THURSDAY 5TH JANUARY 2023

NUPRC to Licence Holders: Disclose Full Ownership of Firms Operating in Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Sector Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has directed all lease and licence holders operating in Nigeria’s oil

and gas industry to submit the full list of real owners of their companies within seven days of the extant notice.

In the directive by the industry regulator, personally signed by its

Chief Executive, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the commission demanded that the information to be disclosed must include the identity (ies) of beneficial owner(s), the level of ownership, and details about how

control is exerted.

The new directive released by NUPRC was tagged, “Notification No. 1 to All Licence and Lease Holders in Nigeria on the Requirement for Submission of Beneficial

Ownership Information.”

As a member of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), whose standards are implemented by its Nigerian version, Nigeria Extractive In-

dustries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the federal government is expected to ensure the execution of the set standards in the oil, gas Continued on page 11

CBN Clarifies Sale of Polaris Bank, Says Divestment Received Board, Regulatory Approvals... Page 5 Thursday 5 January, 2023 Vol 27. No 10130. Price: N250

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Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Removal of INEC Chairman over Assets Declaration ... Page 8

DSS Nabs ISWAP Masterminds of Kogi Bomb Explosion During Buhari'sVisit Suspects behind Kuje Prison attack, killed two policemen in Kogi police division assault Staged several kidnap operations in Kogi, Ondo Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Department of State Services (DSS) said yesterday it arrested a commander of the Islamic State’s

West Africa Province (ISWAP) and another suspect, who were masterminds of a bomb attack

in Kogi State during the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari.

DSS said the suspects were also part of the terror group that attacked the Kuje Prison facility

in Abuja and launched the June Continued on page 11

FG: Incoming Administration Will Inherit N77trn Debt

Ahmed reiterates Nigeria not planning debt restructuring, restates commitment to obligations Country lost N6trn to tax incentives in 2021, moves to phase out pioneer incentives Says finance bill will be signed into law in few days 80.6% of revenue spent on debt service in 11 months

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The federal government has revealed that the incoming administration would inherit about N77 trillion debt by the time President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure ends in May next year. Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists at the public presentation and breakdown of the highlights of the 2023 Appropriation Act. The National Assembly recently approved the sum of N819.5 billion as supplementary budget for 2022.

In another letter, the president had also informed the lawmakers that the government would take another N1 trillion loan from the Continued on page 11

INAUGURATION OF NEW NDDC BOARD...

L-R: Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; Minister of Niger Delta, Umana Okon Umana; Chairman, Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, Ms. Lauretta Onochie, PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Ms. Sharon Ikeazor and other members during the inauguration of the new NDDC Board held at Abuja... yesterday

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF FIVE NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES...

L-R: New permanent secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Elemide; Ogun State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro; Governor Dapo Abiodun; his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and another new permanent secretary, Engr. Sakirudeen Salaam, after the swearing in ceremony of five new permanent secretaries at the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta …yesterday

CBN Clarifies Sale of Polaris Bank, Says Divestment Received Board, Regulatory Approvals Declares SCIL’s N1.36trn offer most competitive, value-driven Says Fairview failed to make binding purchase offer Restates commitment to safe, sound financial system James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday clarified the recent sale of the federal government’s interest in Polaris Bank Limited to a new core investor, Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL).

The central bank also said the N1.36 trillion offer for Polaris Bank by SCIL remained the, “most competitive and provided taxpayers and the federal government with more than full recovery of its intervention cost” adding that “By the sale, the CBN and federal government achieved a successful, value-driven resolution of a strategic financial institution”.

The bank’s stated that the explanation came against the backdrop of a “spurious, malicious, and misleading online publication, which made several false claims concerning the recent sale”.

The CBN insisted that the divestment mode, process, and decision received requisite board and regulatory approvals.

The apex bank, in a statement issued by the CBN Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, insisted that the divestment was executed based on the relevant laws, global best practices for bank resolutions, and requisite regulatory approvals.

The apex bank further stated that contrary to claims in the online publication, the “divestment from Polaris Bank was supervised by a Divestment Committee (Committee) comprising senior representatives of AMCON & CBN and supported by reputable legal and financial advisers. In addition, the divestment mode, process, and decision received requisite board and regulatory approvals.”

The central bank added that “At no time did any other party make a higher purchase offer as falsely claimed by the online publication.

The entity in question, Fairview Acquisition Partners, had indicated an interest in acquiring two banks, including Polaris Bank, for a total sum of N1.2 trillion, an indicative offer that significantly discounted the existing N1.305 trillion debt owed

by Polaris Bank to AMCON and so represented a material loss to the federal government.”

The bank explained that notwithstanding, Fairview Acquisition Partners alongside 24 other parties, was invited by the financial advisors

to participate in the sale process via the execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), the first stage of the process.

The statement added that the financial advisors informed the committee that Fairview Acquisition Partners neither executed nor returned the NDA despite verbally confirming receipt of the agreement and after follow-up from the financial advisors.

The CBN added: “Therefore, Fairview Acquisition Partners did not take the opportunity to update their offer by participating in the divestment process and thus did not make a binding purchase offer for Polaris Bank.”

It stressed that the, “Committee, along with its legal and financial advisers, conducted a rigorous technical and financial evaluation of the purchase proposals, assessing promoters’ fitness and propriety, offer price received vs. reserve price, funding structure and financial capacity, strategy and growth plans, amongst others.”

The CBN, however, insisted the divestment from Polaris Bank was an institutional decision supervised by a committee comprising senior representatives of AMCON and CBN, coordinated through reputable legal and financial advisers, and approved by the respective leadership and boards of the two institutions.

“We remain resolute in pursuing its mandate to promote a safe and sound financial system in Nigeria,” the CBN added.

The CBN said it was constrained to correct the inaccuracies in the online publication given the potentially grave implications for the stability of the bank, financial sector, and the Nigerian economy.

The statement added, “For the records, the public is referred to the statement dated October 20, 2022,

by CBN & AMCON announcing the sale of 100 per cent equity in Polaris Bank to a new core investor, Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL), wherein it provided copious details of the process by which the sale was conducted.

“Contrary to claims in the aforementioned online publication, the divestment from Polaris Bank was supervised by a Divestment Committee (Committee) comprising senior representatives of AMCON & CBN and supported by reputable legal and financial advisers. In addition, the divestment mode, process,

and decision received requisite board and regulatory approvals.”

It said, “Following evaluation, the promoters of the strategic purpose vehicle, SCIL, emerged as the preferred purchaser, having presented the most comprehensive technical/financial purchase proposal and the highest-rated growth plans for Polaris Bank.

“In addition to passing all fitness and propriety tests, the promoters also made the highest financial offer

for the bank, which was significantly above its core valuation and reserve price.

“SCIL’s binding offer involved an immediate upfront consideration of N50 billion and full responsibility for the debt of N1.305 trillion owed to AMCON, essentially a total purchase consideration of N1.355 trillion.

“This offer was the most competitive and provided taxpayers and the federal government with more than full recovery of its intervention cost.

By the sale, the CBN and federal government achieved a successful, value-driven resolution of a strategic financial institution.”

The apex bank added that “This curiously-timed online publication deliberately misrepresents the circumstances surrounding the sale of a strategic asset of the federal government.

“Its misleading statements are obviously intended to undermine the credibility of the divestment

process. It also portends negatively on the stability of Polaris Bank and risks derailing the progress made by the monetary authorities.

“We reiterate that the divestment from Polaris Bank was an institutional decision supervised by a committee comprising senior representatives of AMCON and CBN, coordinated through reputable legal and financial advisers, and approved by the respective leadership and boards of the two institutions.”

Adeduntan Urges Banks to Improve Loan Monitoring to Prevent NPLs’ Build-up Advises Nigeria, others to take debt sustainability more seriously by limiting fiscal wastages, reducing inefficiencies Obinna Chima Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has advised financial institutions in the country to be vigilant and improve the monitoring of their customers’ loans in order to prevent the build-up of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the industry as a result of the macroeconomic challenges.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, Adeduntan also urged businesses and their bankers to approach the new year in a collaborative relationship in order to overcome anticipated headwinds in the economy.

Adeduntan explained, “To prevent rising NPLs, businesses and their bankers will have to collaborate more and ensure timely flow of information to prevent surprises.

“Banks on their part will have to improve monitoring of their loan portfolio to quickly identify early warning signals for attention before a full-scale loan deterioration.

“Overall, businesses and their bankers must approach 2023 with a partnership mindset to ensure that a win-win outcome is achieved despite the anticipated macroeconomic challenges.”

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, recently warned that 2023 would be tougher than 2022 for much of the global economy,

as the United States, European Union and China see slowing growth.

Georgieva had said 2023 would be a “tough year”, with one-third of the world’s economies expected to be in recession.

The IMF had in October cut its global growth forecast to 2.7 per cent, down from 2.9 per cent forecast in July, amid headwinds, including the war in Ukraine and sharply rising interest rates.

Owing to the anticipated weakening of the global economy, Adeduntan said with slowing growth and elevated inflation rates, the sustainability of foreign debts, especially for developing nations, was likely to call for a re-evaluation by lenders given the increased likelihood of default.

He stated, “When this is juxtaposed with the higher interest rate environment at which these debts are likely to be refinanced, you will observe a scenario where further strain is exerted on the debt repayment capacity of these economies.

“However, this situation does not necessarily translate to an automatic economic doom for developing nations. The actual impact on each developing economy will depend on the economy’s level of fiscal discipline and revenue generating capacity.

“Developing nations, who are able, in the short term, to increase revenues either from taxes or sale/

refinancing of idle/sub-optimal assets will be able to negotiate reasonable refinancing terms from lenders and prevent further economic turmoil.

“Nonetheless, all concerned nations need to take the issue of debt sustainability more seriously by limiting fiscal wastages, reducing inefficiencies, growing revenues, and aggressively working down unsustainable debt-to-GDP levels that may worsen the impacts of external shocks.”

Adeduntan also pointed out that expectedly, rising cost of debt and contracting demand would exacerbate the challenges that businesses would face this year, particularly for players operating in small-margins sectors of the economy.

Locally, the surging inflation rate was also expected to reduce disposable income of most consumers and demand for non-essential goods and services may dip, he said.

He, however, pointed out that despite the expected macroeconomic challenges in 2023, there were also emerging business and revenue opportunities that could be exploited by discerning players in the financial services industry.

Specifically, he identified the areas that would provide significant opportunity to players in the financial services industry to include payments, digital security, mergers and acquisition (M&A) opportunities, partnership across segments and consumer lending.

Adeduntan explained, “The Central Bank of Nigeria’s renewed drive on cashless policy has provided an opportunity for players in the financial services industry to enhance existing digital product offerings and create more attractive product offerings that will further reduce frictions in the payment process.

“This will help to reduce the financial exclusion gap, increase fees and commissions revenues, and improve overall viability and stability of the financial system.”

In the area of digital security, the chief executive said, “Increasing adoption of digital payments platforms will necessitate increased requirement for the security of payment channels. Thus, opportunities exist for players in the financial services industry to leverage robotics and artificial intelligence to improve security protocols on digital payment channels.”

He added, “With the anticipated pressures on earnings, opportunities exist for big and liquid players to gain additional scale and market share through outright acquisition of fringe players with the right strategic fit.

“There is also an opportunity for two or more small and/or medium size players to merge their operations/businesses to obtain scale advantage.

See full interview on Pages 20 & 21

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KWANKWASO AT THE PALACE OF OJUROMI OF UROMI KINGDOM...

L-R: Edo NNPP Senatorial Candidate, Okoduwa Akhigbe; Party National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali; NNPP Presidential Candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso and HRH Anslem Aidenojie II, Ojuromi of Uromi Kingdom when the NNPP presidential entourage visited his palace in Uromi, Edo State.

Nationwide Fuel Scarcity May Worsen as Tanker Drivers Threaten Strike Blame ‘illegal’ activities, high-handedness of security agents for decision

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The current fuel supply shortages nationwide may get worse in the coming days if the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers known as PTD-NUPENG, makes good its threat to embark

on a nationwide strike.

The union blamed what it termed the illegal activities and high-handedness of security agents, particularly the military task force operating in the Port Harcourt zone of the union for the planned decision.

National Chairman of the

PTD- NUPENG, Lucky Osesua , who made the disclosure in Abuja, stated that men of the military task force operating in Port Harcourt burnt two trucks belonging to the union conveying High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO), otherwise known as black oil.

Osesua noted that the product

mostly used as boilers, heaters and sailing of ships, among others, and the vehicle conveying it were torched on Tuesday night, alleging that the truck drivers were falsely accused of transporting crude oil despite evidence to the contrary.

According to the PTD-NUPENG national chairman, the trucks which

Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Removal of INEC Chairman over Assets Declaration Political parties, CUPP, Ohaneze hail judgment Say election riggers bent on scuttling 2023 polls

Alex Enumah and Udora Orizu in Abuja Several Chairmen of political parties in the country have hailed the judgment of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which declared that the Assets Declaration Form of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu was validly filled, lawful and in compliance with the law.

Justice M. A. Hassan of the FCT High Court in a judgment delivered yesterday, dismissed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the assets declared by Yakubu, for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

The judge subsequently consequently barred security agencies from investigating the INEC boss over his valid assets declaration.

According to the judgment, contrary to the claim of the claimant, Somadina Uzoabaka, the Assets Declaration Form of Yakubu was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law.

Uzoabaka had in the suit sought for the removal of Yakubu as INEC Chairman over alleged falsehood in his Assets Declaration Form.

Defendants in the Originating Summons marked FCT/HC/ GAR/CV/47/202 are the Attorney General of the Federation and Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu.

The claimant had sought among other things an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC Chairman to recuse, excuse and exclude himself and or step down as the Chairman of INEC pending the investigation and consideration of the various allegations against him by the

various law enforcement agencies.

The claimant also sought an order of Court barring the INEC Chairman from holding or assuming any public office for a period of 10 years.

However, in his counter affidavit, Yakubu had through his counsel, Emeka Obegolu, furnished the Court with several exhibits to show the sources of money for the purchase of the properties which the Claimant alleged were illegally acquired and insisted that his assets declarations were validly done.

However, the court in its judgment found that the declaration of assets

by Prof. Yakubu was lawful, valid and in compliance with the law and that he cannot be investigated by any of the security agencies listed by the Claimant.

The judge who declined to grant any of the 14 reliefs sought by the claimant declared that the INEC Chairman cannot be removed over fabricated allegations of false assets declaration and subsequently the suit.

Reacting, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), yesterday hailed the judgment, describing it as a major New Year gift to Nigerians by the judiciary and victory for credible, free and fair election.

In a phone interview, the CUPP spokesperson, Mr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, in his usual fiery nature said the plans to scuttle the 2023 general election by those who know they cannot win free and fair elections has been squashed by the judiciary.

Ugochinyere also hailed the Court for going ahead to bar security agencies from investigating him over his valid assets declaration.

He said, "I'm happy that the judiciary over the months has proven that they are the last hope of the

common man. Since the intelligence discovery of plans to compel INEC chairman to stop the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation system in the 2023 elections, these evil politicians have not rested, they are looking for non-existing faults.

"First, it was the CBN Governor because of the cash limit policy and now the INEC Chairman.

The security agencies are a disappointment, at a time the masses

need their protection and help the most, they are busy collecting bribes and serving the interest of the evil politicians."

In another reaction to the judgment, the President of the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Movement Ochiagha Uche Nnadi said the judiciary has yet again saved the Nigerian democracy from collapse as politicians do not mind the collapse of democracy in their pursuit of power.

lifted the black oil at a modular refinery, Walter Smith Refinery and Petrochemical, Ibigwe Imo State, on Monday and Tuesday, were intercepted between Ahoada and Elele in Rivers state.

The union leader said the trucks that were razed were marked EFR 770 XA and AFZ 351 ZY, further disclosing that the vehicles were conveying 40,000 litres each of the black oil to Bob & Sea Depot in Koko, Delta State.

He maintained that the drivers of the two trucks were polite in their responses and presented all the necessary documents to the personnel of the military who he said ignored the documents, rebuffed appeals and eventually burnt the trucks.

“The drivers presented waybills, NUPENG receipts and quality control documents. But the military men still insisted that they carried crude oil. They drove the two trucks away and burnt them between Ahoada and Elele in Rivers state on Tuesday night.

"Without investigation and without reaching out to the refinery where the drivers mentioned that they lifted the black oil, the soldiers burnt down the trucks, in less than five hours,” the PTD-national chair-

man who presented the documents backing up his claims to newsmen, said.

He also made public documents signed by the Refinery Manager of Walter Smith Refinery and Petrochemical, Charles Okon, where he said the products were loaded.

Osesua explained that the union has taken a decision to stop lifting products at its Port Harcourt zone, adding that same decision to stop loading nationwide would be taken by Monday, except damages incurred as a result of the alleged high-handedness of the military task force were addressed.

He added: "Enough is enough about the high-handedness of our security agents. They should stop demonising our union and persecuting our men who are doing their normal business.

“We expect that in this modern world, trained security agents should be able to identify black oil as against crude oil. We should not be at the receiving end of their ignorance."

According to him, after razing the trucks, the security personnel moved to clean up their actions by mobilising scrap pickers to the location.

2023 Budget Deficit, Major Challenge to Nigerian Economy, Says Expert Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie The CEO, Cowry Asset Management, Mr. Johnson Chukwu has expressed dissatisfaction over the budget deficit in the 2023 Budget that was signed on Tuesday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the 2023 budget was about 4.3 per cent deficit of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that such budget deficit may plunge Nigeria into huge borrowing capable of creating economic setback for the country.

Chukwu who spoke yesterday on 'The Morning Show' on ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said Nigeria was already indebted to other countries and that the budget deficit would make Nigeria to continue to borrow in order to service her debts.

Speaking on the implications of

the N12.1 trillion budget deficit in the 2023 budget, Chukwu said, it would compel Nigeria to continue to borrow and increase her debt profile.

“Today Ghana is defaulting on both local and international debts and Nigeria should be careful not to toe the line of Ghana in terms of borrowing to service debts. Any country that is borrowing to service debts is in a dead trap that could consume such country and that is where Nigeria is gradually heading to,” Chukwu said.

"Some of the current expenditure of government are discretionary and government can actually do away with such discretionary expenditures in order to save the country from huge borrowing that will be difficult to repay. Some of the expenditures of government do not add any value to the economy and such expenditure should be discarded, Chukwu said.

According to him, “Govern-

ment spends so much on capital expenditure, and my worry is that if government has to borrow for every capital expenditure, then it will be economic wise for government to outsource capital expenditure to the private sector.”

He further explained that the government would never manage economic resources better, "because government is not a very efficient user of economic resources," adding that the private sector was well known to achieve more value for money, when it comes to investments, as against government that has several avenues for financial leakages.

“As at October last year, the federal government had borrowed over N6 trillion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which sum up to about N22 trillion that the federal government has borrowed from CBN alone in the past couple of years. President Buhari has made it open that the

cost of servicing the CBN loan is about N1.8 trillion.

"This is an internal debt alone and the international debts are also there. So there should be checks and balancing to checkmate the way and manner that the federal government is involved in local and international borrowing,” Chukwu said.

He blamed the three arms of government, the executive, the legislative and the judiciary, for not putting enough checks and balancing in place that will guide government excessive borrowing.

Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to assent the Finance Bill into law, Chukwu said it was not even right in the first place for Buhari to sign the 2023 Budget, without signing the Finance Bill, which he said should have been the document that would guide discussions about the budget before it is even signed

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OTUNBA OLASUBOMI BALOGUN'S NEW YEAR EVENT...

L-R: The Dagburewe of Idowa Town, Oba Yinusa Adekoya; a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Founder, FCMB Group, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun; Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Co-Founder, EKO Hospital, Chief Sunny Kuku, during a New Year Programme organised by Otunba Balogun in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State... yesterday

Finally, FG Inaugurates NDDC's Governing Board Threatens severe sanctions for breach of contract approval limits Onochie seeks support Ondo community asks court to stop board’s inauguration Alex Enumah in Abuja After over three years of flip-flops, the federal government yesterday inaugurated the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The new board has as its Chairman, former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbukwu as Managing Director.

The inauguration, which came barely few months to the end of the tenure of the Buhari's Administration, has being enmeshed in numerous crisis with pending court cases at the Federal High Court.

Inaugurating the board in Abuja, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Umana, urged the board to immediately hit the ground running by implementing recommendations of the Report of the Forensic Audit of the Commission carried out in 2019.

Umana specifically charged the board to look into, "allegations of irregular employment from 2019 and follow up on the ongoing personal audit in the Commission to make sure all cases of employment during the period under review were in accordance with extant rules and regulations of the service."

Besides, the minister stressed the need for the board and the management to strictly adhere by the procurement Act as well as the financial regulations to ensure prudence in the management of limited resources.

"Every contract above the threshold of management is to be referred to the Ministerial Tender Board of the Federal Executive Council.

"Any breach of contract approval

limits will attract severe sanctions."

Umana, who encouraged members to focus on the completion of ongoing projects, advised them to shun the lure of the "award of spurious and indiscriminate new contracts", so as to help in repairing the negative public perception of the NDDC. In his remarks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, noted that the Inauguration of the new board would not have been possible without the collaboration of the National Assembly.

Mustapha, who was represented by a former Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Habiba Lawal, accordingly charged members of the new board to bring all their expertise to bear to transform the lives and environment of the region.

He added that the board should endeavour to be transparent and follow due diligence in all its activities so as to restore the hope and resilience of the Niger Delta people in the Commission.

Meanwhile, new Chairman of the board, Ms. Lauretta Onochie, has appealed to Nigerians, especially people from the Niger Delta region to accord them the necessary support needed to deliver on their mandates.

She assured that the board has put in place a template for the speedy development of the socioeconomic development of the region.

While assuring of positive changes, Onochie noted that, "we cannot continue to work with failed templates and get a different result."

She said, "we are going to do things totally different so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit

from what Nigeria has been investing in the region. In the past many investments in the Niger Delta have found its way to Abuja, London, Dubai and elsewhere."

Onochie added that part of the new board's goal was to change the narratives from the current situation where youths sought for Special Assistants (SAs) jobs to being employers of labour.

She added that the Buhari's administration was committed to youth development and would do everything possible to equip youths in the region with necessary skills to compete with their peers from other climes.

Meanwhile, major stakeholders in Ilaje Local Government Area

of Ondo State have asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from inaugurating the Governing Board of the NDDC, pending the hearing and determination of the suit challenging the nomination of Mr. Charles Ogunmola as the Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC. The plaintiffs in the case led by the former Clerk of the National Assembly and also Chairman Board of Trustees of Ugboland Development Congress, Oluyemi Ogunyomi, Mr. Adebowale Karaki and Dr. Mann Ali, trustee and Secretary of Ugboland Development Congress, respectively, predicated the case on the grounds that Ogunmola is

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reacted to the high cost of fuel in the south-east, calling on the federal government to make petroleum products available to the masses.

The group said Nigerian masses were in agony over the scarcity of petroleum products, leading to the inability of their members to get products to dispense to consumers.

The Chairman of Enugu Depot of the group, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso stated this in an interview with journalists.

A litre of fuel presently sells for as

high at about N350 in some petrol stations in Anambra State, while some still dispense at N300. This is a far cry from the federal government approved pump price of the product, which is N185 per litre.

Anyaso said: "The NNPC has not been supplying fuel to independent marketers for a very long time. We source for the product from private tank farm owners who sell at very exorbitant prices.

"As at 31st of December 2022, marketers were buying the product at the cost of N237 per litre, then pay N3 loading cost and N15 for transportation which brings the landing cost to about N255 and N260 per liter depending on

with Ogunmola as the Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC since he was not an indigene of the oil producing area of the state.

Specifically, the plaintiffs are seeking, "an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st – 4th respondents whether by themselves, their servants or agents and/ or privies from taking any step or further step in treating and/ or dealing with or in any manner according the 5th respondent the status of Executive Director of Projects of the Niger-Delta Development Commission, pending the hearing and final determination of the Originating Summons herein."

Continues online

NAFDAC DG Pledges to Reposition Nigeria for Vaccine Manufacturing Outlines targets in second tenure Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof.

Mojisola Adeyeye has pledged to devote the greater part of her second tenure towards making Nigeria a vaccine manufacturing hub.

She also vowed to eradicate fake and counterfeit medicine by addressing glitches in the country's medicine supply chain.

While addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, to mark

her reappointment for second tenure, Adeyeye said as part of her strategic goals for 2023-2028 the agency would pursue the attainment of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Vaccine Lot Release ML4 to position Nigeria strategically for vaccine manufacturing.

Apart from ensuring good manufacturing practice of the Nigeria vaccine company, Adeyeye said NAFDAC would strive to attain the World Listed Authority (WLA) status that would enable global trade of Nigerian-made pharmaceuticals

High Cost of Petrol in South-east Worries IPMAN, Urges FG to Intervene David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

from Owo in the Northern axis of Ondo State and not an indigene of the oil producing area of the State.

While other plaintiffs are Incorporated Trustees of Ilaje Advancement Forum, Mr. Idowu Mafimisebi, Mr. Olaniran Obele and Mr. Ige Asemudara, defendants include President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, the Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Mr. Charles B. Ogunmola.

In the suit filed on January 3, 2023, by Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the plaintiffs are seeking an order of injunction to restrain the president from inaugurating, recognising or dealing

location.

“Despite the high cost, getting the product is even becoming very difficult, as most private tank farm owners are not selling to marketers."

Speaking on how the problem could be solved, the IPMAN boss said there was need to resuscitate all the refineries across the country, and that the federal government should come out clear on the issue of oil subsidy to enable Nigerians plan their activities.

He blamed the latest scarcity and high cost of the product on the NNPC, which has the monopoly of refining and importing the product into the country but has not lived up to expectations.

Anyaso noted that if the NNPC had imported enough products as they always claim, petrol would be available and thereby force the price of the commodity down.

"The federal government should flood the market with products, and definitely the price will come down. They promised us since that the Port Harcourt refinery is going to come on stream and we have not seen that.

"Warri refinery, Kaduna refinery nothing. Dangote refinery they said early this year, we are equally watching. Once these refineries are producing optimally, it will solve the problem of local petroleum needs of the country."

through collaborative registration with other regulatory agencies.

"We will seek to attain WHO ML4 and WLA status. Attainment will enable global trade of Nigerian-made pharmaceuticals through collaborative registration with other regulatory agencies "Local Pharma manufacturers to be more competitive in AfCFTA, attain Vaccine Lot Release ML4 to position Nigeria strategically for vaccine manufacturing and ensure good manufacturing practice of Nigeria vaccine company.

"We will essure quality, safety and efficacy of vaccines manufactured in Nigeria or imported," she said.

The DG also pledged that NAFDAC would establish vaccine Clinical Trial Research and service pipeline for the local manufacturer while pursuing newer initiatives to boost the fortunes of the country's drug manufacturing industry.

Adeyeye who expressed worry over the persistence of counterfeit medicine in the Nigerian market, assured that the agency would in her second tenure pursue newer initiatives to monitor and sanitise the drug supply chain.

According to her, continual sanitisation of the supply chain units would mitigate counterfeits and fake products.

She further assured that NAFDAC would scale up the track and trace of imported and locally manufactured

pharmaceuticals and establish structured and active tracking and tracing through solution providers.

To this end, the DG said the agency would also initiate track and trace of foods to ensure that they are safe for consumption.

She also said the agency would mount continuous vigilance in order to reduce distribution of counterfeit medicines, and narcotics in the country The NAFDAC boss also said other new interventions being planned by the agency include: training of staff on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) regulation, developing NAFDAC-Industry API Manufacturing Regulation and enhance Research and Development Training Platforms with the Pharmaceutical Industry in the country.

Speaking on research and development, Adeyeye said NAFDAC would iIncrease collaboration with the academia on regulatory science training In addition, she pledged continuous strengthening of regulatory activities and creative engagement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

She assured that there would be more proactive interaction with different sectors of MSMEs at the state level and better engagement on exportation of regulated products Continues online

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THURSDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

ELEVEN

2023: Tinubu Pledges to Serve Nigeria Better, Protect Life If Elected President

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu, has pledged to serve Nigeria better if elected president in next month's general election.

Tinubu told a crowd of party members during the North West rally held in Kano, yesterday, saying, " I will serve you. I will serve Nigeria".

According to him, "Today I have come to Kano to dance.

I promised to serve you and your family in peace and harmony. I will serve Nigeria and protect all."

The APC Presidential and other national working councils of the party led by the national chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu drove for

about two hours on the road from Kano Government House to Sani Abacha Stadium, the venue of the rally.

In his welcome address, the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said, "Today is the Arafat of politics in Kano. We are the biggest and largest democratic state in Nigeria' "In Kano, we have 444 elected councilors and 44 local government areas. We are the biggest state with the highest presence of democratic process in the country".

Ganduje explained that in Kano, "We have so many variables if you are planning to win elections. The most important of all elections and credible to us now is the presidential election.

"The second variable is credibility and credential of our governorship candidate, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, and his running mate, Murtala Sule Garo, they have all the credibility to continue with

our development projects in Kano State."

In his brief remarks, the Director General of the Tinubu Presidential campaign council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, appealed to the

electorate to vote for Tinubu during the next month election.

Lalong expressed confidence that Kano people would massively vote for the APC and commended Ganduje for the warm reception accorded

DSS NABS ISWAP MASTERMINDS OF KOGI BOMB EXPLOSION DURING BUHARI'S VISIT 24, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A statement issued by the agency said the duo of Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman, were arrested on January 3, 2023.

It said Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape.

"He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility,"

DSS said.

The statement said the Vehicleborne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack occurred on December 29, 2022 near the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State, during the visit of the president to commission some projects in the state.

DSS said the suspects were in custody and would be prosecuted accordingly.

The statement read, "The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that

it has arrested the mastermind of the Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack, which occurred on 29th December, 2022, near the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Okene, Kogi State, during the visit of the president to commission some projects.

"The service arrested Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman on 3rd January, 2023. Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot

N243 trillion, and independent revenues are projected to be N2.62 trillion. Other revenues total N762 billion. In aggregate, 22 per cent of projected revenues is expected from oil-related sources, while 78 per cent is to be earned from non-oil sources."

The minister pointed out that the overall budget deficit was N11.34 trillion for 2023, which represents 5.03 per cent of GDP. She said the budget deficit would be financed mainly by borrowing from domestic sources the sum of N7.04 trillion; foreign sources, N1.76 trillion; multilateral loan drawdowns, N1.77 billion; and privatisation proceeds, N206.18 billion "The gap between the revenue, additional financing and total expenditure, amounting to N553.46 billion is expected to be financed by additional revenue from spectrum fees and tax on the maritime sector," Ahmed explained.

80.6 percent for the period under review, a figure far above World Bank’s suggested 22.5 per cent for low-income countries, like Nigeria.

Ahmed said the federal government’s share of oil revenues generated within the period was N586.71 billion (representing 35.7 percent performance), while nonoil tax revenues totalled N2.09 trillion, a performance of 123.3 per cent.

She said Companies’ Income Tax (CIT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) collections were N1.08 trillion and N295.2 billion, RESPECTIVELY, representing 158.6 per cent and 124.3 per cent of their respective targets.

According to Ahmed, customs collections (comprising import duties, excise, fees, and special levies) exceeded the target by N15.42 billion (i.e., 102 per cent performance). She added that other revenues amounted to N3.72 trillion, of which independent revenue was N1.32 trillion.

On the expenditure side, the minister said as at the end of November 2022, the government had spent a total of N12.87 trillion, out of which N1.88 trillion was released for capital expenditure.

On non-oil sources, Ahmed said the overall budget deficit for the 2023 budget was N11.34 trillion, representing 5.03 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

FG: INCOMING ADMINISTRATION WILL INHERIT N77TRN DEBT Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through Ways and Means. The additional N1 trillion would take the total Ways and Means Advances from the CBN to N23 trillion, which the government seeks to convert to bonds.

But Oniha explained that the move by the federal government to securitise the loans (Ways and Means) from the central bank would drive up the debt to about N77 trillion.

Although data released by the DMO had put Nigeria’s public debt at N44.06 trillion as at third quarter 2022, the federal government plans to further borrow to finance its supplementary budget as well as the 2023 budget.

Oniha explained, "There are a lot of discussions on the Ways and Means. In addition to the significant cost saving in loan service we would get by securitising it, there is an element of transparency in the sense that it is now reflected in the public debt stock.

“Once it is passed by the National Assembly, it means we will be seeing that figure included in the public debt. You will see a significant increase in public debt to N77 trillion.

"The other area of the debt stock we are trying to highlight is to say the debt stock is also growing from the issuance of promissory notes, which are not true borrowing as such by the government."

Earlier, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said when the Ways and Means gets legislative backing, it would help reduce the current interest on it to about nine per cent, while also stretching repayment period to about 40 years.

Ahmed said at the moment, the Ways and Means was running at interest rates averaging 18.5 per cent.

She explained, “Currently, the Ways and Means is running interest rates, which today is averaging 18.5 per cent. That's a very, very harvest, so if this is not affordable, the interest rates accruing again and adding to the Ways and Means anything from N1.8 trillion to N2.2 trillion. So, that will be the consequence.

"I'm sure they will understand.

So, once that approval is given, it will benefit from a lower interest cost of nine per cent and will benefit from a stretched initiated plan of 40 years with a three- year moratorium which will provide very significant relief to the federal government.”

Ahmed reiterated that Nigeria was not planning to restructure its debt, just as she said the country was committed to meeting its domestic and external debt obligations.

She stressed that Nigeria would, however, continue to utilise appropriate debt management tools to streamline the cost and risk profile in the debt portfolio, including through concessional loans, spreading out of debt maturities to avoid bunching, and re-profiling of the debt maturities by refinancing short-term debt using long-term debt instruments.

The minister revealed that the federal government lost N6 trillion to various tax incentives and waivers in 2021. To this end, she said the federal government would be phase out the Integrated Corporate Income Tax, otherwise known as Pioneer Tax Incentives, for industries that had grown in the 2023 Appropriation Act. Buhari had on Tuesday signed the N21.83 trillion 2023 appropriation bill into law. But the president deferred the signing of the Finance Bill 2022, which was still being reviewed, especially over its conflicts with the fiscal term of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The proposed Finance Bill was said to have taken away all concessions given by the PIA. For instance, it disincentivised investments in the petroleum sector, leading to massive protest by the international oil companies (IOCs), especially in the area of gas flaring.

But Ahmed noted that even though phasing out the incentive won’t be a popular decision, it became imperative in order to ensure that infant industries, especially from the information technology sector, benefited from the policy.

The minister assured that the president would be signing the Finance Bill into law in a couple of days.

She stated, "We are phasing out Integrated Corporate Income Tax incentives for mature industries and maybe people popularly just understand when you see pioneer tax.

"We have tax provisions that are dated to 1958 or something.

So there are some industries from that schedule at that time that were classified as infant and we are saying they have grown and need to exit. And we need to bring in new infant industries to benefit. Such industries are industries that are now growing in the IT sector that didn't exist that need these opportunities.

And we are glad that the Start-up Act has also emphasised that.

"So, we will be exiting some industries from the incentive of pioneer tax. We are aware that this is not going to be a very popular thing to do, but it is a must do for us.

"As at 2021, the tax expenditure of government was N6 trillion.

That is, N6 trillion in revenue in

Tinubu.

Adamu said they were overwhelmed by the turnout and that it was a sign of victory for the ruling party during the rally, flags were presented to Gawuna and Garo.

terms of different kinds of tax incentives, tax holidays, exemptions of import duties, different kinds of waivers, and revenue.

"When we appreciate the need to provide incentives to encourage industry, we have to create a balance that we're not giving out too much without getting much.”

The minister explained that the 2023 projections deviated somewhat from the National Development Plan of 2021-2025.

She stressed that this was because government had to adjust to the current economic realities, as well as the modified medium term outlook.

She said, for instance, the real GDP was projected to be 3.75 per cent in 2022, compared to 4.37 per cent that the government had projected in the Medium Term Development Plan.

Growth was expected to moderate to 3.3 per cent in 2024, before it picks up again to 3.46 per cent in 2025.

The minister said inflation rate was projected to average 17.16 percent in 2023, adding, “So we are expecting inflation to moderate and begin to go down and by the end of 2023, it should average 17.16 per cent and also further decline to 14.93 percent. This is, of course, our projection."

Ahmed said the government hoped that the Russia/Ukraine war would abate and that the global economic growth projection would improve or at least stay under current assumption level and does not decline.

She revealed, "The projected fiscal outcomes in the 2023 budget is based on petroleum subsidy reform ratio and that is to say in the 2023 framework, we had assumed and the National Assembly had approved that petrol subsidy will remain up to the middle of 2023 based on the 18 months extension announced early in 2022.

"In the 2023 budget framework, it is assumed that petrol subsidy will remain up to mid-2023 based on the 18-month extension announced early 2022. In this regard, only N3.36 trillion has been provided for PMS subsidy."

Ahmed also assured that there would be tighter enforcement of the performance management framework for GovernmentOwned Enterprises (GOEs) in order to increase operating surplus /dividend remittances in 2023.

Ahmed noted, "Total revenue available to fund the 2023 budget is estimated at N10.49 trillion. This includes the gross revenues of 63 GOEs totalling N3.87 trillion.

"Of this, oil revenue share is projected at N2.29 trillion, non-oil taxes are estimated at

80.6% of revenue spent on debt service in 11 months

Ahmed revealed that the federal government spent a total of N5.24 trillion on debt servicing between January and November 2022, out of its N6.5 trillion retained revenue for the same period.

The amount puts the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio at

while attempting to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at a health facility."

The statement signed by DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, disclosed that "during investigations, it was ascertained that Otaru was a top commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations: “The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State."

It said a police Inspector, Idris Musa, was killed while two AK-47 rifles were carted away in that attack.

Other attacks planned by the suspects, according to the DSS, included the July 5, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the August 5, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Limited (WACL) in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State in which three Indian expatriates were kidnapped.

It would be recalled that five persons, including one Indian, two policemen, and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack.

The kidnapped expatriates were released on August 31, 2022.

"Otaru operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State.

Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo states," DSS said.

The statement said, "The service reiterates its commitment to the safety of the nation. It assures to work assiduously with stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security.

"It, therefore, calls on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country."

NUPRC TO LICENCE HOLDERS: DISCLOSE FULL OWNERSHIP OF FIRMS OPERATING IN NIGERIA’S OIL, GAS SECTOR and mining industries through its agencies in the sectors.

Recently, Komolafe, while applauding NEITI’s efforts in the promotion of an open and accountable system in the management of extractive resources, explained that NUPRC and NEITI shared a common vision of transparency in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The NUPRC, he said, was fully committed to working with NEITI to deepen Nigeria’s implementation of contract transparency and beneficial ownership disclosures in the country in a bid to ensure that the revenues from natural resource assets supported national development and helped reduce poverty.

Komolafe stated, “At the NUPRC, we are implementing the beneficial ownership reporting system, as it is a statutory requirement, which demands full disclosure of beneficial ownership information.

“The commission is engaging the oil and companies to ensure their mandatory compliance.”

He maintained that the idea was to ensure that citizens were aware of who they were doing business with or competing against, adding that it will also encourage appropriate stakeholder engagement, which is a part of Nigeria’s open government

action plan.

But in the latest notice, NUPRC stated that those to be affected by the notice included persons with significant control of at least five per cent shares and directly or indirectly holding the same percentage of voting rights, among others.

NUPRC said, “The commission hereby requires all entities that apply for or hold a participating interest in an exploration or production oil and gas licence, lease or contract to provide information of their owners, including the identity(ies) of their beneficial owner(s), the level of ownership and details about how that ownership or control is exerted.

“Accordingly, all relevant persons are hereby required to provide the information of persons with significant control over them: A person with significant control means any person directly or indirectly holding at least five per cent of the shares or interest in a relevant person.

“Or a (person) directly or indirectly holding at least 5 per cent of the voting rights in a relevant person; and directly or indirectly holding the right to appoint or remove a majority of the directors or partners in a relevant person.”

In addition, it stated that the significant persons were those

otherwise having the right to exercise or actually exercise significant influence or control over a relevant person; or having the right to exercise, or actually exercising significant influence or control over the activities of a trust or firm, whether or not it is a legal entity.

NUPRC intimated all affected stakeholders that the information shall be provided using the beneficial ownership declaration form included in the notification.

The commission stated, “All current holders of participating interest in an exploration or production oil and gas license, lease or contract are hereby required to fill the beneficial ownership declaration form and send to the commission ...not later than seven days from the date of this notification.

“All entities that henceforth apply for participating interest in an exploration or production oil and gas licence, lease or contract shall also be required to fill the beneficial ownership declaration form and submit with their application.”

It further explained that notice of change in persons in significant control over a relevant person shall be provided by the relevant person within 30 days of the change using the change in beneficial ownership declaration form.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023 • T H I S D AY

15 Advertorial

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Kwanee: With Amended Electoral Act, There Will be Proper Election in Rivers Former Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and Governorship Candidate of Zenith Labour Party, Hon. Leyii Kwanee, in this interview with Blessing Ibunge, speaks on Governor Nyesom Wike’s Executive Orders 21 and 22 and why he’s optimistic the provisions of Electoral Act 2022 will ensure real election takes place in the state in the first quarter of 2023

C

an you tell us who Leyii Kwanee is?

My name is Leyii Kwanee, I was born 57 years ago to the family of Mr and Mrs Roland Kwanee from Taabaa Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. I grew up in my community and enjoyed the ambience and aura of communal living. I travelled to Port Harcourt for the first time when I was in class three. I attended primary and secondary school in my community and by 1983, I concluded my secondary education and my quest for further education was steered by a particular man in my community who often called me “my Professor”. My first attempt to secure university education was stifled so I went to the School of Basic studies Port Harcourt, now Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.

I later got admission into the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology in 1985 to study law. I graduated and attended the Nigeria Law School and was called to the Nigeria Bar in 1990. I did my Youth Service Corp with the Legal Aid Council after which l worked with the then Khana/ Oyigbo Local Government Area as a Legal Officer.

After my stint with the NYSC, I co-founded a Legal Office, Kwanee and Co in Abuja were I engaged in active legal practice until the herald of Democratic transition in 1999, when I made another adventure into partisan politics.

But the political space then was still not accommodative of my interest so I returned to Abuja to start all over again. The experience became a turning point in my life.

How do you combine your experience as a private solicitor, public servant and active political partisan, having served in the state legislature as Deputy Speaker?

Everything in life is centred around human being. God created us in his likeness, human beings are the raw materials for social coexistence. Without human being life stifles and die.

All of my life I have been human focused.

At the NYSC, I related with a lot of young people with rays of enthusiasm and positive dreams which I helped to groom into limelights. I helped to facilitate their deployments, redeployments and to cancel them on other post graduation challenges. I have always been helpful to people, especially the young ones, while holding elderly people in very high esteem.

I love people, you will always meet people as a lawyer, you relate and deal with people as a politician. As the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, my office was beehive of activities. Some days we attended to over 100 people. I rarely could put a wall of partitioning or discrepancy in attending to people from different backgrounds and needs.

You relapsed into private life for a while after you left the active political scene as Deputy Speaker, and now you are launching back into active politics by contesting for the position of Governor of Rivers under the platform of Zenith Labor Party. Why do you think you have the magical wand to rule a complex state like Rivers?

I’ve been an active participant in the evolving political scenario in Rivers State right from the days of former Governor Peter Odili, to Chibuike Amaechi, and I have been watching the Nyesom Wike’s Government closely. I have garnered a lot of experience all these years, including experience from the private sector.

I think there’s a missing link in the leadership of the people, this relates with the alienation of the people from being active participants in the process of governance. Leadership must be centred around the people. Rivers is the

youth’s believe in the entity call Nigeria, which is bigger than personal interests. If we may get it right, then a revolution must come through the ballots.

Kwanee

second richest state in Nigeria after Lagos, endowed with natural and human resources.

These resources have been underutilized, creating a yawning gap in the promotion and sustainability of our collective economic prosperity. We are coming on board with selflessness, sacrifice and to be people focused.

We are not coming to amass wealth or swindle our common wealth, but to plough our resources for multiplier economic impacts.

We will make public our assets before assuming office and also declare our assets after our stewardship. We are going to put in place a new era of prosperity that will be people driven, where Rivers people will be engaged creatively to work out a sustainable economic livelihood.

We are coming with the fear of God because this project is a divine mandate.

As a technocrat with vast experience in the private and public sectors, how do you consider the policy of comparative economic advantage as a panacea for economic revolution in Rivers State?

Rivers State is vast in cultural, economic and indigenous contents. Each Local Government Area in Rivers State is possessive of peculiar economic advantages that needs to be harnessed for economic growth. Apart from the huge deposits of oil and gas, the state is blessed with agrarian potentials and other resources that are lying forlorn.

We have three viable Senatorial Districts that need to be fully industrialized and urbanized.

We will urbanize Ahoada, Bori and Degema and make them smart economic centres, we will also harness human capital to stimulate local economy and stem rural urban migration.

A new nexus in Nigeria Politics today is the startling guts of the youth to evade the strangle grip of power by the older political class, are you optimistic of an impending populist revolt through the ballots?

If I wasn’t optimistic, I won’t do what I am doing today. I wouldn’t have left the known for the unknown. I have over the years developed a spartan discipline and character that can stand the test of time. The consciousness and awareness is such that people are looking beyond political parties. Why it’s so bad for the APC and PDP is that even if today you bring angels from heaven to run the presidential tickets of these two parties, the cabals that surround these parties will not allow the right thing to be done.

The awareness is a demonstration of the

Right from 1999 until date, there has never been election in Rivers state. So with the new Electoral Act, I think there is going to be proper election. It has always been writing results, from the regime of Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi’s time, even till this present Governor Nyesom Wike’s first and second tenure. With the amended electoral law, vote is going to count and the people are very important in this our democracy.

INEC has assured that votes will count in 2023, but a lot of people are still indifferent because of low awareness and perceived infringement of their franchise in previous elections. How will you and your party mobilize the people to vote?

During my formal introduction as the Governorship Candidate of my party, a young man got amused and when he was asked why he acted in such sceptical and sarcastic mould, he simply dismissed the possibilities of a credible and fair polls in Nigeria, he said, during the previous elections votes were cast by proxy, as he didn’t have the opportunity of voting for the candidates of his choice.

I want to give kudos to INEC for re-engineering the electoral laws to tackle these electoral flaws. The new laws have been put to test in two states in Nigeria and the outcome is interesting. Though there’s tendency of vote buying, it’s better than being deprived one’s vote.

Now let me tell you about the surprising aspect of the vote buying, you might give a man money, but you won’t follow him to the point voting to be sure he cast his vote in your favour. Nigerians are desirous of securing their future through their votes, people will vote their conscience.

Talking about mobilization, we are talking with a lot of grassroots based organisations. I can assure you that in the weeks ahead, we will be in all the communities, in all the available media space to sensitize our people that votes will count.

The Zenith Labor Party has come to offer hope and rejuvenation into the leadership of Rivers State. We are service driven and we have come to offer quality services to Rivers State by restoring the vestiges of our collective bond as a people with common socio cultural and political destiny. We will ensure that the institutions in the state are strengthened to ensure social order.

As a governorship candidate of ZLP, how do you deal with the state government Executive Orders 21 and 22, which mandated that every political party must get approval from the government before conducting campaign in any public properties in the state.

Right from 1999 until date, there has never been election in Rivers state. So with the new Electoral Act, I think there is going to be proper election. It has always been writing results, from the regime of Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi’s time, even till this present Governor Nyesom Wike’s first and second tenure. With the amended electoral law, vote is going to count and the people are very important in this our democracy.

All the measures you see with this our outgoing Governor is threatened by the new Electoral Act, he is doing whatever means possible in order to secure himself, by shutting every other political parties down and seeing that there is no competition in Rivers State, so at the end of the day Rivers people will have no other choice but rely only on his PDP. Because if he allows room for competition, his excesses will be exposed. But beyond all of that, Rivers people are wiser and will not fall into that antic. I have said severally that both the Order 21 and 22, they are evil, they are demonic and of course they are not going to stand the test of time.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023

POLITICS

Pela: I’ll Enthrone Fairness, Equity and Justice If Elected Delta Governor Labour Party’s Governorship Candidate for Delta State, Deacon Ken Pela, in this interview with Gboyega Akinsanmi, speaks about his foray into partisan politics, programmes of action he plans to execute if elected governor, among other issues.

C

an you give a brief about yourself?

I am an economist by training.

I became an investment banker before I went back to my original passion, which is real estate development. My original dream was to be an architect, but I ended up studying Economics. Now, I have been doing real estate development. In addition to that, I have been an entrepreneur.

I have been involved in captive power. I chair a company that specialises in captive power in Otta Industrial Estate. I am involved in a company that is into agriculture, especially mechanisation of agriculture and the full value chain of agriculture.

A good number of people believe you are a greenhorn in Delta politics. Hence, you may not be able to compete effectively with the candidates of the leading political parties. How true is this claim?

My journey in politics started about 22 years ago. Then, I aspired to be chairman in my local government in Delta State. I won my primary.

But those who are familiar with Delta politics will know that there is a system in place that does not allow true democracy to thrive. The state has been under the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for almost 24 years.

So, I started politics in the PDP. Even though I won the primary, I was not allowed to become the candidate.

At the end of that contest, I stayed in politics.

I have been a member of the Governing Council and Acting Chairman, National Institute of Sports (NIS). Under my leadership, the institute organised the first and only Emerging Athletes Hunt in conjunction with Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF). The idea was to make NIS self-sufficient and the pillar of sports in Nigeria.

The idea was to gather various athletes from the grassroots and groom them to become national athletes. After my stint in the NIS, I was Chairman of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank.

Also, I was briefly a member of the Delta School of Marine Technology. Though I have been involved in the political process in the last 22 years, these are the political appointments that I had got.

Beyond all these appointments, what really inspired you to throw your hat into the ring of the governorship contest in Delta State?

Since my aspiration for chairman, I have not contested any elective position because I have a job I am doing. So, being involved in politics is because of my desire for change and my passion to contribute my quota to changing the narratives. More particularly, I have been involved in developing my locality.

I have done that from the perspective of the private sector.

I was the one and only person that established in my place over 20 years ago. That was because I felt I could contribute my quotas to the development of my locality. But I found out that if you really want to make changes, you must be in politics. I was not particularly keen about politics initially. That changed after I received the prophecy that I should be in politics. I did not think I should enter into politics until I received direct revelation.

After what happened in 2002 when I won the chairmanship primary and I was denied the ticket, I told God that I did not want to contest it because I wanted to do it. But I contested then because it was something God wanted me to do. Like I said, the revelation was specific that I was going to be the Governor of Delta State. I told God that if it was really what He wanted me to do, work it out in your own time.

I stay in politics, but focus on my business. I was involved whenever I needed to.

Given what it takes to successfully contest the governorship election in Nigeria, why don’t you start with the House of Representatives or Senate to test your popularity?

Movement in the country today. People with desire, passion and zeal to change the country have come together with their own resources to begin to change the narratives.

What we understand as political structure in Nigeria today is the structure of criminality.

This enables those in governments to use the public funds to finance and build a political structure. But what we have in the Labour Party is the Obedient Movement. People of their own desire and free will are using their own funds to mobilise support for Peter Obi and other candidates of the Labour Party.

When other parties want to do anything, they will have to provide funds to mobilise their supporters. In our case, however, we have a situation whereby people in their own free will are using their funds to mobilise support for us.

We can see it everywhere today. That gives us an advantage to be able to easily build the structure of the people who are passionate about changing the narratives. There is a difference between people who are paid to do something and people who are committed to a common cause and ready to use their own resources to achieve it. The Bible says where your treasure is, that is where your heart is.

Now, a man who spent his own blood, money and sweat to prepare for an election will keep his vigil to protect it.

That is what we have across the federation today and not just in Delta State. People are using their own resources, talent and time to campaign and mobilise for us across the state.

I am confident they will defend the result of the election.

Pela

After my experiences as the acting chairman of a federal board and the chairman of a state board, I realised that there are only 37 positions in this country that make any sense if you are going to make any change. It is either you are governor or you are the president. Those are the positions where you can make definite changes and where the bulk stops on your table.

If you are a commissioner, you are responsible to your governor.

If you try to make changes and he does not like them, he will stop you. If you are the chairman of a board, you are responsible to your supervisory ministry. If you try to make any change, they will stop you. That was part of the reason I did not contest any position after my experience in 2002. I initially thought I could stand a chance in the PDP because I have been in the PDP all these years. I also know that the way Delta PDP is run, it will be impossible to clinch the governorship ticket.

How then do you end up being the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Delta State?

The opportunity to contest the

governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party began to present itself with the problem we had in the PDP over the last 11 months. We have schism in the party because the governor was going in one direction and his political godfather was going in another direction. This situation presented an opportunity.

Even with this situation, I did not go looking for it. Rather, I was focussed on supporting former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, because I believed in his candidacy. You know I said there were only 37 positions that help one to make change. If you have a president who is focussed on changing this country, it will help.

We will begin to have change with Peter Obi as the President of Nigeria. That was my primary focus. I set out to support Obi’s presidential aspiration and ensure we are able to win. Somewhere along the line, someone asked me to contest the governorship election.

That is how the opportunity came to contest on the platform of the Labour Party.

Like I once said, I asked God to work it out in His own time. I believe that the way I got the ticket of the Labour Party and the situation on ground today show the involvement of God. Is the structure of the Labour Party in Delta State strong enough to guarantee your victory in the governorship poll?

Political structure can be built. That has been proven with the emergence of the Obedient

My vision is to build a better Delta state, where righteousness, harmony and prosperity reign. When I talk about righteousness, I am not talking about righteousness in religious connotation.

The dictionary meaning for righteousness is to do the right thing. In this context, we plan to enthrone righteousness, the rule of law, accountability and integrity in governance. We intend to cut waste in government and address corrupt practices.

We also intend to enthrone transparency in government.

You are running the PDP that has been in charge for almost 24 years and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who is the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC). Why do you think you can defeat these candidates?

In Delta, PDP today is not the PDP of yesterday. There is a deep schism among the leaders of Delta PDP. Today, Delta PDP has been divided into four factions. First, some are with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Second, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege left with a huge number of leaders and members of Delta PDP. Third, many still have their allegiance with David Edevbie, whom former Delta State Governor, James Ibori anointed to succeed Okowa. Finally, others are aloof, still thinking where they will go. That is the situation in Delta PDP today. We do not have the formidable PDP that we used to have.

Aside, the governorship candidate of Delta PDP and Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is not acceptable across the state. With this schism, people are no longer committed to Delta PDP. That is the situation we have in Delta PDP as of today.

On Ovie Omo-Agege, what they depend upon is money and resources. But we have a wind of change blowing across the federation today where money will not determine the outcome of the 2023 elections. That kind of funding that used to determine elections before will no longer be a determinant of who wins the next elections.

The question is: what gives me the confidence that I will defeat the governorship candidates of Delta APC and PDP? The first is the situation on the ground, which I believe it is God doing.

I believe God has orchestrated the situation we currently have in Delta State to my favour.

It gives an opportunity to someone like me, whom God has ordained to be the next governor of Delta State.

On the one hand, we have a divided party struggling for survival. On the other hand, we have an army of committed people who are ready to use their own resources to liberate their state. With all these scenarios, Delta State is now ripe for change.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

FEATURES St Patrick Kakwagom - Boki, 100 Years After

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

The remarkable works of St Patrick's Society, SPS, from Kiltegan, Republic of Ireland, has left major footprints in many facets of society in Nigeria, including, Kakwagom - Boki, old Ogoja Province, in today's Cross River State 100 years after the coming of the white missionaries. Paul Obi writes on the centenary anniversary

St Patrick Catholic Church Kakwagom Boki

T

he idea of Christian evangelization for Nigeria was first conceived by Bishop John Shanahan, in 1920 in faraway Kiltegan, Republic of Ireland. By 1921, the Irish missionaries arrived Southern Nigeria in the coast of British West Africa and commenced evangelism, spreading Catholicism in the hinterland. Within the Cross River area, made up of today Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, beyond the Malaria plaque that was a big challenge, the receptive nature in some of the towns the Irish missionaries visited will go a long way to define today's history and the making of the new world in those locations.

Thus, by 1921 when the Irish Missionaries arrived Okem, in the Ishibori area of then old Ogoja Province, they started evangelism, and later added Western education to their missionary work. Giving a historical account of events in view of the centenary celebration of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Kakwagom, Boki, a former Director of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and an indigene of Kakwagom, who had joined the missionary as a seminarian in the latter years, Rev Dr George Obi Bisong explained that as the news of the arrival of the white missionaries spread, it was Mr Njagu Ekpinjok from Kakwagom who went in search of the missionaries alongside his son, Gereald Otu Njagu. Bisong stated that it took Mr Ekpinjok long time to arrived Ishibori, present day Ogoja as there were no motorable roads then.

According to Bisong, "When Ekpinjok finally met the Irish missionaries led by Fr Shanahan, he inquired whether the white's man religion and education could be extended to his village." It was in that desire that the Irish missionaries first made move to establish a Christian village in Kakwu, near Effigbo in Kakwagom community. The first set of Catecumen and learners were Nathaniel Aseme, Denis Ewung, Finian Binang, Edward Bisong of Bansan community among others.

These new recruits started disseminated Catholicism, education and knowledge of the whiteman's ways, spreading the message across the whole Boki land, Ikom, Bansara, Mbube and even some parts of Southern Cameroun. Kakwagom became a centre of Christianity, civilisation,education and commerce.

As the church expanded, Bisong observed that the villagers became wearied and sceptical of the intentions of the white missionaries. Sort of a re-enactment of Chinua

Bishop Joseph Shanahan Brought the Church.

Achebe's Things Fall Apart suspicion of the white man. More so, an apocalyptic concern of what will happen to the native authority and traditional political institutions in Kakwagom then and Boki at large. A concern that caught the rest of British colonial Nigeria. In Things Fall Apart, Achebe narrated this conflict and complexities between the Umuofia community on one hand and Mr James Smith and the Commissioner on the other hand. To disrupt the European incursion into their cultural heritage and African traditional stead, a decision was taken

by Kakwagom community. According to Bisong, "in order to test the powers of the white man, they decided to apportion a vast piece of land - an evil groove to the Irish Catholic missionaries to test the whiteman and church powers. They church survived and it became a Christian and spiritual centre. It had an ancient outlook then," Bisong stated.

Also, a former pupil of St Patrick's Primary School in the early stages, and former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Lt Col Paul Edor Obi (Rtd) while appraising the significance of the centenary anniversary, explained that "the first set of St. Patrick missionaries arrived Ogoja Diocese sometime in the nineteenth century. Their goal was evangelization and spreading of the Catholic faith. ln order to achieve this goal, they tried to win the hearts and minds of the local, by focusing on three areas: education, health care, churches. ln the area of education they started by establishing primary schools a nd later secondary schools."

Obi, a former Board Chairman of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) further stated that "one of the first primary schools was St. Patrick Primary School in Kakwagom which had impacted the education of the community. They also set up similar schools in order places such as St. Peter Primary School Kakwagom - lrruan and St. Columbus Primary School ldum Mbube, to mention a few. These schools provided the feeder for the secondary schools established later. Some of the secondary schools included Mary Knoll College Okuku (For boys) and Holy Child Secondary school, Mount Camel (for girls).

They also established the St. Thomas Teachers Training College, which has now being converted to Thomas Mcgettrick Institute of Technology. Another area of impact is the health care where they built and equipped one of the best hospital in Moniaya- Ogoja

and also health centers in different places." He concluded by stating that, "looking at the impact of St. Patrick missionaries, one can see how a lot of people in Boki and beyond that got early education later had distinguished careers. Mention can be made of Late Amb. MT Mbu, Prof.

Kevin Etta, Late Justice R.I.E.Odu." Also speaking, another former pupil of St Patrick, and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Kevin O. Etta went memory lane and gave account of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Kakwagom and its historical context in today's Cross River State and beyond. Etta observed that he started in Standard Four in 1950 and concluded in 1952.

"We were all there for Standard Six, my friend was the late Dr Abang, I used to stayed in Leo Bisong's place. St Patrick's Catholic Church, Kakwagom was the light of all Boki, even Nwang, Mbube, Bansara. The church was a focal point for the production of all that was good. There were also better teachers; like late Mr Emmanuel Agim, Justice James Binang (Rtd) was my classmate in Standard Six. In St Patrick's then, there were even Igbos, including Bishop John Cross Anyogu, who later became the first indigenous Bishop of Enugu Diocese - he spoke good English, and I learned a lot from him. There was also Mr Ogwu; Mr Nwanze and Mr Bernard Ayambi.

In all, St Patrick's Catholic Church, Kakwagom was a melting pot" Etta said.

Beside the historical accounts indicated above, the place of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Kakwagom in today's world occupies a critical role, particularly, in the history of Cross River State and parts of the old Eastern Nigeria. From raising and grooming Nigeria's first High Commissioner to Great Britain and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, late Chief M.T. Mbu (Otu Agrinya 1 of Boki) known then as the 'Star of Ogoja,' 'Wonder Boy of the Commonwealth,' 'Baby Minister,' to governors, envoys, justices, scholars and intellectuals, religious, clergy, pubic servants, farmers and others, it is difficult to erase the history of the church. In his autobiography, Dignity in Service (Safari Books, 2018), MT. Mbu highlighted that "while in St Patrick School Kakwagom, I had a

Chief MT Mbu Star of Ogoja

unique history. It was in St Patrick's School Kakwagom that I received inspiration of what I set out to be. The genesis of my public image started from there. In Kakwagom, we had Rev. Fr Patrick Meenan as our teacher..." Also, St Patrick has also passed through about four bishops: from Thomas Mcgettrick, Joseph E. Ukpo, John Ayah and now Donatus Akpan, the church has become both a social and ecclesiastical epicenter. Beyond the architectural edifice of the church that bestrode the area like the Roman arcade to the primary school, there is the Handmaid of the Holy Child of Jesus (HHCJ) Novitiate, HHCJ Covent, the Catholic Mission Hospital (which sadly is in a comatose state), and the newly built John Shanahan Secondary School.

More so, beyond the high ranking personalities listed above that St Patrick has produced; today, the institution is not bereaved of great men either. For instance, the current Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dr George A. Ekpungu, Esq was also a pupil in St Patrick. In terms of the clergy, from Boki first priest, Rev Fr kris Owan, late Nicholas Obi, late Peter Ella, late Michael E. Abang to Ogoja Diocese first reverend sister, late Mary Thomas Bisong who died early this year, the list is numerous.

But as the Parish Administrator of the church, Rev Fr Victor Mario Arikpo said of the importance of the centenary anniversary, the church is central to the making of Cross River State in a sense, specifically, within the old Ogoja Province. The priest explained that "St Patrick’s Parish kakwagom, Boki is of immense significance to the ancient faith community which serves as the bedrock of Catholicism within and around the central and northern parts of cross river state." Arikpo further added that "this celebration gives us the opportunity to retrace our road to the historic date of 1922 in which a small group of people gathered on the hills of Effigbo where they were privileged to receive religious care (with the commitment to recite daily prayers and the obligation to receive communion at least once a year), catechetical instructions, moral and social assistance was introduced to build up a family of God’s people." Observers believed that the celebration of the centenary anniversary, therefore attest to the footprints of not just Christianity, but also, the modern world which the church has bequeathed society, community and Nigeria at large.

The history of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Kakwagom - Boki, perhaps will ever remain timeless and unimpeachable, they reasoned.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

#THISISNIGERIA –Seun Onigbinde

The Cultural Revolution Against Incremental Progress

W

hen the former head of the Burkina Faso junta, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, stated that loud gunshots around the Presidential Palace were because of mood swings of soldiers, I felt the comic relief could benefit the creative artistry of the viral jester, Investor Sabinus. In the next few hours, Paul-Henri would lead no government after the unfortunate statement. Burkina Faso has witnessed two coups within nine months. The new leader — Captain Ibrahim Traore — just 34 years old — is a grim reminder of what Nigeria used to be in the mid-1960s. After Blaise Compaore was removed from office in 2014, Burkina Faso flirted with six transitional leaders until Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was elected in December 2015. He was deposed in January 2022 with the usual bombast from coup plotters and those who removed him in January were taken out in September, with the same quip — the failure to curb insurgency.

After running in circles since independence, oscillating between khaki and agbada, Nigerians have primarily agreed that we are stuck with democracy and there’s no shred of the military putsch in our national psyche. What changed?

This brings me to a conversation with a friend who moaned about the terrible nature of Obasanjo’s government.

With Odi and Zaki Biam, I know that the government did not smell roses, but why the acerbic opprobrium? She mentioned that her father was a young officer in the military, possibly of the Lieutenant-Colonel level, and was removed by Obasanjo’s blanket purge that all military officers (93 officers in total) with previous political posts or who served in military cabinets at any level should proceed on retirement. It was a rug pull that ended the careers of many fine officers. However, what were the choices of General Obasanjo?

Pragmatists would have said why not sack the generals, from the Major-General rank and above?

Incrementalists would have said why not those who served as Governors, Senior Ministers and a sprinkling of barrack commanders if we plot our history with influential figures in previous coups?

Well, would that have cured the situation? The grumbling when Obasanjo travelled incessantly around the world (in his first term) might have landed us back in a military regime and scuttled another republic. The people might have cheered it as they did in Burkina Faso, lured into the dream of another khaki-wearing messiah. However, for military officers who have tasted power and its trappings, nothing else could have appeased them. Crushing future military uprisings needed a surgical removal from the system, an act of revolution in itself.

I wrote this piece after patiently listening to Sam Amadi’s presentation at The Platform, a bi-annual space of thought leadership (organised by my church) that sought answers on the kind of leadership that we actually need. Sam mentioned path dependence, describing how a nation was bound to continue in its chosen path of ruin unless it took on nothing short of a revolution. He asked a simple question, “How many nations have

actually significantly changed their story since the beginning of this century?”

How much incrementalism or gradualism can actually fix Nigeria?

This is a system with glaring ethical challenges but we think we don’t need anything short of a tear-down.

We need to ask ourselves pertinent questions.

Would our expensive electoral system provide us with quality leadership that would fix Nigeria?

Would the civil service cast in an extractive mindset offer meritorious capabilities that can end our challenges? Would a neo-feudal or patriarchal system ever offer us the Nigeria that we dream of? Would our constitution that promotes sharing oil rent and centrally-allocated taxes offer us competitive states? As Sam Amadi stated, “Nigeria is a country that avoids hard questions, existential ones.”

In a system that costs an enormous fortune to get in and everyone is trying to secure a share, how many Powerpoint presentations or gallons of coffee would be enough?

When you see the agony of young educated Nigerians who seek other alternatives from the extractive

culture advanced by the leading political parties, it is because they understand that nothing glorious adds up in our journey. The bits and pieces would never be enough.

That is why a government can fail in education, health, security, and economy but offer leveraged infrastructure and we accept the bar as high enough. A public governance culture that prioritises the expediency of personal benefits cannot run all our “trains” at once and move us to our destination. This is why 2023 won’t be different if we elect a leader that does not offer a moral example of rectitude in public service, nor possess the courage and capacity to prioritise a clean-up of institutions. General Obasanjo understood this as a soldier and did it without equivocation in the military shake-up.

We can make the prescriptions, offer aid, borrow money, raise tax rates, print more or even receive investments, but the question would always lie in, what’s the culture that pervades the public sphere?

What values do we glamorise as a people? If it is about “even if he’s a thief, he’s our own thief” culture, then life-changing service delivery is not what we seek, we are just

content with tribalism that fulfils our daily needs. Do we choose leaders that see public service as stewardship and not just another extension of their private enterprise?

Some years ago, I was forced to change the culture of BudgIT to reduce my influence while I applied myself to other things. It came with a lot of resistance and there were even mistakes on my part. I did not lose sight of gauging interest in the systemic changes we were about to make; if anyone was not willing, exit doors were favourably open. It was not easy. It was painful. But that’s what a society that seeks change needs to embrace.

Nothing can fix our systems except a cultural revolution that dismantles the status quo and brings new thinking into space. What is going to be the character of our leadership? What kind of company do they keep? What is the path to power? In the answers to these questions, the culture around a governance system either nepotistic, corrupt or ethically challenged, is formed. t4FVO 0OJHCJOEF JT UIF DP GPVOEFS BOE $&0 PG #VEH*5 ] 5XJUUFS !

TFVOPOJHCJOEF = -JOLFEJO 0MVTFVO 0OJHCJOEF

20

THURSDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERVIEW

Adeduntan: Banks, Customers Must Approach 2023 with Partnership Mindset

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, in this interview with THISDAY reviewed the performance of the global economy in 2022 and advised businesses and their bankers to approach 2023 with a partnership mindset to ensure that a win-win outcome is achieved despite the anticipated macroeconomic challenges. Excerpts: What are your forecasts and anticipations for the global economy in 2023? would like to start by noting that 2022 was indeed a turbulent year for the global economy.

In 2022, the global economy witnessed record high inflation rates with the attendant high cost of living across several economies. The elevated inflationary rates were attributed to the aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the Russian-Ukraine crisis. In its last World Economic Outlook report, the IMF projected a 2.7 per cent global growth rate in 2023, lower than the 3.2 per cent in 2022. The 2023 projection will be the weakest global growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis year and the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

In my view, in 2023, we will likely witness slower growth across several global economies due to lingering trade tensions as the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis will still weigh heavily on global trade flows.

However, we may witness a decline in commodity prices as more import-dependent countries explore alternative sourcing options for these commodities.

Inflationary pressures will however reduce as the impact of rising monetary policy rates continues to yield expected outcomes. The removal of COVID-19 restrictions in China should lead to a boost in global economic output. Oil prices are expected to remain largely elevated as tensions between Russia and Ukraine lingers, so energy prices will remain high.

The transition to other sustainable forms of energy may also be accelerated by the prolonged crisis.

Consumer Lending: Tightening financial conditions of the average household will create opportunities for consumer loans in several variants such as buy-nowpay-later (BNPL), salary advance, consumer asset finance, etc. The industry is already witnessing a rising trend in the creation of digital consumer loan product offerings. This is likely to intensify in 2023.

I

What are the key events that will shape 2023 domestic economic outlook and how strategically positioned is FirstBank to manage the challenges and opportunities?

Three key events will shape the 2023 macroeconomic outlook of Nigeria: The outcome of the 2023 general elections and peaceful political power transition; government’s ability to curb crude oil theft and increase production to meet OPEC quota; and successful removal of petrol subsidy. For us at FirstBank, we are strategically positioned to take advantage of and harness the opportunities that the three key events will bring as well as successfully ride the waves of any challenges that may arise. For over 128 years, FirstBank has built the capabilities and competencies required to succeed and thrive in any macroeconomic situation. As a Bank, our belief and commitment to the domestic economy is unwavering – FirstBank is truly woven into the fabric of the society.

Given the tepid growth associated with the global economy in 2022, developing countries have been having difficulties in refinancing their foreign debt, do you see a gloomy impact on the economies of the developing countries in 2023 as a result?

With slowing growth and elevated inflation rates, the sustainability of foreign debts, especially for developing nations, is likely to call for a re-evaluation by lenders given the increased likelihood of default.

When this is juxtaposed with the higher interest rate environment at which these debts are likely to be refinanced, you will observe a scenario where further strain is exerted on the debt repayment capacity of these economies. However, this situation does not necessarily translate to an automatic economic doom for developing nations. The actual impact on each developing economy will depend on the economy’s level of fiscal discipline and revenue generating capacity. Developing nations who are able, in the short term, to increase revenues either from taxes or sale/refinancing of idle/sub-optimal assets will be able to negotiate reasonable refinancing terms from lenders and prevent further economic turmoil. Nonetheless, all concerned nations need to take the issue of debt sustainability more seriously by limiting fiscal wastages, reducing inefficiencies, growing revenues, and aggressively working down unsustainable debt-to-GDP levels that may worsen the impacts of external shocks.

Do you think that the corporate default and NPL would increase in 2023 due to the current economic headwinds?

Expectedly, rising cost of debt and contracting demand will exacerbate the challenges that businesses will face in 2023, particularly for players operating in small-margins sectors of the economy. Locally, the surging inflation rate is sure to reduce disposable income of most consumers and demand for nonessential goods and services may dip. To prevent rising non-performing loans (NPLs), businesses and their bankers will have to collaborate more and ensure timely flow of information to prevent surprises. Banks on their part will have to improve monitoring of their loan portfolio to quickly identify early warning signals for attention before a full-scale loan deterioration. Overall, businesses and their bankers must approach 2023 with a partnership mindset to ensure that a win-win outcome is achieved despite the anticipated macroeconomic challenges.

With the tightening financial conditions which has partly led to slow global economic growth, what opportunities do you think exist in 2023 for players in the financial services industry?

Despite the expected macroeconomic challenges in 2023, there are also emerging business and

Dr. Adeduntan revenue opportunities that can be exploited by discerning players in the financial services industry. Specifically, the following areas will provide significant opportunity to players in the financial services industry: Payments: The Central Bank of Nigeria’s renewed drive on cashless policy has provided an opportunity for players in the financial services industry to enhance existing digital product offerings and create more attractive product offerings that will further reduce frictions in the payment process. This will help to reduce the financial exclusion gap, increase fees and commissions revenues, and improve overall viability and stability of the financial system.

Digital Security: Increasing adoption of digital payments platforms will necessitate increased requirement for the security of payment channels. Thus, opportunities exist

for players in the financial services industry to leverage robotics and artificial intelligence to improve security protocols on digital payment channels.

M & A Opportunities: with the anticipated pressures on earnings, opportunities exist for big and liquid players to gain additional scale and market share through outright acquisition of fringe players with the right strategic fit.

There is also an opportunity for two or more small and/or medium size players to merge their operations/businesses to obtain scale advantage.

Partnerships across Segments: The growing number of Fintechs and licensed Payment Service Banks also presents an opportunity for improved partnerships across various categories of players in the financial services industry for both mutual and industry-wide benefits.

How will you define the trends we saw in the banking sector landscape in 2022?

2022 was quite an eventful year and some visible trends emerged. I would like to classify the trends as follows: Financial System Trends: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the monetary policy rate and the cash reserve ratio, cumulatively, by 500 basis points to 16.5 per cent and 32.5 per cent, respectively as a way of enforcing liquidity tightening measures to curb rising inflation. In the same vein, the interest rate on savings accounts was restored to the prepandemic levels of 30% of MPR within the year thereby increasing the interest expense profile of banks.

In addition, the paucity of foreign exchange exerted considerable pressure on banks’ foreign currency (FCY) trade lines in the course of the year, forcing banks to explore alternative ways to meet customers’ foreign currency needs, including deliberate focus on supporting and promoting non-oil export businesses and transactions.

Technological Trends: The banking sector witnessed an increase in technological innovations, as the industry strived to meet the ever-evolving customer needs.

In Nigeria, FirstBank was at the forefront of the technological trend, as we successfully launched a Digital Experience Center, a fully automated branch to meet our customer needs, while providing a unique and wholesome experience. FirstBank also launched robotics process automation initiative, FirstRobotics, that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to handle high volume transactions The industry also witnessed increasing collaboration of banks and fintechs in 2022; enhanced digital product offerings, especially the rise in digital loans and advances; and an overall increase in acceptance of digital product offerings by banks and other financial services players.

Customer Trends: In 2022, we witnessed an increasing shift in emphasis from consumer banking to lifestyle banking in a bid to capture more of the customers’ journey. This shift has been hugely supported by technology as customer trends can now be easily identified, and new product offerings developed to meet customer needs. The emigration trend witnessed in the past year also led to a boost in the industry’s diaspora customer base, leading to increased focus on meeting the needs of this peculiar customer segment.

Employee Trends: The banking industry, probably like any other industry in Nigeria, has seen significant attrition in the number of employees due to increased relocation to other countries (popularly known as Japa) in 2022. This has impacted the industry’s skill base and execution capabilities especially in critical areas of the industry. While this may be a national challenge, more creative ways must be explored to retain scarce talents for national development.

The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government have set a target of 95 per cent financial inclusion by 2024, how realistic is this

21

THURSDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERVIEW ADEDUNTAN: BANKS, CUSTOMERS MUST APPROACH 2023 WITH PARTNERSHIP MINDSET target and what role will First Bank be playing to support the government achieve this target?

Financial inclusion is usually seen as the gateway to economic prosperity as it signals the first step in the journey to financial freedom. In 2012, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had unveiled its National Financial Inclusion Strategy with the principal goal of reducing the nation’s financial exclusion rate to 20 per cent of the adult population by 2020. Although this goal was not achieved (as financial exclusion rate stood at 35.9 per cent at the end of that period), the nation had nonetheless made giant strides in raising financial inclusion levels from that take-off point. As such, while the CBN’s revised target of 95 per cent financial inclusion rate by 2024 may be audacious, it is achievable given the level of financial awareness that has already been created in previous years which has raised financial literacy among the average citizenry. In addition, in view of the additional investments and infrastructural base that is available in the country, more mileage can be made now than ever before. It should also be noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria has been deliberate in pursuing its financial inclusion agenda through the licensing of several players/operators in the financial services industry, including fintechs, mobile money operators, Payment Service Banks (PSBs), Microfinance Banks/ institutions, new deposit money banks (DMBs), etc.

As such, several players are making various attempts at solving the same problem which will significantly increase the likelihood of success. As the foremost financial institution in Nigeria, FirstBank has always collaborated with the Central Bank and the Nigerian government to push several national initiatives, particularly as it relates to the financial services industry.

Specifically, FirstBank’s Firstmonie Agent Network is fully aligned with improving financial inclusion in Nigeria. With over 196,000 agents spread across 772 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria and many of the agents operating from 512 LGAs without a FirstBank branch, the Bank has been a clear partner to the Central Bank of Nigeria in improving financial inclusion in the country. FirstBank’s USSD (*894#) product, which is demographically positioned for the unbanked, has over 14 million users with more than 261 million unique transactions, worth over NGN1.1 trillion processed on the platform. FirstBank has been at the forefront of increasing financial inclusion in Nigeria and will continue to play its part until every adult in Nigeria is adequately banked.

reality, we see it as an enabler that will bring more people into the banking system. The new cash withdrawal limit will help to drive the penetration and uptake of digital/mobile wallet offerings in the industry.

What is your take on two recent policies of the CBN - the naira redesign and the cash withdrawal limits?

The CBN as the apex regulator of the financial services industry has overall responsibility to ensure the soundness of the nation’s financial systems. In discharging this responsibility, it develops policies that are meant to strengthen the monetary environment and stimulate further economic development of the country – the recent naira redesign and cash withdrawal limits policies are part of its core mandate. As noted by the CBN, the naira redesign will improve both the integrity of the local legal tender and the efficiency of its supply, thus addressing a situation where 80 per cent of currency in circulation is outside the banking system. To aid its implementation, the CBN has also suspended charges on cash deposits to encourage everyone to deposit old naira notes in the Banks.

The new N200, N500 & N1000 notes which came into circulation on 15th December 2022 will co-exist with the old notes until 31st January 2023 when the old notes will cease to be legal tender in Nigeria.

Similarly, the cash withdrawal policy which will limit weekly cash withdrawals by individuals and companies to N500,000.00 and N5,000,000.00 respectively, is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a digital economy. The policy which comes into effect from January 9, 2023, will present the added advantage of bringing more people into the banking system thus improving financial inclusion. At FirstBank, we view both policies as business enablers with bright prospects and we are poised to take maximum advantage of the opportunities they bring to improve our service offerings and the overall experience of our customers.

Few years ago, FirstBank embarked on a business expansion drive within the continent, can you take us through the performance of your subsidiaries in the continent?

FirstBank embarked on its African expansion in 2011. Today, the Bank is present in six other African markets namely: Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Guinea. As part the 2020 – 2024 strategic plan, FirstBank refreshed its vision to be “Africa’s Bank of First Choice” to serve as an anchor for its renewed African expansion drive. As such, the Bank is exploring entry into

FirstBank has a lot of Firstmonie agents scattered around the country, how will the cash withdrawal limit affect their operations?

As at November 2022, FirstBank has over 196,000 Firstmonie agents spread across 772 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. These agents have also processed over 1.16 billion transactions valued at N26.52 trillion. About 45 per cent of our Firstmonie Agent network are in rural areas, 18 per cent located in semi-urban areas and only 37 per cent are in urban areas. Beyond Cash-in-Cash-Out (CICO) transactions, these agents also render other services such as account opening, airtime purchase, bill payment, government-revenue collection, transfer and disbursement, mobile-money (wallet creations, deposits, withdrawals), bank verification number (BVN) enrollment and other non-bank ecosystem value-added support services, in line with CBN’s guideline for Mobile Money and Agent Banking businesses. These services have helped to bring banking services closer to local communities thereby empowering them and facilitating their economic development. Through Firstmonie, FirstBank provides convenient low-cost financial access for millions of Nigerians in rural areas. Therefore, given the spread of our agent banking network and the scope of services they offer, the cash withdrawal limit is not likely to have an adverse effect on their operations. In

FBN Holdings doubled its Q3 2022 profit to N105 billion and the performance by the bank was the major contributor, can you take us through the drivers of the impressive Q3 result?

FirstBank’s Q3 2022 results reflect the robustness of our business model and go-to market approach even in a challenging business and operating environment. The impressive profitability performance was driven by the resilient execution of our strategy and transformation program.

Specifically, FirstBank delivered a 42.4 per cent year-on-year (yoy) increase in interest income on the back of yield optimisation on existing assets and addition of about N700 billion to the risk asset portfolio. Also, the bank recorded a decent 6.8 per cent growth in fees and commission within the period driven by significant improvements in LC commissions, account maintenance charges etc. The bank also recorded over 47 per cent y-o-y increase in other operating income within the same period. Overall, I would say that the results are a clear outcome of the collective efforts and resilience of the entire staff and the Board of Directors of the FirstBank Group in deliberately executing on our transformation agenda. We remain confident that our growth trajectory is sustainable, and we are focused on delivering on our 2020 – 2024 strategic ambition of accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution.

What is the level of non-performing loans and what has the bank been doing to reduce it?

FirstBank Group has achieved great strides in reducing its NPL from double-digit in 2016 to below regulatory benchmark of five per cent in Q3 2022, which attest to the fact that the bank is strong and resilient. FirstBank has, in the recent years, built an enduring risk culture and governance systems, as well as strengthened its risk management infrastructure through technology, process automation and specialised training.

Dr. Adeduntan

additional high-impact African markets. While the growth journey of each African subsidiary is different, we are extremely proud of the investments that we have made in these markets and the positive contributions we are beginning to see from each subsidiary. Overall, I would like to note that all our African subsidiaries are making positive contributions to the Group in terms of profitability.

How is the bank positioning to take advantage of the AfCFTA? The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement has created the largest free trade area in the world (measured by the number of participating countries) as it involves most of the 55-member countries of the African Union with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.4 trillion and connects 1.3 billion people across the continent. According to the World Bank, the AfCFTA has the potentials to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and raise the incomes of 68 million others who live on less than $5.50 per day. It also has the potentials to drive $292 billion in income gains for participating members. FirstBank is already actively playing in seven African countries with plans to enter additional high-impact African markets in the short to medium term. The bank has also institutionalised a collaboration framework across all operating jurisdictions to ensure clients operating in multiple African jurisdictions can be effectively served across the network. The bank has developed special products (known as First Global Transfer) to facilitate regional payments for our pan-African clients in addition to our online and digital platforms. On the part of the customers, FirstBank has conducted several non-oil export seminars to raise awareness levels on the opportunities presented by AfCFTA and equip our clients with the right knowledge to exploit these opportunities. As a bank, we view AfCFTA as an enabler of our corporate vision and we will continue to ensure the right investments are made to capture the opportunities it presents.

Your UK subsidiary recently marked its 40th anniversary, what was the journey like in that 40 years and looking ahead, what should customers be expecting from FirstBank in UK? FirstBank’s foray into the United Kingdom (UK) forty years ago is a clear demonstration of uncommon foresight by the leadership of the Bank. Given the burgeoning trade relations between Nigeria and the then European Union (which included the UK) and the growing status of London as a leading global financial center, the decision to establish a subsidiary of FirstBank in the UK could not have been better made. Since commencement of operations in the UK, FBNBank UK has provided a bridge for Nigerian firms with interests in the UK to achieve their financial goals and meet their banking needs. FBNBank

UK has provided trade and correspondent banking relationships that have facilitated the achievements of several Nigerian and indeed other African entities’ trade objectives. This is in addition to offering other services such as advisory, mortgage and investment products to its clientele base. FBNBank UK has also provided access to foreign capital markets to African firms and countries to raise much-needed capital that have contributed to the economic transformation of the African continent. As we look to the future, customers of FBNBank UK can be assured of the same excellent services they have become accustomed to with more innovative products that will help them solve their emerging needs.

We saw the licencing of a few banks in 2022 and the industry becoming more competitive, why should your customers continue to bank with FirstBank?

Indeed, the industry has changed and will continue to evolve at a faster pace with the competitive landscape becoming more challenging because of the inter-play of several actors – new banks, fintechs, etc. However, customers will continue to gravitate towards institutions that provide the best digital banking services that address their changing needs for convenience, speed, and security. With over 128 years’ experience in this market, we believe that FirstBank is well positioned to continue to delivery excellent customer experience and thrive. Our customers can bank on our commitment to continuously re-invent our processes and products to meet both their present and future financial needs.

The bank will intensify ongoing efforts to simplify banking for every customer segment leveraging cutting-edge digital capabilities and platforms that make banking more seamless. Combining our deep local knowledge of this market with our unmatched physical presence, FirstBank customers will always have an edge over their competitors. Our rich bouquet of products and service offerings also guarantees there will always be the right product for every customer, with each customer interaction constantly made better through data-driven insights. Our “You First” brand promise to our customers is a commitment that will always keep us on our toes until every customer’s financial needs are excellently satisfied. Overall, to the customers, we commit to provide the best value proposition and deliver exceptional customer experience.

FirstBank has made good progress in positively impacting the communities where it operates.

Can you speak about some of these?

At FirstBank, we are committed to nation-building and have been driving sustainable social, economic and environmental growth for over 128 years of our existence. Our community development initiatives are anchored on our strategic Education, Health and Welfare pillars. Our engagement in sustainable business practices is based on our promise of enhancing social and economic development as well as contributing to environmental sustainability for the present and future generation.

Our key programmes include Infrastructure Development programme; Endowment programme; Future First (Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Career Counseling); E-Learning Initiative; SPARK (Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness) and CRS Week. First Bank Infrastructural Development programme is aimed at promoting infrastructure development under its identified areas of support.

This includes providing infrastructure facilities in schools, hospitals and environmental infrastructure projects. This is in recognition of the importance of these facilities in improving the quality of life.

We have built over 16 infrastructure projects which include universities and secondary and primary schools. The FutureFirst programme in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria has impacted Over 1,000,000 people across the regions of the country including Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja with knowledge of financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Over 175,000 students have benefitted from the E-learning initiative thus far. This include 20,000 indigent students that have received free low-end devices preloaded with accredited content. SPARK which was introduced in the maiden edition of the Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S) week in 2017 espouses reigniting our values which appear to be eroding fast. The initiative focuses on creating and reinforcing an attitude of going beyond just meeting the material needs of people who are unable to help themselves to showing compassion, empathy, affection. In 2022, over 8 million people were impacted including students underprivileged including widows in 8 countries including United Kingdom, Ghana, DRC, Guinea, Sierra Lone, Senegal & Nigeria. We had partnerships with over 100 Charities / NGOs including LEAP Africa; International Women Society; UNGC; UN Women; Junior Achievement Nigeria.

In addition, one of our long-term approaches to sustainability includes minimising the bank’s direct and indirect impact on the environment. So, beyond our education and health interventions, the bank has been employing international best practices tools to manage risks in the lending process in accordance with our subsisting Environmental Social and Governance Management System. Over N6.2 trillion worth of transactions were screened for ESG risks. We are partnering at the moment with the National Conservation Foundation on the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN), as part of the Bank’s climate initiative which includes driving afforestation and reforestation.

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24 T H I S D AY THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023

Thursday January 5, 2023 Vol 27. No 10117

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

OPEN LETTER TO SALIU MUSTAPHA Ideas move and rule the world, writes ABDULGANIYU BOLAJI ABDULLAHI

See page 25

MAKINDE: THE AUGURIES ARE BRIGHT TUNDE BABATUNDE reckons that the Oyo State governor has done remarkably well

See page 25

EDITORIAL

STANDARDISING PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

35,9$7( 81,9(56,7,(6

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MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE writes that citizens should now initiate the process of salvaging Nigeria

NIGERIANS MUST WAKE UP IN 2023 As 2022 made its way into history last weekend, like all the years before it, I was overwhelmed with gratitude to the Almighty for his goodness towards me.

That was at a personal, private level. But something else bothered me: the drift of the country and what could well be its irreversible destwination. And as if setting agenda for 2023, two foremost Nigerian elders stepped into the arena with their bombshells. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, famous for his letter writing, penned yet another one titled, “My Appeal to All Nigerians, Particularly Young Nigerians.” It was mainly to blame the current national travails squarely on the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, hand the country’s redemptive chance to youths as a crucial challenge to their own era, and endorse Mr Peter Obi, presidential standard bearer of the Labour Party (LP) in next month’s general elections. In about 24 hours, Chief Edwin Clark, Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), also announced his backing for Obi. Since then, Obasanjo’s intervention (some would prefer interference), in particular, has elicited strong criticisms. My take is that the propriety of his choice and ÀGHOLW\ RI KLV YLHZV ERWK ZLWKLQ KLV ULJKWV ZLOO EH WHVWHG LQ GXH FRXUVH making the vicious castigation of the retired general for his positions most unnecessary.

No matter the opposition to Obasanjo’s submissions or the assessment of his person, I have been ruminating on a part of that appeal since. Hear him: “If we fall prey again, we will have ourselves to blame and no one can say how many more knocks Nigeria can take before it tips over. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Future is not emotion. I challenge the youth to arise. Let nobody pull wool over your eyes to divide you and/or segregate you to make you underlings. Nigerian youth, wherever they come from North or South, East or West need education which is now denied to over 20 million children; Nigerian youth also need skills, empowerment, employment, reasonably JRRG OLYLQJ FRQGLWLRQV ZHOIDUH DQG ZHOO being.

“My dear young men and women, you must come together and bring about a truly meaningful change in your lives. If you fail, you have no one else to blame.

Your present and future are in your hands to make or to mar. The future of Nigeria is in the same manner in your hands and literally so. If for any reason you fail to redeem yourself and your country, you will have lost the opportunity for good and you will have no one to blame but yourselves and posterity will not forgive you. Get up, get together, get going and get us to where we should be. And you, the youth, it is your time and your turn.

‘Eyin Lokan’ (your turn).

“The power to change is in your hands.

Your future, my future, the future of

grandchildren and great grandchildren is in your hands. Politics and elections are numbers game. You have the numbers, get up, stand up and make your numbers count,” put pungently, characteristically.

One of the reasons enemies of the former head of state attack him for voicing out what many watchers of the nation have been saying at various fora is that, having presided over Nigeria for 11 years on military and democratic platforms and left the stage with baggage of his own, he lacks the moral authority to play the role of opinion leader in this regard.

Some of those who detest his tactics and what they call his grandstanding even argue that he ought to hide his head in ignominy, if for nothing else, for having a visible hand in the emergence of all his VXFFHVVRUV LQ R΀FH VLQFH LQFOXGLQJ Buhari.

The objections notwithstanding, it is apparent that all is not well with Nigeria at the moment. I will keep arguing that if indeed this government hasn’t met the expectations of majority of the people and the standard of living here is in a IUHH IDOO WKH IRXQGDWLRQV IRU WKH FROODSVH were laid way back and conveniently, shamelessly and routinely explained away by successive administrations.

Blaming previous governments has been elevated to an art, to the pain and disadvantage of the populace. All that must stop if we’re to assume our rightful slot in the comity of truly civilised and progressive countries.

Sadly, it’s not hard to discern that many Nigerians have since resigned to fate. The lukewarm posture of the people can be attributed to restraining factors, many of which have latched unto them for long. They have watched helplessly the hopes that came with the return of democracy in 1999 drain away as set DIWHU VHW RI SROLWLFLDQV DQG SROLWLFDO R΀FH holders do little to sustain their faith in the system. This otherwise ideal form of government is perceived, as practiced in Nigeria and other unfortunate realms, as an enterprise in which unscrupulous business men and women invest and exploit to the detriment and shock of the generality of citizens.

Apathy in the electoral processes speaks volume. The notion that votes

The strong arm isn’t all there is to combatting criminalities. The ways these destructive actions are carried out suggest the failure of critical elements of engagement like surveillance, detection and communication which are indispensable to effective counter efforts

have hardly ever counted may not vanish overnight. Assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the credibility of the forthcoming polls may also not have registered in most minds. The February and March elections present opportunities to carry out a primary civic responsibility, gladly. We must be VHOI PRWLYDWHG HYHQ LI WKH QXGJH GRHVQ·W come from expected quarters. Nigeria is in dire need of quality leadership at every level of government. Wishes, aspirations and protests alone won’t get this onerous job done. Only decisive steps like going to the polling venues on the designated dates and actually casting votes for one’s SUHIHUUHG FDQGLGDWHV FRXOG ÀOO WKH YRLG that ought to be in the psyche of every voter. ,I WKH FXUUHQW VWDWH RI DͿDLUV LQ RXU ODQG GRHV QRW RͿHU HQRXJK PRWLYDWLRQ for deliberate and active action next month, what else will? I doubt if there is DQ\ 1LJHULDQ ZKR LV QRW DͿHFWHG GLUHFWO\ or remotely by the crippling forces of K\SHU LQÁDWLRQ PDVV XQGHUHPSOR\PHQW and unemployment, traumatised critical VHFWRUV K\GUD KHDGHG LQVHFXULW\ DQG dwindling standards of living. Thinking of getting used to them is tantamount to attempting to live with a nagging headache. It just can’t work. The rational thing to do is to search for remedies, enduring ones, that is. Calls on young 1LJHULDQV WR RZQ WKH ÀJKW WR UH HQJLQHHU the country is hinged on the fact that apart from possessing the requisite vigour, the future also clearly belongs to them more.

As things stand, the four frontrunners for president, namely Obi, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Wazirin Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are all above 60 years old, technically excluding them from the youth bracket. Unless the very unexpected happens, one of them will enter Aso Villa in May. Nothing to worry about, really. Experience has shown that age is never a singular determinant of leadership qualities like strength, vision, competence, integrity, insight and wisdom.

What is required at this point is to get rid of divisive tendencies and the religious DQG HWKQLF IDXOW OLQHV WKDW XQGHUPLQH our ability to take hard decisions to save our beloved nation from tumbling GRZQ WKH FOLͿ 7KH FKDQJH WULJJHUV ZH need are already with us in abundance, thankfully, in the form of the teeming younger generation. A lot can be achieved in electing capable leaders and charting a totally new path for us if they, together with the rest compatriots, cross the barriers that have hindered the country’s growth for too long.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

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THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023

Ideas move and rule the world, writes ABDULGANIYU BOLAJI ABDULLAHI

OPEN LETTER TO SALIU MUSTAPHA earth in 1945. Without any meaningful natural resources, it had to rely solely on Let me start by wishing you a happy the power of ideas nurtured by heavy new year. I pray that the Almighty Allah investment in education and health to continues to keep you in good health and resurrect itself from the ruins of the Second World War. Now, Japan is one of the most in good spirit.

I have chosen to write you this letter for developed countries on the planet. This is WKUHH UHDVRQV 7KH ÀUVW LV P\ EHOLHI WKDW why Barack Obama said that the greatest although we are political opponents, we ‘natural’ resource that a country needs is are not enemies. We must therefore not lose what lies in the brains of its people, rather the capacity to communicate with each than in the ground under their feet. other and engage in honest conversations. 1LJHULD ÀUVW GLVFRYHUHG RLO LQ WZR We were brothers and friends before this years ahead of the United Arab Emirates. contest; and I hope and pray that we shall Now, look where Nigeria is, and look remain so after the elections, regardless of where UAE is? By one estimate, Nigeria has earned about $116 trillion from its oil, the outcome.

UAE has earned much less. You know the GLͿHUHQFH VLU" $W WKH WLPH WKDW D 1LJHULDQ head of state was declaring that money was not our problem but how to spend it, the leaders of UAE were spending their money to lay the foundation for what was to become one of the most developed countries on earth. That’s the power of big ideas. If you add Singapore to this list of countries where the visionary ideas of leaders catapulted a country from third ZRUOG WR WKH ÀUVW ZLWKLQ D JHQHUDWLRQ WKH SURÀOH VKRXOG EH FRPSOHWH From what you said in your video, you appear to think that charity is a development strategy or that The second reason is my understanding philanthropy can take the place of wellthat electioneering contest, such as is thought-out government policies. This is currently between you and me, should quite unfortunate, and I regret to say that also be an opportunity for candidates to one would expect a broader perspective openly canvass and cross-fertilise ideas. than this from someone contesting to be a When this happens, the people would local government councilor, not to talk of have been enriched and assisted to make someone aspiring for the highest legislative up their minds based on issues they institution of the biggest black nation consider most important to them. This is on earth. My dear Turaki, no country why debates or any of its variants have ever develops through the generosity of become a mainstay of democratic elections individuals, and no country will ever do.

Charity has its place in every society. As a all over the world.

Unfortunately, you have not been able community of believers, charity is enjoined to avail yourself of the few opportunities on all of us; in fact, it is a key cornerstone of that we have had to engage in an open our religion. People in our position have debate in the build up to this election. a duty to help the less privileged among Writing you this letter is therefore a way us. That is a duty, for which we should RI ÀOOLQJ WKH JDS IRU WKH FRQYHUVDWLRQ WKDW expect no reward whatsoever, because it I believe remains necessary; especially is our only way of saying ‘thank you’, to given that the senate position that you and the Almighty Allah who in his mercy has I aspire to, operates mainly through such chosen to bless us more than the people around us. Unfortunately, it is the same conversations and engagements.

The third and the most compelling acts of charity that you now convert to a reason that I am writing you this letter is credential, on the basis of which you want to respond to the debate that you yourself people to vote for you. appeared to have kick-started. A few We all do it. Within what the Almighty days ago, my attention was drawn to a Allah blessed me with, I have also paid video in which you attempted to draw a school fees of countless children that I comparison between my concept of “Big never met and that I would probably Ideas” and what you claim as “impacts.” never meet. I have paid hospital bills, You went on to say that you have passed paid for surgical operations, bought the stage of ideas and you were now at the wheel chairs, sank boreholes, repair roads, supported orphans, rebuilt classrooms, level of “impacts”.

I have struggled since then to À[ SHRSOH·V KRXVHV ERXJKW ZRUNLQJ WRROV understand what you might possibly for artisans, and gave people money who mean by this statement. I understand just wanted to eat. I do this all the time, WKDW SHRSOH PD\ KDYH GLͿHUHQW LGHDV RU whether in government or out of it, and may accept or reject other people’s ideas. regardless of party or politics. And I pray But I have never heard anyone say he no to Allah to enable me to continue to help. longer has a need for ideas; that he has Up till her death, my late mother prayed SDVVHG WKH OHYHO RI LGHDV , ÀQG WKDW TXLWH for me that I would be a tree under whose VWUDQJH LQGHHG 0\ ÀUVW UHDFWLRQ ZDV WR shade people can seek comfort. This why ignore it; perplexed by how one might you will never hear me bandy these things begin to engage with such pedestrian and DURXQG IRU SROLWLFDO EHQHÀWV GHVSLWH immense pressure to do otherwise by embarrassingly cynical no-thinking!

Dear Turaki, contrary to your belief, associates. most problems in life cannot be solved Please accept the compliments of my by throwing money around. It is ideas highest consideration. that move and rule the world. The entire Your Sincerely, Bolaji Abdullahi, human civilization advances and is Kwara Central Senatorial Candidate sustained by constant production of ideas. of the Peoples Democratic Party -DSDQ ZDV DOPRVW ZLSHG RͿ WKH IDFH RI WKH My dear Turaki,

TUNDE BABATUNDE reckons that the Oyo State governor has done remarkably well

MAKINDE: THE AUGURIES ARE BRIGHT Argentine Lucas Mattias Montezino was hosted in Oyo State at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort. Sports is back in Oyo State, and the Ibadan soccer centre is blazing forth triumph. Everyone knows that. Only last month, the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), rendered prostrate for years, took the nation by storm. The Oluyole Warriors won the Nigeria Professional Football League’s Dozy Mmobuosi Super Cup, going home with the N100 million prize money.

This was a team that, pre-Makinde, ZDV PHUHO\ WKH VWXͿ RI OHJHQG 0DNLQGH reawakened the winning spirits of Oyo’s sport teams, taking the 3SC from relegation in 2021 to winning the Super Cup and moving Team Oyo to fourth place on the medal’s table at the 2022 National Sports Festival, a record ÀQLVK ,W LV D YHULW\ DV WKH VWDWH JRYHUQPHQW itself enthused, that the entirety of Oyo State residents who longed for a return to the pacesetting heights in sports for many \HDUV KDYH QRZ JRW WKH IXOÀOOPHQW RI WKHLU aspirations under Governor Makinde. It is not fortuitous that after 21 years of lull, Ibadan hosted an international soccer match last year, its heritage held aloft. Seyi! What joy!

What ecstasy! Look out for the new Lawals, Adepojus…Soccer samba is here again, and it’s marvelous in our sight.

6H\L ZDV PDUNLQJ RQO\ KLV WKLUG \HDU LQ R΀FH when it emerged that his government had constructed 56 model schools and completed the renovation of 200 primary health care centres in the drive to ensure the existence of at least one functional PHC in each of the 351 The All Progressives Congress (APC) was Electoral Wards of the state. Increased private in charge of the Ladoke Akintola University of sector participation in the agribusiness sector Technology (LAUTECH) for many years but KDG HQDEOHG WKH VWDWH WR DWWUDFW EQ LQ QHLWKHU VWDͿ QRU VWXGHQW KDG DQ\ MR\ WKH VFKRRO agribusiness investments, as well as securing was permanently shut, neither that party nor their another $125 million in development partnerEOHQGHG ÀQDQFH IRU UXUDO URDGV DJUR ORJLVWLFV leaders could be bothered.

If we have started this piece telling the market and industrial hubs. And who can LAUTECH story, it is because under Engineer forget that last year, the United Nations rated Makinde’s joyous rule in the Pacesetter State it Ibadan as second fastest growing city in the has become customary to take so many things whole of Africa? Who can forget that just two for granted. LAUTECH, rendered prostrate for years into his tenure, Makinde embarked on \HDUV E\ WKH $3& JRYHUQPHQW LV QRZ IXOÀOOLQJ WKH EHDXWLÀFDWLRQ RI WKH 2\R HQYLURQPHQW its mission in history, fully owned by Oyo State with the construction of modern bus terminals and expanding to provide greater opportunities strategically located at exits and entrance of for growth. That’s what good governance Ibadan? They are in Iwo Road (ongoing), is about, isn’t it? Governor Seyi Makinde’s Challenge (completed) and Ojoo (completed).

Taking the construction and rehabilitation of administration came on board returning millions of primary and secondary school children to roads and bridges and junction improvement school, outlawing the N3,000 tuition fees imposed WR GHFRQJHVW WUD΀F ZLWKLQ PDMRU FLWLHV DV DQ by his predecessor and which had aborted the article of faith, he built the General Gas Flyover, dreams of many. Poverty in this clime is such a completed the Challenge/Felele junction horrendous tale, and Makinde remembering how improvement and ensured the dualisation of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, re-wrote the the 9.7km Saki township road, including road history of the Yoruba people and of the present IXUQLWXUH VXFK DV WUD΀F VLJQDOV OD\ E\HV URDG South-South through free education, acted fast marking and zebra crossing. Then came the to save a generation. He engaged in massive construction of the computerized VIS Centre teacher recruitment and made prompt payment at Idi-Ape, acquisition of 106 buses for mass of salaries, together with the 13th salary that transit scheme; commencement of ‘Light up lubricates December celebrations, just another Oyo’ which covers 223.48km of roads across routine. And, in an unprecedented manner, the state.

The more interesting story, namely how last month, he paid all pensioners in the state N10,000 each as Christmas bonus. Pensioners the Makinde administration evolved a robust trooped to their banks to collect their entitlements, institutional and regulatory framework for commending and urging God’s blessings upon the transport sector, inaugurating the Park Management System in February 2020 to the man referred to simply as Seyi.

From education to sports, the story is the same. PDQDJH DQG FRQWURO WKH V\VWHP IRU H΀FLHQW 6H\L FDPH LQWR R΀FH DQG SXUVXHG WKH XSJUDGH transport service delivery, monitor the IGR and construction of sports centres with vigour. and orderliness in parks and regulate the The Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, went activities of commercial motorcyclists and from poor to excellent, and it has become the tricycle operators, is worth telling. If in Oyo darling of Nigeria where major matches now State you are not hearing stories of violence take place. A mini stadium sprung up in Igboora, and carnage at motor parks, you have Ibarapa, while the reconstruction of Olubadan this system, now being handled by local mini stadium, Ibadan and the upgrade of Durbar government, to thank for it. According to Stadium, Oyo, the Soun Stadium, Ogbomoso and analysts, the administration has separated the Saki Township stadium is stunning naysayers. policy-making from transport management, But Makinde was not done: he remodeled the which is why Pacesetter Transport Services Ebedi Township Stadium, Iseyin and made Ltd, a state-owned company runs the bus the Bodija Recreation Centre, Ibadan, such a transportation as a commercial entity within beauty to behold. It was no surprise that the 2020 the framework set by the government.

World Boxing Featherweight Championship Babatunde writes from Iseyin, Oyo State bout between Rilwan Oyekola (Scorpion) and There is a reason the party that has ruined our last eight years, making Nigeria the global capital of poverty, talks about rescuing Oyo State from Governor Seyi Makinde: shamelessness laced with arrogance. They don’t have shame. Seized by the spirit of slumber, the same guys who made Christmas and the New Year celebrations such a terrible tale for us all through fuel crisis and pervasive insecurity assume that we shall cast their baggage of stench aside and reward them with our votes while reviving their ghost in Ibadan Government House. They are that blind, miserable and wretched. The illogic is astounding: they are busy ruining our present, but keep reminding us that destroying our future is in our best interest.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

STANDARDISING PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES The authorities should impose minimum standards

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they are all battling with the challenge of poorly equipped or a nation of more than 200 million people, laboratories and workshops, outdated equipment, 111 private universities cannot be considered overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated structures, etc. These too many, especially given that there are only 35,9$7( 81,9(56,7,(6 inadequacies and many other irregularities in the Nigerian 105 public universities belonging to the federal education system have contributed to the declining quality government and the 36 states. And if the access that has continued to elicit concern from stakeholders. gap to university education and its attendant It is therefore little surprise that graduates of Nigerian enrollment of students persists, according to Education universities are said to be unemployable, as they lack Minister, Adamu Adamu, government will continue VX΀FLHQW NQRZOHGJH VNLOOV DQG SRVVLEO\ RWKHU DWWULEXWHV to welcome proposals for the establishment of private that will enable them to serve themselves, their employers, universities by credible groups and organisations. While it and the society. Yet this problem can easily be traced to LV GL΀FXOW WR IDXOW VXFK D SROLF\ WKH SUROLIHUDWLRQ RI SULYDWH WKH QHJOHFW WKDW WKH VHFWRU KDV VXͿHUHG RYHU WKH \HDUV universities has also raised several pertinent questions in the hands of successive governments in the country. about standards.

Unfortunately, this has led The main worry stems to a situation in which the from the fact that the sheer future of many innocent incompetence in tackling The emergence of private universities does not seem to be raising education-seeking young the problems in the existing Nigerians is now practically public universities is being academic standards given their penchant for indiscriminate award compromised. waived by this recourse of classes of degrees that are not worth the papers upon which The advent of private to all manner of private universities in Nigeria was universities.

Lecturers they are printed considered a welcome who can’t hold their own development for the simple as senior lecturers in T H I S D AY reason that the public universities had become anything respectable universities are being hired as professors and EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU but centres for excellence. Aside the endless strikes by the even vice chancellors in some of these universities. The DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA OHFWXUHUV DQG WKH QRQ DFDGHPLF VWDͿ ZKLFK VRPHWLPHV same thing that happened with the banks when we had MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO last one academic session, the neglect of federal and state DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU close to a hundred of them before the 2004 Central Bank CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI universities by successive governments has also resulted of Nigeria (CBN) consolidation exercise is now happening EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN in a situation in which students at these universities were with universities. And it bodes ill for the quality of MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI never certain as to the number of years they would spend education in the country.

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE for their degrees. Unfortunately, the emergence of private We appreciate the critical roles being played by many universities does not seem to be raising academic standards of these private universities. What we abhor is the current given their penchant for indiscriminate award of classes of cynical approach to education in Nigeria and that explains T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D degrees that are not worth the papers upon which they are why we have been calling for a total overhaul of the sector.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA printed.

The development of a sound educational system, according GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, The government at all levels should therefore pay ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI to Afe Babalola, SAN, proprietor of a respected private more attention to the education sector and provide a DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, university, requires enormous resources for research, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE conducive environment that will make our youths globally infrastructural development, and the employment of DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI competitive in the 21stcentury. In as much as we cannot TXDOLW\ DFDGHPLF DQG QRQ DFDGHPLF VWDͿ 7KDW LV SUHFLVHO\ SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH continue to shut out millions of Nigerians from gaining the point we are making.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI access to university education, the high numbers of private The Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Public CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO universities must be matched with ensuring high quality 8QLYHUVLWLHV RQFH LGHQWLÀHG D FRPPRQ SUREOHP DPRQJ TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com teaching and learning within their precincts.

Nigerian universities, irrespective of region and ownership:

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 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 (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS ‘IF THE PATIENT DIES, KILL THE DOCTOR’ I have read the accounts of families of several patients suggesting they would not have In cases where such victims are cult mem- lost their loved ones if the healthcare profesbers, health workers are aware of the danger sionals (or the hospital) who treated them of reporting to the police as required by law. had applied a duty of care. I don’t know what For that reason, many doctors and hospitals the regulations are concerning negligence by would rather err on the side of caution by re- health professionals, but I subscribe to the jecting a gunshot wound patient rather than idea that they should be stringent enough admit and compromise their safety. to deter the kind of laxity that we witness in There is another problem associated with an environment where innocent lives can be, the act. My friend and medical practitioner, and are often, cynically wasted due to careHenry Ewunonu has always argued that the lessness. But I also know that there are cases sections which criminalise refusal to treat ZKHUH IDPLOLHV RI YLFWLPV VLPSO\ ÀQG LW GL΀victims do not factor in the reality that most cult to accept that people die.

One fascinating book I recommend on clinics lack the capacity for handling these injuries and that any delay in the name of pro- this is ‘Did He Save Lives? A Surgeon’s YLGLQJ ÀUVW DLG EHIRUH UHIHUUDO FRXOG ZRUVHQ Story’ by David Sellu, a respected British the case. This is an issue that would have to surgeon whose distinguished career of over be looked at by critical stakeholders in the four decades was brutally terminated in health sector, but we will come back to it an- 2010 when a patient died under his care in other day. That is not the thrust of this inter- a private hospital. Prosecuted and convicted for the patient’s death, Sellu’s practice vention. &RQWLQXHG IURP WKH EDFNSDJH

licence was suspended, and he served 15 months in prison for what was not his fault. He eventually won the appeal against his conviction, but the damage had already been done.

Notwithstanding my misgivings about the NMA statement, it is a fact that professionals in the health sector are becoming increasingly endangered in Nigeria. Anybody who has followed the social media must have read several XQYHULÀHG VWRULHV WKDW DUH XVHG DV IRGders by the ‘May-Nigeria-not-happento-you’ mob. Once someone relays an account of how a relative died (and the whole story is most often never told) in hospital, commentators jump to conclusions of the usual Nigerian malaise.

Almost as if people don’t die in foreign hospitals. Yes, there are cases of criminal negligence, and they must be dealt with. But it is not right to conclude that

all cases of death in our hospitals are due to the negligence of health professionals.

At the root of this crisis is the propensity for jungle justice in Nigeria. I have written countless columns on the subject. But while jungle justice for all manQHU RI RͿHQFHV DQG HYHQ IRU QR RͿHQFH at all, may have been with us for a long time, we should do everything to prevent a descent to anarchy that the barbarism of attacking health professionals IRU WKH GHDWK RI SDWLHQWV H[HPSOLÀHV If there are issues of negligence, there are appropriate channels for reporting professional misconduct and seeking redress. We must deal with the impulse that drives Nigerians to take the law into their own hands when things don’t go their way.

2OXVHJXQ $GHQLL\L $EXMD

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

27

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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REPO

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

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

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4 , 2 0 2 3

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OPR

11.25%

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613.31%

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-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

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9.56%

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Group Calls for Adoption of International Standard to Validate Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework

Emma Okonji Following the adoption of the National Digital Literacy Framework and the setting up of a committee by the federal government to implement the framework, a technology group has called for the adoption of international standard to validate the adopted framework on digital literacy.

Chairman, Open Distance

and E-Learning Group, Prof.

Olugbemiro Jegede, who spoke to THISDAY on behalf of the group, said the adoption of international standard would help validate the adopted framework and establish the proficiency of Nigerians in digital literacy.

The group is of the view that the adoption of a international standard that will validate the adopted National Digital Literacy Framework, is necessary.

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) document, has set a corresponding target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 and NITDA is of the view that the digital literacy framework will help achieve government’s goal for digital literacy among Nigerians.

The Fifth National Council on Communication Technology, had

in its report, after its stakeholders meeting in Katsina State in 2017, recommended Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) Digital Literacy as standard for digital literacy in Nigeria and also recommended the establishment of state digital literacy committee to drive Nigeria’s digital literacy initiative.

IC3 Digital Literacy aligns with European Commission’s DigComp Framework. The

European Commission created the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) in 2013 to further the development of digital skills across the European Union, and Certiport identified this trend 11 years earlier and created the IC3 Digital Literacy certification program in 2002. Certiport has since supported DigComp and actively contributed to subsequent revisions.

Convinced about the need for digital literacy certification

programme for Nigerians, the National Information technology Development Agency (NITDA), in 2021, developed a draft document on National Digital Literacy Framework, which was presented to stakeholders in February 2022, before it was adopted and approved as Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework.

Although THISDAY gathered Continued on page 30

NCS Urges NASS to Drop NITDA’s Bill for Lack of Stakeholders’ Input Emma Okonji The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, has called on members of the National Assembly to drop the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Bill that has passed the first reading on the floor of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on ICT and Cyber Security.

The bill seeks to enact an Act that will empower NITDA to provide for the administration, implementation and regulation of

Information Technology Systems and Practice in Nigeria, which will automatically convert NITDA from a development agency to regulatory agency in a sector where there is an existing regulator.

NCS’ call compliments other calls from industry players like Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN), the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and Paradigm Initiative, who are worried over the current draft of NITDA Repeal and Re-Enactment Bill 2021, which seeks to convert

NITDA from a development agency to a regulatory agency.

NCS President, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, who made the call at a press conference in Lagos said the national assembly members should not hesitate to drop the bill because it is an affront on industry stakeholders, since it did not take into cognisance, the contributions of industry stakeholders who made contributions to the bill during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by NITDA. “Industry stakeholders were invited to a meeting and we attended and made valid inputs, but none of the inputs were captured in the document sent

the National Assembly. Again, we were giving very short notice to attend a public hearing on NITDA’s bill and the public hearing was fixed at a period when Nigerians, including members of the National Assembly were preparing to go on Christmas break. There are indications that NITDA must be trying to cover up some things that we do not know, hence it is in a hurry to submit the bill for quick assent.

National Assembly members should ask for stakeholders’ input before discussing the bill further and if there are no inputs from stakeholders, National Assembly should not

waste further time in dropping the bill,” Sodiya said.

Aside neglecting the inputs of stakeholders, the bill will infringe on the ACT that sets up CPN and also infringe on the activities and programmes of most government agencies, Sodiya further said.

In the draft NITDA’s Bill, which THISDAY sighted, Section 1 stated the objectives of the bill, and explained that the purpose was to create an effective, impartial, and independent regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian information technology sector and digital economy, but the

review from industry players explains that the section lays the foundation of converting NITDA from an IT Development Agency to a regulatory agency.

The review further said the inclusion of the concept of ‘Digital Economy’ as part of its regulatory purview expands NITDA’s frontiers to matters within the exclusive regulatory mandate of the NCC, and will impact on the functions of the Nigerian Communications Commission in Section 4 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, that empowers the NCC to regulate communications services that drive the digital economy.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 4 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 ^13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

10.266, 00 10.319, 00 10.225, 00 10.727, 00 10.386, 00

Yield 11.72 11.83 11.60 13.93 12.92

Change Updated Time (%) December -0.01 30, 2022 December -0.01 30, 2022 December 0.00 30, 2022 December 0.00 30, 2022 December 0.00 30, 2022

BILLS MATURITY

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NTB 11May-23

5.02

5.12

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

Change Updated Time (%) December 0.00 30, 2022 December 0.00 30, 2022 December 0.00 30, 2022 December -0.01 30, 2022 December 0.00 30, 2022

MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) December 0.00 30, 10.23 10.46 2022 December 15.32 15.94 0.01 30, 2022 December 11.84 12.24 0.00 30, 2022

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CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS JAN 25 1 2023 NGUS FEB 22 2 2023 NGUS MAR 29 3 2023 NGUS APR 26 4 2023 NGUS MAY 31 5 2023

Current Rate ($/₦) 46.987, 00 47.205, 00 47.423, 00 47.642, 00 47.860, 00

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December 30, 2022 December 30, 2022 December 30, 2022 December 30, 2022 December 30, 2022

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

e-BUSINESS

5G, Fintech Innovation to Drive Telecom Sector in 2023 Experts have predicted that 5G deployment, Fintech innovation, full implementation of Startup Act, technology skills development and data application among others, will shape the telecom sector in 2023, writes Emma Okonji

C

ounting the gains of telecom sector in 2022, and how it positively impacted on the Nigerian economy in the areas of GDP growth, broadband penetration, and Fintech growth, industry experts have predicted that the full deployment of 5G network across Nigeria in 2023 and the implementation of the Startup Act, will further drive Fintech innovation, technology skills development and data application among others.

According to them, the indices will be the determinant factors that will further deepen the growth of the telecom sector in 2023.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, said 5G deployment, Fintech innovation and data application would be the major drivers of the economy in 2023.

According to him, there will be increased data analytics that will inform major decision making in 2023, driven by increased data application. He said the Fintech would get more support from telecom operators in 2023 that would enable them develop more solutions that would further support financial transactions across board. He added that Fintech would ride on 5G technology, when it is fully rolled out in 2023 by licensed 5G operators, to provide bespoke solutions that would drive smart cities initiative and the digital transformation agenda.

5G DEPLOYMENT, BROADBAND PENETRATION According to Adebayo, “The full rollout of 5G services across the country in 2023 will further drive development in the telecom sector. We expect that telecom networks will be a lot more stable in 2023, because most sites that were running on radio links are now being commissioned and re-connected to fibre optic backbone infrastructure, which will bring about better resilience and better service quality. Broadband coverage will also further increase in 2023 and provide more connectivity access to people, even though affordability of broadband access may be a challenge to most people in 2023.”

Adebayo further said all these would be driven by 5G technology deployment by the operators that have been licensed to provide 5G services in Nigeria.

Considering the rise in broadband penetration from 44.49 per cent in July 2022, to 45.55 per cent in October 2022, Adebayo said broadband penetration would further rise in 2023, given the expected rollout of 5G network in 2023.

Nigeria recorded broadband subscription growth of 84.9 million with a penetration rate of 44.49 per cent in July 2022. In August, broadband subscription increased to 85.2 million and penetration also increased to 44.65 per cent.

In September, broadband subscription rose again to 86.06 million with an increased penetration of 45.09 per cent. In October, broadband subscription also increased to 86.94 million and penetration also increased to 45.55 per cent.

Giving a projection of 5G deployment in 2023, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, said MTN had already rolled out its 5G network in Lagos and Abuja, with plans to launch in additional five cities in 2023, such as Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri, adding that customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.

5G technology, also known as the fifth generation technology, is expected to bring a lot of benefits and opportunities that will engender accelerated growth and smart living in the country, when fully deployed. The technology is also expected to bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities. 5G is projected to contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy by 2034, according to a 2020 GSMA Intelligence report, titled: ‘The Mobile Economy’.

In order to harness all the benefits of 5G, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecom industry regulator, in December 2021, successfully auctioned two lots in the 3.5GHz spectrum in a keenly contested bid process among MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Mafab Communications Limited and Airtel Nigeria Communications. At the end of the exercise, NCC declared MTN and Mafab winners of the

Danbatta

Adebayo

two frequency lots and awarded them 5G licence in 2022. In December 2022, NCC also awarded Airtel another 5G licence, bringing to three, the number of 5G licensed operators that will roll out 5G networks in Nigeria.

Nigerians are therefore hopeful of full 5G network rollout in 2023 that will further drive technology innovation and development in 2023.

business model in order to take full advantage of embedded finance, which he added would enable organisations to launch their products to a wide range of customers in 2023.

Co-founder and CEO, Credpal, Fehintolu Olaogun, also mentioned that one of the strong drivers of embedded finance would be the opportunity for customers to pay for products over a long period of time.

FINTECH INNOVATION

STARTUP ACT

Most Fintech players are optimistic that Nigeria will experience more Fintech innovation in 2023, despite its funding challenges. The Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, a major Fintech player, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, told THISDAY that lots of innovations would emanate from Fintrech in 2023 that would further drive development. He however said 2023 would likely come with its challenges, since its election year for Nigeria. “A lot of things are likely to come up this 2023, because it is an election year. Some serious policies from the regulator will definitely play up and lots of Fintechs are still faced with funding challenges.

So the Fintechs need to put some measures in place in order to survive and grow,” Elegbe said.

Other Fintech players who spoke with THISDAY, were optimistic that Fintech would continue to be the game changer in driving innovations in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector of the Nigerian economy. They are optimistic that embedded finance will determine growth in the sector in 2023.

Founder and CEO of Kora, a plug-andplay pan-African payment infrastructure Fintech company, Mr. Dickson Nsofor, said embedded finance would enhance digital payment solutions in 2023, which Kora offers to customers. “Embedded finance is the future of payments, and we are building physical solutions to support it. Development in the financial service space is tilting towards an era where Fintechs will become embedded finance distributors by using their solutions to provide embedded financial payments,” Nsofor said.

Addressing the issue of a cashless economy in a digital era, Nsofor explained that cashless would always drag in low trust environment like Nigeria, adding that more awareness campaigns must be carried out to educate and sensitise Nigerians on the need to build trust and fully adopt the cashless initiative, despite its teething challenges.

Co-founder and CEO, Pay-U, Temitope Adeyemi, said embedded finance would spread fast across all payment platforms in 2023 and would allow customers to store financial values in relation to insurance.

Co-founder and CEO, Anchor, another Fintech company, Mr. Segun Adeyemi, also said embedded finance would encourage organisations to have Fintech built into their

Following the signing of the Startup Bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari and the emergence of a Startup Act in 2022, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, has called for full implementation of the Startup Act in 2023. NCS President, Prof. Adesina Sodiya who made the call, said the Startup Act, when fully implemented, would further drive technology innovations in Nigeria in 2023.

The National President of the Association of Telecommunications Professionals of Nigeria (ATPN), Adede John Williams, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the foresight in signing the Nigerian Startup bill into law, now an Act, said it would harmonise the opportunity in coordinating the activities of the ICT and Fintech subsector of the Nigerian economy, when fully implemented in 2023.

“With the signing of the Startups bill into law, all ICT and Financial Technology (Fintech) related operations in Nigeria will be promoted and inspired to aid the techpreneurship and entrepreneurship spirit and growing investment portfolio as one of the cardinal objectives of this administration.

It will promote self-reliance, job creation, and raise men and women who will become employers of labour. In my view, and in the views of our members, the development will be seen as a very big departure from the current trend in the country where everyone is busy looking for white collar jobs that do not exist,” Williams said.

Williams said with the enactment of the Act, it would empower a pool of ICT skills and competent manpower that could be successfully deployed beyond the shores of Nigeria in 2023, which would attract foreign direct investments from the already established national and international ICT companies in the country.

“Now that we have gotten the Nigeria Startups Act fully backed by law, government can create the enabling environment for the growth of the Startups in the country. I therefore challenge the 36 state governors in Nigeria and the FCT Minister to key into the national technology ecosystem initiative to establish ICT Development Agency through their various States Houses of Assembly, to further strengthen the Startups Act and position it to boost economic development in Nigeria in 2023,” Williams further said.

Sodiya

2023 ELECTIONS NCS President, Prof. Adesina Sodiya said NCS would be more involved in the 2023 general elections, which he termed technology driven election that will drive electoral processes in Nigeria.

According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done a lot in infusing technology with electoral process, through the introduction of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) and electronic transmission of election results from polling units, directly to INEC’s portal. Sodiya however stressed the need for the involvement of Information Technology (IT) professionals from NCS, to ensure a successful and hitch-free election in 2023.

“INEC should realise that no technology driven system is completely perfect and that is the reason why NCS is interested in collaborating with INEC to achieve a near hitch-free election in 2023. NCS has various experts in IT security and development and we are willing to release our IT professionals to work with INEC in the 2023 general elections to assist INEC to serve as election observers and to help assess the performance of BIVAS before the election begins in February next month,” Sodiya said.

He further explained that this would be the first time that INEC will be using technology to conduct nationwide election, and therefore called on INEC to partner with NCS, in order to achieve a credible election for Nigerians.

ICT PARKS Giving details about how ICT parks and government policies will drive development in 2023, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has said government policies and the ICT Parks initiative of the NCC will drive development in the telecom sector in 2023 in a very unique way.

According to Danbatta, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020-2030), which seeks to fast-track digital development and empower Nigerians with the right technology skills, will drive development in 2023, adding that the ICT Parks initiative of the NCC, will further ride on the NDEPS policy to enhance digital transformation in 2023.

The ICT Parks, which are planned to be established in each of the six geopolitical zones, are expected to boost youth digital skills acquisition, promote innovations, provide jobs for the teaming Nigerian youth and ultimately support the overall digital economy agenda of the federal government, when completed in 2023.

According to Danbatta, the four main objectives of establishing the ICT Parks are to provide Innovation Labs and Digital Fabrication Laboratories (Fablabs) for use by ICT innovators and entrepreneurs; provide a Commercial Hub for ICT capacity building and digital skills; create employment and entrepreneurial activities; and facilitate smart city deployment across the digital industrial complex.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

29

BUSINESSWORLD

BRANDS

Amid Uncertainties, Advertising Set for Good Year Despite the uncertainties that usually surround every electoral cycle and the global economic uncertainty, players in Nigeria’s marketing communications landscape are confident that the modest 2.5 % GDP growth projection for 2023, would bring about a decent fiscal year for the industry, reports Raheem Akingbolu

I

n view of the activities in the marketing communications industry in the year 2020, 2021 and 2022, it’s obvious that more strident factors would shape operations in 2023, top Nigerian practitioners have admitted. According to them, global trends are changing, so local trends cannot stay the same.

They have also predicted that there would be a push by consulting firms to continue to rev-up their digital practices and give direct competition to traditional agencies.

On the question of whether the various reforms embarked upon by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) would positively strengthen the industry in 2023, most practitioners answered in the affirmative but added that it would be gradual, stating that the impact will resonate further down the line.

On the global scene, it’s also believed that Russia’s war on Ukraine will come full cycle and negatively impact the industry.

However, with the direction of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy- new naira notes and a peg on cash withdrawal limits, analysts are of the opinion that if these policies go forward as currently being pushed there will be a squeeze on liquidity and it will have an impact on campaign spend. Pundits have also indicated that with increased interest in TikTok ads and short-form video content, digital media will continue to grow in 2023.

Speaking to THISDAY on what to expect this year, the Managing Consultant at Precise, a Reputation Design firm, Mr. Bolaji Okusaga, said, “We see a move to deepen the idea of the conversation economy using technology as opposed to guts and intuition and so we see a rise in Analytics and we see data becoming the heart from which strategies evolve. Traditional Agencies need to raise the stakes or the major consultancies and business advisory practices will take them out within the next decade. The game has got to change and the volatility and uncertainty which 2023 offers present a great opportunity to make that change,”

REFORMS AND EXPECTATIONS With 2023 general elections around the corner, there are mixed feelings that the exercise could mar or make the marcom industry. For instance, the election and the uncertainties that usually surround every electoral cycle may impact Q1 performance as most clients may want to adopt a wait and see approach. As observed by the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Steve Babaeko, “The continued attrition in the oil sector coupled with the change in monetary policies may also constitute a major headwind for the first quarter. This notwithstanding, I am very optimistic of a post-election bounce and with a modest 2.5 per cent GDP growth projection for 2023, it should be a decent fiscal year for advertising.”

The International Advertising Association (IAA) Nigeria President, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, who argued that no significant revenue would likely accrue from political marketing, hinged his conclusion on the fact that political campaigns have become very much a DIY thing. “Besides, it’s seen more as a feeding frenzy opportunity rather than a chance for robust qualitative communication and engagement. It is also reflective, in part, of the expectations and aspirations of the electing public who hold nothing to close scrutiny or deep accountability.

Most of the chat room discussions are very pedestrian and driven by hunger and poverty mentality, rather than values and principles.

“My wager is that marcom being a reflection of the society- in terms of socio economic construct - will continue to devolve and evolve.

Devolve to mirror the continuous downward trend in global economic performance such that it caters for interests on “bite size “ options to

which impending recession and inflation has consigned it to. And also evolve on breaking new value streams that offer more pragmatic solutions that feed the new consumerism attitudes,” Olugbodi said.

Despite the gloomy outlook, the President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Tunji Adeyinka is optimistic that there would be a higher spend on advertising from the candidates from this month as the country approaches the elections in February and March. He also pointed out that the challenges in the market could bring opportunities.

“In human history, the most challenging periods have always been the greatest opportunities for change and innovation.

Despite the concerns that always go with our transitions and elections, we have always emerged better than expected.

With the candidates that are featuring in this election, the front runners are market-driven candidates and that gives us an assurance about the likely policies that will be positive and market oriented.

Any candidate that wins has his job cut out for him and we believe that if they do the right things the economy will grow and the marcoms industry will also grow.

That is the scenario that I have chosen to embrace. This is also encased in a time of monumental and defining changes in the marcoms industry globally. We see cautious growth, especially if the winning candidate is bold.

“However, I am disappointed with what I have seen so far, not just around the lower spend but also in the strategic and creative output. We have not seen very strong, single-minded campaigns driven by consumer insight and a conviction birthed out of our situation. We have seen a lot of platitudes and big media exposures but not much by way of relevant and creative messaging. We still have a few weeks to go before the elections but if we go on at this pace, this may turn out to be the ‘drabbest’ campaign season. Once more, let us hope we are proven wrong in the next few weeks,” Adeyinka said.

Speaking on ARCON reforms, Adeyinka said even though some analysts have concluded that 2022 was a year of reforms, especially in the Marcom industry, he pointed out that 2023 must be a year of

doubling down, active conversations and percolation. “We now need to dig deep and invest time in active conversations and collaborations if the reforms are to make any meaning. Businesses are likely to be cautious in the face of these reforms as they seek to understand. We must not lose the opportunity to have deeper conversations and throw away all the grand-standing.

OUT-OF-HOME SUB SECTOR For the players in the outdoor subsector of the advertising industry, it’s not yet uhuru as practitioners are still receiving bashes, front and back from various state governments’ owned signage agencies. According to the President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), outdoor advertising practitioners have seen worse days but are still sustaining the tempo to keep the industry growing.

He said: “Much as it is still early in the day, we have great hope that even with the reduced economic activities, we will still have enough to keep us busy. My greatest worry is the lack of understanding by our signage agencies and other government agencies that manage our business. As I speak, we are still not able to practice in Kaduna.

The DG of KASUPDA just woke up and reduced all my members’ investments to nothing with one policy of theirs.

This is a government that prides itself as encouraging ease of doing business.

Who can invest with so much uncertainty in the environment? This is actually our major concern. Our Government partners should see us as partners and all will be well. Every election year comes with the opportunity of doing good business.

So far, it will seem that this election circle is going to be different. However, we hope that now that the elections are getting closer, the politicians will do more marketing of their potential and by doing so, we will be better patronised. It could also be because of INEC monitoring of election expenditures. Whatever is the reason, we hope that we will still see some political advertising action.

While admitting that the economic indices are not favourable, especially as fuel scarcity is also part of economic

problems, he stated that the anticipation of a new government is the necessary impetus to keep hope alive.

Speaking on reform, Ajufo who commended ARCON Director General, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo for his proactiveness, called on the federal government to institute the long-awaited ARCON Council. “We have a very knowledgeable and energetic DG, who wants to better the industry. We are fully in support of the reforms and we hope that we will begin to feel the impact more from this year. It will also be wonderful to give us a Council. For a long time, we have been without a Council. I think that the government has not been too fair to an industry like ours with these huge potentials.

“Outdoor advertising Agencies are endangered with the way and manner that our government Stakeholders treat us.

I strongly believe that the role of signage agencies should be that of setting standards for us to follow. What we have however, is that because they are more interested in IGR, they lose the reason for being there in the first place.

“Part of the reform we talked about concerns those who should practice Outdoor Advertising. A lot of companies doing this business with the licence of the Signage Agencies are not ARCON Licenced,” Fadolapo said.

PUBLIC RELATIONS With the likely shrinking spend within the advert space in 2023, some analysts have predicted that there would be an upswing in the PR sub-sector. Reacting to this, Okusaga pointed out that there are a lot of areas where PR may be able to make more impact during a challenging period. “From all signals, Public Relations practitioners may experience boom in their businesses in 2023 because it’s always the best bet when it comes to Policy Advocacy, Corporate Lobby and Litigations Communication on the Corporate PR end; to PR stunts for brand launches and brand storytelling on the Consumer PR end to Investor Relations and Analyst Liaison on the Investor Relations end.

This may well be a year for the resurgence of PR given the increasing price sensitivity of Clients and policies which are constricting the space for traditional advertising. Again, I will counsel caution as these projections are subject to what Economists will refer to as “all things being equal,” Okusaga said.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

L-R: Key Note Speaker at the event and Founder/ CEO Harold and CO, Harold Nwariaku (FCIPS); Team Lead, Regulatory Intelligence and International Regulations, Compliance, FirstBank, Edet Bassey; Head, Procurement, FirstBank, Titilayo Balogun;, Chief Financial Officer, FirstBank, Patrick Iyamabo; Head, Transaction Banking Product Development, FirstBank, Omolara Akingbogun and Team Lead, Business Continuity Operational Risk Management, FirstBank, Abiodun Akintoye at the FirstBank Annual Vendor Engagement recently held in Lagos…recently

Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Rewards Nigerians with N32m Emma Okonji In line with its vision of finding new ways to make dreams possible, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and member of Standard Bank Group, has rewarded 12 creative Nigerian youngsters, winners of the FUZE Talent Hunt, with N32 million.

Recently, at the FUZE Festival, winners of the FUZE Talent Hunt from music, dance, fashion, and

technology categories, walked away with N5 million each. The first Runner-up and second Runnerup from each category were also rewarded with N2 million and N1 million, respectively. In addition to the financial support, they will receive industry recognition and access to mentorship opportunities to support their creative careers and enterprise.

The FUZE Talent Hunt is a platform curated for creative young Nigerians making strides in music,

dance, fashion and technology. Over 4,000 entries were received digitally via the Stanbic IBTC Events App, 40 contestants were shortlisted for the quarterfinals, 24 contestants made it to the semifinals and 12 to the finals. Details of the auditions, contests and finale will be revealed in a three-part episode of the FUZE Talent Hunt which would be aired in Q1 2023 on select media channels across the country.

The top three winners got the chance to perform live for the first

time at the FUZE Festival, held at the Livespot Entertainment Centre, Lekki, Lagos; a first-of-its-kind event hosted by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers.

It was also an entire day of fun and excitement at the FUZE Festival.

Attendees had a great time enjoying a robust Marketplace with an amazing shopping experience where they bought items at discounted prices.

Guests also enjoyed fun games with lots of food and drinks, face and body painting for kids and

adults with many other entertaining activities for individuals and their families to celebrate the yuletide.

Nigerian musical artistes - Ladipoe, Teni, and Wurld performed and thrilled the audience at the event.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan, said the organisation did well to seek, discover and empower young talents whose ingenuity deserved to be in the limelight.

Olumide stated that the FUZE Festival equally allowed Nigerian

business owners to showcase their products at the event for free, thereby positioning them for visibility and patronage. He described FUZE as an experience that was created to add positive value for everyone who participated.

Executive Director, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Nike Bajomo, congratulated the winners and thanked all those who worked hard to make the event a remarkable success.

Konga Unveils First Two Winners in Jara Promotion Zoracom Launches Network, Nosa Alekhuogie Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce giant, has formally unveiled the first batch of winners for its highly anticipated all-expense paid Knowledge Weekend programme with the Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh.

They are Mrs. Molayo Jebutu and Mr. Joshua Emmanuel, both of whom are frequent and loyal shoppers of Konga.

Consequently, both winners will be among the lucky shoppers to enjoy a host of exciting initiatives lined up for the exclusive mentorship programme.

They include funded fares to the location of the retreat, hotel accommodation, feeding and cost of return trip all funded

by Konga Kares. In addition, the lucky beneficiaries will be exposed to healthy living tips, a finishing school, gym/aerobic sessions, deeper insights on the pitfalls confronting contemporary businesses, the new avenues to create sustainable wealth, how to navigate the prevailing tough business climate, as well as direct, one-on-one feedback sessions with Mr. Ekeh. Participants are also expected to dine with Mr. Ekeh.

The two winners were selected randomly from shoppers participating in the current edition of the Konga Jara promotion which commenced on December 13, 2022 and will run through January 31, 2023. An annual festive

season sale, Konga Jara offers massive deals, mouthwatering discounts and huge savings for all categories of shoppers but with a difference this time round, with 12 lucky shoppers set to enjoy an all-expense paid weekend mentorship programme with Ekeh.

Intending winners are currently being picked from customers who shopped on any of Konga’s various platforms, including online – www.konga.com and offline in any Konga retail store nationwide or via Konga Bulk, as well as those who purchased flight tickets on Konga Travel or carried out transactions on KongaPay between December 1, 2022 till the end of January 31, 2023. Although the selection is being done randomly, shoppers

who have a higher frequency or volume of purchases stand a better chance of being selected for the much-anticipated mentorship programme.

With the emergence of the first set of winners, the battle for the 10 remaining slots is set to intensify among shoppers as the Konga Jara promotion enters its final month.

Tagged Knowledge Weekend, the free mentorship programme with the Zinox Chairman will bring a fitting climax to the Konga Jara fiesta sale, which combines the Christmas season deals and New Year bonus sale, offering extra savings on items and best prices unmatched anywhere else in Nigeria for all categories of customers, including bulk buyers.

MTN Foundation Collaborates with Austen-Peters to Excite Customers MTN Foundation, in partnership with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions, brought a spectacular and provoking musical titled ‘Motherland the Musical’, to the Terra Kulture stage during the yuletide season.

This is in line with the Foundation’s extensive efforts to positively showcase Nigeria’s many cultures and history and create opportunities for young Nigerian creatives in arts and culture through stage plays and dramatic storytelling.

The play was staged in Lagos during the year-end holiday from December 23 to January 2, 2023, at Terra Kulture Arena. It also features seasoned actors including

Gideon Okeke, Uzo Osimpka, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan and Oluwatosin Adeyemi.

Motherland the Musical tells the story of our past, present and future. It is a fest of beautiful costuming, storytelling, amazing music and exceptional dances from different tribes that call themselves Nigeria. Situated in a town hall narrative, the conflict areas also look at the issues that are uppermost in the minds of young Nigerians and youths today. Motherland the Musical promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions and a spectacle of all our cultural outfits, music and stories.

Speaking on the relation of the partnership with BAP to

produce the musical, the Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya said: “This partnership is in furtherance of the MTN Foundation’s goal to preserve Nigerian stories while positively showcasing Nigeria’s many beautiful cultures. At MTN Foundation, we believe that while we continue to evolve as a collective, we must not lose sight of our history and culture.

This is one of the reasons we have remained committed to both the preservation and positive projections of our stories by supporting and promoting the arts. Beyond that, we also consider it an avenue for youth development.’’

Motherland the Musical is one of the many arts and culture initiatives the Foundation has supported this year. Others include the Life in My City Art Festival and Beeta Playwrights competition.

It will also be recalled that MTN Foundation has invested over N380 million in over 15 theatre productions across Nigeria.

Over 3,000 young creatives and skilled professionals have also benefited from the Foundation’s support. Some of the productions supported by the foundation in the past include Oluronbi the Musical, Saro the Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Five Maids of Fadaka, OMG the Musical, and Flower the Musical.

Security Operations Centre Zoracom, one of the country’s foremost information technology (IT) firm, recently launched its world-class Network and Security Operations Center (NSOC) in Lagos.

The facility has been described as world-class, which focused on providing cybersecurity solutions to public and private organisations in the country ranging from cyber monitoring to mitigation and training/ capacity building.

During his keynote address, the Chief Innovative/Executive Officer of Zoracom, John Nwachukwu, said: “At Zoracom, we pride ourselves of our ability to proffer and provide solutions to our clients and we do these in three different ways such as observability, cybersecurity and infrastructure. With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, there are fast internet, internet of things (IoT) cloud computing and all that. There is a high need for organisations to protect themselves from threats that will come from exposure to internet.

Organizations need to unify, automate with resilience and robustness and align with security best practice. Here if we can see it, we can monitor it, if we can monitor it, we can optimize it.”

According to him, network is the lifeblood of business and there is need to secure and protect it at all times, this state of the art facility is here as a cornerstone to consolidate and protect organisations.

“We have invested in the latest technology to ensure that we are one step ahead of cyber security criminals. Our NOC and SOC provide unified command, controlled communication, intelligent sharing and analysis capability to help physically and digitally protect

key assets that support the human life. This infrastructure will provide real time monitoring of events and protect all sorts of sensors that are interconnected to make life easier for organisations. Our NSOC is well equipped with tools and resources that will be needed to monitor threat in real time. We are providing the people, technology and process to help organizations defend all things that happen within their network,” Nwachukwu said.

Industry stakeholders at the event were impressed with the tremendous strides that Zoracom has made with this launch of the NSOC facility describing it as world-class.

Also speaking at the launch, a top executive at Remitta Payments Services Limited, Nwachukwu Chukwuemeka, said: “I am delighted to be here to witness where Zoracom has come to establish itself in the Nigerian market. It is a wonderful facility and a good job done properly.

From what I have seen so far the human resource in this building isquite impressive.”

The General Manager of Enterprise business Operations, Airtel, Roland Akintunde, said: “This is a welcome development, everybody need to be customer-centric, and initiatives like this gives customers the satisfaction that they are being protected.”

A senior manager from IBM, Solomon Omorodion, during the inspection of the facility, said: “This facility is standard in terms of current network issues we have and the increase in cyber security threats.

This facility is bringing a proactive approach to cyber security and this is zero tolerance. This facility is a good one.”

GROUP CALLS FOR ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD TO VALIDATE NIGERIA’S NATIONAL DIGITAL LITERACY FRAMEWORK that a committee has been set up to drive its implementation, the Ag Director, Digital Literacy and Skills Development at NITDA, Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, told THISDAY that NITDA had even gone beyond the National Digital Literacy Framework to develop the Digital Literacy Skills

document for the country that is more robust in content and that the document would soon be presented to the Director General of NITDA, Abdulahi Inua Kashifu, to enable him study it and call for stakeholders’ input.

Reacting to the call for the adoption of international standard

to validate the adopted framework on digital literacy, Sambo-Magaji, said: “The draft document on National Digital Literacy has a very limited exposure and NITDA is currently developing the National Digital Skills Strategy and when it is ready, it will be first presented to the Director

General of NITDA, Abdulahi Inua Kashifu, before presenting to stakeholders for their inputs. We are aware that some groups are calling for international standard to validate the National Digital Literacy Framework, which is currently being worked upon for expansion into a National

Digital Skills Strategy, but the truth is that we have carried out a study and we found out that it is not always the case that a country has to adopt a global standard. Countries have their specifics, which vary from one county to another country and some of the specifics are

open-ended with no ‘one side fits it all’. Technology allows us to address a particular challenge with different approaches.”

She further said Nigeria should not bother about adopting a global standard to validate its National Digital Literacy Strategy, because Nigeria is open to many options.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

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BUSINESSWORLD

ECONOMY

Examining Potential of US-Africa Bilateral Trade Relations Recently, the United States President Joe Biden hosted African Presidents from across the continent in Washington, D.C, for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The 3-day event continued efforts to strengthen ties with Africa ased on principles of mutual respect and shared interests and values. Ugo Aliogo who attended the event reports

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he African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCTA) which would be the world’s largest free trade area, would be expected to connect 1.3 billion people across 55 countries and a consumer market that will be worth over $3 trillion by 2030, and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at $3.4 trillion, when the market comes on stream. It is expected that AfCTA would huge foreign direct investments into the African, and position the continent for greater prosperity.

As one of they key investors in the Africa market, the United States of America, (USA) under the leadership of President Joe Biden in partnership with President of Senegal and Chair of the African Union, (AU) Macky Sall, and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, have affirmed their commitment to reinforce longstanding areas of cooperation and expand their partnership to better meet the shared challenges and opportunities of the era. The goal of both parties is to deepen their collaboration to solve global problems and shape the rules of the road for technology, space, cybersecurity, trade, environmental protection, and economics.

The event, according to the US government, “also served as an opportunity to listen to and collaborate with African counterparts on key areas the United States and Africa define as critical for the future of the continent and our global community. Delegations from all 49 invited African countries and the African Union, alongside members of civil society and the private sector attended the Summit.”

THE COMMITMENT OF US GOVERNMENT

During the event, President Biden announced the U.S. commitment of $350 billion to facilitate digital transformation with Nigeria and other African countries, noting that such a commitment would help more than almost half a billion dollars in financing to make sure more people across Africa can participate in the digital economy.

He stated that the commitment includes partnerships such as a new collaboration between Microsoft and Viasat to bring in Internet access to 5 million Africans, which is part of Microsoft’s commitment to bring access to 100 million people across Africa by the end of the year 2025.

He revealed that the initiative would include programmes to train African entrepreneurs with a focus on women entrepreneurs to code and build skills that need to start their own businesses, to secure good-paying jobs and technol-with technology firms, “and this will include partnerships between Africa, American comp-African and American companies to provide cybersecurity services to make sure Africa’s digital environment is reliable and secure.”

“So, today, I’m announcing a new initiative: the Digital Transformation with Africa. Working with Congress to invest $350 billion [million] to facilitate more than almost half a billion dollars in financing to make sure more people across Africa can participate in the digital economy,” he said.

Speaking during the US-Africa Business Forum, Biden said that Cybastion, a diaspora-owned small business, is jointly announcing $800 million in new contracts to protect African countries from cyber threats.

He disclosed that Visa is committing and putting more than $1 billion into Africa over the next five years to further expand the operations on the continent, including providing mobile payment services for more micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses across Africa.

According to Biden, “The United States is all in on Africa’s future. And the work we’ve done over the past two years, building on decades of vital investments made under previous American presidents, has helped make possible the critical steps that I’m about to announce.

“First, the United States is signing an historic memorandum of understanding with the new African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. This MOU will unlock new opportunities for trade and investment between our countries and bring Africa and the United States even closer than ever. This is an enormous opportunity for Africa’s future, and the United States wants to help make those opportunities real.

“We are finally implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area. It will represent one of the largest free trade areas in the world, 1.3 billion people, and a continent-wide market totalling $3.4 trillion. And with the new MOU, we are doing things correctly: enshrining protections for workers both across Africa and in the United States; looking out for small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs and enterprises to make sure they have a fair shot to compete; lifting up opportunity for women-owned businesses, diasporaowned businesses, and businesses owned by members of historically underserved communities; and supporting and investing in the continent’s vibrant and growing urban economies. Together, we want to build a future of opportunity where no one no one is left behind.

“Second, we are investing to facilitate greater regional trade within Africa, including by investing in infrastructure. Today, the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed its first-ever regional transport compact with the governments of Benin and Niger. This

that friendship finds its greatest test of greatness, trust and mutual respect.”

He added that in these times of profound transition, and working together, this requires another way of thinking of the world by working as conscious partners in a world of unequal development, in respect of common values and their differences.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of AU, Macky Sall, commended President Biden for the attachment to the African partnerships, pointing out that the summit presents an opportunity for African to revitalise its common agenda with US government, “certainly, times are uncertain and troubled, the challenges are more numerous. It is in hard times that friendship finds its greatest test of greatness, trust and mutual respect.”

He added that in these times of profound transition, and working together, this requires another way of thinking of the world by working as conscious partners in a world of unequal development, in respect of common values and their differences. compact will invest $500 million to build and maintain roads, put in place policies that reduce transportation costs, making it easier and faster for ships to ship goods from the Port of Cot- — excuse me, from the Port of Cotonou to neighbouring landlocked countries.

“General Electric and Standard Bank will together provide $80 million to improve healthcare services and provide access to cutting-edge healthcare equipment.

Altogether, the forum has spurred more than $15 billion in new deals, which will turn, lift up, and improve lives of people all across the continent. And that is the biggest deal of all. These are long-term investments that are going to deliver real benefits to people; create new, good-paying jobs, including here in the United States; and expand opportunities for all our countries for the years to come. All of you, the deals you have signed, the investments we have made together, are concrete proof of the enduring commitment we are making to one another, government to government, business to business, people to people.”

G-20 PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP

Biden called on the Africa Union (AU) to join the G20 as a permanent member, stating that it has been a long time in coming.

He also stated that he is upholding and defending the foundational principles of global peace and security enshrined in the U.N. Charter and in the AU seminal documents, while also meeting the challenges that impact every nation.

Biden, recalled that in September, at the United Nations General Assembly, the United States fully supported reforming the U.N. Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa, adding that the continent belongs at the table in every room where global challenges are being discussed and, in every institution, where discussions are taking place.

He further explained that they are leading a global effort to pursue equitable arrangements for global creditors to provide debt relief so nations can prioritize their people, not back-breaking debt payments.

Biden disclosed that he is asking the US Congress for the authority to lend $21 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide access to necessary financing for low and middle-income countries, which he said so difficult to come by now, but would help Africa’s recovery efforts and support projects that build resilience against future crises.

“We are leading a global effort to pursue equitable arrangements for global creditors to provide debt relief so nations can prioritize their people, not back-breaking debt payments. And I’m asking the Congress for the authority to lend $21 billion to the International Monetary Fund to provide access to necessary financing for low and middle-income countries which is so difficult to come by now and to help Africa’s recovery efforts and support projects that build resilience against future crises,” he said.

The US President revealed that one of the new commitments of his administration is the investment in countering democratic backsliding through their new African Democratic and Political Transition initiative, noting that they collaborating closely with African governments, regional institutions, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), “my administration will work with the United States Congress to invest $75 million to strengthen transparent, accountable governance, facilitate voter registration, support constitutional reform, and more.”

He hinted that they would also work to support and strengthen the security benefits that flow from good governance, including with a new 21st Century Partnership for African Security, stating that the Department of Defense will work with their African partners to boost reforms that build their security capacity.

According to him, “On Tuesday, I also directed the establishment of the Presidents Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States, so we can tap into the enormous strength of the diaspora communities here in the United States and make sure their insight and experiences are reflected in our work.

And finally, I’m grateful that all of you have made

the journey to Washington for this summit, and I’m eager to visit your continent.

“The United States fully supports the blueprint you laid out in Agenda 2063 to build an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa that is driven by African people, centered on inclusive and sustainable development where Africa is an indispensable global partner. I’m eager to hear from all of you how can the United States deepen our partnerships with you and better work with African nations and the AU to fulfill the aspirations of Agenda 2063. And I want to thank you all again. And I’m now going to turn it over to Secretary of State Blinken to facilitate our discussion.”

In his remarks, the Chairperson of AU, Macky Sall, commended President Biden for the attachment to the African partnerships, pointing out that the summit presents an opportunity for African to revitalise its common agenda with US government, “certainly, times are uncertain and troubled, the challenges are more numerous. It is in hard times

NIGERIA’S COMMITMENT

On his part, the President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Nigeria remains Africa’s largest single consumer market, which is projected to account for over 15 percent of overall growth in Africa’s spending, by 2025, adding that investors in the country would have access to new markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCTA).

He stated that since 2015, the administration assumed office, the fixing of the infrastructural gaps needed for business to thrive in Nigeria, such as roads, railways, air and sea ports, energy and telecommunications, constituted greater priorities for the government.

Buhari said the resolve by the administration is to improve the business environment through business incentives, regulatory reforms and visa-regime that are business-friendly.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Looking Ahead in 2023 – Rekindling Hope in Nigeria’s Health Sector Vivianne Ihekweazu

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he start of a new year comes with fresh expectations, hopes, and dreams. In 2018, Nigeria Health Watch hosted its inaugural Future of Health Conference with the theme “Defining the Health Sector of Our Dreams in Nigeria.” The newly elected President Muhammadu Buhari had just been sworn in to begin his first four-year term.

This inaugural Future of Health Conference comes to mind because, among a renewed sense of optimism, talks centered on how the nation could reach universal health coverage (UHC), improve access to basic healthcare, and implement interventions that improved maternal outcomes.

As we prepare for the upcoming presidential election next month and the governorship elections in certain states that will follow, this provides a new opportunity for a policy reset, assessing how much work remains to be done to address the myriad of challenges the health sector continues to face in order to improve health outcomes.

In the health sector, some progress has been made over the past eight years. In 2018, the launch of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) through the allocation of 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) provided catalytic funding to improve access to Primary health care (PHC).

In November of 2018, the President signed the bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act was signed into law in May 2022, making health insurance mandatory. However, health outcomes, like maternal mortality continue to be a concern.

So, looking ahead in 2023, in order to create the health sector of our dreams, one that every Nigerian deserves, the government must prioritise these five key areas: 1. The State of Primary Health Care (PHC) After he developed the first National Health Policy in 1988 and introduced the PHC model, Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti’s shadow still looms large. Since then and following the establishment of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the quality of care delivered in PHCs has remained a major concern, limiting the country’s ability to achieve UHC. There is an urgent need for critical improvements in primary health care, and there are many lessons to be learned from countries such as Cuba, where community-oriented primary health care has contributed to improved health outcomes. At the recent National Council on Health (NCH), Dr. Ngozi Nwosu, Director, Primary Health Care Systems and Development, outlined a 10-year strategic plan to transform the PHC system. ‘Primary health care is the bedrock of any country’s healthcare system,’ and it will be critical to accelerate the implementation of the strategic plan in the coming year.

Vivianne Ihekweazu, MD Nigeria Health Watch

Infographics from Nigeria Health Watch

2. Addressing Health Worker Retention Health professional brain drain is a problem that requires immediate attention. While this is not a new occurrence, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rate at which health professionals are leaving Nigeria. Unless the “push factors” for health worker migration, career progression, higher remuneration and better quality of life are addressed, retaining health workers will continue to be a challenge, further worsening health outcomes in Nigeria.

According to a national statistical report issued by the UK government in August 2022, 13,609 healthcare professionals left Nigeria for the United Kingdom between 2021 and 2022.

Nigeria has one of the largest pools of health workers in Africa and a sizeable capacity for training them, but there are still a lot of gaps.

Governments at the federal and state levels should collaborate to establish and implement policies that encourage employee retention through career development assistance.

Appropriate compensation should also be considered to limit the rate of the brain drain between rural and urban areas and health workers leaving the country.

In addition, there are opportunities to leverage the diaspora by implementing policies that lead to a ‘brain gain’, with health professionals in the diaspora playing a more active role in improving access to quality care in Nigeria.

outbreaks. Prior to the pandemic, efforts to educate our leaders on the threat of infectious diseases were, to some extent, ineffective as an outbreak seemed like a very hypothetical and distant threat. Nigeria is one of only five members of the WHO African Region to record five or more public health incidents annually, with over 20 infectious disease outbreaks and public health crises between 2016 and 2018.

Poor healthcare funding, insufficient diagnostic capacity, political instability, insecurity, and inadequate supply of trained workforce across the country has constrained the country’s ability to effectively respond to infectious diseases.

Sustained and substantial funding that is made available to respond quickly to an infectious disease outbreak is necessary for epidemic preparedness. The COVID-19 epidemic has prompted international initiatives to close financial gaps. The Pandemic Fund, a financial intermediary fund for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, was established by the World Bank to increase the capacity of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to close critical gaps in their health systems through investments and technical assistance. When allocation modalities are agreed upon, Nigeria should make the most of every opportunity to access these funds.

Furthermore, states must assume greater responsibility for mobilising domestic resources in response to infectious disease outbreaks.

At the moment, only Kano and Lagos State have dedicated budget lines for epidemic preparedness and response. States must be pushed harder to take greater responsibility and ownership for their local health security.

In addition to funding to sustain Nigeria’s efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

3. Sustaining Epidemic Preparedness and Response Efforts The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the threat we face from infectious disease

4. Ensuring Adequate Financing for Healthcare A lack of access to high-quality healthcare reduces Nigerians’ quality of life and ability

to escape extreme poverty. The fact that successive governments have continuously devoted less than 10% of their budgets to health care puts the country’s chronic underfunding of healthcare at the core of challenges the sector faces, with less than 15% of the national budget being allocated to health.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) most recent statistics from 2019, 71% of health care expenditure in Nigeria is out of pocket. This indicates that the majority of Nigerians lack any form of health insurance, and the poorest Nigerians have very little access to high-quality medical treatment.

Therefore, advocacy should concentrate on raising present healthcare spending in order to satisfy the needs of the Nigerian populace. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the deteriorating macroeconomic environment, there are fewer opportunities for the government to increase its health spending. As a result, various policies have been introduced to mobilise more resources, including the BHCPF and the NHIA Act’s mandated health insurance requirement. To expand the fiscal space, the Finance Act of 2021 was also introduced in early 2022, imposing a 10 tax per litre on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

The drive this year must be for the funds from the SSB tax to be earmarked for health (with a further push to increase the level of SSB tax levied). Funds appropriated and allocated to health must be released. There also needs to be a focused push to ensure that mandatory health insurance is enforced, and enough provision is made for vulnerable groups, supporting their medical needs.

5. Nigeria’s Rising Population The global population was projected to reach 8 billion in November 2022. A

large portion of Africa’s population growth is attributed to Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Nigeria is currently the sixth most populous nation in the world, but when its population reaches 450 million by 2050, it will likely surpass the three nations that are currently ahead of it—Pakistan, Indonesia and the United States.

Due to the high infant mortality rate in Nigeria—67 newborns die for every 1,000 live births — women plan to have more children.

The country’s average fertility rate is 5.3 which means that each woman in the nation will give birth to at least five children. With the current infrastructure deficit, the country will have a population that it cannot support if the fertility rate remains constant. Unless the government implements policies and makes investments in employment, health care, and education, Nigeria’s young population might either be a burden or help the nation flourish.

Nigeria must leverage its young population to further its development goals by harnessing the Demographic Dividend (DD) as a way out of the country’s population challenge. Before Nigeria can benefit from the DD, it would need to rapidly reduce its fertility rate in order to allow for a demographic shift that would be adequate to support economic development.

If this were to be done, a population age structure with fewer dependents but a large number of productive and working age adults may emerge.

The renewed hopes for a new dawn in our health sector as a result of a change in government, as well as the key areas identified for prioritisation in 2023, are more than just aspirations. They serve as a guideline for some of the changes that must take place to lead Nigeria down a path that will result in tangible improvements in health outcomes for the population. t $VMMFE GSPN /JHFSJB )FBMUI 8BUDI XIJDI VTFT JOGPSNFE BEWPDBDZ BOE DPNNVOJDBUJPO UP JOnVFODF IFBMUI QPMJDZ BOE TFFL CFUUFS IFBMUI BOE BDDFTT UP IFBMUIDBSF JO /JHFSJB

33

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

NEWS

FERTILITY

With Dr. Kemi AILOJE drkemi@lifelinkfertility.com www.lifelinkfertility.com +2348033083580

Leading Academics, Industry Operators Male Hypogonadism Part 3 for Pharmacy Academy Induction The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) is set to induct 20 leading pharmacists and some captains of industry into its hallowed ranks on December 8, 2022.

The 20 inductees are drawn from a wide array of disciplines, including research and development, management, industrial pharmacy, among others. Some of the more notable prospective inductees include Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Benin, Professor Ray Ozolua; Managing Director of GSK Nigeria, Kunle Oyelana; Managing Director, Medplus Pharmacy Chain, Joke Bakare; Executive Director, the Nett Pharmacy Chain, Chris Ehimen; and Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Babashehu Ahmed, among others.

In a statement made available to the media, the General Secretary of the Academy, Professor Lere Baale, said that “the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is pleased to note that making

Professor Lere Baale a selection of 20 distinguished pharmacists from the dozens of stellar applications received was a most arduous assignment.”

This, he added, “is a reflection of an increasingly pervasive appreciation by pharmacists and other health professionals of the essence of the Academy and a growing determination by many to be part of the Academy’s mission.”

Also, to be inducted as an Honorary Fellow of the Academy is Chief Afe Babalola,

a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and proprietor of Afe Babalola University. While stating the reason for his induction, Professor Baale, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Business School Netherlands, said that “The College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, from its TUBGàOH UP JUT FRVJQQJOH BOE curriculum, embodies a great EFBM PG UIF RVBMJUJFT EFTJSFE PG a 21st century pharmaceutical education, and the Academy desires to symbolically commend Chief Babalola for his foresight.”

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is one of Nigeria’s specialized academies and its bedrock is the facilitation of scientific research and development towards wellness and good health. To this end, the Academy employs strategic advocacy and other means to enhance government and societal funding and support for scientific research with particular focus on pharmaceutical research.

The formal investiture is billed to hold in Lagos.

Chris Oyakhilome Foundation Donates 63m ML Blood across Hospitals Ȋ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱřǰŖŖŖȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Rebecca Ejifoma The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation has donated 63m millilitres of blood across hospitals in Africa to save 400,000 lives as part of efforts to improve lives and better society in the continent.

The foundation noted this at the Future African Leaders Awards (FALA) 10th-anniversary press briefing which was held at the Ikeja area of the state on Wednesday.

Other pivotal feats in the healthcare system the foundation recorded include recruiting and training 10,161 first responders and training to potentially provide life-saving first aid and CPR to 162,576 beneficiaries.

The COO LoveWorld Incorporated, Ifeoma Chiemeka (pastor) also outlined that the foundation recruited 65,539 voluntary blood donors, executed 657 first aid training sessions and 202 Public

enlightenment campaigns.

“Recognising the necessity to change Africa’s narrative and the need to contribute immensely to nation-building, the Future Africa Leaders Foundation organised the annual historic Africa Day event where young people were mobilised to execute over 2,000,000 humanitarian acts of service, organise 1,302 conferences and summits impacting 81,650,329 families across Africa,” says Chiemeka.

With these and many more impactful initiatives and inspiring humanitarian efforts of young men and women from Africa, the COO said the year culminated in FALA 2022 on 31 December last year.

With Lebsey Lebaga from Cameroon as the Star winner of FALA 2022, she has rolled up her sleeves to train 3,000 persons that have been trained as community health service workers in Cameroon in two years.

She emphasised: “In Cameroon, there is no trained community health advocate. The community health workers are almost insignificant. “Within my powers in the next two years, we should have at least 3,000 persons. That will cause a tremendous change and shift and there would be a decrease in some communicable diseases.”

With her takeaway from the FALA to be fearless, Lebaga is boldly pushing for an active primary healthcare system across Cameroon to save more lives.

She highlighted her four focal projects including advocating health insurance policy, training community health workers, implementing very strong policies that healthcare professionals are well taken care of, and improving the management of non-communicable diseases in society.

Clina-Lancet Deepens Health Knowledge among Girls in Lagos

Dr Olayemi Dawodu, the MD/CEO of Clina-Lancet Laboratories Nigeria (middle) flanked by students of the Aunty Ayo Secondary School during the girl child support programme Rebecca Ejifoma The United Nations has remained intentional about its Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, and 5. These goals focus on good health and well-being, RVBMJUZ FEVDBUJPO BOE HFOEFS FRVBMJUZ With a time horizon from 2015 to 2030, organisations like Clina-Lancet Laboratories, an ultramodern technologically advanced and independent pathology laboratory is

developing various strategic activities to contribute to this course through corporate social responsibility.

One such initiative is “A Girl Child School Support Programme”, which was held at the Aunty Ayo Secondary School in the Ikoyi area of Lagos for over 400 girls recently.

“Today’s initiative was driven by our commitment to promoting healthcare and well-being in the communities we operate,” says Dr Olayemi

Dawodu, the MD/CEO of Clina-Lancet Laboratories Nigeria.

As an organisation, ClinaLancet prides itself on being skewed and interested in having social impacts in communities where it runs its businesses.

Just like last year when they put together a maternal and child care activity at Makoko, distributing materials, and drugs and did a health check, they thought of carrying the girl child along.

I

n past editions, we have been discussing on Male Hypogonadism explaining the types, causes, signs and symptoms.

This week, we will conclude with more signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

3. ATADULTHOOD Males who suffer the onset of hypogonadism in maturity will see changes to certain physically masculine traits as well as impaired reproductive function. An early warning indication for the patient includes depression, loss of energy or vitality and a decline in sex drive.

If the condition is not treated, the patient will eventually develop further symptoms such as, Infertility, erectile dysfunction, a decrease in the rate of growth of body and pubic hair, loss of muscular mass which indicates osteoporosis, particularly in the arms and shoulder area and breast tissue development, as seen in gynecomastia (swelling of breast tissues in men due to hormonal imbalance).

The patient will start to go through emotional changes and mental swings when there is significant hypogonadism. Some men also suffer symptoms like hot flashes and difficulties concentrating as their testosterone levels fall.

DIAGNOSIS OF MALE HYPOGONADISM In boys, early identification may help in avoiding issues brought on by delayed puberty.

Men are better protected against osteoporosis and other related problems when they receive early diagnosis and treatment.

During a physical examination, the clinician will determine whether the sexual development including pubic hair, muscular mass and testicular size is appropriate for your age.

Hypogonadism is mostly diagnosed after the patient is told to go for hormonal tests. r 5IF DMJOJDJBO XJMM BEWJTF UP IBWF IPSNPOBM testing to measure the thyroid, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. r 5IF DMJOJDJBO NBZ BMTP SFRVFTU CMPPE UFTUT to look for high blood iron levels, which are generally present in hemochromatosis as an elevated level of iron may have an impact on sex hormones. r 5P WFSJGZ UIF TQFSN DPVOU B TFNFO BOBMZTJT is also necessary because hypogonadism can lower sperm counts.

If tests indicate low testosterone, more UFTUJOH NBZ CF SFRVJSFE UP EFUFSNJOF XIFUIFS a testicular disease or a pituitary problem is the cause.

TREATMENT OF MALE HYPOGONADISM In order to restore normal testosterone levels in adults with male hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used. Male hypogonadism’s signs and symptoms, such as diminished libido, low

energy, thinning of the body and facial hair, and loss of bone and muscle mass, may be overcome with testosterone. The clinician may need to check on you while taking testosterone multiple times during the first year of treatment and afterwards to make sure the medication is working and that no adverse effects are occurring.However, the use of testosterone replacement therapy in older men with low testosterone may make the signs and symptoms of hypogonadism less obvious.

Pituitary hormones may be used to boost sperm production and regain fertility, if the pituitary gland is the root cause. A pituitary tumor may need to be surgically removed or treated with drugs, radiation, or hormone replacement therapy. Men with QSJNBSZ IZQPHPOBEJTN GSFRVFOUMZ NBZ OPU be fertile, however Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) may be beneficial. This technology includes a range of methods intended to assist couples who have had difficulty getting pregnant.

In boys the underlying cause will determine how to treat guys who experience delayed puberty. An injection of testosterone given over a three to six month period may promote puberty and the formation of secondary sex traits such increased muscle mass, pubic and beard hair, and the penis.

It may be possible to lessen or stop the symptoms of hypogonadism by making the important lifestyle adjustments. These behavJPSBM BEKVTUNFOUT JODMVEF RVJUUJOH TNPLJOH BWPJEJOH BMDPIPM FYFSDJTJOH GSFRVFOUMZ CVU gently, managing stress, losing extra weight, and getting enough sleep.

When it comes to preserving a healthy testosterone level, these actions are helpful.

CONCLUSION When the sex glands do not produce any or very little sex hormones, hypogonadism develops. Hypogonadism involves much more than just low testosterone levels. It comes with terrible side effects, symptoms, and indications. It is a chronic illness that may need lifelong care unless it is caused by a condition that may be treated. It seriously harms overall health and may interfere with the operation of several organs. The early stages, the severity of the deficit, and whether or not there is a decline in the testes primary functions all influence the signs and TZNQUPNT *U DPVME ESBTUJDBMMZ MPXFS RVBMJUZ of life, lead to job loss, low self-esteem, and couple separations that end in divorce.

Early identification and management are crucial. That is the only way to escape its FGGFDUT 5IF EJBHOPTJT SFRVJSFT B DPNQSFIFOTJWF physical examination and a number of tests.

If medications are stopped, the sex hormone level may drop.

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

34

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

SEC: Proliferation of Illegal Operators Major Concern In Capital Market Kayode Tokede The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that the persisted proliferation of operators running illegal investment schemes in the country continues to be a major critical concern to the capital market.

Director General of the SEC Mr. Lamido Yuguda who stated this in a New Year Message in Abuja, therefore assured of a renewed onslaught against promoters of such schemes.

Yuguda said that last year alone, the Commission sealed off the offices of four such illegal operators that had defrauded innocent citizens of billions of naira and assured that the Commission will continue its enforcement actions to ensure that such illegal entities are not allowed

to operate.

According to him, “The SEC has been fighting a serious war against Ponzi schemes, we have been alerting people. We have said that investors should only deal with registered operators that have the registration of the Commission, we have their list on the SEC website and we have always said that if you go to an operator or when an operator approaches you, you must confirm that he is a licensed operator with the SEC.” On some of the achievements of the Commission in the last year, Yuguda disclosed that on AntiMoney Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT), in order to comply with the requirements of both the GIABA Mutual Evaluation Report(MER) Follow-Up Process and the FATF

International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) requirements to avoid Nigeria being placed on the FATF public grey list at the Plenary after the deadline in October, 2022, the Commission approved the Rules and Regulations of the Virtual Asset Service providers b. Amendments of the sector specific regulations to repeal the 2013 SEC AML/CFT Regulations and enactment of the 2022 AML/ CFT Regulations.

On Fintech, the DG stated that the Commission will pursue various initiatives, including sensitization programmes on Crowdfunding adding that to further strengthen and encourage developments in the Fintech space, the Commission resuscitated the Regulatory Incubation program during the year.

APM Terminals Apapa Wins NPA Award on Safety Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa has received the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Platinum Merit Award for its excellent performance in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) issues.

The HSE award came a few days after APM Terminals was presented with the award of Terminal Operator of the Year by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in December.

The HSE Awards is an annual event to acknowledge and honour port operators within the Lagos Ports Complex that have distinguished themselves in area of health, safety and environment compliance.

APM Terminals Apapa received the highest award, Platinum Merit Award, for its continuous excellent performance at the port.

Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, thanked NPA for recognising the terminal’s efforts.

He said, “In 2020, we began a transformation journey, changing fundamentally how we do things in APM Terminals. All aspects of our business are being transformed, our infrastructure, our processes, service delivery and the development of our people. The NPA HSE Merit Award is a testament of this transformation.

“Ensuring that everyone goes home safe after work is paramount for us. Furthermore, it enables us to be more efficient and give our customers a better experience, while adding more value to the Nigerian economy.”

APM Terminals Apapa has received several commendations and honours not just for its efficiency but also for its sterling safety records. Last year, the terminal set a new safety record at the port, as it logged 500 days without Lost Time Injury (LTI). No Lost Time Injury (LTI) means no injury was sustained on the job by an employee or contractor that resulted in the person being away from work due to his or her injury.

In addition, the terminal has adopted more environmentally friendly processes in keeping with its green agenda. Last year, it signed an MoU with FREEE Recycle Limited, to recycle its used tyres and eliminated the use of single-use plastic bottled water in order to reduce its plastic waste footprint.

Government Relations Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Olufemi Daniel, who received the award on behalf of the company, said, “We are so excited that we have received the 2022 Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Ports Complex, HSE Commit-

tee Merit Award. This great honour is a demonstration of our continued commitment to improving health, safety and environment, not just within the terminal but also within the port facility.”

Since it commenced operation at the Lagos Port Complex in 2006, APM Terminals Apapa has invested more than $438 million in developing infrastructure, acquiring equipment and improving processes at the port.

The terminal is in the forefront of digitisation of port operations in Nigeria.

In March 2022, it commissioned a new digitalised administrative building in line with its commitment of introducing new innovations to help both shipping lines and landside customers achieve improved supply chain efficiency and flexibility in a cost-effective manner. The building is the first of its kind, thereby setting a new standard for port operation in Nigeria.

The digital technology embedded in the smart building has improved container handling operations and processing in the terminal particularly in enabling electronic invoicing, electronic receipt and online payment processes that allow customers fast-track their documentation.

Firm Launches Digital Marketplace For Construction Industry Oluchi Chibuzor LaborHack, a business-tobusiness technology firm, has developed solutions to tackle the challenges associated with finding skilled, trained and vetted workers for the construction industry in Nigeria.

The firm has partnered with accreditation agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States to test and certify local workers, thereby ensuring the company is able to provide a steady pipeline of workers that have both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to deliver on the job according to global standards.

The Chief Executive Officer, LaborHack, Oare EhiemuaOchui, stated in Lagos this at

the unveiling of a digital marketplace to connect the certified workers to large developers and local construction businesses.

The event brought together key stakeholders in the construction industry in Nigeria to discuss LaborHack’s certification programme, which qualifies and standardises workers through certifications such as the UK Engineering Construction Industry, Training Board (ECITB), UK City and Guilds and the American Welding Society.

Ehiemua-Ochui said: “We are very excited about LaborHack and believe it is very needed here in Nigeria.

Finally, construction industry players have a proxy they can use to make better hiring decisions. This intervention aims

to significantly reduce material, time and financial wastage from the use of substandard talent, which many companies have previously reported to be as high as 50 per cent of their profit margin.”

According to her, certified workers tagged LaborHack Pros, are onboarded to LaborHack’s digital platform where they are connected to companies looking to access pools of trained, tested, and vetted workers available on demand. For the Chief Executive Officer, Orritech Nigeria Limited, Mr. Frank Atsagbede, “I have worked with the firm on past projects and have seen a marked difference in the quality of talent they provide. The certification platform will be a real game changer for the industry.”

L-R: Government Relations Manager of APMTerminals Apapa, Kayode Daniel; Assistant General Manager Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ezunagu Linus; HSE Business Partner, APM Terminals Apapa, Ehiz Idiagi and Chief Port Safety Officer, Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Apata Olusegun Joseph during the presentation of HSE Platinum Merit Award to APM Terminals Apapa recently...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ͰͲ ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 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), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

35

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, ͳ˜ 2023

Oando, Union Bank Exit NGX-30 Index Kayode Tokede The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has disclosed that Oando Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc have exited NGX-30 Index, while BUA Foods Plc and Wema Bank Plc have joined list of most liquid stocks on the bourse.

The NGX-30 index tracks the top 30 companies in

terms of total value of equities listed on the NGX (market capitalization) and liquidity.

The NGX in a statement while explaining its results of the full-year review of its market indices, revealed that some changes witnessed in a few of the indicators, stressing that the review has led to the entry and exit of some

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

companies from several indices that took effect at the opening of the market yesterday.

MRS Oil was included in the oil & gas index, while Oando was also removed.

While there was no incoming company in the insurance sector, African Alliance Insurance Plc was removed.

In the NGX Pension index, the NGX added Airtel Africa

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Plc and BUA Foods, while Honeywell Plc and Conoil Plc were removed.

In the NGX Lotus Islamic index, NAHCo Plc, NASCON Allied Industries Plc and Presco Plc exited, while Chemical and Allied Product (CAP) Plc joined the league.

Berger Paints Plc was included in the NGX Corporate Governance Index, while no company was removed.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

Meanwhile, the consumer goods, banking and the industrial goods sectors remained unchanged.

The indices, according to the NGX, were developed to allow investors track market movements and properly manage investment portfolios.

Designed using the market capitalisation methodology, the indices are rebalanced on a semi-annual basis on the

A S O F

first business day in January and in July.

The NGX began publishing the NGX 30 Index in February 2009 with index values available from January 1, 2007.

On July 1, 2008, the NGX developed five sectoral indices with a base value of 1,000 points, designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors.

0 4 / 0 1 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

36

THURSDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, January 5, 2023

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ /ŶĚĞdž 'ĂŝŶƐ ϯϯďƉƐ

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϯϯďƉƐ ƚŽ Ϯ͕ϰϳϴ͘ϵϮ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ŝŶĚĞdž ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ h &KK ^ ;нϮ͘ϭйͿ͕ 'd K ;нϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E/d, ;нϬ͘ϰйͿ͘ ƵŵƵͲ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϳ͘ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶͲ

ĚĞdž͘ THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

2478.92

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Foods PLC

0.33%

1,635.00

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

ƵůůƐ ^ƵƐƚĂŝŶ ZŚLJƚŚŵ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ ϭϮďƉƐ

Price Previous Current Price Change Change Price Weighting YTD Index to Change Date

Current Price

Ticker

zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ E ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ hͲ

5 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 6 Zenith Bank PLC

&KK ^ ;нϮ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ &/ >/dz ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ ďƵŽLJĞĚ

7 Dangote Cement PLC 8 FBN Holdings Plc

ŐĂŝŶƐ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ E'yͲ ^/ ĐůŝŵďĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ďLJ ϭϮďƉƐ ƚŽ

9 Lafarge Africa PLC 10 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ϱϭ͕ϲϱϳ͘ϱϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ƚŚĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŝŵͲ

11 Access Holdings PLC 12 SEPLAT Energy PLC

ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϴй ;ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ͗ Ϭ͘ϳйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

13 United Bank for Africa PLC 14 Ecobank Transnational Inc

ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ďLJ ʬϯϯ͘ϳďŶ ƚŽ ʬϮϴ͘ϭƚŶ͘

15 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 16 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Fidelity Bank PLC

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ϭϳ͘ϰй ƚŽ Ϯϲϱ͘ϳŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚͲ

19 International Brew eries PLC 20 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

0.0%

ROE

ROA

P/E

33.7%

147.9%

25.8%

4.9%

39.3%

0.0%

0.0%

18.3%

6.4%

4.7x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.8x

5.7%

12.9%

1.4%

73.00

2.1%

8.4%

12.3%

12.3%

15.0x

6.4x

4.9%

6.6%

96.00

-1.8%

7.3%

-1.8%

-1.8%

23.3%

12.1%

36.1x

8.2x

2.8%

2.8%

215.00

0.0%

6.8%

0.0%

0.0%

162.9%

15.4%

12.6x

18.1x

6.6%

8.0%

23.50

1.1%

4.4%

2.2%

2.2%

20.5%

3.1%

3.8x

0.8x

12.8%

26.3% 34.1%

24.10

0.4%

4.3%

0.4%

0.4%

20.7%

2.6%

2.9x

0.6x

12.9%

261.00

0.0%

3.3%

0.0%

0.0%

34.5%

12.8%

15.0x

5.4x

7.7%

6.7%

11.05

-1.8%

2.3%

1.4%

1.4%

24.6%

2.2%

2.0x

0.4x

3.2%

50.4% 14.3%

24.00

0.0%

5.4%

0.0%

158.1%

14.0%

10.3%

7.0x

0.9x

4.2%

1,100.00

0.0%

1.9%

0.0%

0.0%

122.7%

13.7%

18.7x

21.1x

4.6%

5.3%

8.75

-0.6%

1.9%

2.9%

2.9%

19.2%

1.5%

1.7x

0.3x

2.3%

57.2%

1,100.00

0.0%

1.7%

0.0%

0.0%

8.6%

4.4%

9.2x

0.8x

4.1%

10.9%

8.00

-3.6%

1.6%

5.3%

5.3%

16.5%

1.4%

2.2x

0.4x

12.3%

46.5%

11.00

3.8%

1.3%

3.8%

3.8%

19.9%

1.1%

2.1x

0.5x

6.1%

47.6%

45.10

10.0%

1.3%

10.0%

10.0%

10.9%

3.8%

23.5x

2.5x

2.8%

4.3%

33.45

0.0%

1.1%

0.0%

0.0%

19.6%

2.5%

5.5x

1.2x

10.6%

18.2%

165.00

0.0%

1.0%

0.0%

0.0%

52.7%

30.7%

7.7x

4.2x

1.2%

13.0%

4.79

9.9%

0.9%

10.1%

10.1%

15.5%

1.3%

3.0x

0.4x

2.1%

33.5%

4.70

0.0%

0.8%

0.0%

0.0%

-5.0%

-1.7%

30.00

5.6%

0.8%

5.6%

5.6%

13.2%

3.2%

5.2x

0.6x

7.2%

19.3%

0.9x

-5.4%

69.30

0.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

16.7%

7.1%

10.6x

7.1x

10.5%

9.5%

3.86

10.0%

0.4%

0.3%

0.3%

11.9%

1.1%

2.6x

0.3x

5.2%

38.8%

14.00

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

46.0%

2.6%

6.5x

2.8x

10.8%

15.5%

2.10

5.0%

0.4%

5.0%

5.0%

3.6%

1.0%

9.8x

0.7x

2.9%

10.2%

137.50

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

52.3%

18.6%

6.4x

3.5x

1.5%

15.6%

26 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 27 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

16.00

-0.3%

0.3%

-0.3%

-0.3%

23.8%

7.9%

6.2x

1.4x

6.3%

16.1%

12.10

0.0%

0.3%

6.6%

6.6%

29.2%

9.7%

4.4x

1.2x

8.3%

23.0%

1.13

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

17.6%

4.1%

2.9x

0.4x

1.8%

34.3%

WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϯ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ

28 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 29 Wema Bank PLC

3.90

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

15.6%

0.9%

5.0x

0.7x

6.2%

20.1%

193.00

0.0%

ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝͲ

30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 31 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

37.1%

6.2%

4.1x

1.4x

2.1%

6.95

0.0%

0.2%

8.6%

8.6%

4.1%

0.4%

10.0x

0.8x

32 Custodian and Allied Insurance 33 Jaiz Bank PLC

6.00

0.8%

ĐĞƐ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌͲ

0.1%

0.8%

0.8%

18.2%

5.2%

3.6x

0.6x

8.3%

27.7%

0.87

-3.3%

0.1%

-5.4%

-5.4%

19.8%

1.5%

6.8x

1.3x

4.6%

14.7%

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Unilever Nigeria PLC

24.50

0.0%

ĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƚŽƉƉĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ďLJ Ϯ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

18.6%

2.1%

5.4x

0.8x

10.2%

18.6%

11.60

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

3.1%

1.8%

1.1x

4.3%

3.88

0.0%

Ϭ͘ϵй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ E

36 Oando PLC 37 Sterling Bank PLC

0.1%

-1.0%

-1.0%

1.43

2.1%

0.1%

2.1%

2.1%

;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ h &KK ^ ;нϮ͘ϭйͿ͕ D E^ Z ;нϱ͘ϬйͿ͕

38 Champion Brew eries PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd

4.95

-10.0%

0.0%

-10.0%

-10.0%

16.8%

11.7%

62.50

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

-17.7%

-4.1%

6.25

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

21 Guinness Nigeria PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

ĞĚ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ Ϯϭϭ͘Ϭй ƚŽ ʬϭϯ͘ϱďŶ͘

24 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 25 Presco PLC

ƵůůŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

ĂŶĚ t W/ ;нϮ͘ϰйͿ͘ ůƐŽ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ E/d, ;нϬ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ^d Z>/E' ;нϭ͘ϰйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů Ϭ͘ϴй ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƐĞůůŽīƐ ŝŶ h D Ed ;Ͳϭ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ E'^h' Z ;ͲϬ͘ϯйͿ͘

KƵƚůŽŽŬ

ƟĞƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ĚƌŝǀĞ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘

1.0x

1.1%

10.0%

FB NH

15.1

0.80

9.6%

GT C O

13.8

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

1.1%

12.2

8.5%

3.2%

P R EST IGE

0.46

9.5%

A IIC O

NA HCO

7.00

9.4%

UB A

8.2

9.2%

6.7

3.5% -2.2%

UB A

8.30

9.2%

A C C ESSC OR P

CHA M S

0.24

9.1%

J A IZ B A N K

6.1

8.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

5.4

0.0%

T R A N SC OR P

5.3

0.0%

M B EN EF IT

5.0

3.7%

CHA M S

4.5

9.1%

UB N

6.95

8.6%

A IIC O

0.64

8.5%

0.28

7.7%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

C H ELLA R A M C WG

P ric e 2.02 0.92

P ric e C hg % -9.8% -8.9%

FCM B

3.51

-8.8%

H ON YF LOUR

2.20

-6.0%

0.27

-3.6%

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

N EST LE

516.0

0.0%

GT C O

318.2

1.1%

D A N GC EM

198.3

0.0% 3.2%

FB NH

164.1

Z EN IT H B A N K

129.9

0.0%

M TNN

107.3

0.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.90

-2.2%

R OYA LEX

1.04

-1.9%

A IR T ELA F R I

91.1

0.0%

B UA F OOD S

78.6

10.0%

OA N D O

3.88

-1.0%

A F R IP R UD

5.95

-0.8%

UB A

64.6

9.2%

-0.8%

A C C ESSC OR P

58.9

3.5%

N GXGR OUP

ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ tĞƐƚ ĨƌŝĐĂ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ

-1.0%

71.50

J A P A ULGOLD

ƚŚĞ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƌƵŶ ƚŽ ĞdžƚĞŶĚ ĂƐ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝͲ

4.1%

1.8x

J OH N H OLT

T ic k er

ϭϮ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϳϰ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ

7.0%

B UA F OOD S

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϮϬ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕

0.3x 3.7x

T ic k er

R T B R ISC OE

ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϭϭdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϭϱdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ

2.4x 24.2x

P ric e C hg %

9.79

24.85

-1.1% -231.7%

P ric e

T ic k er

F ID SON

-21.5%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a in e r s

Ϭ͘ϱй ďƵŽLJĞĚ ďLJ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ &/ >/dz

24.4% 10.0%

ƌŽŬĞƌĂŐĞ

ƐƐĞƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ

ĚĞĚŽLJŝŶ ůůĞŶ ͮ ĂĂůůĞŶΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ZŽďĞƌƚ KŵŽƚƵŶĚĞ ͮ ƌŽŵŽƚƵŶĚĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ďŝŽĚƵŶ <ĞƌŝƉĞ ͮ <ĞƌŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

dĂŝǁŽ KŐƵŶĚŝƉĞ ͮ ƚŽŐƵŶĚŝƉĞΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ŚƌŝƐƚŽƉŚĞƌ KŵŽŚ ͮ ĐŽŵŽŚΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

ĂŵŝůĂƌĞ ƐŝŵŝLJƵ ͮ ĚĂƐŝŵŝLJƵΛĂĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͘ĐŽŵ

42.2%

37

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 03Jan-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A info@anchoriaam.com 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 22.24 22.91 114.37% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 0.00 0.00 10.50% ARM Ethical Fund 45.64 47.01 126.75% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.13 1.13 105.34% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.11 1.11 114.71% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.35% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 95.72 95.72 0.65% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,127.13 1,127.13 0.06% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.51% Paramount Equity Fund 18.01 18.34 11.85% Women's Investment Fund 145.71 147.44 5.87% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.05% Cordros Milestone Fund 137.87 138.87 10.51% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 113.20 113.20 5.33% CORONATION ASSETS 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 EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1469.99 1469.99 12.06% FBN Balanced Fund 200.13 201.49 0.22% FBN Halal Fund 123.02 123.02 12.55% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.70% FBN Dollar Fund 120.26 120.26 6.68% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 166.99 169.42 0.84% 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 11.40% Legacy Debt Fund 3.58 3.58 -10.58% Legacy Equity Fund 1.99 2.04 14.73% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 4.44% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

FSDH Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.29 12.40 1.11% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.06% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 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 1.59 1.64 1.44% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.46 11.63 3.17% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.06% PACAM Equity Fund 1.45 1.48 2.51% PACAM EuroBond Fund 119.98 122.66 5.25% 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 1.00 1.00 11.03% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,664.10 3,693.19 8.08% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 245.19 245.19 4.08% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.43 1.45 14.29% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 332.71 332.71 6.25% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 262.27 265.50 12.30% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.25% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,222.92 12,364.49 11.92% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.37 1.37 5.70% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 121.08 121.08 3.57% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 115.09 115.09 8.19% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.97 0.99 1.56% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.39 1.41 1.15% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.16 1.17 -0.41% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.10 1.10 7.72% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.95 1.95 7.76% United Capital Eurobond Fund 125.42 125.42 5.46% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.92% 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 Balanced Strategy Fund 13.95 14.07 5.74% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.92 16.07 8.90% Zenith Income Fund 23.57 23.57 7.37% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.34% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.23 4.33 5.48% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.05 6.15 3.53% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 18.78 18.98 6.18% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.80% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 23.93 24.13 19.67%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.19 52.92

7.68% 3.98%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A 133.45 103.16 17.40 16.40

N/A 135.80 104.94 17.50 16.50

N/A 4.59% 3.17% 1.02% 1.49%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

N/A

N/A

N/A

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.59

0.00%

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.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

38

GAMINGWEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Gaming Industry Regulators, Operators Echo Definite Expectations for 2023 Nseobong Okon-Ekong asked key stakeholders what players, stakers and the general public should expect in 2023 from the gaming industry END OF TUSSLE BETWEEN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND STATES: Olajide Boladuro, Director-General of Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board

the gaming industry. We expect to see more physical events for stakeholders to connect as well as more gaming communities and businesses spring up to grow the ecosystem.

On the game development side, there will be more game startups and projects on displaying looking for funding and a share of the market.

All in all, it’s open season for gaming this 2023

2023. Each event will cover unique topics and markets related to the specific region the event is taking place in.

Gaming industry insiders can look forward to each event providing a space for individuals and businesses to grow, connect, network, share and gain knowledge about this fast-paced, thrilling industry.

Managing Director Yudi Soetjiptadi said, “The New Year is a chance to turn your aspirations into a reality!

MARKET DISRUPTION DUE All the best for 2023, and we hope to see as many of you as possible at TO NEW PRODUCTS Solomon Godwin, Senior Business any or all of our spectacular events Development Manager, Africa Continent, that we have in store for 2023.”

MORE SUPPORT TO PROBLEM GAMBLERS

INDIGENOUS OPERATORS SHOULD GET LISTED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE Yahaya Maikori, Managing Partner,

A

s an offshoot of the Sports Betting West African Summit held last year and given the rapid growth of the gaming industry, it is expected that the Nigerian gaming industry will see an unprecedented amount of influx of investors, especially among the bookmakers and casino game providers.

It is also expected that the lingering tussle between the federal and state governments will be laid to rest. I am positive that the states’ gaming regulators will come up with a robust framework to unify and solidify regulations. I also look forward to the Supreme Court decision this year on who has the constitutional mandate to regulate and licence gaming businesses in Nigeria.

MORE GAMING COMMUNITIES WILL SPRING UP Oscar Michael, Cofounder of

Africomicade 2023 is set to be a great year for

employment, economic indices, taxes and remittances to government and community development.

Pragmatic Play I expect to see market disruption in terms of investment, new products introduction, and marketing as offshore sportsbooks/operators begin to take Africa seriously. Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, and Tanzania are in focus. The rise in mobile betting offerings will continue as more and more operators review their offline retail strategies.

Fisayo Oke, CEO, Gambling Alert Effective prevention of gambling harms requires a coherent and coordinated ‘whole-system approach’, involving partnerships with healthcare providers, public health agencies, local authorities, and voluntary sector organisations.

This will help to ensure appropriate prevention messages, referral routes, EXPECT 16 GLOBAL GAMING and care pathways are in place for individuals in need of support and EVENTS Yudi Soetjiptadi, Managing Director, will enable individuals to receive the right intervention at the right time. At Gamble Alert, we expect that the gaming regulators and gaming companies (lotto, sports betting, casino, pools betting, etc.) will pay more attention to safer gambling through support for sensitization, research and treatment services for problem gamblers.

Eventus International Eventus International is moving full steam ahead from the get-go of the New Year and will be hosting 16 spectacular events across the globe in

THERE WILL BE DEFINITE SHIFT IN CUSTOMER INTEREST Gossy Ukanwoke, MD, Betking 2023 is going to be a pivotal year for gaming globally. As the industry continues to grow and reach more maturity, there will be a definite shift in customer interests that will set the outlook for years to come. In Nigeria, I believe that we will reach a resolution on the regulatory dichotomy. This will transform the industry and better position it to contribute massively to

Law Allianz The industry has grown exponentially in the last seven years or so, and so have some of the companies. What I will love to see starting from 2023 is to see indigenous operators list their operations in their local stock exchanges, even the alternative securities market. For me, that will signify the coming of age of the industry - such a move will mainstream the industry, placing it side-by-side with other blue chip companies which are considered significant players in the financial sector.

Such initiatives will help attract the needed investments from financial institutions, bring confidence to the public while debunking the long-held misconception that gambling operations are largely pipelines for criminal activities and, therefore, incapable of transparency.

Outside of South Africa, I cannot point to any other African operator which has successfully achieved this milestone.

Recently, a listed South African media company bought significant shares in a Nigerian operator but as far back as 2002, Phumalela was listed on the

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023

39

GAMINGWEEK

Entertain No Fears Over Winnings, 22Bet Assures Stakers Nseobong Okon-Ekong A leading and popular betting site in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, 22Bet.ng has assured its numerous clients, stakers and customers not to panic about withdrawing their winnings.

The company, which noted that the assurance became imperative given fears entertained by some stakers and customers who won big during the Yuletide end-of-the-year gamings, said it would do anything and everything possible to ensure that winners are not denied their winnings on their platform.

The Head of Local Sponsorship and Partnership, Adebayo Ajala, explained that many stakers won big on Boxing Day/End of the Year stake. He said, however, trouble started when some winners who could not withdraw their winning, largely due to technical issues, went to social media to raise the alarm.

Ajala explained that the company swiftly responded to the challenges, with many winners being able to withdraw their winnings as many more

winners shared the receipt of their withdrawals from the platform. He assured all others who are having difficulties assessing their winnings to stay calm, as all winners would be paid their winnings. He also restated that 22Bet.ng is a bookmaker that values transparency.

Ajala, while assuring the

customers, maintained that 22Bet.ng is more than capable of paying out all winnings no matter the sum, as against the fears of some stakers who won.

Many winners took to Twitter to complain about their inability to withdraw, while others also thanked 22Bet.ng for paying them their winnings for those that

withdrew.

“It was more of mixed reactions, but we want to assure every winner that they will get their winnings,” he stated. “We should look at the brighter side, as it is now very obvious that you can change the quality of lives with 22Bet. ng, as thousands of players have already done it.”

Mr. Kumbi Titiloye (Executive Chairman Kwara United Football Club), Mr. Adebayo Ajala (Head Local Brand Partnership & Sponsorship)

Maangi: You Don’t Need to Be Billionaire to Build Profitable Business in Africa Jeremiah Maangi, Managing Director of Bizin Africa, is an ‘invest in Africa’ ambassador, an integrated marketing professional and an investment management specialist. Recently, he was appointed as SiGMA Brand Ambassador Africa. Maangi tells John Bamidele what to expect at SiGMA Africa, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, between January 16 and 19 Bizin Africa was recently announced as the brand ambassador for Sigma Africa 2023. What are your expectations for the event?

The appointment of Bizin Africa as the Sigma Africa brand ambassador reflects our expanding efforts to support companies and organizations as they expand and make investments throughout various African economic sectors.

The majority of attendees at the summit have an interest in the African igaming market in some way. Thus the conference is very helpful for Bizin Africa in achieving our goal of promoting Africa as the best investment destination globally.

I am confident that Sigma Africa 2023 will provide a platform for businesses to strike life-altering deals, for those looking for investment to realise their ambitions, and for individuals who are not well-versed in the field to gain additional knowledge from sector specialists. All of this is merely a result of the fact that Sigma Africa 2023 will bring all industry participants to a single table. As a result, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone interested in the African igaming industry to come, interact with their peers, and learn more while having fun and enjoying Nairobi’s stunning natural surroundings.

What is Sigma Africa going to

do differently in gaming events in Africa?

Sigma is a network. It is a community that has grown over the years and has succeeded in building a solid team of staff, presenters, exhibitors, partners and other important figures in the African igaming industry. Therefore, it should be obvious that Sigma is a sure bet. Whether you are merely attending, speaking, or exhibiting, you can be certain that at the end of the three-day summit, you will have gained big.

In Africa, retail dominate all the gaming verticals. Do you see Sigma events in Africa accelerate the shift from retail to online?

I think online is already dominating the industry in Africa.

The availability of mobile phones with an internet connection has also increased, and this trend is currently accelerating at a supersonic rate.

Therefore, I don’t believe that Sigma events in Africa will contribute in any way to shifting people’s perceptions of gaming from retail to online, as this is already happening.

Africa is regarded as high risk by investors. However, we have witnessed an influx of foreign gaming brands in Africa. What is the attraction?

It’s simple. You don’t need to be a billionaire to build a strong and profitable business in Africa. This is

why most businesses are interested in this ‘highly risky’ market. To make it in Africa, you need to do proper market research and engage with customers on the ground, including consultants and people who have already been in the industry. You need to recognise that there are 54 different countries in Africa; Africa is not one country. The reception of gambling products varies depending on the nation. These nations are further divided into numerous areas, each of which has particular characteristics, necessitating a distinct strategy for each region. Avoid copying from Europe, Asia or America and pasting in Africa, as it won’t work anyway.

You must work on a platform that is simple to use and has distinctive features. If the unique features your platform wants to offer have already been implemented by your competitors, improve them before coming live and be prepared to invest a significant amount of money in promoting your brand, especially in the first year. You must therefore have a good budget.

In addition, you must understand that bonuses are good, but not all bonuses work in Africa. In my opinion, there are

“It’s simple.You don’t need to be a billionaire to build a strong and profitable business in Africa. This is why most businesses are interested in this ‘highly risky’ market. “

more scammers on this continent than on any other. As a result, you must be extremely cautious when selecting offers and bonuses that you will give to your players.

Between Latin America and Africa, which do you see as the next frontier in gaming?

The two regions are markets every investor should have an eye on. I sometimes consider the two regions the best for someone interested in markets that are upcoming and, aat the same time, not oovercrowded.

FOR ECAST D a v i d s o n A b r a h a m ’s Weekly Match Preview and Betting Tips: Week 1

We are in for another entertaining weekend of football across Europe. The games to look out for is the suspense filled double Header between Man City and Chelsea. As they are, set to lock horns 2 times, over the course of just 72 hours in London and Manchester for premier League and FA cup fixtures. Chelsea, and Man City to a lesser extent have been inconsistent this season, Although Man City are the better side and favorites going into these two fixtures. A win or draw on Friday and qualification to the next round of the FA cup on Sunday for Man City are the realistic outcomes but never write Chelsea off! Anything is possible in football!

In Portugal, Benfica are

expected to routinely dispatch Portimonense while Leicester City, Tottenham and Newcastle at the expense of Gillingham, Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

In Spain, Real Madrid are expected to beat Villarreal away from home as they look to leapfrog Barcelona into first position in the La Liga standings.

In the Italian Serie A Inter are expected to easily defeat Monza as they look to continue their fine form haven won 5 of their last 6 League games with their only loose coming in a two nil defeat to the Bianconeri back in November. Celtic are expected to extend their 9 points advantage as the look to beat Kilmarnock in Celtic Park on Saturday.

DAVIDSON ABRAHAM’S WEEKLY BETTING TIPS DATE Friday, 6 Jan 2023 Friday, 6 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Saturday, 7 Jan 2023 Sunday, 8 Jan 2023

FIXTURE

BETTING TIPS

Chelsea Vs Man City

Over 1.5

Benfica Vs Portimonense

1x

Gillingham Vs Leicester City

2x

Tottenham Vs Portsmouth

1x

Sheffield Wednesday Vs Newcastle

2x

Monza Vs Inter

2x

Celtic Vs Kilmarnock

1x

Villarreal Vs Real Madrid

2x

Juventus Vs Udenise

1x

Man City Vs Chelsea

1x

PROMO!!!

50 MOST

INFLUENTIAL PERSONALITIES IN GAMING Keep a date on Thursday, March 30, 2023 as Gaming Week reveals across the gaming spectrum, the ladies and gentlemen who turn the wheel.

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324 John Bamidele amostogun@yahoo.com | 08022212236 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

40

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

SpainInvestigatesEquatorialGuineaLeader’sSonforKidnapping A son of Equatorial Guinea’s long-ruling president is under investigation in connection with kidnapping and torture allegations that observers say will damage the president’s attempts to improve his international reputation.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 80, has ruled the oil-rich former Spanish colony since 1979, and after winning a sixth term in office in November, observers said the president appeared eager to shake off the persistent allegations, which he has denied.

This could be jeopardised, however, after Spain’s High Court, the country’s top criminal court, announced it would investigate one of Obiang’s sons, Carmelo Ovono Obiang, along with the president’s security director, Isaac Nguema Endo, and security minister Nicolas Obama Nchama. They are under scrutiny in connection with the alleged kidnapping and torture of two Spanish citizens, Feliciano Efa Mangué and Julio Obama.

Equatorial Guinea’s vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, has strenuously denied the accusations and accused Spain of “interfering” in his country’s sovereignty.

The two Spaniards, who oppose the Obiang government, were allegedly tricked by the three men into meeting in South Sudan in 2020. They were kidnapped and taken to Equatorial Guinea, where they were allegedly tortured..

China, Ecuador Set to Sign Free Trade Agreement China and Ecuador will sign a free trade agreement after almost a year of negotiations, Ecuador ’s president said Tuesday, with the deal expected to boost growth in the South American country.

“Good news to start 2023. The FTA negotiation between China and Ecuador has been successfully concluded,” President Guillermo Lasso said on Twitter. “Our exports will have preferential access to the largest market in the world, our industries will be able to acquire machinery and inputs at lower costs.”

China is one of Ecuador’s main trading partners, with bilateral trade estimated at more than $10 billion annually.

It was Ecuador’s main non-oil trade partner in the first half of 2022, the trade ministry in Quito said.

No date had been set yet for the formal signing of the deal, which would take place after formalities were completed, it said.

The agreement, once signed, will make Ecuador the fourth Latin American country to have a free trade deal with China, after Costa Rica, Peru and Chile.

The deal is expected to boost Ecuador’s exports of shrimp, bananas, flowers, cocoa and coffee, the trade ministry said in a statement, and also to “open the doors for the export of non-traditional products such as dragon fruit, pineapple, mango, blueberries, quinoa, processed foods, fresh and canned fruits.”.

Afghan-based Group Threatens Terror Attacks on Pakistani Leaders A banned alliance of militant groups waging terrorism in Pakistan threatened Wednesday it would unleash attacks on the country’s political leadership for declaring war on the outfit to allegedly “appease” the US. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, issued the warning explicitly to the leaders of the two major partners in the ruling coalition, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The PML-N is headed by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the PPP by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The TTP, listed as a global terrorist organization by the US and the United Nations at large, has lately carried out almost daily attacks, killing hundreds of Pakistani security forces and civilians.

The militant warning came after Sharif chaired a meeting Monday of the National Security Committee, the country’s highest security-related forum comprising political and military leadership and vowed that terrorism “will be dealt with full force of the state.”

Pakistani officials say the TTP, an offshoot and ally of Afghanistan’s ruling Islamist Taliban, has unleashed its recent wave of terrorist attacks from across the Afghan side of the border. .

Twin Suicide Bombing in Central Somalia Kills 15 Somali authorities say two bombings targeting officials Wednesday have killed at least 15 people in the town of Mahas in the central Hiran region, about 300km north of the capital, Mogadishu.

Mumin Mohamed Halane, the town’s mayor, said on state-run television that the attacks consisted of two car bomb blasts targeting his house and the residence of a member of the federal parliament, Mahamed Abukar Jacfar.

Islamist militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attacks, which it said targeted the main government base in Mahas.

Local residents who talked to VOA by phone described the attack as “one of biggest explosions” they have ever heard.

The attack triggered condemnation from local and national government officials..

Iran Releases Oscar-Winning Film Actress Held over Protests Iran released a prominent actress from an Oscar-winning film on Wednesday, nearly three weeks after she was jailed for criticising a crackdown on anti-government protests, local reports said.

Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency said Taraneh Alidoosti, the 38-year-old star of Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winning ‘The Salesman’, was released on bail. Her mother, Nadere

Hakimelahi, had earlier said she would be released in a post on Instagram.

After her release from the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran on Wednesday, Alidoosti posed with flowers among her friends. No further details have been released about her case.

Alidoosti was among several Iranian celebrities to express support for the nationwide protests and criticise the authorities’ violent clampdown on dissent.

She had posted at least three messages in support of the protests on Instagram before her account was disabled.

One message had expressed solidarity with the first man to be executed on charges linked to the protests, which were triggered by the death of a woman in police custody and have escalated into widespread calls for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling clerics.

begin processing immigrant visas, with a priority placed on permits to reunite Cubans with family in the US and others like the diversity visa lottery.

The resumption comes amid the greatest migratory flight from Cuba in decades, which has placed pressure on the Biden administration to open more legal pathways to Cubans and start a dialogue with the Cuban government, despite a historically tense relationship.

They are anticipated to give out at least 20,000 visas a year, though it’s just a drop in the bucket of the migratory tide, which is fueled by intensifying economic and political crises on the island.

In late December, US authorities reported stopping Cubans 34,675 times along the Mexico border in November, up 21 per cent from 28,848 times in October.

Gunmen Kill Five in Rare Attack Near Mali’s Capital

Iran Warns France about ‘Insulting’ Khamenei Cartoons

Mali’s security ministry says armed men attacked a civil defence post in a rare attack near the capital Monday, killing five people.

Mali’s security ministry said unidentified armed individuals attacked the defence post-Monday night in the small southwest town of Markacoungo, about 80km from the capital, Bamako.

In a statement Tuesday, the ministry said two members of the civil defence force and three civilians were killed in the attack.

It said Mali’s security forces were taking all measures to identify and arrest the attackers and called on the public to collaborate with security forces. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the Monday attack.

Markacoungo lies on the main road northeast of Bamako, an area that rarely sees such attacks.

Violence in Mali’s decade-long conflict with Islamist militants has been mostly in the north and centre of the country, though attacks in the south are increasing.

Six people were killed in a July attack on a checkpoint 70km from Bamako, followed by an attack one week later on Mali’s main military camp, just 15km from the capital.

Iran warned France on Wednesday of consequences after the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published cartoons depicting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Tehran deemed insulting.

The weekly magazine had published dozens of cartoons ridiculing the highest religious and political figure in the Islamic republic as part of a competition it launched in December in support of the three-month-old protest movement in Iran.

“The insulting and indecent act of a French publication in publishing cartoons against the religious and political authority will not go without an effective and decisive response,” tweeted Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

“We will not allow the French government to go beyond its bounds.

They have definitely chosen the wrong path,” he added, without spelling out the consequences.

Later Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it had summoned French Ambassador Nicolas Roche.

“France has no right to insult the sanctities of other Muslim countries and nations under the pretext of freedom of expression,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said.

“Iran is waiting for the French government’s explanation and compensatory action in condemning the unacceptable behaviour of the French publication,” he added..

US Reopening Visa, Consular Services at Embassy in Cuba The United States Embassy in Cuba is reopening visa and consular services Wednesday, the first time it has done so since a spate of unexplained health incidents among diplomatic staff in 2017 slashed the American presence in Havana.

The Embassy confirmed this week it would

US House Twice More Rejects Kevin McCarthy as New Speaker A band of archconservatives in the newly elected US House of Representatives has twice more scuttled Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become the chamber’s new speaker in a continued protest that he is not beholden enough to the conservative cause.

McCarthy, a 16-year lawmaker from California and the House Republican leader in the session of Congress that ended Tuesday, has long sought to become House speaker. But he lost three votes on Tuesday in a futile quest for a 218-vote majority in the 435-member chamber, and he failed in two more rounds of balloting on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, he fell as many as 16 votes short of a majority, with the same result on Wednesday in both votes. It was not immediately clear when a sixth round of voting would occur.

Until Tuesday, it had been 100 years since neither a Republican nor Democrat won the House speakership on the first round of voting to become the leader of the lower house of Congress.

The fourth vote came hours after former President Donald Trump publicly called for McCarthy’s election as House speaker, a lawmaker he has described as “My Kevin.”

“It’s now time for all of our great Republican House members to vote for Kevin, close the deal, take the victory,” Trump said on his social media network.

Israel’s New Government Unveils Plan to Weaken Supreme Court Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s justice minister on Wednesday unveiled the new government’s longpromised judicial system overhaul that aims to weaken the country’s Supreme Court.

Critics accused the government of declaring war against the legal system, saying the plan would upend Israel’s system of checks and balances and undermine its democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the most right-wing coalition in the country’s history.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a confidant of Netanyahu’s and longtime critic of the Supreme Court, presented his plan a day before the justices are to debate a controversial new law passed by the government allowing a politician convicted of tax offences to serve as a Cabinet minister.

“The time has come to act,” Levin said.

41

THURSDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CLOSING GONG CEREMONY TO MARK THE FINAL DAY OF TRADING OF 2022...

L–R: Sola Sobowale; Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Temi Popoola; - Founder/CEO Kemi Adetiba Visuals, Kemi Adetiba and Director, Nigerian Exchange Group, Ojinika Olaghere, during a PHOTO: DAN UKANA Closing Gong Ceremony to mark the final day of trading activities for the year 2022 in Lagos... recently

52 Days to 2023 Polls, INEC Receives Last BVAS Consignment Chuks Okocha in Abuja Fifty-two days to the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tues-

day, received the last consignment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation (BVAS) machines.

National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter

Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement said the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, National Commissioners and senior officials of the Commis-

sion were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to receive the BVAS. Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Aviation

Handling Company (NAHCO) and airport security officials were also at the airport to receive the INEC team.

Okoye noted that to facilitate the

Ngige Tackles Obasanjo over Criticism on Buhari's Administration Says Atiku, Obi, Tinubu, Kwankwaso good for presidency job Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige has tackled former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for criticising the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his controversial New Year letter to Nigerians.

The minister said the current economic problems and hardship was a global phenomenon and not restricted to Nigeria to warrant such attacks.

The former Anambra State Governor also restated his decision not to campaign for any presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections, describing the four frontrunners for the presidency as good candidates who have the requisite cognate experience in government business at state and federal levels.

In a statement by his Media Office in Abuja, yesterday, Ngige

was quoted to have made the comments at his hometown, Alor, Idemili South local government area, Anambra State, while sharing Christmas largesse to members of the All Progressive Congress(APC), the indigent, widows and aged persons.

Addressing the crowd at St. Mary's Church Pavilion Alor, Ngige said Buhari had requested ministers to go home and assist their people since last September having realised the hardship in the land.

According to him, the current government should not be blamed much for the hardship in the country because the situation was not restricted to Nigeria alone, but all over the world.

He explained that the country’s neighbours - Ghana, Cote d'ivoire and South Africa - were not insulated, ditto the United Kingdom and other developed economies of Europe and America, from the global economic challenges.

He therefore urged Nigerians to disregard politicians who would come campaigning and telling them that the Buhari government caused the hardship they were passing through.

He said, "I am part of this government and when I start talking, people will say that 'he will defend the government because he is part of it'. Yes, I must defend the government because I'm inside and I know the hard work put in to ameliorate this hardship we are seeing.

"It is also world over as the cost of living is up and there is low and middle class agitations everywhere, especially among the working class.

It is not only in Nigeria.

"So, don't mind those politicians who will come and say that the Buhari government inflicted hardship and poverty on you. One of them wrote a letter the other day, the habitual national letter writer. He said Buhari brought Nigeria below

COVID-19 Upsurge: Nigeria Monitoring Situation in China, UK, US, Says NCDC The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said Nigeria is currently monitoring the global COVID-19 epidemiology as it affects the upsurge in China, the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), South Africa, India, and other countries.

The COVID-19 upsurge in China has been a matter of public health concern in Nigeria following measures taken by other countries to check import of the variant of the virus from Asian country.

However, a statement signed by the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, stated that the findings showed that sub-lineages partly responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 cases in China and other countries such as XBB.1.5 and BF.7 were yet to be detected in the country.

The statement titled: "Update on COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance

in view of the Rising Cases of COVID-19 in Hotspot Countries," linked the resurgence of COVID-19 in China to the relaxation of the country’s zero-COVID policy, as well as significantly increased COVID-19 cases, admissions, and deaths in the UK and the USA over the past weeks driven in part by the usual winter exacerbations of respiratory illnesses.

"Consequently, we continue to monitor global COVID-19 epidemiology including genomics data as part of the ongoing pandemic response.

“The NCDC-led COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is monitoring COVID-19 trends in China, the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), South Africa, India, and other countries with a high volume of traffic to and

from Nigeria," it added.

The NCDC said before the recent case increase in China, the USA, the UK and other countries, genomic surveillance had shown that the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant and its lineages continued to dominate in recorded infections worldwide.

However, it said the rise in the new Omicron sub-lineages XBB.1.5 in the UK and the US, and BF.7 in China had become a matter of concern as it may spread faster than older Omicron sub-lineages, adding that they are responsible in part for current increases in cases, hospitalisations, and deaths.

"However, the sub-lineage seen with cases in China, B.5.2.1 and BF.7 are responsible for the surge in China and does not appear to be increasing unusually in other countries.

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1999 level. How can somebody say that? The same person ruled from 1999 to 2007."

The former Anambra State Governor added: "What did he do to change here to Eldorado when he was in charge? It is easy to criticise. It is easy for spectators in the field of play to say they would have scored a goal if they were in the field of play.

"As a spectator, when the ball is in the penalty box, you move your legs as if you are the one playing.

But, when they throw you inside there, you discover that the game is man to man. It is 90 minutes of man versus man. It is no longer a question of talking or clapping from the sideline.

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smooth delivery of the machines, the Commission created four airport hubs in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

“Over the last four months, several flights had delivered the BVAS to the designated airports for movement to the different states of the federation ahead of the elections.

“With the arrival of the last flight in Abuja yesterday, the Commission has now taken delivery of the required number of the BVAS for all the polling units in the country and extra machines in line with our contingency provisions for all critical election materials.

“The Commission appreciated the support of all Nigerians in its determination to conduct free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive 2023 general election facilitated by the deployment of technology,” he stated.

Major Shake-up as NAF Appoints New Branch Chiefs, AOCs Megida replaces Gabkwet as spokesperson Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, yesterday approved the appointment and redeployment of new branch chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants of Tri-Service and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Institutions.

In a statement signed by Group Captain Joel Abioye for the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF explained that the redeployment was part of routine exercise aimed at ensuring operational efficiency and effective service delivery in the NAF. Abioye also announced the appointment of a new spokesperson, Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida, to replace Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who was redeployed and appointed as Commander 551 NAF Station, Jos. “Also, former Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore (Air Cdre) Edward Gabkwet has been appointed Commander 551 NAF Station, Jos while Air Cdre Wapkerem Maigida is now the new NAF Spokesperson.

“The newly appointed Branch Chiefs are Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Jackson Yusuf, formerly, Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF) who is

now the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans (CDPP), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, AVM Idi Lubo, erstwhile Commandant Armed Forces Resettlement Centre is now Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) HQ NAF, AVM Mohammed Yakubu, immediate past Commandant Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is now appointed Chief of Aircraft Engineering, HQ NAF, AVM Ayoola Jolasinmi, former CDPP, DHQ is now the Chief of Defence Space Administration while the erstwhile Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, AVM Anthony Tuwase is now the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation (CDTI), DHQ", it said.

In the same vein, AVM Paul Masiyer is now the Chief of Logistics, HQ NAF, AVM Ibikunle Daramola the erstwhile Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Ground Training Command (GTC) is appointed the Chief of Communications Information Systems (CCIS), HQ NAF, AVM Samuel Chinda now takes over as Chief of Air Intelligence, HQ NAF while AVM Anthony Ndace is now the Air Secretary, HQ NAF. “Also affected by the new appointments are AVM Emmanuel Wonah, former Chief of Aircraft Engineering who is now the Commandant Armed Forces Command

and Staff College, Jaji, AVM Charles Ohwo, former CDTI who has now been appointed as the Commandant Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Lagos, AVM Paul Jemitola, the immediate past Air Secretary is now the Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna and AVM Abraham Adole as the Commandant, Air Force War College, Makurdi", it said.

According to the statement, other newly appointed AOCs are AVM Sayo Olatunde, former Commandant Air Force War College who is now the AOC, Ground Training Command, Enugu, AVM Ebimobo Ebiowe is now the AOC Mobility Command, Yenagoa.

“Air Cdre Olayinka Oyesola takes over as the Air Component Commander (Joint Task Force North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the statement further said.

Amao congratulated the affected officers and charged them to bring their professional experiences to bear and continually explore new methods of proffering workable solutions and renewed strategies to resolving the security challenges in the country.

The statement said both the newly appointed and redeployed senior officers are expected to assume duties on or before Friday, 6 January 2023.

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NEWS

2023 AKEGBE UGWU CULTURAL DAY...

L-R: Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; his wife, Jane, and former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chief Onyemauche Nnamani, during the 2023 Akegbe Ugwu Cultural Day, held at Ekeagba Square, Akegbe Ugwu, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state...recently

Aregbesola Alleges Coordinated Effort to Frustrate Reconciliation with Tinubu

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has alleged sinister and coordinated effort by some persons to frustrate the reconciliatory moves between him and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as being championed by notable stakeholders within and outside the ruling party.

The relationship between Aregbesola, who was a commissioner under Tinubu as Lagos State governor, hit the rock during the last gubernatorial election in Osun State as both henchmen disagreed on supporting the APC governorship candidate and sitting governor, Gboyega Oyetola’s re-election.

The disagreement was believed to have affected the fortune of Oyetola, who eventually lost to the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke at the election.

But there have been various moves to reconcile Aregbesola, and Tinubu in order not to undermine the vote count for the APC presidential candidate in Osun State.

A letter yesterday by the Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior (Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola), Sola Fasure, stated that, “The attention of The Media Office of the Minister of Interior, has been drawn to social media news, ascribing false statements to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as it concerns an attack on the person of the presidential candidate of our Party, the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is FAKE news and simply not True.

“A pattern has clearly emerged of sinister and coordinated effort to

frustrate the reconciliatory moves being championed by notable stakeholders within and beyond our party to rally all necessary factors for the success of our party at the February 2023 presidential election.

“Just last week, jittery politicians, who are authors of this malicious

manuscript, paid a handful of rent-a-crowd comedians to react to a non-existent ‘attack’ and regurgitate the storyline again, with the intention to frustrate a series of reconciliation steps for their selfish interest.

“We urge well-meaning Nigerians

to be wary of the evil machinations of this cult of fifth columnists, whose sole business is to cause disaffection, manufacture distractions and sow discord within the APC and the progressive fold.

“For the umpteenth time, the general public is advised to note

PDP Stakeholders Hold Walk for Atiku in Ibadan Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders and loyalists yesterday, staged freedom walk for the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Ibadan, the state capital.

However the state governor, Seyi Makinde and serving appointees in his administration, as expected

were conspicuously absent The walk, which took off at exactly 10.00am at the Total Garden Roundabout, Ibadan, headed towards Agodi Gate Area through Oje, Beere, and eventually terminated at the historical Mapo Hall where the organisers addressed the mammoth crowd.

The walk was led by prominent leaders that include the Special

Coordinator (South) of the PCC, Dr. Jide Adeniji; former Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; former Minister of Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese and former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi.

Adeniji, who represented Atiku, while addressing the crowd, used the occasion to highlight the agenda of the PDP presidential candidate to

EFCC Secured 3,785 Convictions in 2022 Bawa commends personnel Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said yesterday it secured a total of 3,785 convictions

across all its commands in 2022.

The figure, which emerged from a review of the commission’s performance in the outgone year, shows a 70.5% improvement over

that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is focused on delivering key reforms in the Ministry of Interior and its agencies as championed by President Muhammadu Buhari, and also ensure that the APC emerges victorious at the 2023 general election.”

its record for 2021(2220).

It also represents a 98.93% success rate in prosecution given that the commission lost only 41 cases, representing 1.07% within

the period.

As it was in 2021, the Lagos Command of the Agency recorded the most convictions, 765, closely followed by the Ibadan Command

with 573 convictions and the Port Harcourt Zonal Command, 567 while the headquarters recorded 314 convictions.

A statement by the commission said the conviction secured by the commission in 2022 was the highest by the EFCC since inception and sustained an upward trajectory which began shortly after the emergence of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Buhari administration was elected in 2015 on a tripodal promise of anti-corruption drive, economic recovery and security.

"In 2015, EFCC recorded a total of 103 convictions. This shot to 195 convictions in 2016, the first full year in office of the Buhari administration.

"The figure improved to 312 in 2018, 1,280 in 2019, dropped slightly to 976 convictions in 2020, the year of Covid-19, then moved up to 2220 in 202", the agency said.

It said the percentile improvement of the EFCC convictions in the seven years of the Buhari administration from 103 to 3785, was over 3574.8%.

Speaking on the performance, the Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, commended the personnel of the commission for their industry and dedication despite the challenges of criminal prosecution in court.

He assured that the EFCC would continue to motivate all categories of staff for greater efficiency through capacity development and other incentives.

include security of lives and properties, unity of the country, education, restructuring and resuscitation of the country’s economy.

He said Ibadan, being the headquarters of the South-west, is very important to the victory of Atiku in the forthcoming presidential election. Adeniji described Atiku as the unifier who would put a stop to nepotism, tribalism and religious discrimination when he wins the presidential election.

He berated the APC-led government for poor economy, assuring that Atiku would open all land borders and ensure devolution of power to the state while ensuring local government autonomy.

Akinjide, in her own remarks, said the entire Oyo State is for PDP, urging the residents to vote all PDP candidates across board to ensure flow of dividends of democracy.

She added that when Atiku becomes the president, Oyo State would be number one beneficiary of the former vice president’s presidency.

She, however, warned that people should not listen to anyone who wants to denigrate or talk down on the party’s presidential candidate, referring to members of the PDP G-5.

She said: “Tomorrow (Thursday), we shall flag off Governor Seyi Makinde’s second term campaign, but some visitors are coming and if they want to disparage Atiku, we shall say No." Also former Deputy Governor of the state, Gbolarumi, pleaded with the electorate to vote Atiku and avoid fighting anybody, stressing that there was no reason for PDP members to fight one another, as according to him, only people who were trying to prevent them from supporting PDP deserved to be fought.

“In whatever party you find yourself, your personal interest should be paramount. In this PDP, we shall not labour in vain,” Gbolarumi said.

Oyelese said only Atiku Abubakar has the wherewithal to rule the country out of all presidential candidates, lamenting that there is hunger and suffering in the land and that the country does not deserve an apprentice president who would use the first term to learn the rope.

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NEWS

ROUSING WELCOME FOR INUWA YAHAYA...

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State lead APC campaign rally to Nafada receives rousing welcome, during his campaign rally to Nafada Local government Area of Gombe State... yesterday

Babalola Urges Substitution of 1999 Constitution for 1960/63’s Before Election to Save Nigeria Calls for voluntary donations to offset Nigeria’s debt Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, has reiterated his stand that except the Nigeria Constitution was amended by substituting the 1960/63 Constitution for 1999 Constitution, any election conducted under the current 1999 Constitution could not produce leaders that would bring meaningful changes to the country.

While arguing that, "Nigeria is on her way to total collapse," he said, "I am insisting that unless a

new Constitution, similar to the good old days of 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, with necessary amendments, is put in place, none of the aspirants, and indeed, no angel can save the country from total collapse."

Babalola, who stated this at a press conference on State of the Nation in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State yesterday, on the topic: "Nigeria's huge external debt and the 1999 Constitution – 2023 in perspective", however, called for voluntary donations to offset Nigeria’s debt.

Worried about the debt profile

of the nation, Babalola said wellmeaning Nigerians should donate voluntarily to offset Nigeria’s rising debt profile, pointing out that the huge external debt should be an urgent issue to be addressed.

"The huge external debt of N42.84 trillion, increasing cases of killing, kidnapping, mismanagement of public funds, unemployment, strikes, poor allocation of funds for education in federal institutions and double digits inflation etc are call-out from the inappropriate 1999 Constitution, which was put in place by the military.

"I have no sympathy for any Nigerian, who is aspiring to rule Nigeria in any form, whether as legislator, governor or president.

However, the fact remains that 1999 Constitutional, on large measure, is the root cause of economic, social, political and religious problems in the country today.

"Our bitter experience since 1999 has taught us that we are in urgent need of a new Constitution, which should provide for stringent conditions, in respect of age, academic qualifications, character and personality, as well as family background of

Saraki Demands Apology, N20bn Damage from AbdulRazaq over Alleged Malicious Comments Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has demanded immediate apology and N20 billion compensation from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State for alleged malicious statement made against him.

In addition, Saraki demanded that, AbdulRazaq should also publish a written apology to him on the front page of three widely read national dailies.

AbdulRazaq, at the inauguration of the campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kwara Central senatorial candidate, Mallam Saliu Mustapha on December 26, 2022, had reportedly slandered Saraki.

His words: "I went to Abuja to ask UBEC why Kwara was blacklisted for seven years and was told the funds have been embezzled.

But when I enquired why UBEC did not prosecute them, they said their leader (Saraki) was the Senate President and they would have a problem defending and getting their budget approval if they had taken such action."

Following the report of the comment in many national newspapers, Saraki gave AbdulRazaq seven days ultimatum to retract the statement, else he would file legal action against him.

But at the expiration of the seven day notice to the Kwara governor, there was no such retraction, prompting the former

Senate President, to take the legal path and asked his lawyer to write AbdulRazaq.

In a letter written by counsel to Saraki, Afe Babalola & Co, addressed to Governor Abdulrazaq, and dated December 30, Saraki's counsel demanded a retraction of the statement within seven days of receiving the letter.

Saraki also demanded "a written apology that should be published on front pages of three widely read national daily newspapers and payment of the sum of N20 billion, "as compensation for the damage occasioned to him by your statement.

He added: "Be advised that your failure to accede to our client's request will constrain us to proceed with our client's outstanding instruction to seek redress against you at the appropriate time and Court."

The former two-term governor of Kwara State, who denied the publication in one of the national dailies on December 26, titled: "Abdulrazaq Knocks Ex-Govs Saraki, Ahmed over UBEC Funds", said "there is no iota of truth to same."

The letter read: "Your Excellency, your words quoted above imply that, while our client was the Senate President, he embezzled funds belonging to Kwara State and earmarked for the advancement of the primary education of its indigenes and residents.

"While our client was the Senate President, he was engaged in

corruption at the expense of the education of his people. While our client was the Senate President, he deployed his office to frustrate the approval of the budget of any Ministry/Government Department/ Agency (MDA) for personal and/or pecuniary reasons and/or in order to blackmail. Our client was and is a leader of a corrupt people.

"Our client shielded or was capable of shielding any of his political associates and allies from the due process of the law if there

was a case of corruption against them. Our client emphatically denies your statement quoted above and reiterates that there is no iota of truth to same.

"Our client believes that you ought to know that as the Senate President, he was not the executive governor of Kwara State, so he could not have been involved in any form of embezzlement of the funds of Kwara State.

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candidates, especially, for presidency and National Assemblies.

"It is so bad that even myself, as an elder statesman, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Highest tax payer in old Ondo State, highest tax payer in present day Ekiti, owner of best private university in Nigeria and many more, if I contest for political office today, I will fail, not because I am not qualified, but because the system will make me not to win "Recall that in my address to the press on April 18, 2022, I urged the FG to suspend the 2023 elections and raise an interim government of six months that will fashion out a brand new construction for the country."

Babalola, therefore, maintained that the presidency and National Assembly remained the problem of Nigeria, stressing the fact that Nigeria needed people, who were ready to give their all for the good and progress of the Nation.

According to him, “Those who have brought us to where we are today, are the leaders in the presidency and National Assembly.

They are those who have benefited from our resources. Most of the legislators in our parliaments today, got there through godfathers and will continue to do things to please them."

The elder statesman insisted that any Nigeria aspiring to rule Nigeria

in any form ought to be concerned and indeed worried that Nigeria was owing such a huge debt, stressing that, “Nigeria is broke, and on her way to bankruptcy,” even as he added that a committee should be set up by the government for immediate payment of the nation’s debts.

“Before Nigeria is formally declared bankrupt, it is my view that all these Nigerian billionaires and trillionaires and indeed all patriotic Nigerians should make voluntary donations through a Committee to be set up by the government for immediate payment of all or substantial part of this huge debt.

“I know a few persons with whom the money, if donated, will be safe. Someone like myself, I do not need the money for anything.

Someone like Bishop Kukah, Pastor Adeboye, Bishop Oyedepo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. If the donations are kept with these people, I assure you, that the money will be safe and used for its purpose, which is the repayment of our debts.”

Babalola, however, said, the government should emulate Obasanjo's example by approaching the creditors either for total forgiveness of the debt or substantial reduction of the debt, saying, "This is a practical and more realistic way of paying the huge debt, thereby reviving our economy.”

Christ Embassy: Pastor Chris Foundation Invests N1bn on Young People in Africa Wale Igbintade The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International has invested a cash grant of over N1 billion in the last 10 years on families across the continent of Africa.

The Chief Operating Officer of Loveworld Incorporated, Pastor Ifeoma Chiemeka, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at a press conference to mark the 10th year anniversary of Future Africa Leaders Award, FALA. According to her, the foundation has been working tirelessly to ignite contributive value to Africa’s growth and development through the Leadership Initiative award.

She stated that the Future Africa

Leaders Foundation has inspired and motivated over 73,829,127 young people to carry out 25,848,816 sustainable projects that benefitted 17,823,160 families in 54 African countries with a cumulative project engagement margin of 110 percent.

Highlighting sustainable projects executed by young Africans, she mentioned the youth empowerment project in Lycee Technique Congo Brazzaville, where over 2,175 people were impacted, and the Hygiene mentorship program organised in Green Land School Kenya, where over 520 students were taught the importance of hygiene and contributing greatly to their nation.

She added that, in Nigeria, several projects and programs were executed

through the Leadership initiative award, and these include, teenage technology and digital awareness project, technology workshop Project, environmental sustainability campaign project among others.

She said "To eradicate poverty and foster economic growth, a food and resource material distribution was carried out in Malawi, where over 500 orphanage children were provided with foodstuffs, hygiene kits, relief items and educational materials.

"Recognising the necessity to change Africa’s narrative and the need to contribute immensely to nation building, the Future Africa Leaders Foundation organized the annual historic Africa Day event where young people were mobilised to execute

over 2,000,000 Humanitarian acts of services, organise 1,302 conferences and summits impacting 81,650,329 Families across the continent of Africa.

"Among these projects, conferences and summits are: The collaborative technology project work between the Future Africa Leaders Foundation with Katalabano Research Institute in assisting different youths with research technology optimization by focusing on training early grade readers, parents, teachers, principals and community leaders for better improvement of the educational sector in Angola. Over 400 teenagers and youths have been trained using cutting-edge data collection.

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OKOWA ON CAMPAIGN TRAIN...

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate/Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and PDP Delta North Senatorial candidate, Prince Ned Nwoko, at the campaign ground in Ikwale, Delta State...yesterday

Bishop Rejects Umahi's Award, Demands Murder Charges against Priest Dropped Sunday Ehigiator The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Chukwu, has declined the honorary award of ‘Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame (CEHF) which was conferred on him by Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi.

Instead, he asked the governor to bestow the award on his predecessor, Rev. Michael Okoro.

Bishop Chukwu equally appealed to Governor Umahi to drop the murder and sundry charges against Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.

Governor Umahi had in a letter directed to Rev. Fr. Chukwu on December 12, 2022, informed the Bishop of his selection for the award citing his ‘illustrious service to Ebonyi State and Humanity’ as a reason for the consideration.

In response to the governor through a letter obtained by THISDAY yesterday, Bishop Chukwu expressed surprise at his selection for the award by the state.

According to him, he had barely spent a year in office and was still trying to find his footing,

hence the reason he suggested the award should pass on to his predecessor.

The statement read: “I am pleasantly surprised that I was selected for such a prestigious honour by your government. I wish to sincerely thank you for

your thoughtful consideration in selecting me for the maiden state of honours award.

“I am grateful to you and your government for deeming me fit for the award. Your Excellency, I wish to respectfully decline this award. I am barely one year in

office. I am still struggling to fit into the high demands of the ecclesiastical office of the Bishop.

“So, I feel I have not achieved much to deserve an award. If I may suggest, I would rather wish that this award be bestowed on my predecessor, Most Rev. Michael

Nnachi Okoro, for his long and meritorious service to God and humanity.

“Rather than give me an award I would prefer you set in motion, actions that would facilitate the termination of murder and sundry charges against my priest, Rev.

2023: Atiku Will Change Nigeria’s Political Fortune, Says Tambuwal Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is the only standard bearer that can change Nigeria’s political fortune positively.

Tambuwal, the Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, made the assertion at the party’s campaign rally in Binji and

Tangaza Local Government Areas of the state on Tuesday.

According to him, Abubakar has designed workable strategies to end banditry, fight corruption, unemployment, address infrastructural decay and boost the socioeconomic life of Nigerians, among other issues.

“Therefore, we should all give our votes for PDP candidates from the president to the State House of Assembly in order to benefit the best Nigeria of our dreams.

“We should safeguard our Permanent Voter Cards and avoid any person who would use money to buy our votes for the best of our country’s future,” he said.

The governor further urged the gathering to maintain their dignity, adding that they should not, in any way, allow themselves to be used to compromise peaceful coexistence at the expense of violence and chaos.

Tambuwal warned youths against thuggery, saying: “You should ask

any politician who invite you into political thuggery to align you with his sons and daughters.”

The state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, thanked the people of the areas for their sustained support to the party.

Bello received some prominent members of other political parties who, according to them, saw reason to defect to the PDP alongside their followers.

The chairman appreciated the

Justify My Emergence as Atiku's Running Mate, Okowa Appeals to Deltans Says true change coming to Nigeria The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has appealed to the people of the state to justify his emergence as running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to vote massively for the party in the February 25 presidential election.

This is as he assured Nigerians that a true change is coming to the nation as citizens set to elect new leaders for the country.

Okowa challenged Deltans to produce no fewer than one million votes for the party in the forthcoming general election.

The governor gave the charge at Ogwashi-Uku during the party’s local government campaigns in Aniocha South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas

Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.

“Accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and regards as you pilot the affairs of the state. Be assured of my constant prayers for you, your government and the good people of our dear state.”

of the state.

He said that his emergence was an act of God because he was at his home when he was chosen to become vice presidential candidate of the party.

"We have over 3.3 million registered voters in Delta and I challenge us to churn out over one million votes for our party to enable us deliver on our Rescue Nigeria mission.

"The more votes we bring from Delta, the bigger my voice will be in the party and the greater things we will witness in Delta and Nigeria.

"I know that we have won this election already but we need to up our numbers because God has endorsed our election and we are only waiting for the day to come and pass," he said.

He urged the people to go back

home and mobilise votes for the party, and affirmed that God had sanctioned the party’s victory at the polls.

"This election is a BIVAS election; so, it is quite different from what we have been having but I am optimistic that we have the numbers to win.

"Let us go back home and collect our Permanent Voter Cards and ensure that we reach out to all our people wherever they may be," the governor stated.

On the governorship election, he disclosed how God revealed Oborevwori's emergence to him, and charged the people to support him because God had endorsed him as a worthy successor.

"The emergence of Chief Sheriff Oborevwori as our party governorship candidate is divine because God revealed his emergence to me

and I can assure you that he is a very humble man who will be answerable and accountable to all our people.”

Meanwhile, speaking yesterday in Ughelli at a Prayer Convocation and Silver Jubilee celebration organised

by Anglican Diocese of Ughelli with "You are my Battle Axe" as theme, Okowa, assured Nigerians that a true change was coming to the nation as citizens set to elect new leaders for the country.

He said that the change coming was powered by God and not the type of change promised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has given to Nigerians.

The governor said that Nigerians were disillusioned that things were going wrong for the nation, and urged the people to seek the help of God in turning things around

for the country.

"As a country, we are crying that things have gone so bad but the prayer of the people can move God to cause a true change to happen in our nation.

"We know that with the situation in Nigeria today, only the living God can redeem us and He is the one that will lay the path and no man can change it.

"I know that I am on the ticket of the PDP as Vice Presidential candidate but I am not going to talk politics here. All I can say is 'let the will of God be done' "It is only God that sees the hearts of men and I know that His will be done for this nation because a true change cometh for this country and it cometh from God and not the type promised by the APC," he said.

wise decision of the new entrants, describing them as partners in progress.

On his part, the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Malam Sa’idu Umar, pledged to maintain the legacy and leadership style of Tambuwal, if elected.

The Director-General of the campaign council in the state and former minister, Alhaji Yusuf Sulaiman, assured that the door of PDP was open for all new entrants.

Sulaiman urged PDP supporters to put more effort in convincing the people of the state toward the success of the party and sustain door-to-door campaign in their respective areas.

In a separate statement, Tambuwal said Atiku would work conscientiously to address the insecurity in many parts of the country, so as to fast track its economic development.

This would make it possible for Sokoto state, which has many solid minerals in commercial quantity to venture into their extraction for the good of its people.

Tambuwal made these assertions yesterday at Kebbe town of Kebbe local government area during the ongoing statewide campaign by the PDP. Tambuwal, who said the exploration of gold found in the local government area had been hampered by the preponderance of banditry, kidnappings and other sundry criminalities, however, expressed confidence that if the PDP clinches the presidency, it’ll roll back the ugly trend and pave way for the smooth extraction of the precious metal.

THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

THANKING GOD FOR A NEW YEAR…

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; her spouse, Mr. Lawrence Afuye, and Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olubunmi Adelugba at the 2023 inter-religious thanksgiving service marking the first working day of the year in Ado-Ekiti…recently

Go after Killers of Fatinoyes, Abiodun Tells Police James Sowole inAbeokuta

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has given a marching order to the police command in the state, to go after the killers of a couple, Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye, who were killed and their house set ablaze on January 1st, 2023 by yet-to-be-identified assassins.

Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, yesterday declared

that the killers, who equally kidnapped the couple’s son and threw him inside the river, would not go unpunished, hence, the police must go after them and apprehend them.

He described the incident as unfortunate and heart-breaking, vowing that his administration would not hesitate to deploy resources with the view of unmasking persons behind the dastard act.

The governor noted that the

Ambassador Bello Extols Tinubu’s Qualities Kate Ejisu

Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ambassador Adejare Bello, has listed seven qualities of the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has thrown his weight behind Tinubu’s presidential bid The seven qualities, according to Bello, are detribilised Nigerian, well focused, readiness to help others, non religious bigot, unparallel developmental strides and a strategist.

The ambassador said these qualities stand him out as the candidate to beat in the forthcoming presidential election in the country. He has therefore,

called on all Nigerians to rise up and vote massively for Tinubu.

Bello described Tinubu as a detribalised politician, who has consistently dedicated his life to serve people and poised to put Nigeria on the right track.

He noted that the APC presidential candidate has dedicated his life to the service of humanity, adding that his sagacity as former governor of Lagos is second to none.

Bello noted that Tinubu has not been traced to be a religious bigot.

According to him, Tinubu is widely known to promote harmony, peace, religious tolerance and development, adding that his family is a good reference point when it comes to tolerance.

incident shocked him, particularly when efforts had been geared by his administration towards strengthening the security architecture within the state, stressing that no effort would be spared in bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.

While expressing his sympathy

to the families of the deceased, Abiodun assured them that the murder would be unravelled and persons responsible would be brought to justice.

He stated that further logistic support would be rendered to the police to ensure that the crime does not go down as one of the

unresolved murder incident in history.

While assuring the people of the state that his administration would continue to do everything to provide adequate security of both lives and property, the governor reiterated that Ogun would not never be a safe haven for criminals.

“My heart goes out to the families of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye. The incident indeed shocked me, as it was unfortunate and tragic. I can imagine the pains the families would be going through at this period when everyone is still basking in euphoria of the New Year.

Ugwuanyi: With Enugu’s Oil Producing Status, My Successor ‘ll Excel Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has disclosed that his biggest joy is that the recent actualisation of his administration’s struggle for Enugu to join the league of states enjoying oil producing status in Nigeria would ensure the fulfillment of his prayer that his preferred successor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) performs better than him in office

if elected.

Ugwuanyi said Enugu’s oil producing status was one of the successes of his administration that would bring immense fortunes to the socio-economic development of the state, stressing: “I’ m glad that Dr. Mbah will have a huge resources to perform better than me if elected.” The governor added that it’s a father’s prayer that his son does better than him in life.

Speaking at the EXCO Chamber

of the Government House, Enugu, when he received, Master Innocent Chikelu Ugwu, a 17-year old indigene of Enugu State and student of Christ The King College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, who scored 359 points to come second in the 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in the country, Ugwuanyi in a statement, stated that Enugu State under his administration has continued to record milestone achievements despite the challenges

it has encountered since its inception in 2015.

Ugwu from Umabor, Eha Alumona in Nsukka Local Government Area and the son of the former lawmaker who represented Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Hon. Charles Ugwu, came second in the UTME in the county with three points behind the winner of the first position from Ekiti State who scored 362 points.

NAHCO Staff Damages Air Peace Aircraft, Disrupts Flight Operations Chinedu Eze An operator of an equipment owned by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, yesterday rammed it into an aircraft belonging to Air Peace at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, thereby disrupting the airline’s flight operations.

THISDAY gathered that this was the third time in one month that NAHCO equipment had damaged Air Peace aircraft, thus raising the

fear of sabotage and insider threat.

Air Peace insisted that the sequence of the damage has given strength to suspicion of sabotage against its operations by some unscrupulous elements in the industry and called on the relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the incessant damage to its equipment by the staff of the handling company.

A source who witnessed the incident disclosed that the damaged aircraft was an Airbus

A320 with the registration number: A320 ES-SAZ and the equipment was said to have hit the aircraft elevator, which damage may have reverberated to the aircraft airframe that would demand complex repair.

According to the source, before the incident occurred, the aircraft was scheduled to airlift passengers from Lagos to Owerri for a 7a.m flight, while the same airplane was positioned for about 10 flights on the day of the incident.

When contacted the Spokesman of Air Peace, Mr. Stanley Olisa, confirmed the incident and said the aircraft would be grounded until when it would be repaired, which would take some time.

Olisa alleged that its operations were being sabotaged by some people in the sector and wondered if it was meant to reduce its capacity, stressing that the airline would lose billions of naira in revenue for the period the aircraft would be out of operation.

No Amount of Speculation Can Deter Me from my Preferred Presidential Candidate Police Nab Suspected Wike: embarking on ensuring political votes. is there.

Blessing Ibunge in Port foot work, some people were He said: “If anybody like, say “Some of them who do not Facebook Scammers, Harcourt delighting themselves in abusing what you want to say that I am have 25 per cent votes are busy working for so and so person, abusing leaders. When you are Nyesom Wike leaders of the party.

Kidnappers, Rapists in Delta Governor Wike spoke yesterday, while it’s their business; say that I finished abusing leaders (us), has boasted that no amount Operatives of the Police Command in Delta have apprehended three suspected Facebook scammers, kidnappers and rapists in the state.

The spokesman of the command, DSP Bright Edafe disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Warri.

Edafe said that the suspects were nabbed on Monday by police operatives attached to Ufuoma Police Division in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the arrest followed a complaint from a lady (name withheld) that she saw one of the hoodlums that kidnapped her on December 11, 2022.

According to Edafe, the victim complained that the suspects held her hostage at a hotel in Iwherekpokpor community,

Ughelli North, video and also took her nude pictures.

Edafe said the victim reported that the suspects used the video and nude pictures to blackmail and demand for ransom from her parents.

“On receipt of this complaint, the DPO Ufuoma Police Division immediately detailed a combined team of Police detectives and Ekiugbo Community vigilance members and arrested one Cornelius Emene.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspect made useful statement that led to the arrest of two others, Nelson Aghogho and Ufuoma Tunde.

“The suspects also gave account of how they kidnapped another student of the School of Health and Technology, Ofuoma in Ughelli North,” he said.

of speculation would make him change his mind on the presidential candidate to support.

The Rivers State governor said there was already so much political work to be done, adding that instead of

flagging off the construction of Akpabu-Egbeda-Omoku Link Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

Wike stated that, he and his team were already on ground and in the political field talking to the people and soliciting their

am not working for so and so person, it’s their business.

“That will not make me change my mind where we are heading to. Do you understand me? So, if they like, they can make speculation. After All, that is why the word, speculation

you will pay.”

The Rivers State governor insisted that he and his team are well established, stressing that only those who bring developmental projects are qualified to reap the votes of the electorate.

Monarch Cautions Electorate against Selling of Voter Cards The traditional title holder of Wali of Adamawa, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mbamba, has cautioned electorate against selling their voter cards to desperate politicians.

The traditional ruler gave the caution during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola yesterday.

He described the act of some politicians engaging themselves in the bad attitude of buying

the voter cards from their original owners with aim of wining electoral victory as unfortunate and saddening.

He called on the media, security agencies and other critical stakeholders in elections to beam their searchlights and apprehend all those found committing the offence.

Mbamba advised political parties to such illicit practices and strive to engage in

meaningful campaigns to sell their candidates.

“Nigerians deserve to vote for candidates of their own choice in elections and without being coerced or intimidated,” he said.

He said traditional institutions would continue to remain neutral on political issues, assuring that as critical stakeholders they would not relent in promoting peace and

harmonious coexistence.

He also cautioned youths against political thuggery, blackmail and other inimical practices capable of formenting trouble thereby jeopardising their future.

“The youth should shun social vices like drug abuse, addiction which was largely responsible for youth restiveness banditry and other negative tendencies,” he said.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

SUPPORTING THE CORRUPTION WAR…

L-R: Second Deputy President, Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria(CIFCFIN), Prof. Suleiman Aruwa; President, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, and member, Board of Trustees, Fatima Muhammadu Buhari, during a press conference and unveiling of CIFCFIN as Chartered by Statute and its readiness to combat corruption in Nigeria in Abuja…recently

Edo Pensioners Protest Non-payment of Gratuity Obaseki sues for patience

Adibe EmenyonuinBeninCity

The roads into Benin City centre popularly called Ring Road were taken over by heavy traffic

Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reiterated his administration’s commitment to solving pension issues in the state and called for patience among pensioners as the government resolves lingering challenges.

Dressed in all black attire, the senior citizens said the current administration did not continue the payment of their gratuities from and bloodletting in the state. 2012, where the last administration An eyewitness, a student of of Adams Oshiomhole stopped, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who declined to be named, while speaking about the killing of the tricyclist, said: “Residents Fidelis David in Akure and students are currently living in fear as incessant killing has One person has been feared dead started again in Awka and while many people sustained environs. injuries following a bloody clash “For the past two or three between some Fulani and Hausa days, there have been records settlers at Ogbese community in of young people being gunned Akure North Local Government down, and that of today Area of Ondo State.

(Tuesday), has happened at THISDAY gathered that the Unizik school gate in Ifite clash which started last Tuesday Awka.” evening had degenerated into a

yesterday as pensioners took over the entire area, protesting the nonpayment of their gratuities since they retired from active service.

But in a swift reaction, Edo State

Suspected Cultists Kill Tricycle Operator in Awka David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Suspected cultists last Tuesday shot and killed a tricycle operator close to the back gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State.

The incident was said to have happened in the evening while the victim was left dead in the pool of his blood.

There have been incidences of killings, which have been traced to rivalry between various cult groups in the state.

This has led to many people decrying the spate of violence

noting that the Oshiomhole government started the payment of gratuities from 1998 till 2012, as at the time he left office in 2016.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Amadin Okoro said “We are aggrieved; a lot of us are dying. A lot of us are not well, many of them are supposed to go for operations, no money. Besides gratuity of local government retirees are owed arrears and their gratuities since 2008. But for the state, it has

not paid since 2012 till date.

“Our appeal to the governor is that he should pay us so that we can enjoy the fruits of our labour, which we suffered for 35 years. In fairness we receive our pensions monthly but the crux of the matter is our gratuity.”

Another protester, Esther Ehigie said she retired in 2012, and that they were screened and invited for a meeting in 2017, where the authority for payment which is

called yellow paper was collected from them but their money was not paid.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said the Obaseki’s administration has been paying the gratuities of all those who have retired since he became governor and that provision has already been made to clear the backlog.

One Feared Killed, as Hausa, Fulani Clash in Ondo full blown crisis by yesterday morning as many shops belonging to the two northerners were burnt down at midnight in the popular Ogbese market.

The real cause of the fight was yet to be officially known as of the time of filing this report, but it was learned that palpable tension was permeating the community.

However, a resident of the community, who spoke on

condition anonymity, said the crisis was caused as a result of a clash between a Fulani man living in the forest and a Hausa man in the community over cannabis sativa also known as Indian hemp.

He narrated that the Fulani man allegedly stole from a pack of the cannabis kept in the bush by the Hausa man.

The source said: “The two

of them fought over a pack of Indian hemp kept in the bush by the Hausa man. The fight extended to the town on Tuesday. It happened that one of the Fulani men was killed in the clash, and shops that belong to Hausa were set ablaze in the night. But we have been seeing the policemen and some security agents patrolling the town since yesterday (Tuesday).

Gombe Gov Leads APC Elections: Retiring Kwara CJ Tasks Lawyers, Judges on Neutrality Campaign to Nafada HammedShittuinIlorin commencement of the 2022/2023 to play out in our various courts, that when cases are brought before legal year and his retirement as the and Judges will be called upon us, parties must convince the court,

SegunAwofadejiinGombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, has been commended for churning out sound policies, programmes and projects that have direct bearing on the life of the common man in the state.

This is even as the governor’s reelection bid received an overwhelming boost with support of community leaders and critical stakeholders in the state.

The commendation was made by the Emir of Nafada, His Royal Highness Muhammad Dadum Hamza, as the state All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team paid him a courtesy call at his palace

in Nafada. The emir expressed delight over the visit, describing it as historic and home-coming.

He applauded the governor’s concern over the plights of the people of Nafada, commending his resolve to tackle famer-herder conflict in the state by restricting herders’ movement into the state and across local government area boundaries.

According to the monarch, “Governor Yahaya loves Nafada more than the people of Nafada themselves, this is buttressed by his commitment towards ensuring security of lives and property of the people and numerous development projects executed in the emirate.”

Pastor Kumuyi Launches Daily Manna App, Website

Ayodeji Ake

The General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, yesterday launched the rebranded 2023 Daily Manna with a website and an app for remote accessibility and e-consumption.

Speaking at the media launch held in Lagos, Pastor Kumuyi, who was represented by the Church Secretary, Pastor Samuel Afowape, said the Daily

Manna is the interpretation of the word of God (the Bible), which has been found complex to understand while reading, into simpler and comprehensive languages teaching Christians the mind of God. Afowape said the Daily Manna as a daily guide has been made accessible through the website and the app for every individual to enjoy both voice and e-copy directly from their phone from anywhere around the world through a data-enabling phone.

Ahead of the forthcoming general election, the retiring Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice S. Durosinlorun Kawu, has warned Nigerian Judges and lawyers to remain neutral and impartial in order to stem the tide of blanket condemnation of judiciary as corrupt.

Speaking at the special session of the High Court to mark the

Chief Judge of the state in Ilorin yesterday, Justice Kawu said the legal practitioners must send a clear and strong message to the public that Judges are not for or against any political party or politician.

He said: “Let us all remind ourselves that we are once again approaching an election year when serious legal gymnastics will start

to decide delicate issues couched by advocates in flowery legal garbs, with far reaching political consequences.

“As Judges, we must stay out of the fray, remain neutral and impartial. We must send a clear and strong message to the public that Judges are not for or against any political party or politician and

not that they have deep pockets or contacts but that their cause is lawful and just.

“As members of the legal profession, we must prove ourselves to be men and women of honour, integrity and discipline by strictly adhering to our Code of Conduct and rules of professional ethics.

Sule Signs Executive Order Restricting Bequeathing Lands to Miners Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has signed an Executive Order restricting all mining host communities from bequeathing Right of Occupancy of lands to entities intending to carry out mining activities in the state.

The state Commissioner

for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital.

The signed Executive Order No. 02, 2022 by the governor, according to Kwanta, is to protect mining host communities in the state from insecurity and other forms of criminality, and the need to provide institutional

support for technical assistance to artisanal miners.

According to the commissioner, “The Executive Order directed all mining entities arriving in the state with the authority of the federal government to carry out mining in the state to report to the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to verify their legal status, citizenship and

background before settling in the communities in collaboration with security agencies.

“All mining entities arriving and doing business in the state must report to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for the purpose of documentation and identification of their operational status for peace and security.”

Auto Crash Kills 15 Persons, Five Sustain Injuries in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

No fewer than 15 persons have been confirmed dead by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) while five others were seriously injured in an auto crash that occurred in Kogi State It was learnt that the accident occurred when a J5 Boxer Bus collided with a petroleum

tanker at Koton-Karfe on Lokoja-Abuja highway around 7.30 a.m. last Tuesday.

The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Stephen Dawulung, who confirmed the incident, said the five injured persons were rushed to Ideal Hospital at Koton-Karfe for immediate medical attention.

Dawulung said the corpses

of the dead victims have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Lokoja.

The sector commander explained that the cause of the crash was due to sheer violation of traffic rules by the bus driver, who was driving against traffic while heading to Abuja from Lokoja.

According to him, “The

bus driver left his lane and was driving in the opposite direction on high speed only to have a head on collision with an oncoming petroleum tanker.

“Thank God the tanker, which was laden with petroleum product, did not go up in flames, which could have been more devastating and worrisome.

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THURSDAY, ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Awoniyi Lifts Nottingham Forest from Relegation to Mid-table Aribo, Iwobi drop with Saints, Everton into troubled zone

Duro Ikhazuagbe Taiwo Awoniyi last night lifted Nottingham Forest away from the relegation zone with the only goal of the fixture away to Joe Aribo’s Southampton.

This first away win in the English

PREMIER LEAGUE topflight since 1999 has now moved Forest to the 15th spot on the log above West Ham, Everton and Bournemouth.

Awoniyi who was hot in Forest’s

New Year day 1-1 draw with Chelsea fired the winner in the 27th minute, when he completed a fast breakaway move by the visitors for them to take a deserved lead. It was the third match-winning effort by Awoniyi after he struck down former club Liverpool and West Ham.

Brennan Johnson deserves a chunk of the credit for that Forest goal. He was the one who took possession of a careless kick by Southampton’s Lyanco on the halfway line. After capitalising and racing clear, he cut the ball back for Awoniyi, who buried the chance for Forest.

Che Adams had a glorious chance to put the hosts Saints ahead after only six minutes but shot wastefully wide from inside the penalty area.

That however proved costly as Forest, with just two points from their previous eight games on the road, hit the crossbar through the impressive Johnson before he set up Awoniyi 15 minutes later for the opening goal Before the match began, it featured the side with the worst home record against the team with the worst away record. Southampton failed to give their fans anything to cheer for the remainder of the half, with the team booed off at the break.

Sekou Mara had a rare chance for the Saints in the second half but headed wide, although it took a deflection and was wrongly given as a goal-kick.

Jones made an attacking triple substitution in the 64th minute, with Joe Aribo, Samuel Edozie and Adam Armstrong all coming on, but none failed to test Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Forest then handed a debut

to Brazil international midfielder Gustavo Scarpa after he became the club's 24th signing of the campaign when he joined Forest on a free transfer from Palmeiras last month.

Nigerian international, Emmanuel Dennis was an used sub on Forest’s bench.

The visitors were happy to defend deep with Willy Boly, Joe Worrall and Serge Aurier all superb for Forest as they frustrated the hosts.

Southampton could not find a way through and suffered their sixth successive league defeat - their worst run since an eight-game losing streak in 2021.

Forest have now jumped out of the relegation zone with 17 points from 18 matches for the first time since August 2022 when they returned to the English Premier League from the Championship.

For Aribo’s Southampton, this home loss has further compounded their predicament.

The Saints are now the ‘landlord’ at the bottom of the table with a miserable 12 points from 18 matches.

Inter End Napoli’s 11-match Unbeaten Run AC Milan’s win at Salernitana narrows Napoli’s lead to five points

Taiwo Awoniyi (right) about to celebrate his winning goal against Southampton with Brennan Johnson who created the opportunity for him...yesterday

IMC to Hand out Takeoff Grants to NPFL Clubs in Abuja Today The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Interim Management Committee (IMC) will hold a public presentation of takeoff grants to the 20 NPFL Clubs today in Abuja even as there are speculations that top teams like Rivers United, Plateau United and Enyimba International of Aba may not play a part in this abridged league format.

A top football source confided in THISDAY last night that even though the leadership of the umbrella Club Owners Association may have accepted this abridged league format contrived for the much-delayed new season to end in May, top clubs in the Nigerian topflight appear not comfortable with the arrangement.

As at last night, it was not certain if these top clubs have returned their club licensing forms so that they can have a share of the paltry N10million to be handed out to the clubs at a ceremony in Abuja today.

The kickoff date of the 2022/23 season has been scheduled for Sunday, January 8.

A statement from the IMC yesterday stated that the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau is amongst top football personalities to be present at the presentation ceremony that will also have in attendance, the leadership of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA).

"The presentation ceremony will have in attendance, the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau who wants

to address all stakeholders ahead of the start of the season to assure them that the Football House will support every move to upgrade our league in terms of transparency, level playing ground and improved performance", said IMC Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.

"It is also a platform for the IMC

to make a public presentation of the takeoff grant to our participating clubs to put them on a good pedestal to start the season", continued the IMC Boss.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2pm at the Sandralia Hotel, Abuja.

Match-day 1 fixtures of the NPFL 2022/23 season are to hold

on Sunday, January 8 in Groups A and B of the Abridged League format which the IMC arrived at to ensure that the season is concluded in May to align with International calendar.

The Akwa United versus Bendel Insurance fixture in Uyo will be the flagship centre.

Ronaldo Banned from Debut for Al-Nassr Tonight Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned from making his much-vaunted debut for his Saudi Arabian side tonight, according to Mail Online.

His new club Al Nassr, who are reportedly paying him £175 million a year, have sold all 28,000 seats for the match against Al Ta’ee and were set to see him kick-off his Arabian venture amid huge fanfare.

But the self-proclaimed ‘unique’ player, who left Manchester United in acrimony, is still to be punished for a misdemeanour and has been told he is barred from starring for Al Nassr, a source revealed.

Ronaldo was hit with a £50,000 fine and suspended for two games by the England Football Association on November 17th.

He was found guilty of improper and violent conduct after he smashed an Everton fan’s phone from his hand after United lost a match at Goodison Park last April.

He slapped the hand of Jacob Harding as he stormed down the tunnel, damaging the boy's phone.

His mother Sarah Kelly said her son’s hand was also bruised

by Ronaldo.

While the investigation was ongoing last month, it was reported that Ronaldo would accept an improper conduct charge from the FA, but was determined to fight the threat of a potential ban.

The Independent FA panel was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC and it found Ronaldo guilty of ‘a deliberate and forceful slap down’ which was ‘a petulant act.’

Ronaldo told the hearing via an electronic submission that the atmosphere at the Everton game had been ‘feverish’ and hostile.

He said he was injured by a heavy tackle late in the match but remained on the pitch. The United players left the pitch by way of a walkway which was not the

regular players’ tunnel, he said.

Ronaldo said the crowd was aggressive and he and other United players were abused by Everton supporters/followers as they left the pitch.

The striker said that as he walked along the walkway, he caught sight of an arm quite low in front of him pointing towards his injured leg.

He said he could not see to whom the arm belonged but could see it was ‘holding an object’ but he did not know what.

He said his instinctive reaction was to slap ‘the object away’ adding the incident was ‘an instinctively proactive reaction’.

He said that it was not a premeditated action nor did he intend even momentarily to hurt anyone or anything. He later found out that the spectator holding the object was a teenage boy and he said he contacted the boy’s mother to apologise.

Edin Dzeko's second-half goal ended Napoli's 11-match winning streak in Italian Serie A on Wednesday night as Inter Milan grabbed a 1-0 victory. The defeat has now narrowed Napoli’s lead at the top of Serie A to just five points.

While Napoli dominated possession in the goalless first half, Inter striker Dzeko broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when he headed in a cross from Federico DiMarco.

Napoli top the table with 41 points after 16 games. They lead second-placed AC Milan by five points. Fourth-placed Inter are on 33 points and trail Napoli by eight points.

Napoli’s Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, who is the top scorer in the Italian topflight was effectively caged by Coach Simone Inzaghi’s game plan.

Earlier, defending champions AC Milan resumed their Serie A campaign with a 2-1 win at Salernitana to close the gap to leaders Napoli to five points.

SERIE A After a seven-week break for the World Cup and the festive season, Milan strengthened their place in second before Napoli's lost to Inter later in the night.

Portugal international Rafael Leao opened the scoring after 10 minutes after rounding Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Sandro Tonali, who set up the opener, then drove home from inside the box to extend the lead with his second goal of the season.

Salernitana's Federico Bonazzoli capitalised on Lassana Coulibaly's deep cross for a consolation goal late on.

Tonali said: "We were almost perfect because we could have scored one or two more goals to win more comfortably.

"We're aware of the importance of what we did last season, we'll defend the title to the last bead of sweat we'll leave on the pitch."

World Cup Winner, Messi, Returns to PSG Seventeen days after guiding Argentina to an epic World Cup final victory over France, Lionel Messi reported back to work yesterday, his French club Paris Saint-Germain announced.

The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d'Or winner reported back to the club's training ground as they prepare for Saturday's French Cup tie at third-tier side Chateauroux.

Messi scored twice as Argentina drew 3-3 with France in the Qatar final, before prevailing in the penalty shootout. Since then he has been celebrating in Argentina and spending time with his family.

And yesterday, he was given a guard of honour by his teammates at the training ground, before being presented with a small trophy

by PSG's Sporting Director, Luis Campos, according to images posted by the club on its Twitter account.

“A guard of honour for our World Champion! ??????#BravoLeo.” Paris Saint-Germain (@ PSG_English) January 4, 2023, the French club announced on Twitter yesterday.

Messi's teammates Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in a losing cause in the final, and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi returned to club duty just three days after the final with Brazil's Neymar checking in a day later.

Messi is unlikely to play this weekend, and will probably make his return in the home Ligue 1 match against Angers next Wednesday.

TR

Thursday, January 5, 2022

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Dino Melaye to Obasanjo “Those who seek to keep Nigerians in electoral hypnotism will wake up to discover that Nigerians have moved beyond the lock and key democracy where janitors operate as if they are in the needle and thread race that were athletic events in post-colonial Nigeria”---Spokesman for the Atiku campaign, Dino Melaye, lambasting the former president for endorsing Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party for the 2023 presidential election

OLUSEGUNADENIYI ‘If the Patient Dies, Kill the Doctor’ THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

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onday’s statement by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) that one of its members, Uyi Iluobe, was murdered by relatives of his patient at a hospital in Oghara, Delta State is a serious allegation. Iluobe’s death, according to the NMA President, Uche Ojinma, as “response of the relatives to the loss of a patient from suspected gunshot injuries can never be justified and has taken violence against doctors and other healthcare workers from injuries to murder.” Ojinmah added that “It is unbelievable that in the face of a debilitating medical brain drain, the few doctors that patriotically decided to stay back and take care of our fellow citizens are being murdered by same Nigerians.”

I join in commiserating with the family of the deceased doctor but rushing to the conclusion drawn by the NMA on this matter is most unfortunate. Yesterday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe debunked insinuations that the doctor was killed by relatives of a patient. “The rumour doing the rounds that he was murdered by the family of a patient who died in the hospital is false.

There is no record of any patient’s death in the hospital,” according to Edafe who confirmed that the doctor was indeed killed within his hospital premises.

I started from the premise that the NMA’s conclusion is unhelpful, but I also understand the reason why they did so. Attacks on doctors by families of patients who die are becoming prevalent in Nigeria. Last week in Kwara State, following the death of a butcher by name Alhaji Saliu at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), his relatives went berserk by attacking a medical doctor on duty.

This prompted the hospital to seize the corpse while the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) declared a five-day strike. The UITH corporate affairs manager, Mrs. Elizabeth Ajiboye, explained that the patient was brought to the hospital with severe complications and the doctors on duty did all they could to save him without success. “Three of the patient’s relations pounced on one of the doctors on duty, pinned him to the wall, and punched him severally but he managed to escape from them,” explained Ajiboye who justified the seizure of the corpse by the hospital.

It took the intervention of senior citizens before the corpse was eventually released for burial, although the management insists on prosecuting the violent family members.

Last month, an angry man and his son attacked a medical doctor and a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. The tag team of father and son reportedly rained heavy blows on the doctor shortly after they were informed of the death of a 53-year-old woman at the emergency ward. Ogun State NMA chairman, Kunle Ashimi, who condemned the incident said the woman had a serious heart condition. “She was at the end stage of heart failure. This was explained to the relatives when she was brought to the facility but, notwithstanding, we also believe in miracles, and we feel that we should do our best to see what can happen.” Apparently because a miracle didn’t happen, “the husband and son of the deceased descended on the doctor that had been taking care of the patient when

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire the news of her death was announced,” according to Ashimi.

That these assaults on doctors have gone on for so long with little attention paid by relevant authorities is disturbing. At the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan three years ago, family members of a septuagenarian attacked a doctor and nurses on duty over the death of their patient, before they were arrested by the police. “The relatives of one Usman Zubair, a 74-year-old man, who was receiving treatment in the hospital, went wild and attacked the medical personnel when they learnt of his death. The deceased

had secondary Grade A diabetes, and his ankle was amputated to enable him to live a normal life, but he later gave up” explained the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Olugbenga Fadeyi. “The family of the deceased came around, became unruly, mobilised other miscreants to assault Dr Adeleke Adedapo and some of the nurses on duty and also vandalised chairs and tables in the hospital ward.”

Meanwhile, attacks on doctors by families of deceased patients is a global challenge but it is more prevalent in some countries than others. In a story titled ‘The family will kill you if the patient dies: the doctors facing attack in Iraq’s hospitals’ published on 9th August this year by The Guardian of London, it was reported that “In Baghdad 87% of doctors say they have experienced violence at work, some involving guns, and most at the hands of patients’ relatives.” A May 2016 New York Times report, ‘A Danger for Doctors in China: Patients’ Angry Relatives’ highlights the same problem.

Interestingly, India, where most Nigerians seek medical solution, is renowned for attacks on doctors by relatives of patients who die. In an online petition initiated by Dr Sumit Periwal to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi already signed by 1455,298 persons when I last checked on Tuesday morning, he shared several accounts of how medical doctors have been assaulted by family members of patients in India. “We, Doctors, are responsible for this situation.

When the media discredited us, we did not speak. When politicians and local goondas barged into hospitals and caught our collars, we did not speak. When mobs threatened us, we did not speak. When hospitals and ICUs were vandalised, we did not speak,” Periwal wrote. “But we must speak now.

The list of assaults on doctors is endless.

A chronicle of so many assaults on doctors across India is given below. And so many more go unreported.”

One of the dozens of cases listed by Periwal

occurred on 10th June 2019, when a doctor was subjected to “brutal assault by a mob of 200 who were brought in two lorries on the death of a 90-year-old patient at NRS Medical College, Kolkata.” Another happened on 30th July 2020 when “a doctor of a superspeciality hospital was repeatedly stabbed and attacked by the son of a COVID patient who passed away in the hospital.” And on 23rd April 2021, “20 Policemen assaulted a doctor with rods for not getting bed in Allahabad Medical College, amid corona crisis when there is lack of beds, medicines, and oxygen.”

Dr Raghury Hedge, specialist in ophthalmic plastic surgery & ophthalmic oncology, shared the harrowing experience of his father, also a medical practitioner who was nearly killed for what was no more than an act of kindness, blaming the problem on the society. “The inability of the society to acknowledge altruism of the doctors will be the reason to discourage the next generation of brilliant students from taking up this unforgiving profession.” He then posed some questions: “What is the law of the land doing to prevent these Kangaroo courts from passing judgment on doctors?

Who will take care of the damage to life, property, and reputation that a doctor must suffer? When will the media, politicians and the community wake up? Who will highlight this ugly barbaric side of healthcare in India?”

We should pose the same questions in our country. Besides, given unfounded insinuations that the killing of Dr Iluobe was because he rejected a gunshot victim, that has raised some pertinent issues. Going by provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, health workers are mandated to treat gunshot victims. But there are two problems. Section 3, subsection one of the Act specifies that “A hospital that receives or accepts any person with a gunshot wound shall report the fact to the nearest police station within two hours of commencement of treatment.”

Continued on page 26

The Bulletproof Saviours

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ast September in Anambra State, five people lost their lives when gunmen ambushed the convoy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. “Two police officers were killed.

The other three that died in the attack were one civilian and two aides of Ifeanyi Ubah,” according to Tochukwu Ikenga, police spokesperson in the state, who added that two other police officers were also injured. A month later in October, it was the convoy of a popular Christian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, that was attacked by gunmen.

Seven people, including three police officers, were also killed. And on Monday, the lives of four policemen were gruesomely terminated when the convoy of a former Imo Governor, Ikedi Ohakim was attacked by gunmen in the state.

In each of the three incidents, and many similar others that claimed police personnel, the target of the attacks and members of their families escaped because they were being driven in bulletproof vehicles. Ohakim was forthright in narrating his escape: “We were driving between Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano. These people blocked us at a place called Umualumaku. They attacked us from behind and were firing at our vehicles

consistently. I thought I was a dead man, and I was with two of my children – my son and daughter,” said Ohakim. “What saved me was the bulletproof vehicle. That I am alive today is by the special grace of God and the bulletproof vehicle.” Kameh Ogbonna, media aide to Ubah, also made the same admission about what saved his boss. “If not for the bullet proof jeep the senator was riding in, he would have been dead by now,” Ogbonna told the media.

While money can buy you a lot of things, including security from the bullets of assassins, one of the supreme ironies of Nigeria is that the country is ‘under policed,’ Yet our prominent people are ‘overpoliced’. Following the recent assault on a policewoman at the residence of her principal, a ‘Professor’, the Police Service Commission (PSC) called for a review of the operations of the Special Protection Unit (SPU). “With the security problems ravaging the nation, there is an urgent need to free many police officers loitering in private houses and following big men around.” said the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani. As I argued in my intervention on the issue, maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and

investigating criminal activities are the primary responsibilities of the Police. And they cannot play such roles effectively if most of their personnel are on guard duty for prominent citizens.

However, the problem at hand is that these VIPs ride in bullet proof vehicles while their police orderlies and other security details are cramped in no-roof Hilux vehicles. Now that these agents of state are susceptible to the attacks of sundry criminal gangs that may be after their principals, that should compel introspection on how to mitigate the risks they bear. Should these high-net-worth individuals not be made to provide insurance coverage for their police/security personnel?

Should they not be compelled to ensure that the vehicles conveying their police personnel and security details be bulletproof?

These are some of the questions that need interrogation in view of the frequency of attacks on the convoys of these big men. We cannot continue to expose the personnel of our police and other security details to such danger without thinking about their welfare and what happens to their families in the event of fatal attacks.

I wish all my readers a prosperous 2023.

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