FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2020

Excitement as New Diaspora Remittances Policy takes Effect Today Annual inflows put at $24bn CBN, NSIA, AFC to float N15tn infrastructure fund Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja There is palpable excitement among Forex users as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new policy that allows

unhindered access to Diaspora remittances takes effect today.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, spoke yesterday at a press conference in Abuja and said the policy released last Monday would

take effect today.

He said following the announcement of the new policy measures, the apex bank, in an effort to enable smooth implementation had engaged with the commercial

banks and the International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to ensure that recipients of remittance inflows are able to receive their funds in the designated foreign currency of their choice.

He stated that as a result of the CBN's engagements with major IMTOs and the DMBs yesterday, the stakeholders had committed that they would deploy all the necessary tools to "ensure that these measures

become effective from Friday, December 4, 2020."

Emefiele told journalists in Abuja that the new policy would help in providing a Continued on page 9

$21bn Legally Withdrawn from NLNG Dividends Account, Says Kyari... Page 8 Friday 4 December, 2020 Vol 25. No 9370. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

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FG Dismisses Calls for Buhari’s Resignation as Cheap Politicking Insists president will serve out tenure

Peter Uzoho

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described calls on President

Muhammadu Buhari to resign every time there is a setback in the war against terror as a needless distraction and cheap politicking.

Mohammed also dismissed

claims that Boko Haram fighters are collecting taxes from the people, adding that the occupation of territories by the insurgents is now “a thing of the past.”

The minister, at a meeting yesterday with the Newspapers’ Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) in Lagos, urged Nigerians to stop playing politics with

security.

The meeting, which was convened at the instance of the minister, was held at NPAN new secretariat.

The minister told NPAN

members that the federal government has been meeting with different stakeholders nationwide in the wake of Continued on page 9

Presidency Expresses Shock as Police Move to Stop Judicial Inquiries Court asked to arrest commissions' proceedings IG denies authorising suit, queries force legal officer Omololu Ogunmade, Kingsley Nwezeh, and Alex Enumah in Abuja The presidency yesterday expressed shock as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) launched a legal bid to arrest the ongoing proceedings by judicial panels set up by state governments to investigate allegations of brutality against the law enforcement agency’s personnel, which triggered the #EndSARS protests that later snowballed into an orgy of violence in October.

A top presidency official, responding to THISDAY inquiry on whether or not the police suit has the consent of the Buhari administration, said they were surprised when the news broke yesterday.

Earlier, the police had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, praying for an order Continued on page 9

MINISTERING TO MEDIA GURUS...

L-R: President, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed; Life Patron, NPAN, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and Patron, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, during the minister’s meeting with newspapers’ publishers in Lagos...yesterday

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

Military Appeals for Understanding over Recent Killings Says Boko Haram will soon become history

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters yesterday appealed to Nigerians, especially those living in the North, the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency, not to be discouraged by the recent killing of rice farmers in Borno State.

It also said the federal government would have the final say on whether or not to engage mercenaries to assist the military in defeating Boko Haram.

This is as the senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has said President Muhammadu Buhari is breaking the law by keeping the service chiefs beyond their years of service.

The DHQ said soon, Boko Haram and its bloodletting will be over, adding that the resort to attacking soft targets by the terrorist group is a ploy to instill fear in the populace to remain relevant.

It also dismissed the claim by the terror group that it killed the farmers because they handed over one of their members to the military, noting that no Boko Haram member was handed to the troops.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, told reporters yesterday in Abuja that despite the recent killing of the farmers, the armed forces and other security agencies have continued their major operations across the country with dynamism.

According to him, in the North-west, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and other subsidiary operations have sustained their operations progressively.

According to him, “The gallant troops within the period carried out a series of clearance operations, ambushes and aerial patrols. Notably, on 26 November 2020, troops of Operation ACCORD intercepted and arrested two suspected bandits named Ibrahim Umar and Ibrahim Sani. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects have affiliation with bandit’s leader called Turji.

The suspects are in custody for further investigations. “Similarly, on November 27, 2020, troops, while on routine patrol, arrested two suspected

bandits named Iro Ibrahim and Umaru Abdullahi from Daba village. "During preliminary investigation, a picture of Iro Ibrahim where he was holding two rifles was found on his phone. The suspects are in custody for further actions. “Equally, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has sustained air operations against armed bandits with the obliteration of another camp and neutralisation of scores of their fighters at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State.

Airstrikes executed by the Air Component also resulted in the destruction of some structures at a camp in Dunya Forest in Katsina State," he stated.

In the North-east, Enenche explained that land and air operations were conducted by the armed forces and other security agencies.

He said: “The gallant troops adopted sustained vigilance and offensive postures through a comprehensive ground and air operations. Within the period in focus, troops of Army Super Camp II Gamboru-Ngala conducted clearance operations at some suspected BHT/ISWAP criminals hideout at Garal village and Bulankesa village. “The gallant troops made contact with the terrorists and effectively engaged and dominated them with rapid fire

power. During the encounter, two BHT/ISWAP criminals were neutralised. "Relatedly, on 27 November 2020, troops of Strong Response Area Pulka conducted a robust clearance patrol at Ashigashiya area.

During the operation, troops made contact with the criminals at their logistics base. “In the ensuing gun battle, two terrorists were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Several bags of assorted grains and other food items were recovered. Thereafter, the logistics warehouse was destroyed.�

In the North-central, he stated that “in continuation of intensive kinetic operations against armed bandits and other criminals in the North-central zone, troops of Operations Safe Haven, Whirl Stroke and other subsidiary operations conducted raids on identified criminals’ hideouts. “Notably, within this period, troops of Operation Nutcracker II in conjunction with local vigilante members while on clearance operations engaged armed bandits at Dutse Magaji in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. During the Operation, three bandits were neutralised while one AK47 rifle and 38 rustled cattle were recovered�.

Also in the South-south, Enenche said: "Troops of Operation Delta Safe have

sustained the fight against economic sabotage to secure critical oil infrastructure in the zone. “Notably, on 26 November 2020, gunboats of Forward Operating Base Ibaka while on routine patrol around Mbo river, intercepted and arrested one large wooden boat laden with 229 drums of 300 litres of product suspected to be PMS with 2 suspects, outboard engines and pumping machines. Items and suspects are currently in custody to be handed over to the relevant security agency. “Additionally, within the period under review, troops of 146 Battalion discovered and immobilised two reactivated illegal refining sites containing four boilers, six storage tanks and one wooden boat laden with illegally refined oil products around Oputumbi in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Furthermore, troops of Operation Delta Safe immobilised two reactivated illegal refining sites containing three boilers and five storage tanks laden with crude oil around Orutoru in the same local government area.�

Eneche also said the decision to engage mercenaries to assist the military in defeating the Boko Haram insurgency is for the federal government to take.

He noted that the security forces cannot challenge the

initiative, stressing that it is up to Nigerians and the government to hire the contract soldiers.

Following the killing of over 43 rice farmers in Zabarmari, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents last Saturday, Governor Babagana Zulum had demanded the engagement of foreign mercenaries to tackle the militants.

Endorsing Zulum’s demand, North-east governors had said the federal government should consider the suggestion.

But responding to a question, Enenche said the military had no business debating the proposal, adding that it is diligently prosecuting the war and focused on victory.

He said: “Request or proposal to engage mercenaries is at a very high level. The kind of armed forces and security agencies you have now are normally determined by the people. �It (engagement of mercenaries) is not in our powers.

It is a kind of force package; it is what the government wants.

It is not for the military to begin to contend. “No armed forces anywhere will tell the people, ‘this is how we want to operate.’ The legislators, National Security Council, will decide on it,� he added.

When asked if the military was overstretched and

overwhelmed as stated by the Chairman, Nigerian Governors' Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday, Enenche said it is for the authorities to decide the capacity of the troops. “It is not for the military to say we are overstretched; I am not overstretched. If I say, I am overstretched, that means, I don’t want to work. And if I say, I am not overstretched, that means, I am under-utilised,� Eneche added.

Buhari Breaks the Law Keeping Service Chiefs, Says Shekarau However, senator representing Kano Central senatorial district, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has said Buhari is breaking the law by keeping the service chiefs beyond their years of service.

There have been renewed calls for the president to remove the service chiefs amid the growing security challenges across the country.

Speaking on a live television programme yesterday, Shekarau said the service chiefs ought to go when they are 60 years of age or when they complete 35 years of service.

According to him, the service chiefs are public servants and should be treated like their counterparts in the service.

PROMISE FULFILLED...

L-R (back row): Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Kehinde Durosimi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during the presentation of monetary compensation to families of police oďŹƒcers killed during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos‌yesterday

House Projects Thursday for Buhari's Appearance on Insecurity Says sacking of service chiefs on agenda Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to appear before the House of Representatives on December 10 or 15 to brief it on what his administration is doing to tame the worsening insecurity in the country, the lower chamber of the National Assembly has said.

House spokesperson, Hon. Ben Kalu, told reporters yesterday in Abuja that although the date isn't definite yet, the president may appear next Thursday (December 10) or the upcoming Tuesday (December 15).

According to him, the president is coming to meet minds with the lawmakers and proffer solutions to the insecurity challenges in the country.

The House had on Tuesday invited the president to come and discuss with the lawmakers,

steps being taken by his administration to arrest the worsening insecurity.

It reached the decision after debating a motion moved on behalf of 10 other Borno State lawmakers by Hon. Satomi Ahmed.

The motion came on the heels of Saturday's killing of over 43 rice farmers in Zabarmari village of Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

The lawmakers, among other things, had prayed that the president should declare a state of emergency on security matters and for the House to cause Buhari to appear before it to brief lawmakers on what his administration is doing to combat insecurity.

House Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday, led a delegation to the State House to meet the president, after which he told reporters that

Buhari had agreed to honour the invitation.

He, however, declined to say when the president would appear before the lawmakers.

But Kalu, while addressing journalists, clarified that the president was never summoned by the House, but was only invited so that they could meet minds and seek better ways of tackling the insecurity in the country.

He said: "As the speaker said yesterday (Wednesday), it will be out of place since we were not summoning, when you summon, you give date and time, but this is back channel diplomacy, legislative diplomacy.

We are not compelling, we are inviting, and when you invite, you rub (sic) minds to find out the availability of the person you’re inviting. That was what the leadership did yesterday (Wednesday). They engaged

with Mr. President and instead of mandating him to appear on a particular day, they rubbed (sic) minds on when it will be convenient for him to appear and he accepted.

"We have an estimate of when we think it’s going to be. In every matter of urgent public importance, time is of the essence and based on that, and in the wisdom of the president, he’s not delaying but prioritising it.

So, security is topmost on his agenda at the moment and that’s why in the course of next week since we just finished today, I’m sure he will be able to adjust his programmes. I know Tuesday may not be feasible because we have NEC meeting. So, we are looking at Thursday or upper Tuesday, the date is not yet definite."

Asked why the House was still demanding the sacking of service chiefs since the president

has refused to sack them, Kalu explained that the call for the sacking of the service chiefs would be one of the issues that the House would discuss with the president.

He said: "The (sacking of the) service chiefs will be one of the issues the House will discuss with the president. We are looking for solutions. It’s not about the visit of the president; it’s about solution-seeking mechanism. We are looking for strategies that will help us find solutions. The visit of the president happens to be one of them.

"What we want from him is to do a SWOT analysis of the security sector. Mr. President, what are your strengths so far, your weaknesses? We think these are your weaknesses.

"If we believe that not changing the service chiefs is a weakness, we will mention

it as well. Mr. President, what are your threats? How can we help with this your threats, to covert them to opportunities?

For example, declaring a state of emergency on security. We will lay everything on the table for him to see so that he will know what we think based on what they informed us at our constituents. It’s going to be a discussion."

He explained that the House is still engaging the service chiefs because they are still serving the nation and the legislative arm can’t boycott them.

According to him, if the House refuses to engage them, it means it is doing a disservice to the nation and to the citizens.

He said the right thing was to keep engaging them and keep asking the president to explain why keeping them is the best strategy to curb the security problems in the country.

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$21bn Legally Withdrawn from NLNG Dividends Account, Says Kyari Sylva lists Train 7, deregulation as major achievements Adedayo Akinwale and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday defended the withdrawal of over $21 billion from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends account describing the transaction as legal.

NNPC Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, spoke when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts in Abuja and said the withdrawn funds were the federal government’s share of revenues from oil shared among the federal, state and local governments.

Kyari, represented by Mr. Umar Ajiya, explained: "Though the NNPC sits on the board (of NLNG) on behalf of the federal government, proceeds from the investment are managed and disbursed or dispensed or utilised, based on the instruction of the federal government. “When I say the federal government, I do not mean

NNPC. Ordinarily, it’s the Federal Ministry of Finance that directs the utilisation. We (NNPC) are merely the agents of the federal government. “All withdrawals (from NLNG dividends fund) were based on approved mandates of the relevant authorities. As far as NNPC is concerned, investments in NLNG were done on behalf of the federal government. I was the treasurer of NLNG, so I was aware of the federal government’s investment in the project.�

He said the matter had come up at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and was referred to a committee headed by the Governor of Kaduna State, arguing that the federal government, through the NNPC, is the true owner of the investment and that the dividends accrued to the federal government, not the Federation Account. “There is no question of illegal withdrawal. Nobody can withdraw from the account illegally. The CBN governor can be invited to attest to that," he

said firmly.

On queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on the alleged unauthorised deduction of over N1.2 trillion in 2014 from proceeds from oil, he said that “the NNPC couldn’t have remitted all its earnings� at the time to the Federation Account.

The committee, headed by Hon. Wole Oke, however, resolved to summon the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, to clarify the claims by Kyari on the utilisation of the NLNG fund.

Sylva Lists NLNG Train 7, Deregulation as Major Achievements Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief

Timipre Sylva, has listed the signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) on NLNG Train 7, the commencement of the AKK pipeline project and implementation of the deregulation of the downstream sector as some of the ministry’s achievements this year.

A statement by the management of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), said the minister reeled out the milestones in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during a review meeting with the permanent secretary, directors and chief executives of agencies in the ministry.

He listed some other key achievements as the completion and inauguration of the 17-storey headquarters building of the NCDMB and inauguration of the Waltersmith modular refinery, developed with 30 per cent equity from the NCDMB. Sylva expressed optimism that more outstanding results would be recorded in the sector in 2021.

In his presentation, the

Executive Secretary NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, said the board had delivered on some initiatives in support of the ministry’s priorities, one of them being the launch of the NOGTECH Hackathon and Science Technology Innovation Challenge (STIC).

He added that this strategy would develop innovation to address pilferage, sabotage and losses of petroleum products in the country.

On the ministry’s goal to build partnerships on flare commercialisation programme and LPG penetration, Wabote said the board was catalysing local manufacturing of 1.2 million composite LPG cylinders per annum in Bayelsa and Lagos States. “The board is also supporting flare-out projects through Duport midstream company’s 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) gas gathering hub in Edo and NEDO

Airlines Blame Rising Operating Costs for Hike in Fares Chinedu Eze

MAKING PEACE...

L-R: Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; former Interim Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande; National Leader, APC, Senator Bola Tinubu; and Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, after a political meeting in Akande’s Ila-Orangun residence...yesterday

Tinubu, Akande Intervene in Aregbesola, Oyetola’s Rift Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, and the party’s former Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday held a closed-door meeting with the Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and his predecessor, Minister for Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

It was gathered that the meeting, held in Akande’s Ila Orangun residence, was to broker peace between Oyetola and Aregbesola.

The relationship between the two had gone sour, creating tension in the state.

Oyetola, who was Aregbesola's chief of staff when he was governor, was on a collision

course with the minister last week over attempts to mark what the former governor's group called 10 years of progressive politics in Osun State, which coincided with the second anniversary of the present administration in the state.

The controversy generated by the clash in programmes prompted the minister to shelve his planned visit the state.

However, Aregbesola's group shelved its programme following the intervention of critical stakeholders in the state.

On his Twitter page, Aregbesola said he arrived at the state with his entourage from the Ministry of Interior to commence engagement meeting with different stakeholders as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: "Our entourage paid a courtesy visit to our leader and father, Baba Bisi Akande, alongside Governor of Osun State, [Mr.] Adegboyega Oyetola in Ila Orangun. Baba advised us on #EndSARS, insecurity amongst other issues."

However, details of the meeting were yet to be made known as at the time of filing this report.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had last week warned Aregbesola to stay away from the state to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The party also claimed Osun residents had suffered enough because of maladministration of the former governor and do not deserve to be put through the harrowing experience of security breakdown, adding

that the proposed visit by the minister to the state was a ploy to cause mayhem.

A statement by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Diran Odeyemi, obtained by newsmen in Osogbo called on security operatives to pay more than passing attention to the planned visit by Aregbesola purportedly to mark 10 years of the return of progressive administration to the state. “It is more than mere coincidence that Rauf Aregbesola decided to mark 10 years of his administration on the very day his successor, Oyetola, wanted to celebrate his second year administration.

It is obviously meant to test power and popularity with the use of thugs and hooligans,�

PDP had said.

110MMscfd gas processing project in Delta State. “We are also supporting the establishment of LPG storage/ filling plants in five states and as well as LPG distribution depots in six states,� he said.

He explained that the NCDMB had earlier launched the $50m Nigerian Content Research & Development Fund and Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre in support of enhanced oil recovery.

Kyari noted that Nigeria remains one of the most expensive territories in the world for upstream projection, saying that part of the corporation’s mandate this year is to reduce cost.

He said: “We have reduced costs substantially and there are a number of interventions.

We have set a target for the industry and our partners to bring down the cost of production to at least $10 to a barrel.�

Airlines have attributed the about 70 per cent rise in domestic airfares to the weakening exchange rate, the paucity of operating equipment, high cost of aircraft maintenance and an increase in the price of aviation fuel.

THISDAY findings revealed that air tickets for the economy class that were being sold between N20, 000 and N30, 000 in July has now increased to between N60, 000 and N70, 000. Business class tickets that were being sold for N50, 000 is now between N70, 000 and N80,000.

There are indications that fares would increase further as the yuletide draws nearer.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that henceforth, tickets would be expensive and there might not be enough aircraft seats because there is not enough operating aircraft to meet passengers’ demands.

Sanusi said the increase in fares was also a reflection of the dollar scarcity, noting that this is happening at a time airlines are yet to recover from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The exchange rate of the dollar has a big impact on the aviation industry because everything we do have dollar component because spares are acquired with foreign exchange; we pay for insurance in dollars because local insurance companies do not have the capacity to insure aircraft fully, so it is expected that tickets will be very expensive. “As we move on, there will come a time when there will be no aircraft seats because fewer aircraft will be flying.

So currently there is a high demand but low capacity; obviously, the basic law of supply and demand will apply. “The price of tickets will also increase because of the high foreign exchange as the dollar is now being exchanged for N500, so we expect a disproportionate

increase in the price of tickets. “Also insurance premium will continue to rise in Nigeria because after the global rise occasioned by the two Boeing MAX crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia, the lockdown brought down the cost but it will continue to increase in Nigeria because the local market is not strong enough so we have to go outside the country to insure and we pay in dollars. “We sell our tickets in naira and we buy dollars to pay for insurance. We have a big elephant in the room and that is the exchange rate issue; the earlier it is solved the better for the economy of this country,�

Sanusi added.

The Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, told THISDAY that airlines may not have gone beyond their price structure in their ticket sales but because of the high demand of tickets, they are sold at the higher prices.

The fare structure is graduated in such manner that the high prices come up when the lower prices are exhausted and this is automatically determined by demand. “I am not aware that there is price increase; maybe, not for Ibom Air. I don’t know what other airlines are doing but at Ibom Air, the highest fare for economy class is N50, 000 and business class is N70, 000 and we have not increased fares on any of the routes. It is a demand that increases the fares and we have sold all our seats from now till January because there is a high load factor. “Maybe other airlines have increased the price structure to maximise the benefits of the high season. You know that there were no flights for a long time while airlines were maintaining their aircraft and servicing their leases; so this season is an opportunity to take advantage of because, after January 15, 2021, we go into another low season till March.

But now people cannot find seats in flights,’ he stated.

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PAGE NINE FG DISMISSES CALLS FOR BUHARI’S RESIGNATION AS CHEAP POLITICKING the #EndSARS crisis with a view to reviewing what transpired and taking the necessary lessons from it.

He added that the series of meetings were being held in order to forestall a recurrence, especially of what he described as the mindless violence that followed the hijacking of the peaceful protest.

He reiterated his earlier statement that the #EndSARS protest was aggravated by fake news and disinformation as the federal government had accepted the five-point demand of the protesters.

Mohammed urged NPAN, as a major stakeholder, to work with the federal government and other stakeholders to check the menace of fake news and disinformation, which could aggravate the country’s fault lines as a nation and set Nigerians against one another.

He described the killing of over 43 farmers by Boko Haram in Borno State as an act of cowardice and savagery by a group of deranged terrorists.

He added that the killing was not a true reflection of the progress being made by the

military against Boko Haram.

He said it was a sign of weakness and desperation for Boko Haram to be going after soft targets.

Mohammed said: “In the wake of the killing, there have been calls in some quarters for Mr. President to resign.

Well, let me say here that this call amounts to playing dirty politics with the issue of security and it is cheap and irresponsible. “Mr. President was elected in 2015 for a four-year term and re-elected in 2019 for another four-year term. No amount of hysterical calls for

resignation will prevent him from serving out his term.�

According to him, before Buhari assumed office, Boko Haram could stroll into any city, especially in the North, to carry out deadly attacks, but such an attack is no longer possible.

He said: “Boko Haram used to occupy territory, deposing and installing emirs and collecting taxes. That's no longer the case. These changes are not mere happenstance.

"They are part of the successes recorded by the military, under this president.

Therefore, calling on the

president to resign every time there is a setback in the war on terror is a needless distraction and cheap politicking. Let's stop playing politics with the issue of security.�

The minister insisted that Boko Haram has been badly degraded and can only carry out cowardly attacks like the one against defenceless farmers over the weekend.

Mohammed stated: “No nation, no matter how powerful, is immune to attacks on soft targets. 9-11 happened despite the prowess of the most powerful army

in the world. “Boko Haram's only oxygen today is publicity. That's why they have rushed to release a video claiming responsibility for the killing of the farmers. “Please note that that video was shared to instill fear in the civil populace and maintain relevance in the eyes of their sponsors. There is no truth to the reason for their action. “We, therefore, appeal to the general public to provide information about the insurgents to security forces to assist them in ending the war on terror.�

and torched 134 police stations.

In the wake of the social crisis, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at a meeting in Abuja on October 15, directed the 36 state governors and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to establish judicial panels to investigate alleged police brutality, supervise fresh tactical team being set

up by the Inspector-General of Police and raise a fund to compensate victims of cruelty by the defunct rogue squad, SARS. At the meeting, attended by state governors, among others, the NEC had said that membership of the judicial panels should compose of representatives

development and maintenance of infrastructure in Nigeria.�

Osinbajo noted that available statistic from the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan indicate that Nigeria needs up to $3 trillion over the next 30 years to bridge the infrastructure gap.

Based on the statistics, he stated that the federal government would have to spend the entire revised 2020 appropriation of N10.81 trillion continuously for the next 108 years or more on capital expenditure to meet that target.

He explained that the fact that N2.49 trillion was appropriated for capital expenditure in 2020, underscored the importance of deliberate and pragmatic action to boost infrastructural spending.

On the benefits of effectively implementing PPP arrangement for Nigeria, the vice president explained that “if properly designed and executed, PPP models will unlock innovative infrastructure financing and management in a transparent and more efficient manner.

Indeed, using PPP frameworks, Nigeria has the potential to attract and benefit immensely from the huge local and foreign private sector resources.�

On how the Buhari administration is leveraging the partnership with the private sector to bridge the huge infrastructure gap, Osinbajo said the federal government recently issued a circular on the administration of PPP projects in the country to provide the much-needed clarity.

The circular, he said, reemphasised that the BPE shall be responsible for the concession of public enterprises and infrastructure already listed in the First and Second Schedules of the Public Enterprises Act. Calling for the cooperation of all stakeholders for the effective implementation of the policy, Osinbajo noted that it was expected that this new policy direction would provide clarity to stakeholders and foster the improvement of PPP programmes in the

country.

On the operations of the Infraco Company, Osinbajo said the company will be professionally run by select managers who are chosen by internationally accepted standards.

Calling on the private sector to support Nigeria’s efforts targeted at developing critical infrastructure through partnerships, the vice president urged all stakeholders to always see all sides of the infrastructure challenge in Nigeria stating that “the current deficit in Nigeria’s infrastructure presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

In his welcome address, the BPE Director-General, Mr. Alex Okoh, said it was evident from the cost implications that government alone cannot bridge the infrastructure gap, hence the need for alternative funding avenues through PPP. Participants at the webinar were, among others, the Ministers of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite; Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo; Health, Prof. Osagie Ehanire; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Theodore Orji; and the Director-General of the BPE, Okoh, who delivered the opening remarks.

PRESIDENCY EXPRESSES SHOCK AS POLICE MOVE TO STOP JUDICIAL INQUIRIES stopping the various states’ judicial panels of inquiry probing allegations of rights abuses and other acts of brutality against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police tactical units.

The plaintiff in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/ CS/1492/2020, urged the court to restrain the attorneysgeneral of the 36 states of the

federation and their various panels of enquiry from going ahead with the probe.

But the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has denied authorising the suit and ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding its filing.

Besides, he has queried the Force Legal Officer, who may face further sanctions if found

guilty of dereliction of duty, over the suit.

The suit has also divided lawyers and other activists as while some hailed it, others condemned the action.

It was, however, learnt that the police headed to the court to stop the judicial panels' proceedings in a bid to stop attacks on their officers and policemen as well as on their assets.

According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, 57 civilians, 37 policemen and six soldiers were killed all over the country when hoodlums seized the #EndSARS peaceful protests and went on a looting spree, arson and vandalism of public and private property.

In addition, the hoodlums injured 196 policemen, destroyed 164 police vehicles

EXCITEMENT AS NEW DIASPORA REMITTANCES POLICY TAKES EFFECT TODAY more convenient channel for a significant drop in inflows transfer have good reputation to Float N15tn Nigerians in the Diaspora to into the country. as well as a robust customer Infrastructure Fund remit funds to the country "It also encouraged the identification system in the for Nigeria as well as ensure that the use of unsafe unofficial country. funds can contribute to the development of the economy.

He said: "I, therefore, seize this opportunity to announce to Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora that the policy of recipients receiving their monies from abroad kicks off on December 4, 2020. “All the IT systems of these IMTOs (Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria Services) and the DMBs have been properly configured to begin remittance tomorrow, Friday, December 4, 2020."

According to him, the apex bank's policy to allow for unfettered access to foreign exchange from the Diaspora and other money transfer remittances is to support improved remittance inflows into the country through official channels.

Emefiele said the current annual remittance inflow of about $24 billion could help in improving the balance of payment position, reduce dependence on external borrowing and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on forex inflows into the country.

He, however, said following up on the implementation of the new forex and Diaspora remittance policies, the CBN observed some pushback by some of the IMTOs, which he said were bent on continuing their nefarious activities of undermining the new policy by attempting to resist it.

He said: "This was the reason the CBN had to insist on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, that all DMBs must close all naira general ledgers through which the naira remittances were hitherto being carried out.

"Based on this premise, we analysed data on IMTO inflows into the country over the past year, and through our investigations, discovered that some IMTOs, rather than compete on improving transaction volumes and create more efficient ways for Nigerians in the Diaspora to remit funds, resorted to engaging in arbitrage arrangements on the nairadollar exchange rate, which to a large extent resulted in

channels, which also supported diversion of remittance flows meant for Nigeria, thereby undermining our foreign exchange management framework."

Emefiele explained that in an effort to boost remittance inflows and foster an environment that would enable a faster, cheaper and more convenient flow of remittances back to Nigeria, the CBN had on November 30, announced a new policy initiative, which would help to support these objectives.

He added that the new policies will be a major game-changer in remittance inflows into the country.

He said: "As a matter of fact, from the data that we have, the way the size of remittance is computed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) takes into consideration, not just the money that comes in directly as flows but also what we call the earnings of Nigerians in Diaspora in different parts of the world - because they believe and we believe as well that some portion of these monies actually flow back home to support members of their families.

"But it is important for me to draw a parallel. I am aware from data available that for instance, Pakistan even in the midst of COVID-19 receives $2 billion monthly from Pakistanis in Diaspora. This is a country that I will say by geography, demography is about the same with Nigeria.

"So we are hereby saying that if Nigeria is even able to receive even if it's just $1 billion monthly or $2 billion monthly, I am so damn certain that you all know what will happen to the exchange rate of Nigeria.�

He said he was certain that after some time, deposit money banks will not have any need to call on the central bank to provide dollar to fund their imports or commercial operations.

Emefiele also dispelled concerns that the new policies could support money laundering, adding that the institutions involved in money

He said: "I want you to know that even from abroad, where these funds are coming, that is why we talk about institutions that are tested like Western Union, Ria and MoneyGram, which also in those countries where they are domiciled are properly licensed and regulated and I know for certain that countries, where they are domiciled, would not allow money laundering practices or remittance of funds from those countries into our country to be associated with money laundering.�

He said the CBN would ensure that most of those who would be receiving Diaspora remittances come with some forms of identity card, saying when the transfers started in 1996 with some forms of identification at that time, First Bank was able to ensure that people who were receiving funds were properly identified and could easily be traced talk less of even today where there is BVN. According to Emefiele, in an effort to liberalise, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of Diaspora remittances into the country, the CBN has moved to ensure that beneficiaries of Diaspora remittances through IMTOs shall henceforth receive such inflows in foreign currency (US dollars) through the designated bank of their choice.

He said such recipients of remittances may have the option of receiving these funds in foreign currency cash (US dollars) or into their ordinary domiciliary account.

He added that the changes were necessary to deepen the foreign exchange market, provide more liquidity and create more transparency in the administration of Diaspora remittances into Nigeria.

He stated that the measures would help finance a future stream of investment opportunities for Nigerians in the Diaspora while also guaranteeing that recipients of remittances will receive a market-reflective exchange rate for their inflows.

CBN, NSIA, AFC

Meanwhile, as part of the new environment being created for the implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) projects, the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and African Finance Corporation and other financial institutions is to float a N15 trillion infrastructure fund.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who disclosed this at a webinar, yesterday on Deepening the Nigerian infrastructure stock through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), said: “As part of the new environment being created for the implementation of PPP projects, the federal government through the CBN, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and African Finance Corporation and other financial institutions will be creating a N15 trillion Infrastructure Fund that will help to, not only unlock investment from local sources but also attract foreign private investment in infrastructure development.�

This, he said, would help to, not only unlock investment from local sources but also attract foreign private investment in infrastructure development.

Speaking at the event, which was organised by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BLE), Osinbajo, who is the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), noted that adopting investments for infrastructural development in the country is now an imperative as reliance on public expenditure alone is no longer sufficient or capable of meeting the $3 trillion needed to bridge the infrastructure deficit over the next 30 years. “In spite of government interventions over the years, Nigeria still faces a huge infrastructural deficit, which is constraining rapid economic growth,� he said, adding: "The federal government recognises this fact which is why we are considering other approaches to complement and boost financing for the

Continued on page 49

TOP GAINERS MBENEFITS ROYALEXCH FTNCOCOA ARDOVA PLC CUTIX TOP LOSERS UNITYBANK CHAMSPLC NAHCO

NGN NGN % 0.02 0.23 9.5 0.02 0.24 9.0 0.02 0.27 8.0 1.00 14.00 7.6 0.10 1.90 5.5 NGN % 0.07 0.64 9.8 0.02 0.23 8.0 0.16 2.19 6.8 CHI PLC 0.02 0.28 6.6 ETI 0.40 5.90 6.3 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,400.00 Volume: 289.394 million shares Value: N7.348 billion Deals: 4,878 As at yesterday 3/12/2020 See details on Page 41

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í˛Ëœ 2020

COMMENT

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

GOVERNOR ZULUM IN ‘ZULULAND’ There is more to the crisis in Borno State, argues Victor C. Ariole

B

y the complaints of Governor Babagana Zulum, asking for mercenaries and requesting that more of Borno indigenes be recruited into the army and civil defence corps, it is evident that among the governors who ruled Borno State since the Boko Haram insurgency, he remains the most patriotic – the son of the soil. Modu acted like a vassal of Deby, and Shetima acted like the “boy� of Modu. In all, they seem to be serving a consortium of land grabbers or neo-colonialists just like the Zulus fought such consortium in the days South Africa’s soul suffered great assault of combined land grabbers – Boers, Germans, British and French.

Borno State, especially the Lake Chad region and proximity, is sought for by a consortium of countries and powers, for whatever reason most uninformed Nigerians could not understand including, for sure, the soldiers and some of their commanders.

The real interest must be known by now elevated Field Marshal Idriss Deby Itno. One wonders how a civilian president would decide to wear the pips of a Field Marshal after going into war to merely harass and push the insurgents back to Nigeria’s territory.

The archives have it that Lake Chad covered an area of one million Kmz during colonial era – that is, slightly larger than Nigeria, combining four countries – Chad with about 40% of the space, Nigeria 35%, Cameroun 15% and Niger 10%. And it has pockets of Islands estimated to be over 90. It became also UNESCO’s world heritage by the immense archival values it incubates – the belt of whatever it incubates flow through the River Ubangui Chari in Chad and Central African Republic to the Congos and deep into the Atlantic Ocean.

Nigeria needed to anchor the survival of Borno State on a larger Pan-African interest to avoid the human, military and financial wastages going on for a decade. Ghana and Togo understood that as they managed very well the Aflao border dispute that could have decimated the Ewe people that commonly shared the space notwithstanding their belonging to both countries. Ghana was also restrained by the fear of Togo’s defence pact with France. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana were also embroiled in such crisis as border areas like Bassam and Agnibelekro were even managed better by Ivoiriens’ leaders’ sagacity of making those areas so much prosperous that both the Ghanaians and the Ivoiriens, enjoying the space, shunned the Ghanaian belligerent assault.

Even the Senegal Casamance crisis was also better managed

by President Leopold Sedar Senghor, a Christian ruling over 95% Muslim Senegal, that its negative effects to their economy was minimized. Borno is a borderland state involving human beings of the same tribes living in four countries. Fulanis in the four countries, Shua Arabs in the four countries, Kanuri and Hausa in the four countries but mostly concentrated in Chad and Borno State. In all, almost 65% of the inhabitants are destitute with Chad having 62% of its population as

BORNO STATE, ESPECIALLY THE LAKE CHAD REGION AND PROXIMITY, IS SOUGHT FOR BY A CONSORTIUM OF COUNTRIES AND POWERS, FOR WHATEVER REASON MOST UNINFORMED NIGERIANS COULD NOT UNDERSTAND INCLUDING, FOR SURE, THE SOLDIERS AND SOME OF THEIR COMMANDERS

destitute, going by United Nations records; and from where most of the insurgents’ combatants are recruited. In effect, such a destitute population could be easy prey to insurgent recruitment and even Borno State with its population of destitute is not spared. Imagine over three million children -out- of- school with a population of about six million, going

by Wikipedia records.

Chad has about 16 million people and about 10 million are destitute, Niger has about 24 million and about 14 million destitute, Cameroon has about 27 million people and about 37% of that population remains poor and, according to some of their privileged ones, the “Boko Haram� region serves as the “gold digging� region of their poor. The poor go there to see which service to offer the Boko Haram insurgents for money. Reports have it that for every successful suicide bombing mission in Nigerian territory, they receive a 4 x 4 Jeep each; and these Jeeps are parked close to the borders. Chad, the main fear of Boko Haram as well as its main conspirator, remains the “enfant terrible� of both west and central Africa, and linking its interest to the Arab world; even when France remains its backbone military wise. The Arab connection is not yet certain until recently when some of the sponsors were reportedly sentenced in Dubai court, leading to probing the Arab involvement.

France, for sure, is the biggest among all the powers that know what exactly is going on in the axis, often described by the West as part of the “Evil Axis�.

Somewhere on the street of CĂ´te des Neiges in Montreal, last year, I came out of the University of Montreal, walking my way to a shopping mall. I overheard a man calling for attention to hear what the West is doing to Nigeria as Lake Chad shrinks to 10,000km2 just 1% of its original size. He never mentioned Boko Haram. I started wondering why Lake Chad must matter more than the insurgency there. The man who claimed to be a Hungarian lectured me on why Lake Chad mattered most and informed me that the Chinese are willing to commit $6 billion to replenish Lake Chad from both River Congo through Logone and Ubangui Chari River or even the Nile. I was further perturbed by the mention of China and its confrontation with the West on issues that ought to be solved by Africans. He told me that they are meeting again in Sudan to plan further how to carry out the plan. In effect, land grabbing is never ruled out to claim the original one million Km2 with Field Marshal Deby as the leader.

In all, my mind went to another Zulu war, this time around

by Governor Zulum trying to fight a consortium of world powers and I wondered further: where is Nigeria or Africa’s intelligence in all this? Service chiefs are not the problem; even if they are changed without Field Marshal Deby dethronement they will remain helpless. r"SJPMF JT 1SPGFTTPS PG 'SFODI BOE 'SBODPQIPOF 4UVEJFT 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT

THE SALAMI PROBE REPORT Abayomi Akeremale argues that Ibrahim Magu is a tragic hero

A

tragic hero, to me, is a principal character endowed with some good unique qualities and enviable values but who, due to some character flaws, was brought to a tragic end.

Within the framework of this definition, Ibrahim Magu, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) can be classified as a tragic hero. He is highly principled but undiplomatic and stubborn on the side of truth, hence the tragic fate that befell him.

He is also a tragic hero because he came to the scene at a time of a seeming conspiracy to emasculate his institution and also damage his reputation, character and tested principles of honesty and integrity.

One’s purpose here is to expose some obvious defects in the recently submitted report of the judicial panel headed by the Hon Justice Ayo Salami (rtd), who seemed to have been recalled from his quiet retirement to act a script believed by many, to have been prepared to nail the coffin of the Nigeria Police Force, a body already amputated, emasculated and decapitated, and being asked to jump.

It would seem that right from the onset, the mission of the Salami judicial panel was not to investigate the alleged acts of omission or commission of the suspended EFCC Chairman but to work out a crime against him, targeted at his institution.

The panel started its assignment by attacking the act that created the EFCC chairmanship.

Many who could read between the lines wondered what the act had to do with Magu’s alleged malfeasance which the body was asked to establish and indict him if he was found wanting.

The report of the panel submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari seems to have confirmed such mindset.

In his symbolic logic class at the University of Ibadan in those days, Professor Peter Bodurin of blessed memory had taught his students of many fallacies. The first of such was the fallacy of generalization which the renowned academic said was common in Nigeria. The fallacy, according to him, goes thus:

One Peter stole chicken yesterday, therefore all persons known as Peter are thieves. Bodurin termed it an illogical argument and therefore a fallacy.

It is difficult to believe that such an esteemed panel as the one headed by Salami would canvas the argument that all policemen in the EFCC are bad, a position not deduced from any valid premise. The first lie and illogical argument the panel wanted to force down our throat was that Magu, as Chairman of the EFCC had embezzled all the interest on the funds recovered by the Commission.

This was publicized by the media for consumption by gullible members of the public until the Central Bank punctured the fabricated evidence, saying that all the recovered monies were paid into a particular non- interest yielding account in the CBN. If it were in other climes, such published inaccuracies were enough to have caused the removal of the Chairman of the panel, Justice Salami.

The panel also persisted in what some saw as a persecution mission without prosecution.

It is a cardinal part of the Evidence Act that he who alleges must prove. The person who alleges the existence of any fact or non-existence of such facts must prove that those facts exist or do not exist.

The Attorney-General of the Federation was said to have leveled allegations of malfeasance and misconduct against the suspended EFCC boss. Media reports subsequently had it that the Attorney-General declared that he would not appear before the Salami Panel and he did not appear.

He is the principal complainant in the matter and it is trite law that where a witness is not cross-examined, little or no weight at all shall be attached to his evidence. How did panel arrive at the ratio decidendi for its conclusion?

How did the panel arrive at the misguided conclusion that all the policemen serving in EFCC are bad, if not for a prejudicial mindset?

What is expected of the Salami judicial panel was to tell the world how much was found in Magu’s bank accounts, hidden somewhere, and how many houses he built in Saudi Arabia, Dubai or in his home town, and not for it to beam its searchlight on non-existent evidence.

One recalls vividly that in 1999, Sam Omokharo, a Commissioner of Police, retired and of blessed memory, noble in character, uncompromising, honest and reliable, was named the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Some newspapers defended the action of the then President, saying the act creating the NYSC only mentioned, in relation to the headship of the agency, director or anyone in the civil service or even a member of the civil society. But a powerful group approached the then President with the infantile argument that it was the tradition to reserve the portfolio for a particular favoured institution. Following that, the late Commissioner of Police did not spend up to six months in office before he was removed.

The situation in which Magu has found himself is not new. The present EFCC headquarters in Abuja was designed during the tenure of Mrs. Fatima Waziri, a virtuous, highly educated, honest and straight forward lawyer.

The contract for the construction of the edifice was subsequently contracted to a foreign firm.

Mrs. Waziri, then a serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police, was almost disgraced out of office but for her doggedness, honesty and integrity. It is the Police, the same institution that produced Waziri that the Salami Panel now says should be dislodged from the EFCC. When the subterranean police antagonists were at work, one remembers her saying that when you fight corruption, corruption would fight back. This is what Magu is currently facing.

No wonder the Bible asked the children of Israel which of the prophets did their fathers not persecute?

The seeming conspiracy against the police continues but the society will also feel its ripple effect. When you cut your nose to spite your face you become uglier for it.

Magu’s travails were said to have arisen from a friction between him and his boss, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. The Attorney-General was reported to have requested for some EFCC case files for vetting but Magu was said to have

refused. If that is true, that was undiplomatic and amounted to insubordination on his part.

It is doubtful if Magu was aware of what the provision of Section 174 (1) a-c of the Constitution says as below: 174(1) The Attorney General of the Federation shall have power (a) To institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria, other than a court martial in respect of any offence created by or under any act of the National Assembly, (b) To discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or persons; and (c) To discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or persons.

A subordinate requires tact and diplomacy in dealing with a person vested with such enormus powers.

If one were in Magu’s position, one would have initiated a memorandum to the AGF, giving reasons for the findings and conclusion for his consideration, a copy of which would be kept for future reference.

The famous human rights crusader, Ayo Opadokun, in his book, “The Politics of Corruption and the Corruption of Politics,� said the fight against corruption is a class struggle for ascension to power. Here we are in a society where law making is to shield the criminal from detection and prosecution. The hunter has become the hunted.

In the introduction to his play “Arms and the Man�, Bernard Shaw says “where there is no law and order; society would become an arena of wild beasts tearing one another to pieces.�

There should be no place even in the Aso Rock Villa library for the document submitted by the Justice Salami, for the otherwise esteemed body did not confine itself to its terms of reference. The entire exercise, owing to the foregoing, is a waste of public funds and its outcome ought to be discountenanced. r"LFSFNBMF B SFUJSFE $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF QSBDUJDFT -BX JO "CVKB

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EDITORIAL

ENDING OPEN DEFECATION The authorities must do more to change the habit

D

espite the Executive Order 009 signed last year by President Muhammadu Buhari to address the issue of open defecation, there are no signs that the nation can meet the 2025 target to stop the unhygienic practice in Nigeria. More unfortunate is that with 46 million people still practicing open defecation in the country, Nigeria is ranked as number one in the world among countries where such habit is still prevalent.

That about a quarter of our national population use the open fields, forests and bushes and bodies of water as convenience is bad enough. What is worse is that even in supposedly modern GOVERNMENTS, AT EVERY cities like LEVEL, SHOULD INVEST IN Abuja, it is PROVIDING PUBLIC TOILETS, common to AND EVEN MORE, BY CREATING see people defecating AWARENESS ON WHILE in the open.

PEOPLE SHOULD USE THEM Yet the cost of this unhealthy living conditions - of not having access to toilets - is expensive. According to both UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO), lack of toilets remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children. Diarrhea, a disease often associated with poor sanitary condition, and respiratory infections resulting from poor hygiene, kill about 400,000 children under the age of five, annually.

In a related report, both UNICEF and WHO have also ranked Nigeria only ahead of China and India on the list of countries without access to potable water and where 20 per cent of our population indulged in the shameful practice of “open defecation�.

This latest report is evident that the coun-

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try had not made any progress. Indeed, the figure is suggestive that more Nigerians now use the outdoors to ease themselves.

It is obvious that sanitation is a major challenge in the country. The evidence is everywhere. The country is one huge field, where people defecate, without shame, and without putting into consideration the impact of their action on the health of others. In many rural communities, people still build houses without provision for toilets, or as the case may be, latrines where waste can be emptied without others coming in contact with it.

In the urban centres, the issue is pervasive. In many of our so-called modern cities, many people use the outdoors as bathrooms and toilets. Many walkways and nearby bushes reek of urine and decaying faecal matters. Some of the university communities also spread intense odour as many students, in the absence of clean toilets in the hostels, use any available space as convenience. And experts have consistently warned that when large numbers of people are defecating outdoors, it’s extremely difficult to avoid ingesting human waste, either because it’s entered the food or water supplies or because it has been spread by flies and dust.

According to the national road map to make Nigeria open defecation free by 2025, the country loses N455 billion annually to poor sanitation while the country needs an estimated N959 billion to end open defecation in the next five years, with the government expected to provide around 25 per cent of this amount. There is nothing on ground to suggest any efforts in that direction. We therefore call on governments, at every level, to invest more in providing public toilets, and even more, by creating awareness on while people should use them. Such a campaign will be worth the efforts, because it will save lives.

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.

WHY LAI MOHAMMED DESERVES NO BLAME ON HEARING-IMPAIRED NIGERIANS

T

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina have been vilified and castigated more than any other members of the Buhari’s cabinet. At the moment, the trio seems to have committed unpardonable crimes against the Nigerian masses. By virtue of Nigerian history, the trio is likely to be vindicated and celebrated by the Nigerian people after leaving office.

The tragic memory of the extra judicial killings of harmless Nigerians in Odi, Bayelsa State and Zaki-Biam, Benue State has gone into oblivion. The principal actor of the unfortunate incident and some of his cabinet members are currently national heroes.

One would have expected them to bury their heads in shame and retire from public space. Ironically, they have consistently lectured on topical national matters, endorsed political candidates and vied for elective posts without despicable reactions from the Nigerian masses.

Lai Muhammad, Abubakar Malami and Femi Adesina would continue to defend the Buhari- led administration at all costs because they have nothing at stake. They are conversant with the historical precedent of Nigerian people. A people who usually fail to appraise and hold their political leaders accountable after leaving office but only sing their praises and hold them in high esteems.

Many accolades await the trio after leaving office.

They await numerous calls from professional associations, trade unions, students’ body and the Nigerian populace to deliver talks on their fields in relation to good governance. They may also be rewarded with honorary titles and elective posts by the people. Any of the present opposition parties may also request for their service eventually if entrusted with political power.

Should the trio be blamed for their present action when it would definitely open more opportunities for them? President Muhammadu Buhari and his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, are also living witnesses to this gesture. They were henchmen to General Sani Abacha dreaded military regime. And the duo has kept soaring momentarily in personal capacity.

The Nigerian system would continue to produce hundreds of Lai Mohammed, Abubakar Malami and Femi Adesina. Even the resignation of any of them from Buhari’s cabinet won’t make a difference. A countless number of people will jostle for any vacancy and keep rationalizing the extra judicial killings, unlawful incarceration, insecurity and bad economy bedevilling the nation.

The Nigerian masses must demand and work towards where public office holders face dire consequences for working against the wishes of the people. r#JO[BL "[FF[ 'BDVMUZ PG -BX 0CBGFNJ "XPMPXP 6OJWFSTJUZ *MF *GF

I

It is becoming clearer that self-medication is more pronounced among persons living with hearing-impairment. Some of the affected persons, mostly young ones, are not just seriously damaging their ears with modern gadgets, they are abusing drugs. Regrettably, the ugly trend is fueled by medical experts, claiming to treat every type of ailment.

The reality is that some hearing-impaired persons cannot be completely blamed for resorting to self-medication. It is truly not very easy, living with persistent shame especially being shouted upon at any given time. In short, some of them that could not properly fit into approved social circle or carry out certain functions have reached the point of possibly considering suicide.

It however needs to be specially stressed that some hearingimpaired persons can handle any human task. It is equally certain that they can actively and effectively contribute their quota towards effective nation-building, if they are fully aided. The greatest impediment is just procuring a perfect hearing aid which is not only very costly but clearly beyond the reach of several indigent Nigerians.

Meanwhile, it is highly commendable that several individuals and organisations are seriously addressing the issue of stigmatization against persons with disabilities in Nigeria. This is equally the best time to devote the same attention to increasing cases of hearing loss. Please, let us collectively help indigent Nigerians in tackling hearing-impairment and making it history like the once dreaded wild poliovirus. r4VOEBZ 0EJBLB -BHPT

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POLITICS

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

Reasons for the Jostle for the Presidency by lgbos Magnus Onyibe, an alumnus of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA and a former Commissioner in Delta state delves into history to reveal how an Igbo can become President of Nigeria

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he fear of dominance by one ethnic group over another in the Nigerian union has been with us since Lord Frederick Luggard, the representative of the British colonialist, amalgamated the southern and northern protectorates of the British Empire into one entity called Nigeria in 1914, with him as the Governor General.

Over hundred (100) years after and sixty (60) years post- independence from the colonialist, distrust arising from fear of dominance still occupies left, right and centre spaces of the politics and economy of the multiple ethnic groups in our beloved nation, Nigeria.

So much so that after the civil war of 1967 – 1970, the Igbo nation has been having a feeling of being treated by other ethnic groups in the union like a stepchild whose future is not so bright.

Notwithstanding all the political mistakes made by some leaders of Igbo extraction, would allowing the tribe that is the third largest ethnic group in Nigeria to produce the next president in 2023 give the Igbos, who occupy the eastern flank of our country a sense of belonging?

Whereas my intention in this intervention is by no means to discourage the Igbos from their quest for one of their own to be Nigerian President in 2023, it is important to amplify the odds stacked against them by taking a deeper look at the presidency rotation calculus between the politicians in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria in critical ways that would reveal that it is more complex than it initially appears to be, especially to the uninitiated.

The underpinning reason for the above assertion is that there are more granular detailed angles to the rotation argument not in the public sphere that may vitiate the Igbo claim that it is their turn. And thats simply because the rotation of the presidency agreement is for it to shift between the north and south, and not between the three major tribes of Hausa/ Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo or three regions of north , east and west which was the original make up of Nigeria at independence in 1960. It is mainly on the premise or ground that the presidency is rotating between the three major ethic groups that the Igbo presidency case can be made. The lgbos may not like the summation that the rotation between Northern, western and eastern regions seized to exist after the military took over governance but that’s the reality.

And at this juncture, a bit of historical background is apropos to put things in context.

Before the 1966 coup, the 1963 constitution which had the underpinning principle of true federalism and autonomy of the three regions was in operation.

But following the first 1966 coup in January which brought in General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi as the military head of state, the 1963 constitution got abrogated and thus ended the practice of true federalism, while ushering the country into a unitary system via the so-called unification decree no 34 of 24 May, 1966.

What the lronsi regime decree did was to lay the foundation for the centralization of government as it facilitated the putting into the exclusive and concurrent lists-some 62 items by some account, controlled by the federal authoritiesfunctions that were hitherto vested in regional governments.

As the January 1966 coup was deemed as an lgbo coup, the counter coup six months after-July 1966 led by northern officers retained and sustained the unitary system with major elements of it incorporated into subsequent constitutions, including the 1979 and 1999 constitutions,

foisted on the country by the military that birthed them.

Also let us not forget that in February of 1966, a month after lronsi’s emergence as head of state, army Major, Isaac Adaka Boro made the first secession move

when he declared the republic of Niger Delta, now famously known as Kaiama Declaration which was aimed at freeing up the Niger delta from perceived lgbo stranglehold .

According to recorded history, the

Olawepo-Hashim Wims in Court Ibrahim Hassan, Media Aide to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Trust in the 2019 national elections, Mr. Gbenga OlawepoHashim writes on a profound judicial pronouncement which restores the threatened business empire of his principal

R

ecently, a Federal High Court in Abuja restored the Hely Creek and Abigborodo fields in OML 49 farmed-out to Transnational Energy Limited by Chevron/NNPC (Joint Ventures partners) back to the company, Transnational Energy Limited.

The Farm-out which was concluded in 2017 between Transnational and the Joint Venture operators, Chevron Nigeria Limited, was amongst other things for the purpose of providing feedstock to a gas-to-power project developed

by Transnational Energy Limited and partners which started in 2012.

In a letter dated 20th February 2017, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had conveyed a letter of Ministerial Consent by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources approving the farm-out and its terms, it equally directed the company to pay a prescribed premium to Federal Government, after which the farm-out will become effective. The company, Transnational Energy paid the prescribed fee; but in a twist, in January 2019, the Late Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari authored a memo revoking the earlier Ministerial Consent, purportedly on the instruction of the President. The Department of Petroleum Resources without any notice to the farmee (Transnational Energy Limited) put the two fields in the 2020 marginal fields basket, though the fields were not part of the original 57 fields approved for the bid round. The Plaintiff, Transnational Energy Limited, and its sister company in the power business (Bresson A.S. Nigeria Limited) filed a suit FHC/ ABJ/CS/1067/2020 in the Federal High

Court Abuja to challenge the actions of the respondents, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

In the said suit, which was filed by way of Originating Summon by Transnational Energy Limited’s lawyer, Dr. Sijuwade Kayode, backed by a 27 paragraphs affidavit and 16 exhibits Transnational Energy Limited (TEL) contended that the fields were legally farmed-out to TEL and having paid the prescribed premium to the Federal Government the farm-out was completed and that later actions of the Chief of Staff to the President, Late Abba Kyari was null and void. The Plaintiff asked for four reliefs amongst which is the award of US$20million (Twenty Million United States Dollars) as liquidated damages against the defendants. The company exhibited its audited accounts, business plan and financial model which shows both plaintiffs had jointly expended US$22.718million (Twenty-Two Million, Seven Hundred and Eighteen Thousand United States Dollars) on the development of the gas and power side of the project. The financial models also show it has lost an estimated sum of over US$164million due to the actions of the defendants while Federal Government itself may have lost over US$68million in royalty and taxes not earned as a result of the actions of the defendants.

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secession or insurrection which was an action taken in protest and a bid to escape perceived Igbo dominance of power over the minorities in the region, was quelled after 12 days. And it has gone down in history as the first secession by an ethnic group in Nigeria and the first separatist movement that was rejected and quashed by the Federal Government.

Remarkably, and historically, it is the pair of General Aguiyi lronsi as Head of state and Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as governor of East-Central State ( both of whom are of blessed memory) that ordered the quashing of the insurrection by the first ethnic group that sought to separate itself from Nigeria: a mission that was later embarked upon, barely a year after by Ojukwu himself in 1967 when he too declared the state of Biafra in his bid to separate the eastern region from Nigeria. The decision according to historical accounts was underscored and motivated by the mass killing of lgbos in the north and their subsequent exodus back to lgbo land due to the pogrom.

Unfortunately, the lgbo secession resulted in the civil war that raged on till 1970 and cost our country massive loss of human and infrastructural resources or capital.

Ironically, a little over five decades after Adaka Boro, an Ijaw man on behalf of Niger Delta people in 1966 attempted to decouple or liberate the region from the Nigerian union through secession and then Head of state, General lronsi and governor, Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu quashed the insurrection; an initiative that Ojukwu later copied from Adaka Boro when he led the lgbos attempt to secede by declaring the east central region of Nigeria, the state of Biafra in 1967, the distrust and attrition still persist.

So essentially, apart from the Ijaw nation that first attempted to secede in February 1966 under the leadership of the indomitable Major Isaac Adaka Boro, an endeavour which was quashed in 12 days, the lgbo nation also attempted to secede in 1967 under the leadership of Col Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu resulting in the civil war that lasted for three years.

What is not in the public space is that the northern army officers who staged the counter coup of July of 1966 also wanted to secede. But they were later prevailed upon to demure by an unidentified adviser, whom some historians believe was then British High Commissioner.

What this reveals is that while all the other major ethnic nationalities in the Nigerian union have at one time or the other attempted to or has had the intention to secede at one point or the other, only the Yoruba nation is recorded in history (l stand to be corrected) not to have contemplated seceding since the amalgamation of both the northern and southern protectorates in 1914.

And that appears in my view to be a veritable testimony that the Yoruba nation is one of the nationalities that is most committed to one Nigeria, until the current movement for Oduduwa state emerged recently.

Disappointingly, today, the lgbos via IPOB and MASSOB are still on the separatist path, albeit without engaging in armed struggles like Adaka Boro or Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

What this suggests is that over 50 years after the civil war, nothing or not much has changed in our country with respect to the fear of dominance by one member or members of the union over the others.

What’s sustaining the mutual suspicion?

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020

19

PERSPECTIVE

After the Riot, What Next?

Adeyemo, Ogbuagu and Rise of Nigerian-Americans Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline draws attention to the improving fortune of Nigerians in politics and governance in America

T

he doors of history and empowerment are continuing to open at the highest levels of the governmental financial leadership of the United States for the Nigerian, African and African-American communities. A major door was opened on December 1, 2020.

“I know that what the President-elect so often reminds us of is true. The American people can do anything when given a chance. And I’m honored to be a part of this talented team and to work with them and all the American people to build an economy that gives everyone that chance and turns our nation once again from crisis to hope,” were the optimistic and reassuring words of Joe Biden’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Nigerian-born, Adewale Adeyemo.

He is an attorney and first president of the Obama Foundation. He will work with Janet Yellen, the nominee for Treasury Secretary. When confirmed, as expected in January 2021, Adeyemo will become the first Black person to serve in the role.

Yes; it’s a very big deal!

We are all waiting for January 2021 when Adeoye will become the first Nigeria Nigerian American to be sworn in as a member of the United States Congress — although he does not have the full weight of congressional voting. This has more to do with the fact that the district of Columbia (Washington DC) has not achieved full statehood and nothing to do with our younger brother! There are several of us elected or appointed to important positions at other levels.

Especially, in the healthcare sector and the professional services level we have a galaxy of scholars and researchers who are leaders in their various fields

In my column for the first Friday of November, titled “The Rise of NigerianAmericans,” I expressed respect and appreciation for the facts that the November 3, 2020 presidential and congressional elections in the United States continue to show aspects of the beauty of its recent democratic traditions. Especially the opportunity it gives to recent immigrants — required to be citizens of the United States regardless of where they come from — to compete in the civic battle of ideas.

Alongside many other candidates, 12 Nigerian-Americans and African immigrants joined in making history. One such person is Dr. Adeoye ‘Oye’ Owolewa. He is also a history maker, a barrier breaking example of the hard work and dedication of the Nigerian-Americans who are working their way through the political leadership. And overall professional excellence in the United States.

Today, we are all waiting for January 2021 when Adeoye will become the first Nigeria Nigerian American to be sworn in as a member of the United States Congress — although he does not have the full weight of congressional voting.

This has more to do with the fact that the district of Columbia (Washington DC) has not achieved full statehood and nothing to do with our younger brother! There are several of us elected or appointed to important positions at other levels.

Especially, in the healthcare sector and the professional services level we have a galaxy of scholars and researchers who are leaders in their various fields.

For example, a young Nigerian American scientist is one of the leading members of the group at Pfizer who produced the much-waited vaccine against COVID-19.

His name is Dr. Onyema Ogbuagu. He is of Yale University and a specialist in infectious diseases. He graduated from the University of Calabar Medical School in Nigeria in 2003.

On the significance of the work against the Coronavirus, Dr. Ogbuagu said the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine could be “the beginning of the end of the pandemic....

The vaccine would help us achieve immunity.” Yes; it’s a very big deal!

Let me underline four additional, key points.

The first one is that all these are happening as products of individual excellence.

The second is that there are no quotas and preferential treatment as to who leads or contributes to areas of research in the dynamic battle for solutions to human problems.

The third point is that I do believe that on enabling environment is very critical, useful and facilitative of critical thinking, creative thinking and scientific inquiries.

The enabling environment includes keeping students in school and actually teaching them as obtains in the United States and other stable societies and academies.

On the other hand, in Nigeria, it is very unfortunate and retrogressive to notice the fact the schools and universities stay more closed by the iniquity and incompetence of their various governments at all levels and by all political parties.

My fourth point is: Who would have thought that the insulted and assaulted Nigerian youths are the same ones who are bringing the highest global recognition to the same country that treats them with so much disregard?

Olasubomi Iginla Aina, a Member of the Excellent Order of the British Empire, suggests that there is a lot more work to be done to achieve the goal of a just society projected by organisers of the #EndSARS campaigns

I

am deeply concerned about the recent unpleasant events in Nigeria which have claimed precious lives, monumental loss of properties and facilities and which has mortgaged the future of our youth and upcoming generations. My appointment as MBE (Member of the Excellent Order Of The British Empire) by Her Majesty the Queen was given based on my work with young people and the disadvantaged in Africa especially Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

I signed on to a warrant/acceptance of appointment under The Queen’s Sign Manual to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to continue to extend my goodwill towards humanity and I believe that this is the right time to rise to defend this cause to save humanity from drowning. My youth work in Nigeria is close to 30 years, during which I was involved with the preparation of the first Youth Policy Document for Nigeria, the first in Africa. I have become restless on this humanitarian mission and I ask myself of what use is my MBE if my privileged appointment cannot be used to the advantage of the Nigerian youth?

I am sincerely devastated and filled with thoughts of all we have been through as a nation lately. How did we get here is the question that lingers on my mind. My fellow Nigerians, it is now time to reflect and re-think. Sincerely, we have come really far.

Now what next can we do to move our dear nation forward?

The world truly detests the truth but someone needs to speak up. Looking at the incident of the last few weeks, you will agree now that there is a need to retreat which does not mean surrender. We now need to be more strategic to move forward.

During the course of these protests, I took note of different kinds of enemies: One who is guilty and yet clamours to end SARS. A cheat, a corrupt lecturer, a carefree doctor killing innocent patients who cannot afford to pay hospital bills; religious leaders exploiting the less privileged; political terrors, government workers receiving and giving bribes, parents buying exam questions for their children to mention a few.

The real enemy lies within my beloved Nigerians. I watched as many clamour for a change of government and I wonder how soon we have forgotten that every government emerges from the citizens; if this government is not good, we are definitely in to replace a questionable government with another one more questionable. The regeneration of Nigeria needs to start with you and I. Let’s all begin to see Nigeria as our personal project, that is when we can add value. In the absence of this we are not ready for the change we are canvassing for.

There are a few matters that I will like us to touch on: Looking back, I shudder with terror the quantum of fake news I receive on my social media platforms, and I ask, why would anyone delight in putting up hocus pocus on the social-media to cause unrest and anxiety in the society? This act is wicked and genuinely SARS as you are not different from a policeman who shoots an innocent citizen.

This act of spreading fake news has caused unnecessary tension and loss of lives on our streets. This again is a matter that the government needs to address without delay, this fake news has caused and it is still causing crisis. I am aware there are cries and hues about the effort of government to regulate social media, I am equally appreciative of the suspicions that the government might use this as an avenue to suppress the press which again will be deemed as blatant injustice to our democracy. I agree that this may not be straight forward but new regulations that might put misguided fifth columnists to check is urgently requiredto address this problem.

The diaspora serves as a signpost for the way Nigeria is perceived outside her shores

and it worried me some time ago when protests rocked the United Kingdom about the revelation that our dear President Muhammadu Buhari was dead. It was a rattling news but I know it didn’t start today.

Buhari dead? Since 2017, this rumour has been circulating and I am aware that the President had made a joke of this in one of his appearances. Unfortunately, this rumour has gone seriously viral across the world and this is another problem I have with our government for its poor handling of the issue. It may sound strange but many people are still convinced that our president is dead. What I expected the president to do was to take this matter more seriously.

A notion that bothers a state and has continuously caused confusion and chaos amongst our citizens, no matter how dim-witted it sounds, is a very serious matter and a proportional action must be taken to address the situation immediately. Delaying such responses in the past has been very costly, It will be quite appropriate for President Buhari to address the nation on this subject. Some of the solutions to our problems are simple and very straight forward but unfortunately we continue to delay appropriate actions. Remember that badly managed information leaves a vacuum which only rumours/imaginations can fill.

The Nigerian youth have thrown up a lot of issues from ending police brutality to fixing bad infrastructure to reducing the carnage of herdsmen attack and of course the reduction in the cost of governance. Well done to our youth who took it upon themselves to wake the entire nation up from a long period of slumber. The night is over and we are all awake now. Unfortunately if the opportunistic tendencies of miscreants to loot and maim is a thing to worry about, then there is even a worst nightmare amongst us and it is the matter of the young people who actually allowed the enemies within to use them to disrupt a peaceful campaign. We have lost so much to these undesirable elements, you are our greatest SARS, you emerged to subvert the process of change and for your information, those who used you are coming back for you because you know their secret. The best thing for you to do now is to defect to the right camp and expose these enemies within.

The clamour to reduce the salaries of politicians is a welcome idea and I hope this will become a reality. But if we must all agree on this as one of the solutions to the problem of corruption then we must stop begging these politicians for money. Houses of most of these politicians have been turned to places people go to eat, drink and make personal requests, rather than engage them for community development and accountability. As such, we have continuously encouraged our leaders to mismanage public funds due to our greedy actions. Let our politicians face their jobs and deliver. We must henceforth work hard to bequeath a country that our children will be proud to call their own.

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

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020 •T H I S D AY

21

T H I S D AY Ëž BER 4, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

A T

N O V E M B E R

REPO 1.24 % 1.50 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

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

0.50 % 1% 2%

753.55 % 0.18 % 0.60 %

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

2 7 , 2 0 2 0 S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 20.24 % YEAR TO DATE 56.61 %

EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes

FAAN Inspects Facilities at Kano Airport

2020 NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT

L-R: Delegates, Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Oladele Ogunlana; Governor of Edo State/Summit Panelist, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Lead Communications Committee, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Tosin Adefeko; Wife of the Chairman, NESG, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and Chairman, Asue Ighodalo, at the 2020 NES held in Abuja‌recently

Arik, Aero May Merge for Business Survival Chinedu Eze There are strong indications that stakeholders are considering a merger between Arik Air and Aero Contractors, two airlines under the management of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

This, THISDAY learnt, would be in response to the difficult times facing airlines, especially with the disruption caused by the Covid-19.

The CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, said the merge could be a possibility, if the federal government was desirous of ensuring the survival of the airlines.

But he pointed out that the history and origin of both companies was different, adding that their current circumstances also differ despite the fact that

AVIATION they are under the management of AMCON. Despite that, Sanusi said financial experts could also look at the two companies, straighten them up and bring them together so that they would become stronger and serve the country better.

According to him, the purpose of running the airlines was to provide greater service to the people, stating that airlines provide logistics that is safe and fast, so every effort should be made to ensure the airlines survive.

The Aero CEO, however, pointed out that although he does not think merging the airline was a good way to go, he said the federal government has the legal right to adopt

merger, using very good consultants. “Aero and Arik can come together but the history of those companies are not similar; their origin and circumstances are different, but government can get financial experts that can look at the two companies and put them together to make sure we serve the public better. “I hope that the federal government is not going to lose that objective because airlines provide efficient logistics that is safe and fast. I think that government has the legal right to do anything, but I don’t think that it is a good way to follow for the two airlines, but I believe that if you get very good consultants, there is nothing that is impossible to do,� Sanusi said.

Spokesman of AMCON,

Jude Nwuzor told THISDAY that he was not sure that such plan was on the cards yet, but noted that the two companies may not be compatible for such merger and assured that he would make further enquiries about the plan.

Industry consultant and CEO of Aglo Limited, Tayo Ojuri told THISDAY that the condition the two airlines are presently may not allow them to merge their operations.

But, he pointed out that in order to survive many airlines in the world are adopting merger and acquisition post Covid-19.

He noted, however, that if Aero and Arik merge they would become strong contender for investors.

Continued on page 22

Expert: Nigeria Loses N250bn Annually in Value of Road Assets Eromosele Abiodun Following the dominant use of the roads for domestic passengers and freight movement, Nigeria is losing a whooping N250 billion annually in value of its roads assets and motor vehicle operating costs, Prof.

Damidele Badejo has said.

The university don stated this while delivering a paper titled: “Transport Infrastructure and Smart City Development in Nigeria,� at the just concluded second annual summit of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) held in Abuja.

Badejo, who is of the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, added that Lagos state was suffering far greater losses than other states because of the commercial activity in the state.

MARITIME “The road mode is the dominant mode of transportation in Lagos, it accounts for about 95 per cent of all movements by transportation both for goods, passengers and services.

Transportation in Lagos state can therefore be described as unimodal, predominantly used by cars, buses, motorcyclists, bicycle and pedestrians. “Furthermore, the strategic road network in Lagos can be described as primary, distributor and collector roads that more than 650km. Available information indicated that more than 300,000 vehicle and over 400,000 motorcycle are registered annually in Lagos, with very high deteriorating and depreciating rate,� he said.

He stated the challenges associated with road transportation

system in Lagos is very glaring in the daily commuting of over 10 million passengers between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island using about 60,000 unregulated mini and midi informal buses, which are operated predominantly by the private sector in addition to less than 1000 BRT buses in use.

The university don said smart transport infrastructure should be designed to be valuable.

Badejo said a smart city would change the governance of a city as it influences the cooperation among stakeholders acting in the transport field. “Smart city, smart transport and smart transport infrastructure appears to be a promising evolution but can also bring about potential reinforcing inequalities segregation effects. “San Francisco is one of the top-ranked in smart mobility challenge were high vehicles ownership and congestions such

that drivers in the waste an average of 150 hours every year in traffic, having realised the effect of mobility change of the efficiency of the city,� he stated.

Also speaking, Chairman of the CIOTA Summit Intellectual /Technical Committee, Prof.

Innocent Ogwude, advocated competitive environment for transport sector to attract more investment in transport infrastructure.

Ogwude, added that following global trends, Nigeria had embarked on a programme of transport sector reforms since 1999 adding that the reforms were ongoing to rebuild the transport infrastructure base of the country.

He reiterated the need to create competitive environment in the transport market, which could be achieved by unbunContinued on page 22

The Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) last week inspected facilities at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where a new terminal that was recently completed is to be inaugurated by the federal government.

The FAAN delegation, which was led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Authority, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu also had a team from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on the tour.

Themanagementoftheagencyalsocommenceda10-dayfacilitytourof thenation’s23airports.Thetourisaimedatassessingtheinfrastructural needsoftheairports,whilealsoevaluatingtheirpreparationsfortheannual surge in passenger traffic usually occasioned by the Yuletide season, as well as the level of compliance with covid-19 protocols at the airports.

At the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, the Managing Director also used the opportunity to address members of staff at the airport.

He assured them that management would continue to prioritize staff welfare and improve on their conditions of service. He enjoined them to continuetodischargetheirdutieswiththehighestlevelofprofessionalism and dedication.

Theteam,whichalsoincludedtheAuthority’sDirectorsofFinance,Mrs.Nike Aboderin;EngineeringServices,Engr.SalisuNurudeenDaura;Commercial and Business Development, Mr. Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi; Airport Security Services, Rtd. Group Captain Usman Abubakar Sadiq; Airport Operations,Capt.MuktharMuye;HumanResources,Mr.NorrisAnozie;and LegalAdviser,Dr.CliffordOmozeighanwillbeproceedingtoBauchi,Kaduna, Gombe and Maiduguri airports, before taking another batch of airports.

Red Star to Automate System

RedStarExpressPlc,oneofNigeria’sforemostlogisticssolutionsproviders, hasannouncedfurtherinvestmentinaspectsofitsbusinesswhichshould drive the company closer to total automation in its operations.

Inamediachat,theGroupManagingDirector,RedStarExpressPlc,Dr.Sola Obabori explained that the company has made significant investments in its operations; particularly in the acquisition of modern technology to aid the move towards automating its operations. “Last year, we identified a few areas where we needed to improve on to take our business to new heights. One of those areas was the aspect of adding more automation to our operations.We are looking to deliver our services to customers in a quicker and sharper manner,� he said. “Over the last few months, we have refined our offerings to cater to the evolving needs of our customers. Our customers are demanding more from us in terms of service delivery. “Therefore, it is imperative that we adapt accordingly. Our operations hubs are being restructured to have the latest technology that will boost their output in terms of package processing, security, and delivery. We areworkingwiththebesttechnologyfirmsaroundtoensurethedesired outcome,� he added.

Embraer Delivers Praetor 600 Fleet to Flexjet

EmbraerhasdeliveredthefirstjetinafleetofPraetor600stoFlexjet.The aircraft will be used for the company’s burgeoning operations in Europe.

FlexjetisthePraetorfleetlaunchcustomer,havingreceivedthefirst-ever Praetor500lessthanayearago,inDecember2019.Thedeal,valuedatup to$1.4billion,wasannouncedatNBAA-BACE2019andcomprisesafleet of Praetor 600s, Praetor 500s, and Phenom 300s. “We are honored to further execute on our commitment to Flexjet, our esteemedpartnerofover17years,withthedeliveryofthisfirstPraetor600 to our long-standing fleet customer,� said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “It’s a privilege to collaborate on the introduction of not only the most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize jet in the world but also on delivering the ultimate experience in business aviation to Flexjet Owners in Europe.� “Wehavespentthepastthreeyearslayingthefoundationtobecomeaforce inEuropeanprivateaviation,andweareproudtoexceedtheexpectations of this valued market,� said Michael Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet. “ThePraetor600,withitsunparalleledtechnology,comfort,andperformance, markedbyclass-leading,intercontinentalrange,roundsoutthefleetthatwill helpustomeeteverypossibleneedanddesireofFlexjetOwnersinEurope.�

EmbraerandFlexjetenjoyalong-standing,successfulpartnership.In2003, Flight Options — which merged with Flexjet in 2015 — became the first fractional ownership program to introduce the Legacy Executive Jet. In 2010, they introduced the Phenom 300, and in 2012 the company took deliveryofEmbraer’smilestone100thPhenom300.Thenin2015,Flexjet becamethefirstfractionalprovidertooffertheLegacy500,latertaking deliveryofEmbraer’smilestone1000thbusinessjet—aLegacy500—in 2016.The Legacy 450 then joined the Flexjet fleet in 2016.

“The most important contribution aviation makes to national economy is through its impact on the performance of other sectors and as a facilitator of their growth�

Chairman, House Committee on Aviation,

Hon. Nnoli Nnaji

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T H I S D AY Ëž BER 4, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD ARIK, AERO MAY MERGE FOR BUSINESS SURVIVAL “I believe it is the way to go and they should giver it consideration,� Ojuri said.

But he argued that Aero Maintenance should not be part of the merger because that branch of the company, which generated over N350 million last year, was doing well and could stand on its own. “Aero Maintenance is a different entity and it has been doing well. I don’t think they should sell off that part.

It generated N350 million last year and aircraft are lined up to be maintained. They have a strategic alliance with foreign partners, which is very good.�

Industry stakeholders have been canvassing for interlining, merger and acquisition of Nigerian airlines to ensure the survival of domestic carriers and they believe that when they work together they will benefit from economy of scale, share spares and attain strong synergy that would enable them survive.

They had noted that with interline, three airlines, for example, at low hours could use one aircraft to airlift passengers and save themselves cost of fuel and other logistics and above all, operate full load, instead of each airline airlifting few passengers to the same destination.

EXPERT: NIGERIA LOSES N250BN ANNUALLY IN VALUE OF ROAD ASSETS dling of the existing monopoly structure, represented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

Ogwude, who is also the President and Chief Consultant, Socent Management Consult Limited, said that there was need to unbundle the monopoly structure of Ministry of Works, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) as well as Federal Air Port Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to enable fair trading and enhanced private sector participation in the industry. “Until the transport industry transforms onto a truly market economy, with legislative institutions on technical as well as economical and economic regulation adding that opportunities for innovation and technology in sustainable transport infrastructure development would remain challenged,� he said.

Group Business Editor

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NEWS

NANTS: Selective Border Reopening Negates FCCPC Act Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has faulted the gradual reopening of land borders to Dangote and BUA groups, saying such a selective approach contradicts the general principles and provisions of the recently enacted Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Act. NANTS also stated that doing so could further worsen inflation as well as other socio-economic and political challenges, including government revenue, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the overall ECOWAS regional integration process.

The Presidency recently directed that Nigerian land borders which had been shut since August 20, 2019, be reopened to allow Dangote, BUA groups and an unnamed gas company to resume exports.

But speaking during a stakeholders’ review meeting on the recommendations of the policy dialogue on border closure and matters

arising, in Abuja, the National President of NANTS, Dr. Ken Ukaoha called on the federal government to immediately reopen the land borders to all genuine businesses and deploy security intelligence- sharing, surveillance tactics and trade facilitation lessons learnt dur-

ing the closure for effective policing and regulation of the borders and corridors.

According to him, this was in order to encourage trade facilitation as well as unhindered movement of genuine goods to enhance food security and livelihoods.

He said the original intention of the border closure was to serve essentially as a warning shot for smugglers and other criminals using the land borders to perpetrate economic sabotage and insecurity on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic environment.

Ukoha noted that the relevant security agencies should have by now been able to identify, gather and document enough lessons and drawn strategies to effectively control the borders for the good of the economy and Nigerians as a whole.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

L-R: Head of Media and External Relations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Ramon Nasir; Deputy Managing Director, Liadi Ayoku, President, Nigerian Institute of Taxation, Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice; and Managing Director, BusinessDay Newspapers, Mr. Ogho Okiti at the BusinessDay Bank and other Financial Institutions Award (BAFI) where UBA won ‘Bank of the Year’ and ‘International Bank of the Year’ awards, held in Lagos‌recently

Jamoh Restates NIMASA’s Commitment to Capacity Building Eromosele Abiodun The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has declared the agency’s commitment to capacity building through its knowledge and research-based initiatives.

Jamoh made this known during the official launch of the agency’s e-library at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre (NMRDC) in Lagos.

He said as a knowledge-based

industry with huge opportunities, there was need to encourage research to enable the Nigerian maritime sector reach its full potential.

The NIMASA boss stated: “You would agree with me that maritime is knowledge-based and we cannot afford to be left behind.

This is why we have upgraded this library beyond physical books to the electronic ones. The virtual nature of the library makes accessibility of reading materials seamless from any part of the world just with a touch of the button on your phone.

“We believe this would help Nigeria to diversify its economy and reduce tremendously the oil dependency, as this library is equipped to bridge the knowledge gap in our industry.�

Jamoh also said: “By the official opening of the NIMASA Knowledge Centre E-library, we have once again shown beyond rhetoric that the agency is committed to bequeathing treasured assets to Nigeria, Africa, and the global maritime community.�

He said the library would help to preserve the country’s maritime history and advance

the industry, as it would house a lot of reference materials. “As you know, libraries are not just facilities for warehousing books and periodicals, they are also important cornerstones of a healthy community,� the DG. “More than just storage spaces for books, libraries are important community hubs that serve as centres of learning, professional development and healthcare, among other benefits,� he added.

The NIMASA DG also spoke on the NMRDC, which he said was designed as a training institution for the maritime

industry.

He likened the resource centre to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in Kaduna State, which serves as a training facility for the security services. “It is our hope that the purpose of this centre would be realised. You can see it is designed to harbour students with a 44-apartment guest house where faculties and students can reside comfortably for a training period. It also has a world-class training centre and other facilities that can compete with the best in the world,� he said.

LADOL Boss Urges Private Sector to Embrace SDGs Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base (LADOL), Dr. Amy Jadesimi, has urged African private sector to embrace the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a template for their new economy business models.

She stated this while speaking at the Women Working for Change (WFC) virtual summit held in Lagos, recently. “African private sector is largely unencumbered by legacy

non-sustainable businesses and investments. This means that these African companies are set to flourish if they build businesses with new economy sustainable plans and targets. “There is now no doubt that sustainability equals profitability, as proven in the Business and Sustainable Development Commission’s (BSDC) publication “Better Business Better World�, launched in 2016. “The BSDC’s report identified USD 12 trillion in market opportunities for companies that

focused on sustainable business models. “The demographics of Africa offer a substantial opportunity for global wealth creation. However, we should recognise that the playing field is still tipped against local private companies.

Organisations and investors that want to grow with and benefit from job and wealth creation in Africa, while ensuring that Africa industrialises sustainably, should ensure that they put their support and money in the hands of sustainable African

companies. “Most of the current investments / support coming into Africa now is still being channelled into large monopolies and companies that maintain the status quo,� she said.

This is just as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has commended the management of LADOL for promoting transfer of technology from foreigners to Nigerians.

The new comptroller of NIS, Emmanuel Arogundade, Lagos Seaport and Marine Command,

who recently visited LADOL Free Zone on familiarisation tour, said LADOL has promoted indigenisation policy by engaging more Nigerians to work in the work.

Meanwhile, Jadesimi, who spoke on the importance of removing bottlenecks and hurdles deliberately put in the place of indigenous private companies, whose growth was essential for continental prosperity, said, “Roughly 80 per cent of the jobs in Africa will be created by SME’s.

‘Technology to Support Nigeria’s Socio-economic Devt’ Amby Uneze in Owerri The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Musa Istifanus has said digital technology will tremendously improve the country’s socio economic development.

He said increasing the contribution of ICT to the Gross Domestic Product would enhance the nation’s socio- economic fortunes.

Istifanus who spoke at Owerri, at the 8th National Council on Communications and Digital Economy, said digital economy was the ‘new normal’.

The Permanent Secretary said the policy thrusts of his ministry clearly articulate the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020 – 2025), National Policy for the Promotion of

Indigenous Content in the Telecom Sector, National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy, Policy on virtual engagement in the Public Service, among others.

He said: “The purpose is to use digital technologies to enhance national socioeconomic development by increasing the contribution of ICT to the Gross Domestic Product. “We are confronted by a

new challenge. One where the expectations of citizens must be delivered with limited resources. We are fully committed to the integration of ICTs in socio-economic development of Nigeria in order to transform the country into a knowledge based economy.�

Governors across the country have, however, been charged to embrace information technology as this will lead to enhancing their capital

base and develop the state, Istifanus made this observation while delivering his remarks at the Owerri event.

He said this while speaking during the opening ceremony of the NCCDE tagged: “Leveraging Digital Economy policies and strategies for economic recovering in a COVID-19 Era and Beyond,� at Imo Trade and Investment (Ahiajoku) centre, New Owerri, Imo state.

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‘Ibom Air’s Sustainability Not in Doubt’ Okon Bassey in Uyo The management of Ibom Airlines Limited has assured Nigerians that the airline solely owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government has come to stay and was positioned for growth.

Group Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ibom Airlines Limited, Mrs. Aniekan Essienette, who dispelled fears about the airline’s sustainability while chatting with newsmen in Uyo, noted that many successful airlines globally are state owned. “Ethiopian Airlines has been in existence for almost a century, with 64 straight years of profitability as a state-owned airline and a major foreign exchange earner for Ethiopia. “As you know without Emirates Airlines, there can hardly be Dubai today and of course this is solely owned by the Emirate of Dubai. “At Ibom Air, we prefer to align ourselves with these

internationally acknowledged success models that have stood the test of time. Our aim is to grow Ibom Air to such similar Global acclaim.� Essienette stated.

She said since the June 2019 when Ibom Air commenced operations with three aircraft, it now boasts a fleet of five bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft (the youngest airline fleet in the country).

She disclosed that more than 300,000 passengers have been airlifted by Ibom Airlines Limited since its inception last year.

According to her, within the first yèar of operation, Ibom Air’s direct and indirect impact on Akwa Ibom’s livelihood and businesses amounted to over N1 billion.

In addition, she said indigenes of Akwa Ibom have been employed in low and senior positions, and also, “in the very highly skilled aviation professions of piloting, cabin crew and aircraft maintenance engineering.

“As a matter of fact, 17 young indigenous trainee maintenance engineers have qualified or are on the verge of being qualified as Bombardier CRJ 900 Aircraft Engineers.�

Currently, she said the airline covers five destinations: Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Enugu, with an unmatched record of schedule reliability and on-time departure performance.

She said by next year, the airline shall be expanding to other routes as it remains the first and only state-owned airline in the country, venturing into uncharted territory and daring to make a success of it. “Ibom Air’s strategy and value proposition is three prongedschedule reliability, on time departure and excellent service. “We can proudly say today that we have lived up to this approach and to date, we are delivering 99 per cent schedule reliability and 99 per cent on-time performance.�

Stakeholders Mourn Former NCAA DG, Usman Stories by Chinedu Eze The Nigerian aviation sector is mourning the passing of immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), late Captain Murtar Usman.

Usman, who died on Wednesday after a brief illness in a hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State was aged 64 years.

In its twitter handle, NCAA wrote, “The entire staff and Management of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wish to announce the sudden death of its immediate past Director-General, Capt.

Muhtar Shuaibu Usman.�

Usman will be missed by the industry especially at this time when the industry needed his wealth of experience most to survive this turbulent period of the coronavirus pandemic.

The late Usman was born on December 5, 1956, in the famous city of Zaria, in Kaduna State. He started his elementary education at Government Secondary Technical School, Soba and finished in 1972. In 1973, he proceeded to Government Technical College where he passed out in 1975 after obtaining Federal Craft Training Certificate.

Usman secured admission at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT), Zaria, in 1975 to pursue a course in Aero Electronics and Telecommunication where he obtained a Diploma certificate.

He trained in many areas of aviation and was also aeronautical engineer as well as a pilot.

The late Capt. Usman was a versatile aviator and a complete professional whose experience had spanned three decades.

During his career, he worked as a Flying Instructor at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT), Zaria from 1981 – 1985.

Obudu Mountain Resort Readies for Christmas Celebrations The once quiet Mountains of Obudu has become busy with continuous flood of visitors.

This back to life environment at Obudu has made the villagers and the management of the resort upbeat about the coming Christmas celebrations.

According to the Special adviser on Obudu Mountain Resort, Mr. Bobby Ekpenyong, lots of events and goodies have been lined up to entertain the expected visitors. For the Christmas weekend there will many entertainment packages lined up including the daily bonfire dances, waterpark parties and musical acts.

The famous Nigerian

comedian, Gordons would be performing at the Ranch on Christmas Eve. The Special Adviser disclosed this to some tour operators who came on a fact-finding tour of the resort led by Mr. Ikechi Uko and his Naija7wonders team. “We have worked Hard and restored almost everything at the Ranch. The Cable Car is working again, The Rooms are all receiving a touch up, the amenities getting attention. We are a work in progress taking lessons from the criticism and identified tags,� he said.

Before last December the Resort had been shut amidst management issues but since

his appointment, Ekpenyong had engaged the staff and nearby villagers to help restore Nigeria’s leading attraction back to life.

Built since 1952 it served as a ranch but was rebuilt as a resort by former Governor Dr. Donald Duke who added new Mountain Villas and the Cable Car. Obudu Mountain reception is at 1580 metres high while the Presidential Lodge and the Famous Angel’s View is at 2500 Metres. There is a canopy walkway, a grotto, many waterfalls, waterpark and the Holy Mountains. “Obudu is Ready for the Tourists� says the Special Adviser.

Dana Increases Frequency on Enugu, Other Routes Dana Air has announced that it will increase flights from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Enugu and Owerri from December 7, 2020.

According to a statement by the airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, Dana Air will introduce additional flights from Lagos to Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Owerri before the second week in December. ‘’We are delighted to announce additional flights on

our Enugu, Owerri and Port Harcourt routes starting from December 7, 2020. ‘’These additional flights are part of our preparations to provide our guests amazing options with schedule reliability, consistency, on-time departures, and efficient services this yuletide.’’ ‘’Our guests are hereby advised to explore our various, safe and seamless booking channels by downloading our

mobile app on google play store, visiting our website; or by just sending us a chat on whatsApp for assistance.’’ Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with a mixed fleet of nine aircraft and daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Enugu.

The airline is reputed for its innovative online products and services, on-time departures and arrivals, and world-class in-flight services.

Ensuring Health, Air Safety

Emirates aircraft Chinedu Eze Recently, Emirates Regional Manager, West Africa, Afzal Parambil, spoke with THISDAY on the protocols adopted by the mega Middle East carrier to protect its passengers when flight operations resumed after the lockdown.

Following resumption of flights after the COVID-19 lockdown, Emirates airline amongst other airlines outlined safety measures across every travel touch points to boost customer’s confidence to travel and few months down the line, Parambil said Emirates is still committed to giving customers the best of travel experience while balancing it with reassuring safety protocols.

He said Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers.

The Regional Manager explained that Dubai, which is one of the world’s first cities to obtain the “Safe Travels� stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), updated its entry requirements for inbound travelers to ensure safety upon departure. “In a recent development, travelers can now benefit from the COVID-19 PCR test requirements for Dubai which was recently changed to suit customers and encourage more travels to Dubai. “The new rules which applies to Nigeria amongst other countries, states that tourists must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure. “The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. “If a traveler is taking a test before departure, he/she must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in, although SMS and digital certificates are not accepted. All Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test,� he said.

Parambil disclosed that Emirates’ book-

The new rules which applies to Nigeria amongst other countries, states that tourists must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test certiďŹ cate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure

ing policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel.

Customers, who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before March 31, 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for two years. “Once travel date is fixed, travelers are assured of safety at the Chauffeur-drive because Emirates has put forth a regulation ensuring that both drivers and travelers of Chauffeur-drive service to and from the airport in Dubai put on a mask and gloves, hand sanitisers are made readily available in the car, and to keep a safe distance between the driver and passengers, the passenger sits at the back seat, also the number of people in each car are limited. “The car is completely cleaned and disinfected from the start of every driver’s duty, and the interior is sanitised after every trip, including buckles, handles, buttons, switches and blinds. “At check-in, passengers are expected to put on a face mask and gloves at Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai, also only people who are travelling can enter the airport, unless they have a disability and need assistance to travel. “Passengers are expected to pass through the fever detection scanner that looks similar to the metal detectors at airport security, then a complimentary travel hygiene kit containing gloves, a face mask, antibacterial wipes and a hand sanitizer will be given out to travellers. “Emirates check-in desks have been fitted with protective antimicrobial screens, and spacing stickers have been added on the floor to help everyone maintain a safe distance in the queue,� he said.

Parambil said at the boarding gate, Emirates has introduced measures to maintain social distancing at the seating areas, and dots on the floor to ensure everyone keeps a safe distance on queues approaching the gate.

He noted that the Emirates team wears full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the per personnel welcome travelers on flight, adding that Emirates board aircraft in smaller groups from the last row to the first, and the boarding gate areas are deeply cleaned once everyone is on the flight.

Keeping mask on at all times in the airport, during boarding and on board, is made compulsory. “While on-board, all Emirates’ cabin crew always wear full personal protective equipment (PPE). Passengers are expected to wear a mask at all times throughout the flight, except when eating or drinking, and depending on the regulations of the travelers’ destination, they may need to wear gloves or other PPE also. “Still on board, High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA), an air disinfecting mechanism is introduced to ensure passengers breathe in uncontaminated air while on board,�

Parambil said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Can Airlines Survive without Bailout?

Nigerian airlines have been under financial distress currently exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic devastation of the sector. Now that another bout of recession has set in, Chinedu Eze wonders if the airlines will survive without government intervention.

T

he domestic airlines are in financial straits because of so many factors.

These include the high cost of operations, the fact that it is dollar denominated business. This means that airlines generate naira revenue and pay for spares, maintenance, training and aircraft acquisition in dollars.

They pay high interest rate for loans, comparatively outrageous insurance premium and inflexible and costly conditions in aircraft leasing.

These realities ensure that domestic airlines operate on a very thin margin. So flight disruptions occasioned by inclement weather, sudden increase in price of aviation fuel, labour unrest, sudden adverse government policy and other factors can take this little profit away.

Before the pandemic, indigenous carriers have been seeking for government support, urging for permanent waivers on tariffs on imported aircraft and spares, exemption from VAT payment and upgrade of airport facilities, especially installation of airfield lighting at airports so that they can fly for longer hours.

But with the coronavirus pandemic disruptions, it has become critical that for the airlines to survive they need financial help from government.

This is what other countries have done for their airlines. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it will be very difficult for commercial airlines to survive without a certain form of financial support from government.

COVID-19 Pandemic The commercial airline industry has been made lame by the pandemic. Recognising the critical role air transport plays in the economy of every nation, various governments starting from the period of the lockdown gave financial support to their own carriers.

IATA had warned that the airline industry faced a hard winter and called on governments around the world to continue providing relief measures as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

The global body said airlines are expected to post a loss of $84.3 billion in 2020 and that financial relief from government remains a lifeline to many airlines.

IATA during the lockdown renewed its call for government relief measures as the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in Africa deepened.

It said airlines in Africa could lose $6 billion of passenger revenue compared to 2019. That is $2billion more than what was earlier projected. “Job losses in aviation and related industries could grow to 3.1 million. That is half of the region’s 6.2 million aviation-related employment.

Previous estimate was two million. Full-year 2020 traffic is expected to plummet by 51 per cent compared to 2019. Previous estimate was a fall of 32 per cent. GDP supported by aviation in the region could fall by $28 billion from $56 billion. “Previous estimate was $17.8 billion. These estimates are based on a scenario of severe travel restrictions lasting for three months, with a gradual lifting of restrictions in domestic markets, followed by regional and intercontinental,�

IATA said.

CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi told THISDAY that airlines are facing worse problems with the economic recession because they have not recovered from the COVID-19 lockdown and #endSARS protest, which negatively affected flight operations.

He noted that with the current recession, airlines would find it difficult to survive and some may even go under. “The recession will affect every part of the economy. Prices of local commodities and services are already high so you can imagine the cost of imported goods. “Aviation has multiplier effect. Everything we do in aviation has forex component. That is why airlines are struggling. The Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Smart Adeyemi stated that the airlines are facing dismal situation and this could be solved if government intervenes with bailout. “It is not that planes will drop from the sky.

That cannot happen because the industry is effectively regulated, but airlines may be forced to shut down if they do not have the funds

to continue operation. I am sure the economic recovery team will pay critical attention to the aviation sector,� Sanusi said.

He said Nigerian airlines would have to pay higher insurance premium and this would dig deeper into their funds and this would be a big challenge to the operators, noting that insurance premium is higher in Nigeria because revenues are earned in the naira, which is very cheap now, so airlines would sell their naira to get dollars, which is currently very scarce. “Airlines are still recovering from the impact of COVID-19 lockdown, #endSARS and now economic recession. This will leave a huge toll on the airlines. More airlines may go under.

We are paying more for insurance. “We will pay more for aircraft leasing. Anything you want to do that has dollar component will be a challenge, even if it is national carrier you wish to establish. So we must have to address the foreign exchange problem,� Sanusi said.

He also acknowledged that one of the reasons why government is seemingly unenthusiastic about supporting the airlines was because some airlines abused the privileges given to them in the past, noting that that was in the past and there are different airlines now and urged the economic recovery team to also find a permanent solution to the lingering economic challenges faced by the airlines.

Need for Bailout The House Committee Chairman, Hon. Nnoli Nnajo recently explained that the IATA had in the wake of the pandemic canvassed for continued financial and regulatory support for airlines; particularly financial relief that does not increase industry debt levels through direct cash injections, credit or loans and deferrals or discounts on user charges to support airlines over the restart and recovery period. “However, only the following African countries; Rwanda, Senegal, CĂ´te d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and recently Cape Verde have responded adequately to this plea said IATA Regional Director for Middle East and Africa, Mr. Mohammad All Bakri. “The actions of these African countries, according to IATA have helped save thousands of jobs and would enable some airlines to restart and support the wider economies they serve in those countries,â€? Nnaji said.

He said as early as May, IATA had called for aviation-specific financial relief measures from the government of Nigeria to address the severe impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the air transport sector.

The global body said that air transport has grounded to a halt in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Along with the direct impact on

jobs and companies in aviation, related industries including tourism, hospitality and trade have been hit hard, adding that all play an essential role in creating jobs and powering economies.

IATA noted that prior to the crisis, aviation contributed $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and supported 241,000 jobs. IATA estimates that the COVID-19 crisis puts 124,000 Nigerian jobs at risk and some $900 million of the country’s GDP. Nnaji said, “The IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East, Mr. Barry Kasambo in the Association’s publication also acknowledged that the situation of airlines in Africa are worsening and urged that the measures are essential to minimise job losses and ensure that connectivity can be restored within the continent.�

The Chairman, House Committee on Aviation also quoted Kasambo as saying, “We urge African governments and the development institutions which have committed funding to provide it urgently in a structure that does not weaken already stressed airline balance sheets, before it is too late.�

Nnaji added, “Here in Nigeria, our indigenous airlines are faced with enormous challenges like high interest rate on loans, lack of maintenance facilities, high insurance premium, multiple taxation, disadvantageous policies and high cost of jet-A1, (aviation fuel) among others which make it near impossible for them, (local airlines,) to break even.�

Intervention Also the Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, told THISDAY that with what is happening to airlines in the country, it would be very hard to predict what would happen in the near future but noted that airlines are struggling to survive by every means possible but they need urgent financial push from government but was not sure whether that push would come at all or it would come late when it would not be critical in saving airlines. “It is very hard to say what will happen to the airlines. Many of the airlines have to renegotiate terms with their creditors. There was hope there was going to be some palliative with the federal government. “Airlines must by now be considering that the palliative may not be coming because government has its hands tied.

But the N4 billion fund already pronounced is very, very little to share among airlines. “Compared to when operations started after the lockdown, it has gotten slightly better since July and maybe because we are heading towards the festive season. We have seen the lagging indication of the economy. No one knows how it will affect the airlines,� Uriesi, the former Managing Director of the Federal Airports

Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said.

Support Besides giving Nigerian carriers bailout as other countries are doing, it is expected that government would also help the airlines to run profitable business, which would be the incentives for more investment in the sector.

The operators listed the challenges, which they said have been crippling their operations that include non-implementation of the Executive Order on Zero Customs duty and zero VAT on importation of commercial aircraft and aircraft spare parts; non-implementation of the Executive Order on the removal of VAT from air transportation; inability to access forex; high cost of capital and lack of single digit lending interest rate for airlines.

The airlines urged the federal government to enforce the Executive Order on the implementation of waivers for the importation of aircraft, which has been made permanent by the current administration.

These waivers are supposed to help the airlines survive and continue to carry out their service, sustain their suppliers business, sustain other businesses that are dependent on their existence and also pay salary to thousands of workers.

Aviation economist and the lead consultant at ETIMFRI Group, Amos Akpan said recently at the public hearing by the House Committee on Aviation that if government wants airlines to survive in Nigeria, create more jobs and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP, government should stop multiple taxes on operating airlines.

He said government should also reschedule the outstanding loans and debts of operating airlines so that they can have allowance to pay for current operating costs. “Discontinue granting multiple entry points to foreign airlines so that domestic airlines can have more traffic. Encourage a service level agreement between services providers so that every organisation in the industry will be clear on what is expected from her. “Let the COVID-19 bailouts granted be given to the designated companies and agencies. Name them and the amount received. The agencies, the unions, the operators must meet once every month to smoothen issues of disagreements and resolve to sheath swords until after the recession so the industry can survive. “Any dead company means jobs lost, decay of machines, nil income for all. Without government bailout the industry won’t survive the recession.

What the government should do immediately is to set parameters and modules for application of bailouts to agencies and operators in the aviation industry,� Akpan said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

What Next for Nigeria as Recession Stages Comeback?

Lukman Otunuga

I

f the Nigerian economy needs more proof that it is wise to diversify away from a heavy dependence on the Oil industry, the latest recession and threat to government revenues ought to do the job.

The country’s ongoing battle to reach healthy growth is under threat thanks to an unprecedented Oil price crash triggered by the coronavirus pandemic back in March 2020. Africa’s largest economy has sunk into its second recession within five years, shrinking by 3.6 percent in the third quarter versus a 6.1 percent contraction in the second quarter.

Oil production fell to 1.67 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.81 million bpd in the previous quarter.

The ominous signs are reminiscent of the third quarter of 2016 when the economy contracted for over a year.

The biggest vulnerability is the outsized contribution that the oil industry makes to the state coffers.

In times of strong Oil prices, the industry accounts for around 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings and a handsome 50 percent of government revenues.

The plunge in oil prices - which reached sub-zero levels in the wake of the pandemic - dragged on the economy’s recovery from the contraction in 2016.

Government coffers face the prospect of cash flow drying up and the accompanying, unwelcome consequences. These include the prospect of austerity measures, job and salary cuts in the state sector, a reduction in development projects and social protection subsidies along with a heavier reliance on bail-out funds from the IMF and other international lenders.

The IMF projects a 4.3 percent contraction in Nigeria’s GDP this

Buhari

Osinbajo

year, the biggest drop in nearly four decades. For the man on the street, this means the threat of unemployment, inflation and soaring food prices. Already, more than half of Nigerians are unemployed in this dire economic scenario. On top of that, a Dollar shortage negatively impacts the private sector’s imports of raw materials and equipment.

Additional vulnerabilities are apparent in the banking sector, which had a N19.54 trillion credit exposure to the weakened real economy in the third quarter, up

by N290.13 billion in comparison to the end of August. When added to the state sector’s woes, the results are the triple threats of sovereign debt defaults, bank credit defaults and the state’s reduced capacity to bail out the banking sector.

There’s a chance it’s not too late to avert the worst consequences.

On the brighter side, earlier this year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took some necessary steps to unify its exchange rates and devalued the Naira by 20 percent, satisfying the World Bank and IMF and opening the door to credit lifelines from international lenders.

Equally important, several international pharmaceutical companies are poised to release

their COVID-19 vaccines as early as the end of 2020. While it will take several more months for the vaccinations to progress and short-term uncertainty is expected to prevail, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel has finally appeared.

Nigeria’s first quarter 2021 outlook is likely to remain influenced by the same themes of pandemic pressures, suppressed Oil prices, shaky demand for Oil, and economic weaknesses. The country is expected to exit the recession by the end of Q1, according to Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed.

While these are promising signs, the major question is whether the 2021 state budget can revive Africa’s largest economy and get it back on track towards healthy growth. At N13.08 trillion, the budget is over 20 percent higher than the revised 2020 budget.

Nigeria plans to borrow N5.2 trillion and the Finance Ministry takes the relatively bullish position that GDP will grow by three percent. Benchmark oil prices are seen at $40 per barrel and the Oil production estimate is 1.6 million bpd. Inflation is expected to close at 11.95 percent.

In closing, Nigeria’s short-term ability to defeat the recession by the end of first quarter depends on two key factors: how quickly the COVID-19 vaccination reaches the population and how fast demand for oil rises. In the long

term, the importance of diversification cannot be underestimated for the economy to be balanced and more resilient against shocks.

-Otunuga is a Senior Research Analyst at FXTM

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Mogaji: Automation of Regulatory Process Will Enhance Ease of Doing Business Partner, Audit and Attest Services, Bola Mogaji, in this interview speaks about how the pandemic has aided the use of technology for regulation as well as on other issues in the audit sub-sector.

Adedayo Adejobi brings the excerpts:

I

f you look at the big four players, all of them have big investments.

How much impact do they have in development of the sector?

About five years ago thereabouts, the Institute of the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) emerged with an initiative where the Big-4 Firms and Small and Medium Practices (SMPs) were to jointly audit all banks, government parastatals and other public listed entities. This initiative was applauded and seen as one that will sprout growth, increase the Cumulative Auditing Knowledge and Experience (CAKE) of the SMPs and improve audit quality. However, this development was shortlived, though the institute financial statements are still being jointly audited as of today. In my opinion, I believe the Big-4 Firms are yet to pay their dues in the development of sector. Surprising, they (the Big-4s) are even competing with the SMPs for available jobs in the SME markets, this is an untoward event that should be halted by the relevant regulatory bodies. I therefore expect the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) and ICAN to define the audit market structure and ensure that the Big-4 Firms are deterred from competing with the SMPs for SME audit markets. FRCN needs to make Joint Audit a legal requirement for all public listed companies, banks and public parastatals since the benefits of joint audit outweigh the possible negative impacts.

players out there, how do you remain proďŹ table and sustainable?

One of our business strategies is to always deliver top-notch quality and value adding services to our clients. Our products speak for themselves. We will continue to offer better quality services at moderate fees compare to that which would normally be charged by the Big-four firms to clients seeking high quality services.

In a recession, when you look at the

The US-China trade war has affected

Mogaji

pricing of technology products, with most business turning to technology, how do you see that having an effect on growing technology services in Nigeria?

The on-going trade war between US and China is seen as a competition for global technological dominance. The trade war has economic consequences as well as competitive advantages but if it persists for a long time, it may cause great economic damage for other countries not involved in the war. One of the cons of the trade war is increase in commodity prices whilst one of its pros is that it is now a key driver of innovation and creativity for technology and product companies. Considering that Nigerians have a high taste for foreign goods, which are mostly obtained from the United States, United Kingdom and China.

The ongoing trade war between US and China may lead to increased inflation in commodity prices which may adversely affect Nigerians, if measures are not taken to curb the effect.

On the other hand, tech companies in Nigeria can grab the opportunity the trade war creates by developing innovative products that will satisfy the needs of the Nigerian market.

RegTechs try to help companies dealing with ďŹ nancial regulations in many ways.

Where do your products and services ďŹ t in?

Regulatory Technology (RegTech) involves the use of information technology to enhance regulatory processes and compliance. It is an efficient and cost-effective methodology that eases regulatory compliance of companies. RegTech

is an evolving innovation in the financial sector and with the regulatory bodies in Nigeria. In response to the needs of our clients, we have two proprietary RegTech solutions – IpaySuite and Geeboard. IPaySuite is a payroll software that seamlessly processes payroll data and payment.

GeeBoard is an accounting program. These solutions have led to great improvements in our processes, reducing turn-around time and associated costs for our clients.

What are the key drivers of innovation and change in RegTech right now?

The quest to adopt innovative regulatory and compliance solutions, the drive for more efficient way of processing a large volume of data, a paradigm shift from the manual way of doing things and more importantly is the ease of doing business and making compliance process less tedious. These to me are the key drivers for RegTech.

What are the biggest challenges to overcome?

We have been futuristic in our strategy formulation. Year-on-year, we restrategise and ensure all the pros and cons are considered.

However, the markets for our services and products have been a major challenge. We will unrelentingly continue to thrive for our share of the market.

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

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 08038901925

Iyiola Olatokunbo Edun: The Educator and Advocate for Women

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COVER

Iyiola Olatokunbo Edun: The Educator and Advocate for Women Mrs Iyiola Olatokunbo Edun is the Executive Director, Grace Schools and official representative of the Loyalist College of Technology, Canada in Nigeria. Aside being an experienced educator, she is also an advocate for womanhood and the role they play both in the home and society at large. In this interview with MARY NNAH, she addressed the role of women in the society, impact of COVID-19 on learning, parental issues, among others rs Iyiola Olatokunbo Edun is an educator per excellence and her antecedent is far reaching. Education-wise, she bagged a Bachelors of Arts Degree in History from the University of Kent at Canterbury and a Masters of Arts Degree in Comparative History from the University of Essex, all in the UK. She later completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Lagos.

M

It should not be overemphasised that COVID-19 pandemic affected schools more than any other sector. We invested huge sums of money on data for our teachers.

We also had to procure Germicidal lamps from overseas. We paid in dollars and they came through courier in order to facilitate speedy delivery.

We obtained the lamps before school resumed and they were fixed in all the classrooms. We also invested a lot of funds in sanitising the entire school compound.

We had to invest huge funds with the view to cushion the effects of COVID-19. The school had to stop some extra-curricular activities to aid social distancing.

Growing up I was brought up by a very strict mother.

My mother had strength in talking which she used in passing across key messages.

My mum didn’t give anything on a platter of gold. She ensured that I work to earn whatever I deserve. I was exposed to several things through my mother and she ensured that I had the basic fundamentals of becoming a woman of repute. It has become imperative for women to create an enabling environment and monitor their children.

Impact of COVID-19 on Learning Before the advent of COVID-19, we actually prepared about the possibility of setting up online learning schooling for our students. We started the test run already before lockdown and it now launched the school into a new technology. We already installed things and the process commenced with the training of all our teachers. There were some teething problems associated with such novel ideas but we were able to overcome them.

Some parents were not patient during this period but it eventually became a success. It is an innovation we adapted to aid learning and facilitate the teaching process. Some of the students also took time to get accustomed to it but eventually, they enjoy the system better through interactions and engagement sessions with their peers online.

It is impressive to note that some of the students even in primary school developed their own videos and started their own YouTube channels. These are primary school pupils who are brilliant.

The students are more independent and more technically sound. I joined some of the classes through zoom. It was a great experience.

The investment in ICT has impacted positively on our students as well as our teachers. The role of Technology cannot be underestimated in view of its relevance to accelerate the learning process.

Role of Women in the Society The role of women cut across the home and the society. It is also important for women to know the peculiarities of every individual child. Women should engage in profitable ventures and gain inspiration to live a fulfilled life. It is important for women never to be discouraged in any way.

There are a myriad of challenges facing women in our society but women should not quit. I have had strong women in my life who have also provided the platform for me to rise beyond my challenges. My Master ’s thesis was on women and how they cope with challenges and life in my life generally.

It is important for women to have confidence in themselves. Women should strive to be independent and never be a burden on society. In Nigeria, being a woman is at disadvantage because we are referred as second class citizens already. Women should also endeavour to obtain sound education, which no one can take away from them. They need to have the courage and confidence to face life. They should not see themselves as inferior in any way. Women should rise above inferiority complexes and occupy their place in society.

A lot of women are undergoing stress and they are unable to seek professional counsel and this causes serious threat to their health. They should belong to a network of positive women who can tackle challenges together and discuss issues.

Women should seek help when they have challenges. There are professionals to seek and find help from.

There are professional counsellors in churches. They should also engage in hobbies and some activities that will give them inspiration. The older women should also provide counselling for the younger ones in order to support them in life.

Measures in Enhancing the Learning Process We have embarked on several measures to accelerate learning and deliver qualita-

Edun

tive teaching for our students. COVID-19 has also enabled us to be more proactive and dynamic in our teaching endeavour. We had to adopt three approaches as students were not forced to come to school.

The three learning methods are online , Hybrid- three days in school, two at home and five days physical attendance in school. The strategy we adopted was

the use of questionnaires for parents to choose what they want. The fees were different and they had choices. Basically learning remains the same thing but it is now left to parents to supervise their children.

Huge Cost of COVID -19

Parental Roles and Responsibilities Parents need to be alive to their responsibilities. A lot of Nigerian parents have abandoned their functions to the school. It is the responsibility of the parents to teach children basic values such as politeness and courtesy. It should be emphasized that the school is meant to reinforce the training parents give their children. Parents should not abdicate their responsibilities to the school. Parents should teach their children basic values so that schools can deliver qualitative learning.

Charity actually begins at home. Parents blame schools for performance but they also need to be involved in the learning process. It has been observed over time that parents are nonchalant about the performance of their children academically.

The other side of it is that they (Parents) blame the school while neglecting their own roles and responsibilities.

Parents need to exercise patience in rating schools and this is more of a Nigerian mentality as parents are quick to blame schools for poor standards. Teachers need to be accorded respect as we are more like parents to the children.

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Polo Luxury, Cartier Collaborate on Captivating In-store Experience Stories by Mary Nnah Polo Luxury has collaborated with Cartier to unveil the highly anticipated Pasha De Cartier watch. The French luxury watch and jewelry brand established its presence in Nigeria over 10 years ago, through their exclusive partnership with Polo Luxury Group.

To mark the arrival of the latest Cartier collection in Nigeria, Polo Luxury organised an exclusive showcase in their flagship store, with some of the collectors and friends of the brand in attendance.

The prestigious activation was specifically curated to suit Polo’s clients’ desires by providing a respite for shoppers and a luxury watch haven for enthusiasts and VIP clients.

L-R: Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director, Polo Luxury Group; and Mr. John Obayuwana, Managing Director, Polo Luxury Group, at the oďŹƒcial unveiling of the Pasha De Cartier watch in Nigeria recently

This Pasha De Cartier collection presents an upgraded take on the established 1975 edition. The timepieces are available in steel and gold, and full gold, with some versions set in diamonds. The design features a winding crown set with blue sapphire.

The watch was first designed in 1985, 35 years later, it still retains its initial magic. This collection is one of the great success stories of the brand, fusing functionality, high design and boldness to create the most exclusive, stand out pieces.

Speaking on the arrival of Pasha De Cartier in Nigeria, Managing Director, John Obayuwana commented “It is a privilege for Polo Luxury Group to be the exclusive partner in Nigeria for Cartier, one of the world’s most prestigious brands. We are excited to be launching the Pasha De Cartier in Nigeria after 10 years. “It is a truly unique timepiece with a captivating design, and it epitomises Cartier’s commitment to exclusive craftsmanship. We are thankful to all our clients and friends who keep faith in the magical world of the Pasha De Cartier at Polo Luxury�.

The collaboration with Cartier for the launch of the new collection is another testament to Polo’s leadership within the luxury market in Nigeria.

Michael Adesanya’s Debut Memoir, AdĂŠwĂĄlĂŠ: My Mother’s Son Set for Release TweakCentric Solutions Limited has announced the publication of Stanford GSB alumnus and Africa MBA Fellow, Michael Adesanya’s debut memoir, “Adewale: My Mother’s Sonâ€?. Set to be released on Thursday, December 10, 2020, Adewale: My Mother’s Son is an inspiring account of the life of the author. “AdĂŠwĂĄlĂŠ: My Mother’s Sonâ€? chronicles Michael’s life from pre-inception against the background of his one-of-akind mother, ĂŒyĂĄ WĂĄlĂŠ who strives hard through life’s travails with her quest for success in spite of the multitude of challenges.

According to Gbenga Awomodu, Managing Partner at TweakCentric Solutions, “Michael Adesanya’s debut is a very inspiring account of a resilient mother and the boys she birthed and groomed into significance.

It is a classic Nigerian story of hope and victory against all odds.�

The memoir brings to life the inevitable role of a mother’s sacrifice, and the successful young man Michael

Michael Adesanya

has become is not far-fetched from his childhood zeal and staying power.

Michael’s story relays emphasis on hope and the will to forge ahead without the means being present. He appraises ĂŒyĂĄ WĂĄlĂŠ, from the beginning to the end, as the hero without cape or

superpower but bountiful, unquenchable love.

Michael, in a candid and vulnerable manner, shares the mistakes and the remake of his mother’s steps in life. These experiences resound hope for every woman who is at the verge of giving up. From poverty to pain, disappoint-

ment, to the absence of a father figure to true forgiveness, he touches every aspect of the lows.

Through Michael’s lens, the communal lifestyle of his hometown in Sagamu, Ogun State is highlighted even as he makes a case for further socioeconomic development.

This he regards as a step in the right direction till the country becomes a better place.

Michael Adesanya’s debut memoir is an excellent gift to every young person who is about to give up or be complacent with their present situation.

A first-class graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos, Michael Adesanya is currently building sustainable retail solutions for Africa. He is the co-founder of Suplias, where thousands of retail outlets in Africa connect directly with consumer goods manufacturers through a mobile app.

He has worked in reputable companies such as Accenture, P&G, Gap Inc., Jumia Nigeria, Pomelo Fashion, and Pepsico.

Michael Adesanya’s memoir will be available in stores from December 10, 2020.

HoneyGlow Boss, Oyindamola,Takes Skin Business to Another Level Award winning business personality and CEO HoneyGlow Beauty World, Oyindamola Abiona has strived to earn a place among Nigerians Skincare Business clique in the country.

The soft spoken but versatile creative persona has cut her teeth in several creative endeavours, making her a rave of the moment among skincare business spotlights.

HoneyGlow Beauty World whose business blossomed from 2015 when she opened her online business, was among the reigning skincare Brand Online before she built her skincare mansion located in Iju Ishaga, Lagos.

Industrious and very meticulous Oyindamola is reveling in the euphoria of her acceptance and endorsement by NAFDAC which now makes her and her Honey Glow Beauty World brand, the

Oyindamola Abiona

top of the level in the therapy industry.

Born in Abeokuta Ogun State, August 8, 1977, she had

her primary school education at Dairy Farm Agege Lagos and also her secondary school education at Sango Secondary

School Agege and Lafro Gram Secondary School.

To boot, Abiona has been honored in many quarters as the Best Skincare Therapist in town and she has continued taking her brand to the next level as she aspires to be the best skincare in organics products in the country.

The vibrant skincare guru expressed hope for more achievement as she said she is not done yet with the brand HoneyGlow Beauty World. “In an industry that is seemingly dominated by female folks, women have strived to break the glass ceiling which I would count myself among,� she said.

Oyindamola, a native of Ondo State, still remains one of a hard-working woman who still does a lot of research on skin care and still learns organic skincare to improve her knowledge of the business.

L-R: Head of Children Centre, Idi Araba, Mrs. Yewande Lawal; Communications Manager, Ayo Charity Foundation, Motunrayo Martins-Odagwe and Deputy Head, Children Centre, Idi Araba, Mr. Junaid

AyoCharityFoundationDonatesHand SanitisingUnittoChildrenCentre With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, and its widespread in Nigeria, Ayo Charity Foundation in its bid to improve the lives of children who need help within the community, recently donated a hand sanitising unit to the Children Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos State Facility.

The donation of the hand-sanitising unit was presented recently at the premises of the Children Centre, towards the prevention of this deadly disease in Lagos.

This follows a number of charitable activities the foundation has engaged in recent times, including the empowerment of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Makoko, Lagos with a donation of a standard basketball court, equipment, and food donations.

In response to the donation, founder of the Ayo Charity Foundation, Ayodeji Egbeyemi said, “We are extremely happy to donate this Hand Sanitiser Unit for the kids.

We hope this little gesture helps keep the kids healthy.�

To date, 64,336 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, 60333 cases have been discharged and 1160 deaths have been recorded in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite the low number of cases and deaths in Nigeria compared to other countries who have been severely hit by this novel disease, the worst in history, Egbeyemi believes it is pertinent that one of the most populous African nations in the world is equipped with the necessary tools it needs to adequately prevent and combat this disease.

Ayo Charity Foundation was created to provide lifechanging opportunities, through the game of basketball, for the youth in Africa and around the world.

Maiden Edition of SRTV Talent EXPO Set to Launch SRTV Production has concluded plans to launch the maiden edition of SRTV Talent EXPO in Nigeria from December 4-6 at Festival Hotel Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

In line with its mission, mission, Hon. (Engr.) Chris Emeka Azubogu has been carefully chosen as the Grand Ambassador to this movement, while he still remains its official media partner.

SRTV Talent EXPO is an initiative of SRTV; a 24/7 London based, digital multicast, multicultural arts, entertainment, and lifestyle channel that offers traditional and alternative programmes for viewers mainly between all ages, with a mix of classic films, off-network series, original programming, and more.

According to organisers, SRTV Talents EXPO is an annual star-studded top-notch recognition awards/talent hunt brand that is purpose-built on celebrating, showcasing, projecting, and promoting stand-out individuals, celebrities, talents, investors, media personalities/brands, and all relevant stakeholders within the Nigeria, Africa, and the global entertainment industry.

It is an international networking event designed to scout and empower talents in Nigeria, whilst rewarding, celebrating, and honouring those who have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian creative industry.

The show the organiser explained is aimed to move talent discovery out of the polite drawing rooms into the clamour of the streets.

Nigerians of all ages will be provided with the right tools to showcase their talent with an aim to develop a balanced, fair, and transparent awards/talent hunt platform that will celebrate standout talents whilst providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for promising talents to emerge and excel.

Three days exciting live event is packed with film screening, entertainment and awards presentation experience that is well structured to serve as a marketplace where talents are recognised, groomed and projected.

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

‌Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Konwiser Brothers Ignite Passion for STEM in ‘Make It Work’ Stories by Vanessa Obioha

A

t the recently concluded U.S. Consulate General Lagos Documentary Film Festival, Konwiser Brothers’ documentary ‘Make It Work’ received laudation from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educators and innovators for its message of passion and determination.

The four-part series which closed the virtual ďŹ lm festival beamed the spotlight on young persons in America from disadvantaged backgrounds disrupting the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ecosystem with their innovations. From Baltimore to California, the Emmy award-winning Konwiser brothers Kip and Kern told stories that sparked imagination and innovation. “We had a speciďŹ c audience in mind when we started this documentary, that’s young people,â€? said Kern during a recent Zoom interview.

The project, he explained, was created to inspire young Americans to explore the power of STEM. “It was a mandate given to us by the founder of Legendary Pictures because he recognised and we agreed that there is a crisis in America, and speciďŹ cally amongst young people.They are becoming consumers of technology, not so much creators of technology, and America has always been the innovation leader in the world. So everything that you see in that programme is very intentionally designed to spark the minds and the passions of young people.â€?

Kip added that the documentary is a template for innovation for people of any age.

The brothers spent two years working on the project and four months searching for

Kip and Kern Konwiser

the people that gave the documentary life.

Thousands of American students from grade schools to college were reached out through an online application. “We ended up with about nine stories that we felt were truly worthy of turning the camera on and started to follow those. And of those nine, we came down to the four that were represented,�explained Kern.

The ďŹ rst part of the documentary‘The Idea’ focused on a teacher from a NapaValley elementary school who inspired her low-income students to bring light to a community.The second part ‘The Design’ told the story of a seventh-grader from Baltimore who helped engineer a smarter wheelchair. For its third part‘The Build’, the storyline revolved around college students who took on the challenge

of building a pod for SpaceX’s Hyperloop Pod Competition.The ďŹ nal part‘The Launch’ showed how a young neuroscience PhD student built a revolutionary low-cost advanced prosthetic hand.Working in partnership with the Range of Motion Project (ROMP), the ďŹ rst patient ďŹ tted with this technology is in Ecuador.

The stories in each episode are laced with messages of hope,passion and determination.

The ďŹ lmmakers meticulously selected locations that are famous and infamous (Napa Valley and Baltimore) and highlighted the power of collaboration.They are living proof that teamwork gets the job done, having been partners since childhood.The sustainability of their synergy according to Kip is in the ethos they live by family, education and self-respect.

“We repeat those things often through our lives and in our career and we ask ourselves, repeatedly if our purpose-driven content are reective of those moralities.â€?

Though initially planned to inspire American students and accompanied with an educational curriculum, the documentary had however gained traction with international audiences through the American Film Showcase, the premier ďŹ lm diplomacy program of the U.S. Department of State, which is produced in partnership with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Kip recalled a trip to Cambodia and Laos this year before the pandemic breakout and the overwhelming reception they received. “We found the empowering elixir of the ďŹ lm, come alive in the blood of these young kids as they raised their hands and demonstrated serious commitment from a deeply personal level to how the ďŹ lm had inspired them to say ‘yes we can, we can do something in our area’.â€?

The reception was no different from the Nigerian audience. Not a few who took part in the panel discussion expressed similar sentiments. Unlike in other countries where the ďŹ lm has shown, Nigeria boasts a thriving ďŹ lm industry and an emerging STEM ecosystem.

The Konwiser brothers, however, expressed willingness to collaborate with Nigerian innovators and educators as they ďŹ elded questions from participants. Kip will be offering his ďŹ nancial and business expertise while Kern, his creative ingenuity. Nigerians can also visit their website to partake in Money Pool, a concept developed by Kip to bring money to ideas and intellectual property that is structured ďŹ nancially to succeed. “It is a concept that can apply to people from Nigeria, if they have ideas that are ďŹ nanceable, we have access to ďŹ nancing, and we know

InstagramTwinsSensation,OizaandMeyiUpforPossibleEvictiononY’elloStar For the ďŹ rst time, the identical twins Oiza and Meyi who became an Instagram sensation during the lockdown period are up for possible evictionontheongoingsingingreality showY’ello Star.The twins emerged contestantswithlowscoreslastSunday, alongside G-Isaac,Storm,David Garland.ItwillbethesecondtimeG-Isaac isupforpossibleevictionaftersurviving lastweekend.Rael,DaveWills,Melody and Uzezi became the first evictees of the show as they garnered the least

Y’ello Star ďŹ nalists

votes.While their dreams of winning the show have been truncated, the

evicted contestants were offered an opportunity to complete their certiďŹ cation program with both the Henley Business School and the Berklee College of Music.

Saturday and Sunday episodes saw a ďŹ erce competition to retain the numberonespotfromthecontestants.

Freeborn stole the night away on Saturday with his gorgeous performance of 2Baba duet withWaje,‘Frenemies’, fetching him the highest score of the night, 9.5.

Freeborn maintained his winning streak on Sunday, earning 19 points after his performance of‘It Must Have Been Love’by Roxette. He shared the same spot with Gideon who performed ‘Your Smile’ by Tjan.

Oiza, Meyi, G-Isaac, Storm and David Garland’s fates will be known on this weekend’s gala show. At least, one person will be saved by public voting. Voting ends every Wednesday night by midnight.

TMPL Debut Film Makes Bold Statements with Familial Unity

Iyke Bede

The festive season, usually, is marked as a time for families to come together to celebrate the year ending; however, the new TMPL Motion Pictures ďŹ lm directed by Biodun Stephen renders a story that deviates from this norm. Marinated in wit, Stephen introduces the unusual story of The Kujus who are plagued by divisiveness in the comedy-drama, ‘Introducing the Kujus’ (ITK).

ITK unfolds the tale of siblings at loggerheads with one another out of resentment, ego, and jealousy.

Following their mother’s death – a matriarchal ďŹ gure hinging their peaceful coexistence – the family falls apart with no intentions of making amends. But in a lucky twist of

A scene from ITK

fate, the youngest members of the family engineers a plot to reunite all family members under their family house in Badagry, ďŹ ve years later.

Achieving this feat amid raucous reactions, they collectively realize the values of the family unit as opposed to chasing their selďŹ sh goals and interests. “At the very heart of this story is family.We are living in times where there is so much disintegration, so

much dysfunctionality in the family.

We live in a time where the family is no longer held sacrosanct, and this ďŹ lm is just a reminder of how important family is,â€?explains Stephen. The ďŹ lm parades an array of notable Nollywood actors like Femi Jacobs, Kunle Remi, Ronke Odusanya, Bimbo Ademoye,Timini Egbuson, Sophia Alakija, MC Lively and Bisola Aiyeola,who also worked behind the scene co-producing

alongside Winifred Okpapi.

Shot in the pandemic when the Black Lives Matter protests drew global attention following the killing of George Floyd, Badagry became a top choice location due to the signiďŹ cance it holds in recounting the transatlantic slave trade that lasted for centuries and of course,its tourist attraction sites.

Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, ITK which began screening in cinemas on November 27 generated combined box ofďŹ ce and private screening revenue of N10.8 million in its opening week. It had a strong box ofďŹ ce showing of N5.8 million and private screening revenue of N5 million. ITK was the most watched new movie last week and ďŹ nished second to‘Rattlesnake’ on the overall charts.

The Return of Nigerian Idol ‘Tis the season for singing as MultiChoice Nigeria recently disclosed that it is bringing back the popular music reality show, Nigerian Idol. It is the latest music reality show to announce a comeback in a very challenging year. “Nigeria is at the heart of music excellence and we are excited to announce that Nigerian Idol is officially back,� said Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, adding that “talent development and giving our subscribers superior content that they can relate to and engage with� has always been a priority.

Known for producing some of the best musical talents in the country like Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Nigerian Idol after a five-year hiatus will be discovering more talents in the upcoming sixth season.

The show will kick off with an online audition which is already in progress. Interested participants must be between the age of 16 and 30 and are expected to submit a 30-second video of them singing on Africa Magic’s website. The audition will be open for a limited time.

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Rotary Agbara Gets New President,

Budgets N10.7 million for Community Projects The Rotary Club of Agbara, District 9110, recently crowned a new president to steer the helm of affairs of the club, just as it has budgeted the sum of N10.7 million for its 2020/21 community projects.

This was made known at the investiture of Rotarian Lucky A. Arhere as the 36th president and inauguration of the board of directors 2020/21 held recently at Alarco Hotels and Suites, Opic Estate.

According to Akhere, “as part of its activities to open opportunities for the less privileged people, the club would be focusing on maternal and child health, disease prevention and control, peace and conflict resolution, water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and planet earth.�

Outlining some of the projects to be executed by Rotary Club of Agbara, District 9110, during the course of this year, Arhere revealed that N7million has been enmarked for the construction of a block of three classrooms and and one office at Local Government Primary School, Igere, Opic Estate.

They also budgeted N500,000 for donation to two schools of children with special needs, another N700,000 for kitting of 300 public school pupils (purchase of school uniforms, school

sandals for 200 indigent children at Idorawo and Igere villages), and N500,000 for the setting up and running two adult literary centers in Agbara and Igere.

Also, N1million for drilling and innovation of boreholes at Agbara, Ijury, Ipere, Petedo N250,000 for the construction of toilet in Agbara police station, N500,000 for the renovation of fence and soak away tank at NYSC lodge at Agbara, N300,000 for the economic empowerment of widows brought the sum total for the projects to N10,750,000.

Charging members and participants at the event to go forth and serve, the Guest Speaker, Mr. Eddie Odivwri, in his speech, titled ‘Called to Serve’ while asking them “how well are they serving�, urged them to serve selflessly, cheerfully, humbly and sacrificially.

Odivwri noted that the real effect of your service is directly proportional to the essence of your service. “Are you like the typical Nigerian politicians who claims he is in office to serve but ends up aggregating all the benefits of the people for his own self and still claims he is serving the interest of the people. “Do Nigeria politicians really serve the electorate? Are the voters

not remembered only during election seasons?, he further queried.

According to the immediate past President, Pascal Orisakwe, “the theme of 2020 2021, Rotary opens opportunities is a reminder of the fact that Rotarians across the globe to devote their resources towards giving amazing opportunities to all people regardless of social cultural, religion and political barriers.�

Orisakwe noted that rotary is a key that opens opportunities for the less previlegded people across the world in seven areas of focus including maternal and child health care, disease prevention and control, peace and conflict resolution. “Such opportunities are evident in the good works of Rotary which has kept us at the topmost spot among charitable organisations globally for a consistent period of 105 years,� he added. The highlight of the event was the award presentation to well deserving personalities like Mr. Anthony Okafor and Prince Bayo Ikujenyo.

While Okafor received economic and community development award for his contributions to economic and community development, Ikujenyo received an award for his contributions towards youth, sport and community development.

L-R: HRM Oba Samuel Adeoye, the Makun of Atijire Kingdom; the Guest Speaker, Eddy Odivwri; the 36th President of Rotary Club District 9110 of Agbara, Sir Chief Lucky Arhere; wife Lady Alice Arhere at the recent investiture of the president at Alarco Hotels and Suites, Agbara

IWS Reiterates Commitment to Empowering Women Nationwide Vanessa Obioha At the investiture ceremony for its 63rd president, Ibiwunmi Akinnola, International Women’s Society (IWS) pledged to continue empowering women in Nigeria.

Held recently, the event was aptly themed ‘Resilience and Reinvention’ to reflect the collective strong-willed spirit of women.

The not-for-profit organisation was founded in 1957 in Lagos by a group of public-spirited women set out to champion women’s courses using its cut clear programmes that generally focus on providing for the less privileged; supporting widowed women financially; and providing avenues for acquisition of productive skills toward financial independence and development of their respective communities.

Akinnola in her remarks acknowledged the challenges women face during this pandemic, and highlighted her role in ensuring that women stay

empowered. “Despite the challenges of the coronavirus, IWS has continued to drive positive change by donating to the less privileged. In the area of personal development, the IWS has not been found wanting. We also try to lift spirits, and promote lifechanging conversations with webinar programmes.�

She continued: “as the 63rd president of the IWS, I have the huge responsibility of raising funds for all our projects within the next one year, and as such, will use my network and resources to achieve the goal of raising a minimum of N100 million. It might sound like a lot, but together, we can make it happen.�

Assuming the role of chairperson for the event was Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, publisher of Guardian Newspapers. In her keynote speech, she remarked the importance of education in empowering women and children. She also spoke on the positive change women will affect if they were given a voice

on the political scene. “Most of the problems we face today, will be less if our women were educated,� noted Alex-Ibru. “If 70 per cent of our women were educated, then 100 per cent of our children would be. Imagine teaching them values, and challenge all inbuilt ambitions for purpose. “Women should have the opportunity to serve as men. If you educate the women, you educate the nation. We are able to juggle some many things [at a time], and men should learn to appreciate us. There is an urgent need to accelerate the journey to women in power. I ask myself, ‘if this is what comes naturally from women, then why is she not in politics?’�

Not new to empowering women in her current capacity as the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun commended the IWS for their work in empowering women, especially at a time the world is still grappling with the uncertainties of COVID-19 pandemic.

Folasade Femi-Lawal Celebrates Golden Jubilee in Style Princess Folasade Femi-Lawal (FCA, FCIT, FERP), popularly known as FFL, celebrates her Golden Jubilee with family and friends at a Special Thanksgiving Service which is taking place at theRedeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Victoria Island, Lagos. She is a member of the church choir.

Born on Thursday Femi-Lawal December 3, 1970 to Pa Folowosele Ajayi-Oromu of Ajayi Oromu Dynasty and Mrs Tinuola Ajayi- Oromu, who hails from the ruling house of Owa Ajimoko of Ijesha land, she attended African Church Primary School and St. Margaret Girls Grammar School, Ilesa where she was appointed as Head Girl and Senior Prefect respectively due to her outstanding brilliance and high sense of responsibility plus leadership skills displayed in her youth.

This is an attribute passed down by both her by paternal and maternal grandmothers. Mama Gboregun the maternal grandmother was Yeye Lobinrin of Omoofe. She was such a 18th Century powerful women leader in her days.

Yeye Obikemi Ajayi-Oromu,her paternal grandmother was an intimidating woman of her time also; well-known and feared amongst women and men of her time.

Folasade Femi-Lawal, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo’s University and Harvard Business School, Executive Education is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, fellow of Chartered Institute of Taxation and Enterprise Risk Professionals.

She is a sought-after Conference Speaker and Panelist as well as Chairperson at Global and National events such as’ Annual Finance Tech in South Africa, Annual Global Finance Conference in UK, Finnovex Digital Summit, & Women of West Africa Entrepreneurs (WoWe) etc.

She is a Council Member for Gershom Lehman Consulting in USA and a member of the Esteemed Speaker and Advisory Panel for New Age Banking Summit.

She is the happily married wife of Babafemi Lawal, her heartthrob of more than 25years and a joyful mother of four teenagers.

She has been described by family and friends as a phenomenally resourceful, generous, loving, brilliant mind and a super mum.

Folasade was the pioneer Head of Digital banking and currently transforming Card business in the industry. She is arguably one of the brightest minds in the banking Industry.

FFL as she is fondly called, has over 25 years Professional experience under her sleeve. She cut her Professional teeth at the Global Consulting Firm, Price Water house Coopers (PWC) as a trained Accountant where she passed her ICAN exams in flying colours.

She then had a three year stint at Standard Trust Bank now UBA as the only female staff in the Inspections Department before she joined Econet Wireless as a Pioneer Head of Credit Control and later the Principal Analyst in charge of Commercial Directorate where she spent nearly 10years before joining First Bank.

She is from the Royal House of Owa Ajimoko of Ijesha land and loved by many Her relationship with God is a Priceless Treasure to her and happy to be branded an Apostle in the market place.

This is underscored by our passion in the coordination of Praying Mums,a 5,000 strong global community of Women where all women ,single, divorced & married women find their happy place in Christ.

Institute of Auctioneers Nigeria Holds ProďŹ ciency Training The certified Institute of Auctioneers Nigeria have just concluded its proficiency training for another set of 32 newly inducted certified auctioneers in Nigeria.

The training, which focused on producing high calibre auctioneers in line with the international best practice, started 10 years ago.

The institute has produced over 1000 certified auctioneers across the country to date and also it has been conducting virtual monthly training since August this year due to the pandemic.

The Registrar of the Institute, Adeleke Hassan said the Chartered Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria Bill uniting all the auction bodies in Nigeria was passed by the 8th National Assembly to ensure regulation, control and professionalism.

Thus, the Certified Institute of Auctioneers continuously calls for professionalism in National Assets Management while canvassing for transparent action in disposing off the assets through engagement of professional auctioneers who can get the assets properly listed and sold transparently within a short time and generate enough revenue to reflate the economy.

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ART WEEKEND

‌For pure art enthusiasts

An Evening of Odes to Prof J.P. Clark Literati in Lagos converged on Harbour Point, Victoria Island with the distinguished Old Boys of Government College,Ughelli,tocelebratethelastinglegaciesofthepoet-playwright,Prof.J.P.Clark.Rebecca Ejifoma reports

A

colourful event awash with tributes was witnessed at the lagoon-side venue, Harbour Point marque in Victoria Island.

At the close of business last week, the literati in Lagos gathered to savour the sweet taste of poetry in honour of one of the finest poets of the post-independence era, Prof. J.P. Clark. The half-filled hall was reverberating with the voices of friends of the poet who trickled in to read their lines from the works of the poet.

Dignitaries at the event include Jimi Agbaje; Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Prof. Hope Eghagha; James Ibori; and Sam Omatseye amongst other families and friends.

Organised by the alumni of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA), the event was full of accolades for the poet who was described as “a very simple and forthright person� who “ran a good race, lived a good life.’’ Though physically absent from the event, the Nobel Laureate and contemporary of the poet, Prof. Soyinka, in a tribute with a witty title, “Song of a goat pepper-soup,� characterised the temperament of the late poet as “deep poetic sensitivity with an intense political discontent, frustrations from a nation that constantly short-changes itself.�

Soyinka’s tribute was read by a former Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan (SAN), who would later share a tribute of his own. Also, an Old Boy of the College, Chief Uwensuyi-Edosomwa(SAN) described Clark as an integral member of the GCUOBA family. “There is that contributory side of JP Clark that is closed to many: unresolved mix of a deep poetic sensibility with an intense political discontent, frustrations from a nation that constantly short-changes itself. Such companion unease tends to manifest itself in inner turbulence that takes vengeance on justly bewildered heads, even without apparent provocation, Those who wish to delve deeper into, or dispute this, should simply remind themselves of his role in the saga of the first military coup in Nigeria, his intimate association with Christopher Okigbo one of our pioneer ‘literary quartet’ who perisheq on the war front -constantly punctuated by interspersed lyrics of a compulsive testifier. JP never gave up, check on the series of poems he published in The Guardian during his final years!�

In his remark, the President, GCUOBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Sam Omatseye, hailed JP Clark as “extraordinary in conversation, extraordinary in presence, and even in death,

Bikiya Graham-Douglas

2020 BEETA Playwright Competition Begins Yinka Olatunbosun

J.P Clark

he is extraordinary.�

The Chairman and CEO, Guardian Newspaper, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru recounted how the late poet brokered peace between his younger brother and her husband. “That is who he is.

He would speak the truth regardless�.

Another friend and close family, Princess Juliana Edewor, described the late poet as a father, mentor, friend, icon, and intelligent man who always enjoyed their arguments. “He stood as my father when I got married again after the death of my husband.

He wrote two poems in honour of my two husbands,’’ she said.

The daughter of the late prof, Ms. Emma Clark also eulogised the writer. “He was very loving person, very sensitive. That sensitivity lasted till he died.�

She recalled some of the final moments with

him in a solemn voice. “I was crying in my room one night. I was worried about him. I didn’t know he heard me. He asked me what the problem was. He was concerned about me.

He didn’t know I was more concerned about his health. He said to me, ‘I don’t want to see your weakness. I want to see your strength’. I thank God for using him to make us all strong.�

Clark’s eldest child, Mr. Elaye Clark, shared similar sentiments about their father. “Around 2008 when I visited my father in our hometown, he took me to his school. He showed me around. We walked for about an hour.

That was when I found out my dad loved cricket. He said he played cricket when he was younger. He was extremely proud of his school. My father cared so much for people.

He didn’t pretend that he knew it all, but defended whatever he felt was right.�

Pastor SN Edgar Annual Grant Launched for Young Aspiring Theatre Producers Yinka Olatunbosun The Duke of Somolu Productions has launched a call for entries for the Pastor SN Edgar N100,000 Annual Grant for Young Aspiring Theatre Producers. The winner will be announced on Saturday December 26, as part of activities for the command performance of the play, “Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again,� a beautifully written piece that captures a whole gamut of emotions.

Founded by Joseph Edgar, fondly called the Duke of Shomolu, a celebrated investment banker, influential writer, author and theatre producer, the grant is instituted in honour of his late father, Pastor SN Edgar towards stimulating interest in theatre production and discovering talents.

To qualify, the aspiring young producer must have produced stage plays; must not be an associate or assistant or deputy or any other such prefix producer, but must be the main producer. Only plays produced within

Joseph Edgar

last 30 months are eligible for submissions; no age or gender restriction; and no relations of Edgar or members of the committee can

submit plays. “Submit a one minute clip showing a theatre production with you as Executive Producer.

All clips must not be more than one minute long,� Edgar stated.

According to Edgar, a committee has been set up for the prize to adjudge a winner. Members of the committee include Tunde Adeola, Diran Olojo, Yinka Olatunbosun and Yemi Shodimu.

Submission of entries opens this Friday, December 4, closing on Friday December 18. The Duke of Shomolu Productions is an avant-garde production outfit that continues to push the boundaries in playwriting and performances. With over 30,000 attendees and a robust production portfolio of six major productions namely, ‘Loud Whispers’, ‘Isale Eko’, ‘Oba Esugbayi’, ‘3some’, ‘Emotan’, and ‘Aremu’, the production house continues to sustain fire-brand performances, parading the veterans alongside new artists.

The Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF), led by actress and producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, has announced the fourth edition of the Beeta Playwright Competition. The competition has berthed several stage productions such as ‘Our Son the Minister’ by Paul Ugbede, ‘Jagagba’ by Abdul Qudus-Ibrahim and ‘Daughters of the East’ by Achalugo ChiomaEzekobe, with the playwrights who were past winners of the competition.

Since its inception, BEETA Playwright Competition has received over 1,000 entries and participation from 30 states in Nigeria and the diaspora community including countries like the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, Ghana, Italy, and Germany. The plays have all been produced by BUAF in different states across Nigeria and participated as part of University Campus Outreach.

The competition aims to find new voices in the literary genre of drama among Nigerian young playwrights. For the fourth edition, the theme is ‘Through the Ashes We Rise – Stories of Hope and Resilience in a New Nigeria’.

BUAF is calling for drama entries from young indigenous playwright between ages 18-40. The deadline for all entries is December 28, 2020.

The top 10 finalists will be treated to a writing bootcamp, with a winner emerging at the grand finale event. The best playwright will win N1 million (One Million Naira), a publishing deal with PaperWorth Books Limited and the play produced by BUAF. It will also be part of the nationwide University Campus Outreach, with performances in selected universities.

An esteemed panel of Judges for the competition includes award-winning playwright and Professor of Theatre Arts, Ahmed Yerimaas chairman; culture/film journalist and arts administrator, ShaibuHusseini; veteran actress and producer, Ego Boyo, theatre producer and writer, Ayo Jaiyesimi, director and actor, Kenneth Uphopho, and publisher/bookseller, Ibiso GrahamDouglas.

For this fourth edition, BUAF is partnering once again with Union Bank Plc, as high-ranking representatives of the bank not only recognise how invaluable the arts is to preserving and showcasing culture and history, but are also committed to developing talent in Nigeria. Also, Shell Petroleum Development Company is partnering with BUAF and expresses its commitment to enriching lives in the communities it is operating.

The competition is also supported by Paperworth Books Limited, Olajide & Oyewole LLP along with media support from The Guardian Nigeria, YNaija.com, Syncity and Bagus NG.

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ENTREPRENEUR

Nkosi: For Entrepreneurs, Passionate Team of Amazing Talents Critical to Success Lihle Nkosi, CEO of Social Hour Productions – a marketing and advertising company focused on the creation of exceptional contents, inthisinterviewwithRebecca Ejifoma sharesplansmappedoutforhercompanyandprovidesnuggetsforaspiringentrepreneurs

H

ow would you describe yourself?

I am ambitious and driven.

I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive towards. I’m not comfortable with settling. I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness.

Tell us more about your academic background?

I am a 23-year-old final year Law student, who has a passion for Media Law and Entertainment. In 2017, I graduated from one of the leading TV and radio presenting schools in Africa.

Since then I have presented and guest presented on numerous platforms and channels such as Selimathunzi, YoTv, Soweto TV, Ritevac TV, SAMA Awards Red Carpet 2017 just to name a few.

I was also the host of Miss Lesotho 2017, ZRF Media Forbes 30 under 30 Networking Sessions 2019 and part of the Youth Parliament on Power FM. Tell us more about Social Hour Production?

It is a marketing and advertising company which is all about captivating audiences through the creation of exceptional content and ideas across the different areas of our business: influencer marketing, digital publishing, product launching, content marketing, events and experiences.

We bring your brand story to life and craft high-impact social and influencer marketing campaigns that drive real engagement. Tailor-made social videos, influencer, social and creative strategies translate into measurable results.

What was your biggest motivation to become an entrepreneur?

Independence, more than anything.

As much as possible, I prefer to set my own rules. I also very much enjoy creating, and entrepreneurship readily feeds that desire. Thirdly, I am hopelessly attracted to the idea of multiplying my time and effort through others (employees and partners) to potentially realise exponential growth. For this reason, I have a lot of respect for people who choose to be employees, whether or not they have entrepreneurial ambitions.

We are exible enough to adapt quickly to external market shifts yet steadfastly focus on our own aligned strategy.

We don’t waste time on activities that can’t be measured. We invest in the strongest areas of the business and improve or eliminate the weak areas.

We have established this by aligning with leaders who show courage in the face of unimaginable obstacles and gain participation and buy-in from all levels of the organisation

Lihle Nkosi

What kind of culture exists in your organisation, and how did you establish it?

We are flexible enough to adapt quickly to external market shifts yet steadfastly focus on our own aligned strategy. We don’t waste time on activities that can’t be measured. We invest in the strongest areas of the business and improve or eliminate the weak areas. We have established this by aligning with leaders who show courage in the face of unimaginable obstacles and gain participation and buy-in from all levels of the organisation. They thrive in adversity and are never out of the fight.

What has been your biggest success as an entrepreneur?

In 2019 we expanded our marketplace, built incredible features, and raised a new round of funding. But the thing that I feel is our greatest accomplishment is the fact that we doubled our core team and so far

have managed to hire and retain great talent, while keeping our core values consistent. Hiring is a tre m e n d o u s challenge. For SME’s, having a passionate team of really amazing talent is critical to success. While we still have a lot of work to do, I am extremely proud of the team we have managed to build over the p a s t y e a r, a n d f e e l c o n f i d e n t t h a t it sets us up for further success in 2021.

W h a t p i e c e o f a d v i c e w o u l d yo u g i v e t o o t h e r yo u n g p e o p l e w h o wa n t t o b e c o m e e n t r e p r e n e u r s ?

Get educated in business, doesn’t h a v e t o b e a d e g re e i n t h a t f i e l d .

Find an experienced business mentor and listen to their advice, keeping in mind that some things will apply and some will not.

Have a business plan and be s u r e t o u p d a t e i t a t l e a s t a n n u a l l y.

Above all, be open-minded and get e ducated on the things you are great

at, and keep in mind that most of us can only be great at a few things.

Hire to your weakness. Whatever you are not great at, hire people who are great at those things. Do not hire only people who think like you do. Hire someone who disagrees with you, a lot.

Be open minded that they may have ideas that enhance, or are sometimes better than yours. Remove as much ego as you can from your decisions.

What keeps you going when things get tough in your business?

The dream. The passion. The feedback from our customers.

What should we expect from you in the next few years?

Taking ownership of spaces that I am currently in, I will definitely be focusing more on becoming a part of the media law world and taking my company Social Hour Productions and the Latizia Magazine to the next level.

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37

RedefiningNigerianBeerCulturewithYouthfulExuberanceandAuthenticity Chiamaka Ozulumba writes that for the past five years, Star Radler has leveraged several key events and consumer interests to drive increased consumer trial and retrial, shift public perception favourably, and appeal to the brand’s target audience across all regions. This, they said reflects the story that defines Erica Ngozi Nlewedim, the newly appointed brand ambassador for Legend Extra Stout and Star Radler

L-R: Portfolio Manager, Flavoured & Non-Lager brands, Nigerian Breweries, Sarah Agha; Brand Ambassador, Star Radler, Erica Nlewedim; and Brand Manager, Star Radler, Onyebuchi Allanah during the Star Radler consumer launch in Ikoyi, recently

T

he Star Radler, from the time of its entry into the Nigerian beer market, was highly recognised for its quality, unique flavour and taste of summer, bridging the gap between those who love the fine taste of beer and those who enjoy lighter flavours, providing the right satisfaction for consumers. Perhaps the only beer to appeal to all genders, Star Radler delivers a delicious punch of fruit flavours mixed with beer.

For the past five years, Star Radler has leveraged several key events and consumer interests to drive increased consumer trial and retrial, shift public perception favourably, appeal to the brand’s target audience, and cut across all regions. With the campaign theme “Twice the Refreshment’, the brand is set to once again excite its teeming young alcoholic consumers.

For a brand quite young in the market, it is a true success story.

Surely, true success is not merely crossing the finish line. What gives value to it are setbacks overcomed, and nothing feels more fulfilling and inspiring than the tale of a victor. In many ways, this has come to be the story that defines Erica Ngozi Nlewedim, the newly appointed brand ambassador for Legend Extra Stout and Star Radler.

While Erica is famed for her 48-day stay in the Big Brother house, prior to that, the fair damsel had her entire career on the course she had imagined – model, actress, singer, and brand ambassador. She has had a taste of the spotlight, but this didn’t come on a platter. It took a lot to accrue these titles. Raised by her mother Oby Nwokolo, Erica was groomed to project Amazonia qualities.

In her late teens, she launched her career after landing her first ambassadorial role in 2013 for a beauty and cosmetics brand. As an extension, she competed in a beauty pageant but failed to place well. Not solely banking on her looks, she proceeded to have a career in Nollywood, debuting her acting career in ‘Secrets and Scandals’ in 2015, and later went on to appear in a handful of movies. She would later enrol in the Met Film school in London.

At just 26 years, Erica has already made a name for herself through sheer hard work and

dedication. Little wonder she was picked from a pool of hopefuls to be the brand ambassador for Nigerian Breweries’ top selling brands.

Audacious, Erica is a true reflection of what the Star Radler brand projects: vibrancy, youthfulness, unrestraint, and a refreshing personality.

Introduced into the Nigerian beer market in June 2015, the Star Radler brand became popular among young people due to its genius blend of Star Lager beer and citrus flavours juiced from lemon and lime. Although alcoholic, the brand is tapered to offer a reduced alcoholic content to help youngsters who are new to the beer scene, drink more responsibly.

Over the years, the Radler brand has grown from strength to strength with its target market, in turn, expanding its market shares. To reflect this journey in a pattern that is relatable, it mirrors Erica’s well-known journey in the entertainment industry that encompasses being a model and beauty queen, an actress, and an adored reality TV show star. This comparison couldn’t be a more precise fit. Just like the various career togas she dons, her ambassadorship helps enunciate the brand’s need to extend its lead in the market through diversification.

Following the relaunch of the original Star Radler brand, a new variant was added to the beer mix portfolio – Star Radler Red Fruits. The variant is marked by its unique tart flavour that provides a pleasurable experience to a broad range of fun lovers seeking a refreshing and sensuous beer experience.

Although qualities that mark the Star Radler brand slightly deviate from those of Legend Extra Stout that mostly embodies originality, boldness, and strength, it was imperative to appoint a personality with all these characteristics galvanised into their being for the latter’s representation.

The Legend Extra Stout is greatly remarked for its qualities of being a bold and daring brand which thrives on originality. Since its entry into the Nigerian beer market, it essentially maintained its status by projecting a dogged outlook even in the face of competition. By the time of its entry into the stout segment of the market, it faced competition from existing brands already dominating the segment. However, through its unique blend of ingredients and positioning as a brand for young, vibrant stout lovers, it managed to clinch an impressive portion of the stout market.

Now, while Erica is easily noted for her youth,

it goes deeper than the physical for a young lady pushing the bounds in her own way. Boldness and authenticity are requisite to having one’s voice heard, and Erica proved herself long before BBN with her career trajectory, and so has the Legend Extra Stout brand over the decades.

Recently, the premium Legend Extra Stout brand underwent a reformulation of its recipes to meet contemporary demands of stout lovers.

The relaunch introduces the updated version of Legend Extra Stout bearing a new label featuring the signature Legend torch and a generous complement of the colour black.

Portfolio Manager, National Premium Lager, Nigerian Breweries, Sarah Agha, expressed her delight at the relaunch of both brands, saying, “As evidenced in the past, Nigerian Breweries is a champion of constant innovation in a bid to ensure the optimum satisfaction of our consumers and to make our brands refreshing and exciting. After a brief period of silence for both brands, we felt it was time to refresh them and re-introduce them to our loyal consumers,�

She continued: “With Legend, we sought to introduce the brand in a new light – with a new modern and premium look and a reformulated taste that will, no doubt, be a hit with those seeking to experience it. For Star Radler, we aimed to re-introduce the brand in a new modern look too, as well as a new refreshing variant that we are sure our consumers will love.�

Obviously, with the Legend Extra Stout brand, perfection is trumped by originality, boldness and strength.

Drawing from Erica’s expedition in the Big Brother House that led to her disqualification, the Legend brand recognises flaws and accepts them just fine. It pushes the message of self-acceptance, and self-love, with a touch of humility. While mistakes abound, learning from them is imperative.

In what can be best termed as a moment of weakness under the influence of alcohol that led to her disqualification. On the bright side, realising her wrongdoings and apologising, drew the Legend Extra Stout and Star Radler brands to her. This single action revealed growth; a willingness to make compromises and work with others to attain set goals — qualities both brands encourage in its youth consumers.

With her tale so far, Erica is a shining beacon of inspiration to millions of individuals who might have considered themselves misfits, who

might have concluded that there is no place for growth for them.

Reflecting on her placement as a brand influencer, Erica said: “Here’s the deal – coming on board as an influencer goes deeper than the hype. When I was approached by the team, it came as a shocker because given my history with Big Brother Naija, it was not a realistic dream for me. I was approached with the aim to reach the young consumers and now more than ever, the struggle is even tougher. “How do they stay the course without letting public opinion hinder them? The message is simple - be original, be free to do what you want, do it your own way and at your own pace.

It’s okay to make mistakes but what remains important is that they rise above it and try harder until they reach their full potential. It’s why the brand is saying - Go with Your Flow. “Once this was clear, I understood that my errors could be used to tell a story of encouragement and that is what it is about for me – letting my fans know that falling down is easy but a true ‘Elite’ knows to get up and fight back for greater heights. “On the other hand, the relationship between Star Radler and I was pretty straight forward and relatable. Star Radler is about having fun, being adventurous, trendy and feeling relaxed and refreshed. That’s my personality in an alcoholic drink. You don’t find that so often. “When you think about having Radler moments, you think about easing off stress, chilling off somewhere doing the things you love and the opportunity to share those moments with other people is something I would do anyway, except now, there is a Star Radler in the mix, with two variants with a reminder for everyone to experience ‘Twice the Refreshment’. This makes it all the more interesting. For me, accepting both brands created that balance every youth should have in their lives,� she added.

In closing, Erica shared principles guiding her on her career journey: “Life is not so easy but while you are having your fun, know your limits and understand that you will make mistakes but that should not deter you from your goal.� With its highly successful campaign as yet, the relationship fostered between the brand and Erica, is bound to lend a voice to millions of youths to aspire to greatness amid flaws that distinct them.

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METRO

‌Your city life in print

From Spinning Plates to Breaking Guinness World Record Abia State-born Esochaghi Chinemeremma is the current Guinness Record Holder of‘The Longest Duration Spinning a Plate on the Finger’with a record time of two hours, 14 seconds. In this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, the 300-level student of Dentistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, revealed that breaking the feat of Indian Himanshu Gupta’s 2016 record time of one hour, 10 minutes and 39 seconds, earned him global recognition for a hobby he started at age 11

Esochaghi Chinemeremma with some oďŹƒcials of Guinness World Record during his trials for the Guinness Record Holder of ‘The Longest Duration Spinning a Plate on the Finger’ held at Enugu Sports Club, Enugu State

H

ow did you come about this talent?

My talent is spinning a plate or any flat object on the finger as you know. I discovered my ability in my JSS 1 when I was 11years. I saw some of my classmates spinning textbooks and plates and I got interested in learning how to spin.

I then got a flat light board and started practicing with it until I became good at spinning. And then I started spinning other flat objects. I have been spinning for nine years now, dating from 2011 when I was in JSS 1, till date.

Being a medical student, how are you able to manage the stress with coursework?

I have been able to manage my record achievement with my academics very well based on the time that I allocated for them.

I can remember when I was preparing for the record attempt back then in 2018 when I was in my first year in school.

I actually practiced for one year before attempting to break the record and eventually won it as a first timer. While practicing, after my school activities in the day, during the evening or night period I would use two hours to practice the spinning and it wasn’t a daily routine.

In 2019 when I was ready to break the record, I waited until I have finished my second semester exams so that I will use the little holiday period to perform the record attempt.

What does it mean to be a Guinness Record Holder?

Right from when I was small, I used to watch Guinness World Records programs on television. Oftentimes in secondary school we discussed other people’s record achievements around the world. I even read a book then that contained some record achievements of people. That’s how I got to know about it.

Since then, I started dreaming of being on it, and I ensured to build myself towards that goal and today, I am so happy to be holding this record now.

Tell us about the record?

The record is ‘The Longest Duration Spinning a Plate on the Finger’ which is two hours, 14seconds. It was previously held by an Indian man, Himanshu Gupta, for the duration of one hour, 10minutes and 39seconds which he achieved in December, 2016.

I am currently the holder and will be holding this record title as long as there won’t be anybody around the world that will beat the record.

After this, what next should Nigerians expect from you?

Well, having become a Guinness World Record holder, which has added a very significant value to my profile both locally and internationally, my ambition is to feature

Who are your role models?

As regards to my talent, I actually don’t have any at the moment but I have a lot of people I look up to in life generally, but most are my close relations, friends, and lecturers in my profession.

How do you unwind?

I hang out with friends once in a while.

I love swimming and also love listening to news.

Chinemeremma, after breaking records of ‘The Longest Duration Spinning a Plate on the Finger’

in big platforms both locally and internationally as a brand through organisations and companies in order to impact people positively around the world.

Also, the record attempt took place at Enugu Sports Club and after gaining the title, I was automatically inducted as a member of the club by the Chairman, Hon. Onyeka Onwe, and he has been of immense help to my career growth since then.

How has your family supported you through this great achievement?

My family has always supported me both

by encouragement and financially. Because while trying to break the record then, there were financial expenses that were needed and they were all provided by my parents, and Uncle, Mr. Adimchi Promise. who is now late.

Do you see yourself defending your records anytime soon?

For now, I don’t think I will be defending my record anything soon unless the record title is taken from me by someone else and I wish to recover it back.

How many plates have you broken before breaking records?

You know, because I have been spinning books before moving to plates, I actually didn’t break much plates, just one.

I was practicing in my room in UNN hostel, a guy from another room interrupted the spinning with his hand and the plate fell to the ground and broke. Just that once and it hasn’t happened again. But of course, while I was training with books it fell countless times.

What is your life mantra?

If you can dream it, you can own it.

39

T H I S D AY Ëž Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

POLSCOPE

åÓÞÒ ĂŽĂŽĂŁ ĂŽĂ“Ă ĂĄĂœĂ“ Ă?ĂŽĂŽĂŁË›Ă™ĂŽĂ“Ă ĂĄĂœĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͸΀͸ͽ ͝͸͞ Π͝ͽ͞

How Many More Deaths are Needed to Wake Up Mr President?

Canticles‌.

So, What Happened to the NDDC Probe?

I

saw a FaceBook post in which Mr President was presented as reading a book, with the title: “How to be More Wicked�. I chuckled at the fact that some mischievous people will stop at nothing to cast our leaders in bad light. Are they implying that President Muhammadu Buhari’s had been sufficiently wicked on his own and reading up on way to become even more wicked? I scarcely would think so.

But what has become unarguable is that Mr President is completely impervious and lacking a major characteristics of living things: response to stimuli.

He appears so ensconced in the comfort of the presidential villa, that he does not know, or so it seems, what the nation is going through.

Many Nigerians believe that the flickers of responses by the omnibus “presidency� are not enough to prove that President Muhammadu Buhari is alive to his responsibilities.

How can Mr President feel cool , eat, sleep and wake and probably be active in the “other room�, when 43 of his citizens who went to farm ended up being slaughtered by a band of terrorists in the name of Boko Haram?

Why wont that cause a President to lose his sleep and hit the road to restoration of public confidence in his government?

But after the jaded routine statement condemning the “insane� act, and sending a presidential delegation to condole with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, I can bet that nothing else would be done.

The next time we hear from the government on security matters would be when another massive tragedy is triggered by the raving Boko Haram terror machine.

So, the question indeed is,: How many more deaths are needed to activate the response instinct in our President?

It does not make anymore sense to say that as soon as people clamour for a particular thing, Mr President strongly resolves to just do the opposite of what the people are asking for.

Were it not for this inexplicable anti-people posture of Mr President, the national clamour for the re-jig of the nation’s security architecture would have long taken place.

Nigerians, led by the National Assembly, have literally shouted themselves hoarse that the Service Chiefs should be changed, having grossly and manifestly failed to secure lives and property, which is primarily the raison d’etre of government. But the President is determined to eternally ignore all Nigerians.

Already, the presidency has, again, faulted the call for the removal of the old and tired Service Chiefs. From the way it is, we are stuck with them, with all the con committal consequences. But these are the same Service Chiefs the

Pondei

D

idyouhearthatlawmakers are fighting over Senator Godswill Akpabio’s $2 million largesse?

Really? How did Akpabio get $2million?

Buhari

President had declared that their best is not good enough.

Forty-three innocent, hardworking farmers (Shekau’s video says they are 78) got slain in their farms, for no offence or crime. And the Chief Security Officer of the country, the Comander-in-Chief (C-in-C) is at peace or so it seems. How bad can it get!

If (the inherited) Chibok abductions, ` Dapchi abductions, the frequent banditry in the North West; killings in the middle belt by Fulani herdsmen; killings and destructions in Zamfara and even Katsina states; the regular blood bath in Southern Kaduna; the recent murder of Nasarawa APC state chairman, Philip Shekwo; the recent killing of a monarch in Ondo State on the highway; the frequent cases of abduction and kidnappings in the South West, South south, South east, as well as Abuja-Kaduna highway, etc etc.; are not able to wake up a practically sleeping Mr President, then not even the slaying of 43 or 78 farmers in Borno State will wake him up.

But it is sad that Mr President is imperiling the lives of the people he was elected to protect in the name of being obdurate in his principles.

Of what use or relevance is a politician who does not listen to the electorate? It is even sadder that this numbness is claiming irrecoverable lives across the country. And we are all casualties.

What kind of Christmas does Mr President want Nigerians to have? If economic recession and all the consequences thereof will hit Nigerians with poverty and hardship, shouldn’t they, at least, feel safe in their famished homes and farms?

Does anyone need a prophet to declare

that we have come to the precipice when farmers are now being expected to get clearance from the military before going to their farms? Again, how bad can it ever get!

How many soldiers do we have that can guard and protect farmers even in just one state?

Nigerians are peeved that we have a president that does not listen. Nothing moves him. Not even the death of 43 persons in one day. The two chambers of the National Assembly were literally red with anger on Tuesday as they debated the collapse of the security network in the country. In fact, the House of Representatives has resolved to invite (if not summon) Mr President to the House to explain the state of security in the country. He has graciously accepted to honour the summon, on a date yet to be announced . We can only look forward to what he would say.

Unimpressed with the running propaganda of the military and government’s publicists, Gov Zulum has suggested that mercenaries be engaged by the Federal Government to dislodge and wipe away the ever-increasing insurgents in the country, despite government’s bogus claim of “technically degrading� Boko Haram. How can such degraded entities still be visiting us with such dastardly massacre?

What a shame that it is now being suggested that the government should engage mercenaries to fight and annihilate Boko Haram.

But suggesting so is because we have clearly shown that we lack the capacity to decisively deal with the menace of insurgency despite the huge human and material investment in the battle to reclaim that section of the country from the terrorists. Where are the gains?

Bidding Bro Akinto Good Night As you read this, we would be getting ready to bid our final farewell to my immediate elder brother, Peter Ejomafuvwe Akintola , as he would be committed to mother earth, in my village, Emonu-Orogun, Delta State, for his onward journey to his maker.

He had passed on a day after my last birthday, Monday, November 9, after the notorious “brief illness� of three days. He had been taken to the famous Eku Baptist Hospital, Eku, Delta State, where he was treated and discharged after three days. Two days later, he breathed his last. Why should a man certified well enough to be discharged from a reputable health facility give up the ghost 48 hours after?

His had largely been a life full of

Akinto

struggles and hope that one day, the relief and breakthrough would come.

That day never came. With mainly young and unestablished children, he surely did not reap the fruits of his labour. But we hope he would find rest and comfort in heaven. He was a Lay Reader of the Anglican Communion and had previously served dutifully and faithfully. We pray they all count in his favour as he stands before the Great Judge.

Usually able, strong and healthy, it is shocking that his first recorded sickness seized him eternally.

Who would have thought that at barely 60, we would be so soon, involved in Bro Akinto’s obsequies?

But that’s what pleased God to do and we yield in total surrender. May the Good Lord rest his soul.

What kind of question is that? You forgot that he was an uncommon governor for eight years? Do you know what that means in terms of dollars and pounds?

Are you saying he is still spending the money he amassed over ďŹ ve years ago as governor?

I didn’t say he amassed any money as governor. Don’t put words in my mouth.

All I know is that he has been a very generous public officer. I cannot forget how he doled out six million naira at the time to give to the six state chairmen of the PDP who met in Port Harcourt to use it to buy “Mr Biggs� refreshment packs. So he is used to doling out big money. And that is what the senators are scrambling for again.

So, why did he release $2 million to senators now? Is it because he was a former senator?

Well, I can’t quite say. I know he is generous. But I also know that he has a case before the senate. So the dollar largesse may not be unconnected with granting him a soft landing with the Red Chamber tycoons.

He has a case with the senate?

What case?

Have you forgotten all the melodrama of last August involving the MD and Directors of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over some squandered N81.3 billion within three months?

So, how does that concern Akpabio, as to make him splash $2milllion at senators, just like that?

You don’t understand. Akpabio is the Minister for Niger Delta. The NDDC was dragged away from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and put under the purview of Ministry of Niger Delta under the watch of Akpabio because it is considered a juicy parastatal. So, Akpabio is literally protecting his territory by ensuring that the cloud of crisis and scandal in the NDDC does not burst. So, in a way, some people think the $2 million largesse is to shut the lawmakers up.

But I heard that Senator Akpabio has denied sharing any such money among lawmakers and described it as fake news, saying it is the handiwork of the enemies of the Niger Delta who are churning out tons of fake news.

In any case, I believe the denial because the lawmakers have indeed released a report that heavily indicted the MD and management of the NDDC. In fact, the lawmakers

have even recommended that the MD and co, be sent to the EFCC for further enquiries. So I believe that the news about sharing dollars was fake indeed.

So, now that the Prof Pondei-led management has been indicted what will happen next?

I think Mr President will soon act on the report and its recommendations. Mr President is like the Law whose wheel grinds slowly but surely.

Didn’t you not hear that the former SGF, Babachir Lawal, the notorious grass-cutting SGF, has been re-arraigned by the EFCC for fraud and ďŹ nancial malfeasance, after what looked like the case had been closed or forgotten?

Don’t change the topic. We are talking about the squandering of public funds at NDDC. How come a people who owned up to “settling themselves� with public money have been allowed to remain in office since July till now?

How can they be the same people overseeing the so-called forensic audit of the commission? And what is more, they cleverly removed the last three years which will include when they have been in office.

Don’t be faster than your legs.The report indicting them has just been released.The President couldn’t have sacked them without Due Process of they being indicted by the lawmakers who probed their activities and transactions. One thing sure is that Mr President will not spare anyone whose case of fraud and corruption has been proven and established.

Niger Deltans, nay Nigerians cannot wait to see those crooks rammed into prison for recklessly raping the fortune and future of the people; after they have refunded all the monies they raked into their personal accounts. The report which called for the dissolution of thePondei-ledteam, notedthattheNDDC has been worse-off since it came under the supervision of Senator Akpabio. It further stated that the Executive Director Project, Dr Cairo Ojuogboh, who had been Akpabio’s Man Friday in the commission was “grossly unqualified� and “unfit� to hold such a position.

It is gratifying that the report was expressive and condemnatory of the pillage that went on in the commission.

We are only hoping that the report will not be swept under the carpet. Let governmentteachother uncaught crooks in public office a lesson with this case.

You can be sure that the next action of Mr President on the NDDC will be massive and thorough, to sweep clean the augen’s table. (index finger across lips). Shhhhhh, so let nobody demand the sack of Pondei and co, or else they will be there till 2023, according to the operation template of Mr President’s modus operandi.

40

T H I S D AY Ëž Í˛Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

2,100 Contributors Apply for Change of PFAs, Says PenCom Ebere Nwoji About two weeks after the commencement of the pension transfer window, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has revealed that over 2,100 contributors into the contributory pension scheme(CPS) have applied to move their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) from their current Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to new ones.

PenCom, disclosed this yesterday at the virtual 2020 Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) retreat for journalists.

Head, ICT, PenCom, Mr. Polycarp Anyanwu, said, over 2,100 applications were submitted and received by the commission between 16th and 30th of November, 2020.

The transfer window known as Retirement Savings Account Transfer System (RTS) is an

avenue created by the Pension Reform Act 2014 to enable contributors migrate from one PFA to another once in a year in the event of dissatisfaction with the services of a particular fund administrator.

Section 13 of the Pension Reform Act, 2014 allows contributors to move their RSA through a transfer window from one PFA to another, provided that it is not more than once in a year.

Polycarp noted that, most of the pension contributors seeking a switch to a new PFAs were those who were not contented with the services of their current pension fund managers, a development which he said, will no doubt, enhance quality service delivery of the PFAs to their clients.

Explaining how the window operates, he said, “the RTS has four quarters in a year, which are; 31st of March, 30th of June, 31st of September, and 31st of

December in which contributors can change their PFAs once in a year, adding that the over 2,100 applications received so far, would be processed for the 31st of December, 2020 window.�

According to him, a month to the above mentioned dates, the concerned pension fund operators must have submitted necessary documentation to the regulatory body, informing it of the amount leaving their kitty and the RSA holders concerned, so as to give ample time for both PenCom, the affected PFAs and the receiving PFAs to plan ahead.

On the part of the contributors, he said fingerprint, which serves as their consent, is a unique criteria to switch PFAs. Although, he said it was expected that some pension fund operators would be on the losing end and some proactive ones winning the disgruntled contributors.

L-R: Head, HR Operations/Training Academy, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Dan Okoli; Head, Performance Management Unit, Osinaka Ifedigho; Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Ejike Ndiulo; and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Emerging Africa Capital, Oluwatoyin Sanni, at the 2020 Great Place to Work award ceremony where Fidelity Bank was certiďŹ ed as a great place to work, held in Lagos... recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Seplat Refutes Cardinal Drilling Services’Facility Seplat Petroleum Development Company has distanced itself from a facility Cardinal Drilling Services Limited obtained from Access Bank Plc. It was noticed that on December 2, 2020, Seplat’s corporate headquarters at No. 16A Temple Road, Ikoyi, Lagos were sealed and policemen, purporting to act on behalf of the allegedly appointed Receiver/Manager, prevented Seplat’s staff and other tenants from entering the building.

However, it was gathered that subsequently Seplat received copies of the following documents: a letter dated 2nd December, 2020 from Kunle Ogunba & Associates, alleging to be the appointed Receiver/Manager over the

subject assets and attempting to exercise control over possession of said assets (Receiver’s Letter); and the Court documents filed

by Access Bank against Seplat, Cardinal and other named Defendants (Court Documents).

A review of the above documents showed that Seplat’s headquarters was sealed pursuant to an ex parte interim Court Order dated 13th November, 2020, which was obtained by Access Bank Plc in connection with its Facility to Cardinal Drilling Services Limited.

It was gathered that in 2012, Cardinal Drilling Services Limited obtained a facility from the defunct Diamond Bank (now Access Bank) to purchase the CDS Rigs 101, 201, 202 and 203.

The facility was secured by a fixed and floating Debenture over Cardinal’s assets (debenture). “Seplat was not a party to the facility or the debenture and did not provide any guarantees or indemnities on behalf of Cardinal or otherwise in connection with the facility. “The Cardinal Rigs were used to provide drilling services to Seplat and other companies. In particular, CDS 101 and 201 were used to execute SEPLAT’s 2019 work programme and all 4 Rigs were critical to SEPLAT’s future drilling plans. “Over the passage of time, Cardinal was unable to service the outstanding part of the Facility, which Access Bank show to be an outstanding amount of $85.8 million,�

Seplat explained in a statement.

LCCI Rebrands, Lagos Trade Fair Begins Today Dike Onwuamaeze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has unveiled a new logo that will enable the 132-year-old chamber to stay relevant and avoid becoming a relic in the contemporary business environment.

The new logo was unveiled yesterday by the President of the LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, during the 132 Annual General Meeting of the chamber.

Mabogunje said: “Distinguished members, our chamber was founded in 1888 and this makes us a heritage brand.

As a heritage brand ‌ it has become necessary to ensure a strong connection with the new generation of entrepreneurs and

the contemporary business community without losing the cherished values of our history and heritage as the oldest chamber of commerce in West Africa and the second oldest in Africa. “We believe the move will strengthen the LCCI brand essence as it brings a new perception to its corporate image and visibility. I will be unveiling the refreshed logo at the end of the Business session of this AGM.�

She also stated that the 2020 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), will commence today and end on December 13, adding that it was earlier scheduled to hold between November 6th and 15th, but was postponed due to the many disruptions caused

by the #EndSARS protests that paralysed economic activities in Lagos and across the country.

She said: “I am pleased to report that the Lagos State Government has granted us permission to host the 2020 LITF and mandated the Lagos State Safety Commission to work with us to organise the fair under strict compliance with all COVID-19 safety protocols.�

Mabogunje, who reviewed the business environment in the country in 2020, noted that the COVID-19 disruptions as well as the wide-scale civil unrest that hit the country, have propelled the federal government “to take bold steps in implementing key reforms the organised private sector has been advocating for over the years.

Recare Wins Award Cosmetics and lifestyle brand, Recare Limited has been honoured with the award of the ‘Philanthropic Beauty and Cosmetics Company of the Year’ by the CSR Reporters, a national magazine that focuses on corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting.

At an event held in Lagos recently, Recare Limited, owners of Natures Gentle Touch, Nonstop and Hairsavvy brands that provides beauty care solutions with operations in Nigeria and South Africa was recognised for “demonstrating

integrity and transparency while engaging in several corporate social responsibility interventions�.

Commenting on the award, the Finance Manager, Recare Limited, Mr. Kalu Uma, who represented the company at the award ceremony said: “This award is a vindication of the great work the team at Recare Limited led by Mr. Chika Ikenga has been doing over the years. “It is a call for us to keep doing what we are doing right not only in producing

contemporary beauty and personal style brands that inspire confidence in the African woman, but also in giving back to the society through several corporate responsibility initiatives.�

According to Uma, Recare through its cosmetics brands have made great impact in the provision of hair and scalp care solutions to African women which is seen in the growing confidence and expression of unique sense of style among the black women in Africa and in the Diaspora.

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 Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2020

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $46.67 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $46.72 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

41

T H I S D AY Ëž Í˛Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NSE: Application of 0.08% Stamp Duty Begins December 7 Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday said from Monday, December 7, the Stamp Duty rate of 0.08 per cent on securities transactions in the market will be implemented.

The new duty was revised from 0.075 per cent previous charge. According to the NSE, the change was necessitated by the classification of Contract Notes as

an ad valorem tax by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). “As a responsive selfregulatory organisation, the NSE is committed to enforcing rules and ensuring compliance with regulations and other applicable government requirements. “While it had maintained a stamp duty rate of 0.075 per cent in line with what was obtainable in the Nigerian capital market, it is imperative that the FIRS’ stamp duty regime of 0.08 per

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

cent on securities transactions is applied. “To this end, the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) will adjust its system to implement the automated deduction of the Stamp Duty rate of 0.08 per cent from Monday, 7 December 2020,� the exchange said.

The Exchange explained that it had also issued the requisite guidance to Dealing Member Firms to put in place the

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

necessary measures to ensure compliance and communicate this change to investors in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, trading at the stock market closed on negative note following sell pressure on Tier 1 banks, United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. The NSE All-Share Index fell 0.3 per cent to close at 34,968.94.

The total volume of trades decreased by 21.5 per cent to

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

289.39 million shares, valued at N7.35 billion, and exchanged in 4,878 deals. UBA was the most traded stock by volume at 34.45 million shares while MTN Nigeria was the most traded stock by value at N4.38 billion.

Performance across sectors was broadly negative, as three of sector monitored indices declined. NSE Banking Index led the decliners with 2.1 per cent, trailed by the NSE Insurance

O F

Index that went down by 0.8 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index shed 0.2 per cent.

However, the NSE Oil & Gas Index appreciated by 0.4 per cent.

A total of 25 stocks depreciated compared with 13 that appreciated. The price losers were led

by Unity Bank Plc with 9.8 per cent, trailed by Chams Plc with 8.0 per cent. NAHCO Plc shed 6.8 per cent just as ETI Plc dipped by 6.3 per cent among others.

0 3 / 1 2 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

42

MARKET NEWS

ABC Transport Shareholders Approve N1.4bn Rights Issue Goddy Egene Shareholders

of

ABC

Transport Plc have approved the injection of additional capital

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

of N1.4 billion into its operations. The capital would be raised through

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 02Dec-2020, unless otherwise stated.

right issue and bond from existing shareholders and the open market.

The approval was given by the shareholders at the annual general meeting

(AGM) of the company that took place on November 27, 2020, in Owerri, Imo State.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar 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 1.04 1.06 15.66% ACAP Income Funds 0.86 0.86 11.36% 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 2.03% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.80 3.93 55.36% 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 100.00 100.00 0.90% Anchoria Equity Fund 129.30 129.76 21.17% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.46 1.46 21.92% 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 18.09 18.64 18.13% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 400.72 412.80 16.01% ARM Ethical Fund 33.66 34.68 15.76% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.21 20.49% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 13.02% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.30% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.31 2.31 21.47% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.27 2.31 50.74% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.90% Paramount Equity Fund 15.93 16.30 27.59% Women's Investment Fund 135.26 135.56 22.10% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.56% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 126.82 127.60 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 0.00 0.00 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.41 108.41 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 1.30% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.11 1.12 19.48% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.75 1.75 31.57% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.06% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.28% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,210.61 1,228.22 9.23% 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 N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund 111.72 111.76 11.72% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.50% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 120.34 120.76 6.63% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.52 120.94 6.25% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 148.46 150.74 14.09% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.07% Legacy Debt Fund 3.86 3.86 5.60% Legacy Equity Fund 1.48 1.51 30.92% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.13 1.13 4.64% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.00% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.67 128.20 18.32%

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 1.99% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.82 2.88 29.08% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 155.87 156.79 8.80% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.39 1.41 23.23% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.69 1,146.69 10.22% 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 1.60 1.63 29.77% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.09 12.19 7.36% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.02% PACAM Equity Fund 1.53 1.54 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.36 109.69 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 132.38 135.33 11.65% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 8.70% 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 25.99% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 6.25% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 25.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 7.39% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 31.06% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.63% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 21.86% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.22 1.22 5.20% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 110.72 110.72 6.25% 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 1.37 1.39 14.69% United Capital Bond Fund 1.88 1.88 8.61% United Capital Equity Fund 0.85 0.88 21.14% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.20% United Capital Eurobond Fund 116.51 116.51 6.59% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.08 1.83% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.16 12.31 18.38% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.53 13.68 16.53% Zenith Income Fund 24.89 24.89 9.53% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.96%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

120.00

6.88%

52.10

0.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

11.61 117.48 88.68

11.71 117.48 90.35

37.76% 23.04% 18.06%

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.12

4.16

19.79%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.65

5.73

-4.37%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

15.98 1.00 16.36

16.08 1.00 16.56

32.76% 2.53% 56.89%

226.72

228.72

20.60%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.71

13.11%

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

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˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

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WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Seven Stages of Life in Islam - 1 Mohd Ebrahim Sulaiman/Kyaw Kyaw Oo/ IslamiCity Islam = submission to the Will of Allah (GOD).

Islam has beginning and end. Those who embrace Islam are called Muslims. The word Muslim is derived from the word Peace. The traditional Muslim greeting is peace be unto you.

Who is Allah? Allah is The One and The Only God who created the worlds, Angels (created by light), Jinn (created by Fire), Satan (devil) is an outcast Jinn, man (created from sounding clay), animals and contents of the universes. Allah is One, there is no God other than Him, without any partners, He is eternal without a beginning and enduring without end, Absolute, Self-Sufficient, Self-Existing, never dies, not borne nor gives birth, has no companion and nothing is comparable to Him. He never sleeps nor slumbers. All-Knowing, All-Hearing, All-Seeing. Nothing happens except what He wills. He gives life and death. He is The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful. He is intensively and continuously merciful to his creatures even though Non-Muslims do not believe in him. He is far above from any created being. He is The Creator of everything in the universe, heaven and earth and its content. He will never perish or come to an end. When Allah wants anything to happen he says “Be” and it is. Muslims do not believe that Allah assumed Human form and came down to this earth. Human body form has animal properties and animal characteristics are created by Allah. Allah is high above all the creations.

Creation of Mankind The first Man’s (Adam) body was created from sounding clay. His companion woman “Hava” was created from Adam’s rib. All his descendant’s bodies are created by sperm of man and ovum of women. Jesus (Prophet ISA) son of Mariam (Mary) was created by Allah’s word (Be and it is) like Adam but in Mariam’s womb. Jesus was a human prophet and not son of God. He was not crucified but taken up alive (Holy Quran).

Allah breathed into the body of man part of His spirit called (Ruh) Soul. When the soul enters the body it becomes alive. When this soul is withdrawn from the body it dies and the body decays, putrefies and is eaten by microorganisms. Every day man experience temporary death at night when he sleeps and resurrects when he wakes up. Allah keeps his soul in a safe place during his sleep. Allah has appointed angels as guardians to the right and left side and allowed satan to disturb humans.

All these facts are described in Holy Quran.

Stage 1. Life in Lau Ho Mahfuz Allah created all the souls of the descendants of Adam and Hava who were predestined to come to this earth. Everything about the universes and our soul before and after creations are documented and recorded in the tablet (book) board in heaven (Lau Ho Mahfuz).

Allah once asked all the created souls, “who is your Lord?” All the souls said “You are our Creator our Lord”. But souls forget the covenant when they descend to the earth. Some have faint or vague memory of Allah (God) in the inner core of the heart. At times of life threatening danger man will automatically shout “Oh God!” But who is that God? If no one tells him he will not know. At that time they usually do not address false gods. They usually point up to the heaven and say Almighty God meaning ALLAH.. If they say that many times they will forget false gods. That is the inner instinct of Humans.

Stage 2. Life in the mother’s womb The soul is sent down to this earth into the body of fetus developed in the mother’s womb and the fetus becomes alive. The fetus was swimming in the amniotic fluid inside the uterus like a fish.

It does not breathe air. The fetus was fed by the blood through the placenta of the mother and supplied to the body of the fetus by means of umbilical cord. In pregnant women there is no menstruation until the baby is born. Do we remember how we lived 9 months inside the mother’s womb?

Stage 3. Life in this world At the fetal age of 36 to 40 weeks (pregnancy) the baby is born. The baby breaths the first time and cries. Whereas the nurses, friends, parents and relatives laugh, are happy and praise the baby. When the same baby become old and dies, the relatives and friends cry. Some practice

infanticide (kill babies) if the baby is female.

Islam does not allow infanticide and abortion.

The newly born baby is clean, innocent, free from sins, grows, develops, learns and is brought up in Muslim families or in non-Muslim families. The soul in the baby forgot Allah and the promise (covenant) given in the heaven that Allah is his Creator and Lord.

The babies brought up in Muslim families will be taught Quran and reminded about Allah and Islam to worship only The One Allah. To avoid worshiping false gods. False gods are either made by man from wood or stone or the creation of Allah (such as sun, moon, tree, fire, water, animals, spirits, the content of the universe). Muslims only worship one creator (Allah) but not the creations. Muslims do not associate anything with Allah. Allah has sent 124,000 Prophets from the time of Adam to the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the last Prophet, to remind all mankind to worship one God Allah. There were divine revelations (books) sent down through Prophets including Abraham, David, Solomon, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (Pbuh).

Muslims believe all the Prophets and their books (psalms, Torah, Bible and Quran). Quran is the latest divine revelation (words of Allah) revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) 1400 years ago and is preserved without any flaws and amendments done by humans up to date.

Whereas all the other Holy books were altered or corrected by humans and the original statements were corrupted and become doubtful. Allah said in Quran he will preserve the Holy Quran until the end of the world so no man can alter it. Quran is preserved in the hearts of Hafizs (Those who have memorized the whole book Holy Quran by heart). There are millions of Hafizs in this world.

Burning all the copies of Quran will not make miraculous Quran disappear from this world.

Quran is revealed in Arabic language whereas the Bible was revealed in Hebrew language.

Quran updates all the previous holy books and teaches mankind about universal laws, moral concepts and narratives. The Quran’s timeless text remains a miracle, an inspiration and guide to all humanity.

Muslims believe in Quran and follow Prophet’s saying and example of his way of life. Those who believe in one Allah, his prophets, his books, his angels, the last day of judgment, the next life, good or bad come from predestined decree of Allah, the existence of hell and heaven, reward for good people and punishment of bad people are called Muslims. All souls are provided with limited free will to choose. There is no compulsion in Islam. All souls have to taste death. When the soul leaves the body, relatives and friends cry. The soul of man will be extracted by the angel of death either gently or roughly when the time is ripe. When a soul is pulled out from the body man must remember his faith in Allah (that Allah is his Creator) otherwise he will be sent to hell.

Satan, the devil is proud and cast out by Allah because he is jealous of Adam, disobeyed Allah, and became avowed enemy of Mankind.

He has the power to disturb man from the front, behind, by the sides and can enter the body, whisper evil in Man’s heart as approved

by Allah. Satan, the devil’s job is to mislead man to hell. It is easy for Satan to mislead non-muslims to worship other than Allah but not true Muslims. Satan will destroy Muslims by using many tactics but especially by 1. Jealousy and 2. Greediness. Satan was punished because of jealousy and Adam was punished because of greed. Satan certainly will try to persuade muslims at the time of death when a person is in semi-conscious state to say that there are other gods than Allah. If Satan succeeds the soul of Muslim or non-Muslim will go out from the body at the time of death without faith and that soul will enter hell.

Muslims therefore practice and profess “there is no God except Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah” (in Arabic “La ilaaha illallah Muhammadur Rasullulah”) it must be said by mouth and believed in the heart all the time and practiced all the time to make it habitual during sleep or while awake or in shock or distress.

Allah has provided a way for mankind to drive away Satan by uttering the divine revelation ‘A-’oo thu bil-laa-hi mi-nash-shai-taa-nir ra-jeem.

Bis-mil-laa-hir- Rah-maa-nir Ra-heem.” meaning “I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast, In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful”. Whenever a Muslim starts to do anything e.g. eat, drink, sleep, travel, switch on the computer, open the book to read or write, enter bath room , twilight , travel, enter into vehicle, sleep with his wife, gets up from sleep, he recites this verse to drive away Satan.

To Be Continued

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FRIDAY, ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

Court Asked to Stop December 8 APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NEC Meeting Alex Enumah in Abuja A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Kalu Kalu, yesterday asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the planned meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party slated for December 8, pending the final resolution of the legal battle on the legality of the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC).

The court was also asked to stop the party from embarking on membership registration

and revalidation allegedly aimed at deregistering the chieftain for instituting court action against the party.

Kalu, in a motion on notice filed on December 3 in Abuja, is seeking an order of the court voiding and setting aside the notice of NEC meeting issued

by Senator Akpan Udoedehe on the grounds that he has no power to do so.

The motion filed on his behalf by his counsel, Mr Ukpai Ukairo, was predicated on Order 24 Rules 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Federal High Court.

In a 69-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion, the

APC chieftain claimed to be a foundation member of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) which later transformed into APC along with others and later became Youth Leader of the party in Abia State.

He averred that on June 25, 2020, the Adams Oshiomholeled NWC of APC voted for four years tenure was dissolved barely two years into the expiration of the tenure via a resolution passed at the Presidential Villa.

The deponent claimed he instituted a court action challenging the NWC

dissolution and the setting up of a Caretaker Committee.

He averted that while his suit was pending, the purported Caretaker Committee took over functions of the NWC and illegally took decisions on behalf of the party despite having joined issues in the law court.

The plaintiffs, therefore, asked the court to bar the Caretaker Committee from convening any NEC meeting for APC until all issues relating to legality or otherwise of the Oshiomhole-led NWC are fully resolved.

Meanwhile, Justice Taiwo

Taiwo will hear the motion along with other issues today.

Kalu, a Youth Leader of the APC in Abia State is specifically challenging the powers of NEC to sack the national leaders barely two years out of their constitutionally guaranteed four year term of office.

In the suit with number: FHC/ABJ/ CS/736/2020, the plaintiff asked for an order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, setting aside the dissolution of the NWC

by APC's NEC meeting held at the presidential villa in June this year.

He is also praying the court for an order restraining the National Caretaker Committee members led by Buni from parading themselves as national officers of the APC and from usurping the functions of the party's NWC. Respondents in the case are INEC, APC, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Isiaka Oyetola, Ken Nnamani, Stella Okorete, Governor Sani Bello, Dr. James Lalu, Senator Abubakar Yusuf, Hon. Akinyemi Olaide, Chief David Leon, Prof.

Their Mamman, Mr. Isiaka Ahmed and Senator Akpan Udoedehe.

A panel that the federal government was begging state governors to set up.

"Now the revelations are coming out and the IG wants it halted. Is he not an employee of the federal government?

How can he go to court to stop those judicial panels?" he asked A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) DirectorGeneral, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, faulted the action of the police, believing it was premised on wrong advice.

According to him, the various judicial panels are only investigating the alleged "criminal conduct of some policemen" and not the activities of the police.

Azinge said a state has the power to prosecute criminal activities committed within its domain.

"The states are not investigating the police; that is where Section 214 can come into play. But that is not what is being done.

The police are not under any form of investigation but the activities and conduct of some policemen who obviously committed some crimes," he explained.

Another senior lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), who described the action of the police as unbelievable, blamed it on what he perceived as the absence of synergy and coordination in the system.

While wondering how an agency can challenge the decision of the federal government, Raji, however, said he would wait to see how it all unfolds.

"It sounds curious and a bit unbelievable that an agency of the federal government is directly challenging the implementation of the directive of the federal government.

"I hope it is not true but if indeed it is, it smacks of either failure of synergy/ coordination, monumental somersault or lack of sincerity, all of which are very despicable. We see how it unfolds. Very interesting times we are," he stated.

Another senior lawyer, Mr. John Baiyeshea (SAN), said the suit may become an exercise in futility.

He explained that the police cannot challenge the legality of the judicial panels now,

having participated in their proceedings.

"Police officers and personnel are already serving and/or participating actively in those panels.

"It appears too late in the day for the police to complain. They are estopped from complaining about the constitutionality of the judicial panels," he said.

However, holding a contrary view from his colleagues, Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), said: "There is no clear order by the Federal Executive Council, or the National Economic Council, approving the establishment of the judicial panels by the state governments."

Kehinde stated that what is, however, clear is that the police are on the exclusive list of the federal government and are regulated by it.

"In Lagos State, for instance, the state government in establishing the judicial panel of inquiry invoked the provisions of Section 1 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Law of Lagos State, which gives the state governor the power to constitute a tribunal when necessary to inquire into the affairs of any public officer in Lagos State. This provision should, however, be read in line with Section 1 (1) (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that â&#x20AC;&#x153;if any law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void," he said.

He added that the police force is not a public officer of Lagos State.

According to him, a judicial panel set up to investigate the activities of the Nigeria Police Force must be constituted by the federal government or approved by the federal government.

He noted that in this instance there is no evidence that the judicial panels established by various state governments were approved by the federal government, and thus they are not properly constituted.

He, however, blamed the situation on the constitution of the country, which he claimed was not only faulty but designed to fail from the outset, adding that the development has further lent credence to the call for true federalism as well as state police.

PRESIDENCY EXPRESSES SHOCK AS POLICE MOVE TO STOP JUDICIAL INQUIRIES of youths, students, civil society organisations and be chaired by a retired state High Court judge.

About 1,247 petitions are believed to have been filed in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the panels set up to investigate complaints of alleged police brutality or extrajudicial killings.

THISDAY, however, gathered that Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno and Yobe States are yet to set up panels in their states.

But a THISDAY source, who sought not to be identified, described the police suit as nothing but a rogue action, which he viewed as an affront to a presidential directive that birthed the constitution of the judicial panels.

According to him, the constitution of the panels was the outcome of NEC resolution, which he said secured the nod of President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the necessary steps for police reform.

The source viewed the action of the police, which is an agency of the federal government, as an affront to a presidential directive which authorised the constitution and activities of the panels.

He added that even the Attorney-Government of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, was not aware of the decision to file the suit.

He described such a situation where the AGF, whom he described as the chief law officer of the federation, was not consulted before an agency of government proceeds to the court as an aberration.

"It was a NEC decision and the president approved it. What the police are doing is a rogue action. The presidency may ask them to withdraw the suit. The AGF has said he's not aware of the suit and no agency of the government ought to go to court without the knowledge of the AGF as the chief law officer of the federation. They were ill-advised," he said.

The official described the police decision as baseless, noting that all that was rather expected of them was to prepare to defend the allegations against them and not attempting to stop the investigations.

He also expressed concerns that the Inspector-General of

Police (IGP), Adamu, whom he said would be due for retirement in January, could dare to undertake such a move.

According to him, the IGP should have rather been interested in the outcomes of the investigations as viable tools for police reform, which would have been his legacy when he retires.

Asked if NEC will not respond to the move, a presidential source said there is no how NEC could react now, bearing in mind that the council is not a personality but a body of persons which takes decision only when it meets.

Police Ask Court to Stop Judicial Inquiries The police, in the suit before the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, are praying for an order stopping the various statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; judicial panels from going ahead with their proceedings.

The defendants, totalling 104, who were sued by the NPF, comprised the AGF, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which set up the Independent Investigative Panel, sitting in Abuja, the attorneys-general of the states and chairmen of the judicial panels.

The NPF, through their lawyer, Mr O. M. Atoyebi (SAN), argued in the suit that the state governments lacked the power to constitute the panels to investigate activities of the police force and its officials in the conduct of their statutory duties.

According to the plaintiff, the setting up of the panels violated the provisions of section 241(1)(2)(a) and Item 45, Part 1, First Schedule to the Constitution and Section 21 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act. It said by virtue of the provisions of 241(1)(2)(a) and Item 45, Part 1, First Schedule to the Nigerian constitution, only the federal government had exclusive power to â&#x20AC;&#x153;organise, control and administer Nigeria Police Force.â&#x20AC;?

It, therefore, urged the court to, among others, declare that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the establishment of a panel of inquiries by the governors of the various states of the federation of Nigeria, to inquire into the activities of the Nigeria

Police Force in relation to the discharge of her statutory duties is a gross violation of the provisions of Section 241 (1) (2) (a) and Item 45, Part 1, First schedule, 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 21 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, Cap.T21, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.â&#x20AC;?

The plaintiff also urged the court to declare that â&#x20AC;&#x153;having regard to the circumstances of this case, the attitude of the governors of the various states of the federation of Nigeria, in this case, is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.â&#x20AC;?

It sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 3rd to 38th defendants (the state attorneys-general of the 36 states) â&#x20AC;&#x153;from making or conducting any investigations, sittings, and inquiries and/or from making or conducting any further investigations, sittings and inquiries in respect of matters affecting the Nigeria Police Force, and or further setting up any panel of inquiry in any state whatsoever in the country.â&#x20AC;?

IG Denies Authorising Suit, Queries Force Legal Secretary IGP Adamu, has, however, denied authorising the suit and directed an immediate investigation into the suit challenging the legality of the statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; judicial panels of inquiry.

A statement by Force spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), said the IG, who gave the order on the heels of trending reports in the media yesterday expressed the disapproval of the Force Management Team on the matter and ordered investigations into the alleged role of the Force Legal Section, including its head.

He added that a query has been issued to the Force Legal Officer, who could face more sanctions if found guilty of dereliction of duty.

The IG reiterated the commitment of the police to fulfilling all their obligations with regards to the disbandment of SARS, the ongoing judicial panels and all other police reforms.

'IG Seeking to Protect Lives of Personnel, Further Attacks on Police Assets' THISDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investigation, however, showed that the police filed the suit to stop the negative exposure that put the law enforcement agency in a bad light and could potentially trigger another round of attacks on its personnel.

THISDAY checks showed that the police management was worried about the further negative portrayal of the police through the panels and the potential to set the stage for another round of killing of police personnel and the potential destruction of police assets.

A source told THISDAY that more police personnel had been killed since the commencement of the panels' sittings in the states.

"Cases of suspects who admitted guilt, and whose cases were long dispensed with, are being exhumed at the panels.

"The suspects are given special treatment while the police, in spite of what we have been through, we are still subjected to inhuman treatment. A DPO was killed last week while another was shot. Just yesterday, an Assistant Commissioner of Police was killed by assassins," the source said.

Reacting to the suit, the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Mr. Okechukwu Nwangwuma, said the decision of the police to go to court meant that the IG had something to hide.

"It is very easy to understand what has happened. All these atrocities, all this corruption by police officers, senior police officers are beneficiaries,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding: "So what is happening is that if this continues (the panel sittings), it could expose all the SARS commanders and those senior officers and above who are benefitting from all these atrocities."

An official of the government, who spoke anonymously, queried the IG's decision to halt the panels' proceedings.

"What do you call this?

50

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Buhari Sets up Committee to Review Probe Report on Magu President Muhammadu Buhari has set up a four-man committee to review the report of the Justice Ayo Salami-led judicial panel of enquiry into the tenure of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

The committee, according to TheCable, will produce the White Paper on the probe report which recommended the removal of Magu as EFCC boss and his prosecution over allegations of corruption in the management of recovered assets.

Magu has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that he discharged his duties honorably as the nation’s anti-graft czar from 2015 to 2020.

The setting-up of the panel is coming amidst allegations

that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who initiated the probe with a petition to Buhari, had an undue influence on the Salami panel.

He was accused of teleguiding the panel and instigating the suspension of several EFCC officials thought to be close to Magu without any queries or invitation for questioning.

Activists sympathetic to Magu have accused Malami of manipulating the process to achieve a pre-determined agenda, although the AGF’s media office has often dismissed the allegation.

The newly set up committee is made up of two representatives from the office of the Chief of Staff to the President and another two

from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Salami has been going to the presidential villa to shed light on the gaps in his panel’s findings.

The conclusion of the review committee will lead to the White Paper on the probe.

He was accused of illegally

ordering the detention of Magu in July, a development that created friction between him and the deputy chairman of the panel, Anthony Ogbizi Michael, a deputy inspectorgeneral of police who was not happy that a senior police officer was treated “in such a manner”.

Magu is a commissioner of

police.

His lawyers also complained that he was denied participation in the initial stages of the proceedings during which the panel took evidence from several witnesses and admitted several exhibits in his absence “in violation of constitutional

provisions”.

They also contend that oaths were not administered on all the witnesses who gave evidence before the commission of inquiry throughout its sittings.

In July, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) was preparing charges against Magu

OPEC Agrees to Continue Oil Production Curbs Extends deadline for defaulting countries

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After days of intense negotiations, members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday agreed to sustain the curtailment of crude oil production through January , but with the deal now focusing on adjusting output from 7.7 million bpd to 7.2 million bpd.

The oil cartel also struck a deal to extend the deadline given to defaulting member countries to compensate for over-production till the end of March, 2020.

Producers agreed to raise output by 500,000 barrels a day in January 2021, far below the 2 million bpd initially agreed, while from the start next year, production levels will be decided at monthly ministerial meetings.

During an extraordinary meeting in April, the 23-member group agreed to begin curbing production by 9.7 million bpd on May 1, which was slated to extend through the end of June.

However, the cuts were

expected to taper through the end of 2020, with 7.7 million bpd taken off, followed by 5.8 million bpd from January 2021 through April 2022.

But negotiations on the issue have been unusually tense amid a clash between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, prompting a shift of the meeting till yesterday, due to the deadlock.

OPEC and its allies known as OPEC+ rescued the oil market this year from an unprecedented slump, slashing production as the pandemic crushed demand.

At the 12th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting (ONOMM) which was held via videoconference, Thursday, the organisation reaffirmed the continued commitment of the participating producing countries in the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) to a stable market, the mutual interest of producing nations, the efficient, economic and secure supply to consumers, and a fair return on invested capital.

FIRS Rakes in N4.1tn in 2020 Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Thursday put its overall 2020 performance from January to October at N4.122 trillion.

It said this is in spite of COVID-19 challenges, financial Act 2019 incentives and palliatives concessions.

FIRS added that its non-oil revenue collection performance in the same period stood at N2.8 trillion and oil revenue collection performance stood at N1.3 trillion.

FIRS Executive Chairman Mohammad Nami said this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund)/FIRS 2020 joint interactive.

Mohammed Nami also said that the service collected the sum of N251billion as at October this year for the TETfund.

Nami, who was represented by the agency’s director, state coordinator of Oyo, Ogun and Osun, Nureni Fasola, said that FIRS raked in N214 billion for the Fund in 2019. Also speaking, the chairman board of trustees of the Fund, Kashim Imam revealed

that 226 tertiary institutions in the country would access N500 billion from TETfund in 2021.

He added TETfund set that target of N500 billion as education tax for the FIRS in 2021 “considering the magnitude of challenges facing tertiary education in Nigeria.”

Imam, who said that the Fund was committed to impact more, added that the BoT under him was determined to prove that “public agencies must, should work and must work to get results.

“The synergy between the FIRS and TETfund is vital to the transformation that is evident in our public tertiary institutions nationwide. This was achieved as a result of joint delivery of complementary services by providing amiable and lasting solutions to our beneficiaries. In addition, the successful strategic partnership over the years can be attributed to the strong, relentless commitment and cooperation by the leadership of both organisations and our zeal to improve Nigerian education nationwide.”

WELCOME TO NIGERIA …

Gambian President, Mr. Adama Barrow (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari, during Barrow’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Maina Extradited to Nigeria after Arrest in Niger Republic Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The embattled Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, has been extradited to Nigeria to face his ongoing money laundering trial.

Maina was arrested in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic after he jumped bail and was declared wanted by an Abuja High Court.

He was received yesterday by men of the Nigeria Police Force at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The aircraft carrying the

former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team landed at the airport at 2.15 p.m.

Speaking with journalists at the airport, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Interpol, said Maina was brought back to Nigeria on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

Maina is standing trial for alleged money laundering to the tune of N2 billion.

The trial judge, Justice Abang Okon issued a warrant for his arrest after he ‘jumped bail’ and failed to appear in court.

He was said to have stopped attending his trial since September 29, 2020, prompting Justice Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to order the remand of his surety, Senator Ali Ndume, last week.

Senator Ali Ndume, who stood as surety for Maina was remanded in prison by a court before he was eventually granted bail on November 27.

Following Maina’s extradition, the Nigeria Police Force has released a statement explaining how he was arrested and returned to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, a Federal High

Court in Abuja yesterday granted leave to Mr. Adeola Adedipe representing Common Inputs Limited owned by Maina, to withdraw from the money laundering case brought against the company by EFCC. At the resumed trial in Abuja yesterday, Justice Okon Abang in a bench ruling, granted the lawyer’s application to withdraw from the case on the ground that he is yet to be paid for his services and is unable to locate Maina who engaged him to represent the company listed as the second defendant in the case.

By-elections: INEC Insists on COVID-19 Protocols Chuks Okocha in Abuja Ahead of the bye-elections in 11 states scheduled for December 5, 2020, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that voters must wear facemasks/face coverings as well as maintain the recommended social distance at all polling units.

This is just as the commission reminded voters and all stakeholders that the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much active in the country.

Consequently, INEC reminded everyone that will be involved in the elections of the subsisting guidelines and

protocols as clearly contained in the commission’s policy on the ‘Conduct of Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic’.

This was made known by the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, after a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from 11 states where bye-elections are scheduled to hold on December 5, 2020, as well as several RECs who will support them.

He noted that the security agencies have all reassured the commission that they would

continue to provide professional support to the commission for the upcoming bye-elections devoid of any partisan inclinations in order to reproduce the quality of elections that the country experience in the Edo and Ondo States’ governorship elections.

Okoye disclosed that the commission has decided that in order to forestall deliberate disruption of collation of results, the collation of local government level results will not take place in the constituency.

“Instead, after collation of results at the Registration Areas, all results shall be moved to

the state headquarters of the commission in Owerri, Imo State, for local government collation and declaration of results.

“This is consistent with the powers of the commission to designate collation centres and inform stakeholders,” he stated.

The INEC appealed to all stakeholders in the constituency to cooperate with its officials, including security agencies, to ensure that the decision is implemented peacefully, adding that it would not hesitate to apply relevant sanctions to individuals or political parties that may disrupt the process.

Buhari Receives Gambian President, Says We Must Respect Our People Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja received the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, saying African leaders must learn their people.

The president, who said the support of the people must also be appreciated, added that the people do themselves a favour when they learn do the right thing.

“The future of our countries lies

in our hands. We must respect our people, and appreciate their support.

And when the people do the right things, they do themselves a lot of favour,” Buhari said.

A statement by the president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, recalled Nigeria played a key role in ousting former President Yahya Jammeh, who had refused to accept results of the presidential election he lost in 2016.

He said the president told his guest

that the roles played by Nigeria in the episode was the least the country could play in leading an ECOWAS onslaught against a sit-tight president.

“I was in Gambia physically at least two times. It was the least we could do to stabilise the region. We’ve accepted multi-party democracy, and we must comply with its tenets. By supporting you, we were supporting ECOWAS. “We are dealing with our own troubles here, but we will continue to

support you bilaterally, and through ECOWAS,” he added.

Adesina said as The Gambia returns to the polls next year, the president pledged Nigeria’s support to the country in different ways possible.

He also said Barrow submitted that his visit was meant to say thank you to Nigeria once again for its various helps, noting that its support had been unflinching since he got to office in 2017.

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51

NEWSEXTRA

Bala-Usman: Despite COVID-19, NPA Generated N291bn in 10 Months Says expired INTELS pilotage contracts will not be renewed

Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, yesterday revealed that despite the Covid-19 pandemic that disrupted global supply-chain and trade, the NPA was able to generated N291 billion in revenue from January to October 2020.

She said she was optimistic that the NPA would meet its annual target especially when compared with the revenue it generated last year.

Bala-Usman stated this when she appeared on the ‘Morning Show’ a breakfast programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

She stated that the NPA was determined to get better value

for the federal government from contracts and services rendered by private firms, adding that as a result the INTELS Nigeria pilotage contract that expired earlier in the year would not be renewed.

Speaking on the impact of Covid-19 on NPA revenue, she said: “Globally, the port operations were sustained and the International Maritime Organisaation (IMO) had a strong position regarding having sustained shipping and that ports would remain opened. Our challenge was on full value-chain for ports operations.

“So, if the ports are functional and cargo comes into the ports, the warehouses were shut down and trucks were not at work during the lockdown. So even if your shipments come into the ports, you cannot evacuate it. So that was an issue because ports can’t work in

isolation of the full value-chain.”

She added, “So, when cargos came in and people could not take their goods out, the NPA gave a waiver for rent-free period during there was a full national lockdown, consignees were given a freehand without paying for rent because it is not your fault you are unable to get your cargo out. So, to that extent, the government took gave off that revenue to ensure consignees

feel a bit of cushion regarding their inability to their cargo out.

“While we have the challenges within the economy with Covid-19 and revenue generation, NPA within the period of January to October, we have been able to raise N291 billion as revenue that has been realized. In 2019, we raised N298 billion from January to December.

So, you can see that the differential is marginal and for November to

December, we may be able to meet up to what we raised in 2019 and we may not. So, there has been a reduction but it is not huge in terms of volume from the amount of revenue we have realised within that period.”

Also, on challenges and pushbacks the agency has faced in terms of stemming corruption, she said Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMSL) and INTELS

Nigeria have been a major hurdle.

She said: “On pushbacks that have to do with corruptions and fightback when an institute seeks to priortise government interest and seeks to recognise that the citizens and Nigeria as the country is priority over a private company who have signed some agreements that are not in compliance with regulatory obligations. That is a huge pushback I have received.

UN: Insecurity in Nigeria, Others Worsened by COVID-19 Pandemic Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The United Nations has said that the security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel, occasioned by violent attacks by terrorist groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African West African Province (ISWAP) are made worse by the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the UN, the rising spate of attacks since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out early this year, was an indication that the disease has had no negative effect on activities of the terrorists in Nigeria and other countries in West Africa and the Sahel.

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, made the assertion at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), a research and development arm of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Chambas, who delivered the Graduation Lecture for Participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC13) tagged, “COVID-19: Myths, Really and Challenges to Economic Development and Security”, maintained that, apart from security, the deadly virus had also impacted negatively on the socio-economic development of the region. He, therefore, called for a multi-government and multi-stakeholders’ approach to mitigating the far-reaching effects of the viral disease.

Participants of the EIMC 13 were drawn from military, security, para-military and law enforcement agencies in the country, the Gambia and Ghana, not below the deputy directorate cadre.

“It is not lost on lost on anyone’s mind that violent extremism perpetrated by non-state armed groups in parts of West Africa and the Sahel, is the current most pressing security dilemma in the region”, Chambas said.

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N235.4m Traced to Invictus Group’s CEO, Obiwanne Okeke The Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture to the Federal Government, the sum of N235,451,969.89 traced to the account of a convicted fraudster, Okeke Obinwanne.

On March 23, 2020, Justice Mohammed Liman had ordered the interim forfeiture of the money domiciled in First City Monument Bank (FCMB), following an ex parte application dated December 18, 2019, by the Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

In granting the interim forfeiture order, the judge had also ordered the Commission to advertise same in any national newspaper for anyone to show cause why the said money should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Following the publication

of the order in a national newspaper, the commission, on June 2, 2020, filed a Motion on Notice seeking the final forfeiture of the money to the federal government.

During the proceedings on November 12, 2020, counsel to the commission, I. Sulaiman, urged the court to grant his prayers for the final forfeiture of the money, which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

In his ruling, Justice Liman granted the applicant’s prayers and also ordered the final forfeiture of the money to the federal government.

Okeke, who is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Invictus Group, was arrested sometime in August 2019 in the United States of America (USA), and charged with two counts of computer fraud and wire fraud, to which he pleaded guilty.

ROYAL VISIT…

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and the Amanyanabo of Nembe, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, during a courtesy call on the governor by Royal fathers from the South-south in Government House, Asaba...yesterday

ACF, SSPEC Meet over Insecurity Resolved to unite to save the country from risintegration

John Shiklam in Kaduna Leaders of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and their South-South People’s Conference (SSPEC),met yesterday in Abuja, over the disturbing security situation in the country, with a resolution to work together and stop the country from collapse.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and made available to THISDAY, leaders of the two regions, maintained that they cannot stand aloof and surrender the

country to bandits who are wrecking havoc on Nigerians.

The communique maintained further that “if the government cannot protect the citizens, it means an abdication of responsibility. This means the communities should defend and protect themselves.”

According to the communique signed by Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, spokesman of the ACF and made available to THISDAY, the SSPEC delegation was led by its Chairman Prof.

Dotonye Amakiri while the ACF delegation was its chairman,

Chief Audu Ogbeh.

The communique said: “After exhaustive discussions about developments in the country, the two organisations regretted that the country has failed to keep faith with the dreams of our fore fathers.”

The two groups noted that it was the cooperation between the North and the South-south that stopped the country from breaking up during the civil war of the 1960s and resolved to work together to stop the country from collapsed.

The communique read:

“Arewa Consultative Forum, today (Thursday) in Abuja, held a meeting with the leaders of South/South People’s Conference (SSPEC.) “The SSPEC, delegation was led by its Chairman Amakin while the Arewa Consultative Forum was also led by the Forums Chairman Chief Audu Ogbe.

“After exhaustive discussions about developments in the country, the two organisations regretted that the country has failed to keep faith with the dreams of our fore fathers.

We are Working on Diezani’s Extradition, EFCC Tells Court Alex Enumah in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that it had taken steps to execute the summons issued to compel the appearance of the fleeing ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

EFCC’s lawyer, Farouk Abdullah, told the court, at the mention of a charge the commission filed against Diezani, that his agency was working on

ways to ensure the full execution of the order made by the court.

The court made some orders on the last date that this matter came up.

“The prosecutions have taken steps to ensure that the orders are complied with, but that has not come to fruition yet. But steps have been taken.

“In view of this, may I humbly apply that this matter be adjourned to enable the prosecution comply fully with the orders of the court,” he said.

In view of Abdullah’s

application, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu adjourned till March 3 next year for report of compliance with the orders or arraignment of the ex-minister.

The judge had, in July this year, acceded to the request made ex-parte by the EFCC for the issuance of summons on Diezani for her to attend court for the purpose of her arraignment on the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/ CR/208/2018.

To ensure that Diezani, said to have fled Nigeria for the United Kingdom was aware of

the invitation, Justice Ojukwu ordered that the court’s summons be published on the website of the EFCC and a national daily in a conspicuous manner.

The judge however rejected a further request by the EFCC on October 28, this year for the issuance of an arrest against Diezani.

Justice Ojukwu noted that the EFCC failed to show before the court, with affidavit evidence, that the earlier summons issued failed to achieve its purpose despite the agency’s efforts.

IPPIS: NASU Issues FG 14-day Ultimatum, Threatens Strike

Onyebuchi EzigboinAbuja

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has issued a 14day ultimatum to the federal government to address anomalies in the nation’s Research Institutes and Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

The union’s president, Dr Makolo Hassan, in a statement, following its National Executive

Council yesterday, said the union was warming up for a total shut down.

According to him, NASU is an arm of the Joint Health Sector Unions.

“For almost 10 years, the government has failed to honour the content of the agreement it freely entered into with the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Unions as contained in the year 2010 JORAISU/FGN

Agreement.

“The underlisted issues include payment of 12 months arrears of 53.37 per cent salary increase, peculiar allowances and earned allowances.

“Also, the retirement age of 65 years for Non-Research staff as obtainable in the universities, withdrawal of circular on nonskipping of Salary Grade Level 10, that is the National Industrial Court’s judgment delivered in

favour of the trade unions.

“Others include the establishment of a central body to be known as National Research Institutes Commission, adequate funding of Research Institutes and release of conditions of service,” he said. The union leader said the government had yet to address the issues in spite of several reminders, strikes and Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the government on the matter.

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Boko Haram: Mercenaries Reject Move to Return to Nigeria Chuks Okocha in Abuja Amidst renewed calls by Northeast governors on the federal government to engage foreign mercenaries in routing Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest and other insurgents’ enclaves, the foreign military contractors earlier engaged

by Nigeria have vowed never to return.

During the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan,

Nigeria had covertly brought in ‘military-technical advisers’ suspected to be mercenaries from South Africa and the former Soviet Union to take on Boko Haram ahead of the 2015 general election.

Several regional security, defence and diplomatic sources were aware of the development at the time, including a tacit confirmation by President Jonathan that two companies were providing “trainers and

technicians” to help Nigerian forces.

According to report, the PRNigeria under the condition of anonymity, one of the facilitators of “soldiers of fortune” bemoaned the humiliations, persecutions and prosecutions of foreign mercenaries along with their Nigerian counterparts who participated in the operation after the emergence of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “In fact, some of our

covert operations and activities of operatives in Nigeria including incurred casualties were exposed as working for mercenaries.

Imagine that even highly classified and coded transactions for operational purposes were exposed as corruption.”

While noting that some of their payments for operations executed are still outstanding, he said, “It’s easier to confirm what we did because we were able to recover dozens of towns from Boko Haram from at least

three states in North-East at the time. This is an open secret.”

He expressed regret and disappointment that some Nigerian military and intelligence officers who participated in the operation were not only retired, but prosecuted and convicted.

He stated that the mercenaries find it difficult to work in a country where their operations, strategy and thinking are exposed to the media and judicial processes.

The secret agent confirmed

that top government officials at federal and state levels are reaching out to them but reiterated their resolve not to come back.

In the wake of the recent attack on Zabarmari Community where at least 43 farmers were massacred by Boko Haram insurgents in Koshobe rice field, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum called on the federal government to engage foreign military contractors in the fight against Boko Haram.

Court Affirms Odey as PDP Candidate for C’River North Senatorial Election

A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar yesterday affirmed Dr Stephen Odey as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Cross River North senatorial by-election.

Ruling in the suit with number FHC/CA/CS/87/2020, the presiding judge, Justice S.A. Amobeda held that Odey was the validly nominated candidate of the PDP for the said by-election.

Relying on relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), provisions of the Electoral Act 2020 and Articles of the PDP Guidelines for conduct of its primaries, Justice Amobeda ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the name of Odey as the duly nominated candidate of the party to contest the election.

Citing the relevant provisions of the constitution, the electoral act and articles of PDP guidelines for conduct of primaries, the court held that INEC “is compelled and bound by law to publish the name of the 1st defendant

(Dr Stephen Odey), who was validly nominated by the PDP and whose name was submitted by the PDP to INEC list of nominated candidates to contest the Cross River North senatorial district by-election now scheduled to hold on the 5th day of December 2020.”

The court further directed INEC to “publish the name of the plaintiff (Dr Stephen Odey) as the duly nominated candidate of the People’s Democratic Party to contest the Cross River North senatorial district by-election now scheduled to hold on the 5th of December 2020.”

It also granted a perpetual restraining order against INEC, restraining it “either by themselves, agents, privies or surrogates from doing anything whatsoever and however, that will adversely affect the candidature of the plaintiff (Dr Stephen Odey) to contest the Cross River North Senatorial District by-election now scheduled to hold on the 5th day of December 2020 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP.”

Senate Summons Ehanire, Mustapha, Ihekweazu, NAFDAC DG over COVID-19 Vaccines Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Senate yesterday summoned the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-l9, Boss Mustapha, to brief its Committees on Health and Primary Healthcare on modalities the federal government would adopt to procure and administer COVID-19 vaccines on Nigerians.

Also, to appear before the Senate Committees include the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Directors General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Chief Executives of other relevant government agencies.

These resolutions of the Upper Chamber followed a motion titled: “Urgent need for Nigeria to obtain and administer COVlD-l9 Vaccine to its citizens” sponsored

by Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (Kwara Central).

The prayers of the motion which were approved by the

Senate include: “The Senate therefore resolves to direct its committee on Health and Primary Health Care to Invite the Federal Ministry of Health, the Presidential Task Force on Covid-l9, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Centre for Decease Control (NCDC), Federal Ministry of Finance and any other relevant government agency to present to it detail plan approval, protocol, funding, procurement, administration and monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine in Nigeria.

“Urge the federal government to provide adequate funds for the procurement and administration of COVID-19 vaccines to Nigerians.

“Direct the committees in Health and Primary Healthcare to report back to the Senate in 2 weeks.”

Senator Oloriegbe in his lead debate urged his colleagues to be: “Aware that some countries have approved vaccines for COVID-19 and are administering the vaccine to their citizens.

WAR ON CRIMINALS...

L-R: Cross River State Commandant, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. A. Majekodunmi; Governor Ben Ayade; and state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulkadir Jimoh, during the launch of Operation Akpakwu in Calabar…yesterday

Zabarmari Massacre: Families of Slain Rice Farmers Receive N600,000 Each Michael Olugbode Forty-eight bereaved families whose loved ones were killed at a rice field in Zabarmari, Borno State, have received N600,000 by the state government, as succour over the death of their loved ones.

The bereaved families were also given bags of food items by a committee assigned by the state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, to share.

The shared fund came from

combined support of N20million by the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), and N5million donated by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The committee chaired by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Saina Buba, undertook the distribution of the money and food items in Zabarmari.

Among the committee members are the House of Representatives member

representing Jere federal constituency; member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Jere state constituency; two Special Advisers and chairman-elect for Jere Local Government Area.

Zabarmari, where the victims lived, is located at Jere LGA, in the central part of the state.

A total of 13,000 bag of rice, maize and beans; 1,300 cans of vegetable oil; 2,116 cartons of seasoning cubes; 1,083 tomato and 650 sachets of salt, which

were donated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, were distributed to the grieving families.

Buba noted that each family was to receive the N600, 000 cash and food items, not as compensation for the deaths of their loved ones, but to reduce hardship resulting from gaps in access to livelihoods created by the death of mostly male victims, who were the breadwinners of those affected.

Osinbajo, Aisha Buhari, Odili Call for Child, Vulnerable Witnesses’ Protection Alex Enumah in Abuja

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), First Lady, Mrs. Aisha, and Supreme Court judge, Mary Peter-Odili, yesterday called for protection of child and vulnerable witnesses in crimes in the country.

The vice president alongside other Nigerians who made a case for stiffer punishment against those perpetrating violence on innocent children and vulnerable citizens of the country, advocated for stronger laws that will give

adequate protection to the child and vulnerable witnesses working towards eradication of crimes in the nation.

In their separate papers yesterday at a conference organised by National Association of Women Judges, they canvassed a policy that will ensure justice delivery without sacrificing the well-being of vulnerable witnesses in the process.

Osinbajo in his paper delivered on his behalf by Senior Special Adviser on Research, Legal and

Compliance Matters, Professor Bulkisu Saidu suggested that all hands must be on deck to end attack on child and the vulnerable witnesses.

Osinbajo assured that the federal government will do its best to eradicate violence against the child and vulnerable in the country.

He said that discussion at the conference must not only address the overwhelming cultural and social norms and barriers to exposing criminals but must also

assess and address the problems that the witnesses may face before trial, during trial and after trial.

He said that at all times, “the protection of their privacy and their identities should be paramount.”

“It is not enough to pass laws for the protection of the child and other vulnerable witnesses, there is the need to have in place clear implementation and enforcement mechanisms aimed at actualising the intendment of the law,” he stressed.

Top British Don Lauds Peterside’s Book on Maritime Mgt A British Professor, Chris Bellamy, has applauded a yet-to-be-released book published by a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Dakuku Peterside.

The book, “Strategic Turnaround”, he said, gives a definitive case of successful high-level change management and essential insight into the

maritime sector of an emerging maritime power.

A statement by the General Manager, Safari Books Limited, Ibadan, Olayemi Onakunle, quoted Bellamy as positing that the book showcased the radical reform of the NIMASA and the entire maritime sector in Nigeria by its leaders and key stakeholders.

“The story of how strategic change was initiated, instigated,

and successfully managed in the maritime sector in Nigeria has far-ranging relevance within the horn of Africa and beyond.

“This story is briefly and eloquently told in Strategic Turnaround,” Bellamy stated.

He added that the country’s maritime sector is highly significant, having Africa’s largest economy and the 24th in the world, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

estimated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at about $500 billion. “Nigeria’s maritime sector is of great importance, not only for indigenous transport but potentially globally,” he noted.

He stated that being one of Nigeria’s critical cargoes, Nigeria hopes to compete with the Philippines in provision of seafarers, noting, however, that the country also faces challenges.

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India Firm, TCN in Trouble over $24.705m Contract EFCC quizzes top officials of transmission firm Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja An India firm, Transformer & Rectifiers (India) Limited and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) are in trouble over $24.705 million contract involving a job at TCN to execute a contract for the supply of power equipment to Ojo Stores in Lagos.

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told THISDAY that even though the matter is currently at the Federal High Court, Abuja, some senior officials at the Special Project Unit of TCN have been invited for interrogation.

The controversial contract, which the EFCC’s source said was “heavily padded,” took a different dimension when one of the parties to the contract, P-NEC Nigeria Limited, petitioned the EFFC, alleging “criminal breach of trust, intention to defraud and conspiracy’’ against Transformer & Rectifiers (India) Limited and one Vishal Pathak.

In the petition dated September 14, 2020, which was received at the Office of Chairman, EFCC, on September 16, 2020, the petitioner, through its lawyer, Enoch Esther, explained that in October 2018, an official of the Transformer & Rectifier Limited approached it for a business transaction, resulting in the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties.

“In the said agreement, it was clearly stipulated that our client shall be the exclusive promoter of the Transformer & Rectifier (India) Ltd in Nigeria as it relates to power and distribution of transformers and it was equally stipulated that the transformer & Rectifiers (India) Ltd shall pay our client 10 per cent of the worth of any contract facilitated by our client,’’ the petitioner stated.

P-NEC Nigeria Ltd added that when it saw an opening for the bidding of a job at TCN to execute a contract for the supply of power equipment, it contacted the Transformer and Rectifier to bid for the contract, saying the India company later mandated

it to bid for the contract, which it did.

The petitioner added, “The contract from TCN was worth the sum of $24,705,955.64 and immediately the contract was awarded, officials of the Transformer and Rectifier (India) Limited came to Nigeria for the perfection of the contract at a meeting, which was held at TCN and which had a representative of our clients in attendance.

“Subsequently, the said contract facilitated by our client was indeed satisfactorily and properly executed as stipulated in the contract but instead of paying our client the money due to it from the contract as earlier agreed upon by the Transformer & Rectifier (India) Limited, it refused to do so.’’

Going by the MoU signed by Mr. Anjum and Satyen Mamtora on behalf of both parties, which is made available to THISDAY, Transformer & Rectifier was to pay “the sales commission of amount of $99,000 per transformer under contract number HL/T & R/T.24/03/AI/M/ABJ dated 10.09.2018 for the supply of 02 nos. of 50/60 MVA, 132/33KV Power Transformers in Nigeria.’’

In an email dated May 27, 2019 sent by a representative of Transformer & Rectifier (India) Ltd, Viplov Singh (viplov.singh@ transformerindia.com), while forwarding the company offer for the contract to P-NEC Limited (ishaq_anjum@yahoo.com), the India company said: “Please find our offer for the recent TCN tender towards the supply of power transformer, Earthing Transformer and Earthing Reactor on CFR Lagos basis.

“The said offer is excluding your commission. You may add suitably the figures towards your commission, but please, ensure the figures should have 10 % TDS included in it as we need to pay the taxes here to the banks at the time of processing your commission.’’

An operative of the EFCC, who is investigating the controversial contract, told THISDAY that “it

is the $1.2 million, which P-NEC Nigeria Limited built into the contract with the knowledge of a senior staff of Special Project Unit of TCN, and which Transformer & Rectifier (India) Ltd was expected to pay P-NEC Nigeria Ltd, that is the bone of contention to both parties.

“EFCC is also aware that 19

companies did bid for the TCN’s contract; and Transformer & Rectifier (India) Ltd came seventh.

So, on what basis was the contract awarded to the company? These are the issues we are investigating.

And some of the senior officials of TCN have been invited for interrogation.’’

When contact on the matter, the

The case of Professor Ignatius Uduk, accused of election fraud and ordered to be arrested by a High Court in Uyo, is a pointer to how bad many of our lecturers have become. Uduk, a professor of Human Kinetics, teaches in the Department of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo. He, alongside Peter Ogban, a professor of Soil Science, of the same university, was accused of trying to rig the 2019 Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District election in favour of the former governor, Godswill Akpabio by altering results in his favour.

Professors cheating for corrupt politicians in elections? Is there really a future here? The use of Vice Chancellors, professors, heads of departments in universities, as Presiding Returning officers by INEC in elections, was to boost the integrity of the election process.

Of course that was based on the assumption that they had integrity.

Well, the opposite has proved true – many of them are mere election riggers.

Now the news in town is that ASUU has agreed to call off its 8-month-old strike having reached an agreement with the government.

The union took the decision after it agreed to accept the government’s total payment of N70 billion. It tweeted, “The Academic Staff

company’s lawyer, Mallam Mohammed Shuaib.

In a letter dated December 3, 2020 sent to THISDAY - over its enquiry, the lawyer while asking for more information to enable his client respond, threatened to take legal action against anything that impugns on the integrity and reputation of his client.

CSR IN ACTION...

L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, PPC Limited, Ms Adefolake Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lagos State, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Executive Director PPC Limited, Mr. Ayo Grillo; and Head, Healthcare Vertical, PPC Limited, Dr. Osayomore Ossuetta, when the company donated some medical equipment and devices to the state government in Lagos…recently

We’ll Intensify Human Capital Devt Drive, Says Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s human resources, especially the youth and the most vulnerable and poorest citizens.

Speaking at a presidential parley with the participants of Senior Executive Course 42 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the State House, the president said the focus of the group’s research for the year, “Population Growth and Human Capital Development: Challenges and Opportunities’’,

was most appropriate in timing, and the recommendations will be fully considered.

According to the President, the focus of the administration’s human capital development drive is in creating more jobs, with particular focus on enabling the private sector, targeting more youthful population by streamlining priority on agriculture, arts, entertainment, mining and information technology (IT).

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said “I have no

ASUU HAS OUTLIVED ITS SHELF LIFE Professors and lecturers aid people who should be on the fringes of society – dodgy politicians and certificate forgers – to manipulate elections in their quest for power.

These dodgy characters, clearly without any idea or vision of leadership or responsibilities of public office whatsoever, go on to determine our destiny.

Shortly thereafter, these shameless intellectuals would embark on a strike over one issue or the other to try and force the dodgy, unqualified politician they just helped to power only a few months earlier to the negotiating table.

Of course, the dodgy politician is usually uninterested in negotiating with them, having bought his way into office.

In helping to foist these charlatans on us as leaders, these lecturers forgot or forget Octavia Butlers’ immortal warning on choosing leaders: “Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears. To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool. To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen.

To be led by a liar is to ask to be told lies. To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.”

General Manager (Public Affairs), TCN, Mrs Ndidi Mba, declined to discuss the issue, saying the matter is already in court.

An email sent to Jitender Mamtora and Satyen Mamtora, the Chairman and the Managing Director of Transformer & Rectifier (India) Ltd respectively for reaction, was referred to the

Union of Universities, ASUU, has shifted ground on FG’s offer. The Union insisted that payment of outstanding salaries must not be done through the IPPIS platform as promised, if the strike would be suspended.”

This was precisely the incentive to continue to call a strike. They want to be paid for work not done.

At the end, it is only the students and their parents that suffered, not the government and certainly not ASUU. According to reports, the federal government has now offered ASUU N70 billion to end the strike. The hardline stance of the union’s leaders changed after the government pledged to release N40 billion for the earned allowance and N30 billion for the revitalisation of the university system. This further goes to buttress the well-established fact that ASUU uses the deplorable state of our universities to disguise its pecuniary motivation for strike.

Once they get their money, to hell with every other issue they had used to pad up their list of demands.

Even if the union decides to suspend the strike today, the year is already gone, we are in December, the usual end-of-year festivities are upon us. How will students resume? So, proper resumption is probably going to be in January

2021. In other words, an entire year would have been wasted due to ASUU’s strike.

Furthermore, why has the union been so resistant to every reform in the university system? Because it profits from the rot. ASUU uses the rot in the system as a disguise to protect its selfish interests and perpetuate its power. It has infected all sorts of mushroom unions in the academic community with the strike virus. If things follow their usual pattern, I can bet that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) are waiting in the wings to commence their own strike to force the government to implement another cache of demands for them.

Unfortunately, ASUU has refused to allow proper fees to be charged in universities, in its warped thinking that the government can fund university education. But it is clear that as long as we fail to charge proper school fees, tertiary education in Nigeria will remain in limbo and uncompetitive whether we like it or not. Along with proper fees, loan and scholarship schemes must be created to help bright indigent students to ensure they are not denied the opportunity for higher education.

doubt that you have evaluated the theme given to you. I can assure you that many of your recommendations would be considered to further enhance Human Capital Development in the country.

“Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to diligently pursuing investments in people, especially in our youths

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOTHOLANNY MODINAT ADUNNI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ARUNA MODINAT ADUNNI. All other documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formally known and addressed as THOMPSON BARILEDUM JAMES AKARA, now wish to be known and addressed as AKARA JAMES BARILEDUM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formally known and addressed as OGUNTOYE STEPHEN ADEDAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDAYO STEPHEN OLUWATOYE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formally known and addressed as OYENIYI DORCAS ABOSEDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDAYO DORCAS ABOSEDE.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

as well as most vulnerable and poorest members of society.

We will study and explore the creative and innovative recommendations in your report and direct implementations as soon as possible.’’

The president told participants of Senior Executive Course 42 that his administration had made tremendous efforts at diversifying the economy and reducing heavy dependence on the oil sector for government revenues and foreign exchange earnings.

“We are refocusing the economy on agriculture, agro-processing, arts, entertainment, mining, manufacturing, information technology and labour intensive industries to generate millions of jobs for our teeming youths and able-bodied Nigerians, while gradually integrating the economy into the global economy.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss BABALOLA FOLASHADE IBUKUN, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs LEKE-OYEDEMI FOLASHADE IBUKUN. All old and present documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formally known and addressed as ADEWUNMI SHALEWA KEMISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWUNMI SHALEWA MARY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formally known and addressed as OLUCHI NANCY NDIANEFO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUCHI NANCY ALAPINI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formally known and addressed as MISS FASEESIN OLUWATOSIN AYOMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODUNAYE OLUWATOSIN AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formally known and addressed as ISHANG GRACE ANNA, now wish to be known and addressed as EKELAM GRACE ANNA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I formally known and addressed as MR: OKEKE MICHAEL. Now wishes to be known and addressed as: OKEKE MICHAEL IFEAYICHUKWU. All relevant documents remains the same general public take note.

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Ë&#x153; ÍźË&#x153; ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Bahrain: New Home for Nigerian Athletes Bahraini athlete Abbas Abubakar Abbas was just 16 years old when he was scouted to swap allegiances from Nigeria, the country of his birth.

Now he is one of four Nigeria-born sprinters recruited on unique security force salary schemes who are targeting 4x400m mixed relay gold for Bahrain at next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s postponed Olympics.

The 24-year-old, who won bronze at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Athletics Championships in the mixed relay event, has no regrets about his swap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Nigeria we have many talents but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to handle them,â&#x20AC;? he told BBC Sport Africa â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of all the athletes I used to run with, I only know one in Nigeria who is still in the

sport (Orukpe Erayokan). The difference in Bahrain is the support.â&#x20AC;?

Erayokan was in demand himself in 2012 when he had just beaten Abbas at Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Sports Festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The official for Bahrain came to my coach, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a phone at the time, so I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anything about it until a year later,â&#x20AC;? says Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former national 400m champion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes I cry, because I know - I wish - I would have followed. In Nigeria, I often struggled to pay for the restroom after training.â&#x20AC;?

He is now attempting to keep his career on track in the UK after competing for Nigeria at the Rio Olympics, Unlike Erayokan the young Abbas and his family talked

to the officials from Bahrain after competing at the festival which is Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier athletics meet.

Abbasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father was persuaded that a prodigious talent like his sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would be wasted in West Africa as he was given a brand new pair of running spikes and told about the kind of life awaiting for him in Bahrain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My father asked, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what about his career after sport?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; They [the representatives] said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, he will never regret it. When you finish running you can say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready to go to the armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;?

Abbas told BBC Sport Africa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the athletes from

other countries here have two salaries. You have a choice: some are army; some are police.

Most athletes are youths when they come to Bahrain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are running good you can make a lot of money from the federation. Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, the money will be enough to take care of you, your family, even some people you know.â&#x20AC;?

Abbas insists he â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;always wanted to be a soldierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and the money he has earned since moving to Bahrain has enabled his father to quit his job working for an electricity company.

He admitted that he was not fully prepared to move to the

middle east as a teenager and say goodbye to his father, who had escorted him out to the tiny island from Kano State.

On arrival he moved in with his new coach, a fellow Nigerian but a man he had never worked with previously. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before I lived there, I used to think Bahrain was somewhere in Russia. I missed my mum. I cried every day but I got used to it after a year,â&#x20AC;? he admitted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My coach used to tell me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m your fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and he bought me things.â&#x20AC;?

When he turned 18 Abbas was sponsored to move into his own apartment in an athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; complex in the city of Riffa.

The relay team members were promised new houses from the King of Bahrain, 70-year-old Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, after their Doha success last autumn.

There was further success for Abbas and his adopted nation when he won individual 400 metres gold at the World Military Games, held in the Chinese city of Wuhan just prior to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Abbas has been unable to compete for prize money in 2020 due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, leaving him grateful for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;top-upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salary provided by the Bahrain Defence Force.

NWFL Expresses Satisfaction with Venues Ahead Dec. 9 Kick-off Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Aisha Falode, has expressed her satisfaction with the state of 14 venues to be used by teams in the Premier League.

Speaking shortly after concluding the inspection of venues along with the Technical Committee of the NWFL, Falode said going by the quality of what is on ground in most of the states visited, the league will start as scheduled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Looking at the present state of these facilities, I can confidently say that, the league will surely kick-off on December 9, 2020,â&#x20AC;? stressed the NWFL chief who is also a board member of the NFF. Falode further highlighted the readiness of the states for the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topflight football. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we did today was the final stage of the inspection exercise across all the 14 designated venues for the 2020/2021 NWFL Premiership season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to Yola and Owerri following the relegation of Adamawa Queens and Heartland

Aisha Falode...Chairperson NWFL

Queens, as they fell short of registration procedures.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unfortunate, we had to follow that path, doing what we had to do to make progress,â&#x20AC;? Falode confirmed to THISDAY yesterday.

She expressed delight that with the straight League format, the season ahead would be tough for all the teams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This time around, with the straight league format, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be very tough going by the 182 matches we are going to play throughout the season.â&#x20AC;?

Falode and the Technical Committee members were supported by some board members of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league during the inspection tour.

The NWFL inspection team visited the Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa State, the approved home venue for Nasarawa Amazons before moving to the University of Benin soccer pitch, Benin City, the designated venue of Edo Queensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first game as well as the ultra modern Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, which will be used for the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subsequent matches.

The Inspection team was also at the Warri Township Stadium to check out the facilities for Premiership new comers, Royal Queens of Warri.

From Warri, Delta State, the team moved to Lagos to inspect the home ground of FC Robo of Lagos which is the Legacy Pitch inside the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

NAIJA IN FOREIGN COLOURS..

L-R: Musa Isah, Aminat Jamal, Salwa Eid Naser and Abbas Abubakar Abbas. All four of Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bronze-medal winning 4x400m mixed relay team at the 2019 World Athletics Championships were born in Nigeria

E U R O PA L E A G U E

Chukwueze Seals Top Spot for Villarreal, Iheanacho Fires Blanks Duro Ikhazuagbe Samuel Chukwueze grabbed maximum points for Villarreal last night against Turkish club Sivasspor to lead the YellowSubmarines on 13 points into the Round of 32.

The Super Eagles winger snatched the winner in the 75th minute and was substituted a minute later.

Villarreal were followed into the next stage of the Europa League

by Israeli club, Maccabir Tel Aviv who played one-all with Qarabag Fk to finish on eight points going

into the Round of 32.

Elsewhere last night, another Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho was on for all 90 minutes as Leicester City lost 1-0 to Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk.

Iheanachoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compatriot, Wilfred Ndidi who has been sidelined for two months due to groin injury was on for 57 minutes and showed why he remains one of the best holding midfielders in the English topflight.

Sitting in midfield alongside the equally industrious Hamza Choudhury, the 23-year-old Ndidi was exceptional and early in the

match helped Pereira on the right by breaking up a possible Zorya attack.

Ndidiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance last night must have brought smiles to the face of Brendan Rodgers as his Nigerian â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;war horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; returns to check Foxes leaking middle.

The Foxes twice came close to scoring in one move 10 minutes from time when Zorya goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj extended himself to block shots from Iheanacho and then substitute James Maddison.

Vasilj then threw himself to his right to keep out Cengiz Underâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20-yard strike.

Leicesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hopes of sealing top spot in Europa League Group G with a game to spare were dashed by Zorya Luhanskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late substitute Allahyar Sayyadmanesh who grabbed the late winner.

A win would have been all but enough for the Foxes, but they might now have to defeat AEK Athens in their final match to ensure that top status.

In Austria, substitute Dele Alli scored from the spot as Tottenham secured a place in the Europa League knockout stages despite LASK earning a late 3-3 draw.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Kaizer Chiefsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Opponents Want Match Shifted by 48-hours Kaizer Chiefsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CAF Champions League clash against PWD Bamenda that was set for today could be pushed back 24-hours after the Cameroon club wrote to the Confederation of African Football to requested change.

While it is not known the

reason for their request, Bamenda want to have the game at FNB Stadium played on Sunday, a full 48-hours after it was originally scheduled to take place.

Chiefs have written to CAF to say they will only play the game on Friday or Saturday,

otherwise Bamenda will have to forfeit their participation.

Chiefs reluctance to play the game on Sunday stems from the fact that they have a DStv Premiership clash with Black Leopards that is scheduled for Tuesday.

The South African club lead 1-0 from the first leg in Limbe, where Erick Mathoho scored their goal and Itumeleng Khune saved a penalty.

The winner of this tie will advance to the next stage to meet Primeiro de Agosto of Angola.

Former NSC Scribe, Maharaj Mamud, Passes on A former Executive Secretary of the disbanded National Sports Commission (NSC), Col Maharaj Mamud (rtd) died on Wednesday morning in his native Auchi, Edo State.

Mahmud who was a serving

Nigerian Army. Attain when he was appointed scribe of the NSC in 1984 handled Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in the the Los Angeles Olympics Games.

He also managed the interviews that recruited

Mallam Babayo Shehu as Director-General of NSC in January 1985.

According to his aide, identified simply as Bashiru, Mamud was hale and hearty on Tuesday night before retiring

to bed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wake up Wednesday morning,â&#x20AC;? Bashiru told veteran sports journalist Ikeddy Isiguzo who was an associate of the late NSC scribe.

Mamud has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

55

Friday December 4, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Shekarau to Buhari

“He (Buhari) is breaking the law. The law says if you are 60 you must go, it is so automatic. If you are 35 years of service, you must go. The president hasn’t the right to extend beyond what the law says” – Former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, urging that President Buhari to sack service chiefs.

SHAKAMOMODU THIS REPUBLIC

shaka.momodu@thisdaylive.com

0811 266 1654

ASUU Has Outlived Its Shelf Life

I

n 20 years, university teachers in the country under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have embarked on strike over 15 times (a strike almost every one and a half years) that saw them stay away from work for about 50 months cumulatively, resulting in a loss of about 21% of academic time. ASUU’s current strike over the union’s refusal to enroll its members in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) commenced on March 9.

The strike is also targeted at compelling the federal government to implement the agreements and resolutions of the Memorandum of Action discussed in the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the 2017 Memorandum of Action, all of which have not been implemented, according to some officials of the lecturers’ union.

Of course, the lockdown brought on by the pandemic may have impacted on the strike’s duration. ASUU, nonetheless, has refused to budge even after the gradual easing of the lockdown in the country. The last strike by the teachers before this one was in November 2018.

The 50 months tally translates to over four years of lost academic work by lecturers and study for students - enough time to be admitted to, and graduate from a standard four-year course in the university. This should prick and shame the conscience of ASUU if it has any.

In that whole time, it is the students and the country that have borne the brunt of ASUU’s serial strikes. It is the students who have had to sacrifice their future for ASUU’s intransigent, unconscionable hardline stance that is more often than not, borne out of selfish considerations but cleverly disguised as an attempt to save university education in the country.

Of what use is one’s attempt to extinguish a burning house if all you go there with is more gasoline? ASUU loses nothing after each prolonged strike, it sacrifices nothing, instead, for all the months its members stayed on strike, they got paid their salaries and allowances.

In other words, it profited the lecturers far more than the universities have gained. Here it seems lies the incentive to continue to embark on disruptive and destructive strikes that are more often than not, needless.

At a time trade unions have moved away from frequent strikes as a tool to force government or organisations to meet their demands, ASUU’s ‘Marxist-leaning’ leaders are stuck in a time capsule; they have refused to evolve with a fast-moving world. Even in their teachings, they have blatantly refused to update themselves with modern teaching techniques or acquire new knowledge in a world rife with competition and discovery. Teachers who are consistently on strike can hardly ever be productive in any material sense of the word.

Apart from producing half-baked graduates, can these university teachers tell us what value has come out of our so-called ivory towers? Has ASUU ever advocated for the modernisation of the university curriculum to bring it in tune with a fast-moving, digital world? How many of them have written books recommended for use in universities around the world? They sell to students at exorbitant prices hurriedly prepared plagiarised handouts.

How many of them are technologically proficient? The new age is upon us, the world is on a transition to electric cars, Elon Musk is planning how to colonise Mars, where are

ASUU President , Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi our researchers and leaders to envision a new nation for us? It’s not an exaggeration to say ASUU’s only contribution to our national lexicon is strike.

I believe if the teachers were made to forfeit their salaries each time they embarked on strike under the terms of no-work, no-pay rule, it is doubtful the union would be so eager to call a strike at the slightest opportunity or breach of its countless agreements with the government. And of course, ASUU would have always thought through its decisions.

Its raison d’etre for calling a strike would not only have been far more altruistic, but would be viewed by the public to be so.

But a situation where the nation, the parents and the students consistently pay the price as a result of massive disruptions in the education calendar - with all the attendant mental, psychological and physical effects cannot continue to be tolerated. It is time we tell ASUU in no unmistakable terms that we are fed up with its goddamn antics. Parents and students have tolerated ASUU’s bad behaviour long enough. This union cannot continue on this path.

Beyond this government’s legendary incompetence and failings and the wholesale underfunding of education by successive governments, particularly university education that has left it in a deplorable state, ASUU has been the most destructive monster, wreaking havoc on university education in Nigeria with incessant strikes. ASUU has remained constant in the rot plaguing our education, while pretending to be the conscience and advocate of its restoration. ASUU’s insensitivity to the plight of students and parents borders on the callous and wicked disregard for the future of education just like the government it is negotiating with. There is no difference between two of them. They are partners in the destruction of university education.

I am yet to be persuaded with evidence that the frequent strikes embarked upon by this senseless and perverse union have achieved much by way of improving the infrastructure on campuses or markedly improved the quality of teaching standards. As a matter of fact, after each prolonged strike, the quality of learning and graduates deteriorates because the academic

calendar is often compressed into shorter semesters to graduate students who have been ill-prepared academically or otherwise for the challenges or rigours of post-graduation work environment. Companies are now saddled with the burden of having to re-educate and train these graduates to be employable.

As selfish as this union is, they are always too willing to suspend a strike once the government agrees to improvement in the take-home pay of the teachers, even if nothing changes in the status of the deplorable state of learning infrastructure or conditions of hostels or welfare of students. Students’ hostels still stink like police barracks unfit for human habitation with bedbugs feeding on our adolescent youths.

The toilets and bathrooms are a disgrace to human civilization. Pay a visit to our university campuses to see for yourselves the degree of rot.

Visit the lecture theatres or classrooms where ASUU holds sway as lord of the manor and see the deplorable state. Go to faculties of engineering, science and medicine of various public universities – visit the laboratories and you would cry for our beloved country.

Equipment being used to teach our youths in this fast-paced, technology-driven age of the 21st century was procured in some cases since the founding of the universities. How can they compete with their peers around the world?

But this is not really ASUU’s worry. They are much more interested in their pockets. I challenge ASUU to prove otherwise.

Particularly annoying is the fact that lecturers now see teaching as a part-time job as many of them are variously engaged in private consultancies. Even when they are not on strike, many lecturers are more dedicated to their own personal businesses and as such are unavailable to fill their teaching slots. Their lackadaisical attitude would earn many of them instant sack in the private sector. Many of them have a poor work ethic. Unfortunately, there is no monitoring system in place on campuses to ensure effective teaching by lecturers.

ASUU has inflicted a monstrous and aggravated damage on the education system.

This shameless union has been embarking on strikes before 99 percent of the current undergraduates were born. No one knows for sure what ASUU really wants anymore.

Even though their grievances seem to have evolved over the years, their tactics have not.

It has staunchly defied the wisdom of old that “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. If the strikes haven’t achieved much, by way of improvements in the system, why can’t ASUU change tactics and embrace new models of engagement? The only reason ASUU loves to call a strike so much is because it has become the pretext to receive undeserved pay. Strike pays, it seems, has become an excuse not to work, but to earn wages for doing exactly nothing. Mention ASUU and what comes to mind is their penchant for calling a strike rather than anything of noble value. No research, no innovation, no discovery. Once boisterous communities of character and learning have become hollow citadels synonymous with strikes and all manner of immoral and criminal conducts; with sex predatory lecturers stalking innocent female students.

It appears lecturers measure the success and strength of ASUU’s leadership by the number of strikes they embark upon and their duration.

How else does one explain ASUU’s easy resort

to industrial action at the slightest disagreement?

How else does one explain that the union has led its members to cumulatively stay at home for over four years of the last 20 years?

Anyone who passed through a Nigerian public university particularly in the last 30 years bears witness to ASUU’s disruptive and destructive model of conflict resolution.

Many, myself inclusive, are victims of ASUU’s tyranny and abuse. We still bear scars of ASUU’s incessant strikes and bad behaviour to show our children. Now, sadly enough, we are helplessly and painfully watching our children experience worse pains as a result of the disruptive behaviour of ASUU. These days, those who can afford it prefer the option of either sending their wards to schools abroad or enroll them in private universities in the country at a huge cost - borne by parents who have become frustrated and completely disenchanted with ASUU’s perennial strikes in public universities; where a four-year course is now counted four years plus X. X being an indeterminate variable. I dare say no student has graduated at the normal time from any Nigerian public university in the last 25 to 30 years owing to persistent strikes by university teachers.

The question I am pressed to ask here is, do these lecturers’ children really school here, or like government officials, have perfected the art of sending their children to schools abroad where the school system runs smoothly without strikes? I sincerely have my doubts that their wards school here. Because no wellmeaning parent would subject their children to the disturbing, unstable and destructive learning environment ASUU’s tyranny and government’s poor handling of education have created.

It is instructive that ASUU has never taken any hardline public position against the plague its members have infected campuses with. I mean, the numerous scandals of money-forgrades, sex-for-marks, lecturers failing students who refuse their sexual overtures. It is now so rampant on campuses that it has become the norm. As the rot in the system has grown, so has the decadence and moral bankruptcy among lecturers. University education has painfully been reduced to organised citadels of immoral life, sex-for-marks temples of predator teachers with many of them caught with their trousers down in hotels, just as same campuses have become playgrounds of cultists’ degenerate wannabes, corruption and maladministration by university administrators who shamelessly embezzle whatever little funds that trickle down their way from our thieving political leadership. These, among many others, are the awful truths which this outdated union has turned a blind eye to or partnered in entrenching.

Gone are the days when professors commanded respect from the public. I can recall how many of us used to quiver in the eminent presence of a professor or a university don. They represented the best of knowledge, enlightenment, discipline and the moral fabric of society then. Today, they have become objects of ridicule, they aid and abet malpractices in exam halls, in elections, and exhibit all manner of bad behaviours that have contributed to the general level of decadence in our country.

Continued on page 53

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