WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE 2020

Seven Discos Face NERC’s Sanction over Uncapped Estimated Billing Agency gives electricity distributors 14 days to defend breach Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday gave seven Distribution Companies (Discos) 14 days to explain why they should not

be sanctioned for breaching the capping order on estimated billing of customers without meters.

NERC's order 197/2020 placed limits on estimated bills that could be issued by

Discos to unmetered electricity customers of residential (R2) and commercial (C1).

The regulatory commission listed the errant Discos as Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ikeja, Kano, Kaduna and Port Harcourt.

NERC, which gave the indication to punish the Discos on its twitter handle: @NERCNG, if after the 14-day deadline the Discos are unable to give any tenable reasons for their action, explained that

the rules would be applied appropriately.

It said: “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued notices of intention to commence enforcement action against

seven electricity distribution companies over their failure to comply with the Order 197/2020 on capping of unmetered R2 and C1 Continued on page 9

With 663 New Infections, Nigeria Records Highest COVID-19 Cases in One Day... Page 10 Wednesday 10 June, 2020 Vol 25. No 9193. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

TODAY'S WEATHER

ABUJA 25°C-33°C

MAIDUGURI 31°C-31°C

UT H

& RE A S O

ENUGU 25°C-28°C

N

KANO 27°C-33°C

LAGOS 24C-27°C

PORT HARCOURT 20°C-30°C

INEC Fixes June 2-27 for Parties’ Primaries in Edo Gov Election State insists on compliance with gazette on political gatherings My certificates duly earned, says Obaseki APC inaugurates screening, appeal committees Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday released the timeline for primaries for the 15 political parties contesting Edo State governorship election slated for September 19.

According to the timeline, all the parties must, between

June 2 and June 27, conduct their primaries to pick their candidates for the election.

However, the state government warned all the parties to comply with its gazette that regulates political gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying there won't be exemption for any of them.

Continued on page 9

WTO Ignores Egypt, Accepts Okonjo-Iweala’s Nomination as DG

Ex-minister emerges front runner in leadership race Obinna Chima World Trade Organisation (WTO) yesterday said it had received the nomination of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and former Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, for the position of its director general.

According to analysts, the former minister is widely regarded as a front runner in the leadership race at WTO, given statements by local and international experts and analysis by influential media platforms.

The Geneva-based global Continued on page 9

WELCOME TO EDO...

L-R: Adamawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman of Ward Congresses Committee for Edo 2020 election, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, with Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, at the Benin Airport in Benin City...Monday

FG to Exclude Salaries of IPPIS' Non-compliant Workers from 2021 Budget... Page 5

2

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

3

4

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 •T H I S D AY

5

WEDNESDAY, ͚͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS FG to Exclude Salaries of IPPIS’ Non-compliant Workers from 2021 Budget Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja As the federal government commences the process of preparing the 2021 appropriation, it has foreclosed making provision for personnel cost of its employees who are yet to be captured in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), THISDAY has learnt.

It has also directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to compute and submit their personnel cost budgets for the 2021 financial year ahead of the planned submission of next year's fiscal plan to the parliament

by September.

The directive was conveyed in a “2021 Personnel Cost Budget Call Circular',� with reference number BD/2000/ EXP/S.651/991 issued by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, and dated April 23, 2020.

IPPIS is an Information Communications Technology (ICT) project initiated by the federal government to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of payroll administration of its MDAs. The federal government has been having a running battle with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the union's insistence that its members should not enroll on the IPPIS platform, which is compulsory for all public service workers.

The circular, which THISDAY obtained yesterday, was copied to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ministers/Ministers of State, Secretary to the Government

of the Federation, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, chairmen of commissions, permanent secretaries, service chiefs/Inspector General of Police and the Auditor General for the Federation as well as heads of extra-ministerial departments/directors general/ chief executives of parastatals and agencies.

Ahmed urged ministers, heads of extra-ministerial departments and accounting officers of MDAs, who are saddled with the responsibility for the preparation and submission of the personal budgets of their respective MDAs to commence the process of preparing the 2021 personnel cost budgets.

She said: "It is necessary to commence the process of preparing the 2021 personnel cost budget in spite of the COVID-19 lockdown to enable a diligent exercise, which will ensure adequate budgetary provisions for MDAs' personnel costs, as well as submission of the 2021 budget proposal to the National Assembly by September."

She urged all MDAs to strictly adhere to the instructions and guidelines set out in the call circular, adding that on personnel cost computation, they should note that payment of salaries and allowances are for legitimate staff only.

"Any unauthorised payments from personnel cost will attract appropriate sanctions. “Therefore, you are required to validate the payroll for your sector/MDA, obtained from the IPPIS. "Please note that no personnel cost provision will be made in the 2021 budget for any serving employee of the FGN who is not captured in the IPPIS," the

circular said.

It also urged MDAs to use the salary and allowances structure approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) as applicable to their respective organisations to validate the payroll.

The circular also directed that the non-regular allowances in the payroll should only be provided for those employees who are clearly entitled under their terms of service, and circulars issued by NSWIC, urging MDAs to familiarise themselves with the approved salary and allowances structure for proper guidance.

"MDAs are required to crosscheck the appropriateness of grade level/step for all the staff on the payroll, including provision for annual increments.

"MDAs are not required to provide for 2021 promotions of their staff because such promotions cannot be predicted with certainty. The budgeted personnel cost should, however, reflect all promotions already approved and in effect.

Provision for 2021 promotions will be made under public service wage adjustments in service wide votes," the circular said.

It also directed that consultants, outsourced service providers, contract staff, youth corps members, industrial attachees and legionnaires, among others, should not be included in the Additional Information Template of the Budget Office of the FederationBOF/PE/21001, as they are not permanent/pensionable staff of the federal government.

The circular noted that resident doctors are now classified as pensionable staff, and so should be captured.

It added: "Non-executive board members are not employed in the public service of the federation, and they are not to be included in the nominal roll.

"Allowances and/or fees payable to these categories of persons are to be included in the overhead costs of each MDA." It explained that the allowances due to youth corps members are provided centrally in the budget of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is the body charged with the responsibility for paying allowances to them, adding that MDAs are not required to include their allowances in

their personnel cost estimates.

A total of N2.82 trillion is projected as personnel cost obligations of the federal government in the 2020 budget.

The personnel cost at the federal level had leaped from N1. 8 trillion in 2017 to N2.

1 trillion in 2018, N2.2 trillion in 2019 and currently N2.82 trillion.

The government attributed the rise to N2.82 trillion to the increase in salaries, including provisions for the implementation of the newlyreviewed minimum wage for public officials.

Although the labour force in the public sector accounts for less than one per cent of Nigeria's population of 200 million people, personnel cost is estimated to gulp almost 27 per cent of the total budget.

PAYING HOMAGE TO ROYALTY...

L-R: Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and Shehu of Bama, Shehu Ibn Kyari El-Kanemi, during a visit to the monarch in Bama...Monday

Executive Order 10 Remains Pandemic Drags down Nigeria’s Foreign Trade to N8.30tn in Q1 Sacrosanct, Says Malami James Emejo in Abuja of total trade. in Q1, representing 35.5 per revealed that Nigeria exported Nigeria recorded a trade cent less than N2.70 trillion most products to Europe,

Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said Executive Order 10, enforcing the constitutional provisions on financial autonomy for state judiciary and legislatures remains sacrosanct.

Malami, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came out with the executive order to deepen democracy from grassroots and ensure effective implementation of the doctrine of separation of powers.

His clarification came on the heels of the opposition to the executive order by governors who, after a meeting on Monday with the president, got him to delay the implementation of the executive order.

The minister, in the statement signed by his media adviser, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, explained that the reinforcement of the constitutional provisions on the autonomy for state legislature and judiciary as contained in Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution necessitated the Executive Order No 0010.

“Malami noted with appreciation that the governors of the 36 states of the federation have agreed to the constitutionality of the autonomy of the state legislature and judiciary, maintaining that the essence of the order was to see to the implementation of the autonomy,� the statement added.

While congratulating Nigerians on the landmark historic achievement geared toward engendering democratic principles at the grassroots, the minister urged more inter-agency support for the executive order, expected to accelerate development in Nigeria. “In furtherance of the implementation of the order, the federal government and Nigerian Governors’ Forum are jointly working on modalities for effective implementation of the order,� the statement said.

According to Malami, the executive order’s implementation committee would incorporate valuable submissions from the governors and other stakeholders with a view to ensuring the smooth implementation of the executive order.

The value of Nigeria's total merchandise trade declined to N8.30 trillion in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2020), representing a contraction of 17.94 per cent compared to N10.12 trillion recorded in Q4 of 2019.

However, trade was 0.80 per cent higher than the N8.24 trillion posted in Q1 2019, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

It noted that the drop in trade occurred against the backdrop of a global slowdown in economic activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBS said: "The global health crisis resulted in several countries implementing varying degrees of restrictions with respect to international trade, travel and tourism."

According to the Foreign Trade Statistics – Q1, 2020, which was released yesterday, the decline in Q1 was tied to the drop in both imports and exports as the former surpassed the latter.

Total imports stood at N4.22 trillion, representing 50.8 per cent of trade, while the export component totalled N4.08 trillion or 49.2 per cent

deficit of N138.98 billion in the quarter under review, marking two consecutive quarters of negative balance of trade.

Compared with the preceding quarter, Q1 deficit represented an improvement by 76 per cent, but lower by 116.71 per cent year-on-year, NBS stated.

Crude oil export accounted for N2.94 trillion or 72.12 per cent of total exports in Q1, but 18.86 per cent less than the value recorded in Q4 2019 and 12.8 per cent lower than Q1 2019 result.

However, non-crude oil exports stood at N1.13 billion, representing 27.9 per cent of total exports in Q1.

While total export value decreased by 14.42 per cent in Q1 compared to the value recorded in Q4 2019, imports also decreased by 21.08 per cent in the period under review compared to Q4 2019; but it was 13.99 per cent higher when compared to Q1 2019.

NBS explained that the drop in the value of imports in Q1 could be attributed to decreases in the value of machinery and transport equipment, which accounted for N1.74 trillion

recorded in Q4 2019.

Nonetheless, the value of raw material exports increased 60.17 per cent in Q1 relative to last quarter. But it decreased by 7.08 per cent year-on-year, while value of solid minerals exports was 16.31 per cent lower in Q1 compared to Q4 2019 and 82.17 per cent less than Q1 2019 records.

Manufactured goods exports decreased by 12.72 per cent in the review period compared to Q4 2019 and 3.86 per cent compared to Q1 2019, NBS added.

During the quarter, total trade in agricultural goods stood at N387.7 billion or 4.67 per cent of the overall trade of which exported agricultural goods accounted for N126.3 billion.

Meanwhile, India remained the country's major trading partner for export goods, accounting for N637.5 billion or 15.61 per cent of total exports trade, while Spain accounted for N402.9 billion or 9.87 per cent, followed by The Netherlands, N396.9 billion or 9.72 per cent, South Africa N319.5 billion or 7.82 per cent and Cameroon N301.8 billion or 7.39 per cent.

Analysis of trade by region

which accounted for N1.56 trillion or 38.43 per cent of total exports, followed by Asia, N1.27 trillion or 31.28 per cent, Africa N978.21 billion or 23.96 per cent, America N214.12 billion or 5.24 per cent and Oceania N44.14 billion or 1.08 per cent. Also, goods worth N296.3 billion was exported to ECOWAS member-states.

The country's imported goods were mainly from Asia, which accounted for N1.96 trillion or 46.58 per cent; Europe N1.53 trillion or 36.35 per cent, while imports from America and Africa amounted to N580.2 billion or 13.74 per cent and N118.95 billion or 2.82 per cent respectively.

Imports from Oceania stood at N21.6 billion or 0.51 per cent, while goods valued at N28.3 billion originated from ECOWAS member-states.

In Q1, Nigeria imported goods mainly from China (N1.10 trillion or 26.28 per cent of total imports; The Netherlands, N470.11 billion or 11.14 per cent; the United States, N441.06 billion or 10.45 per cent; India, N334.53 or 7.92 per cent and Belgium N257.89 or 6.11 per cent.

6

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

7

8

WEDNESDAY, ͚͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

Eight Months After, Buhari Yet to Send S’Court Justice-nominees for Senate’s Confirmation SANs highlight dangers of delay Alex Enumah in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The delay by President Muhammadu Buhari to forward to the National Assembly for confirmation, the four Supreme Court justice-nominees approved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) eight months ago, to fill the vacancies at the apex court, has triggered concerns in the judiciary, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

Some senior lawyers described the delay in the confirmation of the justices as not in the interest of justice.

The bench of the Supreme Court consists of 12 justices instead of the stipulated number of 21.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, had on several occasions lamented the excruciating workload of justices of the apex court as a result of the depletion of the bench.

NJC, on October 24, 2019, had approved and forwarded names of four justices of the Court of Appeal to Buhari for confirmation as justices of the Supreme Court.

They are: Justice Adamu Jauro, Justice Emmanuel Agim, Justice Chuba Oseji and Justice Helen Ogunwumiju.

However, nearly eight months after, the president has neither rejected any of the nominees nor forward list to the Senate for confirmation.

Instead, THISDAY learnt that the names of the nominees were sent to the Department of State Services (DSS) for scrutiny.

Multiple sources close to NJC told THISDAY that the

development is strange to the nation's judicial system and unknown to law.

According to them, this would be the first time in Nigeria’s judicial history that such would be happening in elevating justices to the Supreme Court.

One of the sources said subjecting the nominees, after their approval by NJC, to another scrutiny by DSS has ridiculed the judiciary.

According to him, if DSS report does not favour the elevation of the justices to the Supreme Court, the worst thing that could happen is that they would retain their position as justices of the Court of Appeal.

He explained that DSS has no power to recommend their removal, but rather it's NJC that is vested with such power. “If the DSS report does not favour their elevation, the worst that can happen is that they will retain their positions at the appeal court because DSS has no power to recommend their removal. If they are retained, won’t the DSS report put their integrity in doubt?

The point is that NJC is the final authority in the scrutiny and not DSS,� he stated.

Another source said any further delay in confirming the justices would affect the workload of the justices at the apex court, adding that with some of them are due for retirement with no replacement.

He said: "The judiciary in the country is presently in danger because what has not happened before is happening now. Subjecting justices already approved by NJC for elevation

to the Supreme Court to another check by DSS has set the judiciary backward.

"NJC is the body recognised by the constitution to recommend justices for elevation to the president for confirmation. What DSS is presently doing is not known to any law."

DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, was yet to respond to THISDAY inquiry on the delay in considering the nominees as at the time of filling this report.

Also, the presidency is yet to explain or give reasons for the delay in the appointment of the justices.

Delay in ConďŹ rmation Not in Interest of Justice, Say Lawyers Some senior lawyers have described the delay in the confirmation of the justices as not in the interest of justice.

They told THISDAY that the delay is increasing the workload of the justices of the apex court, and impacting negatively on justice delivery.

To Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), "There are some information about governance that may not be available to the general public. But whatever may be the legal reasons why the appointment has not been confirmed till date, Mr. President should in the interest of the nation, which he swore to protect, defend its constitution and its teeming population, confirm the appointments or decline with cogent, convincing and compelling reasons. Because as far as I am concerned, those legal luminaries recommended are part of the topmost cream in the judiciary. Just go to the pages of the law reports and see their unassailable interpretation of the law."

He added that Nigeria has a large pool of other willing, qualified, competent and upright hands that have not and would never bow their heads to mundane considerations to fill the vacancies.

"More importantly, the workload at the apex court is grossly overwhelming for the current number of justices there

and the consequence of this is that access to justice is directly being denied the citizens. And you know that where there is no justice there can be no peace.

"The buck stops currently at the table of Mr. President and I pray that the issue will be addressed without further delay," he added.

Another senior lawyer, Mallam Ahmed Raji (SAN), said the delay in concluding the process appeared to be unjustifiable.

He said: "The number of vacancies in the highest court overburdens the remaining law lords and it is very unfair to the remaining justices. It is taking a great toll on their health and general wellbeing.

"We should all prevail on the executive to do the needful.

Whenever there is a vacancy in either the executive or legislative branch, such is always filled without delay! What has the judiciary done wrong to warrant this treatment?

"I call on both the executive and legislative arms to do the needful before they are justifiably accused of conspiracy to cripple the third arm of the government."

Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) agreed with his colleagues, saying "there can be no measure of doubt that the failure to give the Supreme Court its full complement of justices is a major impediment to the expeditious and effective dispensation of justice in the apex court."

Akinlaja noted that even with the benefit of the full complement, it would still be a herculean task for the justices of the apex court to effectively cope with the deluge of cases from across the country coupled with the inundating backlog of cases in the court.

"It is well known that the justices of our Supreme Court are the most tasked all over the world. In light of this scenario, it is simply imperative for the court to be filled to its constitutional capacity of 21 justices with promptitude.

"To say that this is the clarion dictate of justice is to say the obvious and sound pedantic.

In the words of Shakespeare, brevity is the soul of wit. One needs say no more than to opine fiat justitia," he added.

Protests in Katsina as Bandits Kidnap Health Worker, Daughter Francis Sardauna in Katsina Residents of Yantumaki community in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday blocked the KankaraKatsina highway, protesting against incessant attacks by bandits on the community.

The protesters, mostly youth and children, who were chanting war songs, castigated the federal and state governments for their inability to tackle the insecurity in the area.

They also burnt tyres on the road, forcing hundreds of motorists and other road users to abandon the route for other alternatives that could lead them to Katsina, the state capital.

The action of the aggrieved residents followed the abduction of a health worker and his daughter by the hoodlums who launched fresh onslaught on the community.

The victim, Mr. Mansur Yusuf, and his daughter, Fatima, were said to be have been kidnapped in the wee hours of yesterday when the hoodlums stormed their residence at about 1.00 a.m.

The Village Head of Yantumaki, Mr. Sulieman Dangi, who confirmed the abduction in a telephone interview with THISDAY yesterday, said Yusuf worked in the Department of Health with Danmusa Local Government Council.

He said: “The gunmen went to his house late in the night on Monday, broke the door and took him away shooting sporadically to scare neighbours away.�

Dangi explained that the kidnapped health worker is a neighbour to the late District Head of Yantumaki, Maidabino, who was assassinated by the bandits at his residence.

One of the protesters, Adamu Shehu, who spoke to THISDAY, alleged that security personnel have deserted the community since the assassination of Maidabino.

He said kidnapping and other heinous activities by bandits had become a daily occurrence in the community and other neighboring villages in the local government. “We are protesting to call the attention of both the federal and state governments to come to our aid before these bandits will eliminate us from our homes. “These people (bandits) killed our district head a week ago and because there is no security personnel here, they came back yesterday and kidnapped Mansur Yusuf and his daughter Fatima,� he added.

However, the Public Relations Officer, Katsina State Police Command, Mr. Gambo Isah, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible “for the two recent crimes are brought to book.�

He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba, had since directed Dutsinma Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Aminu Dayi, to relocate to Yantumaki. “More senior officers are to be deployed in the area to take

NO TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE...

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his wife, Bamidele, and others during a campaign against rape and gender-based violence in Abeokuta...Monday

UN Agency Lauds Nigeria’s Commitment to Battle Pirates Abiodun Eromosele International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping, has lauded Nigeria’s efforts to stem piracy in its waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

In a letter to the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim, said with the ongoing prosecution of arrested pirates, the first under the country’s new anti-piracy law, Nigeria was sending a “strong and valuable message� to the global community about its determination to rid its waters and the Gulf of Guinea of crimes.

Lim said he was impressed

by Nigeria’s efforts “to address maritime security threats in the region,� adding that Jamoh’s “leadership and proactive response� to maritime security issues were laudable. “I would also like to reiterate my congratulations to the Nigerian Navy on the successful capture and arrest of pirates from

the fishing trawler Hailufeng II, and more recently on the rescue of the crew members of the containership Tommi Ritscher. “Those actions, together with all the other initiatives you highlighted in our meeting, including progress with the Deep Blue Project, send a strong and valuable message to the international community with respect to the considerable efforts your government is making to curb piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Gulf of Guinea,� he added.

The secretary general had, in a recent virtual meeting with the NIMASA boss, reiterated the organisation’s readiness to assist the agency in the training of personnel and technical assistance.

Lim also declared his willingness to talk to other member countries to assist in achieving the objective.

He said IMO would help to deal with the issue of synergy in laws regarding piracy with other neighbouring countries.

Jamoh told Lim at the virtual meeting, following the arrest of some pirates by the Nigerian Navy, in partnership with

NIMASA, that piracy in the region was being sustained by powerful foreign collaboration.

He appealed for support from the international community to complement the steps being taken

by Nigeria towards ridding the country’s waters of maritime crimes.

Jamoh said: “The recent arrests of pirates have opened our eyes to a new and even more dangerous dimension to the issue of piracy and armed robbery in our waters, and that is the issue of foreign collaboration.

"The arrests involved Nigerians and other nationalities, whose identities I cannot disclose because the cases are under investigation. “Piracy is taking an international dimension. We now know that pirates and other maritime criminals in our waters and the Gulf of Guinea operate with strong backing from powerful international collaborators. “So, we earnestly desire the cooperation of the international community, individual countries, organisations, and individuals to stem the ugly tide of insecurity in our waters.

“We will continue to do our best and update IMO as we make progress with our strategies.�

NIMASA recently improved its collaboration with the navy and other stakeholders in an effort to tackle piracy in its maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.

The new collaborative arrangement involves information sharing between NIMASA’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence Centre (C4i Centre) of the Deep Blue Project, which commenced operations on a 24hour basis since last year, and the Nigerian Navy’s Falcon Eye to help track and combat criminals in the country’s maritime domain.

The Deep Blue Project, also known as the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, aims to comprehensively tackle insecurity on Nigeria’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, up to the Gulf of Guinea.

On the back of the new partnership between NIMASA and the navy, the country has made record arrests of pirates, with some already facing prosecution.

9

WEDNESDAY, ͚͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

PAGE NINE INEC FIXES JUNE 2-27 FOR PARTIES’ PRIMARIES IN EDO GOV ELECTION The gazette provides that political gatherings above 20 persons must be approved by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and must be held in a single facility in Benin, the state capital.

The governor also described as baseless, unfounded and diversionary, allegations of certificate forgery against him and urged those raising eyebrows over the certificates to approach the issuing institutions to verify the documents' authenticity.

As part of its preparations for the governorship election, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday inaugurated both the screening and appeal committees for its primary, slated for June 22.

INEC, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said the release of the schedules and date was in accordance with Sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

It explained that of the 15 parties participating in the election, only APC would adopt direct primary to pick its candidate, while others would do so through indirect primary.

In the statement by the National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Information, Mr. Festus Okoye, INEC said 15 out of the 18 registered political parties had notified the commission of their intention to conduct primaries to pick their governorship candidates.

It added that by the timetable and schedule of activities issued by the commission on February 6, 2020, primaries for Edo State governorship election would take place between June 2 and 27.

Under the timeline, African Alliance (AA) would hold its

primary between June 25 and 26 and the mode is indirect.

AAC would hold its primary on June 25 and the mode is indirect. ADC would hold its on June 27 and the mode of election is indirect primary.

ADP is expected to hold its primary on June 25, while the mode of the election is indirect.

APC would hold its governorship primary on June 22 and the mode of election is direct election, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would conduct its primary on June 25, using the indirect system.

Other political parties like APM would hold its primary on June 27 and the mode of election is indirect. APP primary would take place on June 26 and the mode is also indirect.

PDP would hold its governorship primary election between June 19 and 20.

Labour Party, NNPP, NRM, SDP, YPP and ZLP would conduct their primaries through indirect mode from June 14 to 27.

INEC appealed to the political parties to conduct their primaries in full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries (2018) and the INEC Police COVID-19 Pandemic of 21 May, 2020.

The commission also warned the political parties to shun all acts capable of breaching the peace and unsettling the peace and order of the state and jeopardising the health and safety of party members, election officials and observers.

It warned against violence and impunity, vowing to prosecute offenders.

INEC said: "Sixteen case

files arising out of the 2019 general election have been provided by the police (the lead agency for electoral security) on conclusion of investigation."

It listed the cases to include those in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kogi, Lagos and Niger states, adding that the offences range from snatching and destruction of election materials, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of ballot papers and Permanent Voters' Cards to canvassing for votes at polling units on election day.

"Two cases emanating from Bayelsa State governorship election and relating to snatching and destruction of electoral materials are also being prosecuted," it stated.

State Insists on Compliance with Regulations on Political Gatherings Edo State Government yesterday ruled out exempting any party from complying with its gazette that regulates political gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking yesterday while receiving the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ehwujakpo, who is in the state for his party, PDP’s ward congresses, Edo State

Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, commended PDP for following the guidelines in the gazette and urged all other political parties to follow suit.

Section 2 of the gazette provides that for political parties desiring to field governorship candidates, gatherings of more than 20 persons may be allowed subject to written approved by the governor, “if such gatherings: “(i) do not exceed 5,000 persons; (ii) hold in Benin City and in a single location with a large seating capacity of not less than 10,000 persons; “(iii) are provided with adequate health, safety and sanitary facilities, and “(iv) are COVID-19 response compliant with social distancing policy, handwashing and proper use of face masks fully observed.�

Shaibu said the regulations would help in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and keep Edo people safe.

"We got a letter from your party, PDP, requesting to make use of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for its primary election. Governor Godwin Obaseki approved the request because the party obeyed the rules and regulations set by Edo State Government.

"I, therefore, use this opportunity to tell other political parties to obey the

gazette in the state, which is now a law.

"Just as you have obeyed, we are asking and calling on other political parties to obey the law. Any political party that disobeys the law will not hold its primary election in the state as the gazette must be respected.

"The life of Edo people is more important than the political ambition of any politician or wishes of political parties. We need to be alive to play politics.

We need to live to vote and be voted for in the election.

The rules to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the gazette must be strictly followed to keep Edo people safe at this period," he added.

Shaibu commended Bayelsa State Government for the unity, progress and development the people are enjoying, noting that the Obaseki administration is also pursuing the development and progress of the state.

"Development does not have a political party, neither does progress. But parties exist to act as vehicles to actualise the wishes of the people in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"We would fight for the development and progress of Edo State. No element or person will stop our progress because Edo people come

first in the agenda of this administration. We will stand against anything that will stop progress and development in the state," he stated.

I Duly Earned My CertiďŹ cates, Says Obaseki Obaseki yesterday took on those accusing him of forging his certificates, saying he duly earned them.

He described the allegations as baseless, unfounded and diversionary, charging those raising eyebrows over the certificates to approach the issuing institutions to verify their authenticity or otherwise.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said he duly earned his certificates from the different educational institutions he attended, adding that anyone raising issues about them is only being mischievous.

"The hullabaloo over the governor's certificates is a lame and weak effort to cause crisis and stir unnecessary controversy. The governor's displayed results are duly earned from the institutions he attended.

"If any individual or group of persons has issues with Continued on page 10

SEVEN DISCOS FACE NERC’S SANCTION OVER UNCAPPED ESTIMATED BILLING electricity customers. “The order was to ensure consumers in the two categories, who do not have electricity meters installed for them by the Discos, were not disconnected from the electricity supply grid. “The Discos are Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ikeja, Kano, Kaduna and Port Harcourt.�

NERC, in February, had issued Order No/

NERC/197/2020 on capping of estimated billings in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), placing a cap on estimated bills to unmetered customers.

It added that the order was to protect unmetered R2 (Residential-single and three-phase meters, who consume more than 50kWh per month) and C1 (Commercial-single

and three-phase meters, small businesses) customers from arbitrary billing and expedite their metering process.

The commission added that all unmetered R2 and C1 customers shall not be invoiced for consumption of energy beyond the price capped in schedule, which was N1,872.00 for R2, where consumption is capped

at 78-kilowatt hour per month at a tariff of N24 per kilowatt.

According to the order, any customer whose current estimated bill is below the capped price shall remain so without upward review until the installation of a meter by the power distributors, while any customer who rejects the installation of a meter was liable to disconnection.

the stakes in the race to select the next World Trade Organisation chief by nominating heavy-hitter Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the country’s candidate.�

The online newspaper described Okonjo-Iweala as “a formidable opponent to potential EU contenders.�

Other experts are hailing Okonjo-Iweala as potentially WTO’s first African head to lead the institution out of the challenges that have paralysed it as a result of the trade war between the US and China.

The calculation is that since Africa is not perceived as a partisan player in the tariff battle between China, the US and the EU, an African candidate like Okonjo-Iweala would have a huge advantage in stabilising WTO and leading it into a new era that would boost global trade and the global economy in the post-COVID period.

Egypt’s objection to Iweala’s nomination is also seen by many experts in this light.

The country’s reaction, according to insiders, is based on its calculation that Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination by Nigeria would automatically put its candidate who does not have the former finance minister’s stature and experience in a disadvantaged position. “It is not surprising that Egypt came out so strongly against Okonjo-Iweala. It is

obviously scared that her nomination will not be in its favour. “The country had thought that it was going to have a smooth sail by persuading the candidate of Benin Republic to step down for her candidate.

But Nigeria’s nomination of Okonjo-Iweala demonstrates clearly that the country has a strong candidate who is creating positives ripples in many important spaces in the world,� they said.

WTO IGNORES EGYPT, ACCEPTS OKONJO-IWEALA’S NOMINATION AS DG trade body, in a threeparagraph statement on its website yesterday, said: “Nigeria nominates Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for post of WTO Director-General. “Nigeria, on 9 June 2020, nominated Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr. Roberto AzevĂŞdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020. “According to the timetable announced by the Chair of the General Council, David Walker, the nomination period will close on 8 July 2020. “Shortly after the nomination period has closed, candidates will be invited to meet with members at a special General Council meeting, present their views and take questions from the membership."

On same day, WTO added that Egypt, which is opposed to Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination, has nominated Mr. Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh for the same position.

Egypt had opposed the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala on the ground that it was belated.

The North African country told members of the African Union that her nomination should not be recognised.

In a letter to the African Union (AU) member-states, Egypt had contended that her nomination was out of time and therefore breached the rules of nomination, which

import they said, was that Nigeria no longer had a candidate for the position.

It said AU memberstates had been required to nominate candidates for the director general position

by November 30, 2019, over five months ago, while the request to substitute Yonok Frederick Agah was made on June 4, 2020.

Mexico had on Monday nominated Mr. JesĂşs Seade Kuri for the same position.

President Muhammadu Buhari, last week, had approved Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination and withdrew the candidacy of Agah, Nigeria’s permanent representative to WTO for the same position.

Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned global finance expert, an economist and international development professional with over 30 years of experience, having worked in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.

She is presently the Chair of the Board of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. Since its creation in 2000, GAVI has immunised over 760 million children across the globe.

She also sits on the boards of Standard Chartered Plc and Twitter Inc. She was recently appointed African Union Special Envoy to mobilise international financial support in the fight against COVID-19, as well as Envoy for the World Health Organisation’s access to COVID-19 Tools

Accelerator.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, also recently appointed Okonjo-Iweala, to serve as a member of her newly-established External Advisory Group.

In addition, Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister from 2003-2006, 2011-2015 and briefly as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister in 2006, the first woman to hold both positions.

She had a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist, rising to the number two position of Managing Director (Operations).

As finance minister, Okonjo-Iweala steered Nigeria through the varying degree of reforms, particularly on macroeconomic, trade, financial and real sector issues.

As Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank, her several portfolios included oversight responsibility for the World Bank’s $81 billion operational portfolio in Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.

Okonjo-Iweala spearheaded several World Bank initiatives to assist low-income countries during the 2008-2009 food crisis and later in the trying period of the global financial crisis.

About three weeks

ago, the incumbent WTO Director General, Mr. Roberto AzevĂŞdo, had announced that he would step down from the position on August 31, 2020, cutting his second term short by one year.

The decision, according to AzevĂŞdo, is to give his successor the time to work with WTO members to shape the strategic direction for the Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) and beyond.

The election is scheduled to hold in Geneva, Switzerland next year.

Ex-minister Emerges Front Runner in WTO Leadership Race Analysts have tipped the former minister as a front runner in the bid to succeed AzevĂŞdo.

They said Okonjo-Iweala's ranking was based on statements by local and international experts and analyses by influential media platforms.

According to the analysts, the strident objection of Egypt to Okonjo-Iweala's nomination also underscores how the permutations and projections on the race have been dramatically altered by her emergence.

Commenting on OkonjoIweala’s entry into the race, an influential US political and policy platform POLITICO, said: “Nigeria has upped

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % BOCGASES 0..41 4;51 10 MBENEFITS 0.02 0.22 10 ROYALEXCHANGE 0.02 0.22 10 NEIMETH 0.19 2.13 9.7 PRESTIGE 0.06 0.70 9.3 TOP LOSERS NGN % 11PLC 21.30 192.60 9.9 FIDSON 0.25 3.00 7.6 JAPAUL 0.02 0.25 7.4 REDSTAR 0.25 3.56 6.5 JAIZBANK 0.04 0.67 5.6 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,000.00 Volume: 268.740 million shares Value: N1.121 billion Deals: 4,137 As at yesterday 9/6/2020 See details on Page 27

10

WEDNESDAY, ͚͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

With 663 New Infections, Nigeria Records Highest COVID-19 Cases in One Day Tally rises to 13,464 with 4,206 discharged, 365 dead FG increases testing laboratories to 33 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 663 new cases of COVID-19, representing the highest so far confirmed infections in a single day since the index case was recorded on February 27. The figure raised the tally to 13,464.

The federal government has also improved the nation's testing capacity with the activation of three more molecular laboratories to test for COVID-19, thus increasing the number of testing centres to 33 nationwide.

Announcing the spike in cases yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

(NCDC) said Lagos recorded 170 new cases, Ogun 108, Bauchi 69, Ebonyi 49, Edo 33, Rivers 30, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Jigawa 26 each, Delta 20, Anambra 17, Gombe and Kano 16 each, Imo 15, Abia 14, Borno and Oyo 11 each, Plateau eight, Kebbi and Kaduna six each, Ondo four, Niger and Katsina two each, while Osun, Ekiti and Kwara had one each.

It said: "Nigeria has recorded a total of 13,464 cases of COVID-19, 4,206 persons have been discharged, while 365 have died."

FG Increases Testing

Laboratories to 33 NCDC has also activated three more molecular laboratories with capacity to test for COVID-19.

The addition brings to 33, the number of molecular laboratory network in the country.

Announcing this yesterday on its Twitter handle: @ ncdcgov, NCDC listed the laboratories as Biorepository and Clinical Virology Laboratory, University College Hospital, Ibadan; Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Infectious Disease Unit, General Hospital, Ituk Mkpang, Akwa Ibom; and Jigawa

State Molecular Laboratory, Dutse.

It said: "There are also five laboratories currently in the process of being established.

They are located in Kwara, Gombe, Ekiti, Ondo and Abia State."

WHO Reverses Self on COVID-19 Spread in Asymptomatic Patients World Health Organisation (WHO) has walked back a statement it made on Monday that spread of COVID-19 among patients without symptoms is rare.

In a statement yesterday to clarify the earlier report

by WHO Head of Emerging

Disease Zoonosis Unit, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, which has drawn global condemnation, the health body said the spread of the virus in asymptomatic patients had not been fully understood.

Kerkhove, who backtracked after backlash from global experts, said her assessment that asymptomatic spread was rare was based on specific studies that might not have gone through peer review, and that it did not reflect a change in WHO guidance.

She said: "Asymptomatic spread is a really complex question and much is still unknown. We don't actually have that answer yet.

"I was responding to a question at the press conference. I wasn't stating a policy of WHO or anything like that. I was just trying to articulate what we know. I used the phrase 'very rare,' and I think that that's a misunderstanding to state that asymptomatic transmission globally is very rare. I was referring to a small subset of studies."

She said studies showed that about 16 per cent of the population might be asymptomatic, adding that some models developed by other scientists suggest as much as 40 per cent of global transmission may be due to asymptomatic individuals.

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Others Move to Strengthen APC Ban power blocs in Lagos Ejiofor Alike National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and top party leaders in the state yesterday moved to strengthen the party by checking intra-party rivalry between groups.

Tinubu, a former governor of the state, along with his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who is now the Minister of Works and Housing; Sanwo-Olu's deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and over 20 chieftains of the party, rose from a meeting in Lagos, and slammed a ban on power blocs, Justice Forum (JF) and Mandate Group (MG), in the state chapter of the party.

Both groups, founded in the early days of the struggle for the rebirth of democracy in Nigeria and at the nascent

stage of the current political dispensation, are linked to Tinubu.

In a communiquĂŠ, signed

by Tinubu and 26 others who are members of the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), the party leaders resolved that all factions like JG and MG are inimical to the party's unity and permanently disbanded and prohibited them within the party.

They said: "These two groups were formed to achieve important but temporary goals. The groups were not ends in themselves."

Attempts were made in the past by the Tinubu administration to unify and reconcile the two groups by appointing members of each group into his cabinet.

Several meeting were also held to eliminate divisions that could hurt the party if left unattended.

"For example, the Governor's Advisory Council

was constituted as an important party mechanism to deliberate over important matters so that such matters are decided by dialogue and compromise, not by fiat. The GAC was comprised almost equally of leading members of both JF and MG and as such the GAC has repeatedly decided to shun factional groupings and eliminate divisions within the party.

"We recognise that membership in a political party is mostly cooperative but also competition is inherent. For the party’s nomination to any given position, there is only one winner; but there can be multiple aspirants. They will compete and there must be some basis upon which that competition is founded.

"The only permitted use of the names will be limited to historic references. Any violation of this decision is subject to party discipline, including suspension and

expulsion. This prohibition extends solely to official party business.

"We are in no way trying to abridge anyone’s constitutional rights to free speech or assembly. The party chairman is hereby tasked with promulgating more detailed regulations with regard to prohibited and permissible activities for sub-party groupings. “The APC in Lagos is one party and one family. We must always act in this spirit if we are to attain the dream of democratic prosperity that we set out to achieve.

We must do this in honour of June 12 and those who gave of themselves to make democracy our reality.�

Aregbesola Denies Rift with Tinubu Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, a member of MG, has debunked claims of

nursing presidential ambition in 2023 and that he is at war with Tinubu.

Aregbesola was Commissioner for Works under Tinubu before he was drafted to run as Osun State governor in the 2007 poll, which the Court of Appeal, in a controversial judgement after a three-year legal battle, affirmed his victory in 2010.

He told journalists in Abuja yesterday that his loyalty to Tinubu is total and his commitment to whatever the former Lagos State governor wants is unwavering.

Aregbesola spoke against the backdrop of accusation of re-launching political groups in the state without the knowledge of Tinubu, to further his rumoured presidential bid.

In rebutting the allegation, the minister said: "They even said I have presidential ambition. False!"

Aregbesola reiterated that

APC is one, adding that the party is like an oak tree that keeps growing.

He said his focus and goal is to execute his ministerial duties as directed

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He urged his supporters to ignore the allegation and refrain from being distracted from the goal of building a strong APC as well as a united Nigeria.

The Mandate Group, made up of Tinubu’s core loyalists, was relaunched

by Aregbesola on May 26, 2020, without Tinubu being in the picture.

APC Organising Secretary in Lagos State, Mr. Abdullahi Enilolobo, was picked as the new chairman to replace Mr. James Odunmbaku, who moved up as the “apex leader.�

Aregbesola was made the grand patron at the meeting, which took place at his Ikeja GRA residence.

aspirants at the secretariat of a faction of the party in Benin City.

Those whose credentials were pasted are Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, Mr. Chris Ogienmwonyi, Osaro Obazee, Dr. Pius Odubu and Matthew Iduoriyekenmwen.

COVID-19 pandemic.

He accused the governor of planning to rig the indirect primary, which he's canvassing for.

He said: “Obaseki’s argument that conducting direct primary will aid the spread of coronavirus is most illogical. What will rather aid the spread of COVID-19 pandemic is indirect primary, his preferred mode, where over 5,000 delegates and officials, including journalists, will crowd Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, in total disregard to the social distancing precautionary measure, one of the protocols put in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. “The direct mode of primary, apart from being more democratic, as it involves all party members voting in their wards to nominate their preferred governorship aspirant, will take place in open fields or spaces in a disperse manner, with very few delegates, thus ensuring observance of social distancing.�

INEC FIXES JUNE 2-27 FOR PARTIES’ PRIMARIES IN EDO GOV ELECTION the results, they are free to approach the institutions to make enquiries as regards the authenticity of the particulars.

"They are free to go to St. Mathews Anglican Primary School; Eghosa Grammar School, University of Ibadan (UI) and others, to verify the results," he stated.

On how the governor gained admission to University of Ibadan with his results, Osagie said: "The criteria for admission is the sole preserve of the institution and anyone with issues over the criteria can also approach the institution for clarification. It is not the place of a political party to query an institution over the requirement for admitting its students."

APC Inaugurates Screening, Appeal Committees The National Working Committee of APC has inaugurated both the screening and appeal committees for the

June 22 Edo State primary.

At the inauguration yesterday in Abuja, the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, said the committees were made up of learned, highly educated and political grounded members.

He said under the constitution of the party, NWC was expected to set up a screening committee before any election, adding that the responsibility of the screening committee is to interact and interrogate all the aspirants.

He noted that due to what happened to the party in Bayelsa State earlier in the year, NWC decided to approach the issue of screening with all seriousness and thoroughness.

The Supreme Court had stopped the party's candidate in Bayelsa State, David Lyon, from being sworn in on the eve of his inauguration after it upheld a judgment of the Federal High Court that had barred his running mate from the election on account of inconsistencies in his documents.

Oshiomhole said: "In the past, we have always performed this role but maybe we didn't give it the appropriate weight; maybe we had assume that people who aspire to certain office, particularly elective high office, a governor or deputy governor for example that no one who is aspiring at that level will submit document that may border on forgery or border on conflicting information that could possibly lead to disqualification."

He urged members of the committees to take their assignments seriously.

"So, the screening is not a formality and we expect you to be very meticulous in every material in particular to protect our party so that let it not be said that we did not learn anything from Bayelsa.

"As you know, sometimes when things go wrong, everybody sees it that NWC did not do a thorough job.

"For me, the important lesson is if we have made a mistake in the past, we are taking the

steps to correct it. I think this is what this exercise represents," he added.

Responding, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Mr. Jonathan Ayuba, said the committee would conduct its assignment transparently.

Other members of the screening committee are Prof.

Agbo Mafaki, Mr. Fort Dike, Dr. Rabe Nasir (Secretary), Hon. Ibrahim Zailani, Dr. Jane Agbu and Senator Aisha Binalil.

The Chairman of the Appeal Committee, Abubakar Sari, equally assured the party that the committee would do a thorough job to justify the confidence repose in them.

Other members of the appeal committee are: Mr. Gbenga Olubajo, Mohammed Idris, Dr. Abubakar Fari, Esther Bepeh and Mr. Daniel Bwala as Secretary.

The ruling party would start its screening on Wednesday (today) and end on Thursday, while the appeal would be held on Friday in Abuja.

The party has pasted the credentials of all its six

Ize-Iyamu Faults Obaseki’s Call for Indirect Primary An APC governorship aspirant in Edo State, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has described arguments put forward by Obaseki to back his preference for indirect primary as illogical.

He said the direct primary, approved on May 21 by members of NWC of APC, was the most appropriate mode to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Ize-Iyamu, in a statement by the Director of Communication and Media of his campaign organisation, Mr. John Mayaki, dismissed claim by Obaseki that direct primary would pose a public health risk amid the

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

11

12

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Senate Makes Case for Reduction of Import Duty on Papers Moves to revitalise Oku-Ibokun, Jebba, Iwopin paper mills Chuks Okocha and Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to review duty on importation of published books and papers to make it more favourable to print locally in Nigeria than relying on imported printed materials.

The lawmakers also made bold moves towards the revitalisation of the three moribond paper mills in Jebba, Iwopin and Oku-Ibokun.

It also directed its Committee on Privatisation to investigate the activities and operations of the three paper mills and report back to the Senate within four weeks.

Leading the debate on the motion entitled “The need to revive the

moribund paper mills,” Senator Christopher Ekpenyong, urged the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) and Nigeria Customs Service to review duty on importation of published books and paper to make it more favourable to print locally in Nigeria than relying on imported printed materials.

He said he was aware that paper production is one of the major industrial activities regarded as a pointer to industrialisation and educational development worldwide.

The Senator observed that the sector has gone moribund since privatisation, leaving the country with another huge income deficit, explaining that companies who

bought these mills have either abandoned them or have not been able to revive them to full capacity, thus making the country to depend on imported papers.

In its resolutions, the senate

said that it is worried by the recent statistics release by the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), which showed that Nigeria lost over N800 billion annually to paper importation,

while the Printers Association of Nigeria put the figure at $1 trillion annually through the importation of over one million metric tonmes of paper at the cost of $1,000 per tonne.

The Senate also recalled with

nostalgia that these Mills formerly had a work force of over 300,000 people and an investment worth over N100 billion before the privatisation policy by the government.

Concerns Mount as Mysterious Deaths Claim 50 Persons in Jos Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Authorities of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State have expressed concern over strange deaths in the council in recent times, as the number of deaths and burials have surged to 50 within three weeks in various cemeteries across the council area.

A source close to the biggest cemetery in the city, the Zaria road cemetery, revealed that the number of death brought for burial in the past three weeks have suddenly increased, and giving the attendance a serious concern.

A grave digger said, “we don’t know the cause of the deaths but we are worried that the number has recently increased. In the past three weeks the rate at which bodies are brought here for burial has doubled compared to the previous times.

This afternoon alone we have buried five persons, we may still burry more.”

He placed the figure at 50 in the past three weeks.

The Chairman of the local

government, Hon. Shehu Bala Usman, who confirmed the surge in the number of deaths in the area, said, “What you observed is true; right now we have opened a register in all the cemeteries within the local government. In the past, it has been a tradition that corpses must be registered with appropriate authority before burial, but these days people don’t follow the protocol again.

“What we do now is to open register at the cemetery so that corpses are registered before they are buried. This will enable us to evaluate what is happening, before we can establish that there is a mysterious death in a large scale; there must be data and indices to back up the claim.

We would look at the present figure and compare it to the previous ones.”

On COVID pandemic, Usman said the council has stepped up its awareness campaign and has taken it to the ward level since it has become community issue and requires a change of attitude.

Court Declares Aguma Chairman of Rivers APC Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, has declared Hon. Igo Aguma as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

The court also declared that only those who paid for the party’s nomination forms in May 2018 are qualified to participate in the ward congresses of the APC in Rivers State.

Justice George Omereji delivered the judgments yesterday in two separate suits: Hon. igo Aguma Vs APC, and Dele Moses & 9 others Vs APC. Aguma had dragged the APC and the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, to court to challenge the composition of the caretaker committee for the state.

He sought the court to declare the Caretaker Committee void, and declare him to head the affairs of the state by virtue of his position as the national delegate

and statutory member of the party.

Omereji in his judgment after the submissions of the claimant’s counsel, Echezona Etiaba (SAN), declared that Aguma had the locus standi to approach the court, adding that there was issue of injustice and violation of civil right of the applicant.

On issues of jurisdiction as raised by the defendants, Omereji held that the court has the right to entertain the matter to see whether the rights of the claimants have been violated, adding that defendants have not established that the claimant have no locus standi and had provided no evidence to show that he (Aguma) did not exhaust all the avenues in the party before approaching the court.

He also ruled that the suit was not an abuse of the court process, because he only requested that the APC rules should be followed, noting that the claimant being a former member of House of Representatives meets the requirements of a statutory member.

LOCAL CONTENT ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Representative of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Nicolas Odinuwe; representative of Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Mrs. Peace Oyanbo Owei; Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva; representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Farouk Sa’id; and representative of National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). Mr. Olorundare Thomas, during the inauguration of new board of NCDMB by the minister in Abuja...yesterday

House Urges FG to Halt Entry of Herdsmen from other African Countries Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives at the plenary yesterday urged the federal government to put to a halt to the entry of herdsmen from other African countries into Nigeria.

It also directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Army and Interior to interface with the Inspector General of Police,

the Chief of Army Staff and the Comptroller General of the Nigerian and Immigration Service (NIS) respectively on the best ways of policing and securing the Nigerian borders.

The committees are to report back to it in four weeks for further legislative action.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion, titled, ‘Need to stop the Entry of Herdsmen

from other African Countries into Nigeria,’ sponsored by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.

Presenting the motion, Elumelu said that in recent years, herdsmen have been on rampage, destroying farmlands, burning villages and killing of innocent Nigerians indiscriminately in many states across the federation.

He noted that the Nigerian security agents have consistently

stated that those herdsmen are not Nigerians but migrants from other African countries; The lawmaker expressed concerns that those herdsmen who are militant in nature have consistently instilled fear in the lives of local farmers and villagers living in the affected areas by the use of intimidation, brute force and in most cases leaving a large number of persons dead.

FG Targets 70% Nigerian Content in Oil Industry By 2027 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has set a target to achieve 70 per cent Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry in the next seven years, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said yesterday.

Speaking during the inauguration of new members of the governing council of the Nigerian Content

Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Abuja, Sylva noted that the federal government is now making deliberate efforts to deepen Nigerian participation in the sector.

The newly sworn-in members of the board are: Mrs. Peace Owei, representative of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Mr. Sarki Auwalu , representing the Department of Petroleum

Resources (DPR); and Farouk Sa’id from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Others are: Mr. Olorundare Thomas, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and Mr. Nicolas Odinuwe, representing the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).

“In the midst of so much uncertainty around COVID-19 pandemic and instability in the world

oil markets, we must look inwards to explore all the opportunities to further diversify and insulate our economy from external shocks.

“The board’s 10-year strategic roadmap launched in 2018 is a key compass to ensure that we derive more value in-country from our hydrocarbon resources. By 2027, the roadmap’s target is to achieve 70 per cent Nigerian content level in the oil and gas industry.

Alleged Certificate Forgery: Bayelsa Deputy Gov to Open Defence Friday Alex Enumah in Abuja The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will on Friday open his defence in an alleged certificate forgery case brought against him by the governorship candidate of the Liberation Movement, Mr. Vijah Opuama.

Ewhrudjakpo will defend

himself at the state’s Governorship Electoral Petition Tribunal where his nomination for the deputy governorship position is being challenged.

The tribunal, presided over Justice Ibrahim Sirajo, sitting in Abuja, fixed June 12 for the defence of the deputy governor after the petitioner formally closed his case yesterday.

Opuama through his counsel,

Mr. Pius Danba, had rested his case after calling three out of 30 witnesses billed to testify against the nomination of Ewhrudjakpo for the November 16, 2019, governorship poll.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the petitioner who served as the third witness, was confronted with anomalies in his own certificate

by Ewhrudjakpo’s lawyer, Mr.

Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN).

Ume noted that the discrepancies in the documents that the petitioner presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification indicated that the issue of alleged certificate forgery was nothing more than a mere human error that should not be taken as forgery.

El- Rufai Eases Lockdown on Kaduna after 75 Days John Shiklam

The Kaduna State government has re-opened the state after 75 days of lockdown it imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, said yesterday that starting from “Wednesday, 10 June, 2020, the Quarantine

Order is amended to permit a significant reopening of the state.”

El-Rufai said that churches and mosques are allowed to conduct only Sunday and Friday worships for the time being.

“It is fitting and proper that I begin this address by paying tribute to the good people of

Kaduna State,” he said.

The governor also announced that the restriction on intra-state movement has been lifted, subject to a night-time curfew of 8p.m. to 5a.m.

He said: “Amidst considerable uncertainty created by the arrival of a new virus, the people have understood and

supported the firm measures the state government took to protect them.

“The KDSG has done its best to ensure that COVID-19 has not resulted in mass sickness and deaths. We again apologise for the inconvenience suffered by all during the 75 days of partial lockdown.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

13

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

COMMENT

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

COVID-19: AVET’S PERSPECTIVE

Junaidu Maina writes that the nation may learn a thing or two from the way Veterinarians handled the Avian Influenza viral disease I think to be a good veterinarian, you have to like people - Kevin Fitzgerald

A

s the former chief veterinary officer under whose watch, Nigeria successfully eradicated Avian Influenza (AI), I owe it a duty to share a Veterinarian’s perspective on the current national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Avian Influenza, a viral disease, was detected in Nigeria in 2006, posing a major threat to the national poultry industry. AI also had potential of becoming a global pandemic.

However, through the concerted effort of Nigerian Veterinarians and partners in a multi-sectoral approach, the disease was successfully managed and eradicated after two years (2006-2008).

Nigeria has two poultry production systems namely free range (extensive) and commercial (intensive). Although majority of the estimated poultry population of over 150m, fall under free range, commercial poultry is the single most financially consolidated and the most vulnerable. The free-range poultry on the other hand is genetically resilient, practices social-distancing and thus less vulnerable.

Consequently, specific strategies were adopted for managing AI in the commercial sector. These include: the application of both active and passive surveillance with laboratory confirmation; biosecurity and biocontainment, which involves the management of the risks of entrance and spread of the disease respectively; movement control, which relates to movement restrictions between infected, surveillance and free zones and payment of compensation for birds culled. The epidemic curve was successfully flattened and AI was eventually eradicated. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) certified Nigeria free of AI in May 2013 and the country was globally acknowledged to have positively contributed to preventing avian influenza from becoming a global pandemic. Today our commercial poultry is the second largest in Africa, first in egg and fourth in meat production, thus, justifying the investment in disease control.

Unlike AI, COVID-19 pandemic has many unknowns making its management difficult. From what we know: One, COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus (2019-nCov) spreading through droplets of saliva or discharges from an infected person. Two, people incubating the disease can cross border to later infect others. Three, if infected, for many a very mild disease and for others serious illness particularly among health workers and the elderly with comorbidities Four, NCDC had conducted about 62,583 tests and reported 9,855 positive cases, 2,856 treated and discharged and 273 fatalities. (30/05/20) and Five, an ongoing active community transmission because there are positive cases that cannot be epidemiologically linked to confirmed cases or with travel history.

The current national response strategy which requires massive testing and contact tracing to capture all new cases to quarantine and self-isolate, is proving cumbersome and unwieldy. For a population of over 200m it will not only be expensive but also challenging; due to limited manpower, dearth of equipped labs and isolation centres. Furthermore, self-Isolation and social distancing are proving impracticable in many urban areas and homes. Also, lockdown has disrupted medical and many other essential services, interfered with the seasonal movements of farm inputs and labour and is creating general discontent amongst the citizenry.

An African adage ‘to run is not necessary to arrive’, aptly describes our current situation. Pandemic management requires a good strategy, advocacy, active participation of the populace and can be expensive.

It is on record that even the USA has not succeeded in conducting the

AVIAN INFLUENZA, A VIRAL DISEASE, ALSO HAD POTENTIAL OF BECOMING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC. HOWEVER, THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORT OF NIGERIAN VETERINARIANS AND PARTNERS IN A MULTISECTORAL APPROACH, THE DISEASE WAS SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED AND ERADICATED AFTER TWO YEARS

required optimal testing and contact tracing for the management of COVID-19.

In general, viral diseases are difficult to cure but can be suppressed or prevented using antibodies or vaccines. Unfortunately for now no vaccine is available for COVID-19, it will take a while and even when available, Africa would be at the end of the receiving queue. Our population before the pandemic was completely immune-naĂŻve and therefore vulnerable but since the outbreak many had contracted coronavirus, recovered, have antibodies and thus developed some immunity.

So, if COVID-19 were an animal disease, what will Vets do differently? In population medicine, Vets are trained to manage such infectious viral disease by consciously exposing a certain percentage of the resilient population to become immune or vaccinate to improve resilience, while carefully protecting the most vulnerable. This is technically referred to as herd immunity. Therefore, given the epidemiological picture, Vets would define the current situation as a pandemic with active community transmission and initiate concurrent application of biosecurity, biocontainment and movement control to flatten the epidemic curve, slow and interrupt transmission. Movement restriction would be imposed to avoid mixing of infected, infectious and vulnerable groups especially in enclosed environment. All LGAs not States, with active cases would be classified infected zones and be locked down, supervised movements would be allowed in surveillance zones made up of contiguous LGAs while free movements would be allowed in all others. Testing and contact tracing to capture new positive cases would take a backstage and be replaced with case definition and antibody testing. And of course, communication and outreach would play critical role.

The application of herd immunity in veterinary medicine has its roots in the indigenous management of diseases by pastoralists. A classic case is the management of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) an infectious viral animal disease. This is the same FMD that caused economic crisis in British agriculture and tourism industry in 2001. UK had to kill over 6m cows and sheep to eradicate the disease and regain disease free status. This was at an estimated cost of about 1 billion Pound Sterling.

Paradoxically, FMD in Nigeria is generally managed by quarantine and supportive therapy only. Nevertheless, quarantine for pastoral herds on transhumance can be inconveniencing, time consuming and even costly.

So, to hasten lifting of the lockdown, pastoralists would deliberately inoculate the healthiest animals in the herd using mouth transplantation of the virus to allow the disease to run its course. This controlled virus exposure would create herd immunity and the herd would move on.

Of course I am not recommending virus transplantation for human beings.

In conclusion, COVID-19 is changing the way we live and do things, the nation may need to start thinking out of the box and take a leaf from the Vets. I accept there are many ethical issues in human medicine, but the truth is, no infectious disease can wipe out a population because of God’s given natural variations and species survival instinct. For example, latest observation shows that more women than men have contracted COVID-19 but men have higher risk of dying because women have an inherent immunological advantage due to their two x chromosomes.

Coronavirus (2019-nCov), the equal opportunity virus, has locked down New York, the city that never sleeps, and debunked the myth of weaker sex. What else will it obliterate?

Dr Maina is former Chief Vet OfďŹ cer and Chairman FAO-OIE Rinderpest Joint Advisory Committee

WORLD GOVERNANCE IN QUAGMIRE Ă?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă“Ă? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂœĂ&#x;ÞÒˣ Ă‹Ă?Ă•Ă? Victor C. Ariole “During times of Universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary actâ€?... George Orwell.

T

o those who, in the depths of the Great Depression, said that market forces would eventually prevail and restore the economy to full employment, Keynes retorted to the effect that‌ but in the long run we’re all dead�‌ Joseph E.

Stiglitz Covid-19 is not only economic, it is also social and it is creating too much disharmony that both World Health Organisation’s Director- General Tiedoros Adhanon Ghebreyesus and United Nation’s Secretary General seem not in position to coordinate World’s great powers’ thoughts amidst helpless majority of the world’s population.

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, is at loss as he laments that the pandemic had created no world leader to coordinate a fight against it. Short of saying that a lot of deceits is going on among the veto power members of the UN to really face the pandemic. However, like water always finds its level, the truth will find its level at the end. But will it be Keynes’ or Mao’s reality of depression years?

Now, as WHO creates doubts in its handling of the pandemic, the USA is worried, it has withdrawn its support of WHO, while China upholds WHO’s claims. Again, metaphorically, Keynes and Mao are

at war!

Chairman Mao Zedong had envisaged in his own coinage of “Great Leap Forward� a new world order when Chinua was greatly depressed. At first it was a thought that famished to death over 30 million people as reported by Ian Morris in 2010. Then, the world population was three billion. From that thought emerged the move to exterminate imperialism/capitalism so that new human beings could emerge, straitjacketed in their neurosis to imbibe socialism/communism. For Mao, if it takes eliminating half of the world population to happen, so be it. To Keynes, economic stimulus and government intervention is necessary to keep humans alive. By Bill Gates view, millions were to die in the pandemic and new world order would have emerged, but it was not to happen. Whether it is called “new normal� or “reset the world�, the ignorant majority seems to be on the receiving end. Even when the governance process knows that the majority must toe the line, helpful or uncertain, it is still likened to be the best approach of saving their lives. Here, it is the struggle of WHO’s Director General and WHO’s main paymasters – USA or China combining with Bill Gates.

When it was raging that market forces would regulate the market even when it was evident that supply is overwhelming demand as people had no means of buying to keep up their basic needs,

it took a “new normal�, as Keynes preached. The new normal then had to be to encourage people to consume by making credit available to them, just like crude supply peaked and, as no demand, it entered zero value, that is encouraging its use at zero value, to show that it is still useful for the people and had better result in its value chain demand than its crude state. So, you hear the price is zero dollar.

But did countries like Nigeria learn anything from it so as to cause “new normal� to happen? And the new normal would have been encouraging modular refineries as artisans for that abound. Where are the modular refineries that could create the “new normal� in Nigeria? Nigeria is still importing refined crude instead of refining it for export. Is it not still exportable to other Africans? This is where Keynes view helps the majority as well as canvassing stimulus for businesses to restart. Lockdown seems to be creating more problem to the majority who would have been spared if known travellers who imported Covid-19 had proved sincere in isolating themselves. And most of them are part of the deceit process, like the deceit in not telling the world when it, in deed, started in Wuhan. Let just emphasize, more, physical distancing and hand-washing as well as nose-mouth covering. The economy needs to be opened and children need to feel humans in classrooms. E-learning is good but to what extent is it going to create balanced humans?

At least United Kingdom acknowledged that no

fewer than 20,000 people imported Covid-19 to their space and they still admit the challenges of tracing those they had contacts with, as well as having sufficient testing kits to carry out 100,000 tests a day so as to confine the positive ones and quickly open their economy; an expected feat that would never be available to Nigeria, like the PTF Chairman insinuated in one of his outings; so why the pains for further lockdown?

More lockdown could definitely mean that Africa could go the way of chairman Mao – let half of the population go for “Great Leap Forward� – either to force a new mindset of people who must not expect living as social beings any longer but “robots�; and expansion to other territories seems to be better managed by robots in the “new normal� expected.

Robot factories are everywhere in the developed world and China as if expectations of both Mao and Gates are to be forced on the world.

Africa must not sit down and allow others to decide its fate as lockdown seems not affecting either Chinese miners in Africa or oil exploitation in Africa. What is more, with almost the same population as China, the whole Africa, it is reported, has 700 million people who do not have access to banking or meet half of their calorie needs of 1,500.

So, like Keynes mentioned, on the long run, expect extinction.

Ariole is Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos

15

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2020

EDITORIAL THE NORTH-WEST AND BANDITRY The security agencies must do more to contain the increasing menace

K

atsina State is in a mess. So are Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna States. They are all under siege by rampaging gang of bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers and cattle rustlers. The North-west, earlier insulated from the havoc and ghastly atrocities of the decadelong Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the Northeast, has become another major theatre of violence. In the last few months, Sokoto State has also become a dangerous territory with dozens of innocent villagers being killed almost on a regular basis. Late last month about 70 people were killed when suspected bandits attacked villages in the Sabon Birnin district of the state, near the border with Niger.

Desperate to find a solution to the widespread insecurity in his state, Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari last year did the unthinkable. He, along with other top government officials, security operatives, traditional rulers and representatives of Miyetti Allah, held sessions with representatives of bandits terrorising his state. At one of the sessions, Masari told the heads THE MOVEMENT OF of the criminals CATTLE INTO NIGERIA who brandished an FROM OTHER BORDERING AK47 assault rifle: COUNTRIES IS POORLY “We were advised REGULATED AND WITH by the President to talk to you. And we THAT, OUR COUNTRY IS did.” But the tone BEING INFILTRATED BY of the governor CRIMINALS has changed. “We chose to sign a peace agreement with the bandits to avoid loss of lives and property, but it didn’t yield a positive result. This time around, we will hand it over to security personnel”, said Masari who lamented that while the government kept its side of the bargain, the bandits reneged on theirs. “In our efforts to honour the agreement between us, we cancelled all vigilantes and volunteer groups and we allowed them (bandits) to continue with their normal activities in the state,” he

said last week.

That all the security agencies of state have been rendered impotent led to the desperate bid of signing ceasefire “agreements” with the bandits and granting them “amnesty,” the terms of which were undisclosed.

But we raised several critical questions at the time.

Some of them were: What assurances are there that the bandits will not relapse? Can a group of outlaws keep to agreement? Can they be taken at their words?

Will cash handouts to some identified criminals stop the wave of violence?

W

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

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

hile we are not surprised by the turn of events, there is a transnational aspect of this threat that the security agencies must deal with. The movement of cattle into Nigeria from other bordering countries is poorly regulated and with that, our country is being infiltrated by criminals and which has led to the intensification of cattle rustling in the region. Since many of the rural communities are located in remote areas where there is little or no government presence, with houses in some cases separated by thick forest, many of the inhabitants are at the mercy of these bandits. These acts of banditry also derive impetus from the poorly governed mining and small arms sector. Criminals have been drawn to the region by illicit and artisanal mining in states like Zamfara for instance.

Shortly before he died last year, Justice Mamman Nasir, a former President of the Court of Appeal and then Galadiman Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi lamented the helplessness of the people.

“They (bandits) arrest rural people at will and demand ransom which, if not paid, results in the killing of their victims,” he said. Now that the deal with bandits has collapsed, the authorities must get serious. Apart from the planned introduction of community policing, there is the need to reform the security network in the states. Indeed, the entire security apparatchik must be overhauled to be able to address once and for all these incessant cases of violence not only in the northwest states but across Nigeria.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

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

In Praise Of Uba Sani

I

t has become abundantly clear that Senator Uba Sani has etched his name in gold on the fight against hunger, poverty, unemployment and insecurity since he was elected to represent Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone in 2019.

Within one year, since election, Sani has impacted positively in the efforts to address these challenges in critical moments Nigerians have found themselves. The masses of Kaduna Central constituency can surely testify to how he has generously touched their lives.

From helping victims of banditry attacks, to supporting the people with palliatives in critical moments like the lockdown and special annual rituals like Ramadan and Christmas, Uba Sani has proven that he is a man of the people - reason why he was elected to the senate.

Sani came to the aide of the masses to cushion the crippling effect of the lockdown by providing foodstuffs and other items worth N80 million for distribution. The welfare of his people has always been a priority to him.

He is a man of immense capacity, connecting voices between two layers- simply put, he is a bridge.

One can say he has made ample use of his high connections with influential people in the corridors of power to quietly convey the feelings of Nigerian masses.

Interestingly, he has always done so without using abusive words against such influential leaders. He applies political

diplomacy to secure the rights and privileges of the people, within the multiple economic advantages available in government.

For instance, I can’t remember the last time a considerable number of youths from the North joined their southern counterparts in seizing the opportunity to apply for soft loans through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policies on Small-scale and Medium enterprises. This is exactly the product of awareness by the senator.

He has been in the forefront in the campaign against the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic by launching an intensive campaign against the virus through sustained public enlightenment in the media.

Significantly, the provision of palliatives to his constituency is still the biggest effort by any politician in Kaduna State, nay Northern Nigeria, since the tough challenges of lockdown.

He has also assisted many indigent students by paying for their WAEC and NECO exams.

I also recall how he joined other prominent Nigerians in the corridors of power to make a strong case for an upward review of federal government’s Covid-19 palliative budget against a paltry N500 billion.

Take or leave it, Senator Uba Sani, who is currently the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking Insurance and other Financial Institutions, has demonstrated beyond familiar Nigerian political brands, that it is possible you bond with the

masses.

What more do we expect from a top politician who is noted to be one of the top grassroots mobilisers in the north? He has the capacity to bring together millions of supporters at very short notice, a task that many of his contemporaries would probably find almost impossible to achieve.

Significantly, this lawmaker has given observers, analysts and commentators on Kaduna politics, one more food for thought.

He has given analysts the opportunity to differentiate between game-changers, political adventurists and reactionaries. So far, history will remember Uba Sani as the man who came, saw and changed both the way politics has been played in Kaduna Central in this era and the brand of the inglorious past.

This opportunity presented by the lawmaker, for comparing our political notes has one important nexus within the future of Kaduna’s democratic history.

It has proved that any politician can play the game while building a reservoir of loyalists from amongst the masses and standing by them in moments of happiness and in times of tragedy.

The unassuming lawmaker has taken commentators off-guard, his critics even more confused, while leaving his predecessors biting at their fingers.

Nasir Dambatta, Kaduna

16

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

A N A LY S I S

FiveYears of Okowa’s Smart Initiatives in Delta Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Information chronicles giant strides by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in different sectors of the economy

O

n May 29, 2020, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will be celebrated five years on the saddle in the administration of the state since he took oath of office as governor for the first time on May 29, 2015.

As Governor of the oil-rich Delta, it has not been a smooth sail for the Ika born medical doctor turned politician.

On assumption of office in 2015, he met huge challenges ranging from heavy salary burden, huge debts as well as crisis in the oil producing communities across the state.

He nevertheless was prepared for the huge task having held away as Council Secretary, Chairman, Commissioner in the ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture and Health, Secretary to the State Government and later as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, he distinguished himself as Chairman Senate Committee on Health with the passing of the National Health Act, one of the most important legislation in the 7th Senate.

A careful assessment of the five-year development trajectory of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration in Delta State, suggests a clear and systematic departure from the past when most major achievements were concentrated in the urban areas. During his inauguration on May 29, 2015, Gov. Okowa in his inaugural address, told the good people of Delta that his administration will pay a special attention to rural development because “majority of our people live in the rural areas”. In an explicit commitment to rural development, Okowa emphasized that his administration will open up the rural areas, create more urban centres, develop fresh economic opportunities and reduce pressure on urban cities to boost socio-economic expansion and give rural dwellers a sense of belonging by upscaling the development of infrastructure and modernizing some satellite towns.

On becoming Governor, one of the first steps he took was to renegotiate Delta’s huge debt burden and bailed out local government councils to enable them pay backlog of workers salaries in that tier of government.

In the early days of the administration, the debt overhang impacted negatively on Okowa’s dire need to speed up the delivery of his campaign promises. However, the seeming set-back became a catalyst to work harder in his determination to keep faith with the promises and move the state forward. Five years later, we can simply look back and say Okowa has done quite well in delivering on his campaign promises and more.

support for security agencies, among others, and has indeed kept faith with his campaign promises to the people of Delta State.

Speaking recently to TVC, Governor Okowa said that what the coastal communities lacked previously was infrastructural development, and that his administration took the bull by-the-horn by embarking on projects like bridges, roads, schools, health centers, among others which had direct impact on the lives of citizens. He assured that more of such projects would be done within the limit of funds available to the state government for development.

“We have been in good communication with our people; we engage all stakeholders and ensure that they understand the need for us to give peace a chance. As at today, a lot of our youths have been engaged in intelligence work and in other aspects of governance and a lot of them are also being trained. ``They are beginning to see a lot of things in the proper direction and they are happy about it. Secondly, we have done a lot of construction of infrastructure in the various riverside areas which has enabled them to buy into the programmes of peace that we have. A lot of roads have been constructed in various areas - Okerenkoko, Oporoza, Ogulaha, and these

Resolution of crisis in the oil producing communities Recall that when he assumed office, there was serious crisis in the riverine and oil producing communities in the state over lack of development despite producing the nations oil resources that accounts for sizable percent of the total revenue available to government at all levels in the country.

He identified infrastructural transformation and youth empowerment as panacea for hostilities in coastal communities in the state. He saw that the provision of basic amenities like roads, bridges and other infrastructure stemmed incessant hostilities in the riverside communities of Delta and so had to set up a peace advocacy committee headed by the Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro to engage the people assuring them of his administration’s resolve to better their lots. As the Otuaro Committee set out to work and eventually secured peace in the state, he braved the odds by embarking on projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people.

He provided good governance; rapid rural development; traders and youth empowerments; worked harmoniously with his Deputy Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro to ensure peace and harmony among the political class and critical

Okowa is making the communities accessible, the roads are concentrated in economic routes that are very vital to the socio-economic development of the people . The roads, obviously will attract investors, create job opportunities and contribute to the development of Delta state. The Governor’s road construction is all-inclusive as no local government in the state had not witnessed his footprints in road construction. The people of Obomkpa, Issele-Uku, Onicha-Olona, Idumuje-Uno, Ukwu-Nzu, IsseleMkpitime, among others in Aniocha North as well as Irri, Oleh, Ozoro, Iyede, Emede, Owhelogbo, Ellu, Ofagbe, Ikpide-Irri all in Isoko North and Isoko South and Ughelli, Amekpa, Afiesere, Ofuoma, Oteri, Abraka, Orerokpe, and several other communities in Delta central all have stories to tell of Okowa’s footprints in road construction

led administration agreed to set up Operation Delta Hawk. It is a joint security outfit comprising the various security agencies and which was being put together to have a more proactive approach to security operations where all the security agencies will be on board, and they can share intelligence, share operations and it is believed that this will help the state because in recent times we have seen an increase in crime rate particularly in terms of kidnapping and cultism among youths and also lots of clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

Okowa

are all oil-producing communities, including Burutu. In Ogidigben, we are also doing road construction and these are things they never saw before, and because they saw development brought into their place they began to see the need to cooperate with government to ensure peace for more development to take place.

“The Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, led a stakeholders’ committee to engage the people and we also have the Advisory Committee of the state made up of very prominent members in the state, they all did a great job as opinion leaders engaging the people. We have engaged the traditional rulers and various youth formations and it is helping us quite a lot but very importantly, the people saw that it was possible to bring development to their area, hence saw no need to continue with disruption of oil facilities. The whole thing about hostility was going on before because the people felt neglected even when they were producing the oil. There is no neglect at the moment because they are seeing a lot of infrastructure,” he stated Operation Delta Hawk In a bid to address the problems of farmers/ herders clashes, kidnapping, armed robbery and other security challenges in the state, the Okowa

Road Construction Nick-named the “Road Master” in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in road construction spanning over 450 roads and several line drainages. His biggest achievement no doubt is in the area of flood control in Asaba the state capital. Piqued by the embarrassment and hardship posed by flooding in the state capital, the Governor awarded multi-billion naira storm drainage contracts to check the perennial flooding of the state capital. As at today, the whole of DLA, Okpanam Road, DBS road, Ralph Uwechie road and several others including the Okotomi area of Okpanam have been rescued from the annual flooding ritual. Indeed this is one star project of the Okowa administration. Buoyed by the successes recorded in the Asaba storm drainage project, the Governor recently award over N3billion contracts for the construction of storm drainages in Warri Uvwie and environs to check the perennial flooding in the oil city.

Beyond flood control measures by the government, Governor Okowa remains a promise keeper, who is committed to even development of the state. As Sunny Onuesoke puts it, “if there is one area the Okowa administration has excelled, it is in the development of road and physical infrastructure in Delta State.”

According to Onuesoke, “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s road imprints are now seen everywhere across Delta State. In Asaba, the capital of Delta State we have lost count of the number of roads the Delta State government has constructed or refurbished. “Okowa’s administration has even advanced further by going into roads in the difficult terrains of Forcados and Burutu and some riverine areas of Warri South and Warri North. Places where princes feared to tread,” he stated.

Onuesoke disclosed that one novel thing about the roads embarked upon by the Delta State government is that they seem to concentrate on roads that would positively affect the economic fortunes of the people in the affected areas.

He explained that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s interest in road construction was borne out of the desire to open up the state for investors.

Indeed, Governor Okowa is making the communities accessible, the roads are concentrated in economic routes that are very vital to the socio-economic development of the people .

The roads, obviously will attract investors, create job opportunities and contribute to the development of Delta state. The Governor’s road construction is all-inclusive as no local government in the state had not witnessed his footprints in road construction.

The people of Obomkpa, Issele-Uku, OnichaOlona, Idumuje-Uno, Ukwu-Nzu, Issele-Mkpitime, among others in Aniocha North as well as Irri, Oleh, Ozoro, Iyede, Emede, Owhelogbo, Ellu, Ofagbe, Ikpide-Irri all in Isoko North and Isoko South and Ughelli, Amekpa, Afiesere, Ofuoma, Oteri, Abraka, Orerokpe, and several other communities in Delta central all have stories to tell of Okowa’s footprints in road construction into their various communities. The story is not different in riverine communities of Burutu Town, Ogulagha, Yokri, Obotobo, Sokebolo, Okerenkoko, Ogidigben, Koko among others.

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

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

17

18

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

FEATURES

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

Examining Buhari’s Scorecard Five years into his presidency, Chiemelie Ezeobi reviews the scorecard of President Muhammadu Buhari in agriculture, economy, infrastructure, security, health, science, sports and education, among others

U

pon assumption of office on May 29, 2015 after a keenly contested election, President Muhammadu Buhari, pledged to tackle insecurity, corruption and unemployment headlong, as well as ensure economic stability and infrastructural renewal across board.

Given the inherent challenges in governing a nation like Nigeria, many of the president’s supporters have scored him high in different areas like road construction, agriculture, health, security and otherwise.

This position was further strengthened by the fact sheet made available by the presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, detailing some accomplishments of this administration in the past five years in different areas like infrastructure, security, power, agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation, among others.

The document also lists the achievements and efforts of the government in other areas like education, healthcare, sports, science and technology, oil and gas, anti-corruption and transparency, support for the creative industry, and many more.

Agriculture With the continuous crashing of crude prices, many countries are focusing on agriculture as their mainstay. Nigeria is not different having diversified into agriculture. In the past five years, this sector has received tremendous attention from the government.

Recall that the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was launched by the president on November 17, 2015 and under the programme, more than N200 billion in funding has been provided by the CBN to over 1.5 million small holder farmers in 16 different commodities.

Aside the provision of funds for farmers of rice, wheat, maize, cotton, cassava, poultry, soy beans, groundnut and fish, over 1.4 million hectares of farmland have been cultivated and production of rice has doubled between 2015 and 2019, even as more than 10 new rice mills were established in the country.

Through the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative launched in January 2017, as a government-togovernment agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco, more than a million metric tons of fertilisers have been produced since 2017, while 22 blending plants have been resuscitated. According to the fact sheet, with the above development, the nation now makes subsidy savings of N50 billion annually, with price per bag reducing from between N9, 000 and N11, 000 to N5, 500.

Infrastructure Whether on the roads, health wise or structurally, infrastructure is another area that has been scored high for the past five years of this administration. From the rails to roads and the big fish, the residential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).

About the rails, the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project which was started in 2017 is due for completion this year, while the Abuja Metro Rail and the Abuja-Kaduna Rail, as well as the 327 kilometre Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail, started in 1987, all inherited from past administrations, have been completed.

The number of light rail networks have been completed, while new airport terminals and runways are either being done or have been completed. Among these are Abuja Light Rail system which connects the city centre with the airport, and the Abuja-Kaduna Railway Line.

The new Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airport Terminals have also been completed, while the new Lagos and Kano International Airport Terminals are scheduled for completion this year.

This administration also completed the reconstruction of the Abuja Airport runway while the reconstruction of the Enugu International Airport Runway will be fully achieved before 2020 runs out.

With the Sukuk Bonds, the presidency said it

2015 and 2018. Such support, it was learnt, were through budget support facility (totalling N614 billion extended to different state), Paris Club refunds of $5.4 billion and infrastructure loans, among others.

Security With challenges of insecurity ranging from banditry to terrorism, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, piracy, and militancy, Nigeria has not had it easy.

On this, the presidency said the Buhari administration has invested heavily in arms and weapons through government to government military deals with the United States, Russian, Chinese and Pakistani governments. In April, the first batch of 17 military vehicles (VT-4 main battle tanks, ST-1 wheeled tank destroyers, self-propelled howitzers, among others) came in from China to boost the fight against Boko Haram.

Since Buhari took over, the Nigerian Air Force has acquired 22 brand new aircraft, even as another 16 are being expected, including 12 Super Tucanos from the United States government next year.

It was gathered that the Nigerian Navy also deployed 12 naval security stations along the nations coastline under its Choke Point Regime and Control operations and have acquired several platforms and patrol crafts.

The presidency said between 2015 and last month, the Nigerian Navy conducted 34 operations that have substantially boosted security in the countrys waters.

Buhari is working on about 25 important road projects scattered around the country.

For this administration, the launch of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), which started with a seed funding of US$650 million, and is being used to fund the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, among others, was another plus.

Not neglecting the water sector, several water supply projects, including dam and irrigation projects have been completed in places like Bayelsa, Katsina, Edo, Taraba, Sokoto, Delta and Plateau States.

Health infrastructural-wise, projects instituted include the world-class Cancer Treatment Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) which cost $11 million, and two Diagnostic Centres at the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia respectively.

Economy As one of the key drivers of this administration, the economy has not been left hanging. In this regard, this administration said it launched a series of interventions in terms of funding and capacity development initiatives to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The new Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), with its initial funding of $1.3 billion (N396.5 billion), has been providing medium and long-term loans to MSMEs. Since 2017, the bank has disbursed a total of N100 billion through its 27 Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), with more than 100,000 enterprises benefitting.

The Bank of Industry has also disbursed more than N400 billion in loans to large, medium, small and micro enterprises since 2016, while it established a N5 Billion Fund for Artisanal Miners. It also instituted a $20 million Fund to support young technology entrepreneurs.

In August 2016, Buhari established the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.

Along with the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES), they have helped in moving the country 39 places up on the World Banks Ease of Doing Business rankings since 2016.

And in the last three years, Nigeria has twice been adjudged one of the 10 most improved economies.

Besides, some companies in E-commerce, Software Development, Animation, Music, Film and TV have been granted a tax holiday of between three and five years. Also, with Buhari

assenting to the Finance Bill 2019, the Finance Act 2019 was the first time Nigeria would be accompanying the passage of a Budget with complementary fiscal and business environment reforms legislation.

Also, the 2020 Budget became the first time that the Federal Budget would be running a January-December cycle in 12 years. There are also a number of other initiatives, including the implementation of functioning Visa-on-Arrival system for business visitors and nationals of the African Union (AU).

Also, the president has issued a number of landmark Executive Orders including the Executive Order (001) on Improving Efficiency in the Business Environment; Executive Order (002) on Promoting Local Procurement by Government Agencies; Executive Order (005) on Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology; Executive Order (008) on the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Scheme (VOARS); Executive Order (007) on Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme and Executive Order (010) on Implementing Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and State Judiciary.

Pension The aspect of pension is one area past governments, both federal and state, have been scored low. According to the fact sheet, in January 2019, Buhari launched Nigerias Micro Pension Scheme.

This allows self-employed persons and persons working in organisations with less than three employees to save for the provision of pension at retirement or incapacitation.

Some other initiatives of the administration, according to the factsheet, include the N54 billion released to settle outstanding 33 per cent pension arrears; placement of Delta Steel Companys 3,542 pensioners on payroll after a 13-year wait and NITELs 9,216 pensioners placed on payroll, after more than a decade of neglect.

In October 2017, 174 Biafran police officers dismissed by the Federal Government after the civil war but pardoned by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000 were paid N571.56 million by the Buhari government. Former staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways also got N24 billion in September 2018.

The Buhari Administration said it has expended more than N2 trillion in bailout packages to the different state governments for the payment of salaries and pensions, especially between

Power The epileptic power supply has been the bane of Nigeria and have outlived successive governments.

But the Buhari administration maintained that the nation is experiencing a steady rebirth in the sector.

According to them, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the FG’s Energising Economies Programme, a public-private partnership, has been able to deliver stable power supply to markets and economic clusters across the country.

Also, several rural communities in many parts of the country now have access to clean and safe electricity, while some university campuses have also been supplied with solar power by the REA. This is just as the FG said it launched a N1.3 trillion Payment Assurance Programme designed to resolve the liquidity challenges in the power sector by guaranteeing payments to generating companies and gas suppliers.

It said there are also more than 90 transmission projects completed or ongoing since 2016, which they noted that with its arrangement with Siemens in Germany, Nigerians would soon start enjoying a more stable power supply.

Social Intervention Scheme Also in the fact sheet was the various social intervention schemes of the Buhari administration.

The Social Investment Scheme (SIP), for instance, is described as the largest and most ambitious social safety net programme in Nigerias history.

Half a million people are said to be benefitting from the N-Power programme, receiving N30,000 in monthly stipends.

There are the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP); Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) where nearly 10 million primary school pupils in 54, 952 public primary schools in 35 states are being fed daily, and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) under which more than three million poor and vulnerable households have been registered on the National Social Register.

More than one million of these families are currently benefiting from the CCT Scheme, which pays N5, 000 to each household monthly, the presidency said in the factsheet.

Just as the scorecard highlighted the achievements of this administration in the past five years, it is imperative to note that there are areas Nigerians would certainly want the presidency to do better before this administration winds up in three years time.

19

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

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

Íł Ëœ Í° ÍŽ Í° ÍŽ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 16.70 15.60

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

16 18 20

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

518.89% 0.22% 0.18%

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

11.43% 7.84%

EXCHANGE RATE ͹ʹͯ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Standard Chartered Appoints CFO

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP

L-R: Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Bashir Bello; Director of Pharmaceutical Services, State Ministry of Health, Lukman Akinwande; Coordinator of CACOVID,OyoandOsunState/GroupHead,PublicSectorGroup(West),FirstBank,TimothyArowoogun,andDeputyGovernorofOyoState,RaufOlaniyan, duringthedonationofmedicalequipmentpresentedbyFirstBankonbehalfofCACOVIDtoOyoStategovernmentinIbadan‌recently

FSDH Predicts 13% Inflation for Nigeria in 2020 Obinna Chima Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank have predicted that inflation rate in Nigeria will average 13 per cent in 2020.

The financial institution stated this in its macroeconomic review for the second quarter and 2020 outlook obtained yesterday.

The Consumer Price Index which is used to gauge inflation in the country rose to a two-year high of 12.34 per cent in April.

According to the FSDH report, government fiscal stimulus for COVID-19 interventions would have inflationary impact on the country. It also pointed out that restrictions of some economic activities due to social distancing policies as well as increase in the cost of transportation are other factors that would fuel inflationary pressure in the country.

Furthermore, it stated that pressure on the local currency would be a major risk to inflation in coming months Following the outbreak of

ECONOMY Covid-19 in the country, economic activities were constrained due to movement restrictions, social distancing policies and lockdown of key states.

In April, economic activities for non-essential items were restricted in major states such as Lagos, Ogun, Delta, among others and the Federal Capital Territory.

The impact of the restriction was felt directly by key sectors such as transportation, manufacturing of non-essentials, trade, construction, etc.

Owing to this, analysts at FSDH estimated a significant negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of the year.

Precisely, the report estimated that overall GDP growth for 2020 at –2.9 per cent in a moderate case scenario and –5.9 per cent for the worst case.

Nigeria recorded a GDP growth of 1.87 per cent in the

first quarter of 2020. This was the lowest growth rate since the third quarter of 2018.

The slow rate of economic expansion was as a result of restriction of economic activities and social distancing policies which were implemented to control the spread of Covid-19.

It stated that a significant number of sectors would be severely negatively affected by the pandemic and its associated impact in 2020. “For the crude oil sector, lower oil prices and demand will slow investments into different segments of the sector as well as raise non-performing loans. “The movement restrictions and lockdown of economic activities will have tremendous negative impacts on sectors such as transport, education, trade and entertainment. “Construction sector will suffer from lower government revenues. Higher demand for ICT and health care services will lead to expansion of both

sectors. “Agriculture has remained resilient during and post 2016 recession. Constant demand for agriculture output for both consumption and as intermediate input will sustain the sector. “The outlook for external reserves and exchange rate is hinged on the movement of crude oil price and improvement in oil sales. “External reserves reversed its downward trend in April following improvement in oil prices,� it stated.

Brent crude price increased by 74 per cent to $40 per barrel in June, from $22.9 per barrel at the end of April. As a result of this, external reserves position improved by 9.2 per cent in May. According to the report, major downside risks to reserve accretion include lower oil prices; slow growth in oil production and sales; high foreign exchange demand following the relaxation of restrictions, curfews and the opening up of some sectors.

NigerianBusinessesTargetAfricanCountriesforRawMaterialInputs James Emejo in Abuja About 79 per cent of Nigerian businesses currently hold the view that Africa represents an alternative market destination to source their raw material inputs.

But lack of adequate quality standards remained a major challenge to sourcing production inputs within the continent, according to a new study by the Africa International Trade and Commerce Research.

The “National Survey Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Nigeria Private Sector�, nevertheless, urged the federal government to increase the momentum to ratify the African Continental

ECONOMY Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) amidst the increasing excitement for intra-African trade.

The report further revealed that 19 per cent of Nigerian businesses already sourced their product and raw material from other African countries while 79 per cent of businesses expressed interest to consider an alternative market from within the continent.

The report noted that, “This level of willingness of Nigerian businesses to trade with other African countries should drive government to maintain momentum on AfCFTA as a

mechanism for building long term continental resilience and volatility management, especially for increase intra African trade on pharmaceutical and basic food products.�

It revealed that 54 per cent of businesses surveyed sourced their production inputs (raw, semi and finished) and machinery from Asia, while 43 per cent sought inputs from China.

These production inputs ranges from brand labels for fabric, computer and accessories, solar energy products, agro-inputs and farm machines, medical equipment, pharmaceutical raw materials, cosmetic raw materials among others.

The study added that 89 per cent of business prospects for 2020 had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while 67 per cent of respondents indicated their business prospect had been severely impacted.

Executive Director, Africa International Trade & Commerce Research, Mr. Sand Mba Kalu, told THISDAY in an interview that, “What the study has shown is that the business land scape in Nigeria will change. We will see more businesses relying on technology to deliver efficient services and optimise their operations.

Businesses will have access to limited financial resources.

StandardCharteredhasannouncedtheappointmentofSubhradeep Mohanty as Chief Financial OďŹƒcer (CFO) of the Africa and Middle East (AME) region.

According to a statement from the bank, the new CFO brings over 19 years of diverse and international experience in the banking sector to the AME region. “Most recently, Subhradeep was the CFO for Standard Chartered Bank’s India franchise, where he played a crucial role in driving the country’sstrategictransformationandperformance.Priortothis,he was the Global CFO of Retail Banking at Standard Chartered, based in Singapore, where he was integral in the Retail Bank’s large-scale global turnaround eorts,â€? the bank explained.

Commentingontheappointment,RegionalCEO,AME,SunilKaushal said: “We are pleased to welcome Subhradeep to the Standard CharteredAMEmanagementteam.Hiscommercialandmanagement expertisecomplementourteamaswecontinuetogrowthebusiness across our regional footprint. “With his extensive experience in the banking sector and thorough knowledge of dynamic and changing markets, I am conďŹ dent that Subhradeepwillplayacrucialroleinachievingourstrategicpriorities and look forward to working with him in strengthening our position as the leading international bank in region.â€?

PriortojoiningStandardChartered,Subhradeepheldseniorpositions at J.P. Morgan in Asia, and at American Express earlier, in strategy, ďŹ nanceandbusinesstransformationacrossadiversesetofmarkets.

ARC’s CoP Elects Director-General

The Conference of Parties (CoP) of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) has elected Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, of the Republic of Senegal as the new ARC Group Director General, for a term of four years. The electionofDiong,whichwas‘withoutobjection’fromallthemembers, was consistent with provisions of the procedure for electing the Director General which calls for consensus by the parties, to the extent possible.

According to a statement, the CoP commended the ARC Agency Governing Board and the Board of Directors of ARC Insurance Company Ltd (Joint Board) for putting in place a competitive and transparent process for the selection of the ARC Group DG. “The search process for a new Director-General was undertaken by the ARC Group Director-General Selection Committee that was established by the Joint Board. The selection committee was composed of members of the ARC agency governing board, ARC Limited Board, representatives of the AU Commission and the World Food Programme, and partners.

The Search Committee was assisted by an executive search firm; and the position was widely advertised on the ARC website, leading print media on the continent, and shared with relevant professional networks. An initial list of shortlisted three best candidates was circulated to the CoP for the election.

LCCI Mourns Former DG

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has mourned the passing of its former Director General, Mr. Remi Omotoso, who died last Friday, after a brief illness.

Omotoso was the director general of the LCCI from 2005 to 2008 and a respected member who served the chamber meritoriously. Until his death, he was a member of the LCCI’s executive committee and council.The President of the LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, said: “Remi Omotoso will strongly be missed by all of us at the Lagos chamber because of his numerous contributions to the chamber movement and the growth of the OPS. He was a complete gentleman and an astute boardroom guru, who served both God and humanity selessly throughout his lifetime.â€?

Mabogunje further stressed that, “for us at the chamber, his death is a colossal loss and we shall endlessly miss his forthright disposition, wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication to the OPS and the development of our great nation. However, we are consoled by the great legacies he has left behind.

“NNPC is one of the biggest landlords in this country. In Lagos, we have 90,000 hectares of land and we are happy to collaborate with private developers to develop these assets�

COO,Ventures & Business Devt, NNPC

Mr. Roland Ewubare

20

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Debayo-Doherty: Nigeria Can Be Africa’s Automobile Hub The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mandilas Group, Ola Debayo-Doherty, in this interview speaks about the journey of the company 70 years after it berthed in the Nigerian market with the provision of a wide range of products and services. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts: In a country where mortality rate is high for businesses, what are the factors that have helped the Mandilas brand to remain relevant for seven decades?

Mandilas is a legacy company and had its fair share of challenges over the years. We have been resilient in the face of market forces to continue to evolve in meeting market demands and we intend to be around for many more years.

Critical success factors for Mandilas over the years have been our commitment to Nigeria and Nigerians. A legacy we have imbibed from the humble beginnings of our founder, Mr. Mandilas. Another is the fact that we are a learning organisation. An organisation that adapts to challenges in her environment and resilient enough to be able to come out of those challenges on top. Resilience is in our DNA and that has kept us going despite micro and macro business challenges. We have stayed true to our mission and vision statements through the years and they are the driving force for the continued longevity of the Mandilas brand. We are also mindful of our obligations to employees. Our ability to manage human resources, coupled with proper training and motivation has made this seemingly small army conquer a lot of grounds in the national marketplace. This success is hinged on putting employees first by remunerating as at when due, irrespective of political or economic challenges. Consequently, this led to a total dedication to duty, which in turn kept Mandilas afloat during times when it should have closed shop. We are constantly reinventing ourselves by investing in the right people, process, policies, data, and technology that enables us to provide the best quality products and superior customer experiences.

We place premium value on business credibility, we live our core values, we value people, we promote good work ethics and appreciate the people who have stood by us over the years.

Having gone this far in the Nigerian market, what is your view about the market, vis-a-vis consumer behaviours?

Nigeria is a multifaceted market characterised by different consumer profiles. Trust and confidence are essential emotional factors. Customers are applying their expectations based on their best experiences in any industry to retail products and services. “Gen D� is a large and emerging behavioural segment enhancing the role of digital and social channels. Disruptors are challenging traditional elements of the service value chain to offer greater convenience, information access, and collaboration to cater to new expectations. The effect of market polarisation means that businesses must cater to the needs and demands of varied market segments. Consumers have also become more discerning and the premium they will pay for quality and great experience has increased.

This simple truth has allowed us to rethink our varied business offerings and to accept the fact that our premium products and services needs to fit into varied consumer lifestyle. As the economy continues to flourish, the purchasing power of citizens will continue to grow, and as business operators, we must find an appropriate balance for those who want value and are willingly to pay for it and the burgeoning aspirational market.

The Mandilas Group has played in various sectors of the economy; can you throw light on what attracts the group to a particular sector of the economy and when exactly did the company record its breakthrough?

It is more about the character and commitment of Mr. John Basil Mandilas to Nigeria. To many indigenous business adventurers, our founder Mr J.B. Mandilas symbolises what the entrepreneurial guts should visibly encapsulate – hope, hard work and humility. Arriving in Nigeria, he came face to face with the excitement of trading and general business. He was able to discover the yet untapped business potentials of the country.

He was a corporate visionary who practically sort to plant business seeds that could blossom into financial empires on the Nigerian soil.

The fifties laid the foundation for the nation’s economic emancipation and business opportunities

and the first brand in the Nigerian market. The ruggedness, durability and innovation of Carrier products is renowned, and the brand is still the market leader globally. Our technicians and Engineers are Carrier trained and exposed to global standards in air-conditioning engineering, sales, repairs, and maintenance. Mandilas remains the foremost provider of Airconditioning for domestic and commercial buildings with unrivalled expertise and excellence in sales and after sales service.

Mandilas Motors is the foremost automobile company in Nigeria with a 70-year history of tried and trusted expertise in automobile sales, repairs and maintenance. Our aftersales and service portfolio is trusted for personalised services backed by competent and experienced personnel. Our plethora of awards is a tribute to our consistency and reliability over the years till date.

Debayo-Doherty were in abundance for the discerning. The scope was wide and the conditions favourable to play a role in nation building. It was on this bedrock that our founder Mr. John B. Mandilas built his business. He clearly perceived the possibilities of development in a developing country and together with his associates built Mandilas to a household name.

The early years of the company were trying as they were eventful. Mandilas dealt in the distribution of general goods such as textiles, building materials and produce but as the effects of the post war rehabilitation in Europe became evident, new business opportunities were appearing on the horizon for businessmen around the world.

As a result of these new opportunities, Mandilas started to think of new shifts and diversification.

The shift was made in 1951 when the company decided to enter the burgeoning motor distribution trade by obtaining the agency for the British Jaguar cars. Two years later, we were appointed general importers and distributors in Nigeria for Volkswagen motor vehicles. This heralded the beginning of the great expansion of Mandilas into different sectors of the economy.

The next major landmark in the history of Mandilas occurred in 1955 when the company obtained agency for the distribution of Carrier air conditioners, the world’s number one air-conditioning brand. In the early fifties, air conditioning was unknown in Nigeria and there were only one or two units in use then. Thus, Mandilas took over the representation of Carrier in Nigeria in 1955 and became pioneers of what is now a major industry in Nigeria. In 1972, a wholly owned subsidiary, Norman Industries Limited was established to manufacture room air-conditioners and split systems under Carrier licence. As a matter of fact, Norman produced the first room air-conditioner in Africa, many years before any other company could achieve the same feat The Mandilas brand also pioneered many other business ventures in Nigeria including the Travel Business and Auto Leasing with Mandilas Travel Ltd and Mandilas Leasing, respectively. We also made vital contributions to the development of the mining industry in Nigeria through our Minco Division and the fibreglass industry with Mandilas Ventures Limited. We were also the exclusive distributors of Electrolux under Mandilas Electrogas Appliances Ltd, (MEGA) and spread

our tentacles to the Research and Development sub sector with Mandilas Ventures Ltd. I make bold to say that the driving force for investment from Mr John Basil Mandilas’ s perspective was to touch every facet of life by adding value and making life and living easier for all.

Narrowing it down to the current status of Mandilas, can you give an overview of the current business portfolio of the company in Nigeria?

Our present business portfolio can be divided into two divisions, namely; Mandilas Airconditioning and Mandilas Motors.

Mandilas Aircon Division is the exclusive distributor of the Carrier range of Residential and Commercial Air-conditioners. Carrier you may recall, is the foremost brand in Air Conditioning in the world and the pioneer Air-conditioner in the Nigerian market. In 1972, a wholly owned subsidiary, Norman Industries Limited was established to manufacture room air-conditioners and split systems under Carrier licence. As a matter of fact, Norman produced the first room air-conditioner in Africa, many years before any other company could achieve the same feat. We remain the foremost provider of Airconditioning for domestic and commercial buildings with unrivalled expertise and excellence in sales and after sales service.

Our Motors offering include Car sales, both new and used cars, Fleet Management and Leasing and of course our renowned After Sales Service.

Our aftersales expertise spans 7 decades and we have continued to deliver unrivalled service to all our customers across the country. Our workshops and Quick Service Centres (QSC) are manned by trained technicians with a plethora of awards from the 50s till date as a testament to our continued commitment.

In the sectors where Mandilas plays, what are the company’s unique selling points?

We offer value products. We have experience.

We understand the terrain. We understand the business. We are continuously evolving to meet market demands.

The franchised brands in our portfolio are global market leaders with an indisputably track record of success over the years. For example, Carrier is the pioneer air conditioner in the world

Can you highlight how effective bilateral relationship between Nigeria and other advanced nations can boost businesses and impact the nation’s economy?

Over the years, Nigeria has entered into bilateral trade deals with many nations globally, but it raises a key question of how beneficial these trade agreements have been to the Nigerian economy.

Adopting an effective bilateral relationship and FDI would be a tried and tested strategy to grow our economy. USA, China, Australia are a few examples of countries that have successfully boosted their economy through this strategy.

An effective bilateral investment in our economy will among others strengthen the Small and Medium scale Enterprises as they are the primary catalyst for the growth of economic systems globally.

Effective relations will strengthen our transport and logistics infrastructure, increase forex injection into our economy, build technical and human capacities, encourage transference of modern technological system, boost security and drive greater efficiency and growth of our economy.

The government must also foster an enabling environment to attract investments by establishing a transparent, broad, and effective policy framework.

What are the major challenges affecting the kind of businesses Mandilas does in Nigeria and how do you think government can address them?

As a trading conglomerate, access to funding is imperative if we are to deliver value to our esteemed stakeholders. For our AC business, it is mostly related to access to forex at prevailing bank rate and funding. Also critical to note is the issue of delayed letter of credit from financial institutions, which impacts the fulfilment of our contractual obligations.

In the 1970s, we had an assembly plant for residential air-conditioners, and we produced the first room air-conditioner in 1972. With the right policies and initiatives, the economy would also benefit from local assemblage and production.

The AC market is growing, and the key drivers are expanding urban population, rising investments in sector and intensified constructions in residential and commercial industries.

The automotive policy should be reviewed and appropriately implemented to the benefit of all stakeholders. The major thrust of the NAIDP bill is targeted at encouraging local assembling/ manufacturing of automobiles - creating an enabling environment for existing auto assembly plants to thrive as well as attract new investors in the sector.

The realities of our operating environment, infrastructural issues and implementation bottlenecks should be properly evaluated and fully considered in delivering a functional auto policy. We cannot overlook the impact of the importation of used cars and grey imports on new car sales. The government must find a lasting solution to this challenge and create a level playing field for new car investments in the country. The revival of associated moribund sectors such as the petrochemical and steel industries are crucial to growing a thriving auto industry in Nigeria.

Overall, stability in Government policies and appropriate implementation will be beneficial to Government and business owners.

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

21

A Call for National Industrial Policy Reuben Jikeme Umunna

review investment, industry, and innovation in Nigeria. An initial US $1 million was jointly committed by the Government of Nigeria and UNESCO/Japan Funds-In-Trust. This was part of an initial ground works for a donors’ conference, which came at a time the administration was planning to call to fund implementation of a multi-year plan of action on science, technology and innovation. Since the change in administration in 2007, concerted effort in that direction has gone moribund.

In 1963, South Korea’s GDP was comparable to Nigeria’s in 1950. This means that value of finished products and services in both countries were comparable during this period.

Using 2018 data from the World Bank, an average South Korean is three times much more productive than a Nigerian today.

What leadership decisions brought about these tremendous changes and how did this change that began around 1945 lead both countries down to two distinct trajectories.

I have chosen South Korea for this article for three reasons. One, unlike developed nations of the west that began industrialising more than 200 years ago, Republic of Korea began its aggressive transformation agenda from an agrarian society after its independence in 1945 – 75 years ago. Two, to accentuate the fact that with the right attitude and commitment it is possible for Nigeria to industrialise. Three, to provide a sense of what may have been an alternative outcome, but for the economic development path Nigeria’s leadership decided.

In other words, to bare the path dependence of economic and development choices.

Path Dependence of Economic Growth Strategies The end of WW II marked the beginning of a new economic order - one driven by knowledge and not natural resources endowment. Lagging Japan, South Korea was amongst early Asian nations that was quick to realise that the future currency for global power would be knowledge and acted on it by decisively by pursuing its Science & Technology (S&T) agenda. Up until 1962, the republic of Korea and Nigeria were largely agrarian societies.

However, the leadership of Republic of Korea decided on a different socio-economic development pathway. In 1967, Korea created its Ministry of science and technology, as a central government agency responsible for its National S&T policy. South Korea invested heavily in developing human capital, educating her people in readiness to absorb and adapt technology, and to provide goods and services for global market consumption.

Beginning 1962, South Korea employed the use of multiple Five-year economic and social development plans to align its national science policies with its socio-economic goals.

Between the first and sixth Five-year economic and social development plan, South Korea had transformed its economy from largely a technology importer to a technology independent nation by 1991 – within a period of 30 years.

According to World Bank data, South Korea’s Gross National Income per capita, the average income earned by a citizen of a country, increased from US $120 in 1962 to $7,440 in 1991.

For Nigeria, the chosen socio-economic pathway was different. Following the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956, Nigeria focused on expanding its crude oil extraction sector, transforming its economy from an agrarian to a one based on commodity. The disproportionate attention crude oil exploration received, and still continues to receive, denies the nation the opportunity to fully develop and strengthen its science and technology sector.

To capture the reluctance with which Nigeria is adopting S&T as a tool for national economic

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo growth, I briefly examine the development history of our National Innovation System (NIS).

The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) was initially established in 1980 and re-established in 1985, evolving fundamentally from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) which was created in 1976. One year after the re-establishment of FMST, the first national science and technology policy was produced.

Since then, the policy has been reviewed twice, in 1997 and 2003, to address the institutional frameworks required to foster interaction among the various elements of the NIS. In 2017, Vice president Osinbajo inaugurated Nigeria’s first industrial policy and Competitiveness council - 32 years after the re-establishment of FMST and 14 years since the most recent review of national science and technology policy. However, a clear, well focused socio-economic policy agenda and strategy that breathes life into the National Innovation systems remains absent. Hence, institutions that make-up the NIS remain fragmented and continue to act independently.

Strengthening National Innovative System Institutions The rather lengthy period it took the government between establishing FMST and Inaugurating Nigeria’s first industrial policy and Competitiveness Council reflects the sense of urgency and importance allotted to increasing the production per capita in Nigeria using S&T. Or better put, the gap mirrors aggression with which the government is pursuing the use of S&T as a tool for economic diversification.

Although the cultural and historic landscapes

are very much different, a lot can be learnt from the South Korean economic development pathway, which draws heavily from its neighbor - Japan.

Japan was the first non-western nation to industrialize through an effective mobilization of technology from Western nations. Since overcoming the geographical friction of technology transfer, several Asian countries such as South Korea have found it easier to regionally mobilize technology for both local and national economic growth and well-being of its people.

Unfortunately, Africa’s case is not so bullish.

No African Nation, till date, has achieved industrialised nation status. Mobilising technology across geographic international boundaries, otherwise known as technology leapfrogging, requires strategic planning and commitment. And it cost money too.

Lots of it! Between 1951 and 1984, more than 40,000 separate contracts were signed by Japanese firms to acquire foreign technology using licenses. Over that 34-year period, Japan paid US$17 billion in royalties. By 1981 South Korea’s external debt stock stood at $32.4 billion as it borrowed to fund gaps between investment and available domestic financing for its multiple Five-year economic and social development plans.

Under the Obasanjo led administration in 2004, Nigeria attempted to understand and perhaps refocus the national innovation system. In partnership with UNESCO, the Nigeria government set up an international advisory board for the reform of the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) system to

Strategies & Recommendations With over 5,675 billion cubic meters of gas reserves Nigeria, however, occupies a vantage position. Japan and South Korea have limited natural resources. Not only did both countries import most of the energy it required to industrialize, it continues to import coal, natural gas and Uranium that it needs to fire its power plants. Yet, these countries have continued to successfully churn out goods that are globally competitive in the global.

Endowed with natural resources, Nigeria need not to borrow to educate or re-tool its workforce in readiness to absorb imported technology. A percentage from the exportation of petroleum products can be banked in the development of human capital in preparation for massive reception of scientific and technological methods and know-hows. However, the educational system must be redesigned, so that it educates for economic development, meaning it must be adequately positioned to deliver high quality and practical education that must continuously evolve to support the improvement and adaptation of technology through basic and applied research.

A viable strategy to mobilise and domesticate technology from distant geographical locations, is to use recurring multi-annual economic & social plans to map the functions of relevant parastatals under federal ministries such as Education, Science & Technology, and Industry, Trade and Investment to national industrial policy goals.

A strong commitment to a clear national industrial policy that is agnostic to power transitions is central to sustainable development. Through the federal ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the federal government must be able to chart national economic pathways, inward from global market demands using multi-annual economic and social plans.

The FMST must be able to decouple these economic and social plans and map integral parts of it to various parastatals under her in line with the national science and technology policy. The federal government should use national industrial policy regimes to organize, delegate, and the national innovation system in ways that outcomes can be transparently monitored and measured.

Although Vice president Osibajo’s led industrial policy and competitiveness Council is a good step in the right direction, an industrial policy that ties science, technology and innovation to national socio-economic goals is still unavailable. t6NVOOB JT BO FYQFSU PO UIF QPMJUJDT PG TDJFODF UFDIOPMPHZ JOUFSOBUJPOBM BGGBJST BOE IF XSJUFT GSPN UIF +PIOT )PQLJOT 6OJWFSTJUZ 4DIPPM PG "EWBODFE *OUFSOBUJPOBM 4UVEJFT 8BTIJOHUPO %$

Wazobia Media Partners Lagos on Remote Learning for Students One of the leading indigenous broadcasting brands, Wazobia Media, has partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Education in providing remote learning services for students in Nigeria due to the closure of schools following the outbreak of the deadly corona virus.

The compulsory shutdown of schools which took place in March 2020, across all federal and state-owned institutions was to ensure the safety of students while combating the spread of the virus.

The global pandemic which spread into Nigeria led to the

compulsory shut down of all schools by the Federal and State governments across the country, thereby disrupting the curricular activities of school’s in a bid to combating the spread of the deadly virus.

According to a statement, in ensuring that students are better prepared for their upcoming examinations, especially those in the Senior Secondary School preparing for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams, the partnership between Wazobia Media and the Lagos

State Ministry of Education was one that gives parents and students the unique opportunity to experience seamless daily learning for free by top accredited tutors on dedicated programs on the Wazobia Max TV showing on all terrestrial platforms from 2pm till 3:45pm and 12pm till 2pm on Wazobia 95.1 FM from Mondays to Fridays.

Speaking on the Partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Co-Founder and CEO of Wazobia, Tatiana Moussalli Nouri, stated that, “the educational broadcast by

the Wazobia Media Brand is one driven by the commitment of the organization in adding value through investments that are incalculable in educating students and members of the society.� “The daily broadcast, which commenced on the 30th of March 2020 covered various subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, Physics, Financial Accounting, Biology, Economics, Yoruba and Literature in English which has redefined learning for students especially during a global pandemic as this

ingenious engagement has afforded millions of students across Nigeria, the opportunity to excel at their forthcoming examinations.� Tatiana added.

She also encouraged parents and students to seize the unique opportunity for interactive learning on the various Wazobia Platforms from the comfort of their homes, as it also provides them a unique opportunity to interact with tutors via call-in or WhatsApp Messaging during classes.

Also speaking on the Partnership, Lagos State Commissioner for Education,

Folashade Adefisayo expressed gratitude to the Wazobia Media Brand for its role in aligning with the Lagos State government in providing an ingenious learning platform for students during the global pandemic.

She further stated that, due to the lack of accessibility to online learning platforms by most students within the public school sector, it became imperative to explore other communication channels with large followings and deeply rooted connections across various communities within the state.

22

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

My Scorecard as SEC Director-General Mounir Gwarzo

and stakeholders should push for the inclusion of the tribunal in the Constitution and appeals from the tribunal should terminate at the Court of Appeal similar to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of USA stated: “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.�

As the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the law provides that my tenure is for a period of five years. I was wrongfully suspended from office after two and a half years for doing what was right and saying the truth. Adam Shift, US Rep stated “Right Matters and Truth Matters otherwise we are lost.�

However, within the period I presided over the affairs of the SEC, some landmark achievements were recorded with the excellent support and commitment of Staff of SEC – both internationally and domestically.

Electronic Dividend Mandate Shareholders are entitled to the payment of their dividends when a company declares dividends but because dividends were sent in the form of paper (warrant) to shareholders through their postal addresses, most shareholders especially those that have small amounts, hardly collect their dividends which became stale after six months.

Following the introduction of the electronic dividend mandate form by SEC which required shareholders to complete and submit to the registrars or their banks thereby enabling their banks to automatically credit their bank accounts with their dividends, a lot of small shareholders were able to collect their dividends including the previous ones.

This led to a total of 2.5 million investors out of an estimated six million being registered on the electronic dividend platform from 2015 to 2017.

The policy achieved its aim of creating an automated platform capable of improving the process of dividend payments thus stemming the adverse drivers such as excessive cost outlays, fraud in some cases etc that flourished under the previous framework.

Regularisation of Multiple Accounts As a strategy to address the issue of unclaimed dividends in the market associated to subscribers that use multiple names/accounts and in some cases with completely different names thus unable to claim their certificates and dividends which contributed in having huge unclaimed dividends and certificates, SEC created a window for harmonisation of such accounts as long as investors can prove they are the same people while for those whose names are completely different, they would forfeit both the shares and the dividend.

Direct Cash Settlement (DCS) The introduction in 2017 of the DCS marked another achievement for the market, as it brought to an end the era of a settlement framework severely plagued by market infractions.

As the DCS ensures improved efficiency by leveraging the resources of the CSCS as a channel for the direct remittance of net proceeds into respective bank accounts of investors thereby eliminating the previous practice where the Stock Broker will fail to remit the net proceeds or remit part to the investors which was quite rampant.

Recapitalisation of Capital Market Operators (CMO) and Risk Based Supervision (RBS) We introduced the RBS in the market and it is becoming the dominant and contemporary approach to regulatory supervision of financial institutions all over the world. It enables the regulator assess the level of risk in the CMO’s business operations based on its capital adequacy.

The recapitalisation ensured some of the fringe players that do not have adequate capital base to operate in the market merged with some other operators while some stepped down their functions to either brokers or dealers only.

Data on Capital Market Operators The need to have accurate data of all institutions and individuals that operate in the market is necessary. The work that was done enabled investors to access the SEC website and confirm if a particular company is registered and where there are infractions, the identity of the individual is easily ascertained and

Gwarzo it made life easier for the operators as well because they can easily confirm the current status of their registration especially as it relates to infractions, incomplete documentation or filing etc.

Issuance of Sovereign Sukuk The SEC, as part of its mandate to develop the market, came out with rules on Sukuk in order to create the necessary benchmark and yield curve for sub-nationals and corporates to create a new financing model for financing infrastructure and to change the impression that Sukuk is an Islamic instrument. SEC spearheaded an engagement with the Debt Management Office (DMO) in January 2016 towards the issuance of the maiden Sovereign Sukuk and designed the framework which was eventually adopted by the DMO. I believe the engagement by SEC, willingness from DMO and the work of the committee contributed a lot in the success story in the issuance of the first Sukuk by the Federal Government.

Encouraging Innovative Financing for Infrastructure SEC facilitated the introduction of Green, Revenue and Infrastructure Bonds. The revenue bond is an alternative to the general obligation bond which the state issues and tied to the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) while the green bond is geared towards financing

Following the introduction of the electronic dividend mandate form by SEC which required shareholders to complete and submit to the registrars or their banks thereby enabling their banks to automatically credit their bank accounts with their dividends, a lot of small shareholders were able to collect their dividends including the previous ones

high impact environmental projects such as power, oil pollution etc. The infrastructure funds entail pooling the investor’s funds and apply it on infrastructure projects or assets like housing and other related assets. The SEC has thus provided the needed regulatory frame work for issuance of those instruments. Government can utilise the capital market through the issuance of other debts instruments such as education bond and health bond to address some of the critical issues in both the education and health sectors of our country.

Launching Corporate Governance Scorecard We launched the corporate governance scorecard for public companies. It is a systematic and quantitative evaluation approach based on benchmarks established to achieve best practice which companies are expected to follow. It was launched on November 26th, 2015 by Dr. Shamsudeen Usman and was the first of its kind in Africa to be launched. The scorecard is expected to provide a standardised, systematic framework from which regulators and investors can assess companies’ corporate governance standards.

Review of Certain Laws/Bills SEC in 2016 set up a market wide committee comprising the regulators, self-regulatory institutions and operators with legal and operational experiences to review the following legal instruments: ISA, 2007, Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Warehousing Bill, the Financial Reporting Counsel Act, the Trustees Investments Act, the Pension Reform Act and the Competition Bills.

Three separate committees headed by Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) and Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) were set up and worked with other members on the review with utmost diligence and patriotism.

These Acts/Bills have direct impact on the growth and development of the capital market.

The report on ISA, 2007 was submitted to the former Senate President.

Funding of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) Funding has been a major issue of the tribunal.

In 2014, SEC provided a grant that enabled the tribunal acquire office and vehicles but still had challenges in meeting its running cost.

Therefore, in order to assist the tribunal, SEC in 2015 came up with rules and mandated, SEC, NSE and CSCS to remit 10% of their revenue to IST. This is aimed at complimenting what it gets from government and has assisted the tribunal greatly. The Ministry of Finance, IST

Establishment of Capital Market Studies in Primary and Secondary Schools SEC collaborated with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) under the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce the study of capital market in both primary and secondary schools and a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2016, and a lot of work was done in collaboration with market operators. This is aimed at encouraging young people at a young age to begin to study and appreciate the importance of finance and investments.

Introduction of Arabic as Official IOSCO Language As Chairman of the African and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) countries of IOSCO, SEC pushed for the inclusion of Arabic as an official language of IOSCO. Before the inclusion of Arabic, only French, English, Spanish and Portuguese were recognized as official languages. The inclusion of Arabic in 2017 led to some Arab countries joining IOSCO and AMERC. This strengthened AMERC in the area of sharing knowledge and funding, and raised the profile of SEC Nigeria as a leader.

More Countries Joined AMERC/IOSCO The following countries joined AMERC and IOSCO under the leadership of SEC Nigeria within (2015-2017): Kuwait, Cameroun, Iran, Namibia, Lebanon, Swaziland and Central African Economic Community (CEMAC).

The larger the membership of AMERC the more it will have a strong voice in Growth and Emerging Markets Committee (GEM) and IOSCO. Establishment of WASRA The West African Securities Regulatory Associations (WASRA) was established in 2016.

It is an association of regulatory institutions comprising Nigeria, Ghana and CREPMF (made up of: Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic and Niger).

The WASRA is meant to provide regulatory support in harmonizing rules and guidelines on various exchanges across the West African Region. The role of WASRA is more imperative now with the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Reforms in the Asset Management Industry The asset management is currently the most problematic sector in the Nigerian capital market with more than 70 per cent of infractions in the market coming from that industry. SEC came up with a road map in 2016 for the sector and obtained strong support from the Funds Management Association of Nigeria (FMAN) which is an important partner. Some of the reforms we worked on was to have a custodian as a way of safeguarding the assets and also of having a sort of light regulations of reporting obligations to SEC by the fund managers of the private funds, and segregation of the funds from own assets to avoid co-mingling which we saw was very rampant and difficult for monitoring and investigation. The custodial services will thus apply to every fund whether or not they are Collective Investments Schemes (CIS).

Conclusion I am pleased to read that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the nomination of Mr. Lamido Yuguda as the DG of SEC. Coming on board with a very rich and intimidating academic qualifications and wealth of experience at the CBN and Mr. Dayo Obisan bringing on board strong background in Asset Management, I have every confidence that they will effectively build on the modest achievements recorded in the implementation of the Capital Market Master Plan and restore the integrity of SEC as the apex regulatory institution in the Nigerian Capital Market. Posterity only judge and remember us on how we leave office and not how we get in. t (XBS[P GPSNFS %( 4&$ XSPUF JO GSPN "CVKB

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

IMAGES

23

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

L-R: Minister of State for Science and Technology, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Ambassador of the state of Israel to Nigeria, Amb. Shimon Ben-Shoshan; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Mohammed Bello-Umar, during the visit of the ambassador to the minister’s oďŹƒce in Abuja...recently

L-R: Co-ordinator, CACOVID Communications Committee, Mr. Anthony Chiejina; Member, Mrs. Susan Aniche; Member Mr. Francis Awowole-Browne and Member Communication Team, Mrs. Yetunde Ogunowo, during the oďŹƒcial ag-o of an awareness campaign to sustain ďŹ ght against COVID-19 in Lagos..recently

L-R: Founder Women Inspiring Impact Network (WiiN), Ms Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; P&G Director, Government Relations, Africa, Dr. Mrs. Temitope Iluyemi and Founder, The Conversation CafĂŠ, Ms Chisom Ogbummuo, at the oďŹƒcial handover of Always sanitary pads by P&G to WiiN in commemoration of 2020 World Menstrual Health & Hygiene Day in Lagos...recently

Flag OďŹƒcer Commanding Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy Calabar, Rear Adm. David Adeniran (left), presenting a plaque of commendation to the Commander of Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital Calabar, Surgeon Commander Uchenna Okeke, for sustaining the quality of healthcare in the hospital in Calabar... recently

L-R: Representative of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Olufolake Otudero; CBN Head of Development Finance OďŹƒce, Ibadan, Mrs Bukola Sulaiman; Oyo State Chairman, Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Alhaji Raji Ayandele and Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State, Mr John Olateru, at the inauguration of 2020 Wet Season CBN/MAAN/Unity Bank Anchor Borrowers Programme in Ibadan...recently

L-R; Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede; Director -General, National Agency for the prohibition of TraďŹƒcking in persons, Julie Okah-Donli and Minister of foreign aairs, Georey Onyema during a meeting with house of reps on maltreatment of Nigerians in Lebanon, held at National Assembly Abuja...recently

L-R: Enugu state Commissioner for Gender Aairs, Mrs Peace Nnaji; a beneďŹ ciary, Miss Blessing Ugwu; Deputy Governor of Enugu state, Mrs Cecelia Ezeilo; and representative of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr Afolabi Adeleye, during the distribution of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown palliatives by Nestle to Enugu State government... recently

L-R: Chief of Army Sta, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and Chief of Sta Prof Ibrahim Gambari after their meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja...recently PHOTO; STATE HOUSE

24

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

EDUCATION Protecting Children from Sexual Assault amidst Schools Closure With the increasing cases of sexual assault against school age children, which many have attributed to the continued closure of schools to curb the spread of COVID-19, the sole responsibility of protecting the children now rests on parents, who also must work hard to cater for them. Uchechukwu Nnaike sought the views of education stakeholders on how parents can combine these responsibilities effectively

I

n addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria is currently dealing with a number of challenges such as hunger, increasing crime rate, rape and sexual assault. These cases have become rife in the past few weeks and more worrisome is the fact that the perpetrators murder the victims, perhaps to eliminate any trace.

If the late student of UNIBEN, Uwaila Omozuwa was blamed for her decision to go reading (alone) when schools are still shut, what about Barakat Bello, a student of the Federal College of Animal and Production Technology, Moore Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, who was raped and murdered at home; and many other cases of children being raped or molested by neighbours and family members?

Findings from a National Survey carried out in 2014 on violence against children in Nigeria confirmed one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70 per cent reporting more than one incident of sexual violence. In the same study, it was found that 24.8 per cent of females 18 to 24 years experienced sexual abuse prior to age 18 of which 5.0 per cent sought help, with only 3.5 per cent receiving any services Though sexual assault is not peculiar to girls alone, but with the current trend, it is obvious that girls are not safe anywhere; and parents need to make more effort to protect and guarantee their children’s safety, especially now that they are not under the care and scrutiny of their teachers and schools.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Olawale Alawiye-King, responsible parenting/parenthood requires passion, love, sacrifice and commitment towards raising a complete child. “This is more needed at this time, considering the barrage of threats that children are exposed to by the continued closure of schools and even beyond. Hence, the need to optimise and improvise to meet the reality of this moment. “Proactive parenting will be advised and essential. Thus, children must be guided and given maximum attention accordingly. This include ‘prearming’ children with strategies that reflect the parents values and guiding them through decision making.�

He urged parents/guardians to educate their children on the current vices and happenings in their environment such as rape, sexual assaults, child molestation, among others and to speak up if they come across such dangers. “Sex Education should be taught at home as well. Practically, guiding children is important because rules in adulthood are not always clear or practical. Rules including preventing strangers from touching them in private areas and being alone with strangers and to report such acts to their parents. Children must also be made to understand the reasons behind these rules very clearly. “Parents/gaurdians can explain that clear communication minimizes the risks of becoming a perpetrator and victim. Parents/guardians can teach that affirmative consent is a necessary prerequisite to any sexual behavior for teens especially. Affirmative consent is now the standard commonly used during student sex education trainings.�

Alawiye-King added that children must learn how to seek affirmative consent respectfully; how to convey affirmative consent when they want to give it; and how to recognize what is not affirmative consent. “Simply put, no means no and nothing more. All these is to ensure that the children are well informed if they come across such challenges. Parents should

Some Nigerians protesting the increasing cases of rape in the country also often give rewards for good behavior to instill the right set of values in them,� he said. “Households with absent parents/guardians may adopt the shared responsibility approach where one parent looks after the children, while the other fends for the family at least for this special period. “Government at all levels have intensified advocacy and campaign against child abuse and molestation, it behoves parents/guardians to support the government by keeping the home fronts safe for their children,� the SUBEB Chairman said.

For Mrs. Yinka Awobo-Pearse, the Director, Woodentots Consult Limited: “There is no

other way but for schools to open as soon as safe. In the meantime, employers have to allow parents (husband or wife) whichever earns more should return and the other stays home with reduced salary (I guess this will be the case). “Of course government is not in a position to offer financial support, but they can encourage employers and parents with their voice. The abuse is a serious situation,� she said.

An educator, who preferred anonymity, advised parents to start educating their children about their bodies and sexuality very early, as soon as they start talking and can understand what is being said, adding that children should

be taught to be bold and assertive and call for help whenever they sense any unusual touching and gesture from any male. “Parents should also try and make themselves more available to their children, be friends with their children so that they will be free to tell them anything. Also girls should not be allowed to go out alone at night or be alone with a man in a lonely place at any time.�

A number of self-defense techniques were also suggested for women like bag punch and kicking when attacked from behind; punch in the groin; putting one’s fingers in the attacker’s eyes; palm strike; heel to the feet, among others.

Obaseki Commends Edo Varsity Iyamho for Programmes Accreditation Sunday Ehigiator The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has commended the management of Edo University Iyamho for the brilliant performance it recorded in the October/November 2019 programme accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and professional bodies.

The governor congratulated the council, vice-chancellor, management, staff and students of the university for recording such feat within few years of its establishment.

He stated that the state goverment noted the accreditation performance of the university and that the outcomes are in consonance with the policy direction of his administration on the development of education in the state.

He specifically noted the NUC accreditation of the Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) programme, Nursing Science and the Medical Laboratory Science Programmes, as well as the MBBS Pre-clinical Accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) as worthy of commendation.

Lauding the exemplary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Emmanuel Aluyor, Obaseki commended him for the successes

Governor Obaseki recorded in the university. “While it is remarkable that you are recording landmark achievements, I salute the courage, passion, dedication and vision with which you are sustaining the institution in its enviable height,� he said.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Betcher Ekhosuhun, said the road to strings of successful accreditation of various programmes started in November 2019 when the NUC visited the university and gave full accreditation status to these programmes: Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration and Mass Communication.

Earlier on in May 2019, he said the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) and Nursing Science programmes were given full accreditation status by the NUC. Also, programmes in the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences (FAMASS) got full accreditation status during the 2018 accreditation exercise. The programmes include: Biochemistry, Computer Science, Microbiology, Accounting, Economics, English, History and International Studies and Political Science.

Other programmes approved by the NUC include: Law, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Anatomy, Physiology, Peace and Conflict Studies, Physics with Electronics, Industrial Chemistry and Entrepreneurship Studies.

With the stamp of approval from NUC, relevant professional bodies have also granted accreditation status. For instance, Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing Science by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN); Medical Laboratory Science by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Accountinng

by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); and Engineering by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). “It is worthy of note that the minimum percentage score for the programmes visited by the NUC since the inception of Edo University Iyamho is 82.5 per cent.�

Expressing his delight at the accreditation results, the vicechancellor attributed the impressive performance of the university during the accreditation exercise to team work and support of the Obaseki led administration, university council under the leadership of Emeritus Professor T.O.K Audu, Chancellor, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, staff and students of the university, as well as the public for believing in the vision and mission of the university.

He also thanked parents/ guardians who he said had expressed confidence in the quality of education offered by the university by sending their wards to the institution. He promised that the university management will continue to do its best to ensure that its students get the best education in character and learning in line with the university’s mission of developing leaders.

25

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

DELSU Makes Giant Stride in Global Academic Ranking Webometrics, a global ranking body has rated the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka high in its recently released academic ranking of 30,000 universities in 200 countries.

According to the ranking, DELSU made great gains, jumping from its 78th position among Nigerian universities to a more respectable 38th position and from a previous 19th position to 7th among state universities.

In a statement, the acting Director, Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations of the university, Dr. Ben Nwanne said the university community was excited about the significant improvement in the rating of DELSU, attributing it to the enlightened and committed leadership, which the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga has provided the university in just six months of being in office. “Egwunyenga, a first rate scholar and administrator, gave notice of his expected high quality performance in the first few days of his administration.

At his first Senate on December 11, 2019, he assured his colleagues that he would work assiduously with them towards making DELSU the best state university in practically all aspects, including aesthetics and environmental upliftment.

It was obvious he had carefully

thought through his mandate,�

Nwanne said.

Following the rating, there was a plethora of congratulatory messages that followed the publication. A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration at DELSU, Prof. C.P Aloamaka said: “This achievement is not surprising. It is not enough to know what to do, but it is more rewarding to carry people along in working towards your goal.

This has earned DELSU great success.�

In another congratulatory message, Professor John Igwe, one of the contenders for the post of the vice-chancellor in the last contest said: “Our VC you are doing great. The next leap will revolve around visibility, strong broadbrand internet connectivity.�

Responding to the congratulatory messages, Egwunyenga, who has set a high standard in scholarship, fairness and due process, told the academic community not to rest on their oars. According to him, “there is still a lot of work to do to further this modest leap. After robust web presence, we need to increase research output and learning infrastructure, equip libraries, laboratories and workshops and develop linkages with other universities around the world.�

COVID-19: GPE Supports Developing Countries with $250m for Education Funmi Ogundare The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is providing an additional US$250 million to help developing countries, including Nigeria to respond to the immediate and long-term disruptions to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings GPE’s total coronavirus response funding to more than US$500 million, which is aimed at helping to sustain learning for up to 355 million children in 67 countries.

The Board Chair, Julia Gillard in a release sent to THISDAY, said the move comes in response to the high demand for GPE’s support.

According to her, since the launch of GPE’s COVID-19 fund, on April 1, 48 countries have applied for US$511 million in emergency grants, and more are expected to apply in coming weeks.

“GPE’s response comes amidst growing concern that the combined impact of school closures and economic hardship caused by the pandemic will increase inequalities and roll back hard-won gains in improving education in some of the world’s poorest countries. “This in turn would have adverse impacts on future economic growth, peace and stability, environmental sustainability and on health outcomes, including countries’ abilities to respond to future pandemics.�

Gillard said GPE’s swift response will help mitigate the immediate impacts of this crisis, adding that it is however not enough. “We need global action to protect and finance education in order to prevent irreparable damage to our children’s futures.�

More than 80 per cent of the

1.2 billion children currently out of the classroom due to COVID-19, she said are in developing countries, where school closures are compounding an already urgent learning crisis.

The Board’s Vice-Chair, Serigne Mbaye Thiam expressed concern that the pandemic could exacerbate inequalities and force tens of millions of children out of school, adding that this could bring about a devastating loss, both for children’s futures and in its fight against poverty. “GPE has already allocated US$125 million to 10 countries, where the funds are supporting the roll-out of distance learning programmes that prioritise the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, including girls, children with special needs and disabilities, as well as children without access to electricity or internet connectivity. “The partnership has also

provided US$7.5 million to UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank to ensure countries can benefit from economies of scale, learning and best practices,� he said.

The Chief Executive Officer, Alice Albright regretted that the disrupted learning could permanently derail millions of children’s lives, adding, “GPE is helping our partner countries keep students learning and plan how to get children safely back in school, and working with ministries of education to re-imagine education for a post-pandemic world. “The additional funding, approved at an emergency session of GPE’s Board of Directors brings the total response of the partnership to US$509 million, making it the largest provider of funds dedicated solely to education in the global coronavirus response thus far,� she said.

Lagos Recruits 3,000 Teachers Funmi Ogundare A total of 3,000 primary and secondary school teachers have been absorbed into the Lagos State teaching workforce, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has said.

Adefisayo, who disclosed this recently, while addressing journalists at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing, said the move was aimed at boosting the capacity of the existing workforce to provide quality education in the state.

She said the sector, which represents the third pillar of the present administration’s ‘THEMES’ agenda, has witnessed tremendous improvements, placing high premium on quality of teaching and learning in all schools in the state. “Workshops and trainings were organised for teachers drawn from the various education districts, including the Special Needs Education Division, as improving capacity and welfare of schools’ personnel remains paramount to the present dispensation.�

The commissioner, who presented the activities and achievements of her ministry, pointed out that it remains a critical success factor for the socio-economic development of an emerging economy that encourages responsible citizenship, development of human capacity and the crucial support for a transition into a knowledge based economy.

Adefisayo said the state government’s plans for educa-

tion are being executed along key strategic areas under the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Education Transformation Plan 2020 with initiatives and intervention projects.

Some of the projects she said included: construction and upgrading of public schools’ infrastructure across the state with the completion of six blocks of 92 classrooms in primary schools and three blocks of 54 classrooms in secondary schools at different parts of the state to ease classroom congestion while ensuring capacity development and welfare of students. “In addition, the state government under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intervention projects also commenced the delivery of 10,164 furniture and 60,000 chair table units to public schools state wide.�

Adefisayo added that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved the establishment of well-equipped standard science laboratories in 11 state senior secondary schools and five government technical colleges, including the repair and rehabilitation of 60 selected schools that the administration has invested so much in technology as a learning aid while setting up a support team of technology professionals to support its teaching workforce and that her ministry has reviewed the Nigerian curriculum and integrated it with the 21st century skills while the Year 2020 major book review is ongoing.

Some executives of the DOAM Foundation during the presentation of food items and medical supplies to the Destitute Home, Centre of Empowerment International, Alimosho, Lagos... recently

Foundation Awards N17m Scholarship to 4,000 Bauchi Students Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Nura Manu Foundation, established by a philanthropist and businessman in Bauchi State, Alhaji Nura Manu Soro, has disbursed N17,933,449 million scholarship to 4,000 students who are indigenes of the state studying in 54 institutions across the country.

A member of the executive committee of the foundation, Malam Mukhtar Jarmajo disclosed this while briefing journalists at the foundation’s secretariat in Bauchi.

He explained that the beneficiaries are indigenes of the state in Islamiyya schools, primary schools, secondary schools, higher islamic schools and tertiary institutions who have applied for the scholarship and successfully passed the screening exercise.

According to him, the scholarship which is purely for tuition fees, is meant for students that secured admissions into the institutions, but cannot pay registration fees and those who are already in schools.

“Both applications, selections and verification are being carried out through a local committee. At the tertiary level, it includes students, religious leaders and a representative from students affairs office.

While at the basic education level, it is made up of headmaster, PTA chairman and the child’s parent. “Further verifications are carried out at the foundation’s secretariat. The foundation makes payments directly to schools’ accounts and not individuals,� he said.

Jarmajo stated that the Chairman, Alhaji Nura Manu Soro came up with the intervention in consideration of the poverty in the land and number of youths and children who dropped out of schools due to financial predicament.

He said the foundation is equipped with competent professionals with track records from the education world and are expected to handle the continuous implementation of the framework to meet up the goals, values and aspirations of the foundation.

Elders Hail Buhari for Establishing Education College in Jama’are Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Following the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari for the establishment of six new federal colleges of education, one in each of the geopolitical zones, elders in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State, under the aegis of Jama’are Development Forum, have expressed appreciation to the president for siting that of the north east in the area.

Addressing journalists, the Chairman, Education Committee of the forum, Dr. Shuaibu Musa, who holds the traditional title of

‘Danmasanin Jama’are’, noted that the establishment of the institution in the area will bring significant development to it, as it did not have any higher institution before now.

Musa said the establishment of the college “will go a long way in promoting the national policy on expanding access to education, providing equity, as well as engender the provision of opportunities to relevant, standard and qualitative education to all Nigerians at all levels.�

Aside that, he said the college would enable catchment states readily train their personnel in

the planning, administration and management of education at the subnational levels for efficiency and effectiveness. “It is on record that the Jama’are Development Forum has been in the forefront in the struggle for the establishment of a tertiary educational institution at Jama’are for decades among other development concerns. “The forum would like to reiterate its resolve and commitment to support all stakeholders in ensuring the proper take off and continued growth and development of the college for the benefit of

humanity,� he stated.

The forum also thanked the state governor Bala Mohammed, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, the Emir of Jama’are, Ahmad Muhammad Wabi III and all political representatives who facilitated the establishment of the institution in the local government area.

The elders also appealed to the federal government to ensure that suitably qualified leadership and members of the governing board and principal officers are appointed to enable the institution to take off successfully.

26

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

MTN Nigeria Raises N100bn through Commercial Paper Obinna Chima MTN Nigeria Communications Plc yesterday notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the investing public that it has successful raised N100 billion through the issuance of Commercial Paper (CP).

The CP was in two series.

The telco stated that it priced the Series I 180 CP at an effective yield of 4.90% for a N20 billion size, while the Series II 270 day CP sized at N80 billion was said to have cleared at an effective rate of 5.9 per cent.

MTN Nigeria in a statement posted on the NSE website, which was signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, explained that it initially set out to issue N50 billion under the N100 billion CP Programme, “but at

the conclusion of the book build, the CP issuance was about 400 per cent subscribed.�

The proceeds from the CP would be used to support MTN Nigeria’s working capital and general corporate purposes.

It added: “Given the significantly over-subscribed book, MTN Nigeria opted to issue up to the N100 billion limit of the registered CP Programme, with active participation from a diverse orbit of eligible individual and institutional investors, which include pension fund administrators, asset managers, coporates and other financial institutions.�

The level of MTN Nigeria’s debut in the Nigerian debt market (as measured by the volume and value of bids), was described as a strong reflection of

investor confidence in the telco’s ability to continue to deliver on its strategic objectives and maintain market leadership.

Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited acted as the arranger and dealer of the CP. Commenting at the successful CP issuance, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Ferdinand Moolman, said it was the largest commercial paper issuance recorded in Nigeria’s corporate history.

He added: “The N100 billion issued is the largest commercial paper issuance by a Nigerian corporate, it allows us to broaden our sources for funding and combines our established lines of credit with access to capital market funding, which will lower our overall cost of borrowing.�

Trading oor

Heritage Bank, Dukia Gold to Unlock Nigeria’s Mining Potential The federal government of Nigeria has commended Heritage Bank for being part of a valuable private sector collaboration with Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Co. Limited, saying the partnership will create new opportunities for Nigeria to grow its potential reserves of 200 million ounces of gold.

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, disclosed this during a virtual meeting at the launch of nationwide Dukia-Heritage Bank Gold & Precious Metals Buying Centres held yesterday He affirmed that the launch of the project would enable Nigeria to mine reserves properly, trade responsibly, refine locally and boost the nation’s foreign reserves. “What we are looking at here

is an extremely valuable new source of trade, jobs and foreign exchange. “This project will create primary employment for local artisanal miners and mining cooperatives, and across the solid minerals value chain. Off-take agreements between Dukia Gold and local mining communities and owners of recyclable gold will be a useful provider of jobs in our post-covid economy. “The positive multiplier is expected to extend even further than this as the Dukia Gold project will also encourage the emergence of smaller-scale mining companies who, for the first time, will now have a transparent and welcoming market for their mined gold and precious metals. This is set

to create jobs and unleash the economic potential of mining communities,� a statement quoted him to have said.

Osinbajo further counted the enormous benefits of the project, saying: “This provides a sustainable way for Nigerians to exchange their gold jewelry and other precious items for cash. “This system of exchange not only helps encourage a culture of recycling, but will also serve as a complementary source for the raw materials needed for the Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Company. These buying centres will also enable the responsible management of some of electronic waste.�

The initiative is expected to further drive the diversification of the nation’s economy.

Customs Seizes Sacks of Indian Hemp worth N244m in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara State Command has disclosed that it seized over 48 sacks of Marijuana, popularly called Indian Hemp worth duty paid value of over N244 million recently from smugglers in the border towns of the State.

The state Controller of the NCS, Mr. Hussain Bello Ahmed disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin yesterday, while handing over the items to the state Commandant of the Nigeria Drug Law

Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr. Ambrose Umar, at Ilorin.

He said that, “When I assumed office, we have engaged traditional rulers, teeming youths and other critical stakeholders on the dangers of smuggling most especially dangerous drugs such as Marijuana, tramadol and others. “As part of our efforts to reduce the ugly trend of drug consumption in the state, we have made seizures of 48 sacks containing 3,593kg of Marijuana without any suspect as smugglers abandoned the drugs on sighting officers of the command with the

duty paid value at N237,138,000 “And another separate seizure of 129kg of Marijuana with a duty paid value of N7,740,000 were also recorded which brought the total paid value seized drugs to N244,878,000�.

He stated that, the affected consignments were at different times seized from smugglers along Bokoro in Baruten local government and along Ilorin/ Jebba road in Moro local government areas of the state.

He said the suspects having sighted customs officers on patrol abandoned the sacks and fled.

UBA Rewards More Customers in Promo The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has rewarded another set of 100 loyal customers with a total of N10 million in the UBA Bumper account draw.

The 100 customers won N100,000 each in this month’s edition of the draw which began in January 2020.

The virtual draw which was held at the UBA Head Office in Lagos on Wednesday, was transmitted live via the Facebook platform in strict compliance with social distancing rules as directed by the Federal and Lagos State Government.

Just like the previous draw

held in May, lucky winners, who were contacted via their mobile phone numbers were overjoyed as they emerged the latest winners of N100,000 each, according to a statement.

UBA’s Group Head, Consumer and Retail Banking, Jude Anele, who congratulated the lucky winners, said they were rewarded for their loyalty to the bank. He also noted that the bank remains committed to supporting customers and remains passionate about their success and overall growth.

He said, “I will like to reiterate that UBA is always happy to reward and support customers.

There is no better time to give back and delight customers than this challenging economic period where people need all the support they can get to make life more meaningful. With this in mind we decided to prioritize them as we always like to do at UBA by giving them ample reason to be joyful.

Continuing, Anele said, “Our key objective is to encourage our customers save regularly.

We are here to support them likewise encourage them save and ultimately grow as well, because we are aware that they are invaluable to all that we do�.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

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

11,007,422.79

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

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Íś Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $38.89 a barrel on Monday, compared with $36.83 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

27

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

MARKET NEWS

Berger Paints Posts N1.1bn Revenue in Q1, Launches New Solution Goddy Egene Berger Paints Nigeria (BPN) Plc has recorded a revenue of N1.078 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, just as the company has set up Berger Swift Painting to deliver quicker, neater and smoother painting.

The solution would be with the use of mechanised and advanced tools.

The revenue for the Q1 2020, was 35 per cent above the

N797.622 million posted in the corresponding period of 2019.

The company ended the quarter with profit before tax of N97.8 million and profit after tax of N67 million.

Meanwhile, the company has said it expects an improved performance going forward following the launch of Berger Swift Painting, which is expected to carve a niche for BPN’s service delivery and upscale the company’s competitive edge.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Commenting on the development, , Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BPN Plc, Mr. Anjan Sircar, explained that the new service was borne out of the company’s ingenuity and constant quest for innovative products and services. “Berger Swift Painting is a new concept in the Nigerian painting industry. The concept is expected to revolutionise the industry in Nigeria. BPN is the first paint company to offer this

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

novel service in Nigeria. The new service will completely change the process of painting in the country. It will ultimately make project execution quicker, neater and smoother. You don’t have to worry about paint spillage or dusts on the furniture, there is on-site support to help move and cover your furniture to ensure your space remain neat. Berger Swift Painters are well trained, well kitted and safety conscious.

They follow all hygiene protocols

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

to ensure safety of lives and properties. This is more apt at this period of Covid- 19 Pandemic.

The painters will properly sanitise their hands and use appropriate nose masks,� he said.

He added that the introduction of Berger Swift Painting Service will solve all the challenges posed by substandard products in the Nigerian paint industry, prolonged duration of painting, dusty environment by delivering quicker, neater and smoother

O F

painting. “The new service from BPN’s stable is expected to bring Nigeria at par with the Western World in the area of quality service delivery,� the MD assured.

Meanwhile, the stock market sustained its positive performance as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.34 per cent to close at 25,335.15 points. Similarly, market capitalisation added N44.4 billion to close at N13.2 trillion.

0 9 / 0 6 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020

28

ଂ ଂ

ଂ

ଂ

ଂ ଂ

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H

7 R S * D L Q H U V P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

WA P IC

0.33

10.0%

FB NH

34.5

1.9%

F ID SON

3.25

9.8%

GUA R A N T Y

22.9

0.8%

A B CTRA NS

0.45

9.8%

J A P A ULOIL

21.2

-10.0%

9.6%

UB A

19.5

1.5%

19.3

0.9%

15.7

4.2%

T ic k er

N EIM ET H

1.94

C H IP LC

0.46

9.5%

Z EN IT H B A N K

P R EST IGE

0.64

8.5%

UA C -P R OP

J A IZ B A N K

0.71

7.6%

J A IZ B A N K

7.7

7.6%

LIN KA SSUR E

0.48

6.7%

A C C ESS

6.3

2.3%

UA C N

8.25

6.5%

C UST OD IA N

6.0

-0.8%

VIT A F OA M

5.69

5.4%

UC A P

5.8

2.3%

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H

7 R S / R V H U V T ic k er

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

P ric e C hg %

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

J A P A ULOIL

0.27

-10.0%

GUA R A N T Y

550.1

0.8%

C OR N ER ST

0.50

-9.1%

Z EN IT H B A N K

327.1

0.9%

CHA M S

0.25

-7.4%

FB NH

188.3

1.9%

T R A N SC OR P

0.73

-5.2%

NB

161.1

1.2%

C OUR T VILLE

0.20

-4.8%

UB A

132.0

1.5%

112.4

0.0%

ET ER N A

2.55

-4.5%

D A N GC EM

H ON YF LOUR

0.98

-3.9%

M TNN

105.7

1.7%

D A N GSUGA R

14.55

-2.7%

D A N GSUGA R

83.0

-2.7%

C H A M P ION

0.88

-2.2%

B UA C EM EN T

82.4

3.8%

GUIN N ESS

18.00

-1.6%

N EST LE

57.8

0.0%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

29

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

FMDQ Exchange Admits Dangote Cement’s N100.00bn Commercial Paper Goddy Egene FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited has approved the quotation of the Dangote Cement Plc N34billion Series 15 and N66 billion Series 16 Commercial Paper (CP) notes under its N150 billion Domestic CP Issuance Programme on the exchange.

The exchange said that despite the economic headwinds associated with the transition of businesses into the “new normal” in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dangote Cement CP issuance and subsequent quotations on FMDQ Exchange, is another testament of the efficient listings and quotations

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

service offered by FMDQ Exchange.

According to the FMDQ Holdings Plc, through its subsidiary, it has continued to provide the required support to governments, corporates, and individuals through the delivery of innovative and dependable capital market solutions.

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 08Jun-2020, unless otherwise stated.

“As with previous notes issued under the Programme and like all other securities listed, quoted and traded on the FMDQ Exchange platform, the Dangote Cement CPs shall be availed global visibility through FMDQ Exchange’s website and systems, as well as through their inclusion in the FMDQ Daily Quotations

List, in order to ensure and maintain information transparency,” it said.

“Through the listings and quotations compliance function at FMDQ Exchange, investors are guaranteed continued disclosure of the issuer’s obligations to enable this important category of market stakeholders make informed decisions.

In line with the Group’s vertically integrated market structure, investors are also provided a secure securities depository for the lodgement of their assets via FMDQ Depository Limited, thus ensuring an efficient and seamless flow of transactions from start to finish on FMDQ,” the exchange added.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.93 0.94 3.55% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 10.16% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.50% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.63 2.69 7.05% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.86% Anchoria Equity Fund 99.34 99.68 -2.60% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.23 1.23 7.31% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.68 15.13 -4.14% ARM Discovery Fund 341.18 351.47 -1.23% ARM Ethical Fund 30.36 31.27 4.39% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.26% 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 95.77 96.44 -0.32% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.32% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.07 0.05 6.96% Paramount Equity Fund 11.40 11.85 -7.96% Women's Investment Fund 109.40 110.20 -0.99% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.18% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 97.50 97.72 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 107.23 107.48 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,290.50 1,292.02 6.23% FBN Balanced Fund 147.21 148.29 0.27% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.02% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 115.59 116.35 0.14% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 115.96 116.71 -0.04% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 119.23 120.66 -8.38% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.88% Legacy Debt Fund 3.76 3.76 3.01% Legacy Equity Fund 1.10 1.12 -3.23% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.11 1.11 2.24% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,062.85 3,097.89 2.70% Coral Income Fund 3,171.10 3,171.10 15.67% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 4.88% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.93% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 120.42 121.09 11.70%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.28% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.27 2.31 3.81% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 9.96% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 143.55 144.10 0.09% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.23 1.25 5.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,130.07 1,130.07 4.80% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.40 1.42 14.30% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.88 11.94 5.50% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.15% PACAM Equity Fund 1.07 1.08 PACAM EuroBond Fund 106.38 108.62 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 116.83 119.78 -0.87% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.72% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 3.82% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 3.28% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -0.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 3.73% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 2.19% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.53% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -1.66% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 2.46% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.39 10.53 1.17% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.22 12.35 5.26% Zenith Income Fund 23.43 23.43 5.37% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.89%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.50 114.44 52.79

-63.85% 2.22% 1.42%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.91 91.62 69.73

9.01 93.50 70.96

2.29% -0.96% -5.46%

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

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.00 4.22 11.67 11.85 181.36

3.04 4.30 11.77 12.05 183.36

-15.44% -28.36% -3.72% 13.90% -3.53%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.29

16.90%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

30

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

31

32

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 •T H I S D AY

ADVERTORIAL

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 • T H I S D AY

33

34

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

35

NEWS XTRA

CBN Supports 1.6m Farmers to Boost Food Security James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said it will support about 1.6 million farmers across the agricultural value chain for the 2020 farming season.

CBN’s Director in charge of Development Finance Department, Mr. Yila Yusuf disclosed this during the flag-off of farm inputs distribution for

cotton farmers in Kwali, Abuja.

He said the apex bank’s intervention will create an impact that will guarantee food security in the country, adding that it would provide financing support to farmers under the bank’s 10 focal commodities initiative, which cuts across the entire value chain.

Yusuf said the CBN had engaged 256,000 farmers in cotton production for the 2020

planting season through its Anchor Borrowers programme (ABP).

He, however, emphasised that farmers were expected to pay back the loans disbursed by CBN under the ABP. The CBN director also noted that the apex bank had reduced the interest rates paid on all CBN intervention funds from nine per cent to five per cent as a result of the COVID-19

pandemic.

He said the CBN was working hard to revive the cottons textiles and garments industry to create jobs and boost the economy.

Yusuf said: “The CBN is trying to bring back the glory of textiles of those days where the industry used to employ 10 million people across the country.

“In the 1980s, we lost that

glory because of smuggling where our country was turned to a dumping ground of textiles materials. It is an unfortunate situation, about $5 billion was spent annually on the importation of textiles.”

He added that the bank was pursuing backward integration to ensure that the entire value chain in the industry was funded for the benefit of Nigerians.

This as the President, National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Mr. Anibe Achimugu commended both President Muhammadu Buhari and CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele for the efforts towards reviving agriculture and enhancing economic growth.

He said CBN credit facilities had caused a major turnaround in the production output.

Again, Govs to Meet on Financial Autonomy for State Legislative Houses

FG Explains Non-engagement of External Solicitors

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Dayo Apata, has explained why the Federal Ministry of Justice no longer engage external solicitors for its cases.

Apata noted that before the practice was stopped, huge public fund was expended annually for the payment of external lawyers engaged to handle federal government’s cases.

He said since that practice was put on hold by the current Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, billions of Naira have been saved for the federal government.

Apata spoke in Abuja at an event where Malami was named the Minister of the Year 2020 by a group, Face of Democracy Nigeria

Governors of the 36 states will be holding their 10th teleconference meeting to review interventions and meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami on the controversial executive order 10, that mandated the Accountant General of the federation to deduct first line all funds due to the judiciary and legislative houses.

A statement issued yesterday by the Head of Media of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Mr. Abdulrazaq Bello Barkindo, said that the invitation from the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr Asishana Bayo Okauru to the governors

listed the issues to be discussed at the meeting, to include an update on Executive Order 10.

He also said the meeting will discuss a brief from a subcommittee that was assigned to engage the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 headed by Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

He further said that the teleconference is to review the pandemic situation in the various states of the country and advance or evolve more pragmatic ways of dealing with the pandemic, going forward.

According to the statement, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State will also present the report of his committee set up at the last NEC meeting in March 2020 to review the impact of the pandemic on the economy

for endorsement.

“The state governors will also take a peek into such issues as the World Bank Cares programme, the public hearing on the NCDC Bill 2020, the progress made on the refunds to states on FAAC deductions, the restructuring of states’ loans by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the reimbursements for construction of Federal Roads to states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Osun, Cross Rivers etc”, Bello Barkindo stated NGF said that the Inspector General of Police has also been invited to brief the governors on the Police Trust Fund just as the Women Affairs Minister, Mrs. Pauline Talen will interface with Governors on critical gender issues including rape and sexual violence in the country.

(FDN).

He noted: “Before Malami, there used to be the practice where the ministry engages external solicitors to handle cases at huge cost to the federal government.

“But, on his assumption of office, he said why can we look inward, meaning you are saving money for the government and enhancing the productivity of the law officers (lawyers in the ministry).

“With this policy, we have saved billions of naira for the federal government, because we no longer need to farm out cases. They are now being handled in-house,” Apata said.

He hailed Malami for his contributions to the success of the anti-corruption efforts of the federal government, stressing that the Ministry of Justice, under

Malami, has been responsible for developing the necessary strategies needed for the anti-graft war.

Apata identified many other policy initiatives, which, he said, have resulted in improved welfare and working condition for staff, which he attributed to the minister.

“For us, in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has always been the best minister since 2015. He is the best among the ministers that we have had so far.

“The fact speaks for itself. Here, in the Ministry of Justice, we know what we have experienced since Abubakar Malami (SAN) came on board.

“Do you want to talk about the issue of harmonisation, which has led to the adjustment of our salaries, for which staff had struggled for 14 years?”

36

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Senate Receives Buhari’s Request to Confirm Appeal Court President Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Senate has received a request

by President Muhammadu Buhari for the confirmation of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as substantive President of the court.

The request was contained in a letter read yesterday at plenary by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

The letter from the President reads: “Pursuant to Section 238(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as

amended), I write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Honourable Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria.

“It is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee in the usual expeditious manner.”

Also yesterday, the Red Chamber confirmed the appointment of Prof. Jummai Audi as Chairman of the Nigeria Law Reform Commission.

Also confirmed by the upper legislative chamber are two National Commissioners

for the Commission as well as two non-Executive Directors for the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The confirmed non-Executive Directors of the NDIC are Mrs. Diana Okonta (South-South); and

Mrs. Ya’ana Yaro (North-East).

The appointment of both nominees was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions presented by its

Chairman, Senator Uba Sani.

The confirmation of the Nigeria Law Reforms Commission nominees also followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in his presentation recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari made the appointments pursuant to Section 2(1) and (2) of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act.

... Steps down Amended 2020 Budget over Omitted N186bn Vote Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly yesterday stepped down the consideration of the revised N10.509 trillion 2020 Appropriation Bill that was forwarded to it a fortnight ago by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is just as the Senate gave its Ad-hoc committee probing the alleged N40 billion frauds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) four more weeks to do a thorough job and turn in its report at plenary.

The Senate had given President Buhari’s budget request an expeditious consideration and debated the general principles of the fresh proposal along with the revised 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework ( MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper ( FSP) the very week the documents were received, which led to passage of MTEF/FSP yesterday.

However, moves by the Senate to receive report of the revised 2020 budget from its Committee

on Appropriation for possible passage suffered set back at plenary yesterday.

The President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, had hardly called on the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Jibrin Barau, to lay the report when he stunned the Senate saying the report could not be laid as a result of the refusal of the Budget Office to capture the entire N500 billion intervention fund for COVID-19 in the appropriation bill.

He said that while N314 billion was captured as part of the intervention fund, the balance of N186 billion proposed for health sector was not captured.

Barau said: “Upon making such observation at committee level, we quickly informed the Budget Office of the omission last week. Though the Budget Office, as part of excuses given for the omission, said since the entire N500billion was captured in the MTEF/ FSP documents already passed by the Senate, that there was no need for it to be fully captured in the budget.

House Probes Chinese Company over Maltreatment of Nigerians Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation to unravel the reasons why a Chinese company in Edo State subjected its Nigerian workers to slavish conditions and false imprisonment for three months since the lockdown in flagrant abuse of the federal government COVID-19 regulations.

Therefore, the House has directed the Inspector General of Police ( IG) to immediately send a crack team to storm the company with a view to ascertaining the Save Our Souls (SOS) message and to set free the said detained workers pending further investigations.

The Green Chamber also said the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) should be put on notice about the incidence to ensure post-release management of the detained workers.

The House said considering the fact that COVID-19 regulations stipulate that all businesses and

offices should be fully closed, except for those engaged in essential services, adding that given the fact that the steel companies are not among the exempted essential services providers, the company’s actions, therefore, amount to serious disrespect for Nigerian laws as well as breach of their sworn social responsibility to Nigeria as a country.

It therefore mandated “the relevant committees of the House to follow through on the report to ensure that an investigation is carried out and appropriate sanctions meted to the Chinese company if found culpable.”

The resolution of House was sequel to the motion moved by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, at the plenary yesterday.

Moving the motion, Elumelu lamented that Yongxing Chinese Steel Company located at Ugua community of Edo State was alleged to have locked down its Nigerian workers within the company’s facility, thereby depriving them access to their families since March 24, 2020, till date.

STRATEGISING AGAINST PANDEMIC...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa; FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello; and Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu at the FCT’s emergency meeting and briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja ... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Bauchi APC Suspends Senator Bulkachuwa over Absenteeism from Constituency Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kafin Kuka, Kofar Gabas ward of Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State has suspended the Senator representing Bauchi North senatorial district, Adamu Bulkachuwa, over alleged absenteeism from the constituency for a long time since he was elected.

Addressing journalists at the party’s Bauchi North zonal

secretariat in Azare yesterday, the APC ward Chairman, Sa’adu Muhammed, alleged that the senator has deserted the party and the constituents since his inauguration as member of the National Assembly.

According to him, “Bulkachuwa never deemed it fit to visit the area to commiserate with them on the outbreak of COVID-19, mass deaths and or give any donations.

“The essence of democracy is primarily to present and safeguard

the interest of the populace. A representative, most importantly, should uphold the interest of the people he represents above his personal ones. If he cannot afford to do that, he is not worth given the mandate.

“The demand and aspiration, pain and agony, needs and wants of the people of Katagum senatorial constituency are pitiable because of the senator’s gross misconduct and failure to table it where it matters most which is the Senate chamber.

“Senator Bulkachuwa has disappeared into thin air; evidently deserted his constituency for over six months now, no iconic presence or project from him is sighted in his constituency all this while.”

The party also alleged that the lawmaker is yet to employ any legislative aides despite the fact that every serving senator is empowered to employ five personal staff thereby leaving his teeming supporters jobless.

PDP Asks Lagos Assembly Speaker to Submit to EFCC for Investigation Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday stated that with the emerging revelations as well as the confessions by the Lagos State Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the leadership of the state Assembly has irredeemably lost the integrity to preside over legislations or make appropriations for the people of the state.

The PDP, which urged the speaker to surrender himself to the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation, further stated that the state Assembly has become incurably smeared with issues of corruption, misappropriation and allegations of embezzlement of funds meant for the welfare of the people of the state.

According to the National

Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, “Our party notes that the revelations at the factfinding panel of the state Assembly on corruption allegations against the leadership of the state legislature are incorrigible.”

The party insisted that the Speaker should clear his name by surrendering himself to the EFCC for investigation, instead of limiting his defence to an in-house committee of the legislature,

which he also presides.

Ologbondiyan said Nigerians are still in shock over the revelations at the panel of how funds meant for the welfare of Lagosians were dissipated on luxurious Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), frivolous foreign trips and funding of expensive and wasteful lifestyles of certain lawmakers and their relations, while the people are neglected and abandoned to a life of squalour.

Women Lawyers Condemn Rising Rape Cases Seek special court for alleged culprits AlexEnumahinAbuja The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has raised its voice in condemnation of the rising wave of rape and other gender-based violence in the country, calling on relevant government authorities to rise to the occasion.

The body in a statement issued

to journalists and signed by FIDA Nigeria’s Country Vice President/ National President, Mrs. Rhoda Tyoden, and National Publicity Secretary, Eliana Martins, lamented that the increasing rate of rape, particular being witness as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, is an indication of how debased the society has become.

“FIDANigeria expresses dismay at the continuous rise in gender-based violence cases reported during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Nigeria, often resulting in grievous bodily harm, psychological trauma and even death.

“The facts of the reported cases across Nigeria are heart wrenching.

“The development is indicative of

a debased society bereft of a value system that emphasizes safety at home or even in worship centres, from parents, spouse or even police,” the women lawyers said, adding that something drastic must be done immediately as the consequences and effects on the victims and their families have long term negative impact on society.

Gbajabiamila Begs Resident Doctors to Extend Ultimatum on Strike Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to tarry awhile on their strike ultimatum

as government was working assiduously to meet their demands.

The NARD had warned that it would embark on strike on next Monday following government’s inability to fulfill certain obligations agreed in a memorandum of understanding it had with the

resident doctors.

But Gbajabiamila, at a meeting on yesterday in Abuja with both the Minister and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Sen. Olorumibe Mamora respectively; the Director General of Budget Office, Ben Akabueze; the President of

NARD, Dr. Sokomba Aliyu and the Secretary General of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Dr. Ekpe Philips, said the leadership of the House would not fold its arms while resident doctors embark on strike at this time of COVID-19 pandemic disease.

37

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Sponsors of Miyetti Allah Calling for War, Says Yoruba World Congress The Yoruba World Congress (YWC), led by Professor Banji Akintoye, has raised the alarm that the sponsors of the Miyetti Allah are calling for war in Nigeria.

The organisation has also described a recent statement credited to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Mr. Bello Abdullahi Bodejo as patently

Tinubu, Aregbesola Debunk Claim of Alleged Rift Ejiofor Alike The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, have denied the alleged rift between them.

Aregbesola has also debunked claims of nursing presidential ambition in 2023 and also dismissed claims that he is at war with Tinubu.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, Aregbesola said his loyalty to Tinubu is total, and his commitment to whatever the former Lagos State governor wants is unwavering.

There were reports that all political groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have been dissolved.

The Cable reported that the Mandate Group and the Justice Forum, the two most powerful groups, will no longer exist, according to the communique issued by the party leaders in the state after a meeting held yesterday.

Aregbesola was accused of re-launching political groups in the state without the knowledge of Tinubu.

But Aregbesola debunked the allegation, saying that “the group our detractors claim has been banned is the most committed to the realisation of Asiwaju’s ambition.”

The minister continued: “They even said I have presidential ambition. False!”

Aregbesola reiterated that the APC is one, adding that the party is like an oak tree that keeps growing.

He said his focus and goal is to execute his ministerial duties as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Tunde Rahman, said there was no dispute between him and Aregbesola.

He insisted that the decision to disband the factions was to promote discipline, harmony and cohesion and engender party supremacy.

odious and filthy vituperations of a demented megaphone of ignoble masters. YWC urged Nigerians to ignore the statement.

The Director of Communications, YWC, the umbrella body of Yoruba descents all over the world, Mr. Moses Jolayemi, in a statement issued yesterday, said “we have waited patiently in the last few days for a retraction of the highly explosive and inflammatory statement; that he was misquoted, as its often the case when people in public positions see the implications of what they said at the heat of the moment.

“Unfortunately, none of such has come. Having made a similar pronouncement almost exactly one

year ago, it is becoming clearer that the attack dog is indeed working on a carefully crafted script. It goes without saying that his masters are determined and undaunted in their evil plot to plunge the country into a needless war.

“Ordinarily, the YWC would not respond to such imbecilities but considering the fact that the fellow in question may not be acting alone, we have decided to send him back to his masters that no part of Yoruba land will be ceded to any Fulani marauders under any guise and for any reason.

The Yoruba nation, according to Jolayemi, will however, resist every attempt by a small, ignoble clique of feudal jingoists to foist

themselves on the rest of the country or annex the Southwest.

“If other tribes so desire, they can allow their inheritance and indeed their ancestry to be obliterated by these elements who are clandestinely carrying out a carefully mapped ethnic cleansing agenda. But for the Yoruba, such ambition can only remain a mere phantasmagoria.

“It is curious that the federal government has not made any categorical statement denouncing such reckless and irresponsible statement, even when sister organisations like The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association (MACBAN) have strongly condemned the recent

outburst, same way they reacted to similar ones in the past.

Recent statements issued by the MACBAN Secretary, Mr. Baba Usman warning Miyetti Allah to desist from statements that are capable of destroying the fibre of the nation’s unity appear to us a welcome development that all hope may not have been lost”.

WYC said such condemnation is what is expected of any sane mind, and advised all Yoruba, wherever they are in the world to deploy their resources, material and intellectual, to join the call for a free and equitable country where no ethnic or religious group is lord over the others.

Senate Investigates Mysterious DEEPENING COLLABORATION...

Deaths in Bonny Island L-R: Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; and deputy Governor, The Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on Health (Primary and Communicable Disease) to meet with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ascertain the number of mysterious deaths so far recorded in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management through the National Emergency Management Agency to provide support materials to the people of the area.

It also mandated its Committee on Environment to meet with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency to ensure reduction of marine pollution of all kinds.

The resolutions were reached Mr. Benedict Alabi; during the 1st year Anniversary of the state’s Seventh House of Assembly in Osogbo ...yesterday by the Senate following consideration of a motion on the urgent need to intervene in the mysterious deaths in Bonny Island.

Sponsor of the motion, Senator Betty Apiafi, lamented that in Udora Orizu in Abuja The House mounted two rape and fatal violence against Police Brutality” sponsored by the last week of March 2020, women and girls in the country. Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, who banners surrounding the there were incidents of large Majority of the members of The lawmakers’ attire urged the members to dress Speaker’s seat in the chambers, quantities of dead fish around the House of Representatives, was in compliance with last in black, at the next sitting. with bold inscriptions, “REPS the Bonny-Andoni During the plenary, the SAY NO RAPE”. at the resumption of plenary week’s resolution to a motion shores and several other yesterday wore black in of urgent public importance Speaker of the House, Hon. Gbajabiamila directed the coastal communities along solidarity against the death of on: “The Need to Condemn Femi Gbajabiamila announced lawmakers to do a minute the Atlantic shoreline in the a student of the University of the Rising Cases of Sexual that the members have video recording for their Niger Delta region stretching Benin (UNIBEN), Miss Uwa Violence and Other Social launched a campaign against constituencies, speaking against from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Omozuwa, and other victims of Vices Against Women and rape. rape.

Akwa Ibom and Ondo states.

She said, “Less than six weeks later, mysterious deaths have been occurring in Bonny Island The lawmakers under the Members of the group also one airport would be reopened. in Rivers State and is reported Members of the National The position of the caucus, to have claimed about 13 lives.” Assembly from the North East aegis of North East Caucus-led include Senators Ali Ndume and geopolitical zone, including the by Senator Danjuma Goje, made Kashim Shettima. according to the statement, was President of the Senate, Dr. the protest through a statement The group said despite the taken after the election of Goje Ahmad Lawan, have protested they issued yesterday. fact that the zone had several as the leader of the group. the exclusion of the geopolitical The caucus of the National airports, none of them was It expressed displeasure at a zone in the reopening of some Assembly comprises senators selected for reopening by the meeting that was well attended airports by the Federal Ministry and members of the House of ministry, unlike the other five by all the members, including of Aviation.

Representatives from the zone. geopolitical zones where at least the President of the Senate.

House Members Wear Black in Solidarity with Omozuwa, Other RapeVictims

Lawan, Others Protest Exclusion of N’East in Airports’ Reopening

MultiChoice Broadcasts uLesson Educational Content on DStv, GOtv With schools still closed as part of efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, MultiChoice Nigeria has commenced airing a new educational content, uLesson, to help keep young minds engaged on its DStv and GOtv platforms.

The programme, which commenced on 8 June, is broadcast every weekday on Africa Magic Family (DStv 154 and GOtv channel 2) at 4pm.

Lesson is an intensive study programme which offers students in SS1, SS2

and SS3 a holistic learning experience in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics preparing them for Senior Secondary School Exams.

Students will in 19 episodes be taught mathematical concepts such as algebra, linear equations, the trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine and tangent), perimeter and area of plane shapes, they will also learn the importance of rounding off numbers, laws of surds, operations on matrices, gradients and so much more.

Fire Service Saves 724 lives, N1.629tn Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has acquired 10 modern fire-fighting trucks to improve its responses to cases of fire disasters across the country.

The federal government also lauded the agency for saving about 724 lives and properties worth N1.629 trillion between June and October 2019 across the country.

Speaking while inaugurating the newly acquired 10 modern fire trucks yesterday in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Rauf

Aregbesola, described the delivery of the new trucks as testimony of the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to repositioning the Federal Fire Service.

According to him, the new firefighting trucks and their deployment to the various new zonal offices would ensure a drop in incessant fire outbreaks in the country.

Aregbesola said the agency has continued to save lives and property through its prompt response to fire outbreaks in the

country, even as he thanked the president for repositioning the service.

“The Federal Fire Service has experienced phenomenal transformation from a moribund department to a vibrant organisation equipped with modern firefighting equipment and committed personnel.

“In line with our national response strategy, we responded to 2,615 fire calls; saved 724 lives and assets worth N1.629 trillion between June and October 2019 across the country.

“With the deployment of the newly procured fire engines across the country to boost emergency response, FFS is now present in all the states of the federation and most responsive, saving lives and preventing humanitarian and economic disasters.

“The service has also embarked on continuous development of firemen to international standard to effectively handle fire emergencies. We have also intensified our fire risk assessments of buildings across the country,” he said.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

38

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Buhari Sends Condolence Message to Burundi over President’s Death Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari last night sent a condolence message to the people and government of Burundi over the death of their president, Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza.

In the condolence message made available by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari described Nkurunziza as a

patriot who led his country through turbulent times.

He said he received the news of his demise with sadness and prayed God to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

“It is with profound grief and sadness that we received the news of the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza. President Nkurunziza was a true patriot that steered the country through turbulent times

with wisdom and foresight.

“At this time of great pain and loss, the Government and people of Nigeria as well as myself, express our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Burundi. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the family of the President. May God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ Buhari said.

Nkurunziza was said to have died of heart failure, the government said yesterday.

“The Government of the Republic of Burundi announces with great sadness the unexpected death of His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi following heart failure on June 8, 2020,” it said in a post on its official

Twitter account.

An evangelical who believed he was chosen by God to rule the East African nation, Nkurunziza came to power in 2005, when he was selected by parliament.

His controversial and ultimately successful bid for a third term in 2015 plunged the country into crisis.

Violence left at least 1,200

people dead, displaced hundreds of thousands and the authorities carried out a sustained crackdown on the opposition and media.

His death comes on the heels of elections on May 20 in which his hand-picked successor, Evariste Ndayishimiye, secured a sevenyear term as president — a result confirmed by the constitutional court last Thursday.

Former NERC Boss Opposes Plan to Reverse Power Sector Privatisation Consumers kick against hike of prepaid meter price Peter Uzoho Amid threats and suggestions to revoke the licences of the current private investors in the country’s power sector-the generation companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos)-over alleged nonperformance, a policy analyst and former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, has advised against cancellation of the privatisation.

This is coming as electricity consumers in the country are criticising NERC for increasing the price of prepaid meters without considering their plight in a harsh economic period and without consulting them as important stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Speaking yesterday on Morning Show programme on Arise News, a sister broadcast station of THISDAY, Amadi said disbanding the current private operators and terminating the privatisation process were not the best way to go, as according to him, it would lead to repeating the mistake that was made in the past.

The Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, had in April 2020, given Discos till July (three-month period) to be willing to supply meters, improve power supply and agree on the reasonable tariff for consumers or lose their licences.

Amadi suggested that rather than using hire-and-fire approach in dealing with the power sector reform, a continuous and gradual approach that is based on regulation should be adopted, adding that NERC should also be empowered to play a key role in the issue.

He said: “My idea is that we shouldn’t ever try to remove these guys who are holding it. We should use regulation. NERC should be the one that should be empowered to look at market-based industry peer review processes to benchmark and take up people who can perform.

“You see, reform is iterative and gradual. You build and then you review. You remove one block, you build again. It is not a discontinuous action (you just discontinue, and then you create something new).

It’s iterative. You make mistakes, you learn from the mistake, and you use pedantic tools to redefine.

Edo Diaspora Group Endorses Ize-Iyamu The Eziobe Heritage Foundation of America has endorsed Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu ahead of the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled for June 22.

The President of the USbased pan-Igarra organisation, Mr. Anthony Akpeji, in a joint statement with the Secretary, Dr. Ofuje Daniyan, praised the bravery, commitment, zeal, and public accountability of the former Secretary to the Edo State Government, while also describing his records as a depiction of “a man who conceives a dream, stands for it, and pursue it with all the fibre and energy of his being.”

The group directed its members and followers to join forces and expertise to move Edo forward by backing the bid of Ize-Iyamu.

“With Edo State elections coming closer, and the polity charging up in similar design, we did continue our independent investigation, researching to find resources that will inform our choice of aspirant to endorse and support. We imagined that with the changing tide and the peculiar

circumstances on the ground, Edo State Governor and his government would have woken up and meet the enormous work left to be done with commensurate effort.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and Edo continued sinking.”

“We cannot allow that to continue -this sinking and perishing of our dear state, and that is why we are glad in the qualities we found in Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a pastor in God’s service. His records tell of a man who conceives a dream, stands for it, and pursue it with all the fiber and energy of his being.”

“The bravery seen in the life of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the commitment, zeal, passion for the wellbeing of the immediate community, and public accountability he has manifested in services over the years, are core to the values that define our ambition. With this given parameter and other careful considerations, we hereby pronounce and adopt Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as our due and official candidate for the Edo State gubernatorial election.”

PROVIDING SUCCOUR...

L-R: Director of Administration and Finance, Government House, Owerri, Mrs. Mura Chux-Okoro; Chairman, Imo State NDDC Committee on Palliatives, Hon. Kyrian Uchegbu; Chief of Staff, Government House, Owerri, Mr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; Imo State Director, NDDC, Mr. Tony Okane; and Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Damaris Osunkwo, during the presentation of palliatives donated by NDDC to Imo State Government at the Government House, Owerri...yesterday

FG Inaugurates Dukia Gold Refinery Project Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government yesterday commissioned the operation of Dukia Gold and Precious Metals Project (DGPMP) that would enable Nigeria to mine her gold reserves properly, trade responsibly and refine locally.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who performed the virtual commissioning of the project, said Nigeria has potential

reserves of 200 million ounces of gold reserves.

Osinbajo disclosed that the DGPMP has been seven years in the making and it was his pleasure to see that the project is ready to begin operations.

The Vice President, in a statement made available to journalists by the Director of Press, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Edwin Okpara, said: “I believed that the Dukia

gold project would encourage the emergence of smaller-scale mining companies who, for the first time, would have a transparent and welcoming market for their mined gold and precious metals. This would create jobs and unleash the economic potential of mining communities.”

He added that the project “will create primary employment for local artisanal miners and

mining cooperatives across the solid minerals value chain.

Off-take agreements between DGPMP and local mining communities and owners of recyclable gold will be a useful provider of jobs in our post COVID-19 economy.”

Osinbajo also commissioned the Dukia-Heritage Bank Gold and Precious Metals Buying Centres, which is part of valuable private sector collaboration.

Akeredolu Decries High Cost of APC’s Guber Nomination Form James Sowole in Akure The Ondo State Governor, Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, yesterday said the N22.5 million fee charged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for nomination and Expression of Interest forms for aspirants for the 2020 governorship election in the state is too high.

The governor’s complaint came as some political groups campaigning for his re-election as governor of the ‘Sunshine’ state yesterday contributed and presented a cheque of N22.5million to him to obtain the necessary forms.

Akeredolu, while speaking after he was presented the cheque, said he raised the objection when

the fee was announced at the caucus meeting of the party that the fee was too much.

The event, which took place at the Akeredolu Campaign Office located on Akure-Ilesha road, was attended by chairmen and secretaries of donor groups, who were more than 20.

“When I contested the first and second time in 2012 and

2016 respectively, I raised the money on my own but was not as much as this.

“When the fee for this year’s election was announced, I screamed that it was too much, and that I don’t have the money.

“When I contested the first and second time, I did not see people as much as these, and this means that you are really with me,” he said.

Bayelsa Records 58 Cases of Rape,Violence against Women Onungwe Obe in Yenagoa

The Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), a gender-based human rights group, yesterday mobilised people to march through major streets of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to raise the alarm over increasing cases rape and other gender-related violence

against women and girls.

The protesters took their agitation to the state House of Assembly, where the convener, Maria Olodi, called for stern measures to curb gender-based violence.

Olodi said recently, three underage girls of between 13 and 14 years, were raped in the state,

even as many cases still remain unreported.

She called on the state House of Assembly to domesticate the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) law passed by the National Assembly since 2015.

According to Olodi, “We are here this morning to present our

case before the state assembly at a time that there has been an upsurge in gender-based violence in the country and Bayelsa State.

“It got to its peak during the lockdown wherein over 58 cases of gender-based violence were reported in Bayelsa State. That means those that were not reported can be more than these.

Mother of 13 Gives Birth to Quadruplets in Kaduna A 34-year-old mother of 13, Hauwa’u Sulaiman, has given birth to a set of quadruplets at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Sulaiman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that she is now blessed with 17 children.

Upon delivery, the mother and the babies were transferred to the

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital for better care.

She, however, said the only male among the quadruplets died before they arrived at the ABUTH. Sulaiman said the three remaining infants were placed under observation at the pediatrics care unit of the hospital while she has been receiving medical care at the

maternity ward.

“I am very healthy and strong but the medical experts advised that I need to be monitored very well before they can discharge me,’’ she said.

Her husband, Sulaiman Mohammed, also said his wife had in the past given birth to two sets of triplets; two sets of

twins and three single babies at different times before the quadruplets.

Mohammed, a driver, expressed gratitude to God for the wonderful gifts of the babies.

Also, the leading Consultant in the Pediatrics Unit at ABUTH, Isa Abdulkadir, said the babies were in good condition.

39

Ëœ ͚͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

LMC: No Decision Yet on How to End the 2019/20 NPFL Season Duro Ikhazuagbe The Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko, has dismissed claims that each of the clubs in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) will need N2.5million to test their players and officials before every match when

Shehu Dikko...LMC Chairman passport

the disrupted season due to Covid-19 restart.

In apparent reaction to a publication that quoted the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, as insisting that no player in the domestic league will be allowed to play in the league when it restarts without been tested for Covid-19, Dikko said that if it will be necessary to test players and officials for Covid-19, using Lagos benchmark of between N40,000 and N50,000 was not right as some states in the country were even doing it for N10,000. “If and when it’s going to be done, it will be government through the Ministry of Sports with the NCDC co-ordinating accordingly. “Already, this contacts have been established and what is left is for LMC’s confirmation of number of persons, locations, timing of when the football matches will return,� the LMC Chairman said yesterday on FUBS, a popular WhatsApp

platform populated by some of the country’s important past and present sports administrators and athletes.

Dikko stressed that since testing is decentralized, it will be much easier to carry out the protocol of 60 persons per club with relative ease in their domiciled states.

The LMC chairman further pointed out that in developed leagues around the world were testing of players and officials is ongoing, no payment is required from clubs since it is a public health matter that requires government interventions except such clubs are doing

other safety measures.

The Sports Minister had said in an interview with Brila FM that players and coaches of all NPFL clubs must undergo tests before every game when the 2019/20 restart. “There will be no compromise on certain things when it comes to the health code, there will be no compromise. “I can tell you, there will be no audience participation; content will have to be beamed through radio, television and other means. “Tests will be conducted on the players and the coaches as the case may be and I don’t see

us having multiple venues. We might think of centres to have all the other games,� Dare had said in that interview on radio.

But a top source close to the League body told THISDAY yesterday that no decision has been reached on the four options on the table on how to end the season. “The question of NPFL clubs looking for minimum of N2.5million to test their players is strange news to us in LMC. No decision has been taken on how to end the season yet as both the LMC and the NFF will have to meet on it again with the

Sports Ministry also involved.

The decision to restart cannot be that of LMC alone but based on the final guidelines from the health officials,� observed the official who would not want to be quoted.

Penultimate week ago, speculations were rife that a Super 6 playoff was slated to hold in Benin City to decide the winner of the NPFL. The LMC also refuted the claim on Super 6, insisting it was waiting for directive from the Federal Government before deciding on how to end the season.

Sports Minister, NFF Pay Tribute to Okwaraji’s Mother The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has paid glowing tributes to late Mrs Janet Okwaraji, the mother of late Super Eagles player, Samuel Okwaraji. The matriarch of the Okwaraji died on Monday aged 83 years.

According to Dare, “The death of Mrs Okwaraji came to me with rude shock at a time when we had concluded plans for her monthly allowance.

It is so sad and painful that she died when we had just visited her and placed her on a monthly welfare package. “She was such a strong and courageous woman who took the death of her illustrious son in her strides. Considering the circumstance of her son’s death, she exhibited a great spirit. May her soul rest in peace and may God console the family she left behind,� the minister said in a condolence message to the Okwaraji yesterday.

Dare assured the family that the ministry will offer all neccessary support to give her a befitting burial.

Only few weeks ago, Dare had sent cash gift, provision and food items to the now deceased Mrs Okwaraji.

The minister has also made a committment to be paying monthly allowances to the mothers of late Rashidi Yekini, Ali Jeje Ibrahim and Sunday Bada.

Dare’s gesture to Okwaraji’s mother came almost 31 years after the demise of her son.

Meanwhile, Okwaraji family has formally notified the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of the passing of the matriarch of the family, Mrs Jane Okwaraji.

Patrick Okwaraji, brother of the former national team player, signed the letter which informed the NFF and the Nigerian Football family of the death of their 83-year old

retired school teacher mother.

In the letter, the Okwaraji family disclosed that Mrs Jane Okwaraji, also a community leader and devout Christian, passed on to the great beyond after a brief illness. “It is with total submission to God that, the family of David Okwaraji (late) wishes to convey the notice of the peaceful transition of our mother, Mrs Jane Okwaraji to you. Mrs Jane Okwaraji died at her home at Enugu after a brief illness. “On behalf of the entire family, I convey our gratitude to you for your continuous support and concerns.�

In a telephone chat, Patrick explained that the family was not quick to announce Ma Okwaraji’s death as they needed to consult with a wide range of individuals before making it public.

He also said that plans are afoot to organize a simple burial ceremony in accordance with the COVID-19 pandemic final rites protocols in Enugu State in about three weeks, with a bigger ceremony to hold after the pandemic experience.

Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, a doctoral student of law at the University of Rome, Italy collapsed and died on the field of play in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos on Saturday, 12th August 1989.

Only last month, the Nigeria Football Federation announced that in appreciation and support of the gesture of the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports to be providing the mothers of deceased former internationals Okwaraji and Rashidi Yekini with a monthly stipend of N10,000 each, the Federation would be supporting the initiative with N30,000 monthly to each of the matriarchs.

Mathew Olosunde (3rd right) celebrating with Rotherham teammates in a previous win before the season was terminated due to Covid-19 pandemic

Five Nigerian Players Celebrate Promotion to EFL with Rotherham Five Nigeria-eligible players are in line to feature in the EFL Championship next season if they are retained by Rotherham United.

According to allnigeriasoccer. com, Rotherham United, the club of the Nigeriaeligible players secured an automatic promotion place to the Championship after League One clubs voted by an overwhelming majority

to formally end the season on Tuesday.

Based on points per game, the Millers finished second in the standings with 77.94 points, 8.77 less than Coventry City who were crowned champions of the division.

Former Manchester United defender Matthew Olosunde, ex-Flying Eagles invitee Freddie Ladapo, Nigerianborn midfielder Chiedozie

Ogbene, central defender Michael Ihiekwe and Bristol City loanee, Hakeeb Adelakun are currently on the books of Rotherham United.

Ihiekwe was one of the standout players in League One in the cancelled season, amassing 33 appearances and scored two goals, while Ladapo finished the campaign as the fifth top scorer in the division with 14 goals in 31

games.

Olosunde notched up 32 games, Ogbene 25 and Adelakun 9 after joining on loan on January 9, 2020.

Super Eagles star Semi Ajayi was a key player for Rotherham United in the 2018-2019 campaign but had to end his association with the club after they were relegated to the third tier.

Live LaLiga Actions Return to DStv, GOtv After more than three months of absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2019/20 LaLiga season will be back on the screens of SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv, with round 28 matches.

The opening restart games, scheduled to hold from 11 to 14 June, will be broadcast live on SuperSport 7 to DStv Premium, Compact and Compact Plus subscribers and SuperSport Select 4 exclusive to GOtv Max subscribers.

The first game upon return is the Seville derby, also known as the Great Derby (El Gran Derbi), between Sevilla and Real Betis at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Thursday.

Da

The match kicks off at 9pm and will be aired live on SuperSport 7 and SuperSport Select 4.

The two teams are experiencing very different fortunes, with Sevilla looking to secure a top-four finish and a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, while Real Betis are trying to push themselves up to mid-table and remain clear of the relegation battle below them.

Sevilla defeated Real Betis 2-1 when the teams met at Estadio Benito Villamarin back in November 2019.

Completing a LaLiga ‘double’ over their town rivals would be a major achievement for coach Julen Lopetegui and his charges,

while African fans will hope to see Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri continuing his excellent form.

Attention will also turn to the title race between the league leaders and defending champions, Barcelona, and nearest chaser and rival, Real Madrid.

Barcelona will be in action on Saturday night when they head to Estadi de Son Moto to face relegation-threatened Real Mallorca. The game will be aired live on SuperSport Select 7 and SuperSport Select 4 at 9pm.

La Blaugrana will be hoping to claim a win and maintain their two-point lead atop the table.

On the other hand, Real Madrid will welcome

18th-placed Eibar at the Estadio Santiago BernabĂŠu on Sunday.

The game will be aired live on SuperSport 4 and SuperSport Select 4 at 6:30pm. Los Blancos will have to win at home to sustain their title bid against a team scrapping to keep their heads above water in the lower reaches of the log.

The remaining team from the ‘big three’, Atletico Madrid, will also be in action on Sunday with a testing clash away to Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Barria.

The visitors will need a three-point haul to revive their push to finish in the top four and ensure they return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

Wednesday June 10, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Afenifere to Malami

“When Gen. T.Y. Danjuma said there was collusion between criminals and security agents, this is clear evidence he knew what he was saying. It is a tragedy for any polity where the people don’t know whom to run faster from between criminals and security agents. This must be a serious challenge for the top brass” – Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, lampooning the AGF, Mr. Abubakar Malami, for dropping the names of 10 soldiers in the kidnapping charges involving an alleged Taraba State kidnapping kingpin.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Trumpism is Topical Here P

resident Donald Trump of the United States was as active as ever on Twitter yesterday as he continued the rhetorical assaults on his angry fellow citizens protesting racism.

The American president elected to do that on the day of the funeral of George Floyd rather than douse the fire on the streets with a unifying speech expected of a leader in such a crisis situation.

Such a posture was, of course, consistent with the tear-gassing peaceful protesters within the vicinity of the White House and threatening to deploy troops to end the protests.

For 15 days now American cities and other places in the world have been engulfed by antiracist protests triggered by the horrific police murder of Floyd, an African-American. The other day, the statute of a slave trader, Edward Colston, was pulled down in Bristol, United Kingdom, as part of the protests.

A few days ago, a Nigerian living in Germany called this reporter to find out if there were protest marches in Nigeria in response to the American situation.

No such protests have taken place here; the attention of the caller was instead drawn to the shallow appreciation of the tragedy in the United States by some Nigerian observers on the social media. Some of the social media gurus and activists have even questioned the relevance of what is happening in the United States to Nigeria in the light of “our own many problems here at home.”

Trump and racism in America are not topical here, according to some of the positions stated in the public sphere.

If President Muhammadu Buhari threatened to deploy troops so as to put an end to street protests in Abuja after the police had dispersed with tear gas some protesters close to Aso Rock, there would be torrents of lessons on “democracy” and “human rights” from Washington. In fact, almost immediately diplomats in the America embassy in Abuja would have swung into action to let the Buhari administration know that such oppressive actions were unacceptable.

Now, imagine turning the table today. It would sound so outrageous (and, in fact, reckless) to some Nigerians, if Nigeria and other African countries were to issue statements in solidarity with the black people in America who are subjected to murderous treatment by the police.

It would be deemed a diplomatic faux pas of monumental proportions.

Such is the ideologically crippling influence of imperialism and neo-liberalism in Africa at present.

In retrospect, you wonder if this was the same continent in which General Murtala Mohammed made his famous “Africa Has Come of Age” speech in the golden age of Nigerian foreign policy. In 1976, Murtala, unhindered by inferiority complex now noticeable in African diplomacy, told the United States in plain terms not dictate to Africa in matters of decolonisation on the continent.

Before Murtala, a generation of pan -Africanists including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Toure, Moddibo Keita etc. intellectually drew a link between the interests of Africa and those of the people of African descent all over the world. The elite who fought the anti-colonial struggle were more conscious of history than the elite of this neo-liberal era.

Trump Intriguingly, Trump’s admirers in Africa have always viewed the American leader’s actions as beyond reproach. His extreme right-wing supporters, who mistakenly see in the appallingly immoral political figure a “spiritual warrior against the Anti-Christ foisted on America by the Democrats,” have rationalised his statements and actions.

The most absurd of this rationalisation came when Trump called African countries “shitholes.”

In a moment of pitiable self-flagellation, some Africans saw some “bitter truths” in this purely insane statement. According to them, bad leadership in Africa justified the vicious hate speech.

On November 16, 2016, this column questioned the moral content of American politics in the aftermath of the election of Trump.

Wondering if the United States was “still a moral leader,” the following observation was made in the piece entitled “America’s Different Election,” : “In no way could the last week election of Donald Trump as the president of the United States of America be called a tribute to liberal democracy. The months of campaigns preceding the unusual election witnessed an egregious debasement of the much-advertised liberal democratic ethos of the West. And let no one say that the shocking outcome of the election is only the business of the U.S. “ America has not been minding its own business alone. With the emergence of Trump, America has lost his claims to moral leadership of the world.

“A nation having as its Commander-in-Chief a racist, religious bigot and misogynist, at once, cannot be universally accepted as a moral and political leader. America’s unsolicited lectures about liberal democratic values, decent elections, freedom, globalisation, civility, humanity etc. will henceforth loose some audience around the world.

After all, if you ask the American troops deployed in parts of the world what their business is at their posts, they would readily tell you they are there to promote “democracy and freedom.”

As the African Legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, would put it, the rest of the world (especially the emerging liberal democracies) might soon be telling America that ‘teacher, don’t teach me nonsense.’

“Not Yet the End of History.

“Perhaps the huge decline in American politics would be better appreciated if this uncertain moment in U.S. history is contrasted with the

triumphalist mood in the West 24 years ago when Francis Fukuyama published his famous book, The End of History and the Last Man. In a moment of intellectual hubris, Fukuyama declared victory for liberalism in the great ideological battles of the last century which came to a climax post - World War II. “According to him, the apogee of political culture had been reached in liberal capitalist democracy. The book came out of the press amidst the ferment of “democratisation” across the globe. The Berlin Wall had fallen to the shock of communists. Soviet Union had become history.

The bloody event of Tiananmen Square had happened in China three years earlier. American experts and consultants flooded Eastern Europe and even Russia itself marketing their model of liberal democracy.

“In this age of Trumpism, it could be safely said that it is not yet the end of history. And this is certainly not the best of times for liberalism. For a long time thinkers would continue to ponder the import of what has happened to the U.S. “To be sure, thoughts would be generated on an American electoral season at the end of which street protests erupted in an unprecedented fashion…

“Incidentally, the same celebrated American political scientist, Fukuyama, who has been proved wrong on his projection of liberal capitalist democracy by history, almost predicted what happened in America last week.

“In his 2014 book, Political Order and Political Decay, Fukuyama identified the decay of the American political system: ‘Decay by definition is occurring in the United States today, and is the result of the intersection of two forces. On the one hand, American society has changed.

It has become more polarized and class-ridden; Americans are sorting themselves out residentially in ways that make it easier for politicians to appeal to ideologically pure positions on the left and right. At the same time, there has been a huge increase in the number and sophistication of interest groups, which have been liberated from constraints on their rights to spend money on political campaigns by a series of Supreme Court decisions.’

“All told, a different question to ponder is this: has globalisation come to a dead end with the Trumps of this world?”

The above excerpts appeared on this page four years ago.

Incidentally, only last Friday, the London Financial Times also questioned the morality of the Trumpist politics in America.

In an editorial entitled “America’s battered moral standing,” the newspaper said among other things: “America’s state department last weekend called on “freedom-loving people” to hold China to account for its vow to impose a national security law on Hong Kong. A Chinese official instantly tweeted: “I can’t breathe”. The riposte was no less stinging for its sarcasm. Images of US law enforcement breaking up demonstrations after the suffocation of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American, already harm US moral standing. The fact that President Donald Trump describes the mostly peaceful protesters as “thugs”, “killers”, and “domestic terrorists” makes the damage incalculably greater. Previous presidents have been accused of hypocrisy after similar tragedies. The world is well-versed in US racial inequities. Yet never before has a US president

demonised in blanket terms those protesting against injustice.”

The foregoing quotes are just to demonstrate the point that it is a misplaced reading of history to say that issues of racial injustice in the United States should not be of concern in Nigeria. The contemporary material reality and the sheer weight of history belie such a proposition. Pondering American racial injustice doesn’t amount to Afghanistanism, that’s focusing on foreign topics as an escape from discussing local problems.

In a video circulating in the social media, a white female speaker posed a challenge to her largely white American audience: let any white person who would like be treated the way blacks are treated in America raise up his or her hand.

Nobody responded. So, the problem is real.

During the American campaigns in 2016, Trump’s Democrat opponent, Hillary Clinton, warned America about Trump’s “dangerously incoherent ideas.” Her admonition went unheeded with Trump’s victory. America is already reaping the fruits of the seeds of these toxic ideas of hate, prejudice and division wildly sown into the American political and societal landscape.

Trump’s impetuous tweets, venomous rhetoric and unjust anti-immigrant policies have combined to nourish an ideological ecosystem in which racism and other forms injustice flourish.

Nigerians resident in the U.S. and Americans of African descents live in this pervasive climate of racism and injustice.

The Nigerians among the blacks living with this American tragic reality constitute a significant percentage of the Nigerian diaspora making remittances for the sustenance of their family members and friends here at home.

It has been estimated that such remittances from Nigerians abroad could be as much as over $20 billion a year. It’s doubtful if Nigeria would receive up to that amount this year from royalties on crude oil sales.

Some experts have even suggested that the immense material, intellectual and moral resources from Nigerians abroad should be better structured to enrich and energise the political economy as it is done in India, Pakistan and Israel. It took Fareed Zakaria to showcase on CNN last year the highly significant contributions that Nigerian professionals and others are making into the American economy and society. It was a brilliantly scripted counter-poise to Trump’s anti-immigrant moves targeting some Nigerians among other aliens in the United States.

It is, therefore, another symptom of the impoverishment of the public sphere to suggest that what happens to fellow Nigerians in the United States, who remit billions of dollars yearly into the economy, is not relevant here for discussion.

The poverty plaguing the land should not only to be measured by the number of those living on less than $2 a day.

There is also the prevalent moral and ideological poverty in the land. This could be gauged, for instance, by the response to the racism which threatens the well-being of over 40 million blacks in America.

Out of the 54 countries in Africa, only 10 have populations higher than the population of blacks in the United States.

The failure to draw a historical link between the fate of the black victims of injustice in Trump’s America and the strategic interests of Africa is in itself a tragedy.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com