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Naira Gains 9.3% at Parallel Market on Planned CBN’s Intervention James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The naira strengthened to N435 to a dollar at the parallel market yesterday as against about N480 to a dollar it had been trading in the past days.

This showed a gain of N45,

representing about 9.3 per cent rise.

Currency dealers attributed the development to the planned resumption of forex sales by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operators of Bureau De Change (BDC), which according to them is

expected to bolster dollar liquidity in the market.

The apex bank is expected to resume forex sales to BDCs on Monday.

It had announced its intention to resume forex sales to the retail segment of the market, but was forced

to postpone it because of the extension of the date for resumption of international flights to September 5.

Speaking yesterday with THISDAY, the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji

Aminu Gwadabe, said the announcement of the plan to resume forex sales to the currency dealers was the major factor that led to the gain recorded by the nation’s currency against the greenback.

He said: “The plan to resume forex sales to BDCs

was what broke the camel’s back. Dollar supply to BDCs is a potent weapon to fight against speculation. For those still speculating in the market, they are already burning their fingers and taking losses.

Continued on page 9

BUA Group, French Firm Seal Deal for 200,000bpd Refinery... Page 5 Wednesday 2 September, 2020 Vol 25. No 9277. Price: N250

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Fearing Accountability, CAN Steps Up Agitation against CAMA Writes Buhari to stop implementation Law not to repress any religion, says presidential aide Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday persisted in its agitation against the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, submitting a position paper to President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding the suspension of its implementation.

This is in spite of several official explanations that the law does not target the church, forcing social critics to conclude that church leaders’ opposition might have been fueled by their reluctance to accountability, which the law demands of every nonContinued on page 9

INEC Pledges Credible Elections in Edo, Ondo

Dismisses APC's rigging allegation against Igini Chuks Okocha in Abuja Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the electorate in Edo and Ondo states that it would ensure free and credible governorship elections in the two states.

Fielding questions from journalists yesterday in

Abuja shortly after swearing in a new Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Tella Rahmon, INEC’s Chairman, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, also said the commission would not be distracted by spurious allegations peddled by mischievous politicians from Continued on page 9

SPEAKER IN THE VILLA...

Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari during the speaker’s visit to the president in Abuja…yesterday

Two Security Aides Die in Oshiomhole’s Convoy Auto Crash... Page 5

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

BUA Group, French Firm Seal Deal for 200,000bpd Refinery

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate concentrating on manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture, has diversified into the oil and gas business with the signing of a deal with Axens of France to refine 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil in the country.

The deal would see Axens, France’s largest hydrocarbons group, license key refinery technologies to BUA Group, one of Nigeria’s leading industrial conglomerates, in the contract that was signed between both parties in France yesterday.

Chairman of BUA Group, Mr. Abdulsamad Rabiu, who signed on behalf of the company, said the viability of the project, which would be located in Akwa Ibom State, was assured, given the economics of fuel importation in the country. “Nigeria imports 90 per cent of its petroleum products.

We spend 35 per cent of our foreign exchange on importing petroleum products,� The Africa Report, quoted him as saying.

The new refinery, with a capacity to produce 200,000 barrels per day (bpd), is expected to be operational in 2024.

The bidding process was managed by energy consultants, KBR, which would also be handling subsequent rounds for the engineering and construction phase, currently underway.

The refinery would be built

using an undisclosed mix of debt and equity, with several development and commercial banks in negotiations with BUA Group.

The contract was signed in Paris between Rabiu and the CEO of Axens, Jean Sentenac, at a ceremony presided over by France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Franck Riester.

Axens beat the US company, Honeywell UOP, which got through to the final round, according to sources close to the bid. “President Macron has given special determination and support to this project,�

Rabiu told The Africa Report.

Rabiu has been made Chairman of the Macroninitiated Franco-Nigerian Investors' Club.

In his comments, Sentenac said the technologies that Axens is licencing would give the country the chance to breathe easier, with the plant having the ability to refine biofuels. “We are the world leader in the Euro 5 fuel standard; this has already reduced car pollution in Europe by a factor of 5 or 6, and it also allows Nigeria to start using the latest generation of fuel efficient engines, the first step towards fighting global warming,� he said.

Rabiu noted that he believed that his investment in sustainability would pay off in the long run, as new fuel standards continue to evolve along with the climate crisis. “It is in the DNA of BUA Group; look at our cement

Senate Challenges NDDC to Prove N10.8bn Payment to Lawmakers Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate has challenged the Executive Director in charge of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, to provide evidence to back his allegation that the commission gave between N15 million and N20 million, totalling about N10.8 billion, as palliatives to members of the National Assembly.

It said if Ojougboh failed to prove the allegation, he should retract his statement and apologise to the lawmakers.

NDDC director had listed senators and members of the House of Representatives as beneficiaries of the COVID-19 palliative from NDDC. “In the National Assembly, each of the senators got N20 million, while the House of Representatives members got N15 million for the COVID-19 from NDDC,� Ojougboh said.

But Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in a statement asked Ojougboh to provide evidence to back up his claim.

He denied the allegation that

members of both chambers of the National Assembly received cash as the COVID-19 palliative from the commission.

He, therefore, challenged Ojougboh to provide the names of lawmakers who were beneficiaries or retract his statement and apologise to the National Assembly.

He said: “The Senate views with grave concern a statement credited to Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC, who alleged that National Assembly members received varying sums of money as COVID-19 palliative.

The Senate hereby disclaims the allegation in its entirety. “The Senate categorically denies that any senator collected the sum of N20 million or any sum whatsoever from NDDC as a COVID-19 relief fund for any purpose whatsoever. “The Senate challenges Dr. Ojougboh to publicly provide evidence of his claim and list the names of the senators he allegedly gave the alleged sum. “Failure to provide evidence of his claim, the Senate hereby demands an immediate retraction and public apology from Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.�

plants, the most sustainable in Nigeria, same with our sugar plants. This is the hard part, we cannot get this wrong. It is like in an aeroplane, you always look at who built the engine, it is the most important thing,� he said.

Riester said the deal would be “one of the things that will help build up the necessary intrapersonal relationships� between industrial players

in the two countries, part of a wider French strategy of greater engagement in Anglophone Africa.

The new refinery project sets up a direct competition with Nigeria’s other large refinery project, piloted by the Dangote Group, which would be operational by 2021.

Rabiu said there's space for another project, despite the growing international

glut of refinery projects, the tapering of transport fuel use globally and the strong local competition.

This is partly because of the projection for fuel use in Nigeria itself as the country today consumes about 500,000 to 550,000 barrels a day of petrol and partly because of demand in the region. “We will have the marine infrastructure for easy export,�

said Rabiu, “and the external market for polypropylene (the other major product from the refinery) is very strong.�

The French company, which makes systems to convert oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, said it would provide technology for the greenfield project designed to produce Euro-V fuels and polypropylene targeted at domestic and regional markets.

PREPARING FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS...

Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu (left), and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit to the governor by FAAN’s helmsman in Lagos‌yesterday

Two Security Aides Die in Oshiomhole’s Convoy Auto Crash Obaseki commiserates with Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole over incident Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Two policemen yesterday lost their lives while several others sustained serious injuries in an accident involving the convoy of a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congresses (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.

"The accident was said to have occurred close to Oluku junction, along Benin-Ore highway when a trailer ran into the backup security vehicle of the former governor of Edo State who was travelling to join the candidate of APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and other top chieftains of the party in a rally scheduled at Usen, Ovia South-west Local Government Area of the state."

The trailer, according to an eyewitness account, ran into the vehicle conveying the police from the back, knocked it into the bush, before hitting Oshiomhole's car, causing the death of two policemen in the convoy.

But the media aide to the former national chairman of APC, Mr. Victor Oshioke, in a statement issued yesterday alleged assassination attempt on his principal.

However, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with IzeIyamu; and Oshiomhole over the event.

According to the statement

by Oshiomhole’s aide: "Some minutes after 12 noon today, Tuesday, September 1, 2020, there was a motor accident involving the convoy of Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, along Benin-Lagos by-pass before Oluku junction.

"The convoy was headed to Usen community in Ovia South-west Local Government Area of Edo State, where Mr. Adams Oshiomhole was expected to appear at a campaign rally alongside Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC governorship candidate in the September 19, 2020 election in the state, when a trailer driving in the same direction veered off its course, hit the back-up Toyota Hilux vehicle carrying seven policemen, forcing it off the road, into the bush and rammed into the Sports Utility vehicle carrying Mr. Oshiomhole, causing substantial damage.

"We are sad to report that two police personnel in the Toyota Hilux truck lost their

lives, while two others who are in critical condition are receiving treatment at a hospital in the state.

"Mr. Oshiomhole and other persons in the convoy, apart from those indicated above did not sustain any injury.�

Meanwhile, following the auto crash, APC Campaign Council on behalf of its candidate, Ize-Iyamu, said it has called off the Usen rally.

In a statement endorsed yesterday by the Chairman of the APC Media Campaign Council, Mr. John Mayaki, the campaign council disclosed that immediately news of the accident filtered in, the council suspended the scheduled event to honour the dead.

"On behalf of Pastor IzeIyamu the APC condoled with the families of the victims who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident.

They are not alone in their grief,� he said.

APC, he said, has pledged that the council would do everything within its powers to ameliorate their grief by reaching out to the families of the policemen involved in the fatal crash.

The campaign council said

Edo would never forget their supreme sacrifice.

It also called on everyone to pray for the soul of the dead and against the recurrence of such tragedies.

Similarly, Obaseki has commiserated with Ize-Iyamu; and Oshiomhole over the event.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor commiserated with the families of the victims of the crash and prayed that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss of their loved ones.

Obaseki said: “I received the news of the accident with shock and commiserate with the former governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, and the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over the very unfortunate incident involving their security aides and top chieftains of the party in the campaign team.�

He added: “While we pray for strength for the families of the deceased persons, we also pray for the quick recovery of those who were injured and are receiving treatment.�

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Adesina Starts Second Term, Recommits to Africa’s Growth Outlines achievements, agenda Again, Buhari, Jonathan hail AfDB president

Dike Onwuamaeze and Nume Ekeghe President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, began his second term in the multilateral development bank yesterday with a recap on the organisation's achievements under his watch and an outline of his agenda for the next five years.

Adesina, in his speech at his inauguration in Abidjan, said the bank under his leadership attracted $78.8 billion worth of investments to Africa in two years.

He pledged to focus on building a stronger institution, strengthening human capacity, enhancing the bank’s effectiveness as well as maintaining financial sustainability before the end of his second term.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in their goodwill messages, congratulated Adesina, Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, and urged him to bring to a quick conclusion the programmes he initiated in his first term.

According to Adesina, “With the strong support of the African heads of state and governments, governors of the bank, ministers of finance, the board of directors and staff, we will be ready from today, yet again, to roll up our sleeves and continue our collective work to deliver even greater results. “The future beckons us for a more developed Africa and a much stronger and resilient AfDB. In our time, Africa must shine like the brightness of the sun.

Together‌united, we will achieve this. Because together — we are stronger; together — we achieve more; together — we become resilient; together — we build a better bank; together — we win for Africa!�

Adesina thanked the board of governors of the bank, African finance ministers and all stakeholders for re-electing him, saying: “And for this, I am exceedingly grateful. What honour! What confidence! And what affirmation! I stand today with all humility as the president elected by all. I will be the president for all.�

He stated that Africa’s recovery from the devastations of the COVID-19 would be long and challenging and assured the continent that the bank would help it to build back in a bold and smart manner by paying

greater attention to quality growth, especially in the areas of health, youth entrepreneurship, climate and the environment. “As we look to the future and working with the board of directors, the bank will pay increased attention to supporting Africa with quality healthcare infrastructure and building on its comparative advantage in infrastructure. “The bank’s infrastructure work will focus on economic infrastructure, quality physical infrastructure and quality health infrastructure. “COVID-19 opens up new opportunities and a greater sense of urgency to build up Africa’s manufacturing capacity, industrial development and critically needed industrial value chains that must be supported by enabling infrastructure and policies. “Special attention will be given to regional industrial value chains and the strengthening of financial markets in order to expand intra-regional trade and competitiveness, and boost the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,� he added.

Adesina also promised that the bank would play a greater role in harnessing Africa’s youth potential for the development of the continent. “In this regard, the bank will support the establishment of Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks that will help to mobilise and deploy capital to drive the entrepreneurship of the youth of Africa in ways that are systemic, scalable and sustainable. “The shadows of youth unemployment and migration out of Africa must give way to a glowing light of successful youth-driven businesses across Africa. Africa’s youth must stay in Africa, develop Africa and project Africa’s future,� he stated.

He said the High 5s programme he led the bank to launch when he was first elected in 2015, has taken hold on the continent and become the keys for accelerating Africa’s development.

He added that the impact has been attested to by the UNDP that “achieving the High 5s would lead to the achievement of 90 per cent of the SDGs and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.�

Adesina enumerated the achievements of the High 5s to include providing 18 million people with access to electricity,

while 141 million people had access to improved agricultural technologies for food security; 15 million people with access to finance from private investments; 101 million people with access to improved transport from infrastructure; 60 million people with access to water and sanitation.

According to him, the bank has “achieved impressive results.

The bank’s High5 programmes have impacted 335 million people. Our non-sovereign operations for the private sector increased by 40 per cent from $1.5 billion in 2015 to $ 2.1 billion in 2019, with the highest level of $ 2.5 billion achieved in 2016. “We have been accountable for the climate since COP 21 in Paris. The bank’s climate financing expanded from nine per cent when you elected me in 2015 to 36 per cent by 2019 – an increase of 400 per cent. We’ve now targeted to reach $25 billion in climate finance by 2021. “Through the innovative and groundbreaking Africa Investment Forum in 2018 and 2019, we were able to attract a combined $78.8 billion worth of investment interests into Africa “In every country, the

bank’s impacts are felt. We expanded our presence to 44 countries, including across fragile states. Our staff risked their lives to deliver. And we are delivering more for women with the implementation of the Affirmative Finance Action for Women (AFAWA), to leverage $3 billion for women and women businesses. “We have launched a Gender Equality Trust Fund, the first-ever in the bank, and are advancing on gender markers for all projects of the bank. We must continue to strongly support women. When women win, Africa wins!

"The African Development Fund has also been rated as the second-best managed concessional financing institution globally. "Over the past five years, we have maintained our AAA rating by all three major rating agencies — thanks to your continued extraordinary support as shareholders. “The Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network, otherwise known as MOPAN, ranked the African Development Bank as number one along with the World Bank.�

Other milestones of the bank in the past five years include

its response to the COVID-19 shocks with $10 billion facility to African countries to contain fiscal meltdowns.

Adesina said: “We launched a $3 billion social bond on the global market - the largest US dollar-denominated social bond ever in world history. “These actions reflect our ambitions, our unshaken commitment and unyielding responsibility to support, stabilise and strengthen African economies.�

In her goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, conveyed Buhari's congratulations and those of Nigerians to Adesina on his re-election.

Ahmed said: “We are proud of you, and we salute your passion for the bank and for Africa. The unanimity of the vote is a clear indication of the support of the entire membership of the AfDB for your leadership and programme.�

She advised Adesina to bring to quick conclusion programmes he initiated in his first term in order to accelerate the achievement of the High-5s, “and I am confident that this

will be done." “Our journey to this point has been a long and arduous one, with twists and turns, but we managed to navigate our way to a safe harbour, guided by the golden compass of our common commitment to a strong bank and the well-being of the people of Africa. I appreciate the hard work, cooperation and sincerity of all governors in tackling the challenges that faced the bank in the lead-up to the annual meetings and the election of the president. “I believe that, whatever position we may have taken individually on the various issues that arose throughout this period, everyone had the best interest of the bank at heart.

I am sure the bank has taken the relevant lessons from the recent experience — and will work to strengthen the institution from this experience. “I therefore use this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders, member-countries, the board of directors, senior management and staff to join hands to push the bank to greater heights of achievement, delivery and efficiency in the interest of Africa,� she added.

FRESH TENURE BEGINS‌ President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (left), and Chairman, AfDB Board of Directors, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, during Adesina’s inauguration in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire‌yesterday

DPR: Nigeria to Become Petrol Exporter in Two Years Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said with some of the ongoing modular plants across the country, combined with the Dangote Refinery and the expected commencement of the three plants in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri refineries, Nigeria would become a net exporter of petrol in the next two years.

DPR Director, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, told the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, who visited the agency headquarters in Lagos that the flow of import would be reversed when the

new refineries begin operations.

He added that the feat would be achieved through the combined capacity of 375,000 barrels per day from 27 modular refineries; 650,000 barrels from Dangote refinery and the 450,000 barrels per day from the nation's refineries, which are currently being fixed.

Auwalu assured the minister that already, Dangote integrated refinery and petrochemical project, the biggest in Africa; Waltersmith refinery with 7,000 capacity per day and others are almost nearing completion.

He said the aspiration of DPR is to grow the country’s crude oil reserves to 40 billion barrels and gas to 210 trillion

cubic feet, adding that the department would also, increase oil production from its current 2.4 million capacity per day to three million bpd as well reduce the cost of production. “Currently, we have oil prospective licence of about 61, more than 2,000 wells that are producing crude oil and condensates; we have about 125 wells producing gas. “We equally have 20 floating, loading and offloading vessels, 28 oil terminals, several float stations and oil and gas processing factories,� he stated.

According to him, in the next 36 months, the country would start massive exportation of

fertilisers to boost its foreign exchange earnings. “I can tell you that in the next year-and-a-half, we will be a net exporter of fertiliser because that is the bedrock of agriculture and that is what we will deliberately push to key into this government’s sense of diversification,� he added.

He also told Mohammed that the federal government is implementing a six-billionstandard-cubic-feet gas supply per day to lay the foundation for the industrial and economic growth of the country.

He said the projects consisted of Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline for 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas, which is near

completion; the 2.2 billion standard cubic feet EscravosLagos pipeline to power the entire South-west geo-political zone and Ajaokuta-KadunaKano pipeline to convey 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

He added that the agency has keyed into the diversification agenda of the current administration by providing the enabling environment and pushing for the local production of fertiliser to boost agriculture.

The minister commended the management of DPR for the measures taken to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from crippling the nation’s economy

and highlighted the role played by the agency in sustaining peace in the host communities of Niger Delta which has resulted to a halt in pipeline vandalism and restiveness. “What the DPR does go far beyond what is technical, because their engagement of the oil producing communities is very key. When we came in 2015, production had dipped because of the restiveness in the Niger Delta. “It is not by accident that we have some stability and modicum of peace in that area today. It is because of the policies that have been put in place to continue to engage the communities,� he said.

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Odinkalu Takes on el-Rufai, Lists Victims of Gov's Alleged Rights Abuse Peter Uzoho The running battle between lawyer and human rights campaigner, Prof.

Chidi Odinkalu, and Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, took a new twist yesterday with Odinkalu issuing a 23-point response to the governor’s claims that he had not deployed state powers to fight his critics.

Odinkalu, in a rebuttal of a statement by the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Ms. Aisha Dikko, listed victims of the governor's alleged human rights abuses.

Dikko, in statement issued on Monday following the controversy generated by el-Rufai's invitation to be a guest speaker at the Annual

General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the subsequent dis-invitation, had justified the prosecution of Odinkalu and others for alleged offences, including incitement and publishing false information about events in the state.

But Odinkalu in a series of tweets, listed other various instances where Kaduna State Government under el-Rufai's watch, punished critics.

He said el-Rufai "has caused to be issued on his behalf, a tissue of untruths and falsehoods concerning his brutal persecution of his critics. To help his memory, here is a litany of #bodybags of critics who have suffered at his hands."

Odinkalu listed the alleged victims of el-Rufai's human

rights abuses to include Barack Zebedee, a PhD student in Fisheries and Hydrology in Biology Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who he said was arrested in May 2017 following comments he made on a WhatsApp group created to mobilise assistance for victims of Southern Kaduna massacre.

He also mentioned Gabriel Idibia, a journalist with The Union newspaper, who was taken to court for allegedly asking el-Rufai to declare his assets as demanded by law.

Odinkalu also mentioned Jacob Dickson, a journalist with Authentic News, who he said "was arrested, detained and charged with incitement in May 2016, after reporting that youths had pelted el-Rufai with objects."

Others, according him, are

"Luka Binniyat, Kaduna Bureau Chief of @Vanguardngrnews, when @elrufai ordered his arrest in February 2017 for a report under his by-line in the newspaper. Luka was detained for over 130 days without bail & el-Rufai instigated Vanguard to fire him."

"Midat Joseph: Journalist with @LeadershipNGA, was arrested on orders of @el-rufai in April 2017 for a post in a WhatsApp group. Guest what the charges against him were? #Incitement," he added.

Also on Odinkalu's list of victims of el-Rufai's alleged human rights abuse was Sunny Yayock, a freelance journalist, arrested, detained and charged to court for his comment on social media supporting a call for peaceful demonstration.

He said the victim slept for two days in police cell before he was taken to court and granted bail.

The list also has Adamu Abdullahi, a social media activist, who was arrested by the police in Kaduna for questioning, for reportedly retweeting a tweet about el-Rufai being pelted with objects.

Odinkalu mentioned Segun Oniboyo, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, who he said was arrested and charged on orders of el-Rufai on November 14, 2019, for alleged incitement in his social media posts, adding that the victim spent most of December 2019 detained before being released after 24 days.

He mentioned Samuel Ogundipe, a journalist with Premium Times who he

claimed el-Rufai's son, Bello, had threatened to arrest for reporting that Bello had threatened the mother of someone who criticised his father, the governor, with gang rape.

Also in the list was Dr. John Danfulani, a lecturer in Kaduna State University, who was suspended, arrested, detained and charged for incitement allegedly for criticising the governor in a Facebook post.

Danfulani, according to Odinkalu, was detained for many days before he was granted bail and later fired.

He mentioned amongst others, Nasiru Jagaba, a national youth leader of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, who was arrested and faced prosecution for protesting against el-Rufai's policies.

and Exporters window, which is about N386 to a dollar.�

Gwadabe added: “That is the target that all the operators in the forex market, that is the BDCs, the banks, the I & E window, are targeting. So, speculators like I told you would continue to count their losses. This is not the time to hoard, to speculate or even to undermine the dexterity of CBN management.�

He also urged security

agents to check the illegal movement of dollar cash with the resumption of international flights on September 5.

CBN had in a circular dated August 27, 2020, addressed to all authorised dealers, BDC operators and members of the public, said the resumption of forex sales was part of efforts to enhance accessibility of the greenback, particularly to travellers following the

announcement of the limited resumption of international flights.

Purchase of forex by BDCs shall be on Monday, and Wednesdays in the first instance, it had stated.

According to the apex bank, BDCs are expected to “ensure that their accounts with the banks are duly funded with the equivalent naira proceeds on Fridays and Tuesdays accordingly.�

us from doing the right thing. “My assurance to the people of Edo and Ondo states and the constituencies where we are going to conduct by-elections on October 31 is that they should expect from INEC, free, fair, and credible elections. Professionalism will not be compromised. “We will not compromise our oath of office for any reason. Whoever the people vote for becomes the governor

or representative.�

He also spoke on the level of preparedness of the commission for the September 19 Edo State gubernatorial election.

Yakubu said the commission was set to conduct the election, explaining that yesterday was the last day for the submission of the lists of agents by political parties.

After the swearing-in, Yakubu announced the deployment of Rohman, who is from Osun

State to Ekiti State.

He said as part of the policy of the commission, no commissioner would serve in his or her home state, but could be deployed to serve in his geo-political zone.

He charged the new REC to live up to his oath of office and allegiance to the constitution.

Yakubu also urged him to carry out his duties within the ambit of the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Affairs Commission (CAC).

He explained that Buhari on receipt of the bill took steps to get input from appropriate ministries, agencies and departments (MDAs) and declined assent on it twice during the 8th Assembly before recently giving his assent.

He said he served as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters in the 8th Assembly when the CAMA Bill was first considered.

According to him, the bill did not sail through at its first introduction due to issues not related to the current ones being raised by the Christian body.

Enang said Section 590 of CAMA 1990 and Section 823 (1) of CAMA 2020 contain similar provisions except for emphasis on the number of trustees to be appointed for an organisation.

He said the law is not for religious bodies alone, but all registered incorporated trustees.

He stated that a study of the provisions of the Act would show that both are the same and that there are no new importations into the 2020 CAMA except a few key words like the trustee or trustees.

"Furthermore, the National Assembly is made up of Christians, Muslims and multi-faith composition and if there were any matter or content in the Act repressive of any religious faith, they would have spotted, arrested and expunged it from the bill in the course of consideration

before the same was passed and transmitted to Mr. President for assent.

"The appropriate action your body or any other person could take is to sponsor an amendment bill to the Act to either expunge in whole any considered offensive provision or propose a redrafting to reflect your considered view," he added.

Enang pledged to assist CAN in perfecting the amendment bill if it so desires and to facilitate its being supported by lawmakers.

NAIRA GAINS 9.3% AT PARALLEL MARKET ON PLANNED CBN'S INTERVENTION “So, my advice is that when you don’t have a genuine and effective need to use dollars, stop stockpiling the currency.

From what we are seeing, this trajectory is going to continue and I advise members of the public to always buy when you have a purpose for it and not buying to keep. “What we saw in the market in the past few weeks was not a true reflection of the value of the naira against the

dollar. We saw, even during the lockdown when flights were not flying, everybody literally became a forex dealer.

It is unfortunate. That cannot happen in other countries.

When you don’t need to make payments abroad, what are you hoarding dollars for? It's unfortunate.�

He expressed optimism that once his members re-commence business by Monday, the naira exchange

rate at the parallel market would improve further. “With just a pronouncement, you can see the impact. So, once we are back, we expect the naira to appreciate further,� he added.

The currency dealer foresees the naira strengthening further to “between N415 to N420 to a dollar next week,� saying “the trajectory is expected to continue towards the unified rate of the BDC and Investors

INEC PLEDGES CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN EDO, ONDO doing the right thing “which is to conduct a free and fair election.�

According to him, the commission would stand by its officials, irrespective of spirited attempts by politicians to smear their reputations, as they're wont to any time elections are to be conducted.

Yakubu spoke against the backdrop of the allegation by Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

in Edo State that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, was plotting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the governorship election.

He said: "In my discussions with him (Igini), he also asked his lawyer to initiate legal actions against the persons who made the statement. So, we leave it at that since the matter is likely to go to court. “But let me also say that we

stand by our resident electoral commissioners. We know the kind of job we are doing and all manner of people come with all manner of accusations to slander officials of the commission, essentially now to divert our attention from conducting elections in Nigeria. “We won’t be distracted. We know these shenanigans, people who have been doing this for a long time. It won’t distract

FEARING ACCOUNTABILITY, CAN STEPS UP AGITATION AGAINST CAMA governmental organisation constrained from doing so on the National Assembly, they Says Presidential Aide registered under the Act. But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, who received CAN’s letter to Buhari at a ceremony in Abuja, allayed fears that the law was targeted at Christianity, Islam or any other religious organisations.

In the letter signed by CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, but delivered by a former Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Rev. William Okoye, CAN detailed its objections to the law, which has been buffeted by criticisms, especially from the Christian community.

Others at the ceremony were CAN delegate to the 2014 National Conference and representatives of the President of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship Organisation of Nigeria, Rev. Moses Arome; CAN General Secretary, Rev. Joseph Daramola, and Special Assistant to the CAN President on Media and Communication, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji.

The letter was submitted barely a week after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo urged those dissatisfied with the law to approach the National Assembly for its amendment.

The letter partly read: “We respectfully acknowledge the invitation extended to us to make an input into the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 following the myriad of objections that attended the enactment of the Act. “While we sincerely appreciate the courtesy of your invitation, we are, however,

the following grounds: 'We are yet to be availed with the authentic version of the voluminous Act, made up of 870 sections besides the sundry and complex schedules and addendum. “We consider the Act, as indeed, a complex of statecraft compendium, laden with issues that are grossly inimical to the national interest, security, and overall wellbeing of the Nigerian-state. “From the reactions of stakeholders and a crosssection of the Nigerian-state, it is apparent that the Act either did not receive input from the respective various interest groups or failed to accommodate their views, sundry concerns and varying interests of the Nigerian people. “Without prejudice to our observations, such a law ought to welcome and accommodate the sundry and varying interests of the Nigerian people. “Furthermore, we are mindful that comments in the public domain are beginning to indicate that CAMA, 2020 has the potential that can further undermine the faith of stakeholders in the Nigerian-state. The reactions from public office holders have not helped matters because they are binary in perspective and pander towards a fait accompli. “The dominant schools of thought in the public domain hold the view that should stakeholders of the Nigerianstate seek judicial intervention or amendment of the Act by

shall achieve nothing much, as they consider such, as exercises in futility. “Mr. President, from the foregoing, we are of the opinion that you should kindly issue the appropriate directives to suspend the implementation of CAMA 2020 and affirm a thorough reappraisal of the legislation that is in correlation with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), other extant legal and policy frameworks, the national economy, national security, national interest and the wellbeing of the Nigerian-state. “In order to participate actively in such an exercise, you may wish to kindly furnish us with an official version as assented by you.

This will enable us to do the due diligence required, please.�

CAN’s Director of Legal Affairs, Mrs. Comfort Chigbue, who read out the position of the association said it expected Buhari to "kindly issue the appropriate directives to suspend the implementation of CAMA 2020 and affirm a thorough reappraisal of the legislation that is in correlation with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), other extant legal and policy frameworks, the national economy, national security, national interest and the wellbeing of the Nigerian-state."

Law Not Targeted at Christians or Muslims,

But Enang told CAN leaders that no provision of the law was targeted at Christians or Muslims.

He said the only legal remedy to resolve any real or perceived offensive aspect of the legislation is for those opposed to it to seek an amendment from the National Assembly.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding the law and its assent by the president, Enang said most of the criticisms against the CAMA law arose out of sheer misconception and deliberate misinformation.

He added that Buhari did not originate the bill that led to the amendment of the CAMA law, but that members of the National Assembly sponsored the bill, which repealed the 1990 Act. "We want to declare as a fact that the Act does not target churches or religious bodies as was wrongly assumed.

Misconception has enveloped this Act with deliberate misinformation and falsehood by persons who may not have fully and in fact personally read and digested the provisions of the Act. "We consider it appropriate and responsible to appear before you and other fora to make these explanations," he said.

Enang stated that CAMA was not an executive bill transmitted by Buhari to the legislature, but was sponsored by a senator and a member of the House of Representatives at the behest of the Corporate

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10

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Danbatta: Nigeria’s Active GSM Subscribers Now 199.3m Ejiofor Alike The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has disclosed that the active GSM subscribers in the country have increased from 184 million in December 2019 to 199.3 million in May 2020.

The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) reported that Danbatta said this yesterday at the virtual launch/award ceremony of the COVID-19 Research Grant presented to three startups by the NCC in Abuja.

He further explained that internet subscription in the same period increased from 126 million to 147.1 million, while broadband subscription also increased from 72 million to 80.2 million, achieving

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 239 to 54,247 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 239 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 54,247 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Plateau recorded 116 new cases; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 33; Lagos, 19;

Ekiti, 12; Kaduna and Ogun, 11; Ebonyi, eight; Benue, seven; Abia and Delta, five each; Ondo, four; Edo, three; Imo and Osun, two each; whole Bauchi recorded one case.

It said: “So far, Nigeria has recorded 54,247 cases of COVID-19. 42,010 persons have been discharged, while 1,023 have died.”

a 42.02 per cent penetration in the country.

Danbatta explained that the startups participated in a threemonth virtual hackathon with the theme Virtual Hackathon: “Adaptable Digital Solutions for Addressing the Present and Future Impact of Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases from Technology Hubs, Startups and Innovation Digital SMEs in Nigeria”.

“These may have given impetus to the possibility of holding virtual meetings and conferences on video technologies that are now providing social distancing solutions.

“So, in whichever way we look at it, telecommunication has much more greater role to play than many other sectors of economy and the society.

“Therefore, the challenge is for us to find a way to accentuate our local content solution, which is a blessing to us. We are pleased with the responses that we received on this initiative,” he said.

Danbatta said that the NCC, has

in the past two years managed similar ICT-based innovations and research competitions among tertiary institutions in the country, with potentials of improving local content solutions in the industry.

“We should be bold enough as a country in adopting indigenous solutions. We must adopt and consume them. There should be less attention on imported goods.

“It is evident that the entire globe is challenged about how best to tackle this pandemic.

Telecommunications and ICTs have taken the centre stage in the provision or advancement of solutions.

“We will all witness what digital solutions that today’s winners are going to bring to the table.

Each of the Startups, or tech-hubs with promising innovative digital solutions against the pandemic will receive a grant of N3 million.

“We have encouraged ICT innovations among the Nigerian youths whom we have regularly sponsored to various competitions organised by the International

Telecommunications Union,” Danbatta said.

In his speech, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, who presented a N9 million COVID-19 research grants to the three promising startups, noted that there was the need to adopt indigenous solutions to challenges in the country.

He encouraged individuals to consume what the country produced and pay less attention to imported goods.

“We need to produce what we need and consume what we produce, any country that remains a consumer nation will find it difficult to succeed,” he said.

Also speaking, NCC’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, said that there was the need to harness the potentials of technologies in order to address societal challenges and meet up to standard.

Nkemadu explained that the Hackathon was designed to engage the startups to compete

in a healthy manner to improve innovations.

He noted that 298 submissions were received from startups of, which 56 qualified for the final stage of the evaluation process based on the selection criteria and later came up with three winners.

“It is a national aspiration to spice some of these technologies with local content as a way of improving availability of local manpower and advancing ICT skills.

“Technology has provided solutions to the challenge of weak public systems by providing solutions to the most challenges in education, health, financial and agricultural sectors,” he said.

NAN reported that each of the Startups, or tech-hubs with promising innovative digital solutions against the pandemic will receive a grant of N3 million The three winners included: Messers Primed E-Health, Messers Cyberfleet Intergrated Limited and Messers Elizade University.

NLC Rejects Increase in Electricity Tariffs By Abuja Disco Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the move by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to increase electricity tariffs.

The organised labour has also condemned any plan to increase the cost of electricity, stressing that it will inflict further pains on Nigerians at this very time of great economic distress.

A statement issued yesterday by the President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the tariffs hike plan was dead on arrival.

“The new dribble by the Abuja Disco is dead on arrival as it will be resisted by the Nigerian working class and people.

The other Discos should not bother putting their ships of exploitation to sail.

“The NLC is also deeply concerned on the deaf and dumb posture of the state electricity regulators – the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). “It is important to put on record the fact that NERC would be putting its name on the wrong side of history if it continues to play the ostrich while a group of portfolio investors make a blood meal of Nigerians. Nigerian electricity consumers need the “NERC to speak up and act now in defence of the rights of the Nigerian people,” he said..

NLC said it appeared that the adamant desire of the Discos in Nigeria to ram through their ill-conceived agenda to further impoverish Nigerians through astronomical tariff increase amidst a plummeting

return on service delivery has now been deregulated.

“The Discos appear to have given themselves the ignoble tasks of taking turns to taunt the will of the Nigerian people. Abuja Disco has adorned the robe of the protagonist in this regard with its announcement of a new tariffs plan for electricity consumers within its service area starting from September 1, 2020.

“This move is in spite of the resolution of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and even the direct orders of Mr. President that the plans by the Discos to hike electricity tariff should be suspended until further notice. “We are not aware of any order by the government or the elected representatives of the Nigerian people de-freezing the order to suspend any plans to inflict more pocket and psychological trauma on Nigerians by way of reckless and insensitive hike in electricity tariff,” it said.

NLC said it was unfortunate that since the unbundling of the former PHCN to yield the Discos and Gencos, electricity tariffs through the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) have been increased a number of times without accompanying improvement in services.

“Each hike in electricity tariff in Nigeria is trailed by huge leap in hours of darkness, de-metering of more Nigerians, exponential rise in incidences of estimated billing, and increased burden on citizens for the procurement of equipment and facilities for public electricity supply amidst other devious methods by Discos to cheat, exploit and despoil poor Nigerians,” NLC said.

ROYAL BLESSINGS...

L-R: Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Amidu Ajibade; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan; Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Asipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, during the governor’s visit to Olubadan’s Palace, Popo, Ibadan...yesterday

Boat Mishap Kills Eight People in Kebbi Onuminya Innocent in Sokotoa No fewer than eight people, including women and children were drowned when a boat capsized at Tungar-Gegero in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Chairman of Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Sani Dododo, disclosed this yesterday to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.

He said, “Just yesterday (Monday) about 10:30 a.m, there was an incident at Tungar-Gegero in Jega Local Government Area, where eight people lost their lives to canoe mishap.

“Women and children, about 10 of them, were aboard with only one operator, a middle-aged man and he was trying to transport the people to a naming ceremony.

“They have started the journey and crossed to the other bank of the stream successfully, but

on their way back, the canoe capsized and all the occupants were drowned in the water.”

Dododo, however, said that the operator was able to save two women, adding that the remaining eight including children were all drowned in the water.

He said the agency was able to recover four corpses comprising three adults and a baby girl, adding that search for the remaining bodies was still on.

“We are making frantic efforts to recover the

remaining corpses. I have spoken to Sarkin Kafin Jega, who is the District Head of the area as well as the Council Chairman, Jega Local Government Area.

“In line with this, professional traditional fishermen have already been mobilised to search for the remaining bodies.

“They have started from that Tungar-Gegeru down to Kimba to Jega bridge to Mungadi because all these places are in the same terrain of the water,” he said.

Osinbajo, Ishaku Meet over Insecurity Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, met yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, over the security challenges facing the state.

Ishaku told State House correspondents at the

end of the meeting held behind closed doors that he intimated Osinbajo of the security challenges in his state and sought his support.

The governor said, “The meeting is about security;

mainly security: the problems of security that we have in the state. I briefed him (the Vice President) and we are hoping that he will look into it.

“Just in general; there is Jukun/Tiv crisi s ; t h e re i s

also kidnapping, which is on the rise, and all the others.

“In g e n e r a l f o r m , I think he is fully briefed and I think he will be able to assist us.’’

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NEWS

P&ID: Lukman’s Family Demands Apology over Malami’s Bribery Allegation Ejiofor Alike with agency reports The family of the former Minister of Petroleum, the late Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, has denied claims that their late patriarch approved the controversial gas supply processing agreement with Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) for personal gain.

Lukman’s daughter, Ramatu Lukman, who wrote on behalf of the family, according to Premium Times, demanded an apology from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), who testified before a British court over the botched gas supply contract that resulted in the recent $9.6 billion arbitral award against Nigeria by a UK court.

“It is despicable that you have engaged your witness statements to call into question our father’s integrity, years after his passing, on what appears to be only an ill-founded and opportunistic suspicion,” Ms Lukman wrote in her letter to Malami.

She further said Malami made “false accusations of reprehensible criminal conduct” because “our father cannot defend himself.”

“Please convey a second to think about what you’ve done to the Rilwanu Lukman’s family; you owe us an apology. If this is something you think you are not up to then I am sorry to remind you of the divine curse and the anger of Allah (S.W.T.) against liars mentioned in SURAH AZZUMAR 39:3: “Surely Allah will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But Allah guide not such as are false and ungrateful.”

Lukman was petroleum minister under the late President Musa Yar’Adua.

He died in 2014 after battling cancer.

In what he termed a “witness statement,” Malami cited an EFCC affidavit before the Business and Property Courts of England and the Wales, alleging that Lukman ordered his aide, Mr. Taofiq Tijani, to “deliberately overlook” P&ID’s shortcomings and push the deal through.

The affidavit said to have been cited by Malami before the court further said Tijani told EFCC investigators that Lukman instructed him to contract with P&ID even though it was a sole-purpose company that had no track record in the oil and gas sector.

As a result, EFCC determined that Lukman broke the law by signing the P&ID contract, and that he lacked authority to approve the deal and did no due diligence on the company, which lacked legally required approvals relevant procurement agencies.

Though Lukman was then minister of petroleum, then minister of state, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), was responsible for all gas deals. But he said he was not consulted and had no knowledge of the deal.

Malami further said British Virgin Islands-based firm P&ID allegedly paid over $390,000 in bribes in 2012 to land a natural gas processing plant construction contract in 2009.

But the family of Lukman rejected all allegations of wrongdoing against the late oil minister, who was a two-time OPEC secretary-general.

Ms Lukman, who signed the

PDP Caucus Vows to Reject Water Resources Bill Deji Elumoye in Abuja The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the Senate has warned that it will not in any way support the re-introduction of the controversial National Waterways Bill rejected by the Eighth National Assembly.

This is just as former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, vowed to mobilise against the bill if it is brought to the Senate during any legislative sitting.

Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, who stated PDP’s position yesterday, declared that the said bill to the best of his knowledge is not before the upper legislative chamber.

He, however, added that if at any time the bill was re-introduced at parliament, the PDP federal legislators will not hesitate to shoot down the bill as was the case in the Eighth Assembly.

Abaribe said: “We have not seen it in the Senate. When and if it eventually comes, we will reject the bill as we did before in the Eighth Assembly”.

On her part, Senator Olujimi, who claimed ignorance of the

bill however pledged to mobilise her colleagues against the bill if it resurfaces at plenary.

According to her, she will not be part of any attempt to pass any bill that will be counterproductive and against the interest of the citizenry like the National Waterways bill.

“The truth is that I am not aware of that bill at all. “However, anything that will injure our people, some of us will never be part of it. We will speak up against it when the time comes because nobody would be allowed to injure our people.

“We will not allow any legislation to ruin the fragile peace that we have in this country. We will not allow our fragile peace to be destroyed as a result of any political, personal or ethno-religious reasons. We won’t allow it because we are one entity and we must fight for the people of Nigeria.

She added that said bill currently being treated at the House of Representatives “would require the concurrence of the Senate and when the time comes, we won’t let it just fly like that”.

letter also said Lukman accepted the ministerial job despite his ill-health, and as a two-time OPEC secretary-general, “he did not need to line his pockets.”

“Having regard to his principles and standing locally and internationally, we are certain our father would never take or instigate any bribe, or exercise any discretion given to him in

the GSPA for his benefit,” the letter read.

“We, thus, state in the strongest terms that the claims made against our father by you are false, disreputable, speculative, and an example of unprofessional and destructive conduct aimed at damaging the memory and public reputation of a diligent public servant with

an unblemished international reputation as a two termed OPEC Secretary-General who spent some of his final years whilst battling cancer, serving the Nigerian people as the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“While we remain dedicated to transparency in public office, the public has a right to know that our father, Rilwanu Lukman

was an honest. principled man who tried to do his best for the Nigerian people and certain that he was not involved in any corrupt dealings. It is unfortunate when public officer’s resort to personal and unfounded attacks on people whom they know for reasons of death cannot defend themselves against such distortions and misinformation.”

REWARDING LOYALTY....

L-R: Regional Sales Director, Lagos/Ogun, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Tunde Mabogunje; Distributor of Dangote Cement, Mr. Moses Ajayi, of Mosjan Inc. Limited; a winner, Igwe Sunday Ugoji; and Marketing Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Funmi Sanni, during the presentation of N1 million prize to the winner in Ikorodu, Lagos State...yesterday

Enugu Killings: Ugwuanyi Asks Suspects to Return Weapons Snatched from Security Agents Ejiofor Alike Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday asked those in custody of weapons snatched from security agents during a recent attack and killings of the suspected members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and other residents, as well as two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to return the weapons to the agencies or the nearest traditional ruler who will return same to the appropriate security agency.

The governor stated this

yesterday after an emergency Security Council meeting with all the heads of security agencies in the state.

He reiterated his commitment to get to the root of the matter and to unravel the causes of the disturbances of August 23, 2020, as well as put further machinery in motion to forestall future reoccurrence.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, which took place at the EXCO Chambers of the Lion Building, Government House, Enugu, Ugwuanyi expressed sadness over the loss of lives

during the incident.

The governor said that “as the Chief Security Officer of the state, I am at all times committed, to doing all within my powers, to ensure the security of lives and property in Enugu State”.

He added that “following the emergency Security Council meeting…, it has become necessary to give those responsible for getting to the root of these unfortunate developments a little more time to complete their work”.

“The events of the August 23, 2020, which culminated in

the loss of lives of members of Nigerian security agencies and residents of Enugu State as well as recent reports of attacks on Railway Police Station, Ogui on August 28, 2020 and Unity Police Station, Abakpa on August 30, 2020 where weapons were reported to have been carted away, have been matters of great concern to me”.

The governor therefore asked those in custody of weapons snatched from security agents to return them.

Ondo APC, PDP in Verbal War over Allegation of Buying Voters’ Cards The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of buying Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from commercial motorcycle operators” ahead of the October 10 governorship election in the state.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued issued by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, in Akure.

Peretei said, “The PDP in Ondo State, has it on good authority that the APC-led government is inviting commercial motorcycle operators in the state to the

Government House to submit their PVCs in exchange for money.

“We wish to remind the Motorcycle operators that such a development is only aimed at further impoverishing and denying them of their social responsibility.”

However, the state Publicity

Secretary of the APC, Mr Alex Kalejaiye, dismissed the allegation, saying the PDP had become jittery.

He said “Our party does not need to collect PVCs ahead of the election. The jittery opposition had withdrawn from the race before it leads its unsuspecting supporters on an endless ego trip.”

YIAGA Raises Security Concerns in Edo Election, Identifies 13 Flashpoints A coalition of civil rights organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of YIAGA Africa has expressed concerns over the increase of pre-election violence ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 19.

The group also identified 13 areas across the three Senatorial Districts of the state as possible flashpoints.

YIAGA Africa raised these

concerns in its Pre-Election Observation Report titled, ‘2020 Edo Election: An election defined by strongarm tactics and violence’ by its Executive Director, Samson Itodo.

The report which became public yesterday was released on August 31, 2020.

The report read in part ,“Based on our observation reports, the potential hotspots and flashpoints of violence include Etsako West,

Etsako East, Etsako Central, Owan West, and Akoko-Edo in Edo North Senatorial district.

“In Edo South Senatorial district, our reports suggest Oredo, Orhionmwon, Egor, Ovia North East, and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs, while in Edo Central Senatorial District, Esan Central, Esan North East, and Esan West are potential hotspots. Reports from our LTOs suggest that the spate of violence and insecurity

in the pre-election period may discourage voters from turning up to vote on election day.”

The report attributed the violence to thugs, touts, gangsters, and cultists on the one hand, and the widespread belief that elections could not be won – or smooth governance guaranteed – without strong-arm tactics and the support of powerful thugs.

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

COMMENT

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

TOWARDS RESTRUCTURING NIGERIA Restructuring of the federation is long overdue, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

L

ast week, the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of the constitution, which has commenced the process of further amendment to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), formally requested the general public, executive and judicial bodies, civil society and others to submit memoranda for further amendment on the following subject matters of the constitution - gender equality; federal structure and power devolution; local government/local government autonomy; public revenue; fiscal federation; public revenue/fiscal federal and revenue allocation; Nigeria Police and Nigerian security architecture; comprehensive judicial reforms; electoral reforms; socio-economic and cultural rights; strengthening the independence of oversight institutions and agencies; residency and indigene problem; immunity; the National Assembly; state creation and other matters capable of promoting good governance in Nigeria.

Undoubtedly the aforesaid constitutional amendment if pursued with probity, earnestness and sincerity of purpose, might assuage the hunger for actualization of the sovereignty of Biafra, dampen the quest for Oduduwa Republic and other secessionist clamours. Politics apart, restructuring of the Nigerian federation is overdue. The fact remains that the deep-seated political, economic, social and cultural imbalances plaguing the Nigerian enterprise right from Nigeria’s independence in 1960 or even before have engaged the attention of both successive Nigerian governments and the Nigerian people. For example, all the constitutional conferences that were held in Nigeria, from the 1957 Conference, 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference, 2005 National Political Reform, 214 Constitutional Conference to the Oputa Panel Report (which unfortunately is yet to be released to the public let alone implemented ) were all geared towards addressing and remedying these imbalances in the Nigerian federation. It is apposite to affirm that the Nigerian crisis is a crisis of failed federalism. Historically, the 1914 amalgamation wrought by the British was to further accentuate her selfish interests in the colony. The amalgamation was a potpourri or assemblage of irreconcilable ethno-religiously and culturally diverse kingdoms and nationalities. That was why the concocted amalgamation failed on arrival. It was a forced marriage that was, at the outset, bound to wobble. Owing to the clear absence of espirit de corps and cohesion amongst the nationalities which were forcefully amalgamated, Chief Obafemi Awolowo had referred to Nigeria as a “mere geographical expression�.

With all the natural resources and minerals at the disposal of different regions at independence, everything was working well for Nigeria. But it was short-lived. Under the pretext that it was a corrective and cleansing regime, the military (during the military interregnum) perpetuated indescribable atrocities in Nigeria. Apart from institutionalizing official corruption in Nigeria, the military destroyed the hitherto viable national institutions and systems in Nigeria especially the educational system. The current 1999 Constitution (which is substantially

THE 1999 CONSTITUTION IS AN INCONVENIENT, INEQUITABLE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTRAPTION BEING USED TO PERPETUATE INJUSTICES IN NIGERIA

similar to 1979 Constitution) is General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s military constitution, not the much-vaunted people’s constitution. It is not autochthonous constitution. No inputs from the people who are supposed to be the sovereign in presidential democracy. Simply put, the 1999 Constitution is an inconvenient, inequitable constitutional contraption being used to perpetuate injustices in Nigeria. The constitution over-concentrates power (as could be gleaned from the long list of federal powers in the Exclusive List of the Constitution) in the hands of the federal government thus leaving the federating units at the mercy of the federal government.

This is the main reason for the consistent clamour for a people’s constitution and, by extension the restructuring of Nigeria. You will recall that in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/367/2007, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Prof Wole Soyinka, Ikemba Odimegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, Yerima Shetima and others had dragged the federal government to the Federal High Court in 2007 to, inter alia, challenge the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution.

In fact, one of the declarations being sought by the plaintiffs in the aforesaid suit is that the following words, “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria‌do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitutionâ€? is a big lie because there was no time the Nigerian people met either directly or indirectly to enact for themselves the people’s constitution. Recently, eminent socio-cultural leaders from South-South, South-East and Middle-Belt represented by Chief E. K. Clark, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, Dr. John Nwodo and others, have, in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/595/2020, equally dragged President Buhari to the Federal High Court claiming, inter alia, the sum of N50 billion over marginalization of the people of the region in the appointments to security, quasisecurity agencies and strategic agencies of government. Why this suit? Because President Buhari’s political appointments are skewed in favour of the North. And President Buhari unabashedly says that nobody should begrudge him for doing that because he is giving 95% to those who voted for him. Is this not a hate speech? How can a President of the whole country single out a section of the country for marginalization and punishment on the allegation that they did not vote for him at the last elections? Of the 14 current heads of security agencies in Nigeria, 11 are from the North, two from South-West, one Chief of Naval Staff from the South-South, none from the South-East. Is this not marginalization per excellence? The nauseating aspect is that when some youths from the same marginalized South-East organize a peaceful gathering, armed soldiers are dispatched to kill them as occurred at Emene, Enugu last week. Mind you, the Emene killing of unarmed civilians is not the first of its kind. On February 9, 2016 the Nigerian soldiers shot and killed countless unarmed pro-Biafra civilians who were peacefully holding prayers inside the football field of Ngwa High School, Aba in Abia State. The photographs of the murdered victims were circulating on whatsApp at a time.

A NEW DAWN FOR SOCIAL HOUSING? Bolaji Akanni writes that Olugbenga Ashafa’s appointment is well made

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o President Muhammadu Buhari’s implacable critics, the recent appointment of Senator Olugbenga Bareehu Ashafa as the new helmsman at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), must have come as a big surprise. After all, his administration has garnered considerable notoriety for a string of controversial appointments into public offices, which, now and again, appeared to have made a mockery of the federal character principle. This time the president clearly disappointed his detractors with the rare replacement of a northerner by a southerner on a key public position, thus departing from what many have considered a divisive and unwholesome trend.

However, what is really cheering in the appointment of Senator Ashafa to succeed the former Managing Director of FHA, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin, really should have nothing to do with ethnicity or party politics. For, by tapping the former two-term elected representative of the Lagos East Senatorial District for the FHA top job, President Buhari has undoubtedly chosen a tested and accomplished top-drawer public administrator to drive the much needed refocusing of a critical but underperforming agency of the federal government. In achieving his deliverables on his current assignment, Senator Ashafa should, in my opinion, shift the gaze of the FHA firmly in the direction of government-provided public or social housing to further cement his legacy as a formidable achiever.

The FHA was established as a wholly owned agency of the federal government vide Decree 40 of 1973 with a mandate to, among others, prepare and submit “to government, from time to time, proposals for National Housing Programmes� and to execute “such housing programmes as may be approved by government.� Long before the FHA came into existence, there was the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), established as the Nigerian Building Society (NBS) in 1956 and given its present name following the Indigenization Act of 1973. It was the first institutional initiative to provide long-term credit facilities for mortgage institutions in the country and to mobilize both domestic and offshore funding into the housing sector. The FMBN also administers

the National Housing Fund (NHF) established by the NHF Act of 1992 – recently replaced by the National Housing Fund (Establishment) Act of 2018 – to essentially mobilize funds that will facilitate the provision of affordable housing for Nigerians.

There have been other institutional and legislative interventions to strengthen the housing sector but the emphasis has rarely been on the provision affordable housing for the poor and vulnerable as a deliberate part of the government’s social policy.

Take the FHA for example. It was created just six years before journalism icon and politician, Alhaji Lateef Jakande commenced a blistering mass housing programme that saw the construction of hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units for low and middle income earners during his four-year tenure as Executive Governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983. Since then, and in spite of numerous institutional and legislative initiatives and promises, governments and the real estate sector, including the FHA, have yet to deliver any truly successful large-scale mass housing projects in the country, with housing provisions consistently falling far short of policy projections.

Mass or social housing entails large scale provision of housing units, most often wholly by government, or sometimes in partnership with the private sector, for the public to acquire either on owner-occupier or rental basis. In our situation, the implementation of mass housing should occur when governments acquire lands in areas on the outskirts of heavily populated urban areas to build home units numbering tens of thousands and in multiple places at any point in time. Its main purpose is to enable households and families which are unable to shoulder the heavy financial requirements needed to buy land and build houses at prevailing market rates, to acquire decent homes at reasonably reduced costs.

That objective was apparently achieved in the short term by the Jakande administration’s mass housing programme. Unfortunately, its long-term implementation and impact was truncated by the December 1983 military putsch.

Since then, Nigeria’s urbanization rate has exploded, growing at an average of 4.3 percent

annually, according to the World Bank and driven by uncontrolled migration to the cities. On the contrary, the real estate sector, has practically stagnated in terms of its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment generation, and, more importantly, provision of affordablel mass housing initiatives for the ever-ballooning urban populace. Now, the country is saddled with an unenviable housing deficit, which, at the last count in 2012, stood at 70 million home units. To bridge the gap, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the nation requires the construction of 700,000 houses annually. That target is more than seven times the less than 100,000 units being constructed. Indeed, what we have witnessed in the past two decades is the construction of between 300 to 500 home units in residential estates located in high-brow areas of our cities.

These are homes that only high-income or upper middle-income earners can afford while scant attention is paid to the provision of decent and affordable housing for low-income earners and other vulnerable members of the society.

Without any doubt, the FHA and the real estate sector and even prospective homeowners are beset with several challenges and difficulties which have continued to stymie otherwise robust initiatives to successfully deliver affordable housing. These, as identified by numerous commentators, include finance, politicization of government legislation and requests, bureaucratic regulations, the nation’s massive physical infrastructure deficit, unreliable data and statistics, lack of transparency as well as shortage of skilled labour and high-quality building materials. As recently as November 2019, the Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN had made a strident call for better collaboration between the federal and state governments to realize the objective of providing affordable housing for the nation’s teeming urban population. In an address to the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Fashola noted that land is the basic requirement for building and owning a house and that land ownership and control lie with the states. He added that the Supreme Court has also determined that urban development and planning is within the jurisdiction of the states.

It is evident from the minister’s remarks that the deplorable and unpatriotic practice of denying federal government’s requests for land for public housing in states not controlled by the ruling party, still persists.

As analysts have posited severally, the revised National Housing Fund Act passed by the National Assembly on February 18th, 2019 will, contrary to expectations, make access to housing funds even more inaccessible to low income earners because it taxes the poor more than the rich, especially when the respective Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax requirements are weighed against stipulated NHF deductions. Besides, the new act imposed a 2.5 percent levy on cement which is tantamount to a tax on property development - thus making housing even far less affordable for the poor and vulnerable.

In spite of these and other formidable challenges, the FHA and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the authority’s supervising ministry, have enunciated admirable plans and even executed some projects that may pass for ‘large� housing projects in parts of the country, especially the Federal Capital Territory. But these have barely scratched the surface of the national housing deficit. And, in almost all cases, the homes constructed are anything but “affordable� to those who needed affordable shelter the most: low income earners.

Former FHA Managing Director/CEO, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin said in September 2018, that the organization planned to invest a hefty N9 billion in the construction of its Abuja Mass Housing Project of 550 units of houses. Al-Amin, who was inspecting the half-completed project located at Zuba at the time, promised that none of the “affordable houses� will be sold “above N5 million.� He was optimistic that communities around the Zuba area, especially spare parts dealers and other Nigerians who cannot afford rents in the heart of the FCT, would be the “off-takers to access the housing units.� It is doubtful that a 550-unit housing scheme qualifies to be tagged as “mass.� The price tag too, is prohibitive for the target public.

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T H I S D AY Ëž WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

EDITORIAL

VIOLENCE AND RURAL NIGERIA Government could do more to protect the people

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he spate of attacks on rural communities in Northwest Nigeria has gradually brought the average citizen to the Hobbesian state where life has become nasty, brutish, and short. Or how else can one explain the fact that gunmen have killed no fewer than 1,126 people in the northern part of the country in the first half of this year, according to the latest Amnesty International report? That the various security agencies usually arrive scenes of attacks only after the damage had been done has only heightened the sense of foreboding. Meanwhile, the inability to bring attackers to justice, according to Amnesty International, only helps to fuel dangerous conspiracy theories that escalate the violence. “The government has an obligation to protect its population. The rising death toll in the north of Nigeria shows just how badly the authorities are failing in this responsibility.�

SINCE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE The failure to TO CARRY OUT protect the people FARMING ACTIVITIES is put squarely at UNDER AN INSECURE the doorsteps of the federal government ENVIRONMENT, IT IS ALSO NO SURPRISE THAT that has lost the capacity to rein DOMESTIC AGRICULTURAL in sundry cartels PRODUCTION HAS BEEN of gunmen who now terrorise rural STIFLED areas, particularly in the North. “The Nigerian authorities have left rural communities at the mercy of rampaging gunmen�, said a report on the first six months in 2020 ending in June. “Terrifying attacks on rural communities in the north of Nigeria have been going on for years,� said Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “The ongoing failure of security forces to take sufficient steps to protect villagers from these predictable attacks is utterly shameful,� he added.

To make matters worse, where members of these marauding gangs are arrested, the impunity in the justice system works to set them free. This

Letters to the Editor

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

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

gives the impression of a conspiratorial nexus between the invaders and rogue operatives within the security agencies, alluded to by Amnesty International. For most of these cases, that the perpetrators have never been brought to justice leaves rural communities feeling completely abandoned to their fate. The impact on their means of livelihood compounds the situation.

Since it is impossible to carry out farming activities under an insecure environment, it is also no surprise that domestic agricultural production has been stifled while access to regional markets remain blocked.

Forced to flee their communities, many of these people are now being further traumatised to learn that their tormentors are considered more important than them. For many Nigerians, particularly those in the North-east, life has never been so brutal. With the maimed, the orphans, the widows, widowers and the tides of refugees in IDPs camps practically left to their own devices, the preoccupation with making some killers happy is not lost on them. Last week, inmates of Kuchingworo and Durumi camps in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja threatened to join Boko Haram should federal government continue to romance with repentant terrorists and ignore their victims. This is against the recent revelation that 603 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram insurgents who had completed the de-radicalisation programme would be reintegrated into the communities. With the federal government expending huge resources on these insurgents, their victims who have been condemned to the IDP camps now wonder whether their lot would not be better if they also carry arms. It is criminal to ignore these most vulnerable citizens and then begin to pamper those who put them in the situation they are in.

The first duty of any government is that of protecting the society from violence and invasion of their privacy by others, while the second duty is the protection, as far as possible, of every member of the society from injustice or oppression. When a government loses the capacity for both, anarchy beckons.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

TO BE A COMPLETE WATCHDOG

journalist is said to be the general overseer of the activities of the government and the governed.

This is in the sense that a journalist serves as an intermediary between the above, ensuring that government’s policies and programmes are conveyed to the public and also informing the government about the cry of the public. The contributions of journalists in Nigeria before and post-independence have shaped the society and the livelihoods of citizens. This is because society depends solely on them to make decisions on their daily activities.

However, as the time goes, journalists got divided into watched dog and watchdog. It is no longer news that some journalists are just perceived recorders of events, press briefings, press conferences and presenters of news and programmes to the public which limit their watchdog role. Unless reformation is made, the profession will continue to be perceived this way.

What it takes to be a complete watchdog? An investigative reporter who performs the role of a watchdog, is a journalist that goes extra miles to dig deep into stories in order to give the audiences more than the ordinary. What is common with this type of journalism is risk-taking. An investigative journalist must be courageous enough and sacrifice his leisure and pleasure as well as his money, time and above all, his life in order to serve the society. This type of journalism requires one who has the interest of people at heart and the willingness to bring positive changes into society for the good of all.

Ideally, ordinary reporters look without seeing but investigative reporter sees whenever he looks because of his intelligence, confidence and different way of analysing trending issues.

Additionally, investigative reporter ought to be truthful and work with the principles of objectivity, balance and fairness.

This too will not be achieved if the investigative journalist is not patriotic and corrupt-free, avoiding brown envelope.

After having the aforementioned qualities, an investigative journalist is expected to perform a watchdog role on the government and the governed. This is done by holding the government responsible for its policies, programmes and daily activities to ensure that funds are not embezzled and everything is done accordingly. And he works to ensure justice in the society. In carrying out this task, he must be a good researcher, critical thinker, observant, hardworking, computer literate, jovial and have the knowledge of photojournalism as well as having sound communication skills and seeing news beyond the scene.

With these qualities, an investigative reporter will be able to make a difference in the world, encourage transparency, accountability and fight corruption for the development of the society.

Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a renowned investigative reporter during a lecture at Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano once said “I am a normal journalist. But my journalism is different. The key things I look at when I do my journalism are to name, shame, and jail. My job entails getting hard-hitting evidence. Thereafter, I put those facts to the court of law to testify to ensure that bad guys are put behind the bar. I do what I do because I know there is no point in doing journalism that does not affect your society. For me, journalism is a hot kitchen, and if you can’t bear the heat, then get out of the kitchen.� r#JMZBNJOV (BNCP ,POH LPM .BTT $PNNVOJDBUJPO %FQBSU NFOU #BZFSP 6OJWFSTJUZ ,BOP

KEEP FIGHTING TO STOP THE FIGHTING

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headline on the CNN website states, “Biden and Trump to duel over race and violence� and the worry is that this is not fake news.

Any definition of duel mentions opposing sides, and yes, they are from opposing political parties, but there should be no difference in belief. The definitions usually mention weapons which we do not want to see and honour which we do want to see.

Racism is wrong. Violence is wrong.

These two statements are so simple that they really are just facts without contradiction. We are going to see two old men argue about topics that they have not, fortunately, suffered and may not really understand. One of them is going to be the president and hopefully the chosen one will work to stop racism and violence.

Let’s unite in battle to stop the racism and violence for once and all. If the president does that then their name will last longer than the Mt Rushmore faces. r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Crashed Helicopter Has Valid Certificate of Airworthiness, Says AIB Chinedu Eze The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) has confirmed that the Bell 206-B 111 helicopter, which crashed last Friday in Lagos has a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) till October 29, 2020 and that the company, Quorum Aviation, which operated the equipment, has a valid Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) that would expire on November 20, 2020.

The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of AIB-N, Akin Olateru who addressed journalists at the Murtala Muhammed

International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, yesterday, explained that the reasons for the press briefing was to correct many erroneous information about the crash.

He regretted that this is the first accident with fatalities in Nigeria since the last five years.

Olateru also assured that the preliminary report of the accident would be released in four weeks.

He said that investigations are currently ongoing, adding that conjectures at this stage would be detrimental to the investigation process.

Olateru added that accident investigation is carried out in

Gunmen Abduct Medical Director,Two Others in Ondo James Sowole in Akure The Medical Director of General Hospital in Idoani, Ondo State, Dr. Olufemi Adeogun, has been reportedly kidnapped at the bad portion of Owani/Idoani road, Ose Local Government Area of the state.

Also abducted along with the medical director is a record officer with the hospital, Mrs. Foluke Ajibola, and a yet-to-be-identified

victim.

According to an eye witness, the driver of the vehicle in which they were traveling on was shot in the arm, but escaped from the scene, but was later rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tee-Leo Ikoro, said the command has begun investigation into the matter.

phases, clarifying also that all procedures are performed in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2019 and the guidance of ICAO Annex 13.

The flight was operated by the Bell Helicopter 206-B III with Serial Number 3216, Engine Model Allison 250–C20B with the nationality registration Marks 5N-BQW. It is owned by Quorum Aviation and originated from Port Harcourt NAF Base but within few minutes to landing, it crashed into a building at Opebi, Ikeja.

Olateru said he was aware of the speculations circulating on social media and other public fora with regards to the probable cause of the crash and AIB’s retrieval of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), popularly known as the Black Box. He however clarified that AIB-N did not retrieve any FDR from the aircraft as the Bell 206 is certified at approximately 1,519kg (3,350lbs) and featured five seats.

He added that it did not meet the necessary criteria for an FDR and was not featured with one.

“The standard requirement for an FDR in any aircraft is 10 seats.

It is extremely important to note that the aviation industry is the most regulated industry globally and its operations are regulated in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“The installation and application of FDRs in aircraft is guided by ICAO Annex 6, Parts 1 and 2. The basic standards for both Parts are essentially similar. Part 1 applies to commercial aircraft while Part 2 is for non-commercial operations.

“An FDR on the aircraft would have aided the investigation but, nevertheless, our world-

class-trained investigators are competent to retrieve information about a crash from the wreckage and several other components of the aircraft, the site of the crash, communication with the ATC, and other documents on the aircraft and the crew,” he explained.

Reacting to speculations that the pilot jettisoned fuel before landing, the AIB commissioner stated that the aircraft type does not have the capability to jettison fuel.

Olateru also disclosed the latest information obtained about the crashed chopper.

Fani-Kayode Demands N6bn, Apology from Daily Trust Alex Enumah in Abuja A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has demanded that the Media Trust Limited, the publisher of Daily Trust and other publications – enter into a negotiation for a possible payment of N6 billion for defamation of his character.

Fani-Kayode said this in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the newspaper dated August 31, 2020 and titled, ‘Defamation of the Character of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode by Iliyasu Gadu’.

The letter, which was signed

by the former minister’s lawyer, Adeola Adesipe, was in response to an article titled, ‘FFK, the Drug Addled Thug in Designer Wears’ dated August 30, 2020.

In the article, which was published in the newspaper, the writer berated Fani-Kayode for his conduct during a press conference in which he described a Daily Trust reporter in Calabar, Eyo Charles, as ‘stupid’ after the journalist asked who was “bankrolling” his current tour of southern states.

Gadu, the writer of the article, claimed Fani-Kayode, who attended Cambridge University, was once “a drug addict” and had sought

rehabilitation in Ghana but “till today has not been cured of the habit”.

In his pre-litigation letter, however, Fani-Kayode described the article as libellous and demanded an apology from the newspaper, which must be published in other national dailies.

The former minister also demanded that negotiation be entered into for the possible payment of N6 billion due to the irreparable loss the article had caused him.

It read in part, “Be aware that our client has not only suffered immeasurable loss of goodwill,

he is currently confronted with unbearable opprobrium by his fans, followers, and colleagues across the globe.

“Our client is alive to his rights both in law and equity but is disposed to an opportunity to undo the evil you have done by retracting the said insalubrious remarks on the same platform it was published and apologising to him in two other national dailies.

“You are also advised to enter into negotiations with us for the sum of N6billion being a token amount for penitence as opposed to the magnitude of infraction caused to our client’s nobility.”

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

A Look at Ozigbo’s Promise to Make Anambra Glow David-Chyddy Eleke interrogates the personality and promises made by Valentine Ozigbo, one of the many indigenes of Anambra seeking to lead her as governor

Ozigb0

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Anambra chawapu’ is a popular slogan among supporters of Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, a former President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation, otherwise known as Transcorp. Translated in Igbo, the phrase- ka Anambra chawapu means - let Anambra Glow. He is a governorship aspirant in Anambra on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and despite the huge number of very influential politicians and money bags in the race to succeed the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Ozigbo’s supporters believe that only he can make Anambra Glow.

During a virtual press conference with journalists, Ozigbo announced his intention to run for the governorship position of Anambra State. He said, “I am running for the governorship position of Anambra State in the 2021 governorship election. I solicit the support of party faithfuls and entire people of the state in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. If given the opportunity to serve the state, I will bring to bear my experience as the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, as well as to consolidate on the achievements of the previous administrations in the state.

“Anambra lacks quality leadership.

The last time we had it (quality leadership) was when Mr. Peter Obi was governor of the state. I am the most qualified for the position of governor of Anambra State, among all those contesting for the position, and I will offer the state quality leadership. “I have a verifiable past, and everyone knows the legacy I left behind as President of Transcorp. Before going to Transcorp, I had a glowing career in banking, spanning 17 years, and my achievements are verifiable.”

To make good his intention, recently, just as the Federal Government began easing off the lockdown in the country, Ozigbo in activities to mark his 50th birthday used the opportunity to also intimate the leadership of the PDP in the state with his intention. While donating food items to the PDP in Anambra as a way of cushioning the effect of COVID-19 on its members, Ozigbo said, “I am running for the governorship of Anambra State, but I am more interested in a united and strong PDP that will take over the government house in Anambra.

“I am seeking for a consensus candidate of the party and when that is achieved, what we used to experience in the party in the past will no longer be the case. I hope to emerge as that consensus candidate, and God willing, I will be your governor. However, I am a party man, if the outcome of the primary does not favour me, provided it is fair

and transparent, which I know is going to be, I will continue to support PDP, not only for the governorship election but for all elections and activities of the party.”

Though Ozigbo hails from.the southern senatorial zone of the state, the state most favoured by a zoning formulate being championed by members of the party, he has refused to rely on this to push his governorship ambition. “ “I am not contesting as a result of the zoning arrangement, rather, I am contesting to give quality leadership to the state, which it yearns for.” He also dismissed the allegations that he was being sponsored by some top political godfathers in the state, saying he only maintains good relationship with all stakeholders and noted, “if given opportunity, Anambra state will experience good turn around in all sectors.

“I have the goodwill of PDP leaders in

I am seeking for a consensus candidate of the party and when that is achieved, what we used to experience in the party in the past will no longer be the case. I hope to emerge as that consensus candidate, and God willing, I will be your governor. However, I am a party man, if the outcome of the primary does not favour me, provided it is fair and transparent, which I know is going to be, I will continue to support PDP, not only for the governorship election but for all elections and activities of the party

this state. They’ve linked me with Peter Obi, Chief Chris Uba, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and a host of others and it shows I’m the most popular here. Don’t be surprised that very soon, you will even hear that it is APGA (All Progressives Grand Alliance) that is sponsoring me. I have the support of people across party. I will win PDP primary and win the election to become the next governor of the state by the grace of God,” he said.

On why he chose to vie for the position, and how he will make the state glow, Ozigbo at a separate forum said, “For those who still wonder why I sacrificed my place of comfort in the entrepreneurial world to dedicate the rest of my life to public service here is the answer.

“I have looked around me and I am not comfortable and I can not keep staying on the sidelines. I am stepping out to make and be the change that I want to see. Politics impacts life so much that it can’t be left in the hands of the ill prepared.”

Ozigbo also stated that as a business leader, a lover of youths, a supporter of sports, a philanthropist and many more, he is in the right position to impact the state positively if given the opportunity to serve. For him, he is coming to the contest with a rich resume and rich experience, and has adequately prepared himself for the contest. As the date of the contest draws near, and contestants continue to unveil their manifesto for the contest, it would be clearer how far Ozigbo’s promise to the people to make Anambra shine can be attained.

In between time, he stated forcefully, “I want to serve my people, once again, in a role where I can make far reaching, sustainable improvements in their lives.

In 2021, by God’s Grace and guidance, I will be running for the office of the governor of Anambra State.”

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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POLITICS

Edo APC Suspends Campaign, Griefs with Accident Victims

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the breakneck speed at which the motorcade of public officials travel, often in disregard of safety rules should be checked by relevant authorities

Ize-Iyamu

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he candidate of the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, has called off his rally at Usen, following a road crash, opening a public discourse on the speed at which official motorcade travel, often in disregard of safety rules.

The unfortunate incident occurred before Oluku junction , as a truck ran into the travelling campaign entourage of top chieftains of the APC, claiming lives. While commiserating with the bereaved this offers a sobering moment to reflect on the behaviours of public officials on our roads. The time has come to enjoin relevant authorities to curtail the excesses of these influential Nigerians in a bid to avoid painful loss of lives.

In a statement endorsed by the Chairman of the APC Media Campaign Council, Mr. John Mayaki, the campaign said it was suspending the scheduled event, to honour the dead.

On behalf of Pastor Ize-Iyamu and the APC, Mayaki condoled with the families of the victims, saying they were not alone in their grief.

It pledged that the campaign would do everything within its powers to ameliorate their grief.

Reaching out to the families of the policemen involved in the fatal crash, the campaign said Edo would never forget their supreme sacrifice.

It called on everyone to pray for the soul of dead, and against the recurrence of such tragedies.

Meanwhile, the Edo APC has claimed that it is coasting to victory in the impending governorship election, relying on forecasts from multiple online polls conducted by credible media platforms which placed Ize-Iyamu ahead of the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as the favorite candidate to win the Sept. 19 governorship election in the state.

Details of Ize-Iyamu’s lead in the polls were presented to the press by Mr. John Mayaki at a press conference in Benin City on Monday.

According to Mayaki, “To be clear, we acknowledge the importance of weighing public opinion on issues, but we also know that such exercise must be carried out in a transparent

process using credible mediums that are protected from the manipulation of desperate parties like the PDP who are on the frantic chase of any form of good news to breathe some life into their deflated and dull campaign. And this brings us to the second point.”

“If the PDP wants to be taken seriously, then they should provide undebatable evidence of our sponsorship of this said opinion poll.

They should not only publish the contractors, or the organization contracted, but must also disclose the full details and result of the said poll conducted by APC and won by the PDP.” “But we know that the PDP will come up empty because these things do not exist and the allegation is only the product of their crooked minds.”

“On the other hand, from our own independent investigations, what has emerged is the fact that that some media platforms conducted polls on their respective digital platforms where reality was once again reflected as our candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, emerged with the lead votes, and our party was vindicated by the people as non-violent in its approach.”

Mayaki said the online polls reflected the reality of Ize-Iyamu’s soaring popularity in Edo state and vindicated the APC as the only political party running an issue-based campaign devoid of violence.

He also slammed the PDP for claiming that the APC sponsored a poll which showed that the party was losing in 16 LGAs of the State.

According to Mayaki, the claims of the PDP amount to jitter-induced hallucinations and an attempt to give hope to the dispirited followers of the PDP and breathe life into the party’s dull and deflated campaign.

He said the APC was focused on building on the support it enjoys across the state and has neither time nor resources to stage or manipulate polls.

“Having run out of verve and rendered dispirited by the growing rejection of their incompetent candidate, the hallucinations of the PDP have grown worse, and is this time manifested in a bizarre fantasy of a purported victory in an online poll which they falsely and irresponsibly claim was sponsored by us,” he said.

“It is important to state that the irresponsible and false claim bandied by the PDP that the APC sponsored and lost an online poll is dismissed by two factual points: the first being that as a party, we, the All Progressives Congress, are too busy doing the groundwork of grassroots mobilization of voters across the 192 wards of the state and building on the concrete support and love the people already have for the party, with the aim of attracting even more supporters on the strength of our manifesto – something the PDP lacks – to be involved in the petty tricks of staging or sponsoring such poll as alleged by this busy-body party.”

“Therefore, this latest noise by the PDP, one can understand, is an act of propaganda aimed at confusing the emerging demeaning narrative of a party losing in reality and in the polls and as a result, are suffering early trauma and having ghoulish nightmares.”

Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (left) presenting the Updated (due to Covid-19) Legislative Agenda of the 9th House of Representatives to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, 1 September, 2020

L-R: Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Deputy Governor of Abia State exchanging communiques with, Mr. Moses Ekpo his Akwa Ibom State counterpart. Observing in the middle is Surveyor Magaji Dumiya, representative of the Director General, National Boundary, conveners of the event

From left- Deputy Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Femi Popoola, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and others, during the flag off of construction/rehabilitation of 13.5 Kilometer Igbajo-Ada Road, in Igbajo

L-R: Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Ken Imasuagbon; Edo State Deputy Governor and running mate, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Edo State Governor and candidate of the PDP, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Engr. S. A. Skaff, and Senator Odion Ugbesia, at the commissioning of the 5.3km Iselu-Okaigben Road in Ewohimi, Esan South East, Local Government Area of Edo State

T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Celebrating Nigerian Health Workers as Unsung Heroes against COVID-19 Contrary to popular belief that Nigeria’s COVID-19 burden would, 188 days after the first recorded case, lead to human and economic catastrophe with millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths recorded, the nation has against all odds managed to keep the its burden at a minimum level with morbidity rate relatively low. Martins IďŹ jeh writes that one of the key persons behind the successes recorded so far are health workers who are the front line army risking their lives to keep the nation safe

Some of the unsung heroes with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

P

rior to the start of COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria, healthcare workers in the country were some of the major workforces least given deserved priority by their employers. They at several occasions had embarked on protests and strike actions, all to register their displeasures.

For some, there was no need giving their all to a country that has refused to fix the health system and regard its personnel. Majority were scheming their way out of the country for job satisfaction abroad since for decades the country’s leaders had refused to give their sector the needed priority.

But when COVID-19 broke out February 27 in Nigeria with the confirmation of the virus in an Italian national who flew into the country from Turkey three days earlier, healthcare workers set aside their grievances; their poor working conditions; their perceived disrespect from their employers; as well as their zero hazard allowances because it was time to think of Nigeria first before their personnel happiness.

They had seen the devastation the pandemic was having on otherwise developed and rich nations and they knew if they make a volte face against the looming crisis at the time, Nigeria would become history with dead bodies recorded in droves and several millions of COVID-19 infections documented every day just like was seen in Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, among others. They knew every nation had turned to itself and no foreign help was coming to save Nigeria except Nigerians like them who could fight diseases.

On specifics, many doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, among others volunteered to become frontline workers interfacing with COVID-19

patients, with many of them scattered around Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Isolation Centre, Kano Isolation Centre; COVID-19 Incident Commands across the nation, among others. It didn’t matter to them whether the virus was highly infectious and had been killing thousands of healthcare workers abroad.

It didn’t matter to them that their decision was going to deprive them of seeing their families, having time for themselves, or having them being stigmatised in the society.

By the time these frontline personnel commenced work, they met lack of personal protective equipment; zero hazard allowances for the dangerous job; harassments by security personnel, especially on issues around movement

restrictions; among others. And then within weeks of caring for COVID-19 patients, not few of them contracted the virus – from University of Benin Teaching Hospital, to National Hospital, Abuja, to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and to several other health facilities in the country – the story was the same.

The former Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Saliu Oseni had few months ago accused the federal government of fuelling spread of COVID-19 among healthcare workers because they were interfacing with infected persons with minimal personal protective equipment.

As at the last count in June, not less than 700 healthcare workers, including doctors, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) staff, nurses, laboratory

When COVID-19 broke out February 27 in Nigeria with the conďŹ rmation of the virus in an Italian national who ew into the country from Turkey three days earlier, healthcare workers set aside their grievances with government; their poor working conditions; their perceived disrespect from their employers; as well as the zero hazard allowances they were being paid because it was time to think of Nigeria ďŹ rst before their personnel happiness. Many of them have paid the surprise price so that infected persons can recover and reunite with their families

scientists, epidemiologists, have been infected. There appears not to be any record yet on how many more have been infected since then till date. Several tens of the workers have paid the supreme price. Those who loved them would still have been seeing them till date if they (health workers) didn’t volunteer to become COVID-19 frontline workers.

But because of these huge sacrifices, several thousands of COVID-19 patients have fully recovered, and have reunited with their families. This sacrifice has helped in reducing death rate from the scourge.

So far, not more than 1,015 Nigerians have died from a serious global pandemic that has claimed almost one million lives across the world. The country’s infection rate is still around 55,000.

188 days after the first case of the virus in the country, the world, including Nigerians have become surprised at the continuous decline of the virus in the country. Nigerians have played their role in the flattening of the curve.

The adherence of social distancing and wearing of facemasks have helped.

The donations by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has helped. The leadership by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, NCDC, Ministry of Health, that of aviation, foreign affairs, among others have helped.

In all of these, Nigeria’s biggest heroes in the fight against the pandemic are health workers. They are the soldiers protecting the country against national health insecurity. The history of Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19 cannot be complete without the conspicuous mention of health workers who have given their all so every Nigerian can live freely.

Health workers, you are Nigeria’s number one hero against the COVID-19 monster.

T H I S D AY Ëž SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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FEATURES

Okowa’s Film Village Excites Nollywood Franklin Akporuno

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overnor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State is obviously passionate about youth empowerment and job creation. Aside the various initiatives in the state to engender employment among the populace, Okowa is pushing his quest for empowerment into the entertainment industry. He is building a film village in Ugbolu, on the precinct of the capital city of Asaba.

The Delta Film Village and Leisure Park is an ambitious N5 billion project expected to be delivered by the first quarter of 2021.

When completed, it will add more fizz to the nation’s fast-growing movie industry, popularly called Nollywood. The film village will not only create jobs, direct and indirect, for Deltans and Nigerians at large, it will help bolster the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Globally, entertainment - from sports to music to movie - is the largest employer of labour. It has grown to become a huge revenue earner and weapon of culturisation. Last year alone, the global entertainment market exceeded $100 billion for the first time ever in revenue generation. The Motion Picture Association in its report on the international box office and home entertainment market said that the industry reached $101 billion in revenue.

This is the market that Okowa is looking to claw into in a manner never witnessed in Nigeria. With COVID-19 putting a sludge on global economic activities, some persons have predicted a shortfall in the 2020 revenue takings. But this argument is countered by those who argue that COVID-19 and its attendant lockdown may have pushed up movie consumption through digital channels as people explored ways to fight boredom through movies streamed on digital devices.

These days, rather than go to cinemas, the cinema comes to you in your office, bedroom and living room. It’s the digital mix, and entertainment is one of the biggest beneficiaries.

Digital innovations have in recent years given a boost to home entertainment, driving 14 per cent of overall growth. Statistics shows that 85 per cent of children and 55 per cent of adults now consume TV shows and films on mobile devices. “The film, television, and streaming industry continues to transform at a breakneck pace, and this report shows that audiences are the big winners,� said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association. “Most importantly, our industry continues to innovate and deliver great storytelling for movie and TV fans — where, when, and how they want it,� Rivkin said.

Going forward, this marriage between entertainment and technology means that the film industry will continue to experience growth and will continue to enjoy more appeal from all strata of society.

This explains why Okowa’s avowal to commit to the nations’ film industry through a film village is both apposite and timely. It’s coming at a time Nigeria is strongly deepening her digital economy with increasing broadband penetration. More instructively, Delta State produced several Nollywood greats such as Richard Mofe Damijo, Zeb Ejiro,

Governor Okowa

Stella Damasus, Omoni Oboli, Rachael Oniga, Hanks Anuku, Uti Nwachukwu and Emeka Ossai.

Others of blessed memory are Justus Esiri, Enebeli Elebuwa and Sam Loco Efe. The Delta film village will not only create jobs for those in value chain of the film industry. It will generate bigger traffic volumes for telecoms companies and allied valued added services (VAS) providers. It will also boost the state’s hospitality sector. Hotels and eateries in the state will profit from the expected spike in human traffic to the state from all over the world especially with the growing interest by actors and investors in Nollywood from outside the country. Besides, it will enhance professionalism and standard as basic equipment, ambience and props for filmmaking would be easily sourced. This will foster infrastructure-sharing and create its unique economies of scale. An aggregation of this will result in an increase in the state’s IGR and overall increase in the contribution of the movie industry to the nation’s GDP. Recently, the leadership of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMPN) paid a courtesy visit to the governor. The group commended Governor Okowa for the world class film village. The movie producers were in Asaba for their Annual General Meeting and they seized the opportunity to visit the governor to thank him for being the first Nigerian to provide the industry with a well-structured base that can compete with those of their international counterparts.

Asaba has been the preferred movie-making nest of the brightest and the best of Nollywood. The historical totems of the capital city, its tranquility and beautiful landscapes and sceneries, have attracted producers of Nollywood movies these past years. Okowa is adding to this by building a

befitting film village which will enhance movie production both in terms of form and content.

While hosting the movie producers, Governor Okowa assured them of his administration’s partnership to make Delta a tourism destination and the production hub of Nollywood movies. “I express my excitement that you are mainly Deltans because Deltans have done quite a lot in the movie and entertainment industry,� he remarked. “We thank you for returning home to conduct your elections, having contributed a lot to Delta.

I am glad that you have gone to the Film Village being developed alongside a pleasure park. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the pace with which we intended to work, and we could have done better than it is now, but hopefully, it will be completed by next year.

We are aware that most movies in Nigeria are shot in Delta and Asaba to be precise. “The importance of the entertainment industry in job creation and economic development of Delta State cannot be over-emphasised.

We will create a functional movie village. With time we will partner with the private sector to manage the film village.�

Obviously, a major attraction for Nollywood players to Asaba is the peace in the state. Okowa has deployed the instrument of development and active youth engagement to sustain peace in Delta state. This has opened up Asaba to non-Deltans some of whom have not only taken up residency in the state but have established fast-growing businesses to add to the socio-economic well-being of the state.

The president of the movie producers’ group, Ralph Nwadike, was overtly excited when hedeclared that the movie producers were delighted with the worldclass film village especially with its one-stop shop concept where

everything movie from idea to execution could be effectively carried out. He added that Nollywood can now proudly declare Asaba as their home. “We have been to the Asaba Film Village project and now we can boldly say we have a home and a base here. I am commending you, Mr. Governor with every zeal and zest, because we are indeed coming to the promised land. I say this with all seriousness because wherever we go all over the world as filmmakers, they ask us, ‘where exactly is Nollywood?’ “Though Nollywood started from Zeb Ejiro’s office, there’s no place to say this is Nollywood, like they have the Bollywood and Hollywood in India and America. So, Asaba Film Village will be our own Canaanland. It is a promised land, it is not just a Nollywood city, it is a place where we can call home and we are really proud of what Governor Okowa is doing there,� he said.

The implication of the Delta Film village is that next time Nwadike or any other Nollywood icon is asked the question: where Nollywood is, they will readily answer, “Nollywood is in Asaba, Delta State.�

From 2021, Asaba will become the hub of Nollywood, reputed to be the second largest movie industry in the world in terms of film output, surpassing Hollywood in the United States and second only to Bollywood of India. Nollywood is said to produce about 50 movies per week usually on a low budget yet unmatched anywhere in the world. It is a testimony to the creativity, resilience and innovative elan of the Nollywood producers.

Although its revenues are not on par with Bollywood's and Hollywood's, Nollywood still generates an estimated $590 million annually.

For an industry that rolled off from ground zero without government support in any way, the revenue profile is still something to cheer.

Entertainment is ranked as the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria only next to agriculture.

With more corporate sponsorships, professionalism, and infrastructure like the Delta Film Village, coupled with Nigeria’s peculiar youth population bulge, the revenue profile is expected to shore up in the coming years.

The film industry is one of the key sectors identified in the Economic Recovery and Growth plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria with projected export revenue of over $1billion by 2021 and far more in subsequent years.

When Okowa wrote the Delta State House of Assembly seeking its approval of the sum of N5 billion to build the Film Village, he said that the project, when completed, would not only boost the revenue base of the state, but would also create jobs for youths in the state. He explained that the state government would provide 30 per cent of the funding of the project, while investors would provide 70 per cent.

Job creation is at the core of Okowa’s leadership and it was of no wonder that the entire members of the State Assembly gave their support for the programme expected to revolutionise the nation’s movie industry and place Delta State on the global map as the home and hub of Nollywood. .... Akporuno wrote in from Delta State

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ˜ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

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REPO 2.63 2

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

1.75 2.50 3.50

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

A U G U S T

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

588.62% -0.61% -4.16%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2 1 , 4.58% 22.33%

2 0 2 0 EXCHANGE RATE N381/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Diong Takes over ARC Leadership

GRADUATION CEREMONY

L-R: FirstVicePresident,CharteredInstituteofBankersofNigeria(CIBN),Dr.KenOpara;President/ChairmanofCouncil,Mr.BayoOlugbemi,and Registrar/ CEO,Mr.OluseyeAwojobi,duringthecertificateofaccreditationceremonyheldinLagos...recently ETOPUKUTT

McKinsey Offers Business Survival Tips Post COVID-19 Peter Uzoho In the wake of the difficulty in predicting exactly what the new normal created by the COVID-19 pandemic will look like, organisations have a variety of options to adapt to behaviour changes in three key stakeholder groups—customers, employees, and vendors and partners, McKinsey & Company has stated.

In its report titled: “Nextgeneration Operating Models for the Next Normal�, which was obtained by THISDAY, the global research and ratings agency, noted that these shifting behaviors have implications across the value chain, impacting product, sales and channels, and services and support, and also affect workforce models and office operations.

It harped on a shift away from large point-of-sale (PoS) and suggested that simplified products are more suitable for sales over digital channels.

It also recommended that companies could adapt to the changing needs of employees by shifting from a stable

ECONOMY workforce model to a more flexible one.

The report proposed that organisations could change their service and support to meet the new behaviours of their customers and employees by moving to a remote digital service, and also made recommendations on how to approach post COVID-19 operating model change as new models will inevitably introduce new risks that must be addressed.

The report explained: “Physical distancing, working remotely, travel barriers, and the psychological impact of isolation have changed the behaviors of stakeholders in every organisation, creating unexpected challenges. “While it is too early to predict the long-term outcomes and trends prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the most likely scenarios suggest organisations will be operating in a next normal environment for the foreseeable future.

“Changes in internal and external stakeholder behaviors mean that companies may wish to reconsider how they operate and act now in order to emerge stronger after the pandemic. “This may include starting to think about and plot their transition to a next-generation operating model best suited to the next normal,� the report stated “These next normal changes will affect the behaviors of three key stakeholder groups— customers, employees, and vendors and partners—in different ways. “Customers could shift their purchasing preferences to avoid physical channels, adopt more digital services, and demand more from delivery services.�

For customers, the report suggested that they adapt their consumption patterns by consuming less, focusing on essentials, and delaying the upgrade of devices and services— not including those that now help consumers to maintain ties with the outside world, like computers and smart phones, as well as remote communication and

entertainment packages.

It added that COVID-19 might also impact customer psychology in the form of growing anxiety and boredom, pointing out that customers could feel an increasing need to own items rather than renting for sanitary reasons. “We have also seen people making new and renewed commitments to values and goals (for example, balancing time spent at work and with family), and preparing to make meaningful trade-offs that will shape their life choices long after the current crisis passes. “At the same time, people are weighing the values and risks in everyday decisions about who they spend time with, where they go, what they do, and what they buy,� the USbased management consulting firm stated.

While recognising the change in employees work, as they become more accustomed to remote working and virtual interactions, the McKinsey Continued on page 24

Retiree Life Annuity Fund Records Marginal Growth in Q2 Ebere Nwoji The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said that Retiree Life Annuity (RLA) fund, managed by life insurance companies recorded a marginal growth of 2.69 percent during the second quarter 2020.

The commission stated this in a recent report titled, “Retiree Life Annuity: An Overview of Q2, 2020,� published on its website. “The RLA portfolio so far has recorded 83,917 contracts purchased for a total premium of N377 billion as at end of Q2, 2020. This depicts 2.69 per cent and 1.58 per cent growth in count and volume, respectively in Q2, 2020 from end of Q1, 2020.

INSURANCE “While the industry fund portfolio grew by 15.34 per cent to N463.1 billion as at the end of Q2, 2020,� it stated.

According to the commission, year-on-year growth of the annuity fund during the last three years for RLA business averaged 25.45 percent in volume, while RLA fund portfolio growth averaged 37.22 percent notwithstanding the RLA payouts made which it said stood at N167.2 billion as at the end of Q2, 2020.

The commission stated that the annuity payouts, premium receipts and portfolio fund balance depicted a clear representation with the fund

balance which was to the tune of N463.1 billion, higher than the cumulative premium amounts received which was N376.58 billion.

It said further analysis of the periodical increments in the cumulative premium amounts received and RLA fund portfolio respectively, depicted that the growth rate for premium receipts was receding, adding that growth rate for the portfolio fund balance was volatile.

PenCom, attributed this to the volatility in interest rate.

The commission, said it approved a total of 2,357 applications for retirement under life annuity between July to September 2019, adding that the number of annuitants

as at July 2019 was 68,857 and moved to 71,214 in September.

The pension industry regulator noted that the 2,357 retirees received N3.71 billion as lump sum payment and paid premium of N15.09 billion to insurance companies in exchange for monthly annuity of N159.22 million.

It said this resulted in total lumps sum payment of N94.99 billion, premium of N386.30 billion and monthly annuity receipts of N3.86 billion as at the end of third quarter, 2019.

The insurance sector, whose life business segment underwrites life annuity portfolio has much hope on the annuity with the industry regulator, the NaContinued on page 24

Mr. Ibrahima Diong has taken over the reins of the leadership of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group, following his election by the ARC Conference of Parties (CoP) earlier in June 2020.

According to a statement, Diong, an African statesman from the Republic of Senegal, would serve as ARC Group’s Director-General (DG) in the capacity of United Nations Assistant Secretary General (UN-ASG) for an initial term of four years.

Sharing his excitement for the role, the new ARC Group DG, who has over30yearsofprofessionalleadershipandmanagementexperience inAfrica,theUnitedStates,EuropeandAsia,statedthatheishumbled andeagertobringhisversatileexperiencetoserveAfricainthenewrole.

He added: “I fully comprehend and appreciate the incredible mission andoutstandingworkofARC.WithmyprofessionalandhighlyeďŹƒcient colleagues,wewillworkrelentlesslytonotonlyconsolidatetheimpact of ARC’s work in our current 34 member countries, but to also to scale up our disaster risk management interventions to the rest of the African continent.â€?

In her remarks during the ARC Group Joint Board Meeting where Diong was also formally welcomed, Chairperson of the ARC Agency, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said, “It is reassuring to know that the ARC Groupissetforgoodcontinuityandevengreaterstridesinthedelivery of its continental mission.We have gone from providing disaster risk coverage to a handful of countries at the beginning, to the impressive number of countries we have in our pool today.

NestlĂŠ Appoints Regional CEO

NestlĂŠhasappointedMauricioAlarconasnewChiefExecutiveOďŹƒcer of NestlĂŠ Central and West Africa Limited, eective September 1, 2020.ThecompanyinastatementexplainedthatAlarconhasarobust and in-depth understanding of Central and West Africa. In 2014, he became Managing Director of NestlĂŠ CĂ´te d’Ivoire where he drove business growth and eďŹƒciency. He also headed NestlÊ’s operation in Senegal, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Mauritania and CapeVerde.

In 2016, he became the Managing Director of NestlĂŠ Nigeria, the largest NestlĂŠ operation in the region. “During his tenure in Nigeria, Mr. Alarcon was a catalyst for change and innovation to achieve superior business performance amidst a volatile environment. He also demonstrated a strong personal commitment to improving the lives of people within the company as well as in the communities it operates,â€? it added.

Alarcon is a Mexican national with a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He worked in the banking sector before joining NestlĂŠ Mexico in 1999. In 2004, he was appointed as Marketing Manager for the Ice Cream business in Australia. He moved to NestlÊ’s North and Eastern Africa Region as Business Executive Manager for Ice Cream in 2010, transforming the business by doubling turnover and improving proďŹ tability.

Nitro121 Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Nitro121(formerlyknownas141Worldwide),markedits15thanniversary yesterday and promised to continue to deliver bespoke marketing communications services to clients and other partners.

Commenting on the feat, the Managing Director Lampe Omoyele said: “As we mark 15years of operation wherein we have gone through transitions and transformation, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to serve clients with uncompromised professionalism in line with our act RIGHT values, Responsible, Integrity, Gusto, Harmony andTransparency, as well as a continuing drive to be innovative and impactful in the marketplace.�

Onhispart,itsChairman,LoluAkinwunmisaid:“Nitro121hasaheritage of excellence and integrity that continues to drive the Agency’s performance and the future is certainly bright�.

Nitro121workswithclientsandbrandssuchasBritish-AmericanTobacco (BAT),Multichoice, Bajaj, Honeywell, First Bank, FBN Insurance,Total, British Council, Cadbury and Bayer amongst others. It is noted as the agency that helped launch Etisalat (now 9mobile) into Nigeria and worked on the brand for ten years. Nitro 121 has a team of skilled personnelwithseveralyearsofexperienceacrossdierentindustries and markets and oers a full bouquet of through-the-line marketing communication.

“COVID-19 is clearly showing us why it is important to fasttrack the digitalisation or rather the digital transformation of Nigeria�

Minister of Communication and Digital Economy,

Dr. Isa Pantami

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T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

BUSINESSWORLD MCKINSEY OFFERS BUSINESS SURVIVAL TIPS POST COVID-19 research showed that employees with a stable, secure work experience working remotely report an increase in positive work effectiveness and well-being.

However, employee experiences are varied, and families working from home and those without remote work options have additional considerations, it revealed, adding that more job cuts could make the labor market more competitive, with its wider implications for employers.

For vendors and partners, the reported advised that they might be considering scaling down activities and operations, focusing on the short term, delaying non- essential investments, and attempting to cut costs.

It further advised that vendors and partners might pay greater attention to social responsibility, putting the containment of the human consequences of the pandemic before profit optimisation.

RETIREE LIFE ANNUITY FUND RECORDS MARGINAL GROWTH IN Q2

tional Insurance Commission seeing the annuity business portfolio as the future of life business.

With this, the commissioner for insurance, Sunday Thomas, said he was determiAned to develop the business beginning with enhancing capacity for the human resources to man the business.

This led the commission into partnering the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) with the target of producing 100 actuarial analysts in the next five years, who would help to enhance the growth of insurance sector.

Thomas, noted that only a couple of insurance companies have an in-house actuaries, stressing that the professionals were needed to manage annuity business which was becoming quite significance and almost accounting to 35 to 40 per cent in the industry portfolio with a output of N11trillion.

NEWS

PTAD to Remove Unverified Parastatals’ Pensioners from Payroll Ebere Nwoji The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) said it has resolved to remove 21,227 unverified parastatal pensioners from its payroll.

PTAD, said this will take effect from October 2020.

It said already, the list of the affected pensioners had been given to the pension unions, associations, agencies and institutes since July 2020 for dissemination and sensitisation of their members and to give a feedback to the directorate.

According to PTAD, the list of those affected can also be found on its website. The Executive Secretary, PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, who disclosed this in a statement, explained that the affected pensioners are those that did not turn up for the directorate’s 2019 nationwide and in-house verification exercises.

She said they neither submitted documentary request for mobile verification nor registered as diaspora pensioners.

According to her, in 2019, a well-publicised verification exercise for all federally funded parastatals, agencies and institutes under the Defined Benefit Scheme was conducted throughout the six geo-political zones of the country including Lagos and Abuja, adding that conducive centres located at strategic and accessible locations were provided to carry out the

exercise for an average period of two weeks.

According to her, a total of 32 centres were provided for the exercise which ran from April to November, 2019. “During the programme that lasted for many months, the National Assembly, especially House Committee on Pension and Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service provided legislative oversight support throughout the exercise. “The pension unions were also part of the stakeholders

that mobilised and monitored their members for the exercise.

Furthermore, government antifraud agencies such as EFCC, ICPC, DSS and Police Force were on ground to monitor and provide support for the exercise.�

Ejikeme, said at the end of the verification exercise, a total of 76,064 parastatals pensioners were verified and documented.

She added that the directorate organised a further mop-up verification exercise, through continuous in-house verification for those that could not

be verified during the field exercise in PTAD offices in Lagos and headquarters, Abuja where a total of 3,150 additional pensioners were verified and documented. “Documented diaspora pensioners and pensioners who requested for mobile verification, but have not yet been verified, have also been added to the documented pensioners pending when it would be convenient for them to be verified,� she added.

According to her, after one year of the completion of the

exercise, it would be logical to remove those that could not be verified and documented in order for the directorate to maintain a credible payroll. “A total of 21,227 names are to be removed from the payroll with effect from October 2020.

However, in view of the Covid-19 lockdown, PTAD has released some guidelines which bonafide pensioners amongst the identified 21,227 pensioners with authentic documents should follow to ensure that their names are not removed from the payroll,� she said.

COURTESYVISIT

L-R:GeneralManagerOperationsPrivate,NigeriaExportProcessingZonesAuthority(NEPZA),MuazuRuma;ManagingDirector,ProfAdesojiAdesugba, andManagingDirectorofLADOL,Dr.AmyJadesimi,duringacourtesyvisitbytheNEPZAMDtoLADOL’sFreeZoneinLagos...recently

Visa, Standard Chartered Partner on e-Commerce Payments Goddy Egene Standard Chartered in collaboration with Visa, has launched a new ‘Safe is Smart’ campaign, aimed at encouraging the adoption of e-Commerce solutions, as Nigeria journeys onto economic recovery.

The campaign aims to promote and educate consumers on smart ideas and e-payments solutions that will drive sustainability, survival and business recovery in the e-payments ecosystem.

Following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the campaign also seeks to provide

convenient and secure cashless payment alternatives through the Standard Chartered Visa Debit card, QR payment solutions and the Standard Chartered digital banking mobile app.

Commenting on the partnership, Head of Retail Banking at Standard Chartered West Africa, David Idoru, noted that it was important to increase consumer awareness on the safety of cashless payments solutions. “e-Ccommerce transactions make a large percentage of consumer spend and we want to be able to support consumers through our digital

solutions to help them make smart financial decisions especially during the Covid-19 period. “Our retail banking business is heavily focused on championing a digitised payment revolution to provide convenience and access to our customers especially through our fully digital mobile app. “This partnership with Visa also further emphasises our commitment to the financial wellbeing of our clients, as Standard Chartered Visa Card holders, will enjoy numerous benefits including points earned using our 360 rewards program and zero surcharges at the point of sales through

the ‘Safe is Smart’ initiative,� he said.

Commenting, on the partnership, Vice President, Visa West Africa, Kemi Okusanya, said: “The reality of the Covid-19 pandemic has presented a new shift in consumer behavior and through our network, we want to ensure that consumers are embracing the most secure payment solutions.

Data from our Covid-19 impact tracker reveal that digital payments are on the rise, as more people now choose digital payments over cash transactions. “The survey revealed that

39 per cent of consumers in Nigeria started purchasing groceries online, 42 per cent started purchasing food delivery online, while 43 per cent of consumers started purchasing from pharmacies online for the first time. “The next evolution of payments is going to be driven by collaborations with financial institutions like Standard Chartered Bank. In a time as critical as this, our goal is to continuously foster innovation driven by technology to meet consumers’ every day needs, while driving the economy to recovery through accelerated eCommerce transactions,� she

Coronation Launches Mobile Banking App Allianz Nigeria Partners GIDN on Insurance Solution

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

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

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

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

Coronation Merchant Bank has launched a mobile banking application.

The app provides customers with easy access to their accounts as well as the ability to perform transactions seamlessly, without the need for in-person banking.

The bank disclosed this in a statement.

It pointed out that in spite of the coronavirus, it has been at the vanguard of pioneering innovative solutions to enable its customers achieve their strategic objectives.

Commenting on the launch of the new banking solution, Managing Director/CEO of Coronation Merchant Bank, Banjo Adegbohungbe, said, “We are delighted to be at

the forefront of digital banking within the merchant banking space. “We recognise that these are very difficult times and our customers are looking for a partner that can help them navigate the challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is why we are constantly raising the bar and pushing the limits in service delivery by pioneering innovative solutions that make banking easier and faster for our customers.�

He further stated that, “our goal is to consistently create value for our customers and to provide them with solutions that enable them meet their strategic objectives. “We remain committed to

being there for our customers even in these difficult times.�

Earlier this year, the bank announced its partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to provide a $40 million trade finance guarantee facility for its clients.

That was the first time in five years that IFC would approve such a facility in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the bank was recently appointed as a designated bank for the collection and remittance of all revenue payments (that is import, excise and other duties) by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Ebere Nwoji Allianz Nigeria Insurance Plc has announced its partnership with, ‘Get it Done Now’ (GIDN), developers of the GIDN Platform.

In the partnership deal, GIDN platform, connects customers with verified service providers while Allianz Nigeria, provides insurance products to registered customers and service providers on the platform.

Speaking on the deal, the chief marketing and strategy officer, Allianz Nigeria, Walter Bossman, said: “through this strategic partnership, we contribute our own quota to a stable and viable economy by providing bespoke Insurance products to mitigate business risks of the registered

service providers.�

The company’s Group Head Technology, Benjamin Ooye, explained that in going into the partnership, Allianz Nigeria, has the understanding that digital transformation has moved from being a vague and futuristic concept to an immediate term action. “Our partners are empowered through a digital distribution channel which provides an easy way and wastes no time on platform integration,�

Ooye added. He said in view of the new normal imposed by COVID - 19 and the strategic vision of Allianz to secure the future of its stakeholders, the initiative also integrates Application Programming Interface of both companies.

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Nami: Tax Revenue Now Key to Funding Governments’Operations The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted negatively on revenue sources of government at all levels. The Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Muhammad Nami, in this interview with NigeriaInfo stressed that without revenue from taxes, the government would be unable to fund her programmes and activities. Dike Onwuamaeze brings the excerpts: As the Executive Chairman of FIRS, how has your time on the job been so far?

Well, so far, so good. I give glory to God. I am not in a new terrain. Before I was appointed the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), I had practiced tax for 26 years. So, in the tax terrain, this should be my 27th year. This fact confirms what I have been engaged in since 1991 when I graduated from the University. I started tax practice in 1993, some few months after I completed my National Youth Service. This is the path God has carved for me. Little did I know that I would be talking to you today as the Executive Chairman of the FIRS. There is this controversy about Stamp Duties. Why is FIRS charging Stamp Duties now?

We are in a period of economic downturn occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, let me clarify that Stamp Duties is not new in Nigeria. Stamp Duties came into effect in Nigeria as a result of Ordinance 41 of 1939. There have been several amendments to the Stamp Duties law over the years up to the Finance Act of 2019. The most recent amendment recognised technology, e-commerce and cross border transactions in line with global best practices and current economic realities. Stamp Duty is a tax payable in respect of dutiable instrument as provided under the Stamp Duties Act, CAP S8, LFN 2004 (as amended). Such instruments include Agreements, Contracts, Receipts, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Promissory notes, Insurance policies and others stipulated in the Schedule to the Stamp Duties Act. What is happening now is that we are looking into the tax laws and implementing the Stamp Duties Act, which is a form of indirect tax that is more viable in the economic situation we find ourselves today. It may interest you to know that the economic situation has increased the Government’s demand for funding.

The Annual target for Stamp Duties that was pegged at N17billion has been revised up to N446billion for FIRS to collect. Please note that this happened before the pandemic.

We collected as much as N18 billion in 2019.

Presently, the Finance Act, 2019 has taken away 60 percent of our tax base. That is, 60 percent of the people who are supposed to pay Companies Income Tax (CIT) will not do so. Sixty per cent of the people who are supposed to act as agents and pay Value Added Tax (VAT) monthly will also not do so because their annual turnover is not more than N25 million. So, a large number of small and micro enterprises in Nigeria today do not pay taxes. What this means is that these companies will no longer act as Agents for collecting VAT. The implication of this is that 60 per cent of Nigerian taxpayers will neither pay VAT nor CIT. Nigerians may note that the federal government is so mindful of the taxpayers that the Finance Act, 2019 was passed long before the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. It seemed that the Government foresaw the pandemic and quickly passed the Act to give the palliatives contained in the Act. Now that our target on stamp duties is about 3,000 per cent more than the previous years’, we have to inform taxpayers that stamp duties is not only payable at the point of incorporating companies but also on other items that are chargeable. Chargeable items are more than a hundred. This is what we have done. We did not take these decisions from a communiquÊ after a management meeting. This is in the tax law. People keep asking, what is stamp duties, what are the rates, who are they paid to? We consulted the tax law to be able to explain and clarify to Nigerians what it is all about.

How is this stamp duty on tenancy agreement going to be implemented?

Our Public Notice on Tenancy Agreement captured only the last band which is six per

Nami cent. It does not mean that it has a flat rate of six per cent. It was a publication error and we sincerely apologise for that. The stamp duty on tenancy is charged on a graduated rate, so that if your rent is from one year to seven years, the stamp duty payable is 0.78 per cent. This is not up to one per cent. The implication of what I have said is that if your rent is N100,000 per annum, the stamp duty due at 0.78 per cent is just N780. The second category is the tenant whose agreement is above seven years and up to 21 years. If an individual can afford to pay rent for 21 years, the stamp duty chargeable is three per cent.

Such a person is not going to pay rent for a long time, so, three per cent is deducted to provide social amenities and fund infrastructure. There are people who would comfortably pay rent for above 21 years; for 22 or 25 years, such people will not go back to their Landlords to pay rent again. Therefore, the law states that such people should pay six per cent of the rent as stamp duty. That is the information that generated controversy across board. This is another opportunity we have to clarify it.

Is it the Landlord or Tenant who remits the Stamp Duty?

In VAT administration, the service provider collects the VAT component from the consumer.

For ease of administration of Stamp Duties, in the case of Individual to Individual agreement, the tenant is the agent of collection. The tenant is not expected to pay the stamp duty component of rent to the landlord who is also an individual. What the tenant is expected to do is, once an agreement is reached with the landlord or agent, he takes 0.78 percent of the rent sum to the bank and pays into the Stamp Duties account (for instance, 0.78 per cent of 100,000 is N780.00). The bank gives him a teller or an e-ticket as evidence of payment. The tenant presents the payment evidence to the landlord, before he is entitled to the copy of the rental agreement.

For emphasis, the tenant does not payment

to the individuallLandlord, he must insist on going to a bank nearby to remit the stamp duty element of the rent. It is equally the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that the stamp duty element of the rent is paid to the bank before he issues receipt or a copy of the agreement to the tenant. The evidence of payment of the stamp duty should be made available to him. This decision is taken because if an individual landlord is asked to collect the money and pay into the stamp duty account, some of them can take the money from the tenants and fail to remit same to the stamp duty account in the bank. If a landlord fails to ensure that the stamp duty element is remitted before an agreement is signed, such a landlord will bear the burden of payment.

If the transaction is between entities or between entities and an individual or a body of individuals, the landlord is the agent of collection and should ensure that the tenant pays to the FIRS account which is a federation account. That money is collected and shared among the three tiers of government. If the rent is between me (an individual) and another individual, the stamp duty element will be paid to the state government where the property is situated. If I am a tenant living in Suleja, Niger State, the stamp duty element of my rent will be paid to the Niger State stamp duty account. This has nothing to do with someone who is living in his own house even if it is a ten-storey building. You are not going to pay stamp duty on your own house. The essence of it is to legalise the agreement between you and the landlord.

Where do all these tax monies go to, what is the revenue from stamp duties used for?

The responsibility of the FIRS is to assess, collect and account for the taxes it has collected. What happens to the money that has been collected is unknown to me. But the

little I can assure you is that the money we collect does not belong to the federal government alone. The revenue collected by the FIRS is paid into the federation account.

The federation account belongs to the three tiers of government: the local government where you come from, the state government where your colleague comes from and the federal government that has its headquarters in Abuja. What happens to such money; for instance, the N18 billion collected as stamp duties in 2019, is that, certain percentage of the money is paid to the local government, a certain percentage is paid to the state government and the federal government takes the balance. It is possible that out of the N18 billion you made reference to, only about N700 million or less than that goes to the federal government. You can be rest assured that the amount is not even enough to pay a department’s salary in a month. And you know the number of civil servants we have in Nigeria. You know that we have 774 local governments, 36 state governments and the FCT. It is through this money that the government provides security, pay military personnel who are fighting the Boko Haram.

It is through this money that the salaries for workers in Institutions such as the Civil Defense Corps, the Fire Service are paid. It is through this money that the government is able to fund infrastructure like the railway that the Government is constructing.

Let me clarify this to Nigerians, at the FAAC meeting of June, 2020, N696 billion was shared among the three tiers of Ggovernment.

Each of us comes from one local government or the other. Each local government takes its share to go and pay their workers. It is from this money that states decides to build roads, schools and pay salaries. Then the balance is what the federal government uses to pay workers at the federal level, pay contractors at the federal level and workers at the national hospital. However, this is not the information I am trying to pass. Note that out of this N696 billion, all other agencies of government that generate revenue contributed only 30 percent of the N696 billion. The remaining 70 per cent came from the FIRS. It is through these taxes that Nigerian taxpayers are paying through the FIRS that the government funds the local government, state government and federal government to the tune of whatever they get on monthly basis. So, tax is not a joke.

Without tax, we would be going nowhere as a country, going forward.

People are complaining of multiple taxation. What clariďŹ cation do you have to make about this?

All over the world, nobody wants to pay tax. There is also a difference between taxes and levies. Taxes are different from the levies you pay in the market or the fine you pay to the VIO. Those monies are not taxes. You are paying those monies for the services the agencies are rendering to you. Taxes we collect at FIRS are paid to the federation account.

Anything that you pay to any other agent like VIO that does not go into the federation account or state internal revenue account is not tax.

People are afraid that implementation of stamp duties may increase House rent.

What is the true position?

Stamp Duty on tenancy agreement does not in any way increase the cost of house rent. The landlord should not increase your house rent because of Stamp Duty. What you are paying for is just stamping of the rent agreement. If the amount paid as rent is N100,000, the house rent should remain as it is. The only additional payment is just N780.00 which the tenant should pay by himself to the bank. Tenants should not be cowed into believing that the government has increased house rent.

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Amolegbe: Investors Should Overcome Fears of 2008 Stock Market Crash

Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe was recently sworn in as the President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. He spoke to Goddy Egene, on his plans for the institute and other sundry market and economic issues. Excerpts: What thoughts are upper most in your mind regarding repositioning the Institute?

The office of CIS president is a continuum, so I see it first and foremost, as an obligation to continue the good work laid down by my predecessor. Secondly, having been a principal officer in the last four years, I have definitely garnered sufficient experience to be able to construct an improved roadmap which will be gradually unfolded in the coming weeks and months. We are taking CIS to the next level in all aspects. Examinations, training and advocacy, but we also want to carry all our internal and external stakeholders along in everything we do.

In more specific terms, we will put forth effective strategies to properly and adequately communicate the latent brand strengths of CIS to our external publics. Most people still do not know that a CIScertificated stockbroker can do much more than trading on securities. We are the most skilled and intellectually equipped investment and financial experts you can find, and this applies everywhere in the world. The CIS training and examinations curriculum is one of the most rigorous, robust, and productivity oriented in the financial industry.

There are some banks in Nigeria today where a very high percentage of the top management is made up of CIS trained and certificated members.

Secondly, we need to get the public, especially the younger community, to also know that CIS has a specialist / stand – alone certification system which gives our students that very important option, with significantly reduced learning time, albeit with the highest quality obtainable anywhere in the world. This covers fixed income securities dealing, commodity trading, financial advisory functions, market regulation, primary markets, etc. It is really comprehensive. For those who desire to cover the entire capital market space, our regular professional examination programme is still there and even much more improved in line with contemporary world class standards. The institute has always been a trailblazer in the use of technology. Recall that we pioneered the use of computer-based examinations and the current global environmental challenges have only justified our position in that regard. In my tenure, we will significantly upgrade the availability and use of technology in all facets of the institute’s activities.

Another very important area is our pursuance of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) Bill, which of recent, appears to have been grossly misunderstood by some of our partners in progress in the financial system. One of the reasons the Bill has not been finalised is that we deliberately, from the onset, made it a point of duty to carry all key stakeholder groups along in pursuance of the Bill, which in itself was painstakingly crafted in the best interest of the Nigerian capital market (NCM) and the economy. The reality is that, for the lofty intentions of the original CIS Act to be achieved today, there is need to update its provisions holistically, bearing in mind also the general state of development of the NCM and economy. Economic and market advocacy is generally a priority area for my team. Having said all this, however, the fact remains that for my team, it is not so much a “transformation� as it is a “continuation� of the well thought out programmes that I was part of under my two immediate predecessors.

Given the challenging operating environment, many operators are ďŹ nding it difďŹ cult to survive. In the face of this, what is CIS doing to support its members?

We fully understand the operational challenges that many of our members have been going through since the global financial crisis that hit Nigeria in 2008. It is the urgency of removing the observed environmental impediments and creating a more conducive operational terrain that the Principal Officers made advocacy work top on their working agenda in the last years. We have additionally, upgraded our Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes using the online, virtual format.

As our members can testify, Council, a couple of years ago commenced a policy that ensured that every CIS member is able to attend at least one world class CPD every year without expending too much money. We have initiated significant advocacy

Amolegbe

It is obvious that the stockbroking profession is not being seen as very attractive at the moment due to stiff competition from other investment opportunities. What can the Institute do to make the profession more attractive especially to the young ones?

Contrary to the impression that some sections of the financial ecosystem are trying to create, there has always been competition, and a healthy one at that, in the financial system, and even the capital Market. The term “securities and investment� is more definitive of the work of CIS members than “stockbroking�; so, that is one area of misunderstanding that we have been trying to address. Even the narrow meaning that limits the scope to securities trading is in itself a very large, useful, and demanding area of the financial industry, especially when you consider the two markets - primary and secondary, and the gamut of fixed income, equity and derivative instruments – together, which most lay people do not usually take note of. Beyond that, what we are even letting the public know is the scope of stockbroking, in the context of the CIS curriculum goes far beyond securities trading and this is attested to by the CIS Education curricula, which covers virtually all areas of the securities and investment management business. It is an all-round investment management and advisory experience and chartered stockbrokers can function productively in various business sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, banking, academia, and even very much so, in government. So, we have been engaging the youths extensively, to the extent of even instituting a national capital market quiz competition and debate which are now very popular in our tertiary institutions. In addition, to enhance the propagation of information to the public effectively, we have instituted a scholarship programme for financial journalists in Nigeria. Journalists have always been very dear to us and we see them as partners in progress as far as four capital market literacy drive is concerned.

the exchange itself and other members of the capital market ecosystem?

Demutualisation is another global trend that our market has to be part of, and so far, ASHON has done a very good job of representing the stockbroker community in the engagements with the NSE. We believe that the arrangement is progressing well and our members will get a reasonably fair deal, through their dealing houses. Essentially, demutualisation will enhance the operational efficiency of the exchange itself and enable greater degree of business expansion, which should ultimately benefit the dealing houses and their individual representatives. Post-demutualisation we see the exchange becoming nimble and introducing new and exciting product and services which will be traded by our members .This has the potential to create new income lines for them and also provide additional multiple investment outlets for the investing public. We look forward to this period with great expectations.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the operations of stockbrokers and what has been its impact so far?

The first benefit of the current situation is that everyone – brokers, investors, and regulators – now accept that technology is the way of the future.

It is inevitable that most of the innovations put in place now will have to be sustained even after Covid-19. Issues like remote trading, e-payments, e-IPOs and so on will become the order of the day. At CIS we have gone full swing into online training, and similar innovations will soon be incorporated into our examinations. However, investment in technology can also be expensive, so we call on government and private organisations to support CIS with grants to help us keep pace with the rest of the world. Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) curriculum has already been reformatted to take into account the current realities while our members have stepped up their skill acquisition in the area of technology.

Please note however that we had always been prepared for this type of situation, as evidenced by the seamless transition to total remote trading during the lockdown.

Companies have been releasing their second quarter (Q2) results, what is your reaction to the ones so far announced?

The Q2 was basically a “lost� quarter due to the Covid-19 lockdowns which showed in the results of most of the real-sectors’ companies since they were not able to sell at the pace they used to.

However, telecoms, pharmaceuticals and banking companies fared better as most people concentrated on caring for their health and also had to rely on telecom services in other to keep functioning. As the economy starts to open up my expectation is that things will start to return to normal. However, significant macro-economic issues still remain that could constitute a drag on company performance.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is being demutualised, what are the implications for

Based on the corporate results and the existing economic headwinds, how do you

efforts to get all relevant stakeholders to make policy contributions towards injecting adequate liquidity into the equity market, so that both the primary and secondary markets can return to stability and growth. Even the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the banking system have a role to play in this. Working together with our partners, the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), we have even developed a regulatory template that should enable capital market operators (CMOs) benefit from some of the liquidity privileges of the CBN, while improving on the current licensing regime in the market. We have been consistently advocating that the issue of recapitalisation be put at bay until sustainable stability is achieved in the market. That is another way of advocating for the good of the market and consequently our members.

see the outlook for the second half (H2) of the year?

You will recall that the economy recorded a slight positive growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of the year and subsequently nosedived into negative zone (-6 per cent) in the second. I think it is most likely the country will return to recession in the second half of the year, but that is due to the global realities of the Covid-19 pandemic. Virtually all countries have had their economies negatively impacted by the environmental situation, so it’s not peculiar to Nigeria.

The lockdowns of the Q2, coupled with the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic is still there, means economic performance will remain down facing in the second half of the year. Unemployment will worsen, inflation is likely to be slightly higher, and foreign exchange rate higher due to the situation with the oil market. The World Bank itself has predicted a worsened outlook for the rest of the year. However, we must remember that this is a global phenomenon. The critical action now should be to seize on the new opportunities that are emerging in the business world to position our organisations properly for the new world order.

At the CIS, just as we did during the last recession in 2017, we are already putting up a template to assist government with informed policy recommendations to return Nigeria back to growth at the shortest possible time. Our forthcoming national workshop, like the last one held in Abuja in 2017, will substantially address this issue.

No doubt the difďŹ cult economic environment, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic may further weaken low patronage of stock market by investors, what will be your advice to investors at the moment?

May I remind our friends in the investor community of the time-honoured rule of stock investment, which is “buy low and sell high.� I will add another famous quote for investors; “be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy�. Clearly, and generally speaking, this is the time to buy, and discerning investors worldwide are doing just that. However, please remember to always consult your stockbroker for proper investment advice. This is extremely crucial.

The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact on investment decisions for some time, which sectors of the economy are likely to be less affected and why?

Thank you. As we have seen, the entire business landscape in the world has been re-ordered by Covid –19. The travel industries, for example, have been severely and adversely hit by the pandemic.

On the other hand, players in the technology sector are having a bumper harvest, so to speak. Nigeria is not an exception. I observed that the fashion industry has re-invent itself and is seriously cashing in, designing and supplying breathtaking face masks etc, while the entertainment areas that have to do with crowds have been negatively impacted. The pharmaceutical industry is obviously a beneficiary of the current situation, while banking may not be as fortunate. If you visit your stockbroker, you will get more detailed and precise investment recommendations.

Where do you want to see the institute at the end of your tenure?

I am positive that, by the grace of God, we will be able to take CIS to the next level. I will hope to leave behind a much more prosperous institute arising from the improved business profile and brand valuation that we are going to create in the next two years. When I was a youth, stockbroking was the profession of choice for ambitious young Nigerians, and there is no reason why we cannot return to that situation before I hand over. The latent value of the profession is there, but we need to convince investors to shake off the fear they have held since the 2008 global episode. By the grace of God, we will get there.

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

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Idem: Digital Marketing Lifeline for Business Sustainability In a chat with James Emejo, digital marketing practitioner and Coordinator, Digital Transformation at Nils Integrated Services, Barbra Idem, said an aggressive digital marketing remains an important lifeline for the survival of modern businesses, adding that digital innovation is gradually relegating the orthodox business model following the new normal occasioned by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Excerpts:

Idem.

How would you assess the digital marketing space currently in Nigeria vis-a-vis other countries?

The digital marketing space in Nigeria is currently on the rise and is growing 10 times faster than the traditional economy. Most brands in Nigeria are starting to see the positive effect of digital marketing and embracing them compared to other countries that are highly developed and have fully incorporated the practise of digital marketing into economies and brands.

What are the opportunities and challenges of digital marketing in the country?

Challenges of digital marketing include lack or in-depth knowledge of digital marketing as a lot of people are not aware of the analytics in it but are only aware of social media. And also, most companies in Nigeria are not fully knowledgeable about why they need it and always want the service to be where the service helps them create revenue and growth for their company.

Why is digital marketing suddenly an important aspect of brand awareness today?

The amount of online users increase yearly and as a result of the recent global pandemic, millions of people are self-isolating at home. This increase in free time is driving the use of the internet to record heights. While brick and mortar stores are being shut down to help enforce social distancing, owners are finding ways to take their business online. During this stressful time, it’s more important than ever to utilize the cost-effective advertising approach of digital marketing.

What is the relevance of a digital marketing team in today’s business model?

There are many benefits to digital marketing in business organisations today. One of the largest benefits is the wide range of audience you’re able to attract and the ability to have complete control of targeting within that range. For example, there are digital marketing managers and their key role is to manage activities like social media engagement, email marketing together with the website, while we have Digital Analytics Executive who Work across all types of customer interactions. An analytics specialist can set up reporting and analyse defects and opportunities to improve. They can also integrate with the business analytics or insights team which help the company grow online and offline.

How much potential can digital campaign bring to the economy particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Businesses can’t simply survive on foot traffic alone when so many people aren’t leaving their homes and risking their health in stores, offices etc.

People need support, understanding, education, and resources, and digital marketing can provide just that and can be extremely powerful if it’s done correctly. With just a click away, brands can cater to the needs of their consumers and with the realities of changing consumer behaviour in digital age which presents a huge opportunity for retailers.

The optimisation and simplification of product lines, business models, customer engagement, and sales channels can all be achieved through the introduction of digital technologies and e-commerce.

Better utilization of data and technology to drive more individualized consumer experiences and increase sales for brands. With online advertising, you’re not limited by the route people take to work every day or their preference in newspaper.

Online advertising reaches an enormous audience in a very cost-effective way.

Where do you see digital marketing within the next ďŹ ve years?

In the next five years, I see digital marketing taking the lead in core marketing activities with new and enhanced technological trends that make life easy for consumers and also that enable business owners or brands interact more with consumers seamlessly.

Do you think ofine media will still be relevant going forward?

Offline media is still relevant as it is still part of the marketing process. Digital marketing lags in some areas especially when it comes to verification of authenticity. People often feel that whatever they see or read online is somehow engineered to present a specific image of the business/organisation which may not be entirely true.

Offline marketing, on the other hand, is all about connecting with people without any electronic gadgets. You can interact with people as you distribute your leaflets or hand over your business cards when you meet them. This gives an authentic feel to your brand.

Offline marketing channel gives you the opportunity to interact with your buyers face to face. You can immediately come to know what aspect of your product or service was liked by the buyers and what feature was disliked. This will enable you work on your products faster as digital marketing response might be slow due to gathering data, finding the relevant information and analysing it.

As Okunbo’s Business Prowess Gets Global Attention James Osareme The axiom that a golden fish has no hiding place, was confirmed in the life of Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, CEO of Ocean Marine Security Limited recently as Forbes magazine announced his nomination as a recipient of the 2020 Forbes Best of Africa award.

Interestingly, the honour is coming on the heels of recent unwarranted attack on the business mogul and eminent son of Benin Kingdom who has proven as one worthy of emulation on the global stage.

However, the Forbes award in the face of the vehement attack on him which allegedly came from the governor of his home state, Edo, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, was a true reflection of the Biblical saying that a prophet is without honour in his home.

What an irony, while a globally recognised platform, Forbes Magazine, sees our own Okunbo as a prominent African business leader, some of our political leaders back home consider him as a threat to their wellbeing.

The Forbes Magazine while announcing Capt Okunbo as a recipient of the 2020 award described him as a Nigerian business magnate, philanthropist and investor. The magazine acknowledged his humble beginnings tracing his career to the starting point as a professional commercial pilot before venturing into business in the oil and gas sector.

Profiling his exploits in business over the years and the spread, Forbes said, “today, the range of his business portfolio spans maritime solutions, real estate, hospitality, aviation, entertainment, power, telecoms and agriculture. He has provided jobs for thousands. “Okunbo has made notable philanthropic contributions all over the world and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.�

According to the magazine, the awards will be presented September 11 during a virtual event in conjunction with the Foreign Investment Network (FIN).

The event, an online roundtable discussion supported by the World Philanthropy Network, features a keynote address by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Okunbo is not alone in list of nominees but the unique thing is that he leads two other Nigerians, Mahmood Ahmadu, founder and executive chairman of Online Integrated Solutions Ltd; and Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria, as the anointed recipient for 2020 version of the respected award.

The news of Forbes’ nomination of Capt. Okunbo may not have come as surprise to his followers, but rather a confirmation of another Biblical saying that there is time for everything under the sun. A time for hardwork and a time to receive dividend for such works.

Recall that earlier in this month, The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, bestowed a similar honour on him for his role in helping to curb human trafficking. NAPTIP appointed him its anti-human trafficking hero on the occasion of the 2020 World Day Against Human Trafficking. In a citation uploaded on the agency’s website and social media handles, NAPTIP said Okunbo had remained a formidable individual in partnering with the agency by committing personal resources into the fight against the illicit business of human trafficking and illegal migration.

The Man Okunbo Idahosa (Hosa) Wells Okunbo (born 7 January 1958) as acknowledged by Forbes is one Nigerian who has distinguished himself in the nation’s business terrain in various capacities.

He sits on the board of numerous companes in Nigeria, spanning multiple business sectors such as the agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunications, power, real estate and banking industries.

His exploit in business is traceable to his background as he was born in Benin City to the family of Reverend Robert Amos Okunbo, a clergyman, teacher and community leader.

There is no doubt that Okunbo’s exceptional performance in his chosen career is responsible for the continued flow of approbation and recognition into his kitty from within and outside the country in recent times. His values of industry, uncommon value-addition to service delivery, as well as contribution to peace and charity is earning him a place in the global space. Indeed, both the admirers and traducers of Capt. Okunbo can now accept

Okunbo the fact that this phenomenal Benin icon made a mark in nation building even as he has comported himself, peacefully, and honestly with dignity in his innovativeness.

Hosa is a symbol of diligence and integrity. He is single-minded and unwavering in his pursuit of excellence. He derives his badges of honour from sticking to principles and good conducts. Far back in 2007, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the promotion of peace and good governance as well as development of his community, he was honoured with the Justice of the Peace (JP).

If that succinctly underscores the profundity of the aphorism that places premium on charity beginning from home, then it is a good narrative which strengthens the foundation on which the substructure of so many other honours and recognitions have been built. And there are so many honours and awards that Capt. Hosa has been conferred with.

In 2012, the American Congress honoured him with the “Black Titan� Award for being a voice of the Niger Delta people through his movie: “Black November�, which he, singlehanded, bankrolled.

Such interest and passion for liberation and community development that put humongous pressure on personal funds are rare in our society. Without a history of public office, Capt. Hosa’s propensity for philanthropy acts is breathtaking.

And, wait for this: in September last year, he was conferred with a peace award in Geneva on the United Nations’ Day for global peace by the Order of Lafayette by H.E. Robert Blum with all the international diplomats in Geneva present at the President Wilson Hotel. It was a momentous occasion for the Benin leading light on a global pedestal. The significance of the global recognition was succinctly captured by the Otaifoh of Uromi land, Chief Owen Chamberlain Obaseki, JP, whose tribute to Capt. Hosa on that occasion was stimulating.

His words: “The successes of Captain (Dr) Hosa Okunbo have gone beyond human reckoning. Only one thing can therefore be said about this icon with a superhuman charisma and propensities; if God be for us, who can be against us? The life of Capt.

Hosa is nothing short of one with a divine touch. “Capt. Hosa has, once again, been honoured with a Global Peace Award in Geneva by H.E. Robert Blum, in recognition of his efforts in global peace and business innovations; and, this is coming a few days after signing an $876 million Financing and Technical Service Agreement (FTSA) with NPDC on the development of OML 65 Oil and Gas NPDC asset, which held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.�

Significantly, the part of the tributes in which the Otaifoh described Hosa as a man of few words but great deeds aptly mirrored and still mirrors him through the eternal words of the Bard of Avon, Williams Shakespeare, who once wrote: “men with few words are the best men.� Hosa is a man with a few words; his actions and large-heartedness are more than his words.

His responses to situations and circumstances that put pressure on him or threaten his interests or assail his character either in the competitive or rivalrous business circles or in the public domain/ media space are dealt with in measured cadences.

He does not rush his responses when it becomes necessary to issue any. He weighs his actions; he polishes his responses before releasing them for public consumption.

Three things are always of overriding considerations in his decision to respond: his children for whom he has built a good name (and wants to leave a good name); the youths to whom he is a role model; and, posterity, which is the ultimate judge of human actions and inactions after leaving the earthly stage. t0TBSFNF XSJUFT GSPN #FOJO $JUZ

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Agbakoba: Our Focus is to Enhance Female-owned Business Mrs. Joy Agbakoba, a serial entrepreneur is the founder of Women’s Business Arena, the first women centric e-commerce website in Nigeria. In this interview, she speaks on how her organisation has been promoting female entrepreneurs. Nume Ekeghe presents the excerpts: Can you give us an insight into your business and why you decided to focus on women centric e-commerce platform?

When the vision actually started, it wasn’t meant to be a business, it was a platform I set up for my friends to connect with vendors.

Most of my friends would always ask for information on where to get make-up done, clothes made, grocers, butchers, so I then decided to start a WhatsApp group and then put a few vendors I know. I am a travel agent by profession and with the nature of my job, I come across people from different works of life and I had a huge database of vendor. And with this, I had put into various groups and then I added my friends. So, it wasn’t for business initially. However, sometime in October last year, a friend suggested I should profit from this by fine-tuning the mode of operations.

So, the platforms grew to other states and our Abuja platform as we speak is actually has 256 members while Lagos has three WhatsApp platforms. Then, someone came to me and said let’s do an Ibadan and then Ondo, Ekiti, Port-Harcourt, Benin, Jos, Bauchi, Kaduna. We are like in eight different cities already and everyone is trading on our WhatsApp platforms.

What we do, people advertise their products and services, they are allowed to share 2 items either a photograph or a video of what you do daily. So, every day, each vendor is showing something and if you’re interested in what the vendor posted, you, private chat them and you conclude the transaction offline. Also, we have a team of logistics, people who do deliveries on the platform and we encourage members to use the logistics companies we have in our platforms.

What we actually preach is to keep the money within the women community. At that point I decided to keep it strictly to women knowing it would be a boost to every woman’s business.

Agbakoba As the ďŹ rst female e-commerce site, you said you offer sales and services, can you speak a little about these services?

We have a few service providers on the platform, like people who offer event, makeup artist, fashion designers. We have people from different works of life, we have travel agents like myself, we have courier services, we have companies that do logistics, we have home deliveries of food, we have errand ladies that do your shopping for you, and we have those who do meat sharing services.

Due to the Covid-19, a lot of e-commerce websites have experienced a surge, was this a calculated move, knowing well that it is a good time to come into the business?

No before Covid-19, I had been thinking of an e-Commerce website, because I knew that after a while, people would get tired of just posting, posting and people would rather come to your store and see more than two, because when you post, you’re only posting two items.

But on the e-Commerce platform, you can see everything that vendors have in their shop.

It’s something we have thought off before COVID-19.

timeline, sometimes this could be an issue.

You get money from a client and you and you say okay, we will deliver to you today, and you don’t deliver. Definitely you have failed in your obligation. That’s why we really started to encourage vendors to use in-house logistics, because logistics has been a big issue. So sometimes, its delivery and logistics, which I know has been sorted out or is actually getting better.

What kind of quality checks do you put in place to ensure that what the vendors put on the website is actually what they deliver to the customers?

The checks we have, when you make a payment it goes to Women Business Arena Account, and the vendor has five days to return the product. So, we keep that money for seven days, you get your money after seven days, then we are sure the customer has received the product and they are happy with the product and then you get paid. But food items are exempted from that, you don’t get refund for food items. You can’t send underwear back, earrings and other personal items.

So what is your goal, how much reach

Does your platform promote export and if yes, what tools would you give women who want to venture into exporting things through your website?

We encourage the women by actually giving them training. We have at least one free training every month and we have other trainings that are paid for. They can learn about National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration and other technical knowledge on how to export. A lot of people would like to export but they don’t how to go about it, so on our platform we have ongoing training for women.

Are there other challenges, in this line of business since you started?

Dealing with human beings, generally is making them keep to time, like delivery

We encourage trade between the countries, like on our London platform we have, probably like eight people who have businesses in Nigeria, but they deal on businesses that would be needed over there in the UK

do you want to achieve with this platform?

Right now, it is national. Having said that, on the sixth of August, I launched in the UK and between then and now, we have 215 members as at today in the UK and they are active and they really embraced it strongly. Someone approached me that why don’t we do this in Dublin, because, it’s very simple to do because we have built our brand over the years. A few groups have dropped off from mine, you know but most of the people who started with me are still there. You hardly find someone come and leave, it’s very difficult. Once they leave, that space is taken over, because like from platform one, platform two in Lagos on WhatsApp is full and it remains full; platform three is nearly 200. So, in Lagos alone, we have close to 700. So, nationally we have like a 1,450 and then in UK, we have 215 members. So, yes, we plan to go international and we are working in that direction already.

How many registered members and how many active buyers do you have presently?

Active members are about 700, but the directory has 788 members listed, who are actually registered, although there are a lot of people there have still not registered. But I still call them members of my community because, they are trading. Ideally, they should pay their fee which is N3, 000, because we are working on a hardcopy directory, a 100-page directory, which we have listings of all the members. It would have profiling of members, it would have address in it, which would be about a 100-pages.

So, every single business would be listed, we have to do this for over eight to nine months and as new members have been coming, we have been updating the directory. It is still work in progress, but we are trying to press by first week of September, so we can actually get the directory out. It will be our first edition and we plan to have an e-copy and hardcopies as well, which we will distribute in banks, airport lounges, restaurants, spas, hotels all around Nigeria.

Going forward what can we expect from Women Business Arena?

For WBA that is www.wbarena.com, I’m hoping and praying that it becomes a household name. I am hoping and praying that we are able to reach out to every family and that every family would be able to enjoy the services offered by our platform. And by God’s grace, once Covid-19 is out and done with, we would be able to resume having our annual trade fare, like we had in December last year and hopefully in the end, we would do international trade fair. We encourage trade between the countries, like on our London platform we have, probably like eight people who have businesses in Nigeria, but they deal on businesses that would be needed over there in the UK, so I’m very careful with my selection. I noticed that many women are new in business, many of them have become caterers as a result of Covid-19, some are women who have jobs and they lost their jobs, some are caterers, they are cooking or doing one thing or the other.

What would be your advice to women who are just venturing into business?

I will advise the women to do things properly and get your company registered, keep your book straight. And if you’re into manufacturing, quite a few people after I have advised them, they have gotten their NAFDAC certification. It is important that if you’re into agro- manufacturing or producing, things that need NAFDAC registration, you get them properly registered, get your company registered as well, open a business bank account, that’s what I will advise. Lastly, sometimes there are women, who are really struggling, so such women I register them on my Platform without a fee, even the 3k, which seems small, sometimes is a big deal for some people at some point in their lives. I do register them for free and I mentor them, if they have business challenges, I mentor them, because some are new in business and it’s just their first year and they don’t know how to go about it.

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Governor Okowa Unveils CBT Centre in Asaba Emma Okonji Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has unveiled the Westgate ICT Centre in the state capital, Asaba and restated the desire of his administration to continue to provide the enabling environment for investment to thrive.

The Governor urged potential investors to take advantage of both human and natural resources of the state as well as its peaceful ambience to invest in several of human endeavour across the state.

He spoke at the inauguration of privately driven ICT centre

by Westgate Technologies Store with a 600 capacity Computer Based Test (CBT) centre, retail shop, training centre among others in Asaba.

Okowa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Matthew Itsekiri, described the Westgate ICT centre as inspirational while noting that the government is proud to be associated with the achievement of Westgate.

He said the presence of the hub in Asaba would save government the cost of going to

Lagos and other parts of world for standard ICT products. “We are pleased to have this here, it will save us cost of going to Lagos for ICT products which was not the case before now. As a government, we are ready to make Delta State a smart city in terms of ICT. I call on private entrepreneurs to support this drive in the development of ICT,� he said.

Chairman of Westgate Technologies Store, Casmir Ezeudu in a remark, said they would not just sell products but meaningfully contribute to the growth of the host community.

Ezeudu promised that the company would train 2,000 students drawn from public schools in ICT free of charge, and organise technology summit for youths within the host communities to develop their talents. “Most of our employees will be drawn from here. And for a start, there will be free computer training for 2,000 students drawn from public schools because we want to assist those who ordinarily cannot afford these facilities,� Ezeudu said.

‘Why Kwara Revised 2020 Budget’ Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State Government has given reasons behind the recent revision of the 2020 budget in the state, saying it was meant to reflect the current global economic realities in manners that align with basic needs of the populace.

The state’s Commissioner for Finance and Planning Mrs. Olasumboi Florence Oyeyemi, said at a public dissemination meeting on the revised 2020 budget that the exercise largely accommodated public observations as expressed in previous engagements with the citizens on the budget.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials and civil servants, communitybased organisations, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, associations of traders, women and youths.

Oyeyemi said the meeting was called to keep the public abreast of latest development regarding the financial document.

The commissioner said the

present administration was trying its best to make the budget process more participatory and give citizens a say in all stages of the process, with a view to enhancing transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state.

Oyeyemi added, “The purpose of today’s meeting is to clearly explain the key changes between the original 2020 budget and the recently passed 2020 revised budget at the State House of Assembly and assented to

by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. “You will recall that some stakeholders participated in the 2020 revised budget preparation process and the need to feed you back on the final approval becomes imperative. “You are all aware that budgets are tools for transforming development plan into implementable programmes and projects. If well implemented they will translate the intention of the government into concrete and verifiable reality.�

She added: “The preparation

of the revised 2020 budget was informed by the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in sharp fall of oil price and production in the international market with the attendant drop in revenue for the country. “The prevailing situation has reduced FAAC oil revenue causing reduction in the expected statutory revenue allocation to the state�.

Oyeyemi noted that the revised 2020 budget has been published online.

She also announced that another round of citizens’ engagement interactive meeting on the 2021 budget was scheduled to hold across the three senatorial districts of the state from Tuesday September 1, 2020, beginning with Kwara Central (Ilorin).

Designed to harvest public views on budget preparation and contents, Oyeyemi said the engagement would also be held in Kwara North on Thursday September 3, and in Kwara South on Monday September 7, under COVID-19

protocols.

She explained that the Ministry was committed to monitoring the budget in a bid to ensure that it is implemented to full capacity and optimisation.

Prominent among the issues raised by the participants bordered on proper budget monitoring and how the government can devote more votes for agriculture, especially its value chain.

AbdulRahman Ayuba, Convener of CSOs Coalition and head of Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CEPE), urged the government to devote more budgetary votes for agric value chain.

Ibitoye Idowu, who represented the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), spoke on the need for the ministry to intensify efforts on monitoring of budget implementation.

Amuda Musbau, the Director of Personnel Management from Moro local government area, commended the government on its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Mastercard, Omaness to Support Female Entrepreneurs in Nigeria In a continuation of its support to small businesses and women entrepreneurs, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth has awarded a grant to The Omaness Skinfood Company in Nigeria.

The West African skincare company is a social impact enterprise which aims to foster economic prosperity for women and communities in Nigeria. It produces a line of high-quality, skin-enriching body care products using natural ingredients that are primarily sourced from Nigeria.

According to a statement, by scaling its Skinfood Merchant Program through a seed funding grant from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Omaness hopes to empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs to run their own skinfood merchant business by 2025.

Mastercard’s support is expected to provide skinfood

merchants with micro-inventory credits, marketing support and business development training, enabling them to start a profitable business, alongside opportunities to sell more, earn more, scale faster and ultimately benefit from a sustainable income. “Mastercard is a longstanding supporter of small businesses and women entrepreneurs. We also passionately believe in building a better and more equal world where everyone can reach their potential, by recognizing the contributions of women.

Partnering for good is what we do best and this collaboration is one more way we enable sustainable, inclusive growth that will not only benefit the new merchants, but their families and communities too,� the Director Middle East and Africa at Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Natasha Jamal said.

DigiConverge Signs Content Distribution Partnership with VivaliveTV Emma Okonji Digiconverge, a one-stop digital convergence platform that provides fit-for-purpose services in e-broadcasting and global content syndication has launched operations in Africa, starting with Nigeria.

The platform, which had already gotten the nod of the federal government, has signed an exclusive content distribution partnership for Africa with the Viva Entertainment Group Inc. US to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Nollywood through effective collaborations and broadcast of original and exclusive African movies on the Flikontv Channel.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, described the newly launched Digiconverge as an example of Africa being a

producer and not just a consumer of technology products.

Osinbajo who gave a keynote address during the virtual launch of Digiconverge recently, spoke on the theme: “Unlocking the benefits of the 4th Industrial revolution�.

The Vice President was represented by his Special Assistant on Innovation, Office of the President, Mr. Ife Adebayo, who expressed confidence that Nigeria, and by extension Africa, could be put on the right path to harnessing the opportunities the fourth Industrial Revolution. According to Adebayo, “We need to ensure that as Government we support initiatives like DigiConverge, and create opportunities, develop policies to protect intellectual property, and ensure adequate funding sources for research and innovation for continuous product

Lafarge Africa’s Executive to Represent Nigeria at WBAF Goddy Egene The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), has appointed the Director, Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, to serve as a Senator representing Nigeria.

WBAF aims to ease access to finance, promote financial inclusion, and create more jobs and social justice. WBAF said that under the leadership of its chairman, Baybars Altuntas, it welcomed the appointment as Ambrose-Medebem, adding that she will once again distinguish herself in the pursuit of the organisation’s

commitment to collaborate globally in order to empower the economic development of the world by fostering innovative financial instruments for startups, scaleups, innovators, entrepreneurs and SMEs and to promote gender equality and women’s participation in all sectors of the world economy.

Speaking on her appointment, Ambrose-Medebem said: “I am extremely delighted at this great opportunity to serve with a great sense of national pride.

My focus will be to drive for veritable representation that positively impacts gender equality in the corporate business world and also support local investors access to the global angels market.’’ She

noted further that she will contribute her quota to the attainment of WBAFG20 GPFI origins firmly rooted as a rapid-response, crisismanagement group, and an effective contributor to global economic and financial stability.

She will joins as the second Nigerian Senator at the Grand Assembly of the WBAF will in her role encourage and initiate collaboration between WBAF and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and also help venture capital and companies connect with international companies, Fintechs and other relevant institutions alike.

Ambrose-Medebem is a

multifaceted international leader with over two decades experience spanning across strategy and performance management, finance, business culture transformation, change, sustainability and corporate affairs. She was appointed Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development for Lafarge Africa Plc (a member of LafargeHolcim Group) in 2016. During her career, she has worked for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Diageo Plc. Ford Motors and the Ministry of Finance -Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) enterprise programme supported by the Department for International Development UK (DFID) and the World Bank.

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

L-R: Director and Chief Executive of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Sarki Auwalu; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Head of the National Data Repository of the DPR, Bashir Indabawa conducting the Minister round the operational units of the DPR in Lagos..recently

L- R: Managing Director of CFS Limited, Mr. Charles Olaluwoye and Executive Director, Mr. Ayorinde Ayo-Paul, during the award presentation to Cititrust Financial Services Limited as the Most Innovative / Laon investment brand of the Year in Lagos...recently

Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Smart Adeyemi(middle) brieďŹ ng newsmen on the aďŹƒrmation of Yahaya Bello as the Governor of Kogi State by the Supreme Court in Abuja...recently

L-R: Candidate of the PDP and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Enogie of Ehor, His Royal Highness (HRH) David Igiehon, and Deputy Governor and running mate, Hon. Philip Shaibu, during the governor’s visit to the traditional ruler in Ehor, Uhunmwode LGA of Edo State...recently

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gawon and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, during the Emir’s visit to Gowon in Abuja..recently

Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (right) receiving certiďŹ cate of appreciation from Chairman, Nigerian National polio program committee, Dr. Tunji Funsho on behalf of NGF in recognition of their role in achieving a Polio Free Africa in Abuja... Recently

Cross section of candidates for the recruitment into Nigeria Police Force constables cadre at the screening centre in Abuja...recently

L-R; Director General Nigeria Infrastructure Regatory Commission Engineer Chidi Izuwah Snr, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sir Arthur Eze at the commissioning of Enugu Airport...recently

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Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodima (right)and Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, during the latter’s visit to the Government House in Owerri, Imo state...recently

L-R: Member, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Rep Blessing Onu; Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Abubakar Kabir; Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Rep Lanre Edun; and another member of the the committee, Rep Ikenna Elezieanya during the committee’s oversight function on Abuja Kaduna Road Project in Kaduna...recently

R-L: Hon. Justice Moshood Adekunle; Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; His Deputy, Mr.Benedict Alabi and Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Femi Akande; during the Inauguration of the Osun Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Board, at the oďŹƒce of the Governor, Osogbo...recently

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L-R: The Iyase of Udo, His Royal Highness (HRH) Patrick Igbinidu; gubernatorial candidate of the PDP and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy and running mate, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, during the governor’s courtesy visit to the Iyase of Udo in Ovia South West Local Government Area...recently

L-R: Former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, during the funeral service of former Governor, Old Ondo State, Evang.

Bamidele Ishola Olumilua at the Great Expectations Hall, Ikere-Ekiti‌recently

L-R: President, Nigerian Stock Exchnge Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo, Director General, SEC Mr Lamido Yuguda, Vice President NSC Barr Abubakar Mahmud and Executive Commissioner Operations SEC Mr Dayo Obisan during a Meeting beween SEC and Nigerian Stock Exchnge in Abuja...recently

L-R: Sponsorship Manager, Tolaram Group, Opeyemi Awojobi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Aairs and Poverty Alleviation, Oluyemi Kalesanwo; Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Women Aairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada; Public Relations Manager, Tolaram Group, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun; and Marketing Representative, Lush Hair, Mrs. Toyin Iyoha,during Lagos ‘Women Assembly forum’ organised by Lagos state and supported by Lush Hair in Surulere, Lagos...recently

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EDUCATION Empowering Nigerians through National Youth Investment Fund With the recent approval of National Youths Investment Fund of N75 billion by the Federal Executive Council, designed to finance youth-led innovations in three years, experts who spoke to Funmi Ogundare commended the government for setting up the fund, saying that more of such initiatives and programmes will be required to empower Nigerian youths and redirect them to opportunities for engagement and change

Y

outh unemployment in the country has been a growing concern. This problem has led to increased rate of violent crimes, kidnappings, restiveness and socially deliquent behaviour among them.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Nigeria’s unemployment rate as at the second quarter of 2020 was 27.1 per cent indicating that about 21.7 million Nigerians remain unemployed.

The country’s unemployment and underemployment rate representing 28.6 per cent, is a combined 55.7 per cent. The data also reveals the worst-hit are Nigerian youths with over 13.9 million currently unemployed.

In Q3 2018, the last time the report was released, there were about 13.1 million Nigerian youths unemployed. Youth between the ages 15 to 24, have about 6.8 million Nigerians out of jobs and another 7.1 million also unemployed.

With these scary statistics, rather than having the youths engage in various vices, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), during a virtual meeting held towards the end of July, approved the establishment of a N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) geared towards enabling the teeming population of Nigerian youths to be economically motivated for sustainability.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, who spoke on the initiative, said the youth bank was meant to support enterprise among the country’s youths between ages 18 and 35.

The fund is meant to create a special window for accessing credit facilities and financing on the part of youths that will help to fund their ideas, innovations and also support their enterprise.

According to a statement issued by his media office, Dare said the scheme would target 500,000 youths annually, adding that a minimum of N25 billion would be disbursed yearly and for the next three years.

For the remaining part of 2020, he indicated that an initial sum of N12.5 billion would be needed to commence NYIF. According to him, “providing a less cumbersome access to credit and finance for the average Nigerian youth with an approved work plan or business idea will help lift thousands of youths out of poverty and birth a whole generation of entrepreneurs.�

Each fund approval will range from N250,000 to N50,000,000, with a spread across group applications, individual applications, working capital loans set at three years, with single digit interest rate of 5 per cent.

He said the fund is part of youth-focused programmes already put in place by the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government as part of a national plan to combat youth unemployment and drive innovation, fuel entrepreneurship and support youth SMEs. Already, Buhari has given directives to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning alongside the Central Bank Governor to disburse the fund.

The minister said: “The disbursement of funds will be through various channels, including, microcredit organisations under the Central Bank of Nigeria supported by the Bank of Industry, Fintech organisations and venture capital organisations registered with the CBN. Some stakeholders who have been monitoring the initiative, commended the government for setting up the NYIF

Nigerian youths must be empowered in promoting innovative ideas among the youths, and called for more of such initiatives.

In his submission, a former Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic and President, ULDA, Oshodi Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, Chief Olawumi Gasper said the development of the implementation framework must take into cognizance the dynamic changes being witnessed globally, in the youth empowerment eco-system. “These are changes defined by technological advances, digitisation and quality of technical skills, growing Small Business Owners (SBOs) from the youths, redirecting youths to areas of greater opportunities in the economy and enterprise education.�

He said since many developing economies have come to realise the value of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as they contribute to the economy in terms of output of goods and services, creation of jobs at relatively low capital cost, especially in the fast growing service sector; among others, it is expected that the youth investment fund will articulate common solutions to wealth creation and self-reliance among the youths.

Gasper stated that managers of the initiative must also recognise the role of successful entrepreneurs as mentors and trainers, financial institutions and industry partners that will hand-hold the participants through voluntary sharing of experiences and lessons. “Representatives of private enterprises, business associations, business media, financial institutions, network of business mentors and the like should be involved in driving this unique initiative.� “The NYIF should be embraced by young aspiring business owners as a seamless vehicle to access finance,� the president said as it has brought an end to the challenges of financing gap for small businesses, especially access to credit and equity. “However, regular capacity building in financial literacy to attract distinct forms of financing, including equity and venture capital that will further enable them to

expand and grow their businesses need be institutionalised targeting the youth entrepreneurs.�

An investment banker, Dr. Yinka Adewusi said considering the magnitude of impact the NYIF is going to have not only on the youths being the most active asset the nation urgently needs to harness for its immediate future greatness, but also on the economic, social and environmental life of the nation, the nation has just got another policy direction right. “Having thoroughly evaluated the programme, we are convinced that this is another critical turning point for the Nigerian youths with genuine business ideas. As an active player in the financial services front, this certainly interests us and we are delighted to help government create reasonable awareness among our teeming youths for the scheme to live up to its bidding. This, we are committed to continue to do until it reaches its adequacy limit.�

He said his organisation embarks on awareness creation through advocacy to put pressure on government not to deviate from all the good intentions underpinning the scheme, adding that it must not be used as a measure to compensate some underserving youths who have got no thriving nor viable business idea but political leanings.

The Chief Executive Officer, Auldon Limited, Mr. Paul Orajiaka described the youths as change makers, saying that investment in their skills acquisition and gainful engagement, as well as sowing seeds of hope among them, was imperative. “This brings to perspective the importance of investing in them in a largely gerontocratic and oligarchic society as Nigeria where youths are bombarded by images of success based on ‘easy money’ especially amongst public servants.�

He said he was able to set up the Unity Dolls social project initiative to bring about public good through job creation, women and youth empowerment, school rehabilitation and skills acquisition programmmes among

poor communities in Nigeria. “The Unity Dolls is a flagship product of my organisation, a collection of 14-inch dolls, each representing Nigeria and Africa’s major tribes. The product promotes national unity, cultural pride and delivers empowering social message bordering around the challenges of the girl-child, particularly education aand their welfare in Nigeria and the world at large. “I pioneered the Culture Vision organisation via which Unity Dolls social project initiative help build a better society for children and their families and communities in Nigeria through education, water and hygiene, women empowerment, micro-enterprise and community development,� Orajiaka stressed.

He said he is passionate about creating and deepening structures which incorporate the best of the private and public sectors; this he said made him to participate as a panelist representing the SME run by youths in the seventh annual Bankers’ Committee Retreat in 2015 on the theme ‘Creating an Enabling Environment for SME Growth’. “This annual event brings under one roof the governor and deputy governors of the CBN, as well as its directors, together with chief executives of deposit money banks, federal ministers and state governors to deliberate on topical economic issues towards policy articulation for the common goal of stimulating economic development and growth.

The action items which emanated from that year’s retreat due to my participation in highlighting to this noble gathering, the plights and inherent challenges youths face running SMEs in Nigeria has seen increased harmonisation and awareness of MSME development fund, simple online trainings and loan-application for SMEs, development of infrastructure which supports SME ecosystem and banks supported e-commerce sites and other technology platforms for SMEs operated by youths to leverage on in scaling up their ventures, “the chief executive officer stressed.

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EDUCATION

COVID-19: FG Re-appointment of Bida Poly Rector, Considers Transfer Abuse of Poly Act, Says Falana, ASUP of Students from Overpopulated Unity Schools Uchechukwu Nnaike

Uchechukwu Nnaike The Federal Ministry of Education said it is considering the transfer of students from some of its over-populated unity colleges to others with lesser students, in a bid to ensure better condition of teaching and learning.

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who stated this during an inspection tour of unity colleges in Lagos on Monday, noted that unity schools in the state are over pressured as a result of population. “Our federal colleges outside Lagos, except maybe Owerri and Onitsha, others are not relatively as populated. So, we may begin the process of transferring some students to other schools, with the same facilities, but not under the same kind of pressure, or we expand some of the facilities we have to accommodate as many children as we have.

“There are options and the principals who are the chief managers of the institutions we have visited, will do their reports on my visit. I have made all the comments I need to make and they will update me of all their needs and gaps are.�

Nwajiuba added: ‘’There are four unity schools in Lagos, we are taking stock of what our challenges are.

We are also taking stock of the conditions for students to learn and to improve on them and encourage our staff and those who work with the ministry to optimise the usage of our facilities.’’ On when students in other classes will resume for the third term, he said part of his inspection tour of schools around the country was to fit into national response. ‘’We do not respond as a nation individually, we respond as a government and then all the states can take off from there,’’ Nwajiuba said.

The controversial reappointment of Dr. Abubakar Dzukogi as Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bida for a second term of four years without considering his age has been described as an abuse of the Federal Polytechnics Act 2019, as amended, and the extant provisions.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in separate letters to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof.

I. A Gambari, Minister of Education, Attorney General of the Federation and Head of Service of the Federation, said as at the time of his reappointment in 2019, Dzukogi was 63 years, four months old and was expected to serve for two years as stated in the first letter by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

Falana intimated the minister that Dzukogi’s first tenure ended May 22, 2019 and that Adamu in another letter dated March 4, 2019, conveyed Buhari’s decision to re-appoint him for a second term of four years without considering his age and the Federal Polytechnics Act,

which he signed into law in 2019.

He explained that following complaints from ASUP about the illegality, the four year tenure was abridged to two years, which meant that Dzukogi’s tenure would now end on February 15, 2021 when he clocks the statutory retirement age of 65 years.

The counsel to the union said ASUP discovered that another letter beyond the rector’s retirement age was given to him. He said the contentious letter was signed by the Director of Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Samuel Ojo, who has since also retired from service last month.

Falana said: “Since Dzukogi was 63 in June 2019, he ought not to have been re-appointed as the rector because he had only two years left in service. “In view of the fact that the law has not made provision for two-year tenure for the rector of any federal polytechnic in Nigeria, we request you to recommend to the president as the appointing authority to reverse the re-appointment of Dr. Dzukogi as the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.�

In its petitions to the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President and the Attonery General of the

Federation on the issue, ASUP said the rector approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja to vacate the first directive of the education minister to leave office on the attainment of the retirement age of 65 years.

The National President of ASUP, Mr. Anderson Ezeibe, who signed the petition and copied the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), said the re-appointment letter to Dzukogi is a clear breach of the Provisions of Section 8 (2) of the Federal Polytechnics (amendment) Act 2019.

Ezeibe said the new letter did not give any indication of the approval of Buhari, neither was it signed by the minister of education in contrast to the first one, adding, “the letter also runs contrary to the provision in the act for a rector to serve for five years.

He called for the justice minister’s intervention in the direction of observation to due process and rule of law in polytechnics.

ASUP’s letters disclosed that the continued stay in office by the rector after he had voluntarily retired since June 2020 from the service of Federal Polytechnic, Bida was illegal and also an attempt

to transmute him as sole administrator, which runs contrary to section 16 (4) of the Polytechnic Act 2019.

The union recalled that the first letter by Adamu conveying Buhari’s approval, stated that his re-appointment was for two years because of his age.

In its petitions to the minister, AGF, CoS and HOS, ASUP faulted the second letter of re-appointment by the Director of Tertiary Education, Mr. Samuel Ojo, which contradicted Adamu’s earlier letter.

ASUP said Ojo’s letter to Dzukogi, dated June 9, 2020, states that his re-appointment is for four years, but with a clause. Ojo asked the rector to retire from the service of the polytechnic and continue in office till 2023.

After the first publication on the subject matter by the Daily Sun Newspaper of August 11, 2020, the minister of education was said to have claimed that he was not aware that the reactor had voluntarily retired from the service of the polytechnic since June, 2020.

The union therefore called on the authorities concerned to, as a matter of urgency, mandate the retired rector to vacate office and hand over to the most senior deputy rector.

Lawmaker Boosts e-Learning at FCET Umunze, Decries Poor Access Road The lawmaker representing Anambra Central Constituency in the National Assembly, Senator Uche Ekwunife has facilitated the donation of 100 pieces of electronic tablets to the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State, by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).

The devices, which the lawmaker unveiled recently, are to boost e-learning at the institution.

Speaking during the presentation of the items to the college, Ekwunife, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, explained that the project was part of the federal government’s efforts to equip institutions with facilities necessary for a seamless migration to e-learning platform, which has become viable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also decried the dilapidated state of the access road to the college and called for immediate reconstruction work to save staff and students from prolonged distress.

She described the degraded access road to the college as an eyesore that ridicules the image of the institution, the state and the federal government.

Ekwunife commended the Provost, Dr. Tessy Okoli for proving her capacity to pilot the affairs of the college effectively and called for more participation of women in

leadership positions.

She said the involvement of women in strategic leadership positions would help to balance gender disparity, as well as bring in the competence needed for efficient service delivery.

Ekwunife, also known as Iyom, promised to continue supporting the college and urged the provost and her management team not to rest on their oars in taking the institution to a higher height.

Responding, Okoli thanked the senator for providing quality representation of the state in the National Assembly, adding that she is the only political figure from the state that has assisted the college since her assumption of office two years ago.

According to the provost, the electronic tablets would support the efforts of the college in digital learning and also complement the ongoing plans to start an ICT Academy in the college.

She said various palliative work done on the college road to make it useable have often been washed away by seasonal flood, adding that repeated appeals to the government for the reconstruction of the access road and internal network of roads in the college have not yielded the desired result.

She expressed hope that there would be a positive outcome with the support of the senator and other well-meaning individuals from the state and beyond.

Senator Ekwunife, the rector, members of the college management and Ekwunife campaign team displaying the tablets donated to the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze... recently

Obasanjo Blames Leadership for Education Inequalities Omolabake Fasogbon Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has challenged the youths to take up leadership roles to be able to salvage Nigerian declining education sector.

He said the fate of education is in their hands, urging them to fight to acquire leadership.

Obasanjo was speaking during the graduation ceremony of the Teach For Nigeria (TFN) fellows that held virtually recently.

According to the elder statesman, the event of COVID-19 has pushed inequality in education further, thereby

making quality education a luxury.

He noted that TFN graduands, mainly youths, have been quite instrumental during COVID-19 by extending education opportunities to the under and less privileged, thus supporting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.

He stressed that it was high time Nigerian youths took up leadership positions to transform the nation’s education system more sustainably. “Please do not let anybody tell you that you are leaders of tomorrow, you are leaders today. Let nobody use today

to make tomorrow impossible for you. “I started making contributions to the world when I was serving in Congo in 1960, I was only 24 years old and when I became Head of State, I was under 40 years of age.

The time to act and seek and seize responsibility is now. “It is important that you know that leadership will not be handed over to you, but you have to continue to exert yourselves to get it. After all, as the saying goes, ‘power is not served a la carte,� Obasanjo said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of TFN, Folawe Omikunle, stated that the

foundation was able to successfully graduate 161 fellows, who have impacted not less than 9,660 students in 80 schools across Lagos, Ogun and Kaduna States. “These graduating fellows have spent the past two years improving the academic outcomes of their pupils, igniting the love for learning in them, instilling self-belief and successfully galvanizing parental and community support to aid in pupils learning process,� she said.

Omikunle also harped on collaboration as a way to defeat social divide in education.

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Firm Creates Online Stakeholders Rethink Education, Recommend Digital Learning Post COVID-19 Platform to Unify Institutions, Students Uchechukwu Nnaike

As part of efforts to connect the top-tier agents of tertiary institutions and their students worldwide, M Square Media (MSM) Unify, an international education service provider, has created an online platform that will allow institutions to seamlessly market their on-campus and online programmes.

MSM CEO and founder, Sanjay Laul said his organisation is redefining students’ recruitment with its application process and AI-powered recruitment tools and solutions. “Our goal is to accelerate agent base growth, while invigorating existing recruitment efforts,� he said.

The platform is set to be the toast for agents and institutions for good reasons. He said it offers over 1,000 programmes from high-quality colleges and universities with attractive commissions and perks. “Its unique features make it a one-stop dashboard to process application and manage students’ online profiles. From automation to analytics, MSM Unify has a reserve of exclusive resources and value adds from partner providers such as airlines, SIM card providers, telecoms and banks,� Laul said.

This he said explains why it has remained a trusted global brand in international enrollment and education management owing to its innovative campus management solutions. “Many institutions can take advantage of its pre-screened,

complete applications for greater speed and efficiency.

The platform also helps institutions with matching the right students with suitable programmes.�

MSM Vice-President for Global, Sunnetha Qureshi said: “We want to be true to our tagline: we make student recruitment easier, faster, simpler.

Agents can find the best match for their students with more institutional partnerships and institutions now have powerful information to manage their recruiter network at their fingertips.�

She said its recruitment tools enable anything from automation to analytics to occur on a single platform by increasing the potential of agents. “The agent portal of MSM Unify launched virtually on August 18, had 1,500 registrants from more than 35 countries.

The institution portal will be launched after a month.�

She said the platform will, in the future, offer mobile apps with features for student arrivals, study abroad starter kits, and premium agent invoicing automation. “MSM also provides added incentives to its global/incountry office partners in its Global Marketing Office (GMO) model by providing a number of solutions on MSM Unify that are exclusive and completely tailored to their needs. MSM builds global and in-country offices and manages agents on behalf of its partner HEIs.�

MTN F, MUSON Graduate Scholars, Announce 2020 Award The MTN Foundation and the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) recently graduated recipients of the MTN MUSON scholarship.

The 13th graduation ceremony was held virtually for recipients of the prized MTN MUSON Scholarship Award for 2018, drawn from various states.

Presenting the graduands, the Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro said, “on behalf of the MTN family, I thank you all for entrusting us with your gift through this programme.

We are honoured to be part of your success story and look forward to the great things you will achieve.�

While commending MTN for the gesture, the Director, School of Music, MUSON, Princess Banke Ademola said: “We thank MTNF for the golden opportunity and scholarship given to the students. More so, the unflinching support at monitoring by the staff of MTN. Surrounding the graduation ceremony of our students, although it is different this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, we still had glamorous presentations both in live stream and virtually.�

MTN Foundation has impacted students through various initiatives, including the MTN Science and

Technology Scholarship Scheme (MTN STSS) and the MTN Scholarship Scheme for Blind Students (MTN SSBS).

Over 300 students have been awarded under the MTN/ MUSON scholarship scheme since 2006.

Meanwhile, MTN Foundation has called for application for the 2020 MUSON scholarship programme. The call for application, which began on August 7, 2020 is open to musically inclined young Nigerians across the country.

Since 2006, the MTN Foundation, in partnership with MUSON, has funded and developed over 330 music scholars providing scholarship covering tuition, transportation, resource materials, among others for a two-year diploma programme.

MUSON’s internationally recognised programme promotes the understanding and performance of classical and contemporary music. All applicants must possess a minimum academic qualification of GCE with at least five credit passes, including English Language or its SSCE equivalent.

In addition, applicants must have a grade 5 or higher pass certificate of MUSON or any other recognised music examining body.

Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected various sectors of the economy, Nigerian educators and education experts from the public and private sectors recently united at a virtual masterclass to discuss the effect of the pandemic on the sector.

The masterclass, which was part of MTN Nigeria’s The Revv Programme, was also organised to fashion out ways to operate a learning system that is without borders and boundaries.

The speakers were: the Senior Special Assistant on Education Interventions to President Muhammadu Buhari, Obafela Bank-Olemoh; the CEO, ULesson Education, Sim Shagaya; Founder/ ED, Slum2School Africa, Orondaam Otto; Education

Director, Mind Builders School, Bolajoko Falore; Country Manager, Nexford University, Olamidun Majekodunmi; and General Manager, Transformation Office, MTN Nigeria, Babalola Oyeleye.

With the theme ‘Education without Borders and Boundaries’, the programme is an MTN initiative to help small businesses navigate the effects of the pandemic using a four-pronged approach: masterclasses, access to market, productivity tools support and advisory initiatives.

In his remarks, BankOlemoh said one key area Nigerians should expect more funding in the sector, is in the area of devices for digital learning, adding that the federal and state governments, in collaboration with some development partners, are working to make it a reality. “How do we get affordable

devices into the hands of school students?� According to him, the pandemic has meant that stakeholders in the sector have been forced to rethink the workings of the system. “The reality has changed how we do education whether at the state or federal level. Whether we like it or not, we have to provide devices for our children; this is because if something like this happens the second time, we can’t make the excuse of not planning for it,� he said.

Considering the challenges faced by the sector, the experts agreed that rethinking has become necessary.

Citing a June 2020 article on the effect of the pandemic on the resumption date of schools, he said as at 2010, “there were 782 teachers and 18,296,202 pupils (a ratio of about 1:50) in 39,221 primary schools. For public secondary

schools, student enrolment was 5,422,611 and 122,477 teachers (a ratio of 1:45).�

According to Shagaya of ULesson, the figures are in contrast to the recommended number of one teacher to 30 students per classroom. He said the challenge of shortage of teachers that will make a subject teacher offer his expertise across multiple schools, presents an opportunity to education stakeholders to digitise the learning process.

Experts at the masterclass said the only way to bridge the widening gap was for stakeholders and policy makers to find ways to digitise learning.

According to them, the new normal of maintaining social distance means that going forward, governments at all levels will be retooling the learning process to make education digital.

The Director of Communications and Marketing, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, with his daughters: Naomi, Bimbo and Ruth at the institution’s convocation ceremony... recently

Foundation Donates Food, Hand Wash Material to Less Privileged Children Funmi Ogundare The Daniel Ogechi Memorial Foundation (DOAM) recently put smiles on the faces of vulnerable children from less privileged backgrounds in Ajegunle area of Lagos, through the donation of food items, pairs of slippers, hand wash materials, as well as water tanks for regular washing of hands against the spread of COVID-19.

The children were drawn from Dreams from the Slum and Love On The Streets (LOTS) Charity Foundation, non governmental organisations based in Ajegunle that empower such children through education.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, the Operations Officer, DOAM Foundation, Mrs. Omoyemi Olumodile said it was leveraging on the area because it is impoverished, adding that the items would go a long way in supporting the children.

Since the foundation’s establishment 10 years ago, she said it has impacted over 83,000 lives in the country and supported the less privileged

in the society. “Overall, we are going to have a lot of children benefiting from this donation. We are looking at over 200 children that are going to be impacted.

We are leveraging on this area because its impoverished, some children don’t have roofs over their heads, so they are forced on the streets. With all of these, it will give them the needed support,� she said.

The Programme Officer (Education), Ms Fatima Akinsode said the provision of water system tanks and regular washing of hands with soap will help prevent Coronavirus. “We all know the health challenges we are facing in Nigeria. In a bid to support the government to curb the virus, we realised that most of these impoverished areas don’t have good water, not to talk of washing their hands with soap. Moreso, hand washing regularly will help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

That is our main reason for the donations.�

Founders of the beneficiary organisations thanked the foundation for its support,

saying that through partnerships, they have been able to impact several lives.

Mr. Isaac Success Omoyele is the founder of Dreams from the Slum. He said, “we have been existing since 2013, we make the dreams of people to become a reality through education empowerment. We help out-of-school children to go back to school and ensure that they are actually learning. “As it is, a lot of children go to school without learning which really affects their performance.

So we try to provide daily meal, this actually has been followed through. We help the children by providing scholarship and basic school materials. We also run a low cost school. We have organisation sponsoring them.�

Asked what motivated him to establish the organisation, the graduate of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Lagos, said, “I started Dreams from the Slum based on a personal experience growing up in Ajegunle. As a child, I dropped out of school severally, not until when someone gave me a full academic scholarship.

I observed that I was very intelligent, but what affected me was that I went to school without breakfast and basic educational materials. Someone I didn’t know gave me a full academic scholarship so I said to myself that I will play it forward. Since we started in 2013, we have reached about 5,000 children and provided scholarship and educational materials for them so that they can be in school.�

Mr. Solomon Are is the Founder of LOTS Charity Foundation. His organisation got water system, hand washing kits and pairs of slippers for the children. He said since 2009, it has been taking care of street kids and vulnerable children in Dustbin Estate, by providing them with clothing and education materials, as well as run free literacy classes everyday. “They partnered with us to install water system that the children can use to wash and sanitise their hands to prevent the spread of the virus. This will go a long way because, we don’t have much running water in the community. It will help them to stay clean,� he said.

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CONUA Condemns Meadow Hall Set to Train, Certify Intimidation of Members Teachers through PDE Programme

by Varsities, Unions Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) at its recent National Executive Council meeting, has condemned the intimidation and harassment of some of its members by some university administrations and some other unions within the university.

The National Coordinator, Niyi Sunmonu, restated its belief in freedom of association as entrenched in the Nigerian constitution, a provision which allows academics the freedom to join any union that they believe will best serve their interest.

The union categorically asserted that no amount of molestation or vilification can take it away from the path of progressive unionism. It therefore warned that adequate measures, as far as the law and Constitution of Nigeria permits, will be taken against anyone using intimidation or employing any other odious means to threaten its members.

While saluting those university administrations that held meetings to promote academic staff members during the COVID-19 lockdown, the union

condemned in strong terms those that failed to organise such exercises, despite the fact that several academic staff have been waiting for their promotions for a long time, with some spanning five to ten years.

The union received information to the effect that some universities held senate meetings and congregation elections but refused to convene any meeting to carry out the promotion of its members, simply because some people threatened that such promotions, if ever announced, will be reversed.

The CONUA leadership expressed dismay by such pronouncements and announced its resolve to support any effort by university administrations to facilitate the due promotion of academic staff members.

It called on the government to reopen universities as soon as possible as CONUA members are ready to resume work, adding that everything necessary in terms of COVID-19 protocols must be put in place before reopening the universities in order to prevent students and staff from contracting the disease.

Driven by its passion to raise the standard and quality of educators in Nigeria, Meadow Hall is set to commence a Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) programme in January 2021.

The PDE is an approved teacher training programme with an enriched curriculum that combines 21st century best practices, current issues in education and the Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria’s (TRCN) PDE curriculum. The programme is targeted at individuals currently teaching without the required qualifications, prospective teachers, education/school administrators and business executives who aspire to join the teaching profession or own a school.

The intensive programme will be facilitated by experienced and top-notch learning instructors and supportive mentors. The commencement of the programme is

coming on the heels of Meadow Hall’s approvals from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and the Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Application for the 2020/2021 entry class has started and will close on November 28, 2020.

Interested candidates can find the details on www.pde. meadowhalleducation.org The Meadow Hall PDE programme is an initiative of Meadow Hall Group, an Education Group founded by Mrs. Kehinde Nwani with the vision of developing people to become change agents through the enriching opportunities provided by the group’s subbrands.

With Christ as its main core value, Meadow Hall has delivered quality educational services to infant, primary and secondary school students. Its consulting

and foundation arms have delivered creative and innovative continuous professional development training programmes to over 12,000 public and private school teachers in more than seven Nigerian cities.

According to the Head of Meadow Hall Consult, Mrs. Taiye Erhumwunse, the PDE programme would use a blended approach of virtual and face-toface learning to enable a flexible programme schedule for working teachers and business executives, to update their skills.

The Senior Administrator (Tertiary) of the PDE programme, Mrs. Bunmi Ojeshina also stated that Meadow Hall’s wide coverage within Nigeria would allow for partnership with other 21st century schools, enabling students to undergo practicum in various locations. “This means that the participants can access the programme

from the quiet village of Ogbia in Bayelsa to the beautiful towns of Abiriba in Abia or Eket in Akwa Ibom; up to the ever-busy cities of Lagos, Kano and Abuja.�

The programme runs for one academic year of two semesters with two cohorts in January and July every year.

Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Meadow Hall Group, Mr. Valentine Halim reiterated that the group subscribes to the Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the urgency to prepare over 69 million teachers needed by 2030 for primary and secondary education.

He said the programme would create a pool of professional and effective teachers needed to meet the SDG 4 education target as estimated

by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Winners Emerge in Indomie ‘Team Yourself Up’ Contest The Indomie Fan Club (IFC) ‘Team Yourself Up’ competition Season five has ended with winners rewarded with cash prizes and other items.

Sponsored by Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Noodles, the Indomie Fan Club is Nigeria’s largest children-based fan club- a child engagement initiative designed to enhance the writing and creative skills of members of the club across 3,000 schools in Nigeria.

The ‘Team Yourself Up’ competition required interested children to team up with any adult in their household to create something unique using empty Indomie wrappers, cartons, or a combination of both. Participants were then required to send in a picture or video of their creation through designated online channels with their name, age, class, and school to dedicated IFC WhatsApp numbers.

The competition also allowed children to send in multiple entries. This year, the competition began in June and ended in August, and recorded over 24,000 entries.

After in-depth scrutiny of the entries, Ayomide Mercy Kolawole from Beclem Foundation School, Lagos emerged the grand prize winner and received N500,000 and a year supply of cartons of Indomie, while the first, second, and third runnes-up were Alonna Mbah of Handmaids Infant Jesus School, Awka, Anambra; Mamuzo Jethro Olomu of Purple Dot International School, FESTAC, Lagos; and Ezezhinyere McDonald of Grand Child School, Port Harcourt. They got N100,000, N75,000 and N50,000 respectively.

Four regional winners also got

N35,000 each in the competition.

They are Adebanjo Jomiloju of Rossi Model School, Ijaiye for Lagos; Uche-Orah Adaeze from First Park View School, Enugu for the East; Ajibola Jesuferanmi from Captain of Host School, Ogun; and Chinda Tedrick from Bettyvine Model School, Abuja.

Speaking on the conclusion of the competition in Lagos, the National Coordinator of IFC, Mrs. Faith Joshua explained that the competition is one of the many ways through which the Indomie brand engages thousands of children and provides a platform for them to express their creative talents and abilities even amid the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19.

She described the entries received for the competition as the height of artistry and creativity ever displayed by children. “Beyond just winning prizes, the IFC Team Up Yourself Competition is designed to instill the habit of creativity in children,� she said.

Also commenting on the competition, the Group Public Relations and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju said: “We see an opportunity during this challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic to create a bonding avenue for the families, especially parents and their children. It is part of our responsibility to ensure that during this out-ofschool period, our children are engaged in activities that will aid their mental and physical development. We know that not every child will be rewarded in the competition, but we are happy that these kids have loads of fun displaying their creativity with their families.�

Representatives of Daniel Ogechi Memorial Foundation (DOAM) during the donation of food items and hand-washing kits to the less privileged in Lagos... recently

SheEngineer Family Fun Contest Produces Winners Funmi Ogundare Winners have emerged at the SheEngineer family fun competition, organised by the Association of Professional Women in Engineering (APWEN).

The competition, held virtually recently, was designed for families to explore their creativity, bond and understand the science behind their daily activities, as well as learn about amazing career opportunities that abound in engineering.

For their balloon car project, Mrs. Deborah Maiwada’s family came first and received a cash prize of N250,000.

The second position went to Mrs. Bilikisu Danjuma’s family, which got N150,000, while Dr. Adebisi Osim’s family came third and got N100,000.

The competition, judged based on team work, creativity and workability, also saw other participating families work on candy arts, ballon car and blow up ballon with lemon juice projects. They got consolation prizes for their efforts.

Speaking during the family fun workshop tagged ‘Why Engineering Should be a Woman’s Game’, preceding the competition, the President of APWEN, Mrs. Funmilola Ojelade, said the association is out to encourage girls to enter and stay in STEM careers through engineering projects.

In her remarks, the Project Director and grant awardee SheEngineer Invent It, Build It under GCRF Africa Catalyst Project Phase 3, Dr. Felicia Agubata, said engineering

seems to be a male dominated profession, but when it comes to studying STEM subjects at school, male and female are virtually at par in terms of performance. “Unfortunately, this parity doesn’t always carry over into the professional world thus leading to a significant gender gap in the science and technology workforce,� she said, adding that females shouldn’t just rule out engineering as they are able to bring game-changing perspectives to the table. “I chose engineering because I loved mathematics and science, and engineering holds real opportunities to change the world. We make everything from bridges to engines, IT systems to cosmetics. Besides, I think women bring critical

insights and game-changing perspectives to the table.�

Agubata, a former president of the association, said it is imperative to encourage secondary school girls to follow their dreams and flairs with regards to the sciences and also introduce to them a broader range of knowledge and ideas when developing STEM innovations, adding that this will help them overcome perceived gender role barriers.

She said the family fun workshop is to, among others, encourage girls to start young considering the pervasive nature of stereotypes, adding that parents and teachers should step in and guide them from believing that they are less intellectually capable and therefore less suited for STEM.

SEOF Donates Books to Kaduna Schools John Shiklam in Kaduna The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) has donated 260 cartons of assorted books to 11 selected schools in Kaduna State, including the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Speaking during the presentation of the books to representatives of the benefiting

schools at the Sarduna Memorial College, Anguwan Dosa, Kaduna, the Chief of Staff to the SEOF, Chief Okey Ezuke, said the donations were made to boost the education sector.

He disclosed that the SEOF, in collaboration with Books for Africa (BFA), has donated books, computers and other educational materials worth

over $36 million to tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, as well as public libraries in Nigeria and 18 other African countries. “The educational intervention programme is based on the conviction that books and libraries represent the warehouse of knowledge.�

He stated that books improve

and sustain reading culture, encourage healthy competition, adding that the foundation will continue to partner with government on educational development.

Ezuke warned that the books were made as free humanitarian gesture and are not to be sold, resold or exchanged for profit or gain.

T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

36

CITYSTRINGS

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Adicare’s Advocacy, Rehabilitation of Psychiatry Patients

In a delightful session with the CEO, Adicare Rehabilitation Home, Veronica Ezeh, she offered insight into her world of advocacy, treatment, social support and rehabilitation of the mentally ill. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

A

traumatic experience gripped Veronica Ezeh in 2018. The psychiatric nurse and Chief Matron at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, had a six-year old son, Adika who was at the terminal stage of cancer. The young boy had been a source of joy, accompanying her to care for streetsbound psychiatric patients. Soon, the cancer bit harder and the same hospital that had managed his health for two years rejected him.

Fortunately, the former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode took interest in the case and Adika was flown to India for treatment. Thirty minutes before his departure, he requested that his birthday should be celebrated in a big way.

On his return flight to Nigeria, just about three and a half hours before landing, Adika died due to organ failure.

Adicare Foundation was founded on the memory of Adika by his mother who hails from Imo State. At a brief encounter with Ezeh, she revealed how she began her journey as a psychiatry nurse. “As a child, I had always seen people stoning the mentally ill patients. That broke my heart. Along the line, I decided that I wanted to be a nurse. That also motivated me to see what I could do to help them. After studying nursing, I had to specialise so I chose psychiatry because I have always wanted to help the mentally ill,’’ she recounted.

At the completion of her midwifery in Minna, she proceeded to a one-year training at The Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta and much later, obtained a Masters’ degree in Public Health at the College of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University. She joined the famous psychiatry home in Yaba in 1999 where she met a philanthropist medical professional, Dr. Abraham. “He used to pick patients from the streets to the psychiatry home,’’ she continued. “I was one of the nurses picked them for the domiciliary service to pick those patients from the streets.

By the time I got to the junction that was our destination, we didn’t see the patient. We went as far as Redeemed camp to find a psychiatry patient. At the end of the day, the hospital was patient enough to reunite the patient with the family,’’ she said.

She usually starts by giving to the street patients. From food to clothes, Ezeh had committed her personal funds into searching for willing patients and rehabilitating them. Even within their little commune around Lagos, some of them could recognise Ezeh whenever she passed by and sometimes would hug her. Ezeh said many of them long to be cared for and once, she had met some patients who asked for basic sanitary items such as toothbrush.

Eze maintained that psychiatry care has become more dignifying than before in Nigeria. Gone are the days when most patients look unkempt. Today, the hospital has recorded a good number of working-class patients who often come in quietly and perhaps, voluntarily. “Many bankers and commissioners would come by. Everything has been transformed,’’ she observed.

For her, the idea of establishing Adicare Rehabilitation Home is to complement the efforts of the government in taking the mentally ill off the streets. Their continuous abandonment

Ezeh (centre) with volunteers on a community service

CEO, Adicare Rehabilitation Home, Veronica Ezeh

on the streets make them vulnerable to accidents and violent attacks including battery and rape. “Adicare looks forward to a world where there would be no vagrant psychiatry patient on the street. We can’t do it alone. I remember how I had been able to pick up a patient from the street and I wanted to offer help but the hospitals were denying me help. I took the patient to the General Hospital at Ile Epo, they denied him access. I took him to Ikeja General Hospital but they referred me to Gbagada where they denied him access to treatment as well. I thought to myself that this patient is government property and I

gradually left the patient and walked away. I put up a petition and at the end of the day, Lagos State took in the patient. It is very possible to take off all the mentally-ill from the streets,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, Adicare rehabilitation home comprises of advocacy, social support, medicine and rehabilitation while using the media to create awareness about mental illness. The home which is under construction is domiciled in Zuberu Oje, Alagbado to bring her closer to the community. In her experience with community service, many mentally ill patients often use monetary gifts to buy illicit drugs.

Use of recreational drugs is one of the leading causes of mental illness in young people. This explains why she had pushed the campaign against illicit drugs to secondary schools. “On February 26, 2020, we finished our programme in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education to create awareness on the cause and prevention of mental illness with focus on drug abuse. We picked age 13 to 19 that is secondary school age category and we went to educational districts in five local government councils including Amuwo Odofin, Ojo, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Badagry and we covered this in a month. “We were able to attend to 60 secondary schools. In every local government, we had a centre where a specific number of students would be attended to and we were able to educate them through talks and psycho drama. While in school, we were able to identify those who were already doing drugs. And some of them owned up by themselves. Some of them were influenced by friends or their family background. Some want to quit but they don’t have the right motivation. Some schools want us to return. Some of the schools agreed to form clubs on anti-drugs,’’ she added.

Adicare aims to provide affordable medicine meant for the destitute. Many of them are rejected by family members and stigmatised by the society. “We have very expensive drugs here at the Neuropsychiatric hospital. Our drugs are very universal and you can get one injection for N80,000. They are not made in Nigeria. They are imported drugs. We have the universal best practices. Additionally, the psychiatric home provides suitable occupational therapy to equip the patients with skills that can make them financially independent. “After treatment, some decide to marry. We do not advise two mentally ill patients to marry because in some cases, they can replicate themselves through child bearing,’’ she said.

Adicare Rehabilitation Home marked its first year anniversary on September 7, a date that coincides with late Adika’s birthday.

37

T H I S D AY Ëž SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

CRIME&SECURITY

NOPRIN ProďŹ les Effects of Bad Policing on Nigerians Sunday Ehigiator writes on the recent effort of the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria to chronicle cases centered on violation of human rights by Nigerian security agencies

T

he Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) Foundation has presented to the public its latest book titled ‘Groaning In Pains; The Effect of Bad Policing on Nigeria’, in which it factually profiled a number of cases centered on violation of human rights

by Nigerian security agencies.

At the launch which was recently held in Lagos, the foundation said the publication enjoyed support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), and it’s aimed at “promoting police accountability and respect for human rights and enhancing access to justice for victims through periodic state by state documentation and publicising of cases�.

According to the Chairperson, Coordinating Committee, NOPRIN Foundation, Saviour Akpan, “in 1999, Nigeria returned to constitutional democracy after decades of military rule, expectations of citizens were that there is going to be a serious departure and paradigm shift in the policing styles of the nation’s police force which its leadership has admitted to be a force that has been alienated from the civil populace it supposed to serve due to its military authoritarianism. “After the phasing out of ‘Operation Fire for Fire’ and the Nigeria Police Force adopted an operational slogan ‘To Police with Integrity’, policing citizens’ rights in Nigeria by the Nigeria police force as the gatekeeper to the criminal justice system remains a nightmare two decades Since the return to democracy that was greeted with great expectations. “Government’s effort in reassuring the citizenry that there is hope of a better policing of their constitutionally guaranteed human rights in 2005 during the extrajudicial murder of the six Igbo Traders (Apo Six) unfortunately was short lived; Nigerians across the country continue to be abused by the very people who are supposed to protect them. “Also, with government’s attitude towards

L-R: ED, PRAI, Adetola Kazeem; LRC Representative, Nathaniel Ngwu; FIDA Chair Person, Lagos State Chapter, Philomena Nneji; Chairman NOPRIN BOT, ED COMPPART, Saviour Akpan Esq; Representative of Head of Mission, Advocat San Frontieres (ASF), France Chigozie; Representatives of NHRCLagosL, LazarusFlorence; and Principal Legal OďŹƒcer NHRC, Odibe Olayinka not making the report of such Commission of Inquiry public and the persistent lack of feedback from the justice system, to reassure the public of actions taken to serve as deterrent to further violations of citizens’ rights with impunity by states agency like the police, it became necessary for Civil Society Organisations to continue shouting and calling out the unprofessional policing styles and conduct of the police as an organisation and that of its officers and men respectively.â€?

Speaking about the book, the National Coordinator, NOPRIN, Ikule Emmanuel, said “the project was structured in such a way to have a daily monitoring of news reports on rights violations of citizens in

Nigeria as may be reported by the mainstream and social medium with verifiable facts and further amplify same towards making the perpetrators to understanding that era of impunity is over. “Doing this has helped in not only reducing such atrocities but has help in putting the system under check by building citizens resilience to lawfully resist impunity. “With the effective use of social media platform which has made injustices meted by the police to the citizens a virile information across the globe coupled with reported actions taken by the authorities to address such incidences, one is proud to say that in Nigeria there is hope.�

He added that though several efforts have been made to bring to justice perpetrators of different forms of inhuman and or degrading treatments of the citizens especially within the police force, “much is still desired in terms of adequate welfare for the police officers so as to reduce the degree and quantum of aggression transferred by these policemen, especially the ranks and file on the innocent members�.

The foundation also applauded the media on its role in shedding light on violations of human rights committed by law enforcement agents, and appeal for their continuous reportage of such misdeed till its nipped on the board.

Drug Control NGO Partners Police on Training, Capacity Building

T

he President of The Drug Salvation Foundation (TDSF) and National Coordinator of NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, Mr Wilson Ighodalo has partnered the Nigerian Police on training and capacity building.

The partnership which culminated in an award to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, followed a courtesy meeting with the IG in Abuja.

Ighodalo said in line with its core mandate, the club decided to honour the Inspector General Mohammed Adamu and DCP Frank Mba, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), for their priceless support, as this will go a long way in motivating them to give their best.

Also, Ighodalo presented to the IG, the First Phase Pilot Reports on Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) Sensitisation Training for Nigeria Police Force which is training for mindset engineering of the Nigeria Police on response to drugs.

The IG has supported drug control in Nigeria by approving training for police personnel on response to Drug Prevention,Treatment and Care (DPTC) Sensitisation Training for the Nigeria Police Force.

Another interesting aspect of the training is the addition of combating cultism and using sports, especially football to engage youths and steer them away from criminal activities.

Ighodalo while making the presentation in Abuja said that, "I, the National Coordinator of NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, on behalf of the club hereby present this award to the IG Mohammed Adamu and DCP Frank Mba (FPRO) at the Force Headquarters-Abuja on August 18, 2020. “The award is to encourage him to do more for the country by building the capacity of police officers on response to drugs evidence based practice as well as eradicating cultism

L-R: The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and President of The Drug Salvation Foundation and National Coordinator of NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, Mr Wilson Ighodalo in the country. “We also honoured DCP Frank Mba for his tireless work as image maker for the Nigeria Police. He assured that the club will continue to honour policemen who have excelled in the discharge of their duties adding that police officers have played pivotal role in the nation's crime prevention.�

While commending the IG for drastically reducing crime despite the huge security challenges in the country, Ighadalo said: “While

The Drug Salvation Foundation is building the capacity of police on decriminalisation and respect for the human rights of drug users, the search for more effective responses by law enforcement authorities and the community generally must be stepped up. “Police also need to adopt harm reduction approaches to reduce the negative consequences of drug use for those who continue to use illicit drugs due to addiction. The IG is determined to bridge the gap between the

police and the public through professionalism. “Nigerians also expect to see a police force that is very disciplined and focused on her traditional responsibility of fighting crime and protecting society. But above all, supporting the police with laurels can motivate the police to give its best at all times.�

Other top officers who had been recognised before by the club include the former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Edgal Imohimi.

38

T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ˜ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

UBA Posts N44 Billion Half-year Profit The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc yesterday released its audited results for the half year ended June 2020, which showed that the pan-African bank recorded profit after tax of N44.431 billion, compared with the N56.7 billion it realised in the comparable period of 2019.

The results obtained on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) website also showed that the UBA Group recorded profit before tax of N57.1 billion as of the period

under review, as against the N70.3 billion it garnered as of June 2019.

The development was clearly a reflection of the impact of the Covid-19 which disrupted economic activities in Nigeria, other African countries where the bank has its subsidiaries as well as the global economy, in the second quarter of 2020.

However, UBA’s operating income improved by 7.7 per cent to N197.1 billion in the review period, as against the

N182.9 billion it made last year.

The bank’s gross earnings also grew to N300.2 billion, compared with the N294 billion it made in the comparable period of 2019.

In the review period, its total loans to customers grew by 6.1 per cent to N2.186 trillion, as against the N2.061 trillion recorded last year, just as its deposits from customers increased significantly by 25.2 per cent, from N3.832 trillion last year, to N4.8 trillion.

NAICOM, PenCom Unveil Regulation on Retirees’Life Annuity Ebere Nwoji The National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) have introduced the revised guidelines on retirees’ life annuity.

They are the guidelines on Group Life Insurance Policy for Employees and CPS Retiree Pack.

Both regulators signed the new

guidelines in Abuja yesterday.

A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications Department, PenCom, Peter Aghahowa, explained that the event also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between both regulators.

PenCom and NAICOM. He noted that the revised regulations and guidelines provide

clarity on the Provisions of the PRA 2014 in areas relating to Retiree Life Annuity with focus on guiding stakeholders to make informed decision, ensure safety of Retiree Life Annuity funds and assets, address concerns of mis-selling and de-marketing by pension and insurance operators as well as bringing stability into the financial sector of the economy.

BudgIT Recommends Policies to Spur Economic Growth BudgIT, a civic organisation in its latest publication titled: ‘Investing in People,’ examined Nigeria’s economic challenges and recommended six broad goals - with 18 priority actions that would effectively end poverty, improve health, advance education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth.

According to the report, the goals cover critical sectors of the economy like demography and population, health, education, access to capital and the

macro-economy.

The organisation noted that the continuous opacity around public financing and low investments in critical sectors has consistently produced weak institutions and massive opportunities for waste and corruption at both the national and subnational levels.

According to BudgIT, it has been 60 years since independence, and Nigeria’s pathway to economic prosperity remains unclear.

It noted that with an estimated population of 200 million people,

13.9 million unemployed youths, N300 million average investment in health tertiary institutions and over 40,100 million Nigerians living below the poverty line; there was an urgent need to implement strategies that would effectively raise higher revenues and leverage Nigeria’s human capital for wealth through institutional reforms, equal access to loans advanced by banks, strong civic space for citizens inclusion and an effective micro economic environment.

Asharami Synergy Launches ‘Value for Money’Campaign Peter Uzoho Asharami Synergy, a Sahara Group downstream company, has launched the “Value for money� campaign to give all classes of customers and consumers convenient access to safe, reliable, and top-quality diesel. The campaign, according to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Asharami Synergy, Mr. Foluso Sobanjo, would reinforce the gold standard in diesel supply to protect the well-being of customers, their assets as well as the environment, while ensuring great value for money.

Sobanjo, in a statement said the campaign was an emphatic response from Asharami Synergy to raise the bar of quality that would enable the sector stamp out the activities of agents involved in the proliferation of sub-standard petroleum products. “As a leading company in the sector, Asharami Synergy is delighted to lead the charge for global standards in the market for diesel supply. We are empowering our customers to do and achieve more with our diesel because we uphold the philosophy of getting value for money,� he stated.

According to him, the campaign would cover various themes including, safety, convenience, quality, reliability, performance, and environmental sustainability. “We are using our ‘value for money’ campaign to create awareness and give the buying public the diesel option that ensures peace of mind. “We are leveraging our pedigree as a Sahara Group company and our several international standard organisation certifications to reposition the sector for a greater level of transparency, corporate citizenship and competitiveness,� he noted.

Schneider Electric Introduces New Power Solution Nume Ekeghe Schneider Electric has launched a range of smart solutions adapted to the Nigerian environment.

The initiative is expected to drive down the cost of power disturbances which is pegged at S$29 billion annually.

A statement made available from the firm alludes to the figures from World Bank, which revealed that the Nigerian economy annually loses as

much as $29 billion to power disturbances across various sectors of its activities.

These range of products being offered by Schneider Electric are categorised as critical power management, smart homes, and lighting, home and distribution solutions.

Head of Partner and Buildings Business for Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, Mojola Ola stated: “These solutions are safe because they avoid electrical

fires; are efficient in helping one save money by reducing energy spend; are reliable by preventing failure of electrical distribution; and are compliant because they demonstrate Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability, a key policy for the company.

He further added, “with the right tools, you can leverage data for: space management, occupant well-being, occupant engagement, and operational efficiency.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Í°Íś Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Vienna, Austria, 31 August 2020--The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $45.33 a barrel on Friday, compared with $45.81 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

39

T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

FBN Holdings Eyes More Earnings from Digital Offerings Goddy Egene There are bright prospects of increased earnings by FBN Holdings Plc following the renewed commitment to deepen digital offerings by its commercial banking arm, FirstBank Nigeria Limited.

FirstBank accounts for major part of the group’s revenue and profitability and the commercial bank has continued to lead in the area of digital banking, through

its agent banking network.

While agent banking network increased by over 100 per cent to 59,000 agents as at the end of June 30, 2020, value of value of transaction processed hit N5.71 trillion up from N1.61 trillion in the prior period.

Speaking to this development, the Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. UK Eke, said the Group was monetising its agent banking strategy as its revenue contribution to electronic

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

business income continues to grow.

He disclosed that to further deepen their digital offerings, FirstBank launched an improved version of the Firstmobile App in Q2 2020 with more innovative features.

According to Eke, the group will keep innovating so as to consolidate its distinctive advantage in digital and agent banking and continue to transform its transaction-led banking activities.

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The GMD had said the group successfully divested from the underwriting (insurance) businesses to focus on its banking operations. He said they are confident this would enhance greater value to their stakeholders and strengthen the group’s resolve to consolidate its leadership of the banking sector. “ Following the divestment, FBN Holdings injected Tier 1 capital into FirstBank, effectively increasing its CAR to 16.5 per

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

cent. This provides a comfortable buffer against regulatory requirements with the potential to support any emerging business opportunities.

Commenting on the performance of the company, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank and its subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, had said: “Over the period, the commercial banking group increased its growth in gross earnings and profit before tax

O F

by 6.1 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively, despite the economic shutdown during the quarter and varying degrees of challenges in the operating environment. Notwithstanding, we have continued to provide services to our customers with minimal disruption in a safe environment, supported by seamless transactions through our increasing agent banking network and digital platforms (FirstMobile and USSD).

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40

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 •T H I S D AY

41

WEDNESDAY, ÍşËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Learn Africa Board Recommends N39 million Dividend for Shareholders

Goddy Egene

dividend( five kobo per share) the previous year. levels of learning, had to cut the LearnAfrica Plc recorded a revenue for the year ended March 31, The company, which is into dividend following a decline in of N2.869 billion in 2020, showing a decline of 17.5 per cent from Directors of LearnAfrica Plc have 2020, which is lower than 15 the publishing and distribution profit for the year.

According to the audited results, N3.479 billion. Administrative recommended N38.573 million kobo dividend per share paid of educational materials for all A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors.

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 31- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Aug-2020, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

expenses rose from N880 million to N1/053 billion, while financing cost increased from N20.822 million to N36.959 million.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.92 0.93 2.35% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 10.24% 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 5.80% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.97 3.06 21.19% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.40 14.84 -5.97% ARM Discovery Fund 340.86 351.14 -1.32% ARM Ethical Fund 30.46 31.38 4.73% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.15 1.16 15.29% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.09 8.30% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.44% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.14 2.14 16.53% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 1.86 1.88 5.15% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.36% Paramount Equity Fund 11.40 11.60 -8.95% Women's Investment Fund 110.66 111.62 0.22% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.73% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 105.31 105.64 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 109.35 109.65 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 102.78 102.78 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.34% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.95 0.96 1.97% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.55 1.55 16.52% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,388.51 1,390.10 13.82% FBN Balanced Fund 151.93 152.96 3.48% FBN Halal Fund 107.35 107.37 7.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.54% . . .

FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.63 121.12 3.86% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 115.47 117.27 -11.27% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,151.33 3,186.19 3.63% Coral Income Fund 3,189.21 3,189.21 3.69% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 3.93% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.13% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 113.21 120.44 8.31%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.93% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.13 2.17 -2.56% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 8.65% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 150.27 151.02 4.84% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.39 1.41 13.49% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.87 11.94 5.44% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.84% PACAM Equity Fund 1.09 1.10 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.91 110.46 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 114.73 117.07 -5.32% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 6.62% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 6.00% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 4.84% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -0.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 5.62% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 4.14% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.18% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -3.17% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.20 1.20 4.00% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 109.09 109.09 5.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.15 1.17 -3.41% United Capital Bond Fund 1.85 1.85 6.80% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 -6.49% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.70% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.38 114.38 4.69% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.02 1.03 -2.35% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.20 10.31 -0.83% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.62 11.69 -0.16% Zenith Income Fund 24.54 24.54 10.22% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.54%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

117.93

5.15%

53.40

2.59%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.06 86.34 67.55

9.16 88.17 68.76

4.03% -8.61% -10.11%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva GrifďŹ n 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

3.04 4.23 11.96 1.00 11.15 181.56

3.08 4.31 12.06 1.00 11.35 183.56

-14.34% -28.25% -1.39% 4.27% 7.29% -3.43%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Mali: Military, Others to Hold Transition Talks Weekend Mali’s junta, which seized power in a coup last month, will hold transition talks with political parties and civil society groups this weekend, an official said Tuesday.

The August 18 putsch has

prompted Mali’s neighbours along with ally and former colonial ruler France to call for a swift transfer of power, amid worries over instability in a country struggling with an Islamist insurgency, ethnic

violence, and economic malaise.

The military rulers have this time invited to the talks the June 5 Movement, which spearheaded a protest movement that led to the toppling of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

The movement was not invited for transition talks last Saturday when the junta called off discussions at the last minute.

The June 5 group has demanded that the military rulers give it a role in the transition to civilian rule which

the military has promised, without setting a timetable.

Mali’s influential imam Mahmoud Dicko, a key player in the mass opposition protests that led to Keita’s ouster, said the junta did not have “carte blanche.”

“We will not give a blank cheque to anyone to run this country, that’s over,” he said.

“We led the fight,” he said. “People have died and the soldiers who have completed (this fight) must keep their word.”

Macron Warns Lebanon: Reforms Must Be Underway by Oct or No Aid French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday warned that international aid for Lebanon would not be released unless a series of reforms were underway

by October.

Ahead of meetings with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and the country’s main political parties, Macron again insisted on the need for reform of electricity, banking, justice, and public contracts.

With Lebanon suffering for several months from serious power outages, Macron denounced corruption in the energy sector as well as other spheres.

“Everything is ready, but political will is needed,” he said on a visit to Beirut port, the scene of last month’s devastating blast that cost more than 180 lives.

Macron said he was putting his “political weight” behind a timetable for reforms, with a first deadline in October as a “follow-up” mechanism.

Apart from urgent humanitarian aid in response to the August 4 explosion, longerterm aid would not be released unless the reform process was underway by then, he said.

Macron said that the nomination of Lebanon’s ambassador to Germany, Mustapha Adib, to head a new government, was just “the first step of the next phase.”

“Will it result in action? I am not naive,” he said. Despite public anger, the Lebanese people had democratically elected their current leaders,

he argued. The reforms could lead to elections “in six to 12 months … which will reveal the anger of the people, and bring about a new political reality if the people so wish,” he said.

Earlier, POLITICO magazine cited Macron as saying that sanctions could be imposed against the Lebanese political leadership if serious reforms were not implemented.

Macron earlier marked Lebanon’s centenary by planting a cedar tree at the Jaj cedar reserve in Jbeil, north of Beirut.

The French Air Force also displayed the Lebanese flag with their smoke trails red, white and green.

The French president assured the Lebanese after planting the cedat tree that France will stand

by Lebanon and its people during this period of crisis.

“I say it on behalf of the French: we will always be on the side of the Lebanese people,” the French president wrote on Twitter.

“Freedom, dialogue, coexistence are longstanding values in Lebanon,” Macron wrote after he planted a Cedar tree in a forest in an area north of Beirut to mark the 100th anniversary of Lebanon’s creation.

He said Lebanon would be “re-born.”

Lebanon is celebrating the anniversary of the creation of Greater Lebanon when colonial France drew up the boundaries of the future state.

Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943.

Pope Steps up Call for Poor Countries’ Debt Cancellation Pope Francis renewed a call on Tuesday for the cancellation of debt owed by poor countries in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, saying it was time for restorative justice.

The pope is preparing for an audience with the public on Wednesday, his first since the pandemic hit Italy nearly six months ago.

“I repeat my call for the cancellation of the debt of the most vulnerable countries, in recognition of the severe impact of the medical, social and economic crises they face as a result of Covid-19,” the Roman Catholic Church’s highest official said.

“We also need to ensure that the recovery packages being developed and deployed at global, regional and national levels must be regeneration packages.

“It is a time for restorative justice.”

In April, the Argentinian-born pontiff called for debt to be reduced or cancelled in a message from

an empty Saint Peter’s Basilica.

On Tuesday he said: “Policy, legislation and investment must be focused on the common good and guarantee that global social and environmental goals are met.”

The World Bank warned last month that coronavirus may have driven as many as 100 million people into extreme poverty.

The situation made it “imperative” that creditors reduce the amount of debt held by poor countries, the Washington-based institution’s president David Malpass warned.

Advanced economies in the Group of 20 have already committed to suspending debt payments from the poorest nations until the end of the year.

There is growing support for extending that moratorium into next year amid a pandemic that has already killed more than 840,000 people and registered 25.2 million cases globally.

L-R: Engineering Representative of MothertCat Limited (MCL), Mr. Alex Onaji; Site Engineer, Mr. Ziad Kareem; Deputy Managing Director, MCL, Mr. Rafa Kovorkian; Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee onWorks, Hon. Lanre Edun; and Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abubakar Kabir, during an inspection of the Zaria-Kano road in Kaduna State...yesterday

COVID-19 Plunges Brazil into Recession with Record 9.7% Drop Brazil’s economy, the biggest in Latin America, contracted by a record 9.7 percent in the second quarter of 2020, plunging into recession as coronavirus lockdowns hit home, the official statistics agency said Tuesday.

Brazil has been hit hard by the pandemic, with the secondhighest number of infections and deaths worldwide after

the United States, and stayat-home measures to contain the virus have taken a heavy toll.

“GDP is now at the same level as late 2009, at the height of the global financial crisis,” the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) said in a statement.

The contraction was worse than the 9.2 per cent average forecast by 49 economists polled

by business daily Valor.

However, it was better than the 11.1 per cent drop economists were predicting in May. Analysts say that improvement was largely thanks to the decision by President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration to launch a massive stimulus programme that has been paying 600 reals ($110) a month

to Brazilians hit hardest by lockdown measures.

Brazil’s economy shrank a revised 2.5 per cent in the first quarter, as the impact of the pandemic began to hit, IBGE said.

Since then, Covid-19 has exploded in Brazil: the country has now registered more than 3.9 million infections and 121,000 deaths.

Trump: Revolution will Occur in US If Biden Becomes President US Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden is a puppet figure, who, if elected in November, will ignite a “revolution” in the U.S., President Donald Trump said.

“Biden won’t calm things down,” Trump said. They will take over. They will have won.

If Biden gets in, they will have won. He’s a weak person.

“He’s controlled like a puppet. So it’s not going to be calm … They will have taken over your cities. It’s a revolution. You understand that. It’s a revolution and the

people of this country will not stand for that.”

According to Trump, funding for the “revolution” is coming from “very stupid rich people that have no idea that if their thing ever succeeded, which it won’t, they would be thrown to the wolves like never before.”

On Monday, Biden accused Trump of further dividing the protest-ridden nation rather than unifying it and his words and messages were sowing chaos rather than law and order.

Biden’s remarks came after Trump and numerous

Republicans repeatedly criticised him and the Democrats for not denouncing the three-monthlong campaign of violence by the Antifa and Black Lives Matter movements in Democratrun states and cities.

Republicans have said Democrats in those jurisdictions are trying to score political points in an election year by allowing the violent protests and riots and by refusing federal assistance that Trump has offered to quell the unrest.

Protests against police brutality and racism started in

numerous cities in the U.S. after the death of African American George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.

In August, a new wave of protests started in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the U.S. after police shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake, an African American man, in the back seven times.

The incident, which occurred on Aug. 23, left Blake paralysed.

Protests turned into riots complete with violence against police and civilians as well as acts of arson and destruction.

Sudanese Court Begins Trial of Al-Bashir for 1989 Military Coup A Sudan court on Tuesday began the trial of ousted autocrat Omar Al-Bashir for leading a military coup that brought him to power 31 years ago.

Al-Bashir and 26 other defendants gave brief introductory statements at the Supreme Court in the capital, Khartoum.

A judge then rejected the defence’s appeal for a postponement, filed on the basis of Sudan’s fragile political

climate, and questioning the impartiality of the court.

The judge scheduled the next session for Sept. 15.

The trial was initially set to start in late July but was postponed three times, including due to a lack of coronavirus precautions.

Al-Bashir is facing charges of undermining the constitution, rebellion, and violating the Armed Forces Act, Al-Moez Hadra, who belongs to the

group of lawyers who filed the criminal lawsuit, said.

The 76-year-old will stand trial with several co-accused, among them two of Al-Bashir’s former vice presidents as well as former ministers and governors.

If convicted, Al-Bashir, who is already imprisoned for corruption, could face a death sentence.

Al-Bashir came to power in 1989 after he led a military coup against democratically elected Prime Minister Sadek al-Mahdi.

He was ousted in April 2019 after months of pro-democracy protests and mass sit-ins.

Al-Bashir was convicted in late 2019 on corruption charges but was never tried for alleged crimes against humanity committed under his 30-year rule.

The volatile nation in the Horn of Africa is currently run by a transitional government made up of military and civilian officials.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

46

NEWSXTRA

We Can’t Comply with COVID-19 Protocols, ASUU Tells FG Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano Zone, yesterday explained the need for the government to provide all the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols before reopening of schools.

According to the union, the need for the provision of all the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols is to ensure the protection of life and safety of the students and staff.

The acting Zonal Coordinator of the union in Kano, Professor Abdulkadir Mohammed, made this known to journalists at the ASUU secretariat in Bayero University Kano.

Abdulkadir explained that “the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country has laid bare the infrastructural deficit not only in our universities, but in other units of the education sector.

“This is as a result of the continuous refusal of the government to heed to ASUU calls for proper funding of

our universities to make them globally competitive since 1992.

“Our previous agreements with the government in 1992, 2001, 2009 MoU, 2017 MoA, and NEEDs assessment reports have all made adequate provisions for the infrastructural needs of our universities to make them cope with the COVID-19 protocols.

“With lack of running water and electricity, overcrowded class, poorly spaced hostels rooms, libraries, laboratories and staff offices, none of the universities will satisfy the requirements of social distancing.

“Nigerian universities today are poorly equipped to cope with the COVID-19 protocols for school resumption as outlined by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”

Muhammad disclosed that if the federal government failed to take necessary measures before the resumption, it will be held responsible over the health of the students and staff.

APC Screening Committees Clear All Aspirants for Legislative By-elections Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committees have cleared all aspirants who purchased expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the party’s primary election scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2020.

The ruling party also said there are no preferred, pre-determined or anointed aspirants ahead of the October 31 concurrent legislative by-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Yekini Nabena, in a statement he issued yesterday said the party would continue to give all aspirants a level playing field while also ensuring that only those with impeccable records and are popularly elected are presented as APC candidates in all elections.

He stated: “This clarification come in reaction to a statement by an APC Chieftain, Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, alleging an attempt to “foist” a predetermined candidate in the forthcoming

Cross River North Senatorial District by-elections.

“Under the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led caretaker committee, the party is already moving in a new and progressive direction whereby things are done properly and internal democracy is the norm. The party will continue to give all aspirants a level playing field while also ensuring that only those with impeccable records and are popularly elected are presented as APC candidates in all elections.”

Legislative by-elections would be conducted across eight states of the federation including Bayelsa Central Senatorial election, Bayelsa West Senatorial election; Nganzai State Constituency Borno, Bayo State Constituency, Borno State; Cross River North Senatorial election, Obudu State Constituency and Cross River State.

Others are Imo North Senatorial election, Lagos East Senatorial election, Kosofe II State Constituency, Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial election, Plateau State; Bakura State Constituency, Zamfara State and Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State.

Yobe to Hold LG Elections on December 5 Michael Olugbode in Damaturu Elections into the 17 local government areas of Yobe State will be held on December 5, 2020, the State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) announced yesterday.

The Chairman of the state electoral commission, Dr. Mamman Mohammed, made the announcement at a meeting with all political parties and other political stakeholders.

Mohammed said the meeting of the stakeholders in the state marked the commencement of political activities which would peak with the conduct of the

elections on December 5.

He charged politicians to play by the rules of the game by engaging themselves in lawful and peaceful conduct, while promising to provide a level playing ground for all political parties.

The YSIEC boss said: “To conduct a free, fair and credible election, we need a conducive environment and perfect level playground, as we also need to follow the rules of the game.

This is why we all gathered here to rub minds and freely discuss ways and means of conducting a smooth, free, fair, credible, and most importantly, acceptable election in the state.”

He added: “Let me make it categorical that the union is not averse to opening public universities, but before doing that,

the government must provide all the necessary conditions that will make it safe for our members and the students to avoid a spike in

the case of COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Kano zone of the union also observed with dismay, the recent takeover of the Hospitality

and Tourism Institute (former Daula Hotel) by the Kano State Government, saying due process was not followed.

I FEEL YOUR PAINS...

A former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during a visit to the victims of the auto crash involving his convoy along Benin-Ore Highway, at the hospital in Benin...yesterday

Kidnap Incident: Protesting Doctors Block C’River Gov’s Office Doctors in Cross River State, who took to the streets of Calabar, the state capital yesterday to protest againstthekidnapofapediatricianatthe UniversityofCalabarTeachingHospital, Dr. Vivien Otu, blocked the entrance to the office of the state governor.

The pediatrician was kidnapped by gunmen on Friday night last week around Marian area of Calabar.

The doctors carried placards with variousinscriptionssuchas‘Kidnapping

is an act of terrorism’, ‘Make Cross River safe again’, ‘Cross River is not a den for kidnappers’, and ‘Let’s stamp out kidnapping’ among others.

They marched through the streets and blocked the governor’s office gate after they visited the state House of Assembly where the Speaker, Hon Eteng Williams, assured them of improved security in the state.

Speaking at the Governor’s Office gate, the state Chairman of the Nigerian

Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Innocent Abang, said, “We have come to present our grievances to the governor because of the incessant kidnap of our colleagues and how we have become an endangered species in Cross River State. We pay tax in this state and we are protecting lives and saving lives. So, we want to tell the government to please protect our land and give us the privilege to save lives.

“The State SecurityAdviser, who is standing in for the Governor who is not around, should brief us how far they have gone, to assure us that our colleague is safe and will be released to us today. We don’t want it beyond today. We want Cross River State to be safe from kidnapping.

Other states are doing well now. We can also do well.”

Osun Police Arraign Fake Soldiers Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State Police Command yesterday arraigned two fake soldiers, Abolaji Gabriel, 35, and Samuel Mathew, 20, before the state Magistrate Court in Osogbo over alleged impersonation.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Olusegu, told the court that the defendants committed

the offence on August 16, 2020, at about 10 p.m. at old garage area in Osogbo Elisha alleged that the defendants did commit felony to wit unlawful possession and wearing of a complete Nigeria Army uniform.

He further informed the court that the defendants did attempt to commit robbery.

The prosecutor stated that the offence committed by the defendants is contrary to and punishable under section 516,109,428(d) and 599 of the criminal code Cap 34 Vol ll Law of Osun State 2002 The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegation slammed against them by the police The defence counsel, Bola

Abimbola, applied for bail for the accused persons in most liberal and affordable term, promising that they will provide reliable sureties and will never jump bail.

In his ruling, Magistrate Abayomi Ajala grant the defendants bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum, thereby adjourning the case till September 29 for hearing.

Bauchi Court Convicts Five Suspects for Theft of Jos Disco’s Transformer Seriki Adinoyi in Jos A Bauchi Chief Magistrate Court presided by Mr. Ahmed Shuaibu Ningi, has sentenced five persons to 18 months imprisonment for mischief and theft of transformer parts belonging to Jos Electricity Distribution PLC. This was disclosed in a press statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications, Jos Disco, Dr. Elijah Adakole,

He said, “The five convicted persons were Mr. Samalia Gambo, Mr. Kabiru Yunusa, Mr. Habibu Ahmed, Mr. Bala Yaro and Mr. Sale Mohammed of Darazo town in Darazo Local Government of Bauchi State.

“The convicts according to the records of proceedings from the court in the case number CMCBH/360/2020 dated 25th August, 2020, were caught at Rugan Magaji village where they

cannibalised a transformer and extracted an electronic bushing worth N40,000.00 from it.”

Adakole said that the five culprits were charged to court and tried in accordance with sections 96, 334 and 286(2) of the panel code.

He said that the five convicts pleaded guilty to all the charges and were therefore tried summarily pursuant to section 157 of the Criminal Procedures

code which empowers the court to try them in such manner.

Ningi, after listening to their pleas for mercy, gave all the convicts an option of N20, 000.00 fine individually in addition to their right of appeal to High Court of Justice in Bauchi State within 30 days for “any of the parties dissatisfied with the decision of this Honourable Court.

Anambra Police Arrest Suspected Child Trafficker, Rescue 12 Children David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Police in Anambra State have arrested a woman, Mrs. Nkechi Odinye, 55, who allegedly specialises in buying children suspected to have been stolen in the country.

Odinye was arrested last Monday by men of the state Police Command Special

Anti-Cult Section(SPACS), who stormed her hideout at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, where she had also camped 12 children suspected to have been stolen and sold to her.

The state police command spokesperson, SP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the arrest, said the police action came after a thorough

intelligence gathering by their men.

According to him, “It would be recalled that on the October 22, 2019, following intelligence report, police detectives attached to Anambra State Command arrested three female suspects at Nkpor market/Tarzan junction in Idemili North LGA of the state.

“Investigation revealed that

the children were stolen from Gombe State by one Hauwa Musa, a female, on the October 20, 2019, and brought them to her accomplices in Anambra State. Following the public announcement by the police command on October 27, 2019, parents of the two kids from Gombe State came to Awka, and identified their children.

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Army: Terrorists Preparing Explosives to Cause Mayhem in FCT Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Nigerian Army 4 Special Forces Command yesterday raised the alarm that terrorists were preparing explosives to cause mayhem in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, Major Gen MG Ali, disclosed this yesterday at the command’s headquarters in Doma, Nasarawa State when handing over 778 wives and children of the terrorists who were recently captured in joint operations to 17 state governors.

The 4 Special Forces commander revealed that intelligence reports showed that the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), ammunitions and materials used for producing rockets from the vipers that were recovered in recent times were to be used to make governance difficult at the seat of power in Abuja.

He said the threat to security

informed the decision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Yusuf Buratai, directing the 4 Special Command to conduct clearance operations to destroy the terrorists’ camps.

“The operation nicknamed ‘Operation Nut Cracker’ is being conducted to clear Ugya and Panda forests, Uttu and contagious hills in Nasarawa State. Other areas of interest include Zagana, Makpa, Agbuchi and Barada in Koton Karfe Local Government Area of Kogi State,” he explained.

According to him, “the terrorists in the North Central Region over the years have been using these villages as camps to unleash mayhem on victims along Okene - Lokoja, Lokoja - Abaji as well as Toto - Umaisha roads.

“They also use same camps as base to terrorise people in contagious villages, thereby making social and economic activities also non-existing in the general area.”

OAU Disowns Circular on School Resumption The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, yesterday, disowned a circular purportedly “issued and signed by the University Registrar” on reopening plans.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the federal government that shut the institution in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has not reversed the order.

The statement was titled ‘OAU yet to resume’.

The statement read in part: “The university management wishes to officially inform our students at all levels, their parents and guardians, that the said circular is fake and malicious

both in content and context and it should be disregarded in its entirety.

“Obafemi Awolowo University is a federal government-owned institution and the instruction to go on recess in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, in the month of March 2020, by the Federal Government has not been reversed.

“Accordingly, we want to use this medium to urge our students to remain calm, and await authentic information from the university management as soon as the federal government gives the go-ahead to reopen the university.”

Prof Afolabi Ojo Passes On at 90 Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Gabriel Jimoh Afolabi Ojo, has passed on at the age of 90.

Ojo transited in his sleep on the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, 2020, at his Ikeja residence in Lagos.

He was born to Pa Sanni Kowe Ojo and Chief (Mrs.) Lydia Aina in Ado-Ekiti on November 1, 1929, Ojo was a teacher all his life and authored over 140 books and academic articles.

He was Chairman, Presidential Planning Committee on the Open University System in Nigeria (1980-81) and was then appointed as pioneer Vice Chancellor of the National Open University (19811984).

Away from academics, Ojo was an active member of the Catholic Church, as well as the local communities in Ado-Ekiti, Ife and Lagos.

He held the traditional chieftaincy titles of Asiwaju of Ado-Ekiti, Balogun of Imesi-Ekiti and Otun Maye of Ile-Ife. According to a statement by the family, “Our father Gabriel Afolabi Ojo has gone to be with the Father of all fathers. He passed away peacefully at noon on Sunday

August 30, 2020.

“We thank God for his life and the privileged of having him with us in the course of our journey here on earth. We couldn’t have asked for a better father. Please pray for the repose of his soul and the family he left behind.”

Ojo was blessed with three sons and three daughters from his union with Florence Bukunola Ojo (nee Adeyanju), who joined the Church triumphant on March 20, 2012. He also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral rites will be conducted in his honour in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, 2020.

Prof. Afolabi Ojo

He added that the captured women were the real terrorists as they were the people that indoctrinated the newly kidnapped, adding also that the women acted as the bankers

of the spoils of kidnaping and armed robbery carried out by their husbands.

“Our gallant men are tracking escaped terrorist leaders like Sadiqu, Babuji Yellow and Buji

and I am pleased to inform that the dragnet is becoming closer and closer by the day while the tracking signal is getting stronger by the second,” he assured.

Ali however noted that people

of the North Central region have proven beyond doubt that even in the 21st Century, terrorism can still be defeated if the people reject the terrorists.

CAMPAIGN IN PROGRESS...

Chairman of Media Campaign Council of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. John Mayaki (left), and Vice Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, APC National Campaign Council, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbona, at a press conference in Benin, Edo State...yesterday

2023: Emergence of Presidential Candidate Not By Tribe, Says Uzodimma The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said yesterday that the choice of who emerges presidential candidate in 2023 would be based on political party and not on the basis of tribe.

Uzodimma said this in an interview with State House correspondents after a meeting

he had with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The governor said, “You know that the position is not vacant now; there is a sitting President and we are practising partisan democracy and not tribal democracy.

“So, the emergence of

presidential candidate will come on a party by party basis, not a tribe by tribe basis.

“But if there are other internal factors that will form part of the considerations for parties taking decision, of course, that will be entirely the job of the leadership of those political parties and I

think that is the right thing to do.”

The governor said he sought Buhari’s intervention on the problem of erosion ravaging his state, which he described as alarming.

He said the state was in dire need of the help of the Federal Government on the matter.

Buhari Consoles Atiku over Mother-in-law’s Death President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday consoled former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, over the death of his mother-in-law, Khadija Musdafa.

Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special

Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

The statement was titled, ‘President Buhari condoles with Lamido Adamawa, former Vice President over passing of Hajia Khadija Musdafa.’

It read, “President Muhammadu

Buhari joins government and indigenes of Adamawa State in mourning the passing of Hajiya Khadija Musdafa, matriarch of the Musdafa royal family.

“The President sends condolences to the Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Muhammadu

Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, the entire Emirate Council and the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who lost a mother-inlaw, believing Hajiya Khajiya’s investment of love and kindness will always be remembered and appreciated.

Kogi Fixes September 14 for Reopening of Schools Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Kogi State Government yesterday announced that schools at all levels in the state would resume on September 14, 2020.

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Wemi Jones, said the schools include,

primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state.

He made the announcement during a press conference on in Lokoja, the state capital.

According to Jones, the state government arrived at the decision after a series of interactions with the relevant stakeholders.

“You will recall that His

Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, had directed the closure of all schools from primary to tertiary institutions in the state from March 23, because of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

“Subsequently, upon the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education, exit classes were opened for Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3

in Kogi on August 10, to particularly allow the SS3 classes to prepare and write the WAEC examination.

“Therefore, upon further review having had several meetings with relevant stakeholders, His Excellency has directed that all schools in Kogi State should fully reopen on September 14, 2020,” he said.

Anyiam-Osigwe, Agba Promise to Revolutionise Nigerian Film Industry Through Producers President of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and the association’s General Secretary, Mr. Baba Agba, have promised to work closely and conscientiously with members to revolutionise the Nigerian film industry through its producers.

Both members of the newly inaugurated AMP national executive committee made the promise after emerging winners in the

association’s election held in Asaba at the weekend.

They said that they accepted the responsibility and trust reposed in them by their members to carry the association to new heights, even as they noted that the challenge before them was monumental.

According to them, “The challenge before us is monumental, but we are eager to join hands with other incoming executives and our fellow

members to achieve great milestones that every Nigerian producer can be proud of.”

They thanked everyone who voted and supported them, the other members of the Board of Trustees, the outgoing National Executive Committee under the leadership of the President Emeritus Ralph Nwadike during election, and the Association of Movie Producers Electoral Committee (AMPEC) for

conducting a hitch-free election and their tireless efforts in preserving and growing the association.

In a statement by Baba Agba, the newly inaugurated General Secretary, and released via his social media pages, he assured members that “he does not take the trust placed in him lightly” and promised to work with the president and the executive committee to deliver on his mandate.

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Diplomatic Row: Gbajabiamila Meets Ghanaian Speaker in Accra Today Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, will today meet with the speaker of Ghana’s parliament over the diplomatic row between Nigeria and the country.

The speaker, who described his mission as legislative diplomacy, said both of them would discuss the crisis, vis-a-vis the effects on citizens of both countries and simultaneously devise an amicable resolution.

Both Nigeria and Ghana have been locked in varying diplomatic row in recent times, which was being orchestrated from Ghana.

Earlier in the year, one of Nigeria’s diplomatic buildings was pulled down in the country without any justifiable reason.

The dust generated by that undiplomatic action of Ghana was yet to settle when the country’s authorities a fortnight ago, shut down Nigerians’ businesses in Ghana, demanding a payment of $1 million from each trader before they could continue with

their businesses.

Gbajabiamila who was in the State House, Abuja to discuss the trip with President Muhammadu Buhari, recalled how a previous legislative delegation he led to South Africa over xenophobic attacks on Nigeria yielded some results and hoped this would not be an exception.

He told State House reporters that he is not going to Ghana to make any demand, but rather to critically examine the issue on ground.

“One of the issues we discussed today, I am leaving for Ghana tomorrow to meet with the Speaker of the parliament in Ghana to look at the issues on ground, as it affects our citizens, and to try and calm things down and see if there’s a way forward.

“I’ll meet with the speaker tomorrow. I informed the president and he’s aware of every single step that we are taking all the way and we hope that we’ll come to an amicable settlement one way or the other.

“It’s called legislative diplomacy.

If you remember very well, during the days when I was Leader of the House, I led the delegation to South Africa during the crisis there with Nigerians and we were able to accomplish quite a bit, to simmer things down at that time.

“No demands. We are just going to discuss in the spirit of African parliaments and we’ll be looking at issues from time to time as they affect African countries and this

(crisis) is one of them,” he said.

Asked about his own perception of the entire imbroglio, Gbajabiamila said he was not prepared to make statements that could worsen the situation now.

According to him, each of the two countries has its own case, noting that peaceful resolution of the crisis is what matters.

He said both countries have a symbiotic relationship and hence,

working at cross-purposes would only be counter-productive.

“I don’t want to make any statement at this time so that we don’t exacerbate matters. Like I said, we are looking for amicable solutions. “The Ghanaians have their take on what’s going on. We have our own take. We’ll see how we can marry the two takes and come to a solution.

“We are two strong West African

countries and there must be symbiosis.

We must work together. You don’t get anything from working at cross purposes or knocking heads together.

“We must at all times as Africans, work as best as possible together and that’s what this my trip is about,” he added.

He said the president was happy about his move, believing that all avenues possible must be explored to resolve the crisis.

Oxford University Can’t Stop Nigerian Lawyer’s N10m Suit, Court Rules ALagos High Court sitting in Igbosere has declined to stop a N10 million lawsuit filed by a Nigerian lawyer, Ogedi Ogu, against the University of Oxford, England.

Justice I.O. Harrison dismissed the varsity’s preliminary objection filed by its counsel Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN).

Ogu is alleging that the words “mortgagee’’ and “mortgagor” were wrongly defined in the Oxford Dictionary, published by Oxford University Press.

He claimed that he was embarrassed and suffered a loss of reputation as a lawyer when he relied on the definitions of the words in the Oxford Dictionary to offer legal advice to a professional colleague.

He said the professional colleague later pointed out to him that the words were wrongly defined in Oxford Dictionary and since then all his professional colleagues stopped seeking legal advice from him.

Ogu asked the court to order

the University of Oxford and Oxford University Press to pay him N10million in damages.

But Adekoya prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being incompetent.

She contended that Ogu did not comply with Section 97 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act in issuing and serving his writ of summons.

She described the writ as “incurably defective,” adding that it was “liable to be set aside.”

The SAN further contended that Oxford University Press, which was joined as 2nd defendant, was a non-juristic entity, which could not be sued because it was only a department under the University of Oxford.

But in a ruling, Justice Harrison partly disagreed with Adekoya and dismissed one leg of the preliminary objection.

Contrary to Adekoya’s contention, Harrison said, “The writ was validly issued and service was lawful and regular.”

Anambra 2021: 12 Governorship Aspirants Eye PDP Ticket David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Mr. Ndubuisi Nwobu, has said that 12 members of the party have given notice of their intention to contest for the ticket of the party for the 20 21 governorship election.

Nwobu stated this in Awka, Anambra State’s capital, during an interactive session with journalists, saying that the party has promised a level playing field for all the aspirants.

He said: “We have given delegates’ lists to all persons that will run for governor in Anambra State on our platform.

“This has never happened before. We are bent on ensuring that the right person who is elected by the people wins the

ticket of the party for the election.

“My name has been associated with a lot of aspirants, but truth is that I cannot do much. The aspirants should go to the field and convince our party men. They already know who the delegates to the primary election are. Before now, the list is only produced a day or two to the election, and usually compiled to favour one person or the other, but in this executive, we want to be fair to all.

“This executive does not have a pay master and we do not pander to the whims and caprices of any pay master. That is why we do not have money to do some of the things we should do in this party because money bags who usually throw money about are not comfortable with us because we are not ready to do their bidding,” he said.

DELIVERING ON MANDATE...

Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Prince Gboyega Famodun (left), and Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, at the inauguration of the Ada-Igbajo road in the state...yesterday

Ondo Guber Election: CNPP Accuses APC of PlottingViolence James Sowole in Akure The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ondo State yesterday raised the alarm of alleged plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to unleash violence on the opposition and the electorate in the state in the October 10, 2020, governorship poll.

The CNPP raised the alarm at a news conference in Akure, Ondo State, which was attended by chairmen and secretaries of more than 40 political parties.

The briefing was attended by representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Democratic Congress (ADC) Speaking on behalf of officers of other political parties, the CNPP Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Boboye, described the statewide violence that marred the recent local government election in the state as a dress rehearsal to what will happen in the governorship poll.

According to Boboye, “The

recourse to violence, intimidation and subterfuge by officials of the outgoing APC government in Ondo State as manifested in the recent local government poll largely boycotted by many political parties is a confirmation that the APC is preparing for war and not an election.

“In the said sham of an election, not only were candidates of participating parties intimidated, harassed and violently assaulted, voters were disenfranchised and figures concocted to meet the preplanned agenda of the outgoing

APC government.”

Reacting swiftly, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Alex Kalejaye, described the accusation as baseless and untrue.

Kalejaye said APC is a party loved by the people of the state, and that the party has no reason to cause trouble of any kind.

However, Boboye said rather than abate; the violence has taken new dimensions with meetings of political parties being invaded by known thugs, members of the APC, their cronies and agents.

Police Arrest 14-year-old Suspected Internet Fraudster in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, B Division in Warri, Delta State, have arrested a 14-year-old suspected internet fraudster locally known as ‘Yahoo boy’.

Detectives are also investigating the alleged involvement of the boy’s father in his ‘unholy activities’, according to THISDAY checks.

Security sources disclosed that the boy (names withheld) was

arrested last week, and preliminary investigations revealed that he had huge funds in an account that did not bear his name.

It was learnt that though the boy acknowledged his involvement in internet fraud, his father was arrested and quizzed by detectives when he showed up to secure his bail.

“The 14-year-old boy was arrested for internet fraud. His father came to the station to secure his bail when it was discovered

that he has been encouraging his son in the illegal business,” the security source disclosed.

Police investigation, according to THISDAY findings, revealed that the teenager did not only buy an expensive Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for his father, but also uses his account for fund transfers in the illegal business.

The source added: “The vehicle the man uses is from the proceeds of the illicit business. You can imagine a household involved

in this kind of business.”

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Benjamin Igomenti, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), was said to have taken over the supervision of the investigation of the case, and that the father might be arrested soon.

Igomenti confirmed the incident to THISDAY yesterday, but refused to offer further information, as he referred THISDAY to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for further details.

Nigeria’s Future is Bleak, Laments Archbishop Obinna Amby Uneze in Owerri The revelation made recently by the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Obadiah Mailafia, over sinister moves by some groups to wage a war against some sections of the country may not be ruled out completely, as the Archbishop

of Owerri Catholic Ecclesiastic Province, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, has stated lamented that Nigeria’s future is bleak “because government has failed to combat insecurity in the country.”

The cleric, who was delivering a sermon on the 2020 Father’s Day celebration of the Archdiocese, which was shifted

forward due to the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, Imo State capital, blamed the government for remaining silent over the “senseless killings of innocent citizens by Fulani herdsmen without any effort to curtail the menace.”

According to the clergyman, “It is very unfortunate that our government and security personnel have failed the country. They look the other way when these bandits continue to kill and maim innocent Nigerians on a daily basis. Unfortunately, there is war in this country.”

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Utomi Insists on Reforms to Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges Uche Nnaike The Co-convener of the National Consultative Forum (NCF), Professor Pat Utomi, has stated that Nigeria is currently in a national crisis, and that the only way out of the predicament is system reform.

He said the essence of the NCF, a non-partisan movement, is to raise national consciousness of citizens across the world to determine the direction of the country.

Utomi also called for a review of the 1999 Constitution to make it people-centred.

The NCF leader, who was a guest on the Morning Show on Arise News television, bemoaned the crisis of values and the collapse of culture in the country, saying: “Values shape human progress, but look how far down we have gone in terms of our values. When most of our countrymen are upset that there is violence everywhere, our leaders are playing with the national budget; they can’t even

get the national budget to be used as an instrument for economic strategy.”

He stressed the need to restructure the minds of the people, which he said is central to getting the country right.

According to him, “What’s happening in Nigeria cannot be called a democracy, but a coup by civilians to use the instrumentality of political parties to prevent participation, encourage state capture and use the state and substitute private goals for public goals.

“This has prevented Nigeria from being among the first world countries; Nigerians have the talents and the country has the resources to become what much smaller countries that were behind us have become. The challenge is the failure of leadership, which is a function of the failure of the political party system.”

On the current state of insecurity in the country, Utomi said: “There can be no progress without real freedom, and there cannot be

progress without peace.”

He said freedom is central to production, and production is key to human progress, and “if we don’t have peace, if we don’t have a sense of freedom, we cannot produce or progress.

“We need to make the current

Some concerned citizens of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have urged the state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, not to yield to agitations for the creation of an emirate in the area.

According to the group of people, yielding to such demand may create more problems among the people.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna, spokesman of the group, Waziri Yakubu, urged El-Rufai

to ignore such agitations by the group known as Cibiya Na-Tanko.

Yakubu noted that while it is the constitutional right of Cibiya Na-Tanko to express such demand, doing so is not in the best interest of peace and development of the local government area and the state at large.

He noted that the two districts in Chikun LGA, Gwagwada and Kujama, are each being headed by an Hausa and Gbagyi man respectively, urging that the governor should not be distracted

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Ministry of Power has disclosed that the federal government is set to deploy part of the N2.3 trillion Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, to provide solar power for at least 5 million homes.

The government yesterday noted that it was also promoting the mini-grid regulation made by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the World Bank to power 300,000 homes and

by such demand.

Yakubu commended el-Rufai for his “developmental strides” in the state, saying the governor should not be distracted with “trivial demands.”

He said: “The governor is doing well in all ramifications and should not be distracted by demands for creation of chiefdom at this time.

“Such demand is uncalled for as the two districts in Chikun LGA are each headed by Hausa and Gbagyi.”

Otti, Other APGA Members Defect to APC Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia Former governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, and his supporters yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Otti had on August 14, 2020, formally declared for APC, thereby paving the way for his supporters to join him in their new party.

The defectors were former members of the APGA faction loyal to Otti, which claimed to be the “authentic” APGA in the state.

Chairman of the party, Hon Nkem Okoro, led a procession of brooms-waving members of the State Working Committee (SWC), ward and local government

executives and other party faithful to the state secretariat of APC in Umuahia. They were received by the zonal and state leaderships of the APC. Okoro said the decision of APGA leadership and members to defect to APC was to “complete the tsunami of political realignment in Abia State,” adding that the decision to defect to APC was taken after wide consultations from ward to state level.

He said the mass defection became cogent after their leader, Otti, joined the APC, adding that they would deploy the same zeal and commitment they exhibited in their former party to build APC into a winning party in the state.

Okoro stated that their defection

“marks the end of our journey in APGA,” adding that they have swelled their new party with over 500,000 members.

Receiving the defectors, the APC National Vice-Chairman, South-east zone, Chief Emma Enukwu, stated that “great things are coming the way of APC in Abia State, as the main opposition parties in the state have seen the need to join forces to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

“The reason why they (PDP) have been defeating us in Abia State is because the opposition is divided,” he said, adding that with experience and the former APGA members swelling its rank, APC is now in good stead to win the next poll in Abia.

PDP Directs Aggrieved Members to Withdraw Court Cases Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday directed all its members challenging the outcome of the screening of aspirants to withdraw their suits in court, and give the party the opportunity to use its internal mechanism to resolve their complaints.

Rising from the NWC meeting

in Abuja, where the party considered several appeals, including that of Jarigbe Adam Jerigbe, and all those that took the PDP to court, the party directed them to withdraw their cases, assuring them that “the needful would be done.”

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “The

are making progress, they will not have the time to carry guns.”

According to the NCF leader, “People who perpetrate violence in the country are just nihilists who are angry with the society, and just kill

anyone they could kill. He said he foresaw the situation about 30 years ago, and he even founded a group known as Nigerians United to Resist Anarchy, following a book which predicted West Africa’s decent into anarchy.

FG to Provide Electricity to 5m Homes

Kaduna Group Kicks against Agitations for Creation of Emirate in Chikun LGA John Shiklam in Kaduna

situation a national emergency, and we cannot do it by giving soldiers more guns, we will do it by looking at why people are poor and how that poverty leads them to becoming cannon powder in fighting other people’s wars. If people

NWC looked through several issues particularly concerning primaries and congresses.

The NWC has considered issues concerning states where we have bye-elections.

Particularly, the NWC has called on all stakeholders in the Cross River North senatorial district election and Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to withdraw all cases in court.

30,000 local businesses.

Speaking during the inauguration of the first 12KWP Volsus Solar for Health (VSFH) mini-grid and unveiling of the sustainable energy magazine at the Karu Primary Healthcare Centre in Abuja, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy-Agba, said the government would now devote more attention to rural electrification throughout the country.

The project also came with a 58KWA battery bank, solar power refrigerators and cooling systems to ensure that vaccines are well

preserved for effective routine immunisation.

Jedy-Agba explained that the move was motivated by the need to empower those who live in the rural areas, and ensure that their small-scale businesses thrive, saying the rural communities are more likely to pay their electricity bills without complaining than those in urban areas where power operators are tackling the challenges of energy theft and meter bypass.

“This government is promoting a holistic development agenda, and will continue to provide power for underserved communities in Nigeria

because this will encourage the people who live outside the towns and cities to engage in small businesses and preserve farm produce by processing them.

“To emphasise the focus the government is giving to electrifying rural communities, there are plans under the N2.3 trillion funds for the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President to provide Solar Home Systems (SHS) to five million homes across un-served rural communities in Nigeria,” he explained.

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24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

PenCom Reviews Annuity Guidelines, Addresses PFAs, Insurers’ De-marketing The National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) yesterday signed off the revised regulation on retiree life annuity, and the guidelines on Group Life Insurance Policy for employees and Contributory Pension Scheme retiree pack.

The ceremony, which held in Abuja, included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PenCom and NAICOM.

PenCom disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday and titled ‘National Pension Commission and National Insurance Commission sign off the regulation on retiree life annuity and guidelines on group life insurance policy for employees.’

Part of the agreement was to address issues of de-marketing by pension and insurance agents in the pension business.

The statement said, “The revised regulations and guidelines provide

clarity on the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 in areas relating to retiree life annuity with focus on guiding stakeholders to

make informed decision, ensure safety of retiree life annuity funds and assets; “Address concerns of mis-selling

and de-marketing by pension and insurance operators as well as bringing stability into the financial sector of the economy.”

PenCom said the event was the outcome of the collaborative efforts of PenCom and NAICOM.

FG Investigates Pay TV, Others over Alleged Infractions Emma Okonji in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), an agency of the federal government established by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) to promote fair competitive markets in the Nigerian economy, has opened an investigation into the conduct of dominant Pay Television service providers.

The investigation, which is based upon credible information, public announcements by operators, and consumer perception analytics, is coming at a time when MultiChoice, a major player in the Pay TV industry, announced price hike on some of its DStv and GOtv packages with effect from September 1, 2020.

The Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said: “Over the past 24 months, the FCCPC has conducted an investigation, pursued legal action in court, secured an injunction pre-empting price increase, entered specific orders regarding a provider, engaged in periodic surveillance and monitoring, and more recently, inquired into a purported tax increase by at least one provider.

“This investigation is to address the commission’s concerns and publicly expressed consumer

dissatisfaction with Pay TV services.”

Irukera further said the scope of the inquiry would include questions about unfair dealings, unreasonable and manifestly unjust contract terms, abuse of market power, colourable pricing practices and other obnoxious or illegal conducts.

He, therefore, advised operators to familiarise themselves with the FCCPA and statutory clarifications of their obligations to the FCCPC under S.104 in addition to, and or irrespective of any obligations to other regulators.

The commission, he added, would continue to pursue initiatives and efforts that promote and ensure fairness to all.

MultiChoice had said the decision for the price adjustments on some DStv and GOtv packages was made after careful consideration of the market and a review of its business operations.

The Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice, John Ugbe, who announced the price hike, said: “We have made efforts to contain any price adjustments on subscription prices. However, in order to ensure the sustainability of the business, we have to consider financial impacts, including inflation as well as increased content and operational costs. To

AAAN Lauds FG on Appointment of APCON Registrar The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has commended the federal government for appointing Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo as Registrar /Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

Fadolapo is one of the nine CEOs recently appointed by President Muhammad Buhari.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed

by AAAN’s Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Temitope Jemerigbe.

The statement quoted the AAAN President, Mr. Steve Babaeko, as describing the appointment as the right move in the right direction.

According to Babaeko, the new appointee is coming with vast experience and rich background as the executive director, AAAN, and member of the immediate

past APCON Governing Council.

“The appointment of Fadolapo could not have come at a more appropriate time, as efforts are being made to reconstitute the APCON Council as well as reposition the Advertising Industry.

As an experienced and competent advertising practitioner with over two decades in the industry, we have utmost confidence that under his leadership, APCON will strive to much greater heights and achievements,” Babaeko said.

It also quoted the association’s Vice President/Chairman, Government Relations Committee, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, as saying the choice of Fadolapo is an indication that the federal government is attentive to the needs of the industry and willing to collaborate with practitioners on making meaningful impact.

FIGHTING PANDEMIC...

L-R: President of All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Abulraheem Abdulkareem; Director of KAS Consult Limited, Mr. Abraham Odinya; and Managing Director of KAS Consult Limited, Mr. Ademola Kasumu, during the distribution of COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by KAS to ANCOPSS in Abuja ...recently ENOCK REUBEN

Bauchi Gov Pledges to Connect NAF Base to National Grid Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has pledged to connect the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Bauchi Base to National Grid as part of his support to the force.

Mohammed made the pledge yesterday at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction and equipping of aircraft maintenance

hangar at 231 Helicopter Overhaul Depot Nigeria Air Force Base, Bauchi.

He said that the construction of the hanger would support various operations in the entire North and enhance internal security operations in Bauchi in particular.

According to him, ‘the success and performance of NAF is determined by how well its aircraft is maintained and sheltered,

therefore it is indeed a good opportunity to be part of this epoch making event.”

He recalled that the NAF is involved in numerous operations to restore security across the country with commendable results.

“Let me use this platform to celebrate our own brother, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar. Bauchi State is proud to produce and present

to the nation this combat flying officer of repute. His tenure is changing the face of the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.

The governor applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his support to security agencies in the ongoing operations against Boko Haram, banditry and other criminality in the country by equipping them with military equipments.

Resident Doctors Begin Strike in FCT The strike by Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) chapter, over non-payment of their COVID – 19 hazard and inducement allowances commenced yesterday However, the President of ARD in FCTA, Dr Roland Aigbovo, said yesterday that the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello, has approved the payment of the

allowance to both the FCTA staff and non FCTA staff working in the isolation/treatment centres.

Aigbovo said that congress would meet to determine the next line of action.

He said, “Following the commencement of the strike action, we were informed with evidence that the Minister of FCT has approved the payment of the said allowance to both the

FCTA staffs and non FCTA staffs working in the Isolation/Treatment centres and hopefully, we expect the payment to be effected as soon as possible following which an Emergency General Meeting will be conveyed to decide on the next line of action.

“Prior to this time, our strike action normally will not be effective on the first day but due to the lack of motivation of our

members and indeed the entire Health workers, the effect of the industrial action was felt from the first day.”

Aigbovo commended the Bello for approving the payment of the COVID – 19 hazard and inducement allowances for all cadre of workers and for always putting the health of FCT residents into perspective.

Stakeholders Seek Local Solution to Insecurity in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Stakeholders in Sokoto State yesterday held peace and security community dialogue to brainstorm on effective ways of introducing local solutions to insecurity in the state.

The stakeholders, who were drawn from diverse background across the communities in the state, were unanimous that community policing model would tackle

insecurity in the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Sani Kaoje, explained that the meeting was to assess the security situation and come out with practical and proactive measures that would improve the security architecture in the state.

The Secretary of Vigilante Group in the State, Mr. Abubakar Muhammad, appealed to the state and local governments to

provide them with incentive to enable them carry out their duties effectively.

Speaking on behalf of Myetti Allah, Mr. Muhammad Mijinyawa, said they have being sensitising their members on the need to live in peace with other people and promised to expose any of its members threatening peaceful coexistenceninnthe state.

The representative of farmers,

Mr. Isah Abdulrahman, described the summit was a step in right direction and noted that he would go and sensitise its member on the need of peaceful farmers/ herders relations.

The meeting with the commissioner of police was attended by chairmen of 23 local government, traditional rulers, farmers, members of Myetti Allah, security agencies and vigilante group.

Heavy Rainfall Destroys 5,000 Houses in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano No fewer than 5,000 houses were destroyed as a result of heavy rainfall in Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano State.

The member representing Danbatta constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon Murtala Musa, disclosed this to journalists yesterday in Kano, adding that

the rain affected all the 10 wards in the area within the past few days of the heavy downpour.

“I regret to inform you that a woman lost her life, while over 5,000 houses were affected by the disaster, rendering many residents, including women and children, homeless.

“Most of these affected people are now sleeping at different

schools in the area, relatives houses and also places of worshipping, especially Mosques.

“These affected people are seriously in need of urgent assistance, because they are now homeless; they need food and other necessary daily needs,” Musa said.

The lawmaker, who earlier reported the incident before the

state House of Assembly, also called on the state government to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of the people affected by the recent consistent heavy downpour across the state.

However, the Assembly Speaker, Abdulazeez Gafasa, called on the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to come to the aid of the affected people.

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PERSPECTIVE

Of Igbos, 2023 and ‘Politics of Moral Consequence’ Matthew Hassan Kukah Empowered citizens voted for politicians they knew would make them poorer, for liars to clean up politics‌Tom Fletcher, The Naked Diplomat.

Dr Chidi Amuta takes the cake for both elegant turn of phrase and sheer depth of thoughtful analysis. I read his recent piece in THISDAY, ‘2023: Igbos and the Politics of Moral Consequence’ on a bumpy ride back to Sokoto.

The essay is not exactly a foolproof DIY tool kit for the construction of the road to Aso Rock for his Igbo kinsmen.

However, it manages to identify some harsh pebbles and nails whose litter have made the journey to the Presidency a Golgothean challenge for the Igbos. Instructively, the essay does not address the issues of why some have crossed with so much ease while the Igbos remain stuck in a frustration of Sisyphean proportions.

When I got back to Sokoto, I put a call through to Dr. Amuta to commend him for the essay and say how much I had appreciated his insights. But when I woke up the next morning, a few fresh thoughts came to my mind, suggesting that despite the brilliance of the essay, it had thrown up a few grey areas that required further exploration.

Indeed, as I had tried to do in my Convocation Lecture at the Ojukwu University, Awka on 20th March, 2020, the need for a robust conversation about the future of our country is imperative.

Therefore, my intention here is not to respond directly to the issues raised by Dr Amuta by way of a rebuttal because I agree substantially with his summation. What I wish to add is done with the hope that we can create a momentum for an orchestra of voices to shape the future and destiny of a nation that is gradually and inexorably sliding and screeching to a precipice. I have a few insights to buttress that point.

As Secretary of the National Political Reform Conference (NPRC) in 2005, that offered me a front seat and helped me to appreciate the reasons why the politics of this country is devoid of the required content for building a great nation.

In the course of the NPRC assignment, I came to appreciate that nothing, absolutely nothing, had changed in content and substance in terms of how, over time, these gatherings have been nothing other than dress rehearsals and platforms to negotiate, barter and trade ambitions for the future. The composition of these Assemblies is often so fractious that it often ends up being a theatre for negotiating centrifugal interests. In the end, it is the national interests that suffer while national cohesion becomes a delayed project.

What we call political parties, those rickety and dilapidated rickshaws we see changing wheels with every election, have always been conceived in the midnight of these so called Assemblies. Meanwhile, groups pledge false loyalties against one another along ethnic, regional and religious lines. This has been our fate right from 1977 through 1988, 1995 and 2013. The result is that the proceedings end up in the valley of the dry bones where they pile on top of their predecessors.

I have gone to this length to illustrate the fact that despite the presence of serious minded intellectuals, their expertise has often been subsumed in the narrow and clannish interests of their ethnic, religious or regional interests. But the old ways can no longer hold and the looming danger that lies before us has to be averted not by threats, but by deliberate planning and thinking. We are facing a new generation of young, bright and future looking men and women for whom the old ways are a serious obstacle. They have their eyes on a future that is not here yet. They have designed ways and means of pulling down the walls of hegemony that have held the future captive and made Nigeria the object of ridicule and obloquy. The youth have enough weapons to destroy this treacherous heist from its very foundation.

Now to come back to Dr. Amuta. He raised the issues of what the country owes the Igbos under the doctrine of moral consequence. He carefully crafted a list of countries from where the rest of Nigeria can learn its lessons in recompense. But I see two problems here. First, Dr. Amuta assumes that his readers really understand the meaning of the doctrine of moral consequence. A definition of this notion would have been of great help so as to help situate his arguments in our context. Although he cites countries such as Australia, Rwanda or South Africa, it is important to understand that when applied to Nigeria, this theory requires conceptual and contextual clarifications.

First, as we know, in politics as in economics or any other aspects of human existence, culture defines, shapes and explains most behaviours. It is important to note that moral consequence as an ethical theory requires a cultural or theological underpinning. A given society has to have some form of common cultural understanding of its laws or ties that bind. All the countries that Dr Amuta listed have a Christian tradition. It would have been important to site any Muslim country which has applied this theory of moral consequence.

If we place moral conquentialism within the larger ethical template of Utilitarianism, we will have to wrestle with whether we derive our inspiration from Jeremy Bentham, Adam Smith, John Stewart Mill or John Rawls. We do not need to get into the arguments but it is important to note that here, we are on a slippery slope because the Nigerian politician is not guided or grounded by any of these deep philosophical postulations. Dem no wan

President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo

grammar, remember?

The lack of an ethical framework to undergird all spheres of our life is what has led our country to a moral free fall in all areas. We are groaning under the weight of corruption, but this is because Ethics has found no place in our educational systems or public life. Without ethics, we return to the state of nature in its most brutal form.

Here, let us pause and spare a thought as to how this problem has been metastasized. As we know, life itself is a long journey of negotiation, consensus building and a struggle to ensure that the strong do not overrun the weak, that the urge to do good outweigh the urge for evil. We are therefore constantly negotiating these choices, seeking the greatest benefit for the greatest number. This comes at a great cost because it depends on human nature and nurture.

Dr Amuta believes that one of the problems that the Igbos face on their way to the Presidency is the fact that, in his words, ‘It is an unwritten and unstated presumption that Nigeria can still not find in its heart to forgive the Igbos for Biafra.’ I find this reading of the situation quite troubling because first, Dr. Amuta does not spell out which Nigeria he is referring to. Okay, may be our brother Chido Onuma overstated it when he said ‘We are all Biafrans now’. Truth be told, there is resonance in that claim. Indeed, I was told by a senior military officer that the late Major General Hassan Usman Katsina called a meeting of retired military officers from the Middle belt to ask why they had become so frustrated and one of the Christian military leaders who actually was of the same generation as Katsina said: ‘Were the civil war to start today, I will be on the side of Biafra!’ Perhaps the Igbos are to blame for not positioning their wind vane properly otherwise, Dr. Amuta will understand that his thesis is seriously flawed. The north unraveled a long time ago and what is left is a scarecrow that still frightens some ignorant people in the south. Evidently, the Igbos and others must cure themselves of their horrifying ignorance of the complex mesh that is northern Nigeria.

We hear the ignorance about the north being one and united. Well, ask the Shi’ites, Izala, Tijaniya, the Middle Belt, ask the Nupe, Kanuri, and Hausa what they feel or believe about this north. A survey conducted found that while just 35% of Muslims in northern Nigeria wanted to be identified as Sunni, a whopping 30% just wanted to be Muslim, with no other label. Outsiders have refused to appreciate the mutations of identities within Islam and continue to ignore how most of this affects political choices. If Dr. Amuta and kinsmen do not appreciate this, then they will remain in the rain for much longer by default.

Despite painting the picture of the Igbos as having been sinned against (which is true), Dr. Amuta rather strangely places the burden of redemption on the shoulders of the same people by saying that: ‘The Igbo political elite has to reduce its habitual fears and nervousness of the competing elite of other factions in the country’. How and why should the Igbos do this? After all, they have not invaded anyone’s territory except through their economic presence. They have not destroyed any national assets.

So, how is this gratuitous appeasement of other factions supposed to take place? How should the Igbos be charged for the fears and nervousness of other competing elites when they are the ones who should be afraid and nervous after the loss of their war?

I agree that the weaponization of Biafra may have long time consequences but I am slow to accept the conclusion that it is ‘a tactical blunder that will frighten Nigeria.’ We have to place this in context and not moralise it. The average

Igbo youth today in his thirties of forties will know that in the last twenty years of our Democracy, every section of the country has gotten its President by some threats of spilling blood. This is not any attempt to glamourize violence, but let us be truthful in the face of the staggering evidence: Odu’a Peoples’ Congress (OPC) in its raw form frightened the rest of the country after June 12th and it took this into the elections of 1999. They can claim they got a Yoruba man for President for what it is worth. The Ijaw Youth can also claim to have frightened the rest of Nigeria by blowing up pipelines before they received their son, President Jonathan as a concession of sorts.

Similarly, elements of Boko Haram in whatever shape or form, the killer men and women running riot in the country and murdering thousands of innocent citizens despite having been paid off, can claim credit to pursing an agenda in which fear is an investment. Threats of blood for monkey and baboon were loud in 2011. The Biafran agitators are a symptom not a disease. The real disease has been spread by the brutal politics of the other segments of Nigeria that inadvertently made violence the commodity of exchange for the Presidency. We can only reverse this ugly scenario if we are honest enough to accept that what we have as politics in Nigeria is blood and banditry by another name!

Dr. Amuta ends his beautiful essay with some troubling recommendations for the Igbos if they want to get the Presidency. First, he encourages the Igbos to adopt a policy of ‘deft foot walk, negotiation with other groups, abandon disturbing pride, arrogance and noisy ebullience for fear that it will unsettle competitors’. He accuses the Igbos of ‘not getting on their knees to seek a favour’, and suggests what he calls ‘pragmatic flexibility’ as the way forward, because, as he concludes: ‘When you go out to seek the lion’s share of what belongs to all, you go in meekness’. Lord God Almighty!

First, Nigeria’s political grounds are a treacherous slippery slope of deceit and subterfuge and so, no amount of deft foot walk will do. You can only negotiate successfully if both of you understand and sign on to the same rules of engagement and agree on outcomes. The current administration is the poster child of this subterfuge and convoluted moral consequence. Those who sank their energy and money into this project have come face to face with the reality that their deft foot walk has led them blinded folded into a darkroom where they are asked to hopelessly chase the black cats of opportunity. Has President Buhari (the lion) shared what belongs to all even with the meek? Last time I checked, the lion hunts alone!

The immoral power sharing method of this President has exposed the folly of those who believe that deft foot walk and negotiations are a guarantee for the future of the Igbos. The nation is wounded but I believe in the long run, the President has mortally wounded the north itself.

When Dr Amuta charges the Igbos with ‘pride, arrogance, noisy ebullience’ and suggests that they should fear the consequences of unsettling their competitors, he is, in my view, asking them to lie on their own sword helped by their competitors. To compound his case, Dr. Amuta suggests that the Igbos ‘get on their knees to seek a favour’ and then engage in pragmatic flexibility. However, he does not offer us examples of the rewards that have come to those who engaged in previous knee bending, fawning, obsequious or pragmatic flexibility in the past. I will like to see the list of those so rewarded, no matter how short it may be.

In conclusion, the task of rescuing Nigeria falls on the elite of Nigeria who must raise the bar for elitism in its capacity to redeem and rescue a people by imposing a new civilisation. African Democracy remains prostrate because it has still not freed itself from the clutches of both British colonialism and local feudalisms. The quality of men and women at the helm of affairs cannot rescue this county from its current state of decay and looming decomposition. The future does not lie on which region, religion or tribe will produce the next President. This is the legacy of the feudalists and hegemonists across the country and only a careful elite prescription can understand where the world is going.

The Igbos must reconnect with their Yoruba and other educated elite, replace the corrosive politics of ethnicity with the quality of mind that knows how to channel diversity to greater and higher goals. Tribal politics will continue to produce the toxic ingredients of death and destruction that has engulfed us. Contrary to what Dr. Amuta seems to suggest, I am convinced that the Igbos are the most politically advantaged: they have the ubiquitous presence and human and economic resources more than anyone. And, rather than seeing this as an incubus, I see it as an asset. If we elevate politics to a noble art of intellectuals setting goals and developing a vision for the larger society, we can then create the conditions for everyone to thrive no matter where they may be. Tribal politics have destroyed Nigeria and we must destroy its temple so as to free ourselves. Until that happens, the moral consequences of our politics will continue to be chaotic and violent. Nigeria will remain in the hands of violent and evil men, men of darkness already circling around the country and ready to lead us into darkness.

Their footsteps are already on our doorsteps. We must find our black goat before darkness engulfs us. r,VLBI JT #JTIPQ PG UIF $BUIPMJD %JPDFTF PG 4PLPUP

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

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

NFF, NIKE Strategise for Another Nigerian Apparel Femi Solaja As a follow up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Nigerian jersey that sold out three million orders within hours of been put on sale, the Nigeria Football Federation and its global brand kit-sponsor NIKE have taken further steps in the plan to unveil another set of kits for the national teams.

Director of Communications at the NFF, Ademola Olajire confirmed yesterday that a virtual meeting on Monday that had federation’s President Amaju Pinnick, Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, NFF General Secretary

Mohammed Sanusi, NIKE’s Tina Salminen, David Watson and Lee Murphy and other NFF Board Members discussed the finishing touches to the designs.

Olajire further hinted that the new designs were to have been launched earlier in the year, but plans went askew as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. “The Super Eagles would launch the new wears during the FIFA window for international friendlies next month,� the spokesman of the NFF hinted.

Two years ago, NIKE received three million orders for the Super Eagles’ 2018 FIFA World Cup kit prior to the release of the jerseys

into the market on 29th May 2018.

On the first day of the sales in London, United Kingdom on Friday, 1st June 2018 (which also was the eve of Nigeria’s highprofile pre-World Cup friendly with England’s Three Lions at Wembley), NIKE shops ran out of stock within one hour of putting out the jerseys.

Apart from the tremendous

success on the counter, NIKE has continued to express its delight with the running agreement with the NFF, initially signed in London in April 2015, with the various Nigeria National Teams qualifying for major competitions and impressing at continental championships.

Since the penning of the initial contract, the U17 boys

have won the FIFA World Cup; the U23 boys won the U23 AFCON and took bronze medal at the Olympics in Brazil; the Super Falcons have won two AFCON titles; the Eagles B have achieved a record-high secondplace finish at the CHAN and; the Super Eagles have qualified for the FIFA World Cup from a ‘Group of Death’

in the African series and have taken the bronze medals at the AFCON. Presently, the Super Eagles comfortably top their 2022 AFCON qualifying group and would be guaranteed a ticket to the finals if they overhaul Sierra Leone home-and-away in the Day 3 and 4 encounters in November.

Nigerian Army General Seeks Global Top Military Sports Positions Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Deputy Director Sports at Defence Headquarters, Brig. Gen Maikano Abdulahi has thrown his hat in the ring for the posts of President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) and the Vice-President of the International Sports Council (CISM).

All 51 African delegates will elect the new OSMA President at the General Assembly meeting on October 7.If Abdulahi wins the election, he will automatically become the CISM vice president for Africa.

The General, who addressed the press yesterday at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja said he would not let the Armed Forces of Nigeria down if given the mandate, He also vowed to project the good image of the country by ensuring it is well represented in military sports in Africa. ‘’ I will project the good image of Nigeria better in both CISM and OSMA, promote military sports in Nigeria and Africa. I will also ensure that our continent is adequately represented in all CISM sporting events and World General Assemblies and it will also give me the opportunity to promote sports and encourage good sporting relationship among the 51 African countries,’’

Abdulahi said.

He is a fellow of National Association of Physical and Health Education Recreation Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD) and has won several national and international awards in Cameroon, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Niger and Guinea.

The senior officer will jostle with candidates from Algeria, Kenya and Guinea for the OSMA spot.

In spite of concern about entrenched AnglophoneFrancophone dichotomy that is always in play in African sports, Abdulahi, who speaks French, Arabic in addition to Hausa and English, said he has an advantage as he hopes to split the votes with Kenyan candidate.

He noted he also has many friends in the Francophone bloc having served as the first Secretary General of OSMA in Yaounde and as Technical Liaison of the body in Ouagadougou and will split the Anglophone votes from East Africa and Southern Africa.

Abdulahi also thanked the Chief of Army of Staff, Lt Gen Yusuf Burutai and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, for nominating him for the OSMA and CISM posts.

While also thanking Olonisakin for ensuring the regular payment of the military membership annual dues of CISM and OSMA from 2015 to date.

World’s Oldest Living Olympic Medallist Dies at 100 Swedish runner Folke Alnevik, who was the world’s oldest living Olympic medallist, has passed away at the age of 100.

Alnevik was part of the 4Ă—400 metres relay team that took bronze for Sweden at the London 1948 Olympics.

He became the oldest living Olympic medallist in February 2018 after the passing of Bahamian Olympic sailing champion Sir Durward Knowles, who died at 100 years old too.

Alnevik won the bronze medal alongside Kurt Lundquist, Lars-Erik Wolfbrandt and Rune Larsson.

He also took a European Championship bronze in the same event in Oslo in 1946 and became the student world

champion the following year in the 400m.

Alnevik won six national medals over the distance. “He was a kind, strong, determined and competitive father,â€? son Mats said, as reported by Sportbladet. “Competition was a very big part of his life and youth and also in recent years when he became chairman of Gästrikland’s athletics association. “He devoted his whole life to sports and thought it was very fun.â€?

On reaching 100, Alnevik was said to have found the milestone funny and stated he was please to have outlived his father, who died at the age of 91.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles appearing in the NIKE brand that sold out three million orders in barely one hour the jerseys were put on sale two years ago. Now, NFF and NIKE are strategizing for a new design

‘Barcelona Wanted Osimhen as Replacement for Suarez’ Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was identified as a possible replacement for Luis Suarez at Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

Roberto Calenda, who is a member of Osimhen’s management team, DW Sports Management revealed this yesterday.

Osimhen was linked with Barcelona before he joined top Italian club SSC Napoli from French side OSC Lille

two months ago.

Barca are reportedly looking to sell Uruguayan superstar Suarez, who is one of the best strikers in the world.

Calenda explained that Napoli were more serious about signing Osimhen hence he joined the club ahead of the new 2020/21 Serie A season. “I usually never talk about these things, out of respect for professionalism and the

club. It is right that Napoli say things as they went, they are the main players,� Calenda said on Goal.com “I can say that it was a well-conducted negotiation by the parties, we started from a distance. The signing took place with constant communication and we were good at keeping track of it. “(It was a) difficult operation, Tottenham and Liverpool wanted Osimhen

until the end, even Barcelona initially wanted him instead of Suarez. Napoli, however, did everything. They wanted him and took him.�

Osimhen joined Napoli for a club-record fee of â‚Ź70 million potentially rising to â‚Ź80 million with add-ons.

The 21-yer-old marksman has netted four times in nine international matches for Nigeria.

Joshua Gets Dec 12 Date with Pulev at London’s O2 Anthony Joshua will fight IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on December 12 at London’s O2 Arena, Matchroom promoter, Eddie Hearn, has revealed.

The bout was initially due to take place in June at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but the coronavirus pandemic forced the contest to be postponed. However a new date has now been set. “Yes, December 12 at the

O2 is the plan for AJ,� Hearn told Boxing Scene.

While Epic Sports promoter John Wirt, who co-promotes Pulev with Top Rank, added: “We are happy that the fight appears to be back on track and that we have a new date and site. “There is still some tweaking to do on the contract but we are optimistic it should be concluded this week.�

The heavyweight boxing

calendar appears to be taking shape as Tyson Fury’s third clash with Deontay Wilder could take place a week later, according to talkSPORT. The much-anticipated showdown reportedly could be held on December 19, which could pave the way for the Battle of Britain between Joshua and Fury in 2021.

The financial terms for the two blockbuster fights to unify the heavyweight division have

been agreed but both Pulev and Wilder could upset the plan.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk’s team are determined to ensure Joshua obeys WBO rules so that the pair will meet in the ring.

Usyk would be the mandatory challenger to the WBO heavyweight belt held by Joshua, should he beat Dereck Chisora in his upcoming fight.

The pair could meet in the ring on October 31.

Dandija Replaces Olopade as CEO of Nigeria National League Almost two years after the position became vacant, Sajo Dandija Mohammed has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The NNL regarded as the most important league in the country has been operating without a Chief Operating Officer since the resignation of Bukola Olapade from the role late 2018.

The Chairman of the NNL, Senator Obinna Ogba who approved Dandija’s appointment

said that the new CEO will take up the assignment with immediate effect.

According to Ogba, “nature you know abhors vacuum and we have to hit the ground running, we want to cover fresh milestones. “The position of a Chief Executive is a necessary one that will help us galvanize the league more and reach expected heights,� Obinna remarked.

Sajo Dandija Mohammed, a trained lawyer hails from

Adamawa State. He attended University of Maiduguri and the Nigerian Law School as well as the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

Dandija also went to the Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a member of the Security Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, having worked with the Department of State Security Services (SSS) where he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief Security/Intelligence Officer. He

retired from public service after 33 years.

He will be responsible for executing the strategic objectives of the NNL, providing direction and leadership to enable the NNL board carry out its functions of governing the league.

The new CEO is also expected to continually tinker with commercial engagements in Nigeria and beyond, focusing on increasing the revenue base of the League.

Ëœ ÍşËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

54

WEDNESDAYSPORTS TRANSFER NEWS.... TRANSFER NEWS... TRANSFER NEWS...

Man City Cautious, Want Messi as a Free Agent Manchester City have accepted they may only be able to sign Barcelona forward Lionel Messi on a free transfer, leading to manager Pep Guardiola urging Messi to stay at Camp Nou. City have emerged as the leading candidate to sign Messi, who has asked to leave Barça and believes he has triggered a clause in his contract which now makes him a free agent something Barcelona dispute.

La Liga took the side of Barça in this debate, insisting Messi’s contract is still valid and the only way he can force his way out of the club is if his £624m release clause is triggered, which obviously isn’t happening.

There were reports that City could launch a ÂŁ250m players-plus-cash bid to try and get an agreement over the

line, but according to Mundo Deportivo, the Citizens have accepted that paying any money for Messi would blow their budget apart.

When the Argentine’s wage demands are factored into the equation, City know that shelling out a hefty transfer fee would do more harm to their team than good - many high earners would likely have to be sold - so they are prepared to give up on signing Messi if he is not available for free.

Guardiola returned to Manchester on Monday after a brief spell in Barcelona, during which it is understood he spoke to Messi over the phone, but the boss confessed that the financial difficulties of signing Messi will likely make this one too difficult to pull off.

He told the Argentine

that he would be better off rebuilding his relationship with Barça and ending his career at Camp Nou - something he has publicly stated plenty of times in the past.

Having said that, City will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Messi is expected to take Barcelona to court over his desire to terminate his contract, and if he ends up being successful, City are prepared to pounce.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for

Messi, but it’s likely that they will take a similar stance to City.

Paying the world’s highest earner is hard enough (even for PSG), but factoring in a sizeable transfer fee in the aftermath of a global pandemic is simply not feasible.

Meanwhile, Messi may not have reported to Barcelona medicals and training sessions, there are indications that he is in Barcelona.

UK’s The Sun quoting numerous sources, has reported that the maverick striker was spotted in Barcelona for the

first time since dropping the bombshell that he wanted to leave the Nou Camp.

He was captured leaving a restaurant with best pal Luis Suarez – whose future also remains up in the air.

Footage released by El Chiringuito TV, reveals Messi departing in a black vehicle while Suarez then follows separately.

Manchester City, United, Chelsea, PSG and Inter Milan have all been linked with the Argentine superstar.

But Suarez’s agent Alejandro

Balbi, admitted the 33-year-old Uruguayan’s next step could be dependant on the outcome of Messi’s transfer saga.

Balbi told TyC Sports via Goal: “Messi’s future will have an influence because they are best friends. “There is a lot of brotherly love between them; they are inseparable, always together.�

Messi’s anger at the Barca board started after new manager Ronald Koeman ordered the Suarez to leave in a one-minute phone call.

Ivan Rakitic Returns to Sevilla Sevilla have re-signed Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic from La Liga rivals Barcelona.

Europa League champions Sevilla said Rakitic had signed a four-year deal. external-link The 32-year-old, who was at Sevilla between January 2011 and June 2014 before joining Barca, won 13 trophies at the Nou Camp, including four La Liga titles and one Champions League crown.

A Barcelona statement read:external-link�The Andalusian team will pay FC Barcelona 1.5m euros plus 9m in variables.�

Ivan Rakitic

Thiago Silva to Link up with Chelsea on Saturday Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is currently on holiday in Italy but is expected to link up with his new teammates in London by the end of the week following his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Silva left PSG at the end of his contract, ending an eight-year spell in the French capital, and signed a one-year deal with Chelsea last week.

He hasn’t yet started training given his season carried on until the Champions League final on 23 August, although he is looking forward to the new challenge. “He is on holiday in Italy, he will be in London between now and the end of the week,� the centre back’s agent, Paulo Tonietto, told L’Equipe - via GFFN.

Thiago Silva

Italy is among the countries that have a ‘travel corridor’ with the UK, meaning that Silva will not have to observe any selfisolation or quarantine on his arrival in London in the coming days. That is a boost to Chelsea, who have recently been struck by six positive coronavirus tests.

Silva has had spells in his native Brazil, Portugal, Russia - where he didn’t actually play - Italy and France during his career to date, with this summer’s Chelsea move representing the 35-year-old’s first foray into the Premier League and English football.

Tonietto is confident that, despite his age, his client will rise to the challenge because he is so focussed, professional and in such good physical shape. “He is happy to discover the Premier League. We had a lot of offers, but Chelsea are one of the world’s top ten clubs,� the agent explained. “Physically, Thiago can play for another five or six years at the highest level. He is an athlete who looks after himself.

He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t party. His life is home - work, work - home.�

Chelsea fans will hope the arrival of an eight-time league title winner in Italy and France will boost their leaky defensive ranks after shipping 54 goals in 38 games in 2019/20, more than any other side in the top half of the Premier League.

Lionel Messi...may return to training at Camp Nou early next week

Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson on Newcastle Radar Newcastle are trying to tempt Bournemouthinto selling striker Callum Wilson by offering their former midfielder Matt Ritchie in a player-pluscash deal.

Sportsmail understands Aston Villawill rival the Magpies in their bid to sign the 28-year-old England

international, who was unable to prevent the Cherries from being relegated last season.

Wilson, who scored seven Premier Leaguegoals in 2019-20, is high on Steve Bruce’s wish list after the Toon boss watched his side struggle to hit the back of the net in the

last campaign. Joelinton joined for a club-record £40million but scored just two of the team’s 38-goal tally.

Wilson joined the Cherries from home-town club Coventry during the summer of 2014 and scored 20 times in 45 league games to help them win

promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

He announced himself on the big stage with five goals in his first six games and, after overcoming two serious knee injuries, scored on his full England debut in a 3-0 friendly victory over the United States in November 2018.

Arsenal Sign Brazilian Defender Gabriel from Lille Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille for 26m euros (ÂŁ23.14m).

The 22-year-old, a left-footed centre back, made 34 appearances in all competitions for Lille last season as they finished fourth in Ligue 1.

He joins the Gunners on a long-term contract. “He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs,� said Arsenal technical director Edu. “Gabriel is a player of

high quality and Mikel (Arteta) and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.�

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal. He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team. “He has proved with Lille he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.�

Gabriel said he

considered offers from a number of clubs before deciding to join Arsenal. “It was a very surreal experience, there were offers coming from a few different clubs,� he said. “I spoke a lot with my family and my agents, I also spoke with some of Lille’s directors but, as I said, this club’s history and traditions and the team project for the next few years were very motivational for my decision to come here. “So here I am, wearing the Arsenal shirt - I will give my best for it.�

Gabriel Magalhaes

55

T H I S D AY ˾WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

WEDNESDAYSPORTS 2020 US OPEN....2020 US OPEN....

Djokovic in Straight-set Win over Dzumhur Zverev, Tsitsipas cruise into Round 2 World number one Novak Djokovic began his pursuit of an 18th Grand Slam title yesterday with a straight-set win over Damir Dzumhur in the US Open first round.

The Serb, 33, raced through the opening set before being tested in the second on his way to a 6-1 6-4 6-1 win.

Djokovic is seeking to capitalise on the absence of fellow greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in New York.

Among those likely to challenge him are Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who also won their openers.

Both of those players are chasing a maiden Grand Slam title, with Spain’s defending champion Nadal not playing because of coronavirus concerns and Swiss 20-time major champion Federer missing following knee surgery.

Djokovic will play Kyle Edmund in the second round after the British number two came from behind to beat Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.

It will be the seventh meeting between the two and their second at Flushing Meadows - with Edmund’s only victory over Djokovic coming on the Madrid clay

in 2018.

“He has a really good serve and forehand, those are two big weapons,” said Djokovic.

“I’ve had some really good matches in the past against him at Wimbledon, a tough four-setter a few years ago.

“He doesn’t feel so much pressure playing on the big court, obviously it’s different circumstances here, but he actually likes the challenge.

“His results were kind of up and down a little bit but I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20 without a doubt, where I expect him to be soon.

“It’s going to be a tough one, I’m sure he has not so much to lose in that match and it’s important for me to start off well.”

After an assured start where Djokovic took the first set in just 24 minutes, the top seed found he was not going to get everything his own way as Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Dzumhur began to exert some pressure.

Djokovic was broken in the fourth game of the second set and saved three break points on his next service game but stepped up a gear to regain control against the

world number 109.

The Serb has won all 24 of his matches in 2020, which has included titles at the Australian Open, Dubai Tennis Championships and last week’s Western and

Southern Open.

Fifth seed Zverev overcame a tough challenge from South African Kevin Anderson to reach the second round with a 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-3 7-5 win.

The 23-year-old German

stuttered as he lost the second set, but regained control to beat the 2017 finalist.

Greece’s Tsitsipas, the fourth seed, sailed through his opening match, beating Spain’s Albert Ramos Vinolas 6-2 6-1 6-1.

The 22-year-old world number six will face American Maxime Cressy in the second round, while Zverev plays American 19-year-old Brandon Nakashima.

Novak Djokovic...cruising ahead effortlessly

Osaka through to Next Round, Gauff Knocked out Fourth seed Naomi Osaka overcame a scare to beat fellow Japanese player Misaki Doi in three sets and avoid a major shock in the US Open first round.

Osaka, who won the first of her two Grand Slams at Flushing Meadows in 2018, wobbled in the second set before recovering for a 6-2 5-7 6-2 victory.

Elsewhere, teenager Coco Gauff ’s hopes of another Grand Slam run

were ended by 31st seed Anastasija Sevastova.

But top seed Karolina Pliskova and sixth seed Petra Kvitova advanced.

Osaka, 22, withdrew from the Western and Southern Open final on Saturday with a left hamstring injury, saying afterwards she was “stressing” about her fitness going into the Grand Slam.

During Monday’s less-than-convincing win over 81st-ranked

Doi, she did not wear any strapping or need medical treatment.

“It was difficult (physically). I knew there was a chance it would get really long.

I will have to see what happens tomorrow and how I feel,” Osaka said.

The former world number one struggled with her first serve in the early part of the match, landing only 38% as Doi took control in the second set and threatened to level the

match.

But Osaka switched gears with a decider looming, finding more power and precision with her serves and returns to fight back from 5-2 down to level at 5-5.

Osaka was unable to take any of her three break points for a 6-5 lead before the momentum swung back to Doi, who broke on her second set point through Osaka’s 20th unforced error.

However, Osaka

increased her level again at decisive moments. She broke in the opening game of the decider, and again for a 5-2 lead, to come through in two hours and three minutes.

Osaka walked out on court wearing a face mask with the name of Breonna Taylor,a black woman who was shot dead by a policeman in the United States in March.

Asked about it in her on-court interview, she said: “I have seven. It is

quite sad seven masks isn’t enough for the amount of names - and hopefully I’ll get to the final and you will see all of them.”

She later added in a news conf e re n c e : “For me, I just want t o s p re a d a w a re n e s s .

I ’ m a w a re t h a t t e n n i s is watched all over the world but that maybe t h e re i s s o m e o n e w h o d o e s n ’ t k n o w B re o n n a Ta y l o r ’ s s t o r y. M a y b e they’ll Google it after or something.

I M A G E S O F T H E ‘ N E W N O R M A L’ AT 2 0 2 0 U S O P E N

Selfie with Japan’s Naomi Osaka (left) allowed but with mask on

WHO ARE THE TOP SEEDS? Men’s

Women’s

Novak Djokovic [1]

Karolina Pliskova [1]

Dominic Thiem [2]

Sofia Kenin [2]

Daniil Medvedev [3]

Serena Williams [3]

Stefanos Tsitsipas [4]

Naomi Osaka [4]

Alexander Zverev [5]

Aryna Sabalenka [5]

Matteo Berrettini [6]

Petra Kvitova [6]

David Goffin [7]

Madison Keys [7]

Roberto Bautista Agut [8]

Petra Martic [8]

Czech top seed, Karolina Pliskova, enjoys the view out of the empty Arthur Ashe Stadium from the treatment table in her private player lounge

Wednesday September 2, 2020

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& RE A SO

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Presidency to CAN “We want to declare as a fact, that the Act does not target churches or religious bodies as was wrongly assumed. Misconception has enveloped this Act with deliberate misinformation and falsehood by persons who may not have fully and in fact personally read and digested the provisions of the Actâ€? – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Aairs, Senator Ita Enang, defending the CAMA, 2020.

BUKOLASARAKI GUEST COLUMNIST

Mali: Lessons on Elections in Nigeria and West Africa

T

he events in Mali, one of our neighbours in the West African sub-region should be of great concern to all Nigerians.

In that country, democracy suffered a huge setback when on August 18, the military seized power. Since then, we have seen frenetic efforts by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by President Muhammadu Buhari to restore normalcy in the landlocked country reputed to have the eighth largest land mass in Africa with her 1,240,000 square kilometers occupied by over 19. 1 million people, 67 per cent of whom are said to be youths under age 25.

The West African leaders intervening in Mali are working to achieve “immediate return to constitutional order�. Meanwhile, the military which first talked of returning to the barracks “within a reasonable time�, has been pressured into talking of the ‘decision on the future of the country should be left to citizens’.

The situation in Mali is a dangerous omen, coming after Africans have chosen democracy as the best form of governance. This is a resolve that must be defended by all - citizens, governments and their leaders. We must all agree, not just by words but also by action, that the only way to remove bad, non-performing governments on the continent should be through credible elections and constitutional means. There should be no other alternative to people’s will, freely expressed through their votes.

That is why our leaders who are seeking solutions to the problem in Mali, need to sit back and ask themselves certain pertinent questions. These include: What led to the present situation? Why did the people go out on the streets protesting against a democratically-elected government?

Why was it that when the military took over, there were celebrations on the streets? Seventyfive year old President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita came into power in 2013 with promises to fight corruption, defeat the insurgency in parts of the country and eradicate poverty.

Keita won re-election in 2018 in polls which were described in many quarters as far from being credible. Also, allegation of corruption, persistent economic woes and worsening insecurity continued to dog the government. Yet, Malians still tagged along with great hope of a better future. The story only changed earlier this year, when the Keita government held local government elections, which was widely believed to have been won by the opposition party. However, the process was massively rigged in favour of the president’s party. This resulted in the protests on the streets.

For the people of Mali, that was the tipping point on the precipice in which the country dangerously dangled for years. The people believe in democracy. They were told it would bring good governance. Also, they were told that while practicing democracy, elections will empower and enable them to kick out governments that fail to deliver on its pre-election promise.

The results of the local government elections rubbished their hope. And that explained why they commenced a ceaseless protest. The military also claimed that in the overthrow of the Keita government, they simply “completed the work� of the protesters. The failed government, and more importantly, its penchant for rigged polls made the people to lose faith in the democratic process. Election rigging has resulted in the resort to other means, though illegal, to get rid of an unpopular government.

This explained why when the military guys undemocratically took over power, there was dancing on the streets. I am sure majority of Malians did not know or never heard of Col. Ismael Wague, the youthful leader of the military junta. Neither can they vouch for his capacity.

Buhari However, they wanted a change of government and since Keita and his cohorts foreclosed the option of getting that change through democratic means, they were forced to embrace an illegal means of changing government. The rigging and manipulation that subverted the will of the people made the undesirable become attractive.

As we discuss Mali, we must be watching events in nearby Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea.

In Guinea, the current president, 82-year old Alpha Conde is seeking a third term, following a constitutional amendment forged through a manipulated referendum in March. The referendum was not only boycotted by the opposition, but the result was generally described as unpopular.

Since then, there have been series of protests on the streets, with scores of people dead. The government has disregarded popular opinion and is pushing ahead with elections in October.

A similar thing is happening in Côte d’Ivoire. At 78, President Alassane Quattara who announced an earlier plan to step aside after two terms in office, has done a U-turn, following the death of his party’s presidential candidate. He has announced his intention to run for a third term.

Just like in Guinea, the announcement ignited a wide-spread opposition. Protests on the streets have left many people dead and others wounded.

Here too, elections are due in October.

So, apart from Mali, constitutional crises loom in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. It is my fervent belief that other heads of governments in the ECOWAS sub-region have cogent reasons not to wait till after the elections in October before beginning to address the likely fall-out. Clearly, the tell-tale signs are there that the plots by the two leaders to remain in power at all cost is not popular.

With that background, it is almost certain that the scheduled elections in October will be fraught with irregularities, disagreements and desperation. The polls will lack credibility and will further endanger peace. Thus, a fertile ground for riots, protests and call by the people for military intervention could not be ruled out.

ECOWAS leaders must act decisively now.

They need to intensify diplomatic efforts to either discourage the Presidents of Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire from seeking a third term or, even more importantly, ensure that the electoral process in October is free, fair, peaceful and very credible. The ECOWAS leaders must send a clear message that any leader that emerges from a flawed election will not be recognised by the community and such country will face possible sanctions.

As Nigeria provides leadership in Africa, we must all learn lessons from the Mali experience.

It is strongly believed that the coup in Mali could have been averted if President Keita had cancelled the fraudulent local government elections and conduct another one that will be reflective of the true wishes of the people. We must ensure that the ballot box remains the outlet for ventilating legitimate grievances and change of government.

The manipulation of the electoral process is an indirect invitation to soldiers who usually make a false claim of coming in to restore law and order while in real essence their intervention constitute a further disruption to the system.

In Nigeria, we have two state elections coming up in Edo and Ondo States. The first one is scheduled for September 19, in Edo State. Unfortunately, we have watched with great concern the actions of some political leaders who like the ones in Mali, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire believe their wish must prevail in Edo State. Such desperate leaders have been making incendiary statements indicative of their desire to ensure the candidate of their party wins, whether the votes support the choice or not.

There have been talks of plots aimed at illegally deploying security agents, electoral officials and hoodlums to compromise and subvert the process. This is where the spirit of ECOWAS determination that its national and sub-national governments must be products of a transparent electoral process, needs to be invoked.

As chair of ECOWAS, it is imperative for President Buhari to ensure that from now on, all elections conducted under his watch must be fully democratic, free, fair, peaceful, credible and the results must reflect the true wishes of the people. President Buhari must use the Edo and Ondo elections to demonstrate ECOWAS’ commitment to credible electoral process. The President must put his feet down and ensure that the security agencies will, and must, not be misused to influence the results of the elections.

Also, the electoral commission should be made to be truly immune from manipulations by individuals, no matter how highly placed.

We should realise that nobody knows where and when the tipping point is in our country.

Africa now has a young population that is driven by the information the members get on social media. It is obvious that the only way to stem the tide of the regrettable resurgence of military rule is if elections are free and fair. That way we prevent the youth from trooping out on the streets to protest. If they are not happy with a government, they know that the next election will provide the chance to replace that government.

To the desperate and war-mongering players in Edo State and their collaborators across the country, the election is viewed as a war and they do not mind if the nation’s democracy or citizens are the casualty.

Those of us who are politicians must be prepared to play by the rules. This mentality of electoral victory at all cost must stop. Let me quickly point out that I am eminently qualified to pontificate on this, as I can use myself as an example. I went into elections in 2019 in Kwara State, our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and myself lost the elections. We had our reservations on the credibility of the entire electoral process. We had good evidence of the illegal deployment of state forces and other undemocratic means to achieve the results declared by the electoral body.

The whole country witnessed the level of desperation displayed by those who could not tolerate our guts to turn the election results against us. The utterances of the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, who continuously boasted how his number one priority and objective was to win Kwara State by whatever means necessary were well documented.

After the results of the 2019 elections was announced, I sent out messages to my followers, despite their anger and quest to express their grievances, that they should accept the results and maintain peace. I then congratulated the winners and urged our people to support the newly elected officials. To further demonstrate good faith and gracefulness in defeat, I refused to challenge the process at the tribunal.

Though I appealed to our gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Razak Atunwa, to follow suit, he noted that he had already initiated a process at the tribunal. However, we agreed that if for any reason he lost at the tribunal he should not take the matter beyond that level. Thus, he jettisoned his right of appeal at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. All these concessions were made in spite of the strong evidence that the winner lack the educational requirement for the job. The issue we saw at the time was bigger than the winner. Our interest was to give democracy and peace a chance.

With this experience, I believe one is in a good position to write about the need for political actors to sometimes suppress the desire for power and take side with the survival of the system. When I argue that politicians should learn to accept election results and demonstrate patriotism even in the face of naked provocation, it is based on my experience. The lives of our people, the stability of our democracy and the peace of the society are more important than our personal interest or the inflated egos of the leaders.

Mali has shown to us the danger that we risk when we fail to protect the sanctity of the electoral process. It is for this reason that we need to use the elections in Edo and Ondo States to display our commitment to the growth of democracy.

All politicians must commit to strengthening our electoral process, give confidence to the people that truly, elections still provide the best process by which we source leaders or kick out those we do not want. The guarantee that the military will remain in the barracks and people will not dance on the streets when they hear martial music is for those who are in charge of the conduct and supervision of elections to ensure the polls are credible by all standards.

In the midst of the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant socio-economic crises across the world and particularly its harsh effect on the African continent, our people remain more vulnerable. They are therefore more prone to flaring up and trooping onto the streets at any slightest opportunity. The political class should refrain from igniting an already combustible atmosphere through fraudulent electoral process.

It is clear that one of the legacies President Buhari can bestow on the country, West Africa and the entire continent is to leave behind a country that has imbibed a culture of credible and transparent electoral process. The talk in other parts of the world is whether West Africa is about to suffer a relapse of military rule. The trend must be nipped in the bud and President Buhari has a great opportunity to make it his enduring gift to future generations of not only Nigerians but the whole of Africa.

Good enough, this President who is Chairman of ECOWAS, has the luck of a Chief of Staff who is an experienced and knowledgeable diplomat. In Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, a former UN Under Secretary-General and Adviser on African Affairs, President Buhari has an adviser who perfectly understands the larger implication and danger of the events unfolding in the region, particularly as it concerns the gradual erosion of democracy. r%S 4BSBLJ XBT 1SFTJEFOU PG UIF /JHFSJBO 4FOBUF

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