resolutions reached at the meeting with stakeholders in May 2021 have given further impetus to the collaborative partnership between the Council and the

FRSC, especially as they relate to the development of a structural and sustainable haulage system, the standardization of trucks as it concerns the implementation of Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme RTSSS) and Inter-State Road Transit (ISRT) Scheme. Other areas, according to the ES/CEO include a joint awareness programme for truck owners and drivers on the use of reflective tapes, “he said.

Addressing journalists, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi lamented the continuous breakdown of trucks on ports access roads, noting that it is one of the issues causing congestion.

International Breweries’ Initiative Trains over 500 Young Entrepreneurs International Breweries Plc has announced that over 500 young entrepreneurs, who were shortlisted, are currently attending its 2021 edition of the Kickstart Entrepreneurship training Programme.

In a statement, it stated that the training is part of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer through its Foundation efforts to empower young business owners between 18 and 35 years old.

It added that the training, which is being implemented in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of the PanAtlantic University, will support the federal government’s employment agenda.

“With over 6,000 applications received from the six geopolitical zones of the country, it’s safe to conclude that a growing number of youths in Nigeria are embracing entrepreneurship and taking advantage of the opportunity the Kickstart Entrepreneurship Programme provides.

“The painstaking and meritoriented 2021 selection process considered the following criteria: sustainability of the business, innovativeness, shared value, impact on community and experience. The Shortlist also drew about 100 beneficiaries from IBPLC’s host communities, across the various locations where its Plants are located.

“The entrepreneurs’ businesses are directly aligned with International Breweries 2025 Sustainability Goals, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as well as its business focus areas spanning Agriculture, Circular Packaging, Technology, Retailing, Water Stewardship as well as Renewable Energy, “the statement reads.

Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun in the statement noted that the lucky entrepreneurs will undergo rigorous training sessions on the minimum requirements needed to run a successful business.

According to Oguntokun, “This

is the first time we’re having an online training and reaching a critical mass. COVID-19 has made us more innovative in our approach; hence we’re leveraging the technology available to us to increase the pool of applicants to the over 500 shortlisted candidates, who will attend the training.”

She also expressed the desire of International Breweries Plc to expand the opportunity the 2021 Kickstart offers to more young people to grow their businesses.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s current unemployment rate rose to 33.3% in the last quarter of 2020, thereby signifying the need for urgent intervention.

27

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Group Restates Commitment to Sustainable Development Strategy in ICT Sector, Advocates Public-private Sector Collaboration Emma Okonji As part of efforts to drive collaboration and resilience among stakeholders in the telecommunications and technology sector, the Telecommunications and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG), has restated its commitment to ensure sustainable development in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, through the implementation of sustainable business practices that will benefit the sector and the country.

The group restated the commitment at a recent webinar it organised to address various national issues in the telecoms and Information Technology (IT) sector.

The event brought together key stakeholders in telecommunications, government, legal, the private sectors, and the media to discuss industry challenges and ways to achieve sustainable development in the sector.

The webinar, hosted for the first time in 2021, is also expected to foster partnerships between governments, the commercial sector, and civil society for

a successful sustainable development strategy.

With the theme: “Collaboration for Resilient ICT Sector”, panellists discussed opportunities to be derived from strategic partnerships, policy formulation/ advocacy, events, and programmes.

Speaking on the impact of TTSWG while making a business case for sustainability, the Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action, Bekeme Masade-Olowola, said: “There is growing interest in sustainability around the world.

This means more interest in investors as well because within sustainability are the

ESG principles which look at how organisations engage their employees, communities, government, businesses and the environment. Therein lies the intrinsic value of sustainability.

The ICT sector has presented itself as forward-thinking and TTSWG is propelling its effectiveness.”

Panellists at the webinar included the Chair, Mobile Software Solutions Limited, Mr. Chris Uwaje; Executive Director, SystemSpecs, DeRemi Atanda; Chairman, Legal and Regulatory Committee, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Eno Udoma-Eniang; and President/CEO, High-Tech

Centre for Women and Youth in Nigeria, Dr. Wunmi Hassan.

In her remarks, Udoma-Eniang spoke on the impact of ICT sector on other sectors of the economy and the need to do more through collaboration.

According to her, ‘’ICT providers need to revolve, reinvent, and reposition to move from being traditional to basic innovative providers. There are already a few partnerships that push digital and virtual solutions.

We have made growth in various sectors including telemedicine, food sustainability, Agrotech and payment solutions. There is more we can do with collaboration

especially in areas such as the establishment of smart cities and rural telephony. Operators should know that the sector is stronger and must collaborate for sustainability.’’

Also speaking on government and private sector collaboration, Atanda stated that governance has been challenged during the pandemic hence the need to collaborate with the ICT sector for business sustainability to thrive. He emphasised the importance of turning conversations into action and the role TTSWG is playing to ensure development through coopetition.

Transport: FG Targets 50,000 Jobs from Highway Dev Initiative, Says Fashola

Aig-Imoukhuede Institute Selects 50 Nigerian Public Sector Workers for Leadership Training

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Peter Uzoho

The federal government’s has said that its Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is expected to create 50,000 direct and over 200,000 indirect jobs, The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, made the disclosure at a just-ended national conference on transportation infrastructure development financing in Nigeria, in Abuja.

The conference, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria,

Tagged, “Sustainable Funding for Transport Infrastructure Development in Nigeria,” is to sought ways to sustain funding for transport infrastructure in Nigeria.

Fashola stated that road transportation accounts for 95% of all freight and passenger movement in Nigeria, making it a strategic economic tool for Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity. He stressed that federal government’s ongoing road works present ample opportunities for investors.

According to the minister, HDMI “is expected to, among

other things, utilise private sector funds to bring about order, accountability and attract sustainable investment and funding in the development of road infrastructure and maximize the use of assets along the Federal Highways Right of Way (RoW).”

Under the government’s Value Added Concession (VAC), he added, “75 investors submitted bids for the Request for Qualification. 18 of the firms have been shortlisted for the next stage of the procurement process Request for Proposal (RFP).

The Aig-Imoukhuede Institute, a subsidiary of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has announced the selection of 50 high-potential men and women working in the Nigerian public service to participate in the inaugural AIG Public Leaders Programme.

The programme is offered by the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

The AIG Public Leaders Programme is a unique

executive training programme designed to equip future public sector leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to run their organisations effectively.

The institute announced this in a statement, saying amongst other skills, the participants will learn how to lead effectively in a complex operating environment, foster collaboration within and across agencies and spearhead innovation throughout government. According to the statement, the successful candidates, who were selected

through a rigorous and competitive process, will all receive academic scholarships worth £11,500 from the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation to enable them to participate in the programme.

The Chairman and Founder of the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, was quoted in the statement as saying, “We are very pleased to partner with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford to offer world-class public leaders executive education here in Nigeria.

28

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

Onyinye Igbokwe: Bridging Skilled Manpower Gap between African Market and the World

30

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

COVER

Onyinye Igbokwe: Bridging Skilled Manpower Gap between African Market and the World Disturbed by shortage of skilled manpower in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, which in turn has affected the economies of most African countries, UK-based Nigerian and Founder Ujali Limited, Mrs. Onyinye Igbokwe, is building series of platform apps to bridge the gap between African businesses and the rest of the world especially in the area of human capacity development. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she disclosed how UjaliPro, one of such apps, is capable of levelling the playing field between Africa and the globe

W

hat is the impact of having a skill gap in an organisation?

The impact of having a skill gap in an organisation is the death of that organisation. If you are not improving, if you are not evolving, you will die or your competitors will take over. You are going to lose competitive advantage and they are going to run you off the market. So, the impact of not getting quality training is that you have a workforce that is not working at its optimal capacity.

people to call me by my traditional name. I am not going to tell you what my English name is.

My name is Onyinye, so you try to call it and we have a conversation about it and it’s an icebreaker.

And that is what I wanted to do with Ujali as well.

Being in the UK comes with its own privileges but the market I am trying to cater for is the Africa market. The skills gaps that I am trying to close are in Africa, so if I am going to be doing that, I feel that it is important I am authentic to that African name.

Most times you notice that despite the training given, workers still do not live up to expectations, especially in government offices.

What should be done about that?

The funny thing is that the government is arguably the highest procurer of training. They actually spend more budgets on training than the private sector but the thing is that it does not translate to their workforce; you find that in government institutions people are lacklustre. What does that say? Is the quality of training they are procuring okay? We can only fix that problem by allowing the government to procure quality training and ensuring that the training is carried out. The core of our value proposition is quality – we need to ensure that the training is held, that it is quality driven and that value is realised from that training.

At what point did you conceive the idea for Ujali and what was the driving force?

My competence is in engineering and products management but I have been able to run businesses over time apart from working for engineering companies. I started Ujali Limited in the UK as an Ed-Tech company. So, Ujali is basically a registered limited liability company in the UK. I had lived in Nigeria and had owned businesses for a period of eight years. I had recruited people and had people work for me. I`ve had to go through a lot of training for them and also get them trained.

I`ve had to pay for online training and all of that to make sure that they are up to par with what I want to do. And in building a business, I have seen first-hand that recruiting people based on paper qualification in Nigeria is not an ideal thing to do. We know how to put together fantastic CVs, speak beautiful English but when they write you an email, you cannot read it. I have had people come in and that thing they have on papers does not translate in the quality of their work.

Then I went to the UK to get a Masters to do better in my company. The idea came when one day I was sitting and thinking of what I wanted to do after my Masters. I thought about how to improve my company. What is the new picture I wanted for my company after I have spent all this time getting a Masters degree? How do I take this back and transfer it to my workforce?

I just felt I needed to build a platform to make accessible the sort of training I got while there.

I did a certificate programme at Sanford University in America, one of the best universities in the world, while I was doing that I saw how we were taught.

I saw the quality of teaching, and I felt like the average businessman in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is basically like when somebody is farming with bare hands while the other person has all the tractors and beautiful equipment to farm with.

These people running business abroad have all of the knowledge and also have access to all of these facilitators but we are basically here in Nigeria, just trying to make ends meet; we are not building businesses that go beyond our generation. If the owner of a business dies today, the business is dead because we are not building organisations based on structure. We are not trying to follow anything; we are just basically free-balling and learning as we go. We have no idea of what we are doing. It’s only a few of us that know what we are doing in terms of running a business or what is expected of us in an organisation. So, I looked at what is obtainable there, the things that I was taught there and how I can translate this to my African people.

And I have heard researchers say that there is a prevalent skill gap in Africa’s economy, which is affecting our young people, our productivity

Let`s talk about the platform, UjaliPro. How does it work?

UjaliPro, our pioneer web application is a virtual market place for connecting subject matter experts from around the world with organisations who require their services in Africa, in order to help African economies close their skill gap and improve the quality of work.

You can access it through our website. It is an app that you access through the internet as a facilitator or a company. As a company, you tell us what you want and we provide for you. For the facilitators, it is a different ball game. We have to do a lot of quality checks to make sure they are who they say they are; the qualifications they say they have and the training they have provided.

We do all of this research for these companies so that they don’t have to worry. Anybody you see on the Ujali platform has already gone through a quality assurance process before they can get on.

We are trying to modulate and be like quality assurance, making sure companies are getting value for their money and the facilitators are getting what they want to get and their minds are at rest.

Igbokwe and our output. And I said, what can we do to make sure that if we improve the quality of the workforce that we have, we can in turn improve our quality of work, which leads to more productivity and in turn improves our economy?

Our greatest population is young people and yet these people are not performing at their absolute best. We can only optimise what they already have by training. When they do better, the organisation does better. If an organisation is doing better they are able to pay taxes and thereby improve the economy of where they are residents.

So, it is a ripple effect for me. This is the thing - just trying to make a difference first of all. And then how do I make the difference?

Being a business owner, what are the issues I have been through? How can I improve my business? How can I make the training that I have gotten from abroad accessible to the people that are working for me and other organisations that are around me? I might be a very good organisation in a community where the other organisations are not working.

I’m not an island. At some point in time I would have to sub-contract some of those organisations to work for me and their quality of work translated to my quality of work. I can go and have all the training and come back and train my workforce but what happens to these other people. You have to be able to trickle it down. If you are able to train these people in these other organisations, one of them might leave, start their own company and train more people at the grassroots and that person trains more people and before you know it it`s a ripple effect. So, training and having access to quality trainers is very

important.

We are an educational tech company that has built a platform to help connect facilitators with companies in Africa that need to have their training needs met. We are basically concentrating on soft skills, which are leadership, business development, financial management and personal development processes.

The people we have in our faculty right now are people that you would not ordinarily have access to, and even companies in Nigeria might not be able to have access to them.

Why did you choose the name Ujali being a UK-based firm?

Ujali is an African name. One thing I have learnt staying abroad is to maintain a certain level of authenticity. It translates to the things that I do. I am an African woman and I am very proud to be that. So, everything that I do, I make sure it comes back to who I am as a person. So, Ujai is actually my grandmother’s nickname. It supposedly means strength or courage. When she comes out at any gathering to do her solo dance or performance, they call her Ujali Nwanyi, basically depicting her elegance, courage and strength as an African woman. So, whilst starting the company, I could have gone for an English name because it will actually open more doors for me - when I go for some of these international conferences, once you hear the name, you know immediately that it is not English. You assume it is coming from an African person. It is just like when I went to the UK and people were happy using their English names but the challenge is that you send in a CV and you are basically screened out based on the fact that you have a traditional name but I don’t care. I allow

Ujali empowers African economies to strategically close the soft skill gap affecting their quality of work, by enabling access to a community of quality trainers and training organisations from around the world via the UjaliPro platform

How long has Ujali existed?

We actually got incorporated in January 2020.

I have been working on the technology before until 2020 when we got incorporated and we built out the platform, and did a pre-launch of our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in August 2020. It was during the pandemic, the heat of it, so it basically affected us. What we did during that time up until 2021, was as people were at home doing the lockdown, we had some of the facilitators that we had already on-boarded do a lot of free training courses.

As a new company trying to make an incursion into the global market, what is your vision for the next five years in terms of platform training?

At bottom of what we do, we are a tech company that is looking to compete globally. UjaliPro is first of the many platforms and applications we are hoping to build but behind what we are building, everything we are going to build would be centred on improving the African market and bridging the gap between the African and the rest of the world.

Ujali is a tech company that is building a series of applications to bridge the gap between the Africa market and the rest of the world. We started with learning and development just to improve our workforce. We are going to move into other sectors which we have already started work on. In the next five years, we want to also be able to have a presence in Nigeria and other African markets and as an African EdTech company we are able to compete in the global market and say, we are not just making money; we have also made a social impact by building these applications. So it is not just about money or revenue for us, it is about how it translates in terms of value for the African people and how we can move forward as a people and compete with the rest of the world.

We are going to be rolling out some applications but at the centre of it is basically to make sure that we continue to close the divide between Africa and the rest of the world in terms of development and other areas of the economy.

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

ͱͯ

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

A cross section of Christian faithfuls at the Sango crusade ground

Lord’s Chosen Takes Crusade to Ogun State Stories by Mary Nnah The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, last weekend, stormed Sango area of Ogun State when it took its crusade to Sango Secondary School, along Ijoko Road.

This proceeded from its Lagos leg which took place from Saturday, July 31 to Sunday, August 1, 2021 at the church headquarters located along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Uncommon miracles and testimonies took centre stage as it turned out to be an amazing spiritual outing for thousands of Christian faithfuls who gathered during the two days crusade at Sango.

The programme, tagged, ‘God has Sworn to Bless You’, addressed all the hues and cries occasioned by COVID-19 Pandemic and its attendant economic, social and health upset, not overlooking the threat of insecurity in the country.

The General Overseer of

the Church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, who mounted the altar after series of instant miracles and testimonies, said God has declared that He is still the Almighty God, Omniscience and custodian of blessings.

He disclosed that God blessed Abraham, and He blessed him in all things, adding that God has remained God and has not changed and that His children still experience the same blessing today.

He said however that to be beneficiaries of God’s uncount-

able blessings, repentance was required. He therefore called on the nation and the world at large to repent and embrace God in all they do.

Condemning all forms of evil; Muoka said, “So, as we come to Him in true repentance, and do His will by genuine repentance we will be surely blessed.”

“If we forsake our sins, humble ourselves and ask for God’s mercy over our past lives and promise God we would not go back to our past lives, all the blessings of

God shall be ours and everything you have lost would be restore.”

Speaking further on the need for true repentance as the main attraction for God’s abundant blessing, he said “By extension, God will heal our land, our nation, our souls, families and businesses and all the evil in the land shall be no more.”

The cleric said further that God specifically brought the message at this time that the nation is going through so many challenges adding “God is calling for repentance from

all the evil so that all these challenges of the pandemic and insecurity will be solved by divine power.

“By your repentance God will heal our nation and rise and fall shall be no more; poverty and unemployment shall be no more; God’s blessing shall be upon us so much that we shall lend unto many nations and shall not borrow and you shall also have sound health”.

The crusade continues in other parts of the nation till probably the end of the year.

Davies Exotic Homes Makes Mercy Alexander, Slimcase Brand Ambassadors This must be happy times for media entrepreneur and talk show host, Mercy Alexander and hip-hop act, Oluwafemi Oladapo Oko-Eko aka Slimcase as they have both been appointed brand ambassadors to leading property outfit, Davies Exotic Homes.

It was a fun and exciting moment recently when the platform officially unveiled them to the public at an event graced by industry heavyweights and giants in Lagos.

Speaking, the CEO of Davies Exotic Homes, Mr. David Chukwuonu said what stands Davies Exotic Homes out is its commitment to service delivery as its efforts to transform the property landscape in Nigeria by providing affordable and sustainable housing for Nigerians.

“We are proud today to unveil our brand ambassadors - Mercy Alexander, a popular talk show host

Davies Exotic Homes, CEO, David Chukwuonu flanked by the new ambassadors, popular talk show host, Mercy Alexander and hip-hop act, Slimcase and hip-hop act, Slimcase.

As an actress and a top talk show host, the values of Al-

exander ’s TV programme, D Gallery and her personality are in tandem with our

brand values hence we have appointed her our brand ambassador.”

“The same goes for Slimcase who has transformed into an icon for youths in Nigeria and beyond.

Both Mercy Alexander and Slimcase’s dedication and handwork stand them out as celebrities to be emulated and so it is with great joy that we unveil them today as our brand ambassador.

“For us, they are hardworking youths and celebrities to be emulated, emblems of our rich history, bold, captivating, and uninhibited”, Chukwuonu said.

Reacting, Mercy Alexander thanked the platform for appointing her as its brand ambassador and promised to give the property outfit her best.

“I am really honoured to have been appointed brand ambassador of Davies Exotic Homes, a platform to transform the property landscape in Nigeria by building sustainable and affordable

homes for Nigerians. The brand has come a long way and I am proud to identify with it.”

Also speaking, Slimcase said it was a very important career move for him adding “I want to thank Davies Exotic Homes for recognising my talent and giving me this opportunity.”

Davis Exotic Homes is Nigeria’s firm to beat in real estate and related investment. With many projects delivered as promised across the country, the indigenous building, construction, and architectural firm has come of age and is a big player in the Nigerian real estate business.

Since opening its doors to the public, Davis Exotic Homes has been committed to two principles of ‘quality delivery’ and ‘client’s satisfaction’, the ideals that have seen its client base grow faster than anticipated, especially in recent times.

G-20 Club Tasks Members on Integrity, Corruption Sunday Okobi The G-20 Club, Abuja, has charged members of the club who were recently promoted in their various places of work as well as political appointments, to be good ambassadors, and also add value in their new roles for the growth of the country.

In a statement issued by the

group recently, the members of the club were celebrated and lauded over their recent elevation by the government.

They were also charged to shun corrupt tendencies that would bring the integrity of the club to disrepute in the eyes of right thinking persons.

Some of the members, who were appointed into higher positions, included: Zakariah

M. Ifu, Nigeria ambassador to Zimbabwe; Abdulhamid Ali Ibrahim, chief registrar/CEO, Industrial Arbitration Panel; and Hon. Angyu-Tsokwa Osborne Adi Jnr, special adviser on New Media to Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku.

Others are Director, Land Administration FCTA, Alhaji Jibrin Adamu; Mr. Emmanuel Shagaya, Chief Zeduwa Kefas; and Mr. Innocent Giwa

Yakubu, who were also elevated to the position of assistant directors in the federal civil service.

The statement further indicated that all those affected members should view their appointments as a call to service, and must therefore continue to support every effort that would bring about the peace and growth initiative of Southern Taraba

in particular and Nigeria in general.

The G20 Club Abuja is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-religious and non-tribal organisation of experienced professionals from different works of life who are indigenes of Southern senatorial district of Taraba State.

The club also thanked Governor Ishaku for honouring the club.

According to the statement, “The club has over the years embarked on humanitarian activities in Taraba State, which included complementing the government in electrification projects in some communities, scholarship schemes and sponsorship of a Table Tennis club, which won the 2021 national tournament.”

32

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

L-R: Spliff Star, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, LL Cool J, French Montana and Remy Ma at NYC Homecoming Concert

Vanessa Obioha Recently, the Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio pooled New Yorkers to Central Park for a homecoming concert for the city. The concert themed ‘We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert’ was to celebrate the re-emergence of the city after a tumultuous lockdown caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Like Lagos, New York was the epicentre of the Coronavirus in the United States. Restaurants, theatres and other businesses were affected during the lockdown and those who feared for their lives abandoned the city for safer destinations.

By June last year, the city began to reopen but not all

rushed back as vaccinations were not available yet. The city today, according to New York Times COVID-19 latest map and case count, records an average of more than 2,000 cases a day. The city has had to put up measures to curb further spread with the new Delta variant upending plans to return to normal life.

Yet, more than a handful of vaccinated New Yorkers thronged the Great Lawn of Central Park on the evening of Saturday, August 21 to watch Andrea Bocelli, the New York Philharmonic, Jennifer Hudson, Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean, LL Cool J, Earth, Wind and Fire among others perform. The organisers required everyone from 12 years and above to show proof that they had had at least one dose of a

vaccine. Younger children who are still ineligible for the vaccines were required to wear masks.

However, lightning cut the concert short. Weather reports had earlier warned of Hurricane Henri making landfall in the city on Sunday.

The weather abruptly halted the concert which still had Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith and the Colombian music star Maluma, in its star-studded lineup.

From the moving images of the concert which CNN broadcast live, it was evident that New Yorkers are excited about the re-emergence of the city. ‘New York is back’ was one of the exclamations from the concertgoers, celebrating the resilience of the city battered by the capricious coronavirus.

The Lagos State Government should consider having a homecoming concert for Lagosians. It is a welldeserved one for the city known to be the commercial and entertainment hub of the country. The entertainment industry, which was adversely affected by the coronavirus, is yet to find its groove. In pre-pandemic times, Lagos was the place to be for live music, concerts, festivals and shows. Popular event venues like Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Freedom Park, Muson Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Hard Rock Cafe, Muri Okunola Park and the open grounds of Eko Atlantic City bubbled with Lagosians during the weekends and sometimes weekdays. Who could forget the Detty December period where almost

New York Times every event venue has one concert or the other. Lagosians usually struggle to keep up with concerts, particularly those with international stars.

Movie festivals were not left out. Festivals like Chioma Ude’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and Ugoma Adegoke’s Lights Camera Africa Film Festival were often held between September and November while the iREP Documentary Film Festival is scheduled for March. The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is another prominent event in the city’s calendar. There is also the Lagos International Jazz Festival organised by Inspiro Productions.

The pandemic however shut out these festivities, although pockets of shows have been springing up recently.

Tributes Pour in For Martin Mabutho The media and entertainment industry were shocked to hear about the passing of Martin Mabutho, the Chief Customer Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria on Tuesday evening. The leading media and entertainment company announced that Mabutho, a Botswanan who many mistook for a South African died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 24 at Cape Town, South Africa after a brief illness.

Until his death, he was responsible for driving the company’s customer group strategy covering customer value management, sales, marketing, customer experience and care with his appointment as the Chief Customer Officer in 2018. The deceased’s relationship with the MultiChoice Group started in 1999 when he joined MultiChoice Botswana as a Customer Service Supervisor. He later became a Brand Manager at MNet in 2003 and led the Marketing and Sales effort for DStv Mobile in Sub-Saharan Africa before he was appointed MultiChoice Nigeria’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing in 2013.

Mabutho was known for his lively spirit. At press conferences and other media events, he was always cheerful and fully embodied the friendly and humbling persona expected of a customer relations officer. His gruff voice and towering height always stood him out in the crowd.

In a statement, the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria John Ugbe described him as “not just a colleague but a very close friend and most trusted adviser. He was well-loved by everyone for his energy and hard work, his warmth, good humour and the creativity and positive attitude he always brought to the team. He will be greatly missed.”

Cerebral filmmaker Femi Odugbemi and pioneering Academy Director of MultiChoice Talent Fac-

NOLLYWOOD

tory (MTF) West Africa has glowing memories of Mabutho.“innovation and inspiration for me and many entrepreneurs in the creative and digital industries.

He was one of the most visionary enablers I have ever met, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build capacities in any creative enterprise. He was generous and always personable. He loved Nigeria and to many of us, Martin is family. He was a giant of a man with giant-sized ideas. He contributed immensely to the success of the Multichoice Talent Factory teaching and mentoring our students. He was a genius in designing the technologies that connected consumers and viewers to richer content all the time. It’s a huge loss and we can only pray for God to give comfort to his family and his friends and colleagues across the continent.”

CEO of BHM Ayeni Adekunle in a statement described him as a visionary marketing genius “who loved his brands, their users, and all the ideas that bring excitement and action. It was an honour to have been able to work with and learn from him...His big personality, brilliance, warmth, enthusiasm, humour and positive energy which he brought to every room he entered will be sorely missed.”

In his tribute to the deceased, the CEO of X3M Ideas called him a genius.

“Martin was a valued client and a champion of everything X3M Ideas. His drive for excellence and out-of-the-box creativity inspired us to constantly expand our thinking.

We’ll terribly miss his genius and the light with which he brightened the lives of everyone who came in contact with him.”

Mabutho was aged 47 and is survived by his aged parents, his wife Thato and four children.

Mabutho

Lagos deserves a concert that will bring all and sundry under one canopy, enjoy live music performances from the country’s best entertainers, if possible, have stage plays or film screenings in the mix.

There should also be an art exhibition, a runway display as well as food sampling.

It should be a potpourri of some sort, after all, there is nothing like a Lagos party.

Access Bank’s Born in Africa Festival (BAFEST) is one event that brought all elements of art and culture under one roof. The Lagos State can partner with the bank or other innovative event organisers to plan a similar event that will depict Lagos resilience and vivacious spirit in the face of the pandemic; a place where dreams come true and ethnicity is not a barrier.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

33

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

AREMU’s Playback on History Through the Eyes of OBJ The stage play‘Aremu’interrogates Nigeria’s former military Head of State and former President, Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo with a mix of empathy, soul-searching and a glimmer of hope. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

T

he actor-audience intimacy inside Glover Memorial Hall is indeed one-of-a-kind. Despite its impressive adherence to the Covid-19 protocol of physical distancing which is evident in the seat arrangement, the energy in the hall was enveloping at the recent command performance in Lagos. Last Sunday, the much-trumpeted play ‘Aremu’ produced

by Duke of Somolu Productions kicked off with scenes of anticipation of the birth of the great Aremu what with a spectacular naming ceremony.

With the protagonist-narrator characterisation, the plot of ‘Aremu’ is carefully developed by the playwright, Prof. Ahmed Yerima to make the audience understand, empathise and examine the character of ‘Aremu’ through historical accounts. Trailing his childhood years in Owu, the play ‘Aremu’ travels through the annals of the Nigerian civil war to establish Aremu’s persona as a warrior and a survivor. Infused with some comical elements, the playwright juxtaposes the narrator’s account of truth with a voice of reason and conscience which is embodied in the characters of Olohun Iyo and the oral poet.

A controversial political figure, Aremu is seen from a vulnerable perspective in the prison scene.

Reflecting the Yoruba worldview of afterlife, MamaAremu’s character accentuates that cultural pathos that connects the power of the dead- and the supernatural to the life of the living. At the scene lies the core of the play’s conflict. ‘Aremu’ also serves as a commentary on the culture clash-or culture assimilation-involvingAfrican traditional religion and post-colonial Christianity in Africa.

Within the household of Aremu, the audience had a first-hand peek into the cultural dilemma that colonialists In depicting Aremu, the veteran actor, Yemi Sodimu delivered a psycho-physical approach technique- devoid of a needless mimicry of the mannerisms of the real lifeAremu.Abrilliant

A scene from the play, Aremu

student who morphed into a national figure, the story of Aremu chronicles a survival’s story of grass-to-grace-to-disgrace and back to glory. While seriously downplaying on one of the unforgettable episodes in his political life- the attack on Fela’s Kalakuta commune- with a brief mention, the play focuses on his courage through life’s undulating experience. Aremu emerges from

a state of depression to a state of honour as his death sentence was turned around into freedom.

Despite the Covid-19 constraints, ‘Aremu’ managed to restore the theatre life and energy to Lagos. Sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria, Wema Bank, Timekeepers and Platform Capital, Aremu play continues this Sunday at the Glover Memorial Hall

whileAwo, another Duke of Somolu production, runs for every weekend in September.

The Executive Producer of Aremu and Awo, Joseph Edgar remarked that the two plays have been positioned to rekindle in Nigerians not just the optimism that is much needed at these times but also to portray the leadership ethos that guided both styles of leadership- worthy of emulation.

TopWinners Emerge at Premier International ‘Art Explosion’ Sunday Ehigiator Premier International School has demonstrated its commitment to impacting the lives of students positively through internal art competitions.

One of these titled ‘2021 Art Explosion’ saw Hauwa Adamu, Fatima Shehu, and Jidenna Okechukwu emerge as winners of the secondary, primary and pre-school categories respectively.

The virtual event which had as theme ‘The New Normal’ was held between May 12 and 27, fetching each winner not less than N100,000 each in prize worth.

The founder of the intra-school competition and Head of Department of Fine-Art, Agoreyo Armstrong, revealed how the contest began.

“The students were required to make a oneminute video of them working on the theme.

They were to interpret the theme to the best of their knowledge using any medium of their choice, either clay, or pencil, or water colour, paint, or sculpture and upload the same on

Winner of the primary school competition, Shehu

their social media platform then tag the school.

“The students with the highest numbers of likes initially get 50 per cent chances of winning,

while the judges decide on the other 50 per cent, as they will sort out for works that fits into the theme, and also meet up with other judgement parameters such as proportion and use of space,’’ he explained.

For the school’s art instructor, Ifeanyichukwu Onyeiwu having a functional art Academy and art clubs had contributed immensely to shaping the young creative minds.

“The idea of the competition is to give the kids every reason to believe that they can generate original concepts that could speak for them, and also one that could help them stand confidently in the presence of their contemporaries, and be able to own-up to the originality of their work, by saying, yes, I made this piece of art myself,” he said.

One of the Judges, Onyekachi Bertha revealed that the best three artworks were selected in respect to originality of concept, use of colour, neatness, adherence to theme and attention to details.

While reflecting on the performance of the students, the Head of School, Charles Husseni, said: “One of them, Fatima Shehu, qualified to the national level of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. The others have been consistently achieving and have represented the school in art competitions in the past. We expect more wins, more participation in any available art competitions around the country.’’

The Head of Primary, Rita Odubela harped on quality of the school and significant of the award, which according to her, justifies why the school was recognised as the best school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in 2020 “by the Department of Quality Assurance, Federal Ministry of Education.”

“Premier International School has been at the forefront of providing quality education in the past 24 years. Our Alumni are excelling in their various fields of endeavours and we can only continue to improve on our antecedents,” she said.

An All-female Exhibition Set to RockYemisi Shyllon Museum Yinka Olatunbosun With the theme, ‘The Invincible Hands; An exhibition of Art

by Nigerian Women,’ an allfemale exhibition is set to ignite the prestigious Yemisi Shyllow Museum, Pan Atlantic University, Lekki-Epe Expressway on Saturday August 28.

With the objective of addressing the disproportional representation of male to female established artists in

Nigeria and create awareness of this disparity, the show will celebrate the artistic contribution of female Nigerian artists toward the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative culture.

In presenting these works to a wide audience, the exhibition highlights artistry that transcend stereotypes. A first of its kind at the Museum, the designer-cum-curator, Olufisayo Bakare, is tackling the issue of underrepresenta-

tion of female artists, giving credence to their individuality, voices and creativity.

The exhibition aims at being an active agent in giving these artists higher visibility.

The goal of ‘Invincible hands’ is to celebrate the contribution of underrepresented Nigerian women artists in post-colonial and contemporary eras, to amplify their work and bridge inequality gaps in the art sector and to place The Invincible Hands of women artists back

into our art education and art history. The exhibition is on view at the museum from August 28, 2021 through January 25, 2022.

Although art tends to be elitist, the exhibition takes a historic gaze at the past, paying homage to the founding mothers of Art in Nigeria, while drawing inferences in the contemporary art space, and solidifying a foundation for the future. The designercum-curator Bakare pays close

attention to the works of indigenous and Pan-African artists and maker-communities by establishing unique platforms for accessibility. Positioned as a cultural gatekeeper of Black histories, she recognizes that educating the masses through artistic and cultural ecosystems is at the bedrock of society. By connecting varied dialogues through an exchange of ideas, Bakare celebrates historical signposts. With over a decade dedicated to supporting the

arts, Bakare has stepped into the limelight by partnering with Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art to educate through the arts.

Bakare is an integral part of the ‘Precolonial Societies of Nigeria’ program, formulating the teaching manual for the Ile-Ife pre-colonial society.

Buttressing this, Bakare is an active member of the ongoing ‘Museums of the Future’ program facilitated by Goethe Institut.

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ 27, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Federal Government Begins Budget Preparation Training for 900 MDAs Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË The federal government has commenced training for 4,000 workers drawn from 900 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), expressing its resolve to ensure consistent and timely preparation, submission and approval of annual budgets in tandem with its public financial management (PFM) reforms objective.

The Director General, Budget Office of the Federation (BoF), Mr. Ben Akabueze stated this in Abuja, yesterday during the takeoff of the training of MDAs on the 2022 budget preparation using Government Integrated Financial Management Information System - Budget Preparation Sub-System (GIFMIS/BPS) To achieve consistent and timely preparation, submission and approval of annual budgets, Akabueze stated that the BoF had already commenced a series of activities related to the process of preparing the 2022 Budget.

He said that these included

a series of engagements and stakeholder consultations with key revenue-generating agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), the National Executive Council (NEC), the National Assembly as well as the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to him, another key activity on the 2022 Budget Calendar is the training of MDAs’ personnel who will be involved in budget preparation adding that the main goal of the training is to provide continuous learning to equip budget personnel with the requisite knowledge, skills and the tools they require to prepare and submit the 2022 Budget in a timely manner.

The budget, he stated, is also intended to be in tandem with extant FGN policies and guidelines as articulated in the 2022 FGN Budget Call Circular and other relevant laws/policies.

He regretted that MDAs do not study the Budget Call Circular in detail and as such make mistakes that should ordinarily be avoided if they had complied with the

relevant sections of the Budget Circular. To this end, he disclosed that one of the modules at the training this year will address key items and sections to note in the 2022 FGN Budget Call Circular.

The 2022 FGN Budget Call Circular, Akabueze informed, had been issued ahead of the training to ensure that all issues and questions that participants may have are adequately addressed during the course of the training sessions.

He stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, we have the BOF Helpdesk running at full capacity currently to take care of all queries and questions that Budget Officers may have in the course of the preparation of their respective budgets. Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be training over 4,000 participants involved in budget preparation from about 900 MDAs. Each batch of the training programme is expected to take place over three days, with participants from the same ministry grouped together and categorised for different sessions.”

Digital Invoice Factoring Processes N300m Payment in 30 Days Nume Ekeghe As part of its efforts in helping MSMEs access working capital, Nigeria’s first invoice factoring platform, Getcapsa, processed over N300 million payments through its platform in the last month, the company has said.

Incorporated in November 2019, the company’s platform, GetCapsa enables MSMEs to trade their unpaid invoices to corporate and individual investors for cash within 48 hours. Co-founder/Chief Commercial Officer of Capsa, Mr

Segun Dada in a statement made avaialble to THISDAY said: “The ability to secure quick and affordable working capital remains a huge struggle for most businesses, Getcapsa is fixing this with our innovative digital platform with just a few clicks, businesses can unlock much-needed financing and convert their waiting time to cash. Capsa achieved this transaction alongside its collaboration with the top multinational brand, Olam group, and financial institution groups, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Vetiva Capital.”

Speaking, Co-founder/CEO of Capsa Mr. Mustapha Suberu, said: “We are the next big thing coming out of the alternative financing space, and we are bringing more exciting and innovative ways for small businesses to fund their operations. We are allowing small businesses to access funds without taking loans from banks or other loan sharks out there and for the first time, businesses will have the power to determine what their financing cost would be with just a few clicks, and this is thanks to Getcapsa.”

OPay Assures Customers of Excellent Services Customers of OPay have been assured of excellent service as a trusted financial partner.

In a statement by Iniabasi Akpan, the managing director of the company addressing the formal complaints received from some customers on unauthorised debits on their accounts, he said the management team has addressed these aggrieved customers by treating their complaints with the highest priority.

According to Akpan, “We have formally received complaints from some of our customers who might have recently exposed their personal or confidential information, unsuspectingly

to fraudsters. The customers, rightfully aggrieved, visited our head office to speak with the customer support team.

“Our management team has addressed these aggrieved customers, and we assure them we will treat their complaints with the highest priority. Accordingly, we have started working with law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter properly”.

Akpan further stated that OPay has consistently advocated the importance of customers keeping their personal information safe via its numerous channels. These efforts have been directed to

remind our customers not to share confidential information with other persons. We implore our customers never to share information such as PIN, OTP and passwords with anyone.

“We want all our customers to know that OPay remains their trusted financial partner.

Our platform has a robust and tested infrastructure to keep their funds safe and secured at all times, and no funds can be moved without confidential information such as passwords or OTP on our platform. We remain committed to providing our customers excellent service at all times,” he said.

Propak W’Africa Promises to Re-energise Manufacturing Sector Returning to the Landmark Centre, Lagos from the 14th– 16thSeptember 2021, Propak West Africa promises to re-energise the packaging, printing, plastics and food processing industry and act as the catalyst to get the manufacturing sector moving once again.

With 3500 visitors expected at the Landmark Centre next month all eager to meet with the 80 or so brands from the region and around the globe, all of them will be providing the missing links for supply chains to get back up to full speed. Companies who will be showcasing their products this year include Atlas

Copco, Bobst, Canon, CIS Buro, Exact Solutions, Fas Agro, Ishida, Miele, Neofyton, Reifenhauser to name but a few, “Propak said in a statement. It added, “Alongside the exhibition and the multitude of equipment available to view onsite, the Propak West Africa conference will also be returning.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

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

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͱʹ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $70.59 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $69.71 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Stock Market Appreciates Amid Expansion in GDP Darasimi Adebisi The Nigerian equities market yesterday closed trading activities positive, as the market bounced back from the previous day trading session loss with a gain of 0.07 per cent. Yesterday’s positive out turn was due to investors increased buying interest in recently depreciated stock prices across the major market sectors and the news that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

expanded by 5.01 per cent in second quarter of 2021. In summary, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) grew by 27.36 basis points, representing an increase of 0.07 per cent, to close at 39,477.18 basis points.

Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value gained N14 billion to close at N20.568 trillion.

Accordingly, the Month-to-Date gain increased to +2.4 per cent, while the Year-to-Date loss moderated to –two per cent.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Analysing by sectors, the Insurance (+2.3 per cent), Oil & Gas (+0.2 per cent) and Banking (+0.1 per cent) indices recorded gains while the Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods indices closed flat.

The market positive performance was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; Eterna, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria, Presco, Honeywell Flour Mills and UACN Property

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Development Company (UPDC).

Furthermore, the market breadth closed positive with 27 gainers as against 12 losers. Eterna recorded the highest price gain of 9.97 per cent to close at N7.50, per share. UPDC followed with a gain 9.74 per cent to close at N1.69, while AIICO went up by 8.42 per cent to close at N1.03, per share.

Glaxosmith rose by 7.94 per cent to close at N6.80, while Honeywell Flour Mills gained

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

7.45 per cent to close at N3.46, per share. On the other hand, Ikeja Hotel led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N1.26, per share. SCOA Nigeria followed with a decline of 9.43 per cent to close at N1.44, while Associated Bus Company down by 8.33 per cent to close at 33 kobo, per share.

Champion Breweries lost 4.55 per cent to close at N2.10, while Japaul Gold and Ventures shed 3.85 per cent to close at 50 kobo, per share.

O F

However, the total volume of trades declined by 5.6 per cent to 186.327 million units, valued at N1.794 billion, and exchanged in 3,595 deals. Transactions in the shares of Sovereign Trust Insurance topped the activity chart with 19.672 million shares valued at N4.643 million. Lafarge Africa followed with 17.431 million shares worth N382.415 million, while Honeywell Flour Mills traded 15.038 million shares valued at N52.410 million.

2 6 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ͵˜ ͰͮͰͯ

The Meteoric Rise of Super Eagles Striker, Kayode Olarenwaju TheriseofOlarenwajuKayodeinfootballdidnotcomeasasurprisetomanyduetohisskillfuldisplay during the Under-20 World Cup in 2013. Kayode was among the brightest players in the tournament having scored three goals. Precious Ugwuzor, who profiled the Super Eagles striker, writes on his meteoric rise and his recent venture into real estate with the signature “Cave by LK8”

Kayode, wife, Dora and kids

O

lanrewaju Ayobami Kayode started his football career at club level in February 2010 when he signed for Asec Mimosas after he played for the Nigeria Under-17 team at the 2009 FIFA, Under- 17 World Cup. He was later called-up for the Under-20 Nigeria team to play for the qualifiers to the African Youth Championship in Libya.

He finally got his chance to play for the Super Eagles when he was invited to play a friendly against Bafabafana of South Africa in a game which ended 1-1.

He left Asec Mimosas on February 2, 2012 and joined Swiss Club Fc Luzern on loan till November 30, 2012. On October 10, 2013, Kayode signed a one year contract with Israeli Club Maccabi Netanya. After a successful season with Maccabi Netanya, scoring 13 goals and six assists, Kayode further went on to sign a four-year deal with Fk Austria Wien.

On August 17, 2017, the current England Champion, Manchester City signed Kayode on a four year deal and immediately loaned him out to Girona football club in Spain for the 2017-2018 season.

On March 2, 2018, Kayode was loaned to Shakhtar Donetsk Ukraine after his loan at Girona. On August 9, 2019, Kayode Olanrewaju was loaned to Turkish super league side Gazisehir Gaziantep and is currently on loan at Sivasspor where his performance has been superb.

The Footballer as a Real Estate Investor A silent achiever, he has silently built

One of the buildings constructed by Kayode’s De J-s with the signature “Cave by LK8”

successful businesses in Lagos and beyond through his company De J-s. The group has sponsored several construction of homes with the signature “Cave by LK8”.

In most circles, it’s noted that even if Kayode decides to retire from active football, he already has businesses to sustain himself unlike others who after playing football for prominent clubs abroad will still go broke because of their extravagant lifestyle.

Kayode is, no doubt, one of the most successful Nigerian footballers ever.

Unarguably, Kayode can boast of having the most beautiful house in Lagos. His taste for quality and beauty is none to be compared with. His uniquely beautified property located at Pinnock Beach Estate, which is one of the most expensive estates in the state, is one that you hardly pass through without wowing.

In fact, the commissioning of his ultramodern deluxe mansion in the upscale Lekki area of Lagos Pinnock

Beach Estate to be precise, was graced by a stellar cast of A-list personalities, comprising exinternationals, Obafemi Martins, Kalu Uche, House of Representatives member, Oloye Akin Alabi; music crooner, Korede Bello; Dynamo Moscow’s midfielder Sylvester Igbonu; Austria Wien forward Bright Edomwonyi; celebrity WAGS like wife of Ogenyi Onazi, thus reuniting old friends.

It was a gathering of top celebrity football, political and entertainment stars. The mansion which was built in less than a year is a two-storey building complete with all things majestic, colourful and royal. The ground floor has a palatial living room, kitchen, a convenience room, a classy bar, an ultra-fit cinema room and a trendy elevator system that goes to the first and second floors.

Kayode the Family Man Of course, the popular saying that

Kayode is battle ready for the challenges in Europe now as he is in his best possible form.

His mindset is on the team, physically and mentally to contribute his very best

behind every great/successful man there stands a woman is epitomised in Kayode’s success story. As he is busy focusing on making the money, his loving wife, Barrister Dora Kayode, who is also his agent is busy investing wisely. Her main hobby is watching her hubby play football and score goals. They are happily married and have three gorgeous sons together.

Best Form Kayode is no doubt the hottest Nigerian striker. Since his return to Turkish Super League side Sivasspor, Kayode has netted twice. Reacting to his brilliant performance after this season, the Nigerian forward reveals that his best is yet to come.

“What’s coming is better than what is gone, thank God for the brace and assist, thanks to my teammates, coaching crew and of course the fans.”

According to his wife and his agent, Kayode is battle ready for the challenges in Europe now as he is in his best possible form. His mindset is on the team, physically and mentally to contribute his very best in order to ensure that Sivasspor has an astoundingly excellent, brilliant and fantastic season in the Europa Conference League, the Turkish Super League and the Domestic Cup competition in Turkey.

Kayode is a proven scorer, who was among the Europa League leading scorers in the last season where he finished behind Yusuf Yazıcı of Lille (six goals), Lukáš Juliš of Sparta Praha and Mikael Ishak of Lech Pozna both with five goals.

T H I S D AY

˾ Ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

POLSCOPE

35

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

Canticles….

Repentant Terrorists and PDP: A Kingdom Divided Against Itself the Arising Dilemma

D

id you hear the latest development in the opposition party in Nigeria?

What development again? Have they said they won’t contest the 2023 presidential election?

How can they say so? Don’t you know it is one of the most viable alternative political platforms in Nigeria?

So what is happening within the Umbrella party? This is rainy season!

The Political party is trying to restructure, so it can weather the pending storm of 2023.

(Mimicking) Viable political platform my foot! Is that how to be a viable political party? Can’t you see that the so-called viable opposition political party is wearing itself thin with needless troubles and crises?

Don’t worry, it is the way of political parties. It will soon rejig itself and get re-kitted for the battle ahead. The elders of the party are in the Board of Trustees.They will soon intervene and flog everybody into line, You don’t seem to understand that this crisis is being brewed from the same homestead. It is easier managed when it is existing between two farflung allies, not people of the same kindred spirit. Or did you not hear that the Court injunction stopping the former National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, from parading himself as one, was granted by a court in his own Rivers State?

NSA, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.)

I

t is no longer news that many of the Boko Haram insurgents are repenting and quitting terrorism.

It would not be the first time that these troublers of Nigeria are claiming to have repented. Few years ago, the Kuje prisons, in Abuja was full of such persons. Federal Government was spending huge money on “consultants” who said they are experts in de-radicalisation of persons with criminal tendencies.

But we know that months after such “de-radicalised” persons were released and let into the society, they returned to their old ways and became a pain to their various communities. While a few truly turned a new leaf and started engaging in legitimate means of livelihood, some others sharpened their criminal skills by becoming informants to those yet in the criminal trenches.

This explains why Senator Ali Ndume has been shouting himself hoarse about not believing wholesale, the claim of repentance of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Those who believe that there is a new dawn among the terrorist group, must have been jolted when early this week, the so-called “unknown gunmen” struck at the almighty Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna; killing two officers and kidnapping another. The attack on NDA had jolted the security architecture in Nigeria, as it portrays the impression that indeed, no where is safe in Nigeria.

So, here are the two scenarios: Dilemma one is that for twelve years, the Boko Haram “war” has been raging in northern Nigeria. First, it had begun in Maiduguri, spread to Bauchi, then Adamawa, Yobe and other parts of the North east. For the same period, Nigeria had recorded huge losses in human and material sense.

Gov Babagana Zulum of Borno State, on Tuesday stated that Borno State alone had lost over 100, 000 persons to the ire and fire of Boko Haram attacks, just as many have been dislocated from their homes. This is not to count the number of soldiers, policemen and civilian JTF members who have been killed by Boko Haram terrorists. To their (dis)credit, several schools have been attacked, with some children killed and many others

abducted. The infamous Chibok Girls abduction took place seven years ago.

There have been many others since then, all carried out by the Boko Haram terror gang. Many of the Chibok girls are yet to return. A few returned recently (with their ‘husbands’), each of them with two children. The story is long, sad and heavy.

There has been no respite in the war.

It has spread far beyond the north east to almost every part of the country, with the intensity essentially still in the northern part of the country. Boko Haram had regenerated and produced satanic off springs like Banditry and kidnappings, plus cattle rustling. None of which is a lesser evil.

The federal government, on its part, had spent huge sums of money every year in fighting the Boko Haram menace.

Not much of a victory can be claimed in the true sense of it, not minding the claim of having “technically defeated” Boko Haram.

What is worse, it had further metarmorphosed to different factions like ISWAP et al.

So, after a serious and sustained 12year fight, the Boko Haram insurgents, perhaps wearied or perhaps yielding to the preachments for peace, have now embarked on a wholesome surrender.

As at last Wednesday, a total of 2,600 insurgents from the Boko Haram camp had surrendered. More are prepared to surrender, but yet watching the reactions of the rest of society. So, the debate has been running on what to do with those who have surrendered. Should they really be pardoned and re-integrated into the society, just like that? What about the crimes they committed?

What about the people they killed?

What about the crimes of kidnap and forceful abductions, robbery and the like? Should their many sins be simply blotted out and admitted into the society as if nothing ever happened? How will those children who have been made orphans by Boko Haram, or women made widows react to re-absorbing those who killed their fathers and husbands in the same communities? Would the swift and sweeping pardon not sell the impression that crime pays and those who commit the most heinous crimes sooner or later get pampered by government?

What about the issue of stigmatization?

Would the Boko Haram returnees be wholly accepted as normal members of the society? Would a responsible family, for instance, marry out their daughter to a repentant Boko Haram member?

Should they be accepted just like that? Not many think that even the Pope will not grumble.

But what is the option? Put them through full scale trial? That leads to the second option.

Dilemma Two: the other option is to re-arrest all those who are surrendering, willfully or not willfully.

Get them quarantined and prepared to be arraigned before the laws of the land. They get prosecuted for all the crimes they committed, convicted and then get jailed. At that, prospective repentant terrorists zip the thought and continue the fight, killing and maiming more innocent people. And the fire of insecurity rages on and on, with all the attendant tension and feelings of unrest.

Should the government pardon the returnee terrorists and encourage the remnants to come forth and surrender, regardless of the huge irrecoverable harm and damage they had done to various families and the nation in general, so the nation will ultimately return to the path of peace and quiet?

Or should the government insist on dealing decisively with those who repented and returned, according to the laws of the land and thus scare those who may yet be thinking of denouncing terrorism, and thus inadvertently stoke on the fire of the offensives?

Many Nigerians, including this writer believe the first option is better in pursuing the agenda of peace and healing .The other concern for many Nigerians however, is that those so pardoned must remain under intense surveillance from the security agencies as well as the community leaders for a long time, to ensure that they have been completely “de-radicalised” and have broken all ties with the terror group.

It is only when that happens will it be that the pardon is neither foolish nor an act of arming one’s known enemy.

Trust me, when I say the BoT will intervene and restore order very very soon. It is a family affair.The PDP is one big indivisible family.

Sir, you are not only deluding yourself, you are deceiving yourself, if you still think the PDP is indivisible. This is a political party that has lost two major governors—one in the South (Cross River) and another in the north (Zamfara) in less than two months.

The Ebonyi governor, Dave Umahi had earlier dumped the party. And you say it is one indivisible political family. Sir, this your PDP family is not better than the Cain-and-Abel family.

Don’t be naïve. Don’t you know that the APC is fueling the crisis so it will have a smooth sail into 2023? But I tell you that Nigerians and indeed the PDP is wiser. We have seen through the gimmick of the APC and all efforts are being put in place to foil the plan of our enemies. We shall emerge stronger, bigger and better from this little shake up.

You call this a “little shake-up”?

Secondus has been stopped. Two Deputy National Chairmen of the party are already feuding between themselves on how to take-over the party and whatever that is left of it.

Sir can’t you see that the PDP is like a Kingdom fighting against itself? Did the Holy Book not say, a Kingdom divided against itself cannot stand? (cuts in)… Don’t quote unrelated scriptures here.The PDP Kingdom is not divided against itself. It is a minor squabble, which is not unexpected in the quest for power matrix. Look, I advise you not to be hasty in judging the PDP. It will bounce back to rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the maladministration we are experiencing now in this country.The APC knows this, that is why it is not comfortable having a peaceful and cohesive PDP. We know these silly gimmicks!

I will remind you that the politicians in Rivers are highly adept in the use of the courts to fight their cause. Or did

Uche Secondus

you forget that these same persons behind the court order against Secondus are the same persons who funded and influenced the court injunctions that barred the APC from participating in the 2019 contest in Rivers State? Have you forgotten? Can’t you see they are experienced political litigants? So, do not think that Secondus will soon be out of the woods he has been thrown into, not even if he suddenly becomes Firstus.

The BoT will not spare anybody trying to sabotage the reconciliatory efforts of the party, no matter how highly placed. The party’s disciplinary measures will be fully and unsparingly applied, no matter whose Ox is gored.

Sir, it is either you don’t know what you are saying or you do not mean what you are saying. Are you implying that you need any investigation to know that it is the River State governor, Nyesom Wike that is behind the travails of Secondus? When the BoT forced Secondus to survive the onslaught against him recently against the wish and moves of Wike, did you people think that the Ikwerre politician will go home sulking and confounded?

Wike and co wanted their kinsman removed. You Hausa people wanted him retained. Now the rug has been summarily pulled off his feet, right from home. So tell me how you strangers will come and fix the crack in the domestic hearth.

And I dare you tell me who will sanction Wike in the PDP structure.

Who will discipline him, Is it BoT or ToB? You see why the PDP has ego problem? There are too many Big men with Bigger ego in the PDP. Everybody talks like he or she is a political Deus Ex Machina. And unless the party is weaned of this malaise, it will cost the PDP the presidency again in 2023.

I take exception to false prophecy.

There is nothing like that. Nigerians are tired of the antics and strategies of poverty and suffering unleashed on them by the APC-led government.

They are waiting for the PDP to redeem Nigeria and wrest it from the grip of hardship and stress. So don’t you speak of what you do not know here in the name of political prophecy.

I am not a political prophet. But I can tell you that from what is on the horizon, the PDP Is in for a long drive in the dark. A kingdom not governed by law and discipline can never make sustained progress. The political demagogues in the party are too many. If they are not careful, they will soon feud till they will cancel themselves out and the field will be open for the APC all over again.

God forbid! But truth be told: Secondus also caused some of these uprisings. He suddenly and unilaterally shifted the early convention agreed to by the BoT to late November, instead of September that was agreed to, all so he can remain longer in power.

Well, I agree that everybody must be reined in if the party will survive.

Good resolve. Go and implement!

38

˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021

Friday, August 27, 2021

s

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index fell roseby by14bps 7bps The dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index rose by 7bps to close at

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

at 1,674.89 ϭ͕ϲϲϰ͘ϵϭ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ points ĚƌŝǀĞŶ due to ďLJ sell-pressure ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ on ŝŶ ACCESS ZENITH (-0.6%), (+1.1%) WAPCO and FBNH(-1.3%), ;нϭ͘ϰйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ and UBA (-0.7%). These stocks cumula-

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘ 5.9% of the index.

ASI WƌĞůŝŶĞ up 11bps ŽŵƉůĞƚĞƐ as DANGCEM ĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ Gains ŽĨ 3.3% ϲϬ͘ϵϴй ^ƚĂŬĞ ŝŶ d ZͲ

NA... ^/ ŐĂŝŶƐ ϳďƉƐ zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ

ƵƉƟĐŬ

ŝŶ

,KEz&>KhZ

(+9.8%), E' D zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ ŝŶ ĂŶĚ FBNH& E, (+1.4%), (+0.7%) ACCESS bol(+1.1%), stered ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ HONYFLOUR (+7.5%),theand localETERNA bourse as(+10.0%) the AllďƵŽLJĞĚ Share ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ index ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůů-Share rose index rose by

Price Previous Current Change Price YTD Weighting Change

Price Change Index to Date

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,664.91

0.07%

13.4%

66.5%

15.0%

3.5%

750.00

0.0%

29.5%

-12.0%

-12.0%

12.3%

4.4%

68.00

0.0%

10.5%

-12.1%

-12.1%

19.1%

11.2%

32.7x

6.2x

27.80

0.0%

8.5%

-14.1%

-14.1%

26.6%

4.3%

4.0x

1.0x

10.8%

25.0% 30.5%

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc 3 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC 5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ROE

ROA

P/E

5.2x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.7x

5.6%

14.5%

2.2% 3.1%

24.30

-0.4%

7.0%

-2.0%

-2.0%

23.1%

2.9%

3.3x

0.7x

12.3%

249.60

0.0%

6.6%

1.9%

1.9%

44.7%

17.5%

12.5x

5.4x

6.5%

8.0%

172.00

0.0%

5.2%

1.2%

1.2%

143.0%

12.4%

13.8x

17.5x

6.0%

7.2%

1,400.00

0.0%

3.9%

-7.0%

-7.0%

143.5%

17.1%

28.4x

48.6x

4.3%

3.5%

22.00

0.0%

3.7%

4.5%

4.5%

9.9%

7.1%

9.9x

1.0x

4.5%

10.1%

16.4%

1.4%

2.8x

0.4x

8.8%

36.2%

2.2x

0.3x

7.0%

45.7% 28.6%

7bps 11bpstotoclose 39,550.36 at 39,477.18 points.ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ EĞǀĞƌƚŚĞůĞƐƐ͕ zd zd ůŽƐƐ ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ

8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC

9.10

1.1%

3.2%

7.7%

7.7%

remained proved tounchanged -1.8% while at -Ϯ͘Ϭй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ

10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc

7.45

0.0%

2.5%

-13.9%

-13.9%

7.50

1.4%

2.7%

4.9%

4.9%

10.6%

1.0%

3.5x

0.4x

6.0%

12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

52.00

0.0%

2.0%

-7.1%

-7.1%

5.6%

2.2%

43.6x

2.5x

2.0%

2.3%

41.00

0.0%

2.3%

8.6%

8.6%

20.7%

2.9%

7.3x

1.4x

8.6%

13.7%

-5.9%

-2.5%

േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ŝŶĐŚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ďLJ േϭϰ͘ϯďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ mixed ƚƌĂĚĞĚ as ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ volumeďLJ traded Ϯϭ͘ϲй fellƚŽ 5.6% ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ to 186.3m ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ units while value value ƚƌĂĚĞĚ traded ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ rose ϴϴ͘ϱй 70.1% ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ to േϭ͘ϴďŶ͘ The most The traded most traded stocks stocks by volume by volume were dZ E^ KZW were SOVRENINS ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ (19.7m & E, units),(11.1m WAPCO ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ (17.4m ĂŶĚ K E K units), and ;ϳ͘ϯŵ HONYFLOUR ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ (15.0m E ^d> units) ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ while MTNN E' D ;േϰϵϲ͘ϳŵͿ͕ ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K WAPCO;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ ;േϯϴϮ͘ϰŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ GTCO

;േϭϰϳ͘ϮŵͿ

ůĞĚ

ďLJ

ǀĂůƵĞ͘

Bearish Sector Performance Mixed Sector Performance Across sectors under our coverage, performance was Across sectors under our coverage, performance was bearish as 4 indices lost, 1 index gained ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &Z-/ d mixed as 3 indices gained while the AFRŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ ICT, Industrial and Consumer Goods ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ er 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ Insurance indices, down 4.6% and The Insurance index led gainers, up Ϯ͘ϯй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚ-ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> (ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ // K ;нϴ͘ϰйͿ͕ t W/ ;нϮ͘ϬͿ͕ ĂŶĚ D E^ Z 9.1%), hE/> s Z (-3.5%), >/E< ^^hZ (-6.4%), ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ the Oil & Gas and ĂŶŬŝŶŐ indices and D E^ Z (-Ϯ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ rose Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ d ZE ing indices fell by Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ^^ ;нϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, ;нϭ͘ϰйͿ͘ ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K (-0.8%), E/d, (-Ϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;-Ϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ Investor er, up^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ 1.8% driven by price apprecia-

ƟŽŶ in E' D /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ (+3.3%). ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϯ͘Ϯdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϴdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ĂƐ Ϯϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϮ stocks /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ declined. ETERNA (+10.0%), AIICO (+8.4%), and GLAX/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ OSMITH (+7.9%) led the gainers while IKEJAHOTEL (;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ 1.6x 10.0%), SCOA (-9.4%), and ABCTRANS (-8.3%) led the losĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ stocks ers. /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂů ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ Ă advanced while 15 stocks declined. MRS (+9.9%), MAYďƵůůŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͘ BAKER (+9.8%), and HONYFLOUR (+9.8%) led gainers

14 International Brew eries PLC 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 16 SEPLAT Energy PLC 17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

STOCK (-4.8%) led losers. Today, we expect the market ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ĐƟŽŶ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ĂƐ earnings season gradually zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƚĞƌŶĂ Žŝů ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ announced on the exchange the acwinds up. ƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ϳϵϰ͕ϵϲϵ͕ϳϳϰ ;ϲϬ͘ϵϴйͿ ĞƋƵŝƚLJ ƐƚĂŬĞ ďLJ WƌĞůŝŶĞ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ ĂƐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĚŝǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ Ɛŝdž ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ƐƵďͲ ƐƚĂŶƟĂů ƐŚĂƌĞŚŽůĚĞƌƐ͘

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 Sterling Bank PLC 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 29 United Capital PLC 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 Total Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Wema Bank PLC

1.3%

-21.0%

-21.0%

1.2%

10.2%

10.2%

759.70

0.0%

2.1%

88.8%

3.1%

1.7%

7.4%

3.2%

20.2x

0.6x

5.8%

5.0%

0.0%

1.0%

20.9%

20.9%

37.4%

23.6%

8.1x

2.8x

6.8%

12.3%

0.0%

0.7%

-4.8%

-4.8%

11.4%

1.1%

2.4x

0.3x

9.1%

41.8%

5.45

0.9%

0.7%

-9.2%

-9.2%

1.5%

0.1%

18.2x

0.2x

17.50

0.0%

0.6%

-0.6%

-0.6%

25.6%

12.1%

6.8x

1.6x

8.6%

14.8%

3.07

2.3%

0.5%

-7.8%

-7.8%

1.53

0.0%

0.3%

-25.0%

-25.0%

8.9%

0.8%

3.9x

0.3x

3.3%

15.70

0.0%

0.4%

8.3%

8.3%

20.7%

5.9%

15.7x

3.2x

2.7%

6.4%

0.95

0.0%

0.4%

5.6%

5.6%

-1.3%

-0.3%

0.6x

1.0%

-2.2%

73.00

0.6%

0.3%

2.9%

2.9%

1.8x

2.7%

15.00

0.0%

0.2%

7.9%

7.9%

-6.2%

-4.1%

1.4x

5.75

0.0%

0.2%

8.5%

8.5%

7.15

0.0%

0.3%

51.8%

51.8%

35.5%

4.2%

0.0%

0.4%

63.2%

63.2%

-17.8%

-9.0%

6.35

0.0%

0.2%

8.5%

8.5%

24.7%

7.5%

3.1x

0.8x

1.03

8.4%

0.2%

-8.8%

-8.8%

21.6%

3.3%

4.4x

0.5x

199.20

0.0%

0.3%

53.2%

53.2%

25.00

0.0%

0.2%

41.9%

41.9%

18.3%

2.4%

5.0x

29.0%

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

-0.4%

0.2%

27.6%

5.5%

4.9%

31.00

5.5x

1.8x

9.8%

0.9x 8.7%

22.8% 15.8%

0.8x

1.6%

19.9% 19.8%

11.7%

0.7%

5.0x

0.6x

4.5%

7.5%

0.9%

5.6x

0.6x

4.9%

27.6%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

5.4x

0.7x

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-38.7%

-9.5%

0.0%

0.1%

-4.4%

-4.4%

12.8%

8.7%

4.70

0.0%

0.0%

30.6%

30.6%

32.0%

2.0%

29.0%

62.50

18.3% -20.9%

6.3x

52.95

25.9%

-4.6%

-100.0%

17.7% 49.2%

2.1x

-21.2% 2.0%

18.4%

0.8x T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er

-13.6% 5.8%

2.40

4.72

38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

88.8% -100.0%

0.8x 0.7x

110.00

0.89

36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 37 Oando PLC

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

SOVR EN IN S

19.7

4.5%

WA P C O

17.4

0.0%

7.9%

H ON YF LOUR

15.0

7.5%

3.46

7.5%

M B EN EF IT

14.7

3.1%

0.44

7.3%

UB A

8.0

0.0%

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

ET ER N A

7.50

10.0%

A IIC O

1.03

8.4%

GLA XOSM IT H

6.80

H ON YF LOUR F T N C OC OA UN IT YB N K

T ic k er

0.60

7.1%

J A IZ B A N K

7.2

-1.6%

LIVEST OC K

2.11

5.5%

WEM A B A N K

5.3

0.0%

A C A D EM Y

0.39

5.4%

GT C O

5.3

0.0%

5.2

0.0%

5.0

2.0%

CHA M S

0.22

4.8%

T R A N SC OR P

SOVR EN IN S

0.23

4.5%

WA P IC

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

IKEJ A H OT EL

1.26

-10.0%

M TNN

496.7

0.0%

SC OA

1.44

-9.4%

WA P C O

382.4

0.0%

A B CTRA NS

0.33

-8.3%

GT C O

147.2

0.0%

P ric e C hg %

C H A M P ION

2.10

-4.5%

SEP LA T

112.1

0.0%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.50

-3.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

95.7

-0.4%

C UT IX

4.90

-2.0%

UB A

60.0

0.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.62

-1.6%

H ON YF LOUR

52.4

7.5% 0.0%

VIT A F OA M

16.50

-1.5%

N EST LE

35.2

F LOUR M ILL

28.65

-0.7%

FB NH

30.7

1.4%

1.99

-0.5%

UC A P

30.3

0.0%

N EIM ET H

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

0.0% -0.7%

0.0%

T ic k er

while ABCTRANS (-8.3%), LASACO (-6.7%), and LIVE-

4.70 28.65

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu| dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S DAY

39

MARKET NEWS 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

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 25Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated.

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 155.07 156.41 -4.21% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.94% Nigeria International Debt Fund 321.93 321.93 -15.87% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 109.89 109.89 -1.95% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.49% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.30 3.46 -2.99% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.68 20.27 8.50% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 432.48 445.52 8.02% ARM Ethical Fund 38.30 39.46 13.62% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.01% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.98 -7.31% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.14% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.86 105.86 4.08% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,028.32 1,028.32 2.83% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.56% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.03 2.03 -8.67% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -7.38% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.60% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.03% Paramount Equity Fund 16.47 16.78 3.00% Women’s Investment Fund 136.38 137.96 2.48% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.47% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.99 118.75 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.02 108.02 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bonds Fund 1,406.39 1,406.39 11.21% FBN Balanced Fund 191.03 192.37 1.78% FBN Halal Fund 112.06 112.06 8.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.34% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

126.87 155.97

126.87 3.52% 159.28 3.17% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.96 1.59 1.18

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 5.72% 3.96 2.46% 1.62 4.45% 1.18 4.32% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A 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 1.43 1.45 4.86% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.35 1,146.35 5.57% 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 11.43 11.46 9.29% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 9.32% 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 1.67 1.69 7.15% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.54 11.53 -5.11% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.01% PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.66 3.96% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.90 114.76 2.78% 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 131.71 134.29 8.88% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 1.05 1.05 10.04% 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 3,291.85 3,326.65 2.49% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 232.50 232.50 3.40% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.23 3.81% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 306.38 306.38 3.98% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 224.50 227.82 2.86% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.74% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,374.20 10,520.16 -1.15% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 3.55% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.38 115.38 3.87% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 103.24 103.24 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.61% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.32% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.15% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.17% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.93 119.93 4.78% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 3.72% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 6.04% 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 12.89 13.00 8.59% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.23 14.36 16.49% Zenith Income Fund 24.31 24.31 1.35% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.99%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

125.36 51.90

10.94% 2.86%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.35 121.66 97.22 17.46 18.24

13.45 124.69 99.34 17.56 18.34

1.04% 1.18% -2.01%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

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 Money Market 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

3.90 5.54 17.50 1.00 19.67 157.36

3.94 5.62 17.60 1.00 19.87 159.36

3.19% -2.62% 7.79% 6.32% -4.13% -28.43%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

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.

40

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 • T H I S D AY

41

42

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Finally, Bandits Release Tegina Islamiyya School Pupils How TB Joshua offered to pay ransom before dying Laleye Dipo in Minna Bandits, late last night, eventually released pupils of the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School, Tegina, in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, who had been abducted since May 30 this year.

THISDAY learnt that the girls were dumped around Birnin-Gwari town in Kaduna State at about 7.30pm Thursday.

Meanwhile, if not for his untimely passing, the late Pastor Temitope B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), had offered to pay the N200 million ransom the same day he died.

But the girls, sources hinted, were not released until the school’s Head Teacher, Alhaji Alhassan Abubakar Garba, was available as demanded by the bandits.

The pupils were allegedly loaded in some government vehicles and had headed to Minna, the state capital, as at press time.

It was not known if additional ransom was paid before the release of the pupils but the bandits had insisted on collecting N30m and six Bajaj Motorcycles before they would set them free.

The remaining 130 pupils were, however, released after

six of them had reportedly died of cold, malnutrition and fever.

A competent source told THISDAY that the children, who

had immediately left for Minna would be received by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of the state today after their profiling.

When contacted, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, said, “I have heard that too but I cannot

say anything until we see them.”

A top politician from the local government area, who pleaded anonymity and had

been monitoring the development since the pupils were abducted, told THISDAY that “they (Pupils) are intact”.

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS…

L-R: President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; President /Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mallam Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mrs. Comfort Nwankwo; and Lead Consult, Addefort Limited/conference organiser, Mr. Olabamiji Adeleye, during the eighth Lagos Public Relations stakeholders’ conference on “ Policy Communication for Sustainable Healthcare and Wellness in Nigeria held in Lagos...yesterday

Revealed: Niger Pupils NPDC: MOSOP Kicks against Oil Exploration in Ogoni Fed with Expired Rice Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Laleye Dipo in Minna Some legislators in the Niger State House of Assembly have alleged that school children under the Whole Grown School Feeding Programme of the federal government are being fed with expired rice in schools in the state.

The lawmakers also claimed that four pupils share one egg during their meals.

Speaking under a motion of ‘Urgent Public Importance’, the member representing Suleja constituency, Alhaji Liman Iya, who spoke on behalf of the legislators that carried out the investigation, also alleged that a lot of malpractices have been discovered in the school feeding programme in the state.

According to him, “We wonder why primary school pupils in the state are served poor and under-nutritious

meals. We are disturbed by this, as it will defeat the purpose of the programme.

“We also received a lot of messages showing pictures of the type of food being fed the children. Our investigation showed that the rice fed the children is expired, and God knows how it was prepared.”

The lawmaker also claimed their investigation revealed that the ration given to the children was not enough, pointing out that meals meant for one person “are often shared among three pupils.

The lawmaker said: “There are so many complaints across the state. So many malpractices are happening that need to be addressed.”

The lawmaker, therefore, asked the Assembly to invite the state Focal Person of the programme to defend all the allegations.

Gastroenteritis: Sokoto Records 18 Deaths in One Week Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Sokoto State Government yesterday confirmed that it has recorded not less than 18 deaths in the state within a week as a result of gastroenteritis.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ali Muhammed Inname, stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at council’s chamber in Sokoto.

Inname disclosed that the council has approved the upgrading of four Primary Health Centres (PHC) located at different parts of the state to general hospitals.

The upgrading of the PHCs,

according to the commissioner, would cost the state over N700 million.

One of these PHCs is in Salam, which was awarded at the cost of N125.6 million while that of Sanyinna, in Tambuwal Local Government would cost N210.7 million.

Another one in Kuchi town in Kebbe Local Government would cost N167 million as well as the one opposite market in Achida, Wurno Local Government at the cost of N 263.4 million.

He also stated that the state recorded a total number of 252 positive case of gastro-enteritis across 16 local government areas between Friday, August 19, 2021, and today.

Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has disagreed with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) over resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land. This as the ethnic group has insisted that NPDC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC), wanted to resume oil activities in the area through the back door.

The Steering Committee of the group warned that the NPDC was masking behind a Court of Appeal judgement in favour of the Federal Government, without any recognizable consultation, with the natives.

MOSOP said that at the end of the Steering Committee’s deliberations, yesterday, it was

discovered that NPDC, hastily entered Ogoni through the “back door and promising heaven on earth to wow the people.”

In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the MOSOP, Friday Nkpah, the group said there were more to the promises made by the company, judging by recent developments in the Niger Delta.

MOSOP said: “We strongly believe that there are more to the actions of NPDC than meets the eye. Weighing recent developments in Nigeria affecting the Niger Delta region, especially Ogoni, against the rapidity with which the NNPC subsidiary rushed into the area, points to some unwholesome intent. Hence, we urge all Ogonis to roundly reject the corporation.

Police Rescue Three Kidnapped Victims in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State Police Command yesterday said that it rescued three kidnapped victims at Elefo Farm in Tafatafa village in Asa Local Government Area of the state.

They were kidnapped by men suspected to be in army camouflage on Monday while

working on their farms.

In a statement that was issued in Ilorin by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, said that the men were rescued unhurt through collaborative efforts of the police, vigilante and local hunter and handed over to their families.

Okasanmi said: “The command is happy to inform

the public that the victims, one Divine Favour ‘m,’ one Tosin Arogundade ‘m’, and one Mariam Salihu ‘f’, all of Elefo Farm in Asa Local Government Area have all been rescued unhurt and released to their families, through the collaborative effort of the police, vigilante, local hunters and the family of the victims.

“The command also wishes to assure the good people of Kwara of the its readiness to confront and bring to their knees all forms of criminality in the state.

He, therefore, hinted that efforts are on top gear to get the abducted 300 level female student of Kwara State University rescued as we are closing in on the suspects.

Man Hacks Wife to Death with Sledge Hammer, Commits Suicide

Olusegun Samuel inYenagoa

A 43-year-old civil servant identified as Patrick Markson, has allegedly committed suicide after hacking his wife to death with a sledge hammer in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State’s capital.

The incident, which happened yesterday in the couple’s residence in Yenagoa, left many

of their neighbors in shock and disbelief.

It was gathered that Markson, who was a civil servant and worked with the Yenagoa Local Government Area, allegedly hit the wife’s head with a sledge hammer while she was deep asleep and watched her bleed to death.

After watching his wife bleed to death, the man was said to

have swallowed a poisonous substance suspected to be a popular insecticide called ‘sniper’.

Confirming the sad incident, the Spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said operatives of the command have evacuated the corpses of the man and woman.

Butswat said the incident happened at Odede Street,

off Tombia- Amassoma Road, Yenagoa.

He said: “Preliminary investigation reveals that one Patrick Markson ‘m’ 46 years, a native of Onopa, Yenagoa, attacked and killed his wife, Mrs. Hannah Markson ‘f’ with a hammer. Thereafter drank a poisonous substance suspected to be sniper, which led to his death.

Fayemi: Ekiti Will Get Airport in 2022 Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has assured the people of the state that the International Cargo Airport under construction would be completed before the expiration of his tenure on October 15, 2022.

Fayemi attributed the millions of dollar investments in the state

by local and foreign investors to the collaboration between his administration and development partners.

The governor, who was represented Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mr. Bisi Egbeyemi, at the first edition of Ekiti Civic Engagement with various interest groups in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said that he had been pursuing

development partners to lift the state economy in defiance of the global financial challenges.

He said that some of the projects facilitated by government’s partnership with development partners include the resuscitated Ikun Dairy Farm; Rice Mills in Ado Ekiti; Cassava Processing Plants in Oke AkoIrele axis; rehabilitation of major

dams; construction of interstate roads, the ongoing Agro Cargo Airport, among others, He said the event was an opportunity to shed light on various empowerment programmes and other human capital development initiatives for artisans, women, youths, owners of small scale businesses, farmers and the aged.

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS XTRA

MNJTF: 43 Insurgents, Seven Soldiers Killed in Firefight Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) said yesterday that troops killed 43 fighters of terrorist groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) during a clash with troops of Sector 4 Diffa in Niger Republic, when their location was attacked by the terrorists.

But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, has charged troops to continue to exhibit gallantry in the fight against banditry, insurgency and other sundry crimes.

A war update issued by Chief of Military Public Information Headquarters, MNJTF, N`Djamena, Chad, Col. Muhammad Dole, said troops of the sector deployed in Baroua came under heavy attack by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the wee hours of Wednesday, August 25, 2021.

“Troops tactically canalised the criminals to their effective killing zone, brought heavy fire on them and neutralised scores of the terrorists while others escaped with various degrees of injury.

“At the end of the encounter, a total of 43 dead bodies of BHT/ ISWAP insurgents were scattered

around the engagement areas.

One terrorist suspected to be their leader was caught alive and large cache of arms, ammunitions were

recovered and four enemy gun trucks were destroyed.

“Extremely regrettable, however, seven gallant MNJTF soldiers

paid the supreme sacrifice while four other soldiers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are being treated in a

military hospital.” The MNJTF said coincidently, the Force Commander, MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim,

was at the Headquarters, Sector 4 Diffa on August 25, 2021 on the final leg of his familiarisation/ operational visit to the sectors.

NEW CHEFS IN TOWN…

L-R: Second runner-up, ONGAlicious Next Top Chef, Mrs. Rita Okon; Winner of the competition, Mrs Bibian Ugwumbara; and first runner up, Mrs.Joan Azonobor, during the final competition in Lagos....recently ABIODUN AJALA

Umahi Denies Receiving FG Decries Delay by Some States to Domesticate N6bn for Ranching Child Rights Act who noted that remarkable become the greatest threat to Violence against Children.

Okon Bassey in Uyo in Ebonyi progress has been made with achieving lasting peace and “It is disheartening to note

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has denied that the state was part of those that received N6 billion from the federal government, to create ranching reserves for herdsmen in the state.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi faulted the claims made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, that Ebonyi State had processed and received the money.

The governor said: “Ebonyi State Government never at any time received any money for ranching in the state, and will not receive any money for the same purpose as there is no available land for ranching in the state.

“Any Ebonyi person who wishes to engage in personal ranching should see such venture as a personal decision and must use his/her land for such purpose. This is because Ebonyi State Government has continued to maintain that there is no land for ranching in the state, and won’t renege from the decision.”

However, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Linus Okorie, has commended the state government for speaking up on vital issue, but urged it to go further to clear all doubts.

In a statement issued and made available to THISDAY, the two-term member of the House of Representatives stated that the denial by the governor was impressive as it shows that the government has exhibited responsiveness to the concerns of the people.

The federal government yesterday expressed worry that only 26 states of the federation have domesticated the Child Rights Act (CRA), which was passed into law 19 years ago.

This statement was made by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen,

the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, which has been domesticated by 29 states.

Tallen regretted that violence against children was the most pronounced violation of Human Rights across the globe, “yet it is one of the least prosecuted offences and has

sustainable development.”

She made these observations during the 21st National Council Meeting on Women Affairs, which was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, and pointed out that the Nigeria in 2017 became a path finding country within the Global Partnership to End

that since the passage of the Child Rights Act in 2003 only 26 states have domesticated it, with 10 states still outstanding.

Remarkable progress has however been made with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 with 29 states that have domesticated it.”

Ekiti Assembly Passes 62 Bills in Two Years Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has disclosed that a total of 62 bills have been passed into law by the legislative arm of the state within the last 26 months it was inaugurated.

Aribasoye, who represents Ikole state constituency II, stated that out of the bills,

a total of 53 were sponsored by the executive, while nine belonged to the private category, from which he sponsored four to guarantee good governance at the grassroots.

In tandem with the position canvassed by the Zamfara State Governor, Hon. Bello Mutawalle, Aribasoye called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency

declare a state of emergency in the security sector of the country.

The lawmaker stated this in Ado-Ekiti yesterday while interacting with journalists, where he debunked the claim by opposition that the state Assembly is an appendage of the executive arm.

Speaking on the activities of the Assembly in the last two years, the lawmaker

maintained that the fact that the lawmakers have been cooperating with the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and passed some bills speedily to guarantee good governance shouldn’t be a basis for them to be branded as stooges.

According to him, “We have passed nine private bills, four of them I personally sponsored and had been passed and assented to by the governor.

Herdsmen Attacks: Group Urges Minister Urges Political Elites to Support Youths for Nation’s Devt country for development. functional. international cooperation.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Rivers to Protect Citizens Speaking yesterday at the He said Nigeria was Abubakar noted that the

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Following the continuous invasion of farms, killings, rape, abduction and abuses of rights of farmers by suspected herdsmen in some communities in Rivers State, a group, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC), has urged the state government to enforce the Anti-Open Grazing laws to end the menace.

The group decried that despite the passage and assent to antiopen grazing laws, farmers still lament over the incessant attacks by the herdsmen.

The state Governor, Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, had on August 19, 2021, assented to the Open Rearing and Grazing (Prohibition) Law No. 5 of 2021,

among others.

Some farmers in the state, especially those from Lueken community in the Ogoni area, where there has been reported cases of herdsmen attacks, had thanked the governor, expressing their support for the smooth implementation of the law, an appreciation for saving them from herdsmen attack.

However, speaking with THISDAY yesterday, the Executive Director of YEAC, Fyneface Dumnamene, revealed that six days after assenting to the Anti-Open Grazing law, herdsmen allegedly invaded farms in Eleme Local Government Area, attacking farmers, shooting sporadically, creating fear, and abducting one of the women said to have been hired to work in a cassava farm.

The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, has called on all political elites in the country to commit towards supporting the Nigerian youths for climate innovation and solutions in order to drawn attention to environmental challenges and reposition the

launch of Nigeria’s long-term low emission Vision 2050 and Investment/Financial Flow Assessment Reports, Abubakar said pledges and supports are expected in all forms to optimise the energy and creativity of the Nigerian youths, and make the innovative hub fully

committed to Article 6 of the Framework Convention and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to empower citizens to engage in climate actions, through youth engagements, education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information and

inter-generational equity is one of the Article 3 principles underpinning the UNFCCC, stressing that in a context of all-inclusiveness, the Nigerian youths have made tremendous input into promoting climate actions, and these efforts must be encourage at all levels.

One Student Feared Killed in Kwara Cult War

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A student of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has been reportedly killed while two others sustained severe injuries in an ongoing cult war in Ilorin.

THISDAY checks revealed that the cultists attacks occurred at the Institute of Technology (IoT), mini campus area of the

polytechnic, located in Adewole area of Ilorin.

An eyewitness account told THISDAY yesterday that three suspected cultists were reportedly attacked while in a car at the mini campus of the institution by a rival group.

Consequently, members of the cult groups were seen freely using dangerous weapons such

as axes and cutlasses to attack one another yesterday afternoon.

The two students who sustained severe injuries were rushed to a nearby private hospital in Adewole area for treatment while the remains of the deceased were also evacuated and taken to a mortuary.

Also, the identity of the slain

suspected cultist is yet unknown as at the time of filing this report.

“One of the members of a cult group died on the spot while the other two were rushed to the nearest hospital,” the source said.

The attacks of the suspected cultists in the car have prompted retaliation as the students were seen mobilising themselves for counter attack.

44

FRIDAY AUGUST 27, 2021 •T H I S D AY

45

˾ FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021

WORLD OF ISLAM

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

Lost History of Women Scholars in Islam By: Al-Muhaddithat/IslamiCity

I

t surprises people to learn that women living under an Islamic order could be scholars, that is, hold the authority that attaches to being knowledgeable about what Islam commands, and therefore sought after and deferred to.

The typical Western view is that no social order has (or aspires to have) more ‘religion’ in it than Islam. The more “religion’ a society has in it, the more restricted the scope in that society for women to enjoy agency and authority. Behind that is the assumption that religion is ‘really’ a human construct, done mainly by men and therefore done to secure advantages for them at the expense of women.

Muslims, of course, do not share this view.

In the Quran and Sunnah, Muslims believe they have a framework of guidance that is strictly impartial and sufficient because God’s knowledge and mercy encompass all beings and all their pasts and futures. Any human derivation from and within that framework is subject to revision, but the framework itself is not. Accordingly, in the Islamic tradition, to say ‘God says in His Book’ decides the argument.

Where it is not certain how the guidance of the Quran is to be acted upon, Muslims look to the example of how God’s Messenger acted in the same or a similar situation. The record of his example (Sunnah) is now, for all practical purposes, conveyed through a body of texts, known singly and collectively as hadith (lit. ‘saying). A man who becomes an expert in knowledge of the hadith is called a muhaddith; a woman, muhaddithah (plural, muhaddithat).

The Quran rebukes the people of the jahiliyyah (the Ignorance before Islam) for their negative attitude to women. “When news is brought to one of them of [the birth of] a girl, his face darkens, and he is chafing within! He hides himself from his folk because of the evil he has had news of. Shall he keep it in disdain or bury it in the dust? Ah - how evil the judgment they come to!” (Quran, 16:58-59) The costly prospect of bringing up a daughter (a son was expected to enhance a clan’s military and economic potential) perhaps explains this negative response to the birth of a girl. Burying infant girls alive was a custom among some (not all) of the Arab tribes of that time. The Quran warns of retribution for this gross atrocity on the day When the infant buried alive shall be asked for what sin she was killed (Quran, 81:8-9) Human rights and duties indicated in the Quran are pegged to two fundamentals that are the same for men and women - namely they being creatures and slaves of God, their Creator, and Lord, and they being the issue of a single human self. God has said in the Quran; “O humankind, be wary of your Lord who created you from a single self, and from it created its pair, and from the pair of them scattered many men and women. Be wary of God, through Whom you ask of one another [your rights and needs] and close kindred:! God is ever-watchful over you”. (al-Nisa 4:1) And (al-Araf, 7:189): “He, it is Who created you from a single self, and made from it its mate, so that he might settle at rest with her….”. Male and female are created for the same purpose: “I have not created jinn and humankind except so that they worship Me” (al-Dhariyat, 51:56).

The Quranic term ‘abd signifies both ‘worshipper and ‘slave’ in relation to God. The duties owed to God, and the virtues that ensue from the effort to do them, are the same for men and women. This is affirmed in a well-known Quranic verse. The verse and the occasion of its revelation are recorded in this hadith, narrated by Abd al-Rahman ibn Shaybah: I heard Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ADISA YETUNDE ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWASEYI YETUNDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AMEDE IYEKEKPOLOR, now wish to be known and addressed as AMEDE UHEBAGUI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that HALIRU ISMAILA DALHAT was the name I used in the university and NYSC, and HALLIRU ISMAIL on my International passport belongs to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as HALLIRU ISMAIL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, ENEJOR EPHRAIM ENEJOR, my name was wrongly spelt as ENEOJO EPHRAIM ENEOJO instead of ENEJOR EPHRAIM ENEJOR. My correct name is ENEJOR EPHRAIM ENEJOR. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

(pbuh) say: I asked the Prophet (pbuh) Why are we [women] not mentioned in the Quran as the men are mentioned? [...] Then, I was alerted that day by his call on the pulpit. [...] At that moment, I was combing my hair. I gathered up my hair and went to one of the rooms; I listened hard. I heard him saying on the pulpit: O people, God says in His Book: The Muslim men and Muslim women; the believing men and believing women; the men who are obedient [to God] and women who are obedient [to God]; the men who are truthful and the women who are truthful; the men who are persevering and patient and the women who are persevering and patient; the men who give alms and the women who give alms; the men who are humble and the women who are humble; the men who fast and the women who fast; the men who guard their chastity and the women who guard their chastity, and the men who remember God much and the women who remember God much - God has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.

(AL-HAKIM, al-Mustadrak, ii. 416. The verse cited is al-Ahzab, 33:35) Having ‘the knowledge’ and the conscientious preserving, transmitting and understanding it is the strong basis for the public authority that learned Muslims, men and women, were able to command.

Sometimes there were different opinions on the import of the knowledge people had. Still, the differences were not settled based on the gender or the tribe, or socio-economic class of the person who conveyed it.

A striking case is that of Amrah bint Abd al-Rahman, the great tabi’iyyah (Successor), muhaddithah and faqihah, who intervened in a court case in Madinah to prevent a miscarriage of justice. It is remarkable enough that she knew that the case was in progress and the circumstances of it and what sentence the qadr had passed but not yet carried out. Many famous men jurists were residents and active in the city; none of them intervened. What is astonishing is that she did intervene, and no one questioned her right to do so. The defendant was a non-Muslim, not known to Amrah except as the defendant in this suit, in which she had no personal, private interest. The qãdi reversed his decision and released the defendant only because he could have no argument against the authority of the hadith she was able to cite. He did not know or remember it, or simply failed to bring it to bear when reaching his judgment. Once he knew the hadith, he did as a Muslim should – he acted upon it.

The Quran speaks about women in general and specific terms. It does not associate womanhood with inferiority or deficiency of any sort, any primordial sin, or any disposition to sin not also found in men, or any disposition to induce sin in others not also found in men. It does not regard women as an appendage of men but as distinct beings, each called individually, just as are men. The language of the Quran, Arabic, like many others, uses masculine forms to mean women also unless the context expressly excludes them. The grammar does not require women to be expressly included; therefore, when that explicit inclusion occurs, it is all the more striking. The above verse 33:35 enumerates the virtues, distinctly for men and women. Starting with the next verse in that surah, here are a few more examples: It is not for a believing man or believing woman when God and His Messenger have decided a matter [...] (al-Ahzab, 33:36).

Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, male or female (Al Imran, 3:195).

(Excerpted and adapted from Al-Muhaddithat: The Women Scholars in Islam by Mohammad Akram Nadwi).

CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as POPOOLA ABOSEDE ABIDEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKANMBI ABOSEDE ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formally known and called AYOBAMI OLUGBEMISOLA OLUSANYA now wishes to be known and called AYOBAMI OLUGBEMISOLA ENIOLA-OLAITAN. Former documents remain valid.

General public to note, please.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. GBADAMOSI BILIKIS MOJISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEMOYE BILIKIS MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FUNKE ALLISON-HIBBERT now wish to be known and addressed as ADADE AURELIA OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AWOJULUGBE OLUSEYI SERAH, no wish to be known and addressed as OLAPOJU OLUSEYI SERAH. All previous documents remain valid, University of Lagos and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IDONGESIT MATTHEW ETIM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IDONGESIT CHIYEMEZU OVUNDA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GLORIA NNEKA USIADE, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA NNEKA CHUKWUEMEKA AMA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AINA FODILAT OMOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH FODILAT OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

46

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Latifat Tijani Begins Team Nigeria's Gold Rush Latifat Tijani yesterday won Nigeria's first gold medal of the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in para-powerlift women’s - 45kg category.

Latifat, 39, started with 105. She failed the first attempt but lifted it in the second attempt. She lifted 107 in her third and final attempt.

The Nigerian lifter attempted 117 to set a games record but she did succeed. She was not prepared for it. It was the Nigerian delegation that urged her to attempt the games record as her failure would not affect the result.

Silver medal went to Cui Zhe of China. She started with 95, then

100 in successful 1st and second attempts. When she saw Lati had lifted 105, she booked 110 and even increased it to 112 for her final attempt Justyna Kozdryk of Poland who started with 93 and 95 successfully.

She then booked 101 for her final attempt knowing she was already in the podium for the bronze.

Cui, also seeing that Justyna stopped at 101, decided to respect herself and scaled down her 112 booking to 102 to settle for silver.

So with the successful 105 in her second attempt, Latifat had the gold before her final attempt. She also however did the 107 final attempt successfully.

Latifat Tijani , proud winner of Nigeria's first gold medal in Tokyo

NFF Opts for Plan B as Rohr Lists Musa, Ekong, Ndidi, 27 Others for Liberia, Cape Verde Femi Solaja The waiting game is finally over as Super Eagles' Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, yesterday released his 30-man list of players to prosecute the Match-day 1 and 2 of the World Cup 2022 qualifying series starting next weekend.

The list however did not include any player from the domestic league as previously speculated.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Rohr. were forced to activate Nigeria's Plan B following the English Premier Leagues' refusal to shift ground on its

WORLD CUP 2022 decision not to allow players from its league to travel to countries with higher risks of catching covid-19.

Left with no choice than to invite alternative players to prosecute the two matches starting with the home match in Lagos against Lone Star of Liberia.

The Franco/German coach, as THISDAY reported during the week, retained most of the reliable with goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho, defenders William Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem and Leon

Balogun.

Midfielders include; Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi with Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen as forwards on the roster.

According to NFF’s Director of Media and Communication, Ademola Olajire, “the situation with UK-based players, who may not be heading to Cape Verde (a country on red list of the British Government), caused the list of invited players to be enlarged.

However, he insisted that should the situation remain unchanged, the eight UKbased players on the list

would head back to base after the clash with Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Friday,” he noted.

There is a return for South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi whose last outing for Eagles was the 1-2 loss to Algeria in the semi-final of AFCON 2019 in Egypt, defenders like Kenneth Omeruo and Kevin Akpoguma also made their return same as Greece-based forward, Henry Onyekuru.

Former junior international Kingsley Michael was also called, as Innocent Bonke from Sweden will join the Nigerian camp for the first

time to fill the void created by the pandemic challenge the global soccer is currently facing.

According to the plans put together by NFF, the match at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Friday, 3rd September will kick-off by 5pm and with Eagles traveling to the island of Mindelo to tango with the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde on Tuesday, 7th September.

Central African Republic is the other team in the group, and they will line up for home-and-away encounters with the Super Eagles in October.

Agunbiade, Koleosho Fight Back to Reckoning in Para-table Tennis After a shaky start in which they lost their first matches, the duo of Tajudeen Agunbiade and Koleosho Ahmed, stroked their way back into reckoning in the men's singles table tennis event on day two of the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Agunbiade, a Sydney 2000 double gold medallist defeated highly rated Zhao Yi Qing of China 3-2 in what was seen as the match of the evening.

The old war horse started strong, picking the first two sets at 11-7, 11-5 but Zhao fought back to also claim the next two at 11-7, 11-7. Agunbiade however stood firm to win the final set at 11-9

in a fight to the finish.

His victory takes him into the quarter finals against Devos Laurens of Belgium who won the Class 9 gold medal in Rio 2016 and the Lasko 2018 World Championships as well as having nine European Championships titles to his credit.

Koleosho jerked off from a 5-11 first set loss to Ukrainian Petruniv Victor to seize three straight sets at 13-11, 11-7 and 11-9 in another feisty match at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Isau Ogunkunle who began his contest yesterday started well with an 11-8 first set lead but conceded three sets at 5-11, 11-13 and 7-11 to

Thomas Maxime of France, after which he also lost 7-11, 7-11, 11-7 and 9-11 to Saleh Ahmed of Egypt.

Olufemi Alabi did not fare better as he lost in three straight sets, 9-11, 8-11 and 6-11 to Australian Joel Coughlan just as Farinloye Victor fell 14-12, 5-11 and 6-11 to Great Britain's Billy Shilton.

Nigeria's women's singles only entry, Faith Obazuaye, also fell in her second game to Zhao Xiaoping of China 6-11, 5-11 and 9-11.

She however has another chance to proceed if she can make good over Yang Qian of Australia in her third match today just as Olufemi Alabi has a third chance with Radovic Filip of Montenegro.

Agunbiade

THE FULL LIST GOALKEEPERS: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands) DEFENDERS: Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany) MIDFIELDERS: Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland) FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium) SEVEN OTHERS: Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium); Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy); Kingsley Michael (Bologna FC, Italy)

47

FRIDAY, ͺͿ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

PSG Draw Man City in UCL Group Stage Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, two of the leading candidates to win the Champions League, will face each other in the group stage of this season's competition after coming out together in yesterday’s Pep Guardiola's City beat PSG in the semi-finals of last season's Champions League on the way to losing the final

to Chelsea in Porto.

Qatar-owned Paris responded to that disappointment by signing Lionel Messi and there is a chance that the two meetings of the clubs could see the Argentine come up against his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese forward is being strongly linked with a

move to Abu Dhabi-owned City from Juventus before the European transfer window closes on Tuesday, August 31.

The clubs are in Group A along with RB Leipzig and Belgian champions Club Brugge.

Leipzig were already in a group with PSG last season, the two sides qualifying for the

last 16 ahead of Manchester United.

The Germans, who also lost to PSG in the 2020 semi-finals in Lisbon, lost coach Julian Nagelsmann to Bayern Munich in the summer and replaced him with Jesse Marsch.

Holders Chelsea will play Juventus in Group H and both clubs will be expected

to advance from a section also including Russian champions Zenit Saint Petersburg and Malmo.

The Swedish champions knocked out Rangers in the third qualifying round.

Saint Petersburg will host this season's Champions League final on May 28 next year.

The draw in Istanbul also

saw Barcelona come out in a fascinating Group E along with Bayern Munich, Benfica and Ukrainian champions, Dynamo Kiev.

For Barca it will be a first meeting with Bayern since they were humbled 8-2 by the German giants in Benfica's Estadio da Luz in Lisbon in the quarterfinals a year ago.

Liverpool will face Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, meaning a return to the Wanda Metropolitano stadium where they beat Tottenham Hostpur in the 2019 final to win the European Cup for the sixth time.

Jurgen Klopp's side will also play AC Milan and FC Porto in Group B. Milan are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2013/14.

Manchester United came out in Group F with Villarreal, Atalanta and Swiss champions, Young Boys.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost to Villarreal on penalties in last season's Europa League final.

The first round of group fixtures will be played on September 14 and 15.

GROUP STAGE DRAW Group A: Man City, PSG, Leipzig, Bruges

Group B: Atletico, Liverpool, Porto, Milan

Group C: Sporting

Group D: Messi and Neymar getting ready to face Guardiola's Manchester City in Champions League

Olo: Giving to Golf Gives Me Joy The man who overlooked splendour and magnificence but gave his all so the Dolphin Golf Club situated inside the Naval Base at Ojo in Lagos, could rank among the very best golf clubs in Nigeria, Engineer Francis Olo, has disclosed that he gets great kicks out of life when he gives to golf.

Olo, who recently witnessed a five-star golf tourney played in his honour when he was bowing out of NNPC’s Department of Petroleum Resources as a top notch management staff, said that since the game of golf was just blossoming in Nigeria, wealthy individuals must come out to support it so the game would not collapse eventually. ‘’I can’t even say I rank among wealthy Nigerians”, Olo who has got an absolutely brilliant and analytic mind said. ‘’I just believe that people pass and money passes but the homeland remains. It is only what we do for people that will endure. Besides I

SPORTS PEOPLE always support the development of golf because I know that since this game evokes emotions in humans, it will help in building a virile Nigeria and set such strong

foothold for the youths’’.

Olo who has no time for top down bureaucracy and takes every human as equal has equally ensured that top quality Pro-Am tournaments are frequently played at the Dolphin. He has indeed accounted for sponsorship

of amateur tourneys at the St. Marks Golf Club in his home town of Otukpo. Several golf professionals in Nigeria would allude to the fact that Olo has gone beyond limits to ensure that ailing pro golf has not totally gone into extinction in Nigeria.

Francis Olo... giving back to golf gives him joy

Baketball, is an attempt at simplifying the fundamentals of the game of basketball to beginners.

Ogunade said the book could not have come at a better time. “The book is a welcome development as it captures the history and essence of basketball.

We lack data, statistics in this country and that is the gap Balogun has attempted to fill in his book,” he remarked.

In the same vein, veteran basketball coach, teacher and Technical Director of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketbal Federation, O'Brien Atoki, also commended the author for

Group F: Group G: Group H:

HiFL: UNN Lions Win, UNILAG Marines Draw First Leg

Ogunade, Adoki Extol Balogun's Book on B’ball Growth in Nigeria The Vice-president of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Babs Ogunade, has commended the initiative of coach Mark Balogun for his initiative in writing a book for beginners of the game of basketball.

At a well-attended ceremony at Police College, in Ikeja which attracted several stake holders of the sport, Ogunade noted that the effort of the author will no doubt bosst the development of the game for the young lads who are interested in basketball and many who would have encouraged to embrace it.

The book titled Understanding the Game

To further celebrate this real golf icon, a 40-page golf magazine that would herald his total golf story would be circulated around the 150 golf clubs in Nigeria during the month of October.

Group E:

Lisbon, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Besiktas Inter, Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk,Tiraspol Bayern, Barcelona, Benfica, Dynamo Villarreal, Man Utd, Atalanta, Young Boys Lille, Sevilla, Salzburg, Wolfsburg Chelsea, Juventus, Zenit, Malmo

impactful effort at elevating the game beyond what can be imagined.

“Do you want to understand and play basketball? If you are skilled, what about the rudiments, the history of how basketball started in Nigeria?”

Atoki added that all the answers were provided in the book.

He said the book also teaches the basics of the game.

“Movement with or without the ball, when to dribble and when to release the ball and many more.

The author, Balogun said that it's a book for lecturers, teachers, coaches, trainers, players and

beginners.

He said the 87-page book was a child of necessity. “I realised that most of our coaches lack the basic knowledge of the game and you can't give what you don't have,” he said.

Adding that concerned about the negative impact the wrong teachings of basic skills could have on the younger ones. “I noticed that most basketball coaches are quacks and I feel bad when I see people teaching wrong skills. I just felt the only way to change all that was putting the correct thing in print, hence my decision to write this book,” he remarked.

Quarter-final games in the ongoing Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) kicked off to an interesting beginning with games across four centres in the country.

In Lagos, the UNILAG Marines played a goalless draw with the AAUA Luminaries from Akungba. The game which was played at the Lagos State University Sports Complex lived up to its billing with several goal mouth squabbles.

Goalkeeper of the Luminaries, Isaac Phillip put up a superlative performance to deter the striking duo of Onitolo Jamiu and Salau Opeyemi of the Marines.

The Luminaries had a goal ruled out in the 60th minute for off-side while Opeyemi of the Marines also hit the upright late in the second half as AbdulKhalil Nurudeen of the AAUA Luminaries was voted as the StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match.

Meanwhile, in Enugu, UNN Lions defeated UNIBEN Royals 2-0 in a game played at the University of Nigeria Sports Complex. Stanbic Man-of-theMatch, Anichebe Elvis scored a brace for the Lions in the 37th and 52nd minutes. The high scoring Royals which knocked out defending champions

UNICAL Malabites could however do nothing against the resolute defense of the Lions.

In Markurdi, 2018 champions UAM Tillers had a narrow 1-0 win over the UNIMAID Desert Warriors from the 84th minute Aogo Okwupa. The Priscilla Vande led Tillers laboured to break a determined defense line of the Desert Warriors which ended the Round of 16 as the highest-scoring team.

In Ilorin, the game between UNILORIN Warriors and the FUTMinna Transformers ended in a goalless draw. The Warriors were profligate in front of the goal as they lost so many scoring chances and would have lost the game if the Transformers have not had their goal ruled out for an infraction.

In his reaction to the results from across the centres, Chief Strategy Officers of Pace Sports, Goodness Onyejiaku expressed delight at the level of sportsmanship among the teams while also appreciating the sponsors for their commitment to youth development in Nigeria.

HiFL is organized by Pace Sports and the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) and supported by StanbicIbtc, Nivea Men, Bold and Minimie

TR

Friday August 27, 2021

TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE SOKAPU to Buhari “This attack, the killing of two officers and the kidnapping of another one at the NDA, to be honest, did not come to Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) as a surprise at all. The President’s past words, actions and controversial policies show that he may not mind transferring power to such a crop of extremists” – SOKAPU Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, condemning the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy by bandits, warning that it could be for Nigeria another Afghanistan in the making.

UT H

& RE A S O

N

26 years

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Nigerians, Remember ‘E Kere Oru Eke’ T

here is no one called “E kere oru eke”, so do not rack your head trying to remember “who” we are talking about. The expression simply means “Tasks are divided, or shared.” It comes from the Igbo infinitive form ‘I ke oru’ (literally and loosely translated as ‘to divide work’ – or division of labour). The underlying roots of this expression is that roles and tasks are assigned to individuals based on their abilities, endowments and inclinations. It implies three things. The first is that certain individuals are better endowed for certain tasks, based on their natural and acquired skills, gender, background, general inclinations, temperament, and ability to manage situations or challenges and much more. Some other individuals are not endowed in the same way as others, in specific areas. And, finally, that it is an act of impropriety for anyone to strive for, or claim, and occupy roles for which he is not suited. Thus, not everyone should be allowed to carry out a task because he wants it, or because he is eager, available and willing to carry out it out.

The opposite of this principle is fight for, or struggle over tasks (‘I zo uzo oru, or ‘I lu ogu”oru’), in any given situation. The latter refers to the seizure of roles and tasks for which one may not be the best endowed.

Disregard for Rules of Engagement in any particular endeavour is one expression of this wrong principle. It refers to a tendency to act with impunity and impose one’s will and undue self-inflation, without real substance.

The short, pithy, declarative saying/proverb, “The Ijele does not dance for money,” speaks to the fact of the ontological primacy of the Ijele. Masquerades like Ulaga may dance and receive acknowledging cheers and money. The Okwonma, or Agaba masquerade will terrorise the crowd and make people run for their lives.

But the Ijele, as royalty embodied, has Right of Way at all times. That is why, as I have often argued, the Ijele is not a masquerade.

Masquerades vacate the village square, once the Ijele steps in. “The Ijele does not dance for money” is a way of urging self-respecting individuals not to compete below their level. It could also be uttered in righteous indignation by a title holder who is reacting to an invitation to debauchery.

The foregoing also explains the Igbo saying: “The python never vacates its lair out of fear.”

You may also hear this proverb in reaction to a presumptuous challenge, and dishonest self-presentation, by some upstart. Do not expose any food item you know to be on a goat’s natural men, because it will eat up you crops if the plants are part of its natural menu.

So, homesteads are advised not expose their yams, by locking their barns. If the goat gains access to your barn of yams, it does not seek permission to eat its fill. Now, imagine that your goat found its way into a neighbour’s barn and spent one hour there. If it winds up dead, either in the barn or in the neighbourhood, it will be because of the wrath of the barn owner. Hence the proverb ‘A goat that died in a barn was not killed by hunger.’ (‘Ewu nwuru n’oba abughi aguru gburu ya).

Do we now have goats in our national barn of yams? Are the people fuming and pining piteously? Is seething bitterness walking the land? Are some individuals with plenty of

Obiozor cash and bad manners not staggering into political, religious and/or cultural gatherings and becoming dominant? Is the nation not now pervaded by a new normal, wherein violation of the principle of ‘E kere oru eke’ has made leadership to no longer be seen as a job, with prescribed ways of doing it? Do we see broad visions, knowledge, wisdom, insight, relevant exposure and understanding 21st Century principles of leadership success across the length and breadth of the nation?

When, and how, shall the awakening come?

It a fact of life that the breaking of the kolanut in Igboland rests on the same principle of ‘E kere oru eke.’ Not everyone is deemed qualified to break the kolanut for others to eat. Violation of the authentic process for the breaking of the kolanut, or an intervention by an unqualified person, (called usoro iwa-oji), voids the ceremony and wrecks the ontological credentials of the kolanut thus violated. The same principle of ‘ike-oru’ was at play in the Igbo saying that disputations end, once and Nze title holder intervenes on any matter.

But that was before the title itself turned up

at the evening market. Today, the terms “His Excellency, Distinguished and Honourable” do not always denote the intended original meanings. Just as the original Nze title holders, and still a few of them even today, stand for principle and uprightness, their Excellencies of yore and a few others of today, are insightful and forward-looking leaders. At all levels, covering the cultural, religious and political, we can say today that what is bigger than the snake has entered its lair (‘ife kariri agwo a batago n’onu agwo’, so the latter has made a hurried exit.

It is with the foregoing in mind that we should think again about our heroes of today, who are receiving all manner of Awards by hungry plaque distributors. They are being swindled out of their questionable cash takings from the common till on a daily basis, all over the country. Are most of our heroes of toady men and women of courage? What incredible proof of their authenticity do we have, and in what fields of endeavour? Are some of their most advertised achievements done in the name of the suffering people, or are they ‘records of expenditure’ in service of elite political patronage? Are they true heroes who, though sometimes unpopular for their focus, serve the common good? Where are the leaders today who will not follow the majority when they are wrong? Are the virtues of courage, clarified moral standards, spirit of sacrifice, focus on the common good, and the readiness to face concomitant adversity not missing everywhere today? E kere oru eke!

Charlatanry is one opposite expression of heroism. It may come in the form of imitating the reflexes of a hero, while you are in fact, the one ‘staging’ your presumed greatness. Another may boldly rig elections, receive applause for such daredevilry and subsequently display the material benefits of his escapades. But to what end? Having rigged and won, having plunged the society into trouble, and as the victory is celebrated, there is this: Leaders of questionable credibility have all violated the principle of E kere oru eke. Villainy and charlatanry are vices, not virtues. And vices lead to unpleasant results, no matter how long it takes for the results to come. Living on the fringes of social and spiritual morality has never

To change the rules for the breaking of the kolanut because there is a big man who wants to break the kolanut, for instance, is wrong. To give the Igwe title to a never-do-well, simply because he has enough cash to throw around, is not right.

To retain heads of various government agencies for too long, especially under people who are not seeing public office for the first time, is to put a heavy stone over the future and fortunes of the leaders of tomorrow. Our people say that there is a way you will carry out a legitimate errand and still be labelled a bad child

developed any people, throughout history. It has also never created a healthy communal, religious or family life. It is dangerous to social morality and the economic wellbeing of the people.

It is possible that some public office holders now measure their profile by how easily they can have their way in all things, and at all times. It is also possible that we are led, at the political religious and cultural levels, mostly by people who ignore the principle of E kere oru eke. Yes, it is possible that we are in an incomprehensible muddle, because we are mostly under the spell of a noxious incubus, managed by groups from all over the country who do not constitute any new, forward-looking force that is rooted in 21st century values at the personal and group levels. Are these leaders genuine products of the old, core values? Is it true that we are yet to stop deceiving ourselves in Nigeria?

Is it true that we are yet to stand forth and say: “E kere oru eke!

The political profile, economic rating and attitudinal excesses now associated with the leadership elite of today is a danger to us all.

This is without denying the fact that even the people themselves are often the greatest danger faced by the few public office holders who wish to do the right things while in office. We need a reaffirmation of the principle of E kere oru eke in the nation, and at all levels. For as long as most ‘workman’ do not know their trade, do not keep to the trade for which they are best suited, and ply that trade to the best of their ability, for so long shall we remain in the trouble in which we have found ourselves today. Not everyone is suitable for every task. The fact that you are a great wrestler, for instance, does not mean you can tell a medical doctor how to do his work. The fact that you own a car does not qualify you to tell a well-trained auto engineer, or mechanic, how to do his job. Mass endorsement of what is wrong will not, and cannot, make it right. E kere oru eke!

When the rules guiding the solemnity of religious gatherings, the dignified ambience of village meetings, etc. are routinely violated, when roles assigned to specific individuals whose natural abilities, experience and exposure make incapable of fulfilling same, the danger of annihilation looms. To change the rules for the breaking of the kolanut because there is a big man who wants to break the kolanut, for instance, is wrong. To give the Igwe title to a never-do-well, simply because he has enough cash to throw around, is not right. To retain heads of various government agencies for too long, especially under people who are not seeing public office for the first time, is to put a heavy stone over the future and fortunes of the leaders of tomorrow. Our people say that there is a way you will carry out a legitimate errand and still be labelled a bad child. In every situation of conflict, misunderstanding, injustice, agitation and social tension, there will always be found the refusal, one way or another, to abide by the principle of E kere oru eke.

A leadership title does not automatically make anyone a leader. See the proof in most states and local governments of the federation. We are breeding a new generation of triumphant value-violators.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com