THURSDAY 21TH JANUARY 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Report Backs FG’s Moves to Sell Moribund Assets Nume Ekeghe A new report by the panAfrican credit rating agency, Agusto & Co, has backed the decision of the federal government to sell assets to fund critical infrastructure.

Apart from its plan to engage in borrowings to fund the 2021 budget, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had said during a presentation on the 2021 budget that the federal

government would also sell some non-oil assets to serve as an additional source of finance for the year’s budget. In its report, titled: “2021: The Year of the Vaccine,” which THISDAY obtained yesterday, Agusto & Co advised the

federal government to undertake “bolder actions on asset reforms by reducing its exposures to moribund stateowned enterprises such as the refineries.” It noted that funds earned from such divestments could

be channelled into other highimpact assets such as critical infrastructure. It stated that the COVID-19induced economic crisis creates a perfect storm to implement market-friendly reforms that had long been in the books

of the federal government. “We believe the government should expend some of its political capital on a full deregulation of the downstream petroleum Continued on page 10

Kyari: $10bn Infrastructural Investment Ongoing in Energy Sector... Page 8 Thursday 21 January, 2021 Vol 25. No 9419. Price: N250

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In New Reforms, Decentralisation of Police Tactical Operations Begins Force devolves power to CPs, DPOs to take directives from govs, LG chairmen Chiemelie Ezeobi, Eromosele Abiodun in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Commissioners of Police (CPs) in state commands and divisional police

officers (DPOs) have been invested with more powers in discharging their responsibilities, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, announced yesterday. Adamu, during an

interview on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said the decentralisation of powers was part of the several reforms contained in the Police Act 2020 to revitalise the law enforcement agency

to tackle the nation’s security challenges. Also, in a bid to boost the morale of police personnel, Adamu stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the upgrade of police salary structure.

Police pensioners are also expected to benefit from the president's gesture. The approval is coming in the aftermath of the recent #ENDSARS protest, which the police boss blamed on fake news.

According to him, with the decentralisation, police commissioners no longer need his approval before making decisions in their areas of responsibility (AOR). Continued on page 10

Buhari Cancels OMSL’s Controversial Secure Anchorage Area Contract EFCC may begin probe of bribery allegation by Ayeni NIMASA to take back security of ports Abiodun Eromosele President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled the lucrative but controversial Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) contract handled by Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMSL), a highlyplaced presidency source told THISDAY yesterday, saying the president has agreed with long-standing security concerns expressed about the deal by senior administration officials. The contract, in which OMSL in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, has been

providing security services to foreign ships calling at the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos at $2,000 per day at a designated area in the water called the Secured Anchorage Area, became controversial when the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, in February last year announced its cancellation. The ownership of the company had also become a subject of controversy between Continued on page 10

Democracy Prevailed, Says Biden, Urges Americans to Unite... Page 40

MOMENT OF HISTORY... President Joe Biden takes the oath of oﬃce as the 46th US president in Washington DC…yesterday

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NEWS Herdsmen Can’t Graze in Forest Reserves without Permission, Ondo Insists Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Afenifere, ACF, PANDEF, NEF clash over Akeredolu’s ultimatum

Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna and James Sowole in Akure Herdsmen will not be allowed to operate in Ondo State's forest reserves without permission, the state government insisted yesterday. The insistence came against the backdrop of Tuesday's caution by the presidency against the seven-day ultimatum the state Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), gave to herders to quit the forest reserves. The presidency's intervention stoked the controversy over the quit order as the pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which supported the governor, clashed with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that opposed the decision. Some senior lawyers have also endorsed the constitutionality of Akeredolu’s decision. In a statement in Akure yesterday, the state government, in a tacit repudiation of the presidency's intervention, said no herdsman will graze on the forest reserves in the state without permission. The state Commissioner for Agricultural and Rural Development, Mr. Adegboyega Adefarati, said in the statement that over 50,000 farmers have been registered to engage in various agricultural activities in the state’s forest reserves and no herder will be permitted to graze without going through the same process. It said: “We have registered over fifty (50,000) thousands of farmers who engage in different forms of agricultural activities in Ondo State Government Forest Reserves. With this, we regulate their activities and reduce criminality as we interface daily with farmers. “Love it or leave it; farming is farming, be it crop production or animal husbandry. If any Nigerian irrespective of his/her state of origin desires land for farming in Government Forest Reserves, he/she must apply to Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and pay the normal fee for the required hectares of land. “It is illegal for herdsmen to encroach on the Ondo State Government Forest Reserves without permission and graze on the farms, many of which will be destroyed.” However, the various groups disagreed on the reaction of the presidency to the governor’s decision for the herdsmen to quit the forest reserves. While NEF and ACF called on Akeredolu to rescind the sevenday ultimatum to herdsmen to vacate the forest, PANDEF and Afenifere condemned the reaction of the presidency on the issue. Reacting to the quit notice in separate statements issued yesterday in Kaduna, ACF and NEF asked the governor to follow the provisions of the constitution in handling the issue, adding that the constitution guarantees freedom of movement of all Nigerians. NEF, in its statement, described the governor’s action as provocative and unhelpful in the quest to address the security challenges.

A statement signed by NEF’s Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said if there are criminal elements among the Fulani in Ondo State, appropriate steps should be taken to identify them and deal with them. NEF stated that the Fulani are not above the laws and must obey all laws and regulations as well as respect the communities in which they live. The forum noted that Akeredolu as a senior lawyer should know that the constitution does not give him the power to deny any Nigerian the right to live where he chooses, if he does not break the law in the process. “We call on Governor Akeredolu to rescind his order on the Fulani or clarify his position in the event that he is misunderstood. “He has a responsibility to protect the rights of all people in Ondo State, including the Fulani, and he will be well advised to engage them towards improving security in the state instead of treating all of them as criminals without rights or protection under the constitution,” it added. In its reaction, spokesman of the ACF, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, urged the governor to follow the provision of the constitution in addressing the issue. According to him, the constitution guarantees all Nigerians the right to live within the country, stressing that if any Fulani in Ondo State has committed a crime, he should be fished out and prosecuted according to the law. The ACF said every offence has its own punishment “and our forum has not seen a law, which says a Nigerian should be denied the freedom to settle anywhere and pursue legitimate business according to the law.” But PANDEF called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, to order over his comments on the one-week ultimatum given to herdsmen. PANDEF spokesman, Mr. Ken Robinson, in a statement yesterday, also asked other governors, especially in the South-west to speak out on the matter. “The callous and barbaric deeds being perpetrated by supposed herdsmen, should not be allowed to continue, anywhere in Nigeria," it said. PANDEF described as irresponsible and unfortunate the statement credited to the presidency, saying Shehu has now become the mouthpiece of herdsmen. Also reacting, Afenifere advised the five other governors in the South-west to emulate Akeredolu and flush out herdsmen from their respective states. National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in a statement yesterday, stressed the need for all Yoruba to stand by Akeredolu and other Southwest governors in their bid to rid the zone of the excesses of the herdsmen. "All true-born Yoruba should stand behind Governor Akeredolu in these trying times. He must do all within the law to flush Ondo forests of all criminals. Other governors should emulate their chair and free our land from the Fulani who have surrounded us with the shield of the federal

government," he stated.

SANs Back Ondo Gov Some senior lawyers have also endorsed Akeredolu’s decision. Human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-olu Adegboruwa (SAN), faulted the presidency over its response, saying that the governor was right to have ordered herders to vacate the forest reserves in the state. Adegboruwa said the presidency misinterpreted the constitution. He said: “While it is herdsmen in the south, it is foreigners in the North. All of us are suffering. “The constitution that the presidency is referring to is being misconceived and misinterpreted. Section 43, which grants people the right to own properties anywhere in Nigeria, cannot be construed as taking other people’s properties. “When you get to a forest, it rather belongs to an individual, a community, or government. “So, if you want to come to occupy a forest as a stranger, you

must obtain the consent of any of the owners. You are a trespasser and any of them can activate a process to forfeit your trespass. This is what the governor has done by giving notice.” A former boss of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), said a governor, being the chief legal officer of a state, can take actions or "wield the big stick" if and when it is necessary for the peace, order and security in the state. Azinge noted that the move by Akeredolu did not violate constitutional provisions of Nigerians to settle down in the state but was aimed at ensuring that there is peace and order in the state. "When a group of people settle in a particular location and they live there peacefully, nobody can ask them to leave but when you now foster and promote criminality among others, or you are in a situation where it is difficult for peace to reign in a particular community because of your presence or attitude, the

governor as the chief law officer of that particular state reserves the right to ensure that law is maintained at all times and peace and order is in that particular environment,” he stated. But another senior lawyer, Mallam Ahmed Raji (SAN), noted that the issue goes beyond ownership of land which he acknowledged, is vested in the governors. He explained that ownership of land is one thing while the capacity to maintain security on the land is another. "The issue calls for a delicate balance between security and individual rights of citizens or aliens. Security should be paramount because if security is absent, individual rights to property, live, association and movement may be a mirage. "The government has a duty to strike the right balance. And this calls for collaboration among all the tiers and arms of government," he said. For Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), the Land Use Act of 1978 has since laid the issue of

who controls land in Nigeria to rest with Section 28 of the Act empowering governor to revoke rights of occupancy in the overriding public interest. "It is within the powers of the state government to exorcise occupants of lands within its territories if it is in the overriding interest of the public. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu can, therefore, in exercising the rights granted to him by virtue of his position as governor of Ondo State, issue the order asking herders to vacate the forests reserves within seven days, simply on the ground that the reserve belongs to the state government," he said. He, however, said the governor lacked the powers to sack the herders from the state because the order breaches the citizen’s right(s) under the 1999 constitution. "Legally speaking, the right channel available for Governor Akeredolu is for the governor to file an action at the Federal High Court, stating the reasons as to his request to oust the herdsmen from the forest reserves and vacate his state," he said.

MINISTERS AT WORK... L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo; and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja… yesterday

COVID-19 Real, Governors’ Forum Tells Bello Chuks Okocha in Abuja As Nigerians expect the outcome of the meeting of the governors of the 36 states of the federation on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the secretariat of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has told Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who claimed that the vaccines is meant to kill the people, that the pandemic is real and must be tackled. The forum’s Director-General, Mr. Asishana Okauru, told THISDAY yesterday that the governors are, therefore, considering various strategies to counter demarketing of the vaccines through public enlightenment. The chairman of the forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, had told THISDAY exclusively last week that

the primary concern of the governors at the moment is to contain the hesitancy of Nigerians to the vaccines. He said during the governors’ last meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari they made it clear to the President that there is the need to create public awareness on how to contain the rising risk of the pandemic. According to Fayemi, "We told the president that there is the need to go beyond political leadership and include traditional rulers, religious leaders and others in the entertainment sector and others concerned to spread the awareness and importance of the vaccines." Bello, who has repeatedly disregarded COVID-19 protocol and denied the existence of the virus in his state, told a crowd

to reject the vaccines because they are “meant to kill.” According to the Kogi state governor, “Vaccines are being produced in less than one year of COVID-19. There is no vaccine yet for HIV, malaria, cancer, headache and for several other diseases that are killing us. They want to use the COVID-19 vaccines to introduce the disease that will kill you and us. God forbid.” But Okauru when contacted by THISDAY, quoted the chairman of the governors forum as insisting that the pandemic is real and, therefore, Nigerians deserve the vaccine. According to Okauru, "The position of the NGF was articulated in a previous comment by the NGF Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who said: ‘We follow science and the preponderance of

evidence ...COVID-19 is real.” He further said that the pandemic is no respecter of any individual or persons as even as Fayemi had once been isolated because he was infected. He listed other governors who had tested positive in the past to include Mr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State) and Malam Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna State). Others are Chief Dave Umahi (Ebonyi State), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State) and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) (Ondo State). Fayemi had told THISDAY that the governors see the Covid-19 as a challenge and will work with all stakeholders to address and contain the pandemic.

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Kyari: $10bn Infrastructural Investment Ongoing in Energy Sector Says 60% of Nigerians without access to electricity Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has said that there is at least $10 billion worth of investments currently ongoing in the energy sector in a bid to delist Nigeria from one of the most energy impoverished nations in the world. Kyari, who spoke on the second day of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, 2021 on the topic “Delivering Energy Access in the Developing World,” noted that although the country aligns with the push for renewables, it is now focused on using its oil and gas resources in developing infrastructure till when the commodities become less relevant in about four decades. He said Nigeria with significant gas reserves, has approximately $3 billion to $4 billion projects currently going on, some of which have reached advanced stages, in the country’s efforts to rev up production for domestic use and for export. He said: “We are not a petroleum country in the real sense. It’s agreed that we have the 10th largest reserve of oil and a significant gas reserves. Of course, what everybody recognises is the oil. The reality today is that we have a country in excess of 200 million people. Seventy per cent of this population is well below 30, with a growing middle class and one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. “More importantly, for us

today, an energy deficient country, over 60 per cent of our country is not electrified, the poverty level is very high, extremely challenging. But so much is going on to see how we can reverse this trend. When you combine all these, you will see that as a country of focus today, many things are happening in the energy sector. “For instance, we are seeing investment in our energy infrastructure, especially in the area of gas in excess of $10 billion; this is ongoing. There are a number of gas-based projects about $3 billion to $5 billion dollars and some of them are at the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage.” According to him, Nigeria as a country is currently in transition and not necessarily in energy transition, adding that the country is not oblivious to the changes in the global oil and gas sector. He explained that Nigeria is at the moment witnessing increased domestic gas demand in the industrial and power sectors, leading to increased production and reduced gas flaring. Kyari added that the country is also witnessing increasing household access to gas networks and natural gas in the main cities, while there are deliberate plans to expand that access to rural areas. He said the federal government’s recent plan aimed at deepening domestic gas consumption, led to the advent of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and that it was part of the policy to deploy resources in the right places.

According to him, “The best of forecasts have said that in 30 years we will still have at least 100 million bpd of oil consumption. “So, oil and gas will still remain relevant in the near future, but the transition is real. What countries and nations are doing is to move towards much cleaner fuel and this cleaner fuel is clearly gas and that’s why we as a company are focused on gas resources, making sure to supply the domestic market and create opportunities for export. “So, what we see as an

energy resource-based country is to utilise the available resources of today to create the enabling environment for growth and prosperity in the country and that clearly aligns with the reality on the ground. “We have significant goodwill and understanding across countries, nations and companies. For instance, we have significant engagement with the United States Department of Energy in the sense that we receive some support in our transition to cleaner fuels so that we can develop our gas

infrastructure so that we move away from the liquids to gas ultimately.” On whether or not Nigeria can survive without oil, especially given the current crisis in the global oil market, Kyari explained that Nigeria is gradually moving away from its dependence on oil. “What does this mean for a country like ours which depends on oil for cash? Obviously, we have seen how we can transit to something better for our country, so we don’t depend on that today. You may be aware that today, the country’s resources are

mostly coming from taxes and those taxes are growing because population and prosperity is growing and we want to get more work done. “As a country, we are facing the new realities and we are moving towards the use of gas and also we are developing our resources as quickly as possible so that when the real transition comes in 30 to 40 years time, we will be in a position to say this is a developed country that has taken advantage of its resources,” he stated.

CONDOLENCES... Widow of former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martin-Kuye, Iyabo (left), and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the governor’s condolence visit to the window in Ago-Iwoye…recently

Fresh Political Realignment Emerges as Ex-CPC Chairmen Float New Movement Buni warns against hijack of party’s membership registration Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A fresh crisis is brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties that coalesced to form the ruling party, have formed a new political association, New Nigeria Movement. They hinged their decision on the ruling party's deviation from its foundational plans. This comes as the Chairman of Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the ruling party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has warned that the party will deal with anyone or group that attempts to hijack the membership/revalidation of the party. The CPC, along with the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Action Congress

of Nigeria (ACN) in 2009, and factions of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had joined forces with others to form APC to wrestle power from the PDP in 2015. Some PDP governors, led by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, formed the New PDP that joined the APC. However, the ACN and the CPC, on whose platform President Muhammadu Buhari ran and lost in 2011 after he pulled out of the ANPP where he had vied for the presidency twice in 2003 and 2007, were the major partners in the coalition of political parties that formed the ruling party. But at a meeting in Abuja, yesterday, the CPC members said they have floated the NNM ahead of the 2023 election season during which Buhari would've fully served its two terms, and ineligible to run again. A communiqué issued to

journalists after its inaugural meeting named a former Kano State chairman of the defunct CPC, Alhaji Ahmed Zogo, as its national chairman. The group promised to give a new direction to Nigeria. The communiqué read: “The inaugural meeting of the New Nigeria Movement (NNM), a socio-political group comprising patriotic and credible Nigerians who are determined to give a new direction held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on the 19th of January, 2021. “The pioneer members are drawn from the thirty-six states of the federation and united by a burning desire to give Nigeria a new political direction that will guarantee peace, true unity, equity and mutual trust.” The communiqué stated that the group empathised with Buhari on his efforts at salvaging Nigeria from the age-long decay and

also commended him for reminding the APC national caretaker committee on the need to keep the commitment to all members of the merger - CPC, ACN, and ANPP). “The New Nigeria Movement (NNM), therefore, resolved to team up with patriotic Nigerians and the president to move the country forward. “Our movement is in total support of the clarion call by Nigerians for power shift to the South and generational power shift,” it added. Meanwhile, Buni has warned that the APC will deal with anyone or group that attempts to hijack the membership/revalidation of the party. He gave the warning yesterday in Abuja while inaugurating the National Committee for Membership/ Revalidation, chaired by Niger State Governor, Mr. Abubakar Bello. Buni said the party has not had the opportunity of

renewing its membership register since the initial registration in 2014. He added that the party has in the last seven years received many politicians who defected to the APC, but were not registered. Besides, youths who have attained the age of 18 years and above and who have joined the party within the period have not be registered, while others who left the party still have their names on the register. According to him, the registration and revalidation provide the opportunity for both new and old members to register and update their membership in the party, and for the party to expunge names of those who have left the fold. The chairman said the committee holds the key to ensuring a successful membership registration and revalidation. He stated: "Let me make it abundantly clear that the

party would not condone any act of sabotage of denying anyone or group of persons from registering. The party would deal decisively with anyone or group who attempts hijacking the exercise. Everyone must be allowed and given the chance to register. The party has adequate backup materials to ensure a successful exercise and no one is disenfranchised. I am very sure that our figures in the register would surge into quadruples or even more, to further prove that APC is indeed Nigeria's largest and leading political party." Bello assured the party that the committee will ensure that any interested person or group will be given the opportunity to join APC. Bello added that the mandate of the committee is to grow the party, stressing that party members should not be intimidated by the calibre of people that will join the party.

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PAGE TEN BUHARI CANCELS OMSL’S CONTROVERSIAL SECURE ANCHORAGE AREA CONTRACT two business moguls, Captain Hosa Okunbor and Dr. Tunde Ayeni, last week with the latter alleging a grand design by the former to edge him out of the company. While Ayeni had dragged Okunbo to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged mismanagement, stealing and diversion of funds from OMSL, Okunbo in a press statement obtained by THISDAY said Ayeni was no longer a part of either OMSL or its associated companies as he resigned since in 2018 after selling all his shares. Ayeni among other sundry allegations had also accused Okunbor of using a whopping $18 million to peddle influence at the National Assembly and the presidency to ensure that the company continues to operate the contract despite the fact that OMSL had made

over $70 million in the last 18 months without remitting any money to the federal government. THISDAY sources said the president in the face of the public spat by the two businessmen succumbed to pressure from senior administration officials to cancel the contract. “The president has directed the Navy to cancel the contract and return the security of the ports back to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),” a source said. THISDAY also gathered that the EFCC might also begin a probe into Ayeni’s allegation of influence peddling by Okunbor. OMSL’s troubles started last February when Amaechi initially cancelled the contract describing it as illegal. He told newsmen at a press

conference in Lagos that the job specified in the contract was clearly for the government and not a private company. “I took that decision (to terminate the contract) because there is nowhere in the world where private individuals are tasked with protecting or securing a nation. It shows that there is a failure in governance and as Minister of Transportation, if I allowed that to continue it means that I have also failed.” He added: “The payment to a private company to secure anchorage area should have stopped. I have told the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to write to all those involved. The moment you continue to pay for such services, you’re going against the laws of the land. “What we are saying is that government must protect both

persons and investments. You can’t impeach a governor for not providing social amenities but you can impeach a governor who cannot provide security of lives and property. This goes to show the crucial place of security. “Recall that we secured an approval from the Federal Executive Council to introduce a maritime security architecture, which is coming to fruition. We engaged the Homeland Security International (HLSI), who is only to provide training and equipment, while the Nigerian Navy would lead the Police, Nigerian Army and Department of State Services, among others that would run the equipment.” The minister expressed concerns on the rise in maritime security, adding that a meeting attended by all heads of agencies was to discuss the maritime security

architecture known as the Deep Blue Project. The then Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, had during the conference, given a breakdown of the assets being installed under the Deep Blue Project. According to him, a good number of the assets had arrived in the country, including six interceptor boats and a special mission vessel, with the second one expected to come in before the end of February last year. Peterside disclosed that the first special mission aircraft will be in the country before the end of the first quarter of the year, while six armoured aircraft were already in the country, and the first unmanned aerial vehicle would come in before the end of February.

Dakuku stated: “We expect the first helicopter in the first quarter of this year. Almost all the communication gadgets are in the country as well as the Personal Protective Gear (PPG). The C4i centre is fully operational in Kirikiri, the NIMASA Research Centre. Those are the assets we have on the ground. However, between now and June this year, over 80 per cent of the assets would be in the country and they would be manned by the Nigerian military.” He said that the training aspect of the project had since commenced in phases, adding that the first set of training for C4i operators and intelligence officers had been concluded, while Basic infantry training for soldiers who would fight on land around the littoral areas has also been concluded and the soldiers awaiting deployment.

officers should know. “The personnel themselves, the kind of logistics they require for them to police the society requires a modern type of logistics, which are difficult to come by. But gradually, the authority understood the need for modern equipment that is needed for doing policing instead of moving around the streets without firearms in volatile areas and the standard operating procedure for engagement is not commensurate with the level of crime in the society, all those ones needs changing,” he added. The IG noted that almost every successive administration in the history of Nigeria tends to come with one police reform or the other, adding that different committees had been set up. “We had Ahmed Ali committee, we had the MD Yusuf committee; we had Parry Osayande committee on police reforms. Police work within the society, the society is dynamic so the function of the police is also dynamic,”

he said. Adamu who decried the poor take-home pay of the police, praised Buhari for approving an upward review of the salary structure. “In terms of the salary of the personnel, yes; if you look at the welfare of the personnel in terms of their take-home and allowances that they require for them to be dedicated and doing the service requires reforming, requires action to be taken," he said. According to him, police personnel do not have the same salary scale as other staff of the federal civil service. He said: “It is a different structure but still, it needs improvement. Because of the realisation that the police need to be better taken care of, the government of Muhammadu Buhari has already given approval for upgrading the salary of police personnel at all level and there is a committee now working on the upgrading of police salary to a better level that every police officer will feel proud

that if he takes that salary on monthly basis, there is no basis for anybody coming to entice them with some little money here and there for him to compromise his function. “So, this government has taken the bull by the horn in terms of taking care of police salary. “On pension, what exists now is not serving retired officers. We are working for the police to be removed from the ongoing scheme to a different scheme, which other services are enjoying and they are getting better pension. For example, a permanent secretary, when he retires, goes home with his salary as a pension, and in other services, people of that level goes the same way. Why shouldn’t it be the same with the police? We have written to the president and he has approved; a committee is working on that.” Speaking on police relationship with the general public, he said policing the society is not to cause hardship for people, but to serve them.

exchange market. Nigeria has entered a period of low oil and gas export revenues. In 2021, we project about $30 billion in oil & gas exports, down 20 per cent from about $36 billion in 2020. “With net foreign investment also likely to be in negative in 2021 due to the demand management strategy of the central bank, there will be significant pressure on reserves and the naira/US dollar exchange rates. “With foreign reserves stubbornly stuck below the $40 billion threshold since midNovember 2019, and currently around the $35 billion mark, the CBN has less dry powder to defend the naira at N390/$.” However, it explained that Nigeria is not overleveraged in foreign currency terms, especially when compared to its peers in Africa. It added that while Nigeria has a foreign currency debt position of 56 per cent to its current account receipts, Kenya and Ghana have positions of over 180 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. “However, with local currency debts, especially the short-term treasuries being raised at less than three per cent – thus leaving investors with over 10 per cent in negative real interest rates – the federal government is quite incentivised

to raise more local currency debt than foreign currency debt,” it added. The firm projected a Gross Domestic Product growth of two per cent in 2021. It explained that the rapid and seismic evolutions in consumer behaviour would prove to be the major driver of corporate performance this year, stating that the winners in 2021 will be those who are able to understand the consumer trends in their industries and make the necessary adjustments to meet the needs or shape consumer behaviour in their favour. "For instance, in the FMCG space, the recession leaves consumers poorer and thus there will be a greater demand for products in smaller retail packs. “While in the financial sector, weaker spending even by the segment of the middle class and upper class that are still economically buoyant will lead to an increase in savings. “This will lead to higher demand for unique investment offerings that can create value for this class of savers. In 2021, we see fintech solutions offering greater competition to the traditional savings products, especially amongst the techsavvy millennial. “Overall, the winners in 2021 will be firms and individuals

who learn to navigate volatility with greater stability. We believe the year will throw up significant volatility that will require resilience to withstand the shocks and on the other end, the foresight to help create paths to success even amidst uncertainty. "Nigerians who have long been inured to instability may find their resilience coming under trial this year,” it stated.

IN NEW REFORMS, DECENTRALISATION OF POLICE TACTICAL OPERATIONS BEGINS The implementation of the policy, he added, has begun already in the 36 states of the country. He directed them to work with governors to implement policies of the government in the states, particularly in areas of crime and criminality and law and order. He stated that the new powers of the CPs are not limited to administrative duties but cover fighting criminality and maintaining law and order. He added that the state commissioners of police do not need to get approvals from his office or the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of their zones before making decisions in their states of operation. He explained: “The decisionmaking structure in the police needs to be decentralised. Not everything should come to the commissioner of police for a decision to take. Not everything should come to the Assistant Inspector-General in the zone and not everything should come to the Inspector-

General for the IG to make a decision. Decision-making must be decentralised. “And so in reforming the police, we believe, and we’ve started implementing it, that the structure we have, yes, we have one InspectorGeneral of Police, but in every state command, we have commissioners of police who are in charge of that state and the state has a government with a governor. “So, the commissioner of police’s responsibilities and area of jurisdiction and powers stay within that state and is to work with the governor and implement policies of the government of that state in the areas of crime and criminality and law and order. He doesn’t need to refer to the Inspector-General for any decision to be taken. The commissioner of police must have the ability to take the decision himself.” He added: “The same thing with the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) at a local government area - there’s a local government authority

there with the chairman of the local government and his council, the DPO is part of the council. “So any matters on security, crime and criminality discussed within the local government must be implemented there. The DPO must take a decision without waiting for the commissioner of police to tell him what to do.” The police boss said there are many areas that require reform in the police just as he stressed the need for a change in police training curriculum from a regimented system into a more problem-solving curriculum that police officers should know. He said the police colleges have a training curriculum that is out of date with modern policing. The IG said the police have started the process of changing them to fit modern policing, adding that instead of the regimented type of curriculum that was being thought, the force now has more problemsolving curriculum that police

REPORT BACKS FG’S MOVES TO SELL MORIBUND ASSETS industry beyond the current reforms on pricing it has currently implemented,” it added. The federal government had budgeted fiscal spending of about N13.6 trillion in 2021. However, Agusto & Co. projected aggregate spending of about N10 trillion, while fiscal revenues would be about N3.5 trillion, indicating a record deficit of over N6 trillion. “Despite the worsening fiscal position of the sovereign, the federal government can access credit at lower yields. In addition, the federal government’s increased borrowing from the central bank that has risen by more than 500 per cent in five years will likely continue in 2021, thus reducing the dependency of the government on financial markets in a period of higher demand for government securities. “With naira yields on government debt securities at about the same levels with dollar yields, the incentives for the carry trade have been effectively nullified, thus making Nigeria an unattractive destination for foreign portfolio investors. Our outlook for 2021 is that real interest rates will remain negative, thus enabling the government to cheaply finance its deficits,” it said. According to Agusto &

Co., Nigeria’s long-term high inflation is an often overlooked economic indicator with exchange rates enjoying greater prominence in the discourse. This, it stated, creates a paradox, with Nigeria’s monetary policy strategy unduly focused on the pursuit of a stable currency viewed largely from the prism of foreign exchange and inertia towards inflation. “While Nigerians have long fantasised about a strong currency – often defined as one being at par with major currencies such as the British pound or US dollar – the long term high inflationary trend remains the underbelly of the naira. “Agusto & Co. believes Nigeria’s high inflation reflects the country’s weak economic fundamentals and needs to be reined to set the country on the path of long-term prosperity,” it added. It stated that outside the management of COVID-19related disruptions to the economy, foreign exchange in Nigeria would be the most consequential economic issue in 2021. According to the firm, the pertinent issue will include the management of foreign exchange liquidity. It said: “For now, the central bank has resorted to its demand

management playbook of 2016, which did create a wide spread between the official market and the parallel market at the time. “The outcome of the demand management playbook in this COVID era also mirrors that of 2016. The naira is currently trading at an unhealthy arbitrage of N80 to N100 to a dollar between the parallel and the official market as monetary authorities struggle to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market. “The odds against the naira in the foreign exchange market are in two folds. First, there are the long-term fundamental issues. With naira inflation projected to be stubbornly stuck above 15 per cent in 2021 and dollar inflation at a benign two per cent, the odds against the naira indicate an inflation rate differential of about 14 per cent between the two currencies. “The principle behind the inflation rate differential implies that the erosion in the value of the naira measured by inflation is significantly greater than the dollar. Thus, the 13 per cent inflation differential should result in the naira’s depreciation against the dollar in similar measures. Once again, this reiterates the need to pare back inflation in Nigeria.” It added: “The second major issue is the demand-supply dynamics in the foreign

TOP GAINERS DEAPCAPITAL MUTUALBENEFITS NNFM NIGERINSURE ROYALEXCHANGE TOP LOSERS SUNUASSURE AXAMANSARD JAPAULGOLD

NGN NGN 0.02 0.22 0.05 0.55 0.80 8.80 0.03 0.33 0.04 0.44 NGN 0.10 0.90 0.17 1.53 0.12 1.16 AFROMEDIA 0.02 0.20 OMATEK 0.02 0.21 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,505.00 Volume: 649.649 million shares Value: N4.612 billion Deals: 6,296 As at yesterday 20/01/2021 See details on Page 37

% 10 10 10 10 10 % 10 10 9.3 9.0 8.7

THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

COMMENT

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

RE- FAIR PLAY OR FOUL?

Cosmas Odoemena argues that Bishop Kukah spoke the truth to power

read an opinion piece entitled, “Fair play or foul?” published in the January 19, 2021 edition of THISDAY by a fellow who was upbraiding Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah for his forthrightness. The person started, “One of the emerging dilemmas in Nigeria’s democracy is the serious threat it regularly confronts from utterances of people lacking experience and wisdom in politics or governance who exploit the unscrupulous exuberance of the media to ambush public attention.” But all through this person’s write-up he kept referring to Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, as “Rev. Father Matthew Hassan Kukah”! At first, I wanted to give the writer the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he was ignorant of Kukah’s position in the Catholic Church. But methinks otherwise, because the writer went further to say, “Kukah was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 19, 1976 and attended the University of Ibadan for a diploma in Religious Studies, Pontifical Urban University, Rome in 1976 for a Bachelor of Divinity; University of Bradford, United Kingdom, in 1980 for a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1990 for a PhD. During his doctoral studies he produced his first book, Religion and Politics in Northern Nigeria and was a consultant to the Vatican for five years,” and stopped there! Why stop there about Kukah? Perhaps it was out of mischief or malice, or both, that the writer failed to complete Kukah’s profile. Even the Good Book said, “give honour to whom honour is due”. Do you refer to a lawyer who has been elevated to the bench as barrister? Is he not called a judge? It’s like writing about President Muhammadu Buhari and stopping at when he was a colonel. But in the same article the writer didn’t refer to President Goodluck Jonathan as a former governor or a former vice president. Likewise he didn’t refer to President Olusegun Obasanjo as a former General or a former Head of State. He referred to them by their highest status. Why not so for Bishop Kukah? Well, it’s not too surprising. The truth is never said to be sweet, it’s said to be bitter. Those who don’t like the truth will remain uncomfortable when truth is laid bare. But heaven and the world already know Kukah as a bishop of the Roman Catholic church, and the works from Hades cannot prevail against it. One of my regrets still remains that I had left Sokoto when Kukah was installed as bishop. I would have been drinking directly from his fountain of knowledge. Kukah is no small timer. He is brilliant and sophisticated and a pride to any organization he belongs. It is not surprising that his personality looms larger than life. The journey to becoming a priest is long and tortuous. As

IT’S A PITY THAT PEOPLE ARE IGNORANT OF THE CALLING OF MEN OF GOD. THE GOOD BOOK IS REPLETE WITH PASSAGES WHERE MEN OF GOD SPOKE TO KINGS AND THOSE WHO LED PEOPLE. EVEN JESUS WAS CRITICAL OF THE LEADERS OF THE JEWS

Jesus himself said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” If God then wills it that the person is elevated to a bishop it’s to God’s glory. And indeed that is the case for Bishop Kukah to whom the writer kept referring to as “Rev Father Kukah.” As a bishop, Kukah ordains priests, who are called Reverend Fathers. These priests work under him. A little Wikipedia research would have made the writer know this. No, he “chose” not to “know”! The writer did not stop there. He still went on about Kukah’s profile which he failed to complete, saying, “Impressive as these theological and priesthood credentials are, it is remarkably ironic that Rev. Father Kukah did not proceed to gain fame and national recognition from the divine calling but rather focused on the politically contentious subject of his academic research, Religion and Politics in Northern Nigeria, and the “liberation” fervors simmering among his southern Kaduna people.” It’s a pity that people are ignorant of the calling of men of God. Again, the Good Book is replete with passages where men of God spoke to kings and those who led people. Even Jesus was critical of the leaders of the Jews. In fact he was killed for political reasons. The accusation against him was treason. So, dear bishop be of good cheer, your master suffered a worse fate. According to Aristotle, man by nature is a political animal. It’s naive to think that politics is exclusive to certain people. And because of this impression, the wrong people are left to rule. Has the writer never heard of Rev. Father Moses Adasu, a Catholic priest who was a former governor of Benue State? If only politicians knew that just as men of God are to lead God’s creation called man through his spiritual life, he has also placed politicians to lead man through his temporal life. And either the clergy, or the politician can call the other to order, if they are failing in their duties. And God will call both of them to render account of their stewardship, in due time. Know this too, that the first people who led the children of God were men of God, before kings came into the picture. Therefore, the first “politicians” were the clerics. Now, quoting Wikipedia that this “person” refused to at least consult to know more about Bishop Kukah, “In the list of the Seventy Apostles, attributed to Dorotheus of Tyre, Philemon is described as bishop of Gaza.” Isn’t it poetic justice that an irreverent writer has despised a title borne by a Bible figure whom he took his name from! Matthew Hassan Kukah, you are our beloved bishop, in whom we are well pleased. Dr Odoemena, a medical practitioner, wrote from Lagos

ECOWAS, NIGERIA AND THE WAY FORWARD Nigeria should act fast to refocus ECOWAS on the goals set by its founding fathers, writes

een watchers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would have noticed a silent but revolutionary action taken recently by Nigeria, the economic and political powerhouse in West Africa, as part of efforts to counter a rather disturbing public perception that the regional organisation is losing focus and relevance. Analysts have described ECOWAS of today as lacking in visionary leadership and political will, and that it has become a club of leaders engaged in the protection of their enlightened self-interests to the detriment of the community citizens. This flows from the organisation’s lethargic responses to conflicts and a growing tendency in the legitimization of incumbent governments and subtle acquiescence to the third-term presidency and indiscriminate change of national constitutions for tenure elongation. Recent elections in Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea, and the looming dangers in Togo, Benin, The Gambia and Senegal, have been cited as cases in point. At a recent ECOWAS virtual summit on the political crisis in Mali, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari was emphatic, in warning his peers against the dangers of third-term syndrome and tenure elongation in Africa. But that warning would appear to have fallen on deaf ears. Third-term induced violence marred recent elections in Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea. It is therefore no surprise that Abuja had to withhold the traditional congratulatory messages for Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and Alpha Conde of Guinea who were declared winners of the December 2020 elections in the two countries, respectively. This is a subtle but strong statement that Nigeria is determined to assert itself and ensure that ECOWAS rediscovers its relevance. When ECOWAS was formed in May 1975 to foster regional integration, military dictatorships held sway in many countries in West Africa. But Nigeria’s former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his Togolese counterpart Gen. Gnassingbe Eyadema ordered their ministers, Prof Adebayo Adedeji (Nigeria) and Edem Kodjo (Togo) on the difficult diplomatic shuttles that resulted in the signing of the 25th May 1975 Treaty of Lagos that birthed ECOWAS. This was achieved against strong opposition from then President Felix Houphouet-Boigny of Cote d’Ivoire, a

staunch ally of France, the former colonial power in Francophone Africa. However, France, which has always preferred a France-Afrique or FranceAfrican Union, has never relented. To attract Houphouet-Bogny into the ECOWAS fold, Nigeria facilitated his transportation to participate in the signing of the Treaty of Lagos and ensured that Cote d’Ivoire’s Aboubakar Ouattara emerged as the first Executive Secretary of ECOWAS. The undying crave by France for political influence in West Africa has continued to undermine ECOWAS’ regional integration agenda. For instance, the establishment of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) is in accentuation of that rivalry. UEMOA’s eight members belong to ECOWAS and are using the West African Franc (CFA), which is bankrolled by the French Treasury. Beyond competing with ECOWAS for international development support, it is believed that UEMOA was solely set up to counter ECOWAS or even destroy it. It would be recalled that late last year, France and UEMOA members led by Cote d’Ivoire, had attempted to hijack ECO, the ECOWAS’ proposed common currency to replace CFA, a move stoutly rejected by Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states. ECOWAS has since evolved into Africa’s leading regional power bloc, particularly with exemplary credentials in preventive diplomacy, intra- and inter-state conflict management and resolution among its 15-member states. ECOWAS’ interventions ended the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone and have facilitated democratic processes in many other countries in the region. The organisation has continued to rein in authoritarian and dictatorial tendencies of some of its leaders. A typical example was in 2009 when ECOWAS took a principled stance to stop former President Mamadou Tandja of Niger from extending his tenure. Also, in 2011, while the African Union, which has the African Commission on Human and Peoples Right based in Banjul, could not call dictatorial President Yahya Jammeh to order on his chain of human rights violations, ECOWAS made a bold statement by refusing to send a Mission to observe what was destined to be an un-democratic election held in the country that year. ECOWAS did not recognize the outcome

of that vote. When Jammeh held another election in 2016 and refused to concede defeat, ECOWAS sent a military mission to The Gambia and led international efforts to ease Jammeh to exile in Equatorial Guinea. His departure could have been sooner if the AU and the international community had backed Nigeria’s and ECOWAS’ principled stance of 2011. Today, the ECOWAS leadership, which is heavily influenced by Paris, is sleeping at the wheel, lacking the courage to speak truth to power. The leadership deficiency has crept into the management of various ECOWAS institutions, the ECOWAS Commission and Specialized Agencies. There is division along linguistic lines (French and English) with the distribution of key statutory positions in favour of the Francophone bloc and against Nigeria, which shoulders more than 60% of the ECOWAS annual budget through payment of the Community Levy. According to official financial statement presented to the ECOWAS Parliament in 2019, Nigeria paid more than $1,177 billion to ECOWAS as Community Levy contribution in the last 16 years to that date. This represented 40.42% of the $2,913,088,908 payment made by all the 15 member-states, and higher than the payments made by 12 other countries put together, except Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, which contributed 17.45% and 11.9%, respectively. Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo paid a total of $879,711 million. Guinea Bissau paid the lowest amount, representing 0.2 per cent of total community levy proceeds in the 16 years under review. Nigeria, with an estimated 200 million population accounts for about half of ECOWAS’ estimated 400 million people. Apart from the community levy, the country also plays a leading role in the contribution of troops and financial resources for regional, continental and international peace keeping missions. Nigeria spent more than six billion dollars on peace keeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone, which was not refunded, excluding the human losses. Nigeria usually bails out ECOWAS, including in the payment of staff salaries and bilateral supports to other member states, especially towards ensuring peaceful elections in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Niger,

to name a few. But the country is often treated with disdain or regarded as a spendthrift. Nigeria’s long-standing sacrifices do not square up with its under-representation and influence in most international organisations, especially ECOWAS and the AU. For instance, while Nigeria respects the host country instrument in not seeking the two prime positions at the ECOWAS Commission – President and the Vice President – the country has only one Commissioner at the ECOWAS Commission today. Also, junior level positions normally reserved for a host country are often taken up by other nationals at the Commission. The situation is not any better in other ECOWAS Institutions and Specialized Agencies, such as the Community Court, Parliament, ECOWAS Bank for Industrial Development (EBID), or in the appointment of Special Representatives to countries and international organizations such as the United Nations, ACP/EU in Brussels or senior level positions at the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorates and Divisions. Indeed, is it not ironic that ECOWAS, which struggles with financial challenges could decide to increase the number of its highly paid Commissioners from nine to 15, based on an unreasonable argument that every member must produce a Commissioner? Nigeria has kicked against this wasteful move, but Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana which are enjoying better role allocations are adamant. Apart from their hefty remunerations and allowances, more Commissioners mean an expansion of the bureaucracy - directorates, divisions and redtape. When President Buhari raised the issue few years ago, he was assured that the budget for nine Commissioners would be used to finance the 15-Commissioner structure. But it proved to be a subterfuge as the situation has not changed amid lack of funds for Community projects. Nigeria must prevail on the leaders of the organisation that if every ECOWAS Member State desires a Commissioner beyond the manageable nine, such a member should bear the costs and the accompanying administrative overheads for such appointment. This position must be strongly insisted upon, especially as the economic climate in the world demands effective resource management that calls for a lean and nimble structure. Johnson, a foreign affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

EDITORIAL

ASUU AND THE RETURN TO CAMPUS It’s time to reopen the universities

espite the truce reached with the federal government on some of the contentious issues that led to the current strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the university teachers are yet to resume classes. The excuse, this time, is the lack of preparedness by the authorities to deal with the COVID-19 challenges. While the issues raised are important, there is the more serious matter of whether the question of COVID-19 protocols should not be left NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES with individual universities to MUST EXAMINE THEIR deal with. ASUU’s OWN FAILURES AND position looks IMPROVE THEIR INTERNAL like a convenient ADMINISTRATIVE excuse for work avoidance, at a STRUCTURES time the nation should ordinarily expect our scholars to act fast and make up for lost time. Consistent with the trenchant calls by ASUU for the federal government to respect university autonomy, the decision on resumption of academic work should also be left to university councils. It should be done on a campus-bycampus basis. The ideal thing at a time like this is for all parties to focus on ensuring that students, who have already lost an academic session, get back to their studies. Although strikes are not supposed to negatively impact the productivity of university teachers in the area of research, it would seem that our scholars simply close shop on all fronts whenever ASUU is on strike. This neglect of one of the very reasons for which universities exist says a lot about the mindset of many scholars today. With many countries coming up with vaccines for COVID-19, it is a shame that Nigerian universities have been completely shut out of the conversation. Yet we are talking about an ailment for which malaria drugs have proved to be the most effective in its treatment. Is this

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not a serious indictment on the academic community in the country? How come the erstwhile academic rigour that led to scientific breakthroughs in the past seems to have departed our shores, especially with regard to COVID-19 research? Last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it was “developing a framework under which grants and long-term facilities will be provided to researchers, science institutions and biotechnology firms to develop the Nigerian vaccine.” This was obviously an attempt to encourage research and the development of drugs and vaccines. This challenge to “scientists at home and in the diaspora to go back to their laboratories and develop a Nigerian vaccine” cannot be taken up here at home, when our laboratories are under lock and key. That is why Nigerians are yet to hear the response of ASUU to this opportunity for its members. We recognise that the education sector has not been adequately funded over the years. But money is not the only problem facing our universities. The quality of academic staff is a sore point. It would seem that not enough university teachers are taking care of resources that serious researchers can call upon, even within our environment, to upgrade themselves. In recent years, some funding agencies committed to uplifting standards have been frustrated by the inability of university lecturers to answer appeals for research projects. There are reports of Nigerian scholars presenting incoherent proposals that are even riddled with basic grammatical errors. It is not enough to argue that the diversion of research funds to other uses by university scholars is a spillover of the general atmosphere of corruption in the larger society. Nigerian universities must examine their own failures and improve their internal administrative structures. It is time universities ensured that research turned out are implementable in critical areas - ranging from crops and livestock/ fisheries to automotive breakthroughs and social re-engineering. The current ASUU strike has lasted long enough and should end now.

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

COVID-19 ‘CUT AND PASTE’ SOLUTION

Continued from Backpage

n my column, ‘Nigeria in A Zoom New World’ on 21 May last year, I wrote that we must create the environment for research activities, especially in the health sector. “COVID-19 is a virus and malaria is a parasite, but there have been many tales to suggest that both preventive and curative drugs for the virus could be found in Africa” I wrote before adding, “At the risk of sounding pessimistic, something tells me that, as with Lassa fever that has become a yearly epidemic killing hundreds of our citizens, Nigeria could still be dealing with COVID-19 years after the rest of the world has moved on.” We should do everything to avoid such a tragic outcome. I have been speaking with respected medical practitioners across the country and what stands out clearly is that government is not engaging the right stakeholders on how to fight this pandemic. For a low income country like ours, repurposing drugs ought to be on the front burner. Since most respiratory viruses, according to medical experts, are self-limiting, educating Nigerians on how to boost their immunity using locally available food and medications gives

them a better chance in fighting the virus and other diseases. We must begin to sensitise people along that direction while making PPEs available at affordable prices. Frontline workers, especially in hospitals and primary health centres not certified to treat COVID-19 as well as in ‘drug stores’ within local communities remain the first port of call for people nursing ‘Malaria’. These health workers are even more prone to COVID-19 infection than those in certified treatment centres. On the whole, I have no problem with vaccines. However, the federal government should look inward and think beyond purchasing vaccines for one virus to revamping the entire health sector in Nigeria. The same goes for authorities in the 36 states and I am delighted that governors are already discussing possibilities. Since every crisis comes with its opportunities, we should leverage the pandemic to strengthen the primary healthcare system in the country by rallying people at the grassroots not only in risk communication but also in identifying local remedies. This way, it will be easier to mobilise communities for compliance with COVID-19 guide-

lines and help to contain its spread in Nigeria. In his interview with Chris Cuomo on CNN last month, Director of the American National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Dr Anthony Fauci said that even after taking vaccines, Americans cannot dispense with face masks, social distancing, hand washing, etc., until the “overwhelming majority of the country must have had COVID immunity either through vaccination or herd immunity.” Fauci added that people who get the vaccine could still be infected and that has been proved to be true. Since the January 6 invasion of the Capitol, no fewer than six members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 despite receiving one or two doses of the vaccine last month. What this means in effect is that for COVID-19, the surest antidote still remains prevention. In an environment like ours where we have neither the resources to purchase, nor the capacity to store these expensive vaccines, that is the ‘gospel’ those in authority at all levels should be preaching to Nigerians! Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja

FAREWELL, SULEIMAN YUSUF BOMAI

t is the cause, not the death, that makes the martyr. - Napoleon Bonaparte. My eyes welled with tears whenever I remember your Mama’s words, Adieu! Suleiman Yusuf Bomai (Walid), the serving corps member from Yobe State that was killed in between Lokoja and Abuja highway on 21st December, 2020 by kidnappers on his way back from NYSC Orientation camp in Osun state. He was a graduate of the Department of English language, Federal University Gashua. A great ally with heart of serving community through a socio-mutual interaction, his memories will forever be green in our hearts. The Alumni of FECOET Demonstration Secondary School Potiskum lost their amiable President, the state footballers lost their skilled one in the Arena, our fellow grammarians lost their hardworking comrade. After we received the tragic news of his loss, we listened to radio, read the national dailies, whether government in both state or federal level would mourn with us. But there was no news! We learnt that there are many heroes that make history but the most honourable is one who died in serving his state. As prophet Muhammad SAW clearly in famous hadith: a person who died in securing (serving) his mother land is nothing but a Martyr. Good night, Brother Ali Tijjani Hassan, alitijjanihhassan@gmail. com

THISDAY, ˾ ͺͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Soyinka: United States Has Redeemed Itself By Rejecting Trump Ejiofor Alike Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has declared that the United State has redeemed itself by rejecting Mr. Donald Trump at the presidential poll. Speaking last night onARISE NEWS Channels, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Soyinka argued that with the removal of Trump and successful inauguration of President Joe Biden, the United States has effectively corrected the mistakes made four years ago. The playwright disclosed that he has forgivenAmericans for electing Trump whom he described as a “racist” and a “xenophobe”. Soyinka had in 2016 torn his American Immigrant Visa in protest against Trump’s victory. He, however, told ARISE NEWS Channels that he would not be renewing the green card since he does not require it to visit the United States. Soyinkasaid,“Ifeelhonoured to be associated with the democratic forces of the United States for correcting the unbelievable

error that they committed four years ago.” On the green card issue,” he said, “I consider myself back in that community from which I dissociated myself four years ago and I am very glad to be back but I am not renewing my green card, it is not necessary. I go in and out as a visiting alien and that is good enough for me,” Soyinka disclosed He noted that his interest in the US elections in 2016 was the huge Nigerian population in the US, adding that America’s history would not be complete without blacks. He said he warned Americans about the impending danger of a Trump Presidency but his advice was ignored hence his decision to tear his green cars to shreds. “The complacency was very painful and I said if you people are so careless as to let this racist, this monster, this xenophobic aberrant, this disrespect of the female gender, this serial bankrupt, this man who called your own society a shithole country, if you are so careless as to let him

Osinbajo Alleges Corruption in Govt Regulatory Agencies Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that recent survey carried out has shown persistent corruption in the operations of some government regulatory agencies. He has therefore directed that the heads of the identified government agencies be presented with the report of the survey, which reveals major shortfalls in the operations of the affected agencies. The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) headed by Osinbajo at its first Virtual meeting in 2021 resolvedthatCEOsandHeadsof some federal government regulatoryagenciesbepresentedwith the outcome of a recent survey that exposes major pitfalls in the operations of the agencies. The Cost of Compliance Report, which was presented to the Council at its first virtual meeting of the year, revealed persistent corruption, duplic-

President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the former Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Hon. Bala Bawa Ka'oje. In a condolence message signed on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President extended heartfelt condolences to the Ka’oje family, the government and people of Kebbi State on the passing of Hon Ka’oje.

Buhari noted that as a former member of the House of Representatives, community leader and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Ka’oje believed deeply in rendering selfless service to the people and he will be greatly missed for his passionate disposition to others. He therefore prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the departed and divine comfort for family, friends and associates.

the Capitol. In a way it was rather heart-warming for the Americans themselves to feel that what they have been fighting for is not really a given in their society and they had to confront it in a brutal unbelievable way and they came out of it in flying colours.

“It is not over not by any means; I don’t say that for a single moment but it has been a lesson for us in this continent and we should be grateful that it did happen. “I am sorry of course about the loss of life; I regret the disruption of normal life but now we are placed on the same

playing level, that we are all fighting for the same virtue in human conduct, the same system. “We all believe in that you cannot take it for granted, not anymore and for us here in Nigeria, it has been, I hope, it was been a heart-warming occasion.”

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY...

L-R: Group Head, Corporate Affairs, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Diran Olojo; Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Olayinka Omigbodun; Personal Assistant of the Founder of FCMB Group, Mrs. Olubusola Adekusibe; Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc/Chairman, Otunba Tunwase Foundation, Mr. Ladi Balogun; and Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Professor Jesse Otegbayo, during the formal handover of the Otunba Tunwase National Paediatrics Centre to UI and UCH at the hospital complex in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State…recently

Vice Principal Admits Raping, Impregnating 12-year-old Pupil in Katsina Francis Sardauna ÓØ ËÞÝÓØË

ity of functions, poor service orientation, and several antibusiness disposition in some of the regulatory agencies. Astatement by the media assistant to the Vice President, Mr. LaoluAkande quoted Osinbajo who presided over the meeting, asdirectingthatCEOsandheads of such government regulatory agencies involved should be presented with the outcomes and interaction should take place regarding some of the worrying disclosures in the report of the survey conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, PwC. According to him, the report revealed human issues that are not unavoidable, stressed the importantrolesregulatoryagencies play in ensuring businesses are able to thrive seamlessly without inhibition. He noted that doing otherwise would only jeopardise the government’s efforts in creating a conducive business environment.

Buhari Mourns ExSport Minister Ka'oje Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË

become the next President, I am moving out.” He said the attack on the Capitol building by proTrump rioters would make Americans to understand the fragile nature of democracy “So, you can imagine what I have felt over the last few weeks, the siege on

The Vice Principal of the Community Secondary School Kadandani in Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Mr. Ibrahim Sale, has admitted to the police authorities that he had sexual relationship with his 12-year-old student. Ibrahim, 38, was among suspected rapists paraded yesterday by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Gambo Isah, at the police command headquarters in Katsina, the state capital. According to Isah, "My name is Ibrahim Sale. I am the vice

principal of Community Secondary School Kadandani in Rimi LGA, and I have three wives. I raped my 12-year-old student and she got pregnant. "I paid her N200, N300 and sometimes N500 before she agreed to have sexual intercourse with me. She gave birth to baby boy last Sunday." Parading the suspect before journalists, Isah said the suspect lured the 12-year-old student and repeatedly had carnal knowledge of her in his apartment in the community. He said: "From January 9 to 14, 2021, the police command

has arrested eight suspected rapists in six reported cases across the state. Among the suspect is Ibrahim Sale, who is the vice principal of a community school in Rimi LGA. "He lured a young girl of about 12 years and serially had unlawful sexual relationship with her without the knowledge of the parents, and even impregnated her. "In fact, right now, this young girl had delivered a baby through Caesarean Section (CS) at the General Hospital in Katsina, and investigation is ongoing on the matter. So

we are calling on parents to be vigilant." Isah added: "Anytime she came to school, he would take her away to his house even when he is married with three wives. What is he looking for in a young girl of 12? Right now, we don't know how the girl will feed her baby." The state police spokesman expressed worry over the recent upsurge in rape cases across the state, and called on members of the public, especially parents, to always look after their wards to avert such scenario in the state.

FG Attributes Rising Cement Price to Production Challenges James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË The federal government yesterday lamented the rising price of cement in the country. It attributed the high cost of the product to production challenges, adding that it is currently engaging stakeholders in the industry to address the issue. It therefore, urged the public to desist from panic purchase of the product. Cement prices has risen by over 60 per cent in recent times,

raising concerns by Nigerians. However, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said in a statement issued by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, that discussion between the government andcementmanufacturerswere being ramped up in order to meet the increased demand of the commodity. The minister further blamed the hike in the price of cement on reduction in production

volumes in the second and third quarters of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EndSARS protests as well as downtimes in some manufacturing plants. Adebayo said the development affected the volume of stockpile in the supply chain due to the reduction of cash flow to major distributors as well as high cost of transportation. He further observed that there had been massive

build-up of demand from public works contractors as they strive to meet milestones and deadlines on projects across the country. He said, "we urge the public not to embark on panic buying and storage of the product as the current market price is temporary," assuring the public that government will continue to be on the alert to its responsibility of ensuring goods and services are available at reasonable prices.

FG Begins Final Veriﬁcation of Former Nigeria Airways Workers Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË The federal government has commencedthefinalverification exercisefortheformeremployees of the defunct national carrier, NigeriaAirwaysLimited(NAL). The Presidential Initiative on ContinuousAudit (PICA) in the Federal Ministry of Finance, BudgetandNationalPlanningis currently handling the mop-up verificationexerciseforex-work-

ers of NAL (In Liquidation), in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Aviation, in Kano State. A statement released by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Hassan Dodo, said the mopup verification exercise, which is the last to be undertaken by the finance ministry is meant to verify ex- workers of the

defunct Nigeria Airways who had genuine claims but were yet to be paid. Addressing the ex- workers, Director, PICA, Bashir Harisu Mohammed, restated that the exercise was in furtherance of the federal government's determination to ensure that all former public workers, especially those of liquidated agencies, who had genuine and legitimate claims were

not denied of such. According to him, PICA, a department in Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is responsible for conducting the verification exercise just as it carried out the first verification and payment of the verified staff of the defunct agency in November 2007, following an earlier approval by the late President Umaru Yar'Adua.

THISDAY, ˾ ͺͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Kwara Police Parade Two Herdsmen over Abduction of Four Turkish Nationals Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command yesterday paraded two Fulani herdsmen over their alleged involvement in the 2019 abduction of four Turkish nationals in Gbugbu village in Edu Local Government Area of the state. The two suspects were also paraded with their two AK 47 rifle used during the operation. Parading the suspects in Ilorin, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Lawal Bagega, said: "Four of the kidnappers were arrested with oneAK47 in July 2019, however, the victims were rescued alive without paying any ransom.” Bagega said: "However, two suspects were at large. Since then, the state police command has been in search for the fleeing

suspects. "Actionable intelligence, however, indicated that the suspects were planning to carry out another operation, and my operatives arrested them. "During investigation, the suspects confessed to be the members of the kidnap syndicate that abducted the four Turkish citizens. "The suspects also confessed to have participated in several other kidnaps, especially at the Enugu/Abakiliki axis of the country." The state police commissioner, however, said: "Investigation is still ongoing to arrest other syndicate members who are at large, and recover their operational weapons, as these suspects would soon appear in court.”

Bagega disclosed that the command also paraded organiser of a naked party in Ilorin. He said: "Following intelligence on the criminal activities of one Akinsola Babatunde also known as Mr. White, residing in Achimugun Street, GRA, Ilorin, and his cohorts

who are into strip and naked party in lounges, club houses, service apartments among others in Ilorin metropolis and its environ, the state police have arrested and paraded them. "Operatives of the state intelligence bureau attached to the state police command carried

out a sting operation involving tactical undercover and maneuver, and arrested Mr. White, who had advertised for a strip party in Ilorin on social media, and successfully organised a party in a service apartment in Jacob street, behind GRA Shoprite Ilorin. "The immoral and illegal act

of Mr. White and his accomplices clearly contradicted the COVID-19protocolandequally promotes crime and criminality in the state. "Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang, and those nabbed will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed."

Lagos Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists Rebecca Ejifoma Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command last Tuesday arrested two suspected cultists during a gun duel with members of the Aye confraternity at Igbelara, Ikorodu area of the state. Some of the suspects arrested were Waliyu and Timileyin Omobolaji, while others with bullets wounds escaped. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP OlumuyiwaAdejobi, their arrest is in furtherance of the state police command zeal to decimate cultists in the state. Operatives attached to the Ikorodu Police Division were said to have received a distressed call that some suspected cultists were seen at Igbelara area with dangerous weapons apparently to cause trouble. Adejobi said: “The police, with the help of some community members, rushed to the scene as the deadly gang opened fire on them.”

In a swift reaction, Adejobi noted that the operatives responded and engaged the alleged cultists in gun fight, leaving some persons injured as they fled with bullet wounds. “Two of them, Waliyu and Timileyin Omobolaji, were eventually arrested with wounds while one cut-to-size pistol, 10 expended cartridges and six live cartridges were recovered from them. “Those injured have been taken to hospital for medical attention,” he disclosed. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has appealed to the public, especially medical practitioners, to alert the police whenever they come across any of the fleeing suspected cultists with bullet wounds. The state police boss also commended the police and the public for their courage and commitment to tackling the criminals who have been terrorising the Ikorodu area.

Fayemi Hails Kukah on Pope's Appointment Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, on his appointment into the Papal Dicastery on the promotion of integral human development. The governor, in a personally signed congratulatory letter dated January 19, 2021, and made available to journalists yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, stated that the appointment was an unequivocal expression of Pope Francis confidence in Bishop Kukah’s ability to be an “impeccable advisor on a wide range of human development issues.” Fayemi described the Dicastery as a perfect place for Kukah because it is one

of the apostolic ministrations of the Papal in “reaching the weak, seeking social justice and ending all forms of practices inimical to the dignity of man. "It goes without saying that your role as a pastor, social commentator, public intellectual, peace-maker, interfaith conciliator and fighter for the rights of the underprivileged, readily recommends you for this latest addition to your enviable pedigree as a social justice crusader.” He added that he had no doubt that the bishop would bring his competence and character to bear on his new role. "On behalf of my wife, the government and good people of Ekiti State, kindly accept my best wishes as you resume your new role bishop," the governor added.

MEMBERSHIP MOBILISATION…...

L-R: Governor of Yobe State/Chairman of APCCaretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai- Mala Buni; Governor of Niger State/Chairman of APC National Committee forMembership/Revalidation Exercise, Mr. Abubakar Sani Bello; and Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, during the inauguration of the ,APC National Committee for Membership/Revalidation Exercise at APC National Secretariat, Abuja … yesterday

Bandits Kill Seven Members of Local Security Outﬁt, Burn 50 Motorcycles in Niger Laleye Dipo ÓØ ÓØØË Not less than seven men of the local vigilante in Mashegu Local GovernmentArea of Niger State havebeenkilledbybandits,while several others were also injured and have been hospitalised. The bandits also reportedly burnt 50 motorcycles belonging to the vigilance group. It was learnt that the incident

occurred few days after bandits slain seven farmers in the area. Following this development, THISDAYlearntthatthevigilante mobilised to ‘wage war’ against the bandits, who were said to be hiding in the forests in the area. According to a reliable source, amolewithinthevigilancegroup leaked their plan to the bandits resultinginthegunmenrounding themupwheretheyweremaking

thefinalplantoattackthebandits. The source said: "The bandits shotsporadicallyatthevigilante, killingsevenofthemandinjuring several others," adding that the bandits also set fire on 50 motorcycles belonging to the local security men parked a distance to where the meeting was being held, burning them to ashes. TheSecretarytotheStateGovernment (SSG), Alhaji Ibrahim

AhmedMatane,whencontacted, confirmed the story, describing the incident as "saddening." Matane, however, said the state government in collaborationwithallthesecurityagencies in the state has begun a massive assault on bandits in the forests in the state, saying: "Recently, the security agencies burnt down completely one of the camps of the bandits."

Makinde Reads Riot Act to Trouble Makers in Oyo KemiOlaitanÓØ ÌËÎËØ Governor 'Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday read riot act to those he described as troublemakers in the state, saying his administration is determined to bringinsecuritytoitskneesinthe state by dealing decisively with them. Makindeinastate-widebroadcast to residents of the state, aired ontheBroadcastingCorporation of Oyo State (BCOS), called on residents to come together and put the interest of the state first in the fight against insecurity.

Hemaintainedthatthecollective efforts of all residents of the state is the only way to continue to keep the peace and sustain the secure environment, which he said, has contributed to the growth of the state's economy in the past. The governor added that his administrationistakingallnecessary steps to protect the people from harassment, thuggery, cultism and banditry, noting that the state "has the situation under control." AstatementbyhisChiefPress Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa,

further stated that Makinde promised to deal with anyone disrupting the peace of the state. Thisiscomingafewdaysafter a police report indicated that the rate of armed robbery incidents in the state reduced by more that 32 per cent in 2020, compared to the previous year 2019. Thestategovernmenthasalso expressed its determination to stamp out brigandage, kidnapping and other violent crimes. According to the governor, the state has a common enemy in hoodlums, bandits and kidnappers,who,hesaid,havebeen

fomenting troubles in the state. He noted that the enemies of the state are neither the HausaFulani pastoralists, who are looking for pasture for their flock nor the farmers, who are seeking to produce food for human consumption. Hewarnedindividualsgoing aboutissuingultimatumtoFulani residentsofthestatetodesistfrom such acts, declaring that as guaranteed by the Constitution of the FederalRepublicofNigeria,1999, he, as governor, would protect every Nigerian's rights to reside in any part of the country.

Borno Introduces Three New Tax Regimes to Boost Revenue Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Borno State Government yesterday introduced three new tax regimes to boost its internally generated revenue (IGR). According to the state government, the taxes are on consumption, entertainment and presumptive tax (CEPT), which would lead to the rise of the state IGR. The Chairman of Borno State

Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), MohammedAlkali, while announcing the adoption of the new taxes yesterday in Maiduguri, disclosed that technologies have been deployed in ‘revenue and tax collection’ to block leakages in the formal and informal sectors of the economy. Henotedthattheharmonised revenue law has been passed by the state House ofAssembly for 2021 implementation. Alkali said the increased

IGR could be used to finance developmental projects across the 27 council areas of the state. He, however, allayed the fears of residents of the state that the state government was planning to increase taxes this year to finance government projects and programmes. According to him, “We are not increasing any tax rates this year as being speculated in some quarters,” insisting that the new tax policy is being

enforced in the transport and business sectors. He said the state government is not unmindful of the economic challenges the citizens and businessmen are facing amid the Boko Haram insurgency and the COVID-19 pandemic. Alkali, however, called on the people to meet their tax requirements in rebuilding the over a decade-long insurgency ravaged state.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021

POLITICS

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

‘The States That the APC have in the South-east Were Taken from the Backdoor’

Chief Ali Odefa is the South-east National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. In this interview with David-Chyddy Eleke, he speaks conﬁdently on how the party plans to recover lost grounds in the South-east states, starting from the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State

he Anambra governorship election is about 11 months from now. What package do you have for the state concerning the election? We are not unmindful of the fact that the PDP has been away from the Government House of Anambra State for about 16 years or thereabout. We are not undermining that fact. And therefore, it is a catalyst that is propelling us to work even harder. If you were at the meeting I organized earlier today, I told the stakeholders that we have a lot of work to do to secure the governorship of Anambra State. We know that Anambra people are favourably disposed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that’s why this time we want to do everything possible; starting from providing level playing field for all the aspirants to contest and then letting the most popular person to emerge as the candidate of the party. I will not tell you all what we have been doing; all our strategies. It is not for public consumption but I can tell you that there are strategies that have been lined up to ensure that we capture the seat of governorship in Anambra State come this 2021 election. Primary elections of your party in the past always ended in rancour, and that makes some of your party faithful especially the aspirants move to other parties to sabotage the PDP as a revenge. What efforts are you putting in place to ensure that this does happen again especially in this election? These have been our experiences in the past elections. As I said earlier, we are talking to the aspirants and stakeholders, we are doing interpersonal visitations to the stakeholders and we are trying to guard against what was the norm in the time past, so that such does not repeat itself this time around. And I can assure you and Anambra people that this time, we are poised to get it right and we will get it right. The era when people were muscled down and the ticket or candidacy given to a favoured candidate is gone. That is what leads to other aspirants, either defecting to other parties or sabotaging the party out of anger and annoyance of ill treatment. So, all these things we have put into consideration and we have put mechanisms in place to check them. And I can assure you, they will never happen again; not under my watch. About one month ago or so, your party lost a sitting governor, Chief David Umahi of Ebonyi State to the All Progressives Congress (APC). We want to believe that part of your mandates is to recover lost grounds and reposition the party in the South-east. So, what effort, in practical terms, are you making to get Ebonyi back as a PDP state? The truth of the matter is that our opposition party is a party that has been totally rejected by the Igbo people. I want to tell you that the ideology and manner of administration of the ruling party is not favourable to Ndigbo. So, the Igbo can’t wait for the opportunity of election so that they can state this clearly. The states that the APC have in the South-east were taken from the backdoor. Imo State was clearly won by the PDP. They went to the courts, through one

Odefa

manipulation or the other, they took Imo State. Ebonyi State is clearly a PDP state. But due to one flimsy excuse or the other, but I believe me it is selfish interest; the man (Umahi) defected to the APC. But I want to tell you that we are not shaken by these loses. We are not discouraged. We have gone back to the drawing board to make sure that we recover all we lost. First, we will start with Anambra State. We will take Ebonyi back. Enugu is PDP. Abia is PDP. And let me also mention it, there is none of these governors that are intending to leave the PDP. The

rumours have been everywhere but they are not leaving. The governors we have in the PDP now, the governors of Abia and Enugu, are men of integrity. They are men with conscience. They are men that remember yesterday, men that remember where they are coming from. They are not leaving the party for whatsoever reason. So, I cannot begin now to tell you our strategies. If I disclose our strategies, our opposition will learn them and now fashion out ways to counter them. But I want to tell you that we are working; we are meeting people, we are talking

For the purposes of the record, let me state clearly that Governor Umahi is somebody that I have been very close to. I wouldn’t go to the extent of going physical with him, that is not possible. I wouldn’t even abuse him. Even as it stands now, I won’t abuse him. I would only talk on issues; criticise issues but I won’t abuse him. I wasn’t brought up that way; to abuse elders or people that have helped you in one way or the other in the time past. I recognise that fact. So, I wouldn’t do a thing like that. There was nothing physical, at all. Rather, it was some overzealous supporters or appointees of government that attempted to assault my person. That was where it ended

to people. We are reconciling people with differences; we are reaching out to the people who have left the party in anger. We are doing all of these and I can assure you that the PDP will come out stronger. It is not leaving a party and going to another party; it is not a shouting match. We are not in a shouting match with them. They are shouting. They are making noise. We are on the table, we are drawing, we are planning, we are putting things together and we are arranging. At the fullness of time, they will see the result of all these efforts and it will shock them. Ndigbos are making a case for the 2023 presidency and have appealed to political parties including yours to cede the presidential ticket to the South-east. Recently, your National Chairman said that certain persons from other geopolitical zones were free to contest. Is your party considering giving the Igbo its 2023 presidential ticket? In the first place, it is not the duty or part of the functions of the zonal working committee or the zonal executive of the party to declare the region that the presidency will be zoned to. But I am going to speak as an Igbo man. I am going to speak as the National Vice-Chairman of the party, South-east zone. I would want the presidency to come to my zone. We have eminently qualified members of the party in the zone that could comfortably, conveniently and intellectually discharge Continued on page 19

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021

POLITICS

‘The States That the APC have in DISSENTING VOICE...IN HIS OWN WORDS the South-east Were Taken from With New Ohaneze the Backdoor’ muddled the entire process and allocated it to his younger brother. So, I left it. So, what it meant was that, when the time was ripe, when the National Working Committee dissolved the Zonal Working Committee, of course, they thought of who to replace him. Somehow, I came to the mind of everybody. Without lobbying, without anything, they appointed me to lead the party in the zone. And here I am. That’s what he meant by ‘if you knew what he went through.’ Yes, I have vied for it. And if there was a level playing field, I would have won 98 or 99 percent of the total votes cast. But the process was marred; the process was stalled. But here I am today as the National Vice-Chairman eventually.

Odefa

the duties of the office of the president of the federal republic. There is no doubt about that. But, like I said, we have organs of the party whose duty it is to decide where the presidency is zoned to. But in my own case, in our own zone, we are going to be lobbying them for the possibility of zoning the presidency to the South-east. We are eminently qualified and capable to deliver on such a position if given to the South-east. 2019 Vice-Presidential candidate of your party, Mr Peter Obi, said something about a month ago during the youth summit of your party. He said ‘If anybody knew how this man emerged the National ViceChairman of PDP (South-east), he will be surprised.’ He said that you had fought for this before but it didn’t work but on a platter of gold, this came and dropped before you. How did you emerge? All along, I had never wished to be in Umahi’s government as a government official. I had always wanted to be in the party. And that made me in 2016 to honourably resign my appointment as the SSA to the governor on Internal Security to vie for this position of the National Vice-Chairman. Of course, Governor Peter Obi was there along with all other major stakeholders from the South-east zone. They saw that clearly, I was the candidate to beat, until the governor of Ebonyi State

We had a lot of stories about what happened that time. One of the stories has it that you went physical with your governor, Umahi, when he allegedly arm-twisted you and gave the position to his younger brother. Was it true? No, there was nothing like that. For the purposes of the record, let me state clearly that Governor Umahi is somebody that I have been very close to. I wouldn’t go to the extent of going physical with him, that is not possible. I wouldn’t even abuse him. Even as it stands now, I won’t abuse him. I would only talk on issues; criticise issues but I won’t abuse him. I wasn’t brought up that way; to abuse elders or people that have helped you in one way or the other in the time past. I recognise that fact. So, I wouldn’t do a thing like that. There was nothing physical, at all. Rather, it was some overzealous supporters or appointees of government that attempted to assault my person. That was where it ended. Within you, are you really convinced that your party would win this year’s governorship election in Anambra State? I am convinced 100 percent. Anambra people are tired and fed up with the ruling APGA. They are fed up with the lacklustre performance of the government of APGA in Anambra State. Nothing is working. So, the people are fed up. They are looking forward for us to come in and make things better in Anambra State. So, I am 100 percent assured that with all the things we have in line, we will definitely win the governorship of Anambra State come 2021 election.

We are talking to the aspirants and stakeholders, we are doing interpersonal visitations to the stakeholders and we are trying to guard against what was the norm in the time past, so that such does not repeat itself this time around. And I can assure you and Anambra people that this time, we are poised to get it right and we will get it right. The era when people were muscled down and the ticket or candidacy given to a favoured candidate is gone. That is what leads to other aspirants, either defecting to other parties or sabotaging the party out of anger and annoyance of ill treatment. So, all these things we have put into consideration and we have put mechanisms in place to check them. And I can assure you, they will never happen again; not under my watch

Leadership, Igbos Ready to Play Politics Beyond the Niger Businessman and politician, Longers Anyanwu sounds a note of warning to traitors who may be persuaded to work against the new leadership of the apex aocio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo

Obiozor

ith the ground swell support and acknowledgment of the wellmeaning Igbos and other leaders of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, it shows that with proper leadership laced with appropriate diplomacy, concessions and rapprochement, the Igbo nation is positioned to earn the trust of Nigerians in the quest for a greater nation. I agree that there are gaps here and there, injustice at different scales, delapilating prejudices and mutual distrust but a leadership that adopts a persuasive jaw-jaw as against unrealistic war drum beats will achieve a better result for Ndigbo and overall progress for the entire country. Professor George Obiozor is a renowned Igbo nationalist who is robust in the Nigeria project and its survival jigsaw but he must shun the attraction of playing to the gallery in order to receive an aching popularity that may not achieve a tangible result for our people.politics of engagement works. Collaboration will reduce mutual suspicion. One good news out of the Ohaneze renaissance is the commitment of both those in political leadership particularly the governors of all the Igbo speaking states anchored by Imo State Governor Senator Hope uzodinma and proper mobilization of the authentic Igbo leaders in the election process unlike before when governors play pretentious politics with the Ohaneze leadership. What it therefore means this time is that when Ohaneze speaks it speaks for the government and the people..How much respect igbos will earn moving forward with the Nigerian project will be derived from the type of patriotic leadership Professor Obiozor will provide. It is not yet uhuru. The new president has an enviable CV . In fact he has excelled in all his callings in the past but one thing remains uncontestable and that is that he has never been an Ohaneze President before! Therefore, he must stoop to conquer. The new Ohaneze leadership in the spirit and letters setting up Ohaneze as a

central powerful socio cultural pressure group for Ndigbo all over the world must as a matter of urgency return the organization to the Oha (people) ndi Eze ( tradional institution represented by Ezes) as the only way the ordinary people and their local chiefs will begin to see the Ohaneze as an organization for all not as that of a few elite group with political contacts. By so doing mobilization of the people for support for a common good would be easier. It will equally get the buy in and support of all shades of people and opinions and reduce drastically the disrespect that is often meted out to Ohaneze by pockets of pressure groups and some political elements who “acquire external powers” to the detriment of the common good of Ndigbo.. I will like to see an Ohaneze whose views and position on issues will easily pameate the rural areas and elicit instant compliance. I have no doubt that given the “ reach” of the new president Ohaneze will be able to navigate support for Ndigbo not only across the Niger but globally. Professor Obiozor can achieve this.. But he deliberately has to work hard to take along all shades of Igbos, youths, women, town unions, sub socio cultural groups, all igbos despite their states of origin and court other ethnic nationalities as partners in the Nigerian project. Igbos cannot go it alone . But Igbo must build a commanding and commendable height in the Nigerian scheme that will guarantee trust and mutual respect. Igbos at all times must not negotiate with fear or succumb to intimidation. Let there be peace amongst igbos. Everybody, particularly those who want to serve as divisive agents against the common interest of Ndigbo should retrace their steps and return to Imeobi for proper counseling. This is not the time for hatchet job for external and local enemies of Ndigbo who think that every Igbo man has a price tag. Ojiofo ndigbo must invoke “ofo n’ogu” to wedge the nefarious roles of a few who always reap from sowing internal crisis.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

FEATURES

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

Redefining Philanthropy in Ekiti The honourable member representing Ijero/Ekiti West/Efon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, appears to have redefined philanthropy in her constituency by continuously uplifting the elderly, artisans, farmers and people with physical disabilities, Raheem Akingbolu reports

Borehole commissioning

Ogunlola

Ikoro Police Station

Generators

Wheelchairs for people with disabilities

Some of the cars on display

hen rainstorm destroyed the roof of her old dilapidated house in Ijero Ekiti last year, life became nothing to Mrs. Olaleye Omowe. Against her wish, the widow, in her 70s, had no alternative but to seek for shelter elsewhere. Every day, mama Omowe kept muttering it to her acquaintances of her desire to rebuild her house, even when she wasn’t sure of where the help would come. After exploring various channels without success, some members of the All Progressives Congress, beckoned her to approach Hon OlubunmiOgunlola, a member of the House of Representatives, who is coincidentally from Ijero. After much pressure, Omowe confirmed when Ogunlola would be around and took her case to the politician. After listening to her story, Barrister Ogunlola deployed two of her aides to go to Omowe’s house with a carpenter to inspect the extent of the damage and to know how much it would require for reroofing. When the aides return, they gave Hon. Ogunlola the cost implication but added that the house, which was made from mud, was an old dilapidated building that may soon collapse even with the new roof. Omowe became uncomfortable, thinking the aides were asking for too much from the only woman who wanted to put smile on her face but Hon. Ogunlola shocked all when she gave her verdict that the house should be demolished and rebuilt. The Federal Lawmaker then held Mrs. Omowe’shands, looked her in the eyes and assured the septuagenarian that keys to a new modern house would be delivered to her before Christmas. Lo and behold, on December 22, 2020, just three days before Christmas, Ogunlola led party leaders, including the three chairmen of APC in Efon, Ekiti West and Ijero Local Governments to Arokodare Street, Ijero and presented the key to a well-furnished three bed room apartment to Omowe. It was a moment of fulfillment as the old woman, shed tears of joy in appreciation. She held Ogunola tight and prayed for her in an emotion-laden voice. Political leaders, who were present at the event, also took turn to shower encomiums on Hon Ogunlola, who

they unanimously described as God-sent to their constituency. Elated Mama Omowe, later shared her thought with journalists, describing the moment as the most memorable day in her life. “When the roof of my house was blown away by rainstorm, life became miserable to me. I didn’t have hope and wondered how I would spend the rest of my life homeless. After weeks of thinking and lamentation, APC leaders in my area encouraged me to approach our Honourable. “ I yielded to their pressure reluctantly but I didn’t expect something special but here we are, Hon Ogunola turned my sadness to joy, she proved to me that her own brand of politician is different. I have used my grey hair to pray for her and I’m sure God will answer my prayer. She has just started; she will still go to higher position in Nigeria,” she stated. Another person, whose prayer was answered during the yuletide period was one Elder TadeAkande, who lost his motorcycle to armed robbers towards the end of the year. Like Mama Omowe, Akande had taken his case to the lawyer- turned-politician after he was attacked and the kind-hearted Ogunlola promised providing him a new motorcycle. The promise was fulfilled as Akande rode home a brand new Bajaj Motorcycle on December 22. The next place of call was Ikoro Ekiti, also in IjeroLocal Government, where Barr. Ogunnola also presented keys to a befitting police station to the Divisional Police Officer of the town in the presence of the town monarch, the Olukoro of Ikoro Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Olarewaju AdebanjiAdeleye, traditional chiefs and prominent indigenes of the ancient town. After the presentation of the police station, Ogunlola’s train moved to Aramoko Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government, where constituents in their hundreds from the three local governments were waiting to receive various gift items from their representative. The atmosphere was carnival-like as the politician unveiled various empowerment items for the people. The list includes; 14 vehicles, 60 motorcycles, 58 sewing machines, 40 generators, 20 grinding machines, 10 wheel chairs and 12 mowers. The uniqueness of the programme was the fact that the empowerment cut across party and group affiliations as it was extended to

members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, artisans, people living with disabilities and party leaders. Another phase of the programe was the commissioning of various community development projects across the local governments, which included six solar boreholes in Ijero-Ekiti, Araromi-Ekiti, Aramoko-Ekiti, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Iwaji-Ekiti and Ido-Ile Ekiti. In addition to the empowerment tools, the federal lawmaker also gave out bursary awards to 100 students and doled out cash to 100 widows to help them in their businesses. Speaking while distributing the items to the beneficiaries, Ogunlola said the empowerment programme is aimed at job creation and skill development in order to alleviate poverty and improve the total well-being of her constituents. She implored the beneficiaries to envision better tomorrow by making continuous efforts to turn their dreams to reality. Her words: “I want to use this medium to congratulate all beneficiaries and advise them to use this opportunity to make informed decision and implement change in their own lives and the lives of other people. “I want you to use this empowerment program as a duty to personally develop yourself. This is because at the end of the day the best thing you can bring to any environment is you. Also, I want to emphasize that beneficiaries should use the items given to them to create more jobs. It would also serve as means of livelihoods to the other constituents While some of those who received the items were full of appreciation to Ogunlola, many admitted at the event that no House of Representative member from the area has beaten Ogunlola’s record since 1999. Findings at the event also revealed that the female lawmaker has in the last two years bankrolled empowerment initiatives more than five times. One of such empowerment was last year’s training and empowerment of 150 across the three local governments in her constituency. Each of the participants was said to have received items such as 50KG fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides chemicals, fortified maize, spraying machines and cash honorarium of N20,000. Other empowerment gestures initiated by Ogunlola are donation of a million naira to

NURTW, Ekiti West Local Government branch for the completion of the union’s office complex; training programme for 80 young women in Aramoko Ekiti and donation of relief materials to constituents during the last year’s lockdown. One beautiful thing about Ogunola is that her own prophet commands respect both within and outside. In demonstrating that charity, indeed, begins at home, the lawmaker personal aides are also beneficiaries of her what many have tagged ‘Ogunlola’s Christmas’ blessing’. For instance, her Senior Legislative Aide, Femi Kasali was presented a car while her gateman got a motorcycle. Responding on behalf of all the beneficiaries, the Ekiti West Local Government APC Chairman, Prince Olu Aladeloye, commended the lawmaker for her quality representation both on the floor of National Assembly and at her constituency. Aladeloye, who was presented a car alongside other party leaders, said the lawmaker has set a record when it comes to quality representation. “Hon. Ogunlola has lived up to expectation and proved to be a true member of the progressive camp. In the last two years, she has inaugurated many developmental projects as well as spearheading several empowerment programmesto better the lots of our people. Perhaps to carry along everybody, the lawmaker has also found a means of identifying with children through her annual Christmas party for kids. I must confess, we haven’t found it this good,” Aladeloye stated. Though not one of the beneficiaries, a politician and community leader, Hon. Rufai Shitu, who also spoke to THISDAY on the personality of Ogunnola, described her as a down-to-earth woman with a heart of gold. Shittu, a local government Councillor in EkitiWest Local Government between 1999 and 2002 said he has known Ogunlola for close to two decades and has remained a ‘cultured and passionate’ individual. “I have known Barr. Ogunlola for close to two decades and she has been consistent in her good nature and service to humanity. I knew her when she hasn’t become active in politics and now that she’s a politician. One thing is constant about her; she’s progressive and wants the best for all. I’m not in any way surprised that she’s doing well as a Federal Lawmaker because of her antecedent,” Shittu stated.

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Sylvester Mgbemfulu: A Priest and a Teacher Valentine Obienyem

e cannot study our subject, Monsignor Sylvester Mgbemfulu in isolation, but must first look at the subtle interplay of culture, tradition and heritage all of which helped shape his outlook and even concept of reality. Among these influences, perhaps after his parents, there is his home-town. Born on the 30th of September, 1945 inUgbene, in today’s ANorth Local Government Area of Anambra State, he attended primary schools in Ugbene, Ugbenu and Nando. These towns of relatively same level of development, tucked away from civilization at that time, may have contributed to his shyness. After his primary education, he stayed in the village helping his parents in their vocations, especially farming and fishing. He still recognizes the species of fish by their silent cries, speed and other aquatic characters which only fishermen understand. While in the village, like other children, as testified by some of his age-mates such as Chief Simeon Dilinyeru, he was awed by the periodic visit of early priests to the area for spiritual ministration. At this point, he started yearning to become like them, particularly, as revealed by his immediate elder brother, Mr. Longinus Mgbemfulu, with the support of his father who saw it as a good omen that he was born on a day one of those priests first visited their community. Fortune smiled his way when, in 1962, another of his elder brothers, Hon. Mmee David Mgbemfulu took him to Aba to join him as a vendor of newspapers. The movement to Aba exposed him to another stream of influence as one experiences with the movement from primitivism to modernism. As a young boy, Mons as he is fondly called by his people, seemed ready-made for the priesthood. This was attested to by his people of Ugbene, including his brothers and age mates and brothers who contend that he was made for the priesthood and nothing else. Speaking to them, this writer figured out that Mons has always been calm, reserved, soft-spoken and inclined to sanctity. Simeon Dilinyeru reveals that they “grew up together and went to school at the same time. At that time some people were against his becoming a priest but we knew that he would eventually become one because of the holiness of life that was decipherable even at that young age. Rather than struggle for anything, he would let it go”. From Aba, Mons was enrolled at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha in 1963. In 1968, he moved on to Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. Due to the Civil War, the Seminary was largely peripatetic, moving from one town to the other as dictated by the uncertainties of the war. Eventually, he was ordained on the 20th of April, 1974, by Francis Cardinal Arinze, then the Archbishop of Onitsha. We can, therefore, say of him just like all priests and ex-seminarians who imbibed the right training, that he was moulded by the best institution for that purpose – the Seminary. There, his body and mind, character and disposition in life were profoundly formed. He was undoubtedly presented with the usual opportunity to devour books hungrily, to imbibe sound discipline, to think clearly, to inspire holiness by living a holy life, to realize how sweet and noble it is to work for God and perhaps as sometimes the case, he got intoxicated by over-dose of religiosity. Even as a young priest, the priestly vows of obedience, poverty and chastity made the greatest meaning for him and he resolved to succeed rather than fail with them. As a new priest, he received the gift of a motorcycle from his people, which he put to full use in the propagation of the gospel. Seeing the competition of virtues in him, Cardinal Arinze took special interest in him and sent him to St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor as the Rector, after a stint as the Assistant Parish Priest to Monsignor William Obelaguat St Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha. Following Mons’ progress and love for education with keen interest, the Cardinal sponsored him to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Chemistry. On graduation in 1981, while waiting to resume in the Seminary of the newly-created Awka Diocese under the pastoral care of Most Rev. Dr. Albert Obiefuna, Mons was posted as an Assistant Parish Priest to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka which then covered many towns. During this period, this writer served Mons at mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Dodo, Oji River. We then usually

L-R: Fr. Sylvester Dunu, Mr. Peter Obi, Msgr Sylvester Mgbemfulu and Mr. Celestine Oguegbu when Obi paid a visit to Msgr. Mgbemfulu at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Nibo after he retired as Chemistry teacher of at St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha for 38 years

referred to him as the Short Priest. He was about five feet tall, but the authority and majesty of the priesthood make him seem taller. Mons has maintained his stature over the years without any extra ounce of flesh to burden him simply because he is exceedingly temperate in food, drink and other worldly indulgences. The following year, 1982, his long sojourn in the Seminary began at St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha. Except for three years he was in the USA on sabbatical, he was in the Isuaniocha Seminary for thirty-eight years variously as the pioneer Rector, Academic Dean, Co-ordinator of Science Laboratories, Spiritual Director, from which he retired in 2020, after reaching the canonical years of seventy-five. Only priests that are manifestly free from every kind of corruption and superior to the consideration of money can stay in such an environment for almost forty years without some protest. On the 17thof December, 2020, during his send-off at Isuaniocha, Mons exposed his inspiration in his address: “One of the past Rectors of this seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Ikem Oliobi did inspire me with the newspaper cuttings he used to paste on the walls of his living and sitting rooms. One of such cuttings read: ‘Bloom where you are planted’. What a statement with lots of lessons”. With the fore-going, the search for Mons’ secret of remaining in the seminary during his pastoral work ended. The popular view about his long stay in the seminary was captured by a priest of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Cosmas Ebebe this way: “For his many years of teaching in the Seminary, some priests used to joke that he has been ‘forgotten’ there because his location remained the same when other priests were given new postings”. But his stay in the seminary was eventful and could be seen from the reactions of many of the students that passed through him. Each epoch had its own identity of Monsignor Mgbemfulu. During the writer’s own time, 1987 to 1989, we called him “Omo”. The set of the late 1990s nicknamed him “Sawan”. The Chemistry laboratory was his second home; and the students joked he did not buy fuel for his brown Corolla panel van but rather mixed some chemicals in the lab. with which he powered the car. As a teacher, he is Chemistry-intoxicated as he could be seen now and then fiddling with specimen, opening and closing the descanter or pouring one chemical into a test tube. His name provided chemistry with a synonym. Fr. Obinna Dike remembers his first day in the Chemistry lab., where he usually had his lectures and how Mons welcome the class with the song: “ Come and see American Wonder”. Was it meant to frighten them? Not at all; knowing Mons, it was a joke he used to welcome some of his students who were thinking about what Chemistry had to offer. Whatever impression students had of him, mostly informed by the exuberance of the youth, one thing is clear: Monsignor is a person that can reason and be reasoned with. He is possessed of great personal warmth and what can be called spiritual charm. The sentiments of his former students were summed up by the Chairman of Old Boys of the seminary and a lecturer at Oko Polytechnic, Mr. Celestine Ostende Oguegbu in a compact paragraph: “Permit me to remark that throughout his stay in this Seminary, he was an outstanding tutor and committed to promoting excellence in both our education and spiritual life. Monsignor is ever smiling, always tolerant and eager to help when students have things bothering their minds”. Earlier, in an eloquent exordium, he had described Monsignor as “great teacher of teachers”. Bursting

with compliments, Mr. Tochukwu Oboboegbunam described him as a “rare synthesis of ability and integrity”. Though he occupied all positions available in the seminary, one constant thing was that he remained the Chemistry teacher and the Chemistry lab. was his office and second home, thus echoing by his life-style, the statement credited to Democritus: “I would rather discover a single demonstration in Geometry than win the throne of Persia”. Sometimes, it was even rumoured among Seminarians that the secret of his looking young every day could be explained on the possibility of Mons having discovered through chemical mixtures an elixir to look younger which he kept to himself and periodically sipped in the chemistry lab. The end of the story is that Mons was married to Chemistry as to the priestly vocation; and for years was one of the resource persons for JAMB and WAEC on the subject. Unable to separate himself from Chemistry, let us sample some lines in his address during his send-off party, where, referring to his preceding statement, reduced it to some Chemical analysis: “… the statement takes me to one of the topics of study in practical Chemistry, ‘Theory of Indicators’. Under the topic, we observe that an indicator is selected such that its end-point will be close to the stoichiometric point of the acid-base titration it indicates and that choice of an indicator depends on the strength of acid and base to be titrated. Due to the fact that many acid-base indicators are plant pigments, plants of the same type have flowers of different colours in soils of different pH. So every indicator has a pH range at which it changes colour, i.e., at which it indicates and this is the basis for choice of indicator in volumetric analysis. When this natural law of behaviour of plants is applied in the deployment of personnel in the Church and government, the result will be a wonderful beautiful mosaic of outcome. Let every administrator take good note of this. Everyone has the potential to bloom where he/she is planted and if planted within the right pH range of his God-given talents”. From the fore-going, we imagine what long marriage to Chemistry has done to Mons! He sees life and living from the prisms of Chemistry. Fr Ebebe got it right when he said: “He was perhaps the best Chemistry teacher of his days”. He reminds us of Napoleon Bonaparte, who expressed part of his strategy in mathematical formula: “The strength of an army, like the amount of momentum in mechanics, is estimated by the mass times the velocity”. We are profoundly influenced by what we do well. Mons was kept in the Seminary precisely because of his virtues and the seminary provided the right pH range for his development through time and he really bloomed through his work. Again, Fr. Cosmas Ebebe was apt: “Msgr. Sylvester Mgbemfulu is a consummate, humble, hardworking and service-oriented priest. He was called to the altar of the Lord as a priest but he ascended to altar of holiness by his submission to God and to authority in the Church. He keeps the laws of God and so does not find it impossible to keep human regulations”. Mons’ Parish Priest and a retired Army Officer, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Ukoh said of him: “Monsignor is an example of what priests should be: obedient and completely detached from material things. He stayed long in the seminary with apostolic patience, forming the young ones, teaching and being faithful to the Church”. In 2015, some old priests, including Mons that had served the Church in various capacities were elevated to Monsignors. What are the attributes that qualifies one to become a Monsignor and what are the criteria? Purely an honorary title, it is often bestowed by the Pope on the recommendation

of bishops, on priests who have distinguished themselves in the service of the Church. Monsignor Sylvester Mgbemfulu’s elevation shows that he really bloomed to fruition where he was dropped. Another criterion for naming one a Monsignor is the age factor. At a time we started witnessing very young priests being named Monsignors, Pope Francis in 2014 made it mandatory that for any priest to be so named, he must have reached the age of sixty-five. Yes, at sixty five, everybody can effectively and objectively measure one’s contributions on its own very terms. This is a welcome development. It is not about the magnitude of our achievements, but the fact that we did our best and put up utmost sacrifice where we found ourselves. The children of these days and those that attended Isuaniocha in late 2000 may not understand what the town was or looked like when Monsignor started his apostolate there. It was then devoid of all the trappings of modern development including electricity. As a student, when it rained, no vehicle plied the road to the town from Awka. One could just imagine how many times Mons slept outside the school because the rains prevented him from getting back to the station. For a priest like Mgbemfulu, his apostolic triumphs lay neither in the Naira he has made nor the mansions he has erected, but on how many times rains denied him access, how many priests he has formed for God and how many souls he has saved. Even in his home-town of Ugbene, his people said of him: “Mons was instrumental to so many people that embraced Christianity in Ugbene, our town”. His niece, Onyinye Mgbemfulu said: “Mons taught us so many things, namely, how to pray, respect for sound values and love for education”. Profoundly fond of him, his elder brother, Mr. Longinus Mgbemfulu said he was the best brother anyone could ever hope to have; not in terms of material things to gain from him, but his concern for one’s salvation. Beyond preaching Christ to his people, he also identifies with them in various other ways, especially in infrastructural development. He loves his town, attends meetings with them and contributes to the development of the area. He was the Special Assistant to Archbishop Albert Obiefuna on the construction of access road to the Ugbene and other neighbouring communities in the 1980s. He contributed perhaps more than any other person to the construction of the bridge over the Ezu River to access Ugbene from Amanuke. Simeon Dilinyeru reveals that he was granted the honorific title of Ike Ugbene because of his devotion to the progress of the town: “He joins the town’s meeting every December, and we rely on him to know the truth at times of doubt or deliberate falsehood. Once he says what he knows, everybody believes. There is nothing that goes on in the town that he is not rightly informed”. On their expectations, still representing the voice of this people, Dilinyeru said they had long awaited his ascendancy to the Episcopacy, but are handicapped to do anything about that since it is the prerogative of Rome. If popularity is determined by how widely one is known, Msgr. Mgbemfulu, from his little corner, is unarguably the most-known priests among other priests of Awka and Ekwulobia Dioceses. This is so because priests ordained in the 1990s till date in both dioceses passed through him. Mons is also profoundly charitable within his limited means. He made a lot of sacrifices for the good of students but always within what he could afford; and that defines true charity. Again, let Fr. Ebebe who worked with him as Auxiliary let us into Mons’ considerate nature: “His selflessness is perhaps his most hidden virtue but counting in his Favour before God. When I did one year apostolic work at St. John Bosco Seminary, after graduating in Philosophy in 1984/1985, Fr Sylvester Mgbemfulu was on the staff as the Chemistry teacher. A senior Seminarian, Mr. Peter Okoye from Nanka had severe liver problem and was declared terminally ill. The course of his treatment entailed taking him to University Teaching Hospital Enugu once a week while he remained hospitalized at St Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi Nnukwu. The problem of taking the seminarian to Enugu in a private vehicle rather than use of public transport came up for discussion. Fr. Mgbemfulu donated his one and only panel van for the service. t0CJFOZFN 4QFDJBM "EWJTFS UP .S 1FUFS 0CJ XSPUF GSPN -BHPT NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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Quick Takes Winners Emerge in Hackathon

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INVESTITURE CEREMONY

L-R: Deputy General Manager Union Bank Nigeria Plc, Ali Kadiri; MD/CEO Standard Chartered Bank, Lamin Manjang, and General Manager, BUA Group, Tajudeen Ahmed, during the 2020 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) investiture of Fellows and Honorary Senior Members, in Lagos… recently

Group Faults FG, Microsoft’s Anticipated Partnership Stories by Emma Okonji The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has said the recent collaboration between the federal government and Microsoft, a foreign software giant, will stifle indigenous technology growth and hamper local content development. President of NCS, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, who raised the concern in an interview with THISDAY, said: “Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo is trying to engage Microsoft on National Economic Development. Although the area of engagement is still not clear to us, but if it is in the area of software development, we have indigenous software developers in Nigeria who are NCS members that are capable of developing indigenous software solutions that could

TELECOM address specific challenges of Nigeria.” According to him, the idea of government recognising a foreign software company and neglecting indigenous software developers, would dampen the spirit and zeal for technology innovation, while discouraging local content development. “Government must collaborate with NCS on matters that have to do with National Economic Development in order to grow indigenous technology and promote local content development. Nigeria has a regulatory council that is saddled with the responsibility of regulating the practice of Information Technology in Nigeria, which is the Computer Profession-

als Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), and the NCS is the umbrella body for all IT professionals in Nigeria. “Government should begin to engage these professional bodies in matters concerning National Economic Development, and not a foreign software company like Microsoft,” Sodiya said. He further said in developed countries of the world, governments would always engage the national IT bodies of their countries when it comes to issues of national development, and advised Nigerian government to learn from them in order to grow the Nigerian economy much faster. He insisted that NCS could develop the software needs of Nigeria, and advised government not to look elsewhere to get things done. Recently

our members developed e-meeting and e-conference platform that can compete favourably with Zoom and the likes, Sodiya said. He equally blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not believing in NCS and the Nigerian IT professionals in matters of technology that would drive electoral processes in the country. “INEC is another government body that is ignoring the IT profession in Nigeria. NCS has made several attempts to assist INEC in addressing some technicalities in election matters, especially in the area of card readers for election process. We have written INEC severally to allow us be part of the process so that we can give Continued on page 24

Report Sees COVID-19 as Digital Game Changer A recent research report by Ericsson has described the COVID-19 pandemic as a digital tipping point that would define the future of work, where majority of the global workforce would work from home or remote locations outside of the office space. The Ericsson IndustryLab report, tagged ‘The Dematerialised Office’, explores the white-collar employee perspective on a potential future reality where digital technology by 2030 could interact with people’s senses of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. Analysing the report, the Country Manager for Ericsson Nigeria, Mr. Sean Cryan, said over 8,400 white-collar workers

TELECOM who were early adopters of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) or virtual assistants from 16 countries, representing around 133 million people, were surveyed about their expectations of the future workspace. According to the report, the respondents anticipated a digital workstation that would transform with each task; A virtual cake from a colleague that you can even taste; Interactive digital meetings with people rather than being passively stuck behind a screen all day; and Future business that takes place digitally, where people can visit virtual stores

and warehouses. This year’s pandemic has changed the mindset of many companies and their employees. In our report we present a vision of the internet of senses in the 2030 workplace and explore the challenges and opportunities that this could present, the report said. It further explained that the priorities and needs of employees have shifted since the global outbreak of COVID-19, leading to a higher interest in engaging with all senses online. The report stated that respondents were of the view that by 2030, a wearable would be available that lets people feel oncoming weather; AR glasses would be available that would

let people see through walls or buildings. The respondents were also expecting a headband that transmits sound directly to human brain; the ability to convey smell to others; the ability to convey hot or cold sensations to others; the ability to reply to messages by thinking instead of typing; and the ability to convey taste to others. “Not only is the interest significantly higher for the already mentioned full-sense digital workstation and digital shopping mall, but as many as 54 per cent want the ability to turn their office or cubicle into

Konga Begins New Sales Campaign

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MTN Nigeria Unveils Y’ello 200

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“The idea of government recognising a foreign software company and neglecting indigenous software developers, will dampen the spirit and zeal for technology innovation, thereby stifling the growth of indigenous technology, while discouraging local content development” President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS),

Prof. Adesina Sodiya Continued on page 24

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD GROUP FAULTS FG, MICROSOFT’S ANTICIPATED PARTNERSHIP technical advice in the use of card readers for elections but such request was never granted. Instead, INEC will prefer to engage foreign tech companies and expatriates in technical issues that we can handle internally in Nigeria,” Sodiya said. We wrote a letter to INEC recently, asking for collaboration for the proper guidance in the purchase of card readers in the next general elections and to our greatest surprise, INEC did not honour the letter. Last year, INEC invited over 20 organisations to discourse the deployment of e-voting system in Nigeria, but NCS as a critical stakeholder in IT development in Nigeria was not invited to be part of the screening process and that is why Nigeria has not been able to successfully address the issues around e-voting system, Sodiya further said.

REPORT SEES COVID-19 AS DIGITAL GAME CHANGER a virtual palace complete with full sensory effects, compared to the 44 per cent in our 2019 study who were interested in a similar makeover of their personal space. In addition, there is a jump of 16 to 24 percentage points in the belief that a long range of sensory interaction services will be available by 2030,” it further stated. Analysing further, employees’ demand on internet of senses for work, the Ericsson IndustryLab report added: “Imagine a fully immersive office experience, where all sensory experiences are digitally interactive. By 2030, the dematerialized office may be a reality. And for those working from home, the full-sense digital home office will also get a boost. In fact, half of respondents want a digital workstation allowing full-sense presence at work from anywhere. “Today, companies direct their funds into maintaining physical office space, but in the future, respondents hope this will be geared towards improving their home office environment.”

NEWS

‘Despite Cyber Threats, IT Adoption Increased in 2020’ Stories by Emma Okonji The adoption of Information Technology (IT) in Nigeria has continued to surge, despite cyber threats that hit the IT space in 2020, according to the President of Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Mr. Remi Afon. He made the submission recently, while presenting a national cyber threat landscape for 2021. He said the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic forced an increased dependency on online systems and networks to support remote work. According to him, “The year saw a continuous increase in the adoption of IT. For instance, significant growths in the numbers of mobile (GSM) and Internet subscribers were recorded. In the same vein, there was increased adoption of crypto-currencies by Nigerians.” He, however, said the increased adoption of IT in 2020, presents an increased attack surface for cyber-criminals to continue to perpetuate their attacks. He therefore called for a nationwide coordinated effort to thwart cybercriminal activities. “In reality, the situation in Nigeria was not different from the rest of the world. Globally, cyber-security intelligence reports have revealed that cybercriminals, last year, advanced their capabilities and deployed more sophisticated tools and techniques. “One of the main factors that

transformed the global digital landscape was the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a rise in the use of digital technologies. Private and public establishments were forced to acquire and deploy technologies that would enable them to work remotely, to reduce the impact of the pandemic on their businesses. Many educational institutions adopted online form of teaching as a coping mechanism, to forestall disruption in the delivery of educational services to their students,” Afon said. While presenting the national

cyber threat outlook for 2021, Afon said top cyber threats for 2021 would include: Email-Based Attacks, where emails would used as vector by attackers for propagating other scamming, phishing, and malware attacks; Web Application and Services Attacks, where website defacement will be due to the activities of hacktivists in response to the actions and inactions of the government; Malware deployment by malicious actors against information systems belonging to individuals, organizations, and government.

Others include phishing, identity theft, fake news and hate speech, including Children Targeted Attacks, Hacktivism, Cryptojacking and Cybercriminal Recruitment. In other to address future cyber-attacks, Afon recommended the publication and implementation of the recently reviewed national cybersecurity policy and strategy documents. He said efforts should be made by the government and corporate entities to improve the security of their IT assets, and that organizations leveraging on IT should

update their internal security policies and procedures and adhere to best security practices. He said President Buhari should as a matter of urgency, assent to the Data Protection Bill 2019 as passed by the National Assembly in May 2019. He said government should provide adequate information on COVID-19 and the linking of SIM cards to NIN, adding that lack of information can easily be exploited by criminal actors to deceive the uninformed. Access to relevant information should be easy and free for citizens.

PRODUCT RELAUNCH

L-R: Marketing Manager, Softwork XYZ, Mr. Light Nwokocha; Founder/CEO, Mr. Chigozie Okwara and Co-founder, Mr. Noah Ibrahim, at the relaunch of SoftWork upgraded platform in Lagos...recently

‘Licensed Agents for NIN Enrolment Yet to Commence Registration’ Majority of the agents that were licensed to commence the enrolment exercise for the National Identification Number (NIN) are yet to begin enrolment, despite the deadline given by the federal government, findings have revealed. The development is mounting pressure on existing enrolment centres that are currently being managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The federal government had given February 9, 2021 as deadline for the submission of NIN for those yet to enrol for their NIN. Government went further to

license 200 enrolment agents in order to assist NIMC fast-track the enrolment exercise and meet up with the deadline. THISDAY’s investigation however revealed that the licensed agents were yet to commence operations, one month after. The federal government approved the licensing of 173 agents and 30 state governments/public sector institutions to conduct enrolment of all persons, including legal residents into the national identity database of the the National Identity Management Commission on behalf of NIMC. The approval, which was

given in different categories, included all telecoms operators and private companies, and they are expected to commence enrollment into the NIMC database. Head of Communications at NIMC, Mr. Kayode Adegoke who confirmed the licensing of the agents, said they have been mandated to commence registration immediately. Some of the licensed agents said they were yet to commence enrolment because of lack of funds. Some said they were given training by NIMC shortly after the licensing, but that they needed the initial funds and logistics to begin. Some however blamed the

delay in the commencement of the enrolment exercise on the high rate of Forex, as they need foreign currency to buy equipment for enrolment. Some agents that have already ordered for equipment, said they were still expecting the arrival of those equipment before they could commence enrolment. The inability of licensed agents to commence enrolment, has put additional pressure on the existing NIMC’s enrolment centres nationwide. To further address the situation, the federal government, last week, reactivated 20 enrolment centers within the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT). According to a statement released by NIMC and signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, government advised members of the public, residents and visitors to the FCT wishing to enroll for the National Identification Number (NIN), to use any of the reactivated NIMC centers. “Members of general public within the FCT are hereby advised to visit any of the reactivated enrolment centers closest to them for NIN registration and issuance. Thank you for your usual cooperation and understanding,” the statement said.

Tech4Dev, FCDO to Enhance Digital Literacy Training in Northern Nigeria Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ (Money Market) ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) ÏÞÏÜ äÙÒÙ (Energy)

Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have signed a training agreement to carry out the basic digital literacy for rural clusters in northern Nigeria. The development is part of efforts to empower vulnerable groups in rural clusters in northern Nigeria with the digital skillset required for the future of work and advanced learnings for the 21st century in Nigeria. The initiative will hold across ten northern states, which include Sokoto, Kwara, Nassarawa, Benue, Kaduna,

Zamfara, Niger, Kano Plateau and Jigawa, with plans to extend it to other regions of the country. The program is meant to introduce learners in underserved communities and vulnerable groups in Northern Nigeria to digital literacy, with the intent of equipping them with the basic digital knowledge required to succeed in the 21st-century and the emerging new normal from the COVID19 pandemic. The Basic Digital Literacy for Rural Clusters in Northern Nigeria program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4 and 10 (No Poverty, Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities). By investing in digital literacy for vulnerable

people living in rural clusters in Northern Nigeria, allows for the reduction in the poverty index by increasing employability of the beneficiaries and closing the digital skills gap of needed in the digital economy. The initiative is designed to directly impact 1,000 beneficiaries, over a twelve-week period in ten rural clusters, across ten states in Northern Nigeria. Targeting 50 per cent of the beneficiaries to be vulnerable women and girls between the ages of 8-18; 45-65; 30 per cent being persons with disabilities and 20 per cent individuals of other vulnerable groups. Speaking at the virtual media briefing recently, Executive

Director at Tech4Dev, Diwura Oladepo, reiterated the need to increase the number of digital literate vulnerable populations and people living in underserved communities in Northern Nigeria, during her welcome address. According to her, “It has become pertinent, especially on the path of the new normal, to focus on digital literacy allowing vulnerable populations to leverage technology for commerce, education, communication, improve their socio-economic recovery, pandemic resilience, and build a more prosperous future”. Head of UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and

Country Adviser, Idongesit Udoh, said: “Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Plan as well as Nigeria’s Digital Economy Strategy have identified digital skills as key to economic prosperity for all Nigerians. With COVID19, digital literacy has become a must-have. Hence, the UK Government is once again demonstrating timely support not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building effective COVID19-related resilience. This project is already helping to close the digital divide, enable inclusive digital access and build communities’ resilience to current and future pandemics.”

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Cryan: Affordable Broadband Access Will Bridge Digital Divide Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, Mr. Sean Cryan, speaks about the opportunities around mobile broadband subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa and the need for affordable broadband access. that will bridge the digital divide. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

for knowledge sharing and execution is also a key priority – leading to continued collaboration with industry players and regulatory bodies. To accelerate digital inclusion, we all have a role to play. Technology has proved to us that it has the power to improve the lives of people all around the world. This is why Ericsson plans to continue investing in and leverage the tremendous young talent in Nigeria. We can create historical change with technology as a key enabler; a society where more people have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from what many of us take for granted.

ow will you describe telecoms’ growth rate in Nigeria and what could be done to further improve it? The November 2020 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report reveals that mobile data traffic in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to grow by almost 6.5 times the current figures, with total traffic increasing from 0.87EB per month in 2020 to 5.6EB by 2026. Meanwhile, average traffic per smartphone is expected to reach 8.9GB over the forecast period. With Nigeria currently holding the highest number of mobile subscriptions in subSaharan Africa, superior network performance is imperative. As the demand for capacity and coverage of cellular networks continues to grow, service providers are expected to invest in their networks to meet evolving consumer requirements. Mobile broadband connectivity not only offers great potential to transform cities and industries, but it enables connectivity as a basic human right; fostering inclusion and making a positive, sustainable economic impact. With our commitment to innovation and long history of engaging in Africa’s telecom industry, we at Ericsson are driven to deliver the next-generation technology solutions to Africa. These can enable sweeping changes to industrial production, allow seamless access to societal services and provide people with ways of living harmoniously with their environment. What are your views about telecoms regulation in Nigeria, and how has the regulatory policies made or marred your service offerings in the Nigerian market? A conducive, enabling policy environment that generates regulatory certainty is key to encouraging market development through partnerships, entrepreneurship, job creation and knowledge sharing. Factors like: Timely availability of ample cost-effective and harmonised spectral resources; support of long-term stable network regulations that uphold the principle of technology neutrality, stimulate investments and foster infrastructure competition; provision of free flow of data, while ensuring data protection, privacy and security regulation, are ideal regulatory framework. Ericsson has a long history of close collaboration with various regulatory entities in Nigeria. We at Ericsson Middle East and Africa are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate and engage with partners across the board to facilitate such policy development to fast tracking digitisation across the African continent and our recent collaboration with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), is one clear example. How will you describe the growth of 3G and 4G technologies in Nigeria and what is your advice for the government on the planned rollout of 5G technology in Nigeria? Connectivity is a critical enabler of social and economic change. Its dynamism constantly offers us new ways to overcome both global and regional development challenges. If leveraged for good, the introduction of 5G and expansion of LTE networks across Nigeria can accelerate this process exponentially. Ericsson is working with key service providers across the continent, helping them create new services, new customer bases and new digital ecosystems. As a partner, Ericsson is deploying next-generation technology with built-in customizations and innovations to deliver rich consumer experience while building a robust, future-proof network. The 5G-ready solutions in the Ericsson Radio System portfolio will help boost the capacity of our customers’ network and broaden the availability of high-quality mobile broadband services for its subscribers. Most Nigerians have been apprehensive of the perceived health risks in the rollout of 5G networks. As a technology service

Cryan

provider, how will you advise the government and the citizens on 5G rollout? The aim is for 5G networks to be highly efficient, faster, support more users, more devices, more services, and new use cases without a corresponding impact on cost or carbon footprint. 5G will revolutionize five key industries including: TV and media; manufacturing; healthcare; telecommunications; and transportation and infrastructure. In Nigeria, the evolution of 4G into 5G could be a powerful economic growth engine, particularly as this advanced mobile technology is deployed looking into improving productivity in key vertical industrial sectors. From an organisational perspective, Ericsson’s radio products, including those for 5G mobile communication networks, are designed and tested for compliance with established radio wave exposure limits. Ericsson is involved in the development of technical standards for testing and installation of 5G products to ensure that the EMF exposure is at safe levels for the general public and workers. To what extent is the Ericsson mobility report on the telecoms market in Africa empowering a sustainable and connected Africa and how eager is Ericsson to further grow Africa’s business opportunity? Digital revolution has enabled various forms of innovation. We all agree that Africa is witnessing a major technology shift and the pace of change in Africa is becoming exponential. In sub-Saharan Africa, mobile subscriptions will continue to grow over the forecast period as mobile penetration today, at 84 per cent, is less than the global average. Over the forecast period, mobile broadband subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa are predicted to increase, reaching 76 per cent of mobile subscriptions. In addition, Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology is estimated to account for around 15 per cent of subscriptions by the end of 2020. Driving factors behind the growth of mobile broadband subscriptions include a young, growing population with increasing digital skills and more affordable smartphones. At Ericsson, we have launched #AfricaInMotion to accelerate technology roll-out in Africa

together with our partners and reiterate our commitment to the continent. What are your views about the impact of Ericsson’s operations on the Nigerian telecoms market and the Nigerian economy? We believe that ICT is the catalyst for digital transformation, with mobile networks being the crucial ingredient in increasing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness in the global arena. We are proud of Ericsson’s contribution to the telecoms industry in Nigeria, while we have witnessed impressive market developments in recent years, the country’s ICT sector still has growth potential compared to leading economies. As digital infrastructure and transaction become increasingly impactful to the development of the Nigerian society and economy, affordable broadband access is important to bridge the digital divide and enable individuals to reap the benefits of the digital economy. Small businesses are key drivers of global economies, but they are faced with challenges that impede their growth. What are your plans for SME growth in Nigeria and how is Ericsson leveraging technology to enhance local content development in Nigeria? When it comes to empowering young talents and innovation, we can proudly mention the Ericsson Innovation Awards (EIA), a global competition that gives university students the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality by collaborating with EIA mentors. This year we are excited to launch the same competition very soon and we look forward to receiving ideas from young students from Africa and across the world. As Country Manager for the Nigerian market, what are your strategies to further grow the local ecosystem in Nigeria, while leveraging on emerging technologies? Our key focus is on being the best partner to our customers by consistently delivering operational excellence and technology leadership. Highlighting public-private partnerships and collaborate to create the necessary environment

How will you describe the rate of adoption of emerging technologies among telecoms operators in Nigeria and how will the technologies impact growth and business sustainability? The development of LTE and 5G digital infrastructure is an integral part of Africa’s growing economy and has proved to be an essential driver of an inclusive information society that integrates digitization in all critical aspects of life, such as education, transport, health, energy and even homeland security. We believe Nigeria is on the cusp of 5G and will be one of the main drivers of 5G in Africa in the years to come. While there are parts of the continent trialing 5G services, majority of countries remain focusing on 3G and 4G as smartphone affordability improves year on year, and this continues to be a key focus for Ericsson .The development of advanced wireless digital infrastructure is an integral part of Africa’s growing economy. Mobile broadband access has proved to be an essential driver of an inclusive information society that integrates digitization in all critical aspects of life, such as education, transport, health, energy and even homeland security. Never has this been more evident than during the current COVID 19 pandemic. 2020 was a challenging year for businesses as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, which affected a lot of businesses. How was Ericsson able to manage the situation and remain in business? Mobile networks are increasingly recognised as a critical infrastructure. We are continuing to stay close to our customers to understand their needs and we are doing everything possible to support customers to maximize their network capacity and performance. Our engineers and field staff are part of critical teams deployed during a crisis. Even when a country goes into lockdown, our engineers were still active in order to keep the networks up and running. Despite some changes in our delivery model, we are proud of the fact that our people have supported service providers to continue to deliver high quality services to their customers throughout this entire period. What were your major challenges in 2020 and what are your projections for 2021? Addressing customers’ needs and ensuring proactive customer care is one of the key business priorities for operators today. A satisfied user is generally less likely to switch operator, adding considerable competitive advantage and eventually leading to higher operator revenue. In 2021, we aim to continue excelling in delighting our customers and delivering best performing networks. Globally, Ericsson will keep investing in new technologies like 5G, AI, IoT, EDGE Computing and Cloud. Our goal is to unleash the creativity and innovation to fully leverage and propel 5G in the region – this will not only help develop new 5G-based applications and business models, but also contribute towards achieving economic prosperity and Industry 4.0. We will also spend a lot of time on promoting local talent and leveraging our long-standing experience and expertise in the field of 5G-networked industry to contribute towards mapping the digital future of Nigeria.

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Globacom Subscribers to Benefit from Reward Scheme Globacom has unveiled another season of its rechargebased loyalty programme, Glo Rewards Cashtoken. It is open to all existing and new Glo prepaid subscribers. The first season which ended in October 2020, recorded many winners across the country including a Civil Engineering student of Cross River State University, William Ubi, who won N200,000; Warri-based Anthony Iyemi who smiled home with N100,000; Mohammed Tijani, a Kaduna-based farmer, who picked N20,000 as prize; Ugochi Nwaobikeze, a businesswoman in Onelga, Port Harcourt, N20,000 and Sarah Sadiq, a student of Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, N20,000. Globacom, in a statement said the new season was unveiled to further delight Glo subscribers, particularly those who missed out on prizes in the first season. It added that subscribers participating in the Rewards Program, just like in the first season, will earn Cashtokens each time they recharge their lines and that each Cashtoken will give an assured cashback. Globacom added that subscribers also stand a chance to win between N5,000 and N100 million in weekly lottery draws.

“To enroll for GloRewards, subscribers will Dial *777*6# and start recharging to earn Cashtokens. However, welcome Cashtoken awaits new customers on first recharge of N200 only, after which they will earn more Cashtokens on every cumulative recharge of N1000 during a calendar month”, Globacom explained. For existing customers, the company said that they would earn Cashtokens on every N1000 cumulative recharge within a calendar month. According to Globacom, subscribers will continue to earn and accumulate Cashtokens as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Thus, there is no upper limit to accumulating Cashtokens. All cashtokens will be credited in a virtual wallet that is linked to the customer’s mobile number. “Subscribers will be able view and redeem their cashtokens by dialing *6700# to purchase airtime/data, pay electricity bills, pay CableTV bills or other payments. They can also transfer their accumulated cash tokens to the bank and cash out the equivalent value”, Globacom further said. The second season of Glo Rewards Cashtoken commenced 18th December 2020 and will run till 31st March, 2021.

Operator Upgrades Platform to Enhance User Experience Software XYZ, a technology platform that connects employers and softworkers on a single platform, has upgraded its platform by adding additional features that will make it a lot more flexible to search and find qualified freelancers otherwise known as softworkers, for executions. Through Softwork platform, businesses and individuals can hire freelancers with technology skills like Graphics Designing, Website and Mobile App Development, as well as Digital Marketing. The technology skills spans across Android App Developer, iOS App Developer, E-Commerce Developer, Java Developer, as well as developers in Font-End, 3D Animator, Adobe After Effects, Blog Writters, Influencer Marketing, Content Marketing, among other digital skills. Speaking at the re-launch of the upgraded platform, the Founder/CEO of Softwork XYX, Mr. Chigozie Okwara, said: “We are quick to match people to employers. We connect employers with freelancers for projects so they can grow and improve. It’s almost like outsourcing, but better. Unlike using full time employees, you can hire based on skill set.” He described softworkers as people who are self-employed professionals that are registered in the Softwork XYZ

platform to get work done for companies of all sizes. According to him, people chose to be a freelancer because it’s their passion and they develop marketable skills while creating their own schedule. “Softwork is the bridge between the talented and those in need of certain skills. Our platform removes the worries both clients and freelancers may have. We have various skills such as; web designers, app developers, writers,video editors, music promotion, among other skills set. “This flexibility creates better work-life balance for freelancers and increases the quality and speed of service delivery for businesses,” Okwara said. With over 5,000 softworkers that are registered on the platform, Softwork maintains a healthy work relation between softworkers and employers and ensures that jobs are executed and remuneration made available at the completion of job, Okwara added. Marketing Manager, Softwork, Mr. Light Nwokocha, said their concerted effort was to serve both freelancers and employers well. He added that the platform would attract and encourage more Nigerian youths to develop themselves for better jobs, as employers seek the best of talents to execute jobs.

Firm Rolls out 4G LTE Broadband Service in Edo State Stories by Emma Okonji As part of its commitment to ensuring access to affordable broadband connectivity in Africa’s underserved populations, Tizeti, West Africa’s solar-based internet service provider is rolling out its 4G LTE network in Edo State, with monthly fixed broadband costs pegged at N4, 000. With this development , millions of people in Edo State previously outside the broadband space, can now take advantage of high-speed broadband internet from Tizeti, the company said in a statement. Announcing the rollout of its new low-cost unlimited 4G services in Edo, the Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti, Kendall

Ananyi, said the 4G broadband internet would empower more Nigerians in Edo State, stimulate economic activities and provide unlimited access to affordable and reliable broadband services as well as complement the Edo State Government’s efforts in driving investment promotion and building a robust technology ecosystem in the state. According to him, “Rolling out 4G LTE broadband internet in Edo at the cheapest fixed broadband prices in Nigeria, and possibly Africa, is a strategic decision for us. We have been building brand-new, solarpowered, 4G-capable towers in Edo, starting with Benin City, which leverages Edo State’s expansive fiber-network built by some of our partners, MainOne

and Facebook. “Edo State has a large population of vibrant, young people and a high number of higher institutions, which provides a foundation for a robust and thriving ecosystem to enable digital leadership. The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is implementing reforms in investment promotion and determination to build a robust technology ecosystem in the state, with an agenda that prioritises Information Communication Technology (ICT)-compliant pedagogy in primary schools, improves digital skills for students and graduates and revamps technical education to increase productivity.” This he added, created a perfect environment for Tizeti to

roll out its low-cost broadband service, starting in Edo State, but with plans to expand across the country over the next few months. Tizeti’s Chief Operating Officer, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, said: “The launch in Edo State is personal to us as founders of Tizeti because we are alumni of the University of Benin. At N4,000 monthly costs with a one-off installation cost of N4,000, we believe the plan is affordable, especially to undergraduate students. This provides a huge opportunity for people in Edo to benefit from unlimited broadband internet for use in online learning, eCommerce and entertainment, especially interactive games, video consumption, and music.”

Telcom mast

Samsung Unveils New Smartphone Nosa Alekhuogie Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S21 Series. The new flagship series debuts an iconic design, an epic pro-grade camera for users of any skill level and the most advanced processor ever in a Galaxy device. The new 5G Android, which comprises of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 plus and the Galaxy S21 Ultra, were unveiled last week virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic. The unveiling was done few days after Samsung

launched the Galaxy A series smartphones. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the most premium member of the Galaxy S21 series with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and the most intelligent screen yet. The Galaxy S21+ and S21 both have a display of 6.7 inch and 6.2 inch respectively. The Head of Marketing, Samsung Nigeria, Iretiogo Oke said: “Galaxy S21 Ultra is another example of how Samsung is driving meaningful innovation forward to give people personalised experiences

that enrich their lives and empower them to express who they are. Given how indispensable technology has been to our lives during these times, we wanted to take another leap forward and push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.” The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a quad rear camera (ultra-wide, wide and dual tele-lenses) that features a upgraded 180 MP pro sensor while the S21+ and S21 features a 64MP Tele triple camera. The Galaxy S21 Series are available in 256GB memory

space with a limited option for S21 Ultra at 512GB. The Galaxy S21 Ultra features an intelligent all day battery of 5000mAh while S21+ and S21 battery are 4800mAh and 40000mAh. According to the company, Galaxy S21 offers faster speed, advanced computing and greater energy efficiency and when the battery gets low, Galaxy S21 Ultra can reach a fifty per cent charge in just thirty minutes. Galaxy S21 is secured by Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung’s own proprietary chipset level (SoC) security platform.

New Horizons Nigeria, Staff Win Awards Nosa Alekhuogie New Horizons System Solutions Limited (Nigeria) and one of its staff have been announced as the winners of the 2020 EC-Council Circle of Excellence Awards. EC-Council is an international certification body in information security and e-business. New Horizons Nigeria won the award alongside side Torque Technical Computer Training PVT Limited in the Africa category. In the instructor’s category, the Technical, Quality Assurance, New Horizons System Solutions Limited (Nigeria),

Mr. Patrick Asamago, emerged the winner of 2020 EC-Council Instructor (CEI) Circle of Excellence Award in Africa alongside Aziz Magdy and Mohamed Elsayed Mohamed Abdelgani. The Instructor of the Year category was designed to honour the instructors who guide students to deeper understanding and enhanced skills. The EC-Council Global Awards programme recognises the ongoing commitment of Accredited Training Centres (ATCs) and Certified ECCouncil Instructors that have contributed significantly to the information security

community by providing leading information security certification programs. Awardees were recognised in different categories regionally and globally. Some of the categories include ATC of the Year, the category designed to recognize the training centres most successful in providing top-level information security training programmes. Commenting on the Awards, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons System Solutions Limited (Nigeria), Mr. Tim Akano, said, “The EC-Council award bestowed on New Horizons Nigeria bears eloquent

testimony to the quality of cyber security training New Horizons Nigeria delivers to our numerous customers. “Fifteen years ago, New Horizons Nigeria introduced EC-Council to the Nigeria market and since then we have remained consistently the number one cyber security training institution in Nigeria. It is also instructive that our Instructor, Patrick Asamago was awarded the best instructor by EC-Council. This is why organisations that desire excellent security for their network in Nigeria choose New Horizons Nigeria as their first choice to train their staff”

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Tackling Gender-based Violence Ugo Aliogo examines the efforts by some organisations to address the issue of sexual genderbased violence in the country

he United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report states that Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During displacement and times of crisis, the threat of GBV significantly increases for women and girls. In another report, the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) contends that violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries. Worldwide, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. The report remarked that gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence. Victims of violence can suffer sexual and reproductive health consequences, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, traumatic fistula, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and even death. Also lending its voice to the issue of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is Actionaid Nigeria. Nollywood Practitioners in collaborated with ActionAid Nigeria to examine the role of Nollywood in curbing sexual harassment/gender-based violence within and outside the industry. The event provided an opportunity for Nollywood practitioners to share knowledge on the issue of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse/violence against women and girls. The forum also provided an avenue to discuss the role of men in Nollywood in supporting the advocacy to end violence against women and girls within and outside the industry. Speaking at the event, the Actionaid Nigeria, Project Coordinator, Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project, Vivian Efem-Bassey, noted that the project is funded by Global Affairs Canada. She also stated that the goal of the project is to contribute towards the enjoinment of human right by women and girls and advancing gender equality in Nigeria. She explained that regarding the women’s voice and leadership Nigeria initiative, Actionaid is supporting 100 women right organisations, stating that from the 100, 28 are based at state level, while the others are at community levels, “so we are working with 72 community based women rights organisations.” “Women’s right organisations that are working in rural communities. Some of these women are in hard to reach communities. So we have women organisations that are established and located in rural communities that are addressing sexual gender based violence issues,” she stated. Efem-Bassey hinted that Global Affairs Canada funded the initiative, adding that the women rights organisations make community members aware that there are laws that provide for litigations, protect survivors of gender based violence, achieving justice and ensuring that the perpetrators being prosecuted. She further noted the women rights organisations provide psycho-socio support to survivors of SGBV, especially for women who are not economically viable, and rely on their perpetrators. According to her, “These women rights organisations try to empower these poor women financially, so that they can live if they have gotten to the point where they need to survive. Some of these organisations also try to do reconciliation, if the case is not a criminal case that needs to be taken up by law enforcement agency. “Gender based violence is broad; it is sexual, and psychological violence. There is financial violence where the man who is the financial head of the family withholds

supports from the family and such cases can either be handled by social or women affairs. “At the Local Government Area, it is the social affairs department, but they also are not usually equipped with everything they need, so these community based organisations run by women come in, and build the capacity of these women so that if it means to encourage the man and let him know it is his right to support the woman and his children. “There is a law about negligence because we have the child right law in most States now. They are still pushing for it to cover the 36 States. So these women organisations let them (fathers) know that it is their duty and such things make the man a bit response when he sees that he has been reported to government authorities.” Collaboration At the event, Actionaid collaborated with the Centre for Creative Arts Education, (CREATE), an organisation headed by veteran actress, Hilda Dokunbo. The Actionaid Project Coordinator said recently, there have been a lot of concerns in the Nollywood industry regarding sexual harassment; especially with people speaking out as a result there is strong desire to address it. She said one of the objectives of the initiative was to look within the industry and think of a system that would protect women and girls from sexual harassment, and would also pursue prosecution of offenders. “We also wanted them to start thinking about using their platforms for social change and correcting the narrative and putting the idea out there through their movies and whatever products that comes out from the industry, then we wanted a commitment from the producers, directors, and the different Guilds in Nollywood. “We wanted something that will be

eventually documented and implemented. We want a situation where every discussion that is being made here is put into action,” she maintained. Efem-Bassey expressed confidence that they have gotten commitment from the Guild of Executive Directors and Producers that any actor found wanting for a case of SGBV would not be allowed to be on set, “I think they would take it further and tighten it up.” Tackling SGBV She asserted that response to SGBV has been scaled up, awareness has also improved, but the incidences have not stopped. She argued that the incidence keep occurring and it could be attributed to two days; mindset and it also the fact that it is deep seated in traditions, culture and social norms. There are certain beliefs we hold unto traditionally. Efem-Bassey revealed that there are men that rape, because they feel that they have right to the woman’s body, “having paid her bride price, therefore there is need to change such.” According to her, “Addressing SGBV is a multi-pronged and sectoral. Every hand needs to be on deck, government, traditional institutions, the entertainment industry and everyone. All schools should come up with safeguarding policies that allows for the protection of the child. “Anybody that is going to come close to a child, that person should be investigated for past occurrences of SGBV before they come and they should sign code of ethics, if you breach this you will face the punishment. “There should be zero tolerance even among people and students who are involved in SGBV, you will be expelled after investigation. I think because there is so much that needs to be done, it is taking a lot of time.

Addressing SGBV is a multi-pronged and sectoral. Every hand needs to be on deck, government, traditional institutions, the entertainment industry and everyone. All schools should come up with safeguarding policies that allows for the protection of the child

“The media also has a role to play in this fight. We have to put pressure on government and the lawmakers to pass the necessary laws and policies to checkmate this evil. I believe that when perpetrators are brought to justice, it will serve as a deterrent to others planning to do similar things.” Nollywood’s Role in Tackling SGBV Dokunbo said the first step for Nollywood was to get a buy-in from the various practitioners in the industry to address SGBV. She noted that the practitioners have also been charged to produce high quality movies that project women better, address cases of abuses and punish offenders, “not creating apologies in our production.” She expressed assurance that plans are already on motion to setup a desk that addresses the issue, “so if there is a report of abuse or attempted rape, once it is reported it would be handled by the appropriate channel, and people would know that you cannot do that in the industry.” According to her, “We are making headway regarding the issue of rape, it is not as ugly as it used to be, and yes we have not arrived to where we are going especially in stamping it out completely. We have made some progress because now, people are encouraged enough to speak up. “There was a time when if someone is raped, the victim is not bold enough to tell a close friend. There was a time when everyone stigmatizes you for being a survivor. But now it has changed. The perpetrator is called out and brought to justice. “People are emboldened more to call out perpetrator. Like every other evil in our society, it has taken time, there are cultural inhibitions and lack of political will. It will take more efforts to actually root it out. “When offenders are punished, it will serve as a deterrent to other people. But the present reality now is that sometime, the law enforcement agencies treat the issue of rape with levity. Most rape cases happen to people extremely close to family and when it is reported, the family will object and prefer to keep it within the family. The battle is not yet won because other people and I are still lending our voices to the issue, until the society is free from this marginalization and exploitation.”

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

UnderstandingYour Stakeholders for Impactful Brand Communication Stanley Olisa

his would be my initial strategic communications salvo for 2021, and it dwells on a concept germane to an impactful public relations practice- the stakeholders. As a PR practitioner, the earlier you understand that you’re a middleman between an organisation or a brand and its audiences or stakeholders, the better for you. And your ability to understand the peculiarities of each stakeholder group is directly proportional to whether your communication efforts will be effectual or not. Let’s leave PR a bit and briefly talk about simple interpersonal communication, like a public speaking context. In public speaking classes, we’re taught, emphatically, to always plan our presentations, and an integral part of such planning requires a thorough understanding of your audience and the key parameters that define them. It is believed that taking cognisance of these variables will help make your speech more effective. This basic communication truth also applies to public relations- just that it’s more complex and reflects a bigger scope. Make no mistakes- your stakeholders are the people upon whom the success or otherwise of your brand is incumbent. The nature of your relationship with them can either make or mar your brand. Also known as publics, these are people who interact with your brand in one way or the other. Not managing them aptly spells doom for your organisation’s fortunes. Each stakeholder group has its defining characteristics, expectations and challenges, and as a PR practitioner, it is expected that you master the art of managing each group, speaking the language they understand, aligning expectations with your corporate goals and ensuring cordiality between the group and your organisation. Many corporate crises have erupted from cracks or lapses in this organisationstakeholder relationship. The PR specialist

should be able to tell when this relationship is beginning to go south and when dissonance setsails. You’ll see the pointers and when you do, you investigate the source of the issue and develop a stakeholder engagement plan apropos to the concerned stakeholder group. The stakeholders differ from organisation to organisation but your stakeholders’ chart will embody both internal and external stakeholders such as employees, shareholders, regulatory agencies, government, suppliers/vendors, customers, professional/ trade unions, media, host community etc. Do not dismiss or relegate any of themthey are all critical to the existence of your organisation. And building and maintaining mutual lines of understanding with each group requires peculiar tactics. In this lies the value of public relations- being able to get both the organisation and its stakeholders on the same page consistently. It guarantees organisational success and growth. If you’re able to achieve this over time, it’s proper to describe you as a successful PR practitioner, for PR is, essentially, the science and art of creating bridges of rapport and managing relationships so that

interests, expectations and objectives of the organisation and its stakeholders will exist in alignment. The PR professional creates a common ground for multiple interests to thrive for the good of all entities involved. So, your task is not limited to perception management but also managing stakeholders to ensure a supportive behaviour is always elicited from them. For stakeholder management, it’s different strokes for different folks. For instance, when dealing with the host community, you need a strategic community relations plan to coexist seamlessly with the indigenes and dispel any likelihood of community activism or revolt against your organisation. For this, you’ll need to even liaise with the opinion leaders within the community to reach the youth for engagement. Oil and gas majors like Shell Petroleum Development Company, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total, etc with installations domiciled in littoral Niger Delta communities, have a robust Community Relations Programme executed by PR specialists whose forte is community engagement. If you’re dealing with a reputation melee, you need to engage the media across

different tiers, holding parleys with multiple gatekeepers and media influencers to mitigate the negative narrative and stem up positive conversations. For the employees, an internal stakeholder group, you’ll require an internal communication plan to engage as well as convert them into strong brand evangelists and ensure they’re aligned to the organisation’s goals. You’ll need communication tools like a company blog, staff newsletter, utilising employee focus groups when need be, etc. The PR practitioner has to work with HR to achieve results here. The point being made here is that while planning communications for your stakeholders, it’s advised you do some stakeholder mapping and analysis- delineate the stakeholders of your organisation, define their major parameters, ascribe a level of value to each group depending on the situation and impute specific message themes to each group ensuring that all themes tie to overall campaign idea and communication objective. Take a step further by also highlighting channels for reaching each stakeholder group as channel requirements also vary from group to group. If you’re targeting employees, it’s only natural to employ ‘controlled or owned media’, which are internal in reach and purpose. If professional unions or associations are the target audience, you’ll need to publish messages in trade, professional or industry-specific magazines- ‘paid media’. Also, part of the stakeholder planning will entail stating the timeline of communication for each stakeholder group. Public relations, as I have espoused in previous pieces, is a disciplined enterprise and involves a lot of rigorous thought and strategy. It is this groundwork that lays the foundation for success, and part of that process is understanding your stakeholders to make sure you’re communicating with ample impact. PR is not just communication; it is impactful communication. -Olisa, a Media and Communications Consultant wrote from Lagos

Investing in PVC Pipes, Fittings Producing Plant Godwin Uba For any nation to grow there is need to look inwards for production of the basic needs of the populace. The basic needs of any country are food, shelter and clothing. Any serious investment into any of these three basic needs is always viable and profitable. The proposed project is grouped into shelter, which is a very profitable investment. PVC or Vinyl as it is commonly called is used in variety of commonly consumer products. Vinyl is used in building products such as vinyl ceiling, PVC pipes, windows and doors, roofs etc. It is established amongst scientist that there is no other plastic that possesses such direct environmental and human friendly as PVC throughout its entire product lifecycle. The world all over has moved towards PVC products such as PVC pipes, PVC windows and doors and ceilings because it is rated as the most environmental friendly. It requires no painting, it is also termite proof, fire proof, and typhoon rated, excellent security and above all excellent value for money. Apart from PVC pipes and fittings, an investor can diversify into PVC windows, doors and ceiling production. PVC windows, doors and ceiling have been proved to give house its distinctive look. From outside, they give the house its personal characteristics and inside they give the house the right it needs and the aesthetic appearance. It has been established facts that PVC products are easy to maintain, anti-fungi, economical, easy to install, excellent endurance to varying weather conditions and also 100% mechanically recyclable. Due to all these advantages, PVC products are used widely by different industries ranging from construction industry, automobile industry, electrical industry, advertising industry, civil industry, woollen industry, air-conditioning and refrigeration to mention

but few. From research conducted, Nigerians have fallen in love with PVC products and the demand has gone up tremendously. As a result, many of these products are imported from oversea producers, since very few Nigerian producers cannot meet up with the rising demand for the products. Many more investors are required in the country to boost supply and cushion the effect of huge, expanding local demand. According to international plastic pipe and fittings Association (PPFA), the international acceptable standard must be applied in any part of the world. Based on their recommendation, the proposed project must maintain the internationally acceptable standard. This recognition is vital to manufacturers because it provides some assurance of consistency amongst regulatory authorities referencing these standards for compliance purposes. There are various stipulated standard for production of water pipes, drain, waste & vent pipes, process pipe, sewer pipe, folded PVC pipes etc. The colors are usually used for PVC pipes and there are recommended colour codes. The implication of these standard requirements is that any prospective investor in Nigeria needs professional advice of consultants. To invest in this project prospective investors needed to have at least 2 plots of land for take-off. The machines required for the setting up of this project include- Hot/Cooling mixer, automatic loader, twin screw extruder and calibrating system, vacuum & calibrating tank, water cooling tank printer, Haul off, cutter and stacker. Details of the machines, sources and prices will be given to prospective investors. There are various sizes of the pipes in the market. However, based on our market research, not all of them are marketable.

Some are more in demand than others. Details will also be given to prospective investors. The project needs constant power supply, therefore there is need to make arrangement for standby power generating sets. This may be a setback to some prospective investors, but with the efforts of the federal government under the leadership of Acting President Good luck Jonathan, power supply in Nigeria will in near future be regularized. Moreover in the feasibility studies carried out, a large amount of money is earmarked for powering of the generator set, yet huge profits are recorded. Generally, any investor into this venture should not entertain any fear of loss, since the market is available I Nigeria and other ECOWAS sub regions. The basic raw materials for the project are PVC Resins and master batch. All these raw materials are locally available. Details will be given to prospective investors. The production technology is also very easy to operate. Briefly, the thermoplastic PVC powder (PVC Resins) is compounded, melted add stabilizers and extruded into the size(s) and colors of pipes required. Detailed production processes will be made available to prospective investors. For the required manpower, the number depend on the following departmentsresearch & product development, design & manufacturing department, testing/ inspection & quality control department, marketing, accounts & administration and production delivering & installations. There should be other supporting staff. Details will also be given to prospective investors. Based on the cost evaluation, the sum required to set up the project varies and could be started at any capacity and make provision for working capital & other operational expenses for minimum of six (6) months. Details will be given to prospective investors. The profit margin is very encouraging

with over 68% return on investment within the first three years of operation. The payback period is within two years if well managed. For success of this project, any prospective investors should make sure that the following conclusions are met-manufacture products of quality exactly as per customers specification and requests; offer products that meet varied preferences of customers; provide accurate, quality dimensions; assist customers from initial design, to final production and also installations as well as offering advice on any modifications where and when necessary. Other important factors to consider will be given to prospective investors. Implementation: For successful implementation of this project, the prospective investors needs to work with a consultant, conduct a comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies, site the project in a very good location, and ensure that customers’ needs are met. For details on the comprehensive and bankable feasibility studies, sourcing of funds for the project, site planning and recruitment of highly experienced personnel please contact the writer. Implementation: To handle the implementation of this project professionally, prospective investors should embark upon a detailed bankable feasibility studies which the writer (project consultants) will be available to carry out the feasibility studies reports/business plans. The writer will also be on hand to guide prospective investors professionally to ensure good packaging, quality products, efficient/effective management and marketing teams installed for profits. The writer can also assist in implementing the project on a turnkey basis if contacted. For details, please contact the writer -Uba can be reached via 08034494437

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COVID-19 and the Insurance Sector Ebere Nwoji writes on the impact of the pandemic on the global insurance sector

s the second wave of the much dreaded coronavirus hits the globe, insurance sector all over the world is now under threat of several litigations filed by the global insuring public for diverse claims. Indeed, the pandemic, has created a highly volatile and uncertain environment for insurance companies worldwide including in Nigeria, resulting in a litany of heightened risks for operators. The situation has led to a rise in litigations against insurance firms and their regulatory bodies. Here in Nigeria, issues surrounding the pandemic has truncated the accomplishment of the insurance industry’s recapitalisation exercise initiated by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) as both the insurance managers and their shareholders took the commission to court arguing that it should have dropped the recapitalisation exercise because of effect of the pandemic and Enders protest. At individual company level, some insurance companies are facing threats of being dragged to court by their customers over payment of claims emanating from the pandemic. Industry source told THISDAY that some of such policy holders threatening to drag their insurance firms to court over unpaid claims have been advised to approach either the Nigeria Insurers Associations or NAICOM’s Claims Settlement Bureau instead of going to court. Some have agreed while some are still weighing the options. Outside the shores of Nigeria, the case is not different as recent reports on claims caused by the pandemic as compiled by the Allianz Global, Corporate and Speciality, (AGCS) from Johannesburg, London, Munich, New York, Paris, Sao, and Singapore, showed that over there, insurance directors and officers are seriously under threat. According to the report, rising insolvency exposures, growing cyber security threats and persistent securities class action activity are among the key risks for which managers of insurance companies could be held liable. The report stated that in 2021, companies need to be on guard against, “event-driven litigation” which can be caused by different triggers such as inaction on diversity, poor sustainability performance or for underestimating or misrepresenting Covid-19 related risks. “Growth in the number of lawsuits as well as rising claims’ frequency and severity has already resulted in a difficult environment for the insurance sector in recent years. Underwriting results have been negative in many markets around the world,

including Australia, the UK, the US and parts of Europe. “While the market was correcting itself at the beginning of 2020, it was then hit by the current pandemic and economic crisis. “Many insurers are still digesting the effect of previous pricing inadequacy and exposure and loss trend increases from prior-year policies,” Global Head of Financial Lines at AGCS, Shanil Williams said. “This is also at a time of great uncertainty around forward-looking exposure assessments, in particular the impact of Covid-19 on the economy in general and on specific industries. Combined with many ‘known unknowns’ like climate change, cyber risks or environmental, social or governance (ESG) factors, this has created a lot of nervousness in this sector,” he added. In the United States, the report stated that collective redress remains a key risk for any board of management although new US securities class actions filings were pacing about 18 per cent behind rates seen in 2019 during the first half of 2020, according to Cornerstone Research. This is largely due to the disruption of business and court activity caused by the pandemic. According to the report, nonetheless, the frequency of court filings is on track to match rates in 2017 and 2018 and will be well in excess of every year prior to those. The percentage of new filings in 2020 targeting foreign - domiciled US-listed companies has been nearly twice the average in recent years, with around half of these against Asia-domiciled companies including in China and Singapore. Outside the US, the report said securities class actions are being filed in record numbers and the threat of facing an action has increased in many jurisdictions, as highlighted in a recent AGCS and Clyde & Co report. The landscape for collective redress in Europe has evolved over the last few years and collective action is a growing exposure. The report, revealed that shareholders have filed first class action lawsuits directly

related to Covid-19. Examples include suits against cruise ship lines that suffered Covid-19 outbreaks, as well as litigation regarding the business impact of the pandemic on companies’ financial performance or operations or misrepresentations about coronavirus-related therapies. Opportunities Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, McKinsey & Company, a global management consultancy services company, has described the insurance sector in Nigeria and some other countries in Africa as one of the world’s hot regions for insurance penetration. The global firm stated this in a report titled: “Africa’s insurance market is set for takeoff.” It noted that steady economic growth in most countries combined with a largely underdeveloped insurance sector have positioned the continent as the second-fastest-growing region for insurance globally after Latin America. Prior to the impact of COVID-19, the insurance market was expected to grow at compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of seven per cent per annum between 2020 and 2025, nearly twice as fast as North America, over three times that of Europe, and better than Asia’s six per cent, it stated. However, it pointed out that the pandemic which had profoundly affecting both lives and livelihoods, has seen consumers cutting back on discretionary expenditure—including insurance—in the face of income and market volatility. “However, this impact is expected to delay rather than alter the pattern and potential of future growth.

And in some cases, the crisis may accelerate existing trends—notably the shift toward digital and remote channels, which has the potential to offer new opportunities to both insurers and consumers. “We believe that a strategic approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of African markets and looks to collaborate with regulators to drive reform and safeguard consumers could unlock significant value not just for industry players but for society more broadly at this critical time. “The African insurance market’s immaturity points to significant scope for growth Africa’s insurance industry is valued at about $68 billion in terms of GWP and is the eighth largest in the world—although this is not equally distributed across the continent.” Furthermore, the report noted that markets in the region have been inconsistent in terms of size, mix, growth, and degree of consolidation, with 91 per cent of premiums concentrated in just ten countries. South Africa, the largest and most established insurance market, accounts for 70 percent of total premiums. “In the Southern Africa region, 54 percent of premiums are for life insurance. Non-life insurance, however, plays a larger role in Anglophone West Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and even more so in francophone Africa. “The level of maturity in these six regions is low, relative to global reference countries, as measured by insurance density (premium per capita). “While most African countries have experienced double-digit insurance growth in CAGR in local currency

over the last five years, this has mostly been driven by economic growth, rather than deepening market penetration,” it added. According to the report, levels of insurance penetration in Africa are half the world average measured as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and premiums per capita are 11-fold lower than the world average. It further stated that the bulk of growth in Africa was likely to come from pensions and individual life insurance— which is the fastest growth line of business on the continent, although starting from a smaller base compared to non-life insurance. According to the report, while motor insurance is the largest contributor to non-life insurance—driven by requirements for a compulsory minimum level of insurance, often third-party liability in countries like Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt—accident insurance, health insurance, and property insurance have all shown faster growth in recent years. The prospects for growth in commercial lines are also good, it stated, noting that in Nigeria, for example, commercial insurance has performed strongly, with oil and gas growing at nine per cent per annum and marine and aviation at 10 percent per annum between 2014 and 2018. “In 2018, oil and gas insurance and marine and aviation insurance accounted for 34 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, of nonlife gross premiums in that country. In Ghana, the Ghana Oil and Gas Insurance Pool (GOGIP)

almost doubled from $25 million in 2016 to $48 million in 2019 and represents approximately 15 percent of total nonlife premiums in that country. “Insurance in Africa is on the move, and several trends show promise for the sector. Our analysis highlights five that will be pivotal in determining how the sector evolves in a post-pandemic world. “And where penetration is occurring, it is mostly accompanied by structural reforms. Market liberalisation and deregulation, the enforcement of compulsory insurance, increased access through wider distribution, public–private partnerships, and regulation to support innovation and access have all been shown to build consumer trust and develop more resilient insurance industries with better-protected populations in comparable markets. “And the Pension Reform Act of 2014 in Nigeria has benefited both consumers and the insurance industry alike, leading to a 70 percent growth in the sale of pension products in that country between 2012 and 2017. “The shift to digital channels in Africa is well underway, and with that comes greater expectations of service delivery. While we are seeing a number of insurers starting to digitise customer journeys, significant opportunities still exist to accelerate this in many markets. “The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, by driving demand for digital and remote channels, and we expect this to continue beyond the crisis.”

IMAGES

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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola; Governor Kayode Fayemi; the newly inaugurated judge, Justice Adeniyi Familoni; and his wife, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Familoni, during the swearing of Familoni as a judge in the State High Court, Ado Ekiti…recently

Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Dr Ibrahim Liman (right), receiving a Doctorate Degree award from the Faculty Dean, Geoﬁdel Institute for Leadership and Management London, UK, Prof. Festus Ojehkekpen in Abuja...recently

L-R: Secretary to Ogun State government, Tokunbo Talabi; Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker; Governor Dapo Abiodun and a medical doctor during a visit to the victims of Tuesday petrol tanker disaster being treated at the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta...recently

L-R; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Governor Godwin Obaseki and the new Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Philip Aliyu Ogbadu, after a closed-door security meeting, in Government House, Benin City...recently L-R: Jonathan Olisedemeh; Nneka Enwelu; President of Rotary Club of Asaba Metropolitan, Patricia Ojebor and Nosa EDO-OSAGIE, during the Patricia’s installation as the president of Asaba Rotary Club in Asaba...recently.

L-R; Anglican Metropolitan & Primate of All Nigeria ,Most Rev Henry Ndukuba; his wife Angela and Chairman Planning committee of the Church, Barrister Paul Obi during a special reception in honour of Ndukuba at St .Peter Anglican Church ,Ogberuru .Orlu ,Imo state...recently

Fuel Tanker Explosion at Presidential Boulevard, Near Kuto in Abeokuta Ogun State...recently

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L-R: Members, Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) , Musa Muh’d; Ibrahim Ali; President CNM, Sabo Odeh; Members, CNM, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abubakar Musa during press brieﬁng on the State of the Nation in

R-L: Former Group Managing Director; Oodua Investment; Chief Bayo Jimoh; Osun State Governor; Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola and Deputy Majority; Leader; Osun State House of Assembly; Hon. Kunle Akande; during the Fidau prayers for Late Senator Hamzat Adebayo Ayoade Salami at Technical College Ground; Osogbo...recently

L-R: President of Benin Republic, H. E Patrice Talon and President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House Abuja...recently STATE HOUSE.

Abuja...recently

AYO AJAYI

L-R: Past Vice Chairperson, NBA Benin, Mrs. Olumese Violet; Secretary, NBA Benin 2020 Dinner Committee, Mrs. Florence Okundaye; Osayuki King Agbonghae Esq; Chairman Young Lawyers’ Forum, Nosa Edo Osagie; Vice Chairperson NBA Benin, Mrs. Paula Agbale and Roland Obo Esq, during the NBA Benin 2020 Dinner held in Benin, Edo State... Recently.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the virtual launches Rapid Response Register for Covid-19 Cash Transfer to the urban poor, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...recently

L-R: Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr Ibrahim Boyi; Executive Commissioner Operations SEC, Mr. Dayo Obisan; Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof Mohamad Nasir Sambo; Director General SEC, Mr Lamido Yuguda and Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, SEC, Mr Reginald Karawusa, during a meeting between the SEC and Executive Secretary NHIS in Abuja... recentlyLamido Yuguda and Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, SEC, Mr Reginald Karawusa, during a meeting between the SEC and Executive Secretary NHIS in Abuja... recently

T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 21, 2021

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Deworming: One Sure Answer to School Enrolment and Retention About 582 LGAs have been confirmed to be endemic to worms- one leading factor militating against school enrolment. With 2021-2022/2025 being pegged by the World Health Organisation as the year for control and elimination of worms, Nigeria’s answer to the reduction of its approximately 10.5 million out- of- school children would just have been answered. Kuni Tyessi writes

orm infection is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) which is usually associated with low socioeconomic status affecting the poorest communities and the most neglected vulnerable people. Infants and children are especially prone to the infection due to their less developed immune system. Worms infect people when they pierce through the skin into the blood system and travel with the blood to the liver. Male and female worms pair up and move to the veins around the intestinal tract or the veins around the urinary tract. In children, they have the potency to cause malnourishment, wasting, stunting and other barriers to growth and development which in turn is bound to affect school attendance and reduce the capacity to learning. Medical experts as well as educationists’ have through constant research and documented facts stated that the first five years of a child are so important that medical and nutritional values when missed, are bound to affect the cognitive abilities of a child which will also trail him/her in latter years, thereby decreasing the nations GDP and placing a huge burden on its human strength and capacity. Infection usually occurs when individuals, particularly children come in contact with contaminated water. This has led to over 200 million people living at risk of infection, with over 90 per cent infected living in sub-Saharan Africa in which Nigeria is one. On the other hand, while deworming is safe, free and effective, it improves children’s school participation, growth and nutritional intake and the tablets improve health, appetite and energy levels as well as reduce school absenteeism and improve learning ability in children. Already, latest statistics made available by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)show that enrolment into public schools at basic level is higher compared to what is obtainable in private schools- so also, the rate of drop outs and class repetition, a clear indication that the case of worms as a part of NTDs affects more of the marginalised and downtrodden of the society. Disturbingly, a report from the Federal Ministry of Health reveals that 582 LGAs are endemic to worms. 279 LGAs require once in two years treatment. 294 LGAs require annual treatment, while 10 high risk LGAs require treatment in school age children and adults. School age children, the targeted population are in need of Praziquantel and Mebendazole in the figures of 40,078,133 and 27,194652 respectively. Out of the stated figures, 19,294,892, a percentage of 48.23 and 19,752,887, a percentage of 72.76 was recorded for Praziquantel and Mebendazole. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which is an advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs which include WASH, education and health amongst others, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential, has continued to reiterate through its campaigns that the effects of worms will not only stop children from engaging in academic activities but also limit their potential in life. In a paper titled “Overview of Schistosimiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis Elimination Programme in Nigeria”, Deputy

Deworming is the way to go

Director/programme manager in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Nebe, said Nigeria’s vision and mission for worms targeted programme has goals and targets set for 2021-2025. Done in collaboration with all stakeholders, the programme is set in a prevalence survey and mapping, policies and guidelines, advocacy, health education and the promotion of using safe environmental drugs like Praziquantel (PQZ) and Mebendazole (MEB) tablets in all endemic communities. Mapping surveys started in 1999 in Plateau and Nasarawa States and were supported by the Jimmy Carter Centre and states ministries of health. In 2008, Ekiti, Ogun and other states joined in and the scale up was between 2013-2017. With school age children in mind, Nebe who spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital during a media dialogue on NTDs and which was organised by UNICEF, said a pediatric formulation of Praziquantel is available for mass treatment, with the Federal Ministry of Health deciding on how to systematically treat the ravaging effects of worms. She said when a child has been infected, symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloody stool, anaemia, stunted growth, enlarged liver and spleen, severe damage of the liver leading to liver fibrosis and portal hypertension emerge. Others are blood in urine, painful urination, damage to genitals, kidneys and bladder, as well as bladder cancer. Nebe said it is not victory song all through as challenges are also being encountered in the eradication of worms. She said they include insecurities, limited resources and lack of updated data among others. She said: “Significant gaps exist in the treatment due to low scale-up of interventions in all endemic LGAs. Data gap equally exists due to non disaggregation of survey data

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into sub districts and under mapping data by LGAs as implementation units. “Delay in arrival of PZQ tablets and submission of data and issues of reverse logistics, cases of reinfection,, missed children, no worms control activities and little or no WASH intervention in all endemic LGAs, difficult terrain and insecurity, as well as limited resources.” She stressed that through capacity building, resource mobilisation, periodic deworming, especially through the school feeding programme that has been adopted by states to encourage school enrolment and retention and also to cushion the hardship being faced by most families, Nigeria can win the war against worms. Others are water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), integrated vector management to control worms cannot be over emphasised, albeit a programme background which is saddled with” mandate to access the burden of Schistosimiasis infections and the control/ elimination of the diseases among school age children.” According to her: “Capacity building, resource mobilisation, periodic deworming, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), integrated vector management to control snail intermediate hosts of Schistosimiasis are all factors required in the elimination of worms. Others are, “Develop and implement policies and sustainable quality programmes for Schistosimiasis elimination as public health problems that contribute to significant reductions in disease mobility and transmission. “Benefits of deworming: Worms are harmful to children’s health, education, growth and development. It improves children’s school participation, growth and nutritional intake. Deworming tablets improve health, appetite and energy levels, reduce school absenteeism

and improve learning ability in children. It is safe, free and effective.” In the same vein, a clarion call was made by Acting UNICEF Nigeria representative, Renu Wadhwa, in a new-year statement. She said more than 14 million Nigerian children are chronically malnourished and 2.7 million acutely malnourished while cross-sectoral solutions to strengthen the health, food, water, sanitation and social protection systems can reverse these high numbers and keep children alive. “More than 14 million Nigerian children are chronically malnourished and 2.7 million acutely malnourished. Cross-sectoral solutions to strengthen the health, food, water, sanitation and social protection systems can reverse these high numbers and keep children alive. “As much as 43 per cent of Nigerian children do not receive all their recommended vaccinations at the right time – a critical step towards ensuring survival and good health. “One in three Nigerian children do not complete primary school. Education is known to improve health and life outcomes throughout a child’s life. “Only one in every 8 babies born will make it to their fifth birthday. Those who do survive will face other challenges as young Nigerians, especially girls. “We can make Nigeria a better place for children to survive and thrive. This new year offers a new slate with opportunities to re-imagine, respond, recover and indeed build a more equitable and safer Nigeria for children, especially the girl child.” If there was any favourable time for Nigeria to key into foreign donations and assistance it gets in the eradication of worms, that time is now. The journey so far has not only proved effective but possible with high untapped hopes for the country’s school age children.

T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 21, 2021

NEWS

SYNLAB Urges Nigerians to Use Authorised Labs for COVID-19 Test Rebecca Ejifoma Following their observations that some people are resorting to COVID-19 test results from racketeering and forgery, SYNLAB Nigeria has urged Nigerians to use labs like theirs which are authorised by the government. The SYNLAB Director, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, said this in a media release made available to THISDAY on Tuesday. “It has come to our attention that some people are resorting to COVID-19 test results from racketeering and forgery, thereby, preying on desperate and naive travellers, and deceiving unsuspecting officials,” she hinted. While bemoaning that such practice would increase the spread of the virus, the director said it was soiling the name of reputable laboratories authorised by the government to carry out COVID-19 tests. She harped on: “That is why everyone must ensure that they get tested at laboratories that have an authentication process in place, one of such laboratories is SYNLAB Nigeria. “As one of the authorised

COVID-19 testing labs in Nigeria, SYNLAB has put several measures in place to curb the trend of falsified COVID-19 test results.“ This, Ajayi noted, will ensure that COVID-19 reports from their lab are easily authenticated, verifiable and differentiated from forged results. “SYNLAB has included a unique security feature in its COVID reports, a unique 2D barcode that comes with all SYNLAB COVID reports since October 19, 2020. “This feature can be used by individuals as well as law enforcement officials to authenticate SYNLAB COVID reports,” the director explained. According to Ajayi, to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the government implemented several guidelines and regulations, including presenting a negative COVID-19 test result before embarking on international travels. She listed two easy steps that can be implemented to authenticate a SYNLAB COVID-19 test result: “Scan the 2D Code with any smartphone; open your camera app; and point it steadily for

two to three seconds towards the 2D Code (ensure your phone is enabled to scan QR codes). On step two, she instructed Nigerians to open the URL that comes up to verify that the data on the result matches the one revealed in the URL. According to her, if the key data such as patient name, laboratory code, collection date, and test result do not match, it is a fake result. “However, if the data shown on the URL matches with that on the report, then you have a valid COVID report issued by SYNLAB,” she enlightened. While describing SYNLAB as a reputable lab with quality assurance and compliance in the country, she added that it has global recognition and considered one of Europe’s leading laboratories. Her words: “The lab provides high-quality diagnostic services in four continents across 40 countries including Nigeria.” SYNLAB Nigeria currently operates eight laboratories. It has established a further 20 patient locations nationwide, which provide access to quality diagnostics to Nigerians.

Medical Expert Calls for Advocacy on Importance of Paramedics Kuni TyessÓ ÓØ ÌßÔË The Chief Medical Director of Abuja-based Brain and Spinal Surgery Limited, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo has stated that there is need for more advocacy on the importance of paramedics, especially in ministries of Health, Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Dr. Ogungbo who made the call in a press statement, added that apart from the fact that paramedics are few in Nigeria with limited institutions opening to their training and courses, they are underutilised with few options. He said even hospitals whose drivers are expected to have some skills in life saving techniques are bereft of such, adding that there in lies the nations shame and lack of understanding of the role of a paramedic. According to him: “A lot of advocacy is required to explain

the worth of paramedics to the Ministry of Health, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). “There is an urgent need for paramedics and the establishment of EMS in all the states of the federation. They will facilitate and compliment the work of NEMA and FRSC. “We need to rethink the strategies we have in saving Nigerian lives and develop the system to ensure that every life matter in Nigeria. The paramedics already trained are a much-needed manpower resource waiting to be deployed. “There are also teeming numbers of unemployed youth in Nigeria begging to be employed. Many would gladly take up positions that empowers them to save lives. “I understand that the training takes place mostly at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). But there are also training centres in

Delta, Ogun and Rivers States of Nigeria. “The program was set up in 2008 and designed to churn out graduates every three years. In 2014, the Federal government increased the period of paramedics training program to five years. “This starts with two years to obtain a national diploma, a year of field internship and then another two years to obtain a higher national diploma (HND). Nigeria just recently graduated the first set of HND paramedics, 30 in number. “Since inception in 2008, UBTH has graduated about 130 paramedics. Unfortunately, most of them remain in the hospital working in the emergency room and involved in in-hospital patient transfer services. “The paramedics triage patients, help with resuscitation procedures, move patients out for investigations, and when the need arises, go out to rescue people and get them to the hospital.”

AHA Urges Africa to Find Solutions to Healthcare Challenges Rebecca Ejifoma The CEO of Advantage Health Africa, Abimbola Adebakin, has urged Africa to find solutions to its healthcare challenges especially with the current COVID-19 pandemic. She said this in a media release to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Heavens as the Managing Director/CEO, Advantage Pharmaceuticals Limited (APL). “The entire healthcare system provides opportunities, which if harnessed for the long term, will augur well for Africans.

“We can, and must, find solutions to Africa’s healthcare challenges, and Advantage Pharmaceutical Ltd is fortunate to have Heavens join us at this crucial time to do just that,” Adebakin hinted. With the advent of the pandemic, AHA says it understands the gap in the supply chain for medications in Nigeria, hence, it will actively pursue bridging this gap through linking the people directly with the medicines and medical devices faster than ever before, with assured quality. This necessitated Heaven’s appointment to pilot the

company’s goal of providing access to genuine and affordable drugs through manufacture and distribution. With a strong pharma industry know-how, Heavens says the pharmaceutical sector is about to open up. His words: “The sector needs deep investments, committed players and dedicated teams to make things work.” Heavens added that he sees his role leading APL as a hallmark in his career that will certainly make the right kind of impact we need in healthcare.

FERTILITY

with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

DEPRESSION AND INFERTILITY (Part 1)

he society at large places passionate premium on procreation in any family setting such that in most cases, the woman’s place in marriage remains precarious till confirmed through child bearing. Awoman has to prove her womanhood in same fashion. Children are held as sources of pride and strength being equated to the male progeny. Infertility therefore entails a loss thought to be tangible and therefore impacts negatively on a couple’s mental and social wellbeing. Infertility constitutes a crisis in the affected African family. The attendant emotional, psychological, cultural and social burdens drain the couple of self-belief and esteem. The unsolicited and often inpatient societal demands and expectations places such couples under unimaginable pressure and tension. They may become isolated and neglected consequent upon the attendant social stigmatization. In some cases, the female is held responsible for virtually all cases of infertility. The men folk are held as above the board. Consequent upon this, the woman is humiliated, isolated, derided, abused and rebuffed. Undergoing such life crisis has been the stories of most infertile women. It has been reported that they go to varying lengths visiting orthodox medical practitioners, herbalists, traditionalists and spiritualists in search of needed reprieve and solution while others visit clinics for regular counseling without the financial ability to go through recommended treatment thus compounding more burden in fertility clinics. It is against this backdrop that we have chosen to look at the above topic: Depression and Infertility The description above is very similar to what lots of women or couple face daily and these may often lead to frustration and depression. Most often women/couple faced with depression due to infertility may not even realize it. Depressive state has been reported to impact negatively on fertility as well, hence compounding the already existing issues. Symptoms and Signs of Infertility- Related Depression and Anxiety Do you feel like your entire life has been hijacked by infertility? Do you go to sleep and wake up thinking about pregnancy? Infertility is emotional and physically exhausting. Studies have shown that the emotional stresses women with infertility are similar to cancer and cardiac patient. The fact that the emotional struggle of infertility is common does not mean it should be ignored or that one should resign to feeling that way. As you flip through this list, you can jot down signs you have identified you experienced and discuss about the solutions with your fertility specialist and counsellor.

You Feel Worthless and Ashamed Do you worry that people will love you less or not at all if they knew you are infertile? Do you sometimes worry your partner may leave you because of your fertility problem? Do you see yourself as broken and defective? Then you are struggling with a feeling of worthlessness and shame. You have allowed infertility to define you as a person and have forgotten that you are so much worth more than infertility Thinking About Infertility All Day Long For women trying for babies it is not out of place to have infertility at the front of your mind. However, that is different than feeling like infertility is the only thing you can think about even when you are not in the midst of any fertility treatment. If you notice that you can hardly concentrate to enjoy other part of your life, the thought of infertility often creeps in to break your concentration then it’s a sign that you may be depressed and may benefit from counselling with a specialist. Are You Saddled With Guilt? Guilt is an emotion that should be limited to those who have done something wrong. Very often in life we feel there are things we did that we should not have done. We may feel guilty for: r /PU TUBSUJOH UP IBWF B GBNJMZ FBSMJFS r /PU àOEJOH B QBSUOFS FBSMJFS r 'PS OPU GSFF[JOH ZPVS FHHT FBSMJFS FWFO if there was no way you could have known you needed to r :PV NBZ GFFM HVJMUZ GPS DPOUBDUJOH B TFYVBM transmitted infection that led to the infertility If this feeling describes yours then you sure need to seek help. Persistent Feeling of Sadness Sadness is a normal action to unfortunate events. If you find yourself in tears when a fertility treatment fails and the pregnancy test results reads negative, it is normal However, if: r :PVS TBEOFTT TFFNT UP SBSFMZ MJGU r :PV àOE ZPVS EBZT BSF NPSF HSBZ UIBO sunshine r :PV IBWF GFMU TBE GPS XFFLT BOE XFFLT Then you sure may be dealing with depression. Depression can be defined as a feeling of sadness, lasting over an extended period of time and interferes with your daily life. Sometimes you don’t even understand why you are feeling deeply sad then you need to seek counselling… TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK.

ue in the live.com

T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 21, 2021

HEALTH

ISN Award as Morale Booster for Medical Laboratory Scientists Raheem Akingbolu writes that the maiden edition of the ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award instituted to recognise and reward medical laboratory scientists, who are the unsung heroes of medical practice in Nigeria, will encourage excellence and commitment among practitioners thus impacting the health sector greatly

L-R: Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta, Dr Adedamola Dada; Executive Director, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Mr Felix Ofungwu; Winner - 2020 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award, Mr Abiola Fashina and the Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Tosan Erhabor at the grand ﬁnale event of the ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year held in Lagos

ften times, critics complain that rewarding institutions for awards in both public and private sectors in Nigeria hardly get their priority right. Their argument has always been that those involved in rigorous intellectual exercises or involved in humanitarian services are left unrewarded or at best ignored while millions of naira are expended to reward those involved in some frivolities. Even when these institutions chose to do the right thing by focusing their attention on critical areas or sectors that need to be supported, only the seemingly so-called respected professions in that sector get the desired recognition leaving others whose contributions are as critical as those of the former behind. This is the situation that aptly describes what medical laboratory scientists go through in medical practice in Nigeria despite their immense role in the delivery of health care. But on Friday, November 27, 2020, ISN Products Nigeria Ltd took a remarkable path by rewarding medical laboratory scientists for their contribution to medical practice in Nigeria. At a well-attended event, held at Federal Palace

Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, ISN, a leading supplier of medical diagnostic products and services in Nigeria, bestowed on Abiola Fashina, the coveted award of ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year. Fashina, a medical laboratory scientist who works at the University of Lagos Medical Centre, won the maiden edition of the award for his diligent contribution to the field of medical sciences. In an earlier statement issued by the company to announce the award, the organisers had stated that the award was instituted to recognise and reward the unsung heroes (Medical Laboratory Scientists) of medical practice in Nigeria. ISN Products Nigeria Ltd, the convener of the award, is the leading supplier of medical diagnostic products and services in Nigeria and has been in operation for over three decades. For emerging the winner of the inaugural edition of the award, Fashina would receive a cash prize of N1 million, a Capacity Development Training, and a donation of Medical Lab Equipment/Reagents worth N1 million to the laboratory or hospital where he works. Anayo Chidobu, who works with El-Lab Laboratories, Lagos State emerged the first runner-up, going home with a cash prize of N750, 000 and a Capacity Development Training opportunity while Yahaya Usman, an employee

of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State emerged the second runner-up winning a cash prize of N500, 000 and a Capacity Development Training opportunity. The other seven finalists were rewarded with a cash prize of N200,000 each. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of state for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, the Chief Executive Officer of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta, Dr Adedamola Dada, commended the company for instituting such a noble initiative and also appreciated the contribution of medical laboratory scientists who have continued to be a strong component of the health care system in Nigeria. “We are indeed happy that ISN has taken it upon itself to recognise excellence among these subsets of health workers. We are equally pleased with the detailed effort and process used in arriving at the winner,” Mamora said. He urged the top finalists including the winner to see their emergence as an opportunity to contribute more in advancing the quality of medical laboratory science practice in Nigeria. In his welcome address, the Executive Director of ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Mr Felix Ofungwu, noted that the award was part of efforts by the company to contribute its quota in promoting and rewarding excellence among medical laboratory

scientists for their active role in the health sector. According to Ofungwu, the place of medical laboratory scientists in the health care sector could not have been more significant given their contribution to saving lives amidst the rampaging effect of COVID-19 in Nigeria. “For us at ISN, we believe that proper and adequate care is only as good as the accuracy of the diagnosis that the patient receives and the responsibility of that diagnosis is largely borne by the medical laboratory scientists,” he added. In his goodwill message, the President, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Mr Tosan Erhabor equally lauded the company for leading the charge to celebrate the unsung heroes of the health sector through this initiative. “The vision of ISN is in tandem with what MLSCN stands for and the reward for the award itself lends credence to the company’s commitment to quality laboratory service in Nigeria. Speaking shortly after being announced the winner of the maiden edition of the award, Fashina applauded the management of the company for its commitment to quality medical science practice which, he said has been demonstrated through the recognition given to practitioners via the initiative. He further charged other laboratory scientists to keep working hard and ensuring a quality standard of practice.

Firm Opens COVID-19 Vaccines Pre-orders for 55 AU Member States Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) said it has opened pre-orders for fifty five African countries on the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation said that Afreximbank will facilitate payments by providing advance procurement commitment guarantees of up to US$2 billion to the manufacturers on behalf of the member states. Following the announcement by the African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 14, 2021 that the African Union has secured a provisional 270 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for Africa through

its COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), the africa medical supplies platform (AMSP), on behalf of the Africa Centres For Disease Control And Prevention (Africa CDC) commenced the COVID-19 vaccines pre-order programme for all African Union member states. According to the firm, Afrexim Bank will facilitate payments by providing advance procurement commitment guarantees of up to US$2 billion to the manufacturers on behalf of the member states. While Avatt has secured a provisional 270 million covid-19 vaccines doses from Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and AstrZeneca AMSP, the single source platform enabling faster, more transparent, cost effective

access to covid-19 supplies has opened today pre-orders, offering an equitable access of COVID-19 vaccines doses for 55 African Union members. “These are historical times. For the first time in history, Africa has secured access to millions of vaccine doses in the middle of a pandemic as most of Western countries,” said African Union Special Envoy Strive Masiyiwa. According to him, there is still a huge shortage of vaccine doses and that is why this continental collaboration has designed a fair allocation coupled with timely and equitable access of COVID-19 vaccines across the continent.” ”Afreximbank is proud to expand its support to African economies in their bid to contain

the pandemic. Our vaccine financing facility builds on the success of our Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility (PATIMFA) to open access to COVID 19 vaccines to African states based on a whole-of-Africa approach favoured by the African Union”, said Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).” He said by providing advance procurement commitment guarantees of up to US$2 billion to candidate vaccine manufacturers, Afreximbank will ensure that African States are able to rapidly access COVID-19 vaccines, at competitive prices and in a timely manner thereby

contributing to saving lives and livelihoods”, he added. To support vaccination operations, the Africa Medical Supplies Platform said it had also launched a new category on vaccine accessories which will help member states to procure products such as ultra-low temperature freezers, personal protection equipment, cotton wool rolls, syringes and needles. On his part, the Director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said “The biggest challenges to COVID-19 vaccine access in Africa have been financing of the vaccines and the logistics of vaccinating at scale, but we are glad that this gap is being filled by the Afreximbank financing

facility. “The critical decision now is how to get started so that once we start there will be no disruptions and this is where AMSP will play a very big role,” said Dr John Nkengasong, “From today onwards African Union Member States will be able to start placing online pre orders for their vaccines allocation through the AMSP.” said Fatoumata Bâ, Founder & Executive Chair of Janngo . Africa and Managing Partner of Janngo Capital. He said they are oroudt to participate in giving direct access to cutting edge COVID-19 vaccines through Africa; This is essential to protect our people and reopen our economies.”

T H I S D AY ˾ , JANUARY 21, 2021

HEALTH

COVID-19:Sanwo-OluCommissions ArmouredShieldIsolationCentreinLagos Rebecca Ejifoma In its effort to bridge the gap between preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently commissioned the Armoured Shield Isolation Centre in Victoria Island area of the state. The centre is a purposebuilt medical facility equipped with ICU capacities put together by Reddington Hospital. According to SanwoOlu, with the increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in the country and Lagos State, the centre will help respond to potential risk of local transmission of the virus.

“This isolation centre is important for us as a government because it is a clear demonstration of power of collaboration between the public and private sector. “When public issues rises and private sector raises up to such occasion, the least we can do is to encourage them,” he implored. While warning also that the country is currently going through the second wave of the pandemic, Sanwo-Olu called for more advocacy. “We cannot stop talking about it. Some people thought COVID-19 is for some set or type of people. No, it knows no race, religion, or economic status,” he cautioned. Following a threat of a

second wave, the governor and COVID-19 incident commander highlighted, “We were anticipating that there would be a second wave. But we really did not know that even the second wave would be stronger than the first wave.” Sanwo-Olu, therefore, assured Lagosians of his administration’s commitment to heighten and raise the level of preparedness; scale up the provision.” “This administration will not backtrack on public health deliverables. COVID-19 is still a public health issue, therefore government will continue to lead from the front,” he vowed.

The governor also mentioned that his administration will launch another oxygen plant in its preparedness. While commending the efforts of the Reddington team, the governor enjoined residents to adhere to all non-pharmaceutical protocols. “Keep to all the nonpharmaceutical protocols: facemask, washing of hands regularly, maintaining social distancing and staying away from huge crowd,” he advised. Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said following over 3500 test carried out in Lagos State

as at last week Thursday, almost 900 positive cases were diagnosed. “We are testing in all local governments, high income, low income. We are just testing and collecting data. “While we are grateful of the private sector, it is very important that we continue to play the government’s role. “The government comes to play a very important role. We have visited this facility twice to ensure that it conforms with the guidelines set up by the government.” He therefore congratulated the Reddington Hospital Group for complying diligently with the COVID-19

guidelines. Abayomi emphasised: “Those guidelines protest not just yourself, but also protect your patronage and clientele.” In his reaction, the President and CEO, Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, commended Sanwo-Olu for combating the first wave of the pandemic. “I want to commend the Incident Commander for Lagos State; he has done extremely well in leadership, especially in battling the first pandemic and in ensuring that Lagos was safe and I have no doubt that he would rise again to meet this current challenge.”

Onuesoke Foundation Kicks Off COVID-19 Awareness Campaign Distributes 100,000 face masks, sanitisers Sylvester Idowu in Warri A group under the aegis of Onuesoke Foundation has commenced awareness campaign for the prevention and eradication of COVID-19 pandemic with free distribution of over 100,000 face masks and sanitiser in Delta State rural communities. Before now, Onuesoke Foundation started the awareness campaign on COVID-19 by placing advertisement jingles on television and radio stations across Delta State advising those in the rural communities to adhere strictly to the prevention guidelines of the pandemic. The group, in a statement signed by Project Coordinator of Onuesoke Foundation, Mr Steven Agadagba disclosed that, in order to save lives, the group has embarked on three weeks sensitisation campaign aimed at increasing a high sense of awareness among rural dwellers and to promote a clean, safe and healthy culture as a way of mitigating against the spread of the deadly pandemic. He disclosed that the awareness campaign and distribution of free face masks and sanitisers which took off from Udu local government area of Delta State on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 will see them through rural communities in all the 25 local government areas of the state. Agadagba advised that all hands must be on deck to checkmate the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria,

just as he urged the people to strictly adhere to the preventive guidelines as instructed by the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) in order to curtail the spread of the dreaded pandemic. He equally called on local authorities to do more in ensuring that rural dwellers comply with government directives with respect to prevention and contamination of COVID-19. Agadagba lamented that from all indications, most rural communities have not fully come to terms with the dangers associated with social gathering as a quick and fast way of spreading the virus, stressing that this is very worrisome because it portends great danger if measures are not taken to checkmate this negative trend. The coordinator appealed to both the federal and state governments to increase COVID-19 testing and quarantine centres across the country as a measure to curtail the rising spread of the pandemic. He equally appealed to corporate organisations and well to do individuals to provide funds for the establishment of both testing and quarantine centres for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, adding that not until there are enough testing and quarantine centres in the country the pandemic will linger on. He commended health workers, security operatives and journalists that are hardly mentioned and others on the front line of the fight against the pandemic for a job well done.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and others during the commissioning of the COVID-19 Armoured Shield Isolation Centre in Lagos

Researchers Advocate Training Drug Sellers to Prevent Maternal Deaths Rebecca Ejifoma With various factors contributing steadily to maternal deaths at 512 of every 100,000 live births, researchers have called for training of drug sellers in Lagos, and Nigeria to prevent deaths from unsafe abortions. The study, “Women’s self-reported Experiences Using Misoprostol Obtained From Drug Sellers: A Prospective Cohort Study In Lagos State, Nigeria” was showcased at the Dissemination workshop held in Lagos recently. This was a collaborative efforts among the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), Centre for Research, Evaluation Resources and Development (CRERD), and the Guttmacher Institute, New York. These health experts presented the new study, which shows the vital role drug sellers play in providing information and access to abortion medication. Therefore, to ensure information and access get to the public, experts said that the

training will improve the knowledge of misoprostol among sellers, and how to communicate the safe and effective use of the drug to protect women’s health and well-being. They also argued that the drug sellers are the only source of information about misoprostol for three-quarters of the 400 women aged 18 to 49 who self-managed abortions using misoprostol. In his explanations, the Senior Research Scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, Onikepe Owolabi, noted that overall 85 per cent of participants in the study said they would recommend misoprostol to a friend with an unintended pregnancy. He added: “For many women, drug sellers are the first, and often only, point of care, which means they are a vital resource for providing high-quality information about this medication.” According to Owolabi, who doubles as the and co-investigator on the study, 70 per cent of women stated that they

would use misoprostol in the future if they were to experience another unintended pregnancy. “Nine per cent of women reported that they would have attempted to induce an abortion using unsafe methods had they not had access to misoprostol,” he noted. Professor of Demography at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Akanni Akinyemi, revealed they found that 94 per cent of women reported a complete abortion without medical intervention.” The researchers warned that while the findings in Lagos may not be generalisable to the rest of the country and women’s experiences may differ, the self-use of misoprostol would likely continue to be a safe and effective alternative for women who may otherwise induce an abortion using unsafe methods. According to Professor of Public Health Medicine, and Vice-Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences Ondo, Adesegun Fatusi the workshop was an avenue to

share the result of the study question around the access of women to misoprostol in Lagos. “A couple of things prompted this study. I have been working with women health for over three decades and one of the common knowledge is that a lot of young women die from abortion. “Forty per cent of death among female teenagers in this country is due to pregnancy-related causes and that translates to millions of young ladies dying every year.” For Fatusi, who is the coprincipal investigator for this Lagos (Misoprostol) study, although WHO has approved the drug “we wanted to see how they use it, their experiences so that we agree to inform our own policies as a country from our own local reality and experience”. The professor emphasised that the research was on the desire to see the lives of young girls saved and improved so that they can inspire to impact the community and the nation very positively and achieve their own potentials.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͯ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

AfDB, EIB Seal Deal to Enhance Africa’s Development Obinna Chima The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) yesterday signed a joint partnership action plan on how to boost public and private sector investment in Africa. The joint action plan enables both institutions to grow a shared pipeline of bankable projects around key complementary themes to which each institution would bring their comparative advantage. According to a statement, the focus of the partnership are: climate action and environmental sustainability; transformative large-scale quality infrastructure investment; Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and services; financial inclusion with a gender lens aimed at the empowerment of girls and women; education and training; and the health sector. The signing comes amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which is increasing poverty across the African continent and threatening markets and livelihoods, heightened the urgency for action, the statement added. The agreement was signed by AfDB’s Acting Senior Vice President, Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, and EIB’s Vice President, Thomas Östros, during a virtual ceremony

attended by stakeholders from across Africa and Europe. The session was preceded by a short roundtable between the two senior management members and representatives from both institutions. “It is crucial that more multinational development banks and other development finance institutions commit to closer and stronger collaboration, such as seen through this Joint Action Plan between the AfDB and the EIB, in order to more efficiently and effectively support our regional member countries during these troubling times,” said Tshabalala. “Sustainable economic growth and security in regions facing particular challenges, such as the Sahel and Horn of Africa, are our top priority.” “Partnerships are crucial for the EIB’s business and impact, and this partnership with Africa’s Bank is crucial for Africa. The Action Plan signed with the African Development Bank today demonstrates the firm commitment of the European Investment Bank, the EU Bank, to delivering investment that makes a real difference to Africa. “Enhancing our work with the African Development Bank, Africa’s multilateral development

bank, is a strategic priority for the EIB and Europe. Together the EIB and AfDB will enhance cooperation and engagement with African partners to ensure that Africa emerges from the health, social and economic challenges of COVID-19 to an even brighter 21st Century,” Östros said. The Joint Action Plan was developed following an EIB delegation meeting with the African Development Bank in February 2020. The plan reflects the Bank’s High 5 development priority areas as well as EIB’s priority areas for Africa. According to the statement, in the wake of COVID-19 both institutions had devoted financing for rapid response to meet budgetary and health needs of countries in the region. “Over the past five years, the shared portfolio of the two institutions has grown to €3.4 billion, leveraging investment totaling €10.2 billion for 26 projects across the continent. The EIB and African Development Bank recognise the unique role of publicly owned development banks in supporting high-impact and pioneering investment and mobilising private sector financing.

AMAC Targets N3bn Outdoor Advert Revenue in 2021 Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has set a target of N3 billion as remittance from the FCT Department of Outdoor Advertisements and Signage (DOAS) in 2021 to boost its internally generated revenue in 2021 and enhance its drive to provide infrastructure in the council. The Director DOAS, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam, made the disclosure at a meeting between the agency and AMAC where they both put aside the disputes arising from who should legally collect taxes, levies and permits on outdoor advertisement and signage system in the FCT. Adam, said the DOAS aims to achieve the target from out-

door signage advertisement in the New Year, while enjoining owners of illegal signages to come forward and pay the necessary fees to escape arrests. The landmark agreement yielded concession to DOAS to also collect signage permits including mobile, first party and third party advertisements within the jurisdiction of AMAC in the territory. AMAC Chairman, Abdulahi Candido, who read out the concession in a joint- statement, said though Section 7 and the fourth schedule of the 1999 Constitution vested the powers on local government areas or Area Councils as in the case of FCT, to collect advertisement permits, taxes and levies within its areas, the stakeholders resolved that in

recognition of subsisting agreements and associated bye-laws, DOAS should henceforth carry out the function. He added that the amicable settlement was in the interest of the general public and a bold step in the easing ways of doing business and doing things in common. “As a responsive and responsible government, the council accepts that it is in the best interest of both parties and most especially the residents of AMAC in FCT to delegate this task to the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) in order to harmonise collections, avoid double taxation, improve the on the ease of doing business and ensure seemless tax collection in council.

Africa Fintech Foundry to Boost Innovation The Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) has opened its registration portal for the 2021 Accelerator program. The initiative, which is being executed in partnership with Access Bank Plc, seeks to fast-track the growth of the best start-ups operating within the African technology ecosystem. The ‘Accelerator’ programme will fast-track and assist selected start-ups to navigate issues such as start-up pricing and competitiveness, creating endearing customer experiences, support and retention, hiring and people management, scaling for growth and product development cycle fundamentals amongst others. Speaking at the launch of the initiative, the Head of the Africa Fintech Foundry, Daniel Awe, was quoted in a statement to have said: “Research has shown that 90 per cent of start-ups fail due to various reasons such as lack of funding, being in the wrong market, a lack of

research, misaligned partnerships, ineffective marketing and poor competitive positioning to name a few. “Ninety per cent is a high percentage rate of failure. This indicates that many things need to go right for a business to succeed. Enabling start-ups to grow, scale and remain relevant in the tech space is where we play a major role as AFF. “Since its establishment, the Africa Fintech Foundry has progressively demonstrated leadership in the areas of innovation, financial technology and entrepreneurship. We recognise the vast array of talent possessed by Africans and the wider global players and the immense potential that our technological start-ups have. “Hence, through the Accelerator programme, we will be providing cohorts with mentorship and clinic hours from leading entrepreneurs,

investors and industry experts. They will also get access to funding, unrivalled business insights, access to markets and networking opportunities with our partners at various stages of the program.” The AFF Accelerator programme will span 12 weeks, with formal and informal mentorship from established founders, investors and pioneers across various industries. Access Bank’s Executive Director for Information Technology and Operations, Ade Bajomo, highlighted the need for increased corporate investment in tech-focused capacity building initiatives. He said: “Technology can serve as the catalyst for solving many of the problems faced across various industries. We also believe that it holds the potential to resolve social and economic challenges faced across the African continent.”

Adesina

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͯͶ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $53.92 a barrel on Monday, compared with $54.68 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), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NSE All-Share Index Rises 0.23% as Market Rebounds Goddy Egene The stock market rebounded yesterday after two days of decline as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) rose 0.23 per cent to close at 41,147.72. The market had depreciated on Monday and Tuesday after gaining the last week. However, the bulls returned yesterday with 55 stocks gain-

ing, while 16 lost value a day after the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, presented the market performance for 2020 and outlook for 2021. Year-to-date growth rose to 2.2 per cent following gains posted by counters such as Lafarge Africa Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, MTN Nigeria Plc, Transcorp Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

However, Deap Capital Management Trust Plc, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc, Niger Insurance Plc, Royal Exchange Plc and Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc led the price gainers’ chart with 10 per cent apiece. Livestock Feeds Plc and BOC Gases Plc chalked up 9.8 per cent apiece, just as Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Linkage Assurance Plc and Ardova Plc

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

garnered 9.7 per cent apiece. Conversely, Sunu Assurances Plc and AXA Mansard Insurance Plc led the price losers with 10 each, trailed by Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc with 9.3 per cent. Afromedia Plc shed 9.0 per cent, just as Omatek Ventures Plc went down by 8.7 per cent. UACN Property Development Company Plc lost 6.2 per cent among others. Meanwhile, activity level

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

was mixed as volume traded rose 23.7 per cent to 649.6 million shares units while value traded fell 13.6 per cent to N4.6 billion. The most traded stocks by volume were Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc (52.1 million shares), Transcorp Plc (51.7 million shares), and Sterling Bank Plc (48.1 million shares) while Lafarge Africa Plc (N900.1 million), Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (N803.6 million), and

O F

Dangote Cement Plc ( N410.6 million) topped by value. In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Insurance Index led with 2.5 per cent, followed by the NSE Industrial Goods Index that appreciated by 0.5 per cent. The NSE Oil & Gas and Consumer Goods Index gained 0.4 per cent and 0.2 per cent respectively. On the contrary, the NSE Banking Index shed 0.2 per cent.

2 0 / 0 1 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Thursday. January 21, 2021 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Gained 0.3% dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂǇ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞǆ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ϯϯďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

1,822.30 points. This was on the back of buying interest in ZENITH (+0.4%), MTNN (+0.1%), and LAFARGE (+8.2%). These stocks ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůǇ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϱ͘ϲй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

Local Bourse Rebounds͙ ASI up 0.2% &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚǁŽ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ůŽƐƐĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƌĞďŽƵŶĚĞĚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ E^ ůů-^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞǆ ƌŽƐĞ ϮϯďƉƐ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϰϭ͕ϭϰϳ͘ϳϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ due to buying interest in WAPCO (+8.2%), UBA (+2.3%), and TRANSCORP ;нϵ͘ϰйͿ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ ƚŚĞ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƌŽƐĞ ƚŽ Ϯ͘Ϯй ǁŚŝůĞ

ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ

ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ

ďǇ

േϱϬ͘ϯďŶ

to ƐĞƩůĞ at േϮϭ͘ϱƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚǇ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝǆĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯϯ͘ϳй ƚŽ ϲϰϵ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ϭϯ͘ϲй ƚŽ േϰ͘ϲďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďǇ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ MBENEFIT ;ϱϮ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ TRANSCORP ;ϱϭ͘ϳŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ STERLING ;ϰϴ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ WAPCO (േ900.1m), GUARANTY (േϴϬϯ͘ϲŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ DANGCEM (േϰϭϬ͘ϲŵͿ ƚŽƉƉĞĚ ďǇ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,822.30

0.33%

24.2%

82.2%

18.8%

3.4%

5.8x

851.80

0.0%

30.3%

0.0%

7.7%

2.8%

15.8x

79.00

0.0%

11.1%

2.1%

33.05

-2.1%

9.2%

2.2%

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc 3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC 5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC 10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

ƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϰй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ buying interest in ARDOVA ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ͕ FLOURMILL ;нϭ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ PZ ;нϱ͘ϲйͿ͘ WƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ in MTNN (+0.1%) drove the AFRICT index 0.1% higher.

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.6x

4.9%

7.1%

1.4%

6.3%

44.1x

7.4x

2.2%

2.3%

4.8x

1.3x

8.5%

20.9% 26.3%

26.30

0.4%

6.9%

6.0%

22.8%

3.1%

3.8x

0.8x

10.7%

234.50

0.0%

5.6%

-4.2%

30.8%

14.6%

15.7x

5.0x

6.8%

6.4%

170.20

0.1%

4.7%

0.2%

189.4%

11.9%

17.6x

29.5x

4.1%

5.7%

1,505.00

0.0%

3.8%

0.0%

83.0%

20.5%

29.3x

28.5x

4.7%

3.4%

26.50

8.2%

4.0%

25.9%

6.5%

4.6%

18.4x

1.2x

3.9%

5.4%

9.25

0.0%

3.0%

9.5%

16.8%

1.5%

3.0x

0.5x

7.0%

33.3%

9.10

2.2%

2.7%

5.2%

13.9%

1.3%

3.9x

0.5x

10.7%

25.9%

7.35

0.7%

2.4%

2.8%

13.5%

1.3%

3.6x

0.4x

5.1%

27.9%

0.0%

2.2%

8.9%

6.6%

2.5%

45.2x

3.0x

2.9%

2.2%

1.9%

-0.1%

25.8%

3.8%

5.6x

1.4x

5.5%

17.7%

6.59

-0.9%

1.7%

10.8%

1.2x

15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

32.50

1.6%

1.3%

25.0%

0.9x

-26.3% 4.3%

540.00

0.0%

1.3%

34.2%

-0.3%

-0.2%

0.5x

7.5%

-2.6%

249.50

0.0%

0.9%

9.4%

16.4%

7.6%

13.6x

2.1x

3.7%

7.4%

93.00

0.0%

0.8%

2.2%

20.6%

13.4%

13.9x

2.7x

2.2%

7.2%

2.74

1.5%

0.7%

8.7%

10.7%

1.1%

3.0x

0.3x

7.3%

32.8%

6.55

0.0%

0.7%

9.2%

0.5%

0.0%

63.5x

0.3x

20.50

0.0%

0.7%

16.5%

30.8%

15.6%

7.3x

2.0x

5.4%

13.8%

1.6%

3.22

1.6%

0.5%

-3.3%

10.3%

1.2%

3.1x

0.1x

4.4%

32.7%

23 Sterling Bank PLC 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.96

1.0%

0.4%

-3.9%

8.8%

0.8%

5.5x

0.4x

1.5%

18.3%

17.20

-0.3%

0.4%

18.6%

18.4%

5.8%

11.2x

3.7x

2.3%

8.9%

1.28

9.4%

0.5%

42.2%

-3.5%

-0.8%

0.8x

0.8%

-4.5%

26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

74.50

0.0%

0.3%

5.0%

18.5%

7.7%

2.4x

2.7%

13.50

0.4%

0.2%

-2.9%

-9.8%

-6.5%

29 United Capital PLC 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 Total Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Wema Bank PLC

5.70

5.6%

0.2%

7.5%

-12.2%

-5.6%

5.40

0.9%

0.2%

14.6%

85.7%

8.7%

18.95

2.4%

0.2%

-0.3%

-16.2%

-8.4%

38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

14.2x

2.1x

0.7x

1.8%

1.6x

9.4%

0.6x

6.00

0.0%

0.2%

2.6%

13.9%

4.8%

5.6x

0.8x

9.7%

0.2%

40.7%

25.0%

3.3%

3.4x

0.7x

7.0% -8.8%

1.2x

1.59

-155.0% 48.5% -31.4%

7.5%

17.9% 29.3%

143.00

0.0%

0.2%

10.0%

10.7%

2.1%

17.3x

1.8x

4.7%

5.8%

18.90

0.0%

0.1%

6.2%

3.8%

0.4%

20.4x

0.8x

8.8%

4.9%

1.4%

6.8%

0.5%

4.1x

0.5x

5.7%

24.6%

0.70

36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 37 Oando PLC

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

4.7%

P/BV

0.0%

WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůǇ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϱ ŽĨ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ

;нϲ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ WAPCO ;нϴ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶͲ

27.9%

P/E

61.00

21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc

Ϭ͘ϱй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ on the back of gains in AIICO ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ͕ NEM

ROA

44.00

Bullish Sector Performance

ůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯ͘ϱй ĂŶĚ

ROE

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 14 International Brew eries PLC

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc

ǁŚŝĐŚ ůŽƐƚ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-2.1%). Converse-

Price Change Index to Date

Current Price

17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞĞŶ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞǆ

Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g

Ticker

3.50

0.0%

0.1%

1.8%

0.0%

0.1%

-100.0% -5.4%

6.6x

-5.4%

14.5%

2.6%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

-21.3%

-6.4%

55.40

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

10.3%

7.2%

3.60

0.0%

-10.4%

-5.0%

4.5%

15.2%

1.5x

0.2x

66.4%

7.8x

0.8x

3.1%

12.8%

0.5x

1.9%

-20.8%

1.8x

-13.3%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϯ͘ϳǆ ĨƌŽŵ the 2.0x recorded previŽƵƐůǇ

ĂƐ

ϱϱ

ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ

ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ

ϭϱ

ĚĞĐůŝŶͲ

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

NNFM

8.80

10.0%

UN IVIN SUR E

51.8

10.0%

D EA P C A P

0.22

10.0%

T R A N SC OR P

43.1

9.2%

N IGER IN S

0.33

10.0%

FB NH

39.8

-3.9%

SUR (-10.0%), MANSARD (-10.0%) and AFROMEDIA (-9.1%) were

SOVR EN IN S

0.33

10.0%

M A N SA R D

38.2

5.6%

ƚŚĞ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ tĞ ĞǆƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ

R OYA LEX

0.44

10.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

38.1

-1.8%

31.8

-1.0% -0.6%

ers. MBENEFIT (+10.0%), ROYALEX (+10.0%) and DEAPCAP (+10.0%) were the best-ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ƟĐŬĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ SUNAS-

ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘

T ic k er

M B EN EF IT

0.55

10.0%

A C C ESS

B OC GA S

15.12

9.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

31.4

LIVEST OC K

2.80

9.8%

UA C N

28.1

1.2%

LIN KA SSUR E

0.90

9.8%

UB A

21.5

-1.6%

C H IP LC

0.45

9.8%

M B EN EF IT

20.7

9.5%

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 T ic k er

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value 820.1

P ric e C hg %

M A N SA R D

1.53

-10.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

SUN UA SSUR

0.90

-10.0%

GUA R A N T Y

422.0

1.8%

A F R OM ED IA

0.20

-9.1%

A C C ESS

303.0

-1.0%

-0.6%

OM A T EK

0.21

-8.7%

FB NH

298.2

-3.9%

UA C -P R OP

0.75

-6.2%

D A N GC EM

266.7

-1.0%

C UT IX

2.06

-5.5%

UA C N

238.6

1.2%

F T N C OC OA

0.63

-4.5%

WA P C O

225.4

0.8%

UN ION D A C

0.32

-3.0%

UB A

194.6

-1.6%

0.68

-2.9%

D A N GSUGA R

114.4

-1.4%

33.05

-2.1%

F ID ELIT YB K

103.7

-1.8%

J A IZ B A N K GUA R A N T Y

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

P ric e

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com Taiwo Ogundipe | togundi-

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Cordros Milestone Gains 54% to Lead Managed Funds Goddy Egene

The Cordros Milestone Fund

(a product of the merger of Cordros Milestone 2023 and Cordros Milestone 2028)

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

led the gainers chart in 2020 as its offer price increased by 53.9 per cent.

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 19Jan-2021, unless otherwise stated.

The fund came as a result of the need to provide a long-term savings plan that

helps to hedge against the eroding effects of inflation. It is managed by Cordros

Assets Management Limited, a subsidiary of Cordros Capital.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.07 1.09 19.11% ACAP Income Funds 0.74 0.74 0.22% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.97% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.54 3.69 -0.40% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.63% Anchoria Equity Fund 137.25 137.71 2.56% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.29 1.29 -3.10% 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 N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 132.15 133.08 4.74% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.16% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.14 2.14 -20.02% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.25 2.29 23.56% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.00% Paramount Equity Fund 16.62 16.94 3.97% Women's Investment Fund 136.19 137.77 2.34% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.78% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 132.08 132.98 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.04 109.04 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.66% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.20 1.21 0.11% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.58 1.58 -0.17% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund 189.43 190.86 0.93% FBN Halal Fund 111.39 111.43 -0.13% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.99% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 0.00 0.00 -100.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 0.00 0.00 -100.00% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 157.12 159.50 3.93% 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 1.32% Legacy Debt Fund 3.88 3.88 6.10% Legacy Equity Fund 1.56 1.60 38.11% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.14 1.14 5.30% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,870.22 3,921.05 3.05% Coral Income Fund 3,318.66 3,318.66 1.61% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 2.15% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.79% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 129.10 129.63 19.90%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.08% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.90 2.96 32.49% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 157.02 157.98 9.61% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ﬁncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.45 1.47 0.69% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,161.15 1,161.15 0.48% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.65 1.68 7.27% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.23 12.34 8.93% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.64 1.66 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.59 111.08 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 134.79 137.52 9.34% 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 0.37% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 2.00% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.18% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 2.97% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.23% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 1.54% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.28% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -0.15% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.23 1.23 0.29% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.29 111.29 0.19% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.42 1.44 3.70% United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 0.21% United Capital Equity Fund 0.91 0.94 5.07% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.50% United Capital Eurobond Fund 117.44 117.44 0.31% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.11 0.65% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.52 12.65 5.59% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.89 13.96 13.51% Zenith Income Fund 24.10 24.10 0.52% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.98%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

120.87

0.11%

52.46

0.11%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.28 127.39 100.66

13.38 127.39 102.56

0.46% 4.64% 1.31%

Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.25

4.29

11.92%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

6.02

6.10

5.77%

Vetiva Grifﬁn 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

18.05 1.00 20.36

18.15 1.00 20.56

10.19% 0.87% -0.78%

193.55

195.55

-13.02%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.71

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

THURSDAY, ͺ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Democracy Prevailed, Says Biden, Urges Americans to Unite Pence, Clinton, Bush, Obama grace inauguration Buhari congratulates new president Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Vanessa Obioha in Lagos and Martins Iﬁjeh in New Jersey, United States The United States yesterday opened a new chapter in its political history as Senator Joseph Biden from Delaware took his oath of office as the 46th president. Biden, sworn in along with Vice President Kamala Harris, in his inaugural address, spoke glowingly about the US democracy, tested to the limit by the acrimony over the outcome of the November 3, 2020, presidential election, saying finally, democracy prevailed. He rallied Americans, badly divided by the acrimonious contestation for power in the last election, to a new beginning. With his inauguration, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Biden, saying he looks forward to working closely with him. Biden’s inauguration, conducted in compliance with COVID-19 protocols was witnessed by the immediate past Vice President Mike Pence, former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and George Bush Jnr., among other dignitaries. It, however, was foregrounded by a security siege, which saw Washington DC militarised following threats of domestic terrorism by supporters of immediate past President Donald Trump, who were on January 6 incited by Trump and his allies to attack the Capitol in a bid to stop the Congress from certifying Biden’s victory in the election. Trump, who until January 6, made several claims to discredit the election, is yet to acknowledge he lost the presidential race or congratulate Biden. Trump left the White House hours before the inauguration and was not in attendance, a final display of irreverence for the traditions and norms that have long shaped the presidency. Biden’s inauguration brought to a final closure the bitter dispute over the outcome of the presidential election, which

Trump fought till his last day in office, making him buck the trend of an outgoing president extending all succession courtesies to the incoming one. Biden committed his administration to marshal a spirit of national unity to guide the country through one of its most divided era in history. Millions of Americans watched from home as Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts, administered the oath of office on Biden on the steps outside the West Front of the US Capitol, just two weeks after they watched in horror as a mob of supporters loyal to his predecessor stormed the building in a violent last stand to overturn the results of the presidential election. Biden, in his inaugural speech, said he was ready to bring the country to a common path of unity, noting that although the forces that divide the country are deep and real, he believes unity is the only successful path forward for the country. “The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We’ve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed,” he said, adding: “This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day in history and hope, of renewal and resolve. He pursued the theme of unity: “I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. I also know they are not new. Unity is the path forward. America’s history is a constant struggle between our professed ideals and its lived reality. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward." The president then pointed to Harris being sworn in as vice president as an indication of how much positive change the nation can achieve. "Don’t tell me things can’t change,” Biden said, adding that, “the nation must confront white supremacy,” possibly becoming the first president to utter that phrase in an inaugural address. “The dream

of justice for all will be deferred no longer,” he added. Biden swore to defend the constitution and the country “against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Biden, who looked out over a capital city dotted with empty storefronts that attest to the pandemic’s deep economic toll and where summer protests laid bare the nation’s renewed reckoning on racial injustice, added: “We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities: much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain. “Few people in our nation’s history have more challenged, or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now,” Biden stated. In a speech that touched on the broad challenges facing the country, the president reassured Americans that the country would move forward despite deep divisions. He also touched on what he sees as the four biggest challenges facing the country: the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, climate change and the resurgence of white supremacy. "So today, at this time, in this place, let's start fresh. Let's begin to listen to one another, hear one another, show respect to one another," he said. He also addressed the calls of a stolen election that led to the Capitol Riot two weeks ago. "Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson: This is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens, as Americans and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and defeat the lies." Throughout the address, Biden emphasised that his administration would move forward, progressing and tackling the issues facing the country. The new president discussed the millions of jobs lost due to the pandemic, as well as a need for racial reconciliation in the US. He said he would rebuild the middle class and appealed to those who did not vote for

him to listen to his message. Harris' oath of office was administered by the first black woman on the Supreme Court bench, Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Lady Gaga rendered the national anthem and Jennifer Lopez performed a rendition of Ray Charles ‘America, the Beautiful.’ Trump’s absence at the historic event underscored the healing that Biden needs to bring a divided country together. Flouting tradition, Trump departed Washington for Florida yesterday morning shortly before his successor’s inauguration. At 78, Biden is the oldest president ever to take the oath of office. Part of Biden’s legacy was secured even before he placed his hand atop a large, 19thcentury Bible, and a family heirloom accented with a Celtic cross and held by his wife, Jill. Biden, the vice president to the nation’s first black president, Obama, elevated Harris as America’s first female, first Black and first Asian-American vice president. Fear and anxiety surrounded the lead-up to Biden’s inauguration. The threat of more violence resulted in the deployment of nearly 25,000 National Guard troops, transforming the shining city upon a hill into a military fortress. The pandemic had already greatly reshaped the inaugural events and ceremony, which typically draw hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall. Much of the area was closed. Instead, flags from the states and territories represented those who the inaugural committee had urged to stay away, out of concern that large crowds would spread the COVID-19, which has now killed more than 400,000 Americans. The inauguration brings to a close one of the most volatile transitions in modern memory, an interregnum that tested the fragility of America’s commitment to an orderly and peaceful transition of power. For weeks after his defeat, Trump whipped up loyalists with baseless allegations of a

stolen election. His claims were dismissed by dozens of courts, security experts, Republican election officials and his then attorneygeneral. But Trump refused to accept defeat, a decision that culminated two weeks ago in the assault on the US Capitol, where rioters attempted to stop Congress from certifying Biden’s win. Hours after being sworn in, Biden was expected to return to the White House to begin undoing what his chief of staff described as “the gravest damages” of his predecessor’s legacy. With a sense of urgency intended to reflect the magnitude of the tasks before him, Biden will sign 15 executive orders, as well as a flurry of memorandums and decrees from the Oval Office, according to his top policy advisers. He will immediately rejoin the Paris climate accords, end the effort to leave the World Health Organisation, repeal a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries, revoke the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and extend a pause on student loan payments and a federal moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. He will also send a sweeping immigration bill to Congress and impose a national mandate requiring mask-wearing in federal buildings and interstate travel. Taken together, the Biden administration hopes to mark a sharp break with the reality show drama that captured the White House for the last four years by demonstrating a commitment to the work of governing. Nearly half a century after he was sworn in as one of the nation’s youngest senators, he became the oldest president to take the oath of office. A veteran of Washington first elected to the Senate in 1972, where he served until becoming vice president under Obama in 2009, Biden enters the White House with one of the deepest résumés in American political history, an experience he will rely on as inherits a country

ravaged by disease, economic turmoil and political upheaval. Loss and recovery have marked his long career in public service. His first wife and his daughter were killed in a car accident days after his election to the Senate. In 2015, he buried his eldest son, Beau, who died of brain cancer. In a tearful farewell address to his home state of Delaware on the eve of his inauguration, Biden said: “I only have one regret: that he’s not here.” Biden’s rise to the presidency, the realisation of a life’s dream was paved with false starts and bad timing. A plagiarism scandal plagued his first run. Outshone by the history-making candidacy of his Democratic opponents in 2008, Biden bowed out before the Iowa caucuses. Then, in 2015, still mourning the loss of his son, Biden opted not to run.

Buhari Looks Forward to Working with Biden President Buhari yesterday congratulated his US counterpart, Joe Biden, on his inauguration as the 46th president, saying he looks forward to working closely with him. Buhari, in a statement by his media assistant, Malam Garba Shehu, expressed hope that the Biden presidency will mark a strong point of cooperation and support for Nigeria as well as Africa. Buhari, in congratulating the leaders, and the entire United States on the successful transition said it marked an important historical inflexion point for democracy as a system of government and for the global community as a whole. “We look forward to the Biden presidency with great hope and optimism for the strengthening of existing cordial relationships, working together to tackle global terrorism, climate change, poverty and improvement of economic ties and expansion of trade. “We hope that this will be an era of great positivity between our two nations, as we jointly address issues of mutual interest,” the president stated.

FEC Approves 65 Years as Retirement Age for Teachers Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the increase in the retirement age of teachers in the country from 60 to 65 years. Already, a bill to that effect is being forwarded to the National Assembly for necessary legislative approval. FEC at its first weekly meeting in 2021 presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, also okayed N1.4 billion for the upgrading

of electricity facilities at Calabar export free trade zone. The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who made these known to journalists after the FEC meeting stated that FEC has approved the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Bill 2021, which seeks to give legal backing to the current administration’s measure to enhance the teaching profession in the country. According to him, the Executive Bill is to be sent to the National Assembly

for its consideration and if passed by the lawmakers, the retirement age of teachers will move from 60 years to 65 while the years of service will now be 40 instead of the present 35. The minister identified some highlights of the bill to include the introduction of bursary award, special rural posting allowances and other measures to attract the best brains to the profession. Adamu described the memo approved for the education sector as a giant step.

“So, all the promises the president made and all the approvals that he has given me we will now begin to put into effect because this is a legal backing that is required for it,” he said, adding: “I want to assure teachers that this government will do to them what has never been done before. This is the first biggest step.” He noted that the intention of the bill is to attract the best brains to the teaching profession. “For that, the president

approved the reintroduction of bursary awards which I told you here last year, improving teacher quality, and funding teaching practice,” he said. Adamu said Buhari approved an enhanced entry point for teachers, explaining that there are now some special allowances for teachers on ‘hardship postings.’ Another allowance, he pointed out, is science teacher allowance, saying the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) under his ministry has professionalised the profession.

FEC also approved N1.4 billion for the upgrading of electricity facilities at the Calabar Free Trade Zone Area. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, told journalists that FEC approved the memo brought before it by one of the parastatals in his ministry. FEC also approved a treaty tagged: “Plant Genetic Resource for Food and Agriculture” for the advancement and enhancement of the agricultural resource base.

THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, ˾ ͺͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Ndigbo Not at War with Nigeria, Says Ohanaeze Christopher Isiguzo ËØÎ Gideon Arinze Ø ØßÑß The apex Igbo social-cultural organisation,OhanaezeNdigbo yesterday declared that Ndigbo are not at war with the rest of Nigeria, insisting however that the people still desire justice and protection in the country. The organisation advised the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu against indulging in activities that will incite violence against Ndigbo in his demand for Biafra. The organisation also said the time has come for Ndigbo to reassess the Igbo dilemma in Nigeria as every major group, including the minorities are doing same today. The new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor made this known while addressing journalists in Enugu, during the World Press Conference of the organisation. According to him, the Igbo nation is not at war with Nigeria and has nothing pending before any institutional authority that

demands a separate existence from Nigeria. He said "we are not nation wreakers but builders; united in grief and history. We don't seek to dominate anybody or humiliate our fellow humans. “We seek a world where justice and fairness prevail. Our struggle for justice has been long and tortures". He explained that the fact and reality are that the issues of Biafra are above and beyond Kanu's capacity to decide. "Nnamdi Kanu is one of us and he must listen to some of us since we are in this dilemma together and our mutual and collective responsibilities are sacred and must be respected”. He warned that all actions or utterances that put Ndigbo in present and imminent danger or harm's way must be avoided. Obiozor maintained that security remains the greatest problem and imperative need of Ndigbo today. He said that in Nigeria, the story of insecurity of Ndigbo has reached incrementally dangerous level of existential threat, insisting that Ndigbo

are the most vulnerable and victims of violence. "Ndigbo are the most exposed to physical violence, attack and destruction of their houses or property at the slightest crisis in any part

of the country". Speaking further, he said, "the Igbo dilemma in Nigeria has finally come home at last and we must take critical, even delicate decision and those problems need pragmatic

solutions and quickly too. “The time requires careful and delicate skilled manager in the relationships between Ndigbo among themselves and other Nigerian nationalities especially the national power

elites". He said Ndigbo seek unity, but not unity of slaves and masters, stressing that “we seek peace but not peace of the grave yard. We seek justice".

ALL EYES ON REVENUE DIVERSIFICATION...

L-R: Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; and Founder, Farm Konnect Nigeria Limited; Lt. Commander Azeez Oluwole (rtd); during the official inauguration of Agbeja Integrated Snail Farm in Okemesi Ekiti…recently

Bafarawa Tasks Buhari on COVID-19: Kano Records 17 Deaths in Two Months Insecurity saying the state government confirmed cases to self-isolate the state. Ibrahim Shuaibu ÓØ ËØÙ Adedayo Akinwale ÓØ ÌßÔË

A former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to focus and show more concern on the issue of insecurity confronting the country, saying northerners and indeed all Nigerians are not happy with security situation. Bafarawa made the call while addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday. He lamented that insecurity has claimed thousands of lives than the pandemic has ever done, but regretted that government appears to have abandoned the situation and channelled all its effort to a pandemic that has taken barely 2000 lives. To this end, Bafarawa called on the federal government to diverttheproposedN400billion for the procurement of vaccines to tackling insecurity. He stated: "When I see things are not going, I cannot keep

quiet, because if I keep quiet maybeotherpartsofthecountry will start accusing us that we are promoting what is bad. But, the reality is that we in the north are not happy with the way things are going. "I see Nigeria as one country, it is not a question of whether the president is a northerner; we are not saying this based on our own personal interest; we are saying this behalf of the people who do not have the opportunity to say it, and I believe most of Nigerians have the same feeling. In my village about 14 people were killed just two days ago, insecurity has not improved", he said. Bafarawa noted that about 2,000 people have died from COVID-19, while about 300 to 400,000 people died from insecurity. Bafarawa, therefore, advised thefederalgovernmenttodivert the proposed N400 billion for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines to tackling insecurity .

Kwara Disburses N92.5m to 2,300 Victims of Ilorin Rainstorm Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ

Kwara State Government has disbursed N92.5million to 2,300 victims of Ilorin rainstorm disaster. The state government said each of the victims have been paid through preloaded ATM cards ranging between N25, 000 and N100,000 depending on the effects suffered by the victims. The Chairman of the Implementation Committee on Ilorin Rainstorm Disasters, Hajia

Habibat Yusuf, who spoke to journalists in Ilorin yesterday shortly after the presentation of the preloadedATM cards to the victims, said the gesture was in line with the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's commitment to cushion the effects of the disaster on the victims. She said: "This disbursement is about giving succour to the victims of last year's rainstorm in Ilorin. It is the state government way of alleviating their sufferings.

The Deputy Coordinator of Kano State Rapid Response on COVID-19, Dr. Sabitu Shuaibu Shanono, has disclosed that the resurgence of the pandemic has claimed 17 lives between December 2020 and January 20, 2021, in the state. Shanono disclosed this yesterday during the technical team presentation held at the Government House, stating that the technical team recorded 827 new cases since the coming of the second wave of the pandemic. According to him, out of the 827 cases, 289 are still on admission and receiving treatment,

had now recorded 71 deaths in total since the index case that was recorded on April 11, 2020. He also disclosed that the state has recorded 5,083 contact tracing, adding that while there were 61,997 suspected cases, Kano, the second most populous state in Nigeria, had also recorded 2,636 confirmed cases while 2,276 were discharged. Shanono lamented that the state is facing the challenges of poor public compliance to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, as the people in the state are not observing the safety measures properly. "There is poor cooperation by

themselves or even be taken to isolation facilities. This is the reason we are having community transmission of the infection in the state. "There was a case that infected about 19 persons due to failure to self-isolate. I therefore use this opportunity to call on people to cooperate with the government in a bid to stamp out this disease in the state," Shanono appealed. The state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in his remark, disclosed that the state government had made an arrangement to start testing people, who enter the state from border towns in order to check the spread of the pandemic in

Ganduje also disclosed that the government has engaged the security agencies where a template had been designed for enforcement of compliance on COVID-19 protocols in the state. According to him, the government decided to engage traditional rulers and Ulamas in the state because “they are respected, and their voices are heard,” adding that "that is why we have called you to take this message to your various communities. "Go back to your respective communities and enlighten your people on the dangers of the pandemic and ways to preventandprotectyourselves."

Fayemi Inaugurates N5bn Africa’s Biggest Snail Farm in Ekiti Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ A consortium of agricultural firms, Dem Eli Farms and Merchandise, and Farmkonnect, has establishedaN5billionsnailfarm in Ekiti State, being the biggest on the Africa continent. Inaugurating the farm, which ischristened'EgbejaSnailVillage' and located at Okemesi Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state yesterday, the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said the farm would

generate 5,000 jobs when fully operational. Fayemi assured the state that his government is resolute to makethestateacommercialhub for agribusiness, saying he had demonstrated this by attracting over $100 million public-private driven agro-allied investments to the state in two years. The governor said: "This project is the first of its kind in Ekiti State. It will stock up a production of 2.6 million snails and slime for export to

the international market. To us, it will provide easy market and foreign exchange earnings aswellas generateemployments for our teeming youths. "The production of snail and slime in exportable quantities will automatically put Ekiti State on the world map. At completion, no fewer than 5,000 jobs will be provided for our youths while also supporting our vision for youth empowerment and technology transfer. "We are passionate about

agriculture, which is our green investment in the state. We are ready to give tax holidays and issue certificate of occupancies to investors within 60 days of operation as part of our efforts to strengthen that sector." The founder of Farmkonnect, Lt. Commander Azees Oluwole, stated that the farm, upon completion, would cover 100,000 square metres of land, makingitthebiggestinvestment that can generate employments and create wealth.

Vaccination against Yellow Fever Records Low Turnout in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji ÓØ ËßÍÒÓ Theongoingvaccinationagainst yellow fever in Bauchi State has witnessed low turnout of the target audience of nine months old to 44 years. THISDAY checks revealed that some of the designated centres for the exercise within the Bauchi metropolis and suburb settlements revealed that only a handful of the people, mostly

children, are being vaccinated. THISDAY monitored the exercise and reported that at the PHC behind the Emir's Palace in Bauchi, only women were seen with their children at the centre for the vaccination, as was confirmed by some of the officials conducting the exercise. Some of the women, who spoke with THISDAY, said they brought their children to be vaccinatedbasedontheexplanation

during the awareness campaign before the commencement of the exercise last Monday. While reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of BASPHCDA, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, expressed optimism that the turnout would improve as the exercise goes on, saying it will last for 10 days. Mohammed added that the agency has made adequate

preparation for the exercise, saying the vaccine doses of over seven million have been procured and stored at the various cold rooms for the target audience. He added that the agency has made preparations for allowance for all the teams that have been engaged for the 10 days exercise, disclosing that not less than the sum of N30million will be expended for the exercise.

THISDAY, ˾ ͺͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Cholera Outbreak Kills 20 in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu ÓØ ÝËÌË Cholera outbreak in coastal communities of Bomadi and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State has reportedly killed at least 20 persons this year. THISDAY gathered that scores of persons, mainly children, have been affected by the water-borne disease in the locality that is notoriously known for its poor quality water for drinking and other domestic uses. Sources in the area said that residents became anxious about the growing number of people with symptoms similar to cholera who began to stream to public hospitals and health centres in the area. Relevant government authorities were said to have expressed concern over the cholera outbreak, which is coming on the heels of yellow fever outbreak in some com-

munities in the state even while the COVID-19 pandemic is still on the prowl. Asource in the ministry said yesterday that only about seven persons out of the 150 cases of cholera recorded as at January 16, 2021, had died. The health ministry source, however, said that collation of new cases and necessary analysis of samples from the patients was ongoing. It was reported that Tuomo, Tamigbe and Gberegolor communities in Bomadi Local GovernmentArea were the most hit as several victims reportedly died before reaching hospital or receiving medical attention. Nevertheless, a team of officials from the state ministry of health and State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHDA) have moved in and working hard to bring the situation under control. However, the residents of the area believed that the cause

New CCB Members Promise to End Capital Flight, Corrupt Practices Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË Three new members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) yesterday promised to contribute their quota to ensure a change in the nation’s antigraft fight. The new members -Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, Olayinka Balogun and Benedict Umeano- spoke with State House correspondents shortly after they were inaugurated by PresidentMuhammaduBuhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. They have also expressed its commitment towards stopping capital flights usually perpetrated by certain individuals taking Nigeria's resources to develop other nations. The new members promised to take definite steps towards fighting corrupt practises among the citizenry with the aim of reducing it to the barest

minimum. Speaking after their inauguration, Agbonayinma, who represents South-South, described corruption as a cancer that must be eradicated. According to him, it was high time people with dubious intentions were stopped from giving the nation a bad name and image. He gave a promise that the new CCB Board will be tactical, honest and sincere in the fight against corruption to ensure they achieve results that will put the administration in the right path. Agbonayinma said, "I think Nigeria deserves to get the best, Nigeria deserves to be among the leading nations with all that God has bestowed on this nation, but few cabals have determined to derail the progress of this great nation through dubious means.

FCT Threatens to Arrest, Prosecute Teachers Flouting COVID-19 Protocols

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has urged teachers in Abuja to comply fully with COVID-19 protocols or be arrested and prosecuted in the court of law. The Head, Media and Enlightenment on COVID-19, Mr. Ikharo Attah, issued the threat yesterday after an inspection of compliance across schools in the nation's capital. Attah said that it was ironic that guidelines were grossly violated by teachers in the schools visited while the students fully complied. He said: "What we saw was a very strong compliance by the students, but very sadly, school workers, teachers, some security men and non-

teaching staff believed that the compliance was strictly and only for students. You all saw it. We went to some schools where we saw teachers not putting on facemasks, we saw workers not putting on facemasks and we saw cleaners not putting on facemasks, but the students were almost 100 percent in compliance with facemasks. "So we actually felt disappointed that teachers and school leaders who ought to be the ones spearheading were the ones defaulting the guidelines.” He explained that it was strategic inspecting the schools on the third day as according to him, the schools had dropped the guard as they expected the inspection on the first day.

of the cholera outbreak is not farfetched, lamenting that due to non-existent potable water in the area, the people were left with no choice but to drink from the filthy water sources from the Forcados River, wells and local ponds. "Here in Bomadi, we drink from this river (Focados) because that is the only source

of water. Anyone can see how dirty the river is," a Bomadi resident, Mr. Charles Ebiye, said, adding that "some persons also rely on their shallow wells or ponds; this is clearly the cause of this cholera." Ebiye lamented that the state government is yet to put into use the multi-million Naira water scheme it constructed

in the area many years ago. In his reaction, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ononye Mordi, attributed the cholera outbreak to poor hygiene among the residents, including drinking water with high iron content and highly polluted by poor sanitary habits. Ononye, however, assured

that concerted efforts were being made by the state government to activate the water project soon in order to avail the people of the area of affordable clean and potable water supply. The health commissioner expressed optimism that the situation would soon be put under control as the vaccination of the residents had commenced.

DISCUSSING FUTURE OF NDIGBO...

L-R: Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay; President, Prof. George Obiozor; Deputy President, Chief Kroham Joel, former President, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey; and Vice President, Chief Okeagu Ogadah, during a maiden news conference in Enugu...yesterday

Man Bags Life Imprisonment for Raping Step Daughter in Akwa Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo A23-year-old man has bagged life imprisonment for raping his step daughter in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A High Court sitting in Uyo, the state’s capital, sentenced the man, Mr. Iniobong Okon Moses, to life imprisonment for raping his three-year-old step-daughter in Ikot Akpe, Uyo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The court, which was presided over by Justice Okon Okon, found Moses guilty of rape, an act that is contrary to Section367oftheCriminalCode Cap 38, Vol. 2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000. The court described Iniobong Moses as "a disgrace to humanity, whose conduct falls abysmally below even the conduct of beasts." Justice Okon held that by his indefensible and despicable act,

the convict has shown himself to be callous and devoid of passion. He further held that the convict "does not deserve to walk freely on Nigerian soil and breathe the air of freedom meant for decent members of the society." Okon said that the rape victim could have been looking at the accused gleefully in naivety expecting no hurt from the accused in loco parentis with

her." The convict, Iniobong Moses, who is a native of Afaha Udo Eyop in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of the state, said in his confessional statement that he was drunk. But the court rejected the claim of the accused that he was drunk, noting that "drunkenness is not an exculpatory defence in law for the commission of a crime and more so, as it was self-inflicted."

Oyo Community Alleges Marginalisation invasions within the area need to be revisited and in which a call for the Fulanis Ugo Aliogo The Ibarape Development Forum has expressed displeasure over what it termed as gross neglect of the region by the Oyo State Government especially in the provision of security and infrastructural development. The group in a statement jointly signed by the President of the Forum, Etomitade Oduola and the Secretary, Akinbode Badiu, said the recent killings, maiming, kidnappings and

and lukewarm disposition of the state government to the security of the region have given rise to self-help as the solution. The group called on the state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde to conduct on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Ibarapa with a view to finding lasting solution to the crises, adding that the present strategies within the security architecture

repositioned. The statement posited that the ongoing face-off between Fulani in the region and their host has once again underscored the urgent need to have a sincere discourse that would lead to truth and reconciliation. The group remarked that the relationship between Ibarapa people and the Fulani sojourners has broken down to the level of distrust

to quit is being made. It argued that, “this call and the ensuing drumbeats of war should abate now to leave room for meaningful dialogue.” “With the sudden surge of insecurity in the Region, one would have expected any Government that prides itself as people-oriented to have left no stone unturned in ensuring the safeguard of lives and properties”.

Enugu Govt Commences Rehabilitation of Water Projects

Determined to ensure adequate supply of potable water from Oji River, Ajali and Iva water schemes to Enugu metropolis, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has awarded contract for comprehensive rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme Water Supply Scheme to FordMarx Nigeria Limited, at the cost of N600 million. In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Hon.Anthony Dubem Onyia, the contract which has a six-month duration will boost the volume of water being

reticulated from the 9th Mile Crash Programme Water SupplySchemetoEnugumetropolis and environs. Onyia who disclosed that the 9th Mile Crash Programme Water Supply Scheme, will be solar-powered to address the peculiar challenges of power supply, added that the project has a two-year warranty and maintenance period by the company, FordMarx Nigeria Limited. He explained that the project is a network of 12 boreholes connected to a massive pumping station and a mini-treatment plant that will reticulate water

to Enugu metropolis through transmission pipelines. The SpecialAdviser revealed that the state government has commenced the bid opening and evaluation meeting for new Okwojo Ngwo boreholes augmentation to Enugu metropolis. Onyia further explained that the Okwojo Ngwo boreholes augmentation to Enugu metropolis, which is a network of 10 solar-powered boreholes, is a newly conceived design which will help boost water production and distribution to Enugu metropolis and environs. He added that it will equally

augment the existing water schemes in order to effectively manage and meet the demands of the growing population of Enugu metropolis. In a related development, the Enugu State Government in its commitment to solve the water problem in Nsukka and environs, has engaged a consultant to prepare engineering designs for the transmission and distribution pipelines, reservoirs and booster stations for the Nsukka Water Supply Project from Adada River Dam that will eventually deliver water to people of the area.

THISDAY, ˾ ͺͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Alleged N544m Fraud: EFCC Presents First Witness against Babachir Lawal The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened its case against a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal, accused of N544 million fraud. Lawal is facing criminal prosecution alongside his younger brother, Hamidu David Lawal, as well as Sulaiman Abubakar; Apeh John Monday; Rholavision Engineering Ltd, and Josmon Technologies Ltd. They were re-arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on diversion of funds, criminal conspiracy and official corruption before Charles Agbaza, a federal capital territory (FCT) high court judge, on November 30, 2020, following the demise

of Jude Okeke, the previous trial judge. The Cable reported that at the resumed trial yesterday, Mohammed Babansule, a relationship manager with the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), was called as the first prosecution witness. In his examination-inchief, the witness, who is the account manager of the sixth defendant (Josmon Technologies Ltd), told the court that the account opening form and other documents submitted to the bank showed that Apeh, the fourth defendant, is the signatory to the account. Babansule said although the company account was opened in 2015, he became the relationship manager in June 2018.

Air Peace Resumes Flights into Dubai Air Peace has announced that it would resume flights into Dubai via Sharjah on February 5, 2021. Spokesperson for the airline, Mr. Stanley Olisa said in a statement issued yesterday that the Dubai via Sharjah service would be operated once a week. “We are delighted to announce that we shall be resuming flights to Dubai via Sharjah on February 5 and passengers can start booking on the website or the mobile app. Lagos-Dubai will operate on Fridays while Dubai-Lagos will be on Saturdays.” He added that the flight frequency would be increased subsequently depending on observed passenger traffic. “We urge our esteemed

passengers to comply with all established COVID-19 protocols guiding international air travel,” the airline spokesperson said. The airline also disclosed that it now operates additional flights into Enugu. Olisa said, “These new flights are in response to popular demand and a reflection of our resolve to reduce the air transportation burden of Nigerians.” Air Peace launched its second international route – South Africa – in December 2020 and has other international destinations in the offing. These include MumbaiIndia, Guangzhou-China, Houston-US and London.

NDLEA Arrests 262 Suspected Drug Peddlers Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it had arrested 262 suspected drug traffickers and seized 15,253.82 kg of narcotics, including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and tramadol, last year. The agency said those arrested are 180 males and 82 females, while 10 vehicles used in smuggling illicit drugs were also impounded, as well as the destruction of 15 cannabis plantation measuring 11.82 hectares in the year under review. In addition, the anti-drug agency noted that 86 drug dependent persons were successfully counseled and reunited with their families, with eight drug traffickers convicted while 220 cases were pending at the Federal High Court as at December 31, 2020.

Commenting on the above operational scorecard in Benin-city, the state Commander, Mr. Buba Wakawa, said: "The command recorded the achievement despite the COVID-19 lockdown and the #EndSARS protest that led to the destruction of the Edo State Command headquarters." The commander added that various modes of drug concealments were adopted by drug barons, which included the use of silos, underground tunnels, cannabis warehouses as well as false compartments in trucks, buses and cars. Buba, however, thanked the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for his prompt response in providing a temporary accommodation for the command following the destruction of the state command headquarters in Benin-city during the #EndSARS protest in October last year.

The witness presented copies of the account opening package, registration forms of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as well

as copies of the director’s international passport and utility bill. Prosecution Counsel, OI Uket, urged the court

to admit the documents in evidence. With no objection from the defence counsel, the judge admitted the documents as

exhibits 1 to 33. The matter has been adjourned till January 21, 2021, for continuation.

BATTLING FOR JUSTICE...

Suspects, Mr. Bright Ogbuagu (left), and Mr. Vanger Luper, during their arraignment for alleged adulteration of automobile engine lubricants by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos...yesterday

2023 Presidential Race: Ohuabunwa Promises Revolution of Ideas

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole ÓØ ÌßÔË

An industrialist, Chief Sam Ohuabunwa, yesterday in Abuja kick-started a political move with the aim of wresting powerfromthecurrentpoliticians in 2023, promising a ‘revolution of ideas’ in Nigeria if given the opportunityinthepoliticalspace to serve. Launching the movement tagged: ‘The New Nigeria Group (NNG)’, Ohuabunwa said solving Nigerian economic problem is very simple, and it is

not as complex as it seems to the current operators. "We don't need a violent revolution to change Nigeria, it a revolution of ideas that we need to change this country. "Solving Nigerian economic problem is as simple as ABC if there is sanctity of contract, safety of life and prosperity, as well as improved ease of doing business,’’ he stated. The businessman said the group’s vision for Nigeria was to make the country a first world nation, where all citizens live in harmony; treated equally

to achieve peace and prosperity for all with a mission-plan to mobilise like-minded citizens to install enlightened, visionary and committed leadership in Nigeria that will motivate the country to optimise its human and material resources to attain global competitiveness. The former chairman of SURE-P in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan added that if Nigeria solves the problems of poverty and injustice, it would have solved four of Nigeria’s major problems-poverty, corruption, injustice and insecurity.

According to him, "Solve poverty and that will largely solve the problem of corruption, solve injustice and that will largely deal with insecurity also. "Many of us have written and canvassed for nearly 30 years, but nothing has changed. Eleven years after my book, the new Nigeria has refused to emerge because others and I believed that ours is to just suggest and government will do the needful, but as you can see, we have to step in and do it ourselves."

SON Arraigns Two for Adulterating Engine Oil Ugo Aliogo TheFederalHighCourtinLagos yesterday ordered the remand of two businessmen, Vanger Luper and Bright Ogbuagu, at the correctional centre in Ikoyi for allegedly adulterating automobile engine oil. TheywereallegedtohaveproducedfakeTotal,Mobil,ForteOil andMMASCOenginelubricants andplacedforgedlabelsonthem to deceive unsuspecting buyers. TheStandardsOrganisationof Nigeria (SON) arraigned them on five-count charge of dealing

in substandard engine oil and fraudulentlyclaimingtheywere genuine products. Prosecuting counsel,Adeleke Olofindare, said Luper, of 27 Bale Street, Onireke, Ojo, and Ogbuagu of 5 Okoye Street, Igbeniri, Ojo, conspired to commit the alleged offence on December23,2020,attheUnited Allied Spare Parts Dealers Association (UASPDA), Trade Fair Complex, on the Lagos Badagry Expressway. SONsaidthedefendants“did fraudulentlyinscribeSONmark of quality, certification number

and logo on the adulterated/ substandard engine oil to deceive innocent consumers”. The agency said they adulterated 29 cartons of AMMASCO engine oil, 24 cartons Mobil Oil, 18 cartons of Forte Oil, two cartons of Total Oil, two cartons of A-Z Oil (one litre each) and one carton of 4-litre Forte Oil. Also found on them were 5X25 litres of unbranded engine oiland18X25litresofunbranded empty jerry cans. The alleged offence is punishable under Section 26 (a) and (b) of Standards Organisation

of Nigeria (SON) Act 2015. The prosecution said the defendants “did conspire and deal in” the adulterated/substandard engine oil for public consumption, which “did not comply with marking criteria of the mandatory industrial standards”. SON said the defendants deceived the unsuspecting buyers to believe that the adulterated products were genuine and branded lubricants, adding that the “products were not of the quality which you represented them to be”.

Ndibe Tasks Nigerian Electorate on Political Choices Emma Okonji ËØÎ Nosa Alekhuogie Following yesterday’s inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States of America and Vice President Kamala Harris, a US-based Nigerian intellectual, Prof. Okey Ndibe, has called on Nigerian electorate to draw lessons from the US elections, where the electorate stood firmly behind their political choices, and voted for

the right candidates. AnalysingAmerica’s general election in November 2020, which brought Joe Biden to political power, Ndibe said America has been a contentious country since the leadership of former President Donald Trump,andthatPresidentBiden would have some challenging task in unifying and rebuilding America. Ndibe, who discussed the US politics and the lessons for Nigeria yesterday during

the Morning Show of Arise News TV, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said Nigerians have great lessons to learn from the US politics and its last November elections that brought President Biden to power. According to him, “Nigerians should learn from Trump’s election loss and his inability to return to power for a second term because of his ideologies that brought division to the people of America. Africans

and Nigerians must push against that kind of politics where Trump believed so much in himself and refused to listen to the voice of wisdom. “With Trump, American industrial sector fell low and industry workers lost confidence in his administration. The haphazard way with which Trump handled the COVID-19 pandemic is another lesson that African and Nigerian leaders should learn from.

THISDAY, ˾ ͺͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

NAF Highlights Role in Insurgency War Kingsley Nwezeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) yesterday premiered the motion picture, "Eagle Wings" in Abuja to highlight its contributions to the ongoing war against insurgency in the country.

The film, which featured top Nollywood actors, Keppy Ekpenyong, Francis Duru among others was produced by the NAF Investments Limited (NAFIL) in collaboration with Papel Image Tech Limited. It highlighted the NAF

Panic in Delta Community as Fleeing Suspected Fraudster Kills Woman, Daughter Sylvester Idowu ÓØ ËÜÜÓ Heavily armed soldiers, drafted to Ebrumede Police Division, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, have saved the divisional police station from being razed by angry youths yesterday following the killing of a woman and her child by a suspected 'yahoo. yahoo' boy. There was pandemonium at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) junction in Effurun where a police vehicle was said to have been chasing the suspected internet fraudsters otherwise known as “Yahoo boys,” who crushed the mother and her daughter to death. "There was a bang when the vehicle ran into the tricycle. The tricycle tumbled and flung the woman and her daughter. They died instantly," a source said. The Delta State Governor, Dr.

Ifeanyi Okowa, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the woman and her child in Warri. Okowa, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, decried the incident and charged police authorities in the state to commence urgent and accelerated investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He said that the sad news of the death of the woman and her daughter in a rather bizarre circumstance in Warri yesterday was quite unfortunate and disheartening. Okowa condoled with the deceased’s family on the loss of their loved ones and assured that everyone involved in the processes that led to the incident would be brought to book.

Akwa Ibom Court Begins Sitting on Deeper Life School Assault Suit Okon Bassey in Uyo

Proceedings into the Deeper Life School assault suit yesterday commenced in a closeddoor setting in a Magistrate Court, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, as journalists were barred from entry the hall. The secretary of the court, who did not mention her name, explained that since the matter was a juvenile case, nobody would be accepted to participate in the proceedings except the parties involved in the matter. TheAkwa Ibom State Police command had two weeks ago arraigned seven persons, including minors, in connection with the alleged sexual molestation and maltreatment of one Don-Davis Archibong, 11, a student of Deeper Life High School at Idoro, Uyo. The accused were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit: indecent treatment of boys under 14, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 556 of the criminal code, Cap. 38, Volume 2, laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000. They were equally charged for unlawfully assaulting DonDavies Archibong, which is punishable under Section 218(1) of the criminal code, cap.38, Vol. 2. Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000, including section 362(1) of the laws of the state. At the first appearance in court, the plaintiff, Mrs. Debo-

rah Archibong, was warned against making social media comments on the issue since it was already in court. Beforenow,Deborah'svideo clips were seen on social media making several accusations over the alleged abuse of her son, Don-Davies Archibong. Counsel to the plaintiff, David Okokon, shortly after the proceedings, said the court followed the standard of proceedings obtainable globally in the juvenile case, adding that it was the reason journalists were not allowed in court to participate. Okokon explained that the mother to the molested boy only gave her part of the story equivalent to what she had told journalists, adding that the court later admitted her statement to the police as evidence. "Procedurally, since it was a juvenile court, journalists were not allowed to observe the proceedings. A juvenile court deserves a jurisprudential privacy it has. "Why the court did this was because the court knows that journalists have the power to get the information from the lawyers, which I am here with you. "Ordinarily, the court had warned that parties should not address the press because they want to allow the proceedings to be in the walls of the court in its merit, so that lawyers would not talk in and out of the matter, and then confuse the public.

exploits and challenges to win the hearts and minds Nigerians in the ongoing war against insurgency. Speaking at the premier held at the NAF Conference Center, Kado, Abuja, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said the “Eagle Wings” motion picture employed world-class cinematography to present a moving story that captured the crucial roles and efforts of the NAF in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East. Abubakar said the "idea of producing the motion picture was to provide the Nigerian public in particular and indeed the world as a whole with a fresh perspective to better appreciate the immeasurable sacrifices of our officers, airmen, airwomen and their families, towards bringing peace and security to our dear nation. "This gathering therefore

offers us the opportunity to celebrate one of such achievements aimed at projecting the operational capacity of the NNAF, both kinetic and otherwise as well as the gains in the ongoing fight against insurgency. "Indeed, as you will see as the story unfolds, the motion picture emphasises the efficacy of our efforts beyond bombs and bullets to win the hearts and minds of people in troubled areas." He commended the collaboration of NAFIL and Messrs Papel Image Tech, as well as the tireless efforts of the Director of Public Relations and Information and the NAF Advisory Committee to bring the amazing story to the big screen. In his remarks at the event, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, said the movie portrayed how the NAF optimally leveraged air

capabilities and humanitarian efforts with the available resources and manpower to win the hearts and minds in the overall national strategic approach to attaining victory in the war against terrorism and insurgency. Mohammed said: "I am highly impressed with the quality of production and the professional way in which the actors played their roles. "I must say, that ‘Eagle Wings’ has undoubtedly set a new standard for the Nollywood and would also project the image of the NAF far beyond the shores of our great nation, further boosting Nigeria’s international prestige." Earlier in his speech, the Managing Director of the NAFIL, Air Vice Marshal C.U. Nwagwu, said the NAFIL collaborated with Messrs Papel Image Tech Limited to produce “Eagle Wings”, the first motion pic-

ture of its kind to be made in Nigeria in terms of the scale, technical excellence and realism in the portrayal of the Nigerian Military. He said: "Principal photography for the motion picture took place from February to April in various locations across Kaduna, Abuja and Maiduguri on an unprecedented scale, with unparalleled technical support and guidance from the NAF. "This was followed by a comprehensive post-production process conducted in accordance with global best practices. It is noteworthy, that this motion picture was shot using cameras equipped with anamorphic open-gate lens, a first of its kind in our clime. "I dare say that this movie has set a new standard, not just for the Nigerian movie industry, but for Africa as a whole.”

HOUSING FOR ALL....

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Greenwood Construction Company, Mr. Jide Ayeni; Board member, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr. Olakunle Busari; Zonal Manager, South-west, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Bada; Chief Executive Officer, Woodston Engineering and Construction Ltd., Dr. Mike Anjorin; Project Manager, Mr. Jeremiah Ayotunde; and Board member, TIMIK Construction Company, Chief Akin Daodu, during the handing over of documents for the construction of over 900 housing Units by FHA to construction companies in Ibadan...yesterday

Lassa Fever: Ondo Distributes 10,000 Rat Poison as Disease Spreads James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ The Ondo State Government has distributed 10,000 poisons to residents of Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, for the purpose of killing rats in the community and curbing the spread of Lassa fever in the state. The distribution came just as three fresh cases of Lassa fever was admitted this year as the disease spreads to five local

government areas of the state. Last month, over 3000 rats were killed in Owo town after the state government distributed poison to the residents. Speaking to residents of Ogbese at an awareness ceremony, the Assistant State Epidemiologist, Dr. Dolani Gbelela, said the state is now the epicenter of Lassa fever in the country. Gbelela said 423 cases of Lassa fever were recorded in

2020 out of which 81 persons died representing 34 percent of Lassa fever related deaths in Nigeria. He stated that Lassa fever was of a greater burden to the state and advocated that necessary measures be put in place to eradicate the scourge. He said those mostly affected were between 21 and 30 years. The Acting Commissioner for Health, Dr. JjibayoAdeyeye, noted that Lassa fever has killed

many people in the state since it was first discovered in Ose Local Government. Adeyeye urged all residents of Ogbese to play their role in preventing the outbreak of the disease by burning all bushes around their houses as well as killing of rats. The Odopetu of Ogbese, Mr. OladimejiAbitogun,saidproper attention should be given to Lassa fever as the world is placing on COVID-19.

Otti Rallies Support for Abia APC as Membership Registration Begins Emmanuel Ugwu ÓØ ×ßËÒÓË AchieftainoftheAllProgressives Congress(APC)inAbiaState,Mr. AlexOttihascalledonthepeople of the state to join the party and help deepen democracy in the stateusingitsnumericalstrength to wrest power. He made the call yesterday ahead of the party’s registration exercise billed to commence on Monday, January 25. Otti argued that boosting the membershipstrengthoftheparty would place it in good position to actualise its goal of deepening

democracy in the state. Otti, who spoke through his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that the forthcoming registration exercise will offer ample opportunity for the people to register at their various wardsand becomecard-carrying members of APC. Otti joined the APC last year with thousands of supporters from his former party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on which platform he contested the governorship election in 2015 and 2019.

"What our party, the APC, is about to do is an exercise that would ensure that the membershipofthepartyiscapturedinan electronic data base, and would giveustheopportunitytoreview our membership record, get to know our numerical strength," he said. According to him, the ruling party has provided "willing Nigerians the opportunity to become members of the APC and the platform to participate in critical decisions of the party geared towards the advancement of democracy and up-

liftment of the welfare of the people". The former bank chief made it clear that he will align with other progressives in the party toensurethatAPCwas"rejigged and repositioned to become more formidable to robustly play its role as the alternative party in Abia State". Otti stated that "the ultimate desire" of Abia APC is to take control of God's own state and ensure that the people "reap the benefitsofdemocracywhichhas been denied them by successive governments".

THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Aruna, Omotayo Among African Stars for WTT Tourney in Qatar Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo are among the top African stars listed for the first official events of the World Table Tennis (WTT) in Qatar slated for between March 3rd and 13th. The two events which have $600,000 as prize money will take place at Lusail Sports Arena in Doha. According to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the Middle East Hub will feature two tiers of the new WTT event structure with WTT Contender Doha kick-starting the tournament before players move onto the first WTT Star Contender event the following week.

The tournament is expected to provide the perfect preparations for some of the world’s leading stars to be challenged by the best up-and-coming athletes in table tennis. Aruna who is the highest rated African in the world at 21st will join world-class talents set to light up Doha in the men’s events such Xu Xin (China, world-ranked 2), Tomokazu Harimoto (Japan, WR 5), Hugo Calderano (Brazil, WR 6) and Lin Yun-Ju (Chinese Taipei, WR 7). Other elite players taking to the table, including Mattias Falck (Sweden, WR 8), Jang Woojin (Korea Republic, WR 11) and Dimitrij Ovtcharov

(Germany, WR 12) in the men’s draw. However, other Nigerian players like Omotayo, Taiwo Mati and Nurudeen Hassan have been listed to compete in the qualifiers for WTT Contender Doha from February 28 to March 2 with only the successful players listed for the main event on March 3 to 6. Omotayo is expected to

fight for a place in the main event from the qualifiers while Mati and Hassan are among the reserve players to be considered after the list of players have been finalised by the organisers. Aruna being one of the top 10 players in the world listed for the two events will start his campaigns from the main event of the championships. The WTT Contender event

will feature singles main draw of 32 players per gender and 16-pair doubles per gender and in the mixed doubles. The qualifying draw will feature 96 players per gender in the singles and 32 pairs in the mixed doubles with $200,000 as prize money. The qualifying round of the WTT Star Contender Doha will commence on March 6 to 7 while the main event

will hold from March 8 to 13. The WTT Star Contender event will consist of a singles main draw of 48 players per gender and 16-pair doubles per gender and in the mixed doubles. The qualifying draw will feature 64 players per gender in the singles and 32 pairs in the mixed doubles while the prize money is $400,000.

NBBF Optimistic Ahead of January 26 Federal High Court Ruling on Kwese League The leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has expressed optimism that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will in the interest of basketball and domestic players grant its prayer and throw out the frivolous case stopping the federation from holding the Men’s Premier Basketball League. The case which was brought against the federation by the splinter faction of the former board of the Federation under the name ‘Kwese Premier Basketball League Management Board’ in 2018 had since stopped the Ahmadu Musa Kida led NBBF board from organising the league to the chagrin of basketball aficionados in the domestic scene. Following months of court proceedings and adjournments with the last hearing in November 2019, the presiding Judge has now fixed the final judgement for January 26th, 2021. This is expected to hopefully put paid to the lingering impasse surrounding the Men’s Premier League in the country. NBBF President, Kida said yesterday: “We are waiting until next week when we will see where it leads, but we are hoping that the court will dismiss

it so that they will allow us to organise the league and our domestic players will be able to compete again.” Speaking in Lagos earlier this week, Kida said the court case which was mischievously filed in bad faith was targeted at the federation and players to render them redundant. “We are shackled in court by the Kwese League Management Board under the former administration that took us to court to stop us from holding the Nigerian Premier League.” Kida wondered how people who profess to love the players and are interested in the growth of the game could conspire to stop the league for the past three years for political reasons without batting an eye. “One would have thought that that was not well intentioned if you really have the interest of the local players at heart, if you have the interest of the clubs and the interest of the general basketball stakeholders in the country”, he said. “We hope to hit the ground running after losing valuable time since 2018,” concludes Kida who is the immediate past deputy managing director of Total Nigeria.

Ahmadu Musa Kida...NBBF President

Aruna Quadri is expected to lead African stars to the WTT tournament in Doha

Ramat Cup to Kick off in Kano February 5 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) organised Ramat Cup will hold in the ancient city of Kano between February 5 and 13. YSFON’s President who also doubles as the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, confirmed this on Tuesday in Abuja. He said the competition, which is an annual event in honour of the late former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who was assassinated on February 13, 1976, will see teams from the

36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, participating. The completion to be bankrolled by the Kano State government, under the leadership of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will see young players from across the country battling for honours at the tournament. Gawuna said the desire to keep honouring the late leader, who was killed 45 years ago, is in line with spirit of keeping memories of his good deeds in the service of the country alive. He added that apart from the football event, participating

teams will still show their athletics prowess through their participation in the 4x400 metres relay event on the final day of the competition. The YSFON President said the organising committee has put in place all the necessary arrangements to ensure a hitch free tournament. He said the event will hold in line with Covid-19 protocols, while charging the players and officials on the need to follow the laid down rules that will be put in place. He assured stakeholders that this year’s competition will be one of the best

organised youth tournaments in the country in recent time. He also applauded Kano State Government for its support for YSFON over the years, while appealing to it to keep encouraging youths across the country to showcase their talents. Gawuna said that awards will be given to players who excel in the competition, just as the winners will also be handsomely rewarded. The Deputy Governor also appealed to residents of the state to continue to support the programme in memory of the late Head of State who hailed from Kano.

Egyptian Billionaire Invests $120m on Football Academy in Ghana An Egyptian conglomerate worth billions of dollars has invested $120million to take control of the ‘Right To Dream’ Academy, which was founded in Ghana in 1999 by a former Manchester United scout. Right To Dream started out with a handful of youngsters being trained by Tom Vernon, once Manchester United’s head scout in Africa, on basic dust-filled pitches in Accra. Focusing on both education and football, Right To Dream

has grown to such extent that it bought Danish top-flight side FC Nordsjaelland in 2015. The academy has produced 20 Ghana internationals since it was founded, with Strasbourg’s Abdul Majeed Waris and Ajax Amsterdam’s Mohammed Kudus among them. The Mansour Group, which reported revenuesin excess of $7.5 billion in 2018, deals in a variety of interests, with automotive, energy, finance and food among them.

The group has created an entity called ManSports to oversee its first foray into the world of sports. “ManSports … will now focus on establishing a Right To Dream academy in Egypt, and furthering the activities of the Right To Dream academy in Ghana, the FC Nordsjaelland club and academy in Denmark,” a statement said. ManSports is also keen to explore “UK opportunities at club and academy level”.

Right To Dream will now build an academy in Egypt, for boys and girls, with construction on the site in West Cairo set to begin this year ahead of an intended intake of students next year. The launch of a new professional women’s football team in Egypt is expected to follow soon after. Mansour Group Chairman, Mohamed Mansour, is the seventh-richest man in Africa, and 590th in the world, according to Forbes magazine.

THURSDAY JANUARY21, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

ThursdaySports PREMIER LEAGUE

Pogba Reclaims Top Spot for Man Utd, Two Points Ahead of City Paul Pogba scored a superb winner as Manchester United reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by coming

from behind for a club-record equalling 2-1 away win at Fulham last night. On a day that Leicester

TRANSFER

Alaba Still on Barcelona Radar Barcelona are reportedly still in the running to sign Real Madrid target, David Alaba, from Bayern Munich. Madrid are believed to have stepped forward with a lucrative offer for Alaba, who is due to become a free agent in the summer. The Austria international

David Alaba...wanted at Camp Nou

is holding off from making a decision over his future until April, though, and Sky Sports Deutschland suggests that Barca will be in a position to discuss personal terms with the versatile defender before then. Alaba’s advisor Pini Zahavi is said to be confident of interest from Barca once a new president is in place at Camp Nou in March, with the elections having been pushed back from this month. Zahavi is close friends with presidential frontrunner Joan Laporta, which it is claimed would give the Catalan giants a big advantage over La Liga rivals Madrid. Bayern have not given up hope of persuading Alaba to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena, but the 28-year-old turned down multiple offers towards the end of 2020.

City started as leader after their Tuesday night 2-0 defeat of Chelsea, Manchester City toppled them when they defeated Aston Villa 2-0 to climb to the top on 39 points But Manchester United did not allow the Etihad fans to savor that joy more than two hours when they whipped Fulham to reclaim the top spot on 40 points. In what is becoming a familiar pattern for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side outside Manchester this

season, they fell behind early in the game, with Ademola Lookman beating the offside trap before firing in an angled drive just five minutes into the game. But for the seventh time away from Old Trafford in 2020-21, United found a winning response to make it 17 games unbeaten away, courtesy of a gift from their opponents and a bit of magic from their French midfielder. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has been a good addition for the Cottagers but

in dropping Bruno Fernandes’ cross at the feet of Edinson Cavani, he gifted his former Paris St-Germain team-mate the simplest of equalisers. And on the hour mark, Pogba stepped up to decide the contest, firing a superb angled drive across the diving Areola and into the far corner from 20 yards. The win takes them to 40 points, two more than both Leicester and Manchester City, who had briefly taken top spot from the Foxes. Fulham remain in the

bottom three, four points behind 17th-placed Burnley. Solskjaer felt his side missed a big opportunity to fully assert their title credentials in failing to make the most of their chances in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at champions Liverpool. United were clearly in no mood to repeat such a mistake at a wet and windy Craven Cottage on Wednesday against a less daunting and defining opposition, but one that is far more robust now than they were in the season’s first month.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Djokovic Defends Letter Calling for Better Conditions for Players in Isolation Novak Djokovic has said his letter calling for better conditions for players self-isolating in Melbourne was written with “good intentions” and has been “misconstrued as being selfish, difficult and ungrateful”. Djokovic was criticised after he asked Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley to relax quarantine rules. Seventy-two players are unable to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days. The Serb said he acted because he “genuinely cares” about fellow players. Djokovic reportedly asked for reduced isolation periods and having players in quarantine moved to private houses with tennis courts. In a lengthy social media postthe world number one said he wanted to use his profile to improve conditions for the players, who were forced into quarantine after positive coronavirus test results on flights bound for the event in Australia. Some players have expressed frustration at being confined to hotel rooms, though Djokovic denied they had questioned the 14-day rule. “I understand very well how the world is run and who gets

bigger and better and why. I’ve earned my privileges the hard way, and for that reason, it is very difficult for me to be a mere onlooker,” said Djokovic, who is currently in Adelaide for an exhibition match. “Things in the media escalated and there was a genuine impression that the players, including myself, are ungrateful, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in quarantine. “I am very sorry that it has come to that because I do know how grateful many are. “We all came to Australia to compete. Not being able to train and prepare before the tournament starts is really not easy. None of us ever questioned 14 days of quarantine despite what is being said by media outlets.” Djokovic added that he used an email exchange with Tiley to “brainstorm” and there was “no harm intended” in suggesting “potential improvements” for players in quarantine. “I have always had a very good relationship with Craig, and I respect and appreciate all the effort he puts into making the Australian Open a place to look forward to coming back to each year,” he said.

Juventus players celebrating defeating Napoli 2-0 to win the Italian Super Cup... Wednesday night

Ronaldo on Target as Juve Win Italian Super Cup Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata helped Juventus to beat Napoli 2-0 to win the Italian Super Cup on Wednesday night, the annual meeting between the Coppa Italia winners and Serie A champions. Napoli, who beat Juventus

in the final to win last season’s Coppa Italia, came close to taking the lead midway through the first half, but Hirving Lozano’s bullet header was brilliantly saved by Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Substitute Federico Bernardeschi almost made

an immediate impact early in the second half but was denied by David Ospina in the Napoli goal, before Ronaldo pounced from close range in the 64th minute. Napoli were then handed a golden opportunity to equalise after Dries Mertens was fouled in the penalty

area, but Lorenzo Insigne dragged his spot kick wide. As Gennaro Gattuso’s side committed bodies forward in stoppage time, Juve broke on the counter with Morata making sure of the win that secured Andrea Pirlo his first trophy as a senior coach.

Lukaku Not Interested in Man City Switch Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku will reportedly not be joining Manchester City in the summer, despite rumoured interest from the Premier League side. The Belgium international is said to be a target for Pep Guardiola, who is seeking a replacement for club-record goalscorer Sergio Aguero. However, according to UK’s The Express, the 27-year-old does not want to play for Guardiola’s side and he is happy at Inter. Lukaku spent eight years in the Premier League with Chelsea,

Romelu Lukaku

Manchester United, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, representing the latter on

in August 2019, the prolific loan. Snce making a £74m striker has scored 51 times switch from United to Inter in 73 outings.

Thursday, January 21, 2021

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MISSILE Timothy Olawale to Fed Govt

“A second lockdown will cripple the economy even more as there is no stimulus assistance programme put in place by the government for the people. So, more jobs will be lost, businesses will shut down, schools will not be in session, depression will be at its peak. We are also concerned that a lockdown may not only be ineﬀective as it may be diﬃcult to enforce but will also punctuate the expected economic recovery” – Warning by NECA Director-General.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI COVID-19 ‘Cut and Paste’ Response THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

he Covid-19 pandemic remains the most serious public health emergency facing our country today. Without any statistical data to help us understand the pattern of infection by age, gender or state, the discussion regarding how best to tackle the pandemic continues to be driven by geopolitics just as the vaccination plan drips of guesswork, superstition, lack of precision and an embarrassing transparency deficit. Of the 100,000 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine we are expecting, for instance, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, has released a sharing formula. The highest number of vaccines (3,557) goes to Kano while Cross River State with ‘no known case’ of infection gets 1,203—far larger than the miserable 695 doses allocated to the FCT. Others are: Lagos, 3,131; Katsina, 2,361; Kaduna, 2,074; Bauchi, 1,900; Oyo, 1,848; Rivers, 1,766; Jigawa, 1,712; Niger, 1,558; Ogun, 1,473; Sokoto, 1,468; Benue, 1,423; Borno, 1,416; Anambra, 1,379; Kebbi, 1,268; Zamfara, 1,336; Delta, 1,306; Imo, 1,267; Ondo, 1,228; and Akwa Ibom, 1,161; Adamawa, 1,129; Edo, 1,104; Plateau, 1,089; Enugu, 1,088; Osun, 1,032; Kogi, 1,030; Abia, 955; Gombe, 908; Yobe, 842; Ekiti, 830; Taraba, 830; Kwara, 815; Ebonyi, 747; Bayelsa, 589 and Nasarawa, 661. Lagos has been the epicenter of this public health emergency and accounts for the majority of victims—including high profiles cases—so you expect that efforts would be concentrated on the city state. But that appears too much to ask from those who would always anchor public policy on base sentiment and clannish politics. Meanwhile, it seems the vaccination process has more to do with procurement than the pressing challenge of public health. In a recent interview on Channels Television, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello imputed that some officials have turned COVID-19 to a lucrative enterprise and are merely prescribing what he described as ‘cut and paste’ solutions from Europe and America without paying much attention to the local environment. While I do not subscribe to the governor’s infantile insistence that COVID-19 does not touch Kogi people or his conspiracy theories on vaccines, I agree with him that the entire management of the pandemic is not anchored on any strategic thinking. How does one explain the obsession about vaccines when it is common knowledge that vaccine efficacy is a function of temperature and availability of cold chain facilities? In a country where electricity supply is at best epileptic, all we have so far been told is that vaccines are being expected, with various cost estimates touted depending on who is doing the talking. Yet, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Director-General of NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako has revealed that there is not enough space at the moment to store the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines expected to arrive next week. If we have no capacity to store 100,000 doses of vaccine, where will we dump the millions the federal government wants to procure? These are some of the obvious challenges. But perhaps more important is that the majority of Nigerians still do not believe COVID-19 is real. And there are no concerted efforts to address that challenge beyond barking orders.

Boss Mustapha...SGF and PTF Chair Indonesia began its vaccination programme last week Wednesday and in a deliberate move to counter public cynicism, authorities decided to enlist social media titans among the first group to be vaccinated. Along with President Joko Widodo, a 33-year-old television personality, Raffi Ahmad—who boasts almost 50 million followers on Instagram—was also vaccinated. “Alhamdulillah a vaccine ... don’t be afraid of vaccines,” the celebrity wrote under a video of him receiving the shot. This is clear thinking. Imagine if we enlist Don Jazzy, D.J. Cuppy and other celebrities who command huge social media followings and strong voices to lead the campaign on the wearing of face masks, social distancing etc. Or people like Ali Baba, Bisi Olatilo and others who have tasted the rage of COVID-19 and can speak from experience. Not even religious leaders have been meaningfully engaged despite the fact that they hold the key to making our people comply with the COVID-19 protocols. Deprivation arising from the lockdown imposed on Lagos and Abuja last year partly explained the maniacal (some would say animalistic) looting of food stores that followed the End SARS protest. So one can only imagine what would happen should a national lockdown be imposed, as being contemplated by the Presidential Task Force. The fact that countries in Europe are on lockdown does not mean we have to follow the same route. With millions of desperately hungry people, such a gambit in Nigeria at this period is not only bound to fail, it could ignite civil unrest that will be difficult to contain. To compound the challenge, we have to contend with the usual issue of accountability. From selective appointment of vendors without due process to lopsided and discretionary distribution of money and food items during the lockdown, allegations abound of how middlemen and influential stakeholders have turned the pandemic into a money-spinner. Billions were spent on ‘feeding’ pupils at a period schools were not in session! Many in the private sector have also cashed in on the COVID-19 bazaar. Almost everybody is setting up their own ‘testing centres’ and I have been told one can now purchase

‘COVID-19 vaccines’ in Lagos traffic! Shortly before his ordeal started in June last year, the suspended Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu said his operatives were on the trail of top public officials appropriating to themselves huge sums of money meant to address the Covid-19 pandemic. “At the appropriate time, we shall make public our position on the management of the Covid-19 funds and explain to Nigerians who got what, disbursed what and to who and for what purpose, in order to make Nigerians know how their money was used,” Magu promised at the time. A month earlier, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) Director of Operations, Akeem Lawal, said there were “instances of agencies involved in fraudulent purported procurement of Covid-19 palliatives, personal protective equipment (PPE) and community enlightenment activities; cases of state governments using the Covid-19 pandemic to financially exploit local governments.” When the senate probed allegations of financial malfeasance against the dissolved interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a sum of N1.49 billion that could not be properly accounted for was also purportedly expended on COVID-19. Yet, despite the high risks associated with being on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic, health workers in the country have neither been adequately motivated nor given essential protective gear for their work. Science in all its aspects, according to the president of the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), Ursula Bassler, “is a single and essential endeavour, and covid-19 has shown the importance of putting its results at the heart of decision-making”. Politics, not science, is at the heart of decision-making on the management of the pandemic in Nigeria. A neuroscientist, Dr. Chidi Njemanze, argued last Saturday in PUNCH that spending hundreds of billions of Naira on a virus that has continued to mutate into more variants, when the national health budget is N46bn, doesn’t show strategic planning. “We are jettisoning primary things that we are supposed to do; things like getting adequate PPE and gloves for healthcare workers,” said Njemanze who counselled the federal

government to be guided by our national need rather than what is going on abroad. “Decisions are being made by politicians who have no idea about what medicine is all about.” On Monday, Health Minister, Dr Osagie Ehinare announced the release by the federal government of the sum of N10 billion to support COVID-19 vaccine production in the country. With a penchant for working from answers to questions, I don’t know how this is supposed to work. I just hope priority funding will go to the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). I understand that the NIPRD has already identified a vital ingredient that could help in treating the disease but lacks requisite resources for research and the production of pharmaceutical products. With 10,300 confirmed cases reported from just 50,750 samples tested in one week— translating to a 20 percent infection rate—it is obvious that we have a serious problem on our hands in this second wave of the pandemic. Now that COVID-19 is claiming our promising professionals (and I know quite a few), we need to assemble experts who can come up with practical preventive solutions that we can sell to the public. Many countries in Asia rely on a mix of herbal and orthodox medicine and there is no reason why we should not do that. While most developed countries devote between 1 to 5 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and development, most of the meagre 0.04 percent we allocate to R and D in Nigeria is targeted at procurement. Yet the country boasts of reputable scientists who, if encouraged, can help us mitigate this COVID-19 pandemic, especially given the similarities of its symptoms with malaria. The seminal work on Ivermectin for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes led by the MD and Chief Consultant, Rachel Eye Center, Prof. Olufemi Babalola is a ready example. Both Prof. Babatunde Salako at the NIRM and Dr Obi Adigwe at the NIPRD are also reputed experts who, if given the needed support, can lead efforts to find local solutions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, our charity never begins at home. NOTE: Piece concluded on page 15

America After Trump! One of the most controversial era in American history ended yesterday with the inauguration of Mr Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. as the 46th President of the United States. He succeeds Mr. Donald Trump whom he defeated at the November 3rd 2020 election. While the history of every country is defined in phases and epochs, it is safe to conclude that in many decades (and perhaps centuries) to come, the discussion of American presidential contest and conduct will most certainly be dichotomized as ‘Before Trump’ and ‘After Trump’. “Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in its path,” Biden said in his inaugural address yesterday. “Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war. And we must reject the culture in

which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.” It is a testimony to the resilience of American democracy that it survived Trump as I pointed out last week in my column. But the real work lies ahead for Biden and his team. Trumpism, as an idea is now a global phenomenon and the (now former) American President who unleashed the demon of hate and intolerance has pledged that we have not heard the last of him. “Unlike most inaugurals suffused with joy and a sense of fresh beginning”, as a New York Times report pointed out yesterday, “the festivities on the nation’s 59th Inauguration Day served to illustrate America’s troubles.” President Biden surely has his job cut out for him!

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